After their stellar performance at the 2000trees Xtra Mile Recordings takeover in July, Northern Irish five-piece Brand New Friend have released their new single, ‘The Letter A’. They have played shows throughout the UK and Ireland, both headlining and with veterans or peers like Snow Patrol, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive-In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY, Feeder and Xtra Mile Recordings label mate Seán McGowan – plus a host of festival slots at Reading and Leeds, 2000trees and others.Their debut album ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’, spawned several singles all of which garnered plays on the likes of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart shows on Radio 1, John Kennedy on Radio X and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq as well as sessions and interviews on the Across The Line show on BBC Ulster.
‘The Letter A’ is a punchy track with a smooth melody wrapped in a biting indie rock soundscape as Brand New Friend blister and swarm through the track with relentless stamina and infectious vigor. With jagged striking guitars slicing through the bouncy bass line and snappy drums this track has an infectious energetic buoyancy that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. The pop smacked melody and 50’s-60’s classic melodic hue gives a sentimental familiarity and charm to the song. The vocals exude confidence with a youthful sense of urgency as the band flesh out their tight and dynamic sound. With an explosive chorus, The Strokes- esque verses, sharp instrumental backdrop and gritty crunchy element presented beautifully on guitars, this adrenaline-inducing number is sure to have you singing along in no time.
Seattle dream pop duo Night Hikes are embarking on a West Coast tour to promote their forthcoming debut studio album, ‘Chalice’, due out later this year. The lead single ‘Avila’ has been released to tease what is to come from the album.
‘Avila’ is a dreamy track laced in hazy euphoric vibes as Night Hikes pay tribute to the glory found in mundane acts of love. With a delicate, soft melody caressed by Olivia Godby’s lush vocals this song drifts along gently and tenderly creating a daydream of sweet nostalgia.The jangly guitar adds a biting zest and refreshing juicy sting to this breezy gem as the subtle swirling synths wisp about the track almost carefree and joyous. It’s a graceful track sure to warm your soul and put a smile on your face.
Southampton indie-rockers Pioneers have released their new single ‘I Don’t Think I’ve Changed’.Following on from their debut single, ‘Take Time’, which was crowned BBC Introducing Track of The Week, Pioneers have emerged as one of the UK’s most promising acts selling out three headline shows including the 400 capacity The Engine Rooms in Southampton and added to Amazing Radio’s daytime playlist.
‘I Don’t Think I’ve Changed’ is an invigorating guzzle of indie rock shaken with fizzy guitar elements, catchy pop melody and bubbling rhythm section as Pioneers display their rich emotive musicianship. With the lamenting melody caressed by singer Sam Watts’ velvety vocals this track glistens and thrives on the band’s refined ability to create passionate melodies that evoke youthful adrenaline and sweet nostalgia,Lustrous guitar radiates glorious rays of light into the track lifting it into majestic heights -the track instantly races the heart and pumps a rush of emotion into your veins. With a driving rhythm of elastic bass and animated drums this arena ready anthem is one smashing number from Pioneers.
Manchester indie band Provocateurs have released their new single ’90’s Girl’. Provocateurs formed in August 2015, Duffy and Fitch formed the band on a night out in Manchester. After building their own rehearsal room, along came James Allen and Marco on lead guitar and bass.
’90’s Girl’ is a belting indie track with a scream out loud chorus sure to exhaust your lungs while Provocateurs flesh out their ethereal musicianship. With zest-filled airy guitars biting and glistening through the punchy drums and breezy backdrop the track instantly cuts into your ears with relentless stamina. The attitude soaked vocals bellow out the catchy chorus as the sharp riffs and anthemic melodies keep the track raw and ready for the mosh pit of a live show. ’90’s Girl’ is another outstanding track from Provocateurs.
Alice’s Night Circus have released the full-length album ‘Metamorphose’.Sheffield-born Alice (Julia Scott) is classically trained and started singing professionally in her late teens whilst running her own business as a designer of fashion and jewelry. Thanks to her arresting live performances over the past few years, Julia has developed a growing global fan base, playing shows at Zandari Festa Music Festival, Seoul, South Korea, Liverpool Sound City and Mini Herfest at the Tramlines Fringe.
‘Metamorphose’ is a collection of cinematic instrumentally rich tracks held together by Alice’s mesmerising and powerful voice. The album flows fluidly between different styles and genres from an uplifting and empowering opening track ‘Stand Up’ and the pop rock stomped ‘Illuminate’ to the more elegant and passionate slow burners like ‘Never Enough’ and ‘Medusa’ the entire album is brimming with hair raising instrumentals and relatable themes. There is a sublime mix between dark alternative, dreamy new wave and theatrical expression to create a wholly satisfying listening experience. With quirky circus elements in ‘Curious World’, the cabaret swing of ‘Penny Dreadful (Mr Strange)’ and alien – esque electronics in ‘Dark Water’ Alice uses a multitude of unique elements to create and paint the images of the theme of her tracks. Drama and exquisite splendour is the running theme of the album aptly presented through the spectacular ‘Show Must Go On’ as the jagged guitar elements back the powerful stage-show display. The tracks are composed for maximum impact with pulsing heart racking drum beats, swirling electronics, elegant strings and refined production. The unique and rich use of instrumentation and percussion along with Alice’s outstanding vocals and powerful chorus in songs like ‘The Machine’ and final track ‘War of the Worlds’ continue the high energy and intensity of the album without fail.
‘Metamorphose’ is a passionate collection of tracks with tremendous weight and impact that will empower you for your day. Alice’s Night Circus should create a musical with tracks like these – she has the recipe for standing ovations night after night.
Birmingham indie/dance band Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Uptown’. The song was produced by Matt Terry (Prodigy/Enemy/YouMeAtSix) & mixed by Grammy award winning producer, Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, U2). Ivory Wave have landed main support slots with DMA’S, The Twang, Superfood and played festivals such as Isle Of Wight, Truck, Y Not, Shiine On to name a few
‘Uptown’ is an infectious track filled with shimmering synths and rich rhythms. The track shimmy’s in, cool yet dynamic in its floor filling approach. Ivory Wave have a knack for creating carefree tunes as they add a pop polished sheen to their raw indie to create something truly enjoyable. Honest lyrics, brummie vocals and a smooth melody pepper the track in a catchy atmosphere while the swirling synths, jangly guitars and snappy beat make the track anthemic and ready for festival sing alongs. ‘Uptown’ is a fine display from Ivory Wave.
About the track George Johnson said “Uptown is about a binge of going out drinking. The fact that all week you’ll be texting your mates, planning those big nights out, to just wake up with a hangover, all your wages spent and 20 missed calls off your girlfriend. It just stopped appealing to me.”
Indie pop artist Margot Polo has released his new single, ‘Let’s Get Out’. This is Margot Polo’s (the solo project of David Provenzano) first release of 2019, and is being released in advance of a 5 song EP set to be released this Autumn.
‘Let’s Get Out’ is a sun drenched laid back indie gem as Margot Polo dips the track in glorious jangly guitar and a hazy sweltering atmosphere. With dynamic electronics flurrying around a deep groovy bass line and buoyant beat this track is instantly likeable. Chilled with a refreshing backdrop this tutti frutti track has a zesty guitar line and peppy rhythmic bounce while the smooth melody and velvety vocals add a dash of sugary sweetness. The electronics flutter through the verses while the youthful adrenaline and vibrant instrumentation make this track one fresh guzzle of indie pop at its finest.
London four piece alternative band Indigo have released their new single ‘Guadeloupe’. The band consists of Arran Birks, Matt Dell’Unto, Tom Horton and Johann Meux. After the well-received and sensationally titled ‘Please Sign Us To Your Label EP’ was released in March, they are ready to present their newest offering to the world,‘Guadeloupe’.Indigo will be celebrating this release with a headline show at seminal music venue The Victoria on Tuesday 13th August as well as three more shows lined up: The Finsbury on 14th September, Nambucca on October 3rd and The Dublin Castle on November 14th with more shows and release dates being announced in the coming months.
‘Guadeloupe’ is a twinkling melodic track filled with rich grooves and sweet tones as Indigo weave vibrant guitar lines into their infectious sound. The laid back atmosphere is created by the dreamy glistening guitar and soft rhythmic bounce as each glorious guitar line weaves golden speckles of sunlight into the track. With smooth vocals floating into your ears on a nectarous melody while lush backing vocals coo through wispy soundscapes, Indigo create and meticulously layer the track perfectly. The song builds to a dazzling synth-infused crescendo while the swayable melody cruises through this flashing manic backdrop. This sublime frantic soundscape contrasts the daydream bliss superbly and adds a refreshing bite and edge to this sweet sun kissed number. An engaging listen from Indigo.
Synthpop duo Drive have released their new single ‘Reckless’. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK the band self produce all their own music. This exhilarating new track boasts Drive’s confident heart racing musicianship as they douse their indie sound in a sparkling 80’s pop sheen. Shimmering ethereal synths wisp and soar creating a breathtaking soundscape and rush of adrenaline while the snappy buoyant beat adds an infectious danceable quality into the mix. The smooth vocals flood the track with passion as this duo flesh out their youthful sound with rich soundscapes, wonderful synths and sublime melodies. With a catchy melody dipped in honey sweet tones this glucose pop number is charming and instantly infectious. An exciting effort from Drive.
Sleater-Kinney are set to release their tenth album, ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ on 16th August. The iconic trio is comprised of Carrie Brownstein (guitar/vocals), Corin Tucker (guitar/vocals) and, now former drummer, Janet Weiss (drums). The album was produced by St. Vincent and is released through Mom + Pop. Tickets are on sale to the general public for the band’s extensive North American tour kicking off in Spokane, WA on the 9th October with a full run of European dates announced for next year including a show at Dublin’s Vicar Street on March 1st.
‘The Center Won’t Hold’ shows a sparkling deeply smoldering new facet to Sleater-Kinney’s sound as they swirl and layer sultry synths and slinky guitar lines into their indie aesthetic. It’s a lush album – rich in sound, vibrant in its construction and smoking hot all the way to its core. From the enticing build of title track ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ right through to the fleshy raw ‘Ruins’ and steamy dance infested ‘Hurry On Home’, Sleater-Kinney present their unique sound blending boisterous noise- rock mania with brooding thuds, experimental moments, electronic swirls and all out smothering indie. ‘Reach Out’ is one sublime indie track with mesmerising guitar moments and infectious emotive melodies while ‘Can I Go On’ swirls a quirky quality into the mix as Sleater-Kinney flesh out their infectious melodies coating them with a sweet candied tone and sun kissed vibe. This album is full to brim with pulsing synths and sensual wobbly guitar, psychedelic soundscapes and powerful vocals. The synths and electronics ooze and seep from the tracks like liquid nitrogen creating a smokey haunting atmosphere of euphoria and mystery while the catchy melty melodies tease and entice. There is a Fleetwood Mac hue lingering over ‘A Restless Life’ and the darkly coated ‘The Future Is Here’ as the guitar jingles and strides with a laid back tone allowing the warm honest vocals take the attention.
‘Love’ bounces with an 80’s slapped pop melody and infectious groove while the adrenaline rush on guitars are reinforced by the lush harmonies and vibrant atmosphere. The rock ‘n’ roll foot shuffling ‘Bad Dance’ drips swagger into the album with every slinky guitar line, panache-saturated vocal and drum thud. Sleater-Kinney display their emotional power ballad-esque style with ‘The Dog The Body’. With lamenting sting on guitar, anthemic chorus, punchy drums and compelling vocals its one for fist pumping the air to. ‘Broken’ brings a graceful close to the album. Elegant piano accompaniment and emotional vocals serenade distant guitar pines in the background creating the most moving and heartbreaking listening experience.
‘The Center Won’t Hold’ is a thrilling album that walks a fine line between sensual electronic and indie rock. Sleater-Kinney blend all these elements superbly to create a impressive body of work that you can dance, sing and rock out to. Its quirky, crazy and absolutely brilliant.
About the album Brownstein explains, “We’re always mixing the personal and the political but on this record, despite obviously thinking so much about politics, we were really thinking about the person — ourselves or versions of ourselves…. — in the middle of the chaos.” Weiss adds, “I think for Carrie and Corin it was liberating to explore a different sound palette. Annie (St. Vincent) has a lot of experience building her own music with keyboards and synthesizers so she could be our guide to help us make sense of this new landscape and still sound like us.” Tucker says, “The Center Won’t Hold drops you into the world of catastrophe that touches on the election. And almost like a mission statement, at the end of that song, it’s like the band is finding its way out of that space by becoming a rock band.”
‘The Center Won’t Hold’ will be released on 16th August
Until then you can stream the title track ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ below :
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
