Tag Archives: indie pop

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

MAURITIA ‘Baby, Please’

Fresh five piece indie outfit MAURITIA have released their single ‘Baby, Please’. Consisting of childhood friends Jonathan Yeo (drums), James Hughes (rhythm guitar), Sam Copsey (bass), Sean Blenkin (lead guitar) and Josh Hedges (vocals), the band formed in early 2017. Already having the opportunity to play alongside some well established bands such as Eliza and the Bear, Clean Cut Kid and Anteros the five-piece demand attention with their catchy tracks and energetic stage presence.

Their third release ‘Baby, Please’ is a synth heavy, guitar driven track written about the importance of being open and honest in a relationship. Recorded at The Motor Museum in Liverpool over 4 days and produced by Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon), the single features sparkling melodic riffs that playfully weave between a buoyant peppy beat and shimmering synth backdrop. Instantly catchy this radiant number is sun kissed indie at its most dazzling. A smooth vocal line caresses the infectious honey coated melody while chiming guitars add a dash of zest and vibrancy to this breezy chilled indie pop gem. This is one for those hazy day summer playlists.

You can catch MAURITIA live at
29th May – Hull – The Sesh (Headline Slot)
17th August – Sledmere –Tribfest (Headline Slot)

Stream ‘Baby, Please’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Half Light ‘Night On My Mind’

London indie quartet The Half Light have released their new single ‘Night On My Mind’. It is the title track from their forthcoming EP and follows the earlier release of the lead track ‘8th May’, which was released in early March 2018. The single was recorded in December 2017 at Musicland Studios, Haggerston, produced by Ian Flynn of Werkhouse and will be followed in the summer by ‘Seven Summers’, the final track from the EP. The band have returned to the scene in 2018 with new material and a new line up consisting of James Rogers (Vocals/ Guitar), Guy Chapman (Guitar/Keys), Martin Sherbish (Drums) and Mike Taylor (Bass).Their music has featured on radio stations across the country, including BBC 6 Music, BBC London and Amazing Radio and the band were nominated for Best UK Act at the 2015 Pure M Awards.

‘Night On My Mind’ is another tightly packaged, blissfully melodic little gem from The Half Light that displays fine proficient musicianship and sublime melodies. Lavishly rich rhythmic layers ground the track creating the perfect foundation for the ethereal guitars to spring off while breezy soundscapes caress each guitar strum delicately to create a sublime dreamy atmosphere. The melody is simply divine as James Rogers’ smooth vocals gently embrace each delicious note adding a heavenly elegance and tenderness. Chiming keys add a shimmering graceful quality while the punchy drums and subtle edgy guitars add a nice dash of sting and bitterness to this sweet luscious can of punchy pop. The Half Light are steadily growing and building their sound becoming more majestic and mature with each new endeavour.

The Half Light will play Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen, London, on Friday 11th May to mark the launch of ‘Night On My Mind’. The show is part of Hot Vox’s established RIDER indie club night events. Advance tickets will be available through the band’s website, with a series of further gigs and festival appearances to be announced (www.thehalflight.com).

Stream ‘Night On My Mind’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Sampson ‘Damned’

Halifax-born indie electro-pop artist Sampson has released her new single, ‘Damned’ off her most recent album, ‘Dark Sky Night’. This noir pop track is steeped in sultry electronics as a sticky beat slaps and gloops between Sampson’s luring coo. Its enticing as lush backing vocals add a haunting chilling quality while lamenting guitar broods in the background. The flashing swirling darkened electronics add an eerie dizzying spin to the track that dazzles and blinds building up to the crescendo. This track is superbly crafted creating moments of intensity and drama which is subdued between the gloomy darkened daydream- like soundscapes. Thoroughly thrilling and chilling this track seeps, creeps and almost wallows in a hazy sense of pessimism while building a lush electronic soundscape for its shadowy cinematic atmosphere.

When asked about the track Sampson said: “Damned, the latest single off the album, was co-written by two of my best friends – Nicole Ariana and Laurenn Marchand – at a song camp in Cape Breton Island. It’s a song about feeling stuck, and having choices to make that all bear consequences. For me, it was about whether or not I should leave somewhere and miss it, or stay while knowing something that would inevitably make me start to hate it.”

Stream ‘Damned’ below


Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Deep City Diver ’Dream Sequence’

London-via-Stoke on Trent band Deep City Diver have released their new single ‘Dream  Sequence’. Comprising  Australian  expat  Ryan  Nicolussi  (Voice/Guitar)  along  with  Stoke  on  Trent’s  Joe Macmillan  (Bass)  and  Dom  Davies  (Drums),  Deep  City  Diver combine  the  melodic  sensibilities  of  80’s  English  new  wave  with  the  incandescent  energy  of  New  York 00’salt-rock.

’Dream Sequence’ is an invigorating slap of indie pop that hops and bops with exhilarating infectious grooves while shimmering synths flurry about and ricochet off glimmering guitars to create a sublime buoyant backdrop. It’s snappy, breezy and vibrant as a soaring chorus lifts the track to ethereal heights while the funky swagger-soaked verse springs a dash of vitality and dynamism into the track. It’s instantly likeable and energetic as zesty guitars weave and boomerang off the animated bass to create a rich danceable number that is both sturdy and fluctuant all at ones. This charming number is clap along ready and feet shuffling-ly infectious- it’s hard not to swish, sway and bounce around the room while listening to it.

Stream ’Dream Sequence’ below


Uncategorized

No Tie Friday ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ EP

No Tie Friday is a four piece Indie Pop / Alternative band from Wicklow. The band consists of Keith Molloy (Vocals + Rhythm Guitar), Matt Morgan (Drums), Niall McGurk (Bass) and Barra MacMahon (Lead Guitar). With only a few gigs under their belt they have already started making an impression on the Irish music scene. The band have recently released their debut EP ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’. A five track collection of sweet tunes and intricate glistening instrumentation, this EP is pure wholesome honey drizzled indie pop. From the first crashing intro of ‘Seasons’ No Tie Friday have you firmly hooked. This bouncing little gem rumbles and rushes through with a driving rippling rhythm while glistening jangly guitars create the perfect glossy backdrop for the vibrant infectious melody. It’s anthemic and punchy wrapped up in a whirl of youthful adrenaline rushing instrumentation. They definitely kicked the EP off with the right track- it’s sun soaked and vibrantly dynamic. This little charmer has you eating out of the palm of their hands eager for more. ‘Forest’ continues the indie pop buoyancy, as thumping drums set a steady foundation for the shimmering golden guitars to sparkle between. There are plenty of blissful guitar moments in this EP and the quartet show off their knack for crisp sweet toned guitar lines throughout each track creating special little luscious twinkles that lift each tune and add glorious scintillation throughout. Title track ‘Long Drives And Sunsets’ marks the halfway point in the EP with a fluctuant rhythm and delicate instrumentation to start. Ethereal guitars lament behind a sombre tender melody while Molloy’s vocals reach their most emotional we have heard yet. It’s a passionate display as sharp guitars and punchy drums bring us to a powerful intense crescendo. If you are looking for the perfect hazy sunny day tune filled with mellow tones with some melancholic hues ‘Working Title’ is the one for you. Again it features some sublime guitar work and a smooth, silky melody while the vocals add a hint of soul, its soothing, chilled, breezy bliss. ‘Delay’ which fast became my favourite track, closes the EP much like ‘Seasons’ began it – with a surge of peppy jangly indie intricately weaved and tightly compact to create a satisfying listen. It is  filled with dazzling soundscapes, whirring guitars, an infectious chorus and a stomping singalong ready bridge that will have a live crowd bellowing out at the top of their lungs.

‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ is a wholly enjoyable, charming collection. This bands laid back, dreamy approach gives each track space to flourish and blossom and this really adds something special to the overall enjoyment of the EP. These guys have created something glorious. It’s perfect for summer days and youthfulness. Keep an eye out for No Tie Friday.

Stream ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ below

 


Album Review, Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Moon Loves Honey ‘You Drift Away From Me’

Danish  dreamy  alt.  rock/pop  band  Moon Loves Honey have released their highly anticipated  debut album ‘You  Drift  Away  From  Me’. The album takes  the  listener  on  a  colourful  journey  through  uncertainty,  loneliness  and  finally  hope  via  nine  finely  crafted  songs  –  three  of which  have  been  released  as  singles  and  enjoyed  radio  airplay  and  acclaim  from  media  across  the  globe.  Moon Loves Honey functions  as  a  band  in  concert,  but  in  the  studio,  its  Jeppe  Dengsø  as  a  one-man-band.  The album was  in  the  making  for  a  year  and  a  half  and  took  huge  dedication  to  complete  because  of  Jeppe͛s  growing  obsessive  attention  to  detail.  In May  2016  –  shortly  after  the  release  of  the  band’s  debut  EP  ‘Apart’  –  Jeppe  started  recording  songs  in  Aarhus  with  friend  and  mix engineer  William  Brinch.  The initial plan  was  merely  to  record  a  couple  of  single-ideas,  but  the  plan  of  creating  an  entire  album  slowly  manifested  itself.  Over the  next  year,  the  entire  album  was  finished

‘You Drift Away From Me’ displays huge emotional and musical  variety with every song  differing from the next,  while the album  still has a unique  sonic character  throughout. There is a lot of blissful juicy sounds packed into this album yet it doesn’t seem over the top each track cruises along blending together becoming a sweet glorious component of the mellow and euphoric entity that is the ‘You Drift Away From Me’ album. From the electronic and chill wave-tinged  pop of opening track ‘To Be Without You’, Moon Loves Honey completely consume you in a luscious dreamy state of soft delicate melodies wrapped in a fluffy cloud of euphoria. The delicate vocals soothe while subtle flickering soundscapes lure you deeper into a trippy sweet state of psychedelia. The tracks that follow lead you down a glistening path of discovery as delicious melodies snappy soft beats and swirling electronics radiate sun kissed vibes. ‘Lonely Day’ and ‘Before I Crash’ provide images of summer sun, chill vibes and azure blue sky’s. It’s easy going yet brimming with silky intricate instrumentation to provide a satisfying listen. It’s almost like these guys create a little world within this album to loose yourself and just recline into as it soaks away all your problems in soothing tunes. Title track ‘You Drift Away From Me’ adds a perky little bounce and swirling adrenaline to the album while the atmospheric ballad ‘I’m Falling Out Of Love With You Baby’ glides along with a honey drizzled melody and lo fi vocals. ‘Blå’ acts as the wispy electronic intermission before the shoegazey  rock- esque ‘Is It Just A Dream?’ and ‘Should Have Waited’ spiral in a hazy whirl with subtle anthemic bursts over subdued crashing instrumentation. Moon Loves Honey bring us to the end of this glorious album with the twinkling ‘Replaced’. Flickering electronics sparkle glimmers of scintillation through a melty emotional melody while lush vocals coo over the melancholic tones.

‘You Drift Away From Me’ blends sun kissed chilled dream pop with shoegazey rock and atmospheric electronics effortlessly to create a wholly mesmerising dreamy listen that relaxes, soothes and tranquilises while throwing in some groovy bops and sublime textures on top. It’s magnificently crafted and leaves you refreshed and vitalised.

Stream ‘You Drift Away From Me’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Submariner ‘Ghosts’

Submariner have released their new single ‘Ghosts’. After a strong 2017 where they sold out headline slots on the South Coast, made their major festival debuts at Common People and Victorious festivals, released their debut music video for “Closer” and gained attention from BBC introducing and The Line of Best Fit; Submariner are primed and ready to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as 2018 promises tours, a debut EP and further festival appearances.

‘Ghosts’ is a catchy feathery light dash of indie pop that is dreamy, luscious and bright yet holds a deeper foundation. The political lyrics shows the bands maturity and awareness without dragging the track down while vibrant ethereal guitars jangle about swirling synths and a snappy steady beat. The delicate sombre toned melody laments over the heavenly aerial soundscapes with a heart warming sweetness that carries both hopeful tones and melancholic nostalgia. The velvety smooth vocals caress the melody with a gentle tenderness and emotional power while the twinkling guitars flicker glimpses of bright scintillation throughout, creating an optimistic vibe. This track is subtly anthemic and ambient as lush harmonies and breezy effortless cool tones mixed with burning emotion rush through the song filling you with adrenaline and passion to keep pushing through. A sublime track that both glistens and shimmers with sun kissed aerial instrumentation combined with catchy golden melodies and heartbroken realism.

When asked about the track the band said: “The song is spiritually inspired by last year’s general election. The narrative involves a woman who gives her life to fight for other people, the oppressed and the broken. She is haunted by the ghosts of those she and the system failed to save. The chorus addresses her opponents and details the flaw in greed, especially the lines ‘reap the seeds, there’s no where for them’ & ‘I’ll be dead, long before you live’ indicating that the oppressor seeks wealth only in financial sense, but without compassion and kindness, has no real quality to life. In the fictional sense, the story ends on a note of hope, with the ghosts of the failed haunting the consciousness of the heroines enemy, leaving you with the line ‘In the dark, you’ll remember me’ and in turn, spurring the person into action.”

Stream ‘Ghosts’ below

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Tropical, Tropical Indie, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Courtship

Courtship have released their new single ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ taken from their soon to be released debut album ‘Denial in Paradise’. It’s a refreshing swig of juicy summer pop drenched in sparkling synths and vibrant jangly guitar. With a glorious melty melody immersed in lo-fi calming vocals and luminous instrumentation this track is delightful and vivacious. The production is tight and neat with slapping beats rebounding off the swirling breezy soundscapes creating a compact tropical number that is summer sun ready, light and euphoric. This track is melodic, stripped back and grandstanding at all the right moments to create a satisfying listen. The beat in particular pulses and adds a meaty yet fluctuant texture giving a joyous rush of adrenaline through the weaving beaming soundscapes and glistening guitar. It’s a feel good instantly likeable track that is sure to coax out the sun.

Courtship have also just released a video for the single which pays homage to Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom and stars actor Jack Grazer from the film IT

Watch the video for ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, PostPop

Zkeletonz ‘Always’

Postpop trio Zkeletonz have released their new single ‘Always’ which was self-produced, self-mixed and self-mastered and the new single was the first ever postpop song Zkeletonz wrote together at Kafri Studios in London’s East End.The band have appeared at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho, Hoxton Sq Bar & Kitchen, Stockwell Festival, Fuse Festival, Peckham Festival, Well Street Against Racism street carnival and Plaza Latina, a huge outdoor celebration of London’s Latin American community. Their first video ‘Trouble’ was broadcast on Channel 4 with no music industry support. Celebrity fans include hip hop DJ Tim Westwood, the poet and podcaster Scroobius Pip and the Wasps rugby winger Josh Bassett. ‘Always’ is the third single from the trio . It builds on momentum from their first two releases ‘Trouble’ and ‘Don’t Cover It Up’, which received support from Sunday Brunch, BBC Introducing and the Birmingham Mail. This new release has already secured radio play from John Kennedy on Radio X.

‘Always’ is a sleek funky infectious gem. Slinky guitars hop and skip between a shuffling rhythm and infectious funky groove while lush vocals glissade upon a silky smooth melody. Their rhythms are luxurious as this track struts in announcing its sublime snazzy flamboyance backed by colourful splashy instrumentation that makes for a richly textured, vibrant listen. The twinkling guitar injections squirt a zesty sting into this body shaking, prismatic number leaving you mesmerised and uncontrollably dancing along. Zkeletonz have established a lovable infectious sound that is just beaming from every note and glorious in every way.

Stream ‘Always’ below


Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Provocateurs

Provocateurs are an up and coming Indie Rock/Pop outfit hailing from both North and South Manchester who draw on early 00’s influences with aggressive riffs and anthemic melodies, 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. Provocateurs have been gigging around Manchester and the North and have recently released their latest track ‘Fall for You’.

‘Fall for You’ is adrenaline rushing, blistering indie that swooshes, soars and punches with sublime instrumentation. It’s snappy and infectiously melodic with a sing along friendly chorus smothered in shredding sharp guitars that shrill with gripping urgency and intensity while punchy drums and elastic bass wallop a thumping groove and buoyant rhythm to make those feet jump and hop. This track is brimming with youthful stamina and indie spirit as vibrant vocals belt out the catchy luscious melody while breezy ethereal soundscapes escalate creating a breathtaking rush that will have you craving to put this track on repeat.

Watch the video for ‘Fall for You’ below