Tag Archives: indie pop

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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kios

Kios is an indie rock band based in Nashville, TN. The three piece is made up of Cole Suddarth (vocals/guitar), Aaron Krak (drums), and Mitch Wollenberg (bass). Cole and Aaron met through a previous band that formed at Belmont University – Aaron and Mitch grew up together in Newark, Ohio; all three moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue music. They have now released their debut single ‘Be Loved’ with an EP planed for the end of the summer.

‘Be Loved’ is a sugar rush of sweet luscious indie pop filled with infectious melodies glazed on top of vibrant sparkling instrumentation. Smooth laid back vocals glide upon the melty melody while a snappy clap along feature and buoyant drums add a peppy lift and energetic urgency to the track. Ethereal guitars swirl around flashing bright scintillation throughout the dreamy candied soundscapes. The bassline rumbles and slaps creating a fluctuant foundation to this wispy joyous tune while providing a hint of edgy grit. It’s a sublime refreshing, chilled, fruity cocktail on a hot day that is summer ready and an absolute joy to listen to.

Stream ‘Be Loved’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Mono Club ‘Sky High And Submarine’ Album

London six-piece, Mono Club have released their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Sky High And Submarine’ on LGM Records. The album was recorded and self-produced in their London studio and then mixed by Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers).Featuring a stunning set of ten songs, including the current single ‘Best Laid Plans’, the new album will more than confirm their early promise as one of the most exciting new bands around right now. Formed just over two years ago after the break up of Goldheart Assembly, the Mono Club line up of John Herbert, Dan Bell, Jake Bowser, Nicky Francis and Kyle Hall have recently recruited singer / musician Lyla Foy (Sub Pop / Rough Trade Records). They released the aforementioned debut single ‘Sky High And Submarine’ last year and it quickly became a big favourite of Steve Lamacq’s and was subsequently play listed on BBC 6 Music.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a ten track collection of melodious, psychedelic swirled pop that is so soothing and luscious you will be craving for more. Each track brings a new level of mellowness while packing in delicious melodies and intricately layered instrumentation. ‘Sour Mash’ begins our journey into this beautiful honey caressed world created by Mono Club. Luscious velvety vocals serenade over twinkling, subtly psychedelic instrumentation while a steady soothing beat adds a flexible foundation for its euphoric soundscapes to rebound off. Their knack for mouthwatering melodies and tight blissful instrumentation creates the most glorious tunes and each track on this album is flooding with marvelous dreamy sounds. ‘Sky High And Submarine’ is angel delight wrapped in buoyant rhythms and golden guitar jingles. The harmonies are lush and teamed with the honey drizzled melody create the most tranquilizing atmosphere. The swirling trippy soundscapes never become overwhelming or too heavy they balance them sublimely with the laid back sun kissed vibes and vibrant guitars to create a wholly satisfying and mesmerising listen. ‘Memory Critical’ and ‘Place Called Home’ add a little more bounce and funk into the album. They are joyful with sweet, narcotic, dreamy tones. If you’ve ever wanted to lay back, relax and let the world go by ‘Memory Critical’ is the song for you. It will take every worry from you during the duration of the song and leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. I have fallen in love with Mono Club’s melodies – the sweetness and tender emotion in tracks such as ‘Other Peoples Worlds’ exude passion and beautiful delicacy while still packing in some hefty instrumentation. It’s anthemic and powerful yet elegant and emotional,the perfect blend to get hearts racing everywhere. The album is filled with soothing swoony moments between peppy pop sprinkled melodies with a delightful swoosh of dizzying psychedelia mixed in. It’s an impressive collection of tracks that calm and sedate with enough edge to keep you on your toes. From the catchy vibrant ‘Best Laid Plans’ to the brooding yearning ‘Over The Moon’ with its funky bassline and eerie piano feature which chills and cools the track down, creating a darker side to the wispy dreamy atmosphere, these guy blend their contrasting elements perfectly. The album winds down delicately. The twinkling ‘Venus Rising’ and warm cosy ‘Sleeping’ ease us to the end with the gritty ‘Heaven Was Her Heart’ resting between them.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a mesmerising listen. There is something special sprinkled on top that leaves you captivated and wanting to hear more. Listening to this album I yearned to sit back with sun on my face, a drink in my hand soaking up the good times. With those satisfying mouth-watering melodies teamed with zesty guitars and mystical, psychedelic soundscapes it’s a superbly crafted collection of tracks. The harmonies are heavenly, and each track brings something exciting and juicy to the table.

Stream ‘Sky High And Submarine’ below

 


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Down The Middle ‘Green Eyed’

Down The Middle have released their new single ‘Green Eyed’.Brought together from countries across the globe – Australia, South Africa and Ireland – the four members of Down The Middle bonded over a series of productive jams and an appreciation for indie rock. Their diverse upbringings and musical backgrounds have helped create a melting pot for creativity, developing a tight driving sound. Down the Middle are Sydney-based and were formed in 2016 when guitarists Tiernan and Rudi started writing music together. It was quite a struggle to find the perfect line-up, but when new members: Zach, a local DJ/drummer, and Matt, the bass player joined in 2017, the final formation of the band was complete. The band have played 16 shows to date that include headlining iconic Sydney venues such as The Chippendale Hotel, The Marlborough Hotel, and Vic On The Park. Their music is a sonic journey that falls somewhere between We Are Scientists and Pixies. They have interstate gigs included on the list, and an upcoming four state tour in April to promote the release of their debut single ‘Green Eyed’

‘Green Eyed’ is a playful light slice of indie pop brimming with zippy guitars and a snappy rhythm that will have feet tapping and bodies dancing in no time. This bubbly sun kissed track is infectious, tidy and compact with a warm melodic bass running along the sweet melody as dynamic vocals lament with a heart warming dose of passion. The post-revival up-tempo drums will have hips wiggling uncontrollably as this charming catchy track glows with a glorious soothing nostalgic warmth. Its steady “does exactly what it says on the tin” indie that will put a smile on your face and add a little beam of sunshine into your day.

The accompanying music video is a charming throwback to 90s and 2000s indie rock, with a beta/VHS feel to the clip, and a simplicity that allows the song itself to take the lead.

Watch the video for ‘Green Eyed’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From FLING

Psych-pop glam-rockers FLING have released their new single ‘Banjo Billy’ a bonkers three minute  glam-pop stomp that leads the way for the release of ‘The Legend of Banjo Billy’ EP out April 13th on Dance to the Radio. The release comes off the back of a 2017 that included sold-out hometown shows, playing to a packed Festival Republic tent at Leeds Festival and enjoying Radio support from the likes of Steve Lamacq (6Music), Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Radio X and Beats 1. Describing themselves as ‘Wonky Pop’ the 5 piece from Bradford comprise of Charles McSorley (Vocals), Jack Winn (Guitar), Billy Fielding (Drums), Jake Lees (Bass) and Sam Malynowsky (Keyboards) met at a gig and instantly bonded over T.Rex and David Bowie. FLING moved out of their basement studio to work with Lee Smith at Greenmount Studios (The Cribs / Pulled Apart By Horses).

‘Banjo Billy’ is the perfect blend of shimmering pop with the zesty fizz of indie rock. Laid back and sun kissed this track was made for summer days, sweltering heat and a cold one. With an infectious pop melody melted on top of sharp zealous guitars and rich buoyant rhythm it’s instantly likeable and fun. Raspy vocals glaze over the vibrant melody with a soothing easy going charisma while lush backing vocals fill out the sound creating the perfect sing along feature. It’s a jingly, infectious gleaming number that is smooth to start with stinging undertones. Well layered this track is a refreshing guzzle of zesty indie pop that leaves you craving for lazy summer days.

Stream ‘Banjo Billy’ below

 

 


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

VOID ‘Awaken’ EP

VOID have released their new EP ‘Awaken’. VOID’s music has received suitable comparisons to the likes of James Blake and London Grammar because of their adventurous style of pop-song, utilising their influences of ex-rockers who have swanned into the electronic-pop genre such as Coldplay.

‘Awaken’ is an EP with tracks carefully crafted and built to raise lighters all over the world. ‘Wait’ seeps, bleeds and exudes sweet delicate emotion. Tender vocals coo through the verses while swirling and flickering soundscapes flood the track with heart racing adrenaline. VOID display their knack for choruses that are charmingly harmonious, gripping and emotive. Passionate vocals make the anthemic chorus powerful and hard hitting while the flashing soundscapes add a touch of bedazzlement. ‘How We Made It’ is filled with breezy aerial electronics and beautiful vocals caressing a sweet melody that only the hardest of hearts could resist. ‘These Words’ closes the EP. Mackenzie’s vocals are rich, powerful and immaculate adding a soulful touch to an EP that wears its R&B embroidered pop on its sleeve. ‘Awaken’ is a refreshing honest wholesome display from VOID with truly pure and exquisite musicianship.

Stream ‘Awaken’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Covasettes ‘Wondering Why’

 

Promising Manchester indie-rock band The Covasettes have released their second single ‘Wondering Why’.Following the success of their debut single, ‘This Feeling’, which we featured as Indie Buddie Introducing the exuberant four-piece have worked tirelessly over the last six months to bring their distinctive, catchy sound to music lovers across the country. Formed in mid 2016, the quartet have gone from strength to strength impressing music lovers and promoters alike with their energetic, anthemic live set.  In 2018 alone they have played sold out shows in Manchester, Derby and London.

‘Wondering Why’ is vivid infectious indie. Tightly weaved ethereal guitars swirl between jagged guitar riffs creating an intense bubbling and boiling effect within the track while punchy drums and nimble bass set an elastic fluctuant foundation for them to rebound off. Instantly catchy and dynamic this track surges youthful adrenaline through your veins while the luscious melody smothers the track in sweet pop wrapped goodies. The soaring breezy instrumentation packs some serious punch and the shredding guitar solo brings a slick swagger soaked quality to the track. It’s a well crafted golden number brimming with blistering instrumentation and some catchy, luxurious, anthemic melodies.

Commenting on the track, the band said: “We are so excited to announce our second single Wondering Why. It is one of the first songs we ever wrote as a band so it is a great feeling to finally be able to share it with the world. We have been working hard in the studio for the last few months creating a song that we are really proud of. To us it has everything that a good song should have, electrifying choruses, huge indie riffs and driving rhythms. Wondering Why is a song that we love to play live and always gets a crowd jumping. We are eager to share it and we hope everyone loves it as much as we do!”

 

Stream ‘Wondering Why’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Half Light ‘8th May’

The Half Light are a four piece indie band from London who are returning to the scene in 2018 with new material and a new line up. ‘8th May’ is the first track from their forthcoming EP, Night On My Mind. Since forming in 2011, the band have self-released three records, ‘Friday Night’ EP (2011), ‘Clapham’ EP (2012) and ‘Moscow’ (2015), which will be followed by ‘Night On My Mind’ EP later this year. 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. Following these earlier releases, vocalist James Rogers and guitarist Guy Chapman were joined by a refreshed rhythm section, Mike Taylor and Martin Sherbish, to complete the line up and the band entered the studio in late 2017. Influenced by the best of indie rock across the decades, the band has drawn parallels with The Smiths, Interpol and REM. ‘8th May’ will be released on 5th March and was recorded at Musicland Studios, Haggerston and produced by Ian Flynn of Werkhouse. The track will be followed up in 2018 by subsequent releases ‘Night On My Mind’ and ‘Seven Summers’.

‘8th May’ is vibrantly charming punchy pop encased in delicately chiming guitars on top of a catchy shimmy ready rhythm and is likely to win over any listener with ease. It is utterly alluring and infectious with a ravishingly fetching rhythm that would coax you to the dance floor and command your feet to shuffle and bop joyously. Sweet toned guitar takes a tropical warm tone and wisps you into a sway like salsa dance. It’s smooth and delightful with some nice jagged guitar injections to create a slap of roughness through the chorus. Richly layered and sublimely crafted The Half Light have created a catchy gem, brimming with delightful ear worm melodies and glorious instrumentation. A sublime listen.

The Half Light will play The Water Rats, London on Saturday 10th March to mark the launch of 8th May. A series of further gigs and festival appearances will be announced on the band’s website in the coming weeks (www.thehalflight.com).

Stream ‘8th May’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Scenic Route to Alaska ‘Ghost of Love’

The easy-going Edmonton-based trio Scenic Route to Alaska have released their new single ‘Ghost of Love’. Comprised of members Trevor Mann on lead vocals and guitar, Shea Connor on drums and Murray Wood on bass this trio weave catchy vocals and memorable melodies through rich arrangements. ‘Ghost of Love’ is taken from the band’s upcoming LP Tough Luck which is a collection of 10 tracks that were recorded with famed producer Howard Redekopp (Tegan & Sara, The New Pornographers) and is set for release March 9th. Following the band’s last release ‘How It Feels’, Scenic Route to Alaska has amassed an impressive pile of achievements and accolades. The band’s catchy vocals, memorable melodies, and rich arrangements have led to label signings, number ones on CBC Radio, and award nods.

‘Ghost of Love’ is a warm glowingly infectious indie track that bops along. It is laid back, gloriously melodic and sweet to the ears. It’s uplifting melty melody seeps into your brain and comfortably embraces your mind rendering you hooked and sedated. Punchy buoyant drums and jangly vibrant guitars teamed with velvety charming vocals create a joyous little pop smothered ditty. Summer ready and radio friendly this light little number will charm and snuggle its way into your mind leaving you craving more.

Stream ‘Ghost of Love’ below

 

 


Indie, Indie Folk, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Goldkey ‘Faster’

Goldkey is the musical alias of New York artist Mike Horn. Working with producer Ben Rice (Norah Jones, The Candles, Queue, Daughter) at Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, Goldkey has crafted tunes that are one part indie pop, one part indie folk. His first single ‘Mountain’ was featured on Spotify playlists Tune Core The New, Indie Mono Indie Folk. Goldkey followed this release with the driving psychedelia of ‘What Am I Supposed To Do?’, which led to dates supporting artists Eighty Ninety, Elliot & the Ghost and a headline appearance at the 2017 Official Jeff Buckley tribute concert. He will play summer 2018 festival dates and select North east dates in support of his upcoming single ‘Faster’, to be released March 2.

‘Faster’ oozes a beautiful dreamy glow with tender heart-warming emotion. With delicate instrumentation of twinkling guitar and richly soft vibrant drum rumble this track is true, pure, wholesome and just sublimely charming. With a sweet melody caressed by Horns’ luscious velvety vocals and honeyed guitar twangs it just warms your bones and soothes the soul. It’s passionate, fragile and a cosy track to hold dear. There is something very special about this little gem.

Stream ‘Faster’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Fears Chella ‘Polaroid’

Fears Chella are an evocative Stoke/Manchester based ‘Slackerpop’ band who cheekily blur elements of grunge and pop with sparkles of dreamy and chaotic 90s indie-rock. Forming in 2016 Fears Chella quickly gained support from Huw Stephens on Radio 1, Shell Zenneron Amazing Radio, Hattie Pearson, The Unsigned Guide’s ‘Artist Spotlight’, Ditto Music and BBC Introducing. The band have now released their new single ‘Polaroid’ which follows the success of their previous singles ‘Girlfriend’ and ‘Lush’ which have earned the band playlisting slots with Spotify, 150k streams and a plethora of blog and radio coverage. The new single ‘Polaroid’ is “A song about the intoxicating feelings of that freeze-framed teen abandon you get with new loves, and about the games people play when really everyone just needs to feel wanted”. Having spent 2017 playing shows like headlining stages at Dot To Dot Festival and slots at Threshold Festival and Sonder Festival the band have also been busy playing shows with the likes of The Big Moon, Get Inuit, Honeyblood, All Tvvins, King No-One and PINS. All of this has been in culmination for Fears Chella upcoming 2018 tour starting in March.

‘Polaroid’ is a fizzy luscious can of sugar indie pop bursting with sunny vibes and energetic youthfulness. Vibrant zesty guitars interweave between a foot tapping beat and an irresistible honey coated melody. This track explodes with sparkling luminosity as swirling adrenaline infused soundscapes deliver a sugar rush of bliss while jangly guitars add a refreshing spritz of sharpness to the sweet syrupy euphoric track. Its a peppy, catchy, sun kissed anthem bursting with oodles of youthful pizzazz and intensity.

You can catch Fears Chella live at:

2nd March //  Birmingham // Actress & Bishop

8th March //  London // Old Blue Last

9th March //  Brighton // Hope & Ruin

10th March //  Norwich // Epic Studios

13th March //  Leeds // Oporto

15th March //  Glasgow // Broadcast

16th March //  Manchester // Night and Day Cafe

17th March //  Stoke // Sugarmill

22nd March //  Nottingham // Boedga

Stream ‘Polaroid’ below

https://soundcloud.com/fearschella/polaroid/s-ch293