Tag Archives: indie pop

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

Hana Brooks ‘Used To Be’

Hana Brooks is set to release her new single ‘Used To Be’ which was mixed by Nick Bennett (London Grammar/Asgeir/Zak Able)  on 12th February. Partly recorded in LA whilst Brooks was visiting the states, the song was heavily inspired by her time there. Having toured the Sofar Sounds circuit in the capital during the summer, Hana released a free download track ‘Leave It’ on her website on November 6th 2017.The song was heavily reviewed by online magazines and was play listed numerous times on radio (featured in USA and across Europe as well as the UK), Spotify and SoundCloud.’Leave It’ received glowing features from two of the most popular and highly regarded fanzines A&R Factory and Music Crowns, the latter of which also promoted the track’s official music video and live internet performance leading to 50,000 hits in a matter of a few days.The release was also supported by a live UK tour which peaked with a storming show at London’s legendary venue The Troubadour at the beginning of December, leading to Hana being offered a monthly residency at the club starting with the USED TO BE SINGLE LAUNCH PARTY on 28th February 2018.

‘Used To Be’ is a glistening summer ready anthem. With urban sticky beats slapping against a  glowing sun kissed Californian sound of synths this track is a laid back summer jam. Zealous guitars jingle throughout flooding the track with sparkling facets of bright glorious scintillation while warm heartfelt vocals coo over an infectious glorious melody. Brimming with feel good vibes this track will brighten any day and have you bopping and grooving along in no time.

Watch the video for ‘Used To Be’ below

 


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

Demons of Ruby Mae ‘To Be Adored’

Coming quickly off the back of last year’s rousing single ‘Someday’, the Leicester-born, Manchester-raised duo Demons of Ruby Mae are set to begin 2018 in a big way with the release of their new single ‘To Be Adored’.

‘To Be Adored’ is a sparkling gulp of luscious electronic pop. Its dreamy soundscapes create a sweet delicious twinkling of pop heaven while warm passionate vocals soothe throughout. The snappy lively rhythm creates an instant danceable quality and flickering texture to the track. Ethereal guitars jangle while spacey sonic soundscapes swish and swirl with euphoric adrenaline that is heart stopping and thrilling. The track floods through with a spirited sense of positivity and breezy aerial joy. It has a Coldplay feel while still remaining unique and refreshing. It’s all set to be a summer hit for sure.

Stream ‘To Be Adored’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Dry Roasted Peanuts ‘Former Child Stars’ EP

Cork based Indie-pop four piece Dry Roasted Peanuts have released their second EP ‘Former Child Stars’. Following on from the success of their debut ‘Sometimes I’ll Stay In/Sometimes I’ll Go Out’ in May 2017, Dry Roasted Peanuts are back with another barn-storming effort. Marc O’Cearnaigh (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), JJ Lee (Bass), Robert McDonnell (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Chris O’Sullivan (Drums) have conjured up a two-track compilation of indie-pop bliss, tinged with punk-rock sensibilities.

One thing I have come to love about this band is their sound has begun to reach a maturity beyond their years and ‘Former Child Stars’ displays this perfectly. ‘Honey + Lemons’ with its depth and musical precision pierces like a proficient swordsman at an unsuspecting opponent. The track progresses slowly with sweet toned guitar and steady rhythm leaving the dramatic effect to the compelling vocals. The lyrics are striking and the bands ability to hold the listeners attention through the narration with subtle instrumentation is remarkable. When the track finally does reach its crescendo it is phenomenal. Warm hazed wobbly guitars stride through a buoyant punchy rhythm creating the ultimate dazed blissful peak to the track. Second track ‘Upstanding’ fleshes out their swagger-soaked strut worthy sound. Once again euphoric golden guitar lines flood the track with sparkling luminosity while a spongy beat cushions you in their dreamy tranquilising soundscapes. With its sweet, delicious tone, for me the guitar melody is the highlight of this track. It’s light, nimble, zesty and infectiously calming. This short little ditty is a gem for sure. I could listen to both these track all day on a loop. This four piece are getting better and better with each release. I’m looking forward to what they have planned next.

Stream ‘Former Child Stars’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Alfie Indra ‘Red Lights’

Alfie Indra has released his second track ‘Red Lights’ on Keep Me Young. Hailing from Suffolk (living in Manchester) the track comes after the success of Indra’s debut signed release ‘Hard To Cope’. The 21 year old has been releasing music unsigned for a number of years and his music has evolved from stripped back folk/acoustic to a more upbeat feel while still retaining the lyrical essence from his roots. ‘Red Lights’ has been released on all online platforms including Spotify and iTunes, along with a music video filmed in a night club in Manchester capturing those blurry nights, teamed with some bright red performance shots.

 ‘Red Lights’ fleshes out a sublime woozy example of Alfie Indra’s electronic pop with a mushy pliable beat giving a blissful sense of excitement and anticipation as it playfully slaps against hazy swirling electronic soundscapes. The melodies ooze heavenly ecstasy from every note while sonic flecks daydreamingly flash dazzling neon lights as if showing glimpses of a memory of a fun night out. This chilled laid-back track soothes with an unhurried sense of elation and wonder as Indra’s vocals whisper with sweet delicacy and passion. The guitars warmly glow through the hazy electronics giving a subtle glimpse of the thrilling solo to come for the magical joyous crescendo. It’s just a sublime subtle burst of heavenly mellowness that fills you with anticipation and youthful elation.

Watch the video for ‘Red Lights’ below

 


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

Amoeba Teen ‘(Coming On) Stronger’

Amoeba Teen are an indie rock four piece founded by critically acclaimed songwriting team, Mark Britton and Mike Turner. The band also features legendary bassist Simon Muttit and on drums Carl Baylis, whose percussive skills have found him featured on Steve Lamacq’s record of the week on BBC 6Music. During 2017 Amoeba Teen were invited to perform at the International Pop Overthrow festival, at the iconic Cavern in Liverpool.The band have now released their new single ‘(Coming On) Stronger’ today which is their first new track of 2018 before the highly-anticipated release of their new album due out later this year.

‘(Coming On) Stronger’ is a vibrant indie pop track complete with  a sweet aching Elvis Costello- esque melodic melody. Zesty guitar stings sprinkle golden sun kissed luminosity throughout the track with some luscious distorted shrills spritzed on top. Jazzy piano elements and a spongy beat keep the track bouncing along while the catchy chorus and peppy backing vocals make this song scrumptious to the ears. Flooded with a sense of nostalgia it’s an easy going radiant number with some fine musicianship behind it, creating a glorious track to listen to.

Amoeba Teen will be performing at The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham on 26 January to celebrate the single’s release. Additional dates across the West Midlands are planned throughout February and March. For latest gig dates visit https://www.amoebateen.com/shows

Stream ‘(Coming On) Stronger’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

Canto Falls ‘Tapestry’

Canto Falls are an explosive alternative indie-rock three piece based in London. Their new single ‘Tapestry’ will be released this Friday 26th. Having formed in 2016, founding members Mark Howarth and Adam Gillian quickly discovered a mutual appreciation of dense lyrics and careful musical arrangement combined with high-energy pop sensibilities and with the addition of James Thackeray’s shared eye for detail, the band’s unique and exciting sound began to take shape. Over the course of a year, the band have carefully crafted songs with exciting, high-energy compositions that demand your attention and blur the line between ‘pop’ and ‘indie-rock’. With their first single ‘Clarity’ released on the 2nd of October 2017 and the follow-up release ‘Tapestry’ set for release tomorrow, the three-piece have their sights set on making a fresh and explosive sonic impact.

‘Tapestry’ is a richly embellished über-catchy indie pop track brimming with sweet melody and vibrant colour. A lavish rumbling rhythm adds a nice whack of rough and tumble through the luscious pop speckled track. Jangly guitars glitter and sparkle throughout with delicate twinkles on keys flickering between smooth vocals and a dreamy positive melody. Its honey glazed and spongy, wrapped in candy coated refreshing pop. The sonic flecks add a shimmering magical quality while the zesty guitars provide enough sting to keep it breezy and invigorating. This sun kissed sweet little ditty will put a smile on your face and brighten any cloudy day.

For more follow Canto Falls here  https://www.facebook.com/cantofalls/

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Smoking with the Bandit ‘Waiting on Your Call’ EP

Birmingham, alternative rock band Smoking with the Bandit have recently released their debut EP titled ‘Waiting on Your Call’. In early 2016, Colby Wilson (vocals), Garrett Payne (guitar), and Daryl McCarty (bass) were performing as an acoustic trio after a previous band had called it quits. Their sound quickly outgrew acoustic arrangements and percussionist Collin Payne joined the group to provide the depth and rhythmic nuance that the trio was seeking. This EP is the sublime result of this.

‘Waiting on Your Call’ is a fantastic debut EP from this four piece. The glorious ‘Peaches’ kicks off the EP. Warm guitar melodies flood the track in delightful glowing luminosity while soft cushioned drums fill the track with a gentle comforting bounce. The vocals are smooth and velvety as the band introduce their delicate lusciously melodic sound that is laid back and such a joy to listen to. The band add a touch of swagger with ’Undone’ which is introduced by a slick guitar riff and shimmy ready beat. This track glides in full of charm and panache effortlessly cruising on sun kissed vibes and oodles of swagger. With a guitar solo that scorches with steaming hot vapour it is groovy,infectious and oh so chic. Title track ‘Waiting On Your Call’ follows. Again this track is beaming with vibrant mellow golden guitar lines and a swaying swoony melody that melts over a delicate beat and spongy bass line. These tracks are made for summer evenings- relaxing as the gentle light of the sun setting shimmers and warms your face. The slick ‘The Cards’ re-announces their shimmy swanky sound. Wilsons vocals exude passion while slinky guitars add a sharp 60’s tinged wobble and dance. The elastic bass adds a sensual mysterious quality while the drums bounce along giving a light playful spring to track. The sweet  ‘Blood Red Eyes’ closes the EP gently with a luscious melancholic melody beautifully sung in a tender emotive manner while nimble jangly guitar once again floods the track with sublime bright vibrant tones. Its a captivating relaxing and utterly stunning track to finish the EP.

Smoking with the Bandit have created a marvelous treasure box of tracks that are so beautifully evocative and sublime you will want to put it on repeat. They have the ability to create songs with refined musicianship that stops time and creates a soothing calming state to fall into. Their subtly intricate instrumentation engulfs you in a world entirely created by Smoking with The Bandit.

Stream ‘Waiting on Your Call’ below


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

Mowbeck ‘Crawl’

Nottingham based Mowbeck have returned with their highly anticipated new single ‘Crawl’. The track was self recorded, produced and mixed by the band’s guitarist Phil Clark after the band had moved to London and run out of money to afford professional studio time. Sighting influences from the moody sway of the Cardigans to the arena rock vibe of Muse, the band decided to push themselves out of the exclusive rock/pop bubble that they’d previously fallen into.Their previous release ‘The Basement’ raised their profile significantly after being chosen by BBC Radio 1 as their ‘Introducing Track of the Week’ in June. A run of touring dates followed as the band continued to build their following on the unsigned scene selling out shows in London, Nottingham and Sheffield.

‘Crawl’ is a darkly hued indie rock track swirling in thick murky soundscapes and a light pop melody scattered on top. Wandering keys add a haunting elegance while punchy drums and deep mysterious vocals give a spine chilling eeriness. The chorus lightens the ominous atmosphere by drizzling a nice dose of catchy pop into the cryptic concoction. Strong shudders on bass build a multi-layer into the track while biting guitars and churning electronics flood the track with a chilling psychedelic haze of distortion and delusion. These guys have crafted this track meticulously building each layer with care to create a thrilling and eerie listen that still smacks with a decent amount of pop infectiousness.

Stream ‘Crawl’ below


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

Sea Girls ‘Heavenly War’

Arriving in London via Leicestershire and Kent alternative rock band Sea Girls have released their new single ‘Heavenly War’. Following quickly on the heels of the R1 approved (Annie Mac/Huw Stephens/BBC Introducing) ‘What For’, their new single ‘Heavenly War’ furthers the bold claim that Sea Girls are one of the most reliable new bands for penning these instant indie-disco, festival ready anthems. Written and fronted by Henry Camamile, ‘Heavenly War’ now follows ‘Call Me Out’, ‘Lost’, and ‘What For’ as another timely example of what this young British band are capable of.

‘Heavenly War’ is mouth watering indie pop at its best. This track bursts with juicy vibrant guitars jaggedly striding through a sticky elastic beat. The vibrant vocals and luscious melody are dripping in a sugary sweetness that will leave you craving for more. It’s sun kissed refreshing and vibrant. The flexible bassline slaps and rebounds through the infectious melody creating a rich luscious texture that is like honey to the ears. It’s a well-crafted, succulent track that rushes with youthful adrenaline and luminosity. It’s sing along ready and one for large crowds bellowing back at festivals. This four piece have crafted a sound that is heart racing, intoxicating, elevating and fist pump ready while flooding with a delicate sweet sense of nostalgia. Keep an eye out for these guys.

When asked about the track Henry Camamile said: “This song is about that weirdly exciting but quite difficult conflict of feelings and events that makes our lives worth living. Ultimately describing that moment when you feel the best about life. I think it’s a really positive message.”

Sea Girls return to the road in February 2018 for their first headline tour of the UK including an opening night at London’s Omeara on the 1st February. You can catch them live at:

1st February – Omeara, London

2nd February – Exchange, Bristol

3rd February – The Cookie, Leicester

8th February – Deaf Institute, Manchester

9th February – Community Room, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

10th February – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

Stream ‘Heavenly War’ below

https://soundcloud.com/sonicseagirls/heavenly-war

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Pop, New Music

Moon Loves Honey ‘Lonely Day’

Moon Loves Honey is a dream rock band from Aarhus, Denmark. On February 26th 2016 their debut EP ’Apart’ was released on Tapetown Records to great acclaim.Following the release of the EP the band toured Denmark and has since released two singles. One of which was ‘Before I Crash’ which was chosen by Danish national radio as a standout track and was subsequently aired as the band was interviewed by media from cities all over the world, such as NYC, London and Barcelona. Their debut album entitled ‘You Drift Away From Me’ will be released in April, the new material brings their music in a new direction, with the incorporation of electronics and synths, without losing the ethereal vibe. Jeppe Dengsø writes all of the music and records all instruments except for about half of the drum tracks in the studio along with guitars, bass, synths and vocals. Live the band takes on members Ludvig Kastberg on drums both in the studio and live, Albert Burchardt on synths and Johan Gudmandsen on bass. The band have just released their lead single ‘Lonely Day’ from their forthcoming debut album ‘You Drift Away From Me’.

 ‘Lonely Day’  is a swoony dreamy immensely mellow little gem that exudes chill vibes and lusciousness. With a buoyant elasticity on bass teamed with a soft light bounce on drums this track takes you to a groovy cloud of marsh mellowness. Twinkling synths caress the delicate soothing vocals while ethereal guitars lift the track into a hazy beautiful state of utopia. This magical track shimmers with an airy purity and joyous luminosity. The refined production and musicianship creates a track that is laid back- it takes its time giving the listener a smooth creamy angel delight to bop and dance to. Light and fluffy this track wisps around with happy little bursts between the silky scrumptious texture.

When asked about the track Jeppe Dengsø  said: “It’s a groovy, chill and dreamy track about loneliness caused by the absence of someone special. About finding comforting happiness in the sadness of not being able to do anything but think of this person”

Stream ‘Lonely Day’ below