Tag Archives: indie pop

Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cornerstone ‘Reflections’ Album

Austria’s rock band Cornerstone have released their new album ‘Reflections’. The band composed of Alina Peter (Vocals, Guitars), Michael Wachelhofer (Bass, Keyboard, Vocals), Steve Wachelhofer (Guitar, Vocals) and Christoph Karas (Drums, Percussion), was signed by the US- label ATOM Records and is successfully representing Melodic-Rock: a US-tour, eight tours in the UK, a number of concerts at famous European festivals, airplay, TV-appearances on stations like BBC and much more. Additionally, they took part in the soundtrack of the film Little Alien, and in the beginning of 2012 their song “Right or Wrong” was awarded by the British ROCK REALMS Magazine as “Ballad of the Year 2011”. In 2013 the band released their version of the eighties-hit “Smalltown Boy” (by Bronski Beat), that appeared in the charts. All of the revenues from this success were donated to the “Room to Breathe”-campaign and to the charity organisation for the research and treatment of the immunodeficiency disease cystic fibrosis at the Nottingham City Hospital. In 2016, the bands third studio-album ‘Reflections’ was produced in Canada in cooperation with producer Harry Hess (Billy Talent, Muse, Harem Scare).
‘Reflection’ is an album with an interesting mix of sounds from the rock anthem tinged ‘Nothing To Loose’ with shredding riffs punchy drums and massive chorus to the slightly more pop-like nostalgic sweet melody of ‘Last Night’ which has a horn feature and ABBA influence. Big chorus’ seem to be a theme with these guys. ‘Heart On Fire’ gives an 80’s classic rock anthem vibe with brawny strides on guitar and melancholic sharp licks. Alina Peter’s vocals soar with a powerful emotion- filled range. These tracks are packed with dramatic explosions and slick guitar solos that are air guitar worthy and fist pump ready. ‘Whatever’ takes the croony ballad, it’s soft and wispy with an elegant piano feature and delicate beat. The funky bass driven ‘True Confessions’ gives us a Disco Stu vibe with glittering guitars – it’s disco balls and flashy dance floors oozing swanky swagger. The album continues the seamless blend of alternative rock with 80’s rock and pop creating a 10 track accumulation of classic anthems. Featuring some really intricate guitar work weaving in and out adding a nice refreshing zest and vibrancy to the album. ‘Believe In Me’ screams out a jazzy piano feature and perfect 80’s pop melody- you almost forget it’s a modern track.
‘Reflection’ takes you on a time travel journey with bitter sweet nostalgia while Cornorstone put their own spin slightly warping classic 80’s rock. Each track sounds familiar yet takes a unique turn as they take these genres and make them their own.

Stream ‘Reflection’ below


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

Golden Curtain ‘Underwater Gospels’ Album

Golden Curtain is the collaborative relationship between an indie rock band from New Zealand and a California poet. The band consists of members Andrew Mckenzie (vocals, guitar), Andrew Gladstone (vocals, drums), Brad Gamble (bass).After striking up a friendship with Hawkes Bay’s Golden Curtain around the time their debut album came out in 2011, Alex Green and Golden Curtain front man Andrew Mckenzie started collaborating via Skype on a truly transpacific musical endeavour. The result is the release of the ‘Underwater Gospels’ album
‘Underwater Gospels’ is ten tracks of laid back indie pop. From the twinkling soundscapes coated in edgy guitar strides of ‘Heart Attack Summer’ to the almost country warmth and bounce of ‘Etc Etc’,Golden Curtain give an album that is light and cosy while also displaying a knack for sublime melody and rich rhythm. ‘ I Changed My Mind For You’ has a beachy reverb laden, catch a wave vibe. It’s relaxed with echoing backing vocals and a bouncy rhythm. ‘Amen’ blasts with soulful handclaps lushly textured rhythm and nautical basslines. With a catchy percussion section that draws you into its groove and sweet passionate melody, it’s hot summers evening fireside bliss. ‘So Easy’ is sun soaked nostalgia smooth with a day dream melody and bright guitar feature that flickers and glows lifting the track into a hazy vibe. Soft beat, velvety raspy vocals and warm tones it verges into country territory without actually crossing that line.’The Captain’ is your tender slow jam while ‘The Pier’ closes the album with a doo wop vibe mixed with subtle swirling guitars and bouncy drums. The “bop shoo be doo wop” lyrics add a quirky catchy element that will have you singing along in no time.
‘Underwater Gospels’ is a display of Golden Curtain’s intricate attention to detail as they create an album easy to listen to and relaxed while maintaining rich luscious soundscapes.

Stream ‘Underwater Gospels’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie Pop, New Music

Dr Danny ‘Nothing But Love’

Danny Ayala (Of The Lemon Twigs) has announced his debut Solo Project ‘Dr Danny’ and new single ‘Nothing But Love’ which is coming soon. While mastering timeless songwriting is a lifelong pursuit for most, Dr Danny (Danny Ayala) has a clear grasp on the concept at just 19 years old. Born in Long Island, NY, Dr Danny began his musical career at a young age and it quickly progressed into a prodigious talent.Danny’s musical career opened up after crossing paths with fellow wunderkind bothers Brian and Michael D’Addario at an elementary school talent show. Recognizing Danny’s skills they quickly began making music together. For the past 10 years they have been a musical family, with Danny becoming a live member of the largely successful and internationally recognised band, The Lemon Twigs. Although continuing to perform with The Lemon Twigs, Danny has announced his new solo project Dr Danny, with his debut EP ‘Lay It On Me Straight’ due for release this summer. Featuring the lead single ‘Nothing But Love’, all tracks on the EP features performances with the D’Addario brothers, who make up the backing band for Danny’s project.
‘Nothing But Love’ is a sparkling 60’s pop delight complete with an infectious syrupy melody, lush vocals and bright little instrumental bursts that explode with shimmer and glittering scintillation. Showcasing his exceptional songwriting skills and knack for a memorable melody this little gem is instantly likeable and displays a musical knowledge beyond his years. Triumphant chorus and sublime richly textured instrumentation, it’s a juicy rush of dazzling glitz. Full of pizzazz with a refined attention to detail that creates the perfect introduction to the EP.
‘Lay It On Me Straight’ is out later this summer.

You Can Follow Dr Danny on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/askdrdanny/

Stream ‘Nothing But Love’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Temps ‘Moment’

Dublin’s four piece indie band The Temps have released their new single ‘Moment’. Band members Owen Soper (guitar/vocals), Alex Smirnov (lead guitar), Conor Kennedy (bass) and Chris Bradshaw (drums) have graced the stages of The Button Factory, Workman’s Club, Fibbers, Whelans, Sweeneys and the 96/1 Festival in Cork (Sober Lane and End of the World). They have supported bands such as The Tapestry (Manchester) and The Dead Heavys. New single ‘Moment’ has already received radio play from the likes of 98fm and is officially released today.

‘Moment’ displays The Temps easygoing carefree indie pop. It’s a smooth, relaxed, casual tune embroidered with subtle little bursts of joy. Light twinkles of sharp juicy guitar inject the track with a succulent spurt of vibrant energy while soft bounce on drums and warm elastic spring on bass wraps the track in a cosy hazy blanket. It’s loose and breezy smothered in blissful daydreaming vibes and relaxed tones. ‘Moment’ is such a peppy fun laid back summer song. Definitely one for those lazy summer foot tapping days.
The Temps have recently been spending some time in the studio so they will be putting out some new tunes over the next few weeks on Spotify and some acoustic videos on their Facebook/Breaking Tunes so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘Moment’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Rylands Heath ‘Best Friend’

Rylands Heath is made up of school friends James and Jack who’ve been playing music together since they were 13. They have recently released 6 songs to Spotify and plan to release another 4 over the summer with the first “Best Friend” being released today, followed by a new release every 3 weeks.
‘Best Friend’ is a peppy indie pop track smothered in a sweet sun kissed melody. Vibrant guitar glistens adding beaming luminosity to the track. With lively buoyant drums and a nice rubbery bass, it is a refreshing burst of energetic indie perfect for hot sunny frolicsome days. Its tight well crafted and polished with a catchy chorus that will have you compelled to put it on repeat while you dance around the room ridiculously.
Stream ‘Best Friend’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Tropical, Tropical Indie

Julian Fulton ‘Rosie’s Disposition’

Multi-talented and eclectic NJ-based songwriter Julian Fulton has released his new EP ‘Battered Receptions’. Mustering up the courage to first perform at age 17, Fulton has been making strides in and around the vibrant local scenes of the Garden State performing solo and with his band The Zombie Gospel. The EP follows another shift for Fulton as he took the opportunity to collect his thoughts, write, and demo material as members of The Zombie Gospel pursued school or job opportunities. This led to the release of two home-recorded EPs, ‘Reverie’ and ‘Noise’. The EP finds Fulton back in a more formal recording environment fleshing out the breadth of his sound. The ‘Battered Receptions’ EP is his latest genre-bending vision, and was released yesterday via self-release.
‘Rosie’s Disposition’ was the latest single release taken off the EP. This bubbly indie pop track is lushly indulged in buoyant indie afro-beats and beaming bright soundscapes. A rapid deluge of tongue twisting lyrics introduce us to this vibrant catchy track. A flood of rich tropical sounds sweep you up into a juicy heavenly chorus that is so catchy you will be hooked. With distorted elements and fruity music explosions it’s a succulent slushy of indie pop. Sharp guitar jabs adds a refreshing zest and sting to this sun soaked infectious mouthwatering track. It’s a must listen especially on a hot sunny day. Fulton displays some really impressive musicianship here, hes one to watch out for.
Stream ‘Rosie’s Disposition’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Jackobins

 

Liverpool’s finest The Jackobins have released their much anticipated new single ‘Nightfire’. This band have developed a steadily rising fan base across the U.K. They have played sold-out shows on their current tour, a number of well-received festival appearances in 2016 and have gained recent airplay on BBC Introducing Merseyside, Radio X and Radio 6. With a recent change in the line up The Jackobins return with a little shift in their sound.
‘Nightfire’ presents us with The Jackobins dreamy silky indie pop side. Its sophisticated, smooth and polished while still packing quite a mighty punch. Bringing their anthemic chorus to new heights by packing a mighty heartfelt emotional wallop. Warm melodic guitars sparkle throughout the track interweaving between the melt in your mouth melody. Its light with an aerial atmosphere that has a feather like float which is grounded by the steady bounce on drums and agile elastic bass. What stands out for me with all of the Jackobins tracks is the nimble proficient radiant guitar and this track is no different. With a splendid display the guitar elements lift the track with dazzling luminosity and scintillation. Soaked in melancholic tones teamed with sweet passionate vocals it’s radio friendly and proves these guys can do whatever they put their mind to.

Stream ‘Nightfire’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

This Party ‘Lover’

Brighton based, This Party have released their new single ‘Lover’ the lead track off their upcoming EP. Band members Hal Cleverdon (guitar), Marcus Gilham (bass), Tom Hodgson (drums) and Matt MacNeill (vocals), formed after a chance encounter at a Smiths tribute gig and now release their guitar fuelled indie pop on their own independent label, Moscow Let’s Go. Their latest singles grabbed the attention of Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing and they are releasing their first EP ‘Lover’ on 15 May 2017.
‘Lover’ is a delicious piece of guitar driven indie-pop pie. Whizzing with a fruity jangly catchy guitar riff, this upbeat little ditty will have you hooked in seconds. Sharp guitar bursts with luminosity and sun-kissed radiance while energetic drums and lively bass gives the track an instant spring in its step.The passionate vocals burn with dynamic vitality and oomph while cooling the tone a little. Its fun with a buzz of stamina and energy. Perfect for hot sunny summer days.
You can catch This Party live at
Tues 09 May 2017 – Supporting Purs – The Victoria – LONDON – Free Entry
Tues 16 May 2017 – EP Launch Party – Prince Albert – BRIGHTON – £4 Entry
Fri 02 June 2017 – Wychwood Festival – Cheltenham Racecourse – Alongside The Buzzcocks, Billy Bragg, Inheaven and more…
Stream ‘Lover’ below


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

Get Inuit ‘All My Friends’

Get Inuit have released their new single ‘All My Friends’. The band’s previous release ‘Barbiturates’ which we featured on Indie Buddie revealed the large scope and diversity the band have available in their repertoire, as well as furthering their support from Radio 1, with the track getting regular play on MistaJam and Huw Stephens’ shows.

The new single ‘All My Friends’ is a strike of mighty vigorous pop that spits sharp dynamic energy from every note. Punchy drums and the piercing zesty sting on guitars cut deep while the sugar coated infectious pop melody soothes almost acting as a shield to hide behind whilst the lyrics lash out at loved ones and lament normality. This high powered track follows the ear worm dazzling prowess we know and love from Get Inuit however with lyrical gashes. These guys are a band to get excited about.

When asked about the track frontman Jamie Glass said:

“I wrote it as a sort of anti-enjoyment song to compete with all of the age orientated pop music I hear in mainstream music. I wanted to use lyrics that would alienate people that live inside their bubbles whilst constantly trying to rationalise all of the safe decisions they made to get to that point. Although the message is clear throughout song – I wanted to appear a little hypocritical and a little childish. I leaned towards using squeamish metaphors to make a mockery of the point I was making.”

 

The band are putting on a headline show at London’s Dingwalls this month, where they’ll be showcasing their blistering and energetic set on Thursday 25th May, following a sold out show at The Lexington at the start of the year.

You can also catch them live at

6th May – 02 Institute 3, Birmingham (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

8th May – The Exchange, Bristol (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

9th May – Patterns, Brighton (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

12th May – Sound Control, Manchester (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

20th May – Academy, Liverpool (w/ Clean Cut Kid)

25th May – Dingwalls, London

8th July – 2000 Trees, Cheltenham

22nd July – Truck Festival, Oxfordshire

12th September – Boardmasters, Cornwall

Watch the lyric video for ‘All My Friends’ below


Indie Pop, New Music, PostPop

ZKELETONZ ‘Don’t Cover It Up’

The “postpop” three piece ZKELETONZ will be making a music video for their catchy track ‘Don’t Cover It Up, and releasing it in June. The young band create professional drum machine-based stoner disco. Since performing for the first time at a house party on October 31 2014 they have independently made tracks and organised #ZkeletonParty events in London.

‘Don’t Cover It Up’, is a luscious fruity burst of groovy funky pop. Smooth glides and dynamic buoyant  beats give this track a strut quality and chic panache. The infectious keys and sweet ear worm melody will have you shuffling and dancing in no time. Its fun catchy and radiates bright sunny uplifting vibes. ZKELETONZ’s flavour of postpop is a can of swanky cool fun with blasts of funky zest ready to get the party started. Keep an eye out for this track in June

You can catch ZKELETONZ live at

Postpop Party with Zkeletonz, Friday, June 9 at The Islington 1 Tolpuddle Street, London, UK

You can Follow ZKELETONZ on Facebook and get all the  info for their live shows here https://www.facebook.com/zkeletonz/