Tag Archives: indie pop

Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Five Days North ‘Shapeshifters’

Five Days North are an energetic indie pop band based in Manchester. Band members Darryl Messer (Vocals, Synth), Dave Urwin (Guitar/banjo, Backing Vocals), Sam Taromsari (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Lewis Howells (Bass) and Zoravar Bakshi (Drums) create a blend of music that centres around powerful vocals, catchy choruses and electric banjo riffs. In the summer of 2016, they released their debut EP ‘Past Times’ and have since released a supporting music video for ‘Won’t Stop for Nothing’ that was directed by Lab Exposure UK. They have played a multitude of live events including gigs around the UK, alongside performing on festival stages such as Tribfest 2016, Warrington festival 2016 and multiple performances at Pangaea Festival. The quintet have now released their music video for their new single ‘Shapeshifters’.

‘Shapeshifters’ is a bright lustrous light bouncy slice of indie pop. The track is laced in peppy beats that add a spongy texture and elastic bounce. Twinkling guitars and jingling banjo riffs glisten throughout while the shimmering synths wrap the track in a smooth flurry of icing sugar. Instrumentally it is light and fluffy with a sweet melody and catchy chorus as the cherry on top however the vocals are brimming with soulful emotion and passion giving the light track a darker tone. This contrast makes for a richly textured song and brings a more emotional side to Five Days North’s sound.
The video for ‘Shapeshifters’ is out now check it out below

 


Indie, Indie Dance, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

Ivy Nations ‘Live By Design’

Indie-pop quartet, Ivy Nations have released their new single ‘Live By Design’. The band are setting the dance-rock scene on fire in their native Dublin. Only two singles deep, the group have been praised for the refined sound that they have established with producer Phil Magee (Kodaline, The Script). Their previous releases have broken the HypeM chart top 5 and received international airplay in the US, Australia and Ireland. They’ve toured with major artists such as Kodaline and have also released their first ever music video, for ‘Live By Design’ directed and produced by Blacktooth Films.

‘Live By Design’ fleshes out Ivy Nations energetic dynamic indie pop only with darker tones. Haunting twinkling guitar gives flashes of light through the eerie shadowy mysterious track. A murky bass line gives the foundation to the ghostly verses. The track explodes into a fruitful full bodied sonic flashing chorus. The woozy hectic chorus accelerates the track into a dynamic dance anthem. Blending and churning intense dreamy verses with high energy chorus’ Ivy nations create a sublime fun track that hits all the right spots. The shredding stinging guitar solo builds the track up to the mighty crescendo. Ivy nations brings us a chilling track that is both goosebump inducing and thrilling while also vibrant and dynamic.

Stream the video for ‘Live By Design’ below.


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Recoupes ‘Lovinit’

London alternative indie band The Recoupes have released their new single ‘Lovinit’. The band consists of members Michael Niner (Drums), Louie Cameron (Bass), Alan Li (Vocals/Guitar) and Oli Zanetti (Lead Guitar), all aged 18/19 they have received radio plays and recognition from BBC introducing. Their single ‘Drunk Messages’ was recently played on BBC introducing Essex (30th July 2016) and shortly after they supported The Hoosiers at the O2 Academy Islington. The group create driving, danceable indie songs that capture a live sound. Already having venues such as Dublin Castle,Undersolo Camden and The Goodship in their arsenal the boys look to strive outside of London with upcoming gigs and new songs to be released.
‘Lovinit’ Is a sweet toned zippy track masked in cool effortless vibes. This hazy dreamy track comes swinging punches of gritty alternative rock. Warm mellow tones on guitar radiate rays of vibrant sunshine throughout the track breaking up the whimsical bounce. Soft to start the song coaxes its way in before the mighty shredding crescendo that adds a rough texture and shows these guys aren’t afraid to get heavy. With blissful melodies teamed with creamy raspy vocals ‘Lovinit’ is perfect for those sunny lazy afternoons.
The Recoupes will be playing at Shindignation Festival in association with Indie Buddie, Music Muso and DIY Thursdays on Saturday 5th August so make sure to check them out at that.
Stream ‘Lovinit’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Bayonet ‘Call Me When It’s Over’

Sheffield’s indie four piece Bayonet have released their new single ‘Call Me When It’s Over’. Bayonet have rapidly made a name for themselves as Sheffield’s indie poster boys,with their last single ‘Heart Attack’ premiering on Rebel Culture back in November, the last few months have seen Bayonet’s focus turn to the writing and recording of new material, their own inimitable brand of synth-pop now honed to polished perfection thanks to the handful of headline shows the band have already enjoyed this year.2016 saw band members Lewis Cain (Lead vocals/Guitar), Vince Ringrose (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Danny Higgins (Bass/Backing Vocals)and Sam Chapman (Drums/Backing Vocals) sell out various venues, wow crowds at both Dot to Dot and Tramlines festivals and release four rapturously received singles.
New single ‘Call Me When It’s Over’ follows this upward climb to success. Glowing with bright shimmering indie pop Bayonet display their smooth polished sun-kissed sound with a sugar coated melody against spongy beaming soundscapes. Twinkling guitars lift the track with peppy bright jabs and warm golden licks while the soft cushioned rhythm adds a bouncy vitality. Flowing in waves of cool tones of wistful longing this track is silky smooth and instantly likeable. Velvety vocals soothe with slick panache while the track takes a subtle groovy almost disco vibe. Bayonet skillfully balance sombre chilly tones with optimistic energetic instrumentation giving a well formed glossy track.
Stream ‘Call Me When It’s Over’ below

 


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

Everywhere ‘Man Up’

UK band Everywhere have announced their first 2017 offering in the form of new single ‘Man Up’. The single is currently available for streaming on Soundcloud and the official release to all digital stores including Spotify will happen on June 9th. At the end of last year, Everywhere released their critically praised sophomore EP ‘Fiction Act’. The EP single ‘Some Other Dude’ was featured on BBC Introducing in London and has received over a million streams on Spotify.
They made their first International appearance at the 2013 NME Awards in the UK, playing alongside Django Django and Palma Violets and later went on to support the Kaiser Chiefs and headline Notting Hill Arts Club in London. New single ‘Man Up’ continues the bands strike for world domination.
‘Man Up’ is a blissful explosion of sweet electro- pop. Swirling electronics kick the track off to a suspenseful start. Followed by a catchy chorus and infectious beat, this track seeps sugary pop from its core while holding enough raw cool tones to contain the sugar rush. The addition of vocals from Swedish singer-songwriter Rebecca Nohr blends smoothly and perfectly with the track and with Max Berga’s velvety vocals. With a funky dynamic bassline and shimmering synths this track is packed with oomph and honey coated melodies that will compel you to put  ‘Man Up’ on repeat.
Stream ‘Man Up’ below

 

 


Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From HotKid

Toronto based trio HotKid have released their new single ‘Caught In The Light’ from their new LP, ‘Late Night Mornings’ which is due for release on May 5th. ‘Caught In The Light’ is a blistering snappy enthusiastic track that will cause a frantic dancing epidemic. Rapid in its nature this track swarms in at full force with blazing guitars and a mighty adrenaline pumping chorus. The elated endorphin releasing track will have you up and dancing in no time. The elastic groove on bass teamed with the rapid punchy drums gives a flexible rebounding slap and bounce to the track. ‘Caught In The Light’  relentlessly keeps its tempo, tirelessly attacking your senses with luscious melodies and infectious beats.

When asked about the track HotKid said

Caught In The Light” is about that feeling of escape you get from watching your favourite old movie, or when you’re upfront at a concert. It’s about that longing to be taken outside of yourself, out of the everyday. It also recognizes how we all exist in-between those moments of escape.

Stream ‘Caught In The Light’ below


Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

Modern Pleasure ‘Bliss Up’

The Leeds-based band Modern Pleasure (formerly Goodbye Chanel) have released their new single ‘Bliss Up’ with Grammy-nominee Bryan Wilson (Wolf Alice, Arctic Monkeys) at the production helm. The track,which the band call their ‘Anthem for the anxious generation’ finds them relocating their euphoric songwriting into more electronic surrounds.The new release follows the successful singles ‘Messina’ and ‘White Heels’ which drew Radio 1 (Annie Mac) and Radio X airplay, alongside a slot at Barclay’s British Summertime and over 1.5 million Spotify streams.
‘Bliss Up’ is a fruity fizzy can of sun-soaked indie pop. Bubbling with shimmering synths and sparkling guitar riffs this track is dreamy sweet- toothed ecstasy. With a delicious candy coated melody smothered in syrupy electronic beats, is a luscious recipe for success. Its the perfect track for sunny days, good times and cocktails. Hazy sunny vibes and day dreamy vibes, its total bliss. Richly textured and lavishly layered this track is delicate and smooth yet opulent in all the right places. Its one for those lazy day summer time playlists.
Stream ‘Bliss Up’ below


A Chat With, Dream Pop, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Pop, Interviews, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Two Islands

The Liverpool collective, Two Islands, have released their debut single ‘Heaven’. Its a snappy clappy ball of heavenly delight wrapped in cleverly well layered production and an oh so sweet melody. These guys have written an insanely infectious luscious track that listeners everywhere will fall in love with in a heartbeat. Soft vocals soothe while the swirling blissful soundscapes add ethereal graceful textures and wispy ecstasy. The track is grounded with rapid spongy beats rebounding the track with elastic energy, it will have you uncontrollably clapping along to its dreamy pop bliss. These guys are ones to watch they know what they want and they are going for it.

We caught up with Two Islands to have a chat and get to know them a little better following the release of ‘Heaven’

Tell us a bit about Yourselves ?

We’re Two Islands. We’ve always felt as if we existed on our own island, like outsiders looking in. Taking musical cues from the classic songwriting synonymous with Liverpool but dressing our songs in a modern and unique way; we’re aiming to follow in the lineage of Northern bands whose originality and creative ambition have helped to alter our perception of what is possible in pop music.

  Where did the name Two Islands come from?

It’s both a geographical reference as we’ve all grown up between two major cities and it’s the juxtaposition between the everyday reality of the mundane nine to five and the time we spend making music outside of our day jobs.

There is very little info about you guys around at the moment we are loving the mystery but why the suspense with introducing yourselves?

We want to reclaim the romance of falling in love with an artist solely through their songs, something that has been lost in the internet era. We’re not looking to hide; we just want to engage through our music.

You have released your debut single ‘Heaven’ tell us a bit about this track?

It’s an old song that’s been through many incarnations. Heaven describes the euphoria of finally arriving at a sound that best represents us.

 The track is unique and creative instantly catchy and likable what was the music writing process for the track and how did all the intricate pieces come together?

The chords and the vocals came together quite quickly. The bass and drums have been reworked a number of times over the last few months until we were fully satisfied with the parts.

The production and detail on the track is amazing it appears simple but has a lot going on did this take a long time to develop?

Yes we spent a lot of time in the rehearsal room developing the layers of the song before taking it into the studio.

Its definitely a track that announces your arrival and leaves the listener impatient for more tunes how soon can we  expect another delicious tune from you guys?

Heaven is the first marker ahead of a stream of output to come this year.

Stream ‘Heaven’ below

https://soundcloud.com/twoislandsband/heaven


Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Soul

Just Alex and Yan Etchevary ‘Til Midnight’

Singer-songwriters Just Alex and Yan Etchevary have announced the release of their new single ‘Til Midnight’ available on major media platforms from April 28th. The single is taken from the duo’s forthcoming EP ‘GLASS’ due for release May 12th. Before launching their collaborative project, Alex and Yan both enjoyed respective successful solo careers. Canadian singer-songwriter Yan Etchevary gained international recognition with the single ‘The Way You Want Me’ with DJ Lucky Rose. The song was nominated for the Heatseeker award at the 2016 Canadian Music Week Awards and has garnered over 9 million stream on Spotify. The Canadian powerhouses have joined forces to record the single ‘Til Midnight’, a modern ballad which is sure to invoke the emotions of any listener. Recorded in Montreal, the single hosts a list of contributors who have worked with some of the world’s biggest names, including Tom Coyne (Adele, Bruno Mars) and Stephen Kaye (Ziggy Marley). Just Alex cites Sam Smith as his inspiration for the single, which was recorded with a live quartet at the songwriter’s studio.

‘Til Midnight’ is a twinkling delight packed with soul and tender emotion, its light dimming mood setting smoothness that flows with an effortless sway. Feathery light elegant strings caress the track and sweep it into a romantic flurry. Creamy vocals and light piano feature glide  through the track with passion and delicacy. ‘Til Midnight’ is a swoony dreamy pop track that oozes romance from its core

Stream ‘Til Midnight’ below


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

Mowbeck ‘The Basement’

Nottingham rock outfit Mowbeck are back with their newest single ‘The Basement’ which follows their debut EP ‘Talkabout’. After storming sets at Reading & Leeds festival last year on BBC Introducing Stages with sold out headline shows of their own, the band headed back into the studio at the start of the year working on new material. The band’s previous tracks ‘Talkabout’ and ‘Vaseline’ both received significant support from BBC Introducing’s Dean Jackson and lead to national radio play around the country on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X. The video’s which have gained over 15,000 views to date split audience and critic’s opinions for its dark, graphic portrayal of sexual abuse from a male victim’s perspective.
‘The Basement’ is a sublime rush of brain freezing indie rock with sweet pop melodies cooled with breezy tones and chilling bite on guitar. Flowing at a running pace this track is an uplifting anthem smoothed in melancholic tones. Sharp guitar stings and blasts through the track with flashes of zealous strident vitality. Punchy drums add bounce and spring while the raspy smooth soothing vocals pack an emotional punch. ‘The Basement’ is an atmospheric soaring tune that uses dark sombre tender tones and blistering instrumentation to create a grit pop sound that is compelling and powerful.
With more material ready to release later in the year Mowbeck will be playing a number of shows over the coming months including festivals. You can catch them live at
April 11th – Nottingham, Bodega (supporting King No One)
April 12th – Sheffield, Leadmill (supporting King No One)
April 13th – Liverpool, Studio 2 (supporting King No One)
April 14th – York, Fibbers (supporting King No One)
Stream ‘The Basement’ below