Ivory Wave are a 5 piece band hailing from Birmingham. This unique indie band caught our attention earlier this week. Their recent single ‘Paradise’ is a floaty track that creates a bubbling fizzing world of its own. With sprinkles of psychedelia in swirling synths and sweet lush backing vocals its a fluffy trippy cloud of narcotic ecstasy. Bliss and euphoria ooze from every pulse of the track. With perky indie beats adding a gritty sandy pull to the track and infectious groove its effortlessly cool and chic with a dreamland anaesthetic thrown in. Raspy attitude soaked vocals tie the track up nicely relaying authentic lyrics. These guys have a strong steady impressive sound creating their own little Utopian hypnotic pocket in the indie scene. Once you hear this track you will be addicted.
Adam & Elvis have released their new single ‘Hanging Tree’. Their thought-provoking, pull-no-punches style which is set to a musical backdrop of exhilarating wall-of-sound pop and primitive punk energy, unleashed by Patrick on guitar/vocals and Tom on bass/vocals respectively, with the aid of Juliet Styles (synths/saxophone), Steve Wraight (vocals/percussion) and Dan Robershaw (guitar). The Berkshire band have been championed by regional radio and performed their gripping live shows on the same bill as Fat White Family, The Zombies and The Correspondents, as well as numerous festivals across the south of England. ‘Hanging Tree’ is a sorry tale of a young intellectual who, despite his rationalism, loses his mind over unrequited love. Its peppy gritty alternative pop drenched in dark tragically comical tones. Deep dramatic vocals change from moody baritone to full-throttle tenor. The chorus breaks into a sweet bobbing melodious indie disco that bops and hops with elasticity and springiness coated in syrupy vocals. Jagged guitars gash as the rhythm blasts and thunders through the track with raw choppy wildness. Adam & Elvis perfectly make the dark gruelling gut-wrenching theme peppy and wacky while still expressing the pain dramatically with razor sharp saw-toothed instrumentation and deep vocals.
You can catch Adam & Elvis live at:
Sat 6 January 2017: Sebright Arms, London E2
Fri 24 February: The George Tavern, London E1 – Freak Power Records Residency
Fri 24 March: The George Tavern, London E1 – Freak Power Records Residency
Fri 26 May: The George Tavern, London E1 – Freak Power Records Residency
Fri 23 June: The George Tavern, London E1 – Freak Power Records Residency
Watch the video for ‘Hanging Tree’ which was shot by Balla Kingston, Craig Rogers and Antonio Pineda below. It captures the band in ebullient mood at UK Live Sound studios in Reading, where ‘Hanging Tree’ was produced.
Sad Palace are a really smooth effortlessly cool indie band I stumbled upon, don’t you just love when that happens. Sad Palace present us with coastal fresh indie pop bursting with rich juicy melodies and slick musicianship while spacing us out with hints of psychedelia. ‘Rainbow Melt’ gives us a sensual sway-like groove and tender velvety vocals wrapped up in edgy indie pop. The razor sharp sting on guitar adds spice and zest to the track while the ripply rhythm keeps the track bouncing along in an almost 70s psychedelic groove. With luring tempting bass and vocals that ooze panache and swagger this track will coax and sweet talk you into pressing repeat. Rich luscious textures and layers gives the track depth and showcases this band’s solid musicianship. While the brazen flashy guitar licks whip and flatter the flaunting track pulling you further into the groove. ‘Breeze’ lulls you into its melodic funky strut almost instantly. With velvety vocals to start cooing and soothing right into the hook driven feet shuffling riff. With psychedelic entrancing instrumentals, this track swirls you into a dreamy blissful euphoric stupor before slapping you back into the rapid bouncy slice of indie pop. The vocals smoothly glide from creamy dreamy haze to bright and bubbly effortlessly, as the guitar illuminates the track with zealous licks and peppy bounce. This track is infectiously catchy and like honey to the ears. Sad Palace know how to write and craft earworm melodies, mix and blend them with fantastic instrumentation. Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘Rainbow Melt’ and ‘Breeze’ below
The Assist are an indie-dance four piece from Walsall, comprised of members Mikey Stanton (vocals), Ryan Stanton (guitar), Jak Baker (bass) and Ben Faulkner (drums). They have recently graced both LEEDS & Y NOT Festival alongside support slots with both Ratboy, Blossoms and Jaws. The Assist completed a full UK headline tour to coincide with the release of their debut EP ‘TROUBLE’. They were strongly supported by BBC’s introducing show and not long after labelled as “Birmingham’s next big thing” by X radio. They have now released their new single ‘Tell Her How You Feel’. ‘Tell Her How You Feel’ is an animated energetic track bursting with rubbery bounce that rebounds and slaps you in the face with smooth pop melody coated in intense post-Britpop and a dash of R&B. This track flows with a spring in its step with elastic punchy drums and funky bass. Driving strides on guitar adds a zesty flavour and edge to the track. Stanton’s vocals rap the verse with attitude while the wistful soaked catchy chorus displays his emotional and dynamic vocals. The Assist display a well developed track that showcases their confidence as a band with swagger-filled instrumentation that shows their talent and competence while also displaying strong songwriting skills. The Assist are ones to watch.
Stream ‘Tell Her How You Feel’ below
Macclesfield indie trio Cassia have released their new single ‘100 Times Over’. Band members Rob (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Lou (Bass, Vocals) and Leff (Drums, Vocals) have become known for their sun-soaked grooves and combining their trademark tropical pop with raw guitar melodies. The trio have already support a plethora of up and coming acts, including Lisbon and Girl Friend. These shows have resulted in the band appearing at festivals such as Brownstock, Folk On the Lawn, as well as Y-Not Festival for two years running, their first appearance going down so well they were asked back again this year. These festival appearances, coupled with the strength of the band’s first single ‘Moana’ afforded Cassia their first taste of real industry interest, with major labels getting in touch soon after. ‘100 Times Over’ is a lavish cocktail of indie pop with sun-drenched tropical melodies and a slice of lush rich golden guitar that adds a lime zest and bite, with a rhythmic bounce that will have you in your shorts and sunglasses dancing in no time. This track vibrates and exudes warm sunshine with each pick and strum you can feel the glow of the sun and sweltering heat. Delicate smooth vocals and tight harmonies make this track infectiously charming. Its a cheeky little dance and shuffle that displays someones hidden explosion of joy.
Close your eyes on this winters day and let ‘100 Times Over’ take you on a blissful tropical holiday.
You can catch Cassia live at:
Sat 19/11/16 | The Live Room, Manchester
Mon 21/11/16 | Jumpin’ Jacks, Newcastle
Tue 22/10/16 | The Polar Bear, Hull
Wed 23/11/16 | The Rocking Chair, Sheffield
Thu 24/11/16 | Bleach, Brighton
Fri 25/11/16 | The Victoria, London
Stream ‘100 Times Over’ below
Plastic Barricades are an alt indie rock band from London. Band members Dan Kert (guitar, keyboards and vocals), Jonas Svendsen (lead guitar), Daniele Borgato (bass) and Frazer Webster (drums) have released their new single ‘Half of your Soul’ from their upcoming ‘Mechanics of Life’ album. Over the last two years the band has been nominated for “Oxjam Band of the Year 2014” and “MTV Brand New 2014”, voted #1 out of 222 bands participating in Hard Rock Cafe London Global Battle of the Bands competition, won Camden Rocks 2014 Battle of the Bands, got nominated for “Brand New Artist 2015”, landed 2nd place in Sziget Festival 2015 band competition and won Enfield Battle of the Bands 2016 and Songwall’s “Songs in the Sky”.
Their new single ‘Half of your Soul’ is bright bubbly indie pop with flashes of sharp glistening guitar. Spongy rapid rhythm teamed with the glorious bedazzlement of the bright spirited slick guitar give an instant likeability and warmth to the track. With uplifting vibes and gentle soothing vocals this track glows with rich creamy textures sprinkled with melancholic undertones that add depth and raw emotion. The luxurious melodies interweave blending longing and inspiriting tones making the track plush with blissful sounds that are heavenly to the ears and fill you with hopeful possibilities.
Stream ‘Half of your Soul’ below.
This Party are an indie rock band comprised of members Matt MacNeill, Hal Cleverdon, Marcus Gilham and Tom Hodgson. The Brighton four piece have become known for their fusion of sharp basslines with an instant melody to produce their own brand of drenched guitar-fuelled pop. Produced by Junk Scientist (The Rakes, Larrikin Love), their debut single ‘Movie Nights’ received a fantastic response being picked up by BBC Introducing and featured by Steve Lamacq, on his BBC 6 Music show throughout Autumn 2015. This Party have since set up their own label Moscow Lets Go, which will launch the single ‘Money’ this November. ‘Money’ is the perfect slice of infectious indie pop glowing with a bright deliciously smooth ear worm melody, soft spongy beat and coated in velvety vocals like a dollop of whipped cream this track goes down a treat. The driving sting of the zealous zesty guitar riff gives this track a bite and spirited atmosphere. The anthem- like chorus and the rubber ball rebounding bounce keeps the track light, peppy and travelling with a spring in its step. With melancholy undertones adding depth to the track and passionate dynamic vocals ‘Money’ proves to be a rousing showcase of This Party’s talents.
‘Money’ is out 14 November and you can catch This Party live at
12 November- Borderline, London
13 December – Green Door Store, Brighton
Watch the video for ‘Money’ below
Alexis Kings have released their new single ‘Squire’. The single soared into the top 10 of the Spotify UK Viral Chart along with support from Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing Three Counties, Alex Rainbird & Indiemono. ‘Squire’ is a heart-stoppingly moving melodic track teamed with upbeat rhythms and smooth summer vibes. With a warm majestic guitar feature, an elevated bright atmosphere and breathtakingly sweet melody that is golden honey to the ears. Alexis Kings present us with a heavenly beautiful track that exudes effortless charm and elegance. Velvety soulful vocals give euphoric bliss coated in nostalgic tones. Alexis Kings show sublime musicianship with this captivating irresistible track.
Close you eyes and let ‘Squire’ take you on a journey of summer love with a melody and textures that seep into your soul.
Watch the video for ‘Squire’ below
London-based singer-songwriter Chris Jewell has released ‘Rise and Fall’, the lead single from his new EP of the same name. A songwriter since the age of 12, Jewell’s songs draw on influences from pop, rock and soul across the decades. After signing with independent label 84 Records his new EP and single was recorded with talented producer Andy Brook (Frank Turner, Status Quo, Hayseed Dixie), who brings a radio-friendly pop sheen to Jewell’s tale of heartbreak. The new track has already picked up support with BBC Introducing, and was recently chosen twice as a BBC Radio Surrey/Sussex Track Of The Day. ‘Rise and Fall’ is a slice of sweet bright folk pop pie. With soulful bright guitar and springy bounce beat this track is an uplifting , energetic “put a smile on your face” bliss. Illuminating and glowing from every note with simple chords and catchy clap along feature its a snappy encouraging track. Though the lyrics are somewhat sombre the track is presented with a positive atmosphere and sprightly energy. Sprinkled with Jewell’s smooth soulful vocals and rapid almost rap -like lyrics and immediately infectious chorus Jewell showcases his skill for simple, blissful and timeless songwriting.
Stream ‘Rise and Fall’ below
Essex based four piece Youth Club are back with their infectious new independent single ‘Sorry’. Youth Club first caught people’s attention back in May 2014 with their self-released debut EP ʻColoursʼ, which stormed the official independent singles charts reaching 25 and hit No. 7 in the iTunes alternative charts. They have graced the stages of Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Y Not Festival, Standon Calling, Beat Herder, Shazam Summer Party and Kopparberg’s Urban Forest Festival. ‘Sorry’ is a bedazzlement of Youth Club’s beaming tropical pop. The efflux of bright animate synths give this track a magnetic pull and vibrancy. Radiating sunny warm vibes, a balmy atmosphere and smooth spring and bounce in rhythm it oozes elastic slick suave. The soulful velvety vocals adds a heavenly soothing charm and warm quality. ‘Sorry’ has pizzazz and zesty tropical textures that give a refreshing revitalising lift to this infectious track.
You can catch Youth Club live at:
Oct 08 Twisterella Festival, Middlesbrough
Oct 28 Chinnerys, Southend On Sea
Nov 03 The Engine Shed, Lincoln
Dec 14 The Borderline, London
Stream ‘Sorry’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
