Tag Archives: Indie Psychedelic

Album Review, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Hola Chica ‘Marbella’ Album

Barcelona indie pop band Hola Chica have returned with their latest album, ‘Marbella’. The five piece have been on tour since the release of their first album ‘Magnetism’ in 2016. Playing at Taubertal Festival and BIME Festival, as well as all over Spain they have been creating an energetic and psychedelic live show that is communicated through their latest release.

 ‘Marbella’ is a wonderfully colourful display of Hola Chica’s indie psychedelic pop as the band ease you into their smooth sound with intricate musicianship which leads effortlessly into their massive bag of sonic tricks. The band conjure disco funk and snappy beats to create a clean polished sound. With beautifully manicured synths weaving between floaty melodies and zesty radiant guitars, tracks like ‘Asleep’,Off My Mind’ and ‘Feels Like’ rush with a danceable groove that is infectious while velvety vocals coo through prismatic soundscapes and dreamy melodies.

‘Free Your Soul’ wraps layers of shimmering synths over catchy pop melodies while scorching guitars and humid beats intoxicate and smother the buoyant and vibrant background.The band glitter the album in 70’s disco elements and 80’s pop sheens as they inject a hazy shade of hippie splendour and trip hop hues through ‘Same Old Thing’ and ‘Falling Apart’. Hola Chica have managed to create a psych album that is so drifty and light however, they use dazzling soundscapes and adrenaline rushing instrumentation to keep the album rushing along. 

‘Never Gonna See You Again’ slows the pace a little as brooding melodies float over a subtle bubbling soundscape and chiming light atmosphere. The lamenting guitars pine over the dreamy backdrop with a piercing sting while the keys twinkle through a steady beat creating a rich and wistful number brimming with emotive qualities.The detailed production and rich instrumentation throughout the album adds a dash of sunshine in each track. From the soft rock groove and elastic bass line of ‘Make It’, the glistening epic guitar in ‘Your Time’ to the glimmering suave charm of final track ‘Fade Away’, Hola Chica make sure you are bouncing and swirling in their trippy soothing sounds and lush instrumentation all the way through.

‘Marbella’ is a luminous album laced in fresh, sun kissed vibes, good times and utterly mesmerising instrumentation as Hola Chica blend, refine and brew their fruity, floaty psychedelic pop with a dash of indie and a hint of funk to create a euphoric and vibrant listening experience. 

Stream ‘Marbella’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ EP

Sun Mahshene, Ireland’s premier shoegaze / noise-rock band have released a new digital EP , ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. Coming off the back of a successful 2019, the EP contains two previously unreleased Sun Mahshene tracks along with their three critically acclaimed singles, Tales of Fiction, Leave This City and This Girl I Know. All tracks were recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty (Fontaines DC, Vulpynes, Slyrydes, Damien Dempsey, Sombodys Child).

With psychedelic adrenaline-filled highs and fuzz fueled intensity smudged into sweet melodies and a thrilling wall of sound ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is laced in Sun Mahshene’s first rate and exhilarating musicianship. The EP is the prismatic swirling home of ‘Tales of Fiction’, ‘Leave This City’ and ‘This Girl I Know’ – three sublime singles previously featured on Indie Buddie. The composition within these tracks are rich and thoughtful as dreamy melodies drift above a fizzing underbelly of dynamic, crashing and frenetic instrumentation.  It is easy to get lost in the layers of intricate wobbly guitars lines, rooted bass grooves and punchy drums as acid soaked distortion swirls prismatic facets of blinding scintillation between the effortless cool vocal delivery by Nathan Henderson.

The band warp, dazzle and bend genres with tracks like ‘Ride The Wave’. Opulent textures create a psych pop mirage through a heavy alternative sonic sheen while a moody grunge – esque melody floats lucidly over this dazing harsh backdrop as if aloof to the bubbling mania beneath. ‘Demons Gold’ closes the EP on a high. The band craft wonderful component parts to produce a mellowed gem brimming with intricacies. From the lamenting guitars weaving elegantly between thumping drums and shimmering keys the track maintains the band’s majestic intense sound with a level of grace and prowess only Sun Mahshene can do.

‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is an impressive display of musicianship from Sun Mahshene.Their ability to create implosive epic tunes which exude exquisite production is mesmerising.

Stream ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, Electronic, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music

Something Leather ‘Midnight Reverie’ EP

Photo Credit : Jessie Morgan

Brighton three-piece Something Leather is set to release their debut EP ‘Midnight Reverie’, on 17th April.The trio have already gained a reputation for explosive live shows thanks to a host of support slots with up-and-coming bands including Black Midi, Saint Agnes, Sophie and the Giants, Calva Louise and Phobophobes.A triumphant 2019 saw successful UK and European tours establish an increasing following for the band.The year culminated with latest single ‘Lullaby’ garnering further support from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq.

‘Midnight Reverie’ is a sleek streamlined EP swirled in sultry dark psychedelic tones. Something Leather inject gritty indie rock, opaque pop and ominous atmospheres into ‘Midnight Reverie ‘to create a sublime EP of tremendous magnitude. The production and craftsmanship of this EP is fantastic. The band take their elegant psych rock and mince it into a mirage of dazed pop elements. Each track drags you further into their mesmerising and bewitching sound.

With a sinister flurry of guitars ’Trip To The Sun’ kick starts the EP. Sultry and mind melting the track whirls through dizzying acid dipped electronics while a steady pounding beat and eerie organ – esque elements create that spine chilling backbone. Phillie Etta Jane’s vocals are the sweet hauntingly lulling constant within each track. She creates a soft delicate moment within each song while exuding a sultry panache effortlessly. The dreamy melodies compliment her vocals superbly as they hush and entice you into the harrowing entrapment created by the instrumentation – it’s a bait your ears will willingly take.

The trio write catchy and mystical tunes with a heavy backdrop that is irresistible.’Farewell Fareworse’ has a Sleater-Kinney residue over the distorted electrical mayhem while the prowess on guitars pine and wail with intent over the crashing wall of sound. There is controlled chaos within this EP as the band weave vintage qualities with wild guitars and relentless synths to create their own unique, harrowing yet velvety sleek sound.The noir pop peppered ‘Midnight Dive’ shows a melancholic side to Something Leather. The dreamy whimsical brooding display flows with flashings of black and white west coast images of sulky bliss. This narcotic soothing track drifts with twanging pines on guitar as the track dissolves into multi fragments of laid back moody indie pop. Like all Something Leather songs the track builds to a fizzing crescendo that evaporates your mind. It’s a tragic, beautiful and darkly-shaded pinnacle moment of the EP.

The band return to their seductive and menacing grit for final track ‘Down Another One’. Another stand out number, the drama and intensity of this song is immense. Like daggers, the drums relentlessly pierce and pound while growling backing vocals haunt the backdrop. The jabbing guitars, distorted roars and spine chilling wall of sound create a creepy gut wrenching atmosphere while Phillie Etta Jane’s breathy yet sweet vocals build the tracks momentum. It’s heavy, dark and brilliant. 

‘Midnight Reverie’ is a dark concoction of tracks to bask and submerge yourself in. With such murky and sultry cinematic melancholia steeped in elements of psychedelia, indie rock and electronic pop Something Leather have created one first rate body of work. There are distinct moments of brilliance within ‘Midnight Reverie’ that set the bar high making Something Leather one of the most exciting bands around right now. 

‘Midnight Reverie’ EP will be released on April 17th until then check out the video for the bands recent single ‘Farewell Fareworse’ below


Author : Danu

electro - rock, Electronic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Synk ‘Make it Swim’

Dublin five-piece Electronic Rock band Synk have released a live video of their song ‘Make it Swim’ When we asked the band about the video James Lonergan told us : “We shot the video in our rehearsal room in North Strand which is literally a railway arch beneath the Dublin – Sligo line. The train passes overhead every 10/15 minutes. While mixing the audio for the video we noticed that it can be heard faintly during the first crescendo. Our dear friend Jason Brennan shot the video a week before moving to Texas and did the edit in a trailer out somebody’s back garden in Austin. The audio was mixed by our own Daniel Smith & Evan Kennedy.”

‘Make it Swim’ is a dark, lulling and sometimes turbulent musical labyrinth as Synk entwine the mind in themes of fear and loss through deep passionate musicianship. A sombre melody is emotionally caressed and tenderly expressed through touching soulful vocals with a rock -esque rasp that floods the track in powerful outbursts. The band create a chilling shadowy atmosphere with pulsing thuds on drums while glistening melodies on guitar meander with a majestic delicate innocence and poignant pines. ‘Make it Swim’ takes you on an emotional journey as the band weave psychedelic tones masterfully with rock, electronic and indie elements to create something utterly compelling. The track takes on many forms, from a heavy crashing wall of sound drowning in pain and bitterness to lulling sweet calms of dreamy numbness to create a vivid listening experience which is rich in depth and refined intricacies. There is something truly compelling about this band’s tunes and ‘Make It Swim’ submerges you in the intense and broad spectrum that is Synk’s wonderful sound.

Watch the video for ‘Make it Swim’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Something Leather ‘Lullaby’

Something Leather have shared their new single, ‘Lullaby ’released via We Can Do It Records. The band have been hailed as one of the most exciting bands on the Brighton music scene.The band have announced an exclusive ‘Lullaby’ vinyl package in association with Flying Vinyl, which will feature the new single and their highly acclaimed previous single ‘Velvet’ released earlier this year.Something Leather have recently supported a multitude of upcoming bands including the likes of Black Midi, Calva Louise, Valeras, Phobophobes, Madonnatron,Saint Agnes and JOHN, gaining a significant buzz since the release of their debut single ‘Shotgun Persona’.

‘Lullaby’ is a chilling psychedelic entrapment of retro steamed alternative rock as Something Leather create an eerie, creeping soundscape filled with perilous bliss. Eerie organ jingles seep into the track with ghostly terror. A driving bass lurks in the background slithering through a wiggle-inducing progression while the 70’s hued shimmy beat adds that dance-able light quality. The sultry vocals coo and seduce with a wispy vaporous quality through the ominous soundscape as the sharp guitars wriggle with a tightening claustrophobic grip. It’s a sublime haunting number that is utterly infectious and sure to have you hooked on Something Leather’s unique bewitching sound. 

About the track the band said : “Lullaby’ is the sweet temptation of dwelling in the past instead of moving on, the comforting call to press pause or rewind when it’s actually necessary to go ahead, There’s calm and stillness as well as action and urgency all side by side–replicated in the song itself. Can we actually break free from a lullaby’s spell?You tell us..”

Stream ‘Lullaby’ below 


Author : Danu

Brit Punk, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Jake Regan ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’

Photo Credit : Liam Farrell.

Dublin multi-instrumentalist Jake Regan has released a new double single ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’. Jake Regan used to be the frontman of the band Segrasso. Early last year he decided to end the band and start making music on his own. Regan has been playing gigs with a band under the name Jake Regan and the Loverboys, but when he records music, he plays all the instruments himself.

‘Unfair’ is a sulky whack of abrasive alternative punk as Jake Regan fleshes out his unique songwriting in a pop smacked yet raw track. The wailing, stinging guitar cuts into the pulverising drums and grit smudged wall of sound. Moaning, gloomy vocals murmur through the verses while a stomping beat reinforces the anguish and fury however the depressed tantrum-soaked chorus is superbly contrasted with a breezy infectious melody and lighter tone. With its 70’s-esque Brit punk hues and shredding musicianship Regan displays his frustration at the “sell out “ copycat bands with a hint of comical irony.

‘Stay’ dollops on some shoegaze into Regan’s sound. Hazy and wrapped in a bitter sweet hue of nostalgia this lo-fi ditty broods in a wistful melody as Regan’s reverb lace vocals pine and coo in a blanket of sorrow. Doused in psychedelic tones the guitar-stings pierce throughout while the punchy drums batter in the background. This raw, heart-bleeding track grooves with a grunge backdrop against mopey pop elements. The soft melody wisps about the track melting into the downcast atmosphere.The warm biting guitar jingles and glimmers – lighting the chorus with its spark of luminosity through the mist. Utterly mesmerising and compelling this track hits you in the chest with passion and longing while also packing in some sublime and refined instrumentation.

Both ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ showcase how mature, passionate and exquisite Jake Regan is as an artist. He blends genres beautifully creating tracks that majestically blossom into a fine body of work.

Stream ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ below 


Author : Danu

Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Shoegaze

doops ‘The Lost’

Reading based alternative three piece doops have released their new single ‘The Lost’. This intense luring track weaves and wriggles around a spacious creeping atmosphere and rich intricacies creating a psychedelic labyrinth of melodies and soundscapes. Twinkling guitars entwine the track in an eerie yet sweet melody that meanders throughout the spine chilling backdrop. The sinister vocals whisper while the steady beat creates a constant to hold on to as the song spirals into a shoegaze hued psych trip. Laced in wispy ethereal vibes doops create a bottomless abyss as they lead you into this mesmerising track with light airy tones meaty rhythms and haunting reverb. The track builds becoming more perilous as the instrumentation and vocals intensify for the crashing crescendo. Well crafted and superbly fermented this track carefully coils and simmers for an almost claustrophobic effect as each component part wraps you more tightly in its entrapment and darkly smothered depths. A magnificent and chilling track from doops. 

Stream ‘The Lost’ below 


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

SAD FUNERAL ‘Gone’

SAD FUNERAL is set to release their debut single ‘Gone’ on June 7th.This psychedelic number flows like liquid gold bliss into the ears with a velvety dreamy texture as chiming guitars wobble through the prismatic floaty soundscape.With lush vocals cooing and caressing the melty smooth melody this kaleidoscopic daydream is a tight trippy bubble of delight. A soft beat taps and bounces behind a mesmerising bass line which delicately rumbles creating a hypnotic atmosphere for the wispy soundscapes to drift beautifully around. Well crafted and sublimely chill ‘Gone’ is a lava lamp of captivating psych pop.  

Stream ‘Gone’ below


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘This Girl I Know’

After the success of their last single ‘Leave This City’, and a busy summer of festival appearances ahead. Dublin’s Sun Mahshene have released their powerful and poignant new single ‘This Girl I Know’. This is the band’s third single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. It was recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty.

‘This Girl I Know’ wraps your ears in Sun Mahshene’s melodically rich musicianship. A psych hued shoegaze wall of sound delicately caresses the soft verses while Nathan Henderson’s vocals melt upon the sweet nostalgic melody. This track seeps deep into the brain with a fuzzy dreamy atmosphere as ethereal guitar distortion and soft rhythms whirl with heart stopping vigor while creating a marshmallow comforting effect. The melancholic tone sweetly wisps about the track as Sun Mahshene display their musical finesse effortlessly. These guys have some serious talent. Their ability to create a wholly invigorating track while showcasing tender emotion as well as  building and layering their music in intricate instrumentation is mesmerising and oh so lush on the ears. The shrills and pines on guitar are majestic as graceful keys, warm bass and subtle percussion jingles all create the intricate and utterly profound sound that is the glorious delight of Sun Mahshene’s tunes.

Stream ‘This Girl I Know’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

The Shipbuilders ‘Silk Road’

Liverpool’s very own gypsy-rock band, The Shipbuilders, have released their latest doubled-sided single, ‘Silk Road’ which marks a moment of change for the band, their first release under new label Mai 68.

‘Silk Road’ is a beautiful number glistening with lustrous guitar lines, buoyant rhythms and a velvety melody as The Shipbuilders present a rich, dreamy 60’s hued track to indulge in. The band layer the song sublimely with blissful guitar twinkling between a satin indie pop sheen of delight. It’s an authentic heart warming track that creates magical tones of wonder through charming and refined musicianship. With soft vocals, a catchy melody and floaty psychedelic soundscapes this silken track glides effortlessly into your ears ready to prompt repeat plays.

The band will play a string of shows in the upcoming months.
You can catch them live at:

Eagle Inn – Salford – 14th June

Un Deg Un – Wrexham 21tst June

Fox & Newt – Leeds – 20th July

Kendal Calling – 27th July

Stream ‘Silk Road’ below