Tag Archives: indie punk

Alt Rock, EP Review, Garage Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Vulpynes ‘Dye Me Red’ EP

Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting new Irish rock bands in recent years. They have released their second EP ‘Dye Me Red’. Vulpynes’ self titled debut EP was released on UK indie label Headcheck Records last year. Since then, the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.

‘Dye Me Red’ is Vulpynes most thrilling EP to date. The duo have refined their battering rock with acid garage elements and punk persona with such precise detail its awe inspiring. The ferocity and explosive energy shoot like acid soaked missiles from each track as the dark and foreboding wall of sound consumes you and traps you in their brand of alternative rock. ‘I Can’t Sit Still’ kicks off the EP. The gritty riffs suffocate and scorch the track in a humid harsh atmosphere while the bruising assault on drums creates a flexible and powerful foundation. Molly’s vocals are commanding throughout and possibly the most compellingly forceful female punk vocals on the Dublin scene at the moment. She has depth and subtlety in her voice that adds genuine weight to the punk rock anthems, The razor cut guitar chords in ‘Bitches Are Like Waves’ lacerate with a majestic quality while Kaz on drums keeps the rhythm fast and furious. The high intensity of their tracks make them flow together seamlessly as Vulpynes present this four track EP in a quick poisonous dose. The duo have always moved through their tracks with relentless stamina, bashing their thunderous sound through each release. However this EP showcases a shift in perception, they maintain their raucous style from previous singles like ‘OCD’ and ‘’Silica’ but now they have polished and sharpened their sound to create something more intoxicating. The second half of the EP shows this superbly. ’It Washes Out’ crawls under your skin with distortion-filled verses before the chorus strikes you into submission. There is equal measure of rough punk and smooth slinky rock to create a fierce wall of sound that encompasses Marilyn Manson with some Jack White glittering throughout. ‘The Hunt’ brings the album to a frantic close. I have never heard this band exude more swagger and brutality before. There is a hint of The Prodigy in this savage number as the drums pulverize between the dizzying guitar lines to create a brain frothing sinister number. It’s absolutely outstanding. 

Vulpynes have come a long way since their early days. They display their most intense gnawing sound yet in ‘Dye Me Red’. It’s a spitting,lacerating, compelling and utterly enjoyable EP.

Stream ‘Dye Me Red’ 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

Alt Rock, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock

Slyrydes ‘Out Patience’

Galway band Slyrydes have released their new single ‘Out Patience’. The band comprised of Marc Raftery (Vocals), Mark Comer (Guitar), Fuz Reilly (Bass Guitar), Paul Clarke (Drums) have had support slots with Fight Like Apes, Palma Violets and PEACE, on top of festival appearances and regular headline shows around Ireland. The band have also been played frequently on Today fm, 2fm, RTE radio one, Radio Nova, BBC radio Foyle and Radio X in the UK as well as many regional stations.

With shrilling distortion and a thumping beat pounding adrenaline into your veins ‘Out Patience’ displays Slyrydes commanding robust sound in all its powerful might. Gritty, sharp and laced in acid soaked guitar lines this corrosive blast of raw punk rock hits hard and bulldozes into your brain. The guitars weave from rough acute lacerations to refined wails while the rooted bass groove rumbles beneath creating a fluctuant foundation between the pulverising drums. With screaming vocals and an all round dark eerie atmosphere it’s one hell-raising belter. There is refined guitar moments within this track as they slink, slither and weave between the verses and sleek solo before the track breaks into all out anarchy. ‘Out Patience’ is one exhilarating whirlwind from Slyrydes.

Watch the video for ‘Out Patience’ below 


Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Tundra ‘You’re Welcome’

Tundra have released their new single ‘You’re Welcome’ today. Tundra are an indie-punk band from Bury St Edmunds, who have been picking up momentum nationally following the release of their single ‘Navy Red’, which was released in April 2019 and received national & international airplay including BBC 6 Music (Steve Lamacq), Amazing Radio (Charlie Ashcroft) and Radio X (John Kennedy). The band have previously supported Marmozets, Milk Teeth, Muncie Girls and Gaffa Tape Sandy, in addition to performing at Strawberry Fair, SwanFest and BNatural.

‘You’re Welcome’ is a blustery punk smacked indie number that whirlwinds in with Tundra’s brisk energetic sound and infectious songwriting. An elastic bass weaves between jangly guitar lines and punchy drums while expressive vocals ooze attitude and aggro into the track. The guitars crash and blast into the fiery backdrop with relentless stamina while the infectious melody and dynamic chorus is designed for live crowds to scream back. It’s a vigorous, razor sharp number brimming with adrenaline. 

You can stream ‘You’re Welcome’ below


Blues Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, New Music, Punk Rock

The Thrash Blues ‘Halo’

Dublin Band The Thrash Blues have released their new single ‘Halo’ via Tailbone Music.With its suave retro punk coating The Thrash Blues present their raw energy and dynamic musicianship through the cool breezy medium of ‘Halo’. The infectious riff rumble and punchy drums set the foundation for this enticing track as the sweet vocals coo and effortlessly float over the gritty backdrop. The track builds seamlessly into a rolling rock infused blast as the guitar becomes heavier leading into a shredding solo. ‘Halo’ both scorches and cools with effortless swagger as The Thrash Blues display their groove infested slick sound.

Stream ‘Halo’ below


Indie Punk, New Music, Punk Rock

Arcadian Shadows ‘Valediction’

Dublin indie punk band Arcadian Shadows have released their debut single ‘Valediction’.This punchy punk number stomps about with jagged guitar riffs slicing through a steady drum thud while raspy vocals spit out the attitude soaked lyrics. The track drives through, gritty and raw as the sharp instrumentation provides a lean mean backdrop for the vocals and melody. With a lush falsetto chorus and shredding guitar solo , ‘Valediction’ is a solid debut from  Arcadian Shadows.

Stream  ‘Valediction’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Pretty Happy ‘EGO, NO EGO’ EP

Hot off the release of single ‘Mr Crabs’ in February of this year, Cork based indie-punk trio Pretty Happy have released their debut EP, ‘EGO, NO EGO’. The group, consisting of brother/sister duo Arann (lead vocals, bass) & Abbey Blake (Guitar) and Andy Killian on Drums have built a solid reputation as one of Cork’s most charismatic and creative live bands over the past 18 months.

There is a lot of character and intriguing elements to ‘EGO, NO EGO’ as Pretty Happy finely blend some punk rawness with indie melodies and lush instrumentation. It’s a refined body of work, unique in its obscurities and filled with refreshing tunes, quirky interludes and catchy as hell melodies. ‘Note To Self: Don’t Buy Any More Skittles’ – a spoken snippet with delusion inducing sounds takes us into the sublime world Pretty Happy have created. There is a groovy shimmy from ‘Shut Up’ as the bass wiggles through a punchy drum beat while suave guitars jangle about the track. The lush backing vocals hold that infectious melody while the screaming, needy main vocals yelp hysterically. The lyrics are humorous and the track seamlessly wanders between brain crashing frenzy and sweetly mellow creating a thrilling psychotic sense of comfort.Indie Buddie favourite  ‘Mr. Crabs’ follows with its swagger drenched persona pounding though your brain with no shame. There is a theatrical flavour to these tunes and Pretty Happy blend this drama with absolutely mesmerising instrumentation and rhythms. Each track is unforgettable, unique and wholly mind boggling. ‘Eugene Completely Sold Me Out, Even Though I Let Him Give Me a Skittle for a Ride Home. Hell Yeah!’ is an interesting interlude that has to be experienced to be believed. ‘Delay’ peppers the EP in indie rock with vibrant guitars glistening with scintillation strengthened by the rooted foundation and thumping beat. The track builds into a dreamy pop speckled chorus. This song meanders from 60’s tones of flower power to reggae- esque hues before its dazzling psychedelic crescendo. A truly trippy and engaging journey, this track is where Pretty Happy showcase their musical prowess. The EP finishes on another obscure number- the short ‘That’s Over- Crooked Man’ another dramatic ditty with snide eerie vocals over a deep bass groove. It’s short but very absorbing ( I  wish there was more of that tune).

These guys have the entertainment down to a tee. Each track is witty and filled with character while the instrumental quality is top notch.  ‘EGO, NO EGO’ is a wholly satisfying and bewitching experience.

About the EP Arann Blake said : “We wanted to release an EP that was fun. Something that captured our personality but also had the energy of our live performance. We were also able to get a bit creative with our drummer Andy Killian producing. Andy was able to do our songs justice whilst still experimenting to make an EP that’s a bit different.”

Stream ‘EGO, NO EGO’ below


Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk

Pretty Happy ‘Mr. Crabs’

Cork based indie/ post punk rogues Pretty Happy have released their new single ‘Mr. Crabs’ from their upcoming EP. This raw track is a groove slapped number that throws unruly punk rock into your face while coarse guitars shred and saw through gravel coated vocals and buoyant rhythms. It’s unique presentation and catchy quirkiness with witty lyrics make this track one entertaining tune. With a punchy backdrop and rowdy soundscape battered through screams and slick instrumentation this trio present a theatrically ominous track that wails with obscure harmonies and a stomping beat.Its pretty thrilling.

Stream ‘Mr. Crabs’ below

https://open.spotify.com/track/3lkVZjmSXo8Tb831TOSxDG?si=nGdwdbpUTPGsAK-Mtn1WOw


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

RAIN CREW ‘Honey’ EP

Reading indie band RAIN CREW have released their debut EP ‘Honey’. RAIN CREW are a 4 piece female fronted alt/indie rock band. Having spent the best part of 2018 gigging, the band have shared the stage with the likes of Valeras, Catholic Action, and The Xcerts, playing venues such as Boileroom, West End Centre, O2 Academy Islington and Camden Monarch. The quartet have also had the pleasure of headlining multiple DIY festivals over the summer.

‘Honey’ is a nifty collection of tracks that pack in some hook filled melodies, slick guitar work and tight musicianship. There is something for everyone here – a healthy dose of pop mangled beneath angsty punk, warped through an indie prism. Titled track ‘Honey’ sets the scene. Refined bass tickles behind the luring verses while the sharp guitars stride and crash against punchy drums for the anthemic chorus. Beth Atkinson’s vocals venture from sweet and enticing to powerful and mighty as she holds her own over the mighty instrumental bursts. There is a nice little change-up halfway through the track which brings in lush harmonies and showcases the promising versatility in this band. Following this blistering number with warm tones is ‘Control’ which starts like an acoustic heartwarming slow burner before bursting into another powerful chorus. The luscious blend between delicate warm indie pop and harsh punk is riveting. There are some sublime guitars and bass  moments throughout the EP and RAIN CREW make the most of these placing them in the most glorious places ready to win you over with their lovable melodies and tones. ‘I Don’t Like You’ showcases the bands sassy, swagger soaked attitude with a hint of rock n’ roll driving the instrumental panache while ‘Blink’ brings the EP to a close pushing that catchy vibrant sound home ensuring RAIN CREW aren’t a band you are going to forget. It’s fun, danceable and brimming with gusto.

‘Honey’ is a rich diversified and enjoyable EP that has plenty of special little flickers to ignite your youthful spark and evoke images of live show sing-alongs and bopping mosh pit fans.

Stream ‘Honey’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Punk Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From GURU 

Emerging from the high-rent utopia of Brighton, indie newcomers GURU announce themselves with their irresistible take on punk in the form of debut single ‘Consumer Helpline’. The quartet comprised of Tommy Cherrill (vocals), Kieran Hunter (guitar), Ferg Belfrage (bass) and Simon ‘Danny Boy’ Daniels (drums) have already earned impressive support slots alongside Lady Bird, LIFE and Kagoule and have gained some early praise for their demos (BBC 6 Music).

‘Consumer Helpline’ is a razor sharp well executed slice of raucous punk. Its a swagger dripping fuzzy assault that goes down smooth with a sharp after-sting. Splintery guitars shred and lacerate through the rough rhythmic foundation and battering drum onslaught as the cool easy going vocals suave their way through the verses before stumbling and dramatically exclaiming over the chorus. The track whirlwinds its way into a frenzied thunderous crescendo. Their thrilling brand of psychedelic rock seeps with panache as they pulverize their powerful punk through every fibre of your being. It’s gritty, messy and coarse yet GURU slide in some really slick refined elements to create a wholly satisfying number that whooshes through with pungent adrenaline leaving you craving for more. Keep an eye out for these lads.


Stream  ‘Consumer Helpline’ below

https://soundcloud.com/gurubanduk/consumer-helpline-1