Tag Archives: indie rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

The Jackobins ‘Hasty’

 

The Jackobins are a 5-piece alternative rock band from Liverpool. They have taken Liverpool’s and the U.K’s music scene by storm, headlining and selling out prestigious venues such as Liverpool’s O2 Academy, EVAC, Magnet and Camden’s Barfly alongside smaller dates in Leeds, Manchester, Leicester, Sunderland, Stoke and Grimsby. They have also scored themselves support slots with The Enemy, Reverend and The Makers and The Riffles while also appearing on Tramlines, Strawberry Fields, Northbound, X & Y, Party In The Pines, Liverpool Calling, Boondock, Blackthorn, FesEvol and events such as Soccer Six and Football Rocks. We previously featured their track ‘One More Chance’ as our Worth A Listen track earlier this year and they are back with another infectious track ‘Hasty’.
‘Hasty’ is an anthem-like richly textured track with a melody that seeps into your brain and compels you to put on repeat. The track begins with a toe-tappingly good riff and attention grabbing beat. The tease of psychedelic guitars for the verse gives you a taste of whats to come and adds a hypnotic mesmerising texture to the track. Its an upbeat track with dark undertones. The contrast between the bobbing rhythm and dynamic vocals with the intoxicating trance like guitar is effective and shows the diversity of The Jackobins. The vocals exude swagger and emotion and have a strut quality. The bridge softens with a more hypnotic, intense and euphoric vibe with softer vocals and repeated lyrics. The bass is elastic and malleable yet subtle giving a enticing feel that is light but enough to be effective and luring. The track builds again for an energetic and charismatic end.
Another fantastic track from The Jackobins!
The Jackobins are playing a number of festival shows and headline dates this summer you can catch them at:
Jul 22 Tramlines, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Jul 23 Blackthron Festival, Castlehead, United Kingdom
Jul 29 Y Not Festival,Pikehall, United Kingdom
Jul 30 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
Aug 06 Sunflower Fest Hillsborough, United Kingdom
Aug 20 Glass Butter Beach, Abersoch, United Kingdom
Sep 02 The Plug, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Nov 26 Kazoopa, Leeds, United Kingdom
Stream ‘Hasty’ below

Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock, Synth Rock

Mini Mansions ‘Fiona’

Los Angeles band Mini Mansions will be releasing a collection of B-Side tracks entitled ‘Flashbacks’ in September. The trio (vocals and drummer Michael Shuman, vocals and keyboardist Tyler Parkford, bassist and multi instrumentalist Zachary Dawes) released their critically acclaimed second album ‘The Great Pretenders’ in 2015. While eager fans await their return with their third album, Mini Mansions have decided to ease their withdrawal symptoms a little and let them indulge on some unreleased/unheard B-Sides.
‘Fiona’ is one of the tracks on the lineup for ‘Flashbacks’ and it gives us a nostalgic glimpse of the Mini Mansions we heard on their 2010 self titled debut. ‘Fiona’ has a dreamy swoon like tone, drenched in psychedelia with dark undertones. The diversity between Parkford’s sweet falsetto and Shuman’s warm deep vocals is refreshing. Their vocals intertwine and switch ranges all while harmonising, blending and swirling in a lush melody. Dawes’ elastic bass gives a smooth seductive tone to the track while the drums provide a staggering swagger. The track reels you in from the start and seems to coax you with its luxurious irresistible melody. It builds to a massive crescendo with distorted bass and climatic instrumentation before slowing the tone to a soft gentle echo finish.
‘Fiona’ is another fantastic example of Mini Mansions superior musicianship.Their music is a work of art, refined yet dynamic. Lyrically and instrumentally they are setting the bar high for other musicians. It is clear this trio are getting bigger and better.
You can pre-order ‘flashbacks’ here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/mini-mansions

Watch ‘Fiona’ below

 

 

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

Strange Bones ‘God Save The Teen’

Strange Bones are a trio from Blackpool, consisting of two brothers Bob and Will Bentham and a childhood friend Stuart Newburn. Their track ‘Sick Of It All (SOIA)’, which was mixed by Dan Lancaster (Bring Me The Horizon, Mallory Knox, Don Broco) has gained them attention at Kerrang! Radio and BBC Radio 1. They released earlier this year an untameable three-track punk rock EP called ‘God Save The Teen’
‘God Save The Teen’ is the title track from this EP.  Its a raw fierce argumentative track with an infectious slick hook and soul pounding thunderous drums. The vocals are shouty at times with a howl like tone and of course a throat tearing scream texture. This track though it has an aggressive appearance at first is underlined with a slick sensual swagger that is captivating and makes you want to keep listening. With its anthem like energetic chorus teamed with a fuzzed rumble rebellious sound this track is raw and real, there is no illusion, its fantastically gritty and razor sharp .
Watch ‘God Save The Teen Below’

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Motions ‘Back To Where I Begun’

motions

Motions are an alternative rock band based in Dublin formed by Tom Daly and Dave Nulty. They have released their debut single ‘Back To Where I Begun’ which was produced by Philip Magee. The track deals with the theme of contemplating starting over when you’re close to the point of no return.
‘Back To Where I Begun’ starts with a strong raspy vocal with very light accompaniment that builds slightly for the first chorus with dramatic chord strides and pulsating beats. The track slowly builds tension for the second verse with an added dance synth quality and bendable beat. The return of the chorus brings us a brief instrumental blast with dynamic strident guitars. The track reaches its crescendo with an aerial yet strong instrumental with shredding guitars and pounding drums while still holding an atmospheric breezy vibe.
‘Back To Where I Begun’ is a strong debut single with an impressive rhythm that drives the track forward and gives a bendable quality to the track. The vocals are solid and emotion filled while the guitars are sharp and refreshing. A great start for Motions look forward to hearing more.
Watch Motions we recently released a video for ‘Back To Where I Begun’ with Crooked Gentlemen below

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

Trickster Guru ‘Problem Child’

Trickster Guru is the alternative rock and electronic project of Los Angeles singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Christopher Caplan. Trickster Guru’s debut EP ‘Problem Child’, was released earlier this year. He has also released a video for the title track ‘Problem Child’.
‘Problem Child’ is a innovative emotional track that tells us a story by beautifully fusing vintage rock and soul with the excitement and innovation of modern electronic synth. The track begins with a steady fuzzed beat that holds the foundation throughout the track. The vocals enter in a smooth tender manner. This track flows fluidly with a sway waltz -like quality. The addition of the synths and beats from alternative electronic co-producer AWAY enhances the passion and evokes the emotion of desire in the track giving an effective release of tension for the crescendo. Caplan has a deep smooth velvety vocal which is luring and seductive. With a dark mysterious atmosphere lingering in the background while the soft instrumentation and vocals attempt to ease your mind this track evokes every emotion and creates goosebumps while you are seduced by its melody and swoon like atmosphere of indulgence.

Watch ‘Problem Child’ below

90's Grunge, Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Grunge, Indie, New Music, Punk Rock, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Fangclub

 

Fangclub are a Garage rock band from Dublin. Band members Steven King, Kevin Keane and Dara Coleman released their EP ‘Bullet Head’ this year and we have chosen the title track as our worth a listen track.
‘Bullet Head’ is an energetic, gritty, grunge rock track that is reminiscent of the 90’s style organic rock. The track begins with an infectious guitar riff intro that builds into a fantastic mosh with pounding drums and vigorous guitars. The verse stalls the mosh and is delivered in a shadowy, cool yet intense manner. With light instrumentation while the vocals are smooth and clear with a slight rasp giving a gritty texture to the track that is enticing. It then explodes into the chorus with dynamic and animated vocals, shredding guitar and thunderous strong rhythm. The chorus is lyrically simple and infectious and difficult not to sing along to. With its punk attitude for the chorus and intense dark verse which has a luring and captivating effect this track shows how diverse Fangclub are.
A Fantastic track which I can imagine is insane when performed live!
You can catch them live at
Jul 24 Knockanstockan Festival,Wicklow
Jul 29 Indiependence Festival Mitchelstown
4 Aug , Whelans Upstairs, Dublin
Watch ‘Bullet Head’ below

Alt Rock, EP Review, Grunge, Hard Rock, indie rock, Punk Rock, Rock

Bad Grammar ‘You’re Welcome’ EP

Bad Grammar are rock grunge duo Ben Forrester and Lucy Brown from Manchester. Their EP ‘Forced Fun’ which was released in 2014 fell into the hands of party punk king Andrew WK, who selected the band to perform as part of 2014’s Y Not Festival. The duo have already picked up coverage from XFM, 6Music and Radio 1, along with recent new music features in NME, Clash and Artrocker. They released their EP ‘You’re Welcome’ last year.
‘You’re Welcome’ is a four track frenzy filled forcefully energetic EP, that is bursting with grunge and punk attitude. The EP begins with ‘Death Stare’ a rapid neck breaking  mosh worthy track. With a massive riff, soul shaking drums and screaming vocals its not for the faint hearted. ‘Sandra’ follows in the same manner causing as much turmoil as physically possible. With a fantastic guitar feature that breaks up the track followed but rumbling drums that create anticipation for the hardcore head slamming instrumental, an epic circle of death track. ‘Killjoy’ again summons your inner tyrant as the instruments explode with turmoil.  It begins with distorted guitar that sounds like a wasp buzzing around you head. The catchy riffs and thunderous drums keep you on your toes and in a manic frenzy. ‘Tropical Dance’ finishes the EP. It oozes swagger with a sensual body moving fuzzed bass. Bad Grammar keep the rapid tempo and attitude of the previous tracks while remaining cool and smooth with the riff. They of course give you the chance to headband and go wild but not too much, they hold the turmoil back a little to leave you wanting more.
Stream ‘You’re Welcome’ below

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

White Crosses ‘Dead Souls’

White Crosses Band 1

Hailing from Warsaw (Poland) alternative punk band White Crosses, featuring the creative partnership of Konrad Sloka (Vocals/Guitar), Sebastian Prokop (Guitar), Stefan Banaszynski (Bass) and Marcin Plocha (Drums) have released a video for their single ‘Dead Souls’. The quartet produced big waves in their native country with their acclaimed EP release ‘Native Handshakes’ in 2015. They have recently joined forces with UK indie label Engineer Records and ‘Dead Souls’ is a taste of things to come from their forthcoming EP ‘Anchorless’.
‘Dead Souls’ is a hefty steady alternative pop punk track with strident guitars that drive the track forward. The punchy drums and exuberant bass give a strong foundation to the track. The heavy drum kicks for the verse giving the track a punch and weighty feel while the vocals are simple yet effective for the verse and become more animated for the chorus as they portray the honest lyrics with passion and emotion. I can imagine this song is massive live as it is set up for all the dramatic guitar poses and spins with dramatic breaks and attitude.
Watch ‘Dead Souls’ below

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Smooth Rock

Hide&Seek ‘Ready Or Not Pt1’

Hide&Seek are an Indie band from London. Niall, Sam, Bant Ant and James have been creating a name for themselves with their energetic live shows that come alive and will have you laughing and dancing. They have supported acts such as the Amazons, Declan McKenna and Lisbon. They have already started playing some of London’s best live venues and gigs including the Barfly, Sofar Sessions and the Bloomsbury Bowl as well as getting various bookings with Mama Group.
They have just released their debut EP ‘Ready Or Not Pt1’ which is full of warm indie pop rock tracks that are just blissful. The EP kicks things off with ‘Saturday Night’ its light rumbling drums and bright guitars to start sets the track off strong for the verses they then hit the chorus with a heavier sound with a rock and roll dance vibe. The sharp refreshing perky guitar feature and mosh like instrumental towards the end of the track adds a light sunny feel and also gives us that rock element to sink our teeth into. ‘Drugs’ begins with a zesty guitar riff that radiates sunny vibes and with  soft bouncy beats this track is ablaze with sunshine. Its a beaming indie pop/rock track that is bursting with feel good vibes. ‘Darling’ closes the EP with a more sombre tone. This melodic track is sweet and catchy with gentle instrumentation accompaniment that runs smoothly with lush harmonies in backing vocals for the chorus which lifts the track and gives it a sing along effect.
‘Ready Or Not Pt1’ is a strong debut EP which shows Hide&Seek’s style and talent. Each track has its own identity while blending well with the other tracks and showcasing their musicianship. Look forward to hearing more from Hide&Seek.
Stream ‘Ready Or Not Pt1’ below.

Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Blues, Indie Pop, New Music, psychedelic, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes from Ethan & The Reformation

Manchester’s Psychedelic Rock/Pop band Ethan & The Reformation have decided to release their track ‘Hollandia’ as it is going to be used on a TV advert. As I’m sure you know by now we at Indie Buddie are becoming big fans of Ethan & The Reformation as they have constantly impressed us with every tune they have been throwing at us. So naturally we decided to make ‘Hollandia’ our Worth A Listen Track this week.
‘Hollandia’ is a Psychedelic gritty blues rock track with a slick dirty bass riff that sticks in your head. The steady bendable beat gives a hypnotic effect that lures you into the track. While the zesty psychedelic guitar plays a light melody that swirls in your head giving an intoxicated effect. The vocals are raspy and gritty which adds a brawny quality to the verse. The chorus is lyrically simple and repetitive and sung in the higher range of vocals, this adds to the hypnotic effect and makes this track unforgettable.
Another fantastic track form Ethan & The Reformation you can buy ‘Hollandia’ now on iTunes via their own label, Bohemian Sex Club.
Stream ‘Hollandia’ below