Glasgow/Dundee based singer songwriter,Jamie Button is set to release his second single, ‘Flashbang’ on November 5th. Recorded in Paisley at Jamie McGrory’s (Bay City Rollers) studio JJ Recordings, ‘Flashbang’ involved the help of Button’s live band. Recent iTunes No.1 artist Scott Forsyth provided drums and guitars whilst Gordon Burn (OK Social Club) recorded the bass. The song was produced by Glasgow-based Ross Hamilton (Texas, Saint PHNX, Seafret).
‘Flashbang’ is a dynamic indie rock anthem showcasing irresistible melodies, vibrant instrumentation and Jamie Button’s clever musicianship.It’s sing along ready with a thumping bridge that is sure to be epic live. The track is an instant shot of adrenaline; a punchy rhythmic bounce adds edge to the track while the sharp guitars swirl and soar with a jangly tone. The song’s subject matter focuses on a desire for moments of excitement in a world seemingly gone wrong and how chance meetings can offer a way to feel invigorated again. Button’s warm vocals express excitement and convey the youthful energy within the lyrics with ease creating a relatable indie rock banger.
Jonny Taylor is set to release his debut single ‘Walk Along The River’ on November 5th. Jonny Taylor is a singer/songwriter from Liverpool.His distinctive style echoes the magic and mysteria of the Mersey sound while remaining fresh and exciting for 21st century tastes.
This charming track is a laid back listening experience. Oozing smooth vocals and a psychedelic vibe ‘Walk Along The River’ is surrounded in a relaxed flower power atmosphere while a strident guitar riff provides edge and rock swagger to the song. Taylor layers and crafts the track superbly sprinkling a Beatles-esque tone into his own radiant infectious sound, accompanied by an infectious melody which melts upon a bubbling beat and zest-filled guitar licks with ease. Well crafted and displaying slick instrumentation ‘Walk Along The River’ is a sublime debut from Jonny Taylor.
Jack West has released his new single ‘Missing Out’ featuring Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready. This passionate rock ballad drifts upon a melancholic melody, mature songwriting and brooding instrumentation. A lamenting guitar, elegant frosty piano and steady beat set up an atmospheric lonely scene as West’s rasped coos ( accompanied by haunting backing vocals ) pine through the verses before the track erupts for the chorus. This power ballad oozes rock swagger and gusto as it leads into the emotive hair-raising chorus with pounding drums and sharp guitar lines piercing the icy biting atmosphere. Boasting an epic guitar solo and passionate crescendo, ‘Missing Out’ is a sublime new addition to West’s catalogue.
Thom Southern has released his highly anticipated second single ‘Perfect Someone’. The song was co-produced by the legendary Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, Feeder).After recently bursting onto the scene with the fuzzy debut single ‘Shivers’, the Belfast based artist is already making a powerful and unforgettable first impression.Thom Southern also co-writes and produces for his sister Lucy Gaffney. Following the success of their previous joint ventures Southern and MMODE, the pair are both now simultaneously striking out with exciting solo projects.
‘Perfect Someone’ is a sweet slice of shoegaze. Thom Southern has created a song doused in rich textures and lush tones, he builds the track superbly creating soundscapes so pure and passionate it holds your heart in suspense for each note. With pulsing beats and dreamy melody this chillwave pop tune is saturated in sweet nostalgia. The flashing synths create a mystifying wall of sound as Southern’s velvety vocals coo through the rush of sonic flurries to soothe the scorching backdrop. Exuding tight production and superb musicianship ‘Perfect Someone’ is a beautifully crafted track from Thom Southern.
Thom Southern elaborates on the lyrical sentiment for the new single…“Perfect Someone is a bittersweet story of nostalgia and young love. I wanted to write a song about that moment when out of the blue an old romance pops into your head and takes you straight back to a specific time and place. The lyrics are about finding an old coat that hasn’t been worn in years with a photograph inside one of the pockets. You remember how good that day was but inevitably you know it will never be the same again. I wanted to embody the track with repetitive melodies which create the immediate atmosphere of nostalgia. I used an 808 drum machine to make the track hypnotic to take you through the story in a quick, simple way just like when a memory flashes into your head and then it’s gone.”
Hailing from Tipperary, Kill ‘Em Charlie are a five piece indie rock outfit. Newly re-imagined and taking their sound to blistering new heights, they have released their new EP, ‘I Hope This Works for You (‘Cause it Does for Me)’. Showcasing deft hooks, swaggering musicianship and some seriously slick riffage the EP is an impressive display of indie rock.
The band pivot their slick guitar lines around a punchy drum foundation while elastic wriggles on bass create a dark luring undertone in ‘Dark Maneuvers’ and ‘I’m Not Alone’. The tracks explode with heavy jagged moments of epic alternative rock proportions as Kill ‘Em Charlie build tension through gritty riffs, sweet backing vocal coos and pulverising rhythms which provide a satisfying mosh worthy listening experience.
The band’s clean, catchy and expressive melodies surge adrenaline and panache throughout providing a light and sometimes dreamy release from the crashing wall of sound. However it’s ‘One Thing To Say’ which displays the band’s tight, refined instrumental, and melodic prowess. Showcasing light jangly guitar, jazzy keys and bouncy beats teamed with tropical tones and glimmers of The Strokes between some pretty slick arrangements, the track is a special moment on the EP. It’s dangerously catchy, well crafted and radio ready. The vocals are strong, smooth and blend perfectly with the bands scorching sound.
The five piece keep the EP traveling at high intensity and don’t allow any track to dampen the EP’s stride. Even the glum titled ‘This Is A Proper Quarter Life Crisis’ blazes with lively indie rock, enriched with rampant bass lines, razor sharp guitar lacerations and pulverizing drums – paving the way for the dynamic ’Victoria Avenue’ . Each song on the EP warrants repeat listens and the band use the blazing track ‘I’m Not Alone’ to close the EP, leaving you craving to hear more.
‘I Hope This Works for You (‘Cause it Does for Me)’ is a solid debut EP from Kill ‘Em Charlie. The five piece are showing strong musical growth as they experiment and hone in on their sound. Looking forward to hearing more from this band.
Stream ‘I Hope This Works for You (‘Cause it Does for Me)’ below
Chay Snowdon are an Indie Rock four piece based in Bristol/Plymouth. ‘Tough Guys Die First’ is the second single from Chay Snowdon’s debut EP ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably? (Then We Will Begin)’. The first single released from the EP ‘What the Kids Want’, has already gained playlisting from Planet Rock Radio, multiple plays from Serious XM in America and brilliant backing from BBC Introducing in the South West. It also received repeated plays on Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6 Music drive time show as well as his recommends show. Chay Snowdon have been selling out their own headline shows time and time again, as well as playing some amazing festivals including Liverpool Sound City, 2000 Trees, , Y-Not Festival, Boardmasters, Dot To Dot Festival, Lechlade Festival, Oceanfest, Chagstock and Looe Music Festival.
‘Tough Guys Die First’ is another blazing rock anthem from Chay Snowdon. With scorching guitars, pummeling drums and a raw bassline the track exudes swagger and kinetic energy. These guys have a knack for creating powerful tunes sure to ignite a live audience and ‘Tough Guys Die First’ is no exception. The band provide an adrenaline-inducing rock n roll number laced in lean mean grooves, dynamic vocals and soaring guitar refrains. With a shredding solo and epic crescendo it is arena-ready rock rearing to go.
Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue have returned with their scorching new single ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. Steamrolling in, swagger drenched and rearing to go, the band present one hell of a belter with ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. With sharp blistering guitar riffs ricocheting off the battering drum and steamy bass grooves the track is a hefty onslaught of rock. The song has a strutting yet raucous quality as bluesy licks weave between a raw alternative wall of sound. With clever lyrics, slick vocals and infectious melody teamed with crashing chorus explosions and dynamic crescendo, there is no denying the talent and kinetic energy this band possess. ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’ is a glorious alternative rock mammoth ready to blow your mind.
Bob Baker has released his debut EP ‘The Bob Baker Sound’. His debut single ‘The Way It Is’ got its first radio play as a featured track on BBC Introducing in the East Midlands as well as becoming Track of the Week on BBC Radio Derby.
‘The Bob Baker Sound’ is a jaunty cohesive collection of tracks doused in Bob Baker’s heartfelt, light and utterly enjoyable musicianship. With driving rhythms, chugging guitars and quick lyrics ‘The Way It Is’ and ‘I Know You Did It’ kick starts the EP with a hearty full bodied sound. There are elements reminiscent of Jake Bugg within the songs which exudes a brisk youthful adrenaline.
Baker laces each track in catchy melodies, irresistible hooks and a bright fun atmosphere that will put a smile on your face.However ‘I’m Not The Same As You’, takes a darker tone as Baker sprinkles sharp guitar and power rock gusto into an airy more sombre melody. With light keys and a mighty chorus build the track is quite the passionate mature gem.
Baker takes his time fleshing out the instrumental backdrops, adding new layers and textures within each song. From the vigorous indie in ‘The Way It Is’ with dynamic guitars and punching drums to the soft twinkling on keys for the sweeter ‘Chase The Wind’ each song has its own identity on the EP. Baker’s smooth warm vocals tie all the tracks together oozing confidence, emotion and effortless charm.
Baker is a talented songwriter. His witty lyrics elevate his vibrant tunes to a fun and quirky level. The tracks on ‘The Bob Baker Sound’ are satisfying, foot tapping gems which mark Baker as an artist to keep an eye on.
About the EP, Bob Baker sent us a track by track breakdown to give us insight into what inspired the songs
The Way It Is
” ‘The Way It Is’ is a song about sudden rejection I suppose. One minute everything’s going smoothly the next minute the rug gets pulled from under your feet and you’re forced to change direction very quickly. When something like that happens you’re given no choice but to accept it, crack on with things and do what you’re good at. That’s just the way it is. “
I’m Not The Same As You
” ‘I’m not the same as you’ is a song about being close to someone but realising certain differences between you and them. A situation that I’m sure many people can empathise with. “
Don’t Chase the Wind
” It’s one of those songs that the listener can apply to their own situation. For me this was all about watching someone throwing away a great situation when all I could do was stand at the side and watch “
I know You Did It
” I know you did it is a bit of everything, humour, anger & honesty. It’s the irony of the plain truth amidst flat denial, woven into a tune that I hope won’t get out of your head “
Dublin-quartet Inhaler have released their new single ‘When It Breaks’, on Polydor Records.’When It Breaks’ was recorded over the summer and its lyrical themes chime with the unease and disquiet of the world in 2020. Inhaler are Robert Keating, Josh Jenkinson, Elijah Hewson and Ryan McMahon. The four-piece formed whilst still at school in Dublin.They have amassed a diehard fanbase despite only releasing a handful of singles. Their tracks have been streamed over 35 million times globally. They sold over 10,000 tickets on their last tour and played to sold-out crowds across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Inhaler recently completed work on their highly-anticipated debut album, expected for release early next year.
Shrouded in intoxicating, hypnotic soundscapes, sharp guitars and simmering bass lines, ‘When It Breaks’ is another exhilarating yet haunting number from Inhaler. The track pivots around a buzzing swarm on guitars while the bass line pulses with intensity creating the tracks darker luring underbelly. The song is layered and crafted superbly with spiraling synths fleshing out the track’s dizzying soundscape while the relentless drums pound with vigor for the explosive chorus and tease for the luring verses.
The tracks metronomic rhythm creates an agitated itch and suspense for the verses before an anthemic indie release for the chorus. This jittery anxious atmosphere is contrasted wonderfully by the hopeful-toned melody and Hewson’s emotive vocals. The sharp shrills and piercing laments on guitar have an 80’s shimmering drama to them while the clapping feature and spiraling backdrop surge with heart racing passion. ‘When It Breaks’ is another well crafted number with well placed lyrics and dynamic musicianship from Inhaler.
Speaking about how ‘When It Breaks’ came together, the band said: “We wrote ‘When It Breaks’ in the last couple of months. Over lockdown we were floating around the instrumental demo, it was dark but also pretty hopeful sounding. When we went back to the studio over the summer and really got to put our heads together again, we felt like we had to write something about what was going on and how we felt about it. Coming off tour into lockdown was a huge adjustment for us after we had just got used to life on the tour. At first, it was a welcome break but pretty soon we were dying to get back to any festival or any gig where we could get our fix! The lyrics and the music communicate the anxiousness of how we were all feeling and still are now a couple months later. It’s definitely the most politically-driven song we’ve released so far. It’s our interpretation of this strange and imperfect world we’ve come to live in. Things are gonna change and we are gonna be there when they do.”
Guy Wynn Davies (vocals), Cameron Tetlow (drums), Ben Dodson (bass) Jack Taylor and Jim Ker (guitars) comprise Manchester five-piece Circus Wolves. They have released their new EP ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’. Circus Wolves have shared the stage with the likes of The Slow Readers Club, and The Amazons. Their EP ‘Annie Baby’ (2013) was followed up with fan favourite ‘Tourist’ in March 2017. ‘Judas’ (2017) received high praise from both BBC Introducing in Manchester and Radio XS. 2018 saw the introduction of Ben Dodson on bass and the band continuing their working relationship with Bob Cooper with ‘Infamy’ (released February 2018).
Boasting untamed, dynamic instrumentation ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’ is a tight collection of tracks which displays Circus Wolves’ raw unbridled rock in all its glory. With an ominous and suspenseful ‘Intro’ the EP kicks into motion. Exuding sharp guitar riffs, pummeling drums and rampant bass grooves the track sets the EP’s tone, wonderfully paving the way for the ferocious ‘Hunt You Down’ and ‘The Taste’ which oozes light guitar refrains weaving between the band’s punchy rhythmic backdrop. With soaring indie guitar punctuating the elastic bass rumbles and buoyant drum whacks, ‘Clarity’ continues the EP’s instrumentally wild sound.
A lamenting guitar echoes, through the airy soundscape of ‘Pulling Teeth’. This building track is passionate, electrifying and cinematic in scope. ‘Pulling Teeth’ emits an icy tone as the listener is invited to indulge in the songs intricate layers of weaving and twinkling guitars, wriggling bass and steady drums while the haunting emotive vocals and melancholic melody provide the ultimate end for the EP.
Circus Wolves have created a mature and well crafted EP with ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’. They are cultivating their sound superbly to create music which chills and thrills all at once. Each track on the EP is an impressive expression of the bands musical prowess and deft musicianship.
Stream ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
