Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Crown Commons
Brixton based Rock and roll band Crown Commons have released their new single ‘Alright Again’. This is one dance around the room infectious ditty. From the get go the band blast their zealous sound into your ears with an exhilarating intro of clamoring bliss. Strident stings on guitars weave golden sweet melodies between sharp jangly riffs while a groove infested bass fluctuates beneath adding a rich velvety underbelly. The track travels full throttle building in intensity as it progresses while the strong blood pumping drums create the sturdy backbone. The track flourishes and erupts with a dynamic catchy chorus as the sugary melody drifts into the ears with that instant rush of vitality that sparks a craving for more. There is a driving surge as the bass and guitars playfully weave and ricochet off each other creating an upbeat wiggle while the lyrics talk about going through a tough period, then coming out of it on the other side happy.
Crown Commons create a sound rich in intricacies, maturity and light hearted charm with oodles of swagger laced on top. With lush backing vocals and a blazing guitar solo teamed with Oli Collins’ velvety warm rasped vocals, ‘Alright Again’ is an electrifying ear worm that will brighten your day for sure.
Hull based indie rock band The Avenues recently released their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ The band comprised of Tom Foston on Guitar, Vocals, Ollie Brown on Guitar, Vocals, Joe Galloway on Bass and Adam Pidd on Drums present a tight blistering EP of catchy hook filled tunes and impressive musicianship.
Brimming to the seams with infectious melodies, scorching riffs and a wonderful indie rock wall of sound ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ is locked, loaded and ready to delight the ears. With groove rooted bass lines weaving and rummaging through zesty relentless guitars ‘Boredom’, ‘Out Of Shape’ and ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ whirlwind the EP up in an energetic blast of raw vibrant indie. The tracks display witty lyrics through a rasped vocal delivery and are filled with charming characters and a range of emotions.These guys embellish their songs in sweltering guitar lines. ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ in particular displays the bands guitar prowess which oozes a majestic quality and edge that is very impressive. With smooth melodies gliding effortlessly on an effervescent backdrop The Avenues have crafted tracks ready to ignite a live crowd. ‘O.S.T.M’ is a banger of a tune, with its mosh pounding bridge, jangle guitar refrain and sweet vocals there is something utterly infectious about this track. Well crafted with lush backing vocals, ‘O.S.T.M’ is the band at their most polished, however, they maintain the right amount of rawness. This grit teamed with a dreamy melancholic melody on guitar creates a hair raising and engaging listening experience. It’s sure to be epic live as the harmony between crashing instrumentation and pure emotion reaches a glorious balance. ‘She Still Won’t Love You Tomorrow’ brings the EP to a tender close. Warm acoustic guitar accompanies the sweet melody and velvety vocals as The Avenues showcase their ability to provide a solid cracking tune within the stripped back setting.
The Avenues display deft musicianship through their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’. Their ability to create compact enjoyable tunes with great beauty is admirable. Keep an eye on The Avenues.
Following the recent success with debut single ‘Kitchen Sinking’, Dublin’s garage/indie-rockers TV People return with their new single ‘Time Eats Up’. The track was mixed by Dan Doherty of Darklands Audio (Fontaines D.C.,Vulpynes) and mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Christian Wright (Radiohead, Blur, LCD Soundsystem)
Gyrating through jagged ethereal guitar riffs and slaughtering drum progressions ‘Time Eats Up’ presents TV People’s ambitious garage rock in all its raw relentless glory. A dreamy melody carefully swerves around trigger happy guitars and combustible drums as the band tease between laid back hazy monotony and fiery explosions. Sweet jingles on guitars playfully dance between the sulking bass and punchy drums. Paul Donohoe’s vocals trudge with a coarse texture over the smooth melody creating a moody sense of boredom as he narrates the tracks theme of solitude and isolation. The band build the song superbly allowing it to fidget and itch to its massive harsh crescendo with shrilling guitars and thrashing wall of sound. ‘Time Eats Up’ is an impressive new track from TV People. Keep an eye on these guys.
About the track lead singer Paul Donohoe explains: “I wrote the lyrics for ‘Time Eats Up’ at the tail end of a 6 month spell of unemployment. I think we really managed to capture the mixed emotions of that idle state of existence in the song. The feelings of liberation that come with sitting idle and how these conflict with the dread that time is passing you by were a huge influence in the songwriting process for us. I came to view time as a very sinister and oppressive force and we tried to get this across in the music. As the song progresses, the sounds begin to get a bit heavier and sharper. We wanted the intensity of the outro to swallow up the more melodic sounds from the song’s earlier verses as a way to convey the toxicity of that way of living.”
Cabbage return with their new single ‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’.Since forming in 2014, Cabbage have occupied provocative territory by promoting progressive politics and supporting charitable causes through their live shows, leading them to be featured the BBC Radio Four documentary ‘The Art of Now: Band Politics’. At the same time as headlining sell-out UK tours, the band played Edgeley Park with Blossoms in 2019 and launched their debut album with a one-off, specially-curated exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery.
‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’ fizzes with a sweet sugary splash as Cabbage splurge melodic indie pop over an edged post punk canvas. The band create one nectarous irresistible gem as they swirl sharp buzzing guitars over a punchy acute wall of sound while the lush honeyed melody and soft backing vocals sweeten the blistering backdrop with a hazy shoegaze tonality. The band melt a hefty dose of psychedelia over the track creating a multi layered song that bubbles and broods within a prismatic sunny glow of delight while an acidic sting ferments beneath this rosy hue. The lyrics discuss the theme of mental health and suicide as Cabbage use gripping, woozy and blazing musicianship to create a truly invigorating track.
About the track the band’s co-frontman and songwriter, Joe Martin says its a “brutally honest exploration of mental health and suicide within young men and the survivalist, Victoria Wood-esque juxtaposition of salvaging a smile through dreariness and despair. After much deliberation, we feel that the time is right to share this. The chorus line actually originated in a ‘Coronation Street’ script in 1988, with Deirdre remarking to Ken: ‘I wonder what advanced state of dither we’ll find you in today, Ken, you make an art form from falling to pieces.’ We don’t mind sharing our complete love and adoration for those old, hilariously crafted dialogues.”
Watch the video for ‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’ below
Blackpool alternative rock band JEKYLL have released their new EP ‘The Whispering Gallery’.The band consists of Joel Foster (vocals / guitar), Lewis Armistead (bass), Liam Singleton (drums) and Mike Spence (guitar). Jekyll hooked up with fierce panda at The Great Escape in 2018 in time for the lively, driving debut ‘Jekyll’ EP. Much of that release, as well as the ‘The Whispering Gallery’ singles, have been championed by Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, while their summertime BBC Maida Vale session for Radio 1 was played out on the Huw, Jack Saunders and Daniel P Carter shows.
‘The Whispering Gallery’ is an ambitious collection of tracks as JEKYLL present their wonderfully embellished musicianship through a dramatic ethereal wall of sound. The band magnify their hyper alternative rock through a prism of implosive guitars, relentless bass lines and pounding drums. ‘The Whispering Gallery’ streams energetic alternative rock into a distortion filtered kaleidoscope to create sublime facets of shoegaze hues and indie pop undertones. The invigorating rush of ‘The Escapist’ kick starts the EP with a flurry of guitars ricocheting off the punchy drums as the band build a haunting crashing sound tightly entwined in an exhilarating sense of tension and mystery. With crisp vocals and climactic progression there is a Muse – esque vibe about the track. The constant jogging rhythms and western – like tonality mangled between an epic arrangement displays maturity and growth in the band. ‘I Do What I Can’ and ‘Marionette’ follow the intensity, splurging a spine chilling bass rumble over the bands bracing melodic foundation. The eerie crawling melodies and equally implosive and explosive soundscapes make each track thrilling and tantalizing to the ears as the band flesh out sublime songwriting and lushly textured songs. With shredding solos, sharp falsettos and bitter sweet tones between blistering instrumentation each track is one energetic bursting eruption after another. JEKYLL display their shoegaze swagger through ‘Echoes (Uncut)’ with crashing razor sharp guitar lacerating through a buoyant backdrop while a sweet laid back melody grooves throughout as if innocently oblivious to the perilous heavy background. The verses drift beautifully into the mighty chorus with ease allowing each blossoming instrumental burst to flourish wonderfully for the psychedelic tinged crescendo. It’s a doozy of a track that is both charming, sweet and epic all at once. The band close the EP with a sweet little gem ‘Midnight Swim’. The calmest and most delicate number on the EP. This track, sways with soft piano and subtle twinkling soundscapes. As the song unfolds the piano wisps you away in an elegant arrangement while soft tender vocals coo with passionate and supple emotion. It’s a calming and utterly time stopping piece to bring the EP to a superb and mature finale.
JEKYLL show maturity beyond their years with ‘The Whispering Gallery’. They present a sound rich with lush textures, masterful intricacies and refined majestic musicianship that is sure to revolve in your head all day and leave you in awe of their grand and dignified arrangements.
About the EP Joel Foster said: “I first got the idea for the name of the EP from a poem by Thomas Hardy called ‘In A Whispering Gallery. The poem, as I understand it, is all about whispers from an unknown source reaching you and making you believe in transcendental and / or spiritual communication. A Whispering Gallery is also what the inside of domes in cathedrals are usually called, because if you stand in them whispers carry as loud as any other sound and are clearly audible. One of the main themes of the EP is based around the idea that the relationship between people and the stars is similar to that of a whispering gallery. Many of the songs on the EP reference stars and astral nobodies: ‘Echoes’ is all about stars; ‘The Escapist’ talks about the stars watching you self-destruct and longing to save you from harm; and ‘Midnight Swim’ also references going for a swim in the moonlight – ‘where trinket stars hang upon bloated skies’ – to cleanse yourself of life’s chaos. It just felt like the most fitting title and it fits the sentimental and spiritual themes perfectly.”
Irish indie band Columbia Mills have released their new single ‘You’re Not The Answer’. 2019 saw Columbia Mills release two singles from their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘CCTV'(17/04); ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ garnered huge radio support here and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, RTE Radio 1, Ed Smith (Today FM) choosing Columbia Mills as his Play Irish Artist of the week and ‘Recent and Decent’ on Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week, and heavy rotation on Paul Mc Loones Today FM show, as well as heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. 2020 has already seen the release of ‘UNDERSTAND’ (31/01/20), the third single from ‘CCTV’ which also received huge radio support.
Drenched in ethereal melancholia, ‘You’re Not The Answer’ is an utterly heartbreaking, emotive display from Columbia Mills. Simple in its approach, the track laments through airy guitars and a fluctuant rhythm. The track broods to a smoky start as the sombre vocals ooze emotion which hits you right in the chest. The bittersweet guitar gracefully and elegantly caresses the drum beat with a majestic and respectful tenderness which absorbs and captures every emotion within this bruised moment. Soft backing vocals soothe the haunting soundscape as the band build the song for the moving crescendo. This well crafted track is a timeless emotion- filled number that just hints at this band’s wonderful musicianship and potential.
Irish indie-folk band Rowan have released their new single ‘Big Wave’. Rowan is made up of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Dylan Howe, with Fionn Hennessy-Hayes on drums and Kevin Herron on Guitar. The individual members of the band have worked with world renowned artists such as TOUCAN, Tiz McNamara, Ariel Posen, The Frank And Walters, Clare Sands, Stephanie Rainey and Little Hours, as session musicians performing to crowds of thousands in some instances.
With melodies that hook you from the start ‘Big Wave’ delves deep into your skull and massages your brain with Rowan’s infectious luscious musicianship. The band carve a vibrant indie edge into the track as jaunty guitars slice through a buoyant backdrop and peppy rhythm. With a groove mangled bass, clap along feature and instant rush of vitality the track lays down an energetic foundation. This band swirls sweet glistening melodies into refined musicianship to create a heartfelt number that charms and warms the cockles of your heart while quick lyrics add both sweetness and a touch of humour. There is a folk element richly blended into the mixture of indie rock with a glorious sprinkling of pop on top.The band use wonderful percussive elements to flesh out the track and create a wholly invigorating sound with tropical undertones. With velvety vocals and lush harmonies ‘Big Wave’ is a tasty tune that I just can’t get enough of.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Killers
The Killers have released their new single ‘Caution’, taken from their forthcoming, highly-anticipated sixth studio album, ‘Imploding The Mirage’. Featured artists on the album include Lindsey Buckingham, kd lang, Weyes Blood, Adam Granduciel (War On Drugs), Blake Mills, and Lucius.
With powerful imploding instrumentation and a gripping heartfelt melody ‘Caution’ announces The Killers return through anthemic chords and fist pump might. The nostalgic melody drifts sweetly upon a bubbling backdrop of effervescent drums, shimmering synths and shredding guitars. The band find the sweet spot between previous albums – Sam’s Town’s indie edge, Battle Born’s warm country hues and Wonderful Wonderful’s disco infectiousness. Brandon Flowers’ unique powerful vocals exude tender heartwarming emotion. The track pushes through with relentless stamina and refreshing pizzazz as the rhythmic pulse and slinky guitars ooze kinetic vigor. It’s a song to empower the down beaten as the whirlwind of ethereal synths, euphoric guitars and mighty drums ignite the fighter within. With a masterful guitar solo The Killers once again knock it out of the park with ‘Caution’
London/Irish band Indian Queens have released their new single ‘Shoot for Sexy’.The band are fronted by sisters Jen and Kat O’Neill and were personally invited by Robert Smith of The Cure to play his Meltdown Festival in 2019. They also have fans in Tim Wheeler of Ash and Theresa Wayman of Warpaint, both of whom have taken the band out as tour support. This track is taken from their debut album ‘God Is A Woman’ which is set for release on 3rd April via Cool Thing Records.
‘Shoot for Sexy’ is a luring number as Indian Queens present an almost upbeat track warped through a rich concoction of bewitching musicianship. A sultry, rumble on bass grooves and seduces through warm toned guitar embellishments and steamy shrills against the danceable hip moving beat.The harmonies haunt, enticing you into the darker elements of the track while the sweet falsetto lulls the listener into a trance-like daydream. The band swirl psychedelic elements into the track to create a meticulously layered, thrilling listening experience. The song ripples and twinkles like a mesmerising bottomless lake, flickering prismatic speckles of scintillation to draw you into its beautifully created yet eerie abyss. Another sublime track from Indian Queens.
Brighton’s indie quartet Koala Club have released their newest offering ‘No Surprise’ on 13th March. The release of ‘No Surprise’ follows the January release of single ‘360’,which garnered support from the likes of BBC Introducing, and is the first in a series of new singles that will be released this year.Koala Club consists of James Grimsdale (Vocals, Guitar), Doug Stokes (Guitar), Lewis Phenix (Bass) & Toby Jones (Drums, percussion).
‘No Surprise’ is a jaunty indie track laced in sprightly zealous guitar lines as the band create an upbeat infectious delight that is sure to have you bopping and dancing around the room. With an animated beat, wiggling rooted bass and infectious melody teamed with witty lyrics these guys hook you from the start. Well crafted with an energetic wall of sound blistering around the velvety vocals and eargasmic melodies Koala Club have an exhilarating, charming sound that is crisp and polished with enough edge to keep you craving for more.
Frontman James Grimsdale said of the track: “It’s about seeking truth and honesty. About losingthe lies that are spoken to make you feel better momentarily, moving on and getting rid of toxicrelationships in your life.”
Stream ‘No Surprise’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
