Macclesfield Indie trio Cassia have returned with their new single ‘Do Right’. ‘Do Right’ is their first release since their debut album ‘Replica’ last year. Laced in laid back summer vibes the track follows the bands infectious mellow melty sound as they sprinkle sweet balmy guitar melodies over a rich buoyant rhythm and suave bass. It’s good times and sunshine as the band’s upbeat chorus drifts in like a cold drink on a scorching day ready to quench with juicy freshness. Lush backing vocals lull over a subtle tropical backdrop while Rob Ellis’ easy going vocals coo at a leisurely pace. For me the intricate guitar lines are the most sublime feature on the track. They majestically weave and entwine with zesty flourishes and sweet tones adding a wonderful warm element to the track with a playful undertone and Caribbean Island quality. Cassia have returned with another smashing, polished and catchy number.
Alternative rock quartet Long and Greasy have recently released their new album ‘The Rock/Pop Show’. Formed in school during a music module, the band instantly clicked on their musical influences and began jamming and writing. Made up of members Naoise May, Elias Dempsey (guitars and vocals), Tim Sweeney (bass) and Paul Gleeson (drums), the band have a blistering, exciting and unique sound.
Drenched in slinky guitar lines, meaty rhythms and dripping in panache ‘The Rock/Pop Show’ is an unbridled collection of Long and Greasy’s infectious sound. The band shake things up a lot in the album, weaving between genres, making for a refreshing listening experience. ‘Missing Out’, Hide Your Grin’ and ‘Doubt’ are the indie rock punk flavoured back bone of the album. Jaunty guitars, vibrant drum and sublime rumbles on bass embroider the track in a dark groove rooted wall of sound while quirky vocals and smooth catchy melodies inject vibrant energy into the tracks. As well as their knack with pop melodies and catchy sing along refrains the band showcase some beautiful guitar flourishes in ‘Na Na Nah’, Lads’ and ‘Couch to Couch’. ‘Worse Off’ is the sultry gem within the album with sleek smoky guitars and dark undertones while ‘Skidmarks’ exudesa cheeky country and “Sweet Home Alabama” vibe.
The album flows with an effortless charm and bubbling texture that keeps the listener engaged. Long and Greasy manage to make every track fun and jubilant while packing in some refined instrumentation and swagger. These guys aren’t all fun and games though. The brooding guitar twinkling in ‘Climbing’ takes the mood down with the aid of whispered vocals before the band build into their psychedelic-hued chorus. This brooding number cools the EP, introducing the lofty ethereal side to the bands sound with lush harmonies and moody melodies. However the band leave the best for last with ‘Long and Greasy’. This rampant instrumental number steamrolls in on fiery riffs ricocheting off the crashing wall of sound as the drum pulverizes throughout. It’s a sticky mosh ready track which bleeds out into psychedelic lush textures and swirling dizzying soundscapes before returning to its frantic mania – its a well crafted, diverse and ever changing number and an intelligent finale for an album.
‘The Rock/Pop Show’ is an invigorating, wonderful collection of exciting tunes. Long and Greasy display a fun, refined and blistering sound with rich intricacies and sublime groovy moments.
Villa in France have released their 3rd single ‘Man on a Bridge’. Villa In France are a 4-Piece indie rock band from the North Coast of Northern Ireland consisting of Aidan Davidson (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Nino Morelli (Lead Guitar, Backup vocals), Adam Moore (Bass) and Matthew Gillan (Drums)..Their debut single ‘1990’ released on September 13th 2019, gained over 7000 streams with their nationwide tour opening them to a growing audience.Their 2nd single also gained popularity in the media, being put on the 2019 Northern Irish songs of the year.
‘Man on a Bridge’ is a jaunty yet chill indie number which shows Villa In France’s mature songwriting. With slicing sharp guitars, rumbling bass and punchy drums the bands buoyant backdrop is steeped in their usual energetic style.The theme of suicide is presented with dry matter of fact vocals as the rippling bass and lamenting guitar entwine on a sweet melodic foundation – creating a conflicting turmoil and bitter sweet contrast. With a shredding solo soaring over the bands biting soundscape ‘Man on a Bridge’ is an impressive track from Villa In France.
About the track the band said “The song is our take on mental health/suicide awareness and the thought process of a person going through this, we were inspired to write this song after Matthew Gillan (drummer) and I Nino Morelli (Guitarist) went through a personal experience, talking a stranger of a bridge in Derry a few months ago, seeing the effects of this person’s mental health first hand was very eye opening for us and after telling the story to Aidan (Singer) he used our unique perspective to write a song about the culture surrounding it. Our hope for this song is that people can connect with the lyrics and story and hopefully spread awareness about mental health in Northern Ireland especially in Derry.”
Galway four piece band Slyrydes are set to release their new single ‘I Claim To Be Intelligent’ on March 26th. In 2019 Slyrydes released their first four singles from March to October (Mental Health, Point of view, Out Patience & Dangerous Animals) The singles collected much critical acclaim nationwide and in the UK. Paul McLoone (Today fm/ The Undertones) has championed the band since the first single “Mental Health”. They have worked with Daniel Doherty in Darklands studio Dublin city (Fontaines DC/ Vulpynes/ Damien Dempsey) on every single so far. Slyrydes are currently working on their debut album while playing select shows around Ireland.
‘I claim to be intelligent’ is one snappy chilling live wire as Slyrydes take their engaging sound to a thrilling new level. The deep ominous vocals mutter through the verses while the punchy drums and dynamic bass maintain the bands elastic rumbling foundation. I for one have come to love this bands bass and drum interaction. They tightly entwine them together to add a rooted, brawny yet steamy and ominous quality through the tracks. The song jogs to its frantic crescendo, building tension and angst, ready for its mosh pit frenzied end. There is a sweet lamenting guitar refrain that holds a sense of vulnerability throughout the verses before the crashing chorus erupts.
‘I claim to be intelligent’ walks a fine line between masterfully sophisticated musicianship and unruly anarchy with ease – it’s an impressive and thrilling listen.
‘I claim to be intelligent’ is set for release on March 26th for more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/slyrydes/
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Dizzy
Photo Credit: Pooneh Ghana
Produced by Dizzy and mixed by Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Florence & The Machine), ‘Sunflower’ is the first release from the Canadian four-piece since last year’s Heavy / Twist EP, which followed their 2018 debut album, Baby Teeth which won the Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year in 2019.The band have toured with the likes of Death Cab for Cutie and Tokyo Police Club and appeared at London’s All Points East Festival in 2019.
‘Sunflower’ is a laid back sun-kissed number that drifts beautifully on infectious, ethereal soundscapes. Katie Munshaw’s sweet vocals caress the dreamy melody with a tender, comforting ease while the lush rhythm maintains a peppy foundation. The track holds a vibrant, airy poise as twinkling guitars wobble and weave gloriously between a groovy bass creating a hazy psych hued tone to the radiant indie sonics. There are wonderful lush textures and layers to the track creating blossoming moments as the track unfolds with bursts of sweet scintillation. The lyrics contrast the blooming effervescent instrumentation superbly as they meander between self-loathing and tender self-talk, depicting raw sensitivity and sweet, self-deprecating humour. ‘Sunflower’ is a glowing track intricate in its composition but beautifully luminous and delightful to the ears.
Speaking about the track, frontwoman Katie Munshaw says, “‘Sunflower’ is a three and a half minute ‘snap out of it!’ to myself when I’m feeling low, unconfident or not myself.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From MiG 15
Liverpool newcomers MiG 15 have revealed a video for their brand new single ‘Interstellar’.Kicking off their 2020 with a bang, the band supported ‘80s electronic legends Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark on their Feb 2020 European live dates, as well as hitting the road in the UK through Feb/Mar 2020 supporting Love Fame Tragedy, the new solo project from The Wombats front man, Matthew Murphy.With early radio support from Janice Long at BBC Wales and Dave Monks at BBC Introducing Merseyside, things are off to a flying start for the quartet. Already working with big-name producers such as Rich Turvey (Blossoms, Clean Cut Kid, The Coral, She Drew The Gun) and Tord Knudsen from The Wombats, and with a heavy touring schedule already lined up, the band will be announcing further details of new music and live appearances over the coming months.
‘Interstellar’ is an intoxicating whirl of electronic indie entwined in a rock n’ roll slapped shell of swagger. With swirling soundscapes creating a rush of adrenaline the band weave and coil their sound twisting it into a thrilling listening experience. With intricate guitars mangled beneath the sonic outburst the band layer the track meticulously to create something truly infectious and powerful. Buoyant drums pummel the chorus while the bloops and bleeps embroider the track in intriguing soundscapes. MiG 15 pace and build their track superbly. An ethereal atmosphere creates pockets of swirling space between the flurrying electronics and indie blasts. With an 80’s – esque tonality, catchy chorus and dynamic yet smooth vocals ‘Interstellar’ is a lightning bolt of fine musicianship.
Commenting on the ethos behind the band and the themes explored in their music, the quartet say:“MiG 15 is a deliberately provocative symbol of the Cold War—the Cold War never went away; it’s just gone digital. Lying politicians are still manipulating the masses, and now they have even more tools and types of media at their disposal with which to do it. Music should be the weapon of the people, but in a post-truth world, even that is struggling to break through.”
Edinburgh based indie band Bootlace have unveiled their new single ‘Wonderland’. Among support acts throughout the country with the likes of Declan Welsh & the Decadent West, The Ruvellas, and Neil Morrison, Bootlace have already headlined iconic venues Bannermans Bar and Sneaky Petes in the heart of the capital.
With prominent spaghetti western – esque guitar and a striking rhythm section ‘Wonderland’ cements the strong enduring sound of Bootlace. The rampant bass rumbles throughout reinforcing the elastic groove and brawny foundation while the strong punchy drums provide a rugged sturdiness.The band create dark intoxicating sounds as the scorching sultry riffs slice and gnaw through the track with a desert-like humidity. It’s a strong well crafted track with wild twangs on guitar oozing character into the song while laid back vocals and itchy melody are set alight by the rich instrumentation. ‘Wonderland’ is a precise and demanding track that showcases the prowess and fine musicianship of Bootlace.
Chappaqua Wrestling return with their new single ‘Early’. Chappaqua Wrestling are long-term writing partners Jake Mac and Charlie Woods, both 24, from Brighton via Manchester.The band have gained support from BBC Radio aficionados Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, Jack Saunders and Annie Mac as well as supported Sports Team and Black Honey. The band have also performed at the Green Man and Latitude Festivals, before travelling to the US for their first stateside show at 4XFAR in California last month. Chappaqua Wrestling are set to release a new EP this spring.
With sweet melodies, hazy tones and lush delicate intricacies ‘Early’ continues Chappaqua Wrestling’s sublime musicianship. The band smooth a grunge hue over their irresistible sound to create a sublime edge. Twinkling guitars create a dreamy refrain with a sun speckled radiance as the velvety vocals caress the melty melody with a laid back tone. The duo unravel the track beautifully, building to a heavier chorus with a gritty tonality of raw guitars and heavy beat. The narcotic tranquilizing verses disperse elegantly into the ears with a butter on toast warmth and melting quality while the crashing chorus showcases Chappaqua Wrestling’s fine ability to blend genres seamlessly. These guys are talented for sure. The lushness and deft musicianship is presented in such a wonderful and subtle way it’s an utter delight to the ears.
About the track the duo explain : “Early is the resurrection of a group of parts and a chorus written a while back. It’s something of a time traveller but has only recently been put together as a live song. The earliest notions of it date back to 2014 when we were in college, but the intro came as recently as a few weeks ago when we were in California.It chronicles the early stages of a relationship and the late nights/early mornings that came with it, dipped in layered guitars and harmony riffs. It’s a helluva fun song to play, so we are hugely excited to release it.”
SLEEPTAPE have released their newest single ‘NO’. SLEEPTAPE are a four piece band based in the North East of England and consist of Jonathan Lott (Lead Vocals / Guitar), Luke Rogers (Lead Guitar), Stephen Wetherall (Bass) and Daniel Butterworth (Drums).
‘NO’ is a blistering wallop of alternative rock as SLEEPTAPE drape intense melodies over scorching frantic instrumentation to create a smothering thrilling soundscape. With ethereal ominous jingles on guitar piercing through a relentless drum progression the band create a frenetic and crashing wall of sound. The rooted rumble on bass strangles and twists around the massive resounding drums while the band use the light guitars to create a slight relief from this heavy mania. It’s a raw beast pounding with adrenaline as SLEEPTAPE return with a mammoth track brimming with finesse and might.
About the track the band said : “’NO is a song about feeling as if you’re running out of time to achieve what you want to, whilst struggling to cope with the noises and thoughts in your head of inadequacy.”
Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released their debut EP. ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ is a compact grunge rock EP swirled in a whirlwind of crashing guitars, pummeling drums and slinky bass lines. This EP represents Y!KES sound in a complete well thought out body of work. Dark undertones haunt the tracks with an ominous quality as the band flesh out their heavy musicianship.
The band have created some great tracks in this EP. ‘Chekhov’s Gun’ sets the madness in motion. Moody, dark and smothered in a sulky tone this intoxicating track slithers and weaves between alternative rock and grunge as gritty guitars soar and strike between the buoyant backdrop with relentless stamina. The band build tension and showcase their ability to produce melodic, moving music with a heavy rock backbone.
Y!kes pack this EP to the brim with catchy alternative pop-punk songs that are tough to resist. ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ and ‘Spitfire Salutes’ give you that edge-of-your-seat riffs and bass rumbles while the punchy tight drums maintain that pounding foundation. With whirring guitars, dynamic vocals and that instant rush of adrenaline pulsing through each track its difficult not to be impressed.
‘Hiding In Plain Sight’ is a refreshing lift from the bands dark sound as they venture into Pixies territory with light indie guitar jangles, sunkissed melodies and a laid back nostalgic atmosphere. Giving us a glimpse of their sweeter melodies and melancholic tones it’s a lovable track lying between some hefty bangers.
However its ‘Repeat The Objective’ that holds my attention – a gritty, raw force of nature showcasing Y!kes unbridled ambition. With razor sharp guitars and acute bass, the verse lures and lacerates with a heavy consistency and intoxicating quality. The vocals wail and growl between the mighty wall of sound ( I have to hand it to Oli Long, those vocals are sublimely expressive and harrowing). It’s a searing, thrilling and frantic number rich in intricacies and deft musicianship.
‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ is an impressive debut EP from Y!kes and a keyhole glimpse of their raw talent and potential. A fantastic, impressive EP which sets the band up for great things.
Stream ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
