Tag Archives: indie rock

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

Mellor ‘Dive into the strange’ EP

Reading quartet Mellor are set to release their new EP ‘Dive into the strange’ on December 6th. The current line up with Gary Kingham on vocals, Sam Igoe on drums, Kristian Bell on guitar, and Josh Woodward on bass formed in 2017. The band have received radio support from Abbie McCarthy, Radio 1; Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music; John Kennedy, Radio X; Charlie Ashcroft, Elise Cobain, Frankie Francis, Jim Gellatly and Scott McGerty from  Amazing Radio to name a few. The band have also featured on Spotify’s Hot New Bands, Indie List and Transistor playlists as well as Amazons Best New Bands playlist, and Apple Music’s Breaking Rock & The A-List.

After a busy summer of festivals packing out tents at Isle of Wight, Truck, and Camden Rocks just to name a few, Mellor decided to build a home studio to self record a five track EP. 

‘Dive into the strange’ wraps Mellor’s blistering, guitar-heavy sound into a tight and satisfying body of work. Following the high intensity and energetic blasts of previous releases this year ‘I Don’t Know Where You’re Sleeping Tonight’ and ‘Helsinki’, Mellor present an EP equally as energetic and brimming with the scorching instrumentation this band do superbly. Each track flows seamlessly into the next with ease. From opener ‘Control’ the band execute their refined ability to create sweet majestic guitar melodies and express them to its fullest potential.

The guitar work for me is the highlight of the EP. The band create golden, light and ethereal moments within each track through the clean and precise guitar elements as they venture between harsh sharp strides and shredding nimble solo’s with sweet piercing capacities. The melodies are catchy and powerful ( as is always the case with Mellor ) however with this EP the band carefully create a wonderful sonic soundscape that ventures between dreamy aerial atmospherics and deft heavy magnitude. Title track ‘Dive into the strange’ has a quirky obscurity lying beneath its eerie undertone. With a sublime haunting bass groove and obscure guitar progression the band present a sinister fun-house with danger around every corner while a smooth, vulnerable and naive melody innocently wanders into this instrumental entrapment – consumed by the end of the song by the harsh devouring backdrop.

Punchy drums and playful bass lines are another wonderful element to this bands sound that automatically hook you in – ‘Delicate’ and ‘Hey now, sister’ are prime examples of this. Mellor have clearly spent time carefully layering and placing each component part of their tracks to create a wholly invigorating sound. Gary Kingham’s vocals make Mellor’s tracks instantly recognisable. His warm rasp and dynamic tone emblazon a Mellor stamp on their blistering tracks. When they travel into psych hued territory like with ‘Hey now, sister’ ( which again features magnificent guitar work) his vocals carry this frenzied track wonderfully and maintain the smooth and polished stance while the instruments swirl frantically and chaotically around Kinghams’s steady pace creating a sublime contrast. ‘What if there’s love’ is a spinning concoction which brings us to the end of the EP. It’s a jittery itchy number of abrasive guitars, dizzying bass and manic drums as Kingham screams and wails for the chorus. The track continuously builds in intensity to its expressive crescendo. Mellor end the EP with one blazing track. 

‘Dive into the strange’ is a blazing and solid EP as Mellor flesh out their catchy sound adding more substance and intricate elements to create something to be proud of. 

You can catch Mellor live at : 

11th December – Purple Turtle, Reading (BBC Introducing)

12th December – The Monarch, London (This Feeling)

‘Dive into the strange’ is out on 6th December you can pre order the EP  here 

Apple Pre-Order: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/dive-into-the-strangeep/1485028606?ls=1&app=itunes

Spotify Pre-Save: http://smarturl.it/diveintothestrange

Amazon Music Pre-Order: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dive-into-StrangeMellor/dp/B07ZM8QN6D/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mellor+dive+into+the+strange&qid=1573149973&s=d music&sr=1-1

Physical EP Order: https://www.musicglue.com/melloruk/products/dive-into-the-strange-ep


Author : Danu

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

Drop The Shadow ‘Other Voices’

Drop The Shadow have released  their second single ‘Other Voices’. The track was recorded with James Darkin at Black Mountain Studios in July 2019 along with the final touches of their third single ‘Cross To Bear’.The music video was produced by Mike and his comedy sketch group Castlewood Tales; all of whom feature in the video, along with friends from the acting industry.

‘Other Voices’ stomps in with slick precision as Drop The Shadow bury and intensify their roots in their funk flavoured indie rock. A tight and infectious groove is something this band create wonderfully as they use their ductile bass and intricate swanky buoyant drum progression to create beautiful tones and add panache to their sound. Bursting with oodles of swagger the track wriggles and weaves sublimely with strut quality and vibrancy as the blazing guitar provides a vaporous quality and zealous sting. With raspy, soul-hued vocals drifting expressively over the intoxicating wall of sound it’s difficult not to instantly love this track. It’s a polished clean slice of indie rock with enough rough edge to entice your ears for more. With gritty riffs, catchy melody and adrenaline induced dizzying wall of sound the band create a track that is both refined and exhilarating. ‘Other Voices’ is a sleek and strong second single that confirms Drop The Shadow are a band to get excited about.

Watch the video for ‘Other Voices’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electro- Punk, Electronic, EP Review, Experimental Rock, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Van Panther ‘Overcast’ EP

Limerick based experimental post punk band Van Panther have released their new EP ‘Overcast’. Formed in 2015 Van Panther have supported the likes of noise-rock giants Holy Fuck on their Irish tour dates in Cork (Cyprus Avenue) & Limerick (Dolan’s Warehouse), and have played alongside up-and-coming Irish acts such as The Murder Capital, SENU, Kodu, Cruiser, Anna’s Anchor, and many more.The band have also played at Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2018 Festival and The Midnight Hour (Whelans, Dublin), and have performed at the Electro-City Synth Festival in Sin É (Dublin). 

‘Overcast‘ is a vivacious EP overflowing with intricate rich sounds and the refined and exhilarating genre blending Van Panther do so well. With electronics swirling around sweet guitar moments and heavy alternative rock elements the band create a unique and intriguing collection of tracks that has something for everyone. The main backbone to the EP is the lush grooves that saturate each track in hip wiggling elastic beats and bass lines. Title track ‘Overcast’ begins the compelling journey into the EP with quirky electronic bloops and squirms with delightful pop flutters and a buoyant indie groove. Each track is tied together by dreamy candied melodies that melt into the ears. Even the swagger dipped strut of ‘No Seasons’ with its quirky keys and Beck – esque prance and sass features an irresistible melody along with some slinky guitar lines against a funky rhythmic backdrop.

There is a summery vibe to all the tracks that is glorious to hear however ‘Moon Eyes’ is the most experimental. This track takes a heavier distorted stance on the EP with its stomping beat and sharp intro but once the vocals kick in, the band glide into a laid back shoegaze aesthetic. The chorus becomes dizzy and the guitars jaggedly crash through a chopping wall of sound and grittier fuzzed hue of electronics. ‘Moon Eyes’ is a fantastic alternative rock track with sweet surf elements pushing through. It feels like a fight to see which sound wins – the sweet dreamy surf or the blasting heavy alternative. ‘The Cutters’ brings the EP to a close with space-like sounds creating an eerie chilling atmosphere before the track develops into a 60’s hued guitar jangled shimmy.

Van Panther build and develop their tracks superbly to create a jarring exhilarating listening experience full of infectious grooves and delicious melodies that you can’t help but love. There is something special about this band. The vibrant unique instrumental brakes and perfect blends of electronic, alternative, pop and indie will leave you gobsmacked. I especially love the dizzying instrumental break in ‘The Cutters’, it creates a flashing house infused little pocket between a surf rock / indie track that is a surprising and refreshing feature.

‘Overcast’ is a well crafted, fun and perfectly produced body of work that contains something for everyone in a tight package of delight. A must listen.

Stream ‘Overcast’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

doops ‘Rehash Ver. 2’

Reading based alternative three piece doops have released their new single ‘Rehash Ver. 2’. This ominous prism of relentless tension glimmers with psych facets, crashing alternative blasts and twinkling sweet moments. A tapping beat, murmuring bass and sinister strike on guitar introduce the track as the band simmer and bubble into the explosive chorus with hair-raising earnestness. Consumed in gritty ferocity the track builds superbly to the epic chorus. Guitars blaze and shred, crashing into the pulverising drums to create a kinetic and demolishing wall of sound drenched in dark tones and grimy abrasive textures. The vocals progress from a mysterious eerie whisper into snide whines and exclaims as the band create a thrilling and utterly manic instrumental backdrop sure to ignite a mosh pit. There is a dazing sense of paranoia seeping through the verses and this reaches its peak as the song travels to its manic crescendo outburst.

‘Rehash Ver. 2.’ tightens its grip around your ears with each precise instrumental movement as if slithering carefully around its prey until you are firmly encased and bound within its tight suffocating and dense soundscape. With haunting backing vocals and shredding guitar distortion weaving between an almost harrowing musical experience with a humming infectious backbone doops present another scorching wallop of their unique and utterly exhilarating musicianship.

You can catch doop live at  :

Nov 28th – The Monarch, Camden (This Feeling Club Night)

Dec 10th at Facebar in Reading 

Dec 14th – Beyond The Download, Wokingham (Christmas all Dayer)

Stream ‘Rehash Ver. 2’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

SUNDOWN ‘Kicking Up A Storm’

Following the success of their debut single ‘Deal With The Devil’ in march, Dublin rock band SUNDOWN have released their new single ‘Kicking Up A Storm’. The single, produced by Philip Magee (Kodaline, The Script), is an homage to noughties guitar rock. With a slinky suave persona the track struts with an effortlessly cool swag while jagged riffs and punchy drums create a rough edged backdrop. Charismatic vocals drift on a smooth melodic flow as SUNDOWN present a driving infectious number filled with musical richness and vibrancy wrapped in a cool outer shell. With a shredding guitar solo and blistering wall of sound ‘Kicking Up A Storm’ is a sublime sophomore single from SUNDOWN. 

Watch the video for ‘Kicking Up A Storm’ below


Author : Danu

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

Sick Love ‘My Man’

Dublin’s Sick Love have released their new single ‘My Man’. The track is taken from the bands  forthcoming debut EP and they are touring Ireland and the UK this month to support its release. Their track ‘Gun in Your Pocket’ has now topped 800K streams on Spotify and they have just signed a deal with one of the most successful Sync companies in the US joining a roster which includes Wolf Alice, Kodaline, The 1975, James Bay etc.

‘My Man’ takes Sick Love’s invigorating sound to new blistering heights as they stomp all over your ears with sass, attitude and utterly exhilarating instrumentation. Its a dark battering track that bubbles and boils to its explosive crescendo creating an intense listening experience as the refined crashing guitars weave between a rooted driving bass line. The pummeling drums create a turbulent foundation for the guitars and bass to smash into and ricochet off creating a wonderful rough and tumble texture while Rebecca Geary’s powerful luring whispers seduce before exclaiming into the harsh crescendo. Sick Love tease with a sublime push and pull intense soundscape, blending vaporous tones with utter anarchy and desperate mania. It’s fiery and sharp as the band lacerate and bruise relentlessly throughout before they bring the crescendo to epic almost cinematic proportions. ‘My Man’ is a powerful display from Sick Love. each component part from this four piece ( from the shredding guitars, pounding drums and powerful vocals) blend perfectly together to create a blasting, raw wall of sound with enticing melodies and breathtaking instrumentation. A must listen.

Stream ‘My Man’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Twenty Eighth Club

Photo Credit : Barnaby Fairley

Sheffield five piece Twenty Eighth Club have released their new single ‘Lost In Conversation’. The track follows in the same vein as previous releases ‘Talk ’and ‘Rebound ’(the latter being added to Spotify’s‘ Hot New Bands ’playlist ). The band have made appearances at the likes of Y Not and Dot to Dot Festivals over the summer and have had sold out headline shows in their hometown. They have an upcoming Sheffield headline show at the iconic Leadmill and support slots in Leeds and York with Indie-pop rising stars Larkins.

‘Lost In Conversation’ is a satisfying slurp of effervescent indie pop as Twenty Eighth Club spread a sugar sweet melody over a zesty indie backdrop. With a sun kissed glow and stinging, slicing, jangly guitars the track bounces and strides sublimely into its bursting chorus. Warm vocals glide over a catchy melody and vibrant summer sun wall of sound as the band flesh out their tight infectious music to create a wholly invigorating number. With its effortless presentation and blazing guitar refrains weaving between a dynamic bass and drum progression ‘Lost In Conversation’ is a youthful adrenaline rush, ready to revolve in your head for days.

Stream ‘Lost In Conversation’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Soundrage ‘Thereafter’

Hard-rock outfit Soundrage have just released their debut single ‘Thereafter’. Founded in 2018, the band have a unique mixture of energetic rock and acoustic-driven material. Recorded and produced with Yoad Nevo (Bryan Adams, Sia, Moby),’Thereafter’ is inspired by multiple people in chief-songwriter Peter Zembery’s life suffering from strokes in recent times.

‘Thereafter’ is a rock-infused ballad brimming with passion and fist pump might. With punchy drums keeping a steady foundation Soundrage flesh out their emotive musicianship and rich guitar work. From warm balmy jingles to crashing outbursts the guitars flood the track with vivid rich qualities and vibrant intricacies. Mery Diaz has an interesting tone to her voice as she creates depth through the verses while her falsetto for the chorus has a Kate Bush tonality. ‘Thereafter’ is a powerful heavy hitting number brimming with passion.

Stream ‘Thereafter’ below 


Author : Danu

electro - rock, Electronic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Synk ‘Make it Swim’

Dublin five-piece Electronic Rock band Synk have released a live video of their song ‘Make it Swim’ When we asked the band about the video James Lonergan told us : “We shot the video in our rehearsal room in North Strand which is literally a railway arch beneath the Dublin – Sligo line. The train passes overhead every 10/15 minutes. While mixing the audio for the video we noticed that it can be heard faintly during the first crescendo. Our dear friend Jason Brennan shot the video a week before moving to Texas and did the edit in a trailer out somebody’s back garden in Austin. The audio was mixed by our own Daniel Smith & Evan Kennedy.”

‘Make it Swim’ is a dark, lulling and sometimes turbulent musical labyrinth as Synk entwine the mind in themes of fear and loss through deep passionate musicianship. A sombre melody is emotionally caressed and tenderly expressed through touching soulful vocals with a rock -esque rasp that floods the track in powerful outbursts. The band create a chilling shadowy atmosphere with pulsing thuds on drums while glistening melodies on guitar meander with a majestic delicate innocence and poignant pines. ‘Make it Swim’ takes you on an emotional journey as the band weave psychedelic tones masterfully with rock, electronic and indie elements to create something utterly compelling. The track takes on many forms, from a heavy crashing wall of sound drowning in pain and bitterness to lulling sweet calms of dreamy numbness to create a vivid listening experience which is rich in depth and refined intricacies. There is something truly compelling about this band’s tunes and ‘Make It Swim’ submerges you in the intense and broad spectrum that is Synk’s wonderful sound.

Watch the video for ‘Make it Swim’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks 

Gringoh

Genre: Indie

Bio: Gringoh are a London based duo consisting of two brothers from outer West London.The band create Urban London music influenced by beats of latin America and sounds from all over the world.

Track: Red Flower

Why We Like It: It’s a chic salsa-laced number as Gringoh weave lush Latin American sounds into an electronic background to create something truly tantalizing. The danceable beat and twinkling keys create a creeping and luring groove as the track flows with a spicy elegance and buoyant sass. The vocals are laid back as the band create a nonchalant melody and almost mysterious quality throughout this vibrant gem. It’s instantly infectious with crisp production.

You Can Follow Gringoh on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/gringohband/

Watch the video for ‘Red Flower’ below

Sinking With Love

Genre: psychedelic dream pop

Bio: Sinking With Love is formed of three members one lives in Cork, another in Berlin and the other in Bucharest. The band bring their talents together to create dreamy psychedelic pop that is refreshing.

Track: By Your Side

Why We Like It: This hazy track soothes with a tranquil soundscape encased in a delicate prism of psychedelia. With haunting vocals that coo the majestic melody and twinkling guitars the trio create a magical entrapment of dreamy bliss and euphoria. Well layered and sweetly mellow with a rich rhythm section Sinking With Love showcase a refined blend of mature musicianship that is to be admired.

You can Follow Sinking With Love of Face book here https://www.facebook.com/sinkingwithlove/

Stream ‘By Your Side’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/sinkingwithlove/sinking-with-love-by-your-side-radio-edit


Johnny Kills

Genre: Indie

Bio: Johnny Kills are an indie trio from London/Brighton. Their new single ‘Editing’ is taken from from their debut EP, ‘Panic’ which is set for release today via Killing Moon. Previous EP singles, ‘I Feel Like’ and ‘Help Me Out’, earned fans in BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens along with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio.Johnny Kills have developed a reputation for an infectious sound and attitude, live they’ve supported the likes of Fangclub and Sick Joy whilst playing numerous shows between home bases Brighton and London, as well as further afield in Liverpool, York and Birmingham.

Track: ‘Editing’

Why We Like It: It’s a punchy indie number drench in the youthful jangly musicianship Johnny Kills are becoming known for. The sharp jagged guitars relentlessly stride through while the punchy drums create a buoyant foundation. The band whack out a gritty rough strident track with a smooth sulky melody that screams teenage angst. Razor sharp and brimming with vigor its another smasher from the trio.

You can follow Johnny Kills of Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/johnnykillskillskills/

Stream ‘Editing’ below

Brain Donation

Genre: Alternative rock

Bio: Brain Donation are an alternative rock three piece from Dublin. The band consists of Dan McKenna (Guitar and Vocals), Alan Stapleton (Bass, Vocal), and Ollie Jordan Kelly (Drums.) Their latest offering is a single called Knockoff Dandy.  It was recorded and mixed by guitarist, Dan McKenna and mastered by Ivan Jackman (Girl Band, Jape, Solar Bears). 

Track: Knockoff Dandy

Why We Like It: It’s a dirty sleazy desert-rock number that spirals with silky riffs and brawny bass lines as the band develop the track into a swagger-dipped banger. The trio add strut quality and swanky panache to their vaporous track with shredding guitar elements chopping through the buoyant, strutting bounce of the drums. With a polished presentation wrapping the gritty persona in refinement the band create an exhilarating mosh ready track that builds to a shivering crescendo.

Stream ‘Knockoff Dandy’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/braindonation/knockoff-dandy-1/s-YwVbD

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks On Spotify Below


Author : Danu