Tag Archives: indie rock

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

Dakota Avenue ‘Temptress’

Following ‘Getintheshower’ and ‘The Island’ earlier this year, Alt/rock outfit Dakota Avenue have released their new single ‘Temptress’ which was recorded in Stoke-on-Trent with producer Andy Gannon. The trio have performed and received airplay from BBC Introducing, match day slots at Manchester City’s Etihad and festivals nationally; Belladrum, Tramlines, Dot To Dot, Blackthorn and RivFest and supported The Covasettes and Sly Antics to name a few.

‘Temptress’ takes Dakota Avenue’s powerful rock and refines it into a punchy, more potent dosage.  The band batter through with robust and aggressive drums creating a beefy backbone with elastic flexibility while the piercing guitars slice and whine throughout creating an ethereal, vaporous quality that is sleek and steamy. It’s a dynamic number that boasts the mighty anthemic range of this three piece as they cultivate their sound to a grander scale. There is an equal measure of smooth velvety qualities to robust power. The melody drifts into the ears with ease as  Frontman J’s compelling vocals coo and lure through the verses before howling the infectious chorus. His vocals drift with soulful and powerful tones while maintaining a rock-fueled rasp. Dakota Avenue have successfully carried the sublime passionate nature of previous release ‘Getintheshower’ through to ‘Temptress’ however they have slapped on some destructive heft and crashing wall of sound to create a thrilling new single and entice listeners. These guys are ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Temptress’ below 


Author : Danu

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

The Howlers ‘Matador’

THE HOWLERS / PIXEL STUDIO A / Kentish Town / Shot by Rob Blackham / www.blackhamimages.com

After receiving notable support from BBC Radio 1, Radio X & Clash Magazine with debut single ‘La Dolce Vita’ East London Desert Rockers The Howlers are back with their follow up single ‘Matador’. Recently endorsed by Laney Amplification the band are continuing to drive home the hype that surrounded their debut single. The band will be playing a handful of shows around London and the UK to see the year out, as well as live shows the band will be back in the studio to finish their third single which will be released in early 2020. 

‘Matador’ is a rousing piece of desert rock as The Howlers lasso your ears with their sweltering musicianship and exhilarating sound. With bracing whines on guitar the band delve deep into a mystery soaked biting atmosphere while the relentless drums and dynamic bass roar and rumble through the blistering wall of sound. The track exudes swagger as the cool vocals gravel between the stinging backdrop. Its western – esque bravado and spiky coating adds fiery intensity while the smooth melody and anthemic eruption for the chorus make this track something your ears will crave to hear again. ‘Matador’ is an intoxicating new single from The Howlers. 

Stream ‘Matador’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Hook ‘I love the world because you’re in it’

Hook have released their debut single ‘I love the world because you’re in it’. Hook are a 3-piece based in Dublin, Ireland made up of Eoin O’Donnell – vocals, guitars; Morgan O’Brien – drums and Danny Spelman – bass, vocals. The single was produced by the band with Colin Reid and recorded in the world-famous Camden Recording Studios, Dublin and in the band’s own studio. 

‘I love the world because you’re in it’ is a bright indie track that floats on the warm musicianship of Hook. With a jangly guitar stride the track has an instant uplifting quality while the steady beat creates a buoyant and foot tapping foundation. There is a county hue about the track that adds a twang of wholesomeness while the warm vocals and sweet melody charm their way into your ears. With a glorious guitar instrumental, subtle psychedelic tones and soothing soundscape Hook create a luscious new wave indie track that is a beautiful, dreamy delightful. 

Stream ‘I love the world because you’re in it’ below 


Author : Danu

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

THVS ‘Fevers’ Album

THVS formed in 2014 with Michael, Matt and Dave making up the elements of guitar/vocals, drums and bass. The power trio have earned a reputation through their energetic, sweaty and cathartic live shows. The band have now released their new album ‘Fevers’.

‘Fevers’ is a rampant blast of THVS’ heavy pop as they create a collection of brisk raging tracks that are not for the faint-hearted. The rough ear piercing sound kicks off with the first track ‘Rax’ and steamrolls right through to final track ‘Brando’. With pulverising drums screeching guitars and metal influences throughout ‘Rivals’, ‘Brides’ and ‘Circles’ the band create a bloodthirsty album that is relentless in its approach. There is no breath or relief from the onslaught as the rough jagged riffs batter and bruise between a crashing wall of sound while the screaming vocals howl and spit with aggression throughout. The band veer from manic to lunacy as the second half of the album comes into fruition. They summon all out anarchy as the tracks intensify. Slicing sharp guitar solo’s create refined piercing relief in tracks like ‘Wounds’ before the band demolish your ears with their vociferous alternative rock. Lyrically the album deals with numerous heavy themes of loss, regret and self doubt. However they also deal with thought provoking themes as well such as achievement, the connection between people and detachment to the world around you. The band portray this though their shattering wall of sound and heavy pop rock superbly. ‘Distances’ and ‘Brando’ bring the album to its mutilated peak. With heavy riffs, dark foreboding bass and utterly annihilating drums the band end the album with the most spine chilling slaughter. 

‘Fevers’ is a raw pure concoction of THVS’ unapologetic sound set to  ravage your brain from the inside out. However, with all the frenzied ear bleeding soundscapes the band manage to blend in some really refined and cultivated moments throughout. The album possesses sublime ominous bass grooves and wonderfully precise, shrilling guitar solo’s while the relentless rhythm batters their ferocity into the depths of your soul. The darker chilling moments within the album are beautifully fermented and fester deep within each track’s core to create a deep and volatile album sure to leave your ears ringing for days. 

Stream ‘Fevers’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Chinese Newspaper ‘Late Night Pharmacy’ EP

Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their new EP ‘Late Night Pharmacy’. The band has gained some traction since the release of their single “If Not Now Then When” playing shows such as Vantastival festival, opening for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at the Tivoli Theatre as well as being part of an all Irish line up at the Button Factory on Halloween night.

‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is Chinese Newspaper’s most defined and exhilarating body of work to date. There are a plethora of shredding refined guitar moments and intense rhythms throughout the EP.  The band ferment and harness their wild raucous musicianship to create something that is well-crafted and polished but with a deep rooted sense of anarchy. ‘Are You Bored?’ sets the riot in motion with a sublime rumble on drums creating a fluctuant almost wriggling foundation while the bass swivels between the intoxicating finesse on guitar. It’s a hyper energetic track stamped with all the loud aggression we have come to know Chinese Newspaper for. This band is flourishing. They immerse their sound in rich layers and textures. There is a dash of rock ‘n’ roll swagger in ‘Cola’ as the band smother the track in a bloodthirsty wall of sound. It’s ready for the energy of a live show as the chorus explodes into a massive assault and mosh ready blitz. The moody vocals from Killian Barrett express angst with vigor while his rasp and attitude create that teenage rebellion atmosphere through the stormy instrumental backdrop. There is no denying the rhythm and pounding drums in this track – they are sublime. Nathan Merriman could summon a demon with that ominous drum rumble and Aran McGilick ties the track together with the vibrant, infectious groove of his bass while the guitar lightly ricochets off this backdrop majestically creating an invigorating and danceable listening experience. The band chill the intensity and sweltering heat of the EP with ‘Nothing Comes From Nothing’. A light melodic ditty which swoons over a melancholic sulky melody while a hazy atmosphere ( created by shaky percussion and steady beat ) provides that lazy summer’s day gloom. The light indie-drizzled guitars jangle innocently throughout until the track becomes more expressive and jagged for the crescendo. The nostalgic ‘Sunday’ brings the EP to a close. With thumping drums and a mosh-ready break, its an emotional tantrum backed by fantastic instrumentation which intensifies for the chorus and broods through the verses. These guys have mastered the ability to create emotive music and make the listener feel connected and enthralled by their tunes while also bashing out rich fuzz-filled pop with grunge and rock elements sprinkled on top. 

‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is a clear step in the right direction for Chinese Newspaper. They haven’t lost the raw rampage of their 2017 ‘Spotless Mind’ EP. They have refined and cultivated it to create a fine, engaging and deft sound all of their own. With first rate guitar work and ground rumbling rhythm these guys have a sound that is both dreamy and razor sharp. 

Stream ‘Late Night Pharmacy’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Slyrydes ‘Dangerous Animals’

Galway’s Slyrydes are set to release their new single ‘Dangerous Animals’ on October 25th. The track was recorded by Daniel Doherty (Fontaines DC, Vulpynes, Galants) in Darklands audio Dublin.This is the fourth single from the band who have an album set for release in 2020. The band have been making a name for themselves with their previous tracks gaining radio support from Today fm, 2fm, RTE radio one, Radio Nova, BBC radio Foyle and Radio X in the UK as well as many regional stations.

‘Dangerous Animals’ is a relentless onslaught of bruising, battering punk rock as Slyrydes take their abrasive sound and carve it brutishly into your head with savage force. The piercing shrilling guitars lacerate and gash into the track with menacing rage as the pulverizing drums batter furiously throughout with primal vigor. With a curdling bass line rumbling relentlessly through the frenzy, this track packs one heck of a punch. The delirious swirling on guitars create a sinister, seizure-inducing mania that is both chilling and compelling while the shouted vocals spit and bellow the cutting lyrics. Slyrydes have created one turbulent blitz with their new track ‘Dangerous Animals’. It’s a dark blood thirsty belter brimming with raw unadulterated punk rock.

‘Dangerous Animals’ will be released on the 25th of October for more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/slyrydes/


Author : Danu

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

The Pretty Visitors ‘High Sailing Blues’

The Pretty Visitors have released their new single ‘High Sailing Blues’. Previously supporting artists such as Circa Waves, Jaws, Billy Lunn (The Subways), The Family Rain and more recently, Sisteray, The Pretty Visitors  showcase an energetic, eclectic live sound. In 2019 The Pretty Visitors released their demo ‘Its Not Easy’ and have featured multiple times on BBC Introducing shows. 

‘High Sailing Blues’ is a gritty raw rock track as The Pretty Visitors flesh out their swagger-dipped sound. Steamy guitar riffs carve into the pounding drums while a slick bass wiggles and coils throughout. This robust powerhouse is a sleek battering of the band’s energetic sound with a steamy sensual backbone. The raspy vocals add a rough quality while the vaporous guitar licks and sharp flirtations give a refined and majestic element to this hungry mammoth. The Pretty Visitors knock it outta the park with ‘High Sailing Blues’

Stream ‘High Sailing Blues’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/theprettyvisitorsuk/high-sailing-blues-demo


Author : Danu

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

Johnny Kills ‘Help Me Out’

London/Brighton trio Johnny Kills have released their new single ‘Help Me Out’. They have also announced the title of their debut EP: ‘Panic’, which will be released via Killing Moon on November 20th. The bands previous EP single, ‘I Feel Like’, earned fans in BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. Johnny Kills have supported the likes of Fangclub and Sick Joy whilst playing numerous shows in Brighton, London, Liverpool, York and Birmingham.

 ‘Help Me Out’ is a breezy, zinging, indie-pop can of soda as Johnny Kills present their fizzing, energetic, bouncy sound in a fruity laid back surf pop flavour. This track is a youthful infectious gem. A punchy beat and relentless bass-groove creates an animated backbone. The fuzz laced guitars add a dash of bite as the track takes a sunny Californian indie rebellion tone. The attitude-soaked, angsty vocals complain over the kinetic backdrop as the band smother the track in their signature infectious pop-sprinkled melody. It’s a tight, light-hearted number with a garage rock chorus that erupts into the ears with tantalizing vigor and blistering instrumentation. There is a 90’s pop rock vibe about this track that makes it intensely nostalgic and sure to charm its way on repeat. 

Tim Lloyd-Kinnings describes the themes behind ‘Help Me Out’:“It’s about getting to a stage where you have some big life questions-what career do I want? Where do I want to live? What do I really care about?-to which the answers are all a resounding ‘I don’t have a scooby, mate’. It’s about having a blank slate in front of you and it just freaking you out, and hoping someone else will sort it all out for you.”

Stream ‘Help Me Out’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Sister Ghost ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’

Belfast-based punk act Sister Ghost are set to release their new single ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ On October 21st. Sister Ghost, aka Shannon Delores O’Neill, has a background playing in bands from the age of 12. In early 2014, she began writing and demoing – singing and playing everything herself – before enlisting a band to bring Sister Ghost to completion. She has been recognised for mentoring and encouraging other female-identified musicians to perform in the Northern Irish scene, having also set up the Girls Rock! NI chapter in 2016. Sister Ghost has garnered high profile support slots with Shellac, Pussy Riot and Le Butcherettes as well as airplay on BBC 6 Music and a Next Wave Artist slot on BBC Radio 1. As of Spring 2019, O’Neill has teamed up with producer Cahir O’Doherty (Frank Turner, Fighting With Wire, New Pagans) to work on the debut Sister Ghost album, set for release in 2020.

‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a brisk swarm of punk rock as Sister Ghost blast out their blistering high energy wall of sound with ease and vigor. From fiery guitar riffs and rooted rumble on bass to the pulverizing drums the band set down an infectious foundation ready to set a live audience alight. With attitude soaked vocals tight harmonies and dynamic melody this powerful onslaught is a force to be reckoned with. The track takes aim at oppressive systems both in Northern Ireland as well as those abroad as O’Neill spits and bellows the lyrics with intensity creating a hyper active atmosphere as well as making the song relatable beyond the political confines of Belfast. ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a wallop in the face of infectious fierce punk rock at its raw and exhilarating best. 

‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is set for release on October 21st for more follow Sister Ghost on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sisterghost


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

C’nergi ‘Hope and Paradise’

Reading Rock artist C’nergi has released his new single ‘Hope and Paradise’.

‘Hope and Paradise’ is a vibrant indie rock track which presents C’nergi’s passionate songwriting with equal parts grace and power. With a twinkling piano feature the track flutters on an ethereal atmosphere while the intricate experimental rhythms add a unique texture to the track. The guitars stride and drift with an 80’s classic rock dramatic persona and swagger. ‘Hope and Paradise’ is filled with tender verses and explosive choruses to create a rich listening experience. C’nergi’s raspy vocals coat the catchy melody in emotion as the track develops into a power rock ballad. ‘Hope and Paradise’ is a fantastic follow up to his last single ‘Give Light’, released in August 2018.

Stream ‘Hope and Paradise’ below 


Author : Danu