Tag Archives: indie rock

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

The Word UK ‘Fish In The Sea’ EP

 

The Word UK have released their new EP ‘Fish In The Sea’. The Word (UK) are a Pop Rock band from Medway, Kent. They first got together in 2017 due to their mutual love for The Beatles (the name was taken from a Beatles song), which sums up the band well – these four lads aspire to write and perform music to the same standard as the biggest bands around, past and present.In search of the ‘old-school sound’ of their idols from the 1960s and 70s, the band headed to Ranscombe Studios, Rochester, famed locally for its analogue equipment and back-to-basics approach to recording. Most of what you hear was laid down live in a single room, with the band playing all at once – and all without a computer in sight. The result? A group of songs that capture a snapshot of the energy of their live performances, and a nod to the classic way of doing things.’Fish In The Sea’ is the band’s first EP. It’s a cluster of five tracks showcasing some of the original tunes the band have been pumping out live all over the UK for the last year; in pubs, clubs and even busking on the streets.

Swirled in luscious 60’s -esque melodies with a tight wall of sound driving this peppy collection of tracks ‘Fish In The Sea’ is a wholly satisfying  uplifting EP. Glorious honey drenched melodies caressed by warm sweet harmonies are the pinnacle point of this EP. ‘Brother,Brother’ and title track ‘Fish In The Sea’ swoon with these delicious melodies, shredding guitar licks and a driving rhythm section that evokes images of surf waves and good times. With a shimmy ready lightness and compact Beatles – esque approach the track glides into your ears with effortless sun kissed charm. Intricate guitars weave and wander their way through each track with a golden, glorious toned thread of delight. The tongue twister ‘Lemonella Citronella’ is a darling little gem that sits comfortably in the middle of the EP. The enchanting guitar once again entwines and illuminates this balmy gem. The Word UK shake things up a little with the Bo Diddley rhythmic intro of  ‘Captain Pine’ teamed with a rooted bass rumble. This track brings a slightly darker tone to the EP as the guitars whine over the stormy instrumentation. The melody however, remains peppy and bright. These are catchy tunes that will put a smile on your face and have you singing along and clapping in no time. Closing track ‘The Hillbilly Song’ is the perfect example of this, bringing a 60’s swing into the mix that is sure to have a live audience dancing and bopping along.With a shredding guitar solo and harmonica injection this vibrant track is a blistering highly energetic number to bring the EP to an end.

‘Fish In The Sea’ is a playful charming collection of tracks that exude swagger and easy going fun to keep your hearts light and joyful. These guys have showcased their proficient musicianship through some highly enjoyable tunes.

Stream ‘Fish In The sea’ below

 

 

 


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

The Empire Police ‘Modern Obsession’ EP

Preston four piece The Empire Police have released their new EP ‘Modern Obsession’, the follow up to last years self titled EP. The indie rock quartet formed in 2015 and quickly became an accomplished “live” act with a growing, energetic fan base across northern cities including Preston, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield. Having had several of their songs played on BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music the band continues to develop their live shows and their own unique sound.

‘Modern Obsession’ is a power-rock pumping station ready to burst with huge choruses and shredding instrumentation. The arena sing along ready title track ‘Modern Obsession’ introduces the EP with a fine sense of subtle grandeur. The catchy chorus, twinkling guitars and punchy drum stomp create a gripping atmosphere for the song. This Imagine dragons -esque ditty, swoons and soars over heartfelt melodies and crowd friendly motifs while steamy guitar solos inject a healthy dose of classic rock grit into this anthemic number.‘Fine Lines’ and ‘Am I To Know’ thrusts some punk fire into the mix. These guys prove they can whack some gritty mosh ready heaviness into their sound seamlessly while also flickering into some funky guitar bridges and infectious smooth melodies between the crashing mania. Slick riffage is another glorious feature running riot throughout this EP, it is at its most thrilling display in ‘Vibrant Hideaway’. Gritty jagged and razor sharp, the guitar riffs slice and dice their way through this track. The Empire Police continue their blistering rock intensity with ’By The Scenes’ and closing track ‘Any Greater Wisdom’ as they glide a delicious melody over the vigorous instrumental. There is a residue of The Killers ‘Sams Town’ era floating about ‘By The Scenes’ as it pulses through on a gripping lamenting melody with an anthemic soaring backing of scorching guitars and pummeling drums. However The Empire Police create their own cinematic enthralling display throughout this tune.

The Empire Police have created a hook filled collection of tracks to get the heart racing and fill the soul with that adrenaline fueled sense of urgency only a solid anthemic indie rock EP can induce.

Stream below ‘Modern Obsession’ below

 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Saults

After one year of gigs across the UK (30 in London’s clubs, Love Supreme Festival, Minehead Festival in 2018…), french pop-rock band Saults have released their new single ‘Kelly Ride’. The track which was recorded  in Abbey Road Studio, last February and has already got a massive reception among professionals (BBC, London Live TV…). Saults is comprised of brothers Antoine Saults (lead guitar / vocals), Greg Saults (drums / vocals) and Axel Castets (bass / choirs). In the beginning of 2016, they decided to record an EP and shot the video of its main title, ‘I Wanna Jam’, with the help of Sam de Salvador. They sold over 1.500 copies and ‘I Wanna Jam’ was viewed more than 15.000 times on YouTube.

‘Kelly Ride’ is a funky sweep of indie rock that struts in dripping in swagger as slinky guitar licks stride over a foot tapping beat and groove infested bass line.Jagged guitar riffs slice and dice with steamy vigor as the danceable bass groove and punchy drum whacks lay an elastic foundation,  building the tension gradually and suavely for the meaty mosh ready rock n’ roll crescendo. This track has everything to coax you to the dance floor with panache driven vocals cruising over the vivid backdrop- its crisp clean and swanky.

Watch the video for ‘Kelly Ride’ below


Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth-pop

Color Palette ‘Sunburn’

Color Palette have released their new single ‘Sunburn’. Color Palette – comprised of Jay Nemeyer, Joshua Hunter, Matt Hartenau, Rogerio Naressi, and Maryjo Mattea – are an Indie Electro Rock band from Washington, DC. Since their first release, Color Palette have garnered hundreds of press hits worldwide. The band released their debut full-length album, ‘Vaporwave’, in 2016 and  have shared bills with the following notable artists: Charli XCX, The Naked and Famous, Mother Mother, Day Wave, Yumi Zouma, Mr Little Jeans, The Kickback, and Spirit Animal. The band are set to release their second full-length album in 2019.

‘Sunburn’ is a soft marshmallow of swirling sweetness caressing your ears with glorious smooth textures which wrap a zingy indie interior in silken coated bliss. Ethereal and dreamy, this track pirouettes in, on a spongy buoyant rhythmic foundation while jangly guitars slice through with zealous vigor and sun kissed radiance. The subtle hazy vocals layer the track in dreamy vibes as shimmering whirling electronics set a Utopian atmosphere to lose yourself in. These guys blend the delicate electronic tones with blistering indie seamlessly to create a gripping enthralling listening experience that transports you to that euphoric sun soaked land, dreams are made of.

Stream ‘Sunburn’ below

 


Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Kill ‘Em Charlie ‘Better Off’

Irish band Kill ‘Em Charlie have released their new single ‘Better Off’ which was recorded and mastered in GAF Studios in Tipperary and was used as the closing song for a play called ‘Happy Slapped’ which was showing in Cork. The five piece from Tipperary comprised of members Eoghan on vocals, Alex on guitar, Patrick on guitar, George on bass and Gavin on drums have fleshed out their dynamic indie sound through ‘Better Off’. Brimming with ethereal guitar strides that glimmer and twinkle between punchy drums this track glows with a beaming radiance and an exquisite quality that makes this band ones to watch. An anthemic vibrant chorus belts through a vivid instrumental backdrop as the five  piece create the perfect radio friendly number that will grip the hearts of live audiences around the country. It’s an easy to listen to passionate number as warm vocals glide upon the infectious melody while Kill ‘Em Charlie showcase their slick musicianship with a shredding guitar solo and blistering crescendo. These guys have a tight sound and a growing knack for melody as they create tracks that are enjoyable, fiery  and compelling all at once.

Stream ‘Better Off’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From whenyoung

Following their recent singles ‘Heaven on Earth’ and their cover of the Cranberries classic ‘Dreams’, Limerick’s finest indie-poppers whenyoung have announced their new EP ‘Given Up’ to be released through Virgin EMI on the 9th November with new single and title track ‘Given Up’. 2018 has already been a landmark year for the young band. It’s seen them perform in Dublin as part of Shane Mcgowan’s 60th birthday celebration alongside the likes of Nick Cave and Sinead O’Connor. They’ve also supported the likes of Dream Wife, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines and Peace.Having already played storming sets at this year’s Great Escape, Latitude, Kendal Calling, Bestival, All Together Now and Electric Picnic, they are playing headline shows in October supporting both The Vaccines and Blossoms on their upcoming tours along with their own headline shows in Dublin, Limerick and Cork this coming November.

‘Given Up’ is a catchy indie pop number driven by a meaty backdrop, forming the perfect blend of gritty alternative rock. This trio weave between shimmering luscious pop and razor raw indie rock seamlessly to create a satisfying and hair raising listening experience. Dynamic drums and elastic rumbling bass create the resilient foundation while refined guitars meander from sweetly chiming to blistering stings as this track builds from its Pixies-esque style into the rich wholly consuming sound that is whenyoung. Aoife Power’s vocals sweetly coo with attitude hued undercurrents as she lulls the glorious melty melody. This track is well crafted each element bringing something delightful to the table. The infectious chorus, jangly guitar elements and honey drizzled vocal bridges make this track just sublime and pretty impressive.

About the track the band said “Given Up was written after a series of late nights and self-inflicted misdirection. The central message is to take your life by the reins and create your own future.”

You Can Catch whenyoung live at:

21st September – Reeperbahn Festival (Molotow) – Hamburg

26th September – The Key Club – Leeds

27th September –The Shipping Forecast – Liverpool

28th September – Think Tank? – Newcastle

29th September – Tenement Trail Festival – Glasgow

3rd October – The Boiler Room – Guildford

4th October – The Purple Turtle – Reading

5th October – The Cookie – Leicester

6th October – Neighbourhood Festival – Manchester

10th October – Komedia Studio – Brighton

11th October – Boston Music Rooms – London

12th October – Kasbah – Coventry

20th October – Ancienne Belgique – Belgium (Supporting The Vaccines)

21st October – Luxor – Cologne (Supporting The Vaccines)

22nd October – Gruenspan – Hamburg (Supporting The Vaccines)

24th October – Alhambra – Paris (Supporting The Vaccines)

25th October – Melkweg – Amsterdam (Supporting The Vaccines)

26th October – Festaal Kreuzberg – Berlin (Supporting The Vaccines)

28th October – Vega Small Hall – Copenhagen (Supporting The Vaccines)

29th October – Pustervik – Gothenburg (Supporting The Vaccines)

30th October – Nalen – Stockholm (Supporting The Vaccines)

13th October – Heartbreakers – Southampton

2nd November – The Workman’s Club – Dublin

3rd November – Dolan’s – Limerick

4th November – Cyprus Avenue – Cork

4th December – O2 Academy 1 – Sheffield (Supporting Blossoms)

5th December – Rock City – Nottingham (Supporting Blossoms)

7th December – O2 Academy 1 – Birmingham (Supporting Blossoms)

8th December  – Victoria Warehouse – Manchester (Supporting Blossoms)

9th December – Victoria Warehouse – Manchester (Supporting Blossoms)

11th December – O2 Guildhall – Southampton (Supporting Blossoms)

12th December – O2 Academy 1 – Bristol (Supporting Blossoms)

 

Stream ‘Given Up’ below

 


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

Jack Woodward ‘Look Looking Around’

25 year old singer-songwriter Jack Woodward, is set to release his new single ‘Look Looking Around’ on Thursday 20th September which was written and produced last year with the production duo ‘Sugar House’ in St Helens. Woodward has  played many gigs with his backing band in towns and cities around the North-West of England such as Wigan, Warrington, Liverpool, Bolton and Manchester as well as performing on the X Factor Live Tour in Brighton to 4500 people, the BBC Introducing Stage at Blackburn’s festival of making, a sold out gig at Sound in Liverpool and The Cavern Club and supported ‘Rae Morris’ at King Tuts in Glasgow.’Look Looking Around’ is being released as a double single along with Woodward’s song ‘Let it Happen’ which he released last March. Both tracks on the double single have already been played multiple times by ‘BBC Introducing Radio Lancashire’ and ‘Amazing Radio’ with great support at blogs and radio stations too, and have so far been received well by fans at gigs and critics alike.

‘Look Looking Around’ rushes in on a whirring spur of youthful adrenaline aloft a punchy anthemic indie foundation. Dynamic drums pound through with relentless foot stomping stamina while jangly energised guitars weave, wail and slickly entwine the smooth heartwarming melody and velvety vocals. This track has the balance on point – the edgy powerful instrumental backdrop oozes confidence and swagger while the melty ear-worm melody glides over this animated explosion with sweet luscious grandeur and finesse. Brimming with heart stopping warmth with some glorious melodic lines glimmering throughout,  it’s peppy, anthemic and one to have a live audience bellowing out and uncontrollably dancing to.

You can follow Jack Woodward on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/jackwoodwardmusic

 


Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Delights ‘Jungle’

Following the release of their previous single, ‘Naked Heart’, Manchester, indie rock band Delights have now released their next single ‘Jungle’. Both tracks were recorded on the same day at Oscillate Studios in Knutsford by producer Chris Hughes. This laid back indie number is brimming with juicy guitar jingles between a buoyant beat and a smooth vocal delivery, making for an easy and vibrant listening experience. With a velvety melody cruising upon the dynamic indie backdrop coated in sun soaked vibes this track will charm and glisten its way onto your playlists. The tight production and meticulously layered components give the track a smooth glossy lustre while rooted bass grooves weave snug braids into the punchy foundation creating a wholly satisfying track.

Stream ‘Jungle’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Johnny Kills

Following  on from the  success of ‘’Who’s  Counting?͛, their first  release via Killing Moon, Johnny  Kills emerge for the second time  in 2018 with their new tune ‘Seems’.  Earning champions including BBC Introducing,  The Line of Best Fit, DORK, Indie Shuffle and  The Metro plus dozens more tastemaker radio stations  and blogs with their flair for delivering scuzzy pop  off-cuts, the trio are made up of Tim, biological brother  Lewis Lloyd-Kinnings and spiritual brother Cameron Gipp. Aiding them  in bringing their tracks to an acceptable auditory standard is Leeds  based producer and Forever Cult bassist Alex Greaves (TRASH, PLAZA, Seeing Hands)  on production and mixing duties, with Pete Maher (Pixies, Lana Del Rey, Scissor Sisters)  on mastering.

‘Seems’ is a glam rock dash of bedazzlement propelled into a fuzz fueled  garage-rock setting to create a whirlpool of blistering bliss. A pounding relentless bass line forces its punk-esque ego  through the glittery bravado with relentless ground shaking ferocity while the falsetto vocals subdue this pounding with its flamboyant sleekness. This track weaves a wiggly wonky thread through the instrumental battery to make for a scuzzy quirky listening experience filled with angst and vigor.

Stream ‘Seems’ below


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

Freeda ‘Go Home’

Manchester five piece indie rock band Freeda have released their new single ‘Go Home’ comprised of Sean Rowles, Callum Hignett, Cameron Meekums-Spence, Adam Barton and Adam Jackson Freeda formed in early 2017. The band spent their first year establishing themselves in their hometown, selling out headline shows along the way and progressing to 500+ Capacity venues. In February 2018 Freeda released their debut single ‘Plug It In’, which was recorded by producers Sugar House (Viola Beach, Pale Waves) and featured here on Indie Buddie and was featured on Hype Machine’s ‘Latest Music’ Spotify playlist. 2018 has since seen the band play two headline shows in Manchester, travel to Paris to headline the famous Le Truskel Club, perform at Dot 2 Dot festival and play in front of over 3000 people on the Cotton Clouds Festival main stage.With their biggest hometown show confirmed for the 8th September at Gorilla, Freeda look set to cement their status as one of Manchester’s fastest growing bands.

‘Go Home’ was once again produced by production duo Sugar House and showcases the bands intoxicating snappy indie rock at its best. With a glossy infectious melody doused in foot tapping rich rhythms this track lays out its foundation superbly creating the perfect groove infested backdrop for the glorious guitars and delicious melody to rebound and playfully weave around. Slick sharp guitar riffs tease through the verses with striking stings before surging the chorus with exhilarating euphoria. It’s a biting number as the guitars crash and tightly entangle the ear-worm melody and buoyant rhythm while the velvety vocals brood and coo through this little indie anthem. The chorus is big and sing along ready while the verses cruise and glide along in an intense gripping manner that is fantastic. These guys have created an enthralling number that ignites the soul making you want to dance and go wild.

You can catch Freeda Live at  Gorilla, Manchester – 08.09.2018

Steam  ‘Go Home’ below