Tag Archives: indie rock

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

New Valley Wolves ‘Cut- Throat’

New Valley Wolves are back. The Dublin rock duo will release their second record, ‘The Gospel’ EP on April 28th in The Workmans Club Dublin followed by a nationwide tour including three dates supporting the epic Black Stone Cherry. They have released their new single ‘Cut-Throat’ as a mouth-watering appetizer for us to sink our teeth into while we await the EP.

‘Cut- Throat’ is another razor-sharp, biting track from the duo with an acid coated riff driving the track to its fiery chorus. Battering drums crunch and pummel throughout with a booming body moving intensity. Its catchy chorus will have a crowd mercilessly chanting back the lyrics while the fuzz fuelled bass saws through the thick heavy sound with blood thirsty stamina. It’s a chunky, frenzy inducing track that was made for sweaty live show moshing. I can’t wait to see this live, it’s going to be massive. New Valley Wolves are using their muscular drums and heavy meaty riffs to build up their castle, define their territory and conquer the land bit by bit and with tunes like ‘Cut-Throat’ no one will get in their way.

Cut Throat is currently no.1 in the Rock Chart and 30 in the overall charts. It’s an awesome track which deserves to make top 20. Support an independent Irish rock band and download the track  here on  iTunes:

 

 


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kios

Kios is an indie rock band based in Nashville, TN. The three piece is made up of Cole Suddarth (vocals/guitar), Aaron Krak (drums), and Mitch Wollenberg (bass). Cole and Aaron met through a previous band that formed at Belmont University – Aaron and Mitch grew up together in Newark, Ohio; all three moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue music. They have now released their debut single ‘Be Loved’ with an EP planed for the end of the summer.

‘Be Loved’ is a sugar rush of sweet luscious indie pop filled with infectious melodies glazed on top of vibrant sparkling instrumentation. Smooth laid back vocals glide upon the melty melody while a snappy clap along feature and buoyant drums add a peppy lift and energetic urgency to the track. Ethereal guitars swirl around flashing bright scintillation throughout the dreamy candied soundscapes. The bassline rumbles and slaps creating a fluctuant foundation to this wispy joyous tune while providing a hint of edgy grit. It’s a sublime refreshing, chilled, fruity cocktail on a hot day that is summer ready and an absolute joy to listen to.

Stream ‘Be Loved’ below


Funk, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Gorilla Troubadour ‘The Apple Truck’

Dublin based Gorilla Troubadour have released their new single ‘The Apple Truck’. Gorilla Troubadour are an emerging energetic funk rock band that consists of Dylan Kearns (Lead Vocals/Rhythm guitar), Eamon Ganley (lead guitar), Eric Walsh (drums) and James O Connor (Bass). The group take inspiration from bands such as ‘The Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ and ‘Arctic Monkeys’ to create heart pumping grooves and atmospheric tunes. In summer 2017 they played venues across Ireland including Limerick, Waterford and Mullingar. Later that year the band headlined Whelan’s on the 10th of October to a full house. A launch gig is set for the 4th of April 2018 in Whelan’s along with multiple dates across the country including Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Wicklow with more to be confirmed.

‘The Apple Truck’ is an impressive swagger-soaked blast of funk rock at its best. This young band display a mature sharp sound that exudes strutting panache smeared on top of ballsy gritty rock. From the start of that opening riff this track steams and blisters with gritty red-hot charisma. With vaporous stings on guitar teamed with a meaty flexible drum beat and sensual bass lines Gorilla Troubadour belt out a thrilling wild beast. This track takes its time unraveling its lush sound slowly as it coolly cruises in on a funky carpet of chicness.  It’s all about the groove, this four piece keep it tight as the guitars follow the rhythm neatly then find their spaces to shine with a sultry whine or shredding solo. The melody and simple vocals dance on top of the infectious groove for the verses while the chorus explodes in true rock and roll manner. It’s catchy well-crafted and definitely makes these guys ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘The Apple Truck’ below


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

Wolves of Youth ‘Start Again’

Donegal indie rock four piece Wolves of Youth have released their new single ‘Start Again’ – a vibrantly vivacious guzzle of indie rock that leaves you buzzing for more. Edgy guitar stings introduce the track with anticipation before it explodes into that radio ready infectious tune you expect from these guys. With punchy drums, strident guitars and rumble on bass it’s an anthemic belter. It’s flooding with nostalgic sweet tones embracing a luscious sun kissed sing along melody which is caressed by the warm raspy vocals. This track is another example of the fine infectious indie Wolves of Youth produce as they relentlessly steam roll through with an electrifying sound that stops you in your tracks. The song builds as guitars blaze and scorch into the mighty adrenaline rushing crescendo. It’s a soaring glistening number that grabs you right in the center of your chest makes you feel each and every passionate lyric, every intense golden note and every surge of emotion you have ever felt. It’s an impressive, heartfelt, dynamic track and one to put on repeat.

Watch the video for ‘Start Again’ below


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

Brass Phantoms ‘Disciples’

Dublin indie rock/post-punk outfit Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘Disciples’. Last year the bands track ‘Waiting Up’ garnered widespread airplay across Irish radio, as well as being featured on BBC Radio 6 and Spotify curated playlists, and last month their single ‘City Of Wolves’ was used across television campaigns to promote the UEFA Champions League.They have been part of festivals including Other Voices and Indiependence, as well as headlining sold-out shows in Dublin. Before heading on tour at the end of last year, the Metro in London listed the five piece as ‘Artist of the Week’ and have just signed a distribution deal with Believe Digital after their recent UK and US tour.

‘Disciples’ is an overwhelming whack of soaring indie. Swirling synth soundscapes and ethereal guitars create an immaculate celestial atmosphere which encapsulates the snappy dynamic rhythm in a whirlwind of rushing adrenaline. These together, crash and collide in a dramatic fashion to deliver a thrilling powerful sound. Brass Phantoms never create their tracks by half measures its all in and mighty and this track is no different. So many lush intricate components weave, rebound and flicker within this track creating a juicy rich full-bodied tune to completely immerse yourself in. It’s breezy with haunting dark tones folded tightly into its inner core. Ryan Cashell’s vocals are as powerful and expressive as ever with his rooted deep range surging ominous tones for the verses and exuding passion with compelling potency for the chorus. The guitars are just magnificent with sharp, stinging, jagged strides intertwining with curving intricate melodies. It’s superbly composed – majestic yet chilling and hair-raisingly glorious. Another knock out track from the five piece.

In support of the track Brass Phantoms will be touring across Ireland supporting Delorentos with MCD, as well as doing their own headline shows in London in The Finsbury on April 19th, and in the Workmans Club in Dublin on May 17th. Make sure to check them out.

Stream ‘Disciples’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

JUDAS ‘Big Mouth’

JUDAS are an emerging four-piece indie rock band hailing from across the UK and currently based in London.The band have achieved an incredible amount in the space of the past two years: releasing their self-titled debut EP, they went on to perform at some of the biggest festivals in the country including Isle of Wight, Kendal Calling, Tramlines and the Main Stage at Reading and Leeds festival, two years running. Building their fanbase the old-fashioned way through relentless gigging across the country, critical support would build up across the likes of BBC Introducing, XFM, CLASH and WONDERLAND, their live set on Soccer AM last year alongside Circa Waves, followed by a smash UK tour underlines not only their ferocious ambition but also their sprawling rough-diamond sound. Since opening the Main Stage at Reading and Leeds Festival last year, JUDAS released ‘Ceasefire’ a modern but britpop-esque anthem that has since gained nearly 1 million streams on Spotify, has been featured as track of the week on Radio X and Virgin Radio and has also garnered numerous plays across BBC introducing, BBC 6 music, Sirius XM and many others. They have now released their new single ‘Big Mouth’.

‘Big Mouth’ is anthemic pedal to the metal indie rock. A smooth chilled pre chorus gives a Twenty One Pilots- esque vibe with its cruising reggae tinged beat slowing the tempo before the band explode into a spastic chorus of raw jagged guitars which slice through punchy drums. Filled with high intensity and electronic adrenaline JUDAS have created a track that is both a blazing beast and laid back cool jam. They effortlessly glide between frantic crashing and easy going instrumentation without the track sounding choppy. Not only is this song instrumentally lavish and impressive its insanely catchy that “la la la la” will stick in your head for days. With snappy, rumbly rhythm shifts, and vigorous shredding guitars teamed with powerful vibrant vocals and a splintering solo these guys have written a powerhouse track down to a tee. It’s well layered, intricately detailed and sophisticated. JUDAS are ones not to miss.

JUDAS are following the release with a UK support tour with Mallory Knox and numerous festival bookings over the summer catch them live at

*_ Supporting Mallory Knox

1st March – The Garage – London

16th March – Nemix – Newcastle

17th March – The Tunnels – Aberdeen

18th March – Sneaky Petes – Edinburgh

16th April – The Haunt – Brighton*

17th April – The Globe – Cardiff*

18th April – Cavern Club – Exeter*

20th April – The Sugarmill – Stoke*

22nd April – Rebellion – Manchester*

24th April – Mama Roux’s – Birmingham*

26th April – Bodega – Nottingham*

29th April – Soccer Six Festival

5th May – Sound City Festival – Liverpool

6th May – Hit the North Festival – Newcastle

23rd June – Isle of Wight Festival – Isle of Wight

4th Aug- 110 Above Festival – Leicestershire

Stream ‘Big Mouth’ below


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

Fangclub ‘All Fall Down’

2017 was a hell of a year for Irish rock band Fangclub.  Not only did they release their self-titled debut album (out now on Vertigo Records) to mass critical acclaim, including an RTE Choice Prize Album Of The Year nomination, but they also toured the UK and Ireland on their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from the press (Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Upset) and specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart), RTE 2FM, Today FM and Kerrang! Radio with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words’.  The trio are now back with their new single ‘All Fall Down’.

‘All Fall Down’ is the trios turbocharged, heavy-riffing follow up that shows these guys are here to stay. It’s a blood pumping, adrenaline fueled anthem laced with the blistering sound Fangclub do so well. Rumbling drums and a running ground shaking bass summons the dead from their graves while the shredding gritty guitars drag you to your knees with an almighty defying fuzz filled rush. With chilled eerie vocals creeping in the infectious melody, this buzzed inflamed banger is a high intensity lightning bolt announcing the exciting return of Fangclub. With a solo that makes your hair stand on the back of your neck and a catchy as hell chorus, it’s an explosive return.

The band are currently writing new material for the follow up to their acclaimed debut album… so stay tuned for more news on that soon…

Catch the band live at one of the following shows:

**With Milk Teeth and Nervus

Mar 21            Crauford Arms Milton Keynes, United Kingdom**

Mar 23            The Underworld London, United Kingdom**

Mar 24            The Anvil Bournemouth, United Kingdom**

Mar 25            The Junction Plymouth, United Kingdom**

Mar 27            Tsunami Cologne, Germany*

Mar 28            Sunny Red Munchen, Germany*

Mar 29            Goldener Salon Hamburg, Germany*

Mar 30            Badehaus Berlin, Germany*

Apr 6               Trinity Ball Dublin, Ireland

Apr 13             Mike The Pies Listowel, Ireland

Apr 14             Cyprus Avenue Cork, Ireland

Apr 18             Roisin Dubh Galway, Ireland

Apr 21             Kasbah Social Club Limerick, Ireland

Apr 26             Whelans Dublin, Ireland

Apr 27             Kavanagh’s Portlaoise, Ireland

Apr 28             Central Arts Waterford, Ireland

May 6             Hit the North Festival, Newcastle, United Kingdom

Jul 12              2000 Trees Festival, Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Jul 20              Truck Festival, Oxford, United Kingdo

Stream ‘All Fall Down’ below


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

Feuds Self-titled Debut EP

Wicklow indie, garage rock band Feuds have released their debut self-titled EP which was recorded in the Hive Studio, Kilcoole with Eoin Whitfield. This five track EP is a balanced collection of lushly melodic indie and hefty garage with some sunny vibes sprinkled on top. Each track is carefully layered with adequate spacing between intricate lavish guitar lines and meaty rhythms to create an easy going mellow listen with some roughness to keep it interesting. ‘Longer Days’ jump starts the EP. Laid back and smothered in a hazy sun kissed vibe with silky zesty guitars interweaving between a rapid flexible rhythmic foundation – this track springs from subtly sweet to a light moshing banger. Feuds have a knack for tight peppy guitar lines which illuminate each and every track sweeping elegantly with peppy elasticity and glorious scintillation. ‘Nothing to Happen Next’ and ‘Late Forties, Early Fifties’ continue this sublime trait with the majestic guitar melodies playfully intertwining the punchy drums and vibrant bass line. They don’t overdo anything, it’s the perfect blend of everything, exquisite pop speckled melodies doused in a sweet nonchalance with a garage backdrop that kicks things up a little without becoming overpowering. The Lo fi vocals teamed with the utter blissfully dreamy soundscapes this four piece create make their tracks such a joy to listen to while their rumbly elastic rhythm gives the tracks a rippling quality and adds movement and body. ‘When is October 6th?’ is my favourite track on the EP. It’s flooded in subtle tropical tones with a sweet melancholic vocal melody surging emotion throughout. The track unfolds gently into heavier grittier rock seamlessly. The instrumentation is the main focus of this track as it jingles and flutters along joyously before the brawny crashing chorus shakes things up a bit. ‘Left Behind’ brings us to the end of our day dream with Feuds. The twinkling guitar peeping behind snappy drums give the verses a fluid relaxing flow while the tempo change for the chorus makes sure its not too lulling on the ears. It’s slightly more brooding and moody but still packs in some sparkling vibrancy and feathery lightness in the instrumentation to not put a downer on what is a sublime EP.

Impressively crafted Feuds have created a wholly satisfying EP that shows some serious promise from this band. Their tunes are sweetly melodic, woozy, beautifully formed and pack a healthy dose of rawness behind them.

Feuds are launching their EP in the Workman’s Thursday March 22nd make sure to check them out

Stream Feuds EP here


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

Giant Rooks ‘New Estate’ EP

Hailing from Hamm in North West Germany, Giant Rooks are an art-pop five-piece who’ve been turning heads since their inception. Releasing their debut EP back in 2015, the quintet garnered fans quickly, and soon began to emerge as one of the most promising acts in their native Germany.It was this first EP release that saw the groundwork laid for the band to win the popNRW Prize for newcomers in 2016, as well as two consecutive summers of festivals, which saw the band play over 80 festival shows including Reeperbahn, Eurosonic and The Great Escape. In addition to this, the band have also supported Kraftklub and The Temper Trap, not to mention a 29-date, nine country tour with Mighty Oaks throughout November and December 2017.

‘New Estate’ is an EP bursting with luscious flavours and depths that hold a richness so pure and mature it’s majestic and powerfully melodic. From the stomping intro of opener, title track ‘New Estates’ it’s apparent this EP is infectious indie at its best. With a peppy beat bouncing through melancholic jangly guitar and darkly tinged keys, this five piece take a sombre tone to a bright indie format.Their tracks seem to strike you right in the center of your chest and make you feel every warm, tender, catchy note. With a folky hue to the tunes there is an instant soothing glow and cosy feel to even the chillier tracks such as the haunting soul – filled ‘Bright Lies ‘. The melodies are sweet and delicate ‘Chapels’ once again trickles along with a sway-like tempo and calming atmosphere. The steady beat and soaring keys create an aerial breeziness that cuts deep along with the tender lyrics. The unique vocals add dynamic passion and intensity to each track and make the sound of Giant Rooks instantly recognisable. ‘Mia & Ciara (Days To Come)’ emphasises the nostalgic tone of the EP. Its golden mellowness is just simply divine and heavenly to the ears. Glittering guitars sprinkle bright rays of scintillation throughout the track while a buoyant rhythm keeps an optimistic playful feel. ‘Slow’ closes the EP. It is soft and sweetly comforting as intricate guitar lines flood the track with warmth while the instrumentation builds to an anthemic mighty crescendo.

‘New Estate’ is a moving EP laced with emotion, deft guitar licks and swirling subtle electronics. Opulent percussion and brooding vocals create a sophisticated breath-taking collection of tracks that have a purity and refinement without overcrowding each track.

2018 will see the band embark on their second major tour, with the 23 dates taking in shows in both The Netherlands, and the UK for their first official run of English dates

Mar 20: The Hope & Ruin, Brighton

Mar 21: Old Blue Last, London

Mar 22: The Lending Room, Leeds

Mar 23: The Night & Day Cafe, Manchester

Mar 24: Cafe Totem, Sheffield

Giant Rooks are also on tour throughout Europe in 2018. Please check here for more information http://www.giant-rooks.com/

Stream ‘New Estate’ below


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

The Hemingways ‘Want It All’

The Hemingways are a five piece indie / alternative rock band from London and Essex. Consisting of Louis Takooree, James Burrage, Ben Butler, Jack Ames and Noah Henry, the quintet cite influences such as John Mayer, Kings of Leon and Led Zeppelin. Despite mostly still being in their teens, some members have been playing together for close to 10 years resulting in a musical chemistry not expected from a band of their age.

‘Want It All’ is a gritty, fiery blast of rock. The Hemingways get right to it with a blunt force of shredding riffs jaggedly sawing through punchy drums and a mosh ready wall of sound. It’s slick, rough and ready with raspy swagger-soaked vocals flooding the track with strut ready attitude and panache. Sensual bass lines teamed with a steamy guitar solo create the perfect sweat and leather rock and roll charisma while jazzy keys add a head spinning Jerry Lee Lewis- esque pizzazz. Tightly bound and richly layered these guys have created a meaty number that grabs your attention with its scuzzed-up, sleazy bluesy-smacked rock.

Stream ‘Want It All’ below