Portsmouth’s Fast Trains has released his new single ‘Measure by Measure’. Fast Trains is the new music project from songwriter Tom Wells, formerly the bass player in indie psych band, Kassassin Street. ‘Measure by Measure’ is a delightful melodic number that floats gloriously along warm sweet toned guitar twinkles. A rich rhythm and glistening soundscapes add a freeing 60’s vibe to the track. Lushly crafted this sweet gem dances playfully between a joyful shimmy and swoony glide. With a dreamy melody caressed by velvety smooth vocals this sun kissed tune is a feel good track to brighten every day and with such mesmerising visuals provided by Sam Brandon ‘Measure by Measure’ is a charming and refreshing track from Fast Trains.
Bristol-based newcomers Some Bodies have released their debut single ‘Escape’. The band who recently made their live debut in their hometown of Bristol, supporting Champagne Superchillin’ submerge your ears in a luscious swirling lagoon of melodic bliss. A dreamy melody floats delicately through the gentle swoosh of sparkling synths while twinkling guitars chime and strike throughout the steady beat and sublime bass rumble. It’s swoony and delicious with a cinematic tint adding a rose coloured glare to this lush daydream.The track builds to a dramatic crescendo brimming with emotion as the warm soothing vocals become more expressive and passionate, leading the way to a breathtaking instrumental frenzy. Fuzzed guitars blast through the punchy drums distorting every sweet flutter before leaving only a mind frazzling wall of sound echoing through your head. Well crafted and polished like a lustrous pearl Some Bodies have created one glorious sentimental treasure with ‘Escape’.
Indie band No Alarms have released their new single ‘Marble Bars’.No Alarms was born in Texas as the solo passion project of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Boles, and has since bloomed into a Detroit-based, fully-fledged, five-piece. Their single ‘Right is What’s Left’ was featured in an episode of ABC’s “Kevin Probably Saves the World’ and their ‘No Alarms’ EP was the 13th most added record on NACC college charts its debut week, and has since peaked at #132 on the NACC 200.
‘Marble Bars’ is a slick ethereal burst of youthful indie. it is brimming with lush synths creating that instant rush of adrenaline while a rooted rhythmic backdrop stomps and bounces on a fluctuant meaty heart thumping foundation. The track is compelling and filled with passion as the warm vocals caress the catchy sweet melody. No Alarms showcase their fine musicianship as they grip your heart firmly with every note, synth lick and guitar flutter. They douse the track in a youthful flurry of urgency while light zesty twinkles on guitar flicker in and out with an edgy sting and refreshing burst of energy. Its feel good exhilarating indie at its best.
Donegal, alternative rock/pop band Constant Supply have released their new single ‘The Misanthropic Phase’. The band consisting of James Gillen(Vocals, Guitar), Conal Sweeney(Bass, Piano), Eoin Gildea(Guitar, Synths) and Justin McDaid(Drums) are set to release their third album ‘Isn’t Life Great’ in June. The album was recorded and co-produced by Tommy McLaughlin (Soak, Villagers). The first single from the album, ‘Sanguine Lane’, was played by Steve Lamacq on his BBC 6 Music Recommends show.
‘The Misanthropic Phase’ is a groovy slice of psychedelic alternative rock. Constant Supply unfold this track perfectly, brooding through the verses with rich rhythms flickering and slapping through chiming twangy guitars while the synths flurry and wisp around creating a dreamy narcotic atmosphere. The vocals croon over a 60’s – esque melody while the bass creates a meaty foundation. The track wanders off a bit with a brass solo shredding and pining through a simple “do do do” backing vocal line. It’s shimmy chic as confident vocals lure over the darkly smothered instrumentation. Well crafted and perfectly blended, Constant Supply hold your attention throughout the gripping enticing track. It’s extremely catchy and hypnotic with an air of mystery throughout making this track quite compelling and fun.
Norwich-based trio The Magic Es are set to release their new single ‘Splinters’ on Friday 22nd February. It’s the first song taken from their forthcoming sophomore album, ‘Dead Star’, which will come out later in 2019 on Oh Mercy! Records.
‘Splinters’ is a vibrant rock n’ roll number brimming with biting guitars, punchy drums and a swoony melancholic melody. This track is a positive toned anthem that stomps and bounces along ethereal soundscapes and a glorious vibe of freedom. The driving rhythm and glorious guitar moments make this track instantly like-able and easy on the ears. The shredding solo rushes adrenaline and a garage rock edge into this delightful tune.With a sing along ready chorus and rooted bass line The Magic Es present us with another passionate joyful ditty.
Lyrically the song is about standing united in a divided world. Lead vocalist and guitarist Pete Thompson explains : “When you listen to the news these days the world seems split by polarised views. In the UK you’ve obviously got Brexit but on a more global scale even the subject of climate change divides opinion. It’s not even slight differences, people are on completely different ends of the spectrum;it’s pretty extreme.Splinters, while not politically biased towards any agenda, is a song about a divided world and two people sticking together to stand up for what they believe in despite the onslaught of opposition”
Waterford band Crome Yellow have released their new single ‘Tastes Much Better With You’ the fourth single from their upcoming debut album ‘See Why’. This slinky, smooth number drifts blissfully into your ears stopping time in a sugar coated dreamy dimension created entirely by Crome Yellow’s prowess. There is immense depth in this track as the band allows every pulse, flicker and swoosh take its place elegantly. The pop melody melts upon soft pearly electronics, warm guitar jingles and a soothing vocal delivery to create the perfect chilled number. It’s one tranquilizing time capsule as the band present a track with sweet hallucinatory swirls, zesty guitar solo’ s and a clean production.With gentle whines hitting the lush backdrop with an alien – esque tonality this wobbly and floaty dream has everything to transport you to a sedating state of bliss. The edged guitars fill the track with a classic rock anthemic vibe showcasing Crome Yellow’s brilliantly refined musicianship.
Mellor are set to release their first new material of the year, single ‘Helsinki’ on March 22 via AWAL. After a reshuffle of members the new line-up has settled on: Gary Kingham , Sam Igoe , Kristian Bell and Josh Woodward. Mellor have been featured on the Spotify Indie list, Transistor and Hot New bands playlists, Apple Music’s Breaking Bands playlist, had national and local radio support from Tom Robinson, John Kennedy, Frank Skinner and most recently Abbie McCarthy on BBC Radio 1 and have also played at festivals such as HURL Fest, Butefest, Truck Festival, Tex Fest, Are You Listening, Tramlines and Camden Rocks.
‘Helsinki’ is another absorbing indie mammoth from Mellor. Traveling on blistering guitars and a relentless bass groove this track is set to high voltage from the start. Swagger drenched guitars wail, soar and majestically intensify the song while a punchy drum and elastic bass rumble keep that snappy foot tapping foundation that is sure to have a live audience going wild. With a surge of adrenaline through every pulse, beat and guitar tickle this song is one electrifying thrill. The track is tight, as Mellor create an exhilarating wall of sound that crashes into every fiber of your being- filling you with instant energy. Gary Kingham’s warm raspy vocals lace the song in passion and expression as he effortlessly and powerfully holds his own over the mighty instrumental hop and dynamic soundscape. It’s one whirling rush of fantastic indie. Make sure to check ‘Helsinki’ out when its released on March 22nd.
About the track the band said :” ‘Helsinki’ is about someone who has been lead on and given false hope for so long, that they eventually have that realisation, where they should just cut that controlling, self-indulgent person off completely.”
Italian-born,singer/songwriter Alex Abbuehl has released his debut single ‘Black Coffee’.This vaporous number swivels ever so sleekly between 70’s rock chic and laid back west coast jazz as Alex coos and passionately broods over lonesome elegant keys and a steady beat. It’s delicate and soulful as the lyrics tell a heart wrenching story while a passionate sultry backdrop pines and weeps behind his warm vocals. The piano maintains a strong position throughout the track as it intricately weaves and wonders about playfully and delicately before becoming more precise and anguish-stricken for the expressive crescendo. Soft backing vocals coo through the chorus adding a dash of chicness and refinement. It’s classy, emotional and beautifully crafted for a hair raising listening experience as Alex presents a sophisticated number filled with warm jazzy elements and a pristine, glossy melody holding it all together.
Birmingham band Lycio have released their new single ‘Young Ties’. This latest cut is one of the bands oldest compositions, and sees a return to their darker side. The track was mastered at Metropolis Studios by Stuart Hawkes (Jack Garratt, Rae Morris, Lorde, Fickle Friends, Rudimental, Mura Masa).
‘Young Ties’ is a wispy ethereal slice of atmospheric indie wrapped in swirling, fluctuant synths while an elegant piano and flashing drum arrangement provide a gripping and meaty backdrop to this airy number. Mendez’ passionate vocals powerfully plough through the chorus with oodles of expression while gently cooing through the delicate brooding verses. The track is doused in sweet melancholy as swoony dreamy soundscapes flurry and delicately rebound off the luscious melody and sway-able synths. Richly layered, each gripping note is laced in emotion as the track gracefully and beautifully dances with its darker tones creating an ambient full-bodied sound. Another majestic track from Lycio.
Of the track, frontwoman Genie Mendez explains – “Young Ties is about mental health. Trying to understand how my head works, whether it’s a gift or a curse (‘the beauty that’s inside my mind’), and then trying to accept it (‘I’ll go where you are taking me’). Then of course everyone’s getting on with their daily routine not knowing the struggle of those around them (‘all the young men in long ties…’). And of course ‘can you bring me home/can you take control’ is a question for my own head. I’m asking my mind if it can really handle this, if we can bounce back from it.”
Chay Snowdon return with double-single; ‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’.The Bristol based band (Liam Roberts on lead guitar, George Roach on bass, Ed Fox on drums and Chay Snowdon providing vocals and rhythm guitar) have already made their mark in the music independent scene with support slots with the likes of ‘The Sherlocks, ‘JUDAS’, ‘VANT’, ‘The Snuts’, ‘Glass Caves’ and ‘Oddity Road’ as well as performances at Camden Rocks and two UK tours. The band have now returned with two knockout indie tunes.
‘Mon Cheri’ is a brisk swagger-dripping banger sure to set a mosh pit alight. With jangly guitars weaving and striking bursts of vibrancy through foot stomping drums – this charming adrenaline surging track is locked and loaded, ready to make you dance, shuffle and bop. With shrilling guitar whines, rich buoyant rhythms and panache soaked vocals, its a rush of wild indie rock. Riding on high adrenaline instrumentation, this catchy track is a punchy, potent thrill from the start.
‘Sha La La’ is the flip-side to ‘Mon Cheri’s’ energy with its slow dance tempo and delicate brooding instrumentation. It’s sweet, tender and emotional as Snowdon’s warm vocals exude passion and soul. The smooth melody floats gently over twinkling guitars and soft drum taps. A moving guitar feature fills the song with that “hold me close” swoon leading the track into its dramatic classic rock crescendo of heartfelt guitars mourning over punchy drums and sing along refrain.
‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’ are two equally gripping and diverse tracks from Chay Snowdon showing just how versatile these guys can be. Each note leaves you craving to hear more.
Stream ‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
