Tag Archives: indie

Kohla ‘S/he’

Edinburgh Electronic/Alt. R&B artist Rachel Johnson has released her debut single  ‘S/he’ under the moniker Kohla . A fine arts graduate Kohla was writing rock music until last year where she suffered a vocal injury and in turn listened to a lot of hip hop, alt R&B and rap while she was recovering. ‘Kohla’ is a debut of alternative R&B, influenced by Banks, FKA Twigs and James Blake among others, with ‘S/he’ being thematically about jealously, disdain and pride. The artwork was also drawn by Kohla.

‘S/he’ is a molten R&B hued number laced with tension as Kohla unfolds her carefully crafted fierce yet vulnerable sound over a gripping backdrop. Her gentle voice coos through the soft melody with her warm lower range or sweet frail and breathy falsetto creating a delicate easy on the ears seduction . The steady sticky beat is constant through the fluid haunting backing vocals and all round eerie dreamy atmosphere. It’s elegant, sassy and filled with refined class as Kohla announces herself with this steamy darkly coated track.

Stream S/he’ below


Juniper Nights ‘Future Spring’

Oxford four piece rock band Juniper Nights have released their new single ‘Future Spring’. The band consisting of James Gallagher (Vocals/Guitar), Zach Wilmott (Guitar), Marty Melvin (Bass), and Tom Lindsay (Drums) create contrasting atmospheric soundscapes with aggressive guitar-rock.

‘Future Spring’ is a tasty melodic number that bounces along a jagged guitar hook, buoyant rhythmic section and ethereal soundscape. The laid back melody tips away at the verses building steadily into the mighty chorus and dynamic crescendo. It’s easy going with glorious little bass grooves that weave a sublime meaty yet elastic foundation while the sparkling and thrilling guitar lines glisten over this gripping backdrop before shredding through the chorus. Juniper Nights ability to blend the easy-going sweet and razor-sharp bitterness seamlessly is powerful and pretty impressive adding vibrancy and rich depth to the track. Future Spring is well crafted with melodies that tickle the ear, swell the heart, moisten the tear ducts all while filling you with that ” fist-pump might” to have you swaying and singing powerfully along. The refined production reveals sublime new facets upon each listen as meticulous guitar injections, slithering licks and vivid strikes create the ultimate tasty backing for this mellow potent number.

Stream ‘Future Spring’ below



Farebrother ‘I’d Be the Worst’

Bath-born alternative rock outfit Farebrother have released their new single  ‘I’d Be the Worst’.After releasing roaring singles ‘A Little Late’ and ‘Rewind’ in 2017, which have a collective 140,000+ streams on Spotify, Farebrother have been developing their sound at legendary Rockfield Studios and ‘I’d Be the Worst’ is the glorious result.

This swagger steeped delight announces Farebrother’s triumphant return with slicked back confidence and a dazzlingly infectious glossy pop exterior. With punchy drums, jangly guitar and strut ready panache this track swarms in – animated, catchy and filled with charm and charisma. Those jagged riffs slicing through the funk flavoured bass grooves and danceable beat takes this bands sound to another glistening suave level. Blending the rugged raw rock with silky disco hues, steamy guitar licks and lustrous indie elements Farebrother pull another doozy out of the bag.

Stream ‘I’d Be the Worst’ below


SOCIAL STATE ‘Never Gonna Get It’

Birmingham based duo SOCIAL STATE have released their new single ‘Never Gonna Get It’. The two piece comprised of Andy and Brad blend Indie, Hip-Hop, Punk and Emo to establish an unprecedented sonic identity. They are heavily inspired by growing up in the Midlands, not doing well in education and the antics of teenage youth. Their debut ‘Never Gonna Get It’ is a statement piece which talks about the constraints and misrepresentation of the millennial generation. The song is the first release in the cycle, with numerous releases to come within the following months.

‘Never Gonna Get It’ is a catchy spurt of indie punk filled with adrenaline surging vitality. This duo whack out a buoyant rugged pop-smacked number with a meaty texture and hook filled gang-chant chorus that is sure to ignite a live audience. Their rap flows fluidly as the duo spit out the lyrics with attitude and an air of revolt while jaunty guitars playfully rebound off a snappy beat. This track is infectious – that chorus will have to be peeled and prised out of your head. SOCIAL STATE are a fiery duo providing vibrant light numbers with a meaty substance. Keep an eye out for these brash anti-establishment chappies.

Watch the video for  ‘Never Gonna Get It’ below

 

 


Mog Stanley ‘Twisted Pop Music’ Album

Alternative artist Mog Stanley has released his long awaited album titled, ‘Twisted Pop Music’. Mog Stanley has been writing music for many years, with his earliest release dating back to 2011. Throughout his career he has given captivating live performances in music festivals across the globe, such as Riba Rocks in Catalunya and Zine Blues Festival in France. Not only this, he has also played support slots for the likes of Danny & the Champion of the World, Guy Davis and Evan Dando.

‘Twisted Pop Music’ is a juicy collection of tracks that ooze Mog Stanley’s pure organic and rich musicianship. He drizzles a healthy dose of everything on this delicious album from steamy bluesy tones, rock n’ roll swagger swirling between psychedelic spirals and some luscious pop sprinkles for good measure. Double Drop’ kicks the album off with a vaporous guitar melody whining with its blues infested tones through a meaty beat while Stanley’s lo fi vocals coo in the background. The chilling atmosphere thrillingly rebounds off the refined instrumentation to make for a satisfying rich sound. It’s one heck of an introduction into the album. Each track is a fresh new slice of what Stanley can do ‘Kevin’ fleshes out the panache driven shivering-ly suave rock n’ roll flavour as Stanley wails and murmurs through shredding guitars and punchy drums while ‘Birthday Card’, ‘Your House Doesn’t Have any Windows’ creep through with chilling vocals, eerie guitar and spooky soundscapes and ‘Scribblings of a MadMan’ struts through with a haunting funky vibe. ‘Japanese Toilet’ sounds like a rough demo as his vocals seem further away than the glistening warm guitar, however it adds character to the album. A lot of the tracks are short and sweet ‘56 BluesStyle Blues’ comes in at a short fifty eight seconds while .’I Want Something that You’ve Got’, ‘MadMan’ and ‘3:1 Alienation Blues’ spread their tasty ear drooling concoction to a little over one minute and a half. There are glorious powerful melodies throughout the album ‘Find a Happy Place then Leave’ and ‘Wait’  pack delicious melty melodies into your ears effortlessly as jangly guitars and a sprightly beat create the perfect sun kissed dreamy atmosphere to lose yourself in. ‘Hoosegow’ throws some western -esque vibes into the mix before building into a syrupy pop number. The tender ballad comes in the form of ‘Straight Down the Middle’ with soft acoustic guitars and lush vocals over a melancholic melody. Each track takes on a different character and dimension without sounding scattered or detached. They blend perfectly to make the album wholly enthralling and unique. There is an 80’s pop vibe surrounding ‘Parasite Idea Zone Corp’ – it has a Pet Shop Boys feel while still maintaining its own dark disco flecked identity. Stanley brings the album to a close with the warm foot tapping ‘Don’t Believe a Word they Say’ and the acid soaked frazzlement that is ‘Dentist Waiting Room Blues’. This track shimmies out the album dripping in swagger as shredding guitars weave their sultry way between a vibrant beat that is sure to have you up and dancing. It’s 60’s esque with psychedelic tones swirled into obscure vocal whispers- leaving you in a mesmerised daze of Mog Stanley’s creation.

‘Twisted Pop Music’ is exactly what it implies – a trippy, twisted delicious concoction of sweet moments, dizzying delusions and dance-able gems.

Stream ‘Twisted Pop Music’ below

 


Aaron Taos ‘Control’

Aaron Taos is a Brooklyn based indie pop artist hailing from Guilford, CT.  In June he released his sophomore EP, ‘Night Thoughts’ and spent the summer on tour opening for King Princess. He has now released his new single ‘Control’ which is the first single off his new project, ‘Birthday Boy’. 

‘Control’ glistens with warm guitar moments as Taos sings over a peppy melody and infectious clap along feature. Filled with sun soaked dreamy tones this track glides and hops along ethereal soundscapes while glorious lamenting guitar weaves a golden thread throughout the track tying it blissfully in your ears with a lasting secure hold.Tightly crafted this track holds a laid back hazy vibe while also packing in that radio friendly charm. It’s honest and entertaining with sublime melodies and a steady beat holding all the delightful component parts together.

Watch the video for ‘Control’ below

You can also stream ‘Control’ here

 


Vintage Bones ‘Regret and Nostalgia’

Vintage Bones is a new LA-based rock band. They have recently released their debut single ‘Regret and Nostalgia’. The band is rooted in the expression of “anthemic yearning,” influenced by musical greats like The Killers, Future Islands, and Modest Mouse. This fist pumping anthem pulses and rushes with heartfelt emotion doused in tones of longing while a bittersweet dreamy pop melody floats like a wishful cloud into your ears. Zingy guitars inject edgy elements while vibrant bass lines and dynamic vocals evoke that heart stopping drama that will grasp the hearts off all listening. It’s crisp, raw and lusciously sweet all at once while beautifully crafted lyrics drive the track home. This nostalgic number is a sublime debut from Vintage Bones.

About the track the band explains, “This song is a proclamation of love lost. The flash of remorse that happens during deep contemplative moments as the past comes rushing to the present, flooding the senses as if it were all happening again. A window through time to cherish and mourn. This is an anthem to those moments.”

Stream ‘Regret and Nostalgia’ below


Brass Phantoms ‘In Sight’

Dublin’s indie rock band Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘In Sight’. Their single ‘Waiting Up’ garnered widespread airplay across Irish Radio on RTE 2FM, 98FM, SPIN, Today FM, and Radio Nova, as well as prestigious international features on BBC Radio 6 with Steve Lamacq and Spotify-curated playlists. The five piece consisting of  Ryan Cashell (vocals & bass), Greg Whelan (guitar & backing vocals), James Geraghty (guitar), Adam McCabe (drums & backing vocals), and Colleen Heavey (keys & backing vocals) have headlined shows all over Dublin, performed at major festivals including Other Voices and Indiependence Festival, and were the main support for Delorentos on their sold-out tour. The group has toured through the UK and have performed twice at MONDO Festival in New York, having been listed as one of the festival’s top acts to see.This year has seen Brass Phantoms sign a worldwide distribution deal with Believe Digital. Their single ‘City Of Wolves’ was used to promote television coverage of the UEFA Champions League this year, as well as being added to Spotify’s editorial Hot New Bands playlist .The band follow this success with their brand spanking new slice of indie rock ‘In Sight’.

‘In Sight’ has all the meaty enticing components true Brass Phantoms tracks possess. The ethereal glorious guitars reach piercing thrilling heights as they playfully soar, weave and sparkle over the punchy groove and weighty rhythmic foundation. The guitars in this track are particularly mesmerising as the sweet biting tones slice and sting over the aerial atmosphere with a superb finesse and grandeur that is awe inspiring. This cutting track strides along cool as a cucumber as Ryan Cashell passionately sings over the smooth melody while shimmering icy keys and elastic bass build the track to its massive intense crescendo. These guys create emotive tracks that pack oodles of gusto and rich instrumentation. Each track adds a new and exciting dimension to their sound and ‘In Sight’ is the perfect shiny new addition to their crisp refreshing collection.

About the track, frontman Ryan Cashell says: “In Sight delves into overcoming personal battles and letting go of bitterness. It’s how you treat yourself and deal with these obstacles that will make you stronger.”

Stream ‘In Sight’ below

 


The Misty ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’

London based multi-instrumentalist ‘The Misty’ has released his new single ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’.  The track was recorded in his own home, as well as enlisting the help of La Frette Studios in Paris, the same studio chosen by rock band Arctic Monkeys for their latest LP release. Alongside the single release The Misty produced a music video, with the help of China Town Studios, featuring a French model to help put together the visual.

‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’ is a fluctuating flutter of delight as The Misty croons over a dreamy melody while vaporous guitars whine and sting between ethereal soundscapes. Filled with a rich and intense depth this track grooves and sensually sways with psychedelic hues through a delicate melodic flow. The swirling bubble of electronics set the romantic tone as the brooding vocals and sultry guitar injections add a stirring quality and meaty grit. Perfectly crafted this luscious tantalizing track transports you to a soothing dreamy state that captivates with a 70’s psychedelic rock vibe softened by whirls of jazz flickering through a pop lush melody. It’s soft and aerial with a vibrant mouth watering backdrop to tease all the senses.

Watch the video for  ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’ below

 


Edits ‘Cold’

Manchester synth pop duo Edits have released their new single ‘Cold’. Formed in the legendary crumbling walls of Salford Uni’s Adelphi building, Liv Westhead (Vocals/Synths) and Chris Abbott (Guitars/Programming) provide their D.I.Y. aesthetic; producing everything themselves, including their music videos. Their latest single follows on from January’s ‘Re-Surface’ EP and the accompanying video takes the viewer on a journey through snow-covered mountains.

‘Cold’ is an endearing, breezy synth pop number that chills and swirls with kinetic icy adrenaline. Twinkling synths glitter and glisten through the brooding melody as Westhead coo’s over the spine tingling melody. Her vocal command is mesmerising as she sweetly and effortlessly shifts into her falsetto holding a soothing yet ominous tone. The track flurries and dances about dark soundscapes as it becomes heavier towards the crescendo. The slapping beat flashes dazzling trip hop hues throughout as Edits use their electronics to their full potential- creating a cinematic icy number to chill you to the core yet entice you into the track depths. It’s a mature, bold track that slides this duo’s charming glacial sound into your frostbitten ears with ease.

Stream ‘Cold’ below