Tag Archives: indie

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, New Music

Arcade Hearts ‘Bleach’

Arcade Hearts have released their new single single ‘Bleach’, the second to be taken from their debut self-titled EP out this Friday 21st September on Republic of Music. After releasing their debut single in late 2017 the band have not stopped, taking the hard graft attitude of their day jobs into the music and applying a hunger only a few bands possess to make this work. This has led them to earn a loyal following and the booking of their largest headline show to date at Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms. The band have gathered support from Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing, Spotify and Born Music alongside supporting some of the biggest new bands including Sports Team, Orchards, Wild Front, Jerry Williams, Swimming Girls and Fickle Friends.

‘Bleach’ is a sweet sugarplum swirl of 80’s fused indie pop that gets your heart racing with each delicious tender moment. Lush synths shimmer around the rich rhythmic ripples while the  delicate melody drips and seeps like honey over this glorious tuneful soundscape. The velvety vocals surge with passion while zesty guitars inject vibrant glimmers of scintillation throughout. These guys write heart moving tunes wrapped in romance and tight angel delight doused instrumentation with a nice little underline sting to keep the edgy indie element. With a sound that evokes quivering emotion delicately and blissfully these guys are ones to keep an eye on.

Describing the single frontman Dan Surridge-Smith said: “Bleach is trying to tell a story of acute late night romance and the degradation of a mental-well being in a social age. Not in a pretentious way, just a blend or being delicate and obvious with the subject”

Stream ‘Bleach’ 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, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : The Arthur Brothers

Tottenham based The Arthur Brothers have released their debut single ‘Ninth’. The Arthur Brothers began life as a recording project and quickly grew into an artistic alliance centered around the biological brothers Matt and Danny Arthur and the producer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist J. C. Wright. Their music is inspired by a mutual obsession for inventive song-craft and a cross-generational love of classic albums with dramatic, bold and intriguing productions. Driven by a devotion to the recording process and a passionate desire to make a record full of mystery, melody, diversity and depth – the Arthurs and Wright, along with a coterie of talented contributors have been on a long and challenging creative expedition. Their first single release, ‘Ninth’, is the opening stage of the nine part musical adventure that will eventually be unveiled as The Arthur Brothers’ debut album.

‘Ninth’ is a multi- faceted weaving prism glistening between a swirling concoction of dark chilling mystery. This richly textured number thrives on a meaty tribal drum foundation which whacks and rumbles under western- esque guitars and icy keys. Flashing soundscapes create a floaty breezy atmosphere for the eerie vocals to haunt through while twinkling chimes and desert evoking guitars lament and flood the track with a lonely tone. The melody slides between mysterious and cold to peppy and buoyant as the catchy chant-like chorus stomps its way into your brain with a relentless stamina that won’t rest until you sing along. The immaculate harmonies surge adrenaline through the song making for a completely submerging listening experience. It’s a cinematic track that will have you thumping your chest, stomping your feet and worshiping The Arthur Brothers tribal- esque indie sound blissfully.

 

Stream ‘Ninth’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

RAFFER ‘Fake It’

Kent clean-cut indie pop artist RAFFER has released his first independent single ‘Fake It’. Self producing and performing his take on indie pop Raffer spent the past year touring the UK supporting the likes of The Academic, Airways, King No-One and Indigo Husk. The single will be released alongside a music video which consists of footage captured from the 20 year old’s live shows – showcasing Raffer’s energetic stage presence.

‘Fake It’ is a juicy spurt of infectious melt in your mouth indie. Vibrant zesty guitars jangle and playfully weave between punchy drums and delicious swirling soundscapes. Raffer layers his sound magnificently as a sugary sweet pop melody hops along the vivid background making for a wholly enthralling glorious listening experience. The guitars entwine and braid round the shimmering synths making for a toothsome sun soaked anthem that is most pleasing to the ears as Raffer lays out a delicious melodic spread ready to tantalize your indie pop cravings. It’s a dynamic, buoyant gem with 80’s -esque hues over edgy indie. Perfect for excited festival crowds.

Watch the video for ‘Fake It’ 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


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Mark Pelli ‘You Changed Me’

Based between Los Angeles and Toronto, Canadian multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer Mark Pelli has released his latest single ‘You Changed Me’. Co-founder for the critically acclaimed Canadian reggae-pop-fusion group MAGIC!, Pelli wrote the earworm vocal hook for their hit single ‘Rude’ which achieved #1 status on US Billboard charts for 6 consecutive weeks and also hit #1 in many other countries around the world, gaining the band and Pelli himself a Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of The Year. Mark Pelli has also performed with legendary songwriter Stevie Wonder in the south of France at a coliseum while on tour with fellow soul artist and vocalist Justin Nozuka. As well as being a prolific and experienced songwriter, Mark Pelli is also notable producer and engineer, and has produced records and tracks for many top artists including Usher, J Cole, Chris Brown, Shakira, Anthony Hamilton, Trey Songz, Sabrina Claudio, JoJo, Marsha Ambrosius, Jennifer Lopez, Classified, the legendary Diane Warren and many, many more. These credits include co-writing the 2012 hit single “Don’t Judge Me” by Chris Brown, co-writing “Inner Ninja” with Canadian hip-hop artist Classified ft. David Myles in 2013 and co-producing American rapper J Cole’s first album single “Kevin’s Heart” on his 2018 LP, “KOD“.

‘You Changed Me’ is a delicate little retro hued charmer filled with soft instrumentation and sweet melodies wrapped in exquisite 60’s -esque sway-able tones. Pelli’s velvety vocals caress and flurry over the soothing melody with passionate and soulful tones while whirling around deep  bass lines and warm organ strides. This track glides with its heart on its sleeve – romantic and supple to whisk you into a swoony stupor of elegance and subtle finery. Featuring a slick, tender guitar solo its suave and dreamy, ready for a candlelit relaxing setting.

About the track Mark Pelli comments: “This is a bitter sweet song about love and confusion. It’s written in a classic style – I was very much influenced by the music of Sam Cooke and Smokey Robinson while writing and recording this song. I attempted to make it sound retro as if it had been recorded on an analog tape machine.”

Stream ‘You Changed Me’ below

 

 


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

Worth A Listen 

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sad Boys Club

Sad Boys Club are an indie band  from Crouch End and are headed by frontman Jacob Wheldon. The band have worked with Duncan Mills (Spector, Peace, The Vaccines, Jake Bugg) and have  supported Spector on their UK tour as well as having played a BBC Introducing show. Now signed to Fierce Panda Records (The Maccabees) Sad Boys Club have released their new single ‘Sleepyhead’. This seductive dive into dark crawling indie is brimming with ethereal spine chilling guitar lines weaving their silken web through punchy drums and eerie soundscapes. There is something enthralling about Wheldon’s vocals. They mournfully wrap your ears in a haunting woefulness that is goosebump inducing  and somewhat unnerving yet thrilling to the core. Light keys twinkle as the creeping verses set the ghostly scene before exploding into a more vibrant indie doused chorus. The chorus is unleashed into your ears with crashing guitars and a heavier instrumental backdrop. These guys have a knack for creating meandering, haunting melodies that linger in your head for days. The acute and sensitive keyboard playing keeps the intensity of the track alight while the stinging guitars insert some urgency amid the dreamy haunting soundscapes.Keep an eye out for these guys, their tight creepy and  melodic compelling sound is mesmerising and refreshing to the ears.

Stream ‘Sleepyhead’ below

 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Sandra’s Wedding ‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ EP

Indie four piece Sandra’s Wedding have released their new EP ‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’. The Goole based four piece comprised of members Joe Hodgson (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano), Jonny Hughes (Electric guitar, Mandolin), Tom Hill (Bass Guitar), Luke Harrison (Drums, Percussion) released their debut album “Northern Powerhouse” in February 2017, which was well received by reviewers with the band subsequently invited to perform a BBC Introducing live session on the show. The sepia tinged songs on the album address love, loss and life in industrial towns across the North of England, with guitarist Jonny Hughes telling one newspaper that the group and lyricist Joe Hodgson try to write songs with lyrics that people can identify with, telling stories about residing and experiencing life in Northern, working class areas.’Good Morning, Bad Blood’ deals with similar themes to its’ predecessor with love, the complexities of relationships and the mundane side of romance all running strongly through the four tracks. The album was produced by Dan Foster at Hull’s Element Studios and mastered by Pete Maher.

‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ is a charming warm collection of tracks that travel at an easy pace unfolding tales of heartbreak and love in a cosy wholesome manner. All four tracks hold a similar thread that confirms Sandra’s Wedding’s Smiths- esque brand however each track maintains its own identity and beautiful hold on your ears. The delicately chiming guitars throughout title track ‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ teamed with a delicious soothing melody and punchy drums makes for an enthralling opening to the EP. Instantly you are relaxed and settled into the cosy sound of this quartet. Hodgson’s vocals are easy to listen to as his sweet and comforting voice caresses the melody while the jangly guitar laments with warm yet sorrowful tones. Even through the mournful ‘Titanic’ Hodgson’s vocals hold a firm grip on your emotions as the elegant piano adds a graceful classy tone to the sweet tune. ‘Saturday Night Television’ brings a foot tapping cheery quality to the lamenting feel of the EP. The trumpet and cello are a sublime addition to the instrumentation, they fill the track with a tender warmth while weaving through a doleful bitter sweet melody that could bring a tear to your eye. ‘Run, Rabbit, Run’ is the most vibrant track on the EP as lively trumpet blasts set a mysterious Mexican Mariachi vibe over buoyant drums and lively guitar strides. It’s a refreshing and striking end to the EP.

‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ is a collection of four songs that are brimming with sleek guitars weaving their way meticulously through sublime melodies and immaculate moments making for a richly satisfying listen. Each track is so rhythmically appealing  and touching that the persistent listener is likely to find themself won over almost,without warning, by its pure honesty and wholesomeness.

 

Stream  ‘Good Morning, Bad Blood’ below