Tag Archives: indie

Delights ‘Naked Heart’

Manchester indie four piece Delights have recently released their new single ‘Naked Heart’. The band formed in early 2017 and  released their debut self titled EP later that year and have since been on a mini UK tour. ‘Naked Heart’ is a tidy slice of indie that bounces along on a punchy drum and groovy bass foundation while ethereal guitars soar, swoon and glisten throughout adding glimmers of vibrancy and scintillation. The catchy pop sprinkled melody glides upon the luscious and animated instrumental backdrop smoothly while expressive vocals and lush backing vocals slap a dash of passion on top. It’s a sublime feathery light number with golden sun kissed guitar moments to fill your mind with laid back easy going vibes while the meaty backbone keeps you bopping along providing a substantial kick. ‘Naked Heart’ is an impressive fresh effort from this young band who are finding their feet and whacking out some blissfully catchy tunes.

Stream ‘Naked Heart’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Eldren

Denver-based psych-rock group Eldren have returned with their new single, ‘Still Want More’ which is off upcoming album, ‘Miss Information Aged’, which is set to be released September 21 via Needlejuice Records and follows a climatic two year run for the band as they shared the stage with the likes of Gomez, Cold War Kids, The Black Angels, Imagine Dragons and Dr. Dog while also experienced the loss of their founding bassist, Steve Holloway at age 25.

‘Still Want More’ is a juicy glistening number that struts and flexes with prismatic colour and swagger dripping from every glorious note. Velvety vocals glide upon a delicious honey drizzled melody and vibrant backdrop of shimmering synths, tantalizing beats and flamboyant pizzazz. Zealous guitars inject a dash of zest and vibrancy while the glistening synths dazzle and swoon around the dreamy melody. Eldren flood the track with rich doses of swanky panache as a funky bass line weaves between the psychedelic hues and euphoric heavenly synth-pop tones while the guitars provide punchy rock jabs through this angel delight filled tune. It’s so luscious, creamy and rich with chilled vibes consuming the track in a charismatic sun soaked bubble of joy. This is a charming glistening gem that will brighten up your day and have you strutting down the street like a boss- sweet talking your way out of every situation. It’s that good.

 

Stream ‘Still Want More’ below


Kill ‘Em Charlie ‘Better Than Never, It’s Late’ EP

Irish band Kill ‘Em Charlie have released their 2-track EP titled ‘Better Than Never, It’s Late’. The band, comprised of members Eoghan on vocals, Alex on guitar, Patrick on guitar, George on bass and Gavin on drums are a  5-piece from Tipperary, but currently play mostly in Cork and Limerick. The EP was recorded and produced by drummer, Gavin, in his bedroom.

‘Better Than Never, It’s Late’ is a magnetic two track EP filled with sweet melodic goodness wrapped in a punchy indie array of sleekness. ‘Out of the Blue’ is the first offering. Snappy and buoyant this track hops along on jagged striking guitars and punchy drums before building into an energetic crashing backdrop for the chorus. Smooth vocals coo and vibrantly rebound off the infectious melody while a rooted bass adds a darkly hued foundation to this catchy number. ‘For Old Times’ Sake’ is the more instrumentally rugged of the two tracks as rough guitars serrate through the rich vigorous rhythm making  for a compelling danceable foundation. The guitars glimmer with impressive slivers of swagger soaked slickness as they whine and soar over the breezy melody adding a bitter sweet lamenting tone to the track which is just sublime. These guys blend the jagged and edgy indie with ethereal and delicate seamlessly to create a radio friendly tune that has something for everyone. The melodies in both these tracks are delicious and sing along ready as the vocal delivery packs in enough passion and vibrancy to make every note lovable. Their crafting and layering of each track is tight and they pack in enough epic and anthemic moments to have a live audience going wild. There is something special here for sure. For a lot of bands lately  live shows are where they excel and I’m sure Kill ‘Em Charlie knock the live shows out of the park. There is an energy that feels a little muted in the recording that i can imagine makes the live shows amazing. Keep an eye out for these guys.

 

Stream  ‘Better Than Never, It’s Late’ below

 

 


Super Paradise ‘Sweat’

Dream garage band Super Paradise have released their new single ‘Sweat’. Born in Milan, now based in London, Super Paradise released their debut album Quencebo in 2016. They have since been gigging constantly, played headline shows around London, toured festivals of Italy, supported Warbly Jets and Black Honey, recorded a new single in the Italian mountains and their music has been featured on the latest Ray Ban advert. Their self-defined genre of ‘dream garage’ builds on the edgy energy of the San Francisco psych scene and the soundscapes of New Order.

‘Sweat’ is a delirious skull bashing thrill ride that steam-rolls in at a frantic pace. The dreamy verses wallow in hazy psychedelic hued vibes as smooth reverb laden vocals coo over jogging guitars which waver between steady strides and punchy short blasts. With crashing frantic choruses bringing screaming vocals and a barbaric superb wall of sound Super Paradise dish out one heck of a manic tune. Filled with unadulterated energy in the form of shrilling distorted guitars pummeling off pulverising drum whacks and rooted bass rumbles mangled between a western – esque guitar jog this mesmerising mind invasion is well crafted for a wholly satisfying listen. It’s fierce and vicious with raw garage aggression smeared over luscious dreamy pop elements which resurface for the chilled verses before becoming suffocated and buried under the sublime garage turmoil for the choruses. This intense raging number is one to turn up loud and go crazy to.

Stream ‘Sweat’ below


Arcade Hearts ‘Humble’

Portsmouth’s indie-pop band Arcade Hearts have released their new single, ‘Humble’ via Republic of Music. The track  is the first to be taken from their Self Titled Debut EP out 21st September. To coincide with the release of the EP, Arcade Hearts have announced their largest hometown headline show to date at Portsmouth’s legendary Wedgewood Rooms on the 28th September.The band are four friends from Portsmouth and its surrounding satellite towns who bonded over a love of playing live and having fun. Their determination and grit has garnered them support from Huw Stephens and BBC Introducing as well as support slots with some of the biggest new bands including Sports Team, Orchards, Wild Front, Jerry Williams, Swimming Girls and Fickle Friends.

‘Humble’ is a luscious guzzle of invigorating sugary smooth indie pop at its fizzy refreshing best. Daniel Surridge-Smith’s uplifting vocals drift over the glorious energetic soundscapes with a soothing velvety tone that is blissful. Shimmering synths soar over glistening ethereal guitars while the dazzling beat sets a fluctuant foundation for this glorious track to rebound and intensify off. It’s brimming with adrenaline and a youthful surge of vitality as the catchy choruses and divine melody charm their way into your brain. The 80’s – esque disco beat keeps the track pulsing along with heart gripping intensity while the indie rock guitars add a dash of zest and edgy quality to this exhilarating earworm. It’s an instant dance floor track that is sure to do well.

Describing the single frontman Dan Surridge-Smith said: ”Humble was written straight after Christmas, we didn’t really have a break, we gigged and rehearsed all the way through. It was written after meeting a few bad people at a few shows when we started traveling about for gigs. I guess it’s around that time when it all started getting real for us, so we just ended up writing and experimenting with what we were capable of, and now we have ‘Humble’. It definitely means something to us as a band.”

Stream ‘Humble’ below

 


Bad Sidekick EP

London indie garage rock three piece Bad Sidekick are comprised of Yorkshire singer Cooper Rose and London Brothers Joe(guitar) and John (drums) Blount. The band have released their new self titled EP. This potent assortment of gritty boisterous tunes is brimming with sublime piercing guitar moments and skull bashing battery between sultry grooving moments to create a unique and intense listening experience.From the gritty riff of  ‘Run Boy’ it’s instantly apparent this is a band that pack a raw punch with instrumentation that slices and dices as shredding guitars jab and lacerate through pummeling drums and rooted bass while Cooper Rose’s vocals emit ‘don’t mess with me ferocity’ – it’s absolutely thrilling, bad ass and gritty as hell.These guys are no nonsense assassins and their tunes take no prisoners. However, ‘I Ain’t Sick’ brings a slinky swagger hued element to their hefty assault with steamy guitar whines, foot tapping percussion and stomping drums. ‘Lost Cause’ mellows out their sound a little as we glimpse a softer emotional side to Rose’s vocals while a rhythmic rumble fluctuates around strong guitar strides. It’s a refreshing breather from the sticky mosh pit of its predecessors and showcases a more refined and sophisticated sound. The track builds to a fiery crescendo but the atmosphere remains chilled and breezy. Bad Sidekick showcase their nimble and proficient musicianship throughout the EP. ‘Romeo’ and ‘Think About It‘ are layered with thrilling perfectly placed distortion over the brawny backdrop however Rose’s vocals add a dash of spice and lushness that is unique and instantly refreshing yet charming and compelling all at once . In the chaotic slick tracks she is the cooling gel and the raging fire without becoming overpowering. In the slower songs like the closing track ‘If I Were The Devil’ she displays a soulful bluesy tone to her vocals that command and enthrall the listener.

Bad Sidekick have a diverse sound and this collection of tracks proves there is something more to this band than meets the eye. From a first listen it’s all fire and brimstone, raw, edgy, garage rock but dig a little deeper and their is some sultry emotional and multifaceted tones coiled up among the bellowing slick tunes.

Stream Bad Sidekick EP below

 


Alexis Kings ‘Velvet’

Indie rock 4-piece Alexis Kings have released their newest single ‘Velvet’ today. Injected with a soulful, funk edge, the track is a feel-good anthem following on from the successful release of their debut EP ‘Squire’ back in 2016, leading to positive reviews from BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, and Radio X’s John Kennedy. Comprising of Brendan Aherne (vocals), Sam Privett (lead guitar), Kalyan Rogers (bass) and Fabio Bocca (drums),, Alexis Kings have made themselves known on the London live circuit over the years, selling out crowds at Barfly in Camden and recently broadening their live shows to cities across Asia and the US.The track which was produced by Ian Dowling (Bombay Bicycle Club, Chapel Club) sets the tone for what to expect from their upcoming debut album due later this year. Velvet is set to be followed by an accompanying video with special feature from Old Men Grooving of Britain’s Got Talent.

‘Velvet’ is a smooth slick number that drifts in on a swanky funk flavoured bass and strutting panache soaked persona.Smooth velvety vocals enfold the luscious honey drizzled melody as slinky guitars sweep over it with a golden feather-light motion. The shuffling danceable funky beat and groove infested bass keeps the foundation of this track buoyant with a rock n roll hued backbone. This flaunty number glides and slides with finesse and a suaveness that leaves you in a swooning stupor. The chic guitar melodies add a glossy lustre and elegance to this old school unblemished charming track. Alexis Kings are budding nicely cultivating their sound into something beautiful and refined.

Stream ‘Velvet’ below

 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Pale Rivers

Pale Rivers have released their new single ‘Icefield’, ahead of their forthcoming debut EP. Produced by Owen Lewis and Steven Mullan, ‘Icefield’ was recorded at Herbert Place Studio’s, Dublin. Based out of Cork and Tipperary, Ireland, the band began playing their first shows around the country including slots at Hard Working Class Heroes, Whelans One’s To Watch and Electric Picnic, as well as some high profile supports for acts such as Teleman, British Sea Power and The Wedding Present.

‘Icefield’ is a deeply moving number bleeding haunting tones of yearning  through ethereal rushes of breezy synths over textured guitar whines and passionate heart gripping vocals. This is a special track that grips the listener with every flickering note. This band keep you on the edge of your seat – the delicate sweet and tender moments are perfect, immaculate and pristine as elegant keys twinkle and glisten between subtle synth wisps as the warm emotional vocals caress the darkly hued haunting melody. Intimacy is key to this track and this is created by those dynamic tender vocal tones which are embellished by soaring, undulating waves of guitar and weaving synths. The track builds becoming more intense and expressive carrying and elevating our hearts and emotions with it as the synths become frenzied and choppy and rush over the tumbling guitar and rippling drum/bass rumbles. This track swoons with deeply moving and atmospheric tones while a rich snappy rhythm holds all the vaporous floaty soundscapes together with a gloopy-like glue texture. It’s a sublime riveting listen and a well crafted gem to hold dear.

Talking about ‘Icefield’, the band explain – “recording this song was very much a case of going with gut feeling rather than planning it out and ticking boxes. Going in to do it we just had a skeleton track and from there, it was very much a case of experimenting and improvising on different instruments, many of which we hadn’t used before. Recording this definitely felt like a journey from start to finish, and in many way’s one of the most fun/difficult but rewarding experiences we’ve had in a studio…”

You Can Catch Pale Rivers live at :

August 5th – Indiependence

August 24th – The Roundy – Cork

 

Stream  ‘Icefield’ below

 


LOVR ‘Surf’s Up’ EP

LOVR is the solo project of Irish songwriter/producer Brendan McGlynn who has now released his new EP ‘Surf’s Up’. After his involvement in a number of successful Irish bands, he began this solo venture. LOVR combines rich pop melodies, 80s soft synths, layered guitars and vocal harmonies to create his sound. ‘Surf’s Up’ is the second EP from LOVR

‘Surf’s Up’ is a luscious, heavenly sweet collection of tracks that soothe the soul in a blanket of dreamy cosy soundscapes. Rushing with breezy freedom inducing synths and nostalgic honey drizzled melodies each track flows with a subtle adrenaline rush and blissful euphoric vibes. Pristine production and crisp textures evokes every emotion in the listener with flickering immaculate sea side images of euphoria. ‘Instructions For Surfing’ kicks all this off with McGlynn lamenting over warm keys and the calming sound of waves. His knack with delicate melodies becomes instantly apparent as he gently coos a sweet nostalgic melody with an 80’s pop undertone. The pace of this track is magnificent, it slowly burns with a glistening glow filled with soothing wholesomeness as McGlynn’s soulful vocals hit you right in the chest. The magical charming tunes continue withSurf’s Up’ as a soft spongy beat accompanies chiming keys and lush dreamy vocals. These are tunes to fall in love with, they are filled with tender tones, heavenly sugar sweet melodies and sublime dreamy soundscapes that wisp about caressing your ears with ethereal graceful bliss. ‘Song Of The Sea’ adds a hint of vibrancy to the EP. With choir like backing vocals layered over a jungle like beat, cinematic soundscapes and instant gush of adrenaline. It’s the kind of track that evokes picturesque images like it should be in a  Disney movie as the main character runs to the freedom or joy they have always craved for. This is the most gripping and vivid track on the EP. It is pretty intense and flawless.  Each track lays you on a light fluffy cloud of tranquilising soundscapes floating about soft synths and sublime harmonies over delicious pop goodness to create a unique yet consoling familiarity. The time stopping ‘Survive, Hold On, All You, Need Is, Time’ and the elegant closing track ‘Movin’ To LA’ are prime examples of this. With a glistening lamenting guitar feature gracing the latter with an angelic embellishment like a dream just out of reach pulling at your heartstrings while calming synths drift about the fragile melody -it’s the perfect sweet end to a beautiful EP.

‘Surf’s Up’ is an EP to cherish. Its bitter sweet delicacy is one to be admired as McGlynn finely blends sweet mesmerising melodies to create a wholly enthralling and exquisite listening experience.

When asked about the EP McGlynn said  “I made this EP about surfing because I don’t surf, but I wanted to. I was drawn to the lifestyle surrounding surfers, their freedom and connection with nature. So I thought if I write about it then I’d have to go experience it and learn about it, so that’s what i did. This is why making music is so powerful. You can take one thing you love and use it to enable you to experience things you never have before.It’s the perfect catalyst.”

Stream ‘Surf’s Up’ below

 


Mushroom People ‘La La La La Lie’

Sebastian Knoebber Knöbber

German trio Mushroom People have released their new single ‘La La La La Lie’. With their last song ‘LOWWS’, Mushroom People, which is made up of two producers and a vocalist attracted a lot of international attention and made it to #1 on the Hype Machine charts. ‘La La La La Lie’ is a heavy trudging electronic number that slithers in on chilled darkly coated verses of thick bulky drum beats and sticky claustrophobic electronics. The track slaps and crawls through the brooding viscous stuffy soundscapes before it explodes for a dynamic release for the catchy chorus. Steamy guitar solos break up the clammy atmosphere with its zesty sting and sultry licks while a mixture of reggae-ton beats and pan flute injections freshen up this captivating tightly weaved gem. The soulful and passionate vocals are the icing on the cake they exude swagger, charm and emotion all in one swoon inducing effortless swipe. Mushroom People are ones to watch out for ‘La La La La Lie’ is one slick glossy number that will seep its way comfortably into your brain.

Stream ‘La La La La Lie’ below