Los Angeles based, surf pop trio, Bikini Trill have released their new EP, ‘Wassup, We Good?’. The band combine trap / hip-hop beats, surf guitar and bass, with powerful pop vocals to create a fresh sound and feel-good vibe. This female-fronted group draw inspiration from a variety of genres including punk, reggae, and hip-hop. Formed in 2016 by vocalist Frex (Lauren Johnson), bassist Kourosh Poursalehi, and guitarist Tony Stern, Bikini Trill is a nod to the various musicians and genres from which they draw inspiration- combining the Riot Grrrl punk mentality of Bikini Kill with current urban and trap influences. Currently, the band is celebrating their second mini tour at SXSW in Austin, Texas and are gearing up to tour with Coast Modern and Mikey Mike- playing the House of Blues San Diego, The Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, Arizona, and The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.
‘Wassup, We Good?’ is a blissfully melodic collection of tracks that fill your soul with golden luminosity, laid back vibes and euphoric mellowness with an underlying punchy kick to add a bit of spice. Each track fluidly flows into the next from the trippy ‘Napster and Acid (INTRO)’ right through to the seductively slinky ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’– Bikini Trill sandwich in a sweet collection of velvety smooth raspberry ripple tunes to have your mind in a sedative state of creamy groove filled bliss. ‘Chapo Howl’ firmly envelopes you in Bikini Trill’s swirling exhilarating world as vibrant guitars meander through captivating vocals while a subtle drift of sweet psychedelic hued soundscapes wisp like a refreshing breeze over the sugary pop melody. The tracks are addictive and radiate sunny, easy going vibes ‘Smoke A Jay and Watch Yourself Dance’ adds a body moving bouncy rhythm into the mix coaxing your body to sway and bop along while ‘Need Me’ throws in a dash of gritty guitar jingles. Johnson’s vocals are simply captivating and nectarous as she floods each track with a honey steeped sprinkling of sweetness that is delicious to the ears and when teamed with the catchy mouth-watering pop melodies it’s a deadly concoction that leaves you craving more. Bikini Trill manage to balance and blend this sugar rush with some hip-hop beats and biting guitars to add a healthy dose of edge and gritty texture to the tunes. ‘KUT U UP (INTERLUDE)’ and ‘Scarlet’ stride in on a cool swagger driven reggae-esque beat and rich weaving soundscapes that add some attitude and bite while the glistening guitar moments elevate and give a vivid golden lustre to the tracks. The lyrics are honest and rugged and don’t gloss over the themes whereas the instrumental backdrop covers the lyrics with a hazy dreamy camouflage. In ‘2:25 am’ Johnson’s vocals really hypnotise as she coos and sweetly pines through a sticky beat and lamenting soundscapes- its quite touching and beautiful and the perfect lead in to the closing track ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’, a spaghetti western -esque ditty filled with psychedelic tones and desert like vibes.
‘Wassup, We Good?’ is an absorbing collection of tracks perfect for sweltering hot days as the sun glares and distorts your view allowing Bikini Trill to create sublime delusions with scorching guitars and gloopy beats between luscious melodies and captivating vocals.
Fresh off their slot at Vantastival, Dublin Indie Psychgazers Sun Mahshene are set to release their new single ‘Tales of Fiction’ on the 28th of July. The track was recorded and co-produced by Dan Doherty in Darklands Audio. This is the first single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions & Tales of Fiction’ which is due for release in October 2018. Sun Mahshene started off as a solo project by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Nathan Henderson and soon turned into a collective of talented musicians, bringing Dave Murray on board for drumming duty and Ian McGinn on rhythm and lead guitar. With a mutual ambition to create something special they decided to merge their wide range of influences and joined forces with Darren Hughes on Bass and Ryan Daffy as third guitarist.
These guys know how to make mind melting tunes and ‘Tales of Fiction’ is no different. Filled with shrilling guitars and floor shaking punchy drums and bass combination, the monstrous wall of sound this track brings is something to behold. Swirling soundscapes mystify with wispy dreamy kaleidoscopic hues while the crashing biting guitars soar, wail and glide with a relentless onslaught into your ears in the most captivating and thrilling manner that leaves you in a blissful haze of euphoria. The adrenaline rush that exudes from this track is sublime while the smooth honey drizzled melody flows in on a laid-back cloud of sweet sedation. Henderson’s vocals weave between powerfully dynamic and velvety smooth tones while oozing a fiery passion. It’s a big tune camouflaged as a sweet psych trip. Once this track kicks in it goes full throttle – psychedelic indie rock at its shoegazing fueled best. Once again Sun Mahshene produce a fresh mouth-watering slice of captivating infectiousness to sink our teeth into.
Psychedelic rock trio Serene are set to release two new songs, ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ this week for Kendal calling. The band who are based in The Lake District and Liverpool have regular spots on the Manchester and Liverpool circuit; The Night and Day Cafe, The Castle, Zombie Shack, The Peer Hat, The Zanzibar, along with the brand new Peaky Blinders Bar (Liverpool). In summer, Serene are often found at a multitude of Lake District festivals, such as Kendal Calling, EskFest, Another Fine Fest, PigFest, DogFest, MoonFest, Noon til Midnight and Grasmere Guzzler. In the summer of 2016 they embarked upon a two week tour of Italy, previewing their new material prior to releasing their debut album – ‘The Lonely Road’. This proved a successful adventure, as it gained the band a session with BBC Introducing, along with CumbriaLIVE describing the band as ‘one of the finest live acts in the county’. Serene also supported Nazareth on their tour of England in January this year.
‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ display the depth and maturity of this trio. Their precise and enthralling musicianship is what I have come to love about this band. ‘Pendle Hill’ swirls with dark eerie tones creating a spine chilling atmosphere as haunting vocals sets the harrowing scene for the shadowy verses. The flickering guitars meander through the almost tribal beat adding a danceable groove to the psychedelic mindless soundscapes. If you want a submerging chilling experience filled with rich tangible instrumentation that grips and pulls you into a mysterious world of ominous possibilities this is the tune for you. The depths and multi textures layered into a captivating hypnotic tune is masterful and just a first class experience. ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ follows this marvelous trend with cool tones over sweltering oriental-esque and sometimes traditional or Celtic -ish guitar moments. The melody is superbly melancholic as it sweeps and rushes over the psychedelic hues with a grandeur and elegance that would bring a gentle tear to your eye. The bass and drums keep an elastic and fluctuant groovy foundation for the ethereal luscious soundscapes to wisp around and playfully rebound off. This dreamy hazy gem floats about with a feathery lightness while still maintaining a meaty brawny hold. Vocals gently coo and brood with an angelic heavenly sweetness while this infectious mesmerising track immerses you in an overwhelming surge of euphoric yet wistful bliss.
These guys are coming into their prime and it’s a pleasure to watch and experience their magnificent tunes come to life is such a beautiful colourful and prismatic way.
Stream ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ below
Bio: Hailing from Nottingham, The Mocking Jays are a five-piece pop-rock band that have effortlessly created a deft balance of pop sensibility and rock and roll swagger that, since forming in 2014, has allowed them to rapidly make a name for themselves, both within their native East Midlands, and across the UK. Though crucial early support from the likes of 6Music and BBC Introducing, as well as festival appearances at the likes of Y-Not, have done nothing to hamper the band’s reputation, it’s largely down to the inherent appeal of their own brand of idiosyncratic indie-pop.
Track: Edge of Your Knife
Why We Like It: This bubbly indie pop gem bounces along with an infectious beat upon a honey drizzled melody and sassy slick instrumental backdrop. Elastic bass lines and rich rhythm create a danceable groove foundation for this fun ditty to explode off. It’s upbeat with swagger soaked guitars rebounding and slickly weaving off the sublime percussion to make for a wholly satisfying and engaging listen. These guys throw on a healthy dose of panache and sleekness to charm their way onto your playlists.
Bio: Henry’s debut EP, ‘Guest at Home’, which was released in 2016 garnered critical acclaim. His breakout single “Alright,” has reached over 100,000 plays on Spotify, and he shows no sign of slowing down. Teaming up on the new record with legendary producer, Rob Schnapf, who has worked with Elliot Smith, Kurt Vile, Beck and The Vines to name a few, Henry is about to share his new album ‘Marlin Fisher’ which is set for release 31st August. Henry acted as a multi-instrumentalist again, playing drums, guitar, bass and keys on the record. The songs have been brought to life for the stage with his 4-piece band, consisting of Eddie Curzon (guitar), Zach Scott (bass) and Anders Cochran (drums).
Track: Bag of Chips
Why We Like It: It’s a woozy dreamy number with a luscious pop-ish melody filled with hints of psychedelia. The sweet gently stomping beat adds a strong foundation for the distorted guitar to lament over while Henry’s velvety vocals soothe and coo throughout. It’s a dreamy sun kissed laid back track that still packs in some vibrant vivid instrumentation to make for a wholly satisfying listen. This blissful lazy day tune is such a bitter sweet joy to listen to as it delicately caresses your ears for a perfect mellowed out deeply enriching experience. It always feels like Henry gets you.
Bio: KAVES are a Norwich based alternative rock band who have just released a new single titled ‘TBT’. The band have been together just over 1 year, but have had their new singer Caitlin since May, and this is the first single with her.
Track: TBT
Why We Like It: It’s a punchy blast of gritty alternative rock that rides in on a mighty rumbling wave of powerful drums and slick rooted bass lines. The guitar jaggedly pierces through the catchy melody with a strong ferocity as meaty riffs drive the track pushing it to its manic adrenaline rushing crescendo. It’s a slick lean and mean track from this young band.
Bio: BAILEY is the moniker of singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Joe Bailey. His first introduction to the world was with his sparkling debut single “The Future”. The song received a lot of good press and ongoing support from BBC Introducing Cambridgeshire along with many other radio stations.
Track: Change
Why We Like It: It’s a catchy peppy pop track that bounces along with summer vibes and gospel- esque hints. The anthemic chorus teamed with cheery vocals and warm acoustic guitar jingles between a sprightly beat fills this little charmer with good vibes and wholesome tones. It’s one of those pick me up little ditties that you will be humming all day.
You can follow BAILEY on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/baileymusiconline/
Bio: The Limerick-born, Galway-based, songwriter has made a name for himself performing his self-penned songs. He first started writing songs between busking sessions on a San Diego boardwalk. Since then, he has honed his performance skills, playing wherever he happens to end up, ranging from rooftop fiestas while living in Andalucia to bars in Northern Vietnam to music festivals located not too far from the arctic circle.Though he has lived all over Ireland, Dylan’s musical home is Galway, where he has been heavily involved in the music scene as member of Citog Records for the better part of the last decade. He has performed onstage with artists such as Steven Sharpe, Emma Langford, Tracy Bruen and My Fellow Sponges and has supported artists such as Ben Caplan and Jake Clemons.
Track: ‘Anxious Times’
Why We Like It: It’s a snappy folk flavoured track seeped it gritty grunge hued tones. With a rampant guitar stomp driving it into an adrenaline inducing frenzy while punchy drums set the foot tapping backdrop. This catchy number is filled with a raw energy that is infectious. Raspy vocals and brisk melody add a rough and ready texture to this lively tune leaving you craving to hear more.
Bio: Kahuna are an explosive ska punk five piece formed in 2016 in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The band provide a fresh take on the familiar ska punk sound, combining upbeat infectious ska rhythms with playful, catchy melodies and an unrelenting DIY punk rock ethos. Since their live debut in 2017 they’ve built up a dedicated and enthusiastic following as well as a reputation for raucous, energetic live sets having played venues across the UK including headline sets at The Cluny and Head Of Steam Newcastle.
Track: Throw
Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant infectious track filled with luscious tropical rhythms zealous tasty guitar jingles and lively catchy melodies that melt upon the vivid backdrop like butter on toast. This track is bursting with colour and dynamism to make for a joyful spiritual listening experience.
Bio: Luke Top (of Fool’s Gold) is an LA-based psychedelic/pop artist who just announced his new EP, ‘The Dumb-Show’ out 19 October via Grand Gallop and Org Music.
Track: I’ve Been Workin’
Why We Like It: This dreamy delight is frothing and bubbling with luscious playful rhythms over a beautiful sun kissed irresistible melody. His velvety vocals caress the melody with the sweetest tone to create a hazy euphoric atmosphere that soothes as well as tantalizes the senses. Jangly guitars fill the track with a delicious dash of zest while the shaky rhythm brings forward a surge of tropical bliss. Instantly likeable and charming with the perfect amount of sun-soaked paradise to make for a captivating, wholly enjoyable Beach Boys- esque vibe. Just sublime.
London-based psych-pop quintet Tempesst have released their latest single ‘Doomsday’, the title track from their forthcoming EP. The band first originated in Queensland, Australia on the Sunshine Coast, based around twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums). After a move across the globe, the outfit — rounded out by Eric Weber (guitars), Kane Reynolds (keys), and Blake Misipeka (bass) — made their raucous debut with the 2017 EP ‘Adult Wonderland,’ earning widespread praise in the U.K., which led to dates supporting the likes of Temper Trap and Albert Hammond Jr., and showcases at The Great Escape, NME Awards, and Live At Leeds. The new track is in part a reflection on how our addition to social media and the internet have turned us into mindless creatures, and part a commentary on the current state of the world.
‘Doomsday’ is a mysterious swirling brew of classic ’60s and ’70s influenced psychedelic rock and delicious pop that leaves you in a mind melting daze of delight. Tasty guitar whines weave between dizzying hazy electronics while the smooth melody cruises in to soothe the mind and sugar coat the woozy psychedelic swoons. It’s deliciously creamy with an underling fuzzed sting as the guitars whip a dash of zest into this enthralling liquefying mixture. The luring vocals tease and tempt throughout the eerie verses as lush backing vocals coo and haunt the background leading you deeper and deeper into the consuming trippy abyss of the track. Filled with creepy tones under a captivating cinematic soundscape this earworm has all the component parts to draw the listener in and trap them in its honey drizzled magnetising sound. Its infectious and a truly satisfying listen.
“It’s the first time in my life that I’ve felt so aware of my mortality and it probably doesn’t help that the Facebook and Netflix algorithms have cottoned on and keep feeding me shit on the topic,” Toma says about the track. “‘Doomsday’ is the start of what will probably be a long running theme.”
Following on from last summer’s series of acclaimed surf-rock singles Johnny Kills emerge for the first time in 2018 with new tune ‘Who’s Counting?’ Out via Killing Moon (Annabel Allum, Beach Riot). The band have earned champions including BBC Introducing, The Line of Best Fit, DORK, Indie Shuffle and The Metroplus dozens more tastemaker radio stations and blogs with their flair for delivering scuzzy pop off-cuts. The trio are made up of Tim, biological brother Lewis Lloyd-Kinnings and spiritual brother Cameron Gipp and aiding them in bringing their tracks to an acceptable auditory standard is Leeds based producer and Forever Cult bassist Alex Greaves (TRASH, PLAZA, Seeing Hands) on production and mixing duties, with Pete Maher (Pixies, Lana Del Rey, Scisso Sisters) on mastering.
‘Who’s Counting?’ is a glittering glam dazzling indie pop anthem laced with flashing sonic slaps over a sticky beat and fuzzed guitar jingles. Johnny Kills blast out an infectious danceable number that surges with youthful adrenaline doused in an 80’s -esque sparkle of glitter and glam all while packing in a healthy dose of punch. Glorious whines on guitar add a lamenting sharp sting to this vivid stomping track while wonky vocal hooks give a unique sing along friendly quality. It’s scuzzy in all the right places with dark sonic flecks swirling murky tones into the verses before the dynamic pop sprinkled chorus lifts the track into a feathery light bouncy anthem. This track is well crafted as each element brings a new rich texture and vibrancy – the guitars bring us the indie, moody, lamenting vibes with a shrilling spikiness while the buoyant beat, luscious melody and sonic swirls add a tasty blend of sugar sweet pop into the mix, and those vocals, just sublime and refreshing. It’s an adrenaline rush and such a thrill to listen to.
“It’s about meeting a great new person and ridiculously overthinking every aspect that this entails, internally focusing on this quasi-freak-out rather than enjoying and appreciating the new relationship for what it is” claims vocalist and songwriter Tim Lloyd-Kinnings, “Thinking ‘oh bloody hell, what’s happening here? –this can’t be good’ rather than ‘oh, isn’t this great?”
RootNotes are a new funk band from Walsall, West Midlands consisting of members Jordan Harris (guitar/vocals) , Kieran Osbourne (drums/vocals), James Potts (saxophone), Matty Cross (guitar) and Daniel Evans (bass). The band are set to release their debut single ‘Move To This’ on all major platforms on July 27th with a video dropping on YouTube the same day. ‘Move To This’ was recorded at Magic Garden Studios by Gavin Monaghan, who has worked with the likes of Robert Plant, Kings of Leon, The Blinders, The Twang and many more.
‘Move To This’ is a swanky blast of confidence boosting funk. Filled with vibrant colourful sounds such as warm saxophone, trumpet blasts and rich rhythms which swirl around a delicious swagger soaked melody – this little gem will have you bopping wiggling and strutting your stuff in no time. Instantly likeable and groovy it glides in, exuding a sleek well polished panache with a vivid air tight instrumental backdrop. This piece of chilled effortlessly cool bubbling bliss is worth blasting through your speakers as its infectious vibe takes over your body.
You can follow RootNotes on their social media below
The RPMs are set to release their new single ‘Gotta Let Go’ via Xtra Mile Recordings on Sept 28 via all digital formats.New single ‘ Gotta Let Go ‘ raises the bar significantly for this young Brighton band. Following the success of their previous singles, ‘Your Ghost’ and ‘Let Things Happen’ new single, ‘Gotta Let Go’ is cast firmly in the mold of an indie pop dancefloor banger. The RPMs emerged from the Brighton scene that has also birthed contemporaries Black Honey and Fickle Friends. The band was formed in Dorset by childhood friends Jack Valero (lead vocals, guitar), Callum James, (drums and backing vocals). Following a move to Brighton they were joined by Miguel Cosme on bass and gained early momentum in 2016 for their debut EP, ‘Digital Disobedience , followed by their second EP in 2017, ‘Agents of Change ‘ released via Xtra Mile Recordings. Inspired by the support The RPMs expanded to a five piece, adding in Chris Bowden on keyboards and Ollie Summer on lead guitar to carve out a more ambitious sonic direction. Aided by in demand producer Gethin Pearson (Mallory Knox/Charli XCX) ‘Gotta Let Go’ flows into their steadily evolving plot together with other significant milestones: their SXSW debut ; being chosen by Huw Stephens as one of his Alternative Tips for 2018 ; their first Radio X-Posure session and inclusion on R1’s Best Of BBC Introducing Playlist.
‘Gotta Let Go’ will coax you to the dancefloor with its instant dizzying flash of keys swirling around zesty guitar jangles and slapping beat. This hyped up anthem speed balls into the frantic catchy chorus ready for those mass live sing alongs while woozy sonic soundscapes rush by with an adrenaline inducing surge of dynamism. It’s one to jump frantically to while the infectious chorus seeps into you mind hooking itself firmly ready to pop up when you least expect it- keeping you humming it all day.It’s explosive, charming and charismatic- perfect for those limb flailing “dance like you’ve never danced before” nights out.
Speaking of the track, singer Jack Valero said, “It’s actually a classic break up song, but not in the traditional sense being sad and tragic, it’s about the more explosive and potentially positive side to being freed from someone who’s treated you badly and feeling empowered from making that hard decision. But can also encapsulate lots of difficult situations you might have to shrug off in life.”
You can catch The RMP’s live at :
JULY 20 – Sheffield – Tramlines Festival
JULY 21 – Oxfordshire – Truck Festival This Feeling w. Pirate Studios Stage
JULY 22 – Stockport – Blackthorn Fest
AUGUST 3rd – Kent, Edenbridge – LeeFest Neverworld
AUGUST 4 – Kent Edenbridge – LeeFest BBC Intro Kent Stage (Abbie McCarthy)
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Mini Mansions
Los Angeles trio Mini Mansions mark their highly anticipated return with their new single ‘Works Every Time’, the title track from their upcoming EP ‘Works Every Time’ set for release on September 28th. The EP follows on from the trio’s (singer/guitarist Michael Shuman (bassist of Queens of The Stone Age), bassist Zach Dawes and singer/keyboardist Tyler Parkford) critically acclaimed 2015 album ‘The Great Pretenders’, which saw the band tour with the likes of Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys and Royal Blood and of course the B-sides release ‘Flashbacks’ which we previously reviewed on Indie Buddie.
‘Works Every Time’ is an infectious foot tapping number that swoons around a delicious melancholic melody and wistfully sweet vocals. Parkford takes on the vocals for this tune – his warm lower range resonating through the brooding verses before Shuman joins in for the falsetto chorus. The track laments through hazy key flickers and dreamy backdrops while the steady beat and elastic bass keeps the track bouncing along doused in nectarous gloopy bliss. Naturally, you can’t have a Mini Mansions song without some tasty guitar lines and this track packs in oodles of that in the most sophisticated classy way that only these guys can do. The guitar injections pine and weep with a sting that adds a refreshing spice and dash of zest to the cruising lusciously melancholic track. These guys are immensely talented. Each track they produce is precise and immaculate with refined classy elements on top of fine richly layered musicianship. They are musical magi with the perfect blend of melodies and tones to have us eating out of the palm of their hands longing and craving for every melodic concoction they deliver.
The Half Light are a four piece indie band from London who have returned to the scene in 2018 with new material and a new line up. The band have released their new EP ‘Night On My Mind’, which is being released in full alongside the single ‘Seven Summers’. This release follows the earlier releases of the lead track ‘8th May’ (March 2018) and title track ‘Night On My Mind’ (April 2018). To mark the launch of the EP and ‘Seven Summers’, the band will be playing Clarence Park Festival, Wakefield, on 28th July. The Half Light’s music has featured on radio stations across the country, including BBC 6 Music, BBC London and Amazing Radio and the band were nominated for Best UK Act at the 2015 Pure M Awards. Since forming in 2011, the band have self-released ‘Clapham EP’ (2012) and ‘Moscow’ (2015), which is now followed by ‘Night On My Mind’ EP. Following these earlier releases, vocalist James and guitarist Guy were joined by a refreshed rhythm section, Mike and Martin, to complete the line up and the band entered the studio in London in late 2017.
‘Night On My Mind’ is a delightful triad of glorious indie, swirling between luscious pop melodies and sparkling chimes on keys. Both the title track ‘Night On My Mind’ and ‘8th May’ have been previously featured on Indie Buddie, The former wisping us away with ethereal guitars soaring over breezy soundscapes, punchy drums and a delicious bitter sweet melody while ‘8th May’ shimmied its way firmly into our minds and hearts with its rich rhythm and infectious chorus soaring over glorious guitar work. It was no surprise that ‘Seven Summers’ would be the sweet icing on the cake. Laced in glorious melodies coated with sparkling guitars, sublime bass rumbles and gleaming keys. This follows the vibrantly heavenly vibes of its predecessors perfectly and displays the bands meticulous well crafted musicianship. The track builds to a magnificent crescendo as the guitars slash an illuminating zesty flash of light through the glorious soundscape. These guys have an ability to write heart warming wholesome tracks that hop, bop and tantalize the listeners ears until they are shivering in the corner craving to hear more.
Stream ‘Night On My Mind’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
