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 Graces

Graces are a Cumbrian quartet who are now based in and around Sheffield.Breaking out of the four walls of their post-industrial rehearsal space in Sheffield, the band took their gripping live show around the country in 2017, playing sold out venues in Sheffield, London and Manchester on word of mouth alone. Whilst sharing stages with Feeder, Fickle Friends and The Amazons, they worked on a series of singles with producer Phil Gornell (Bring Me The Horizon, All Time Low) and were lauded by the mainstream music press. After a busy festival season which included performances at Tramlines Festival and Kendal Calling, the band rounded off last year with a sold-out show in front of 700 people supporting Bruce Foxton from The Jam. They have now released their new single ‘Hotel’.

‘Hotel’ is a blistering blast of indie that rushes through on a wave of youthful exhilaration and chilled euphoria. The verses glide with a breezy laid back vibe as velvety vocals brood through a churning backdrop of biting ethereal guitars and punchy drums. This track builds in intensity becoming more gripping and heart stopping as it reaches its breathtaking crescendo. The melancholic pop-sprinkled dreamy melody floats between a sublime intoxicating wall of sound that soars and cuts sharp with thrilling distortion. It’s a cool crisp display from Graces that packs oodles of emotion and shredding aerial instrumentation into one gripping cinematic track.

Watch the video for ‘Hotel’ here


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing: iisolate

iisolate are an indie/alternative duo consisting of Siobhan Taggart Vocals and Jamie Dumas Guitar/Production. The origin of the band began after a chance meeting in Galway when they were 15, After 5 years of waiting Siobhan moved from Derry to Limerick to pursue Art College and iisoalte came to be. The group is now located in Limerick. Siobhan’s dark lyrical content is often contrasted by Jamie’s 80s indie pop influences via the music creating this juxtaposition between the visual and auditory elements.As a band they have adapted to the ever changing music industry adopting the DIY approach, making records on a laptop in bedrooms. All production elements are performed within the group.The duo have now released their debut single ‘Encapsulate’ with an EP tipped for a mid summer release.

‘Encapsulate’ is a captivating, ambient track that crystallises on a darkened noir pop setting. This duo provide a glossy trip-hop sound that echoes and gleams with a mirror-like sheen as dark soundscapes wisp about like haunting ghosts whispering ominously in your ear. Siobhan Taggart’s vocals are ethereal and eerie as they lure you into the depths of this enchanting number. iisolate take their time slowly brooding and fermenting, ever so coolly progressing the track gradually to create a mesmerising enticing piece of work. A twinkling guitar feature glimmers through the floaty dreamy soundscape with a sweet lamenting melody that delicately warms the track. It’s spaced perfectly with a clicking rhythm steadying your mind to keep you sedated and trapped in their enthralling sound. This duo have created a mature track that announces them as ones to watch.

Stream ‘Encapsulate’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bleachers

Bleachers has released a new track, ‘Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)’. It comes as a part of the soundtrack for the film ‘Love, Simon’ which stars ‘The Kings of Summer’ and ‘Everything Everything’ actor, Nick Robinson and marks the first solo song to be released by Jack Antonoff since last year’s ‘Gone Now’ album. Antonoff is executive producing the soundtrack, which also includes songs by the 1975, Troye Sivan, Jackson 5, in addition to three other Bleachers songs and more. I have been listening to this song for some time now and thought i’d share the sprinkling of joy it brings to my day.

‘Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)’ is an animated vibrant burst of delight with a buoyant beat, jangly guitar, sparkling keys and a gloriously yearning melody that melts like butter on toast. This animated perky backdrop sets a vibrant foundation for Antonoff’s longing vocals to flood the track with passion and charm. It’s that track that surges youthful adrenaline through your veins and uplifts your spirit all while flooding you with love sick eagerness. This sun kissed, spring in your step number is finger clicking, foot tapping-ly infectious, wistful, warm and golden all at once. With a sing along ready anthemic refrain “I wanna be alright with my baby tonight”, saxophone feature and jazzy keys, this peppy number will nestle itself in your brain and stay on your mind for months ready to pop up at those moments when you need a lift.

Watch the video for ‘Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Sampson ‘Damned’

Halifax-born indie electro-pop artist Sampson has released her new single, ‘Damned’ off her most recent album, ‘Dark Sky Night’. This noir pop track is steeped in sultry electronics as a sticky beat slaps and gloops between Sampson’s luring coo. Its enticing as lush backing vocals add a haunting chilling quality while lamenting guitar broods in the background. The flashing swirling darkened electronics add an eerie dizzying spin to the track that dazzles and blinds building up to the crescendo. This track is superbly crafted creating moments of intensity and drama which is subdued between the gloomy darkened daydream- like soundscapes. Thoroughly thrilling and chilling this track seeps, creeps and almost wallows in a hazy sense of pessimism while building a lush electronic soundscape for its shadowy cinematic atmosphere.

When asked about the track Sampson said: “Damned, the latest single off the album, was co-written by two of my best friends – Nicole Ariana and Laurenn Marchand – at a song camp in Cape Breton Island. It’s a song about feeling stuck, and having choices to make that all bear consequences. For me, it was about whether or not I should leave somewhere and miss it, or stay while knowing something that would inevitably make me start to hate it.”

Stream ‘Damned’ below


Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Deep City Diver ’Dream Sequence’

London-via-Stoke on Trent band Deep City Diver have released their new single ‘Dream  Sequence’. Comprising  Australian  expat  Ryan  Nicolussi  (Voice/Guitar)  along  with  Stoke  on  Trent’s  Joe Macmillan  (Bass)  and  Dom  Davies  (Drums),  Deep  City  Diver combine  the  melodic  sensibilities  of  80’s  English  new  wave  with  the  incandescent  energy  of  New  York 00’salt-rock.

’Dream Sequence’ is an invigorating slap of indie pop that hops and bops with exhilarating infectious grooves while shimmering synths flurry about and ricochet off glimmering guitars to create a sublime buoyant backdrop. It’s snappy, breezy and vibrant as a soaring chorus lifts the track to ethereal heights while the funky swagger-soaked verse springs a dash of vitality and dynamism into the track. It’s instantly likeable and energetic as zesty guitars weave and boomerang off the animated bass to create a rich danceable number that is both sturdy and fluctuant all at ones. This charming number is clap along ready and feet shuffling-ly infectious- it’s hard not to swish, sway and bounce around the room while listening to it.

Stream ’Dream Sequence’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Mellor ‘Tri-State Blues’

Reading indie quartet Mellor have released their new single ‘Tri-State Blues’. Having recently been tipped by promoters ‘This Feeling’ and Subculture to be ‘Big in 2018’, Mellor’s music has gained exposure from Amazing Radio, BBC 6 Music along with inclusions on Spotify playlists ‘Hot New Bands’, ‘The Indie List’ and ‘Transistor’ (which have a combined following of over 250,000 listeners). The band have had previous gigs playing alongside The Kooks, Bay Rays, Carl Barat & The Jackals, Flyte, and Blaenavon and have now released another catchy banger to wrap your ears around.

A shrilling suave guitar wail introduces ‘Tri-State Blues’ with a choppy steamy swagger that commands your attention. Once that drum kicks in, your hooked. This boisterous panache-soaked track is steeped in adrenaline rushing guitars, punchy drums and dynamic vocals to create a thrilling roller-coaster ride. It’s slick and polished with ear worm melodies that are so smooth and delicious its like they are soaked in honey just to tempt and lure us music mad little bees. The electrifying guitar quivers are riveting while neck snapping hefty elements insure a sweaty, frenzied live performance. Its frenetic yet at the same time cool and chilled as a cucumber. Another sing along ready smasher from the Reading quartet.

You can catch Mellor live at:

28/04/18 – Are You Listening Festival? – Reading

03/05/18 – The Monarch, Camden

12/05/18 – The Horn at The Half Moon, Bishops Stortford

25/05/18 – The Star, Guildford

16/06/18 – The Black Prince, Northampton

 

Stream ‘Tri-State Blues’ below

 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

whenyoung ‘The Collector’

Limerick’s whenyoung have revealed the video for new single ‘The Collector’ which is the third track from the hotly tipped three piece and follows stunning tracks ‘Actor’ and ‘Pretty Pure’. The clip was shot on location in London and directed by frontwoman Aoife Power. This superb gem is engaging and delightful as twinkling guitars and Aoife Power’s crisp vocals introduce the track delicately. The track builds becoming more dynamic as reverb laden guitars whir around her sweet immaculate vocals while the catchy chorus surges through with heart racing urgency. The Collector is subtly anthemic with a captivating melody that flurries around your brain for days. The instrumentation is breezy gripping and majestic without becoming over powering. A sublime track, keep an eye out for this young trio.

Speaking about the clip, Aoife Power said: “The video for The Collector documents the simple, everyday movements that everyone experiences. We are all carrying out the same routine to show that we are all connected in the universal tasks of daily life but still individually searching for a sense of place and belonging. The gentle tones and slow paced everyday storyline was inspired by the films of Eric Rohmer.”

‘The Collector’ comes in the midst of a series of support slots throughout spring for whenyoung, with the three piece touring with the likes of Peace, The Vaccines and Declan Mckenna later this month. Tickets are on sale now, and the full list of dates can be found below.

May

3rd – Headline Show @ The Grand Social, Dublin

4th  – Jimmy’s, Manchester

8th – St. Luke’s, Glasgow (with PEACE)

9th – Leadmill, Sheffield (with PEACE)

11th – Fibbers, York (with PEACE)

12th – The Venue, Derby (with PEACE)

13th – Welly, Hull (with PEACE)

 15th – Norwich, The Waterfront (with PEACE)

16th – Kentish Forum, London (with PEACE)

 19th – Engine Rooms Southampton (with PEACE)

23rd – Dryden Social, Leicester (with PEACE)

24th – Birmingham 02 (with PEACE)

Watch the video for ‘The Collector’ below

 


Uncategorized

No Tie Friday ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ EP

No Tie Friday is a four piece Indie Pop / Alternative band from Wicklow. The band consists of Keith Molloy (Vocals + Rhythm Guitar), Matt Morgan (Drums), Niall McGurk (Bass) and Barra MacMahon (Lead Guitar). With only a few gigs under their belt they have already started making an impression on the Irish music scene. The band have recently released their debut EP ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’. A five track collection of sweet tunes and intricate glistening instrumentation, this EP is pure wholesome honey drizzled indie pop. From the first crashing intro of ‘Seasons’ No Tie Friday have you firmly hooked. This bouncing little gem rumbles and rushes through with a driving rippling rhythm while glistening jangly guitars create the perfect glossy backdrop for the vibrant infectious melody. It’s anthemic and punchy wrapped up in a whirl of youthful adrenaline rushing instrumentation. They definitely kicked the EP off with the right track- it’s sun soaked and vibrantly dynamic. This little charmer has you eating out of the palm of their hands eager for more. ‘Forest’ continues the indie pop buoyancy, as thumping drums set a steady foundation for the shimmering golden guitars to sparkle between. There are plenty of blissful guitar moments in this EP and the quartet show off their knack for crisp sweet toned guitar lines throughout each track creating special little luscious twinkles that lift each tune and add glorious scintillation throughout. Title track ‘Long Drives And Sunsets’ marks the halfway point in the EP with a fluctuant rhythm and delicate instrumentation to start. Ethereal guitars lament behind a sombre tender melody while Molloy’s vocals reach their most emotional we have heard yet. It’s a passionate display as sharp guitars and punchy drums bring us to a powerful intense crescendo. If you are looking for the perfect hazy sunny day tune filled with mellow tones with some melancholic hues ‘Working Title’ is the one for you. Again it features some sublime guitar work and a smooth, silky melody while the vocals add a hint of soul, its soothing, chilled, breezy bliss. ‘Delay’ which fast became my favourite track, closes the EP much like ‘Seasons’ began it – with a surge of peppy jangly indie intricately weaved and tightly compact to create a satisfying listen. It is  filled with dazzling soundscapes, whirring guitars, an infectious chorus and a stomping singalong ready bridge that will have a live crowd bellowing out at the top of their lungs.

‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ is a wholly enjoyable, charming collection. This bands laid back, dreamy approach gives each track space to flourish and blossom and this really adds something special to the overall enjoyment of the EP. These guys have created something glorious. It’s perfect for summer days and youthfulness. Keep an eye out for No Tie Friday.

Stream ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ below

 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Central Hall ‘Social Awareness’

Waterfords alternative four piece Central Hall have released their new single ‘Social Awareness’.The band which consists of members Jordan Gough (Lead Vocal), Eamon Ganley (Lead Guitar), Alex Gough (Drums and Vocals) and R.J Kavanagh (Bass) have evolved constantly over the last two and a half years, from their young indie darling beginnings to consistently bringing the house down in all their gigs. Having recently being crowned winners of the prestigious UCC Battle Of The Bands 2018, Central Hall have developed a name for themselves in the Cork music scene as well as holding down their roots in the Waterford scene. Starting as a two piece ambient jam band project between Eamon and Alex the group quickly added Ross and Alex’s brother Jordan to create a more varied and fuller sounding group.

‘Social Awareness’ spreads out catchy vibrant indie jangles evenly upon an alternative backdrop of crashing alternative rock with some hip hop elements thrown into the mix. The track gradually builds -fermenting with sweet toned guitar weaving between a progressive snappy rhythm while dynamic vocals move between rap and singing. It’s brisk yet infectiously melodic as swift jagged soundscapes dart in between luscious cruising melodies. This track ventures from smooth, vividly golden tones to rushing mosh ready heaviness, creating a unique enthralling listen. The production on this track is outstanding, compact and dense keeping the listener engaged in suspense right up to the shredding shrilling guitar laced crescendo. These guys display their fine musicianship creating a track that groves with a slinky swagger as well as battering with some gritty rough instrumentation. It’s a refreshing track that makes these guys ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘Social Awareness’ below


Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From MeMe Detroit

Since her 2016 debut album release ‘Live to Love You’ll Love to Live’, MeMe has been pulling in fans with a magnetism that is both eloquent yet effortlessly cool. With previous support slots that include bands such as Dead Sea Skulls, Piano Wire, Fun lovin’ Criminals, Asylums and stand out shows which include The main stage at Moto GP, Silverstone, The O2 Academy, Dublin Castle, The Finsbury pub for ‘Get in her ears’ and Jurassic Fields festival MeMe’s energy and sleazy grunge is one to take note of. She has now released her new single ‘Soc Med Junkies’. This grunge smothered track oozes and seeps with dark gritty tones and fiery attitude. Sultry guitars shred and lacerate with relentless stamina through the rapid shuffling rhythm while MeMe’s luring vocals coo and entice for the verses before belting out the fiery chorus. It’s lean, mean, power indie that makes you want to jump kick, wiggle and groove all at once. Swallowed up in a chilled, cool persona and hypnotic melody mixed with heavy angst and crashing instrumentation this track kicks ass, wrestles you to the ground and mesmerises you in its hazy muggy hook driven charm. MeMe has a knack for writing tracks that slash bash sizzle and steam all at once while packing in some striking lyrics. ‘Soc Med Junkies’ is definitely worth a listen.

Stream ‘Soc Med Junkies’ below