Tag Archives: indie

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

A Weekend Away ‘Irony’

A Weekend Away are a five piece blues/rock band from Limerick, Ireland. Initially formed in 2013, A Weekend Away have become a staple in the regions music scene. Following their win in the UL Battle of the Bands in 2016, They have gone on to record their own self-titled EP. In summer 2017, the band traveled across Ireland touring with their new EP to positive responses from attendees and reviewers alike, playing in such locations as Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Kerry and Waterford. Currently they are focusing on the production of their debut album pegged for release later this year. Starting with their new release ‘Irony’.

‘Irony’ is a striking harsh track delivered in a soaring infectious indie manner. Raspy vocals expel the honest lyrics while jangly guitar melodies and buoyant rhythm sweeten the sourness of the lyrics. Sharp guitar strides inject a refreshing touch of grit and add a rough texture to the song. It’s sublimely layered and intelligently crafted creating a ethereal melodic track that is raw and biting yet packed with glimmers of bright tones with subtle anthemic bursts before the crescendo. It’s a mature savvy track that is sing along ready, hard hitting yet blissfully melodic and refined. I’m liking the direction these guys are taking their sound- sophisticated, honest, animated indie that makes for a great listen. Keep an eye out for A Weekend Away.

Directed by Shane Vaughn (Stanzas) and starring Brian Russo Clancy (The Three Don’ts) the video for ‘Irony’ aims to match the themes of the track by taking advantage of its setting at the popular Limerick heritage centre, King Johns Castle. Bassist Peter Corbett says about the track:“We wrote this song about the conversation we seem to be having everyday about suicide, especially in Limerick. The fact is that our city has a suicide rate twice the national average. Therefore it’s easy to say everyone in this city has a direct or indirect history with mental health, suicide and self-harm”. “I noticed especially that a lot of males refuse to talk about their mental health problems. This seems to be due to the fact that they don’t want to seem ‘soft’ in front of their peers. This is ridiculous social norm considering one in three people have had mental health problems. That’s the equivalent of looking left and right in a lecture. This song explores the mind-set of these males with the hopeful end goal of spreading a small bit of awareness”.

Watch the Video for ‘Irony’ below

 


Indie, indie rock, New Music

Runaway Hounds ‘Sophie’

Runaway Hounds  are an indie rock band from Wolverhampton comprised of twin brothers Owen Stavenuiter  (vocals/guitar) and Kent Stavenuiter (lead guitar), Dan Glover (bass) and Callum Ford (drums). In just over a year, the band have played several headline sets in venues across the West Midlands and are soon to take their sound across the UK, performing to crowds as far as London. It was in October last year when Runaway Hounds truly began to gain momentum with the release of their debut single ‘Rattlesnake’, gaining airplay and support from the likes of BBC Introducing and amassing over 2,000 listens on Spotify alone in its first few months.The band have now released their new single ‘Sophie’ which was produced by Ryan Pinson and recorded across two days at RML Studios in Wolverhampton.

‘Sophie’ is a zealous shot of guitar laden indie rock glowing with glorious sweet guitar lines that twinkle about the track flooding it with radiant scintillation. It’s a youthful burst of infectious indie rock that displays the bands knack for sublime radiant melodies and intricate instrumentation. The punchy drums and elastic bass slap a nice bit of grit and heftiness into the track but for me those soaring ethereal guitars lift it to breezy anthemic heights. With passionate vocals adding a raspy texture this song is instantly likable and exuberant. Though Runaway Hounds wear their influences on their sleeves they have made an impressive tune that makes these guys ones to keep an eye out for.

Stream ‘Sophie’ below


Electronic, Indie Electro, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Falling Ghost ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’

Manchester based multi-instrumentalist and producer, Falling Ghost has released his debut single ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ which was self-produced in Manchester and then mastered by John Davies (The XX, Lana Del Rey, Gorillaz), through Regent Street Records. Falling Ghost, AKA Daniel Sweeney was formerly the singer-songwriter with Manchester band Sylvia. Before splitting a year ago, Sylvia recorded two albums and toured extensively across the UK and Europe and achieved national radio play from the BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music.  Since going solo, Sweeney has spent the last twelve months writing, recording and producing the first Falling Ghost album which is entitled ‘Pure O’ and is set for release later next year.

‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ is a crisp clean-cut display with velvety vocals and hypnotic electronic slapping beats. It’s a dreamy, floating emotionally charged track that is honest pure and gripping. The haunting breezy soundscapes wisp about the track giving a coldness while the beautiful delicate melody floats on top soothing from the biting chill. It’s somewhat eerie yet sublimely melodic with twinkling keys and sway-able tempo it’s a captivating debut from Falling Ghost.

Stream ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Freeda

Freeda are a five piece indie-rock band from Manchester UK, comprising of members Sean Rowles (Guitar + Vocals), Callum Hignett (Guitar), Cameron Meekums-Spence (Guitar), Adam Barton (Bass) and Adam Jackson (drums).Working with the production duo Sugar House (Glass Caves, Viola Beach) the band have released their debut single ‘Plug It In’ and are working towards recording their first EP. Fresh off a string of support slots at venues such as Band on the Wall and Manchester Academy, Freeda are aiming to establish themselves as a headline act in the Manchester area.

‘Plug It In’ is a blistering indie track brimming with razor sharp guitar stabs piercing through punchy drums and elastic bass slaps. This catchy track scorches with red hot intensity and scalding instrumentation. Its snappy rhythm provides a flexible foundation for the swagger soaked sizzling guitars to rebound off as they jangle throughout adding bright little stings between the infectious melody. With gritty fragments throughout these guys blend the sweet and sour perfectly creating an impressive exhilarating debut track to make them ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘Plug It In’ below

https://soundcloud.com/freedaofficial/plug-it-in


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Fears Chella ‘Polaroid’

Fears Chella are an evocative Stoke/Manchester based ‘Slackerpop’ band who cheekily blur elements of grunge and pop with sparkles of dreamy and chaotic 90s indie-rock. Forming in 2016 Fears Chella quickly gained support from Huw Stephens on Radio 1, Shell Zenneron Amazing Radio, Hattie Pearson, The Unsigned Guide’s ‘Artist Spotlight’, Ditto Music and BBC Introducing. The band have now released their new single ‘Polaroid’ which follows the success of their previous singles ‘Girlfriend’ and ‘Lush’ which have earned the band playlisting slots with Spotify, 150k streams and a plethora of blog and radio coverage. The new single ‘Polaroid’ is “A song about the intoxicating feelings of that freeze-framed teen abandon you get with new loves, and about the games people play when really everyone just needs to feel wanted”. Having spent 2017 playing shows like headlining stages at Dot To Dot Festival and slots at Threshold Festival and Sonder Festival the band have also been busy playing shows with the likes of The Big Moon, Get Inuit, Honeyblood, All Tvvins, King No-One and PINS. All of this has been in culmination for Fears Chella upcoming 2018 tour starting in March.

‘Polaroid’ is a fizzy luscious can of sugar indie pop bursting with sunny vibes and energetic youthfulness. Vibrant zesty guitars interweave between a foot tapping beat and an irresistible honey coated melody. This track explodes with sparkling luminosity as swirling adrenaline infused soundscapes deliver a sugar rush of bliss while jangly guitars add a refreshing spritz of sharpness to the sweet syrupy euphoric track. Its a peppy, catchy, sun kissed anthem bursting with oodles of youthful pizzazz and intensity.

You can catch Fears Chella live at:

2nd March //  Birmingham // Actress & Bishop

8th March //  London // Old Blue Last

9th March //  Brighton // Hope & Ruin

10th March //  Norwich // Epic Studios

13th March //  Leeds // Oporto

15th March //  Glasgow // Broadcast

16th March //  Manchester // Night and Day Cafe

17th March //  Stoke // Sugarmill

22nd March //  Nottingham // Boedga

Stream ‘Polaroid’ below

https://soundcloud.com/fearschella/polaroid/s-ch293


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

Tender Glue ‘With You Here’

New York City based alternative folk artist Tender Glue has release the first single from his forthcoming album ‘Closet Leftovers’, which will be released monthly over the coming year. Self-recorded in the closet of Tom Gluewicki’s studio apartment, the album is a delicate blend of indie rock, alternative folk and elements of post punk. As an active and passionate member of the artist community, singer-songwriter behind Tender Glue, Tom Gluewicki set up his own label ‘Don’t Label Me Records’ which has a main focus of building an integrated and like-minded community whose priority is to create genuine songs. Furthering that ideology, Tom set up his own live project ‘Smartphone Sessions’ created to support passionate musicians and artists by documenting live performances recorded by volunteers using their smart phones.With a passion for genuine music and the sole aim to create and experiment, Tom wrote the first single ‘With You Here’ in a five-minute burst of creativity before work. The single itself is a textural and ambient modern take on alternative folk. Following his DIY ethos, the track was recorded in Tom’s closet, leading to some challenges with static and interference along the way, all adding to the endearing and warming character of the single. Written, performed and recorded by Tom himself it gives a taste of what to expect from the forthcoming releases. Release dates of all next singles will be posted on social media throughout the coming months.

‘With You Here’ is a reverb laden track laced in sweet vibrant hazy guitar and a soft tapping beat. It’s tender and beautiful brimming with sun kissed vibes and luscious melodies. For me the golden zesty guitar lines which wistfully whine are the magnificent gem of this track, they flood it with such passion and emotion while lifting it to aerial celestial heights. Tom’s vocals exude emotion and tenderness while the sublime layering on the track creates a special unique experience. Its an ethereal majestic piece from Tender Glue and a sublime beautiful track to hold dear.

Stream ‘With You Here’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Galapagos ‘Even This Glow’ EP

Galapagos are a four piece indie band from Ottawa. With the release of the debut Potential Space EP in June 2017,  Galapagos continue to create a presence in the Ottawa musical landscape. Their debut charted highly on Ottawa’s CKCU and CHUO stations and topped the CHUO charts in the fall. Ottawa Showbox, APT 613 and PhotogMusic all placed Potential Space on their lists of top local releases in 2017. The band have now released their second EP ‘Even This Glow’ to a sold out show at Pressed.

‘Even This Glow’ is a laid back thoroughly satisfying EP drenched in mellowed out sweet nostalgia. With a retro indie rock feel opening track ‘Wall’ struts in with thrilling sharp guitars laced upon an infectious bright melody and peppy animated drums. These guys deliver a quality sound, richly packed with sublime luscious layers that bring sun kissed vibes to their pure heartfelt tunes. ‘Lungs’ and ‘Jersey’ add a grittier texture into the mix with distorted guitar crashing for the pounding chorus and zealous illumination for the latter track. These tracks evoke a 90’s vibe as sweet melodies and velvety vocals soothe a wistful longing tone. The songs feature some golden guitar moments so mouth-watering and sweet they are like honey to the ears leaving you craving more. ‘Coffee’ takes a darker tone with acoustic accompaniment twinkling between sombre vocals. It showcases a diverse melancholic side to their easy going sound. It’s a soothing track one which takes its time caressing your soul. Gentle and beautiful on the ears it’s truly immaculate and tender. Though their sound is mellow and laid back it is by no means simple, intricate guitar lines weave between passionate vocals creating music that really makes you feel every note, every beat and guitar quiver. ‘Decide’ closes the EP with beaming sweet marsh-mellowness. It’s melodic, utterly emotive and richly nostalgic. Zesty vibrant guitar lines dazzle through a charming delicate melody while a running bass line wanders adding a lavish texture and meaty depth to this superb track.

‘Even This Glow’ is an EP to relax and watch the sun set to. Each track is refined and precisely layered to create a beautifully nostalgic experience that is heart-warming and wholly satisfying.

Stream ‘Even This Glow’ below

 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Blank Parody ‘Underachiever’

Formed in 2015 Blank Parody, a bunch of noisy lads from Birmingham, began with a year of songwriting and recording. After a year of gigging up and down the country they have supported the likes of Vukovi, Seprona, Tigercub and Electric Six! and played slots at festivals such as London’s Camden Rocks, Sheffield’s Tramlines and Birmingham’s ValeFest. Following the recent release of their highly well received debut EP ‘A Tension’, which featured tracks such as ‘Dark Pretenders’ and ‘Marching Through The Smoke’, the band now present their biggest offering from the record yet ‘Underachiever’, before playing a string of dates across the country.

‘Underachiever’ with its subtle explosive bursts is an indie anthem all rolled up in a tight little package ready for live show sing-alongs. These guys are no strangers to meaty hefty instrumentation that bashes with thrilling adrenaline and this track is no different. However ‘Underachiever’ does offer a little more emotionally. This track wallops out a melancholic melody drenched in enough nostalgia to hit you right in the chest and force out that little tear you’ve hidden for years. This is a track for the down trodden, displayed through ethereal guitars and a rumbling bass. Its one everyone can relate to and sway along mournfully to, but these guys let you have that tear then whack you through it with some shredding rugged guitars and punchy drums filled with hopefulness and powerful fist pump indie rock. These guys are relentless in showcasing their versatility as a band and ‘Underachiever’ displays this perfectly- they can be melodic and sentimental yet still pack a mighty meaty punch.

You can catch Blank Parody live at:

11th February – The Black Heart, London

22nd February – The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton

8th March – The Shed, Leicester

30th March-1st April – Your City Festival, Stoke On Trent

Check out the video for ‘Underachiever’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Dry Roasted Peanuts ‘Former Child Stars’ EP

Cork based Indie-pop four piece Dry Roasted Peanuts have released their second EP ‘Former Child Stars’. Following on from the success of their debut ‘Sometimes I’ll Stay In/Sometimes I’ll Go Out’ in May 2017, Dry Roasted Peanuts are back with another barn-storming effort. Marc O’Cearnaigh (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), JJ Lee (Bass), Robert McDonnell (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Chris O’Sullivan (Drums) have conjured up a two-track compilation of indie-pop bliss, tinged with punk-rock sensibilities.

One thing I have come to love about this band is their sound has begun to reach a maturity beyond their years and ‘Former Child Stars’ displays this perfectly. ‘Honey + Lemons’ with its depth and musical precision pierces like a proficient swordsman at an unsuspecting opponent. The track progresses slowly with sweet toned guitar and steady rhythm leaving the dramatic effect to the compelling vocals. The lyrics are striking and the bands ability to hold the listeners attention through the narration with subtle instrumentation is remarkable. When the track finally does reach its crescendo it is phenomenal. Warm hazed wobbly guitars stride through a buoyant punchy rhythm creating the ultimate dazed blissful peak to the track. Second track ‘Upstanding’ fleshes out their swagger-soaked strut worthy sound. Once again euphoric golden guitar lines flood the track with sparkling luminosity while a spongy beat cushions you in their dreamy tranquilising soundscapes. With its sweet, delicious tone, for me the guitar melody is the highlight of this track. It’s light, nimble, zesty and infectiously calming. This short little ditty is a gem for sure. I could listen to both these track all day on a loop. This four piece are getting better and better with each release. I’m looking forward to what they have planned next.

Stream ‘Former Child Stars’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ EP

Gentlemen Jackals are set to release their debut EP titled ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ on Friday 2nd of February. Hailing from Kirkcaldy/Cowdenbeath, Scotland, Gentlemen Jackals includes Mark Wilson (vocals and guitar), Craig McMahon (guitar), Scott Thomson (bass and backing vocals) and Douglas Harden (drums). Since first coming together in summer 2015,the band have already had performing success, sharing the stage with bands such as Silver Coast, Clay, Lemon Haze, Pyro, Lost in Vancouver, and Dancing on Tables. The group’s success is greatly down to their DIY attitude; organising and promoting gigs, designing their own publicity materials and shooting their own music videos. In 2017, the band performed at numerous festivals, including Montrose Music Festival, Rockore and the Dunfermline ‘Fake Fest’. On February 10th, the band are scheduled to perform at the O2 ABC in Glasgow in the Scottish Final of the SoundWaves’ Music Competition. The quartet have recorded and released four independent singles ‘Hold My Body’, ‘Oh Tanya’, ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ and ‘Waiting for the Day’–all of which are produced by Mark MorrowAudio and their new EP, ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ will be released on Apple Music and Spotify as well as a limited run of physical copies which can be ordered through their Facebook page or at their live shows.

‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a five-track collection of hook filled indie anthems that glitter with sublime power pop melodies drizzled on top of a fire fuelled indie rock foundation. From the punchy opener of ‘Heathens + Broken Hymns’ these guys waste no time in displaying their versatility as a band. A rumbling driving bass line slaps and rebounds off a snappy hyper drum beat while crashing guitars shred through an infectious melody and powerful vocals. It’s difficult not to bop along to this catchy fiery track. Their tight dynamic rhythm and gritty guitars cut through the tracks creating a body moving groove and mosh ready heaviness which is displayed in tracks such as ‘Preacher’s Son’ and the light sprightly ‘Wisdom to the Wise’. Here, Gentlemen Jackals display a swagger soaked shredding sound that exudes sass and confidence with blazing instrumentation that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. I mean check out those scorching guitar solos they are electrifying. ‘Out of Reach’ slows the tone a little. With its sombre filled melody, it takes the role of a power ballad filled with Bon Jovi- esque passion and a fist pump your chest teary anthemic chorus. Final track ‘Waiting for the Day’ closes the EP with a glistening guitar creating a magical airy vibe before they blast into their anthemic sound. It’s somewhat U2 – esque blended with a bit of Bruce Springsteen vibrancy. Blissfully melodic and passionate it’s a heart warming end to the EP that fills you with sweet nostalgia.

Gentlemen Jackals ‘The Open Door Within Your Mind’ is a sublime debut EP. Filled with sweet heavenly infectious melodies superb instrumentation and musicianship that makes you feel every note and lyric, it’s a strong foundation for this four piece. These tunes flood you with an instant surge of heart racing adrenaline that could move crowds of people. Music that makes people feel something is hard to create but when it’s achieved it’s golden and these guys have obtained this through each track. Not a bad start.

Stream ‘Wisdom to the Wise’ below