Tag Archives: indie

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

Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir ‘Stop Shakin’

Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir have released their new single ‘Stop Shakin’. Blake Brown is an American singer-songwriter from Denver, Colorado. After participating in many collaborative projects, he started Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir in 2013. The idea was to have the flexibility of playing solo, but to also include a revolving cast of musician friends when they were able to join him. Part of the cast includes close friends and musicians of groups, The Fray, The Films, and Tennis. After 3 EP’s, countless shows, and a debut full length, ‘Long Way Home’, to be released in March 2018, Brown has found mainstay players. His wife, Tiffany Brown and long time friends Jason Legler, Adam Blake and Trent Nelson make up The American Dust Choir, creating a blend of indie-rock and Americana. Brown’s music is rooted in acoustic sounds, and characterized by his seemingly simple, yet complex melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

‘Stop Shakin’ displays their meticulously created indie Americana simply and sweetly portrayed as a infectious tune. This foot tapping gloriously twangy little ditty is a radiant ball of vitality. Sharp golden guitars illuminate the track with an instant shot of pizzazz and stinging zest while a buoyant beat and raspy warm vocals create a laid-back fun danceable vibe. This track radiates sun kissed tones and easy-going attitude. It’s definitely one to get you up shimmying and shaking. It is well layered with each intricate guitar melody adding a fantastic new dimension and sparkling facet to the track while the rich rhythm livens up the song adding a meaty groovy texture. The luscious honey drizzled melody in so catchy and vibrant it’s a joy to listen to and will be stuck in your head all day.

Stream ‘Stop Shakin’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Alfie Indra ‘Red Lights’

Alfie Indra has released his second track ‘Red Lights’ on Keep Me Young. Hailing from Suffolk (living in Manchester) the track comes after the success of Indra’s debut signed release ‘Hard To Cope’. The 21 year old has been releasing music unsigned for a number of years and his music has evolved from stripped back folk/acoustic to a more upbeat feel while still retaining the lyrical essence from his roots. ‘Red Lights’ has been released on all online platforms including Spotify and iTunes, along with a music video filmed in a night club in Manchester capturing those blurry nights, teamed with some bright red performance shots.

 ‘Red Lights’ fleshes out a sublime woozy example of Alfie Indra’s electronic pop with a mushy pliable beat giving a blissful sense of excitement and anticipation as it playfully slaps against hazy swirling electronic soundscapes. The melodies ooze heavenly ecstasy from every note while sonic flecks daydreamingly flash dazzling neon lights as if showing glimpses of a memory of a fun night out. This chilled laid-back track soothes with an unhurried sense of elation and wonder as Indra’s vocals whisper with sweet delicacy and passion. The guitars warmly glow through the hazy electronics giving a subtle glimpse of the thrilling solo to come for the magical joyous crescendo. It’s just a sublime subtle burst of heavenly mellowness that fills you with anticipation and youthful elation.

Watch the video for ‘Red Lights’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From FLING

Bradford wonky pop five piece FLING are back with their new single ‘Bad Day’. This gang first got together at a gig and they instantly found common ground to bond over with their shared love of T.Rex and David Bowie. This led them to waste no time setting up a basement studio and proceeding to write, record and perform their own brand of self-proclaimed ‘wonky pop’. Before long they had a dedicated fan base filling up venues who they affectionately refer to as ‘Flingers’. This has all combined to cultivate a world unique to them, a world which combines the inventive exploration of The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour type wizardry with the youthful fun of the likes of The Magic Gang and Black Honey. In their short but eventful musical life FLING have picked up notable support across the airwaves with Steve Lamacq championing on 6 Music, John Kennedy spinning on Radio X, Matt Wilkinson being a fan over on Beats 1 and Radio 1’s very own Huw Stephens is another keen supporter.

‘Bad Day’ is a wavy shaky and slithering-ly slick pop track so infectious it burrows into your brain leaving you uncontrollably singing along and shimmying to its infectious groove. So cool and chic with swagger soaked raspy vocals fastened firmly on a steamy sleazy melody and thrilling guitar whines and strides. Lush backing vocals add a slap of sass and finesse while punchy drums and psychedelic tinges of swirling synths lure you into a wonky trip of delusion smothered in sugar pop. The desert spaghetti western harmonica intro announces this riveting track perfectly grabbing your attention ready to hook you into this electrifying track. It’s a shimmy ready, scruffy, fun number that has FLING’s stamp all over it. These guys are good and ones to keep an eye out for.

Stream ‘Bad Day’ below

https://soundcloud.com/dttrlabel/fling-bad-day-baaaad-day


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

Canto Falls ‘Tapestry’

Canto Falls are an explosive alternative indie-rock three piece based in London. Their new single ‘Tapestry’ will be released this Friday 26th. Having formed in 2016, founding members Mark Howarth and Adam Gillian quickly discovered a mutual appreciation of dense lyrics and careful musical arrangement combined with high-energy pop sensibilities and with the addition of James Thackeray’s shared eye for detail, the band’s unique and exciting sound began to take shape. Over the course of a year, the band have carefully crafted songs with exciting, high-energy compositions that demand your attention and blur the line between ‘pop’ and ‘indie-rock’. With their first single ‘Clarity’ released on the 2nd of October 2017 and the follow-up release ‘Tapestry’ set for release tomorrow, the three-piece have their sights set on making a fresh and explosive sonic impact.

‘Tapestry’ is a richly embellished über-catchy indie pop track brimming with sweet melody and vibrant colour. A lavish rumbling rhythm adds a nice whack of rough and tumble through the luscious pop speckled track. Jangly guitars glitter and sparkle throughout with delicate twinkles on keys flickering between smooth vocals and a dreamy positive melody. Its honey glazed and spongy, wrapped in candy coated refreshing pop. The sonic flecks add a shimmering magical quality while the zesty guitars provide enough sting to keep it breezy and invigorating. This sun kissed sweet little ditty will put a smile on your face and brighten any cloudy day.

For more follow Canto Falls here  https://www.facebook.com/cantofalls/

 


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

Smoking with the Bandit ‘Waiting on Your Call’ EP

Birmingham, alternative rock band Smoking with the Bandit have recently released their debut EP titled ‘Waiting on Your Call’. In early 2016, Colby Wilson (vocals), Garrett Payne (guitar), and Daryl McCarty (bass) were performing as an acoustic trio after a previous band had called it quits. Their sound quickly outgrew acoustic arrangements and percussionist Collin Payne joined the group to provide the depth and rhythmic nuance that the trio was seeking. This EP is the sublime result of this.

‘Waiting on Your Call’ is a fantastic debut EP from this four piece. The glorious ‘Peaches’ kicks off the EP. Warm guitar melodies flood the track in delightful glowing luminosity while soft cushioned drums fill the track with a gentle comforting bounce. The vocals are smooth and velvety as the band introduce their delicate lusciously melodic sound that is laid back and such a joy to listen to. The band add a touch of swagger with ’Undone’ which is introduced by a slick guitar riff and shimmy ready beat. This track glides in full of charm and panache effortlessly cruising on sun kissed vibes and oodles of swagger. With a guitar solo that scorches with steaming hot vapour it is groovy,infectious and oh so chic. Title track ‘Waiting On Your Call’ follows. Again this track is beaming with vibrant mellow golden guitar lines and a swaying swoony melody that melts over a delicate beat and spongy bass line. These tracks are made for summer evenings- relaxing as the gentle light of the sun setting shimmers and warms your face. The slick ‘The Cards’ re-announces their shimmy swanky sound. Wilsons vocals exude passion while slinky guitars add a sharp 60’s tinged wobble and dance. The elastic bass adds a sensual mysterious quality while the drums bounce along giving a light playful spring to track. The sweet  ‘Blood Red Eyes’ closes the EP gently with a luscious melancholic melody beautifully sung in a tender emotive manner while nimble jangly guitar once again floods the track with sublime bright vibrant tones. Its a captivating relaxing and utterly stunning track to finish the EP.

Smoking with the Bandit have created a marvelous treasure box of tracks that are so beautifully evocative and sublime you will want to put it on repeat. They have the ability to create songs with refined musicianship that stops time and creates a soothing calming state to fall into. Their subtly intricate instrumentation engulfs you in a world entirely created by Smoking with The Bandit.

Stream ‘Waiting on Your Call’ below


Alt Rock, Brit Punk, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing: The Ringards

The Ringards are a newly formed band based in London made up of four members, Freddie (lead guitar), Gary (bass), Koby (drums) and Enzo (lead vocal and rhythm guitar).Since forming a few months ago they have been busy self-producing their songs in a small shed in one of the member’s flat. The band have played a warm up gig in France with members of the French band Papooz, where they received positive feedback and were offered a potential support slot with them for their second album. The band have also had a slot on a local radio, the Boogaloo radio, where they played The Ringards track, ‘Stay Where You Stand’. The four piece have now released their new single ‘CPS’.

‘CPS’ is honest pure vintage British indie with a rawness that evokes a cold bitter chill on your shoulders. It’s melodic with sluggishly laid-back verses that make you just want to lie there and listen, soaking up the nonchalant melancholic vibe. The chorus however explodes with shredding razor-sharp guitars that wound with a jagged shrilling sting while punchy drums erupt into spirited intense dynamism. The guitars sweet melodic melody comforts and soothes through the crisp blunt icy verses. These guys deliver an intoxicating sound that swallows you up and consumes you in the emotion of the track then whacks you back with a vibrant instrumental bashing. It’s an impressive sound from this newly formed band.

Stream ‘CPS’ below

https://soundcloud.com/wearetheringards/cps-master-1


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

Mowbeck ‘Crawl’

Nottingham based Mowbeck have returned with their highly anticipated new single ‘Crawl’. The track was self recorded, produced and mixed by the band’s guitarist Phil Clark after the band had moved to London and run out of money to afford professional studio time. Sighting influences from the moody sway of the Cardigans to the arena rock vibe of Muse, the band decided to push themselves out of the exclusive rock/pop bubble that they’d previously fallen into.Their previous release ‘The Basement’ raised their profile significantly after being chosen by BBC Radio 1 as their ‘Introducing Track of the Week’ in June. A run of touring dates followed as the band continued to build their following on the unsigned scene selling out shows in London, Nottingham and Sheffield.

‘Crawl’ is a darkly hued indie rock track swirling in thick murky soundscapes and a light pop melody scattered on top. Wandering keys add a haunting elegance while punchy drums and deep mysterious vocals give a spine chilling eeriness. The chorus lightens the ominous atmosphere by drizzling a nice dose of catchy pop into the cryptic concoction. Strong shudders on bass build a multi-layer into the track while biting guitars and churning electronics flood the track with a chilling psychedelic haze of distortion and delusion. These guys have crafted this track meticulously building each layer with care to create a thrilling and eerie listen that still smacks with a decent amount of pop infectiousness.

Stream ‘Crawl’ below


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

Sea Girls ‘Heavenly War’

Arriving in London via Leicestershire and Kent alternative rock band Sea Girls have released their new single ‘Heavenly War’. Following quickly on the heels of the R1 approved (Annie Mac/Huw Stephens/BBC Introducing) ‘What For’, their new single ‘Heavenly War’ furthers the bold claim that Sea Girls are one of the most reliable new bands for penning these instant indie-disco, festival ready anthems. Written and fronted by Henry Camamile, ‘Heavenly War’ now follows ‘Call Me Out’, ‘Lost’, and ‘What For’ as another timely example of what this young British band are capable of.

‘Heavenly War’ is mouth watering indie pop at its best. This track bursts with juicy vibrant guitars jaggedly striding through a sticky elastic beat. The vibrant vocals and luscious melody are dripping in a sugary sweetness that will leave you craving for more. It’s sun kissed refreshing and vibrant. The flexible bassline slaps and rebounds through the infectious melody creating a rich luscious texture that is like honey to the ears. It’s a well-crafted, succulent track that rushes with youthful adrenaline and luminosity. It’s sing along ready and one for large crowds bellowing back at festivals. This four piece have crafted a sound that is heart racing, intoxicating, elevating and fist pump ready while flooding with a delicate sweet sense of nostalgia. Keep an eye out for these guys.

When asked about the track Henry Camamile said: “This song is about that weirdly exciting but quite difficult conflict of feelings and events that makes our lives worth living. Ultimately describing that moment when you feel the best about life. I think it’s a really positive message.”

Sea Girls return to the road in February 2018 for their first headline tour of the UK including an opening night at London’s Omeara on the 1st February. You can catch them live at:

1st February – Omeara, London

2nd February – Exchange, Bristol

3rd February – The Cookie, Leicester

8th February – Deaf Institute, Manchester

9th February – Community Room, Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

10th February – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

Stream ‘Heavenly War’ below

https://soundcloud.com/sonicseagirls/heavenly-war

 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Woodward ‘Higher’ EP

North-West singer-songwriter Jack Woodward has released his second EP ‘Higher’.  With his lead single ‘Higher’ receiving confident support from tastemaker radio stations such as Amazing Radio & BBC Introducing he follows through with his full EP demonstrating his electrifying sound to establish himself as one of the UK’s most promising new singer-songwriters. Like many great singer-songwriters, Woodward has been brought up on a strong musical diet. His musical palette has since developed to the likes of Newton Faulkner, Tom Odell, John Mayer and Foo Fighters, igniting his great passion for song writing.

‘Higher’ is a triple strike of what Woodward does so well. Title track ‘Higher’ is a strong example of his fine pop musicianship. The catchy chorus swooshes in with a surge of emotion exuding through Woodward’s passionate vocals and lush backing vocals. It’s a delicately paced track that spends time gently trickling emotion throughout the verses before building into the gushing chorus. Elegant piano accompaniment introduces the track while strong chords add stability. With stinging melancholic guitars lifting the crescendo, it’s an uplifting powerful piece that sets this EP off to a great start. Woodward is intent on showcasing his wide scope and multi genre style as each track shifts subtly between genres. ‘Pray’ displays the pop electronic flavour to this delicious Neapolitan ice cream -like EP. With a lighter bouncier feel, this snappy little ditty is fresh and crisp. Flashing electronics teamed with a sticky beat and luscious melody create a summer ready anthem. Woodward maintains his dark deeply emotional undertones; however, he wraps it in a pretty energetic little bow that charms and sparkles delicate bursts of luminosity. ‘Seven Seas’ is a little more alternative and definitely takes the darkest tone of the three tracks. This track marries the themes of both its predecessors and takes a fiery anthemic fist pump approach. Woodward’s vocals are deeper and dynamic as the shadowy instrumentation of bubbling basslines and jagged guitars add a conflicting vibe like a storm of uncertainty and agitation. It’s haunting and a little eerie but a mighty end to the EP.

Woodward has built a strong three point attack that displays his flexibility and versatility as an artist. His impressive depth and maturity teamed with refined prudent musicianship makes this singer songwriter stand out.

Stream ‘Higher’ below


Alt Rock, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, indie rock, New Music

MUNKY ‘7am’

Grungy-disco four-piece MUNKY have released their new single ‘7am’. With an oh so smooth funky intro of soft taps and sweet backing vocal croons ‘7am’ glides in, swagger soaked locked and loaded to flood your ears with bluesy drenched bliss. With a moody bass line and mellow twinkles on guitar to start they ease you into the laid back sombre filled track. The song builds becoming more gritty and expressive as scratchy slivers of guitar wail and whine over an elastic rhythm. These guys know how to deliver a clean cut, crisp track while blurring it with wobbly psychedelia and adding a healthy dose of fuzz on top. Zachary Stephenson’s vocals agonise while slick grooves and sizzling riffs cruise in with bluesy sensuality and panache. The track builds to a massive instrumental crescendo that pierces through you with an intense jolt of electricity. Smothered in dark tones it’s a heavy hitter and who doesn’t love a good “do do do” lyric. These guys are maturing nicely if you thought their sound was good before check ‘7am’ out and be prepared to be blown away. Such refined production meticulous musicianship and intense sultry energy all packed into one perfectly timed brooding track. So good.

Watch the video for ‘7am’ here