Tag Archives: indie

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

Juniper Nights ‘Human Rush’ EP

Juniper Nights are a four-piece alternative rock band that formed in Oxford at the start of 2017. Founded entirely online through a musician finding website, the band consists of James Gallagher (Vocals/Guitar), Zach Wilmott (Guitar), Rob Crussell (Bass), and Tom Lindsay (Drums).Their first single, `So So Kelly’ featured as a first play on BBC Introducing, Oxford, and has been played on the radio as far afield as Honolulu, Hawaii. The band will be releasing their debut EP, ‘Human Rush’, in February 2018, and will be supporting the release with a UK tour in January and February.
‘Human Rush’ blends heavy mosh ready guitar shredding tracks with subtle tender gems effortlessly, creating a seamless quilt of raw emotion and sweet moments that hold a brooding sombre silence among the beautiful melodies.‘All At Once’ kicks off the EP grabbing the bull by the horns. Jagged guitars roughly shred through the track while punchy rumbling drums belt and wallop creating the perfect mosh ready atmosphere. The melody and vocal line smoothly cruise through the verse with a hint of R.E.M blended with Radiohead vibes which creates a moody dark brooding atmosphere that seeps and creeps with gripping mystery. It’s ominous and haunting yet thrillingly sharp and powerful. The rest of the EP becomes soft and lamentably sweet. ‘Antidote’ twinkles with a frosty guitar accompaniment and melancholic piano feature. It’s a chilly sombre and honest display that fills you with bitter emotion. Juniper Nights showcase their beautiful melody skills within this EP and striking ability to cut deep with their tracks. ‘Bloodflow’ and ‘The Lighthouse’ feature some beautiful guitar moments that glow and add a tear jerking warmth to the tracks. The vocals are tender and passionate yet gentle and exuding emotion. Swirling gentle soundscapes rush through the tracks delicately as Juniper Night display a sophisticated sound- raw and powerful, intricate,nimble and extremely emotive.’ Lemonhead’ closes the EP with a charming guitar jingle to start interrupted with crashing instrumentation fragments between the delicate soundscapes. This track keeps you on your toes. It lulls you into a melancholic dreamy state before shocking you out with harsh shrilling jabs.
‘Human Rush’ is an impressively refined collection of tracks with lyrics that express the harsh raw open wounds of the themes backed by remarkable instrumentation and fine musicianship. It’s a grown-up EP -serious precise and well crafted.

Stream ‘Antidote’ below


Album Review, Alt- Pop, doo-Wop, Dream Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Zach Leon ‘Sail Away Heart’ Album

23-year-old pop-indie singer Zach Leon has recently released his full-length album entitled ‘Sail Away Heart’. Leon is an alternative artist originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years. Leon released his first solo EP ‘The Great And Terrible’ in  2016 which lead to music videos, local recognition and a growing fan base.

‘Sail Away Heart’ devotes itself to gloriously triumphant anthems like the richly textured ‘California (Girls Don’t Sing)’ with its lush rhythm, snappy catchy melody and superb sing along chorus. ‘The Villain’ follows this pattern with a jazzy vintage piano feature introducing the track before it blasts into a fiery anthem of crashing instrumentation and mighty vocals. Leon uses every weapon in his arsenal to offer up a wide assortment of genres from heavy alternative tunes to the sweet doo wop 50’s- esque romantic elegance of ‘A + K’ and the tipsy swayable ‘Drunk Eggs’ .The first half of the album glides and flows with delicacy and warmth with ‘Sad Tonight’ acting as the acoustic little charmer which displays Leon’s ability to hold your attention with a simple arrangement, beautiful melody and captivating lyrics. The sweet little jingle of ’Sailawayheart pt. 1’ marks the end of that delicate tone as ‘Pretentious Love’ shakes up the album with an alternative rock heaviness. Shouty vocals swear and scream with attitude while guitars crash and drums pound throughout. ‘Fight Me’ smashes through with punk attitude demanding attention with its infectious mosh ready bounce. These particular tracks add a rough and tumble edge to the album making for an invigorating listen. I love the short little interludes in the album ‘Sailawayheart Pt. 2’ and closing track ‘Sailawayheart pt. 3’ are just sweet little dittys you could put on a loop, they are peppy and refreshing.

‘Sailawayheart’ is a refreshing array of beautiful romantic tunes covered in a warm glow and tenderness with some feisty rock and punk whacks thrown in. Leon blends his multi genres well slipping and sliding between genres showing the highs and lows of life and the magical glimpses between. An impressive collection from this young singer songwriter.

Stream ‘Sailawayheart’ below


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

Public Access TV ‘Lost In The Game’

Public Access T.V. have released another appetizer from their upcoming album ‘Street Safari’ which is set for release in February. ‘Lost In The Game’ is the second single teasing the glorious joys to come from the bands sophomore album. It’s a funky effortlessly smooth track that drifts in with swagger soaked vocals spread upon a sleek liquefying flaunty melody and buoyant rhythm. It’s stamped with the chicness and cruising swagger of this swanky four piece.  With an elastic exuberant bass teamed with vibrant shimmers on guitar its a rich luscious display. The brass elements and jazzy keys add a sprightly lift and wiggle-ready dynamism. It is oh so cool with a soul tinged hue smothered in infectious melodies, steamy guitar licks and a laid back disco vibe. It hits all the right spots and will have you grooving and boogieing in no time. Refined and smooth this number is an ear worm that charms its way into your brain leaving you uncontrollably bopping and sliding along the dance floor.

Stream ‘Lost In The Game’ below


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Ragmans Daughter

Ragmans Daughter are an indie band from London who have released their debut single ‘Lazy’. This hazy sun sprinkled track is a crisp display from a band who are sure to go far. Vivid juicy guitar jangles weave playfully between the laid-back melody and punchy drums which bounce and hop with a contagious spring and elastic rebound. The track becomes more fuzzed and heavy as it progresses adding an effervescent buzz and gritty texture to their luscious mellow sound. The production is on point. The track is fun, fresh and appears unfussy until the psychedelic whirls and grungy flavours kick in and you realise this is a band with a difference. The melody is drenched in sugary melty syrup that seeps into your ear rendering you hooked to their delicious sound. This track announces Ragmans Daughter as an energetic and creative band with a lot of success ahead of them.

Stream ‘Lazy’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

RAFFER ‘Together’

Kent based, RAFFER has released his new single ‘Together’ which was written, recorded and mastered all under one roof. RAFFER is only 19 years old and already producing pieces which simply wow listeners. RAFFER has returned from a short break, ready to make an impact with a selection of new music set to be released over the coming months. His entirely self produced, infectious indie-pop sound has already won him compliments from BBC Introducing and ‘Together’ is sure to follow this trend.

‘Together’ is a dewy luscious indie pop track so melodic and catchy it will be stuck in your head for days. Glowing in bright luminous vibes this track squirts, bursts and oozes energetic youthful vibrancy. Velvety vocals exude passion and dynamism while zesty zealous guitar stings inject instant vitality and vigor. Its deliciously sweet melody is like honey to the ears which induces a sugar rush of ecstasy from the first note leaving you craving more. The infectious hook teamed with a shredding electrifying lead guitar riff lifts the track to soaring anthemic indie pop heights. This track is doused in sunny vibes and one to dance around the room ridiculously to.

Watch the video for ‘Together’ below


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

Mason Summit ‘Stick It Out’

21-year-old Los Angeles Songwriter Mason Summit has finished his Homemade Fourth Album ‘Summer Cold’ which is set for release on January 19th, 2018. The lead single ‘Stick It Out’ has been released today. The album follows 2016’s acclaimed ‘Gunpowder Tracks’. In contrast with his previous efforts, which featured ensembles of some of LA’s finest musicians, Summit engineered, mixed, & performed most of Summer Cold himself at home.

‘Stick It Out’ is a light laid back track that oozes bright luminous tones. Summit’s smooth raspy vocals add warmth and a soothing quality. Golden zesty guitar lines sparkle throughout the track giving a sun kissed glow while the elastic bass injections teamed with the punchy drums add depth and flexibility. With swirling soundscapes between the melty melody and blissful instrumentation it’s a luscious slap of positivity and determination. The melody is hazy, dreamy and insanely catchy while the instrumentation floats and bounces around the striking lyrics. With 60’s psychedelic hints and a euphoric atmosphere this track is a charming little ditty that will give a boost on those tough days.

When asked about the track Summit said: “I wrote the oldest song on the record, ‘Stick It Out,’ in August of 2015, right before starting a gap year to apply to schools and finish my last album. The year off was a rough time, emotionally — I was going through a breakup and most of my friends were away at school. But it also turned out to be pretty productive from a creative standpoint.”

Summit is embarking on his first-ever tour of the California coast, along with fellow student and collaborator Irene Greene, in December you can catch him live at:

12/15 The Bistro – Hayward 12/16 Armadillo Music – Davis 12/17 Make-Out Room – San Francisco 12/18 Morro Bay Wine Seller – Morro Bay 12/19 Bang the Drum Brewery – San Luis Obispo

Stream ‘Stick It Out’ below

https://soundcloud.com/masonsummit/stick-it-out/s-3Enf8?in=masonsummit/sets/summer-cold-advance-stream/s-MpRgW

 


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

Palava ‘Sometimes (I Wonder)’

Manchester four piece Palava have released their new single ‘Sometimes (I Wonder)’.It’s a blistery biting indie rock track displaying a laid back frosty sound that grooves sways and cuts deep all at once. A dreamy hazy melody melts upon crashing sharp guitar stings and punchy drums creating the perfect enthralling contrast. With velvety smooth vocals and breezy aerial soundscapes it’s a refreshing nose cutting display. The piercing guitars cut through the track with a bitter jagged scintillation while the bouncy rhythm adds a vibrancy and light flutter to this atmospheric airy track. These guys have a tight sound and each track they wallop out confirms they are ones to keep an eye on.

Stream Sometimes (I Wonder)’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

The Elephant Room ‘Naive Green’

Dublin-based trio The Elephant Room released their debut album Body in 2014, followed by the EP ‘Blotch’ last summer. They have now released their new single ‘Naive Green’. This psychedelic tinged track is sun kissed lazy days bliss. With smooth laid-back vocals and soft bouncy percussion all wrapped in a breezy mellowness it’s an instant tranquilising shot of ecstasy. With diluted guitar lines paving the path to the dreamy wobbly promised land this track is that subtle gesture and nudge that takes you to your mind-numbing state of bliss. With simple hypnotising “do do do” lyrics and fluffy comfy swirling soundscapes it’s the most luscious melty track that calms, sedates and fills you with hazy summer joy. This track is well crafted as The Elephant Room lull and coo with sublime weaving instrumentation as the perfect backing. Slightly trippy and sweet and oh so smooth these guys are ones to keep an eye on.

Watch the video for ‘Naive Green’ below


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

Deep Sky Objects Self Titled EP

Photograph by Jack Deacon

Deep Sky Objects are a three-piece alternative-rock band originally from Kerry. The band members include brothers Kevin O’Brien (lead vocals, guitar), Thomas O’Brien (drums and backing vocals) and DD Foley (bass guitar and backing vocals). The trio have released their new self titled EP which has been featured on Today FM’s ‘Ed’s Songs of Praise’, Spin South West’s ‘Spin-Alt’ and many other stations throughout the country.

‘Deep Sky Objects’ is a five track EP of alternative anthemic whizzers. With biting guitars and fierce bass lines that penetrate through each track with a thrilling ground shaking bloodthirstiness these guys have whacked out a sublime EP where each track holds its own and is epic in its own right. Opener ‘This City’s At War’ explodes with fist pump fury and breezy ice braking might. The guitars are sharp, sublime and melodic while the laid-back vocals glide along the infectious melancholic melty melody. The soaring ‘Bones’ follows blustery guitars and elevated vocals give the track an aerial vibe and take the track to towering heights. Oozing passion with mini explosive bursts for the choruses this track is chilling with eerie tones lying beneath a blanket of breath-taking instrumentation. ‘Desire’ fleshes out the trio’s swagger soaked grittier side. A hair raising sensual dark bass line runs rampant all over this track and it’s awesome. A force to be reckoned with, dominant in all its glory. Punchy mosh worthy drums add fire and rage to this grimy ominous track while a shredding guitar solo scorches with such steamy slickness it burns all in its path. ‘See You When It’s Over’ returns to the peppy lighter indie rock sound. It is catchy with a bouncy rhythm that rebounds and slaps off the melody with playful animation hiding the sinister piercing guitar shrills and mysterious vocals. ’Crazy New Addiction’ brings us to the end of the EP the best way Deep Sky Objects can with a fantastic bass line that grabs your ears and seeps inside holding you captive to its infectious groove. Dark and luring this track crawls and creeps under your skin with chilling goosebump inducing instrumentation. The guitars simmer and scald with razor sharp stings while a body grooving rhythm obtains an uncontrollable danceable hold on the listener.

Deep Sky Objects are a band to watch out for. Each track is engaging, thrilling and well crafted. It’s a meaty well produced collection of tracks that is laser-focused on doing the simple things to perfection and boy do they excel. The choruses are catchy and the hooks will rattle around your head for days. These guys know what they are doing and it’s pretty impressive.

Stream Deep Sky Objects EP below

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘Twat’

Following a string of big dance bangers during summer 2017 and the BBC 6 Music plays of “Massif Anthem”, Drogheda-based indie dance artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Twat’ which was recorded in Hackney, London with top producer Tom McFall (Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party). With its shuffle slow jam verses and sway ready radio friendly chorus ‘Twat’ is a sing along anthem (well until you pay particular attention to the words). Smothered in soft velvety tones, it’s a sweet melancholic drown your sorrows tune with a few cheeky lyric jabs. Featuring a sombre strong piano chord progression, soft beat and lush melody it has everything you need to create a wistful ear worm. This ditty even comes packed with a steamy sorrowful guitar solo. Its damn catchy and smooth on the ears. Keep an eye out for Donal Quinn.

Stream ‘Twat’ below