Tag Archives: indie

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

Flatlands ‘Friday Night’

Flatlands are an indie pop four piece from Oxford. They combine the melodic world of modern British indie with the dance punk vibes of West Coast USA. The bands first foray onto the UK music scene in 2016 saw the band achieve support slots for Yonaka, Redfaces, Rhys Lewis, Rews and Neon Waltz. Early 2017 saw the release of their debut E.P, with support from BBC Introducing followed by a sold-out headline show. Having signed to New Level Management, Flatlands have been invited to play for Sofar Sounds Winchester and Oxford, played festival slots at, amongst others, Cornbury and Riverside. The  band have now released their new single ‘Friday Night’ today. This indie pop banger is catchy, vibrant and bursting with good vibes. Bright sharp guitars playfully entwines with the infectious melody and snappy punchy drums. Featuring thrilling guitar wails and smooth sometimes screaming vocals, it’s a scorching blistering indie track. This song exudes oodles of fiery energy and charisma with rapid lyrics it’s a buzzing rush of adrenaline. It’s one for the lively mania of the mosh pit while the crowd bellow out the infectious lyrics joyously. Well crafted it’s crisp, edgy and meticulously layered creating a wholly satisfying listen. Perfect for Friday night antics.

Watch the video for ‘Friday Night’ below


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

Cider Wasps ’Ethereal’ EP

Cider Wasps are a four-piece alternative rock band from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland. The band consists of brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford, Stephen Keating and Colin Drummey. Formed in early 2013 the quartet have been gigging in various venues across the country but as of late have started hitting the Irish festival scene with an appearance at Indiependence 2016. The band launched their debut EP entitled ‘HERE’ in the autumn of 2015 which featured their single Lúnasa. Many radio stations and DJ’s picked up on the EP immediately and it began to hit the Irish airwaves on stations such as WLR-FM, Beat 102-103, CRY104FM, and 98FM to name a few. Their most recent ’Ethereal’ is the second EP release from the band which was launched alongside an independent tour of Ireland starting in Whelans and finishing in Waterford.

’Ethereal’ is an impressively smooth EP packed with passion and sublime melodies. Each track glides smoothly into the next. The tempos are easy-going with dramatic crescendos and with sleek production it’s radio ready. The dreamy delicate ‘80beatspersecond’ kicks off the EP. Silky smooth vocals caress a sweet luscious melody while a throbbing beat sets up the tension for the explosive chorus. These guys write tracks from the heart, every song evokes a rush of urgency and intense emotion while soaring backing vocals and aerial breezy soundscapes lift the tracks to skyscraper heights.’Hummingbird’ trots in with a lively bounce and jangly melodic distorted guitar. The heavy rapid drums and resounding pulse on bass adds a lively energy to the track and danceable foundation. ‘Home’ slows the tone again to start. It’s a heavenly delicate romantic track that builds into a mammothly anthemic explosion. Elevated backing vocals and a heart wrenching rush of blood to the head chorus displays just how good these guys are at making you feel every heavy towering note. ‘Magic Beans’ is simply beautiful and graceful with heavenly soundscapes to start. The track once again erupts for this striking mind-blowing crescendo as Danny Dunford slips into his sweet falsetto range while hefty drums pound and crashing guitars blister and burst through the colossal soundscape. The divine ‘Ethereal’ finishes the EP with warm mellow guitar plucks and tender glowing tones. It’s candy coated purity and tear jerkingly delicate. A sublime melody and sharp guitar stings create a hazy sombre feathery lightness that is just heavenly. When the beat kicks in it’s soft and spongy adding a soothing cushion and bounce. It’s just sublime, a song to treasure.

The ‘Ethereal’ EP is a luscious highly emotive and passionate collection of tracks that touch on all aspects of modern pop/pop-rock without losing cohesion. Silky smooth with the right amount of punch and heaviness throughout. Dunford uses his velvety vocals to inject the right combination of sincerity, drama and emotion into all five tracks creating a satisfying beautiful listen.

You can catch Cider Wasps at their next live show on 23rd November at Fibber Magees, Dublin make sure to check them out.

Stream ‘Ethereal’ below


Cinamatic, Dark- Wave, Desert Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Theatrical, Worth A Listen

Worth A listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Black Honey

Black Honey have released their new single ‘Dig’. Mixing dreamy hazy vibes with sharp dazzling stings and dark dangerous tones it’s the multi-dimensional banger we expect from the four piece. Sultry vocals brood over delusion inducing spaghetti Western- esque guitars and a sticky slap beat. With a wispy vaporous soundscape and breezy crisp instrumentation, it’s the cinematic spine-chiller we hoped for and more. Smooth and croony the track sways and glides in with an eerie undertone and haunting backing vocals smothered in a daydream daze. The track becomes a little heavier as it progresses with gritty guitar lines and punchy drums creating a chilling sharp sense of danger. It’s a mysterious steamy creation from Black Honey. These guys are unstoppable.

Watch the video for ‘Dig’ below


Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Electro, indie rock, New Music

Ten Fé ‘Single, No Return’

London based Ten Fé have released their new track ‘Single, No Return’. Now a five-piece, comprised of Ben Moorhouse (vocals, guitar), Leo Duncan (vocals, guitar), Rob Shipley (bass), Johnny Drain (keys), and Alex Hammond (drums). It’s the first new single since the release of their debut album ‘Hit The Light’ earlier this year. ‘Single, No Return’ is simply euphoric. The five piece have crafted a track that displays their sophisticated refined musicianship beautifully with subtle intricate layers so tightly bound yet spaced perfectly – it’s a treasure. Flickering electronics flood the track with an airy sedative that soothes and numbs the soul. Warm sharp guitar injections add a vibrant sun kissed glow while velvety smooth hazy vocals lull you into a calming sense of comfort. Deeply passionate and delicately numbing, each note takes its time leaving a hushed sense of reflection. The track builds becoming more dynamic and bouncy creating a rush of adrenaline for the crescendo. With a nostalgic sombre drizzled sublime melody weaving free and easy around the pulsating electronics and slow groove it’s the perfect mellowed return from Ten Fé.

Stream ‘Single, No Return’ below

https://soundcloud.com/tenfemusic/single-no-return


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Everywhere

Following the success of acclaimed single ‘Man Up’, London Alt Rock band Everywhere have released their new track ‘Moments’ available now in co-operation with ‘BMD w Friends’ and Universal music. Since their Hypemachine charting debut ‘Eddie’, Eveywhere’s music has been streamed millions of times on YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify. They made their first International appearance at the 2013 NME Awards in the UK, playing alongside Django Django and Palma Violets, and later went on to support the Kaiser Chiefs and headline Notting Hill Arts Club in London.

‘Moments’ is a divine soaring infectious indie track. With a kinetic electronic soundscape consumed in a sticky flickering beat and laid back hazy vibes, it’s a dazzling knock out from the five piece. Max Berga’s vocals coo and almost whisper the verses with a compelling allurement building and becoming more dynamic as the track progresses. The song explodes into a dynamite chorus exuding carpe diem vibes and an instant burst of freedom. The production on this track is in the immaculate crisp manner we expect from Everywhere as its oozes oodles of passion. It’s a dreamy laid-back tune that rushes in with floods of adrenaline and a breezy freeing power. The song was originally performed by fellow Swedish Electro crooner ‘Kev’ and was later adapted by ‘Everywhere’ after a chance encounter.

About the track the band said: “We just heard the original and felt that it screamed for a certain kind of arrangement and feel.”

Stream ‘Moments’ below

 


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

Nightshifts ‘Karma’

Toronto based producer Nightshifts has released his new single ‘Karma’. Having had past musical successes in other Toronto bands and produced an official remix of “Michicant” for Bon Iver,  Nightshifts is gearing up to release his debut LP this November. ‘Karma’ is a soulful blast into Nightshifts sonic universe. Its smooth cool and ridiculously groovy. With a finger clicking beat and groovy swagger soaked guitar melodies it’s a silky little number. Velvety vocals coo and charm while sonic flecks dazzle and flicker between shimmering synths. This laid-back track is polished and creamy and effortlessly cool. With a relaxing sway like tempo and clap along feature it an infectious funky pop sprinkled ear worm.

When asked about the track Nightshifts said “Karma was written at a time when all my friends and I were very unsure about what we wanted to do with our lives. I wrote the song to try and calm my own nerves; to say it’s ok not to know, let’s just enjoy the ride. Matthew Vlahovich of Young Empires co-produced this track at his Trinity Bellwoods Studio”

Stream ‘Karma’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kavalier

Kavalier is an alternative four-piece band based in Kilkeel, Co. Down consisting of members Ryan O’ Neill(Guitar/Vocals), Tommy Rice (Guitar), James Burns (Bass) and Mark Mc Donald (Drums). Their formation was brought about in the winter of 2015, evoked by a desire to relieve boredom while simultaneously combating the cold winter climate. The loft space of an old, post-war knitting factory would later become the bands headquarters. Quickly they began to hone in on a sound that concluded the band had potential to develop beyond a means of alleviating winter boredom. As winter turned to spring and into the summer, the band had narrowed down their newly written material to 3 songs. These select tracks would later be recorded and compiled into their debut EP ‘Songs For Walter’. This year the band had the chance to play at Electric Picnic after being chosen as one of eleven acts to play the “Play The Picnic Stage” Courtesy of RTE 2FM.

 ‘Songs For Walter’ is a three track treasure box overflowing with luscious melodies, calming tones and some shredding instrumentation. The delicately beautiful ‘Wake Up’ kicks off the EP with sweet gentle tones ready to lull you into an elegant state of bliss. Warm ethereal guitar melodies jingle across a soft creamy soundscape. The cushioned bounce on drums and bass give a divine feathery light texture to this sublime track. The sharp injections on guitar and shredding solo pierce the calm track with a zesty sting adding acute spurts of brightness. ‘Stop, Rewind’ follows continuing with a supple tone, but this time the four-piece add a little more grit to the creamy flow of the EP. The stop start jumps give a jitter to the track while winding guitar melodies weave playfully throughout. Another delicate mind easing song that is oh so easy and delightful to listen to. ‘Drop 65’, the final track on the EP shows us the heavier gritty side to Kavalier. It’s swagger soaked attitude driven and darker. The guitars take a rough rugged approach with a choppy fuzzed aggressive element. The drums pound while the bass rumbles creating a meatier more rock infused track.

Kavalier ‘Songs For Walter’ EP displays their knack for beautiful organic melodies, slick intricate guitar work and sophisticated musicianship. It’s a tight EP that place’s these guys firmly in the ones to watch list.

Stream ‘Songs For Walter’ below

 


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

Anna-Liese ‘Stand On My Own’ EP

Waterford-based Anna-Liese have released their new EP ‘Stand On My Own’. The four piece which consists of members Emmet Conefery (vocals, guitar), Mark Walsh (vocals,guitar), Eddy Blake (drums) and Sean Carey (bass guitar) have fabricated a collection of tracks that takes their sound to a new level. The ‘Stand On My Own’ EP marks a serious more sophisticated and refined venture into their alternative rock. ‘Standing By The Riverbed’ is the first track on the EP and it screams their new tighter more competent sound. With a Green Day-esque feel mixed with a massive anthemic chorus, crashing guitars and punchy drums, it’s one hell of an introduction to the EP. Showcasing a substantial growth since their previous EP ‘Chasing and Fading’ it’s crisp compact and oh so catchy. This quartet have learned to take their time pacing each track out building and brooding with the verses with little chorus bursts teasing and leaving space for the crescendo’s to soar and excite. ’Oh Me Oh My’ is perhaps my favourite track on the EP. It jingles and sways with sweet sharp guitar melodies while a soft punch on drums adds a shot of grit. The vocal melody glides with bright melty smoothness while lush backing vocals coo with tender delicacy. It’s melancholic and gentle but those guitar lines are sublime- sharp and zealous adding splinters to the breezy sombre track. ‘Scrappy Boy’ adds a bit of heaviness to the EP. It’s slick swagger soaked and gritty. Once again shredding guitar lines lift the track into legendary status while a driving rumble on bass adds a ripply foundation and flexibility to the track. The vocals are strong and expressive. ‘First In Line’ lightens the tone of the EP, again it’s energetic and instrumentally snug. The tracks run along balancing heavier soundscapes with light airy indie seamlessly. Now ‘Stand On My Own’ brings us to the end of the EP with a cocktail of sounds and tempos. Beginning jangly and almost tropical before the vocal line brings a slower cruising tempo, with twinkles of warm guitar. The feisty chorus is catchy and assertive. The track returns to the brisk peppy tropical tone before resting on a swayable weaving hazy crescendo.

Anna-Liese ‘Stand On My Own’ EP exudes passion. It feels like they let go and poured themselves into this EP wholeheartedly and it pays off. They have grown up and with that have taken a strong command, honed in and refined their sound. It’s a joy to listen to. They flicker and fluctuate between different musical styles seamlessly creating their own unique style which is hard to do without sounding choppy and rough. There is something for everyone. It’s so melodic, luscious and well crafted. Anna-Liese are coming into their own.

Stream ‘Stand On My Own’ EP below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Tropical, Tropical Indie, Tropical Soul

The Curious Incident ‘Got Ya’

The Curious Incident have released their new single . It is the second single from the duo’s upcoming EP “Conjugate” which is set for a January 2018 release. It follows the first single “Get What You Give” which has been nominated for Best Song at the Vocalzone Best of British Unsigned Music Awards. The band has had a busy year (both in the UK and abroad) and since playing their first show in The Netherlands in October 2016 the band have now been chosen as KX Radio’s ‘KX Talent’ in The Netherlands and have also been booked for 17 shows so far in the country’s largest travelling music festival – Popronde. “Honey Hunger”, another of the band’s singles has climbed passed the 100,000 streams mark on Spotify and their ‘Indie with a Caribbean Twist’ has been played on BBC2 and 3FM (NL), been featured on BBC Introducing and had spot plays on XFM, Absolute Radio, Wizard Radio and Amazing Radio. The boys have also gone the extra nautical mile to bring their summer vibes to the masses by teaming up with The Ice Cream Union to create the band’s very own ice cream flavour; It’s passionfruit & coconut.

‘Got Ya’ is a wiggle ready track oozing oodles of those good times and summer vibes this duo do so well. Starting simply with an acoustic guitar and smooth vocals the track unravels gently into their tropical kissed sound. The bouncy peppy beat rebounds off the sweet tender melody while the zesty sting of guitar adds a refreshing burst of vibrancy. The duo take their time with this track, with breezy soundscapes wisping into a sombre hued melody, it’s a slower deeper dose of heaven. Still remaining lively instrumentally it’s a bop and a half bursting with energy. The lush backing vocals and chilled bridge showcases their skill with adding emotion and depth to their tracks. They are blossoming nicely.

Stream ‘Got Ya’ below


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

Young Earth ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP

Dublin Indie-Pop/Rock band Young Earth have announced the release of their debut EP, ‘Frequency Illusion’ on Tuesday 7th November along with their biggest headline show to date in The Academy 2, Dublin to mark it’s release. The five track EP will include previous singles ‘Worth It’ and ‘Got A Secret, the latter having amassed over 100,000 Spotify Streams and was previously featured on Indie Buddie. The band have earned critical acclaim from blogs and music tastemakers both internationally and in Ireland, leading to a busy summer of festivals, a co-headline tour and regular local and national radio play, including being included on RTE 2fm’s Rising Playlist.

The ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP is an oh so sweet collection of infectious indie bangers. Every track is short,snappy and feverishly good, they will give you stuck song syndrome. The warm vibes kick in from the first track which is title track ‘Frequency Illusion’. Featuring some golden guitar lines that twinkle throughout it’s indie at its best. With running elastic basslines and a punchy beat teamed with velvety soothing vocals, it’s a balmy soothing track soaked in sweet nostalgia. Honey drizzled summer pop melodies add a swoony hazy tone while the sharp zesty spurts of guitar give a nice edge and sting to the track. This ear worm dreamy haze continues with ‘Worth It’ however, it takes a heavier raw approach to the verse. These guys have a knack with melody and this is visible in every single smashing delicious chorus. Though the lyrics can portray a sombre or longing theme they balance this with a boppy contagious sound that fluctuates between sugar pop and heavier indie rock. ‘Got a Secret’ displays their grittier side. Blistering guitars, striking rhythm and fiery drums- it’s a tight display of their refined musicianship. It features finger clicking swing-like panache soaked verses, zesty sprightly choppy guitar strums and a vibrant bounce on drums teamed with breezy cool vocals. The song oozes oodles of competence and swagger. The powerful instrumental break adds a heavy mosh ready neck snapping might to the track displaying Young Earths diversity and seamless blend between luscious pop and heavy rock. ‘Under Cover’ cruises in, smooth and sleek with an enticing luring verse and glossy exterior. It’s just too cool and suave. The track builds becoming more dynamic for the anthemic chorus and shrilling guitar solo. Catchy as hell and razor sharp yet oh so smooth, it just screams panache. ‘Let Go’ brings us to the end of the EP on a high. Melty bright melody, creamy vocals and luminous tones bring that state of euphoria and elation that Young Earth do so well. Warm mellow guitar lines playfully entwine between the delectable melody while a throbbing rhythm adds a flexible groove and danceable quality. It’s uplifting and motivating with hints of sentimentality creating a richly emotive track that grabs you and makes you want to listen to it over and over again.

Young Earth ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP is a refined well crafted EP brimming with killer melodies and smashing instrumentation. These guys blister and bubble in all the right places while also wrapping you in a luscious layer of sun kissed dreamy pop. The tracks are like smarties, smooth creamy heavenly inside with a harder shell coating. They balance summer pop anthems and sweet melodies with heavier, fuzzier sounds seamlessly. An impressive EP from the Dublin four piece.

Lead Single, ‘Let Go’ will be released on the 31st October. Tickets for their EP launch will be available through Ticketmaster Ireland in association with MCD productions here – http://Bit.do/YOUNGEARTHTICKETS It’s one not to be missed.

Stream ‘Got a Secret’ below