Tag Archives: indie

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

Plastic Barricades ‘Mechanics of Life’ Album

Based in North-West London, indie three piece Plastic Barricades have released their new album ‘Mechanics of Life’. Comprised of members Dan Kert on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Daniele Borgato on bass and Frazer Webster on drums the band have been nominated for “Oxjam Band of the Year ” and “MTV Brand New”, voted #1 out of 222 bands participating in Hard Rock Cafe London Global Battle of the Bands competition, won Camden Rocks Battle of the Bands, got nominated for “Brand New Artist”, landed 2nd place in Sziget Festival band competition and won Enfield Battle of the Bands and Songwall’s “Songs in the Sky”. Two songs from “Tree of Ideas” EP were also featured in Channel4 “Hollyoaks” TV show.

‘Mechanics of Life’ is a fine display of the chilled indie soaked sound Plastic Barricades do so well. The previously featured on Indie Buddie ‘How Goldfish Grow’ kicks off the album drenched in bright peppy vibes and crunching guitars. It’s bright bubbly indie with melancholic dark undertones adding depth to the track. They keep their sound radiant and glowy while slapping a nice bit of passion and meaning on top. ‘Singularity 2045’ and ‘Our Favourite Delusions’ display slick nimble solos, sharp piercing licks and blazing guitar moments that are divine. The tracks are punchy and meaty with melty glorious melodies and laid back beautiful vibes. They pack so much into their sound adding multi textures and intricate layers. The little peppy sparkling gem ‘Be the Change’ is golden sweet honey to the ears. Smooth tender vocals coo while a sun kissed instrumental backing, lights the track to heavenly heights. It’s passionate and delicate with zests of guitar refreshing the velvety melancholic track. ‘Around the Sun’ gives a groovy element to the album. Catchy vibrant melody illuminates the track with positivity. Each track that follows is easy going mellow and perky. They create music for hazy days in the sun. Though some have a gloomy undertone the tunes are soothing, sweet and melodic. For me the stinging jingles on guitar really stand out and add a squirt of beaming energy and glorious bedazzlement to each track. The luxurious melodies in ‘Half of your Soul’ interweave blending longing and inspiriting tones creating a heavenly blissful sound. ‘Masterminds’ brings us to the end of the album. It does feel like a farewell track, soaked in melancholic tones with a delicate stab beat. With elegant little guitar jingles and a sway-like tempo, it’s a delightful end to the album.

Plastic Barricades ‘Mechanics of Life’ is a laid back glorious album to wrap your ears around, soothe your soul and relax your mind. Its sun kissed and sweetly melodic with bright bubbly indie pop melodies coated in spongy rapid rhythms and flashes of sharp glistening guitar. They add their own glimpses of pizzazz in there too keeping it fresh and edgy but all round it’s a sublime wholesome listen.

Stream ‘Mechanics of Life’ below

https://soundcloud.com/plasticbarricades/sets/mechanics-of-life-lp-pre/s-8wbUn


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Electro, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Nightshifts

Nightshifts is a young, upcoming producer from Toronto. He spends most of his nights experimenting and creating music using vintage synths, groovy guitars, and drum machines to create new sonic universes. Having caught an early break with a remix of Bon Iver’s ‘Michicant’ which reached the ears of Justin Vernon himself, he has now released his debut single ‘All Along’. It’s a dreamy hazy marshmallow with a blissful lo fi production and a laid back whimsical misty atmosphere, it’s beautifully euphoric. Sweet luscious melody melts like butter on toast while synths swirl and elegantly dance around a slapping beat and groovy guitar jingles. It’s a smooth crooning swagger infused delight. Heavenly sweet and richly layered it’s refined and sleek with breezy sonic flecks that create a wispy sedative effect. A sublime debut from this young producer.

Stream ‘All Along’ below


Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Dutch Party ‘Blade Runner’

Indie alt pop outfit Dutch Party have released the new single, ‘Blade Runner’. Dutch Party has received critical and commercial acclaim with features in Billboard, Pigeons and Planes and Fader among others. ‘Blade Runner’ is the first song off the upcoming EP ‘Combat Pop’ and combines infectious guitar riffs, with heartfelt and poignant lyricism. Originally hailing from Twin Peaks in San Francisco, Ken Franklin started writing and recording music after he discovered a recording booth in a small closet beneath the stairs of his parents’ house, that had been hidden for decades behind a wall of boxes. Inside was a reel-to-reel tape machine, an echo box, and two guitars which Franklin soon used to experiment with different sounds and sonic textures to create his own songs. After moving to LA, Ken started indie alt pop band, Dutch Party, while living in Echo Park with the intent of adding more subversion to the American airwaves.
‘Blade Runner’ is a sweet luscious treasure of infectious guitar melodies blended flawlessly creating delightful mouth-watering alternative pop. Lo-Fi vocals soothe with a dreamy haziness while sticky slapping beats and intricate rhythms playfully bounce with hyperactive elasticity. Instantly danceable and swirly this track takes you from grooving to a laid-back utopia effortlessly. Light twinkles add a sprightly feather-like wispy delicacy and airiness to the track while the stomping beat grounds it. It’s a stunning new release from Dutch Party.

Stream ‘Blade Runner’ below


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

Wild Youth ‘Lose Control’

Dublin band Wild Youth comprised of members David Whelan (vocals/guitar) Conor O’Donohoe (keyboard/vocals) Ed Porter (guitar/vocals) and Callum McAdam (drums) have released a video for their upcoming new single ‘Lose Control’, which is set for release this Friday 8th September. ‘Lose Control’ is an instantly catchy radio ready surge of indie pop. Sweet vocals caress  a smooth feathery light melody. The rich clap along finger clicking rhythm makes this track danceable and breezy. Twinkling guitars and soft shimmers on keys create a floaty blissful melty atmosphere and rush of youthful adrenaline while the steady beat pulses throughout. This dreamy ear worm will have you dancing and grooving in no time. It’s a sophisticated, intricately layered, sublime track that is sure to be a hit.

You can catch Wild Youth live at

12 Sep Cyprus Avenue, Cork

13 Sep Abner Browns, Dublin

19 Sep Trinity Freshers Ball, Dublin

22 Sep Grand Social, Dublin

23 Sep Roisin Dubh, Galway

Check out the video for ‘Lose Control’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

James Ghareeb ‘Do It With Luv’

Singer-songwriter James Ghareeb has announced the release of his new single ‘Do It With Luv’ from his forthcoming EP available later this year. Ghareeb first found success after becoming a social media breakout star through his Vine videos. He started making short clips covering the likes of Justin Bieber, surpassing over 6 million views along the way.  In 2015 James recorded his first EP ‘Hanging From The Stars’ which debuted at number 4 on the iTunes chart upon release. During that time, the Lebanese American, caught the attention of critically acclaimed produced Tony Ghantous (Kris Allen, Disney), who quickly began work on Ghareeb’s sophomore release.

 ‘Do It With Luv’ is a crisp fresh sun soaked tune that radiates laid back vibes and good times. Laced in tropical rhythms with rock pop elements and an infectious delicious melody it’s slick cool and oh so catchy. Sharp zests of guitar squirts between rich clap along rhythms and velvety vocals. Lush backing vocals “woo” adding colour and vibrancy. The track cruises with mellow easy-going euphoria and elastic bounce. It’s breezy sun kissed and mind numbingly dreamy all while packing some nice perky stabs of R&B and soul. Tightly wrapped in intricate sleek production and fine musicianship this track rolls in on a wave of carefree bliss. I’ll look forward to hearing more from James Ghareeb

Stream ‘Do It With Luv’ below


Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Danny Wright ‘Is This Rock and Roll?’

London based Danny Wright is a self-taught, self-made singer, guitarist, songwriter and actor who rarely fits neatly into one stereotypical box. A former frontman of touring rock bands DissolvedIN and We Are Lost Boys, he played all over the world, performed at Download festival and enjoyed press acclaim from Kerrang! magazine. Now a solo artist he has a clutch of pop- influenced and intensely personal new songs to unveil. Helmed by You Me At Six/Lower Than Atlantis producer John Mitchell, he has released his new single ‘Is This Rock and Roll?’.

‘Is This Rock and Roll?’ is a melodic, warm heartfelt track. With the springy bounce of acoustic guitar and whispered backing vocals, it’s a tender yet bright take on a lyrically striking and potentially sad song. Wright’s vocals soothe with a slight raspy quality adding an emotional gritty texture. Though the tracks theme is melancholic it remains peppy and bright. It’s hopeful, optimistic and  full of bouncy little bursts of sunshine. With a catchy sweet melody and wiggle along beat Wright presents an honest pure tune that radiates golden warmth and cosy comfort.

When asked about the track Wright said “I wrote this song during a period in my life when I thought about giving up pursing music as a career, the song talks about the sacrifices i’ve made to ‘follow my dreams’ which have ultimately led to isolation and feeling lost”

Stream ‘Is This Rock and Roll?’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing: MRYGLD

MRYGLD (pronounced ‘marigold’) is a rock band from Birmingham, Alabama formed in 2017. This band is as fresh as they come, formed by Brandon Snipes (vocals, guitar) and the musical “dynamic duo” of Shane (lead guitar) and Alyssa Jewell (vocals, keys). After recruiting drummer Kyle Blair and bassist James McCauley, the lineup was set and MRYGLD was born. They have released their debut music video for their single ‘Cool Kids’.

‘Cool Kids’ is a dynamic infectious indie track bursting with oodles of catchy melodies honey coated and smothered in sweet heartfelt nostalgia. Sharp zealous riffs drive the track, cutting through the bubble bouncy beat and sublime melody. The blend of Snipes warm vocals with Jewell’s light sweet vocals creates a unique beautiful tone. It’s a delicious can of sugar coated indie pop with a refreshing sharp sting. Dreamy harmonies create a laid-back vibe while the driving rhythm adds a bounce quality and bop. Its instantly likable, gentle and gripping with a sway like quality and ear worm infectiousness. It’s a dainty melodic gem. Snipes vocals at times remind me of Brandon Flowers from The Killers and the guitar work is majestic, that solo is bright vibrant and energetic all while flooding you with nostalgia and reminiscence. These guys have written a track that makes you feel something. It’s pretty impressive.

Watch the video for ‘Cool Kids’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Ben Stevenson ‘Yellow Bird’

Toronto-based musician Ben Stevenson has released his new single ‘Yellow Bird’. The track is taken from his upcoming LP ‘Cara Cara’ which will be released on September 22 via Culvert Music. It’s a dreamy melodic song gentle and calm gliding on a soft cloud of bliss. With delicate acoustic accompaniment it wisps around in a feathery light flow of elegance. Slight sweet twangs add a hazy wobble and sharp zest while Stevenson’s velvety vocals coo throughout. With a soft melody it’s honey sweet and sensitive, a beautiful delight and perfect for lazy laid back days.

When asked about the track Stevenson said: “I wrote Yellow Bird in the California desert high above Joshua Tree where I was working with Adam Pavao in his desert hideaway studio. I feel the expanse of the land in the song, a song about freedom. It’s about realizing that reality is undefined, not fixed, and to experience liberation you have to rid yourself of attachment and expectation.”

Stream ‘Yellow Bird’ below


indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock

Dead Naked Hippies ‘I Can’t Wait’

Leed’s  Post-Punk trio Dead Naked Hippies have released their new single ‘I Can’t Wait’. The band which consists of members Lucy Jowett  (Vocals), Jacob Marston (Drums) and Joe Clarke (Guitars) have stormed the Dork stage at this year’s Live At Leeds festival to a packed out crowd and have blown the minds of all in attendance at Hit The North Festival. The band have already garnered critical praise from the likes of Dork, DIY, Gigslutz and BBC Introducing. This is the first release from the upcoming Dead Naked Hippies EP #1.

‘I Can’t Wait’ is a blistering briery track loaded with heavy percussion and a mighty punch of rawness. It’s lean and mean while holding an air of slick sensuality. The  well-oiled groove driven foundation is layered with sharp stinging guitar lines that pierce through the track creating the most thrilling acute biting sound.  With a swagger soaked emotional vocal delivery pitted against shredding dead -cool guitar and punchy drums, it’s a savage spunky display. These guys deliver a slick sound oozing steamy tension, explosive scorching energy and powerful instrumentation.

Enigmatic frontwoman Lucy Jowett candidly explains, “I Can’t Wait is our gut reaction to those who are sucked so far into the system they’ve forgotten they’re alive. It’s an optimistic outlook on leaving them behind. We’re constantly being told to sell ourselves short to the point that we’re scared stiff to move. Creative outlets are deemed insignificant and unproductive because they serve no purpose to the system.”

You can catch Dead Naked Hippies live at

15th Sept – The Old Blue Last – London (Free Entry)

27th Sept – Hyde Park Book Club – Leeds

Stream I Can’t Wait’ below


Dream Pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Inner Tongue ‘Dig Deeper’

Inner Tongue has released his new single ‘Dig Deeper’ taken from his forthcoming debut album, which will be released early next year. The song is about the adrenaline you feel before take off, the seconds in weightlessness and the eventuating Netflix-boredom, that can be ultimately freeing. It’s a light floatable swish of sweet lush elegance. Fluttering and free this track is weightless and dainty with smooth velvety vocals melted on a  honey drizzled melody and warm mellow toned keys bouncing with floaty buoyancy. It’s a dreamy hazy bubble to loose yourself in where everything is gentle, soft and painless. The sticky beat and wobbly soundscape adds a psychedelic dream-like opiate state of ecstasy. Each musical movement carries a sense of depth as if intricately thought out and crafted with care and precise detail. It’s poetically beautiful, unbinding and silky. It’s lush heaven for the ears.

 

When asked about the song Inner Tongue said “I recently bought an old Roland Space Chorus and had a good time experimenting with it in the studio. The moody drum sound I’ve created with it, was somewhat inspiring, so I recorded a few chords and vocals over it. That’s how Dig Deeper started. With the video I wanted to visualise the effortless character of the song. The filming was more like a party with wild lights and smoke. Random fact, at around 2 AM we put on a few Bowie songs and danced to them instead. Some of that also ended up in the video.”

 

Watch the video for ‘Dig Deeper’ below