Tag Archives: indie

Basement Revolver ‘Johnny Pt. 2’

Formed in the honest grit of Hamilton, Ontario, Basement Revolver have seen a quick and notable ascent into the spotlight with their unique brand of 90’s infused indie-rock. Their first EP racked up over 800,000+ plays on Spotify and nearly 100,000 plays on SoundCloud and they have also managed to open for accomplished national acts like Dave Monks (Tokyo Police Club), We Are The City, Evening Hymns and The Acorn. The three piece have now released their new single ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ which follows last year’s EP and debut single ‘Johnny’. The song comes from their forthcoming second EP ‘Agatha’ out this July 21st on Yellow K Records in the US and fear of missing out in Europe.
‘Johnny Pt. 2’ is emotionally translucent, like glass this track is delicate and breakable as Chrisy Hurn’s vocals display raw emotion and longing while instrumentally it holds strong and firm. It’s a slow burner brooding from the start and soaked in yearning tones with a soft beat and electronic hints, it’s a captivating and refined experience. Elastic beat and strident sting on guitar adds a raw edge and organic coarse texture. The sweet soft vocals smoothen the track and highlight the tender lyrics. Building as it progresses with sonic blends winding in and out, its almost hypnotic and mesmerising yet so delicate.
When asked about the track the band said “This new track continues the story. Johnny Pt. 2 was written almost directly after I broke up with “Johnny” – it was the heartbreak caused by an end, the wish that I could have been better, and the desire to continue a friendship. When a friendship wasn’t possible, I wanted them to know that heartbreak or not, I would be there if needed – I would put aside all the things that broke our relationship and the things that gave me identity for a chance at friendship. In hindsight, I have since learned a lot about myself, and that I don’t need to disappear in order to have people that I care about in life.”
Stream ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ below


OFFICERS ‘Born in May’

OFFICERS have released their new single ‘Born in May’. OFFICERS creative heartbeat consist of Jamie Baker and Matthew Southall who write, record and produce the band’s music and videos. The band who are based in Leeds and Manchester have written and recorded tracks for TV and Film including for ‘The Blacklist’, ‘The Finder/Bones’, ‘Scrubbing In’ and ‘BBC Earth’. They have remixed, toured and collaborated with artists such as Placebo, and Linkin Park. Following the release of the their debut album, ‘On The Twelve Thrones’, OFFICERS embarked on two celebrated tours with electronic music pioneer Gary Numan, forming a strong friendship that led to the penning and releasing the C.A.L.M. charity-supporting single ‘Petals’ together on the bands own label (hitting No.2 on the German airplay singles charts), and collaborating on various remixes together.
‘Born in May’ is an aerial slice of indie rock completed with sharp ethereal guitars, elastic smack on drums and breezy electronics. With rippled soundscapes giving the track a bubbly wavy texture and a ruffled passionate vibe. Smooth lo-fi vocals coo throughout the track with a warm sun kissed soothing relaxed melody creating a daisy filled image of bliss. The dark tinged electronics give a sticky swirling neon vibe which blends and playfully contrasts the bright light flickering strides on guitar. It’s razor sharp in places holding a sense of raw energy while also maintaining a creamy, smooth polished indie sound.
Speaking recently, OFFICERS said; “Born In May has greater depth than our previous work, as do the 30+ tracks we’ve now accumulated – It’s all quite cinematic. The lighter sides have more neon, and the darker sides feel more hypnotic and malevolent. We’re more confident in what we do, and we’ve got better at what we do. The people we’ve worked with and things we’ve learnt over the last few years has all helped to inform that. Getting it to fit on an album and put it out coherently in the traditional sense though became a challenge, and we agonised over that.That’s why we’ve taken so long to put new stuff out. It’s time to relinquish that anxiety a bit and just let people hear the songs, so we plan to put them out one at a time. People listen to music in a completely different way now, so hopefully, discovering new music from us regularly is something that new and existing fans will look forward to discovering.”

Stream ‘Born in May’ below

https://soundcloud.com/creative-condition/02-born-in-may-officers-44100hz-16bits-mastered/s-2xnEI


Time For T ‘Wax’

Time For T have released their new single ‘Wax’. Having risen from the creative hotspot Brighton via Portugal, Switzerland and all corners of England, Time For T reflect their travels similarly to their sound that borders on multi-cultural genres including afropunk, indie, folk and rock & roll. The band have released three EPs to date, the latest EP release (self-titled) came out in 2015 via BBE Records. They have concluded the recording of their debut full-length album ‘Hoping Something Anything’ in London, which is set to be released in September 2017. Two singles from the upcoming album have been released independently thus far with ‘Tom Tom’ being played on BBC Radio 1 and ‘Rescue Plane’ reaching Number 1 in the Spotify UK Viral Charts as well as getting airplay across Portugal, England, USA and Germany, ‘Wax’ is the third single to be taken from their debut album.
‘Wax’ is a tropical sun soaked chilled back track that evokes images of sunshine cocktails and paradise. Smooth and cool this little charmer is easy breezy euphoria soaked in reverb laden zealous guitar licks and infectious bounce on percussion. Quirky organ elements give a vintage warmth and sweet tone while Tiago Saga’s casual creamy vocals and melty melody ponder through the track in the most care free creamy fashion. This infectious track will numb your busy mind and take you to a sweet calm euphoria.
You can catch Time For T live at
22nd July – Secret Garden Party, Cambridge
30th July – Kendal Calling, Lake District
5th August – Staycation, Guildford
19th August – Green Man, Brecon Beacons
27th August – Shambala, Northampton
Stream ‘Wax’ below


Rylands Heath ‘Best Friend’

Rylands Heath is made up of school friends James and Jack who’ve been playing music together since they were 13. They have recently released 6 songs to Spotify and plan to release another 4 over the summer with the first “Best Friend” being released today, followed by a new release every 3 weeks.
‘Best Friend’ is a peppy indie pop track smothered in a sweet sun kissed melody. Vibrant guitar glistens adding beaming luminosity to the track. With lively buoyant drums and a nice rubbery bass, it is a refreshing burst of energetic indie perfect for hot sunny frolicsome days. Its tight well crafted and polished with a catchy chorus that will have you compelled to put it on repeat while you dance around the room ridiculously.
Stream ‘Best Friend’ below


Heez ‘Aphysical’

Heez has released his new track ‘Aphysical’ featuring Culture Child. This sensual groovy slow burner cruises with sharp blips and gooey beats. Coated in a darkened clinging almost gluey electronics with a luring steamy melody this track brings R&B soul intermix with clammy sultry flexwave. This muggy track suffocates like a stuffy room on a hot day with nothing but the gentle refreshing cooing vocals from Culture Child and zesty instrumental twangs acting like a brief cooling breeze.
‘Aphysical’ was recorded by Heez and Culture Child in Heez’s college apartment in June 2016. When asked about the track Heez said “The song is about creating your own world that you want to live in outside of this one and sharing that beautiful experience with somebody else”
Stream ‘Aphysical’ below

https://soundcloud.com/4heez/aphysical


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Himalayas

Cardiff four-piece Himalayas have released a video to coincide with the release of their new single ‘Thank God I’m Not You’. The Tom Large directed video takes place at the derelict St. Luke’s Church in the Welsh town Abercarn. Filming of the video took place in one day and spanned 22 hours, with the generator almost cutting out in the middle of the night. With a slew of network radio plays and rowdy gigs across the country, the first half of 2017 has seen Himalayas catapulted to completely new heights.
‘Thank God I’m Not You’ is a scorching indie rock track, boisterous and fiery with strident guitars and punchy drums. Exuding rebellious swagger filled attitude this track hits with high voltage energy and explosive might. Piercing guitar riffs shrill through the track leading to that lusty solo that is so slick its air guitar ready. Brawny rhythm pounds with headbang ready potency as the track builds to a strong vigorous crescendo. Its a catchy effective blow to the head of loud and noisy indie/alt-rock and is absolutely riveting.
You can catch Himalayas live at
27th May – The Verve, Leeds.
9th June – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
7th July – The Magnet, Liverpool
8th July – The Half Moon, Putney
18th July – The Social Bar, Doncaster
5th August – The Verve, Leeds
30th September – The Gate, Cardiff
Of the video, the band said, “The concept of the video is a sense of torture, not only from other people but from your own self; the idea that you and many others criticise every last detail of your person.”
Watch the video for ‘Thank God I’m Not You’ below


Neon Atlas ‘Move In Circles’

Cork based Indie band Neon Atlas have announced their return with a new single; ‘Move In Circles’ which goes on general release June 8 2017. This track is guitar driven indie riding in on a wave of sunny surf pop that has been chilled and given a smooth aerial vibe. Bright dazzling guitar adds a perky whiz and sting while the soft beat and ethereal soundscapes give a feathery light texture and heavenly vibe. Lo- fi vocals softly coo with a soothing creamy quality while the backing vocals lull you into a stupor. This track has a laid back sun soaked effortless vibe that is sublime and so easy to listen to . Tight polished production makes this track flow seamlessly and satisfyingly with a flawless finish.

‘Move In Circles’ is lifted from their forth-coming and yet untitled 3rd album due toward the end of 2017. In the meantime, the band will be touring nationwide, and playing this year’s Indiependence and Townlands Carnival Festivals.

Stream ‘Move In Circles’ below


Freak Static ‘Lustless’ EP

One man alternative singer-songwriter Freak Static has released his debut EP ‘Lustless’. After an intensive two years of writing, recording and producing, this 3-track is just a preview of whats to come. After playing as part of a band in the past, Freak Static decided to experiment with a solo project. Taking inspiration from the rise of DIY artists such as Tame Impala, UMO and St Vincent, the EP is entirely self-written, self-recorded and self-produced. ‘Lustless’ was recorded throughout the night whilst juggling a full time job. As a multi-instrumentalist, Freak Static played every instrument used for each track and now aims to inspire other musicians and artists to use the technology available to achieve their dreams.
‘Lustless’ is a three track groovy psychedelic tinged braid mingled and merged with swirling bright electronics. ‘King Kong’ is our first shot of Freak Static’s funky twisted coagulated sound. Soaked in strut-like swagger and infectious beats this track bounces with jagged hops. Eccentric electronics bleep and bloop while the track flows in a reggae-like groove and cool persona. ‘Forget Her’ follows as a slower chic passionate track. Heavier drum beats with distortion on guitars add an aggressive vibe to the track. Its a shaggy spiky track smoothened off with a zesty sensual guitar solo. ‘Snooze’ is the final track on the EP beginning with a delicate twinkle and soft vocals that build and become more dynamic. It creeps in like the soundtrack to an eerie horror movie and then brightens becoming light and silky. This fuzz filled powerful track croons with sorrow filled tones that progress into vibrant peppy animation. Coated in distortion with a dub step feel it’s a mighty meaty finish to an exceptional EP.
Now that the EP is completed, Freak Static is embarking upon the process of figuring out how to take his act live whilst remaining authentic. So keep an eye out for his live shows they  are sure to be extraordinary.
Stream ‘Lustless’ below


Wolves of Youth ‘It’s Not For You’

Wolves of Youth are a four piece indie rock band from Donegal, Ireland. The band consists of members Garry Doherty (Lead vocals/Guitar), Stephen Shelly (Lead Guitar), Ciaran O’Reilly (Bass/Vocals) and Daniel McGettigan (Drums). Wolves of Youth’s lively energetic performances and catchy tunes have already garnered them a lot of attention. The band have been relentlessly touring throughout the country since their formation, playing venues up and down the country supporting bands such as, The Academic and the Strypes as well as Festivals such as Electric Picnic, Indiependence and Sea Sessions to name but a few. The quartet have recently been in the studio with renowned producer Philip Magee(Kodaline,The Academic,The Blizzards, Hero’s in Hiding) and released their single ‘Say Something’ in November last year. The single which we featured on Indie Buddie has received air play on national radio stations and the band where recently invited to 2FM for a live studio 8 session on The Eoghan McDermott Show. The band have already been announced to play at Sea Sessions and Bare in The Woods this year, and have today released their new single ‘It’s Not For You’
‘It’s Not For You’ is a deeply rich melodic song brimming with true passion and commitment. Swooning verses lead into a mighty chorus that invokes the image of a thousand festival lighters held aloft and swaying. Intensely emotional the track builds to a powerful warm hearted crescendo. Steady heavy drums accompany the verse becoming more aggressive and punchy for the chorus. Warm mellow guitar twinkles in and out adding sharp bright flickers of light. The guitar solo really shines with glorious scintillation lifting the track into a sublime ethereal state of bliss. Raspy passionate vocals add a stirring rich quality and rugged texture. ‘It’s Not For You’ is another stunning track from Wolves of Youth as these guys show their sophisticated and proficient yet intensely emotional musicianship.
Watch the video for ‘It’s Not For You’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Jackobins

 

Liverpool’s finest The Jackobins have released their much anticipated new single ‘Nightfire’. This band have developed a steadily rising fan base across the U.K. They have played sold-out shows on their current tour, a number of well-received festival appearances in 2016 and have gained recent airplay on BBC Introducing Merseyside, Radio X and Radio 6. With a recent change in the line up The Jackobins return with a little shift in their sound.
‘Nightfire’ presents us with The Jackobins dreamy silky indie pop side. Its sophisticated, smooth and polished while still packing quite a mighty punch. Bringing their anthemic chorus to new heights by packing a mighty heartfelt emotional wallop. Warm melodic guitars sparkle throughout the track interweaving between the melt in your mouth melody. Its light with an aerial atmosphere that has a feather like float which is grounded by the steady bounce on drums and agile elastic bass. What stands out for me with all of the Jackobins tracks is the nimble proficient radiant guitar and this track is no different. With a splendid display the guitar elements lift the track with dazzling luminosity and scintillation. Soaked in melancholic tones teamed with sweet passionate vocals it’s radio friendly and proves these guys can do whatever they put their mind to.

Stream ‘Nightfire’ below