Ziegler Co. are an alt-Indie-Pop four piece based in London. Band members Adam J. Morgan, Daniel Priddle, Fraser Rieley and Michael Benöhr have released three EPs and six singles through Foof Records in the last two years.They have gigged extensively over the UK and have played at festivals including Green Man, Secret Garden Party and Glastonbury. They have also supported, amongst others, the Penguin Café Orchestra. Their latest EP ‘Soap & Water’ was recorded at an ex-girlfriend’s house during a long rainy summer weekend, and indulges the band’s reflective song-writing side and captures a softer sound not heard in their previous release. ‘Clarity’ is the first track on the EP and showcases a sophisticated immersed sound complete with an elegance and delicate charm that is mind easing. Graceful piano twinkles and sparkles like shimmering water while the warm cooing vocals soothe and wash over you with an almost purifying presence. The simplistic beat anchors the track letting the glistening mellow guitar and piano almost dance together as their melodies sway and glide with grandeur. Beautifully crafted, this track fills you with a feeling of piece and tranquillity. The song builds to a stronger more instrumentally intense crescendo with eerie haunting backing vocals where you realise the melancholy darker undertone. Ziegler Co. have produced a tightly wrapped track that lets the listener unwind with a lyrical depth and profoundness that leaves an imprint on your soul. The video for Clarity was directed by Anna Patarakina who is a great friend of the band and directs/DPs almost all of Clean Bandit’s videos.
Ziegler Co. are currently sitting on another four tracks which they recorded last year so hopefully they will be released soon.Looking forward to that.
Watch the video for ‘Clarity’ below
London-based duo Ten Fé have released their much anticipated debut album ‘Hit The Light’.Recorded in Berlin, Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan’s stunning debut is an album to get lost in. The duo effortlessly blend blissful soft rock with psychedelic electronic rock ’n’ roll creating an album where each track warrants its place and has its own identity on the album while gliding fluidly into the next track. ‘Overflow’ kicks the album off with sweet nostalgia. Moorhouse’s warm mellow baritone soothes and cushions the listener from the bittersweet sentimental drenched track. It becomes instantly obvious these guys have a knack for irresistible melodies that lull in the back of your mind portraying perhaps harsh sombre tones but with a grace and a delicacy that is just beautiful. With longing tapping synths, lush harmonies and rich layered echo textures Ten Fé begin to introduce us to their enthralling sound that will transport you to a mind numbing journey into a swirling world of emotions. ‘Turn’ follows dripping in sonic 80’s infused soft rock, Duncan mourns a strained relationship.Its wistful with an afflicted tone but by no means doleful. Psychedelic “wah wah” on guitar ripples through the track like a wobbly warping mirage while the soft beat peps the track up adding a lively bouncy effect. Lush harmonies are what these guy do effortlessly and it adds such a rich elegance to the track especially when teamed with a mind melting melody.
Moorhouse takes on lead vocals on the dreamy ‘Elodie’. I must confess my favourite track on the album, ‘Elodie’ is the kind of track that you fall in love with. It reduces you to a liquid substance and really shows off the duos fine musicianship. The rich, daydream tone on vocals coo and lull with lavish qualities. Its heart on your sleeve raw emotion, tender and sweet yet radiating bright vibes. With yearning lyrics and lamenting “sigh-like” backing vocals, it swoons you into a bubble of nostalgic dreaminess. The rolling piano refrain creates a swan-like elegance while the steady tempo, warm feelings and heavenly melody make this track a perfect treasure. ‘Twist Your Arm’ flurries with loose floaty ecstasy featuring a propulsive strong beat and elastic bass teamed with a stinging slide guitar. The swirling electronics chilled with breezy natural tones add a psychedelic feel. The track builds into a massive full bodied chorus with hand clapping, swaying and almost Gospel- like crescendo. With smooth vocals reaching to a dynamic falsetto this track is dynamite. ‘Another Way’ is summer in a bottle. Open roads sunshine relax and chill. Limber dainty guitar adds to the bright luminous vibe while the washed-out keys flood the track with cool relaxed tones. Its mind easing bliss with falsetto vocals and rich harmonies creating the perfect backdrop to just let everything go. ‘In The Air’ jogs along again displaying Ten Fé’s knack for ear-worm indie pop. Zesty bright guitars interplay with a steady consistent beat while Moorhouse and Duncan’s vocal harmonies intertwine. Its effortless cool melody and vocals give the track a mellow bright free vibe. ‘Don’t Forget’ brings us a beat driven track with a darker tone. Flashes of sharp guitar add piercing scintillation to the track while soft backing vocals echo. The track becomes more electronically heavy as it progresses building to almost an 80’s rock balled classic. Its all fist pumping vibes by the shredding guitar solo. ‘Follow’ another delightful melodic banger. Smothered in uplifting vibes with nostalgic undertones and gentle vocals. With wistful synth swirls, its tear jerking stuff that still makes you feel good. ‘Make Me Better’ blast us with strings, sticky snappy beats and a The Verve vibe mixed with Roy Orbison-esque elements. Its dark dramatic and fantastically sharp.Its a rush of blood churning with bubbling emotions and flashes of blazing synths.Epic orchestral peaks create an anthemic explosion while a calm steady bassline grounds the track adding depth. Its larger than life and immense yet majestic. You will have stuck song syndrome with that hook on strings it will be in your head all day. ‘Burst’ bops with hopeful vitality. The use of reverb changes the track that would perhaps have been more country into a fusion with psychedelic trippy electronics. Its catchy fun and lively and twangs in all the right places.
Our journey with Ten Fé comes to and end with the tender emotional ‘July Rain’. Rich percussion perfectly placed throbs and kicks with a stomping beat.Light pitter patter adds a rain like quality while a beautiful piano feature adds grace and elegance to this emotional track. This duo are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve and its beautiful aching tracks like ‘July Rain’ that come to fruition because of this. Delicate backing vocals heighten the emotional vocals and raw lyrics. This stunning track brings the album to a heart wrenching yet satisfying end.
Ten Fé compiled a combination of impeccable songs that are a treasure. Each track flows perfectly into the next. Its an emotional journey that the band take you on with them. Giving a personal experience to every listener that makes you hold the album close to your heart. As expected Ten Fé knocked it out of the park with catchy melodies and well crafted musicianship, ‘Hit The Light’ is what we expected and more, majestic personal and larger than life.
Stream ‘Hit The Light’ below
Manchester’s Larkins have release their new single ‘Wasted Years’ through Scruff of the Neck Records.The four piece started 2016 with a summer of festival appearances at the likes of Kendal Calling, as well as a sold out show at Manchester’s Club Academy. This saw the band rapidly make a name for themselves amongst both fans and critics alike, turning heads and winning admiration wherever they went. The band consists of members Josh Noble (Vocals/Guitar),Dominic Want (Guitar/Vocals), Henry Beach (Bass /Vocals) and Joe Stott (Drums & Vocals) and their new single marks a new progression in the band’s seemingly limitless creativity. ‘Wasted Years’ is vibrant punchy and instrumentally tight with intricate guitar progressions and brilliantly executed production. Its polished and fluid with enough edge to give a raw fresh sound. With elastic beat and buoyant flickers on bass this track bounces along with effortlessly cool swagger. Larkins display a confident proficient and slick style of musicianship that exudes professionalism and skill. Laced with zealous nimble guitar riffs and a shredding thrilling distorted instrumental feature, Larkins have everything in place to deliver a bright catchy hook-driven indie tune. ‘Wasted Years’ is a tasty slice of infectious indie pop with enough riveting sharp edges to pack a solid punch.
Watch the video for ‘Wasted Years’ below
Cork based recording collaborative, The Grey Merchant, have announced details of a second single release, ‘The Last Transmission’ which will be released on February 23 2017. The Grey Merchant is the collaborative recording project of Cork based Indie trio Neon Atlas’ bassist Enda O’Flaherty and a collection of friends and fellow musicians ‘The Last Transmission’ is the follow up to their debut single release ‘Spotless (The Protecting Veil’ which was released in November last year, receiving significant airplay both in Ireland and internationally, particularly in the UK, USA, France, Canada and The Mauritius. ‘The Last Transmission’ is a flaming burst of raw rock ignited with shredding guitars mighty percussion and sublime soaring synths. The track is jam packed and richly layered showcasing fine musicianship from theses guys. Perfectly placed reverb brings the track to red hot intensity as it scorches all in its path while the cool effortless yet dynamic vocals cool the track slightly. The guitars pierce through with an electrifying blood-tingling shrill. Instrumentally deep and luxurious ‘The Last Transmission’ is a rip-roaring sonic seizure blazing from start to finish swooping you into a whirlwind of high powered vivacious instrumentation and a blistering intricate production that boasts the talent and craftsmanship of The Grey Merchant.
The Grey Merchant are currently in the studio putting the final touches to their debut long-player release which is expected sometime in the late spring of 2017 so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘The Last Transmission’ below
Cork based Indie band Neon Atlas have returned with a new single ‘The Afterglow’ which goes on general release March 2 2017. The track is lifted from their forth-coming and yet untitled third album due out towards the end of 2017. ‘The Afterglow’ is a sprinkle of bright shimmering indie pop. Radiating a state of bliss with immediately gratifying honeyed delicate melodies laced in twinkling guitars and vibrant tones its a sweet opulent slice of indie that leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The soft beat teamed with delicate golden guitar features give the track a cushioned softness and elegance. The hushed production and gentle vocals make the track warm and subtle. Its authentic moving soul searchingly satisfying while glowing and adding glimmers of sun and brightness into a dull day.
Neon Atlas will be touring nationwide, kicking off in their home town of Cork on February 18 when they play the Crane Lane Theatre.
Stream ‘The Afterglow’ below
Misfires are an indie band from Swindon, South West, England. The band have been previously championed by BBC Introducing In The West labelled as ‘Phenomenal’ and described by Spilt Milk Magazine as the next “big thing”. The band celebrated their one year anniversary on 10th Feb and have released their new single ‘Come On Over’. This track fleshes out sweet infectious indie melodies teamed with spirited arrangements. Vibrant guitar riffs blast the track into bursts of luminous intensity as it radiates dynamic energy and a raw edge. The punchy beat adds a brawny texture to the track while the dazy vocals add a daydream breezy cool feel. Sprinkled with funky reggae elements this track is slick and tight and leaves no doubt these guys are destined for big things. Misfires give us a snappy spirited insanely infectious indie track that will be playing in your head all day.
You can catch Misfires live at
15th February, Rough Trade Records, Nottingham
17th February, Thekla, Bristol, Sherlocks support (SOLD OUT)
21st February, Hope & Ruin, Brighton
24th February, The Horn, St Albans, Sherlocks support (SOLD OUT)
25th February, Sub89, Reading, Sherlocks support
11th March, Zanzibar, Liverpool
Watch the video for ‘Come On Over’ below
Dreamy indie rock band Stereo Honey have released their new track ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’. The band consists of Peter Restrick (Vocals and Guitar), Nicky Boiardi (Guitars and Keys), Ben Edwards (Bass), and Jake Black (Drums) they have all been playing together in various bands for a few years until they started Stereo Honey about a year ago. The four piece recorded the track at Kensaltown Studios with Eduardo de la Paz. ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ is a gripping melodically mournful track which displays a band gifted at writing melodies and creating an atmosphere that completely encapsulates the listener in their crafted melodious world. Instantly Restrick’s vocals stand out with his Matt Bellamy-esque wailing but a bit more like Conor Mason from Nothing But Thieves. With insane clear crisp falsetto Restrick is fantastic at holding and controlling these massive notes for the chorus while softening to a soft coo almost whisper for the eerie spine tingling verse.Its punchy and strong with wispy breezy synths creating a haunting dark atmosphere swirling with twisting confusion. Bubbling bass and winding keys add a grip of anxiety while the explosive crescendo creates a rush of panic.Shredding distorted guitars bring a raw energy and intensity to the track. ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ is extremely emotive with a shadowy dark presence as the swoony high register on vocals holds the song’s forefront. Its clear that Stereo Honey are passionate about their craft, which makes for great listening. When asked about the track the band said “Where No One Knows Your Name’ is a song about mental illness. Peter wrote the lyrics trying to get to grips with the interiority you feel when suffering with anxiety. Essentially, the song is about retreating inside of your own head when the world outside feels hostile and overwhelming. We tried to write the track in a way that emulates the rush of a panic attack, by moving from the steadiness of the verses into sudden, explosive choruses”
Stream ‘Where No One Knows Your Name’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Fontaines
The LA duo Hank Fontaine and Charlotte Fontaine have released their new single ‘Evaporate’. Sprinkling their new-wave rock with energetic funk The Fontaines glide in with swooney effortless cool grooves smothered in steamy sensual vibes. Dripping in sticky bouncy guitar riffs its a tempting bounce of sassy swagger. Charlotte’s vocals softly cruise with flirty charm and a sultry smoulder that is thrilling. The gentle drum beat teamed with elastic slap on bass gives a sensual luring sticky effect that adds to the entire sizzling sweltering humidity of the track. The lyrics narrate a “catch and release” relationship which only exists in the bedroom. The Fontaines are currently finishing up their debut full-length album which is set for release later this year.
Birmingham three-piece, Miccoli are set to release their new single ‘Idle Strangers’ on AFA Records on the 3rd of March. The single is taken from the sibling trio’s upcoming album due for release later this year. The band has recently featured on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch as well as a tour throughout Europe and US tour earlier last year. After spending most of their childhood studying and making music, twin brothers Adriano (vocal and acoustic/electric guitar) and Alessandro (piano, vocal and acoustic guitar) teamed up with their younger sister Francesca (vocal, piano and harmonica) and decided to form the band a few years ago. Miccoli has since toured extensively throughout Europe and America, hanging out with Motley Crue along the way and have recently performed at the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park. Previous singles have attracted the attention of public and critics alike and have seen them feature on American, British and Asian television and pick up airplay on national and regional BBC radio as well as Internet and college stations across the board. ‘Idle Stranger’, the follow-up to last year’s ‘Silent’ EP and was self-produced and recorded at Clarion Studios in Penang off the coast of Malaysia. ‘Idle Stranger’ is a dreamy enchanting piece of infectious indie pop. Sweet luscious vocal harmonies lift the track to a heavenly euphoric bliss. Its a soft tender succulent track that oozes bright airy vibes. So delicately presented as the bands vocals blend perfectly giving a melody that is honey to the ears and irresistible. Soft guitar accompanies with light twinkling that adds a bit of zest or edge to the track while the cushioned beat rolls with a fluffy like quality making this song so easy and comforting to listen to. The track is the first indication of what to expect from the eagerly awaited debut album and is accompanied by a stunning video filmed in Venice and directed by up and coming photographer Valentio McKenzie.
Stream ‘Idle Stranger’ below
Originally from Huddersfield, now based in Manchester Arro Jones has released his new single ‘Set My Mind Free’. This track glows with delicate fine flurries of blissful sun kissed radiance. Warm mellow acoustic guitar accompanies and caresses Arro’s creamy smooth vocal while the elegant sweet melody drifts you into a state of fluttering delight. Soft twinkling piano adds a tender dainty quality to the track. The instrumentation builds as the track progresses becoming more bouncy up to the zealous guitar solo which gives the cruising track a free open road letting go vibe and refreshing breezy feel. Rich in subtle textures and luminous qualities its an absolute joy to listen to. When we asked Arro about the track he said “it’s more stripped back than my usual stuff and is kind of a transition between two EP’s and two stages in my life”. Arro is working on new material at the moment including a collaboration EP called ‘Freak Show Collaborations’ which is due for release in March so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘Set My Mind Free’ below
