South Wales four-piece Climbing Trees consists of members Matthew Frederick (Piano, Guitar, Vocals), Colenso Jones (Guitar, Bass, Vocals), Martin Webb (Guitar, Bass, Vocals) and James Bennetts (Drums, Percussion, Vocals). They describe their sound as Cymrucana (mixture of folk, country and Americana). The band formed in 2011 and came to the attention of BBC Introducing with the distinctive sound of their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Hebron’, which was recorded in isolation in the woods of Carmarthenshire, the band were announced as one of twelve artists to take part in the inaugural year of the BBC and Arts Council of Wales’ Horizons project in the Spring of 2014. They have had appearances at Green Man Festival, Festival No.6 and The Hay Festival and have also performed at the Dylan Thomas Centenary celebrations in Laugharne Castle. With a live session at London’s legendary Maida Vale Studios , a television appearance alongside the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as well as soundtracking the BBC’s Real Valleys season and featuring in American documentary Fade To Winter, Climbing Trees have had a busy few years and gained an ever growing following.
The band have finished their eagerly-awaited and much anticipated second album ‘Borders’ which has been shortlisted for this year’s Welsh Music Prize. This month they released their new single ‘Amber’ which is the third to be taken from the album. The track is flush with bright warm tones and richly entwined with lush melodies and glowing textures. The addition of the string quartet adds a delicate sweet elegance and sway to the track lifting it up and giving it flight and motion. The piano is also gentle and tender and compliments the track perfectly adding a beautiful graceful quality. The vocals are warm and soothing with smooth soft country tones. The guitars glitter and glisten while also adding depth to the elevating song. Climbing Trees continue to progress and perfect their unique sound and give us a track that is feathery light yet dense with warm golden textures.
Stream ‘Amber’below
Scarlet are the cloaked dark horse who have been working relentlessly over the past few years to make a name for themselves. Since launching in 2014 the band have worked with producers Jon Withnall, (Coldplay’s Parachutes, A Rush Of Blood To The Head, and X&Y) Michael Johnson (Joy Division, Pink Floyd, New Order, Stone Roses). They have secured places supporting Neon Waltz, Pulled Apart By Horses, a set at Liverpools Concert For Gaza, and a slot supporting The Struts. In 2015 the four piece secured slots playing DIY’s ‘breaking out’ night at Liverpool music week festival, supported Swervedriver, Black Honey, Kagoule and released their debut single ‘Anyway’ and now are currently working with Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon, CAST) on their debut album ‘Effigy’ which is to be released in the UK and Japan in October.
The female fronted band have just released their new single ‘Your Control’. Its a juicy jangle pop anthem multi textured with sharp on-point guitars and a soft spongy beat. The syrupy vocals are delicate and silky. Its darkened tones and reverb give the track rich textures and a shadowy atmosphere while still remaining light and airy. This catchy power pop track exudes fighting spirit while remaining elegant until the massive mosh worthy crescendo. ‘Your Control’ shows Scarlet’s skilled musicianship as they have created a track that is dreamy and easy to listen to but maintains a rawness that adds an edge that keeps this band fresh and dynamic. Watch out for these guys.
Stream ‘Your Control’ below
Black honey have just released their new single ‘Hello Today’. Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass) and Tom Dewhurst (drums) continue their efforts for world domination with this staggering indie pop ear worm. They shake things up shifting from their previous brooding melancholic vibes smothered in intoxicating psychedelia to a peppy “screw you” middle finger attitude. Izzy exudes swagger and sass as she expresses her feelings exquisitely with aptly placed French phrases. This empowering track with its hyper sugar coated pop exterior and subtle bitter sting of the lyrics is a ball of bouncy fun with a slapping ricochet effect. It is glazed with a fuzzed guitar sound that still maintains the sunny hazy vibes we are used to from Black Honey. With rich percussion and a flexible groovy rhythm the four piece bring something new and fresh to the table. The slick guitar adds a razor sharp edge and rawness to the track which otherwise appears sleek, polished and refined.
Another fantastic track from Black Honey these guys just keep getting better and better.
Stream ‘Hello Today’ below
Indie rock ‘n roll group, The Majorleans, have dropped their new video for ‘Sunrise Mary’ from their upcoming sophomore album, ‘Carouser’s End’. They produced it themselves and mixed it with Michael Tudor (The Stokes, Duncan Sheik) in Woodstock, NY. Already receiving critical acclaim from Interview Magazine, The Majorleans are continuing to make waves with their new material. ‘Sunrise Mary’ is a warm Utopian treasure with glowing guitar and a soothing melody. The velvety vocals and soft beat acts like a soft blanket it is comforting and easing to the mind. Its a bright relaxing summer jam coated in sentimental nostalgic tones. The syrupy dreamy texture swallows you up in a world of hazy sunshine and wistfulness. The guitar plays almost freely throughout the track like a ray of sunshine brightening up the tone and adding a zest and charm.
Check out the video for ‘Sunrise Mary’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Jacques
Bristol four piece Finn (lead vocals), Elliot (drums), Oliver (vocals/bass) and Jake (guitar) comprise The Jacques. They released their new single ‘Eleanor Ring Me’ earlier this year. Its a witty guitar driven track that is performed like an ode or a story telling limerick. Smoothly spoken verses tell us the tale in a cool indifferent tone with a Blur “Parklife” feel to the track. With raspy vocals for the chorus this track oozes infectious effortless moody swagger and magnetism. The bright zealous guitar flurries and glides with slick whirling agility. The steady beat and elastic bass gives the track a gooey rebound bounce.
Look forward to hearing more from The Jacques.
Stream ‘Eleanor Ring Me’ below
Cape Town alt-rockers Caelo have released their debut single ‘All You Need’. The rock trio have been busy making a name for themselves on the fertile Cape Town music scene since they formed in 2014. The band was initially an experimental two-piece consisting of frontman Joel Bronner and drummer Michael Dickens they soon expanded their ranks to include guitarist-turned-bassist Mat Winfield. Caelo have a knack for dexterous guitar work and an ear for singalong melodies and their debut single doesn’t disappoint. ‘All You Need’ is a headlong rapid whirlwind of fuzzed riffs and grunge pop hooks. Its breakneck style is a slap in the face of pummelling rock with robust pounding drums and razor sharp guitars. Its mosh worthy, frenzy causing hefty rock which lightens for the verses revealing their flair for ear-worm sugar coated pop melodies. This track gives you your cake and lets you eat it, well probably smudges it in your face. Exuding a grunge turbulent attitude with dynamic vocals this track packs a punch.
Stream ‘All You Need’ below
Divine Youth comprise of members Dan Sheldon (Guitar/Vocals), Michael Sheldon (Bass/Vocals) and Liam Kaye (Drums) from Stoke-on-Trent. They released their track ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’ a few months ago. The indie trio caught our eye as they produce a unique sound with vibes reminiscent of Pulp and the early noughties guitar bands. ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’ is an energetic spirited track that is muted or somewhat subdued while still remaining lively. The track is coated in nostalgic tones with Sheldon’s raspy whispered vocals adding a haunting inviting quality. The vocals manage to be soft yet ooze passion with a sort of scream- like dampened yell or howl. Divine Youth draw the listener in with a mysterious alluring quality and captivating magnetism. With driving enchanting euphoric guitars and elastic springy rhythm that add a dreamy calming effect that is soothing yet sorrowful.
Divine Youth are an innovate unique band that have a bright future ahead.
Stream ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’ below
Ape Rising are an Irish Synth infused rock band. Band members Johno Leader (guitar, vocals, Peter Donohue (guitar, vocals),Peter Denton (keys, vocals),Jimmy Deface (bass, vocals) and Fran Mc Donnell (drums) have released their debut single ‘King of the Universe’ which was recorded in-house by frontman Johno Leader. With a sound that will transport you to a space adventure retro rock era, jammed with soaring vocals and floating backing vocals. The track is energetic with a melody doused in aerial vibes fused with atmospheric animated synths. The vigorous spirited guitar intensifies the track and gives an edge while the elastic beat adds a playful bounce and punch. ‘King of the Universe’ is layered and alive with textures which give a trippy trance effect that draws you into the track.
A strong debut from Ape Rising.
Watch ‘King of the Universe’ below
Dublin duo Midnight Chimes have created an EP of Halloween tracks packed with “Ghastly electro rock to haunt your dreams, Or for you to boogie to”. ‘Halloween Moon’ kicks off with ‘Witches Disco’ a funky track dripping in cheesy 80s “Time Warp” spook. With eerie organ effect on keyboards and a “dj funky clown” the image of that is enough to creep me out. Its catchy and definitely has a bouncy dance feel that will get those feet shuffling. You can even do a swift monster mash to it. The sweet backing vocals add a old time movie feel to the fun lively track. ‘Devil On The Loose’ follows with sinister keys that change the tone of the EP. It surprisingly blasts into a heavy rock sound with growl vocals for the “Devil On The Loose” lyrics. With shredding guitar and steady beat, its infectious and hypnotic. Its a mixture of gritty rock and pop with a sneaky nimble and slick guitar lick and riff thrown in that is so catchy its a head banger. ‘Boogie With The Boogieman’ is a swinging bluesy track with a sensual hip swaying groove. Its strut- like tempo and swagger teamed with a flexible beat keeps this track smooth and luring. I don’t know why but it gives me the image of a guy in a vampire costume trying to seduce you with his dancing and as he draws closer the music becomes intense as you panic to try and get away. ‘Werewolf Blues’ presents us with that heavier rock sound with effects-laden vocals and ghostly piano warning of danger. The pounding beat and vigorous guitar adds a mosh effect. The music fades as we hear a mysterious vampire speak which I will admit, alone in the dark is pretty frightening. ‘Dance Hall of the Dead’ begins with a trick or treat door bell followed by a fantastic riff and some otherworldly effects on keys. Its a light fun track with thrilling elements and gritty rock features that adds body and brawn. ‘Fortune Teller’ is a bewitching shimmy that tells the story of falling for a misleading temptress . This track oozes seduction and deceit with a smooth sensual beat, captivating guitar and the gently whisper of backing vocals. ‘Midnight, Vienna’ is the final track on the EP its a romantic track with a pop feel. Its light fluffy melody and sweet backing vocals give a boy band feel with bright glittering guitar while the keys keep things a little eerie. Its an unusual contrast but perfectly ends the EP on a good note. Its like the end of a horror movie and all is well, the morning has come and all the evil has vanished.
Stream ‘Halloween Moon’ below
The Chris Paterno Band are a seven -piece indie-pop-soul band from New York. They are releasing their self titled EP on 30th September and we were lucky enough to have a listen to it. The EP begins with ‘Unfaithful’ a peppy track with bouncy percussion and groovy beat that is sure to have you bopping along. The Chris Paterno Band waste no time in introducing their golden horn feature which lifts the track adding a refreshing and zesty texture. The raspy soulful vocals add warm tones to the track and a balmy feel. ‘Morning Light’ is a sweet delicate track with a creamy supple melody. Its an elegant ray of sunshine, fragile yet warm and soft. With tender vocals to start this track is relaxing with a sway-like catchy chorus, its perfect for sunny evenings. The horns are subtle and the beat has a tribal feel with the guitar taking strength and presenting us with a beautifully graceful accompaniment. The track builds becoming a little more intense vocally while still holding that dainty atmosphere. ‘Pressure’ follows with its groovy strut worthy sound. We reviewed this track earlier this year. Its swanky persona and swagger filled chorus makes this track a cool sassy example of the diversity of The Chris Paterno Band. ‘Lover, When You Gonna Come?’ presents itself with an air of country twang upon the honeyed lilt of harmonica from the start and throughout. The instrumentation paints a fantastic picture as they sound like a train chugging gently with the horns appearing as the toot toot. This track once again is aglow with bright tones and hopeful vibes. ‘Farther (…we grow)’ is a sensitive track with vocals filled with raw emotion and melancholy tones. The guitar features dramatic sombre strums with a light twinkle on piano. Its a tear- jerker that evokes feelings of sorrow and despair and self reflection. ‘Sweet Thing’ finishes this EP on a sweep of lavish percussion and rich textures with experimentation of auto tune on vocals and their signature luxurious horns. Its infectiously swayable and catchy, watch out for that deep bass vocal at the end.
This EP is a unique venture as The Chris Paterno Band present us with a rich lacquer of satisfying melodies and textures in their own unique style.
You can pre-order the EP at http://chrispaternomusic.com/ and the iTunes Store. 20% of sales will be donated to Project HOME and The Episcopal Academy’s Kennith R Balsley Memorial Fund.
Stream ‘Morning Light’ below
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Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
