Tag Archives: indie

Doo- Wop, EP Review, Indie, New Music, New Whop

The Fontaines ‘ii’

The Fontaines are brother-sister duo, Charlotte and Hank Fontaine, from Los Angeles. They  have just released their new EP ‘ ii ‘ which is a blend of their “New-Wop” sounds, jazz tones, smooth sweet vocals and some really cleverly and competent guitar features which give this EP a bite and an indie feel. The Fontaines are making their sound their own, they are fresh, original and know exactly what they are doing. Their ‘ii’ EP confirms this with four strong tracks that follow each other fluidly while remaining different and showcasing the many styles and talents of The Fontaines.
The EP begins with the electric and energetic ‘Cold’ which was released earlier this year and we previously wrote a feature on. Its a strong start to the EP as it brings energy and a mass of sounds that are refreshing and innovative. We see their sugar coated doo- wop style only this time they have added a refreshing bit of rock in the mix. Charlotte’s vocals begin soft, soothing and sweet for the verses with light beats behind and then they blast us into a heavy chorus instrumentally with more dynamic vocals. This track is toe tappingly good and infectious with an edgy guitar that gives a rock, almost psychedelic feel that just raises this track up.
‘Handstand’ follows in a swaying bop manner. Charlotte shows us her vocal skills as she begins in a lamenting tone and builds to her raspy high range with an almost growl at times. Hank displays some really slick sharp guitar playing as he takes command for the shredding bridge. The soft luscious backing vocals, which is a feature of The Fontaines music appears in this track and adds a longing tone. This track is infectiously catchy and deals with the theme of a love that has ultimately soured in a refreshing edgy way while remaining boppingly good.
‘Please, Say Something’ is the third track on the EP and it slows down the tone. It is stripped back and simple with a 1940’s feel. Charlotte’s beautiful gentle vocals take the limelight with only light delicate piano accompaniment. Her vocals are emotional and clear as she pleads with her lover. This track shows just how amazing The Fontaines are as they strip everything back and reveal true raw emotion which pulls on your heart strings.
‘I Love You,’ is the final track on the EP and it follows is predecessor smoothly keeping with the melancholy broken heart them but they oomph it up a bit with this track. This track tells us the character is leaving her lover but its full of positive tones as she appears to be fed up of her previous situation but is hopeful for the future “I hope I’ll come back to you.“ Again The Fontaines give us a 50’s 60’s bopping style but with a modern twist, with fuzzed guitar added in all the right places like a slice of lemon in a sweet drink giving us a refreshing edge. The smooth vocals and lush harmony in backing vocals make this track really attractive with catchy lyrics you wont be able to stop yourself from singing along.
‘ii’ as a whole has proved that The Fontaines are not afraid to take risks and shake things up. They have found their sound but that doesn’t tie them down. ‘ii’ is a collection of tracks that showcase both Charlotte and Hank’s skilled musicianship as they convey a story of love, heartbreak and everything between in just four tracks, in a modern fresh way while pulling in the much loved doo-wop style and making it their own.
A fantastic EP from the talented and gifted duo.
Stream ‘ii’ below

Indie, Indie Folk, New Music, Theatrical

Kyle Britton ‘Riddle’

Indie folk singer-songwriter, Kyle Britton from Los Angeles is releasing his debut EP, ‘Riddle’, on 8th July. He has enlisted help from Los Angeles’ most seasoned musicians including Kyle Crane on Drums (Daniel Lanois, Elle King) and renowned violist, Ginny Luke (Rihanna, Dave Matthews Band) and famed engineer, Darryl Swann (Macy Gray), on this EP. His single of the same name was released earlier this month and it explores the demise of a poisonous love affair and the enduring pain that follows.
‘Riddle’ is an emotion evoking track which has a theatrical feel as Britton narrates a story to us with the backing of cinematic music. Britton’s vocals begin in an almost whisper-like narration of this tale, like the secret of scandalous story that cannot be spoken aloud. He conveys the longing tone perfectly through his soft emotion filled vocals teamed with a melancholy melody on viola and light waltz like beats. This builds for the chorus and then softens again for the return of the verse. We are presented with mysterious dark undertones giving the listener a feeling that this tale is distressing and eerie. The melody runs smoothly and almost with the sway like effect of a dangerous spooky waltz that will lead to the characters demise. The song builds to an intense and emotional crescendo when finally the track is played out by the lamenting viola.
Stream ‘Riddle’ below

Alt Rock, Alternative/Cinematic, Indie, New Music

DreamVacation ‘Letting In The Dead’


DreamVacation are a four piece alternative/cinematic band from Los Angeles. The band lineup consists of Ray Silva (vocals) Gerry Matthews (bass and backing vocals), Morgan Terrinoni (guitar), and Noah Alexander (drums). They have previously supported live acts such as Foster the People, Airborne Toxic Event, The War On Drugs and Matt & Kim. The four piece also had success placing songs in films and TV shows, including Showtime – Shameless, TNT – Boston’s Finest, and SYFY – Being Human, to name only a few. DreamVacation have released their new single ‘Letting In The Dead’ from their new self-titled EP which was produced by John Rausch, engineer and track architect for such powerhouses as Taylor Swift, Pink, Florence and the Machine, Foxes and Birdie.
‘Letting In The Dead’ is a catchy melodic track with atmospheric guitars that give a light aerial feel while also adding an edge to the track giving it a sharp vibe. The beats are soft and bouncy and add an uplifting feel while Silva’s vocals are warm and raspy and emotion filled. Silva’s vocals are unique and pull you into the song and teamed with the sweet melody make this song really attractive to the ears. There is a melancholy tone to this song but the instrumentation keeps it upbeat and flowing fluently. The guitar plays a lamenting melody behind the vocals at times which is beautiful especially towards the end when it plays the track out.
This track takes you on an emotional journey of nostalgia and longing in a light animated way with radiant guitars and dynamic vocals.
Stream ‘Letting In The Dead’ below

Atmospheric Music, Cinematic dirt, Future rock, Indie, New Music

Forbear ‘Delroy Lindo’

Forbear is a Future rock, Cinematic dirt band from Los Angeles. Composed of some of LA’s most prolific musicians, Scott Goldbaum (formerly of Wise Cub) leads the band with beautiful vocals and melodic guitar, while classically trained Molly Rogers’ viola adds a layer that is truly captivating. Mike Mussleman (drums) and Nick Chamian (bass) round out the four piece with one of the most impressive, and methodical rhythm sections in indie rock today. Individually the band members have worked with artists/bands including Feist, Bastille, Kamasi Washington, Randy Jackson, Keith Urban, Kimbra among others. They met in 2014 and quickly caught the attention of famed producer/engineer Eric Lilavois (Saint Motel, Atlas Genius) who produced their upcoming release ‘Good God’ and recorded it at the famed London Bridge Studios in Seattle. ‘Good God’ begins with the commanding single ‘Delroy Lindo’
‘Delroy Lindo’ is a fantastic piece of musicianship, it flawlessly weaves together cinematic rock with a truly unique voice and spectacular harmonies. It almost feels classically written with a beautiful elegant viola melody interweaving between the vocals in a sort of call and response style. Both the dynamic sweet vocals and viola seem to have a conversation which the listener is witnessing. The addition of vibrato on the viola adds a sort of agitation to this tender conversation. The drums are light and come in and out in places during the verse and then hold a soft steady foundation behind the chorus adding a depth to the track. The lush graceful harmonies add to the angelic blissful music and sombre heartbreaking tone. The bass is smooth and supple and blends perfectly with the overall experience.
‘Delroy Lindo’ is “about two people who moved to the West Coast to be together, only to have the illusion of what they thought waited for them be eaten alive by their false romanticism” and Forbear portray this image to us perfectly. They use their spectacular talents to convey a tender emotional theme in such a beautiful unique way. It is an honest, true, raw and heartbreaking yet elegant, fascinating and graceful surreal experience. Forebear put into words and music the feelings that are always so difficult for us to express ourselves and that is truly skillful.
A must listen!
Good God is set for release August 26 and if ‘Delroy Lindo’ is anything to go by its going to be amazing.
Stream ‘Delroy Lindo’ below

Blues, Feel Good Music, Indie, New Music

Norma Jean Martine ‘No Gold’

Born just outside of New York, blues-rock singer/songwriter Norma Jean Martine relocated to Nashville to study at Belmont University, before making the jump to London. Since then, she’s released several preview tracks to Soundcloud, opened for top acts like Tom Odell, James Aruthur and Lissie, along with releasing her debut single, ‘No Gold’. She has co-written and featured on two tracks ‘We Ain’t Dead Yet’ and ‘Paint’ on Pablo Nouvelle’s current album ‘All I Need’, out on Armin Van Buuren’s label Armada Music. Martine’s most recent release ‘Freedom’ was her cover of George Michael’s classic 90’s track, which is currently the soundtrack to a multi-million pound Europe wide advertising campaign, reaching nearly 1 million streams on Spotify.

Her latest single ‘No Gold’ was released on May 20th via Virgin EMI Records. It was produced by Joel Pott from Athlete and mixed by Danton Supple, ‘No Gold’ was taken from her forthcoming debut album ‘Only In My Mind’ which is due for release on 9th September.
‘No Gold’ is a blues rock track that is full of positive hopeful tones. The track is full of soft beats and is “swayingly” fantastic with added bounce. With lush backing vocals and a tribal beat to start followed by Martine’s amazing almost raspy yet clear vocals for the verse. She performs the verse with an ease and smoothness that grabs your attention and makes you listen. The catchy chorus brings a positive “Can do” atmosphere that is revitalising. The theme that “you have to leave a place in order to come back and appreciate, and see it from the outside” is effectively portrayed in the instrumentation but also through the many dimensions and emotions in Martine’s outstanding vocals .

Watch ‘No Gold’ below

Hypnotic, Indie, New Music, Trance

Alexandra Savior ‘Shades’

21-year-old Alexandra Savior from Portland, Oregon has already had her demo “Risk” appear in series two of True Detective, and she has collaborated with Tame Impala’s Cam Avery on ‘We’re Just Making it Worse,’ and now has released her new single ‘Shades’ which was produced and co-written by Alex Turner along with James Ford (Florence, Haim).
‘Shades’ is a dark alluring track that’s full of mystery. Filled with smooth cool tones, soft spongy beats and a sensual fuzzed bass line that adds a seductive quality. The flash of electric guitar adds a bite to the track and contrasts with the smooth tone giving a feeling that there is danger ahead, however Savior’s soft enticing vocals eases the mind and has a trance like effect. Her vocals are confident and assuring while having a lull effect that is bewitching and captivating.
This Track is dangerously infectious but its charming, seductive tones will have you fascinated and craving more.
Watch “Shades” below

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Pure Youth ‘Other Side’

Pure Youth are an Indie band from Ealing, London .The band consist of members Dave Hibbert (Vocals/Guitar), Oliver Lyu (Bass), Duncan Brookfield (Drums) and Elliott Liu (Guitar). Their debut EP ‘On Our Way’ and the follow-up single ‘I’m Not Yours’ have gained them a wealth of support, including radio airplay from Dermot O’Leary (BBC Radio 2) and Charlie Ashcroft (Amazing Radio), a spot in Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist, features on renowned websites such as Gigslutz, It’s All Indie, FAME Magazine, Killing Moon and support slots for Lisbon, No Devotion and Youth Club. Their new single ‘Other Side’ is the first of four singles to be released over the coming year and the follow-up to the band’s previous smash hit ‘I’m Not Yours’, racking up 45k+ streams on Soundcloud and over 150k streams on Spotify.
‘Other Side’ is a smooth catchy melodic indie track full of cool nostalgic tones. With fantastic use of reverb which gives this song an airy free vibe. The driving guitar throughout the track is refreshing and gives an edge to the song. The track begins smooth with light soft beats and gentle clear vocals. The nostalgic tones portrays the theme of the song which is “longing to be back in a good place in your life” The song builds to an airy almost trance like instrumental where we see some tight instrumentation that you can loose yourself in followed by the final chorus which becomes more dynamic as we get the feeling of breaking free. This track is full of great hooks and chilled tones with the added sharpness of the guitars adding a brilliant contrast that gives the track a bite and an almost grunge feel.
Stream ‘Other Side’ below

A Chat With, Blues, Indie, Interviews, New Music, Rock and Roll

A Chat With : Skunkmello

 

Following the release for their new album ‘ Hot Chicken’ today we decided to have a chat with Skunkmello to see what makes them tick.

When did you form your band?

Early 2012.

How did you decide what style/ Genre of music you wanted to do?
I’ve always been a huge fan of rock and roll and old blues and roots music so I tend to write songs in that vein, and the songs I bring to the band generally dictate the style we ultimately run with. It’s an amorphous vibe that kind of changes a bit from tune to tune, but always grounded in solid rock and roll.
What inspired you to make music?
Everything, really. All the great tunes out there, the grit and grind of everyday existence, high-proof distillations, and the whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers…

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
White knuckled chaos, good-timing debauchery, and tenuous survival careening on the edge of almost certain doom. We like Whiskey too.
Could you briefly describe you music-making process?
We don’t have much of a process. I may come up with a song, for whatever reason, and bring it in to the band for some run and gun electric rocket-fire.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
We often take a bender a bit too far around the curve, winding up in some precarious situations where fast talk and burnt nerves won’t always walk you back. We don’t overcome as much as we overdo, but once you get into something like this you got to take out to it’s fiery conclusion.

What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
We dig em all, that’s why we play them, and my favorite tends to shift with my mood. Right now I guess it’s a tune called “Sweet Delight” off of our new record, Hot Chicken, because it’s got that big fiery finish you can really get in to.

So far what are your favourite and least favourite venues that you have played ?
We like them all as long as the crowd is right and the taps are flowing.

What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
Well, we did a show recently where we had some naked folks dancing around, some spinning from the ceiling and others spinning fire. We thought that was pretty cool.

Who has been your favourite support act so far?
There are a number of local bands we like to play with, including The Silks, Scantron, and Cropdust.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to get around, get into some mountains, get into some waves, or get just vibe off somewhere quiet with a book and a guitar. I also enjoy raucous burner at the pub, depending on my mood.

Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
Hopefully soon, I love Ireland and have had many a wild time over there. Good people down for a good time.

What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
If you dig it, do it. If you really dig it, do it twice.

Stream ‘ Slaughterhouse Blues’ below

 

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Whop, Rock, Rock and Roll

Beautiful Corruption ‘Orphic’

 

Beautiful Corruption are a four piece alt-rock band based in Kilkenny, Ireland. The band consists of Oisin Wolfe on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, James Brown on lead guitar and back-up vocals, Simon Cooke on drums and Rory Cooper on bass. We reviewed their début EP ‘ Snakes & Ladders’ earlier this year which showcased their growing talents and potential. They have released their new single ‘Orphic’ which is a strong follow up.
‘Orphic’ is a competent proficient track full of shredding guitars, pounding drums and dynamic vocals. The intro sets the musical scene with a taste of the explosive sound to come .The verses are presented in a slick manner with a rock and roll vibe light beats and acute guitar that holds a bright infectious luring melody while the bass and drums keep us grounded. The vocals exude swagger while the backing vocals add a lush harmony which is refreshing. The chorus explodes into the mosh worthy frenzy that Beautiful Corruption are known for with thunderous drums , vigorous guitars, forceful bass and charismatic vocals making this song infectious. The mighty lusty guitar solo and instrumental break is effectively brawny and powerful and ends the song on a high leaving you wanting more.
Watch ‘Orphic’ below

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, Rock, Rock and Roll, Smooth Rock

Mayflower ‘Sienna’

Mayflower are a smooth Rock & Roll band from Manchester. Formed in 2014 they have wasted no time in getting their name out there. They have secured headline gigs at the iconic Night & Day Café, a sold out show at The Castle Hotel and a string of shows around the Northwest in UK. They quickly gained the attention of Michelle Hussey and Natalie-Eve Williams at BBC Introducing in Manchester and subsequently BBC 6 Steve Lamacq has expressed his interest in them.
Their track ‘Sienna’ is the song that caught my eye. It’s a beautiful melodic track full of warm hazy nostalgic vibes portraying a melancholy sombre atmosphere. With gentle guitars and soft beats while the lull of lush harmonies in the backing vocals have a relaxing effect. The delicate smooth vocals are filled with emotion and combined with the sweet backing vocals give an uplifting feel to the track. The lustrous guitar feature gives a bite to the song and an almost psychedelic feel which adds a little contrast to the velvety sound.
Looking forward to their new tune coming out mid-August we really can’t wait to hear more!
Stream ‘Sienna’ below