Our worth a listen track this week comes from DEAD!
Formed in early 2012 DEAD! are 5 boys from Southampton, today living in London. Their song ‘ Skin ‘ is a zestful rock track released in 2015, it starts with light plucked guitar and then storms into a hardcore rock sound with strong vocals. These guys have mastered their sound with songs that make you think WOW! I bet these guys are brilliant live. ‘Skin’ has an infectious melody with slick guitars and punchy drums. Its headbangingly good and mosh worthy. Holding its high energy all the way through you can imagine a crowd jumping and going wild to this dynamic track.
Creeper are a Punk Rock band from Southampton, Dan Bratton (Drums), Oliver Burdett (Guitar),Ian Miles (Guitar) ,Will Gould (Vocals), Sean Scott (Bass), Hannah Greenwood (Keys) released their EP The Stranger in February with ‘Black Mass’ as the lead single from this EP.
‘Black Mass’ is a fast passed punk rock song with robust guitars, punchy drums and fantastic strong vocals. This song is so versatile as they break from their full bodied hardcore sound into a surprising waltz-like breather which adds a theatrical feel and a Meatloaf vibe.
With songs on the EP like ‘ The Secret Society’ with a melancholy guitar introduction that jumps into a pounding Rock sound and strong vocals and a crowd engaging whoa – oh. Followed by “Valentine” featuring a full rock sound and contrasting “Misery” a sentimental song full of raw naked emotion. While “Astral Projection” concludes their EP on a classic punk rock style with again a bridge that slows down the tempo to give you a chance to catch your breath before the big mosh at the end.
Creepers are an extremely vibrant band with songs that make you jump up and down to their classic punk rock sound and theatrical dark glamour style. ‘The Stranger’ is a EP that puts Creeper on the map
Watch ‘Black Mass’ below
Brendan Maclean is an Australian gem, his new release ‘Hugs Not Drugs (Or Both)’ is a brilliantly flamboyant track with a catchy melody and infectious hook. Its electro – rock beat is sure to get you up Dancing. Brendan shows off his vocal range with a fun loving chorus that has a Panic! At The Disco vibe. Brendan has a full dynamic voice full of confidence and swagger .With witty lyrics and full of high energy its a party track that is sure to do well.
Stream ‘ Hugs Not Drugs (Or Both) ‘ below
The Perx are just two buddies from Los Angeles ,Ryan and Jeremy making songs in their basement.Their Indie, Alternative Rock sound with some electronic thrown in is infectious. ‘Hipster Nightmare’ has an electronic dance feel, perfect for your Friday night tune. Really catchy lyrics and crazy synths. This song shows an ambitious, experimental side to them, that works really well and sounds amazing. ‘The Dreamer’ takes us on a mellow, dreamy almost trance-like trip. With smooth west coast style and light instrumental that builds as the song progresses. Its a really well written song that will definitely take you on a journey. ‘Another Minute’ has a Police feel, with a reggae beat before it breaks back into an electronic sound for the chorus. This is an upbeat energetic song with a great electronic reggae fusion with the lovely surprise of a guitar solo. Both these songs were released on soundcloud four days ago and showcase the variety of music these guys can produce. ‘Episodes’ Is a groovy track with a catchy chorus that is full of emotion. This song has a psychedelic vibe in the verses that makes you loose yourself, right up to the amazing chorus. This was the first song I heard from ‘The Perx’ and I was hooked after one listen.‘Alive’ again is a fantastic song with lyrics everyone can relate to, ‘Wednesday pisses me off’ we have all thought that! The whole song runs so smoothly with steady beats ,radiant guitar and strong vocals and melody. Its written in a not quite upbeat tone but a hopeful hang in there tone.
I Really enjoyed these guys and look forward to hearing more from them.
Stream ‘ Alive’ ‘Another Minute’ and ‘Hipster Nightmare’ below
Addicted to the track’ L.U.V’ from Catholic Action .This four piece from Glasgow create a care-free glam rock sound full of hand claps and guitar solos. With a 70s T-Rex feel. Its a catchy swingy tune with strong bass that hooks you in straight away and almost dares you to put it on repeat. The strong yet smooth vocals have a hypnotic effect. This glam rock track will have you tapping your foot, clicking your fingers and singing along in no time.
Stream L.U.V below
This for me is the saddest blog I have done but I felt I must, as the only reason I started Indie Buddie was because one day in the summer on 2015 I stumbled upon a fantastic band on soundcloud. They had only one song on soundcloud at the time and from the first note I was hooked, the sunny vibes clever lyrics smooth beat and catchy riffs made this song my favourite that summer. It was the upbeat vibrant song that makes everything better. That song was of course ‘ Swings and Waterslides’ by Viola Beach.
Viola Beach were an emerging British indie rock group, formed in Warrington in 2013. The band’s final lineup consisted of Kris Leonard (guitar and vocals), River Reeves (guitar), Tomas Lowe (bass), and Jack Dakin (drums). I was so impressed with these guys and hoped they would do well as it was obvious to me they deserved it. I began telling everyone I knew about them. I watched the youtube videos from BBCs Maida Vale sessions and it was confirmed that these guys had serious talent and were going to be very big. Their performance was very professional but still their humour and fun came through. I found that my favourite song they performed was ‘Get to Dancing’. It’s a cheeky lively track which of course makes you want to dance. The song has a really catchy guitar riff and also shows Jack’s skills as a drummer, it’s light but very effective.
Their second released single came to us in early 2016 ‘Boys That Sing’ this is a bright and cheery song with an infectious melody and again their slick guitar and drums give a Californian surf sound. It definitely brightened up our winter days and made us smile with their cheeky mischief lyrics.
I decided in December of 2015 to message them and ask them to come to Ireland as I couldn’t wait to hear them live and they told me they were going to support Blossoms in the Academy in Dublin in February. Naturally I went, I couldn’t miss that! Their live performance was brilliant. You could see their love for music and every beat, strum and note oozed energy.They were having fun and loving every moment of it and so was the audience.
We spoke to them afterwards and they were the most lovely people you could meet they discussed their passion for music and they promised us they would play ‘Get To Dancing’ when they returned to Dublin as it wasn’t on their set list this time. Of the bands I have met they really stood out. They were genuine lovely guys doing what they loved and sharing it with whoever would listen.
Since then, I have found other songs that they have done on youtube and found their track “Daisies” which was featured on Bandcamp’s The Indie Cassette Player’s (now known as ” The Mill Records”) second compilation album, with “Love My Love” being featured on the website’s third compilation album. Both these tracks are lovely well written songs and show us a deeper side to the band. I was looking forward to what kind of album they were going to release.
I decided to write this blog about one of the best bands I have been lucky to see live because they were amazingly talented and right now they should be taking the music industry by storm. But their career was cruelly cut short. I don’t want to dwell on the details of their passing as it’s their memory I want to preserve.
A celebratory tribute gig will take place at Warrington Parr Hall on April 2 to pay tribute to the band and their manager, Craig Tarry.The sold-out show will feature The Coral and Courteeners frontman Liam Fray as well as an acoustic set by The Kooks. Viola Beach supported Courteeners on tour and were due to open for Blossoms, who also feature on the bill. The packed bill is finished off by Eliza and the Bear, Hidden Charms, The Vryll Society, The Strawberries and Psyblings. All proceeds from the show will go to the families of Viola Beach and Craig Tarry.
Viola Beach a really lovely 4 piece indie pop band from Warrington whose Infectious anthems and sunny bright feel good melodies will not be forgotten here at Indie Buddie.
RIP Viola Beach
A four piece indie band from Manchester Lyerr,consist of Ryan Johnson (Vocals/Guitar) Samuel Greene (Guitar) Rory Magner ( Bass) James Kershaw ( Drums). Their début singles were released last month and are cracking tunes. ‘N.Y.C.’ is a rock and roll, feel good song with punchy drums and nimble guitar definitely one to get you up dancing.
” Miss Bright Ideas’ again is a strong song for a début. This song really shows their potential, its my favourite of the two. The track starts with a steady beat and guitars and breaks into a melodic chorus which shows off their skill both instrumentally and vocally. Its one of those songs that is blissful to listen to.
You can catch these guys April 1st at Night and Day cafe in Manchester if your around definitely go.
These guys are ones to watch!
Stream ‘ N.Y.C’ and ‘Miss Bright Ideas’ below
London band Ten Fé consist of duo of Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan. Their new release comes in the form of the dreamy, smooth ‘Elodie’. This is a lovely 80s inspired love song with polished production and lush harmonies. Ten Fé show off their song-writing and vocal abilities on this track, Ben is on lead vocal with a rich yet daydream tone to his voice. They create a melancholy and uplifting atmosphere that swallows you up in a bubble of nostalgic dreaminess. With their soft electronic pop style, steady tempo and warm feelings this is definitely a song to have a listen to.
Stream ‘Elodie’ below
Our Worth A Listen track this week comes from Black Honey.
Their latest track “All My Pride” is from their forthcoming Headspin EP. Brighton band, Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass), Tom Dewhurst (drums), deliver an infectious rock pop sound with attitude in this track.
‘All My Pride’ is a vicious post – breakup song with slick, blazing guitar. Izzy performs her vocals with such intensity and vulnerability that sucks you in and makes you listen to every word of her story. This is a very well written song. It is what I would imagine Lana Del Rey would sound like if she was in a rock band. They have the same ability to draw the listener in with nonchalant melodies only with fierce guitar. This band will definitely do well with this song as it ticks all the boxes.
Stream ‘All My Pride’ below
Sisteray are a British four-piece rock band from London, UK. Formed in 2014, the band consists of Niall Rowan (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Michael Hanrahan (bass/vocals), Daniel Connolly (lead guitar/vocals) and Marco Biagini (drums/vocals).
On first hearing Sisterays songs I realised they are a band with strong opinions and a Rock and roll, punk rock, mod revival, attitude to life which is refreshing as they say and do everything we want to do with a rebellious ‘I don’t give a damn attitude’. They have previously worked with producer Rory Attwell (The Vaccines/Palma Violets) and have created a cult-following in the UK due to high energy live performances and upbeat melodies and catchy clever lyrics about Britain in the 21st Century.
My attention was grabbed when they released ‘Back to Yours’ and ‘A Wise Man Said’ – as part of their new Double A Side Single. Both songs are very catchy ‘ A Wise Man Said’ is a fast pased tune with a gnarly sound full of raw british punk rock attitude. While ‘Back To Yours’ is a slower pase with Nialls voice adding a bit of grit to the vocal with a London twang
We will be hearing a lot more from these guys as word is beginning to spread about their energetic live performances. Definitely a band with a bright future ahead
Stream ‘ Back To Yours’ and ‘A wise Man Said’ here
https://soundcloud.com/sisterayuk/back-to-yours
https://soundcloud.com/sisterayuk/a-wise-man-said
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
