Alternative rock band Faded Shades have released their latest single ‘She Left Yesterday’. This jangly indie pop track drifts cheerily over a buoyant guitar riff and punchy drum foundation as Faded Shades flesh out their heartfelt indie musicianship. With an upbeat melody, rich percussion and elastic bass groove the track oozes radiance and vigor. The zest laced guitar line saturates the song in glorious sunshine while the laid backed vocals and dreamy melody makes the track flow effortlessly. A heartfelt message of solace regarding a love lost to the allure of travel ‘She Left Yesterday’ is a charming and catchy new track from Faded Shades.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Clockworks
Photo Credit: Oscar Ryan
The Clockworks are set to release their new single ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ via the Creation 23 label tomorrow Friday 12th June.Written by The Clockworks, ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ was produced by Michael Rendall and The Clockworks in Willesden, London.
The track has already grabbed the attention of BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac on her “New Names” showcase, as well as legendary Rodney Bingenheimer show in the states on Sirius XM, and even received day time radio play on RTÉ 2FM.
The Clockworks are a four-piece comprising James McGregor on Vocals/Guitar, Sean Connelly on Guitar, Damian Greaney on Drums and Tom Freeman on bass. Relocating to London in 2019, the quartet signed to Alan McGee’s new record label ‘Creation23’ almost overnight. They have since impressed audiences across Europe with live performances at festivals including Eurosonic and Electric Picnic, performing to a huge crowd at Sefton Park in Liverpool in support of Kings of Leon, as well as a head-turning televised appearance on Sky 1’s Soccer AM.
‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ is an accelerated slap of The Clockworks intense post punk in all its exhilarating glory. The band create a hyper sound that pivots around chiming guitar lines and blood pumping drums while a raw gritty bassline rumbles through the foundation. The track has a hypnotic metronomic rhythm that buries into the brain while the sweet guitar laments with a soothing quality. The rapid lyrics are delivered with a relentless stamina as James McGregor sings the catchy chorus and spits the verses with fiery angst. Blurring timelines past, present and yet to be, ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’, sees the band comparing the once optimistic visions of ‘the future’ of generations past, with the bleak reality that we currently live in. The band portray this through a palpitating tune that rushes through to its blistering almost asphyxiating crescendo.The instrumental glitches and itchy texture of the song create quiet the unsettled and almost frantic wall of sound as The Clockworks continue their real, honest and punchy musicianship with another absolutely fantastic tune.
About the track James McGregor explains: “This song is about trying to bring together two main ideas: The feeling that everywhere you look things are going wrong, to the point of cynicism, and the way that the idea of the future is better that its reality. Art and articles in the past would talk about 2020 and expect us to be driving flying cars in houses that clean themselves where nobody has to work. In reality we’re driving third hand Fiat Punto’s to 9-5’s that barely pay the rent. I guess the point is that the lifestyle may change but a lot of the problems are the same.”
‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ will be available digitally on 12 June 2020, via the Creation 23 label.
Watch the video for ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ below
Bio : Pauric O’ Meara is an independent singer songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. He has been making his mark on the Irish music scene for quite a few years. His raw, powerful vocal has been known to grab people’s attention, and his previous work has garnered over 150K on Spotify alone.Through the years, he has performed in many top venues around Ireland supporting bands such as Hermitage Green, Hudson Taylor, Billow Wood, Amazing Apples and HAWK but had a breakthrough year in 2019, with 2 headline shows in Dublin in The Soundhouse and Workman’s Club, as well as making his Electric Picnic Festival debut.
Track: Beacon Call
Why We Like It:This bright buoyant and infectious track floods with O’ Meara’s passionate musicianship as he saturates a warm radiant backdrop in infectious powerful melodies. Highlighting the importance of staying positive through hard times the track is an instant shot of adrenaline and the pick me up we all need. With jaunty guitar strides spreading golden sunshine and scintillation over the punchy drums and an instant rushing wall of sound, O’ Meara provides another dynamic catchy number sure to brighten your day.
Bio : Originally from Co. Armagh Rodney Owl is the moniker of Galway based artist Mark McConville.He has opened shows for Malojian, Duke Special and Nick Harper, as well as headlining his own stripped-down 2/3 piece shows.Recording of Rodney Owl’s second album is on-going, it’s being released on a song by song basis, 6 songs have been born so far and the 7th single is due soon
Track: Waiting
Why We Like It: It’s quite the sinister number as the foreboding yet innocent piano twinkles around eerie synth pines and raw guitar injections. The track gives off panicked palpitations through the use of pulsing broken beats.With a country twang nestled beneath a soft vocal harmonic and haunting soundscape it’s quite the tantalizing and ominous tune.
Bio : Alex Luca returns with his new single ‘House Of Endless Dreams’, the first new music since his 1.6 million streaming, self-released debut track, ‘Only The River’. As self-release debut singles go, and at the tender age of 20, it would be fair to say that most artists could only dream of the reactions his first single received, taking him into many of top frontline Spotify playlists including New Music Friday UK, Most Beautiful Songs In The World, Sweet Soul Sunday and The Stress Buster. His hometown BBC Introducing North West were not to far behind, playing the track several times.
Track: House Of Endless Dreams
Why We Like It: Wisped in soft instrumentation and beautiful songwriting ‘House Of Endless Dreams’ oozes Luca’s passionate and supple musicianship. With ethereal strings gracefully swirling around warm guitars and lush harmonies the track swoons in nostalgic romanticism while Luca’s emotive vocals caress the dreamy melody. The track flows with melancholic bittersweet longing yet the euphoric strings and elegant piano provide an uplifting quality and comfort. Alex Luca’s knack for writing emotive innocent tunes which exude incomparable charm is mesmerising. A joy to listen to.
Bio : Based in Portsmouth, Crystal Tides are often selling out hometown shows, and they’re also building their loyal following throughout London and other areas surrounding the capital. From headline shows, to supporting the likes of The Snuts, Larkins and even topping the bill at Victorious Festival’s Seaside Stage. As well as the live circuit, they’ve pricked up the ears and won over the hearts of some of the biggest names in the business, including making the Radio X Evening Playlist with their track ‘Deserter,’ not to mention having the same track crowned as BBC Introducing Solent’s Track of the Week.
Track: Monday
Why We Like It: It’s a fun anthemic indie banger brimming with energy and vibrancy. With zest stricken guitars weaving sharp bursts of vigor through punchy drums and groove-laced backdrop the band present an adrenaline-inducing track to indulge in. Crystal Tides blend their indie rock with power pop choruses and infectious melodies to create a blazing indie gem bursting from the seams with summer vibes and good times. With smooth vocals, body thumping rhythm and shredding guitar refrains, ‘Monday’ is a hyper blood rushing tune that will have you dancing around the room in no time. Love it.
About the track the band said: “Monday’ is about the turning point in life where the band is starting to realise we are not as young as we used to be. We can’t keep going out like we used to but there’s an internal battle you have of ‘am I told old for this?’ or ‘You only live once, why not?!’.Ultimately it’s about pushing aside the responsibilities of real life and having fun.”
Electric Skyline have released their new single ‘Hit Play’ which is part of their two track EP entitled ‘A Side / B Side’.Electric Skyline started putting out songs on their own in Spring of 2020. Long-time friends, Robby Walton and Blake Brock -both indie artists from the same town- joined forces with Nashville guitar player Jesse Walpole to form a band that knew what they were going for. The band’s process is a self-sustainable machine. Everything you see and hear was created by the band; no label or management. They’ve written, recorded and produced all of the material that’s been put out in 2020 as well as all of the business details that come with releasing music as an artist.It’s a very communicative process and with the members living in different cities, (Robby and Jesse in Nashville and Blake in Birmingham).All of the band’s songs could be considered, “recently released,” the most so being their fourth publication and first EP, “A Side / B Side,” that is a two-song, modern day representation of a cassette tape with a single song on each side. “Hit Play” was a song that Blake had half- written and “No Phones,” the same of one of Robby’s. Both songs were eventually co-written and feature both of the vocalists in the tracks.
‘Hit Play’ is a dreamy electro-pop number as Electric Skyline entwine laid back melodies with luscious production and synths to create a mellow sweet gem. The gentle lilt of the vocals warmly hugs the soft synth-pop melodies while the track grooves through the backdrop with danceable rich rhythms and infectious diso hued grooves. There is a cool vibe drifting over the song as the delicate key twinkles float wistfully through the buoyant beats and infectious funk peppering provided by the guitars.With a nostalgic tone of longing, rippling undercurrents and laid back persona, the electro pop sound Electric Skyline embrace is magnetic. The trio’s sound reminds me of Troye Sivan’s debut ‘Blue Neighbourhood’ however their disco elements, funk zest and rich composition puts Electric Skyline’s stamp and unique twist on the electronic pop genre. Their tunes are enthralling, satisfying and sweet as honey to the ears.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Post Romantics
The Post Romantics have released their new single ‘bad friend’ via DEADBOY$CLUB. Self-produced under lockdown at the band’s home in Liverpool, the track showcases the band in their purest form. The Post Romantics is formed of brothers Connor Cockbain, Cameron Cockbain and Liam Cockbain along with their childhood friend, Sam Barton. Championed by BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Introducing, last year saw the band cut their teeth supporting the likes of Wolf Alice and Larkins, selling out headline shows in Liverpool and London. 2020 sees the band follow up this release, embark on their now rescheduled UK tour and perform at Liverpool Sound City and Hit The North Festival.
Warped in a deadly concoction of haunting electronics and mysterious production, ‘bad friend’ sees The Post Romantics continue their sublime dark aesthetic where contemporary R&B rubs elbows with moody twisted emo pop. The track is an anti-love letter to the liars, users and other fake friends. Following the tale of two people who got too close for their own good, ‘Bad Friend’ offers an honest insight into the world of toxic relationships.
With heavy sticky beats slapping between an asphyxiating soundscape the track swirls in a mysterious and ominous atmosphere while the emotive smooth vocals melt over the punchy bubbling backdrop and vaporous electronics. The reverb laced backing vocals create an ethereal breezy tone to the track that provides a breath of air between the tracks muggy compression. With elements of The Weeknd within the songs production ‘bad friend’ has a crisp and polished coating with coiling and twisting undertones creating the tracks underbelly.
With labyrinthine hooks nourished between sultry production and gritty heavy beats, The Post Romantics are harnessing their sound, becoming bigger and better with each release.
About the track lead singer, Connor says : “I wrote this song after I realised that people are snakes.Relationships are complicated and people catch feelings and shit, I get it, but, be honest about it at least. Don’t play games. People say one thing but mean another and, eventually, when they don’t get what they want, they’ll turn around and bite you. Maybe I’m just a sucker for people who want to f*ck my life up…”
Jack West has released his new single ‘The Last Arcade’.15 year old Jack West has already performed with grunge icon Eddie Vedder before 30,000 at a festival in Nashville as well as collaborated with renowned Seattle producer Barrett Jones ( Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Jawbox) at his famed Laundry Room Studio on West’s debut eight song offering ‘For The Record’.
‘The Last Arcade’ takes a step away from West’s rock n’ roll style and ventures down a psychedelic-tinged rabbit hole into more 80’s synth pop/ rock. West’s smooth vocals coo and drift softly over the melty melody with breezy tones and feathey lightness as he creates a cool and chilled atmosphere through tightly layered musicianship. Weaving synths and wispy soundscapes encase the track while a steady beat and sprightly retro synth refrain brood in the backdrop. The bubbly keys and cheery buoyancy of the track contrasts the breezy tone of West’s voice and lush harmonies superbly. ‘The Last Arcade’ is a well crafted delight on the ears.
Jack West is developing his style and sound superbly. He has already shown he can rock out like the best of them but ‘The Last Arcade’ glimmers with a rich timeless capacity. West takes his time to groove and slide with precision utilizing synths and 80’s pop rock with a retro jazzy piano tone to flesh out his unique and ambitious sound. You can expect great things to happen for this budding young artist.
NYC/Philadelphia-based band, Palmas, comprised of Kurt Cain-Walther (vocals/keys), Matthew Young (guitars), and Andrew Torre (drums, percussion, programming), announce their self-produced, debut album, ‘Endless Season’, with the release of first single, ‘Bad Dream,’ via Lost Colony Music.This new track is the band’s first in two years. It follows their 2016 EP, To The Valley, as well as 2017 single ‘Flowers’ and ‘Floating in the Dark’ and 2018 single, ‘Where Are You Going?’
Immersed in chilled funk flavoured grooves, ‘Bad Dream’ announces Palmas’ return with new wave, psychedelic textures and ruminating lyrics. The band pivot the track around a funky bass line and rich percussion while the warm glistening guitars weave threads of sun kissed delight throughout.
Though the lyrics are melancholic the track’s sonics bubble and bounce throughout giving a laid back upbeat atmosphere to the song as the melody drifts freely over the beautifully evolving instrumentation and R&B elements. Kurt Cain-Walther’s passionate vocals saturate ‘Bad Dream’ in sweet, lush and warm tones. His soulful voice suits this track perfectly as his supple falsetto glides seamlessly over the sleek melody.
The trio take a step away from the retro melodic sound we saw in ‘To The Valley’. They have refined the lush intricacies within their musicianship to create a new wave, indie pop gem coated in sombre R&B hues.This R&B element adds a night-time cool undertone to the song providing a wonderful contrast to the sultry, rich backdrop. There are musical residues of The Weeknd blended through the bands mature cultivated sound and clean production however ‘Bad Dream’ takes the band’s summer sound to a different level with darker undertones and a cooler approach.
Versatility is a key element to success in the music industry. Palmas have demonstrated they are more than adept at adjusting to various genre styles without losing their identity. Palmas keep getting better and better with each new release. Their ability to create rich tantalising music is mesmersing and a joy to listen to.
About the track The band said : “Bad Dream” is about realizing you’re in a place you never should have been. The protagonist is experiencing the same thing over and over again and it’s driving them insane. It could be a long winter, a relationship that has deteriorated, or a job that you hate going to day after day after day. The lyrics and the idea of an “Endless Season” became a focal point for the narrative and eventually went on to become the title of the entire record. At its roots, this track felt like an anthem to a period of depression and the self-realization of needing to confront it.”
Multi instrumentalist and singer songwriter Liam Geddes has recently released his new song ‘All I Need Is You’.Liam Geddes has had his fair share of experiences with the music industry and, over the years, has performed on live TV in Ireland for numerous singing competitions including ‘X Factor’, ‘Euro-song’ and ‘The Voice Of Ireland’. After departing The Voice, he threw himself into the live music scene and has been very busy performing all over Ireland and parts of Europe with his acoustic guitar or his number one instrument – the piano. Since departing reality TV he has focused on writing and building his live shows, and in late 2019 while at a writing camp in Capitol Records in LA, Liam was scouted by multi grammy winning producer ‘Robert Cutarella’ and former head of Sony U.S, Warner Brothers and Virgin Records ‘Philip Quatarero’ to manage him and bring his music to the masses.
‘All I Need Is You’ is lighthearted sun sprinkled pop as Liam Geddes coats the track in his passionate sweet song writing and catchy melodies. With shimmering production, soft twinkling keys and wispy heart fluttering soundscapes Geddes provides a clean slice of radio ready pop. The infectious chorus flows through a fruity refreshing atmosphere while the sweet upbeat melodies seep into the ears. There is a Lanny / Lauv residue about the track as Geddes hones in on the emotive and charming side to his musicianship. It’s a sweet and upbeat ditty that is heartwarming to the core. Geddes soft velvety vocals carry the track as his warm tones coo and caress the dreamy melody lifting the track to euphoric heights. ‘All I Need Is You’ is a laid back and gloriously melodic summer tune.
About the track Geddes says “it just makes so much sense to release this now. These last couple of months have put everything into perspective for me and really made me realise what are the most important things in my life. So hopefully it’s something many of you will be able to relate too”
The Stoned Crows have released their new single ‘Madman’. The Stoned Crows formed in 2017. Aged between 21 and 23, The Stoned Crows have developed a unique, jet-fuelled Rock N Roll sound with matching energy and attitude. The band are preparing to release their debut album, ‘Urban Delirium’, this year and they have already released two singles alongside music videos which will also feature on the album.
‘Madman’ is a swinging rock n’ roll number with a heavier alternative twist brewing underneath as The Stoned Crows put their swagger stamped musicianship over a 60’s slicked back backdrop. With steamy guitar lines, gritty riffs and a foot shuffling beat the band lay down an infectious charming foundation. They surge the track with oodles of energy and panache as slinky guitars weave between a sassy melody and dynamic vocals.The brisk guitar and bass injections flood the track with swanky flamboyance and sleek tones while the tight instrumentation and vibrant wall of sound scorches through with enough edge to keep the track refreshing and fun. There is a touch of The Clash and The Rolling Stones within this bands sound as they create a sleek well rounded track which showcases their talent and powerful musicianship. With oodles of vigor and rich production teamed with finely blended alternative rock n’ roll tones ‘Madman’ is a wild thrilling ride for sure.
Bio : Bromley, Kent band Desmerelda have released their new single ‘Welcome to the Establishment’. The band comprised of Max Broggio, Alex Cripps and Fraser Currie released their first official single, ‘This Time’ in 2019 which was premiered on Boogaloo Radio on Max Goodman’s evening show and also garnered attention from the likes of Abbie McCarthy on BBC Introducing Kent.
Track: ‘Welcome to the Establishment’
Why We Like It: It’s a raw fuzzy beast of alternative rock. With razor sharp guitar riffs slicing through the coarse backdrop of pummeling drums and resounding bass this track packs a hefty punch. The song surges with a rapid melody and spit fire lyrics which blasts the crashing wall of sound with swagger and aggro. Its a manic mosh pit frenzied track to get your blood pumping and go insane to.
Bio : Delights are an unsigned band from Manchester made up of four 19-20 year-old best friends who formed the band in May 2017 while at college together. Since their formation they have gone on to gain acclaim in Manchester; most recently selling out their headline show at the Deaf Institute in January.Delights success in Manchester has earned them slots at major UK festivals including Kendal Calling 2019, as well as airplay on BBC Introducing Manchester with their releases “Sun Visor”, “Sun Lounger”, “Paradise”, “Sometimes, Lately”, and “One Step Forwards (Two Steps Backwards)”.
Track: Loverboy
Why We Like It: It’s a funk flavoured indie pop track that floats into the ears with a laid back mellow melody and rich groove. Jangly guitars add a dreamy haze to this pop sprinkled gem while the funky bass line and bouncy suave beat ground the track. With smooth vocals and a summery euphoric sheen, ‘Loverboy’ is a swagger dipped rhythmic track that boasts Delights refined and well crafted musicianship.
Bio : Limerick trio Bleeding Heart Pigeons have released their new album ‘Stir’ and ‘All for the Best’ is the 3rd single from the album. Leaving their major-label past behind them (they signed to Virgin Records as teenagers in 2013), Bleeding Heart Pigeons have redefined themselves as part of the burgeoning Limerick independent music scene.Four years after their critically acclaimed debut Is, the new album ‘Stir’ marks a new, independent chapter for the band.
Track: All For The Best
Why We Like It: Wrapped in intricate soundscapes and lush pop sensibilities this laid back number boasts Bleeding Heart Pigeons’ ability to create soft scintillating evocative music. A rich and free flowing soundscape of supple synths and tight sonic elements blends seamlessly with strong chord progressions on guitars and lamenting brooding bass lines while velvety vocals, tight harmonies and a bitter sweet melody delicately caresses the bubbling backdrop. ‘All For The Best’ is another sublime well crafted song from Bleeding Heart Pigeons
Bio : Turfboy are an Irish grunge/alternative band. They have just released a new single called “(L)earn” from their upcoming album “At Tension” on Horn & Hoof Records Manchester. The album was recorded in Trackmix Studios Dublin by Michael Richards late last year and will be released on 08/08/20.
Track: (L)earn
Why We Like It: Saturated in moody grunge the track revolves around a melodious sulky guitar refrain as the band create a catchy number sure to stick in your head for days. With a Nirvana – esque residue over the chorus this track trudges through an infectious vocal hook while sharp guitars crash and ricochet off the punchy might on drums before slipping into a slick solo. The track builds to an intense blasting crescendo wrapped in manic heavy instrumentation and screaming vocals. Turfboy have created an invigorating track that balances chill laid back 90’s grunge moments with alternative rock mania superbly.
Bio : Currently based out of London,Kid Violet is made up of Billy on vocals, Pawel and Charley on guitar, Tom on drums and bassist Matteo. They have been named as one of the breakout bands of 2020.With their new EP about to launch on Pin Badge Records, the boys are planning a tour of England for 2021, bringing their sound to as many people as possible.
Track: Release
Why We Like It: Saturated in passion and emotion ‘Release’ is a raw alternative rock track that boasts Kid Violet’s explosive and refined musicianship.The band smoulder the song over a moody backdrop of fermenting bassline rumbles, punchy drums and biting guitars before the track erupts for its frenetic chorus. Wrangled in exasperated emotions Billy Cotter’s vocals brood and expel with menacing quality over the bitter sweet melody while the band lace his vocals in icy reverb. With light chimes, pining laments and ethereal stings on guitar Kid Violet layer and cultivate this track superbly, right up to the frantic crescendo. Oozing oodles of gusto, sulky elements and massive outbursts while boasting precise, intense craftsmanship ‘Release’ is an invigorating new single. Keep an eye on Kid Violets
