Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bad Love
Stoke On Trent, Alt-Pop band Bad Love have released their debut single ‘More Than Friends’ which has already got support from BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1. This fizzy guzzle of indie pop saturates zesty guitar jingles in effervescent swirls of synths while a spongy beat caresses the background in a buoyant bubble of jubilation. With a nostalgic sweet melody, shimmering indie pop soundscapes this passionate youthful track showcases Bad Love’s honest musicianship. The sun kissed, vibrant yet chilled soundscape as well as the bands meticulously layered arrangement makes for a satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
About the track Frontman Andy Gannon says : “It’s a story a lot of people connect with I guess . After a break-up it all feels very melodramatic. Every nuance of your relationship gets analysed while you try and piece together what happened. Especially with socials the way they are ; nowadays you ’ re unfortunate enough to see every sun-kissed, party-going, ‘night with the girls’ moment of your ex getting over you.”
Portsmouth band The Pretty Visitors have released their new single ‘Mystery Woman’. 2019 saw the release of four demos, features on BBC Introducing, and huge headline shows at The Wedgewood Rooms (Portsmouth), The Joiners (Southampton) and Heartbreakers (Southampton).The band kick off 2020 with a live performance on BBC Radio Kent, showcasing six tracks on air, alongside a headline slot at Ice Breaker Festival (Portsmouth), a headline show at Heartbreakers for Independent Venue Week, and shows in London and Manchester.
With delicate guitar work entwining intricate bass lines ‘Mystery Woman’ continues The Pretty Visitors run of rich, mature and compact musicianship. The tense verses chill with a sense of mystery as the band surge the track with moody, luring qualities while the catchy chorus erupts against a vibrant indie soundscape. With punchy drums creating a foot tapping tempo the track coils and twists with a rumbling dark undertone. The band top all this fine musicianship off with a steamy guitar solo soaring above a wonderful meandering bass line before the crescendo. ‘Mystery Woman’ is a sublime, well crafted track from The Pretty Visitors.
Belfast noir-pop duo Dark Tropics have released their new single ‘Badlands’ taken from their upcoming debut album, due out later this year.The formation of Dark Tropics was inevitable. Drawn together by a bond that stretched from Ireland to Morocco, musicians Rio and Gerard found common ground in the form of Radiohead, Aretha Franklin and The Velvet Underground.Their creative vision has bore fruit with timeless, cinematic, pop-noir powered by analogue instruments and retro recording techniques.
‘Badlands’ is a melancholic drift of noir pop as Dark Tropics present emotive melodies with twinkling elegant accompaniment and rich moving songwriting. Rio’s clear immaculate vocals lull over a sombre melody as she creates the goosebump-inducing atmosphere that could stop time in an instant. The meandering piano ventures between deep surges to soft crystal twinkles of elegance as the band build and cultivate a mysterious yet moody song with a dreamy dark undertone. With tense strings adding a lamenting and warm nostalgia to the track Dark Tropics have created a moving and utterly mesmerising number that submerges you in a rich delicately swirling soundscape.
Alternative four piece band Bullet Girl have released their new single ‘Whacked’ produced and mixed by Daniel Fox. Late 2019 saw Bullet Girl refine their live sound with gigs such as co-headlining the first ever TILT at the Button Factory in October, hosted by John Barker of Totally Irish 98fm. They’ve also seen success in supporting bands such as FEET at the Sound House in November. On February 16th they played The Workman’s Club in aid of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. ‘Whacked’ is the first of four songs recorded with Daniel Fox of Girl Band, all of which centre around modern Dublin culture.
‘Whacked’ is a berserker of mania slapped into a fury of punk as Bullet Girl flesh out their raw unadulterated musicianship in all its blood thirsty glory. Sharp guitars lacerate and swivel through the track in a swarm of turmoil as they shrill and soar through the crashing soundscapes. The bruising drum pummels and batters with relentless stamina while the majestic bass rumbles throughout. There is a masterful balance between utter anarchy and tense suspense as Bullet Girl bubble and simmer for the verses before erupting into the battering assault that is the sublime chorus.
Like burning acid the track fizzes and seethes behind the bristled vocal yelps and exclaims. ‘Whacked’ is a well crafted, precise yet messy conundrum ready to blast from the speakers. This track is going to be epic live.
East Manchester indie band Palava are set to release their new EP ‘Singles’. The new singles EP will be available on Spotify and Apple Music on February 21st followed by a huge show with RGM Live at The Castle, Manchester.
‘Singles’ is a blistering collection of Palava’s energetic alternative rock. With ‘Blow Us Away’ taking a strong lead into the EP the band waste no time providing raw guitar strides and punchy drum progressions to create a crashing wall of sound sure to be superb live. Peppering their slick soundscapes with striking bass lines and shredding solos the band build each track meticulously to create blazing crescendos and fist pump power throughout. The sweeter more brooding side to Palava comes in the form of the lamentful ‘Believe’ as the band coat tender lyrics in chiming guitars that twinkle through a sulken backdrop while ‘Next Room’ glimmers with dark undertones and nostalgia.‘Under The Waves’ is a sparkling gem within this EP. The vibrant guitar sparkles through a subtle punchy backdrop as the track flows with a majestic and beautiful arrangement that is charming and well presented.
Palava provide a tight EP laced in spirited musicianship with dynamic melodies and soundscapes. With wonderful guitar work and emotive moments between the crashing instrumentation its a well rounded EP. Palava are creating and developing their sound beautifully.
‘Singles’ is released on February 21st for more you can follow Palava on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/palavauk/
Mike Paterson returns with a new sound and fresh passion.He has released his new single ‘Stuck Around’. Previously releasing work as Mike Paterson, he is simplifying his moniker to just Paterson. Paterson writes, records, and produces his own work. This is his first release since his acclaimed EP “Devils In The Water” (Homebeat Presents, 2018). Paterson signed a publishing deal with Avant Music group in May 2018.
Rooted in a brooding aesthetic and laced with wisps of airy synths and strong grooves ‘Stuck Around’ presents Paterson’s sound in all its glory. Darkened reverb layered soundscapes swirl between jangly guitar lines as the track slips into an echoed dream-like distortion with hints of psychedelia. Paterson provides a dizzying almost confused atmosphere around the constant that is, his deep vocals, which creates a moody almost nonchalant tone through the bubbling whirling backdrop. The track lifts for the guitar heavy echoed chorus creating a sense of euphoria as the fizzy beat lays down a buoyant backdrop behind this breezy ethereal atmosphere. With quite the earnest push and pull effect teamed with compelling production and intriguing musicianship it’s an enticing and honest return from Paterson.
Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their debut EP ‘Get Your Life’.The EP was recorded by Rob Kennedy in his studio in Donabate, Co. Dublin. It was co-produced by Zapho (Ele Breslin) and the band themselves. Zapho also co-wrote lyrics for two of the songs, “Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire” and “Seriously”.
‘Get Your Life’ is a fun richly textured EP as Toshín create wonderful soul smacked tunes with R&B influences and a tasty peppering of Motown. These guys have a tight sound that oozes confidence and sass. They provide jubilant sounds with sublime saxophone blasts, tantalizing bass grooves and superb guitar work. Toshín possess the mesmerising ability to create elegant moments with their music through the use of wonderful strings and vocal harmony.
The funk flavoured licks and buoyant backdrop glitter with swagger and attitude in ‘Seriously’ and ‘Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire (ft. Zapho)’ as the band layer the tracks with lush textures and grandeur. Jazzy keys and warm brass elements create a sophisticated and wholesome soundscape. The guitars in each track flamboyantly prance with a fluid majesty that maintains contrasting elements of grace and ear-splitting, fret-melting aspects with gritty undertones – all while blending perfectly against the driving bass grooves and elastic beat. The band veer their songs from wiggle worthy sensuality to mosh pit mania seamlessly creating something enjoyable for everyone. Toshín chat through the jam-like ‘Get Your Life (Interlude)’ while ‘Oh Lord’ provides that enthralling glimpse into the bands Motown faction. With its sway-like tempo building tension and creating a smoky atmosphere, the track forms the bands transition into a sound which is darker and more gripping than its predecessors while the outstanding recent single ‘Knock Knock’ is a refreshing strong and moving finale to the EP.
The obvious factor holding all these fantastic and instrumentally deft tracks together is Tosin Bankole’s retro, big-lunged, soulful vocals. She commands attention and controls her powerful voice masterfully bellowing with might before cooing with a sultry sweet rasped tone. She can evoke such emotion, passion and sass with just her voice alone – its mesmerising.
Within each track on ‘Get Your Life’ the band flex their Motown, indie and funk/soul muscles to create a sound that is as lush and vibrant as it is moving and honest. Toshín present an EP brimming with big soul stompers, smooth R&B gems and oodles of swagger. The dynamic soundscapes, crisp production and fizzy rhythms within ‘Get Your Life’ is admirable. Toshín have built a fine body of work doused in professional prowess and slick musicianship.
About the EP Tosin says: “This EP is about getting your life! It’s about feeling good aboutyourself, and being the best you can be. It’s also a mixture ofemotions; “Oh Lord” is about daddy issues, “Seriously” isabout being a queen, and “Eat Sleep” is about trying to get theride. Isn’t that what we all go through?”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Honey Lung
Honey Lung have released their new single ‘Be My Friend’. Newly-signed to the cult indie label Big Scary Monsters (American Football, Martha, Orchards), ‘Be My Friend’ marks the first offering from the band this year as their plans begin to take shape, with a London headliner and several festival appearances already lined up over the coming months.The shoegazers have spent the last two years mastering the live circuit, combining JAWS and Basement tour supports with notable festival slots at the likes of SXSW, Reading & Leeds, Latitude and The Great Escape.
With guitars whirring through a scuzzy grunge backdrop ‘Be My Friend’ announces Honey Lung’s return with raw refined beauty. A sun kissed daydream melody melts effortlessly upon the effervescent backdrop with a shoegaze tonality while the sweet coos and deep gravel on vocals provide character and charm. The glistening melody on guitar weaves and coils zealously between the pummeling drums to create a clamorous fuzz-filled indie-rock foundation that is utterly thrilling. The band presents a tight and sun speckled track overflowing with rich, vibrant, blistering instrumentation. With the perfect bitter sweet ratio ‘Be My Friend’ is a triumphant return.
Discussing the ideas behind their new single, Batten explained: “Lyrically Be My Friend makes a joke of trying to impress someone you admire. We wanted it to be an ironic song that pokes fun at awkward social situations and the funny ways we act just to be liked or feel accepted”.
Bio : thanks. is Steve Pagano and Mario Borgatta. Combining psychedelic pop, cinematic vibes and electronically influenced beats and melodies, thanks. have succeeded in creating catchy indie pop with an edge. Pagano and Borgatta have seen previous success with numerous TV placements on major networks including MTV, ABC and Netflix, as well as having worked on records from world renown, critically acclaimed artists such as Muse, Death Cab For Cutie, Foster The People, Powers, Mallrat and many more. ‘Busy’ is set for release February 2020.
Track: Busy
Why We Like It: It’s a groovy slick anthem laced in swirling soundscapes and lush sun kissed vibes. With a pulsing funk flexed bass line that wrestles your mind into submission teamed with swagger dipped guitar jangles and a foot tapping catchy beat – this juicy infectious gem is a strut ready glossy delight. The smooth vocals caress the melty melody with panache and sweetness while the indie pop backbone keeps this vibrant number revolving around in your head all day. Utterly chic and oozing confidence ‘Busy’ is one effervescent cool track and swanky display from thanks.
Bio : Pondarosa are a five-piece based between Manchester and Liverpool.In their two years as a band, they have progressed from garden shed to headline act. Working with top promoters including This Feeling, Scruff of the Neck, DHP Family and SJM Concerts, the band have played to sellout crowds at Jimmy’s, The Star and Garter and Night People in support of hotly tipped bands from Manchester and beyond, such as Honeymoan, Shambolics, Cleargreen and Jekyll. Pondarosa’s first two singles, ‘Crystalline’ and ‘Sooner Or Later,’ have received radio play from local stations in the United Kingdom, and been played further afield courtesy of WDVR 89.7FM in New Jersey, USA and Valley FM 89.5 in Canberra, Australia.
Track: Bright Lights
Why We Like It: It’s a sparky indie track that skims buoyantly on a blistering backdrop of chiming jangly guitars, punchy drums and vibrant bass rumbles. The track travels at a blistering tempo as the band wallop out their catchy and instrumentally deft sound. With swirling guitars creating an ethereal bite the track is driven with intense adrenaline as the tight well layered sound makes Pondarosa stand out as ones to watch.
Bio : West Marsh, Grimsby Mint have enjoyed UK radio support from Radio 1 and playlisting on Radio X and have performed at all major UK festivals. In mid 2019 they started to realise their sound, an idiosyncratic fusion of indie melodies set to beefier instrumentation. Recently they have begun work with award-winning production team Sugar House and taken on management.
Track: Goodbye Beautiful
Why We Like It: Mint have created a frenzied assault on the senses.This briary punk slapped track stomps in lean mean and utterly ferocious as the dizzying swirl of guitars shrill and screech with unapologetic flamboyance and brazen valour. With sensual rampant bass lines, pulverising drums and screaming vocals- this groove-strutting, raw track, is utterly thrilling. There is no coyness about this band they storm in and batter your brain with their manic whirlwind sound that is catchy as hell and steaming from every brash note. With hues of glam rock glossing over the powerful punk backbone ‘Goodbye Beautiful’ is one heck of a track.
Bio: Dublin based singer/songwriter Fi has released her new single ‘Pathetic’.Fi has played many venues around the city including Whelans, The Grand Social, the Academy, and at several of Dublin’s classic sessions such as The Ruby Sessions, Nerano Sessions and Zodiac Sessions as well as performed in international venues including the iconic House of Blues in Chicago, Illinois.
Track: Pathetic
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate tune flooded in dark undertones as thick bubbling electronics wisp and boil behind the moving pop hued melody. With Fi’s powerful emotive vocals leading the track to its mighty and striking crescendo the song ferments and coils with a sticky gloopy beat creating a clammy atmosphere between the pulsing soundscapes. The track has an emotive and heartbreaking tone as Fi’s vocals deliver a strong yet moving performance.
Bio: Hailing from Kent’s Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone, The Gallerys exploded onto the UK music circuit in 2017 with their unique blend of 60s rock, Britpop and indie sounds which gained them immediate attention from BBC Introducing, Fred Perry Subculture & This Feeling.Having shared the stage with Louis Berry, Madness, The Sherlocks, Scouting For Girls, The Blinders, The King Blues, The Skints, Dr. Feelgood, Space, Alan McGee and embarking on UK tours with both The Rifles and The Bluetones, as well as going on two UK headline tours of their own, they are no stranger to huge crowds and quickly sell out their headline shows.
Track: You’re a Dreamer
Why We Like It: Emotionally tender – this delightful, sweetly melodic, indie pop number boasts The Gallerys vibrant sound at its best. With jangly guitars, buoyant drums and a clamorous yet honeyed wall of sound the band create a tender track that is bitter/sweet yet charming and catchy. Lyrically the song is about feeling helpless about a loved one who is lost in life and finding it difficult to get out of a mental rut of low ambition and self-sabotaging behaviours. The songs narrator can merely sit back and watch the loved one being a ‘dreamer’ for a better life. The band portray this theme through a melancholic soft melody, velvety vocals and punchy instrumentation filled with tones of hope and encouragement. A sublime new track from The Gallerys.
Sal the Musician has released his fourth single ‘Drown’. Sal released three singles in 2019 to great avail, with the tracks getting plenty of radio play and press buzz. He also spent the latter half of 2019 playing a number of support shows for touring artists including Australian alt-rock legends You Am I.
‘Drown’ shakes up Sal the Musician’s emotive songwriting as he displays helpless and confused emotions through rich crashing and striking musicianship. Lacing his honest lyrics in warm and dramatic brass elements Sal builds the track superbly into an explosive, tense crescendo. With a sweet isolating melody, punchy beat and striking chords on guitar, Sal attempts to create the clenching, suffocating and painful effect of observing a loved one going through an anxiety attack and feeling helpless in the face of it. The blazing turmoil created between the guitars and rhythm is masterful and echos the pain within the lyrics as Sal creates another gripping, hard hitting track. Sal is going on tour as support for “KUDOS” in February in support of the single. He will be playing shows in Cork, Limerick and Waterford .
Steam ‘Drown’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
