Tag Archives: indie

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Shoegaze

Goldkey ‘Background’ EP

Goldkey has released his first full length EP ‘Background’. Goldkey is the musical alias of New York artist Mike Horn.Working with producer Ben Rice (Norah Jones, The Candles, Queue, Daughter) at Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, Goldkey has crafted tunes that are one part indie pop, one part indie folk. His first single ‘Mountain’ was featured on Spotify playlists Tune Core The New, Indie Mono Indie Folk. Goldkey followed this release with the driving psychedelia of ‘What Am I Supposed To Do?’, which led to dates supporting artists Eighty Ninety, Elliot & the Ghost and a headline appearance at the 2017 Official Jeff Buckley tribute concert.

‘Background’ is a chilled collection of tracks that flow beautifully between elements of indie, surf, garage and shoegaze to create a complete and wholesome EP. From the opening guitar jangle of ‘In The Background’ Horn places you into a peaceful and mellowed world of his creation as the hazy soundscape of soft beats and steady delicate guitar work flood you with pacifying lo-fi tones of bliss. The zesty guitar elements in ‘Rabbit Hole’ and  ‘Afraid Of Love’  add a refreshing zest to the tracks while the sweet as honey melodies soothe the ears in a warm coating of euphoria. Horn’s laid back vocals caress each track with delicate tenderness as each easygoing gem drifts along creating a lazy summer’s day atmosphere. ‘Galaxy’ is a lonely delight that sits almost solitary in the middle of the EP. Horn’s tender vocals coo with sweet emotion while soft instrumentation grace the background, broken at times by a lamenting guitar melody that has a lone ranger feel. Incredibly melancholic and heartbreaking the track builds becoming more heavy as a gentle piano twinkle is introduced creating a bittersweet innocence and elegant air to the song.Filled with soft tones and supple, refined musicianship ‘Prominent Moon’ brings the EP to a delicate and wholesome conclusion as warm guitar injections add speckles of scintillation through the sombre sweet tones and tender melody. 

With its lo-fi approach and soothing instrumentation Goldkey’s ‘Background’ EP is a marshmallow of comfort and delicacy with glorious and intricate instrumentation glistening throughout.

Stream ‘Background’ below


EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Dantevilles ‘Welcome To The Theatre’ EP

Manchester’s Dantevilles are set to release their new EP ‘Welcome to the Theatre’ on the 30th August. 2019 has seen Dantevilles complete a successful U.K tour with DHP, Huw Stephens championing their latest 2 singles on Radio 1, as well as a 350 capacity sold out hometown show under their belt.

‘Welcome To The Theatre’ is a coherent three track EP that grooves, weaves and soars with Dantevilles rich musicianship as they meander their way into a darker more refined sound. ‘Soundscape’ begins the sinister tone with eerie twinkling guitars glistening through a heavy backdrop of punchy drums and tight bass line while the moody melody creeps into your brain effortlessly. With an ominous backdrop and dramatic vocals the track drifts in like a fog on a dark damp night before exploding into a danceable frantic chorus. ‘Save Me A Dance’ adds a tropical tone to the EP with jangly guitars and infectious samba style rhythms while the warm vocals melt upon the glorious ear-worm melody. It’s a vibrant and vivid middle track that ties the darker tone together with brightness and luminosity however this track breaks the cheeriness with a shadowy bridge before the fantastic crescendo. ‘Confession’ returns to the more cloudy atmosphere. With an ethereal guitar display between a murky backdrop of eerie gloom the track flickers between an 80’s- esque atmospheric sheen and dark melodic indie to create something truly satisfying and catchy.

As a whole ‘Welcome to the Theatre’ packs in some superb guitar work intricately entwined between a cinematic and dramatic backdrop of indie pop, and darkly smothering atmospheres as Dantevilles flesh out their meaty and  compelling sound.

‘Welcome to the Theatre’ is released on the 30th August until then you can stream ‘Confession’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Rat Face Lewey ‘Comfortable’

Alternative rock three piece Rat Face Lewey have released their new single ‘Comfortable’ ahead of the release of their sophomore album, ‘The Fall Of Man’, on Friday 6th September. Rat Face Lewey were originally formed back in 2010 by brothers Jonny (lead vocals/guitar) and Mav (bass) with Gregg on drums.

‘Comfortable’ is a battering alternative rock track as Rat Face Lewey douse their sound in rich melodies intricate guitar work and pounding rhythms. The track flows fluidly on a smooth melody while raspy vocals express the passionate lyrics as the gritty backdrop adds a beefy mosh ready foundation. With punchy drums and crashing guitars that soar, slice and shred through the darkened soundscape, it’s an adrenaline rush of moody rock. The growl-like backing vocals add a rough quality to the track as the guitars meander between glistening innocence and sharp lacerations against the buoyant rhythmic backdrop.‘Comfortable’ is another vigorous number from Rat Face Lewey.


Stream ‘Comfortable’ below 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Post Romantics ‘Ride’

Liverpool based dark-pop band The Post Romantics have released their new single ‘Ride’ via DEADBOY$CLUB which was recorded at the iconic Motor Museum in Liverpool with Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon) and hip-hop producer Cal Cowie. The Post Romantics is formed of brothers Connor Cockbain, Cameron Cockbain and Liam Cockbain along with their childhood friend, Sam Barton. ‘Ride’ follows the success of self-released debut single ‘Call It Off’ which was championed by BBC Introducing, as the track was played for 4 consecutive weeks, receiving plays on BBC Radio Merseyside, BBC Lancashire, BBC Norfolk and BBC Suffolk.

With sulky guitars, dark melodies and an eerie atmosphere ‘Ride’ fleshes out The Post Romantics deeply moving and sinister musicianship with a polished crisp sheen. The heavy beats and muggy melody drift into R&B territory while the ominous glisten on guitars, chiming keys and haunting soundscapes take the track into a moody sinister state. With a rooted sway-able groove and slinky persona this track creeps in with a spine chilling icy vibe as the warm vocals portray the bitter brooding lyrics. The track is intense and filled with sultry moments and sublime ominous undertones. There is oodles of emotion as The Post Romantics bend genres to create a smooth yet gloomy listening experience with grace and an air of swagger. 

 About the track Connor Cockbain explains:  “You always hurt the ones you love most. It’s an old saying but it still rings true. Or, at least it does for me… I feel like every relationship I’ve had has started in a whirlwind of lust, and eventually dissolved into two people taking turns to mess with the other’s emotions. Once that initial intensity subsides, all you’re left with is two people who don’t really know how to love themselves, never mind someone else. We wrote this track because we wanted to talk about how hard it is to want to be with someone when, deep down, you know it’s not healthy. You never know whether you should stay and fight for it, or just leave it all in the rearview and never look back”.

Stream ‘Ride ‘ below 


Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Father! ‘Desire Lines’

Dublin based Jangle Pop outfit Father! have released their new single ‘Desire Lines’. Taking its name from the famous Douglas Reynholm quote; ‘Father!’ and beginning as the solo bedroom project of multi-instrumentalist Sean Brunswick – Father! became an outlet of creativity for Brunswick and an escape from the high intensity of Architecture School. The release of ‘Beach Cloud Daze’ (2018) marked the transition of ‘Father!’ from bedroom project to live band recruiting fellow architecture student Stephen Allen on bass and drummer Declan Behan. The upcoming sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’ (which is mixed and mastered by Mark Chester of Autre Monde, Ginnels, No Monster Club) is set for release this September.

‘Desire Lines’ is a lo fi dreamy haze of reverb swirling electronics and chiming guitars as Father! present their tight and intricate musicianship through a kaleidoscopic prism of psych hued indie. Well layered and crafted this track weaves glistening guitars into a labyrinth of electronic indie to create a piece of work that is both chilled and mind crushing. The track builds from its luscious pop tinged beginnings to a heavier crescendo as the instruments progress becoming more raw and frenzied adding layers of distortion into the dazzling soundscape. The sweet melody delicately coos throughout as the reverb laden vocals murmur and soothe throughout. This hypnotic treasure is filled with wonderful glistening facets of alternative psychedelic pop that create one superb gem. 

‘Father!’ make their Workman’s Club debut with a launch show for the upcoming sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’. Tickets priced €5 went on sale Wednesday 14th August. Support on the night from ‘The Elephant Room’ and ‘Civic Party’.

Stream ‘Desire Lines’ below 


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Giorgio De Palo ‘Never Leave’

Photo credit : Zealous

Giorgio De Palo has released his new single ‘Never Leave’. Born in Rome, raised internationally and currently based in the german capital, Giorgio decided to pour himself into music striving to find his voice on small stages as a solo artist and his own sound in his bedroom. In fact, the majority of his songs have been created in his small home studio, where time and economical pressure were inexistent offering the ideal environment for a free creative process.

With wonderful sweet lamenting guitar work and lush delicate melodies ‘Never Leave’ is another emotive calming track from Giorgio De Palo. With a chilled summer evening vibe the track delicately floats on soft percussion and steady beat as Giorgio soulfully coos the wholesome melody while heavenly backing vocals warm the background. The guitar in this track is particularly masterful as the mellowed plucks and warm strums create a Utopian cosy vibe with a melancholic lonely undertone. This superb majestic contrast is what makes this track the ultimate chill tune. 

Stream ‘Never Leave’ below 


Indie, indie rock, New Music

Red House ‘Spaceman’

Belfast indie rock band Red House have released their new single ‘Spaceman’. This passionate indie track swoons and broods through a melty melody while chiming guitars and buoyant rhythm create a soft ethereal atmosphere. The sweet guitar melodies wisp about the verses before jangling and crashing into the catchy chorus. The track is subtly anthemic exuding oodles of emotion through both the instrumentation and vocals. Slightly melancholic the track builds to a shredding, stinging guitar solo and expressive crescendo making this track one exhilarating gem. With glorious tear jerking guitar lines Red House have created one mesmerising indie number.

Stream ‘Spaceman’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Ivory Wave ‘Uptown’

Birmingham indie/dance band Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Uptown’. The song was produced by Matt Terry (Prodigy/Enemy/YouMeAtSix) & mixed by Grammy award winning producer, Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, U2). Ivory Wave have landed main support slots with DMA’S, The Twang, Superfood and played festivals such as Isle Of Wight, Truck, Y Not, Shiine On to name a few

‘Uptown’ is an infectious track filled with shimmering synths and rich rhythms. The track shimmy’s in, cool yet dynamic in its floor filling approach. Ivory Wave have a knack for creating carefree tunes as they add a pop polished sheen to their raw indie to create something truly enjoyable. Honest lyrics, brummie vocals and a smooth melody pepper the track in a catchy atmosphere while the swirling synths, jangly guitars and snappy beat make the track anthemic and ready for festival sing alongs. ‘Uptown’ is a fine display from Ivory Wave.

About the track George Johnson said “Uptown is about a binge of going out drinking. The fact that all week you’ll be texting your mates, planning those big nights out, to just wake up with a hangover, all your wages spent and 20 missed calls off your girlfriend. It just stopped appealing to me.”

Stream ‘Uptown’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/ivory-wave/uptown/s-JOYAz


Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Margot Polo ‘Let’s Get Out’

Indie pop artist Margot Polo has released his new single, ‘Let’s Get Out’. This is Margot Polo’s (the solo project of David Provenzano) first release of 2019, and is being released in advance of a 5 song EP set to be released this Autumn. 

‘Let’s Get Out’ is a sun drenched laid back indie gem as Margot Polo dips the track in glorious jangly guitar and a hazy sweltering atmosphere. With dynamic electronics flurrying around a deep groovy bass line and buoyant beat this track is instantly likeable. Chilled with a refreshing backdrop this tutti frutti track has a zesty guitar line and peppy rhythmic bounce while the smooth melody and velvety vocals add a dash of sugary sweetness. The electronics flutter through the verses while the youthful adrenaline and vibrant instrumentation make this track one fresh guzzle of indie pop at its finest.

Stream ‘Let’s Get Out’ below


Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Garçons

Photo Credit: Luna Shakur

Genre: Electronic, disco funk

Bio: Garçons is comprised of singer/songwriter Deelo (who has also been featured on a couple Keynes Woods tracks) and producer/director Julian Strangelove. Their 2018 debut EP “Body Language” was the result of a month-long writing session in Strangelove’s Ottawa apartment.

Track: Froggin

Why We Like It: It’s a jubilant danceable delight as funky elements glide and strut through R&B glimmers and disco flamboyance while the Afro-beat rhythms create that shimmy ready foundation and infectious groove. With jangly keys and effervescent bass line this track prances in, swagger soaked and ready to fill the dancefloor. With a suave melody soulful vocals and hyper tempo its one infectious hook riddled ditty. 

You can follow Garçons on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/realgarcons

Watch the video for ‘Froggin’ below 

Color Palette

Genre: Synth pop

Bio: Color Palette (comprised of Jay Nemeyer, Joshua Hunter, Matt Hartenau, Rogerio Naressi, and Maryjo Mattea) is an Indie/Electro/Rock band from Washington, DC. The band released their debut full-length album, ‘Vaporwave’, in May 2016. They have shared bills with the following notable artists: Charli XCX, The Naked and Famous, Mother Mother, Day Wave, Yumi Zouma, Mr Little Jeans, The Kickback, Spirit Animal, and VanLadyLove.

Track: Marrakech to Bombay

Why We Like It: It’s a wispy synth driven track that flutters through pulsing beats, ethereal synths and floaty electronics. The reverb laden vocals coo the sweet melody as the band take their sound to a very Tame Impala -esque quality. The soft guitars chime and grace the background with innocence before the song builds becoming more psychedelic and heavy as it reaches its outro.  With the exhilarating crisp soundscape swooshing through the sweet melody and intricately layered instrumentation it’s a polished and well crafted track.

You can follow Color Palette on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/colorpalettedc

Stream  ‘Marrakech to Bombay’ below 

Jack Berry

Genre: alternative blues rock 

Bio: Nashville-based alt/blues rocker, Jack Berry has gained the praise of critics throughout Nashville and beyond, earning him spots at well-known festivals, including CMA Fest, North by Northeast in Toronto, New York City’s CMJ Music Marathon, SXSW’s Red Gorilla Festival and Hard Rock Cafe’s North American battle of the bands winner.

Track: Mad Behavior

Why We Like It:  It’s a slick swagger-dipped, blues/rock number that strolls in mean as hell ready to toss your hair and slap you in the face with Berry’s cool rock ‘n’ roll. The slinky raw guitar jangly slices through punchy drums while Berry’s powerful vocals exclaim passionate wails and growls. Instantly danceable this track will play around in your head for days. The haunting dark backdrop and ghostly backing vocals create a spine chilling effect while the stinging prance on guitars and foot tapping rhythms guarantees repeat listens. 

You can follow Jack Berry on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/JackBerrymusic/

Stream ‘Mad Behavior’ below

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