Tag Archives: New Music

Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Dull Blue Lights

The Dull Blue Lights are a band in between. Drawing from influences as varied as Motown soul, Nuggets psychedelia and Jamaican rocksteady, the Philadelphia-based group’s definitive blend of cascading harmonies, screaming guitars and relentlessly grooving rhythms lives somewhere between each one. The band calls this in-between sound Basement Soul. Their new single ‘Press Play’ is the latest single from The Dull Blue Lights’ upcoming self-titled debut album, due out July 13th which was produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker, Clear Plastic Masks).
‘Press Play’ is a juicy fruity blend of slick rock and roll. Sharp nimble guitar teamed with relentlessly shimmying rhythms, this track is a massive explosion of feel good bright rock and roll. It’s cool with smooth vocals and a swagger infused cruising glide that creates an impulsive strut and prance. Exuding flamboyance and panache this track is the slick back charmer that will have girls swooning from the first note. It’s a track reminiscent of 50’s rock and roll mania. Once that rich rhythm section kicks in you won’t be able to stop yourself from dancing. With quirky organ chords thrown in and a melty infectious melody, it’s a swanky stride of explosive energy and slick musicianship. Oozing soul and passion this track is vintage cool and sublime while also remaining current. A must listen.

Stream ‘Press Play’ below


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

Motions Two Track EP Featuring ‘Say Goodbye’ & ‘Coincide’ Premiere

Motions are an alternative rock band formed in Dublin, in 2016 by Dave Nulty and Tom Daly. Following an impressive 2016 with their debut single ‘Back to Where I Begun’ and ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ earlier this year, Motions now approach the release of a two track EP featuring ‘Say Goodbye’ & ‘Coincide’.

‘Coincide’ is filled with breezy soundscapes that are coated in dark eerie tones. It’s a haunting striking track that is goose-bump inducing. Raspy vocals lure through the verse with a warning, haunting, spooky tone they become more dynamic as the chorus blasts in. The verses are mysterious as creepy synths wisp in the background while sticky slapping beats keep a steady grounding. The explosive chorus erupts with pounding drums, shredding guitars and spiraling frenzied soundscapes that, like a rush of blood to the head gush with enraged frenzy. This track is a hair raising steady surge of chilling soundscapes and raw emotion.

‘Say Goodbye’ displays Motions gritty side. It’s dark and mysterious smothered in sultry steamy tones. Each note evaporates off the track  with a misty humidity. Muggy slapping beats and a sensual bass groove give the track a stirring flexibility while slick guitars subtly seduce with devilish enticement. It’s seductively dark and enticing while packing a catchy hypnotic chorus. It’s brawny and shadowy tightly packed together and layered creating a slick track.

Motions have stepped things up a notch with this EP showing their heavier darker side without compromising on emotion and passion. They are showing diversity within their musicianship using their knack for melody, rich layering and tight production to create two sublime knock out tracks.

Stream ‘Say Goodbye’ & ‘Coincide’ below


Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

PALAVA

 

Genre: Indie/Alternative

Bio: PALAVA are an explosive 4 piece from Manchester with music spanning across the Rock and Roll spectrum.The band consists of members Robert Whitehead (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar),Nathan Keep (Vocals/Lead Guitar),Carl Jackson (Bass) and Oli Hurst (Drums).

Track: ‘Unwanted’

Why we Like It: Its organic punchy indie rock drizzled in warm zealous guitar and a smooth catchy melody. Pummeling drums add fire and ferocity giving a heavy mosh worthy beat that will have a live audience going wild. With a shredding sharp guitar solo it’s a slick little ditty from the Manchester lads.

You Can Follow Palava On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/palavauk/

Stream ‘Unwanted’ below

 

 Dry Roasted Peanuts

Genre: Alternative/Indie Rock

Bio: Consisting of members Marc Ó Cearnaigh – Guitar/Vocals,Robert McDonnell – Guitar/Vocals
Christopher O’Sullivan – Drums and J.J. Lee – Bass, the Cork band Dry Roasted Peanuts came together in early 2016 as the end result of a series of ultimately fortuitous drunken encounters. Since then they have been gigging and writing new material consistently, with their wide range of influences producing a fresh and compelling alt-rock sound.

Track: ‘Tick’ taken from the new EP ‘Sometimes I’ll Stay In/ Sometimes I’ll Go Out’

Why We Like It:  It’s a rapid riff driven, neck snapping indie rock track that blasts in with slick formation and sleazy, sultry,gritty tones. Powerful drumming belting against raw potent guitars, it’s frenzy inducing mania that is perfect for the mosh pit.

You Can Follow Dry Roasted Peanuts On Facebook Here https://www.facebook.com/dryroastedpeanutsband/

Stream ‘Tick’ below

Rylands Heath

Genre: Indie Pop

Bio: Rylands Heath is made up of Luton school friends James and Jack who’ve been playing music together since they were 13. They combine their keen ear for melody and knack for huge harmonies with a wide range of musical influences to create snappy, genre-bending tunes, ranging from gritty to outright anthemic. Despite their young age the duo have collectively worked with or played with the likes of Izzy Bizu, Declan McKenna, The Amazons as well as being featured on BBC introducing.

Track: ‘Rollercoaster’

Why We Like It: It’s simple indie pop, sweet catchy melody lush bright tones and warm mellow guitars create a bouncy vibrant track that radiates sunshine. Smooth vocals and lush harmonies give us another sing along friendly, peppy, richly textured track from the duo.

You Can Follow Rylands Heath On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/RylandsHeath/

Stream ‘Rollercoaster’ below

https://soundcloud.com/rylandsheath/rollercoaster

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify here

 

 


Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Trance

The Bandicoots ‘Dead End Street’

Ontario indie rock Quartet The Bandicoots have released their new single ‘Dead End Street’ from their new EP ‘Zolly’. Band members Nicolai Kozel (Guitar), Andrew Parkinson (Drums and Vocals), Lorant Polya (Bass), and Justin Ross (Guitar and Vocals) give us a trippy delusional track reminiscent of sixties rock. It’s a dreamy hazy addictive high of seduction smothered in sultry psychedelia and sweet luscious melodies. With twinkling guitars layered upon a soft beat this track swoons with a laid back steamy stroll and elegant glide. Classy yet sinister featuring creepy backing vocals and eerie guitars. It’s a smoke and mirrors track drenched in steamy hazy illusions and mystery which is chilling and hair- raisingly enticing. It’s a must listen.

Stream ‘Dead End Street’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Atlas Wynd ‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ / ‘You’re On My Mind’

Atlas Wynd have unveiled two new singles in the form of a double A-side release, following April’s explosive cut, ‘Mona Lisa’, which secured them fans in Huw Stephens (Radio 1) and Elise Cobain (Amazing Radio). The Brighton-based trio of Peter Chapman (vocals/guitar), Harry Sotnick (drums) and newly acquired Sam Evans (bass) who are barely out of their teens have created a tight slick sophisticated sound with each track. The garage rock three-piece grew up in the North East of England before moving to Brighton to study. Following stand out slots at Great Escape, Y Not Festival and regular appearances at Brighton’s Green Door Store, Atlas Wynd have firmly established themselves as a promising name to look out for in the not too distant future.

‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ is a raw edgy indie track that glides in on a deceptive breezy tone. Hazy guitar and daydream  vocals introduce the track with a lazy laid back vibe. The chorus suddenly shocks you into wakening with crashing vigorous guitars, pounding drums and distortion, it’s a forceful sharp slap of alternative rock. Atlas Wynd soothe and relax you just to punch you in the face with their mighty raw sound and most worthy fuzz blasting crescendo. It’s a thrilling wake me up that shows the diversity and refined musicianship of this trio.

The other side to the new double A-side is a much more punk rock affair. ‘You’re On My Mind’ is neck snapping and frenzy doused mighty bliss. Rapid punchy drums pummel through the track while the shredding shrill on guitars pierce with a razor sharp sting. It’s a rumbling dance worthy track filled with mosh ready might . It’s catchy with Peter’s staccato vocal hook adding emotional power while the rhythm gives a nice groove to bop and dance to. These guys are showing skills beyond their years. Definitely ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ below


Classic Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

The Coffis Brothers ‘You Ain’t Got the Heart’

Santa Cruz based five-piece, The Coffis Brothers & the Mountain Men have released their new single ‘You Ain’t Got the Heart’. The single is off the band’s upcoming EP, due for release later this year. The Coffis Brothers have been writing rootsy Americana songs and gigging around the Bay Area since 2010. They have opened for both Jackie Greene and the Brothers Comatose. They are back with a rootsy rock n roll track that exudes swagger and fiery attitude.
‘You Ain’t Got the Heart’ is a strutting prance and flaunty stride of rock and roll that is infectious and sleek. Bouncy drums and slick sharp guitars scream attitude and panache. The glistening zesty guitar solo will have you on your knees doing air guitar while vocal screams and catchy melody oozes flamboyance and swanky style. It’s a sweat and leather sun soaked classic rock track that shreds everything in its path.

Stream ‘You Ain’t Got the Heart’ below


Indie, Indie Folk, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

James Holt ‘Whatever Happened to John?’

James Holt is a singer,songwriter from Manchester whose unique alternative rock sound, is receiving attention and praise from music industry giants and the listening public alike. He has recently released his new single ‘Whatever Happened to John?’ which was chosen by world-renowned producer Brian Eno for the NOISE arts festival.Holt performs regularly at venues and festivals in towns and cities across the UK including prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in London.
‘Whatever Happened to John?’ is a speedy energetic track blended with rich varieties of euphoric sounds, from country twangs and rock and roll bounce to sensual ethnic sensibilities and loads in between. With a snappy beat and mellow harmonica twangs, it’s an infectious relentless brisk ball that constantly rebounds back with infectious enthusiasm. Slick guitar flickers and mysterious ethnic feature provides a sultry steamy bridge with psychedelic delusional hints. The track continues it’s steam engine pace laced with adrenaline and heart stopping excitement. It’s a refreshing cracking track smothered in bustle charm and staggering swagger. This guy has some talent.

Stream ‘Whatever Happened to John?’ below


electro- pop, Electronic, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From April Towers

Nottingham April Towers have released their new single ‘Takes One to Know One’. Since forming, the duo of Alex Noble (vocals, guitars & keyboards) and Charlie Burley (production, samples, guitars & keyboards) have put out a series of singles and EPs including last year’s ‘Silent Fever’ and have played shows and festivals in the UK and Europe. They have been away from the spotlight in recent months honing the finishing touches to their debut album ‘Certified Freaky’. Recorded at Soho’s legendary Dean Street Studios in the same room David Bowie recorded Diamond Dogs, the album is co-produced with highly revered electronic artist-cum-DJ Ben Pearce and mixed by Nathan Boddy.
‘Takes One to Know One’ is a shimmering synth pop track jammed with infectious grooves and lustrous soundscapes. It’s a sweet bubbly can of sugar rush filled pop. Smooth vocals glide along a rich catchy melody while bopping beats slap with honey coated stickiness. With body grooving rhythm and glittering synths it’s instantly enjoyable and teamed with a Pet Shop Boys vibe it’s a timeless gloopy yet smooth delight.

‘Takes One to Know One’ is the first single taken from their debut album, due out early next year, which is currently being funded through Pledge Music, more info here http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/apriltowers

You can catch them live at
MON 26 JUNE – THE OLD BLUE LAST – LONDON, UK

Stream ‘Takes One to Know One’ below


Album Review

The Strypes ‘Spitting Image’ Album

The Strypes have released their third album ‘Spitting Image’. It was written and rehearsed in the local Town Hall in the bands hometown Cavan, and recorded in legendary Rockfield in Wales. The explosive four piece comprised of members Ross Farrelly (Lead Vocals/Harmonica),Josh McClorey (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Pete O’Hanlon (Bass Guitar/Harmonica) and Evan Walsh (Drums/Drums), kick started their career with a well-received performance on the Late Late Toy Show in the winter of 2010, the indie foursome released their debut EP in April of 2012 before following it up with two critically-acclaimed albums ‘Snapshot’ and ‘Little Victories’ in 2013 and 2015, respectively. The band who all grew up within a few miles of each other, all the same age have toured relentlessly together for over 5 years. Now they return with their highly anticipated new album ‘Spitting Image’ which sees the band take a step further with their sound.
‘Spitting Image’ is a thirteen track collection of tight, slick surf rock blended with their signature R&B, with new wave flows and ridiculously catchy pop smacks. ‘Behind Closed Doors’ kicks off this beachy upbeat vibe. It’s snappy bright and oozing feel good sunshine. With a melody that is The Beach Boys – esque and luscious, it becomes clear they have tightened up their sound becoming more sophisticated while still holding a fun care free vibe.It’s playful, energetic and exuberant as it bounces with an infectious beat with sharp zealous guitars that stride and sparkle with vibrant enthusiastic luminosity. ‘Consequence’ has a gleaming guitar feature that adds a sting to the hazy track while passionate vocals give a raspy grit. Rich percussion and well crafted, it follows its predecessor blazing with intensity and a golden radiance. The jaunty ‘(I Need A Break From) Holidays’ is up next with dazzling guitars and a punky vibe while ‘Grin and Bear It’ bring us mellow nostalgic tones with a melty sweet melody and zesty golden guitar flickers. The riff based infectious ‘Easy Riding’ glides in with a strutting tempo and swagger infused charm. The infectious explosive chorus will have you dancing around the room like a fool. It’s a confidence building little gem, play this song in the morning and you will be set for the day nothing will get you down. With a shredding harmonica feature it’s got all the quirky components you need. It’s the lion tamer of the album. ‘Great Expectations’ introduces itself with a beautiful warm instrumental. This track bounces with a peppy fun rebound. Another melodic delight with blissful guitar – it’s sublime. ‘Garden of Eden’ begins with a steamy sultry guitar feature and sizzling distortion with gently luring vocals it’s the scorching hot temptress of the album. Sticky muggy tones and sensual sway add an enticing bewitching almost psychedelic effect while the harmonica stings break up the hazy delusion with refreshing sharp bursts. ‘A Different Kind of Tension’ brings us back to the animated sprightly sound and ‘Get Over It Quickly’ returns us to the sun soaked breezy shimmy summer fun sound. ‘Turn My Back’ is vibrant with a neck snapping beat and rapid tempo that will have you bopping along uncontrollably. ‘Blue Shades Over Red Eyes’ is a smooth glide of positivity. It’s a shades on and prance like a boss kind of track. ‘Mama Give Me Order’ takes the role of the tender gripping heartfelt track.It’s simple with just acoustic accompaniment yet quite powerful. The rhythmically rich ‘Oh Cruel World’ brings us to the end of the album with a warm twang and African beat. It’s hard not to clap along to this insanely catchy track. It sums up the album well, irresistible melody tight production and extremely danceable. This track will make you want to listen to the entire album again and again.
The Strypes have created an album rich with great tunes. Their knack for an irresistible melty melody is undeniable and their slick refined musicianship for this album is incredible. They really have grown immensely creating an album that is a treasure trove of opulent sounds.

Stream ‘Spitting Image’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Look to the Lady ‘My Name’

Hailing from county Wicklow, Look to the Lady are a hard-hitting alternative rock band, whose dynamic ranges from quiet moments of melancholy to raucous musical madness. Consisting of the lady; Kelly Bolger on vocals, Josh Meakin and John Dunne on guitars and the Newell brothers Michael and Paul on drums and bass, Look to the Lady have been working the Dublin scene hard over the past few years. With regular shows across Dublin. The release of their acclaimed début EP ‘Mechanical Lights’ in 2014 secured a reputation and an increasing fan base. Having headlined venues such as the Mermaid Bray and Charleville Castle, Look to the Lady have proved that with hard work comes reward. The band have been working on an eclectic collection of new material for some time, waiting for the perfect time to release it to the world. They have recently released their single ‘My Name’ along with a stunning video to accompany it.
‘My Name’ is an impressively sophisticated track well layered and mighty with a rock sound that is earthy and breezy while packing a potent punch. Kelly Bolger’s soaring, angelic, powerhouse of vocals are compelling and really quite outstanding. With crunchy guitars strident throughout, Look to the Lady have created a sound and style so satisfying and dark you almost hunger for it. With strong bass and punchy drums teamed with a haunting thrilling melody these guys have meticulously built a song brick by harmonious brick from start to finish, adding textures, tone and emotion and letting it flourish throughout. Keep and eye out for these guys.

Watch the video for ‘My Name’ below