Brighton trio Strange Cages have released their new single ‘The Cracks’ taken from their forthcoming EP ‘The Cracks’ which is out June 16th on Vallance Records .The band have worked with Theo Verney, supported the likes of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Night Beats, and won early support from the likes of NME, Q, Clash, Best Fit, The 405 for their first two singles. They combine elements of krautrock and post-punk with a paranoid, schizophrenic vocal to create a unique sound that is just insane. ‘The Cracks’ is a dark swirling concoction of sinister sweaty psychedelia smothered in a clammy desert western vibe. Driving sharp deliriously wobbly guitar creates a sweltering mirage while punchy drums ground the narcotic tinged hallucinogenic soundscapes. Screamed vocals adds an aggressive wallop to the bruising track. While the swirling distortion creates a deceptive distraction to the massive assault leaving you mind boggled, gloopy and frothing from the mouth.
You can catch Strange Cages live at
23 June – BRIGHTON – Electric
30 June – LONDON – Shacklewell
15 June – PORTSMOUTH – Made Waiven
17 July – BRIGHTON – Hope & Ruin
21 July – OXFORDSHIRE – Truck Festival
Stream ‘The Cracks’ below
Bio: Since forming in February 2016, Pavey Ark have wasted no time in establishing themselves as one of the best new acts in the UK City of Culture. Led by singer-songwriter Neil Thomas, the band have performed on two Glastonbury stages, blown away audience at Festival 8 and picked up press acclaim from local press. Radio has also been quick to spot their talents, with early airplay from BBC Introducing, BBC Humberside and Amazing Radio cementing their status as ones to watch. Hidden Hills is the lead track from their newly released debut EP Leaf By Leaf.
Track: Hidden Hills
When asked about the track main songwriter Thomas said: , “We are just a brief flicker in comparison to everything around us, It was all here long before we arrived and will be around long after we’re gone. It’s about meeting the person you love, a chance encounter within that huge expanse of time – and how special that is.”
Why We Like It: Its packed with rich ethereal melodies delicately blended with warm nimble interweaving folk-rock guitars and sweet strings that elegantly glide creating a beautiful affluent sound. With stunning percussive drums, adding a chunky yet elastic texture its complex and sublime.
Bio: Durham indie-rockers The Retrobutes have released their debut single ‘These Days’.Following in the tradition of spiky, ambitious Northern guitar bands, The Retrobutes have an unshakeable belief in the age-old power of rock n’ roll. With a clutch of new songs fed on a diet of the classics (Beatles, Stones, The Who) and driven by the Weller-esque holler of Johnny Baul, the band unleashed their debut 4 track EP The Show Must Go Wrong on May 26th.
Track: These Days
When asked about the track Baul said: “These Days is about the current state of today’s misguided youth culture. Idolising reality TV morons, offering no love or empathy for one another – just a self-obsessed drive to conform with what is perceived as fitting in. It’s a response to those values and pressures”.
Why we Like It: Its a high powered ball of neck snapping energy. Blasting with with frantic guitars and crashing drums alongside cutting, wry lyrics and a shredding guitar solo, its a rugged kinetic explosion of catchy garage-rock.
You Can Follow The Retrobutes on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TheRetrobutes/
Watch the video for ‘These Days’ below
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Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Vast Robot Armies
Toronto’s Vast Robot Armies have released their new single ‘Dinner Music’. The four piece Jason Thomson (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards), John Agee (Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Piano), Joseph Wells (Guitars, Bass) and Chris Metcalf (Drums, Percussion) have created a garage indie rock track oozing with effortless swagger and subtle bursts of anthem like might. Its slick cool and filled with bright exuberant energy.Hazy echoed laid back vocals and shredding guitar riffs fill your veins with a powerful supreme feverous sound. Sharp guitars add a blissful shrill of ecstasy while punchy drums and rich percussion add a meaty elastic texture. It’s a rapturous delight and sweet honey to the ears.
Stream ‘Dinner Music’ below
Dublin post-punk-pop purveyors Galants have released their new single ‘Evergreen’ taken from their self titled debut 10” EP. Band members David Kennedy (guitar, vocals),James McDonald (drums),Colin O’Dwyer (bass, vocals) and Ruairi Paxton (guitar, keys) slap you in the face with a mighty piercing hurricane of punk. This blistering tune is disguised as a bubbly indie track with warm bright tones and honeyed melody however backed by a powerhouse of relentless drumming and vigorous crashing guitars, it’s a whirlwind of aggressive snappy punk. Breezy vocals and fresh tones create an exhilarating track that is frenzy inducing and i’m sure makes for manic live shows.
Irish Singer Songwriter Lisa Loughrey has released her debut single, ‘Coming Up’ today. Loughrey has previously written songs that have featured in documentaries (RTE Radio1), radio, music blogs (Folk Radio UK, Tradconnect) and local and national press.Up until now, she has been primarily known for her work with Dublin based Alt Folk outfit, The Mariannes. She also won the inaugural Clancy Brothers Award for Songwriting in 2014.The track was recorded in The Nutshed Studios, and was mixed and produced by Nathan Maher and Joe Egan. Performing on the track with Loughrey is multi-instrumentalist Nathan Maher (Buffalo Sunn, Slackers’ Symphony), veteran bassist Damian McMahon (formerly of Tupelo), percussionist/drummer Jacob Fry (BIMM graduate) and Eoghan Keane on trumpet. ‘Coming Up’ is a track that holds the weight of the world on its shoulders but withstands its brutal force. Buoyant light guitar twangs and lush soft lull on backing vocals set the track afloat creating a weightless warm feel while throbbing bass and steady drums add a heavy pulse and thud. Coated in dark tones this track gives a sense of endurance however the elasticity and spring adds hope and strength. Loughrey’s hazy raspy vocals simmer with moving emotion. Simple and smooth the track is foot tapping friendly with an authentic country tone however with striking lyrical depths that hit you hard and cast an eerie shadow. ‘Coming Up’ is richly textured and sophisticated displaying a compelling vocal expression from Loughrey .
When asked about the track Loughrey said “‘Coming Up’ plays like a confessional and deals with the universal themes of disillusionment and remorse, it acknowledges a person’s constant struggle to get ahead in life despite facing withstand from both outside and within. The song itself is also a hat-tip of sorts to the 1970’s folk song ‘Sonny’s Dream’, written by Ron Hynes”
‘Coming Up’ is the first release from Lisa Loughrey’s forthcoming solo album. The single release will be followed by a launch on 8th June at Arthur’s Music Venue, Dublin 8 so make sure to check that out.
Stream ‘Coming Up’ below
Shamona are a three piece band from Liverpool which consists of members Pete Riley (Lead Vocals and Bass guitar), Andy O’Connor (Lead guitar and Backing Vocals) and Matty Colfar (Drums).They have been named in Fred Perry’s top 20 bands in Liverpool, while their track ‘Game Is Yours’ was recently used in the Everton Fc Season Ticket Campaign. They have also opened for many national touring acts and have received plaudits and endorsements from the likes of Edwin McCain (platinum selling US singer/songwriter), Dave McCabe (The Zutons) Nile Rogers (Chic) Garry Christian (The Christians) Tom Clarke (The Enemy) and footballer, Everton and England’s Leighton Baines (EFC). Shamona have also recently been championed by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks, Billy Butler, Spencer Leigh, and Jay Hynd and Ellie Phillips of Juice FM, Bay TV Liverpool. Shamona have recently released a brand new music video for their track ‘FLY’ on Curious Fox Records. ‘FLY’ is classic rock tucked up in a warm melody and tight instrumentation. It’s a cruising laid-back track backed by rich luscious sweet toned guitar and a soft bounce on rhythm. It’s simple yet opulent with passion and soul. Velvety vocals with raspy hints add a smooth coating as the track floods with a free airy vibe. It’s a track that hits you with heartfelt emotion and cosy tones and really warms the cockles of your heart.
Shamona have started to gather a lot of momentum and are set to embark on their first European tour this summer, (including a number of sold out shows in the Netherlands) and are currently on tour in the U.K. check out their Facebook page here for more https://www.facebook.com/ShamonaBand/
Watch the video for ‘FLY’ below
Formed in the honest grit of Hamilton, Ontario, Basement Revolver have seen a quick and notable ascent into the spotlight with their unique brand of 90’s infused indie-rock. Their first EP racked up over 800,000+ plays on Spotify and nearly 100,000 plays on SoundCloud and they have also managed to open for accomplished national acts like Dave Monks (Tokyo Police Club), We Are The City, Evening Hymns and The Acorn. The three piece have now released their new single ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ which follows last year’s EP and debut single ‘Johnny’. The song comes from their forthcoming second EP ‘Agatha’ out this July 21st on Yellow K Records in the US and fear of missing out in Europe. ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ is emotionally translucent, like glass this track is delicate and breakable as Chrisy Hurn’s vocals display raw emotion and longing while instrumentally it holds strong and firm. It’s a slow burner brooding from the start and soaked in yearning tones with a soft beat and electronic hints, it’s a captivating and refined experience. Elastic beat and strident sting on guitar adds a raw edge and organic coarse texture. The sweet soft vocals smoothen the track and highlight the tender lyrics. Building as it progresses with sonic blends winding in and out, its almost hypnotic and mesmerising yet so delicate.
When asked about the track the band said “This new track continues the story. Johnny Pt. 2 was written almost directly after I broke up with “Johnny” – it was the heartbreak caused by an end, the wish that I could have been better, and the desire to continue a friendship. When a friendship wasn’t possible, I wanted them to know that heartbreak or not, I would be there if needed – I would put aside all the things that broke our relationship and the things that gave me identity for a chance at friendship. In hindsight, I have since learned a lot about myself, and that I don’t need to disappear in order to have people that I care about in life.”
Stream ‘Johnny Pt. 2’ below
OFFICERS have released their new single ‘Born in May’. OFFICERS creative heartbeat consist of Jamie Baker and Matthew Southall who write, record and produce the band’s music and videos. The band who are based in Leeds and Manchester have written and recorded tracks for TV and Film including for ‘The Blacklist’, ‘The Finder/Bones’, ‘Scrubbing In’ and ‘BBC Earth’. They have remixed, toured and collaborated with artists such as Placebo, and Linkin Park. Following the release of the their debut album, ‘On The Twelve Thrones’, OFFICERS embarked on two celebrated tours with electronic music pioneer Gary Numan, forming a strong friendship that led to the penning and releasing the C.A.L.M. charity-supporting single ‘Petals’ together on the bands own label (hitting No.2 on the German airplay singles charts), and collaborating on various remixes together. ‘Born in May’ is an aerial slice of indie rock completed with sharp ethereal guitars, elastic smack on drums and breezy electronics. With rippled soundscapes giving the track a bubbly wavy texture and a ruffled passionate vibe. Smooth lo-fi vocals coo throughout the track with a warm sun kissed soothing relaxed melody creating a daisy filled image of bliss. The dark tinged electronics give a sticky swirling neon vibe which blends and playfully contrasts the bright light flickering strides on guitar. It’s razor sharp in places holding a sense of raw energy while also maintaining a creamy, smooth polished indie sound.
Speaking recently, OFFICERS said; “Born In May has greater depth than our previous work, as do the 30+ tracks we’ve now accumulated – It’s all quite cinematic. The lighter sides have more neon, and the darker sides feel more hypnotic and malevolent. We’re more confident in what we do, and we’ve got better at what we do. The people we’ve worked with and things we’ve learnt over the last few years has all helped to inform that. Getting it to fit on an album and put it out coherently in the traditional sense though became a challenge, and we agonised over that.That’s why we’ve taken so long to put new stuff out. It’s time to relinquish that anxiety a bit and just let people hear the songs, so we plan to put them out one at a time. People listen to music in a completely different way now, so hopefully, discovering new music from us regularly is something that new and existing fans will look forward to discovering.”
Songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist Sive first began to delve into songwriting when she was 15. She released her first album of original material, ‘We Are Moving’, to critical acclaim in 2012.She has toured extensively in Ireland, The UK, Europe and New Zealand, sharing stages with the likes of Kila, John Spillane and Gemma Hayes. She was voted viewer’s choice to appear on RTE’s Other Voices in 2014 and has also performed on TG4’s Róisín, TV3’s Ireland AM, ARTE’s Metropolis (Germany/France) and ETV’s Terevisioon (Estonia). Sive has now released her second studio album ‘The Roaring Girl’. ‘The Roaring Girl’ is a stunning unique venture, rich with complex subtle instrumentation and warm melodies mixed with conflicting explosive emotions that create an album to get lost in. From the warm deep melancholic string intro of ‘Turn Down The Silence’ you are instantly made aware of the intensity and depth of the album. The track lightens becoming a little more peppy and bouncy yet underneath this is the menacing strings niggling like a lingering worry. Sive pulls in theatrical elements in all the tracks which makes each track more meaningful and important. ‘Swallow Me’ has a jazzy piano and brighter atmosphere with a bubbly rippling warm guitar feature which playfully flickers in and out of the jittery percussion and jazz like piano.The track leads you down a dreamy path as the music subtly wanders into a hazy state.‘Wingless Bird’ hooks with lush sweet backing vocals as Sive’s main vocals soothe with charming warmth and luxurious texture. The track is a simple little gem with tropical African-fused pop rhythm and blissful honeyed melody, it’s perfect, rich and delightful. ‘If I Had A Home To Go To’ has an eerie waltz-like sway and glide. Full of grandeur and elegant string accompaniment with haunting backing vocals. Its a hair-raising yet sombre drizzled fairy tale. ‘Maude’ glimpses at Sive’s folk tinged style while ‘Humans’ takes a dainty simple approach. Sive’s sweet powerful vocals shine, packed with passion and emotion. Slowly building into a mightier crescendo with darker bewitching tones and rumbling beats teamed with luscious tantalising backing vocals this track again is chilling and goosebump inducing. It’s perfectly breezy and eerie with easy gently sway-like glides that build into an enchanting wind swept flow. ‘Hoverfly’ brings us to the end of our beautiful musical journey with gentle tones, warm acoustic guitar and stunning vocals.
‘The Roaring Girl’ showcases Sive’s ability to gracefully pirouette between genres, effortlessly blending jazz with hints of indie and funk elements wrapped in cloaks of classical whims while creating cinematic images and striking emotions within the listener. The album is mature well crafted and deeply moving.A solid body of work. Refined elegance oozes from every track while you witness the turmoil and emotions flooding through the album without becoming overwhelmed, its satisfying and soul fulfilling. A sublime album from Sive.
Stream ‘The Roaring Girl’ below
Dublin’s four piece indie band The Temps have released their new single ‘Moment’. Band members Owen Soper (guitar/vocals), Alex Smirnov (lead guitar), Conor Kennedy (bass) and Chris Bradshaw (drums) have graced the stages of The Button Factory, Workman’s Club, Fibbers, Whelans, Sweeneys and the 96/1 Festival in Cork (Sober Lane and End of the World). They have supported bands such as The Tapestry (Manchester) and The Dead Heavys. New single ‘Moment’ has already received radio play from the likes of 98fm and is officially released today.
‘Moment’ displays The Temps easygoing carefree indie pop. It’s a smooth, relaxed, casual tune embroidered with subtle little bursts of joy. Light twinkles of sharp juicy guitar inject the track with a succulent spurt of vibrant energy while soft bounce on drums and warm elastic spring on bass wraps the track in a cosy hazy blanket. It’s loose and breezy smothered in blissful daydreaming vibes and relaxed tones. ‘Moment’ is such a peppy fun laid back summer song. Definitely one for those lazy summer foot tapping days.
The Temps have recently been spending some time in the studio so they will be putting out some new tunes over the next few weeks on Spotify and some acoustic videos on their Facebook/Breaking Tunes so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘Moment’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
