Tag Archives: New Music

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Jackobins

 

Liverpool’s finest The Jackobins have released their much anticipated new single ‘Nightfire’. This band have developed a steadily rising fan base across the U.K. They have played sold-out shows on their current tour, a number of well-received festival appearances in 2016 and have gained recent airplay on BBC Introducing Merseyside, Radio X and Radio 6. With a recent change in the line up The Jackobins return with a little shift in their sound.
‘Nightfire’ presents us with The Jackobins dreamy silky indie pop side. Its sophisticated, smooth and polished while still packing quite a mighty punch. Bringing their anthemic chorus to new heights by packing a mighty heartfelt emotional wallop. Warm melodic guitars sparkle throughout the track interweaving between the melt in your mouth melody. Its light with an aerial atmosphere that has a feather like float which is grounded by the steady bounce on drums and agile elastic bass. What stands out for me with all of the Jackobins tracks is the nimble proficient radiant guitar and this track is no different. With a splendid display the guitar elements lift the track with dazzling luminosity and scintillation. Soaked in melancholic tones teamed with sweet passionate vocals it’s radio friendly and proves these guys can do whatever they put their mind to.

Stream ‘Nightfire’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Grey Merchant ‘Convenience’

Cork based recording collaborative, The Grey Merchant, have announced details of a 3rd single release, ‘Convenience’ which is due for release May 31 on Spotify, iTunes, and the usual digital platforms. The Grey Merchant is the collaborative recording project of Cork based Indie trio Neon Atlas’ bassist Enda O’Flaherty and a collection of their friends and fellow musicians. ‘Convenience’ is the follow up to their previous single releases ‘Spotless (The Protecting Veil)’ and ‘The Last Transmission’, and sets the tone for their forth-coming album ‘Avenue De Rennes’ expected in late July this year.
‘Convenience’ is a boisterous display of fist pounding rock. Pummelling drums teamed with strident vigorous guitars create a gritty balls out fiery track that batters your eardrums with classic rock noise and stoner rock seizures. With frenzy causing mania and raspy yell on vocals its a rapid bar brawl of clobbering upheaval. This neck snapping catchy track is mighty and head-bang worthy it will have a live audience going crazy.
Stream ‘Convenience’ below


Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Quick Picks, New Music, psychedelic

Indie Quick Picks

 .imp

Genre: psych-rock/electro-punk

Bio: London-based dark-pop collective .imp will release their debut single Sex & Power on Friday 5th May. The topical opening track of their debut EP was inspired by the dizzying last 12 months in politics and society .imp is led by the songwriting and musical vision of frontman James Hargreaves. It began as a recording project born out of a stubborn passion for the love of music, drawing commentary from everything and anything – snatched conversations, TV, political travesty, loss or the confusion of existing in an information-soaked world.The Headscrambled EP arrives on all download stores and streaming platforms on Friday 5th May,

Track: Sex & Power

Why we Like It: Its a euphoric dizzying whirlwind of infectious psych-pop melodies alongside blasts of organ and angular stabs of guitar. This trippy jab of flexible pop weaves with bendable snappy beats between swirling psychedelic soundscapes creating a narcotic pliable spring that is insanely catchy and cool. Oozing swagger and flamboyance from ever note its a wobbly joy to listen to.
Follow .imp on Twitter here https://twitter.com/dot_imp
Stream ‘Sex & Power’ below

Follow our Indie Quick Picks On Spotify here 


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Bantam Lyons ‘When Lips Turn Purple’

Originally from France, the 4-piece Bantam Lyons are releasing a new EP ‘Oh Cordélia’ on May 14th through Kshantu Records, as well as performing at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton on May 20th. Established and revered in their home country, the Gallic 4-piece have already been turning heads on UK shores with a series of acclaimed performances, bringing the band attention from the likes of Mojo Magazine, as well as winning them an invite to perform at this year’s Great Escape Festival in Brighton this May. The band have released their first track from the EP ‘When Lips Turn Purple’ to give us a taste of what we can look forward to.
‘When Lips Turn Purple’ is a darkly stained eerie Gothic-tinged track that packs a fiery punch. Chilling with spooky tones driven by stirring piercing guitar and rapid fierce relentlessly brutal drumming. With emotional agonising vocals this track is a stabbing acute shrilling blow to the head. Bitter and earsplitting-ly powerful Bantam Lyons penetrate your skull with a blistering inferno so eerie and thrilling its hair- raisingly good. A must listen.
Stream ‘When Lips Turn Purple’ below


Indie, indie rock, New Music

Polar States ‘Gold’

Liverpool’s emerging indie rockers Polar States are back with a brand new single ‘Gold’ which is taken from the band’s upcoming debut EP ‘Electric’. Championed by BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, the up and coming Indie four piece have exploded locally and nationally, selling out the Liverpool o2 Academy twice and completing a 10 date UK tour in support of their previous single ‘Elizabeth’, which was added to the BBC Radio 1 ‘Best Of Introducing’ playlist and the Topshop playlist. 2016 saw the band appear at Liverpool Sound City, Tramlines and X&Y Festival in addition to supporting Clean Cut Kid, The Japanese House, We Were Promised Jetpacks and more.
‘Gold’ is a sparkling vivid indie track loaded with fresh bright radiant vibes. Zingy sharp guitar riffs add juicy refreshing burst to the track while the drums add a peppy bounce. This track is effortlessly smooth and cool as the melody cruises with a laid back sunny day dream vibe. Building to a glorious crescendo this track has ebullient zestful energy gushing from every note while remaining calm and breezy. Coated in lush passionate vocals and an irresistible melody this track is one to put on repeat.
According to the band the song is about valuing what you have vocalist/ guitarist Paul Tong said
“The ‘million in my heart line’ was basically a way of saying you should see wealth not in terms of money, but in terms of the people around you whom matter.”
You can catch Polar States live at
24 / 06 – CHEDDLETON / ASHCOMBURY FESTIVAL
30-2 / 07 – MANCHESTER / SONDER FESTIVAL
01 / 07 – LEEDS / WELCOME TO THE NORTH FESTIVAL
21-23 / 07 – MANCHESTER / BLACKTHORN FESTIVAL
22 / 07 – WARRINGTON / FRIARS COURT
23 / 07 – SHEFFIELD / TRAMLINES FESTIVAL
more dates TBA.
Stream ‘Gold’ below

https://soundcloud.com/polarstates/polarstates-gold


A Chat With, Interviews

A Chat With : The Vex

We caught up with Jacko from the Vex to have a chat about the release of their new ‘The Vex’ EP and to see what makes them tick.

Who are The Vex and how did the band come about?

The Vex are 4 people who create sonic noise with guitars and drums. We love heavy riffs and we love rocksteady.

You have released your new EP tell us a bit about that and what can we expect to hear from it?
‘The Vex’ EP is our debut vinyl which we’re very excited about. It’s a single sided 12 inch with 5 tracks. Sonically it goes from punk to rock n roll to heavy reggae to dub. We sing about a young girls gallantry, existence and freedom of speech.
Your style smashes punk rock against sharp-edged Jamaican rhythms and stomp ready beats how do you come up with these catchy tracks and what is your writing style?
Thanks for noticing! Yeah we love these styles of music so when we jam it always sounds like a mash up of the two, we think they compliment each other perfectly too. There’s normally a riff that its based around a song will come out of that.
Do you have a favourite track on the EP and why?
It changes from moment to moment, but right now I’m loving the coolness of ‘Darker Shade Of Black’.
You have a track called ‘Satori’ which is the  Zen-Buddhist term for awakening, or enlightenment how did you discover this term and what brought about writing the song?
I am a massive fan of Alan Watts’ talks (YouTube him). He shined a light on eastern philosophies Toaism, Zen-Buddhism etc, its a very enjoyable way of looking at the world. Worrying is pointless.
You guys definitely like to face the issues of injustice with tracks like ‘Education Kills’ which references the bravery of Malala Yousafzai, shot in the head by the Pakistan Taliban while campaigning for women’s rights to education and ‘Darker Shade Of Black’ a defiant nod to freedom of speech, is this appealing to your following or are these issues close to your heart?
We’ll always write about issues that strike a chord with us. With Malala Yousafzai I remember being really impacted by her story I wrote the song almost immediately.
Whats a live show with you guys like?
Loud, skanking, singing, dancing and hopefully make you think about what you wanna do in life and give you the nerve to go do it.
Have you any live shows coming up?
Wednesday 8th May Rich Rix. The Finsbury in July
 Any Irish dates planned?
Not as yet, but would love to get down to the south and west coasts of Ireland, Kerry is on the list.
Whats next for The Vex?
More riffs, more messages, more EPs, more vinyl, more spreading the good vibes!

Jacko x

You can get  ‘The Vex’ EP here https://thevex.bandcamp.com/

Stream ‘Living In The’ below


Ambient Music, Dream Pop, Indie, New Music

Tiny Eyes ‘Falling’

Tiny Eyes is a one-man band from Leicester, a singer and producer who’s reared himself on the understated elegance of lovelorn balladeers from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. After cutting his teeth as the frontman of an angst-rock band for a few years, Tiny Eyes auteur Joel Evans met his partner (singer/songwriter Martha Bean) and found himself mellowing out. Feeling disconnected from the angst-ridden world of thrashing guitars his band drifted apart. It was around that time that he’d acquired an upright piano from the 1920’s.He quickly found a new musical voice and tonality that harmonised with his maturing tastes. He is a narrative songwriter in the classic sense, employing clever turns of phrase and vivid imagery to weave imaginatively and provocative yarns into his music. He has now released his new single ‘Falling’ taken from the ‘Tiny Eyes’ EP which is due out May 19th.
‘Falling’ is a soft flurry of feather-like bliss. A luscious heartfelt melody glides with a romantic sway-like grandeur. Its short sweet arrangement displays his sophisticated mindful approach. A beautiful elegant piano feature wanders through the subtle passionately dainty vocal melody. This track flows in a wave of dreamy calm tranquillity. Its the Shangri-la of mind numbing elation. With a crisp sound and gentle approach Evans creates the perfect little pocket in this crazy world to take time to  breath and let go. Tiny Eyes is a brilliant and unique new sound that you can fall in love with.
The accompanying video is exemplary of the DIY ethos Tiny Eyes employs in every aspect of his artistry. Comprised of two layers superimposed on each other and shot almost wholly on an iPhone (half the footage through rave glasses), it’s a homemade psychedelic visual accompaniment to the lo-fi retro pop universe that Tiny Eyes creates through his expansive songwriting.
Watch the video for ‘Falling’ below


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Kev Minney ‘Just Another Day’

Northampton’s Kev Minney has released his new single ‘Just Another Day’. Late in 2015, funded by his fans, Minney travelled to New York, where he recorded his debut EP ‘All You Need’, with Kenny Siegal and Jesse Lauter at Old Soul Studios and now, working closely with Mercury-nominated producer Jag Jago, he has created an album which combines his superlative guitar playing and distinctive vocals with a modern electronic sensibility and orchestral serenity. Minney is about to release his much-anticipated second album and ‘Just Another Day’ is the first glimpse of this.

‘Just Another Day’ is a delicate melodic track laced in haunting eerie tones and spine tingling soundscapes. With swirling instrumentation wisping like a chilly breeze against a steady sticky beat and twinkling warm guitar, Minney creates a chilling ghostly experience. His vocals are emotional yet soft and gentle while the strings add a mysterious flicker of urgency and danger to the track. Soft lull on backing vocals soothe and coo with a calming effect. ‘Just Another Day’ is a sublime chilling ghostly track that is well crafted displaying Minney’s own unique style.
Watch the video for ‘Just Another Day’ below


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

This Party ‘Lover’

Brighton based, This Party have released their new single ‘Lover’ the lead track off their upcoming EP. Band members Hal Cleverdon (guitar), Marcus Gilham (bass), Tom Hodgson (drums) and Matt MacNeill (vocals), formed after a chance encounter at a Smiths tribute gig and now release their guitar fuelled indie pop on their own independent label, Moscow Let’s Go. Their latest singles grabbed the attention of Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing and they are releasing their first EP ‘Lover’ on 15 May 2017.
‘Lover’ is a delicious piece of guitar driven indie-pop pie. Whizzing with a fruity jangly catchy guitar riff, this upbeat little ditty will have you hooked in seconds. Sharp guitar bursts with luminosity and sun-kissed radiance while energetic drums and lively bass gives the track an instant spring in its step.The passionate vocals burn with dynamic vitality and oomph while cooling the tone a little. Its fun with a buzz of stamina and energy. Perfect for hot sunny summer days.
You can catch This Party live at
Tues 09 May 2017 – Supporting Purs – The Victoria – LONDON – Free Entry
Tues 16 May 2017 – EP Launch Party – Prince Albert – BRIGHTON – £4 Entry
Fri 02 June 2017 – Wychwood Festival – Cheltenham Racecourse – Alongside The Buzzcocks, Billy Bragg, Inheaven and more…
Stream ‘Lover’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Iron Islands ‘Within These Bones’

London alternative rock trio Iron Islands have released their new track ‘Within These Bones’. The track was written about lead singer, Martin Andrews’ experience of losing his father and all the money made from the downloads are going to the British Heart Foundation.
‘Within These Bones’ is a delicate heartfelt slow jam. Elegant piano gently glides throughout the track with a free flowing innocence while the cushioned drums and strong bass give support and strength to this emotional tender song. Though the subject matter is sombre and raw the instrumentation maintains a hopeful bounce and positivity almost like a comforting warm blanket against the harsh reality. Iron Islands beautifully portray this emotional story of coming to grips with the loss of a loved one with dignity and superb elegance.
You can buy ‘Within These Bones’ here https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/within-these-bones-single/id1231961345

 

Stream ‘Within These Bones’ below