Tag Archives: New Music

A Chat With, Dream Pop, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Pop, Interviews, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Two Islands

The Liverpool collective, Two Islands, have released their debut single ‘Heaven’. Its a snappy clappy ball of heavenly delight wrapped in cleverly well layered production and an oh so sweet melody. These guys have written an insanely infectious luscious track that listeners everywhere will fall in love with in a heartbeat. Soft vocals soothe while the swirling blissful soundscapes add ethereal graceful textures and wispy ecstasy. The track is grounded with rapid spongy beats rebounding the track with elastic energy, it will have you uncontrollably clapping along to its dreamy pop bliss. These guys are ones to watch they know what they want and they are going for it.

We caught up with Two Islands to have a chat and get to know them a little better following the release of ‘Heaven’

Tell us a bit about Yourselves ?

We’re Two Islands. We’ve always felt as if we existed on our own island, like outsiders looking in. Taking musical cues from the classic songwriting synonymous with Liverpool but dressing our songs in a modern and unique way; we’re aiming to follow in the lineage of Northern bands whose originality and creative ambition have helped to alter our perception of what is possible in pop music.

  Where did the name Two Islands come from?

It’s both a geographical reference as we’ve all grown up between two major cities and it’s the juxtaposition between the everyday reality of the mundane nine to five and the time we spend making music outside of our day jobs.

There is very little info about you guys around at the moment we are loving the mystery but why the suspense with introducing yourselves?

We want to reclaim the romance of falling in love with an artist solely through their songs, something that has been lost in the internet era. We’re not looking to hide; we just want to engage through our music.

You have released your debut single ‘Heaven’ tell us a bit about this track?

It’s an old song that’s been through many incarnations. Heaven describes the euphoria of finally arriving at a sound that best represents us.

 The track is unique and creative instantly catchy and likable what was the music writing process for the track and how did all the intricate pieces come together?

The chords and the vocals came together quite quickly. The bass and drums have been reworked a number of times over the last few months until we were fully satisfied with the parts.

The production and detail on the track is amazing it appears simple but has a lot going on did this take a long time to develop?

Yes we spent a lot of time in the rehearsal room developing the layers of the song before taking it into the studio.

Its definitely a track that announces your arrival and leaves the listener impatient for more tunes how soon can we  expect another delicious tune from you guys?

Heaven is the first marker ahead of a stream of output to come this year.

Stream ‘Heaven’ below

https://soundcloud.com/twoislandsband/heaven


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Glass Caves

 

Glass Caves have released their new single ‘Swim’ through Scruff of the Neck. With Glass Caves beginning life by busking in their favourite cities, their name rapidly spread across the country, and the band were beginning to turn heads as one of the best live acts around. The Pontefract four-piece soon enjoyed a shift from stopping shoppers in their tracks, to snagging major festival slots and selling-out sought-after venues nationwide. A headline Club NME show at London’s KOKO, Isle of Wight Festival, and Reading & Leeds appearances are just a handful of places Glass Caves have stopped-off on their journey so far.Aside from their rock-solid live reputation, Glass Caves were rewarded with impressive success for their self-funded debut ‘Alive’. In a world of dwindling record sales and chart discourse, the album made Record Store Day’s Top 40 at the time of release. It was a taste of things to come – with the band sitting comfortably alongside arena giants Arctic Monkeys and Led Zeppelin. Now Glass Caves have returned with their new single ‘Swim’.

‘Swim’ is a tremendous towering mighty track. This stadium ready anthem is packed with tribal beats and a soaring catchy chorus. Its made for colossal crowds swaying and bellowing out the “oh oh” chorus. Brimming with fist pumping energy its that track that makes you sit up and listen, while gathering a massive crowd together as one. Matthew Hallas’ highly emotive vocals brings the track into that limitless intensity and strength while sparkling jingling guitar adds flashes of light and luminosity to the track. Glass Caves’ sky-high ambition remains clear to see, as they begin to adopt a more reserved and elegant approach to song-writing while also showcasing a solid ability to produce a powerhouse track that towers above all.

Watch the video for ‘Swim’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Wolf Dagger ‘Year Of The Wolf’ EP

Wolf Dagger is a three piece rock n roll band from the city of Cape Town. All three members of the band have been actively involved in the music scene for numerous years playing in different bands. They built a fan base from playing all over Cape Town, touching audiences with their enthusiastic live performances, work ethic and passion for the industry. The members are Etienne Fourie on drums , Anthony De Jonah on  bass guitar and vocals and Tertius Scheepers on guitar. The band have released their EP ‘Year Of The Wolf’ which was followed by a national tour.

‘Year Of The Wolf’ is a gritty punch in the mouth of Wolf Daggers ruckus causing rock teamed with sensual snappy riffs and a whole lot of energy. The bluesy teasing intro gives us a swagger infused slick taste of whats to come from the EP. Slow heavy rhythm drops and thuds while intensity is built on a sultry guitar lick. ‘Let Loose’ wallops us into their fantastic manic high energy sound. Ablaze with blistering guitars and punchy drums its a manic mosh pit ready tune. With the catchy chorus and shredding guitar solo its instantly likable. ‘Come At Me Now’ slows the tone a little with sharp flickers on zealous guitar and punchy drums. The track builds becoming heavier for the chorus while the guitar shows off with steamy lavish licks. ‘Higher’ is a riff driven headbanger. Once again Wolf Dagger display their instrumentally tight gritty sound where for me the guitar display is the key. This track builds in intensity to a feverish sweaty frenzy that i’m sure is epic live. Title track ‘Year Of The Wolf’ follows next. Its a hip swinging groovy track drenched in sleazy swagger and brawn. With dark tones and lustful howls this track is slick and rough and ready. ‘There Was A Time’ finishes the EP with sunny cruising vibes. Its “laid back beer in hand good times”, with of course the added punch for the chorus. Pummeling drums add a mighty fury and brawn to the track while the effortlessly cool guitar struts in with panache and charm.

‘Year Of The Wolf’ is a solid EP from Wolf Dagger with all the components to make an epic live show so make sure to check these guys out.

 

You can get the ‘Year Of The Wolf’ EP here https://wolfdagger.bandcamp.com/album/year-of-the-wolf


Indie Pop, Indie Soul, Indie-Pop-Soul, New Music, Soul

Just Alex and Yan Etchevary ‘Til Midnight’

Singer-songwriters Just Alex and Yan Etchevary have announced the release of their new single ‘Til Midnight’ available on major media platforms from April 28th. The single is taken from the duo’s forthcoming EP ‘GLASS’ due for release May 12th. Before launching their collaborative project, Alex and Yan both enjoyed respective successful solo careers. Canadian singer-songwriter Yan Etchevary gained international recognition with the single ‘The Way You Want Me’ with DJ Lucky Rose. The song was nominated for the Heatseeker award at the 2016 Canadian Music Week Awards and has garnered over 9 million stream on Spotify. The Canadian powerhouses have joined forces to record the single ‘Til Midnight’, a modern ballad which is sure to invoke the emotions of any listener. Recorded in Montreal, the single hosts a list of contributors who have worked with some of the world’s biggest names, including Tom Coyne (Adele, Bruno Mars) and Stephen Kaye (Ziggy Marley). Just Alex cites Sam Smith as his inspiration for the single, which was recorded with a live quartet at the songwriter’s studio.

‘Til Midnight’ is a twinkling delight packed with soul and tender emotion, its light dimming mood setting smoothness that flows with an effortless sway. Feathery light elegant strings caress the track and sweep it into a romantic flurry. Creamy vocals and light piano feature glide  through the track with passion and delicacy. ‘Til Midnight’ is a swoony dreamy pop track that oozes romance from its core

Stream ‘Til Midnight’ below


A Chat With, Interviews, Video Interviews

A Chat With : Stitch Jones

We caught up with Ross and Watchy from Stitch Jones to have a chat before their set at Fibber Magees in Dublin, to talk about their new album  ‘Echolalia’  and all things Stitch Jones.

You can get their new album ‘Echolalia’ here https://stitchjones.bandcamp.com/album/echolalia

Follow Stitch Jones on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/stitchjonesmusic/


Indie Quick Picks, indie rock, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

The Brazen

Genre: Indie rock

Bio: Leeds-based indie rockers The Brazen have released their anthemic new single ‘Delusion’. The new single follows sold-out shows all over the UK and media support from BBC Introducing, Fred Perry Subculture & more than 25 regional stations for their 2016 debut album Laser Lips. Since forming in early 2015, the five-piece have been tearing up venues around the UK and picking up fans at every gig. United by shared influences & musical cornerstones The Stone Roses, Queen & U2, their combination of classic rock sounds and Britpop melodies has also gained national and regional radio airplay and glowing online press. The boys’ debut album Laser Lips was recorded with producer Ed Heaton (Jon Gomm, Fold, NARCS) and channelled the glory days of 90’s indie into a vibrant set of pop rock tunes.

Track: Delusion

Why we Like It: Its smooth floaty indie, tender and laced in melancholy tones while still holding enough grit and edge to add texture to the track. The addition of orchestral string parts from Kieran O’Malley adds a layer of gravitas and epic melancholy to their fist-in-the-air chorus.Its subtly dramatic and elegant with a grandeur that sways and glides like a feather in the air.
The Brazen will be celebrating the release of the new single with the following live dates –
14th April – AATMA, Manchester
5th May – O2 Academy, Birmingham
13th May – Verve Bar, Leeds
You can follow The Brazen on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TheBrazenBand/
Watch the video for ‘Delusion’ below

Follow our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here

 

 

Alt- Pop, Electric Art-Pop, electro- pop, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music

St. Jude the Obscure ‘Wonders of Youth’

Electric art-pop duo, St. Jude the Obscure have released their new track ‘Wonders of Youth’. Adele Emmas and Christian Sandford who were previously from the bands Bird and Feral Love have created a chilling icy track that shivers in blissful electric soundscapes. Enchanting melodies wrapped in sultry beats create a luring hazy wisp of magic. With enticing raspy vocals that are hair- raising and thrilling it is instantly likeable. The track is breathtaking yet almost eerie with frost-bound electronics cooling the intensity. Ghostly backing vocals give a goose bump inducing chill as St. Jude the Obscure show their skill for refined musicianship. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Stream ‘Wonders of Youth’ below

Grit - Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Mowbeck ‘The Basement’

Nottingham rock outfit Mowbeck are back with their newest single ‘The Basement’ which follows their debut EP ‘Talkabout’. After storming sets at Reading & Leeds festival last year on BBC Introducing Stages with sold out headline shows of their own, the band headed back into the studio at the start of the year working on new material. The band’s previous tracks ‘Talkabout’ and ‘Vaseline’ both received significant support from BBC Introducing’s Dean Jackson and lead to national radio play around the country on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X. The video’s which have gained over 15,000 views to date split audience and critic’s opinions for its dark, graphic portrayal of sexual abuse from a male victim’s perspective.
‘The Basement’ is a sublime rush of brain freezing indie rock with sweet pop melodies cooled with breezy tones and chilling bite on guitar. Flowing at a running pace this track is an uplifting anthem smoothed in melancholic tones. Sharp guitar stings and blasts through the track with flashes of zealous strident vitality. Punchy drums add bounce and spring while the raspy smooth soothing vocals pack an emotional punch. ‘The Basement’ is an atmospheric soaring tune that uses dark sombre tender tones and blistering instrumentation to create a grit pop sound that is compelling and powerful.
With more material ready to release later in the year Mowbeck will be playing a number of shows over the coming months including festivals. You can catch them live at
April 11th – Nottingham, Bodega (supporting King No One)
April 12th – Sheffield, Leadmill (supporting King No One)
April 13th – Liverpool, Studio 2 (supporting King No One)
April 14th – York, Fibbers (supporting King No One)
Stream ‘The Basement’ below

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sarah Munro ‘Say Hello To You’

Sarah Munro is a 20 year old singer-songwriter and guitarist from Hertfordshire who writes jazz-pop songs with a strong emphasis on lyrics and storytelling. She has just released her debut album ‘Say Hello To You’, featuring 10 original songs and a stunning interpretation of the jazz classic ‘Autumn Leaves’. Munro’s music has been championed by Jamie Cullum and Michael Ball, both of whom have played her single ‘For Eternity’ on their BBC Radio 2 shows. She has also received radio airplay on Jazz FM, BBC 6 Music, France Musique, as well as radio stations worldwide and recently supported Paul Carrack on his 24 date UK 2017 tour, playing in prestigious venues including Birmingham Symphony Hall and the London Palladium. She has also supported legendary American songwriter Jimmy Webb, and in January performed a sold-out headline show at The Pheasantry in Chelsea.
‘Say Hello To You’ is the title track on the album and showcases Munro’s beautiful talented knack for charming simple story telling. Displaying her crisp stunning vocal Munro narrates a sweet tender tale of acceptance of ones self. Feathery light guitar accompaniment and twinkling keys lift the track into a flurry of weightless beauty. Its innocent and charming while bringing a tear to your eye. Coated in positive motivational and assuring tones its the track you put on for your sister, daughter, friend etc to tell them be yourself and love yourself. Munro displays a mature voice for her age with control and expression that assures her destiny as a budding star. Whether this is your genre of music or not just Monro’s vocals alone will have you mesmerised and captivated.
Sarah Munro will return to perform at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, on May 1st, performing in the 600-seat PizzaExpress Live Arena. She will also be playing at the Cornbury Festival on July 9th.
Watch the video for ‘Say Hello To You’ below

Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Dome Hall

Dome Hall are a Newcastle based alternative indie band. Consisting of members Danny Lynd ( Lead vocals), Matty Floyd (Bass guitar, vocals), Olly Brooks (Sax), Matt Edge (Keyboard) and Dom Hall (Drums) they fully embrace the clean indie sound with added quirky components such as saxophone and keyboard. The band have released their debut single ‘Marske Woods’ today.
‘Marske Woods’ is a sweet little ditty, gentle, delicate and oozing warm comforting tones. Rich diverse instrumentation takes this track into a mushy mellow bliss with the glowing snug tones on saxophone really setting a laid back vibe. The soft cushioned beat and bounce on bass give the track a vibrancy and suppleness. With a creamy easy flowing melody it is melt in your mouth good while jazz-like keys glide with elegance and style. Velvety smooth vocals soothe while the sax playfully frolics with a swanky dashing charm. This track exudes fine sharp classy musicianship.
Dome Hall will be playing Hit The North Festival on the 28th April so make sure to check them out.
Stream ‘Marske Woods’ below