The Hearts are indie trio Alex Nash, Hamish Kay and Jamie Roberts from Newport, South Wales. They have already had some impressive gigs under their belt supporting acts such as Arcade Fire, Paul Weller and Pretty Vicious. They are known for their massive energetic chorus and synth-infused rock and their new track ‘Lovers Drug’ doesn’t disappoint. ‘Lovers Drug’ begins with a soft vocal and smooth instrumental backing to introduce us to the tune. It then kicks in to a high energy hands in the air anthem. With its mighty fist pumping chorus this song is bursting with energy. The strong vocals are full of vibrancy and intense emotion which is reinforced by the luminous guitars pounding drums and shimmering synths. These guys really know how to catch your attention and make you feel like you can do anything.
Stream ‘Lovers Drug’ below
RINSE are Josh Hollingworth, Rich Hewitt, Josh Hassall and Ollie McNicholas. This indie quartet from Stoke-on-Trent released their new track on Friday 22nd April.‘Taser Party’ is an explosive dream rock track that has already taken the BBC Introducing from Stoke Record Of The Week title. RINSE describe themselves as Summer Grunge and this song definitely gives that impression. ‘Taser Party’ begins with a delicate soft riff which is repeated throughout and is infectiously psychedelic as it sticks in your mind comfortably and replays over and over again with ease. The bouncy playful drum beat gives us that summer vibe while Hollingworth’s haunting vocals give us that grunge feel. The verses keep the eerie mysterious atmosphere that will give you goosebumps while the chorus explodes with a heavier sound and fantastic guitar work.These guys have a real talent for creating an atmosphere in their songs
Another great song from RINSE
Stream ‘Taser Party’ below
The Fontaines are brother-sister duo, Charlotte and Hank Fontaine, from Los Angeles, their infectious ‘New Wop’ sound with swinging bopping 50s references has become a favourite of ours here at Indie Buddie. So we were delighted to hear they have released a new track for us to obsess over. ‘Cold’ was released today on soundcloud and remains true to their sugar coated doo wop style only this time they have added a refreshing bit of rock in the mix. They have proven that they are not afraid to take risks and it does seem to pay off for this duo. ‘Cold’ begins with a heavy electric instrumental which softens to a light drum beat as Charlotte’s vocals begin in a soft smooth tone until the chorus kicks in and both the instruments and vocals heighten keeping with a bopping 50s style. However, there is a heavier more modern guitar and drums feature which adds some grit and substance to the song. The verse again comes in gentle and soft before a huge instrumental bridge that is full of energy and almost mosh like which is a pleasant surprise and shows us you can do old school and make it fresh and new.
A really impressive and accomplished track from The Fontaines look forward to hearing more!
Stream ‘Cold’ below
Travis Oaks are an alternative blues rock band from Cavan. The band consists of Michael Paterson (Rhythm guitar and lead vocals),Taran Plouzane (Lead guitar and backing vocals), Aran McGillick (Bass guitar and backing vocals) and Killian McCourt (Drums). They have been carving their own sound since late 2012 by fusing Indie, Blues, Punk and Rock and now have signed a publishing deal with New York based Big House Publishing.
Their new single ‘Love You More’ shows us why these guys are creating hype. This hook-driven track is a robust, powerful song with a cool, slick, smooth tone in the verses, which oozes confidence and swagger. With bluesy licks, thumping rhythm and lush harmonies its a really slick song to listen to. The intro gives you an instrumental taste of what’s to come and then they hold back while singing the verse making you crave more. You wait through an intense vocal with harmonies and light guitar riff before an explosion into the heavy chorus.These guys know how to grab your attention with catchy chorus and impeccable guitar that keeps you addicted to their sound.
Travis Oaks will have a new EP Black Light out on June 10th and if ‘Love You More’ is anything to go buy its going to be a fantastic EP. Travis Oaks have been invited to support big names such as The Riptide Movement, The Hot Sprockets , ASH and most recently The Strypes, at the sold out Olympia Theatre so live shows are something these guys are not afraid of. Look forward to hearing more from Travis Oaks in the future. These guys are sticking around!
Stream ‘Love You More’ below
Bonsai are a four piece band from Stoke-on-Trent that consist of Chris Hough (Guitar & Vocals), Joe Hough (Guitar), Benjamin Hough (Bass) and Freddie Godley (Drums). These guys have created an alternative rock sound based on raspy vocals, psychedelic riffs and steady beats, that gives a dusty drive in a desert vibe.
‘Houdini’ was released last year and gives a classic rock feel, with slick, prominent guitar throughout and smooth raspy vocals. The guitar gives a trance feel to the song that draws you in right up to the polished sensual guitar solo.
‘Ned’ starts as a mellow track with a nostalgic guitar teasing the tune until the vocals and drums kick in. This track gives a youthful freedom vibe. With the slick skill of the guitar as a prominent feature throughout and well rounded drum beats this song takes you on an epic journey. Just the guitar riffs and solos alone are like a path to ‘Neverland’ that you can’t help but follow.
Two really strong tracks from very talented and skilled lads , will look forward to hearing more from Bonsai.
Stream ‘Houdini’ and ‘Ned’ below
RINSE are Josh Hollingworth, Rich Hewitt, Josh Hassall and Ollie McNicholas. This indie quartet from Stoke-on-Trent released their new track ‘Not Too Late’ earlier this year. This song comes after their track ‘Jude Law’ won the ‘Best Record’ Award. These guys have a tight sound and have created a buzz amongst a growing network of fans.
‘Not Too Late’ is an explosive track with many dimensions, it kicks off with powerful guitar and robust drums which lighten for the vocals to enter with the verse. The haunting nostalgic vocals adds a mysterious tone to the song. The chorus bursts into vigorous guitars and pounding drums. Its a very catchy song with lyrical repetition in the chorus which adds to the haunting effect. This is a very promising band with a raw, real feel, definitely ones to watch!
Anna Liese have released the final two tracks from their début EP ‘Chasing and Fading’.’Chasing and Fading’ the title track is a riff base rock track heavier than the other songs we have heard so far.With an intense Radiohead vibe. The vocals have a mysterious tone to them which really adds to the atmosphere of this track. There is a call and response between the guitar and the vocals which is really effective. The song builds to a heavy end with a strong final note.
‘Green’ is my favourite track on the EP it again starts slow with melancholy vocals and then kicks straight into a rock song with full sound and a proper mosh pit tune, with slick guitars and pounding drums and even a scream in vocals. The vigorous guitars are amazing and really show the skill of theses guys. This is a zealous, blazing track and I can imagine it is magnificent live.
Looking forward to the live gigs!
You can catch Anna Liese at the Thirsty scholar, Waterford on the 27th April and in The Brewery Corner, Kilkenny on the 21st May.
Stream ‘Chasing and Fading’ and ‘Green’ below
The Perks are a Pop Rock Alternative band from Las Vegas, NV composed of brothers Andy, Aaron, and Hunter Gorman, and their best friend Ryley Isakson. Since their inception on October 11, 2012, they’ve been playing energetic sets for passionate crowds both in and out of Vegas. The band just released their new single “Enough of This Place” which is a light catchy melodic tune with beautiful harmonies and a chorus everyone can join in to with “ooh” lyrics. It’s a sweet simple song that is well composed with light accompaniment for the verses which builds for the chorus. Their clapping bridge over electric guitar is very effective and has a positive vibe giving the song an uplifting “Imagine Dragons” feel. The simple vocal style also adds a smooth, easy to listen, laid back vibe to this song.
The Perks seem to have a nack for writing catchy tunes and their collection of songs show a variety of styles while keeping it fresh. “Not My Home” is a track they released last year which is an example of their talent. It’s a well produced song with steady beats and shimmering pop synths. It’s a really infectious tune and again the vocals are perfect as they are soft while showing off a vocal talent by moving into a smooth almost falsetto without becoming sharp. The tempo change at the bridge is very effective and we get to hear an instrumental solo which shows off their playing skills.
“Sirens” shows us a more indie rock side to the Perks with slick guitar riff and an intense mysterious vocal in the verses before a catchy upbeat bright chorus. They keep it light with this song also, but show off their guitar and compositional skills.
“Razorblades” would be my favourite of their songs with its groove beat and memorable chorus with energetic tones. Its a fun positive track that will make you dance and clap along.The funky guitar and luminous synths gives the track a spirited lively feel finishing with a lustrous guitar solo.
Perks are an energetic radiant band with catchy songs that are very easy to listen and sing along to.
Stream “Enough of This Place” ” Sirens” and ” Razorblades” below
Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes from Thieves Asylum
Thieves Asylum are a Rock band from Stoke-on-Trent that consist of Joseph Tomasso (Vocals/Guitar) Dan Thompson (Drums), Alex Grocock (Vocals/ Guitar) and James Perry (Bass Guitar). Their song “MEGADRIVE” is a fantastic hard hitting rock track with heavy beats and deep striking bass pulse. With a weighty intro and fierce guitar riffs, this solid fiery track has everything you would expect from a rock song. It has an infectious chorus and swaggering vocals that oozes confidence in a cool indifferent tone while the music explodes creating a contrast right up to the crescendo as the intensity of the vocals escalates leading to a magnificent guitar solo that doesn’t disappoint. This is definitely a song that is worth a listen.
Cant wait for more music from these guys!
If you want to catch Thieves Asylum live you can see them at:
Apr 26 The Shed ,Leicester
May 01 Lymelight Festival, Newcastle,
Stream “MEGADRIVE” below
Anna Liese are a four-piece alternative Rock, Irish band based in Waterford. Mark Walsh (Vocals, Guitars) Emmet Conefery (guitarist), Sean Carey (Bass) and Eddy Blake (Drums) have just released their début EP ‘Chasing and Fading’.These guys give us a variety with their slow tempos, melodic guitar passages, beautiful vocal harmonies in ” Storm” which has a smooth airy drive time vibe, compared with the fast tempo and heavy riffs in ” Psycho Mask” and “Break The Chain”.
” Psycho Mask” is an upbeat funky tune with some distortion which adds a hint of psychedelic rock as they lead into a instrumental break. “Break The Chain” is a rock and roll style track and my favourite of the three with it slick guitar and punchy drums its an animated track that’s bound to sound good live and get everyone up dancing. This particular tunes heavy riff and use of guitar licks is very effective.
‘Chasing and Fading’ is a strong début EP that shows promise and with a number of gigs under their belts and preparations for their EP launch gigs which will be taking place over the next few months we can look forward to some high energy shows.
Stream “Storm’ and ‘Break The Chain’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
