Tag Archives: rock

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From FAMILY JOOLS

Bristol’s FAMILY JOOLS have release their fourth single ‘American Dream’ on End Of The Trail Records. ‘American Dream’ is blissful sun soaked nostalgia in the form of blistering alternative rock smothered in unadulterated Americana. With a honey drizzled melody that is instantly catchy and euphoric, it’s a sweet luscious two-minute nostalgic dose of heaven. A sharp stinging guitar riff announces this track triumphantly with piercing scorching humidity. Spikey, jagged and a bit The Strokes- esque, its instantly thrilling and wholly satisfying. Punchy drums add a sticky elasticity while smooth vocals coo with a soothing warmth and passion. It’s fiery and tightly knit. This sweltering track exudes soul yet is fresh and modern. There is no doubt about the slick musicianship of these guys.
FAMILY JOOLS are now working on completing their debut LP (still unnamed) which will be released before the end of the year. So, keep an eye out for that.

In the meantime, watch the video for ‘American Dream’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Novatines

Five piece alternative rock outfit Novatines have released their debut single ‘Medicine’. Released through Dirty 38 Records, ahead of a UK tour in November, ‘Medicine’ which was recorded live and produced by the band encapsulates the band’s’ spirit, verve and intensity in its every fine detail. This debut is a statement piece as bold and honest as any. Manifested in the city of Bath, the group are heavily steeped in the pure essence of rock & roll, following the footsteps of giants and knowingly steering off the beaten track, reforming the sound in their own image.

Medicine’ is a red hot blast of rock & roll. Shredding guitars crash and blast against pummeling drums while sneering vocals bellow. It’s anthemic with fiery energy and fist pump middle finger aggression consumed in a mini explosion. Sing along ready and ridiculously catchy it’s a foot stomping fury fueled torpedo. Gritty attitude driven and exuding sweat and leather swagger, this track is on fire. It is mosh ready with a fantastic running bassline, it pumps adrenaline into your veins causing an impulsive desire to scream out the lyrics. I can imagine this track is epic live.

Stream ‘Medicine’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-967907225/medicine-2


Smash Boom Pow ‘Way Too Much’

Smash Boom Pow are Vancouver, BC blood-brother duo Ulysses (Vocals / Guitar) and Zane (Drums). They have released their new single ‘Way Too Much’. The track is taken from the duo’s forthcoming sophomore EP, which is scheduled to be released later this year.

‘Way Too Much’ is a raw razor-sharp garage pop track brimming with gritty jagged riffs so harsh and dirty you will need a tetanus shot. Pounding drums are skull bashingly thrilling while Ulysses’ raspy vocals spit and exude attitude and almost disgust. It’s a splintery fiery track with a sick catchy pop drizzled melody that will be stuck in your head all day. You will have to forcefully prise this track from your head. Watch out for these guys they are just too good.

About the track the band said, “The lyric you’re asking way too much of me” is not about an unreasonable labour request, but rather unfair emotional demands and the psychic damage they can inflict. On one hand, you have love for someone and are inclined to compromise for the sake of the relationship, on the other you’ve gotta be true to your experience and set the record straight. It’s not worth living a lie.”

Stream ‘Way Too Much’ below


Pepperhead ‘Unresolved’

Sydney locals, Pepperhead have released their new single, ‘Unresolved’. Available on all major digital stores, ‘Unresolved’ is the second track-release from their debut EP, ‘The Housefox Sessions’. Forming in 2015, Pepperhead (Kieron, Louisa, Mark, Dan) made their live debut rocking the notorious Annandale Hotel. Listing acts such as The Pixies, The Strokes and Radio Birdman as the band’s influences, Pepperhead opened last year’s inaugural Northern Beaches’ punk rock line up at ‘Housefox Fest’.

‘Unresolved’ is raw ruckus causing rock. Punchy and sharp with pounding drums belting against a distorted wall of crashing guitars. It’s a rapid assault to the senses of brawl ready roughness teamed with a catchy chorus and attitude driven vocals. While still pulverising your skull with their heavy sound Pepperhead manage to add a sensual skin crawling quality to the mix keeping their massively energetic sound multi-dimensional and slick. It’s a booming fiery aggressive track that will have a live audience in a manic frenzy.

Watch the video for ‘Unresolved’ below


The Rah’s ‘The Time Is Now’

The Rah’s are a five piece indie rock band from Prestonpans, a small seaside town on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The band was formed in 2011 by four friends Jack, Jordan, Neale and Andrew and produced 2 EPs ‘Give Me Life’ in 2012 and ‘Living The Dream’ in 2013.They have toured both EPs across their native Scotland to rave reviews supporting the likes of The Fratellis and The View along the way. In January 2016, local lad and friend Chris joined the band on keys and backing vocals.Now a five piece, the band took a fresh approach to new sounds and song structure, leading to the band’s single ‘Sweet Talker’ recorded with producer Roni Szpakowski at Peak Studio’s, Bradford in early 2017. The single was released late March via the bands new independent label, EH32RECORDS and was well received by the music press across the UK and Ireland gaining a wave of excitement. Off the back of the single release the band embarked on a mini UK tour over a 6 week period with a sell-out homecoming gig in their native Edinburgh as their last show on the tour.They are now back with their new single ‘The Time Is Now’, which was recorded in Maybank studios in Glasgow by Dublin based producer James Darkin and was mastered by Pete Maher.

‘The Time Is Now’ blisters, bubbles and boils with indie rock. Soaked in attitude it hooks and lures you into the dark depths of its core with a thrilling razor-sharp riff surrounded by punchy drums and swirling keys. With a dizzying frenzy soundscape, gritty elastic bassline and searing swagger soaked vocals this track is a serious force of nature. Blustery and powerful with infectious anthemic chorus and lush backing vocals it’s Kasabian- esque yet original and mighty. ‘The Time Is Now’ is a fiery brutal bash of The Rah’s indie rock and its brilliant and destined to be epic live.

You can catch The Rah’s live at

Saturday 16th September – Dublin Castle, London

Sunday 17th September – Jimmy’s, Manchester

Friday 3rd November – The Jacaranda, Liverpool

Watch the video for ‘The Time Is Now’ below


Queens of the Stone Age ‘Villains’

Rock dare devils Queens of the Stone Age have released their new much anticipated album ‘Villains’. Eager fans have awaited the album nervously. Finger nails have been chewed to a measly stump as they hoped the Mark Ronson produced album wouldn’t disappoint. Mixing the funky pop production we know Ronson for, with the gritty heavy rock that we are used to from Homme &Co, it could have gone either way. But these guys pulled it out of the bag. They shame us for our doubt with the slickest tightest most thrilling album, arguably their best to date

‘Feet Don’t Fail Me’ keeps the suspense with nearly two minutes of a moody dark eerie intro before blasting into a vivid riff that bounces, rebounding off the swagger soaked hair raising sound these guys do so well. It’s slick well-oiled with razor sharp guitar and a tight rhythm that snaps with instant vibrancy and elastic effect. It’s just too cool. Shredding guitar solo blisters leaving burn marks behind. Homme’s vocals coo and wail with sizzling vigour. It’s the perfect start to the album. The strutting hip shaking danceable ‘The Way You Used to Do’ follows. Finger clicking and soaked in a slick bluesy guitar riff it’s insanely catchy and shimmy worthy. This track alone will have you dancing embarrassingly around the room with its ear worm melody and infectious foot tapping beat. ‘Domesticated Animals’ is a punchy dark throbbing track with a nice little clap feature. Its sultry guitar licks and pulsing rhythm create an eerie gliding dramatic atmosphere. With Bowie hints in places and spooky dark tones all wrapped in a cinematic striking soundscape, it’s a scorching dazzler.‘Fortress’ slows the pace becoming sombre and shadowy while still packing QOTSA’s gritty shaded punch. The rock and roll flamboyant swagger stained track ‘Head Like a Haunted House’ follows with a rush of gyrating hip causing grooves. With 60’s surf-like guitar glides punchy drums and Elvis-like vocals this track makes a delightful shift in the album. That running bass is just sublime. The spacey wails give a unique twist while whistles add a cheeky chappy charm to the song. Still remaining heavy, it’s fantastically obscure and diverse. ‘Un-Reborn Again’ follows the rock and roll laced style however with elegant string feature and sharp guitar stings. The track glides with feminine grace while still maintaining a razor-sharp edge. ‘Hideaway’ slinks in, sultry and stealthily with a hush hush manner. It’s scorching guitar blisters with steamy humidity while Homme’s vocals smoothly and enigmatically caress the lyrics. ‘The Evil Has Landed’ is a spray of bluesy groovy rock. It’s a flexing of their rock, psychedelic muscles between crunchy riffs and pulsing beats. Sinister with hints of sweetness Homme stays mostly in his falsetto range as the track builds to an electrifying crescendo. It shifts becoming heavier and mightier and mosh frantic. ‘Villains of Circumstance’ brings us to the end of our journey with the ‘Villains’ album. Delicate and gentle with sweet guitar jingles and breezy soundscapes the song starts tender yet eerie. Building into an almost anthemic bright chorus, they manage to pack so much into this track. With echo brooding passion-filled vocals its moving yet positive. The chorus is very hopeful and vibrant with sonic twinkles throughout and dramatic instrumentation it definitely leaves you wanting more.

Sweet luscious melodies instant danceable grooves and enough heaviness to make a room shake and shimmy at the same time ‘Villains’ hasn’t let us down. Queens of the Stone Age have been shifting  slightly since the ‘Rated R’ days but not negatively. ‘Villains’ is sophisticated refined and fun while still packing some gritty punches.

 

Stream ‘Villains’ below

 


Neon Dolls ‘Black’ EP

Leeds rock five-piece Neon Dolls have announced the release of their new ‘Black’ EP with the release of the new single ‘Creep Inside’ set for release Friday 8th September. Since forming three years ago, Neon Dolls have been busy perfecting their hybrid of muscular Alt-Rock whilst blowing away audiences on the buzzing UK music scene. Formed from the ashes of defunct bands on the scene, the boys quickly developed a sonic formula influenced by guitar greats Oasis, Foo Fighters, Green Day and Led Zeppelin, as well as more recent grunge and rock bands from the USA. With a growing fanbase affectionately dubbed the Neon Army behind them, tracks from their debut album Imperial (released 2015) and 2nd Album When It Strikes (released 2016) were playlisted on BBC Introducing and their sold out live shows led to Fred Perry Subculture hailing them as one of the best new bands in the country.

‘Black’ is an EP brimming with raw ruckus causing rough and tumble rock and roll. The guys slap up a plate of frantic gritty no nonsense rock to sink our teeth in to, and boy it is good. The shrilling oh so thrilling new single ‘Creep Inside’ kicks off the EP. Slick razor sharp riffs pierce throughout while elastic bass bounces against punchy drums creating a hair raising coarse wall of sound. Sneering raspy coated vocals add an aggressive compelling swagger while irresistible seizure inducing guitar licks cause a rush of blood to the head. It’s a bitter bite but satisfying start to the EP.  ‘Invincible’ follows just as raw and bloody but perhaps with a little more sweat and leather. Gravelly vocals scream while slick steamy guitars crash and stride throughout the track leaving burn marks behind. It’s a punchy aggressive beast, rugged and fuzzed but exuding fire and brimstone strut quality and swagger. ‘Nasty Habits’ brings us to a groovy end to the EP. With Kasabian hints and anthemic chorus, this one is sure to go down well at a live show. It’s jagged and bristly soaked in attitude and brawn with nimble silky slick guitar and infectious groove, its sensual, punchy and a little pouty.

Neon Dolls ‘Black’ EP is a rough rugged blow of sharp bruising rock and roll. They know what they are doing and these tunes are staggeringly electrifying.

Neon Dolls will embark on a UK tour this Autumn – for more dates and info head to http://www.neondolls.co.uk/

Stream the new single ‘Creep Inside’ below


Indie Buddie Introducing : Cloakroom Q.

Alternative rock band Cloakroom Q have released their debut two singles ‘Don’t Come Home’ and ‘Wankman2000’. Hailing from Newry, Daniel Havern (Drumer), Conall Coulter (Guitarist), Dan Monaghan (Bassist), Ryan Elmore (Vocals) and Sean Hickey (Synth) formed after two of the members (Conall and Sean) saw LCD Soundsystem during their live set at Electric Picnic 2016. This influenced them to start a band which had many musical similarities to LCD. Of course, with the advent of Cloakroom Q they followed less of these musical influences as the sound developed with the additions of Dan, Ryan and Danny. Influences of the band “Slint” are present with both tracks due to the spoken word vocals featured. However, the influence of LCD soundsystem is still ever present with these tracks due to the synth arrangements.

‘Don’t Come Home’ is an intense spine chilling ominously dark trip. Twinkling creepy sinister synths create an almost horror movie like start. The steady pulsing beat creates a menacing foundation for the track while ghoulish haunting falsetto “ooh”, between anguished shaky vocals. It’s chilling and obscure smothered in simplicity as the feathery light melody on synths glisten, interweaving playfully and eerily against the harsh striking emotional lyrics. The track builds in intensity as drums pound and guitars crash becoming heavy and mosh ready, ending with the piercing shrill of distortion. This track is weighty both instrumentally and emotionally. It’s agonising, harrowing and brilliantly crafted. These guys build to a fury bursting crescendo while still holding back on some of the emotion. Its like a controlled explosion that is held taut so the intensity and torment remains throughout the fierce blow up.

‘Wankman2000’ is a pulsing psychedelic trip swirling in hypnotic soundscapes and flickering synths. A strong beat once again acts as a constant as the track wobbles and warps around it. Becoming heavy the track builds into fury infested headbang rock smothered in psychedelic delusions. Spoken vocals become aggressive and shouty. Dripping in acid-like illusions with dark eerie tones and pounding rhythms it’s another dense staggering track from this five piece.

Cloakroom Q have presented two chilling throbbing heavy hitting tracks with arrangements that take you on a roller-coaster ride of lurching and rolling with raw anguish and intensity. These two tracks whack these guys into the ones to watch list.

Stream singles ‘Don’t Come Home’ and ‘Wankman2000’ below

 

 


Blank Parody ‘A Tension’ EP

Birmingham rock band Blank Parody are set to release their debut EP ‘A Tension’ on the 18th August. The band comprised of members Joby Fitzgerald (Vocals), Liam Howard (Guitar), Connor Hodgkiss (Drums), and Freddie Shaw (Bass) are making a name for themselves with their monstrous guitars, heavy drums, gritty vocals and distorted poetry.

‘A Tension’ is a blistering fierce six track EP seamlessly blending gritty grunge with heavy rock and anthemic pop sprinkled melodies. The rip-roaring track ‘Dark Pretenders’ which we have previously featured on Indie Buddie kicks off the EP, thunderous and fiery this explosive track blasts straight into the no nonsense sound of Blank Parody. It’s a ballsy guitar shredding adrenaline pumping force to be reckoned with. Slick riffs and elastic bass slap against thrilling distortion and punchy drums while vocals growl with gritty hair-raising creepiness.It’s a blood pumping start to the EP. ’Still Stuck Here’ and ‘Thickened Pulse’ maintains this accelerated intense pace. Drenched in gritty sweaty mosh ready rhythms, passionate vocals, well-oiled slick guitar licks and shredding solos, they stomp through with a neck snapping ferocity. ‘Marching Through the Smoke’ follows. It’s an agitated bruising track featuring a sublime emotion filled instrumental that builds to an echoed abrupt sweet vocal end. Dramatic and spirited it’s a flaming raw track with jagged razor-sharp guitar cutting throughout, backed by an animated rhythm. ‘Underachiever’ relieves the tension of the EP a little. The track is much lighter and melodic, softer vocals ethereal guitars and rumbling bass add buoyancy and a lift to the song. However the instrumental break still packs a punch as guitars screech and sting with a rugged scratching shrill. The all-powerful ‘Snakes’ brings a rowdy, growly, bloodcurdling end to the EP. Aggressive, eerie and smothered in dark tones this savage track is a raging body pounding mammoth. With vicious strident guitars pulverizing drums and a mighty throbbing bass it packs a bruising frantic punch.

‘A Tension’ is an EP that showcases the relentless stamina Blank Parody have. Oozing chilling enraged energy with slick proficient musicianship they deliver a fantastic debut EP with raw catchy anthemic tracks that leave you imagining and anticipating a thrilling live show and wanting to hear more. Each track sets itself up to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys.

‘A Tension’ is set for release on the 18th August with the EP launch night held at The Asylum, Birmingham on 18th August also. You can buy tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blank-parody-ep-launch-tickets-35931608408?aff=ebopdstthelist

Stream ‘Dark Pretenders’ below


Before The After ‘What If That’s It?’

Wicklow band Before The After have released their new single ‘What If That’s It?’ taken off their debut self titled E.P. The five piece consisting of members Skye Norton (vocals), Josh O’Reilly (Guitar),
James O’Connor (Bass), Peter Kavanagh (Drums) and Éanna Malone (Guitar) have been jamming and crafting heavy punchy rock music for nearly three years. Drawing inspiration from many 90’s and early 00’s bands such as ‘At The Drive’, ‘TOOL’, ‘Alice in Chains’ and ‘Queens of the Stone Age’.

‘What If That’s It?’ is a raw heavy belter with gritty slick instrumentation smothered in dark tones and a glossy polished finish.Mighty expressive vocals are the powerhouse to this track while razor sharp guitar riffs, punchy drums and elastic bass add a spine tingling sensual almost luring quality. It is mosh worthy with a richly textured rhythm adding a rumbling almost churning effect, this five piece have crafted this track well. Its slick swagger filled guitar licks slide against an intense lusty soundscape creating a biting strong layered track that is thrilling.

Stream ‘What If That’s It?’ below