KOU, the new musical revolution by former The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus drummer Jon Wilkes has released his new single ‘Better’ with the amazing EDM artist Cōfresi. KOU brings an alternative dynamic and anthemic progression to the track with a melody that seeps and flows fluidly into the massive chorus with a lamenting tone.
‘Better’ is rugged and delicate all at once.The duo create a blazing chorus and scorching crescendo filled with rich intricate sonics and textures while strong basslines and the nuanced timing of percussion swirl the track into a whirlwind of heavy EDM and dubstep elements.
The synths create elements of blinding scintillation as the track roller coasters between gigantic drops and tense buildups that lead into sudden bass reverberations and fantastic passionate vocal exclaims from Wilkes.
‘Better’ is a song about how the world needs love and we need each other more than ever. KOU and Cōfresi present this through adrenaline-pumping, ethereal musicianship and deft production. ‘Better’ is quite the invigorating, hair raising anthem and a joy to listen to.
Jon Wilkes, formerly the drummer in The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus has released his new single ‘Burn’ under the name KOU, his new musical revolution. Wilkes was a key member of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, recording albums with hit producers such as David Bendeth (Paramore, Papa Roach, Underoath), Howard Benson (Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, The All-American Rejects) and John Feldman (Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, The Used). With WILKES on drums, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus released 3 full-length records: Don’t You Fake It (2006), Lonely Road (2008) and Am I The Enemy (2011).Don’t You Fake It featured the hit single “Face Down” and was certified gold in November 2006 by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies and in June 2016 was certified platinum for selling over 1,000,000 copies.
Ignited with passionate and raw alternative rock ‘Burn’ is a wholly immersive and explosive track from KOU. Wilkes uses light twinkling soundscapes to begin the track, swirling airy synths into a flashing beat, creating a delicate intro before erupting into a mammoth outburst of pounding drums and sharp guitars. His powerful vocals express painful emotion as they bellow and coo the heartfelt lyrics.
There is plenty of verve, emotion and instrumental prowess in this track to make it relatable and a feature on every alternative rock playlist. The lyrics depict how cruel humans can be and how hatred can consume everything. Wilkes calls for everyone to revolt against this bitter hate and as he does so the song becomes more intense and animated. With an acute rough wall of sound battering the backdrop with alternative rock,Wilkes portrays the raw unadulterated hatred while using majestic guitars and ethereal synths to create tender delicate moments between the chaos. Lushly intricate and well layered ‘Burn’ is a beautiful fusion of electronic and alternative rock.
About the track and his new project Wilkes said : “KOU Stands for “Kingdom Of Us” and The idea of running a (KOU)coup in defense of our livelihood as humans and anything that holds us back. It’s about following your dreams no matter the cost.“BURN’ is about how as humans we have let hatred and the media consume us for decades and it’s time for a transformation.”
Dublin’s northside native, Brian Whittington has released his new single ‘Loretta’. Having garnered previous press for his impressive covers of Amy Winehouse and Elvis, and having wracked up hundreds of thousands of views on his YouTube channel, Whittington has released his debut single ‘Loretta’ ahead of his Whelan’s show on April 4th.
‘Loretta’ is a swagger dripping rock & roll number saturated in Whittington’s catchy songwriting. With a smooth melody that glides in on suave vocals this slicked back ditty will have you dancing around the room within seconds. A shredding guitar solo scorches through a groove-doused bass line which wiggles its infectious rumble through the dynamic drums. It’s a clean hook laden track filled with oodles of adrenaline and explosive energy. With a sassy soundscape, vibrant guitars and utter swag oozing from every buoyant note this radio ready number will ignite the soul and charm you to the dance floor.
Adam & Elvis have released their new single ‘Doctor Bad Touch’. The bands live shows combine a love for delectable walls of sound and a natural primitive punk energy. So far they have supported 60 legends The Zombies, Splashh, The Correspondents as well as played three separate sets at Y-Not Festival and several shows for BBC introducing Berkshire as well as many other shows around the south of England.
‘Doctor Bad Touch’ is a sinister, darkly twisted number that flickers with a bright sax melody before the murky guitar and smothering synths suffocate the track in ominous cinematic delusion. Its perilous carnival backdrop dances about with quirky soundscapes creating a crazy sort of clamorous atmosphere as the track throbs and creeps in with a Halloween – esque vibe. With pernicious guitars and threatening keys ‘Doctor Bad Touch’ is both euphoric and haunting. The striking keys create a horror movie vibe as the track spirals into motion, like the chugging cogs of an old funfair ride. The morbid lyrics are portrayed by growly gritty vocals that revel in mystery and obscurity. With a weaving bass line and dramatic percussion the track builds – veering from dark to almost cheery as the track reaches its itchy crescendo. It’s superbly chilling. As happy and equally creepy as a clown doused in blood. ‘Doctor Bad Touch’ is going to give you the Halloween vibe – A fantastic new track from Adam & Elvis.
To support the release the band play : 13th September The Victorian , Dalston
Driven by the peacefulness arising from the seashore where he grew up, Giorgio De Palo discloses himself through his songs, fully embracing his feelings and thoughts.Born in Rome, raised internationally and currently based in Berlin, he decided to pour himself into music striving to find his voice on small stages as a solo artist and his own sound in his bedroom.The majority of his upcoming EP ‘First Waves’, which will be released in the coming months has been created in his small home studio.
‘Vivid Dream’ is a dainty gem that flows elegantly as Giorgio’s sweet warm vocals caress the mellow melody delicately. This gentle melody drapes carefully around soft guitar strums and a steady drum tap. It’s a dreamy intimate folk hued ballad as the track wistfully and beautifully floats upon a laid back atmosphere and peaceful tone. Sublimely sweet and soothing every strum and note coos and calms you into a tranquilizing state of bliss. With golden rays of gentle sun glimmering through bright guitar jangles and a soulful guitar solo the track is enchanting, uplifting and brimming with glorious tones and oodles of passion.
About the track Giorgio explains : “Vivid Dream describes the search for a deeper truth and awareness in our ephemeral existence. It’s about being conscious of what hides beyond the surface, finding answers in the pure and majestic force of nature.”
Motions are an indie band from Dublin. Following the release of their well received ‘Late Night Calls’ EP in 2018, alongside a string of gigs and festival appearances across Ireland they have released their new single ‘Play The Hits’. . The track was written by Dave Nulty & Tom Daly and produced by Alessio Buso.
‘Play The Hits’ is a synth laced dance number luxuriate in 80’s speckled electronics. This catchy dance number is infused with rich flashing soundscapes as shimmering synths flicker and playfully ricochet off snappy beats and skittish rhythms. With a swirling ethereal atmosphere jangly guitars and smooth warm vocals this infectious number struts in cool and effortless with sticky scorching sun kissed electronics hooking it firmly into your brain. A few pinches of indie zest is sprinkled on top of this pop steeped anthem making it a charming shuffle-ready tune from Motions.
Niki Kand is a musician and visual artist based in Liverpool. She is a DIY musician whose love of Kate Bush and The Beatles mixed with her drive that comes from an imaginary world, has given life to her music. Her tunes are self-produced and entirely her own creation. She has recently released her new single ‘Bleeding Hearts’ which is the first single off her debut extended play ‘Pinkish’ which is set for release August 29.
‘Bleeding Hearts’ is a sultry concoction of swirling electronics playfully weaving between twinkling keys and a snappy beat. Niki’s clean, crisp vocals lure and entice over the sticky muggy beat while the catchy melody hooks you into the tracks magnetising depths. The flickering, breezy soundscapes have a hypnotic effect with an eerie quality that is darkly luring yet cheery enough to coax you to dance and sway joyously. It’s light and dreamy with grooves that make you want to move and clap along. This track is superbly produced and crafted. Its sound is pristine and clean with simple little effects that make this an ear worm you wont be able to prise from your mind.A superb track from an outstanding DIY musician.
Stream ‘Bleeding Hearts’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.