Tag Archives: Synth Rock

Everywhere ‘Fiction Act’ EP

London Alt Rock band Everywhere have announced the release of their second EP ‘Fiction Act’ available on iTunes December 9. This follows the success of acclaimed track ‘Some Other Dude’. The Band recently finished their first proper UK tour with stops in Brighton, Liverpool and Glasgow amongst others. Since their Hypemachine charting debut ‘Eddie’, Everywhere’s music has been streamed millions of times on YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify. They made their first International appearance at the 2013 NME Awards in the UK, playing alongside Django Django and Palma Violets, and later went on to support the Kaiser Chiefs and headline Notting Hill Arts Club in London. The lead single on the EP ‘Some Other Dude’ now has over 1 million plays on Spotify and gained them a feature on BBC Introducing London. This advance success certainly helped pave the way for ‘Fiction Act’. During the recording process of the EP the boys have divided their time between Stockholm, Los Angeles and London to collaborate with multiple producers, including American hit maker Mark Needham (The 1975, The Killers).
‘Shades At Night’ kicks off the ‘Fiction Act’ EP giving us a massive anthem to wrap our ears around. Rich with a luxurious ear-worm melody and a ravishing textured rhythm that gives the track depth leaving you craving more. Shimmering synths keep the track bright and glowing with dazzling scintillation that evokes thoughts of an arena worthy flashing lights display. Its a track that is sure to have a live audience on their feet jumping , dancing and bellowing out the sing-along lyrics. An explosive attention grabbing start to the EP. ‘Heroine’ follows gushing with high spirited energy and lush soaring vocals. Snappy beat gives the track steady bounce and lift while the weaving melodies on synths add a spacey aerial feel. This track is well formed and crafted giving us lavish textures to devour. ‘Some Other Dude’ follows next, a track which we previously featured on Indie Buddie. Its a “go for it” piece of advise full of “carpe diem” vibes and fist pumping high energy. With escalating dynamic vocals, elastic groovy bass and bopping punchy drums this track oozes swagger infused dance vibes. You wont be able to sit still with another irresistibly catchy chorus, its a crowd pleaser. ‘ Let It Go’ brings the EP to a tender close. Synths glitter and glisten with gentle elegance. The track twinkles and sparkles delicately becoming more intense and rich for the chorus. Soaring backing vocals add a dreamy hazy vibe to the track. Its a beautiful graceful end to the EP.
‘Fiction Act’ is a treasure trove of rich melodies that shows Everywhere are blossoming into something quite potent. They are a band that should most definitely be sought after.
Stream ‘Fiction Act’ below

 

Live Show Review Of Bastille supported By Rationale and Keywest

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The first time British four-piece Bastille were in Dublin they performed in the Academy 2 we find them on their return to Dublin headlining the 3Arena. Fans queued in the cold from morning just to get to the front. Its a long wait but they assure me its worth it.
Rationale has the grilling task of kicking off the show which I’m sure is nerve wrecking for any band, but Rationale take it in their stride. Tinashé Fazakerly possesses a mixture of Michael Jackson moves with Mick Jagger swagger and Elvis Costello charisma and magnetism. This fresh faced charmer has all the girls going wild. With his energy and pizzazz alone he has the arena in the palm of his20161110_193910 hand. He struts up and down the stage with dramatic poses and dance bursts. Not only is Fazakerly a fantastic performer combined with his powerful voice Rationale make an impression that will not be forgotten. With funky tracks sprinkled with soul and coated in body shaking sonic waves Rationale make sure that you not only hear the music you feel it through ever fibre of your being. ‘Fast Lane’ revs up the crowd in this delirious energetic yet soulful frenzy. The pulsing snappy beat and sweet luscious tones on guitar that, might I add look really slick played live. The power, punch and multi texture that the synths provide give the tracks luxurious layers making these tracks deluxe and infectious. Fazakerly gets the crowd dancing and engaging so effortlessly with his magnetism and humorous banter. I found myself gushing about how brilliant Rationale was long after the show. I would highly recommend seeing them live!
Keywest bring the antsy crowd closer to their headline act with an energetic set of tenacious rumbling drum beats and piercing guitar. Lead singer Andrew Kavanagh’s playful banter and cheeky Irish wit keeps the crowd engaged and hyped as they belt out track after track relishing the arena opportunity. Its obvious that Keywest are arena ready as they comfortably draw the crowd in and engage themkeywest-2 in a sing along. The quintet made the arena seem like an intimate gig as they held onto their raw fresh energy that too often gets lost at an arena show with over production. Though probably well rehearsed parts seem to be off the cuff and spontaneous which was refreshing and the crowd lapped it up savouring every moment,  proud of the lads achievements from busking roots to the 3arena. Despite the constant reminder from Kavanagh, I cant seem to remember where they will be playing next though……..(March 31st The Olympia Theatre)
Waiting in anticipation the crowd watch a televised feature of a grumbling tightly wound TV newscaster which plays across the four screens of the 3Arena’s stage, if you watch the videos and are one of those devoted  Bastille followers, you will understand the feature if not its still entertaining to watch. This does drag on a bit longer than desired by the audience as they begin to get excited and scream over the safety announcements hoping it was the announcement of the band. When the crowd become really hungry Bastille take to the stage complete with a string and brass section. Opening with ‘Set Me Free’ frontman Dan Smith spirals round the stage in his “Wild World Corporation” t-shirt,  a brand everyone in the arena is well familiar with by now. Bastille blast through their set list with a hurricane of high powered anthems. Its all frantic pogo – jumping and dancing as Bastille step things up with a dazzling flashing lights display leaving their army of adoring fans in thrilling awe of their magnificence. Smith stops to thank his fans after every song humbled and grateful for every bit of support they give him. One thing that really sets Bastille apart from most arena bands out there is their love and genuine appreciation for their fans and this love is returned to them in its masses by their devotees. ‘Flaws’ queues Smiths brave entry into the crowd. As he makes his way to a podium in the centre of the arena he is pulled back and forth, not fazed by this he jumps and dances amongst the crowd amazingly his vocals bar a few shakes remain remarkably intact. Truly humbled by the bastille-1turnout and the support Smith recalls the last time they were in Dublin in the Academy 2 and once again thanks the crowd. We only receive brief breaks from the intense energy with the slower sweet lull of ‘These Four Walls'(The Ballad Of Perry Smith). ‘Rhythm is a Dancer’ sees Smith rush back into the crowd as he encourages the entire arena to dance with him and we witness a sea of jumping as everyone on the floor joins in. Feeling tired from dancing song after song I decide to rest a bit until they explode into ‘Good Grief’ and although my legs felt like they could buckle under me I jumped and danced anyway (feeling the pain of that decision the next day I still regret nothing).
The quartet walk off stage and we await the encore. The crowd chant “Olé, Olé, Olé” to encourage the bands swift return. The lights focus on a spot high up in the rafters where Smith is sitting out over bastille-2a fire exit stairwell. Backed by guitarist Will Farquarson they sing ‘Two Evils’ not fazed by the height Smith waves at fans in the balcony. No-one feels left out when Bastille perform, they include and engage with everyone even if it is at dangerous heights. ‘Icarus’ returns Smith and Farquarson to the stage and the crowd bellow out the lyrics while Smith spins about the stage and pirouettes with bliss. This manic and energetic set comes to a close with their biggest hit and much loved ‘Pompeii’. Keywest and Rationale are invited on stage to help them out. An outburst of singing from the crowd and massive sound of all the acts on stage lifts the song into legendary status. The three acts on stage and the audience experience a special moment of euphoria and elation leaving everyone in an ecstatic high as they leave the venue.

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Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Idle Frets

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Liverpool band Idle Frets are Ben (Guitar, Vocals), Dave (Guitar), Luke (Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals) and Erin (Drums, Backing Vocals). They have been wowing crowds all over the country with their live shows and now the four piece are back with their new single ‘Glow’. It’s a big-hitting single that exudes effortless cool tones and exhibits the bands arena-ready all driving, rousing indie. Dripping in sticky hot summer night vibes and layered syrupy synths ‘Glow’ shimmers and glitters with gooey sweltering radiance. Raspy emotive vocals ooze charisma and smooth cool swagger. The driving rhythm creates heart racing indie that is fist pumping anthem ready. With slick edgy guitar and a dynamic malleable slap on bass Idle Frets have created a track that is richly textured with an instantly catchy massive chorus. Its a killer radio worthy ear-worm. These guys are ones to watch.
You can catch Idle Frets live at:
11/11 – The Bristol Pear, Birmingham
10/12 – Arts Club Loft, Liverpool
15/12 – Sofar Sounds, Manchester
16/12 – Sofar Sounds, London
17/12 – Camden Assembly, London
Stream ‘Glow’ below

https://soundcloud.com/idle-frets/glow-1

St Van Cortlandt & the 101 ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’

St Van Cortlandt & the 101 have released the first track off their forth coming EP ‘The Lion Tree’.  The single ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’ is about a “younger brother’s relationship with his older brother. It touches on the ideas of idolising an older sibling to the point of wanting to be them, while still being sheltered and protected and guided by them almost to a point that it becomes unhealthy”. Band members Daniel Van Cortlandt (Vocals/Guitar), Troy Fannin (Lead Guitar/Vocals), Chika Obiora (Bass), David LeBlanc (Drums) and Matthew Watanabe (Keyboards) display their straight shooter beefy rock with ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’. Its a “bull by the horns’ punchy energetic track. With thumping drums and raspy rugged vocals that give the track muscle and a meaty substance. The mighty driving riff pulses throughout the track keeping a flexible energy and power. While that forceful bounce beat is the strong arm giving the track sturdiness and support. The refreshing addition of keyboard softens the track a little and adds a sticky slap of psychedelia that takes St Van Cortlandt & the 101 to another level and makes their sound unique.
Stream ‘Like The Arrow Miss The Stone’ below

https://soundcloud.com/stvc101/like-the-arrow-miss-the-stone

Divine Youth ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’

Divine Youth comprise of members Dan Sheldon (Guitar/Vocals), Michael Sheldon (Bass/Vocals) and Liam Kaye (Drums) from Stoke-on-Trent. They released their track ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’ a few months ago. The indie trio caught our eye as they produce a unique sound with vibes reminiscent of Pulp and the early noughties guitar bands. ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’ is an energetic spirited track that is muted or somewhat subdued while still remaining lively. The track is coated in nostalgic tones with Sheldon’s raspy whispered vocals adding a haunting inviting quality. The vocals manage to be soft yet ooze passion with a sort of scream- like dampened yell or howl. Divine Youth draw the listener in with a mysterious alluring quality and captivating magnetism. With driving enchanting euphoric guitars and elastic springy rhythm that add a dreamy calming effect that is soothing yet sorrowful.
Divine Youth are an innovate unique band that have a bright future ahead.
Stream ‘Please Pour Away Those Petrol Eyes’ below

Ape Rising ‘King of the Universe’

Ape Rising are an Irish Synth infused rock band. Band members Johno Leader (guitar, vocals, Peter Donohue (guitar, vocals),Peter Denton (keys, vocals),Jimmy Deface (bass, vocals) and Fran Mc Donnell (drums) have released their debut single ‘King of the Universe’ which was recorded in-house by frontman Johno Leader. With a sound that will transport you to a space adventure retro rock era, jammed with soaring vocals and floating backing vocals. The track is energetic with a melody doused in aerial vibes fused with atmospheric animated synths. The vigorous spirited guitar intensifies the track and gives an edge while the elastic beat adds a playful bounce and punch. ‘King of the Universe’ is layered and alive with textures which give a trippy trance effect that draws you into the track.
A strong debut from Ape Rising.
Watch ‘King of the Universe’ below

Atlantic Fire ‘Running Out’

Atlantic Fire are a Synth heavy pop/rock band from Guildford. The band consists of members Gary Nicks (vocals & guitar) Ryan Nicks (Drums, synths & backing vocals) Will Gray (lead guitar,synths & backing vocals) Ian Cooke (bass & synths).They have released their debut single ‘Running Out’ and have recently finished their debut album which will be released later this year.
‘Running Out’ is a tightly compact melodic indie track, featuring soft dynamic synths and a flexible spongy beat. The sharp sting of the guitar adds an edge to the track while soaring backing vocals raises the track and gives an aerial feel. The song is coated in a melancholy nostalgic tone which is highlighted perfectly by the synths and wistful vocals. The track flows fluidly and consistently with bright tones acting as a ray of sunlight provided by the zealous guitars illuminating and raising the song up. The synths add a contrasting eerie and mysterious tone to the track at times which disperses for the vitalising and energising crescendo.
A strong debut from Atlantic Fire
Stream ‘Running Out’ below

Everywhere ‘Some Other Dude’

Everywhere are an alternative rock band from London. The band consists of members Max Berga (Vocals), Joe Sanders (Bass), Hugo Hadji (Guitar), Boris Massot (Drums) and Joe Bates (Keys). Since their Hypemachine charting debut ‘Eddie’, Everywhere’s music has been streamed millions of times on YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify. They made their first International appearance at the 2013 NME Awards in the UK, playing alongside Django Django and Palma Violets, and later went on to support the Kaiser Chiefs and headline Notting Hill Arts Club in London. Following the release of their critically praised single ‘Shades At Night’ the five piece have released a new track ‘Some Other Dude’. It is the second single off their ‘Sophomore’ EP due out in September this year. During the recording process of the new EP the band have divided their time between Stockholm, Los Angeles and London to collaborate with multiple producers, including American hit maker Mark Needham (The 1975, The Killers).
‘Some Other Dude’ gives us a taste of what we can expect from their EP. The track is “about the importance of seizing an opportunity before it goes out the window”. Its a fist pumping high energy confidence building anthem with escalating dynamic vocals teamed with soaring chorus and infectious melody. The elastic groovy bass and bopping punchy drums gives this track a dance effect and a  “carpe diem” feel. Its bursting with energetic “go for it” attitude. The accelerated luminous guitar raises your spirits adding that feel good factor. The soft shimmering synths gives a subtle upsurge and encouraging burst to the track. ‘Some Other Dude’ is richly textured with a fantastic uplifting melody. It will have you dancing ridiculously around the room in no time.
Stream ‘Some Other Dude’ below

Delamere ‘Black & White Space’

Delamere are an alternative band from Stoke-on-Trent, band members James Fitchford (guitar, keys & vocals), Ashley Egerton (guitar), Richard Dawson (bass) and Will Mason (drums & electronics) signed to Scruff of the Neck Records in the Summer of 2014 after their first singles earned early airplay and acclaim from the likes of Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing in Stoke, with later releases ‘Bright Young Things’ and ‘Heart’ being aired on National Television on Channel 4’s Made in Chelsea and Sky Sports’ Soccer AM. The band have also supported acts such as Peace and Palma Violets. Last year saw the band play festivals such as Dot to Dot and Tramlines, while 2016 saw them make appearances at renowned industry showcase festivals The Great Escape, Live At Leeds and International Music Summit in Ibiza. The four piece are set to release their self-titled debut album which was recorded at Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios (Blossoms, The Coral) with producer Rich Turvey. Their lead single ‘Kill It’ was met with rapturous response from fans and critics alike and they have just released their second single from the album ‘Black & White Space’.
‘Black & White Space’ is a richly textured melodic track that acts as a labyrinth tightly layered and twisted in intricate instrumentation. Its soft percussion gives a steady foundation to the track while the sparkling swirling synths give us that circular aerial feel. Fitchford’s vocals are soft and velvety and add a delicate quality to the track while the guitars twinkle with a gentle melody that illuminates the track and lifts it into a new dimension.
You can catch Delamere on their third UK tour at

SAT 13/08/16 | THE BODEGA | NOTTINGHAM
FRI 19/08/16 | ALL SAINTS CHURCH | LEEK
TUE 23/08/16 | THE POLAR BEAR | HULL
FRI 26/08/16 | ALSO KNOWN AS | BANBURY
SAT 27/08/16 | ASHCOMBURY FESTIVAL
SUN 28/08/16 | ACTRESS & BISHOP | BIRMINGHAM
TUE 30/08/16 | SOFAR SOUNDS | LEEDS
WED 31/08/16 | OLD BLUE LAST | LONDON
FRI 02/09/16 | THE ANVIL | BOURNEMOUTH
THU 08/09/16 | BUSKERS | DUNDEE
FRI 09/09/16 | MASH HOUSE | EDINBURGH
SAT 10/09/16 | ACADEMY 3 | MANCHESTER
FRI 16/09/16 | THE UNDERGROUND | BRADFORD
SAT 17/09/16 | RAMSBOTTOM FESTIVAL
SAT 17/09/16 | EIGER STUDIOS | LEEDS
Stream ‘Black & White Space’ below

James George ‘Make You Mine’

Yorkshire singer-songwriter James George has released his debut single ‘Make You Mine’. The track is a storming two minutes of classic indie rock n’roll showcasing brooding guitars, infectious melodies and shimmering synths. It has already picked up over 10,000 streams online and James George is developing a steady growing fan base.
‘Make You Mine’ is a short blast of garage rock that is sprinkled with enough inventiveness to make it a success. The production of this track is bang on as we are swallowed up in a concoction of shadowy misty synths, steady thumping beats and intoxicating psychedelic guitar. The song creates a dark daydream atmosphere with longing crooning vocals that remain cool and almost detached while the yearning tone on guitar almost wails in pain expressing his longing. ‘Make You Mine’ is full of mysterious tones with an eerie atmosphere. This is a track that will leave you craving for more.
Stream ‘Make You Mine’ below

https://soundcloud.com/saintinthecitypr/james-george-make-you-mine