After the release of three preceding singles alternative rock band Turfboy have released their debut album ‘At Tension’. The album was released through Horn & Hoof Records Manchester and was recorded with Michael Richards in Trackmix Studio Dublin late last year. Coming from different parts of Ireland; Longford/Roscommon/Mayo-Galway/Wicklow, to be exact; the band is based in Dublin City, and is most often found playing shows there.
‘At Tension’ is a blazing roar of alternative rock. The album’s moody grunge elements and crashing backdrop boasts a heavy sound that is not for the faint hearted. Turfboy have created a rock-filled album so explosive and powerful it will melt your brain leaving you on the floor twitching and frothing from the mouth.The acute lacerating guitar riffs gash through tracks like ‘Rageahol’ and ‘In Absentia’ with bloodthirsty stamina while being accompanied by an occasional desert-rock squeal and wail. The band use a battering onslaught on drums to pound their tracks forward while shredding guitar solos and scorching licks display the more majestic and refined side to the band’s savage sound.
However it’s not all fury and anarchy, ‘Holly Daye’ reverbs with an infectious punk pop melody over a slick riff while ‘(L)earn’ showcases a grunge Nirvana – esque side to the band. The gem of the album ‘(L)earn’ pivots around a sulky guitar refrain and moody catchy vocal refrain that will revolve in your head for days. The beauty of the angst in this track blended with sulken nonchalance and despair is masterful as the band build a powerful backdrop to encompass the dark emotion and rawness within the track.‘Idiocracy Is Reality’ is another smasher on the album. Doused in gritty jaunty guitar riffs and eerie bass lines this ominous mammoth displays Turfboy’s ability to build and cultivate a track. The soundscapes occasionally jolt into something more sinister and dark as the band allow each verse to raise the tension for the dramatic and crashing chorus release.
Vocally the band venture from all out fury-filled growls and howls to raspy passionate punk/pop bellows allowing the tracks to have their own identity on the album. We see this especially in ‘AttenDANCE’ where the vocals begin soft and almost lulling to start and venture into a howling scream as the song progresses. ‘Not Like You’ is probably as pop punk the band get on the album with a catchy melodic hook and lighter persona while ‘Millie The Jeff and Subh The Snail’ returns the album to a 90’s alternative rock tone for the finale.
‘At Tension’ is a ballsy gritty album brimming with vigor and massive soundscapes. It is a thrill to listen to. The bands ability to blend anarchy-filled tunes with brooding tones, moody textures and a mosh-worthy sound is glorious and displays strong growth in Turfboy.
Bio : Bristol post-punk outfit, Sapphire Blues comprised of Sam Lance Jones (vocals, guitar),Harry Beaver (bass) and Chris Thompson (percussion) have released their new single 119.
Track: 119
Why We Like It: It’s an abrasive dark number that pivots around a rumbling bass and percussion combination. These guys smudge chilling guitar squeals over pounding drums and eerie vocals to create a mysterious and ominous atmosphere between lighter moments of release. The track builds superbly as the guitars swirl with psychedelic tones through the heavy drums while the grimy bass wriggles and squirms in the tracks murky undercurrent. 119 is quite the thrilling roller coaster ride.
Bio : Courtney Jacobs is a 21-year old synth-pop singer-songwriter who has recently released her new single ‘Canary’. Courtney plans to release several more singles this year, and her release of ‘Canary’ follows the Valley Days EP with her band, Silver Retriever, of which she is the lead singer. Silver Retriever is based in Charlottesville, VA,
Track: Canary
Why We Like It: It’s a laid back synth pop number that drifts effortlessly upon a driving bass line and pulsing drums while Courtney’s smoky vocals coo over the velvety melody. The track exudes a steamy atmosphere and teasing tone as it glissades effortlessly into the ears with a charming appeal.The lyrics describe a disturbing power dynamic in a relationship marred by control and trust issues as Courtney sings condescendingly at the listener. Well crafted and beautifully presented ‘Canary’ is a mesmerising listen.
Bio : Michael-James is an Indie Folk artist from Newtownards, Northern Ireland. A music student who received a scholarship from the same university as George Ezra, James Bay and Tom Odell. Michael James came out of college eager to make his mark in the local music scene. Becoming part of Forestside Shopping Centres, ‘Artist Development Programme,’ Michael got the opportunity to play with and be mentored by Anthony Toner. As well as also play many festivals across the country such as Sunflower, Dalriada, Eastside Arts, Belfast Nashville Songwriters and many more, this lead on to becoming support act for Skinny Living on their UK tour
Track: Solicitous
Why We Like It: This warm comforting number surges with Michael’s soothing musicianship. The lush harmonies add a folky hue to the song while the twinkling guitar provides a simple but effective accompaniment. A track about being at the lowest point of your life and opening your arms for someone to come carry that weight with you, ‘Solicitous’ is a pure and wholesome ray of sunshine delicately presented for easy-listening pleasure.
Bio : Following the release of the first two in a trilogy of singles “(L)earn” and “Holly Daye”, comes “Attendance”, the final single before the release of Turfboy’s debut album “At Tension”, which will be released on August 8th 2020 through Horn & Hoof Records Manchester. The album was completed late last year with Michael Richards at Trackmix Studio Dublin.
Track: Attendance
Why We Like It: This grunge/alternative track begins with brooding vocals and light guitars before Turfboy explodes into their gritty gnarly chorus. The band present a thrilling blend of polished and edgy rock as they drift mindlessly into the blazing chorus. With intricacies of picked guitar and wandering bass peeking between the mania the band flesh out their all consuming sound with a majestic sense of fuzz-filled chaos. The vocals in particular begin soft and almost lulling to start and venture into a howling scream. With strong strides on guitar slicing relentlessly through a gritty wall of sound this track is a fierce explosion of 90’s alternative rock.
Bio : Bromley, Kent band Desmerelda have released their new single ‘Welcome to the Establishment’. The band comprised of Max Broggio, Alex Cripps and Fraser Currie released their first official single, ‘This Time’ in 2019 which was premiered on Boogaloo Radio on Max Goodman’s evening show and also garnered attention from the likes of Abbie McCarthy on BBC Introducing Kent.
Track: ‘Welcome to the Establishment’
Why We Like It: It’s a raw fuzzy beast of alternative rock. With razor sharp guitar riffs slicing through the coarse backdrop of pummeling drums and resounding bass this track packs a hefty punch. The song surges with a rapid melody and spit fire lyrics which blasts the crashing wall of sound with swagger and aggro. Its a manic mosh pit frenzied track to get your blood pumping and go insane to.
Bio : Delights are an unsigned band from Manchester made up of four 19-20 year-old best friends who formed the band in May 2017 while at college together. Since their formation they have gone on to gain acclaim in Manchester; most recently selling out their headline show at the Deaf Institute in January.Delights success in Manchester has earned them slots at major UK festivals including Kendal Calling 2019, as well as airplay on BBC Introducing Manchester with their releases “Sun Visor”, “Sun Lounger”, “Paradise”, “Sometimes, Lately”, and “One Step Forwards (Two Steps Backwards)”.
Track: Loverboy
Why We Like It: It’s a funk flavoured indie pop track that floats into the ears with a laid back mellow melody and rich groove. Jangly guitars add a dreamy haze to this pop sprinkled gem while the funky bass line and bouncy suave beat ground the track. With smooth vocals and a summery euphoric sheen, ‘Loverboy’ is a swagger dipped rhythmic track that boasts Delights refined and well crafted musicianship.
Bio : Limerick trio Bleeding Heart Pigeons have released their new album ‘Stir’ and ‘All for the Best’ is the 3rd single from the album. Leaving their major-label past behind them (they signed to Virgin Records as teenagers in 2013), Bleeding Heart Pigeons have redefined themselves as part of the burgeoning Limerick independent music scene.Four years after their critically acclaimed debut Is, the new album ‘Stir’ marks a new, independent chapter for the band.
Track: All For The Best
Why We Like It: Wrapped in intricate soundscapes and lush pop sensibilities this laid back number boasts Bleeding Heart Pigeons’ ability to create soft scintillating evocative music. A rich and free flowing soundscape of supple synths and tight sonic elements blends seamlessly with strong chord progressions on guitars and lamenting brooding bass lines while velvety vocals, tight harmonies and a bitter sweet melody delicately caresses the bubbling backdrop. ‘All For The Best’ is another sublime well crafted song from Bleeding Heart Pigeons
Bio : Turfboy are an Irish grunge/alternative band. They have just released a new single called “(L)earn” from their upcoming album “At Tension” on Horn & Hoof Records Manchester. The album was recorded in Trackmix Studios Dublin by Michael Richards late last year and will be released on 08/08/20.
Track: (L)earn
Why We Like It: Saturated in moody grunge the track revolves around a melodious sulky guitar refrain as the band create a catchy number sure to stick in your head for days. With a Nirvana – esque residue over the chorus this track trudges through an infectious vocal hook while sharp guitars crash and ricochet off the punchy might on drums before slipping into a slick solo. The track builds to an intense blasting crescendo wrapped in manic heavy instrumentation and screaming vocals. Turfboy have created an invigorating track that balances chill laid back 90’s grunge moments with alternative rock mania superbly.
Bio : Currently based out of London,Kid Violet is made up of Billy on vocals, Pawel and Charley on guitar, Tom on drums and bassist Matteo. They have been named as one of the breakout bands of 2020.With their new EP about to launch on Pin Badge Records, the boys are planning a tour of England for 2021, bringing their sound to as many people as possible.
Track: Release
Why We Like It: Saturated in passion and emotion ‘Release’ is a raw alternative rock track that boasts Kid Violet’s explosive and refined musicianship.The band smoulder the song over a moody backdrop of fermenting bassline rumbles, punchy drums and biting guitars before the track erupts for its frenetic chorus. Wrangled in exasperated emotions Billy Cotter’s vocals brood and expel with menacing quality over the bitter sweet melody while the band lace his vocals in icy reverb. With light chimes, pining laments and ethereal stings on guitar Kid Violet layer and cultivate this track superbly, right up to the frantic crescendo. Oozing oodles of gusto, sulky elements and massive outbursts while boasting precise, intense craftsmanship ‘Release’ is an invigorating new single. Keep an eye on Kid Violets
