Tag Archives: Y!KES

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – Featuring The Flies, Rowan, Ryan Egan and Y!KES 

The Flies

Genre: Rock and Roll

Bio: Teen Roscommon rock and roll band The Flies will release a self-produced new single ‘Split in Two’ on all platforms on Friday 25th March. A new video will be released to coincide with the release. The song was produced and engineered by Flies bassist JJ Doherty and mastered by Luke Devaney at The Blue Room, Sligo. The Flies have released two EPs since the COVID 19 pandemic began in March 2020. The ‘Looser’ and ‘Back in the Garage’ EPs attracted significant critical praise and the lead tracks from both have gained significant national radio play. In the period before the pandemic, The Flies were a busy live act. Some of their last gigs before things shut down in March 2020 were support slots with Jinx Lennon and The Stunning. They are looking forward to taking things up on the live front where they left off.

Track: Split in Two

Why We Like It: It’s a catchy slice of indie rock that showcases The Flies’ knack for infectious melodies and energetic musicianship. With radiant guitar jangling through a tight drum foundation and irresistible bass groove, it’s a tune sure to have listeners singing along in no time. Oozing confidence and charm ‘Split in Two’ is a lively ditty that marks The Flies as a band to keep an eye on.

You can follow The Flies on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FliesBandIRL

Stream ‘Split in Two’ below 

Rowan

Photo credit: Nicholas O’Donnell

Genre: Alternative 

Bio: Irish trio Rowan have released their second single, ‘Honesty’, from the band’s upcoming debut album, Does It Make You Happy? due out May 6th via Beverly Martel. ‘Honesty’ is the follow-up track from the band’s previous singles ‘Irish To My Bones’ and ‘Youth & Youthhood’ which have received support from the likes of Steve Lamacq and Lauren Laverne at 6 Music.

Track: Honesty

Why We Like It: Filled with sunkissed melodies and shredding guitar moments, ‘Honesty’ is a glorious new single from Rowan. The band weave garage rock elements over dreamy shoegaze tones to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. Rowan’s exquisite sound is blossoming wonderfully. Looking forward to the debut album from this talented trio.

You can follow Rowan on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Rowanofficialmusic

Watch the video for ‘Honesty’ below 

Ryan Egan

Photo Credit: Hugo Cohen Sprun

Genre : Singer-songwriter

Bio: Ryan Egan has announced the release of his long-anticipated debut album ‘Soft Power’, set for release on April 8th, 2022. The album’s fourth single ‘We Do It On Purpose’ has been released alongside the announcement. The album was produced by Kevin Basko (Foxygen, The Lemon Twigs).

Track: We Do It On Purpose

Why We Like It: It’s a dreamy slow jam, filled with nostalgic melodies, mellow guitar and soft beats. This tune is a fine display of indie-pop and Egan’s lush musicianship as he croons over a supple melody while elegant keys and a soothing choir fill out the song’s ethereal soundscapes. ‘We Do It On Purpose’ is well crafted and beckons repeat plays.

You can follow Ryan Egan on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thisryanegan

Stream ‘We Do It On Purpose’ below 

Y!KES

Genre : Alternative rock

Bio: Birmingham anti-pop quartet Y!KES have released their new single ‘Iron Deficiency’. Produced by Jim Pinder (BMTH / WSS) at Treehouse Studio, the single is accompanied by a classic music video shot inside Birmingham’s botanical gardens.

Track: Iron Deficiency

Why We Like It: It’s a mighty alternative rock mammoth that boasts the mesmerising sound of Y!KES. The band blast a blitz of crashing guitars over a pounding drum assault while eerie bass lines create a chilling tone throughout. The song is smothered in distortion and ominous soundscapes to create a thrilling listening experience for listeners to immerse themselves in. Filled with fiery alternative rock angst, ‘Iron Deficiency’ is a fantastic new single from Y!KES. Enjoy.

You can follow Y!KES on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/yikesofficial

Watch the video for ‘Iron Deficiency’ below

Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘Long Gone Silver’

Following on from the success of their previous releases, ‘EP!C’ and ‘MASS!VE’, Birmingham anti-pop quartet Y!KES have released their new single ‘Long Gone Silver’.

‘Long Gone Silver’ is a shredding and tantalizing assault to the senses. The track bursts in on the raw, relentless alternative rock we have come to love from Y!KES. This rattling rock beast roars upon a bloodthirsty drum and bass foundation while kaleidoscopic shards on guitar splinter through the backdrop with sharp stings.

Y!KES have a deft ability to balance the refinement of their craft and create a mind-blowing spectacle all at once, and ‘Long Gone Silver’ achieves this magnificently. The verses tease, wriggle and ferment through fuzzy suspenseful instrumentation while the band’s explosive chorus introduces the dramatic and theatrical affair of a mosh pit frenzy.

Displaying a sharp sense of understanding, the band capture a sense of youth through their wild tracks. Oli Long’s vocals spit and growl “All We Do Is Escape Ourselves and Call It Fun” with swagger and a sense of disdain, capturing the global frustration at the moment through witty and honest lyrics.

This frantic, energetic track is a sublime example of Y!KES’ fun and gloriously chaotic alternative rock. Sure to have you jumping and dancing around the room, ‘Long Gone Silver’ is one for repeat plays with the volume booming.

About the track Liam Howard, Guitarist explains, “Written in the heat of global frustration, Long Gone Silver smacks against the rage with massive guitars, bass hooks, punchy drums & sinister vocals to remind the world that music is alive, kicking & screaming”. 

Adding to Liam’s comments, Vocalist Oli says “Excuse the pun, but I guess we are all somewhat in the same boat now. So what should we have done? Sat around twiddling our thumbs… or turn our shared frustration into something we can sing and dance to? I thought so. We wrote this as an almost sarcastic reminder that although tempting to rid one’s inhibitions daily through a chosen vice or activity. Sometimes it’s a good idea to check what day it is & ensure that you and your friends aren’t bleeding out.” 

Watch the video for ‘Long Gone Silver’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Grunge, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Y!KES ‘MASS!VE’ EP

Birmingham based quartet Y!KES have released their new EP ‘MASS!VE’. A spine chilling collection of tracks filled with raw crunchy guitar lines, stabbing drums and manic dark soundscapes, ‘MASS!VE’ stays the course the band unleashed with their debut EP ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’. The new EP captures the abrasive nature of Y!KES in a nutshell showcasing their unapologetic, gut-punching alternative grunge rock is a force to be reckoned with.

These guys have a knack with catchy guitar refrains which they mangle beneath wild unruly instrumentation while the odd guitar riff peers above the bands musical onslaught. ‘Pirouette’ follows this format perfectly. There is a ‘My Chemical Romance’ tone and Emo residue to the track which wallows within the songs underbelly – swarming with loathing and moody aggression.

Of course this bands instrumental prowess and flair is what makes them so intriguing however, it is Oli Long’s aggitated vocals which gives Y!KES enough drama and crazed intensity to take their sound to epic heights. His vocals are luring, moody and almost psychotic as he wails, growls and mumbles through the tracks creating quite the unique and exhilarating character for each song. This is especially shown in ‘Alice’. Long’s vocals slither with a gravelly texture truly displaying the sinister range and capabilities of his vocals. It’s utterly thrilling. With a 90’s rock bravado the verses are manic and full of surprises while the chorus is strong and melodic, all leading to a glorious ending,  ‘Alice’ is one of the pinnacle moments on the EP.

The high intensity, mind frazzling rock doesn’t end after ‘Alice’, instead Y!kes expands from this point. The EP only gets better and heavier from here as the band push and explore the depths of their tantalizing sound. With a cinematic rush on guitars, shredding solos and melodic frantic flurries to delight the listener, ‘Door Frame Angel’ and ‘Faker’ take their triumphant place on the EP. Although just as coarse and sharp as previous tracks, the band inject sweeter melodies into the thrilling, alternative rock instrumental. 

However it’s not all a screaming assault of alternative rock, final track ‘Step Away’ brings the album to a surprising close. Here the band effortlessly slip into a more indie pop outfit with light jaunty guitar riffage providing an indie spring through the buoyant drum progressions. There are glimmers of Sugar Cult, early Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes in this song. I have to hand it to these guys, they always deliver a slap in the face of some kind and this sunkissed and moody number is the rosy-hued ( yet dark themed ) gem to do it. Absolutely love it. 

‘MASSIVE’ showcases Y!KES is growing and harnessing their raw unbridled rock to create music with a memorable balance between drama, anarchy and deft musicianship.The band have created an invigorating sound of their own to discuss themes of depression and conflicting emotions through anthemic tunes with choppy chords, gnarled vocals and ground shaking drums. It’s quite the masterpiece. 

Stream ‘MASSIVE’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ EP

Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released their debut EP. ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ is a compact grunge rock EP swirled in a whirlwind of crashing guitars, pummeling drums and slinky bass lines. This EP represents Y!KES sound in a complete well thought out body of work. Dark undertones haunt the tracks with an ominous quality as the band flesh out their heavy musicianship.

The band have created some great tracks in this EP. ‘Chekhov’s Gun’ sets the madness in motion. Moody, dark and smothered in a sulky tone this intoxicating track slithers and weaves between alternative rock and grunge as gritty guitars soar and strike between the buoyant backdrop with relentless stamina. The band build tension and showcase their ability to produce melodic, moving music with a heavy rock backbone.

Y!kes pack this EP to the brim with catchy alternative pop-punk songs that are tough to resist. ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’  and ‘Spitfire Salutes’ give you that edge-of-your-seat riffs and bass rumbles while the punchy tight drums maintain that pounding foundation. With whirring guitars, dynamic vocals and that instant rush of adrenaline pulsing through each track its difficult not to be impressed.

‘Hiding In Plain Sight’ is a refreshing lift from the bands dark sound as they venture into Pixies territory with light indie guitar jangles, sunkissed melodies and a laid back nostalgic atmosphere. Giving us a glimpse of their sweeter melodies and melancholic tones it’s a lovable track lying between some hefty bangers.

However its ‘Repeat The Objective’ that holds my attention – a gritty, raw force of nature showcasing Y!kes unbridled ambition. With razor sharp guitars and acute bass, the verse lures and lacerates with a heavy consistency and intoxicating quality. The vocals wail and growl between the mighty wall of sound ( I have to hand it to Oli Long, those vocals are sublimely expressive and harrowing). It’s a searing, thrilling and frantic number rich in intricacies and deft musicianship.

‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ is an impressive debut EP from Y!kes and a keyhole glimpse of their raw talent and potential. A fantastic, impressive EP which sets the band up for great things. 

Stream ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, indie rock, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Y!KES

Genre : Alternative rock

Bio : Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released their new single ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’, taken from their upcoming EP ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’. The band have received support from Camden Rocks, BBC Introducing, Kerrang! and EGH Radio to name a few and have performed live slots with Vukovi, Mallory Knox, Led By Lanterns and Earls,

Track: ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’

Why We Like It: It’s a moody grunge drenched number brimming with sharp guitar riffs, gritty vocals and pounding drums as Y!KES present a melodic Californian punk side to their mammoth sound. Slinky guitar moments weave between a sweet melody and gripping undertone to create a moving and hopeful atmosphere immersed in old school rock charm. Y!KES are maturing wonderfully. Their deep lyrical content gives the listener a glimpse into the bands emotional and melodic side which blazes through a heartfelt powerful backdrop and scorching guitar solo. ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’ is a marvelous display of musicianship from Y!KES

You can follow Y!KES on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/yikesofficial

Watch the video for ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’ below 

Crash Adams

Genre :Indie pop 

Bio:Crash Adams are an indie/pop duo from Toronto Canada. They produce, write, perform, mix and master all of their own music.

Track: Ooh!

Why We Like It: It’s a suave flaunty number that glides effortlessly on cool funky tones, jangly guitar riffs and 80’s shimmers. With a strutting backdrop, chiming keys and groovy bass this track wiggles and shimmies into your head with confidence boosting charm and infectious radiance. The smooth vocals coo the catchy lyrics before the spoken verses seep swagger into this glossy pop glistening number. With tasty synths and panache dripping from every note ‘Ooh!’ is a feel good song sure to have you dancing and strutting your stuff for days. 

You can follow Crash Adams on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/crashadamsmusic

Watch the video for ‘Ooh!’ below 

Brand New Friend

Photo Credit : Ciara McMullan

Genre : Indie pop

Bio: Following on from the warmly received ‘The Letter A’ released last Autumn, the Northern Irish indie-pop quintet make a fresh-faced return with their new single and confirmation of a 7 track EP: ‘A Cure For Living’, to be released via Xtra Mile Recordings on 14 February 2020. Brand New Friend’s debut album ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’, was released through Xtra Mile Recordings (Skinny Lister, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.) in 2018. The album spawned several singles including ‘Girl’, ‘I Was An Astronaut’ and the title track, all of which garnered plays on the likes of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart shows on Radio 1, John Kennedy on Radio X and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq. Brand New Friend have also embarked on numerous headline tours both in the UK and Ireland, whilst also being invited to share stages with big-hitters the likes of Snow Patrol, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive-In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY, Feeder and Xtra Mile Recordings label mate Seán McGowan.

Track: Nothing Stays The Same

Why We Like It: This buoyant track swirls with Brand New Friend’s youthful indie musicianship. The band lather jangly guitar strides into a punchy drum and bass tag team while the harmonies between brother/ sister duo Taylor and Lauren Johnson sweeten the powerful sting. With a smooth catchy melody and lamenting guitar injection ‘Nothing Stays The Same’ is a vibrant nostalgic ditty sure to have any live crowd going wild.

Inspired by characters imagined by 80s indie veteran Lloyd Cole in his timeless ‘Jennifer She Said’ track, Brand New Friend’s ‘Nothing Stays The Same’ finds the band musing on just what may have happened next for its lovelorn protagonist… As the band explain: “‘Nothing Stays The Same’ is a love song constantly shifting perspective between two people. It’s the sound of two people who love each other deeply but who know they’re running out of distance. It’s framed in the Botanic area of Belfast, in the old Botanical gardens near Queens University. In the rain, of course. I was heavily inspired by Lloyd Cole on this track, I love the way he colours his world so you can see who he’s singing about when you close your eyes. The girl in this song is Jennifer, from ‘Jennifer She Said’. Hopefully it all works out for her…”

You can follow Brand New Friend on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/brandnewfriendz/

Watch the video for ‘Nothing Stays The Same’ below 

Hook

Genre : New wave indie rock

Bio: Hook are a three-piece new wave indie rock band based in Dublin, made up of Eoin O’Donnell on vocals, guitars; Morgan O’Brien on drums and Danny Spelman on bass, vocals. 

Track: Spoiler Alert

Why We Like It: It’s a jaunty stab of slick indie rock with tantalizing guitar teases, elastic steamy bass and beefy whack on drums. The band blend their ferocious rock with sensual enticement to lure you into their brawny sound. With raspy vocals resounding through the kinetic backdrop and witty lyrics, this groove-filled number blisters and boils with red hot, intense swagger as Hook flesh out their intoxicating sound. 

You can follow Hook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/listentohook/

Stream ‘Spoiler Alert’ below 

The Burma

Genre : Indie rock’n’roll

Bio: The Burma are an Indie rock’n’roll band based in Cork City, Ireland. The band draw inspiration from the American Indie scene of the early 2000’s and British guitar bands of the 80s and 90s, The line-up consists of long-time friends Tony O’Donovan and Peter Piggott along drummer Cian Doherty whom they in 2012. The band is named after The Burma steps in Cobh, Co. Cork. 2019 saw The Burma have their busiest year yet with continuous nation wide festival and tour dates throughout the year following the release of their most recent single “Phoney Personality”. The first single off of their upcoming 5 track EP “Sugar Moonlight”, due for release in March 2020. In the past The Burma have landed support slots for acts such as The Academic, The Strypes, Delorentos, The Blizzards, Brian Deady, The Frank and Walters and more.

Track: When You’re Gone

Why We Like It: This ethereal gem glistens with airy spacious tones. The twinkling guitar majestically creates little melancholic sparkles of scintillation through the icy soundscape as the flickering electronics and snappy beat create a biting breezy quality. The track builds to a tense crescendo that becomes more gritty with distortion and psychedelic hues. A smooth sombre melody weaves throughout creating a mysterious, almost magical effect as the band create a swirling track that totally immerses you in their richly layered musicianship.

You can follow The Burma on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theburmaofficial/

Stream ‘When You’re Gone’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/theburma/the-burma-when-youre-gone-radio-editwav

Floral Sounds

Genre : Dream pop

Bio: Seventeen year old Gabe Beckles has released his new single ‘Day waste’ under the name Floral Sounds.

Track: Day waste

Why We Like It: It’s a hazy daydream that wisps through a whimsical vapour of jangly guitar and hypnotic bass lines. With sulky deep vocals echoing through the buoyant riff and steady beat the track drifts into a sweet state of euphoria with a darker undertone. There is something quite mesmerising and intriguing about this track as it weaves and entwines around your mind with a soothing quality and light dewy texture. 

You can follow Floral Sounds on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/gabebeckles/?hl=en

Stream ‘Day waste’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’

Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released the video for their new single ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’. The single is one of four tracks from the bands debut EP coming in January 2020.

‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ continues Y!KES stride of relentless scorching alternative rock with a dark haunting twist. The band present their buoyant hyper sound with an eerie undertone of perilous danger expressed superbly through the howling gravel of new vocalist Oli Long, who joined the band last month. With shredding licks and slinky shrills on guitar accompanied by funky synths the band flesh out their swagger-dipped musicianship with ease. These guys have a knack for creating exciting tracks filled with hyperactive instrumentation, fuzzy riffs and thrilling bass lines and ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ follows this trend beautifully.

The video is a spooky tale of a rogue vampire terrorising the band as he runs rampant sucking their blood and turning them into a wicked vampire band. With capes, dramatic makeup, a quirky Halloween vibe and garlic bread incident its worth checking out. 

Watch the video for ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘Shadow Gallery’

Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released their new single ‘Shadow Gallery’, a Britpop inspired anthem about dementia. Since forming in January 2019 they have released three singles/videos, their debut being the highly well received ‘Uncanny Valley’. Following slots at NotAFest, Soma Fest, Your City Festival and dates all over the UK supporting acts such as Mantra and Woes, the band have plenty more in store for 2019 including slots at Macmillan Fest & Hard Rock Hell and a hometown show supporting Mallory Knox (TBC). They’ll be putting on a headline show at the Asylum 2 in Birmingham on the 16th August. The video for the new single features a large cast who play the band growing up, 70s/80s pop star and Amarillo singer ‘Tony Christie’ playing an older version of Y!KES singer Joby Fitzgerald.

 ‘Shadow Gallery’ is a powerful melodic anthem laced in passionate songwriting and dynamic, jarring instrumentation as Y!KES take their raucous sound and rein it in to create a more melodic and tender number. Raspy vocals add grit to the emotional melody while punchy drums and rowdy backdrop maintain Y!KES’ mighty wall of sound. The guitars inject a sweet and stinging sense of innocence throughout the track as they lament through the verses before crashing into the meaty chorus. It’s a compelling and sophisticated tune that boasts the bands ability to write tracks of substance as well as all out blistering tunes.

You can catch Y!KES live at : 

11th August – Statfold Barn Festival, Tamworth

16th August – The Asylum 2, Birmingham (Headline show/Video shoot)

07th September – Macmillan Festival, Nottingham

30th September – Mama Roux, Birmingham – with Mallory Knox (To Be Confirmed)

07th November  – Hard Rock Hell Festival, Great Yarmouth 

Watch the video for  ‘Shadow Gallery’ below 


Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From  Y!KES 

Birmingham alternative four-piece Y!KES have released their new single ‘Visceral’ which was produced by singer Joby Fitzgerald and recorded at Magic Garden Studio. Laced in the frenzied sharp guitar lines we have come to know Y!KES for, ‘Visceral’ is another blistering frantic anthem from the four piece. Pulverizing drums, rooted bass grooves and gritty vocals announce this scorching ferocious number as the band build and flesh out their mammoth sound. With a catchy melody, cutting lyricism and grunge filled energy- this brawny whack of alternative rock is perfect for blasting as loud as possible.Sharp flirtations on guitar entwine cheekily between the powerhouse wall of sound, showcasing the bands majestic musicianship and ability to add depth and maturity to their sound. ‘Visceral’ is another frenzied swagger steeped number from Y!KES. 

Watch the video for ‘Visceral’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘The Y Factor’

Birmingham alternative four-piece Y!KES have released their second single ‘The Y Factor’. The single was produced by singer Joby Fitzgerald and Magic Garden Studio’s Gavin Monaghan and The video  is a pastiche of TV shows such as The X Factor and Gogglebox which see’s the band in various different costumes and environments playing multiple characters, all being glossed with an 80’s retro feel.The band have just completed the ‘Arch Nemesis Tour’, the last show of which saw a sold out headline show at the Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham.

‘The Y Factor’ is a scorching blast of Y!KES’ speedball alternative rock at its most frenzied and infectious. With blistering guitars smashing through a buoyant snappy bass and punchy drum backdrop this track surges with intense adrenaline. The frantic riffs carve through the track with slick precision as the gritty vocals and catchy anthemic melody creates the perfect tune for a bloodthirsty live show. It’s a gob smacking number brimming with brawny drums, a thrilling guitar solo and fantastic musicianship.

Watch the video for ‘The Y Factor’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Y!KES ‘Uncanny Valley’

Alternative four-piece, Y!KES have released their debut single ‘Uncanny Valley’. The band is comprised of TJ Weston (Drums), Liam Howard (Guitar, backing vocal), Joby Fitzgerald (Lead vocal, rhythm guitar), Matt Ford (Bass) and this new single is the first of five singles scheduled for this year.

‘Uncanny Valley’ is an intoxicating blast of Y!KES’ catchy demolishing alternative rock. It’s snappy rhythm is consumed with relentless energy as punchy drums batter through a groove riddled bass line while shredding exhilarating guitars majestically soar, wail and screech over this mammoth whack of turmoil. It’s a meaty burly tune glossed with an infectious melody and raspy vocal delivery. Ready for the sticky mosh pit Y!KES announce themselves with one attention demanding anthem. ‘Uncanny Valley’ is fiery, full of gusto and one hell of a tune.

The accompanying video is a grotesquely humorous representation of the songs intense themes of isolation and stigmatisation, as well as a showcase for their extreme energy and theatricality. This is a band who are primed and ready to break down the doors of the UK rock scene this year.

Watch the video for ‘Uncanny Valley’ below