Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Crown Commons
Brixton based Rock and roll band Crown Commons have released their new single ‘Alright Again’. This is one dance around the room infectious ditty. From the get go the band blast their zealous sound into your ears with an exhilarating intro of clamoring bliss. Strident stings on guitars weave golden sweet melodies between sharp jangly riffs while a groove infested bass fluctuates beneath adding a rich velvety underbelly. The track travels full throttle building in intensity as it progresses while the strong blood pumping drums create the sturdy backbone. The track flourishes and erupts with a dynamic catchy chorus as the sugary melody drifts into the ears with that instant rush of vitality that sparks a craving for more. There is a driving surge as the bass and guitars playfully weave and ricochet off each other creating an upbeat wiggle while the lyrics talk about going through a tough period, then coming out of it on the other side happy.
Crown Commons create a sound rich in intricacies, maturity and light hearted charm with oodles of swagger laced on top. With lush backing vocals and a blazing guitar solo teamed with Oli Collins’ velvety warm rasped vocals, ‘Alright Again’ is an electrifying ear worm that will brighten your day for sure.
Hull based indie rock band The Avenues recently released their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ The band comprised of Tom Foston on Guitar, Vocals, Ollie Brown on Guitar, Vocals, Joe Galloway on Bass and Adam Pidd on Drums present a tight blistering EP of catchy hook filled tunes and impressive musicianship.
Brimming to the seams with infectious melodies, scorching riffs and a wonderful indie rock wall of sound ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ is locked, loaded and ready to delight the ears. With groove rooted bass lines weaving and rummaging through zesty relentless guitars ‘Boredom’, ‘Out Of Shape’ and ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ whirlwind the EP up in an energetic blast of raw vibrant indie. The tracks display witty lyrics through a rasped vocal delivery and are filled with charming characters and a range of emotions.These guys embellish their songs in sweltering guitar lines. ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ in particular displays the bands guitar prowess which oozes a majestic quality and edge that is very impressive. With smooth melodies gliding effortlessly on an effervescent backdrop The Avenues have crafted tracks ready to ignite a live crowd. ‘O.S.T.M’ is a banger of a tune, with its mosh pounding bridge, jangle guitar refrain and sweet vocals there is something utterly infectious about this track. Well crafted with lush backing vocals, ‘O.S.T.M’ is the band at their most polished, however, they maintain the right amount of rawness. This grit teamed with a dreamy melancholic melody on guitar creates a hair raising and engaging listening experience. It’s sure to be epic live as the harmony between crashing instrumentation and pure emotion reaches a glorious balance. ‘She Still Won’t Love You Tomorrow’ brings the EP to a tender close. Warm acoustic guitar accompanies the sweet melody and velvety vocals as The Avenues showcase their ability to provide a solid cracking tune within the stripped back setting.
The Avenues display deft musicianship through their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’. Their ability to create compact enjoyable tunes with great beauty is admirable. Keep an eye on The Avenues.
In their first 40 shows as a band Greywind have already achieved playing some of the biggest festivals in the world, including Reading and Leeds Festival, Isle of Wight Festival, Download Festival, Rock Am Ring and have supported the likes of You Me At Six, Palaye Royale, Thrice and in December 2019 played a sold out arena show with The Coronas. They have been heavily backed by BBC Radio 1, Zane Lowe and MTV.
The brother and sister duo, Steph and Paul O’Sullivan’s debut album ‘Afterthoughts’ was recorded in Texas with Grammy-Winning producer Jason Perry and has achieved huge critical acclaim from the likes Zane Lowe, Kerrang!, Rocksound, MTV. The album was released through Universal Music and charted in the Top 10 of the Official UK Rock Chart.
These guys are known to put on one heck of a show and we are pleased to have them infiltrate our socials for a live takeover not to be missed.
You can watch their latest single ‘Desolate’ below
Following the recent success with debut single ‘Kitchen Sinking’, Dublin’s garage/indie-rockers TV People return with their new single ‘Time Eats Up’. The track was mixed by Dan Doherty of Darklands Audio (Fontaines D.C.,Vulpynes) and mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Christian Wright (Radiohead, Blur, LCD Soundsystem)
Gyrating through jagged ethereal guitar riffs and slaughtering drum progressions ‘Time Eats Up’ presents TV People’s ambitious garage rock in all its raw relentless glory. A dreamy melody carefully swerves around trigger happy guitars and combustible drums as the band tease between laid back hazy monotony and fiery explosions. Sweet jingles on guitars playfully dance between the sulking bass and punchy drums. Paul Donohoe’s vocals trudge with a coarse texture over the smooth melody creating a moody sense of boredom as he narrates the tracks theme of solitude and isolation. The band build the song superbly allowing it to fidget and itch to its massive harsh crescendo with shrilling guitars and thrashing wall of sound. ‘Time Eats Up’ is an impressive new track from TV People. Keep an eye on these guys.
About the track lead singer Paul Donohoe explains: “I wrote the lyrics for ‘Time Eats Up’ at the tail end of a 6 month spell of unemployment. I think we really managed to capture the mixed emotions of that idle state of existence in the song. The feelings of liberation that come with sitting idle and how these conflict with the dread that time is passing you by were a huge influence in the songwriting process for us. I came to view time as a very sinister and oppressive force and we tried to get this across in the music. As the song progresses, the sounds begin to get a bit heavier and sharper. We wanted the intensity of the outro to swallow up the more melodic sounds from the song’s earlier verses as a way to convey the toxicity of that way of living.”
Cabbage return with their new single ‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’.Since forming in 2014, Cabbage have occupied provocative territory by promoting progressive politics and supporting charitable causes through their live shows, leading them to be featured the BBC Radio Four documentary ‘The Art of Now: Band Politics’. At the same time as headlining sell-out UK tours, the band played Edgeley Park with Blossoms in 2019 and launched their debut album with a one-off, specially-curated exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery.
‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’ fizzes with a sweet sugary splash as Cabbage splurge melodic indie pop over an edged post punk canvas. The band create one nectarous irresistible gem as they swirl sharp buzzing guitars over a punchy acute wall of sound while the lush honeyed melody and soft backing vocals sweeten the blistering backdrop with a hazy shoegaze tonality. The band melt a hefty dose of psychedelia over the track creating a multi layered song that bubbles and broods within a prismatic sunny glow of delight while an acidic sting ferments beneath this rosy hue. The lyrics discuss the theme of mental health and suicide as Cabbage use gripping, woozy and blazing musicianship to create a truly invigorating track.
About the track the band’s co-frontman and songwriter, Joe Martin says its a “brutally honest exploration of mental health and suicide within young men and the survivalist, Victoria Wood-esque juxtaposition of salvaging a smile through dreariness and despair. After much deliberation, we feel that the time is right to share this. The chorus line actually originated in a ‘Coronation Street’ script in 1988, with Deirdre remarking to Ken: ‘I wonder what advanced state of dither we’ll find you in today, Ken, you make an art form from falling to pieces.’ We don’t mind sharing our complete love and adoration for those old, hilariously crafted dialogues.”
Watch the video for ‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’ below
Blackpool alternative rock band JEKYLL have released their new EP ‘The Whispering Gallery’.The band consists of Joel Foster (vocals / guitar), Lewis Armistead (bass), Liam Singleton (drums) and Mike Spence (guitar). Jekyll hooked up with fierce panda at The Great Escape in 2018 in time for the lively, driving debut ‘Jekyll’ EP. Much of that release, as well as the ‘The Whispering Gallery’ singles, have been championed by Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, while their summertime BBC Maida Vale session for Radio 1 was played out on the Huw, Jack Saunders and Daniel P Carter shows.
‘The Whispering Gallery’ is an ambitious collection of tracks as JEKYLL present their wonderfully embellished musicianship through a dramatic ethereal wall of sound. The band magnify their hyper alternative rock through a prism of implosive guitars, relentless bass lines and pounding drums. ‘The Whispering Gallery’ streams energetic alternative rock into a distortion filtered kaleidoscope to create sublime facets of shoegaze hues and indie pop undertones. The invigorating rush of ‘The Escapist’ kick starts the EP with a flurry of guitars ricocheting off the punchy drums as the band build a haunting crashing sound tightly entwined in an exhilarating sense of tension and mystery. With crisp vocals and climactic progression there is a Muse – esque vibe about the track. The constant jogging rhythms and western – like tonality mangled between an epic arrangement displays maturity and growth in the band. ‘I Do What I Can’ and ‘Marionette’ follow the intensity, splurging a spine chilling bass rumble over the bands bracing melodic foundation. The eerie crawling melodies and equally implosive and explosive soundscapes make each track thrilling and tantalizing to the ears as the band flesh out sublime songwriting and lushly textured songs. With shredding solos, sharp falsettos and bitter sweet tones between blistering instrumentation each track is one energetic bursting eruption after another. JEKYLL display their shoegaze swagger through ‘Echoes (Uncut)’ with crashing razor sharp guitar lacerating through a buoyant backdrop while a sweet laid back melody grooves throughout as if innocently oblivious to the perilous heavy background. The verses drift beautifully into the mighty chorus with ease allowing each blossoming instrumental burst to flourish wonderfully for the psychedelic tinged crescendo. It’s a doozy of a track that is both charming, sweet and epic all at once. The band close the EP with a sweet little gem ‘Midnight Swim’. The calmest and most delicate number on the EP. This track, sways with soft piano and subtle twinkling soundscapes. As the song unfolds the piano wisps you away in an elegant arrangement while soft tender vocals coo with passionate and supple emotion. It’s a calming and utterly time stopping piece to bring the EP to a superb and mature finale.
JEKYLL show maturity beyond their years with ‘The Whispering Gallery’. They present a sound rich with lush textures, masterful intricacies and refined majestic musicianship that is sure to revolve in your head all day and leave you in awe of their grand and dignified arrangements.
About the EP Joel Foster said: “I first got the idea for the name of the EP from a poem by Thomas Hardy called ‘In A Whispering Gallery. The poem, as I understand it, is all about whispers from an unknown source reaching you and making you believe in transcendental and / or spiritual communication. A Whispering Gallery is also what the inside of domes in cathedrals are usually called, because if you stand in them whispers carry as loud as any other sound and are clearly audible. One of the main themes of the EP is based around the idea that the relationship between people and the stars is similar to that of a whispering gallery. Many of the songs on the EP reference stars and astral nobodies: ‘Echoes’ is all about stars; ‘The Escapist’ talks about the stars watching you self-destruct and longing to save you from harm; and ‘Midnight Swim’ also references going for a swim in the moonlight – ‘where trinket stars hang upon bloated skies’ – to cleanse yourself of life’s chaos. It just felt like the most fitting title and it fits the sentimental and spiritual themes perfectly.”
Irish indie band Columbia Mills have released their new single ‘You’re Not The Answer’. 2019 saw Columbia Mills release two singles from their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘CCTV'(17/04); ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ garnered huge radio support here and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, RTE Radio 1, Ed Smith (Today FM) choosing Columbia Mills as his Play Irish Artist of the week and ‘Recent and Decent’ on Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week, and heavy rotation on Paul Mc Loones Today FM show, as well as heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. 2020 has already seen the release of ‘UNDERSTAND’ (31/01/20), the third single from ‘CCTV’ which also received huge radio support.
Drenched in ethereal melancholia, ‘You’re Not The Answer’ is an utterly heartbreaking, emotive display from Columbia Mills. Simple in its approach, the track laments through airy guitars and a fluctuant rhythm. The track broods to a smoky start as the sombre vocals ooze emotion which hits you right in the chest. The bittersweet guitar gracefully and elegantly caresses the drum beat with a majestic and respectful tenderness which absorbs and captures every emotion within this bruised moment. Soft backing vocals soothe the haunting soundscape as the band build the song for the moving crescendo. This well crafted track is a timeless emotion- filled number that just hints at this band’s wonderful musicianship and potential.
Bio : Garsa is an indie pop / indie folk solo artist from the outskirts of Manchester. Working from his spare room, he writes, records and produces his own music on a budget home studio setup, purely for the enjoyment of doing it. Jimmy sour highs is his first release.
Track: Jimmy sour highs
Why We Like It: It’s an abstract buoyant track filled with cheery wholesome tones, rich intricate rhythms and wonderful layering. With an ethereal atmosphere this song holds an air of earthy euphoric bliss while creating a warm folk hued tonality. Soft velvety vocals drift over a melty melody while jangly sweet guitars caress the airy backdrop. ‘Jimmy sour highs’ is bursting with lush summer freshness and sublime unique textures.
Garsa said of the track,“Jimmy sour highs is a nod to the simpler pleasures in life whilst touching on the negatives of spending too much time under the influence”.
Bio : RADARS are an indie-rock quintet from Hull who formed in late 2019, and consist of singer Jack, guitarists Dave and Sam, bassist Calvin and drummer Joe.The band have received airplay on BBC Radio, via BBC Introducing.
Track: Same Page
Why We Like It: This jaunty indie track whirlwinds with a vibrant backdrop of blistering guitars, punchy drums and rampant bass lines to create an invigorating listening experience. The warm raspy vocals inject power into the catchy melody as the band create a hyper, blood pumping indie anthem. Kinetic bass lines ravish an energetic atmosphere filled with refined layering and zest filled guitars. ‘Same Pages’ is an impressive vigorous new single.
Bio : All Tvvins duo Conor Adams and Lar Kaye enjoyed a phenomenal start to their career. Their debut album ‘IIVV’ shot into the Irish charts at #2, earned a Choice Music Prize nomination for Irish Album of the Year and smashed the 20 million streams landmark. Meanwhile, gigs in the UK and Ireland included a life-affirming sold-out shows at Dublin’s historic Olympia Theatre as well as tours around Europe. The band continued this momentum with their critically acclaimed follow up album “Just To Exist” which was released in 2019 and produced and co-written by James Vincent McMorrow.
Track: Hope It Don’t
Why We Like It: With a pulsing, intense bass line ‘Hope It Don’t’ exudes All Tvvins dynamic indie pop.The track rushes with a sweet powerful nostalgia while the vigorous rhythm bounces with relentless stamina through a kinetic swirling soundscape. Tasty guitars lines and charming melodies chime with an anthemic epic quality throughout. The synths palpitate through a humid backdrop while expressive warm vocals echo between the ricocheting rhythm. With distant pines on guitar this track has a soothing yet dramatic quality that is sure to linger in your head.
Bio : Launching into the music scene in late 2017, FRUITZ quickly made a name for themselves as an exciting live band. The Dublin quartets first release was hard hitting single ‘KNOTZ’, which was followed up by the melodic rock/pop song ‘U & I’. FRUITZ earned themselves an international following, playing their UK debut to a sold out headline show at Liverpool’s Zanzibar Club and playing Gullivers’ in Manchester for renowned indie label ‘Scruff Of The Neck’.
Track: DayDream
Why We Like It: Swirling with bracing instrumentation, breezy soundscapes and a driving beat ‘DayDream’ swooshes through your mind in a frenzy. The band smudge shredding zealous stings on guitar over a blazing rhythmic bounce while a glucose melody and emotive vocals create an adrenaline rush. Soaring through with an arena ready, guitar heavy wall of sound this band present a number filled with nostalgia, blazing musicianship and oodles of vigor. These guys can grip your heart and take you on a whirlwind of emotions with just one sublime tune.
After receiving critical acclaim with airplay on 2FM and 98FM for their debut track, ‘Kitsilano’, Meath based indie quintet Lady Landscape return with their new single, ‘Versailles’. The band have played some of Dublin’s top venues alongside bands: Sprints, Bullet Girl, and Isaac Jones.
With mellow laid back tones and sweet melodies ‘Versailles’ follows the wholesome authentic musicianship we have come to love from Lady Landscape. The track flows with smooth melodies, dreamy soundscapes and biting instrumentation as humming guitars embroider the backdrop in a cheery bounce while the punchy soft beat and chiming soundscapes create an elastic rebound. There is a sweet ethereal quality to the track as the velvety vocals adhere to the candied whimsical melody. The lyrics follow the disappearance of a woman which spawns conspiracy theories made by fake news journalists. This theme wonderfully contrasts and blends with the laid back lo fi instrumentation as the band layers lush textures, thick shimmering synths and sublime rhythms to create a nostalgic dreamy listening experience.
Hull band Little Blue Thula have released their new single ‘Lemons’. The song trudges along with a mournful moody atmosphere as Little Blue Thula create a sunken alternative number. The track broods gently to start as lonely strums on guitar accompany the dismal vocals. Slowly the band build the track adding soft elegant piano as the vocals become more bitter for the chorus. With a lamenting sting on electric guitar paving the way for the thumping beat and lush backing vocals the track becomes a swaying doo wop hued ditty. The song blossoms for its crescendo with a blasting wall of sound. Crashing guitars smash against the punchy rhythmic backdrop before slipping into a shredding instrumental. The soft elegant piano plays the track out, resounding with a sweet melancholic tone. It’s a rich and diverse track from Little Blue Thula that shows their refined ability to build and cultivate their songs for maximum impact and emotive listening.
Watch the video for ‘Lemons’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
