Category Archives: Uncategorized

No Tie Friday ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ EP

No Tie Friday is a four piece Indie Pop / Alternative band from Wicklow. The band consists of Keith Molloy (Vocals + Rhythm Guitar), Matt Morgan (Drums), Niall McGurk (Bass) and Barra MacMahon (Lead Guitar). With only a few gigs under their belt they have already started making an impression on the Irish music scene. The band have recently released their debut EP ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’. A five track collection of sweet tunes and intricate glistening instrumentation, this EP is pure wholesome honey drizzled indie pop. From the first crashing intro of ‘Seasons’ No Tie Friday have you firmly hooked. This bouncing little gem rumbles and rushes through with a driving rippling rhythm while glistening jangly guitars create the perfect glossy backdrop for the vibrant infectious melody. It’s anthemic and punchy wrapped up in a whirl of youthful adrenaline rushing instrumentation. They definitely kicked the EP off with the right track- it’s sun soaked and vibrantly dynamic. This little charmer has you eating out of the palm of their hands eager for more. ‘Forest’ continues the indie pop buoyancy, as thumping drums set a steady foundation for the shimmering golden guitars to sparkle between. There are plenty of blissful guitar moments in this EP and the quartet show off their knack for crisp sweet toned guitar lines throughout each track creating special little luscious twinkles that lift each tune and add glorious scintillation throughout. Title track ‘Long Drives And Sunsets’ marks the halfway point in the EP with a fluctuant rhythm and delicate instrumentation to start. Ethereal guitars lament behind a sombre tender melody while Molloy’s vocals reach their most emotional we have heard yet. It’s a passionate display as sharp guitars and punchy drums bring us to a powerful intense crescendo. If you are looking for the perfect hazy sunny day tune filled with mellow tones with some melancholic hues ‘Working Title’ is the one for you. Again it features some sublime guitar work and a smooth, silky melody while the vocals add a hint of soul, its soothing, chilled, breezy bliss. ‘Delay’ which fast became my favourite track, closes the EP much like ‘Seasons’ began it – with a surge of peppy jangly indie intricately weaved and tightly compact to create a satisfying listen. It is  filled with dazzling soundscapes, whirring guitars, an infectious chorus and a stomping singalong ready bridge that will have a live crowd bellowing out at the top of their lungs.

‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ is a wholly enjoyable, charming collection. This bands laid back, dreamy approach gives each track space to flourish and blossom and this really adds something special to the overall enjoyment of the EP. These guys have created something glorious. It’s perfect for summer days and youthfulness. Keep an eye out for No Tie Friday.

Stream ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ below

 


Music News

Breakthrough act Elles Bailey is releasing a free live 4-track EP in support of the Little Rabbit Barn venue, in Ardleigh on the Essex/Suffolk border.

Small music venues have been closing down across the UK. According to Music Venue Trust, around a third of the nation’s small gig spaces have closed in the past decade. It’s a blight that leaves music fans poorer and denies artists prized opportunities to hone their craft and play intimate live gigs. Such closures also diminish local communities and arts scenes. Thankfully, indie venues, artists and music fans are all fighting the trend. Rising Blues and Country star Elles Bailey is determined to fight the good fight for grass roots, live music, so she’s releasing a free live 4-track EP in support of the Little Rabbit Barn venue, in Ardleigh on the Essex/Suffolk border, asking only for donations to support the venue and its grass roots cause.

Started in 2011, Little Rabbit Barn runs house concerts: an independent live music model that’s become familiar to American audiences, which is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Although a house concert is a private gig, for which the audience are sent personal invitations, it’s open to all music fans. The model is non-profit-making, funded by guest donations and host’s subsidy.

Elles Bailey has played Little Rabbit Barn and speaks highly of it: “It’s tough out there on the road, but the hospitality that we received when we arrived at Little Rabbit Barn was some of the best we have ever had in the UK. We had covered well over 2000 miles in 8 days and as you can imagine, were rather travel-worn, but the show was a little haven of refuge for us! We even got to have a post-show cuddle with a rabbit! What more could you want?”

Jonathan Rabett of LRB responds, “It was a privilege for us at Little Rabbit Barn to host Elles at our end of year show and to record Elles Bailey and her band towards the end of their extensive Wildfire UK & European tour, 2017. They delivered a stunning performance without overpowering the intimacy of the space. A performance that is now etched into the very fabric of the Barn. I know you will enjoy listening to this recording which has been authentically mixed by Jay Stapley and closely overseen by Elles.”

Recorded at Little Rabbit Barn, Elles Bailey’s 4-track EP is a free download, though Elles is appealing to downloaders to make a donation to support Little Rabbit Barn and the live, grass roots cause.

You can download the EP and make a donation here https://show.co/UTURI37

Check out Time’s A Healer – Live at Little Rabbit Barn  here

 

 

 


Boom Child ‘I Want To Shift Your Sister’ Video

Boom Child have released a video for their single ‘I Want To Shift Your Sister’. Boom Child are Ross Shannon (Guitar/Vocals), David Flood (Bass/Vocals) and Tadhg Lipton (Drums/Vocals) a chaotic rock trio from Dublin. Their music is an irreverent mix of punk, funk, and power pop. They released their debut ‘The Super Edible EP’ in 2016 on the first 100% edible music format.

‘I Want To Shift Your Sister’ is an interesting wallop of punk rock. With shredding guitars slapping against pummeling drums and attitude driven vocals this trio produce a robust sound while whacking on top some comical lyrics. With mighty riffs, funky bass lines, dramatic stop starts and a catchy chorus the trio have written a cheeky little infectious tune. The video which was directed by Dr. Lippy brings their humorous side to the forefront and their ability to entertain. Featuring After Eight chocolates, fidget spinners and  Boom Child Mascot Boomer check it out below.

Bands disclaimer *All chocolate mints used in the video are vegan friendly


Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmas! We would like to thank you all for your support, follows and likes this year. Thank the amazing artists we found and have featured on our blog, the dedicated and lovely PR Companies who we have had the pleasure of working with to promote the rich variety of music that surrounded us this year and the immensely kind donators who have bought us a coffee through our donate button keeping us all caffeinated and aiding to help keep the blog spreading the word about amazing artists. As we look forward to finding and featuring more exciting music in 2018 we would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

You can follow our 2018 Playlist on Spotify  which features an infectious collection of all the bands and artists we featured on our blog in 2017 below

 


Apologies for Technology Errors

So I made the mistake of trying to change the layout of the blog and found technology doesn’t like me. Let’s just say it all went wrong. IT people are looking into it now, while shaking their heads at me disapprovingly. We should be up again working soon.

Apologies to any of our subscribers who received strange emails due to the mix up it apparently had something to do with the WordPress premium theme I installed.

Sukh ‘Flight’

Following up with his first collection of material since 2015, songwriter Sukh has announced the release of his brand new single ‘Flight’, taken from the forthcoming album ‘Galactic Love Machine’. The new single follows his previous hit single’s ‘Kings’ and ‘Something Good’ which received critical acclaim from fans and media alike. On this single Sukh has teamed up with a list of notable names including John Simm (Cleft) and the Manchester String Quartet. ‘Flight’ is due for release July 7th and will be available on all major media providers with the album ‘Galactic Love Machine’ expected to drop later this year.
‘Flight’ is a stunning graceful track that exudes passion and emotion from every note. From the delicate piano intro to the twinkling zealous guitars this track glitters and sparkles delicate bright beauty. Feather-like and enchanting with elegant strings it flows with sweet lush finesse. The introduction of the spongy elastic beat helps build to the sublime crescendo. With a delightful creamy melody this track its velvety smooth and a heavenly treasure.
Sukh is scheduled to perform at this years Kendal Calling on July 28th with further gigs due to be announced. Further details can be found on Sukh’s official website here http://www.iamsukh.com/

Stream ‘Flight’ below


Indie Quick Picks

Veins

Genre: alt-rock

Bio: Veins is the new project of Stevie Rees, Scott Warner and Dan Appleyard, who have toured the UK, Europe and Japan in bands as diverse as The Junket, Defenestration and Acoda playing everywhere from pubs to major festivals and arenas. Veins brings together their combined experience and influences to create a band and sound that is greater than the sum of its parts.
For their debut release, the band have been in the studio with legendary producer Russ Russell (The Wildhearts, Napalm Death, New Model Army) who has added a stadium-ready gloss to their anthemic, yearning rock.

Track: Ambi

Why we Like It: its a captivating piece of epic alternative rock. Mighty and airy with ethereal guitar lines that sweep you up into their brooding breezy atmosphere. The absorbing gritty vocals pull you into this gripping emotionally deep track while the pounding drum patterns add brawn and a potent punch.

Follow Veins on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/veinsbanduk
Watch the video for Ambi below

 The Magic Es

Genre: rock n’ roll

Bio:  Since forming in 2014, The Magic Es, Pete Thompson (Vocals/Guitar), Jasper Stainthorpe (Bass), Stuart Catchpole (Drums/Vocals) and Phil Woods (Guitar) have been busy. All lifelong musicians with world tours, top 40 singles and a wealth of musical experience under their belts, the boys came together after a chance meeting at a wedding led to them finding common ground in the simple pleasures of classic records and punkish rock n’ roll.

Track: Running Scared,
When asked about the song frontman Pete Thomson said :
“It’s about the oldest topic in town – love & relationships. It’s about a relationship I was in that ended many years ago. I should be thankful, as it produced a few good tunes that have made it into Magic Es sets. For me it’s the bass and drum groove at the beginning that really set up the song and once we’d got that down it flowed quickly. Funnily, the “La, la, la” chorus was supposed to have words but the first time we gigged it I forget them so improvised – it seemed to work so we kept it in!”.

Why we Like It: Its gritty punchy rock that blends out into a bright friendly anthem. Tight harmonies, blistering guitar and a melody that will have you singing along to that “La la la” in no time.

Follow The Magic Es on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wearemagicuk
Watch the video for ‘Running Scared’ below

Follow our Indie Quick Picks Playlist on Spotify here

Indie Quick Picks

The Dangerhounds

Genre: Punk indie-pop

Bio: Since forming in 2015, The Dangerhounds, Brad Moorcroft (Bass) Tris Ellis (Drums) Adam Hume (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals) and Obi Davis (Lead Guitar) have been busy playing a series of riotous live shows and making a name for themselves on the fertile Leeds indie rock scene. Their debut EP and 2016 singles led to airplay with BBC Introducing, who were quick to spot their knack for Saturday night indie-disco melodies and energetic riffs. With celebrated local producer Ed Heaton at the controls, their new material builds on the punch and swagger of their earlier recordings and offers more examples of their high-octane, pop-punk thrills.

Track: Nobody Gets Hurt

Why we Like It: Its a snappy infectious slice of indie pop with punchy drums vigorous guitars and rapid tempo. The rhythm will have you dancing in no time its finger clicking good
Stream ‘Nobody Gets Hurt’ below

 Useless Cities

Genre: Indie Rock

Bio: Since arriving fully formed in 2016, Useless Cities, Tom Argent (Vocals & Guitar) Conny Bent (Vocals & Keyboards) Clare Caldwell (Bass) and Sebastian Brebu (Drums) have been busy playing a string of live shows around London (including gigs at renowned venues The Sebright Arms, The Monarch, The Good Ship, O2 Islington Academy, The Black Heart and The Amersham Arms) and building a fanbase for their unique take on nineties and noughties-influenced indie rock. Their debut EP ‘Stay’ quickly turned heads at radio with Hoxton FM, Croydon Radio and Spark Sunderland playlisting tracks, while the band’s songwriting and intricate soundscapes were praised by Wolf In A Suit, Music Is My Radar and Independent Music UK in a series of glowing reviews.

Track: New Feelings
Why We Like It: Its a uniquely chilling piece of indie rock with icy guitar lines, alternating and weaving male/female vocals all bound together with relentless drum patterns. Its smooth and delicate with the right amount of raw edge and grit to keep it fresh and breezy.

Watch the video for ‘New Feelings’ Below

Cherry Head, Cherry Heart

Genre: alt-pop

Bio: Cherry Head, Cherry Heart, Andy Johnson (Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Bass) and Naomi Lowehave (Vocals ) picked up BBC Radio 2 and BBC Introducing airplay with the ultra-catchy Road To Rome, been selected as Track Of The Week on BBC Radio Tees and won over new fans all over the UK with their live performances. Following their lo-fi 2015 debut LP ‘Chihuahua Deluxe’, Tarred & Feathered leaps from richly-detailed indie-pop arrangements to Spaghetti Western inflections (and most places in between) without losing their core personality and gift for melody.’So Much More’ is taken from their recently released second album ‘Tarred & Feathered’.

Track: So Much More

When asked about the album co-frontman Andy Johnson said: “Tarred and Feathered” is held together by a loose narrative about a young couple travelling around Europe trying to escape something or someone unspecified. The songs talk about being an outsider, displacement and also the romance of the underdog as well as the inevitable desire for a home. Musically the album is a love-letter to pop music in its many forms. Influences include – Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood, Taylor Swift, The Shadows, Ennio Morricone and The Beautiful South.

Why we Like It: Its smothered in timeless Britpop songwriting. Its upbeat bopping fun with sweet sublime melodies, genre-hopping musicality and effortless charm.

Stream ‘So Much More’ below

 

You can follow our Indie Quick Picks Playlist on Spotify here

 

Atlanta Snow ‘Perfect Symphony’

Atlanta Snow (formerly Stefansson) are a new project, fronted by Singer / Songwriter / Producer; Matt Woodruff, who’s sound showcases a vibrant, contrasting and expressive approach to Electronic / Pop music. Atlanta Snow’s attitude is all about connecting with listeners through high-energy release, uplifting melodies, and fat low end that makes the floor shake. Mixed by Dave Darlington in NYC (Avicii, Bob Sinclar, Sting), the new single ‘Perfect Symphony’ is full of catchy pop hooks with ambition flowing throughout. It is an uplifting anthem that features a sublime vocal performance by Woodruff. Its edgy pop synth-heavy alternative rock that is exhilarating. Breezy synths laced over soaring vocals and ethereal melodies make this track a sublime piece of musicianship. Heavy beats give this track a dance feel, its inspiriting and invigorating with enough rawness to create a razor sharp edge and bite.
‘Perfect Symphony’ is Atlanta Snow’s second single from their upcoming album and is the first track of what is to be an exciting year for the project.

Stream ‘Perfect Symphony’ below

Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmas! We would like to thank you all for your support, follows and likes this year.Thank the amazing artists we found and have featured on our blog and the dedicated and lovely PR Companies who we have had the pleasure of working with to promote the rich variety of music that surrounded us this year,as we look forward to finding and featuring more exciting music in 2017 we would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
You can have a listen with warm hearted nostalgia to the artists we featured this year by following our 2016 playlist on Spotify here