Indie Quick Picks

DAN FRESHER

Genre: Electronic indie 

Bio: DAN FRESHER is a rapper based in Easton, Bristol however his new single ‘Follow Me, Run’ takes a more electronic pop sound. 

Track: ‘Follow Me, Run’

Why We Like It:  It’s a lushly layered, pop-sprinkled ditty that floats freely on an electronic cloud of bliss while the smooth vocals caress the melty melody. The track is laid back and fresh as the chiming electronics create a wispy ethereal vibe. The sticky slapping beat creates a humid atmosphere as the audio clips add a unique quality making this track instantly likeable and summer ready. It’s a chilled well crafted track from this young artist. 

You can follow DAN FRESHER on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dancaresb1tch/

Stream ‘Follow Me, Run’ below 

The Hideaways

Genre: Alternative 

Bio: Bristol band The Hideaways is comprised of Danny Pugh (Vocals, Guitar, Synth), Tim Burden (Guitar, Synth), Sam Bendall-Weeks (Bass) and Jack Ford (Drums). In the last year they received their debut play on BBC Radio 6 Music, embarked on a 2 week UK tour and played to sold out crowds in Bristol and beyond. The band have recently returned to Monnow Valley Studio with producer Matt Glasbey (Editors, Marmozets) to record new music.

Track: Stop Disappearing

About the track frontman Danny Pugh said :  “Stop Disappearing never really made sense as standard verse-chorus type of song.When I first wrote it it was a pretty straight indie tune but as we started playing it together as a band it just felt right to keep getting heavier and scattier the longer it went. That’s how we ended up with an outro that sounds like Joy Division in a K-hole.”

Why We Like It:  It’s a cutting slice of jangly alternative rock as the band sweetly introduce the track with a soft indie soundscape before belting into a dramatic expressive number. The delicate sweet melody coos and drifts along an indie pop speckled backdrop of zesty strums and golden guitar lines while a punchy drum and bass combination maintains a buoyant foundation. The track builds superbly as the instrumentation becomes more acute and harsh. The guitars crash into a rapid meaty drum foundation as the vocals become more shouty. The Hideaways display their more frantic and dramatic musicianship as they present a hair raising outro of epic proportions. 

You can follow The Hideaways on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thehideawayshq/

Stream ‘Stop Disappearing’ below 

Meyru

Genre: Indie

Bio: New York City based Meyru have played a series of sold out shows throughout downtown Manhattan, including landmark venues like Mercury Lounge, Pianos, The Bitter End. Their 10 song LP, ‘Good to See You’ was mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Dan Millice (A$AP Rocky, Al Green, 50 Cent).

Track: Wasted Days

About the track the band said: “Wasted Days started in rehearsal one day when Steven brought a guitar riff that he had been working on for a while. The song is definitively very different from our usual stuff. Funky, poppy and out there compared to our normal indie rock tunes. I think that’s what most people like about it though. It allows us to step into a different territory of music and genre. Lyrically its all about the time that you’ve consciously wasted doing nothing but living in the moment and would happily waste again.”

Why We Like It: It’s a strut-soaked funky number dripping in swagger and passion while also oozing fun musical prowess. With slinky guitar lines weaving steamy vapor through a steady beat and lush backing vocals it’s a charming track sure to have you wiggling those hips in no time. With raspy soul drizzled vocals spread on a honeyed melody it’s the perfect ear worm. The track builds to a sing along ready crescendo while the vibrant warm guitar melody playfully wiggles throughout. Its one groove infested charmer for sure. 

You can follow Meyru on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/meyrumusic/

Stream ‘Wasted Days’ below 

Honey Lung

Photo credit: Timothy Casten

Genre: Alternative Rock

Bio: Fresh from touring alongside Brummie garage-pop stalwarts JAWS, and embarking on their first trip stateside for SXSW earlier this year, London’s Honey Lung certainly ramped up activity on the live front, with August dates supporting Basement lined up and their first ever UK headline tour kicking off in November.

Track: Nothing

Why We Like It: It’s a smooth yet sharp blast of euphoric shoegaze. These guys blend laid back velvety melodies and soft vocals with crashing blistering instrumentation seamlessly to create a wholly invigorating listening experience. The delicate twinkling verses contrast the raucous instrumental breaks as crashing guitars ricochet off pounding drums while a dreamy melody cools and tranquilizes the mania with its nonchalant tone. This sun spiked gem is a summers day filled with blustery sweltering chaos and a lazy relaxed daydream all at once. Pretty impressive and very infectious. 

You can Follow Honey Lung on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/honeylungband

Stream ‘Nothing’ below 

BARE ROOTS

Genre:  Alternative Rock

Bio:  Hailing from the working-class suburbs of Newcastle upon Tyne (UK), BARE ROOTS combine 80s soundscapes with 90s soulful rock and roll. The band was formed by school mates Anthony Francis (vocals, guitar), Joe Anderson (bass) and Martin Corkhill (drums) who later joined forces with Ollie Petrie (guitar).

Track: ‘Always’

Why We Like It:  Its a smooth alternative track brimming with passion as BARE ROOTS douse their sound in country rock tones while maintaining their alternative roots. With jangly guitar pining occasionally through the punchy drums and solid backdrop it’s a classic ear worm. With a shredding solo and warm tones BARE ROOTS create another charming track to put on repeat. 

You can follow BARE ROOTS on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/barerootsuk

Stream ‘Always’ below 

The Standing Man

Genre: Alternative 

Bio: Glasgow based musician The Standing Man has released his new single ‘Cos I Feel You!’

Track: Cos I Feel You!

Why We Like It:  It’s a swagger dripping rock ‘n’ roll track with a slinky guitar feature that mirrors Soft Cell’s ‘Tainted Love’. The snappy beat and sweltering instrumental backdrop sets the track alight while the reverb raspy vocals prance through with panache and energy. Its a catchy swanky track that boasts confidence and sultry qualities.

You can follow The Standing Man on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thestandingman/

Stream ‘Cos I Feel You!’ Below 

Otherkin

Photo Credit : Wolf James Photography

Genre: Alternative indie

Bio: Irish alternative rock band Otherkin have released their new single ‘True Believer’. The band have enjoyed significant success in recent times, with airplay support from BBC RADIO 1 as well as radio play back in Ireland and playlist support on all the main streaming platforms.Following an exciting Electrowerkz show in London, Otherkin will be heading back out on the road across the UK this September.

Track: ‘True Believer’

Why We Like It: This dark 80’s synth, disco banger strides on a glossy electronic background while the raspy vocals of Luke Reilly and indie rock foundation on drums and bass keep the track in alternative territory. Dramatic in its approach with jarring keys and ominous backing vocals this galloping slinky number has everything to keep you engaged. With an epic ‘The Final Countdown’ -esque synth melody leading the way to the creeping verses – it’s an anthemic and edgy addition to the band’s catalogue. Otherkin layer this track superbly weaving modern aspects with shiny 80’s quirk seamlessly. Light twinkles on keys contrast the crashing guitars, thrilling distortion and playful electronics making ‘True Believer’ one heck of a head rush. 

You can follow Otherkin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/otherkinOK/

Stream ‘True Believer’ below 

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