Tag Archives: rock and roll

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Van Bellman ‘I Hate To See You This Way’

Van Bellman has released his new single ‘I Hate To See You This Way’.Van Bellman is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based musician Zac Taylor. You may have seen him playing guitar on TV with multi-platinum band American Authors, or perhaps carrying your luggage at the Gansevoort Hotel on Park Avenue a few years back. Taylor has been cultivating this new project and has now presented his brand of bluesy rock and indie pop.

‘I Hate To See You This Way’ is a gritty, crawling blast of bluesy rock at its most exciting and electrifying. Rough guitars shred and lacerate through a thick muggy drum whack while Taylor’s chilled vocals cruise in luring and creepy for the verses becoming more passionate and emotional for the meteoric chorus. Exploding in a barrel of spinning emotion this track throbs, stomps and screams with rock and roll swagger and slick panache. It’s sharp and brawny with a sensual sliver of finesse embossed on top. The whisky soaked melody wriggles its way into your brain while rough spiky guitars steam and evaporate over the kinetic riveting rock drenched soundscape.With heart-gripping pop speckled moments between the lusty growls and eerie tension this track is a sublime stalking number that drips and oozes sophistication and fine musicianship.

The theme of ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ focuses on the pain of watching someone you love go down a dark road, witnessing them self-destruct. Anyone can relate to this heartbreaking and helpless feeling, whether they have played the role of the nurse or the patient. “It means a lot to me as both a lyrical and sonic story,” said Taylor, who also produced the track at the legendary Mission Sound Studios in Brooklyn through some serious vintage equipment.

Stream ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ below


Alt- Pop, Grunge Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Magic Lotus

The Magic Lotus is a garage rock band based in London whose 60s influenced pop melodicism comes with a minimalist grunge attack.The origins of the band, much like the origins of Western Civilization, are in Athens, Greece, where the guys started many moons ago.Moving to London in 2015, The Magic Lotus wasted no time hitting the capital’s club circuit. The Unsigned Guide picked up on the band, championing them in their mail outs. Local radio and arty blogs alike reacted to their psychedelic punk singalongs.The band have released their debut single ‘Feel Your Love’ by the independent label The Animal Farm records.

‘Feel Your Love’ is a sweeping surge of shredding rock and roll that smacks you in the face and wrestles you to the ground in the most slick, swagger drenched manner. The shredding guitar riff scorches through the track with red hot intensity while the dynamic rhythm punches with a hefty potency. It’s a highly energetic blistering track that rushes through your veins with that get up and go adrenaline. Sing along ready with its catchy chorus and attitude swagger riddled vocals, this track is a mighty infectious, sizzling mammoth that will be running riot in your mind all day.

Stream ‘Feel Your Love’ below


Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Singer/Songwriter

Mackenzie James Cregan ‘We’ll Be Here’

Mackenzie James Cregan is a Liverpool based singer/songwriter/musician from Los Angeles. Mackenzie puts a modern spin on his music, giving him a unique sound that includes catchy pop choruses and melodies.He first picked up a guitar at two years old and started taking lessons from his father Jim Cregan at nine years old. Since then, Mackenzie has taught himself how to play bass, drums, and piano. After living in Los Angeles his whole life, at the age of 21, Mackenzie decided to move to Liverpool, UK in the fall of 2017 to kickstart his new solo career.He has now released his new single ‘We’ll Be Here’.

‘We’ll Be Here’ is a vibrant sing along little ditty that radiates good vibes and sunshine. This peppy gem hops and bops about with a swaggering spring in its step. The buoyant beat and jangly guitar sets the groove infested foundation for you to shimmy your night away. A melty melody glissades upon this delightful foundation with a silky finesse that oozes panache and strut quality. Mackenzie’s vocals smoothen the track with a velvety sweep of prancing confidence while a steamy guitar solo injects that final blow of swanky rock & roll suave. It’s a foot tapping infectious number that will brighten your day and have you dancing and singing along in no time.

You can catch Mackenzie James Cregan live at his single release show on Friday 11th May at 24 Kitchen street in Liverpool.

Watch the video for ‘We’ll Be Here’ below


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

Miles Kane ‘Loaded’

Miles Kane is back with a new solo album, his first in five years. ‘Coup De Grace’ follows 2013’s ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ and is set for release June 8th via Virgin EMI. He has now released the lead single, ‘Loaded’ as a mouth-watering appetizer. Recorded in Los Angeles and produced by John Congelton (St. Vincent), the track was co-written with Lana Del Rey and Jamie T. ‘Loaded’ is a laid back melodic track dripping in flaunty swagger and slick coolness. A pop laced rock and roll sprinkled melody melts upon steamy T-REX-esque sultry guitar licks and spongy beat. The track becomes anthemic and ethereal as it builds to its passionate crescendo as Kane croons over breezy soundscapes. The verses slap a nice dose of punk-ish attitude while chiming keys twinkle between the steady beat. Lush backing vocals add a sweetness and celestial quality to this charming effortlessly cool number while the sizzling guitar drives the track with sharp stings and smothering scorching strides. ‘Loaded’ cruises, bops and blisters all while riding a mellow wave of infectious melodies, rich rhythms and swayable grooves. If this track is anything to go by ‘Coup De Grace’ is going to be one heck of an album.

Stream ‘Loaded’ below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Desert Rock, EP Review, Garage Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Johnny Yuma ‘Rest In Peace’ EP

Minneapolis, Minnesota rock trio Johnny Yuma have recently released their EP ‘Rest In Peace’. The band comprised of members Elliot Heerman on Bass and Lead Vocals, Patrick Irwin on Guitar and Jane “Damage” Halldorson on Drums have created their own brand of Dusty, Dirty, Rock’n Roll that makes for an engaging electrifying listen. From the get-go these guys blast straight into their no-nonsense raw neck snapping bluesy rock. ‘Alabama Woman’ sets the brisk tempo as crashing guitars and punchy drums whirlwind through a stop start pace while raspy vocals expel swagger soaked fiery attitude. It’s one for dizzying confusion of the sweaty mosh pits. The riff driven ‘Knock Knock’ brings us further into their blistering rock and roll as guitars jaggedly saw through pummeling drums while an elastic rumble on bass keeps the track running along. A scorching guitar solo shreds with a shrilling desert hot western vibe while the punchy rhythm trudges along keeping the rapid tempo. These guys exude a don’t mess with me attitude with slick swagger thrown on top. ‘Cellophane’ continues the relentless stamina of its predecessors while smudging a catchy 60’s- esque melody over their rambunctiously ruffled frenzy inducing garage backdrop. Razor sharp guitars once again blister and pierce throughout the track however in this track they have a slinky liquidity to their acidic sting. ’Mother’s And Sailors’ gives us a much needed breather from the heavy assault. This light county twanged ditty gives us another glimpse at Johnny Yuma’s talents. Still energetic this number is more buoyant, sweetly toned and infectiously peppy. Who can resist a cheeky little whistle along feature especially when it’s this catchy. Barn dance anyone?… don’t mind if I do. ‘Whisper’ brings us to a scuzzy end to the EP. It’s fuzzed up, lean and mean, ready for bar brawl rock and roll. It’s grungy rough and tumble with gritty guitars pulverising drums and sneering vocals that will make your blood coil and boil forcing you to mosh and jump about. Fueled by bad ass adrenaline from the deep dark depths of Minnesota these guys whack out one heck of a tune that will slap you in the face at lightning speeds.

‘Rest In Peace’ is an EP for blasting into your ears at worrying volumes while you headbang, dance and attempt air guitar like a boss. It’s a solid, swagger drenched, meaty display from the trio that will rattle your bones.

Stream ‘Rest In Peace’ below


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

Carnival Club ‘Sin City’

Carnival Club have released a brand new EP ‘NOMADS & CROOKS’ its the follow-up to 2017’s ‘Magdalena’s Cape’ EP. The lead track, SIN CITY is produced and mixed by Joe Cross (The Courteeners, Hurts), with the other four tracks engineered and produced by long-time collaborator Kev Carroll. 2017 ended with Carnival Club supporting The Courteeners’ Liam Fray on his sell-out tour, strengthening their already-strong Manchester fanbase – their last three Manchester gigs have all sold out.

‘Sin City’ is a darkly coated blast of spiky indie rock that slaps, whacks and ripples all while seeping swagger from every note. Punchy drums and elastic bass hop and rebound creating a fluctuating foundation for the scorching twisted guitar riffs to ricochet off. The briery wobbly guitar distortion and brisk rhythm creates a shuffling groove that is irresistible while Kai Jon Roberts’ powerful vocals lure and ooze charisma over the catchy melody. This track hooks you from the start. It’s is a high-powered adrenaline shot of glorious panache-soaked rock and roll that is danceable and buzz filled. It’s a superb effort from this young band that is sure to make them very popular.

Watch the video for ‘Sin City’ below


Album Release, Album Review, Blues Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Soul

Maker ‘DEA’ Album

Kent four piece Maker will release their twelve track debut long-player, ‘DEA’, on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018. Made up of band members Alessandro Marinelli (vocals), brothers Andrew Donaldson (guitar) and Gavin Donaldson (drums) and John Austin (bass) Maker bring a sound brimming with psychedelic bluesy punch and stirred with a fist full of soul. The band have already picked-up fans in one of the world’s most acclaimed guitarists, Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes/Magpie Salute), as well as Simone Marie (Primal Scream) and Tom Meighan (Kasabian). Their debut album ‘DEA’ was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales where artists such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, Queen, Black Sabbath, Kasabian plus many more have all recorded seminal albums. Produced by Nick Brine (The Stone Roses, Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, Imelda May), the album was recorded over just fourteen days and every track was recorded with the band all together playing in the same room.

‘DEA’ is a timeless swagger filled pure rock album with all the boozy soaked blues, fire loaded soul and leather dressed suave you’d expect from this four piece. From the first shredding riff of ‘Soul’ you know your in for one hell of an album. Its gritty, rough around the edges rock with enough sass and swagger thrown in to create a sleek steamy blazing rock track. With powerful vocals and strut ready atmosphere teamed with passion and soul, it’s an anthemic and fiery start. The debut album’s title, ‘DEA’, comes from the initials of the album track ‘Dead Ends & Avenues’, a track which is about triumph in the face of adversity, making your own luck and succeeding despite life’s hurdles.It’s a foot stomping infectious number that shuffles and prances with a rebellious two finger salute. These guys keep pelting out the sizzling licks brain crashing drums and rugged brawny riffs over infectious melodies and feel good blistering stamina to create an album that is wholly satisfying and invigorating. With shredding guitar solos and oodles of red hot energy this album is locked and loaded and set to scalding temperatures. The Lenny Kravitz– esque ‘Move Your Feet’, bluesy sensual ‘Quick Getaway’ and funky flavoured ‘Curtain Call’ all ooze trade mark shots of their raw, brawny, slick rock and roll. While the sultry ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ brings a slower tonality with its bluesy and soulful tone and sensual sway -like tempo. Featuring steamy guitar licks and a elegant piano feature before building to a mighty crescendo with punchy drums and expressive vocals this track is passionate and powerfully sharp all while cruising on sultry and sensually smooth swagger. Maker use this album to showcase the versatility in their sound as they whack out the twanging glorious ‘John’s Pharmacy’. With its country- esque twangs and glowing warmth teamed with peppy piano, it’s a joyous little ditty.There is no end to their slick rock and roll, ‘Soaked Up’ floods through reinforcing their golden rock and roll drenched flamboyance that makes you want to dance. Each anthemic track is like an instant shot of confidence and a strut ready soundtrack to boost you with feel good vibes and make you feel like you’re the sh*t. While the smooth tender tracks like ‘Comin In From The Rain’ cools the tone and sets the perfect scene for summer evening chill time. It’s delicate and passionate without becoming sappy. It is tender and emotional in a raspy sweet rock and roll way. ‘She’s On A Replay’ is a sultry dark mysterious track that is worth the wait, slotting in second last on the album it’s a strident laid back swagger laden banger steeped in spine chilling blues that creeps in, all mysterious and eerie before the explosive chorus. The intensity of the verses tease the thrilling chorus to come while slick guitar licks slither around the brawny melody and blistering riffs.The sweet warm twangs of  ‘(Little Bit Of) Soul’ brings us to a calming mellow end to the album. It’s soulful and charming with glimmering guitars behind a melty passionate melody and punchy drums which then builds into a stomping anthem. It’s a euphoric sublime end to an album that packs some mighty beefy punches and swagger soaked kicks.

Maker have already headlined many of the UK’s most prestigious venues (including rocking London’s legendary 100 Club in March 2017 as part of the ‘Best Of British Blues Explosion’), played as special guests to some of the UK’s finest artists (including band hero Wilko Johnson) and shared bills with the likes of The Cribs, Dizzee Rascal and Mark Ronson, to name but a few. The band have a handful of brand new live shows just confirmed (with further dates to be added in the near future).

‘DEA’ is released on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018 for more information head to Makers Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/

 

Stream ‘Soul’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Vaccines

The Vaccines have released their new single ‘I Can’t Quit’ from their upcoming album ‘Combat Sports’ which is their fourth record to date and is set for release March 30th. The album follows on from ‘What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?’ (2011), ‘Come of Age’ (2012) and ‘English Graffiti’ (2015).

‘I Can’t Quit’ is a morphine shot of the raw passionate youth-filled rock and roll that the Vaccines do so well. It’s a punchy blitz and relentless onslaught of luscious melodic adrenaline,driven by jagged rough and ready guitar riffs and an oh so catchy pop smacked melody. Hayward-Young’s raw dynamic vocals slap you in the face with firm lyrics that are sing along ready. It’s one to be played loud while you jump around brutishly bellowing out the lyrics. Though razor sharp and electrifying the five piece showcase their refined, ruggedly boisterous sound with snappy drums piercing guitars and a melody that grabs you by the ears, tackles you to the ground like a rock and roll immersed bear until you’re singing it in your sleep. They are back and if ‘I Can’t Quit’ is anything to go by its going to be one heck of an album.

Listen to ‘I Can’t Quit’ below


Alt Rock, Funk, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Factory ‘Violet Lips’

Merseyside’s Factory have released their new single ‘Violet Lips’. Factory have been shaking up venues all over the country supporting bands like SPACE, as well as selling out headline gigs in Manchester and Liverpool. In 2016 they were chosen by Alan McGee to open up for Primal Scream at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and 2017 saw the band kick things off with the sold-out release of single and music video for ‘Step a Little Closer’ which received radio play from Dave Monks at BBC Radio Merseyside. Factory also completed their first UK tour, with dates at Sound City ‘Suburbia’, TRAMLINES, Dot 2 Dot and even their first gig in the capital.

‘Violet Lips’ continues their quest for world domination. Its more shrilling fierce and savage than its predecessor. With funky guitar injected between slick basslines and punchy drums it’s a swagger soaked demand for attention. This track seeps chic rooted grooves from its very core, with a bass line so elastic beefy and slick it steam rolls through with relentless tyrant stamina. With steamy guitar wails and a refined shimmy ready rhythm these guys have what it takes. It’s a solid rough and tumble track, yet sensually smooth to make you dance effortlessly. With a raspy vocal adding raw rock and roll muscle teamed with a catchy melody and sweat and leather adrenaline pumping instrumentation, this track is a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye out for Factory these dark horses have some serious talent and they have burst onto the music scene gung-ho and are ready to rock.

Stream ‘Violet Lips’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Wulfman Fury

Sheffield five-piece Wulfman Fury burst on to the scene with their debut single ‘Nightsweats’ this October, and have swiftly followed the release with another stellar new track ‘Draw The Line’ which was produced and mixed by George Moran, frontman of Wulfman Fury and an accomplished session player having toured extensively with Miles Kane and shared stages with Alex Turner and Paul Weller. ‘Draw The Line’ whizzes along at a breath-taking pace with a rush of intensity and an instant buzz of excitement. Where to start, this track exudes effortless confidence and swagger with all the component parts of a hit track. Dazzling sharp guitars whirl around an infectious vibrant melody lifting each chorus to soaring adrenaline rushing heights. Lush passionate vocals thrill with an energising stamina and power while punchy drums keep a flexible foundation for the instrumentation to rebound dynamically off. Just when you think this track can’t get any better they pelt you with a satisfying riveting riff before the swirling psychedelic tinged bridge. These guys know how to craft a relentless enthralling track to leave you craving for more. Its utterly absorbing with a crisp biting chorus and fresh breezy sound, it’s a mighty anthem. Wulfman Fury are a band to watch out for their sound is spellbinding and wholly captivating. These guys are a band to get excited about.

Watch the video for ‘Draw The Line’ below