Monthly Archives: June 2017

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Brass Phantoms ‘City Of Wolves’

Dublin four-piece, indie rock band Brass Phantoms have announced the release of a new version of their track ‘City Of Wolves ‘ due for release July 21st. In February, the band released their well received single ‘Waiting Up’, which we featured here on Indie Buddie and garnered airplay both nationally as well as being featured on BBC Radio 6 and on Spotify Discover Weekly. Their music has been featured by the likes of Nialler9, Hot Press Magazine, JOE.ie, The Last Mixed Tape & Golden Plec. The quartet have headlined their own shows throughout the country. They have been part of major festivals such as Other Voices and will be taking to the Cork stage at this year’s Indiependence Festival on the August Bank Holiday.
‘City Of Wolves’ is a sprightly energetic track multi layered and agile with rich intertwining soundscapes that seep into your brain numbing it to everything around you except the tracks weaving melodies. Sharp zesty guitar briskfully and playfully wind and bend around the drum fuelled track. The intricate guitar work creates a swirling twinkling hint of psychedelia as it hooks you in luring you deeper and deeper into the melody. Soft lulling backing vocals add a haunting quality while the warm track bursts into a luscious instrumentally opulent chorus. It’s tight production and neatly bound together creating a slick proficient track that boasts strong musicianship from Brass Phantoms.
Brass Phantoms have a busy summer ahead with some Irish shows throughout the coming months and a follow-up single due for release in September. The foursome will also embark on their first UK tour later in the year. So keep an eye out for those.

You can follow  Brass Phantoms on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/BPdublin/

 


Folk, Indie Folk, New Music

Delta Howl ‘Mary’

Folk-Rock / Americana duo Delta Howl have released their second single ‘Mary’. Grant Ashman and Mark Neat both grew up in the small town of Dudley, in the heart of The Black Country, England. Both experienced musicians they first met during a live music showcase in the West Midlands over 8 years ago and since then worked diligently on various music projects including various shows in the States and tours with the likes of Simple Minds & Blackberry Smoke. During late 2016 the duo re-united and spent the rest of that year writing and recording the material that has become Delta Howl. ‘Mary’ was recorded, mixed and mastered by the duo in their own studio. It’s the second single off a four track EP which is due to be released in late August of 2017.
‘Mary’ is a toasty track that sounds like summer. Drenched in youthful free vibes with slide guitars adding a wind in your hair carelessness and bongo drums giving a bounce and dance quality it’s instantly likeable. Sweet elegant piano introduces the song until it erupts into a breezy warm heartland county rock track. The big chorus featuring “hey” lyrics on backing vocals gives life and comradeship to the track filling you with oodles of daydreaming emotion.
When asked about the track vocalist Grant said:
“It’s a song that sounds like the summer, it describes a crazy relationship but the best kind of crazy, we hope it transports the listener to a past, present & future time. One that looks happy and fun and that’s what the song is all about, making people have a good time”


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Olly Flavell ‘Caged’

Olly Flavell a Manchester-based singer-songwriter currently studying at British and Irish Modern Music (BIMM) Institute, has released his new single ‘Caged’. Olly has obtained slots at festivals such as 2000 trees and has played iconic venues such as Birmingham’s Genting Arena and the ICC Symphony Hall. Olly’s skillfully crafted songs have earned him the opportunity to write toplines for Swedish dance music and also write for the likes of Little Mix. Collaborations with Tim Lord and Ben Newbury, stylist and video director to artists such as James Bay, also feature on his list.
‘Caged’ is a sweet melodic emotion- filled track that just warms the cockles of the heart. Candied mellow toned guitar twinkles throughout adding vibrant bursts of light to the cosy track. Soft drums wrap the song in a comforting blanket while adding a strong rumble -like beat. Olly’s passionate vocals display tender raw emotion as he wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s filled with hope and bright scintillation soaked in longing wistful tones. This track is bouncy light and passionate with a catchy chorus – its a sweet little ditty.

Stream ‘Caged’ below

 


Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Soul, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Dull Blue Lights

The Dull Blue Lights are a band in between. Drawing from influences as varied as Motown soul, Nuggets psychedelia and Jamaican rocksteady, the Philadelphia-based group’s definitive blend of cascading harmonies, screaming guitars and relentlessly grooving rhythms lives somewhere between each one. The band calls this in-between sound Basement Soul. Their new single ‘Press Play’ is the latest single from The Dull Blue Lights’ upcoming self-titled debut album, due out July 13th which was produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker, Clear Plastic Masks).
‘Press Play’ is a juicy fruity blend of slick rock and roll. Sharp nimble guitar teamed with relentlessly shimmying rhythms, this track is a massive explosion of feel good bright rock and roll. It’s cool with smooth vocals and a swagger infused cruising glide that creates an impulsive strut and prance. Exuding flamboyance and panache this track is the slick back charmer that will have girls swooning from the first note. It’s a track reminiscent of 50’s rock and roll mania. Once that rich rhythm section kicks in you won’t be able to stop yourself from dancing. With quirky organ chords thrown in and a melty infectious melody, it’s a swanky stride of explosive energy and slick musicianship. Oozing soul and passion this track is vintage cool and sublime while also remaining current. A must listen.

Stream ‘Press Play’ below


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

Motions Two Track EP Featuring ‘Say Goodbye’ & ‘Coincide’ Premiere

Motions are an alternative rock band formed in Dublin, in 2016 by Dave Nulty and Tom Daly. Following an impressive 2016 with their debut single ‘Back to Where I Begun’ and ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ earlier this year, Motions now approach the release of a two track EP featuring ‘Say Goodbye’ & ‘Coincide’.

‘Coincide’ is filled with breezy soundscapes that are coated in dark eerie tones. It’s a haunting striking track that is goose-bump inducing. Raspy vocals lure through the verse with a warning, haunting, spooky tone they become more dynamic as the chorus blasts in. The verses are mysterious as creepy synths wisp in the background while sticky slapping beats keep a steady grounding. The explosive chorus erupts with pounding drums, shredding guitars and spiraling frenzied soundscapes that, like a rush of blood to the head gush with enraged frenzy. This track is a hair raising steady surge of chilling soundscapes and raw emotion.

‘Say Goodbye’ displays Motions gritty side. It’s dark and mysterious smothered in sultry steamy tones. Each note evaporates off the track  with a misty humidity. Muggy slapping beats and a sensual bass groove give the track a stirring flexibility while slick guitars subtly seduce with devilish enticement. It’s seductively dark and enticing while packing a catchy hypnotic chorus. It’s brawny and shadowy tightly packed together and layered creating a slick track.

Motions have stepped things up a notch with this EP showing their heavier darker side without compromising on emotion and passion. They are showing diversity within their musicianship using their knack for melody, rich layering and tight production to create two sublime knock out tracks.

Stream ‘Say Goodbye’ & ‘Coincide’ below


Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cornerstone ‘Reflections’ Album

Austria’s rock band Cornerstone have released their new album ‘Reflections’. The band composed of Alina Peter (Vocals, Guitars), Michael Wachelhofer (Bass, Keyboard, Vocals), Steve Wachelhofer (Guitar, Vocals) and Christoph Karas (Drums, Percussion), was signed by the US- label ATOM Records and is successfully representing Melodic-Rock: a US-tour, eight tours in the UK, a number of concerts at famous European festivals, airplay, TV-appearances on stations like BBC and much more. Additionally, they took part in the soundtrack of the film Little Alien, and in the beginning of 2012 their song “Right or Wrong” was awarded by the British ROCK REALMS Magazine as “Ballad of the Year 2011”. In 2013 the band released their version of the eighties-hit “Smalltown Boy” (by Bronski Beat), that appeared in the charts. All of the revenues from this success were donated to the “Room to Breathe”-campaign and to the charity organisation for the research and treatment of the immunodeficiency disease cystic fibrosis at the Nottingham City Hospital. In 2016, the bands third studio-album ‘Reflections’ was produced in Canada in cooperation with producer Harry Hess (Billy Talent, Muse, Harem Scare).
‘Reflection’ is an album with an interesting mix of sounds from the rock anthem tinged ‘Nothing To Loose’ with shredding riffs punchy drums and massive chorus to the slightly more pop-like nostalgic sweet melody of ‘Last Night’ which has a horn feature and ABBA influence. Big chorus’ seem to be a theme with these guys. ‘Heart On Fire’ gives an 80’s classic rock anthem vibe with brawny strides on guitar and melancholic sharp licks. Alina Peter’s vocals soar with a powerful emotion- filled range. These tracks are packed with dramatic explosions and slick guitar solos that are air guitar worthy and fist pump ready. ‘Whatever’ takes the croony ballad, it’s soft and wispy with an elegant piano feature and delicate beat. The funky bass driven ‘True Confessions’ gives us a Disco Stu vibe with glittering guitars – it’s disco balls and flashy dance floors oozing swanky swagger. The album continues the seamless blend of alternative rock with 80’s rock and pop creating a 10 track accumulation of classic anthems. Featuring some really intricate guitar work weaving in and out adding a nice refreshing zest and vibrancy to the album. ‘Believe In Me’ screams out a jazzy piano feature and perfect 80’s pop melody- you almost forget it’s a modern track.
‘Reflection’ takes you on a time travel journey with bitter sweet nostalgia while Cornorstone put their own spin slightly warping classic 80’s rock. Each track sounds familiar yet takes a unique turn as they take these genres and make them their own.

Stream ‘Reflection’ below


Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : VITO

VITO are an indie/alt-rock foursome from Newcastle Upon Tyne. The band consisting of members Tom Conway (Guitar, Main Vocals), Andy Bell (Guitar, Vocals),Jasper Watson (Bass, Vocals) and Dom Willis (Drums) channel the genuine and unprocessed vibe of garage rock. They have released their new single ‘Moonlight Dancing’ with End of The Trail Records after the success of their first single ‘Masquerade’ which was featured regularly on BBC Introducing and Radio X.
‘Moonlight Dancing’ is a blazing indie track glistening with raw breezy soundscapes shredding guitars and punchy drums. It’s refreshing with an elastic rhythm slapping along vibrant edgy riffs creating an explosion of dynamic blustery energy. With a flair for compelling lyrics and a catchy smooth melody smothered in nostalgic tones this track is one for the youthful free spirit in all of us. These guys create music that strikes you with emotion and passion while absorbing you in their organic sharp sound.

When asked about the track Andy Bell said
“It’s about an argument our friends had who are in a relationship. We were on a night out and they were just constantly snapping at each other and eventually refused to talk to each other – a very common occurrence. By the end of the night they had drifted back together and acting like nothing had happened. We felt like this was so common and relatable that it had to be romanticised and put into a song. “

Watch the video for  ‘Moonlight Dancing’ below


Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

PALAVA

 

Genre: Indie/Alternative

Bio: PALAVA are an explosive 4 piece from Manchester with music spanning across the Rock and Roll spectrum.The band consists of members Robert Whitehead (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar),Nathan Keep (Vocals/Lead Guitar),Carl Jackson (Bass) and Oli Hurst (Drums).

Track: ‘Unwanted’

Why we Like It: Its organic punchy indie rock drizzled in warm zealous guitar and a smooth catchy melody. Pummeling drums add fire and ferocity giving a heavy mosh worthy beat that will have a live audience going wild. With a shredding sharp guitar solo it’s a slick little ditty from the Manchester lads.

You Can Follow Palava On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/palavauk/

Stream ‘Unwanted’ below

 

 Dry Roasted Peanuts

Genre: Alternative/Indie Rock

Bio: Consisting of members Marc Ó Cearnaigh – Guitar/Vocals,Robert McDonnell – Guitar/Vocals
Christopher O’Sullivan – Drums and J.J. Lee – Bass, the Cork band Dry Roasted Peanuts came together in early 2016 as the end result of a series of ultimately fortuitous drunken encounters. Since then they have been gigging and writing new material consistently, with their wide range of influences producing a fresh and compelling alt-rock sound.

Track: ‘Tick’ taken from the new EP ‘Sometimes I’ll Stay In/ Sometimes I’ll Go Out’

Why We Like It:  It’s a rapid riff driven, neck snapping indie rock track that blasts in with slick formation and sleazy, sultry,gritty tones. Powerful drumming belting against raw potent guitars, it’s frenzy inducing mania that is perfect for the mosh pit.

You Can Follow Dry Roasted Peanuts On Facebook Here https://www.facebook.com/dryroastedpeanutsband/

Stream ‘Tick’ below

Rylands Heath

Genre: Indie Pop

Bio: Rylands Heath is made up of Luton school friends James and Jack who’ve been playing music together since they were 13. They combine their keen ear for melody and knack for huge harmonies with a wide range of musical influences to create snappy, genre-bending tunes, ranging from gritty to outright anthemic. Despite their young age the duo have collectively worked with or played with the likes of Izzy Bizu, Declan McKenna, The Amazons as well as being featured on BBC introducing.

Track: ‘Rollercoaster’

Why We Like It: It’s simple indie pop, sweet catchy melody lush bright tones and warm mellow guitars create a bouncy vibrant track that radiates sunshine. Smooth vocals and lush harmonies give us another sing along friendly, peppy, richly textured track from the duo.

You Can Follow Rylands Heath On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/RylandsHeath/

Stream ‘Rollercoaster’ below

https://soundcloud.com/rylandsheath/rollercoaster

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify here

 

 


Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Trance

The Bandicoots ‘Dead End Street’

Ontario indie rock Quartet The Bandicoots have released their new single ‘Dead End Street’ from their new EP ‘Zolly’. Band members Nicolai Kozel (Guitar), Andrew Parkinson (Drums and Vocals), Lorant Polya (Bass), and Justin Ross (Guitar and Vocals) give us a trippy delusional track reminiscent of sixties rock. It’s a dreamy hazy addictive high of seduction smothered in sultry psychedelia and sweet luscious melodies. With twinkling guitars layered upon a soft beat this track swoons with a laid back steamy stroll and elegant glide. Classy yet sinister featuring creepy backing vocals and eerie guitars. It’s a smoke and mirrors track drenched in steamy hazy illusions and mystery which is chilling and hair- raisingly enticing. It’s a must listen.

Stream ‘Dead End Street’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Atlas Wynd ‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ / ‘You’re On My Mind’

Atlas Wynd have unveiled two new singles in the form of a double A-side release, following April’s explosive cut, ‘Mona Lisa’, which secured them fans in Huw Stephens (Radio 1) and Elise Cobain (Amazing Radio). The Brighton-based trio of Peter Chapman (vocals/guitar), Harry Sotnick (drums) and newly acquired Sam Evans (bass) who are barely out of their teens have created a tight slick sophisticated sound with each track. The garage rock three-piece grew up in the North East of England before moving to Brighton to study. Following stand out slots at Great Escape, Y Not Festival and regular appearances at Brighton’s Green Door Store, Atlas Wynd have firmly established themselves as a promising name to look out for in the not too distant future.

‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ is a raw edgy indie track that glides in on a deceptive breezy tone. Hazy guitar and daydream  vocals introduce the track with a lazy laid back vibe. The chorus suddenly shocks you into wakening with crashing vigorous guitars, pounding drums and distortion, it’s a forceful sharp slap of alternative rock. Atlas Wynd soothe and relax you just to punch you in the face with their mighty raw sound and most worthy fuzz blasting crescendo. It’s a thrilling wake me up that shows the diversity and refined musicianship of this trio.

The other side to the new double A-side is a much more punk rock affair. ‘You’re On My Mind’ is neck snapping and frenzy doused mighty bliss. Rapid punchy drums pummel through the track while the shredding shrill on guitars pierce with a razor sharp sting. It’s a rumbling dance worthy track filled with mosh ready might . It’s catchy with Peter’s staccato vocal hook adding emotional power while the rhythm gives a nice groove to bop and dance to. These guys are showing skills beyond their years. Definitely ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘Eyes Fixed On The Sun’ below