Monthly Archives: April 2018

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

JOY ‘Seahorse’

 

Bath based four – piece, JOY have released their new single ‘Seahorse’ (which was self-produced and recorded in their hometown studio) the follow up to their debut single ‘Tree’ which saw them receive critical acclaim locally and amass significant streams on Spotify on it’s release late last year. Available digitally at all major outlets, the new track recalls the dramatic and haunting yet bright guitar melodies of bands such as The Pixies, Wolf Alice and Helvetia. Fully formed last year from the ashes of Bristol outfit Big Fish, the JOY line up of Toby Ijbema (vocals), Ale Invernizzi (bass), Ben Roe (drums) and Callum Wutherspoon (lead guitar) have spent the last twelve months writing, recording and honing a new sound. During this time, Toby was found busking by YouTube personality Stefan Michalak in an underpass and was featured on Michalak’s channel, which subsequently introduced the band to a wider audience and an influx of fans worldwide. A truly exciting live band, JOY are building an ever growing fan base after making their live debut with a sold out show at the legendary Moles Club in Bath last year.

‘Seahorse’ is a deeply melodic track seeped in tender soulful tones. Delicate drums tap while elegant guitar twinkles behind the raspy warmth of Toby Ijbema’s vocals as this slow burner pines and broods its way into its powerful crescendo. They use subtle melancholic guitar melodies to fill the track with a heart warming glow as the supple vocal melody glides along swaying and sweeping across the elegant instrumentation. The track progresses becoming more heavy – distorted guitar add a cinematic shrill of urgency as the drums and bass become more rooted and punchy. It’s a well-crafted track which delicately swivels between mournful lows and glorious hair-raising highs. It’s a heavily emotional and moody experience which shows the maturity in the musicianship of this band.

Stream ‘Seahorse’ 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

https://soundcloud.com/user-949424166/sets/rest-in-peace


Uncategorized

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

 

 

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Tropical, Tropical Indie, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Courtship

Courtship have released their new single ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ taken from their soon to be released debut album ‘Denial in Paradise’. It’s a refreshing swig of juicy summer pop drenched in sparkling synths and vibrant jangly guitar. With a glorious melty melody immersed in lo-fi calming vocals and luminous instrumentation this track is delightful and vivacious. The production is tight and neat with slapping beats rebounding off the swirling breezy soundscapes creating a compact tropical number that is summer sun ready, light and euphoric. This track is melodic, stripped back and grandstanding at all the right moments to create a satisfying listen. The beat in particular pulses and adds a meaty yet fluctuant texture giving a joyous rush of adrenaline through the weaving beaming soundscapes and glistening guitar. It’s a feel good instantly likeable track that is sure to coax out the sun.

Courtship have also just released a video for the single which pays homage to Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom and stars actor Jack Grazer from the film IT

Watch the video for ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

ROGUE! ‘Sober’

Irish band ROGUE! Have released their new single ‘Sober’. The band who have played shows brimming with energy and fun at Live on Air festival, The Academy, Whelans Summer Watch and BIMM Live, whack out a groovy blast of grungy alternative rock while maintaining a silky sleekness. ‘Sober’ is just as sassy and smooth as it is compelling and mighty. A pulsing snappy rhythm scuffles through dizzying guitars and flashing synths creating a relentless wall of sound that is hefty, mosh ready and fierce. The meaty instrumental arrangement alone is knock out but that female vocal is a sucker punch of power. Filled with soulful sass with an unbelievable control and crisp potency, the vocals lift the track to new powerful heights. With a catchy sing along ready chorus spread on top this track has it all. These guys tie up all the ends bringing a mixed bag of genres together blending them finely to create a sultry groovy cocktail with one hell of a fiery kickback.

Stream ‘Sober’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Art Funk, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cocoa Futures ‘Sink in the Water’

Cocoa Futures return after a year off with a very slick number ‘Sink in the Water’. The band teamed up with producer Brendan Willams who is the handyman behind bands such as Dutch Uncles and GoGo Penguin. It’s a groove driven slice of art funk laced in rich and diverse swirling synths. Maintaining a spacious format this tack takes its time building and increasing steadily to its crescendo. Rich rhythms are plentiful as Cocoa Futures make the most of the aerial space by filling it with luscious deep percussion pulses and gooey slaps. Twinkling guitar riffs saturate the track with a zealous refreshing zest while the electronic soundscapes glisten and wisp about in a tranquilizing yet groove infested danceable manner. It’s darkly hued and tightly bound to create a wholly mesmerising, compelling listen. The velvety vocals and mellow melody subdue you into an easy going state while the fluctuant wavy percussion gives a jittery foundation to create a joyously dance ready number. It’s an ambitious and impressive tune that contains all the blissful sweetness of synth pop in its purest concentration and combines this with a healthy dose of swagger sprinkled on top.

After several sold out shows in London last year and appearances at The Great Escape, Cocoa Futures is poised to take 2018 by storm with five more releases planned to be released before the year is out.

Stream ‘Sink in the Water’ below


New Music

Brian Protheroe ‘Don’t Look Down’

 

Singer – songwriter and actor Brian Protheroe, best known for the cult ‘70’s hit ‘Pinball’ has made his eagerly awaited return with the release of his new single ‘Don’t Look Down’, recorded with producer Julian Littman and featuring British blues legend Paul Jones on harmonica, is the first new material since the ‘Sad Song’ single from 2016. Digitally available at all the usual major outlets, the new track comes backed with ‘Backaway’ which was originally recorded in 1975, but has been remixed with added horns. Inspired by Cliff and The Shadows, in his early teens Brian was the lead singer of a UK band called The Coasters in 1961 and at the same time also enrolled in an amateur theatre group called The Studio Theatre. He joined Folk Blues Incorporated (FBI) when he was nineteen and came to London, playing in folk music clubs in and around the city. In 1966, Protheroe began his acting career and spent the next five years in various theatre companies developing his musical skills as well as becoming an experienced actor. In 1973, Protheroe was playing the part of a pop singer in a play, Death on Demand, when a Chrysalis Records rep heard a song he had written for the show and the label signed him. The debut single ‘Pinball’ was released in August 1974 and peaked at number 22 in the UK Singles Chart.  He released three albums over the next couple of years, but a developing acting career had found him and he temporarily shelved his career in music and focused successfully on theatre, television, and film.The advent of the internet saw a resurgence in interest for his music and he released the ‘Citysong’ album in 2005 followed by a greatest hits collection called ‘Pinball and Other Stories’ in 2006. A recent addition to ‘The London Playlist’ on Robert Elms BBC Radio London Show, Noel Gallagher recently cited ‘Pinball’ as an influence on the opening track on his ‘Chasing Yesterday’ album from 2015 after being introduced to the song by Morrissey.

‘Don’t Look Down’ is a shuffling bluesy number drenched in rich warm melodies and catchy little jingles. Filled with soul and swagger this track charms its way into your brain with its catchy chorus, vibrant guitar strums, lush backing vocals and shaky rhythm. Protheroe’s smooth vocals coo’s through the darkened mysterious country-esque soundscapes while a glorious sweet toned harmonica injects a twanging warmth and thrilling whine into this rich tune. It’s a satisfying, swanky return from Brian Protheroe

Stream ‘Don’t Look Down’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Indie Buddie Introducing: The Indica Gallery

The Indica Gallery are a psychedelic quintet based in Liverpool comprised of members Joe Mansergh (Vocals + Guitar), Michael Spence (Keys + Vocals), Zack Smith (Drums + Percussion) , Finlay Lovett (Bass + Vocals) and Ryan Patterson (Lead Guitar). On 20th of April the band will be releasing their debut single ‘Forever Loving You’. It’s a lusciously melodic breezy number that floats in on a dreamboat of euphoric melancholic mellowness. Jangly guitars twinkle between a spongy beat, subtle swirling keys lavishly flood the track with tranquilising psychedelic tones while velvety vocals seep passion into this soothing song. With a 60’s -esque melody melting upon a slow jam indie rock backdrop with some power pop bursts thrown in – The Indica Gallery have created a wholly satisfying listen. Crooning in on a light fluffy cloud of delicate psychedelic wisps with a gentle edge pushing it through this track is a beautiful blend of The Beatles mixed with Oasis with a sprinkling of Miles Kane on top. It’s sharp, ethereal and well put together. A sublime debut from The Indica Gallery.

You can catch The Indica Gallery live at The Yellow Earl – Whitehaven on 20/04/18 (Supporting Twisted Wheel)

For more follow them on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theindicagallery/

 


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


Alt Rock, Brit Punk, New Music, Punk Rock

Sisteray ‘Algorithm Prison’

London’s Sisteray have released their new single ‘Algorithm Prison’ through Vallance Records, referencing the digital age that we live in as the Cambridge Analytica scandal continues to swirl around us.With a string of thrilling live performances across the past year, including at Reading Festival, Camden Rocks, Tramlines Festival, shows for Dr Martens, their first European dates, and all culminating in a sold out show at London’s Dingwalls just last month, Sisteray have been quickly clicking through the gears and given us a new British band to truly get excited about.This new stinging belter is a precursor to their EP set for release in May.

‘Algorithm Prison’ is an intoxicating grimy anthem whacking against a blistering, surly wall of sound. Shrilling guitars crash and lacerate through bruising drums and rumbling blood pumping bass. It’s angsty fuelled enraged punk rock that can ignite a nation with its buzz infested, neck snapping sound that pummels into you. Niall Rowan howls and spews “We ain’t your target market” while riotous instrumentation sets the back drop. It’s feisty, gnarly and thrillingly electrifying.

Sisteray also have a series of live dates coming up, including Camden Rocks, The Great Escape Festival, and a headline show at London’s 100 Club later in the year.You can catch them live at

06 Apr – NORTHAMPTON – The Black Prince
28 Apr – SCUNTHORPE – Café INDIEpendent
01 May – DUBLIN – The Workman’s Club
03 May – GALWAY – The Black Gate Cultural Centre
18 May – BRIGHTON – The Great Escape Festival
19 May – SHEFFIELD – The Royal Standard (Royal Bedding Concert)
02 June – LONDON – Camden Rocks Festival
20 July – LONDON – Nambucca (NambuccaPalooza Festival)
14 + 15 Sept – HUELVA, SPAIN – AnfiRock Festival
17 Oct – LONDON – 100 Club

Stream ‘Algorithm Prison’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-848745196/sisteray-algorithm-prison