Hull band Little Blue Thula have released their new single ‘Lemons’. The song trudges along with a mournful moody atmosphere as Little Blue Thula create a sunken alternative number. The track broods gently to start as lonely strums on guitar accompany the dismal vocals. Slowly the band build the track adding soft elegant piano as the vocals become more bitter for the chorus. With a lamenting sting on electric guitar paving the way for the thumping beat and lush backing vocals the track becomes a swaying doo wop hued ditty. The song blossoms for its crescendo with a blasting wall of sound. Crashing guitars smash against the punchy rhythmic backdrop before slipping into a shredding instrumental. The soft elegant piano plays the track out, resounding with a sweet melancholic tone. It’s a rich and diverse track from Little Blue Thula that shows their refined ability to build and cultivate their songs for maximum impact and emotive listening.
Oklahoma singer-songwriter Greyson Chance has released an acoustic video for ‘Dancing Next To Me’, the lead single from his upcoming album.Chance released his debut LP, “Hold On ’til the Night,” before he finished middle school, but the Oklahoma recording artist, now 22, waited until last year to release his second full-length collection, “Portraits.” His sophomore release came after he took a break from music and attended college at the University of Tulsa,
Chance strips back the catchy banger allowing this acoustic version to take the track to a new pristine and potent level. Soft and elegant piano escorts Chance’s warm velvety vocals as he coos the verses before allowing his sweet falsetto to embroider the second chorus. ‘Dancing Next To Me’ becomes more compelling and powerful with a stripped down backdrop allowing the swooning melody and ethereal rush within the lyrics to take over. This crisp and passionate rendition just takes your breath away while still maintaining the intense build and adrenaline surge of the original. With delicate guitar strums Chance displays a new wholesome and enthralling dimension to ‘Dancing Next To Me’. An enjoyable listening experience.
Watch the acoustic video to ‘Dancing Next To Me’ below
Irish indie-folk band Rowan have released their new single ‘Big Wave’. Rowan is made up of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Dylan Howe, with Fionn Hennessy-Hayes on drums and Kevin Herron on Guitar. The individual members of the band have worked with world renowned artists such as TOUCAN, Tiz McNamara, Ariel Posen, The Frank And Walters, Clare Sands, Stephanie Rainey and Little Hours, as session musicians performing to crowds of thousands in some instances.
With melodies that hook you from the start ‘Big Wave’ delves deep into your skull and massages your brain with Rowan’s infectious luscious musicianship. The band carve a vibrant indie edge into the track as jaunty guitars slice through a buoyant backdrop and peppy rhythm. With a groove mangled bass, clap along feature and instant rush of vitality the track lays down an energetic foundation. This band swirls sweet glistening melodies into refined musicianship to create a heartfelt number that charms and warms the cockles of your heart while quick lyrics add both sweetness and a touch of humour. There is a folk element richly blended into the mixture of indie rock with a glorious sprinkling of pop on top.The band use wonderful percussive elements to flesh out the track and create a wholly invigorating sound with tropical undertones. With velvety vocals and lush harmonies ‘Big Wave’ is a tasty tune that I just can’t get enough of.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Killers
The Killers have released their new single ‘Caution’, taken from their forthcoming, highly-anticipated sixth studio album, ‘Imploding The Mirage’. Featured artists on the album include Lindsey Buckingham, kd lang, Weyes Blood, Adam Granduciel (War On Drugs), Blake Mills, and Lucius.
With powerful imploding instrumentation and a gripping heartfelt melody ‘Caution’ announces The Killers return through anthemic chords and fist pump might. The nostalgic melody drifts sweetly upon a bubbling backdrop of effervescent drums, shimmering synths and shredding guitars. The band find the sweet spot between previous albums – Sam’s Town’s indie edge, Battle Born’s warm country hues and Wonderful Wonderful’s disco infectiousness. Brandon Flowers’ unique powerful vocals exude tender heartwarming emotion. The track pushes through with relentless stamina and refreshing pizzazz as the rhythmic pulse and slinky guitars ooze kinetic vigor. It’s a song to empower the down beaten as the whirlwind of ethereal synths, euphoric guitars and mighty drums ignite the fighter within. With a masterful guitar solo The Killers once again knock it out of the park with ‘Caution’
London/Irish band Indian Queens have released their new single ‘Shoot for Sexy’.The band are fronted by sisters Jen and Kat O’Neill and were personally invited by Robert Smith of The Cure to play his Meltdown Festival in 2019. They also have fans in Tim Wheeler of Ash and Theresa Wayman of Warpaint, both of whom have taken the band out as tour support. This track is taken from their debut album ‘God Is A Woman’ which is set for release on 3rd April via Cool Thing Records.
‘Shoot for Sexy’ is a luring number as Indian Queens present an almost upbeat track warped through a rich concoction of bewitching musicianship. A sultry, rumble on bass grooves and seduces through warm toned guitar embellishments and steamy shrills against the danceable hip moving beat.The harmonies haunt, enticing you into the darker elements of the track while the sweet falsetto lulls the listener into a trance-like daydream. The band swirl psychedelic elements into the track to create a meticulously layered, thrilling listening experience. The song ripples and twinkles like a mesmerising bottomless lake, flickering prismatic speckles of scintillation to draw you into its beautifully created yet eerie abyss. Another sublime track from Indian Queens.
Brighton’s indie quartet Koala Club have released their newest offering ‘No Surprise’ on 13th March. The release of ‘No Surprise’ follows the January release of single ‘360’,which garnered support from the likes of BBC Introducing, and is the first in a series of new singles that will be released this year.Koala Club consists of James Grimsdale (Vocals, Guitar), Doug Stokes (Guitar), Lewis Phenix (Bass) & Toby Jones (Drums, percussion).
‘No Surprise’ is a jaunty indie track laced in sprightly zealous guitar lines as the band create an upbeat infectious delight that is sure to have you bopping and dancing around the room. With an animated beat, wiggling rooted bass and infectious melody teamed with witty lyrics these guys hook you from the start. Well crafted with an energetic wall of sound blistering around the velvety vocals and eargasmic melodies Koala Club have an exhilarating, charming sound that is crisp and polished with enough edge to keep you craving for more.
Frontman James Grimsdale said of the track: “It’s about seeking truth and honesty. About losingthe lies that are spoken to make you feel better momentarily, moving on and getting rid of toxicrelationships in your life.”
Macclesfield Indie trio Cassia have returned with their new single ‘Do Right’. ‘Do Right’ is their first release since their debut album ‘Replica’ last year. Laced in laid back summer vibes the track follows the bands infectious mellow melty sound as they sprinkle sweet balmy guitar melodies over a rich buoyant rhythm and suave bass. It’s good times and sunshine as the band’s upbeat chorus drifts in like a cold drink on a scorching day ready to quench with juicy freshness. Lush backing vocals lull over a subtle tropical backdrop while Rob Ellis’ easy going vocals coo at a leisurely pace. For me the intricate guitar lines are the most sublime feature on the track. They majestically weave and entwine with zesty flourishes and sweet tones adding a wonderful warm element to the track with a playful undertone and Caribbean Island quality. Cassia have returned with another smashing, polished and catchy number.
Bio : Gizmo Varillas kicks off his 2020 with new single ‘Love Over Everything’. The follow-up to previous single ‘Saving Grace’, which featured an appearance from the legendary Tony Allen on drums.Response to Gizmo’s three 2019-released singles was spectacular, with plays received on BBC Radio Two (Jo Whiley), BBC 6 Music (Lauren Laverne, Chris Hawkins & Tom Robinson), BBC Radio Wales (Huw Stephens, Janice Long & Adam Walton), BBC London (Gary Crowley & Jess Iszatt), and Amazing Radio. A live sessions was recorded for BBC London (Gary Crowley), and “Out Of The Darkness” was added to the BBC Radio Wales A-List. He has surpassed 30 Million Streams, with over 13 million streams on Spotify alone (with 300,000 monthly listeners & 750,000 monthly streams).He had a sold out headline show at London Assembly in November 2019, and supported Rodrigo Y Gabriella, Jack Savoretti, and Seu Jorge, as well as making appearances at Montreux Jazz Festival, Zermatt Unplugged, Latitude Festival, The Reeperbahn Festival, and Eurosonic,
Track: Love Over Everything
Why We Like It: It’s a luscious swirling mirage of indie pop bliss as zesty guitars create an ethereal soundscape through the tight bass groove and intricate Afro-beat drums.The track twinkles and chimes with a euphoric dreamy texture. As the song blossoms it becomes more rich and wonderfully ornate. Smooth soothing vocals caress the melty melody while delicate backing vocals lull with a narcotic sweetness. ‘Love Over Everything’ is a graceful and fun number sure to charm its way onto repeat.
Talking about the track, Gizmo explains its inspiration;“Although we can’t always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we react. Choosing hate is much easier and loops back in a vicious cycle. The only way to truly heal is to choose love over everything”.
Bio : For the last two years LongDayLateNight have been attracting mass attention from the likes of BBC Introducing and This Feeling with their quirky cynical lyricism and catchy choruses. Their infamously chaotic live show has earned them a growing fanbase, taking to the stage at big name festivals such as Isle of Wight and The Great Escape Brighton.
Track: Useless Complaints
Why We Like It: This jangly indie track drifts on a bittersweet candy floss melody and intricate instrumentation. This song is irresistibly soothing and nectarous as lamenting delicate guitar meanders over a buoyant punchy drum foundation. The band blend a soft surf rock element with a do wop tonality and modern indie edge to create something quite wholesome and honest while remaining engaging and energetic.
Bio : Dublin-born singer/songwriter Robert O’Connor. Robert’s first release of 2020, ‘Older ‘20’ sees him collaborate with EDM artist Skynem GT for the second time, after the Peruvian producer won a remix contest run by Robert to remix his single “Real Good Fight” last summer.
Track: Older ‘20
Why We Like It: It’s a heartfelt number embellished with flickering electronics and suspenseful soundscapes. Robert’s warm vocals hold a country tone while the twinkling keys and wispy atmosphere create a soaring gripping quality in the track. The dazzling beats and intense brooding soundscapes provide a pulsing rush of emotion while the catchy melody drifts elegantly upon this bubbling backdrop. It’s a wholesome passionate track backed sublimely by lush intricate electronics.
Bio : Critically acclaimed Swedish/Belgian duo Victoria+Jean will return with their second album ‘UNDERDOG’ in the spring of 2020. They kick off this new decade with new single ‘Imbecile’. The song features vocals from French singer Romain Humeau.To accompany the track there is a Sebastien Alouf directed video.
Track: Imbecile
Why We Like It: This sultry track ferments and festers beneath an ominous bass line while the luring guitar weaves and coils masterfully with sweltering swagger. The duo simmer this dark brooding track sublimely as they smear sticky bubbling electronics through sinister soundscapes to create a chilling and utterly thrilling number. Victoria’s striking vocals haunt and entice as the track creeps and crawls to its powerful chorus. The band flesh out their rock n’ roll grit and swagger through the sharp jabs and slick flourishments on guitar while the persistent beat hooks the track firmly into the darkest membrane of your mind. The contrast between Romain Humeau’s gravel-rumble on vocals and Victoria’s crisp shrills makes for the most engaging listening experience.
Bio : DYAD are a high energetic post grunge/garage rock band from County Tyrone, Northern Ireland comprised of Matthew Ryan onGuitar & Vocals, Ciaran O’Kane on Drums and Peter Curry on Bass.
Track: Guilty, Not Guilty
Why We Like It: It’s a brawny blast of moody grunge rock as DYAD use heavy thick bass lines to drive the track into a gritty storm of mosh mania. The verses set the track’s sinister tone as the ominous meaty bass, slaps and weaves between the steady beat before the song erupts for the chorus. With raw guitar riffs and pummeling drums the track has a sinister quality and blood thirsty presence. There is a chilling intensity within this track that is so satisfying and edgy.The catchy melody and rasp filled vocals curdle the tracks lean mean outburst as DYAD create a blistering dark number that is sure to be epic live.
Bio : Liverpool’s The Peach Fuzz return with their new single ‘Softie’ via Skeleton Key Records/Warners.The Peach Fuzz worked once more with producer James Skelly (Blossoms, She Drew The Gun) at Liverpool’s Parr Street Studios, having also collaborated on previous singles The Outside Looking In and Pieces. The band have received strong radio support already, with BBC Radio, Radio X, and BBC Introducing championing the band, in addition to influential editorial playlist inclusions such as Spotify’s New Music Friday.
Track: Softie
Why We Like It: It’s a sweet fizzy slice of indie pop wrapped in a sweet marshmallow coating of bliss. The band present a zesty soundscape of sharp juicy guitars, shimmering vintage synths and elastic bass grooves over a buoyant spongy beat while the soft sugary melody coats this bubbling backdrop in a dreamy softness. With velvety vocals and lush backing vocals The Peach Fuzz present a wholly invigorating track to indulge in. Their up tempo and passionate electronic indie creates a rush of intensity that is just sublime while the soothing lyrics and honesty adds a refreshing edge.Described by the band as “an exhausted, teary-eyed rant that came to life when the macho bullshit became too much”, the single kicks back at conformity and stereotypes while being irresistibly catchy.
Alternative rock quartet Long and Greasy have recently released their new album ‘The Rock/Pop Show’. Formed in school during a music module, the band instantly clicked on their musical influences and began jamming and writing. Made up of members Naoise May, Elias Dempsey (guitars and vocals), Tim Sweeney (bass) and Paul Gleeson (drums), the band have a blistering, exciting and unique sound.
Drenched in slinky guitar lines, meaty rhythms and dripping in panache ‘The Rock/Pop Show’ is an unbridled collection of Long and Greasy’s infectious sound. The band shake things up a lot in the album, weaving between genres, making for a refreshing listening experience. ‘Missing Out’, Hide Your Grin’ and ‘Doubt’ are the indie rock punk flavoured back bone of the album. Jaunty guitars, vibrant drum and sublime rumbles on bass embroider the track in a dark groove rooted wall of sound while quirky vocals and smooth catchy melodies inject vibrant energy into the tracks. As well as their knack with pop melodies and catchy sing along refrains the band showcase some beautiful guitar flourishes in ‘Na Na Nah’, Lads’ and ‘Couch to Couch’. ‘Worse Off’ is the sultry gem within the album with sleek smoky guitars and dark undertones while ‘Skidmarks’ exudesa cheeky country and “Sweet Home Alabama” vibe.
The album flows with an effortless charm and bubbling texture that keeps the listener engaged. Long and Greasy manage to make every track fun and jubilant while packing in some refined instrumentation and swagger. These guys aren’t all fun and games though. The brooding guitar twinkling in ‘Climbing’ takes the mood down with the aid of whispered vocals before the band build into their psychedelic-hued chorus. This brooding number cools the EP, introducing the lofty ethereal side to the bands sound with lush harmonies and moody melodies. However the band leave the best for last with ‘Long and Greasy’. This rampant instrumental number steamrolls in on fiery riffs ricocheting off the crashing wall of sound as the drum pulverizes throughout. It’s a sticky mosh ready track which bleeds out into psychedelic lush textures and swirling dizzying soundscapes before returning to its frantic mania – its a well crafted, diverse and ever changing number and an intelligent finale for an album.
‘The Rock/Pop Show’ is an invigorating, wonderful collection of exciting tunes. Long and Greasy display a fun, refined and blistering sound with rich intricacies and sublime groovy moments.
Villa in France have released their 3rd single ‘Man on a Bridge’. Villa In France are a 4-Piece indie rock band from the North Coast of Northern Ireland consisting of Aidan Davidson (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Nino Morelli (Lead Guitar, Backup vocals), Adam Moore (Bass) and Matthew Gillan (Drums)..Their debut single ‘1990’ released on September 13th 2019, gained over 7000 streams with their nationwide tour opening them to a growing audience.Their 2nd single also gained popularity in the media, being put on the 2019 Northern Irish songs of the year.
‘Man on a Bridge’ is a jaunty yet chill indie number which shows Villa In France’s mature songwriting. With slicing sharp guitars, rumbling bass and punchy drums the bands buoyant backdrop is steeped in their usual energetic style.The theme of suicide is presented with dry matter of fact vocals as the rippling bass and lamenting guitar entwine on a sweet melodic foundation – creating a conflicting turmoil and bitter sweet contrast. With a shredding solo soaring over the bands biting soundscape ‘Man on a Bridge’ is an impressive track from Villa In France.
About the track the band said “The song is our take on mental health/suicide awareness and the thought process of a person going through this, we were inspired to write this song after Matthew Gillan (drummer) and I Nino Morelli (Guitarist) went through a personal experience, talking a stranger of a bridge in Derry a few months ago, seeing the effects of this person’s mental health first hand was very eye opening for us and after telling the story to Aidan (Singer) he used our unique perspective to write a song about the culture surrounding it. Our hope for this song is that people can connect with the lyrics and story and hopefully spread awareness about mental health in Northern Ireland especially in Derry.”
Stream ‘Man on a Bridge’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
