Walsall indie band The Assist have released a charity single for the NHS and they have already raised over £500 via their JustGiving campaign. ‘Life’ is a smashing indie rock number that surges with The Assist’s passionate and breathtaking musicianship. Swirling keys coil and ricochet off the pulsing beat and sharp guitars creating a biting ethereal soundscape filled with raw instrumentation on a sublime funk flavoured backdrop. It’s an honest track that showcases the hard work the NHS staff endure as they continue to risk their lives for others. ‘Life’ is a tight, rich and thoroughly exhilarating number.
Beginning his career as an open mic musician, Bern LeBullet has released his debut single. ‘Kon’nichi-wa Baby!’ is a fun Brit-pop track that is influenced by Japanese pop culture. Working with Andy Barrett and Lucy Liu, ‘Kon-nichi-wa Baby!’ sees Bern LeBullet channel his inner Paul Weller.
‘Kon’nichi-wa Baby!’ is a sleek number that drifts on a smooth melody as Bern LeBullet’s groove-tight musicianship creates a timeless Brit pop soundscape. With weaved guitar lines warmly wreathing around a tight bass groove and rumble on drums the track is a slinky charmer. There are hues of soft flirtations with reggae through the mellow guitars and balmy atmosphere while the whispered vocals and buoyant melody has a T.Rex residue. It’s a fine debut from Bern LeBullet.
Liverpool’s Polar States are helping to alleviate lockdown induced boredom for themselves, and their fans, by releasing a song a day, directly to their fans via a private WhatsApp group.
The band explained : “When we first went into this lockdown period we were actually just finishing up recording a really big batch of new songs, and had the plan that we wanted to try and finish off one of the demos every day and send them off to our manager. But then the world changed very quickly around us, and we knew we had to try and find a way to keep our fans as optimistic as possible in this super weird time, so we had the idea of sending anyone who wanted it a song every day as we complete them. We did this for a few days and people were really responding to the songs, which was great, but then we started opening up the chat for half an hour a day so people could message us and each other and it began to take on a life of it’s own! It suddenly became this forum for people to connect with each other, and just forget about how crazy life is right now for a few minutes each day, which is the most valuable thing for us all right now. We’re still writing all the time and working on things remotely, so there’s no reason why we can’t keep this up. It’s definitely not too late to get involved!”
The band are no strangers to sending out their demos directly to fans, having sent out their early demos in a similar way, prior to releasing their EP ‘All You Couldn’t See’ with Killing Moon Records and completing their debut packed out UK tour in late 2019 on the back of their social media buzz.
You can follow this link to join in with the WhatsApp chat every night at 8pm GMT:
VELVET are an up and coming five piece indie band from County Durham.The band have just released their debut E.P ‘Brother’. With luscious summer vibes, sweet melodies and intricate instrumentation ‘Brother’ is a compact and delightful EP from VELVET. The band have managed to capture a laid back summers day vibe in this sublime EP. One particular glorious element throughout each track is the light tasty guitar lines which weave zesty refreshing qualities into the rock n roll swagger of ‘Ride’ and vibrant indie jangle of ‘This Wave’. The mellow tones and soft rasped vocals ooze marshmallow softness into the tracks. With shredding solos, cushioned rich rhythms and sweet melodies, each song is a breezy ethereal delight. The buoyancy of the tracks is infectious as the punchy drums and entwined bass lines create a charming fluctuant foundation.With the golden glow of ‘Happy Place’ and zealous radiance of ‘Brother’ the EP is a sweet concoction of breezy sublime musicianship as VELVET create the perfect collection of tracks to chill and dance to. The band showcase their fine ability to blend some gritty rock elements into their sun kissed psychedelic hued sound to create a satisfying listening experience.
Manchester’s The Covasettes are back with another knock-out EP ‘Spin’. A two-track gem featuring ‘Spin’ and ‘Irate’. In previous years The Covasettes have built quite the portfolio of live gigs; winning ‘Most exciting live band of 2018’ and playing at the ARIAs awards at Leeds First Direct arena. They supported The Sherlocks at their sold-out Leeds Stylus show, played at the Etihad Stadium, and sold multiple dates out across the UK for their tour back in summer 2019.
‘Spin’ is a blazing return from The Covasettes. The track rushes in, swagger soaked and brimming with relentless stamina. The raw gritty riffs cut through the bands full flavoured sound with acute precision while the punchy drums and intense bass create a brawny foundation for the guitars to rebound and soar off. The quartet blend polished indie with edgy alternative rock seamlessly to create a clean mosh ready anthem filled with gusto and might. It’s a heavier track than we are used to from The Covasettes. The four piece have taken their knack with melody, tight musicianship and instrumental prowess to create something truly invigorating. This number packs one heck of a punch and displays the bands grittier edge. With smooth vocals and infectious ear worm melody the band have refined their sound superbly.
As the B-Side to Spin, The Covasettes have released a revamped classic from their early days. ‘Irate’ follows the dynamic surge of ‘Spin’ as the band glide through groove infected bass lines, foot tapping drum stomps and superbly slick guitar lines. There’s a sleek rock n roll prance about this track that is so infectious while the dynamic vocals from Chris Buxton flood the song with panache. This band have developed the ability to inject wonderful elements into their tracks with lustrous and epic guitar lines. They meticulously layer upon this to flesh out the track with steamy elastic bass wiggles and punchy animated drums to create a robust tantalizing sound that is irresistible.
Commenting on the track ‘Spin’, frontman Chris Buxton said: “Spin is a song I’ve loved from the minute I had first written it on an acoustic guitar. It’s fierce and almost old school in its approach and I love it for that. It’s a powerful rock song I think will certainly pound a few ear drums on its release. It’s a really exciting time for us at the moment, everything we’ve done up to now has been so well received and it feels like things have started to click into place and I hope that this track will propel us even further. We’re definitely unorthodox in the way we release music, our sound is constantly evolving and it’s really important to me that we evolve with it. We don’t confine ourselves to one particular sound and I think it’s exactly that which makes us the band we are today. This is the beginning of a bigger project and I can’t wait for people to get stuck into it. We’re in uncharted territory at the moment and we’re loving every moment of it, but for now, we’re just letting the music do the talking”.
Bio : Trenton is the musical creation of Ryan Courtney. Trenton returns with his newest track “Alive”. Produced in Nashville. His songs have appeared in various MTV and ABC shows such as Brothers and Sisters, Teen Mom, & Degrassi. Trenton has collaborated with world class songwriters such as Sam Tinnesz, Young Summer, Kate York, Hollow Hum, and UNSECRET; with songs placed in Spotify’s New Music Friday (Netherlands) and Apple Music’s “Triple AM” playlists.
Track: Alive
Why We Like It: With ethereal chiming synths, dynamic drum progressions and kinetic soundscapes ‘Alive’ is an instant rush of adrenaline. The sweet keys twinkle between the pulsing electronics while Courtney’s warm velvety vocals drift delicately over the dreamy pop sprinkled melody. The track has an instant surge of airy animation that erupts for the dynamic catchy chorus. The cool calm vocals are the constant that the spirited backdrop swirls and soars around. Infectious and lushly crafted this whirling blast of electronic indie pop is a breath of fresh air.
Bio : Dr Orange is the solo venture of Liverpool songwriter Chas Moody (formerly of Ladies) having already collaborated with many artists through 2019, including co-writing the soon to be released ‘Darling’ by Aimee Steven (Jacaranda Records). Dr Orange is Chas’s first solo project and his first public musical output in 18 months.
Track: Comes in Threes
Why We Like It: With gritty riffs slicing through spacy eerie synths ‘Comes in Threes’ is a swagger steeped indie rock belter. With a 60’s – esque shimmy quality built into a groove-infested foundation the track pounds into your head with relentless stamina.The smooth melody and catchy lyrics drift sweetly upon the effervescent darkened backdrop while the sharp guitars wail with a steamy quality to create a blistering fuzzy rock number.
Bio : Sheridan is a creative project based in Dublin led by Guitarist/Songwriter Gavin Sheridan and featuring some of the best up and coming session musicians in Dublin.With its foundations formed in BIMM Dublin, Sheridan consists of Gavin Sheridan (Guitar/Songwriter), Joanna Burns (Lead Vocals), Ronan Quinn (Bass Guitar) and Conor Ray (Drums). Sheridan also enlists the talents of Hannah McKenna and Heather Lawrie as Backing Vocalists
Track: When It’s All Over
Why We Like It: It’s a tender ditty, stripped back to delicate guitar and a soft beat allowing the warm vocals and emotive lyrics to take the limelight.The track has a dreamy mystical quality as the lush backing coos and subtly builds providing soft intensity. The song has a dark undertone as Sheridan showcases their refined musicianship through intricate yet subtle and precise instrumentation accompanied by sublime passionate vocals
Bio : The Darkling Air is Rachel McCarthy and Michael Keeney. They are based in Bangor, County Down on the southern edge of Belfast Lough.Having released their sophomore LP ‘Ancestor’ in November 2019, The Darkling Air have followed it up with new single ‘Old Romantic’
Track: Old Romantic
Why We Like It: Basked in lush elegant arrangements, ‘Old Romantic’ swoons in dreamy melodies, graceful strides on strings and dark undertones. With warm piano twinkles encased in an ethereal wispy atmosphere the track drifts, floats and glides around the delicate vocal lulls. There is a melancholic tone weaved beneath the opulent arrangement as the song progresses become more grand and elegant. The Darkling Air have created a brooding clean number with a noir pop element that is quite captivating.
Bio : American singer songwriter Liza Anne has released new single ‘Bad Vacation’ which the singer co-produced with Kyle Ryan and Micah Tawlks.
Track: Bad Vacation
Why We Like It: Its pure undiluted acid soaked pop. Sharp guitars squall as the track fizzes with dark undertones bubbling beneath a sweet pop melody and impressive wall of sound. This catchy track twists and coils with ominous tones while hyper synths rush the track into a frenzy. With lush vocals cooing between breathy whispers and sharp exclaims ‘Bad Vacation’ is one exhilarating rush of indie pop.
David Keenan has released a new radio edit of the epic ballad ‘Evidence Of Living’ from his globally acclaimed debut album ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’. The track itself is a deluge of Keenan’s poignant and poetic musicianship as he uses honest and striking narrative lyrics to evoke the tender and strong images of the story he tells. His soothing deep vocals warm the verses with a soft caress while his distinctive lilt intensifies the chorus.With an elegant stride on strings and graceful glides on piano the track sways its way straight to the dynamic crescendo. Keenan’s ability to create songs which exude a timeless quality and nostalgic sheen is mesmerising and within the current times of isolation, ‘Evidence Of Living’ is the perfect release.
Brighton three-piece Something Leather is set to release their debut EP ‘Midnight Reverie’, on 17th April.The trio have already gained a reputation for explosive live shows thanks to a host of support slots with up-and-coming bands including Black Midi, Saint Agnes, Sophie and the Giants, Calva Louise and Phobophobes.A triumphant 2019 saw successful UK and European tours establish an increasing following for the band.The year culminated with latest single ‘Lullaby’ garnering further support from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq.
‘Midnight Reverie’ is a sleek streamlined EP swirled in sultry dark psychedelic tones. Something Leather inject gritty indie rock, opaque pop and ominous atmospheres into ‘Midnight Reverie ‘to create a sublime EP of tremendous magnitude. The production and craftsmanship of this EP is fantastic. The band take their elegant psych rock and mince it into a mirage of dazed pop elements. Each track drags you further into their mesmerising and bewitching sound.
With a sinister flurry of guitars ’Trip To The Sun’ kick starts the EP. Sultry and mind melting the track whirls through dizzying acid dipped electronics while a steady pounding beat and eerie organ – esque elements create that spine chilling backbone. Phillie Etta Jane’s vocals are the sweet hauntingly lulling constant within each track. She creates a soft delicate moment within each song while exuding a sultry panache effortlessly. The dreamy melodies compliment her vocals superbly as they hush and entice you into the harrowing entrapment created by the instrumentation – it’s a bait your ears will willingly take.
The trio write catchy and mystical tunes with a heavy backdrop that is irresistible.’Farewell Fareworse’ has a Sleater-Kinney residue over the distorted electrical mayhem while the prowess on guitars pine and wail with intent over the crashing wall of sound. There is controlled chaos within this EP as the band weave vintage qualities with wild guitars and relentless synths to create their own unique, harrowing yet velvety sleek sound.The noir pop peppered ‘Midnight Dive’ shows a melancholic side to Something Leather. The dreamy whimsical brooding display flows with flashings of black and white west coast images of sulky bliss. This narcotic soothing track drifts with twanging pines on guitar as the track dissolves into multi fragments of laid back moody indie pop. Like all Something Leather songs the track builds to a fizzing crescendo that evaporates your mind. It’s a tragic, beautiful and darkly-shaded pinnacle moment of the EP.
The band return to their seductive and menacing grit for final track ‘Down Another One’. Another stand out number, the drama and intensity of this song is immense. Like daggers, the drums relentlessly pierce and pound while growling backing vocals haunt the backdrop. The jabbing guitars, distorted roars and spine chilling wall of sound create a creepy gut wrenching atmosphere while Phillie Etta Jane’s breathy yet sweet vocals build the tracks momentum. It’s heavy, dark and brilliant.
‘Midnight Reverie’ is a dark concoction of tracks to bask and submerge yourself in. With such murky and sultry cinematic melancholia steeped in elements of psychedelia, indie rock and electronic pop Something Leather have created one first rate body of work. There are distinct moments of brilliance within ‘Midnight Reverie’ that set the bar high making Something Leather one of the most exciting bands around right now.
‘Midnight Reverie’ EP will be released on April 17th until then check out the video for the bands recent single ‘Farewell Fareworse’ below
Norwegian cult pop icon Dagny has released a special acoustic version of her track ‘Come Over’. Dagny is one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters with over 450 million streams amassed, sold out tours, and critical acclaim by everyone from Nylon and Billboard to The Guardian and Harpers Bazaar. Among her achievements this year, Dagny also co-wrote Katy Perry’s ‘Never Really Over’ – racking 300 million streams on Spotify alone.
Dagny takes her sparkling pop number and strips it back to create an elegant and wholesome acoustic rendition of ‘Come Over’. Lush harmonies lift the track into an ethereal atmosphere while the twinkling guitar embellishes the backdrop in warm delicate tones. Dagny’s vocals are allowed to shine through this version. She coos with a honeyed tone as her whispered rasp creates a sultry lull that caresses the smooth melody with a soft tenderness and vibrant bounce. This acoustic version is still wonderfully layered and cultivated adding cosy tones on electric guitar with the rich vocal harmonies and beautiful backing vocal coos. Dagny presents a charming and joyful version of ‘Come Over’ that is both clean, crisp, utterly charming and sweet.
Bristol band The Rupees have released their new single ‘Run‘. An exhilarating display of indie rock ‘Run’ blisters and boils encompassing The Rupees raw snarling sound with all its might. The band don’t pull punches as they create a scorching garage rock gem. Coarse guitars jaggedly lacerate through a swirling synth smog while the punchy drums and resounding bass pound through a hefty foundation. It’s a lean mean force of nature as the band cause a chaotic wall of sound through refined and vigorous instrumentation without losing their slick swagger. There is a freeing sense of adrenaline and powerful gusto as the track explodes into its frenetic chorus while the gravely vocals and catchy melody relentlessly resonate through the whirlwind backdrop. ‘Run’ is sublime vigorous anthem from The Rupees.
About the track the band said : “Run is about dreaming for something more, being the underdog, wanting to escape whilst existing in world of averageness, having to work a mundane job in a mundane place, but knowing there is something more, knowing there is something inside of you that is trapped in there because of the exact circumstances you find yourself in. But you can run, you can use love and your passions to escape, you are not sure if you are ever winning or losing but you just have to run with it, with the things you love, just keep going!”
Stream ‘Run’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
