All posts by Indie Buddie

Alice’s Night Circus ‘Metamorphose’ Album

Alice’s Night Circus have released the full-length album ‘Metamorphose’.Sheffield-born Alice (Julia Scott) is classically trained and started singing professionally in her late teens whilst running her own business as a designer of fashion and jewelry. Thanks to her arresting live performances over the past few years, Julia has developed a growing global fan base, playing shows at Zandari Festa Music Festival, Seoul, South Korea, Liverpool Sound City and Mini Herfest at the Tramlines Fringe.

‘Metamorphose’ is a collection of cinematic instrumentally rich tracks held together by Alice’s mesmerising and powerful voice. The album flows fluidly between different styles and genres from an uplifting and empowering opening track ‘Stand Up’ and the pop rock stomped ‘Illuminate’ to the more elegant and passionate slow burners like ‘Never Enough’ and ‘Medusa’ the entire album is brimming with hair raising instrumentals and relatable themes. There is a sublime mix between dark alternative, dreamy new wave and theatrical expression to create a wholly satisfying listening experience. With quirky circus elements in ‘Curious World’, the cabaret swing of  ‘Penny Dreadful (Mr Strange)’ and alien – esque electronics in ‘Dark Water’ Alice uses a multitude of unique elements to create and paint the images of the theme of her tracks. Drama and exquisite splendour is the running theme of the album aptly presented through the spectacular ‘Show Must Go On’ as the jagged guitar elements back the powerful stage-show display. The tracks are composed for maximum impact with pulsing heart racking drum beats, swirling electronics, elegant strings and refined production. The unique and rich use of instrumentation and percussion along with Alice’s outstanding vocals and powerful chorus in songs like ‘The Machine’ and final track ‘War of the Worlds’ continue the high energy and intensity of the album without fail. 

‘Metamorphose’ is a passionate collection of tracks with tremendous weight and impact that will empower you for your day. Alice’s Night Circus should create a musical with tracks like these – she has the recipe for standing ovations night after night. 

Stream ‘Metamorphose’ below 


The Post Romantics ‘Ride’

Liverpool based dark-pop band The Post Romantics have released their new single ‘Ride’ via DEADBOY$CLUB which was recorded at the iconic Motor Museum in Liverpool with Al Groves (Bring Me The Horizon) and hip-hop producer Cal Cowie. The Post Romantics is formed of brothers Connor Cockbain, Cameron Cockbain and Liam Cockbain along with their childhood friend, Sam Barton. ‘Ride’ follows the success of self-released debut single ‘Call It Off’ which was championed by BBC Introducing, as the track was played for 4 consecutive weeks, receiving plays on BBC Radio Merseyside, BBC Lancashire, BBC Norfolk and BBC Suffolk.

With sulky guitars, dark melodies and an eerie atmosphere ‘Ride’ fleshes out The Post Romantics deeply moving and sinister musicianship with a polished crisp sheen. The heavy beats and muggy melody drift into R&B territory while the ominous glisten on guitars, chiming keys and haunting soundscapes take the track into a moody sinister state. With a rooted sway-able groove and slinky persona this track creeps in with a spine chilling icy vibe as the warm vocals portray the bitter brooding lyrics. The track is intense and filled with sultry moments and sublime ominous undertones. There is oodles of emotion as The Post Romantics bend genres to create a smooth yet gloomy listening experience with grace and an air of swagger. 

 About the track Connor Cockbain explains:  “You always hurt the ones you love most. It’s an old saying but it still rings true. Or, at least it does for me… I feel like every relationship I’ve had has started in a whirlwind of lust, and eventually dissolved into two people taking turns to mess with the other’s emotions. Once that initial intensity subsides, all you’re left with is two people who don’t really know how to love themselves, never mind someone else. We wrote this track because we wanted to talk about how hard it is to want to be with someone when, deep down, you know it’s not healthy. You never know whether you should stay and fight for it, or just leave it all in the rearview and never look back”.

Stream ‘Ride ‘ below 


Father! ‘Desire Lines’

Dublin based Jangle Pop outfit Father! have released their new single ‘Desire Lines’. Taking its name from the famous Douglas Reynholm quote; ‘Father!’ and beginning as the solo bedroom project of multi-instrumentalist Sean Brunswick – Father! became an outlet of creativity for Brunswick and an escape from the high intensity of Architecture School. The release of ‘Beach Cloud Daze’ (2018) marked the transition of ‘Father!’ from bedroom project to live band recruiting fellow architecture student Stephen Allen on bass and drummer Declan Behan. The upcoming sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’ (which is mixed and mastered by Mark Chester of Autre Monde, Ginnels, No Monster Club) is set for release this September.

‘Desire Lines’ is a lo fi dreamy haze of reverb swirling electronics and chiming guitars as Father! present their tight and intricate musicianship through a kaleidoscopic prism of psych hued indie. Well layered and crafted this track weaves glistening guitars into a labyrinth of electronic indie to create a piece of work that is both chilled and mind crushing. The track builds from its luscious pop tinged beginnings to a heavier crescendo as the instruments progress becoming more raw and frenzied adding layers of distortion into the dazzling soundscape. The sweet melody delicately coos throughout as the reverb laden vocals murmur and soothe throughout. This hypnotic treasure is filled with wonderful glistening facets of alternative psychedelic pop that create one superb gem. 

‘Father!’ make their Workman’s Club debut with a launch show for the upcoming sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’. Tickets priced €5 went on sale Wednesday 14th August. Support on the night from ‘The Elephant Room’ and ‘Civic Party’.

Stream ‘Desire Lines’ below 


Giorgio De Palo ‘Never Leave’

Photo credit : Zealous

Giorgio De Palo has released his new single ‘Never Leave’. Born in Rome, raised internationally and currently based in the german capital, Giorgio decided to pour himself into music striving to find his voice on small stages as a solo artist and his own sound in his bedroom. In fact, the majority of his songs have been created in his small home studio, where time and economical pressure were inexistent offering the ideal environment for a free creative process.

With wonderful sweet lamenting guitar work and lush delicate melodies ‘Never Leave’ is another emotive calming track from Giorgio De Palo. With a chilled summer evening vibe the track delicately floats on soft percussion and steady beat as Giorgio soulfully coos the wholesome melody while heavenly backing vocals warm the background. The guitar in this track is particularly masterful as the mellowed plucks and warm strums create a Utopian cosy vibe with a melancholic lonely undertone. This superb majestic contrast is what makes this track the ultimate chill tune. 

Stream ‘Never Leave’ below 


Red House ‘Spaceman’

Belfast indie rock band Red House have released their new single ‘Spaceman’. This passionate indie track swoons and broods through a melty melody while chiming guitars and buoyant rhythm create a soft ethereal atmosphere. The sweet guitar melodies wisp about the verses before jangling and crashing into the catchy chorus. The track is subtly anthemic exuding oodles of emotion through both the instrumentation and vocals. Slightly melancholic the track builds to a shredding, stinging guitar solo and expressive crescendo making this track one exhilarating gem. With glorious tear jerking guitar lines Red House have created one mesmerising indie number.

Stream ‘Spaceman’ below


Ivory Wave ‘Uptown’

Birmingham indie/dance band Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Uptown’. The song was produced by Matt Terry (Prodigy/Enemy/YouMeAtSix) & mixed by Grammy award winning producer, Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, U2). Ivory Wave have landed main support slots with DMA’S, The Twang, Superfood and played festivals such as Isle Of Wight, Truck, Y Not, Shiine On to name a few

‘Uptown’ is an infectious track filled with shimmering synths and rich rhythms. The track shimmy’s in, cool yet dynamic in its floor filling approach. Ivory Wave have a knack for creating carefree tunes as they add a pop polished sheen to their raw indie to create something truly enjoyable. Honest lyrics, brummie vocals and a smooth melody pepper the track in a catchy atmosphere while the swirling synths, jangly guitars and snappy beat make the track anthemic and ready for festival sing alongs. ‘Uptown’ is a fine display from Ivory Wave.

About the track George Johnson said “Uptown is about a binge of going out drinking. The fact that all week you’ll be texting your mates, planning those big nights out, to just wake up with a hangover, all your wages spent and 20 missed calls off your girlfriend. It just stopped appealing to me.”

Stream ‘Uptown’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/ivory-wave/uptown/s-JOYAz


Margot Polo ‘Let’s Get Out’

Indie pop artist Margot Polo has released his new single, ‘Let’s Get Out’. This is Margot Polo’s (the solo project of David Provenzano) first release of 2019, and is being released in advance of a 5 song EP set to be released this Autumn. 

‘Let’s Get Out’ is a sun drenched laid back indie gem as Margot Polo dips the track in glorious jangly guitar and a hazy sweltering atmosphere. With dynamic electronics flurrying around a deep groovy bass line and buoyant beat this track is instantly likeable. Chilled with a refreshing backdrop this tutti frutti track has a zesty guitar line and peppy rhythmic bounce while the smooth melody and velvety vocals add a dash of sugary sweetness. The electronics flutter through the verses while the youthful adrenaline and vibrant instrumentation make this track one fresh guzzle of indie pop at its finest.

Stream ‘Let’s Get Out’ below


Indie Quick Picks

Garçons

Photo Credit: Luna Shakur

Genre: Electronic, disco funk

Bio: Garçons is comprised of singer/songwriter Deelo (who has also been featured on a couple Keynes Woods tracks) and producer/director Julian Strangelove. Their 2018 debut EP “Body Language” was the result of a month-long writing session in Strangelove’s Ottawa apartment.

Track: Froggin

Why We Like It: It’s a jubilant danceable delight as funky elements glide and strut through R&B glimmers and disco flamboyance while the Afro-beat rhythms create that shimmy ready foundation and infectious groove. With jangly keys and effervescent bass line this track prances in, swagger soaked and ready to fill the dancefloor. With a suave melody soulful vocals and hyper tempo its one infectious hook riddled ditty. 

You can follow Garçons on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/realgarcons

Watch the video for ‘Froggin’ below 

Color Palette

Genre: Synth pop

Bio: Color Palette (comprised of Jay Nemeyer, Joshua Hunter, Matt Hartenau, Rogerio Naressi, and Maryjo Mattea) is an Indie/Electro/Rock band from Washington, DC. The band released their debut full-length album, ‘Vaporwave’, in May 2016. They have shared bills with the following notable artists: Charli XCX, The Naked and Famous, Mother Mother, Day Wave, Yumi Zouma, Mr Little Jeans, The Kickback, Spirit Animal, and VanLadyLove.

Track: Marrakech to Bombay

Why We Like It: It’s a wispy synth driven track that flutters through pulsing beats, ethereal synths and floaty electronics. The reverb laden vocals coo the sweet melody as the band take their sound to a very Tame Impala -esque quality. The soft guitars chime and grace the background with innocence before the song builds becoming more psychedelic and heavy as it reaches its outro.  With the exhilarating crisp soundscape swooshing through the sweet melody and intricately layered instrumentation it’s a polished and well crafted track.

You can follow Color Palette on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/colorpalettedc

Stream  ‘Marrakech to Bombay’ below 

Jack Berry

Genre: alternative blues rock 

Bio: Nashville-based alt/blues rocker, Jack Berry has gained the praise of critics throughout Nashville and beyond, earning him spots at well-known festivals, including CMA Fest, North by Northeast in Toronto, New York City’s CMJ Music Marathon, SXSW’s Red Gorilla Festival and Hard Rock Cafe’s North American battle of the bands winner.

Track: Mad Behavior

Why We Like It:  It’s a slick swagger-dipped, blues/rock number that strolls in mean as hell ready to toss your hair and slap you in the face with Berry’s cool rock ‘n’ roll. The slinky raw guitar jangly slices through punchy drums while Berry’s powerful vocals exclaim passionate wails and growls. Instantly danceable this track will play around in your head for days. The haunting dark backdrop and ghostly backing vocals create a spine chilling effect while the stinging prance on guitars and foot tapping rhythms guarantees repeat listens. 

You can follow Jack Berry on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/JackBerrymusic/

Stream ‘Mad Behavior’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify here


doops ‘The Lost’

Reading based alternative three piece doops have released their new single ‘The Lost’. This intense luring track weaves and wriggles around a spacious creeping atmosphere and rich intricacies creating a psychedelic labyrinth of melodies and soundscapes. Twinkling guitars entwine the track in an eerie yet sweet melody that meanders throughout the spine chilling backdrop. The sinister vocals whisper while the steady beat creates a constant to hold on to as the song spirals into a shoegaze hued psych trip. Laced in wispy ethereal vibes doops create a bottomless abyss as they lead you into this mesmerising track with light airy tones meaty rhythms and haunting reverb. The track builds becoming more perilous as the instrumentation and vocals intensify for the crashing crescendo. Well crafted and superbly fermented this track carefully coils and simmers for an almost claustrophobic effect as each component part wraps you more tightly in its entrapment and darkly smothered depths. A magnificent and chilling track from doops. 

Stream ‘The Lost’ below 


Indigo ‘Guadeloupe’

London four piece alternative band Indigo have released their new single ‘Guadeloupe’. The band consists of Arran Birks, Matt Dell’Unto, Tom Horton and Johann Meux. After the well-received and sensationally titled ‘Please Sign Us To Your Label EP’ was released in March, they are ready to present their newest offering to the world,‘Guadeloupe’.Indigo will be celebrating this release with a headline show at seminal music venue The Victoria on Tuesday 13th August as well as three more shows lined up: The Finsbury on 14th September, Nambucca on October 3rd and The Dublin Castle on November 14th with more shows and release dates being announced in the coming months.

‘Guadeloupe’ is a twinkling melodic track filled with rich grooves and sweet tones as Indigo weave vibrant guitar lines into their infectious sound. The laid back atmosphere is created by the dreamy glistening guitar and soft rhythmic bounce as each glorious guitar line weaves golden speckles of sunlight into the track. With smooth vocals floating into your ears on a nectarous melody while lush backing vocals coo through wispy soundscapes, Indigo create and meticulously layer the track perfectly. The song builds to a dazzling synth-infused crescendo while the swayable melody cruises through this flashing manic backdrop. This sublime frantic soundscape contrasts the daydream bliss superbly and adds a refreshing bite and edge to this sweet sun kissed number. An engaging listen from Indigo.

Stream ‘Guadeloupe’ below