Manchester unsigned indie band The Breaks have recently released their latest single ‘Masquerade’ which is the lead single on their ‘Trap Door’ EP. This blistering fuzzed indie rock track swarms in all ruffled and scuzzy as coarse guitars sting and crash against pummelling drums and elastic bass. Though initially appearing a mighty force of bruising rock this track maintains a slick chilled underbelly as laid back swagger drenched vocals cool the scorching instrumental backdrop with a slinky melody and effortless charm. The guitar riffs sear and swelter while that rooted bass groove pushes the track into impressive adrenaline rushing heights. It’s a high voltage rampage from The Breaks that entices with sweet chilled tones luring underneath a thrilling tight wall of sound that surges through your veins heightening every sense. It’s brawny and sensual all at once and i’m sure makes for one manic mosh pit when performed live. This exhilarating track makes The Breaks ones to watch out for.
Andrew Puckett has recently released his newest single ‘Stronger Now’, a catchy, melodic track with a deeper underlying message. With the aim of bringing meaningful messages with chart topping melodies, Andrew Puckett has drawn comparisons with the likes of Twenty One Pilots and Kodaline, yet maintains a unique position of creating high energy music with a relatable lyrical undertone. His newest single ‘Stronger Now ‘was inspired by a time in Puckett’s life when he experienced a struggle with mental health. As a message of hope, the message conveyed in the track is that although it may not feel like it, fighting to keep going every day is a small victory.
Sometimes we all need that track that will act as a mantra to keep you pushing through and ‘Stronger Now’ is exactly that- an emotive gripping number with a catchy motivational chorus to give you hope and strength. Puckett’s laid back vocals glide from a rap to a soothing coo as twinkling piano strides with a sturdy surety while also elegantly glimmering adding a delicate yet confident quality to the track. The piano glides over sticky slapping beat pulses while the infectious sweet melody embraces this endearing soundscape. It’s a gripping, enthralling indie pop track that has a touching message. Puckett has displayed his mature, moving musicianship and it’s pretty impressive.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Fontaines
The Los Angeles based brother and sister duo The Fontaines (Hank Fontaine and Charlotte Fontaine) have released their new single ‘Freak’. It’s a sultry, electronic drizzled retro number that entices and grooves all while packing in some slick instrumentation. These guys have come a blushing long way from the sweet doo- wop days of ‘Dusty Springfield’. This effort sees Charlotte coo a sweet delicate melody through scorching stuffy electronics while a sticky beat slaps and hops keeping the mesmerising foundation. The steamy guitar whines break up the muggy intoxicating atmosphere with a dash of stinging zest – refreshing the dazzling psychedelic hued soundscapes. This track slowly creeps and smoulders as each component takes its time- building the intensity of the track from elastic basslines and shaky groove infested rhythms to sizzling guitars and seductive vocals. They have layered this track perfectly. A mesmerising number and sassy display from The Fontaines. They are developing their sound more and more with each release. Can’t wait to hear what they do next.
West London based singer-songwriter, FREEMAN is set to release his eagerly awaited debut album ‘Truth’ on Catapult Records tomorrow the 25th of May. ‘Truth’, recorded at Eastcote Studios in Kensal Rise with Jamie Brown and engineer Andy Hughes, features fourteen tracks including the current single ‘Weekend’, the recent ‘Good Times’ and last year’s debut ‘Lay On’ all of which have picked up widespread critical support from the likes of the Huffington Post to plays on BBC Radio London. ‘Lay On’ was accompanied by a video featuring footage from the Oscar winning French short ‘The Red Balloon’ and had 180k views and over 1.5k shares on its first week online.
‘Truth’ is a collection of catchy indie pop tracks sprinkled with sweet Americana to create a sublime tight album that is enjoyable to listen to. ‘All About Love’ kicks off the album with a sensual bassline and punchy beat that will have those feet tapping and body grooving in no time. The melodies in this album are delightful, this particular tune has a sing along ready chorus and melody that is luscious, sweet as taffy and utterly golden. ‘Best Days’ and ‘Rolling Stone’ steamroll in with a stomping beat and rock and roll swagger soaked guitar strides, there is definitely a Bryan Adams country-esque vibe about the former while ‘Weekend’ hops about with a indie pop buoyancy and vitality as jangly guitars drive through free wheeling, sunny soundscapes and upbeat animation. ‘Good Times’ which is my favourite track on the album takes on the role of the sweet slow jam. It is warm glowing and feathery light with delicate tapping percussion wrapped in a luscious sway-able melody and soothing vocals. ‘Indiana Girl’ and ‘Redemption’ follow the emotional slow burner pathway as does ‘Lay On’ which adds a soulful hue to the mix provided by delicate keys and supple guitar injections caressed by soft whispered raspy vocals. This romantic little ditty is soothing, delicate and heartfelt. The Americana and country flavours shine through tracks such as ‘Watchtower’ and ‘Hearts Of America’ as warm guitar (and harmonica twangs in the former) fill the tracks with cosy melancholic tones and rich depths as the ever catchy melty melodies melt upon this beautiful balmy backdrop. There is no shortage of sing along choruses in this album nearly every track has a hook that invades your brain, constantly revolving in your head all day ‘Rolling Stone’ is a prime example of this so is ‘Life’- who doesn’t fall under the trap of a good “la la” lyric especially when it’s surrounded by a sweet delicate melody. Freeman brings the album to a fluid and gentle end with the aching yet glowing positivity of ‘Midnight Wanderer’ followed by the hushed heartbreaking ‘Goodbye My Love’ and finally the tender ethereal ‘Fire’ closes the album on a calm beautiful tone.
‘Truth’ is a heartfelt charming collection of tracks that are warm, cosy and sweet with some swagger and fun thrown in to keep you singing along and bopping between the emotional tears. The album will be released on limited edition vinyl and CD and will be available to download at all the usual major outlets tomorrow.
Hull band Little Blue Thula have released their new single ‘River and a Creek’. The single is taken from the duo’s (Niall Tennison -Vocals, Guitar and Toby Needler -Guitar) upcoming debut album ‘Things You Hear Down the Road’ which will be released on the 8th June. ‘River and a Creek’ is a passionate twanging number with wholesome melodies doused in warm Americana elements. The sweet toned guitar twinkles and whines longingly throughout the bluesy hued melancholic melody while Tennison broods and pines flooding the track with emotion. The lush backing vocals provided by Sarah Shiels add a heavenly sweetness to the track while the tapping beat provides a steady foundation for the mournful guitar to weave between. This track holds a purity that is quite gripping as light instrumentation glides and wisps about building in intensity to the the passionate fist pumping your chest crescendo. A solid new single for this duo.
Bio: Automatic Fiction is a 3 piece band formed in Bordeaux in 2015.Recorded during the fall in a vast baroque salon and mixed in caves, they released their first EP “Spring Inclination” in March 2016. Automatic Fiction is : Lise Data, Tom Data and Dany Ladrat.
Track: Lightness is a Greatness
Why We Like It: It’s a breezy ethereal track that swirls with aerial electronics around a throbbing beat and jangly biting guitars. The infectious melody flows with an icy chill while the cinematic soundscapes rush past creating an adrenaline buzz through a darkened eerie atmosphere.With the sublime, sharp stings on guitar meticulously layered upon enthralling musicianship this magical track is a well crafted and gripping display from Automatic Fiction.
Bio: The Voques are an indie synth pop/rock band emanating from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, comprised of members Myles (Guitar/Vocals), Jonni (Bass/Vocals), Joe – (Drums/Vocals) and Aiden (Keys/Vocals)
Track: ‘Easier Said Than Done’
Why We Like It: It’s a zealous hop of blazing indie pop that radiates bright golden tones through a delicious melancholic melody. This sweet melody melts upon a fiery blast of dynamic instrumentation as a reggae flavoured buoyant rhythm rebounds off zesty scorching guitars and shimmering keys. This track beams and glows from every note.It’s a glorious dazzling indie pop gem.
Bio: Los Angeles ska-punk band The Interrupters will release their third studio album Fight the Good Fight on June 29th via Hellcat Records.Formed in 2011, The Interrupters came together when the Bivina brothers (guitarist Kevin Bivona, bassist Justin Bivona, drummer Jesse Bivona) found themselves on bills with Aimee during a 2009 tour. With their self-titled debut arriving in 2014, the band soon shared stages with bands like Rancid, Blink-182, and Bad Religion. The Interrupters embarked on a world tour in support of the release, headlining their own shows as well as supporting Green Day in Europe, Australia and South America, solidifying the band’s status as a dynamic force on the stage.
Track: She’s Kerosene
Why We Like It: This is such a good track, if you want an infectious rhythm, catchy melody and just something to jump around to this is the track for you. With an energetic beat constantly ricocheting off the animated sing along ready melody teamed with blistering guitar injections that scorch images of sunshine into your brain- this song is a blistering delight. It’s upbeat, fun, empowering and just a great tune.
Bio: Matt Corrigan’s solo project Ghostking Is Dead aims to bring audiences on adventure into a variety of styles, combining Corrigan’s varying musical fields of interest. The result is new sounds, borne from experimentation and integration, while always maintaining a pop edge. Citing influences including The Antlers, Mac DeMarco, James Blake and David Bowie, his tracks switch from delicate and carefree to towering, glistening synths placed carefully throughout. His work has been featured on Nialler9 and as a full band Ghostking have performed acclaimed live shows including at the It Takes A Village festival and Cork Loves Music.
Track: ‘Fool’
Why We Like It: It’s a soulful number that begins stripped back and peppy as Corrigan’s vocals hop about with a lively melody along peppy guitar strums before building into a luscious, sweet, melodic tune that swoons you into a stupor. A warm guitar jingles with delicate balmy tones while elegant strings glide upon gentle piano twinkles creating a wholly satisfying, beautiful number that engages all your senses. It’s a sublime track that sweeps you away with rich guitar, lush backing vocals and the most glorious sun speckled fine wine instrumental. It’s simply beautiful.
Essex based indie-funk band Jump Stone have released their new single ‘Won’t Last A Minute’. Comprised of members Harry Cash (Vocals and guitar), Harrison Palmer (Bass) and Dan Rawley (Drums) this trio provide fresh upbeat indie rock with a tinge of funk. ‘Won’t Last A Minute’ is a tight snappy number that showcases this band are on to something good. Filled with a buoyancy that is masterful, the rhythm hops along with a rubber ball rebound effect while the funky elastic bass rumbles along maintaining that rippling foundation. The melody is infectious and sleek as Cash’s vocals melt upon it like butter on toast. The vibrant guitars jangle and bounce with a zesty vitality that will have you up and dancing in no time as the song steadily builds making for a wholly satisfying listen. This trio display their danceable infectious fun sound with effortless charm. It’s an ear worm that just keeps on giving- compact and filled with youthful adrenaline and oomph this dazzling gem marks Jump Stone as ones to keep an eye out for.
Five piece alt/indie band from Wellington Somerset, The Helters have released their new EP ‘Afghani Super Smack’. The band comprised of members Mark Owen (vocals), Davey Roberts (guitar) , Charlie last (drums), Conor Dolan (bass) and Alex Canham (guitar) have been together for two years and have already been featured on BBC Introducing as well as selling out local venues and getting regular plays on local stations over the country.
‘Afghani Super Smack’ is a euphoric collection of tracks that flood with that youthful hazy longing and adrenaline of the Pixies. The Helters’ sun kissed dreamy indie becomes apparent from the twinkling intro of ‘Salt’. They don’t dwell in this delirious haze for long when the track kicks in, it’s edgy and raw as dizzying guitars whirr around punchy drums and attitude driven vocals. The band slap on a breezy biting atmosphere to accompany the pop drizzled melty melody adding bite to the smooth sun-kissed atmosphere. Each track displays new fragments to their melodic guitar elements which at times soars to ethereal heights in tracks such as the blissful exhilarating ‘Four Aces’. The bass in ‘Afterglow’ provides a muscular foundation for the golden guitar moments and showcases the meticulous layering and polished production of the tracks as it contrasts perfectly yet, alone, holds its own captivating elements. The melodies are just sublime as they surge with sugar sprinkled longing and melancholy with an adrenaline heart gripping rush driving it through. ‘Killing Joke’ is another example of the superb bass work as shrilling guitars and rumble on bass create a tense start to the song. It’s catchy and filled with a touch more attitude than its predecessors. This soaring, anthemic, edgy number is the perfect way to end the EP as it is biting, thrilling and dreamy all at once.
‘Afghani Super Smack’ is a fresh breezy effort from The Helters. It’s sweetly melodic, euphoric and anthemic with a crashing blustery instrumental backdrop that is heart pumping and balmy while their surf-rock elements are tight and simply sublime. All the component parts are filled with the classic 90’s era indie that will make you sweetly nostalgic. A majestic EP for sure and one for those lazy summer days.
The Kooks have returned with two new songs in the form of ‘No Pressure’ and ‘All The Time’. The tracks are taken from their forthcoming fifth studio album ‘Let’s Go Sunshine’ which is out August 31st via Lonely Cat/AWAL Recordings. These two new tracks announce the return of The Kooks’ timeless indie sound- there is no fluff just pure sweet melodic indie.
‘No Pressure’ glows with warm golden melodies draped over glorious guitar flourishes and a peppy punchy beat. This laid back little gem swoons and sways with clap along beats, lush backing vocals and vibrant tones. The catchy chorus is ready for soothing sing alongs while Luke Pritchard’s velvety vocals croon along adding a pacifying sweetness to the bouncy all round blissful mellowness. These guys have always had a knack for injecting some flawless ethereal guitar moments and this song is no different,those euphoric sun setting guitars are plentiful and just sublime.
‘All The Time’ adds a dash of funky zest into their infectious indie with a stomping beat creating a sturdy foundation for the strut seasoning to playfully rebound off. A little more dance-able than ‘No Pressure’ this track shakes things up a bit showcasing their more rhythmic groovy side. With an elastic bassline that ripples between jangly guitars and adrenaline rushing soundscapes – this, teamed with dynamic vocals packs the song with oodles of passion. The anthmic chorus soars to heart stopping dramatics while the gripping melody is cinematic and divine. The use of strings throughout adds an elegance, romantic texture and feathery lightness to their infectious indie.
The Kooks have returned with two sublime appetisers that deliver shifts of versatility from swoony sweetness to strutting finesse drenched in swagger and passion. They have honed in on the timeless sound of their previous albums and blended them together superbly. It’s looking like the perfect blend so far. If these two tracks are anything to go by ‘Let’s Go Sunshine’ is sure to be a satisfying album.
Winners of the 2017 Best Unsigned Band at the Best of British Unsigned Music Awards, Five Days North are set to release their new single ‘Stranger Signs’ in June. In the summer of 2016, they released their debut EP ‘Past Times’. It contained the single ‘Won’t Stop for Nothing’ which has featured on ITV’s This Morning and was released with an accompanying music video. Their second single in April 2017 ‘Shapeshifters’ and third single ‘City of Wonder’ in September 2017 have both featured on BBC Introducing. The five piece have played a multitude of live events around the UK, from great venues such as the Deaf Institute and a headline performance at Gorilla in Manchester, to festivals such as Dot to Dot 2017 and Warrington festival 2016.
‘Stranger Signs’ is a light, dazzling whack of indie pop delight. Shimmering synths flood the track with an effervescent fizz of sugar while the luscious melody flows on top with a glucose creamy texture. The twinkling guitars add flickers of scintillation to the floaty ethereal atmosphere and inject a dash of zealous edge while the danceable infectious rhythm rebounds with an energetic spring creating a dynamic rich number that is anthemic and vibrant.Darryl Messer’s vocals surge with passion and emotion as the bright lustrous soundscapes rush about with a sublime breezy cool sun kissed vibe. ‘Stranger Signs’ is another charming gem that glitters with rich instrumentation and a meticulously layered production.
Stream ‘Stranger Signs’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
