All posts by Indie Buddie

Album Review, indie rock, New Music

Arctic Monkeys ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ Album

Photo Credit: Zackery Michael

Arctic Monkeys have released their highly anticipated new album ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’. It’s an album which will divide and conquer. At the first listen to the crooning smooth fluidity and leisurely pace of the tracks there is a suspense and doubt that grows like a tumour in your brain before you take a step back and see the album as a whole. It’s an experience, a bit different but as a collective piece of work, it’s a bloody fine display of refined meticulous musicianship. Turner has been flexing his lyricist muscles and in this sixth album he’s primed and ready to mind boggle with  encryptions and witty obscurities. This effort sees the guitar rock of ‘AM’ take a back seat as keys become the prime instrument. It’s spacey with a noticeable lack of sing along choruses but what it appears to lack at first disperses between the mysterious hazy synths, 70’s vibes and lush arrangements.

‘The Star Treatment’ sees Turner narrate the lyrics like a  neo-noir crime anthology film reflection through a creamy smooth backdrop of twinkling keys and lush whining backing vocals. It sets a black and white motion picture scene filled with a classy lounge bar drunken contemplation. This vibe carries throughout the album. If ‘The Star Treatment’ has you listening with gritted teeth ‘One Point Perspective’ slowly eases you into the concept of the album as it broods with lavish strings, sweet falsetto vocals and slick bass grooves wrapping you slowly and securely into its luxuriousness- seducing those doubting thoughts until that steamy guitar solo hooks you firmly in its grasp. ‘American Sports’ adds to the intrigue as it grasps the spacey vibe with flighty synths dizzying and flashing between a snappy beat. It’s psychedelic at times as guitars whizz through Turner’s echoed vocals entrapping you into this subtly eccentric spectacle. The title track ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ is Bowie-esque and bizarrely endearing as Turner’s vocals sweetly sprawl over glimmering keys and enigmatic guitars while aerial soundscapes thicken the track creating a suffocating, claustrophobic atmosphere that only the twinkling keys and sweet vocals can break through. ‘Golden Trunks’ presents us with the first pop tinged melody on the album as ominous instrumentation creates a dragging goosebump inducing horror movie sequence. ‘Four Out Of Five’ bounces a melty, honey drizzled melody and groovy rhythmic foundation off the lyrical theme of star ratings. It has a nice lush bridge with glistening keys and ethereal backing vocals which adds a feathery lightness to the vocals and to the rebound and buoyancy of the track. ‘The World’s First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip’ reminds me of Mini Mansions. It has that twisted mystifying obscurity that would fit perfectly on their self titled debut album.The dolly-esque keys with organ tones coated in a delicious melody with that dreamy hazy sun kissed vibe makes for an enthralling listen. There is some residue of the ‘Humbug’ album on the tracks  ‘Science Fiction’ and ‘She Looks Like Fun’ the former with its cryptic mystery and psychedelic tinges however the alien pitched whines and creepy format places it firmly within the grasps of the magical world of the ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ album. ‘Batphone’ returns to that bar lounge croon and laid back vibe while album closer ‘The Ultracheese’ glides with a 50/ 60’s -esque waltz. Filled with tenderness and delicacy it’s a sublime number that oozes and seeps passion in the most sweet sway- like manner. Romantically poised with a magnificent guitar feature that just sends swoony chills down your spine while trills on piano lifts it to heavenly heights. This sublime track brings the album to a majestic classy end.

‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ will divide fans but then what good album doesn’t? This collection is a brilliant portrait of the most artistic era of Arctic Monkeys career so far. With a cinematic display that is a little bit uncommercial, stacking soundtrack- like atmospheric soundscapes alongside pop hued melodies, and some bizarre elements between. This collection is more mature and sophisticated. It’s like an aromatized, fortified wine, flavoured with various luscious components- that hits the spot.

 

Stream ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ below


Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Broncos

Genre: 90s rock

Bio: Broncos is a brazen 90s rock band from Brooklyn. Their album ‘Revenge’ is out now.

Track: MOAB

Why We Like It: It’s a jagged riotous blast of rock that thunders in on a feisty foundation of pummelling drums and rugged riffs. This catchy number snaps and hops with an elastic bassline and mosh ready hefty instrumentation- perfect for those sticky bloodthirsty mosh pits.

You can follow Broncos on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/broncosbk/

Stream ‘MOAB’  below

Eraser TV

Genre: Indie

Bio: Eraser TV  are an indie band from Limerick, Ireland. The DIY band comprised of members Cian McGuirk on Lead Guitar and the Vocals, Alan Horgan on Rhythm and the Bass Guitar and Laura Drennan on Drums and Percussion have released their second EP ‘Modern Classic’

Track: (1-800) COAST 2 COAST

Why We Like It: This light golden number features some sparklingly sublime guitar moments weaving between a punchy beat and wonderfully buoyant percussion. The lengthy intro is sweet and melodic and when the vocals do enter the track becomes more heavy. A little obscure at times this track keeps hopping and bouncing along with some jagged injections breaking up the dreamy sun kissed atmosphere.

You can follow Eraser TV on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/EraserTVband/

Watch the video for ‘(1-800) COAST 2 COAST’ below

Hot Soles

Genre: rock

Bio: Hot Soles are a two piece band from Sheffield.Since October 2010, the band have been wowing audiences from all walks of life with their rip roaring, raucous soul vibe.Initially they started out as enemies, but quickly recognised and respected each other’s fighting styles. Realising their core internal rhythm was in sync, they became friends and decided to form what is known as Hot Soles.

Track: Hangin’ Loose

Why We Like It: It a swagger soaked sweat and leather rock track that grooves and strides in all the right places. Raspy vocals add a touch of panache while slick guitar licks and punchy drums give this track that all important strut quality. It’s a meaty number that spits fire and attitude while packing in some slinky grooves and sensual tones.

You can follow Hot Soles on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/hotsoles/

Stream Hangin’ Loose below

Chay Snowdon

Genre: indie pop

Bio: Bristol based indie/pop outfit Chay Snowdon is comprised of members Liam Roberts on lead guitar, George Roach on bass, Ed Fox on drums and Chay Snowdon providing vocals and rhythm guitar. Recently Chay and the lads have smashed their second UK tour, taking their brand of Indie Rock ‘n’ Roll to the ever-increasing crowds, having huge success selling out The Mothers Ruin in Bristol three weeks in advance as well as The Underground in Plymouth for the second time.Other massive shows of 2017 were The British Fireworks Championships and Radio Plymouth’s Bonfire Night Celebrations on Plymouth Hoe to crowds of around 10,000 people. As well as supporting The Sherlocks and Vant at their sold-out Bristol shows, even having time to sneak in their second live session for BBC Introducing in Devon.

Track: ‘Zenobia’

Why We Like It: It’s a catchy track with vibrant jangle guitar striding over a sublime foundation of rumbly rooted bass lines and punchy drums. This radio friendly track is a sweet little earworm coated in feisty attitude with a smooth melody smothered in laid back tones. This track has a young fresh feel with a thumping back drop that is sure to have a live audience clapping along. Filled with hooks from every angle while maintaining a chilled vibe it’s a mature infectious doozy.

You can follow Chay Snowdon on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/chaysnowdonmusic/

Watch the video for ‘Zenobia’ below

PREP

Genre: R&B Soul

Bio: PREP came about as an alias for 4 artists with an eye-watering list of credits under their belts. Co-writer and keyboard player Llywelyn Ap Myrddin – a classical composer keen on electronica – began writing instrumentals with House music producer / drummer Guillaume Jambel (GIOM), who has previously headlined Fabric and collaborated with Defected Records. Llywelyn was thrown by the response to these tracks from Grammy nominee Dan Radclyffe, noted for his work on recordings by Drake and AlunaGeorge. Sensing the foundations of a shared musical DNA, Myrddin, Jambel and Radclyffe’s line up was solidified by frontman Tom Havelock (who’d previously been co-writing for the likes of Riton, Sinead Hartnett and Ray BLK), who’s effortless falsetto was immediately apparent as the perfect foil to the band’s airtight grooves.’Cold Fire’ is the title track from PREP’s new EP.

Track: ‘Cold Fire’,

Why We Like It: This funky number glides and strides with an infectious strut quality that is masterful. It’s a tight shuffle and groove that will make you dance and clap along. These guys are just too cool for school. The disco vibes and bold swanky riffs seep and ooze chicness as it struts with a retro sun kissed finesse that will turn any cloudy day into a luminous glow of funky delight.

Follow PREP on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/prepband/

Stream ‘Cold Fire’ below

Tim Brooks

www.TitusPowell.com

Genre: indie rock

Bio: Solo artist Tim Brooks has released his new single Quicksilver’. Brooks is not your conventional singer songwriter, the artist blends the worlds of Frank Turner, Bruce Springsteen and Gerard Way together, walking the line between acoustic intimacy, and straight up rock and roll.Brooks has played at some of London’s most prestigious venues, such as 93 Ft East, The Bedford and The Half Moon and having previous material aired on local FM radio.

Track: ‘Quicksilver’

Why We Like It: It’s a blistering track laced in shredding guitar riffs with a feisty drum backing. The melody rolls with a hefty punch as Brooks raspy vocals flood the track with a rush of adrenaline. It’s a high intensity number that seamlessly ventures from twinkling and sweet to powerful and mighty.

You can follow Tim Brooks on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/timbrooksmusic/

Watch the video for ‘Quicksilver’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist on Spotify Here 

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

The RPMs ‘Let Things Happen’

The RPMs are set to release their new single ‘Let Things Happen’ via Xtra Mile Recordings on June 29 across all digital formats. The band was formed in Dorset by childhood friends Jack Valero (lead vocals, guitar) and Callum James, (drums and backing vocals). Following a move to Brighton they were joined by Miguel Cosme on bass and gained early momentum in 2016 for their debut EP, ‘Digital Disobedience, followed by their second EP in 2017, ‘Agents of Change’ released via Xtra Mile Recordings. Inspired by the support of singles ‘Oh My God’ and ‘Things I Forgot To Do’, The RPM’s expanded to a five piece, adding in Chris Bowden on keyboards and Ollie Summer on lead guitar to create a larger live sound and carve out a more ambitious sonic direction.The RPMs are set to tour extensively throughout Spring and Summer in support of ‘Let Things Happen’ and their upcoming third single for 2018, ‘Gotta Let Go’ is set for release in September via Xtra Mile Recordings.

‘Let Things Happen’ raises the bar for The RPMs to glorious new heights. This catchy track is the skittles packet of indie tunes, it’s brimming with sweet luscious melodies and juicy little glimmers on guitar to create a colourful vibrant indie track. Delicate keys flutter about the song adding shimmers of scintillation while a buoyant beat keeps the song hopping along with a joyous spring and bounce that is sublime and infectious. It’s sun kissed and chilled as the chiming guitars weave between the keys playfully- adding a chipper lustrous atmosphere. Well crafted the layers are tight and heavenly giving a rich, melodic, dreamy rush of sugar coated indie pop that is perfect for your summer playlists.

Speaking of the new single, singer Jack Valero said, “It’s written about how sometimes in life you just have to sit back and go with the flow and is very much based on where we are as a band right now. You face many difficult obstacles in life especially when you’re in a band and it’s all about how you overcome them and carry on, just like it says in the chorus ‘Pick up and start again’. It’s a positive message to not allow yourself to be defeated and also to remember sometimes to let go and live in the moment instead of trying to control it.”

You can catch The RPMs live at :

MAY 12 – Southend Chinnerys ‘Lost Minutes’ w. Sean McGowan and Get Cape Wear Cape Fly pre ‘Lost Evenings’
MAY 14 – Frank Turner Lost Evenings Festival Xtra Mile Label Night, The Roundhouse
MAY 19 – Brighton Shortts Bar – Alternative Escape – Roger Kent for Kick Out The Jams
MAY 27 – Bearded Theory Festival
JUNE 22 – Isle of Wight Festival
JULY 22 – Stockport Blackthorn Fest
AUGUST 3 – Kent, Edenbridge – LeeFest Neverworld
AUGUST 4 – Kent Edenbridge – LeeFest BBC Intro Kent Stage (Abbie McCarthy and Casey Heyburn)
AUGUST 10 – Peterborough – Green Meadows Festival
AUGUST 12 – Cornwall Boardmasters
AUGUST 26 – Warwickshire Camper Calling

Stream ‘Let Things Happen’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Graces

Graces are a Cumbrian quartet who are now based in and around Sheffield.Breaking out of the four walls of their post-industrial rehearsal space in Sheffield, the band took their gripping live show around the country in 2017, playing sold out venues in Sheffield, London and Manchester on word of mouth alone. Whilst sharing stages with Feeder, Fickle Friends and The Amazons, they worked on a series of singles with producer Phil Gornell (Bring Me The Horizon, All Time Low) and were lauded by the mainstream music press. After a busy festival season which included performances at Tramlines Festival and Kendal Calling, the band rounded off last year with a sold-out show in front of 700 people supporting Bruce Foxton from The Jam. They have now released their new single ‘Hotel’.

‘Hotel’ is a blistering blast of indie that rushes through on a wave of youthful exhilaration and chilled euphoria. The verses glide with a breezy laid back vibe as velvety vocals brood through a churning backdrop of biting ethereal guitars and punchy drums. This track builds in intensity becoming more gripping and heart stopping as it reaches its breathtaking crescendo. The melancholic pop-sprinkled dreamy melody floats between a sublime intoxicating wall of sound that soars and cuts sharp with thrilling distortion. It’s a cool crisp display from Graces that packs oodles of emotion and shredding aerial instrumentation into one gripping cinematic track.

Watch the video for ‘Hotel’ here


Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Singer/Songwriter

Mackenzie James Cregan ‘We’ll Be Here’

Mackenzie James Cregan is a Liverpool based singer/songwriter/musician from Los Angeles. Mackenzie puts a modern spin on his music, giving him a unique sound that includes catchy pop choruses and melodies.He first picked up a guitar at two years old and started taking lessons from his father Jim Cregan at nine years old. Since then, Mackenzie has taught himself how to play bass, drums, and piano. After living in Los Angeles his whole life, at the age of 21, Mackenzie decided to move to Liverpool, UK in the fall of 2017 to kickstart his new solo career.He has now released his new single ‘We’ll Be Here’.

‘We’ll Be Here’ is a vibrant sing along little ditty that radiates good vibes and sunshine. This peppy gem hops and bops about with a swaggering spring in its step. The buoyant beat and jangly guitar sets the groove infested foundation for you to shimmy your night away. A melty melody glissades upon this delightful foundation with a silky finesse that oozes panache and strut quality. Mackenzie’s vocals smoothen the track with a velvety sweep of prancing confidence while a steamy guitar solo injects that final blow of swanky rock & roll suave. It’s a foot tapping infectious number that will brighten your day and have you dancing and singing along in no time.

You can catch Mackenzie James Cregan live at his single release show on Friday 11th May at 24 Kitchen street in Liverpool.

Watch the video for ‘We’ll Be Here’ below


Alt Rock, Garage Pop, Garage Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Wulfman Fury ‘Getaway’

Sheffield lo-fi garage-rock five-piece Wulfman Fury have released their new single ‘Getaway’. Fronted by experienced session player George Moran, the band is made up of Steve Harrison (bass/vocals), Joe Moran (guitar/vocals), Will Severs (keys), and Dave Mitchell (drums). The brain child of George and Dave, Wulfman Fury was born from George’s ‘Fox Den Studios’ and has been going from strength to strength since its conception in October 2017. To date, the band have self-released two singles, ‘Nightsweats’ and ‘Draw the Line’, as well as a Sheffield themed b-side ‘Blades and Owls’. Each release has been met with early praise from those in the industry and a growing fan base inside and out of Sheffield. ‘Nightweats’, ‘Draw the Line’ and new single ‘Getaway’ have had airplay on BBC Introducing, BBC Radio Wales, Amazing Radio and on stations in Canada and France to name a few. In their hometown Wulfman Fury are yet to play a gig that hasn’t sold out.

‘Getaway’ is that sublime rush to the head of indie rock that thrills to the core. It’s brimming with rich melodic sounds from the infectious adrenaline inducing melody to dazzling keys that shimmer between a punchy rhythm. With fuzzed guitar jabs and a staggeringly smooth swagger laced vocal- this track has it all. The melody is doused in mysterious vibes while distortion whines behind flashing keys creating a spacey, psychedelic atmosphere. Guitars whirl and stab electrifying buzz fulled intensity through a stomping rhythm to create a wholly engulfing, riveting listen. It’s a breathtaking display from Wulfman Fury and another outstanding track to get excited about.

You can catch Wulfman Fury live at:

12th May London – Nambucca (This Feeling)
25th Sheffield – Record Junkee (This Feeling)
21st July Sheffield – Tramlines Festival
29th September – Leadmill (Headline)

Watch the video for ‘Getaway’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing: iisolate

iisolate are an indie/alternative duo consisting of Siobhan Taggart Vocals and Jamie Dumas Guitar/Production. The origin of the band began after a chance meeting in Galway when they were 15, After 5 years of waiting Siobhan moved from Derry to Limerick to pursue Art College and iisoalte came to be. The group is now located in Limerick. Siobhan’s dark lyrical content is often contrasted by Jamie’s 80s indie pop influences via the music creating this juxtaposition between the visual and auditory elements.As a band they have adapted to the ever changing music industry adopting the DIY approach, making records on a laptop in bedrooms. All production elements are performed within the group.The duo have now released their debut single ‘Encapsulate’ with an EP tipped for a mid summer release.

‘Encapsulate’ is a captivating, ambient track that crystallises on a darkened noir pop setting. This duo provide a glossy trip-hop sound that echoes and gleams with a mirror-like sheen as dark soundscapes wisp about like haunting ghosts whispering ominously in your ear. Siobhan Taggart’s vocals are ethereal and eerie as they lure you into the depths of this enchanting number. iisolate take their time slowly brooding and fermenting, ever so coolly progressing the track gradually to create a mesmerising enticing piece of work. A twinkling guitar feature glimmers through the floaty dreamy soundscape with a sweet lamenting melody that delicately warms the track. It’s spaced perfectly with a clicking rhythm steadying your mind to keep you sedated and trapped in their enthralling sound. This duo have created a mature track that announces them as ones to watch.

Stream ‘Encapsulate’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bleachers

Bleachers has released a new track, ‘Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)’. It comes as a part of the soundtrack for the film ‘Love, Simon’ which stars ‘The Kings of Summer’ and ‘Everything Everything’ actor, Nick Robinson and marks the first solo song to be released by Jack Antonoff since last year’s ‘Gone Now’ album. Antonoff is executive producing the soundtrack, which also includes songs by the 1975, Troye Sivan, Jackson 5, in addition to three other Bleachers songs and more. I have been listening to this song for some time now and thought i’d share the sprinkling of joy it brings to my day.

‘Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)’ is an animated vibrant burst of delight with a buoyant beat, jangly guitar, sparkling keys and a gloriously yearning melody that melts like butter on toast. This animated perky backdrop sets a vibrant foundation for Antonoff’s longing vocals to flood the track with passion and charm. It’s that track that surges youthful adrenaline through your veins and uplifts your spirit all while flooding you with love sick eagerness. This sun kissed, spring in your step number is finger clicking, foot tapping-ly infectious, wistful, warm and golden all at once. With a sing along ready anthemic refrain “I wanna be alright with my baby tonight”, saxophone feature and jazzy keys, this peppy number will nestle itself in your brain and stay on your mind for months ready to pop up at those moments when you need a lift.

Watch the video for ‘Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song)’ below


Ambient Music, New Music

Cal Raasay ‘Over Blue’

Cal Raasay has released ‘Over Blue’, the lead single from his ‘Still’ EP. The ‘Still’ EP is the follow up to last year’s double A side single ‘(still the) Horizon’ / ‘Afore (sun)’ and features four brand new tracks including the lead single ‘Over Blue’. Taking his surname from an Island off the West Coast of Scotland where he spent his childhood holidays, Cal Raasay is the moniker of songwriter, composer and producer Callum Lawson. He released his debut five track EP ’57 – 6′ in April last year which was the result of twelve months spent building a studio in his hometown of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Acclaimed by local press and featured on a number of playlists, the EP was also picked up by radio and was played by Nick Roberts at BBC Introducing North East and BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq. A quick follow up, the aforementioned ‘(still the) Horizon’ / ‘Afore (sun)’ single, arrived just a month later and the sparser and more reflective sound of the two songs saw him compared to artists such as Nils Frahm and Bon Iver.

‘Over Blue’ is a beautiful elegant piece of work that twinkles and glides with a grandeur and finesse that is mesmerising. Inspired by the recent purchase of his first piano from a lady in Scarborough, the music here attempts to capture Raasay’s deep exploration of the sounds and differing textures from said keyed instrument. The piano glistens and drifts in a floaty dreamy manner oozing depth and warmth while the flickering sweet trills add a fairy-like magical quality to the piece as the melody twists between melancholy and menace to great effect. It’s an entrancing majestic piece that feels wholesome and pure with rich depths and sweet tones.

To coincide with the release of his new EP, Newcastle based producer, Cal Raasay will play a special live date on Saturday the 19th of May 2018. He will perform three half hour solo piano performances from 7pm at Bamburgh House Arts Centre as part of ‘The Late Shows’ culture crawl in Newcastle over the weekend of 18th – 19th May for more see here https://thelateshows.org.uk/

Stream ‘Over Blue’ below