Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

VELVET ‘Out to Get Me’

Four piece indie band  VELVET have released their debut single ‘Out to Get Me’ which was recorded in Newcastle at Loft Studios with Matt from Little Comets.The band comprised of Jack Rasmussen, Lee Wright, Liam Cooke and Josh West are heading back into the studio in February to record their debut 4 track EP which is set for release in March.

‘Out to Get Me’ is a sweet number that floats on dreamy tones, delicate twinkling guitars and a creamy soft melody. Spongy drums bounce and hop with a feathery light buoyancy as the ethereal guitars add a stinging gentle breeze to this supple gem while also weaving sublime melodies filled with melancholia and heavenly scintillation throughout. With warm raspy vocals flooding the song with coziness and passion- this delightful track is an easy going melodic ditty that wraps your ears in glorious soothing indie.

You can follow VELVET on their socials here :

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/velvetmusicofficial/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/velvetmusic

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/velvetmusicofficial/

Stream ‘Out to Get Me’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Baroque Pop, Baroque Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Vampire Weekend ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’

Vampire Weekend have returned, greeting their tune thirsty fans with a warm, cosy and instantly satisfying two track combo. ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’ are the first tracks released from the band’s upcoming fourth album, ‘Father of the Bride’.

In true Vampire Weekend fashion ‘Harmony Hall’ floods through with rich opulent sounds and textures to tantalize and enrich the senses. It’s as if Vampire Weekend have announced the bright beautiful coming of spring and thawing of winter. Soft guitars twinkle around the delicate melody while each verse and track progression introduces a new subtle element as the song unfolds into a blossoming beauty. There is a subtle,elegant, baroque element between a jazz flavoured piano. The piano flurries through,ever so delicately and charmingly unwrapping the delightful goodness within the song. Ezra Koenig’s velvety vocals caress and comfort the melty melody with a sprinkling of sugary delight while the elastic bass grooves, shuffling percussion and buoyant drums maintain the playful boppy foundation. The track, which features the closing lyrics “I don’t wanna live like this, but I don’t wanna die” from ‘Finger Back’ on their previous album Modern Vampires of the City is cosy and a little cryptic as Koenig leaves a nice little trail of lyrical bread crumbs for his dedicated fans to follow. With a Simon & Garfunkel -esque harmony and romantic tinted coating, Vampire Weekend ensured their return would be worth the wait.

‘2021’ is a sweet little track coming in at less than 2 minutes, this addictive ditty glides upon subtle instrumentation of warm guitar, twinkling keys and tapping hi- hat while Koenig softly and emotionally croons the sweet lyrics. With a falsetto sample singing “Boy” between the lush delicacy this track has a repetitive hypnotic charm to it that is difficult to resist.

Stream ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Single Premiere, Synth-pop

Motions ‘Play The Hits’ Premiere

Motions are an indie band from Dublin. Following the release of their well received ‘Late Night Calls’ EP in 2018, alongside a string of gigs and festival appearances across Ireland they have released their new single ‘Play The Hits’. . The track was written by Dave Nulty & Tom Daly and produced by Alessio Buso.

‘Play The Hits’ is a synth laced dance number luxuriate in 80’s speckled electronics. This catchy dance number is infused with rich flashing soundscapes as shimmering synths flicker and playfully ricochet off snappy beats and skittish rhythms. With a swirling ethereal atmosphere jangly guitars and smooth warm vocals this infectious number struts in cool and effortless with sticky scorching sun kissed electronics hooking it firmly into your brain. A few pinches of indie zest is sprinkled on top of this pop steeped anthem making it a charming shuffle-ready tune from Motions.

Watch the video for ‘Play The Hits’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Wild Youth ‘Making Me Dance’

Dublin band Wild Youth have released their new single ‘Making Me Dance’. The track which was co-produced by Mark Sheehan and Danny O’Donoghue of The Script follows on from their stand-out single ‘Can’t Move On’. With huge supports slots for the likes of Niall Horan, Zara Larson and The Script already under their belts, the band are ready to make serious moves this year with their biggest headline show to date scheduled for March 23 at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.

‘Making Me Dance’ drips slick swagger off every glossy note as Wild Youth seep their infectious molten sound effortlessly into your ears. With a snappy beat keeping that toe tapping buoyancy between a feet shuffling bass groove- this number sweeps in, suave and chic ready to lure you to the dance floor. Smooth velvety vocals caress the melty melody while ethereal sun soaked soundscapes flutter and wisp about your ears delicately. The melody is sweet like taffy while the vibrant instrumentation, infectious lyrics and crisp production make this track that zesty pick me up we all need. It’s instantly like-able, swanky and full of charm. Another pristine, luscious indie pop number from Wild Youth.

Watch the lyric video for ‘Making Me Dance’ below


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

RAIN CREW ‘Honey’ EP

Reading indie band RAIN CREW have released their debut EP ‘Honey’. RAIN CREW are a 4 piece female fronted alt/indie rock band. Having spent the best part of 2018 gigging, the band have shared the stage with the likes of Valeras, Catholic Action, and The Xcerts, playing venues such as Boileroom, West End Centre, O2 Academy Islington and Camden Monarch. The quartet have also had the pleasure of headlining multiple DIY festivals over the summer.

‘Honey’ is a nifty collection of tracks that pack in some hook filled melodies, slick guitar work and tight musicianship. There is something for everyone here – a healthy dose of pop mangled beneath angsty punk, warped through an indie prism. Titled track ‘Honey’ sets the scene. Refined bass tickles behind the luring verses while the sharp guitars stride and crash against punchy drums for the anthemic chorus. Beth Atkinson’s vocals venture from sweet and enticing to powerful and mighty as she holds her own over the mighty instrumental bursts. There is a nice little change-up halfway through the track which brings in lush harmonies and showcases the promising versatility in this band. Following this blistering number with warm tones is ‘Control’ which starts like an acoustic heartwarming slow burner before bursting into another powerful chorus. The luscious blend between delicate warm indie pop and harsh punk is riveting. There are some sublime guitars and bass  moments throughout the EP and RAIN CREW make the most of these placing them in the most glorious places ready to win you over with their lovable melodies and tones. ‘I Don’t Like You’ showcases the bands sassy, swagger soaked attitude with a hint of rock n’ roll driving the instrumental panache while ‘Blink’ brings the EP to a close pushing that catchy vibrant sound home ensuring RAIN CREW aren’t a band you are going to forget. It’s fun, danceable and brimming with gusto.

‘Honey’ is a rich diversified and enjoyable EP that has plenty of special little flickers to ignite your youthful spark and evoke images of live show sing-alongs and bopping mosh pit fans.

Stream ‘Honey’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie Punk, New Music, Pop Punk

Cuecliché ‘Look at the Pictures’ EP

SONY DSC

London three piece pop-punk band Cuecliché are set to to release their second EP ‘Look at the Pictures’ on January 24th. Cuecliché take their name from their ideology: to unashamedly follow the sounds of their inspirations and embrace the cliché that is all things pop-punk. Yet while their 2017 debut EP ‘One Last Chance’ clearly paid homage to the pop-punk powerhouses of yesteryear, Cuecliché well and truly discovered a sound of their own, receiving widespread critical praise and over 20k streams on Spotify alone. In their two years since forming, Cuecliché have brought their infectiously energetic live show to audiences all over the UK, with regular dates across London and three UK mini-tours already under their belts.

‘Look at the Pictures’ is a meaty EP of overwrought passion and energetic confidence with an undertone of vulnerability. This trio whack out high intensity punk rock tunes laced in shredding jagged riffs, punchy drums and gritty bass grooves. ‘Save Me’ and ‘Take It Away’ blast these muscular overtones through catchy tender melodies and warm vocals as the trio fill each anthem with passion and gusto.  The rush of emotion and adrenaline builds as the EP progresses through to the snappy ‘Puzzle Piece’ and mosh ready ‘It’s Over’.Featuring slick guitar solos crashing against a heavy wall of sound- Cuecliché throw themselves fully into every track. These spirited, boisterous anthems are full of rich textures. ‘Prince Of Nowhere’ is a twinkling tender ballad-ish track that showcases the delicate side to this riotous band. Filled with melancholy the band flesh out the sweet sway-able tones with zealous guitar shards and a clamoring rhythmic wall of sound. Dramatically passionate and filled with regret and anguish its a climactic end to this nostalgic soaked anthemic pop punk EP.

To promote the release, Cuecliché are taking to the road with their good friends Saving Sebastian! Playing Leicester, Liverpool, Milton Keynes and London from January 31st. For more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/cueclicheband/

​Stream ‘Save Me’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

RAFFER ‘The Media’

RAFFER has released the first single from his upcoming self-titled EP ‘The Media’. This self-produced piece lyrically explores the falsehood today’s media sell to the general public. RAFFER – aka. Callum Rafferty  is the DIY indie-pop artist/producer from Kent who has spent the past year supporting some household indie names including King No-One, The Academic and Airways.

‘The Media’ is a fizzy mix of sun-blasted synths,zingy guitars and delicious pop smacked melodies. Brimming with infectious guitar hooks this vibrant delight, toe taps its way through buoyant bass lines, rich rhythms and sparkling electronics. Snappy and sprightly it frolics its way around you brain seeping that honey drizzled melody into your easy until you are dancing and singing along. Not only is this track saturated in sun soaked vibes RAFFER blasts a scorching guitar solo in for good measure to firmly press that sun tan glow into your skin.

You can catch RAFFER live at

25th Jan – Guildford Electric Theatre
9th Mar – Edinburgh Sneaky Pete’s
10th Mar – Glasgow Broadcast
30th Mar – Sheffield Café Totem
31st Mar – Nottingham TBC
+ Many more dates to be announced.

Stream ‘The Media’ below

https://soundcloud.com/raffermusic/the-media-master-1


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

Chaunter ‘Boo Cat’

Baltimore songwriting duo Chaunter have released their new track ‘Boo Cat’. Comprised of Jenghis Pettit and Brooks Kossover Chaunter are set to release their first full length album, “Dream Dynamics” featuring an aspirational league of Baltimore heavyweights, from Dan Deacon to Sam Herring of Future Islands to Lower Dens’ Jana Hunter, Matmos, and more.

‘Boo Cat’ is a charming catchy number whisked up in dreamy synths, sizzling guitars and luscious tranquilizing soundscapes. A soft sugar coated melody soothes and slides through light guitar twinkles and floating atmospheres.The track drifts calmly and sweetly through before a catchy sing along chorus bops in, lifting the song from hazy and dreamy to sprightly and infectious. Gentle vocals caress the soft melody delicately before a magnificent group harmony introduces the rich full chorus. There’s a flute feature mangled beautifully between reverb laced guitar and ethereal synths adding an earthy texture to this unique soothing and infectious track. A little quirky and charming this track is well crafted and rushes with a refreshing retro sound that is simply divine.

Watch the video for ‘Boo Cat’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Brit Pop, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Ivory Wave ‘Gold’

Birmingham band Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Gold’. The band have landed support slots with DMA’S, The Twang and Superfood to name a few as well as playing festivals such as Isle of Wight, Truck and Shiiine On. Their growing army of fans are
now packing out venues up and down the U.K.

‘Gold’ is an infectious swagger drenched banger that relentlessly surges hyped up energetic tones into your ears. With a punchy bassline creating a funk flavoured strutting foundation, this track is fun vibrant and full of youthful adrenaline. Slick guitars glide and jingle between snappy drums, while flickering speckles of scintillation through swirling soundscapes. With attitude smothered vocals and pure unadulterated raw energy this swanky groove infested track is an instant shot of vitality and is sure to have you dancing and bopping carelessly.

About the track frontman George Johnson said: “Gold is about realising your full potential, grabbing it with both hands and running with it. “

Stream ‘Gold’ below

https://soundcloud.com/ivory-wave/gold


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, New Wave

Indie Buddie Introducing : City Victim

City Victim have released their new single ‘Out of Sight’. City Victim are an Irish post-punk/new wave band currently residing in Galway. The band have spent the last year and a half recording their debut album, with the help of Geoff French on drums (The Brilliant Things) and Fergal Davis on production (O Emperor, Muse).

‘Out of Sight’ is a finely cultured number that drifts and glides along a dreamy mellowed indie rock backdrop. The sweet nostalgic melody floats gracefully upon a driving bass line and twinkling guitar feature while swirling soundscapes soothe and cool the tone creating an ethereal freeing atmosphere. The track weaves its way gently through jangly biting guitar elements that create an itching nag and edgy quality to the cruising gem while a steady beat, 80’s vibes and lush vocals flesh out the track filling it with rich textures and prismatic speckles of colour. The  tight production, refined musicianship, laid back fluidity and dazzling charm of ‘Out of Sight’ makes City Victim a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Out of Sight’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-396902209/out-of-sight-mix-4-fd-master