Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Holly Holden ‘Run’

Holly Holden has released the video for the lead track ‘Run’ off her brand new EP ‘Tropical Soul’ due for release in April. Aside from her solo project Holly is also a member of all female vocal group Deep Throat Choir who are signed to Bella Union and were recently featured and performed on BBC 4 Radio ‘Loose Ends’ with Clive Anderson, as well as a live session with Lauren Laverne on BBC 6 Music. Her sound has been shaped by many years of travel and collaboration in Latin America and the Caribbean – Cuba, Ecuador, Colombia, Dominican Republic. It fuses ‘tropical’ rhythms like reggae, rocksteady, salsa, bolero and cumbia with soulful, RnB, pop vocal melodies.
‘Run’ is beaming tropical soul that was made for laid back hazy days in the sun accompanied by the fruitiest chilled cocktail drink you can find. Smothered in exotic tones and driven with reggae beats and zesty guitar jabs it exudes warmth and luminosity. With a bitter sweet infectious soul pop melody and lyrical depth that holds upbeat yet melancholic vibes, its a richly textured lush escape to that tropical desert island in your mind. A balmy guitar solo sweetens the track soothing and delicious like a thick syrup while the beat bops along maintaining that sun kissed elasticity and vitality. Holly Holden gives us our tropical summer escape palm tress and all.
Watch the video for ‘Run’ below

Cosmo Calling ‘On The Wire’

Cosmo Calling are a Manchester based Alternative Indie-Rock band with an infusion of powerful textures and addictive melodies. The dual vocal, indie-rock 5 piece are signed to New Street Records.The band is comprised of members Phoebe Taylor (Vocals),Harry Preen (Vocals, Guitar ),Darragh Burke (Guitar) and Gabriel Alexander (Drums). The band have supported Noasis at a sell-out show in 2016 and played their first UK tour early last year to their ever-growing fan base.Their debut single ‘On The Wire’ is due for release on the 3rd of March. ‘On The Wire’ is a perky bouncy track bursting with sweet melodies with tight interweaving rich blends of dual vocals. Bright lustrous guitar introduces the track with vitality and an exuberant riff. The lively cheerful beat keeps the track playful and fun. The entire track has a frolicsome uplifting vibe and glowing radiance that will put a smile on your face. The perfect combination of Phoebe Taylor and Harry Preen’s vocals add a unique quality and sweetness to the track as they both ooze enthusiasm and warmth.

Cosmo Calling are playing a launch night at Night and Day to celebrate the singles release on march 3rd so make sure to check that out.

Watch the lyric video for ‘On The Wire’ below

Ziegler Co. ‘Clarity’

Ziegler Co. are an alt-Indie-Pop four piece based in London. Band members Adam J. Morgan, Daniel Priddle, Fraser Rieley and Michael Benöhr have released three EPs and six singles through Foof Records in the last two years.They have gigged extensively over the UK and have played at festivals including Green Man, Secret Garden Party and Glastonbury. They have also supported, amongst others, the Penguin Café Orchestra. Their latest EP ‘Soap & Water’ was recorded at an ex-girlfriend’s house during a long rainy summer weekend, and indulges the band’s reflective song-writing side and captures a softer sound not heard in their previous release.
‘Clarity’ is the first track on the EP and showcases a sophisticated immersed sound complete with an elegance and delicate charm that is mind easing. Graceful piano twinkles and sparkles like shimmering water while the warm cooing vocals soothe and wash over you with an almost purifying presence. The simplistic beat anchors the track letting the glistening mellow guitar and piano almost dance together as their melodies sway and glide with grandeur. Beautifully crafted, this track fills you with a feeling of piece and tranquillity. The song builds to a stronger more instrumentally intense crescendo with eerie haunting backing vocals where you realise the melancholy darker undertone. Ziegler Co. have produced a tightly wrapped track that lets the listener unwind with a lyrical depth and profoundness that leaves an imprint on your soul. The video for Clarity was directed by Anna Patarakina who is a great friend of the band and directs/DPs almost all of Clean Bandit’s videos.
Ziegler Co. are currently sitting on another four tracks which they recorded last year so hopefully they will be released soon.Looking forward to that.
Watch the video for ‘Clarity’ below

BOKITO ‘Better At Getting Worse’

London-Irish ‘tropical indie’ sensations BOKITO have released their belting debut single ‘Better At Getting Worse’ on Lost In The Manor Records. Peddling an uproarious blend of rock, soca, funk and roots, London-based five-piece Bokito consisting of members Moses (vocals), Jody (bass), Joe (guitar), Tom (drums) and Sam (keys/percussion) have coined a phrase for their unique genre mashup: tropical indie. With edgy grooves and unforgettable hooks BOKITO radiate sun-baked carnival vibes.

‘Better At Getting Worse’ is an infectious glowing ball that increases in brightness and luminosity as the track progresses. Beginning with a quirky swirling organ-and-guitar refrain soaring across an angular calypso rhythm, its instantly likeable. This unusual fusion is fresh and immensely thrilling. The affluent percussion will summon up the inner dance goblin in even the most reluctant person.Building into an absolutely astral chorus this track bounces with intense spirit and explosive energy. Its tribal bridge sets your soul on fire with a sun soaked heatwave of delight. Moses brings a splash of rousing Celtic spirit with his extraordinary vibrant and charismatic vocals. Its the stuff dancing is made for.

The track was produced by Bradley Spencer and Alex Beitzke in London’s Fish Tank studios, and mastered by legendary Grammy-nominated engineer Greg Calbi. ‘Better At Getting Worse’ is something of a cautionary insight to the male psyche. Frontman Moses explains:

“The song is primarily aimed at men and their own handling of their emotions… and how useless most of them are at it. But we men are talented at one thing, which is suppressing everything and moulding it into a smile.”
You can catch BOKITO live at
11th February – The Stags Head, Hoxton, London
5th April – The Lock Tavern, Camden, London
28th April – Whelans, Dublin, Ireland
20th May – The Great Escape @ Queens Hotel, Brighton
Stream ‘Better At Getting Worse’ below

https://soundcloud.com/bokitoband/better-at-getting-worse/

Ten Fé ‘Hit The Light’

London-based duo Ten Fé have released their much anticipated debut album ‘Hit The Light’.Recorded in Berlin, Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan’s stunning debut is an album to get lost in. The duo effortlessly blend blissful soft rock with psychedelic electronic rock ’n’ roll creating an album where each track warrants its place and has its own identity on the album while gliding fluidly into the next track.
‘Overflow’ kicks the album off with sweet nostalgia. Moorhouse’s warm mellow baritone soothes and cushions the listener from the bittersweet sentimental drenched track. It becomes instantly obvious these guys have a  knack for irresistible melodies that lull in the back of your mind portraying perhaps harsh sombre tones but with a grace and a delicacy that is just beautiful. With longing tapping synths, lush harmonies and rich layered echo textures Ten Fé begin to introduce us to their enthralling sound that will transport you to a mind numbing journey into a swirling world of emotions.
‘Turn’ follows dripping in sonic 80’s infused soft rock, Duncan mourns a strained relationship.Its wistful with an afflicted tone but by no means doleful. Psychedelic “wah wah” on guitar ripples through the track like a wobbly warping mirage while the soft beat peps the track up adding a lively bouncy effect. Lush harmonies are what these guy do effortlessly and it adds such a rich elegance to the track especially when teamed with a mind melting melody.
Moorhouse takes on lead vocals on the dreamy ‘Elodie’. I must confess my favourite track on the album, ‘Elodie’ is the kind of track that you fall in love with. It reduces you to a liquid substance and really shows off the duos fine musicianship. The rich, daydream tone on vocals coo and lull with lavish qualities. Its heart on your sleeve raw emotion, tender and sweet yet radiating bright vibes. With yearning lyrics and lamenting “sigh-like” backing vocals, it swoons you into a bubble of nostalgic dreaminess. The rolling piano refrain creates a swan-like elegance while the steady tempo, warm feelings and heavenly melody make this track a perfect treasure.
‘Twist Your Arm’ flurries with loose floaty ecstasy featuring a propulsive strong beat and elastic bass teamed with a stinging slide guitar. The swirling electronics chilled with breezy natural tones add a psychedelic feel. The track builds into a massive full bodied chorus with hand clapping, swaying and almost Gospel- like crescendo. With smooth vocals reaching to a dynamic falsetto this track is dynamite.
‘Another Way’ is summer in a bottle. Open roads sunshine relax and chill. Limber dainty guitar adds to the bright luminous vibe while the washed-out keys flood the track with cool relaxed tones. Its mind easing bliss with falsetto vocals and rich harmonies creating the perfect backdrop to just let everything go.
‘In The Air’ jogs along again displaying Ten Fé’s knack for ear-worm indie pop. Zesty bright guitars interplay with a steady consistent beat while Moorhouse  and Duncan’s  vocal harmonies intertwine. Its effortless cool melody and vocals give the track a mellow bright free vibe.
‘Don’t Forget’ brings us a beat driven track with a darker tone. Flashes of sharp guitar add piercing scintillation to the track while soft backing vocals echo. The track becomes more electronically heavy as it progresses building to almost an 80’s rock balled classic. Its all fist pumping vibes by the shredding guitar solo.
‘Follow’ another delightful melodic banger. Smothered in uplifting vibes with nostalgic undertones and gentle vocals. With wistful synth swirls, its tear jerking stuff that still makes you feel good.
‘Make Me Better’ blast us with strings, sticky snappy beats and a The Verve vibe mixed with  Roy Orbison-esque elements. Its dark dramatic and fantastically sharp.Its a rush of blood churning with bubbling emotions and flashes of blazing synths.Epic orchestral peaks create an anthemic explosion while a calm steady bassline grounds the track adding depth. Its larger than life and immense yet majestic. You will have stuck song syndrome with that hook on strings it will be in your head all day.
‘Burst’ bops with hopeful vitality. The use of reverb changes the track that would perhaps have been more country into a fusion with psychedelic trippy electronics. Its catchy fun and lively and twangs in all the right places.
Our journey with Ten Fé comes to and end with the tender emotional ‘July Rain’. Rich percussion perfectly placed throbs and kicks with a stomping beat.Light pitter patter adds a rain like quality while a beautiful piano feature adds grace and elegance to this emotional track. This duo are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve and its beautiful aching tracks like ‘July Rain’ that come to fruition because of this. Delicate backing vocals heighten the emotional vocals and raw lyrics. This stunning track brings the album to a heart wrenching yet satisfying end.
Ten Fé compiled a combination of impeccable songs that are a treasure. Each track flows perfectly into the next. Its an emotional journey that the band take you on with them. Giving a personal experience to every listener that makes you hold the album close to your heart. As expected Ten Fé knocked it out of the park with catchy melodies and well crafted musicianship, ‘Hit The Light’ is what we expected and more, majestic personal and larger than life.
Stream ‘Hit The Light’ below

The Grey Merchant ‘The Last Transmission’

Cork based recording collaborative, The Grey Merchant, have announced details of a second single release, ‘The Last Transmission’ which will be released on February 23 2017. The Grey Merchant is the collaborative recording project of Cork based Indie trio Neon Atlas’ bassist Enda O’Flaherty and a collection of friends and fellow musicians ‘The Last Transmission’ is the follow up to their debut single release ‘Spotless (The Protecting Veil’ which was released in November last year, receiving significant airplay both in Ireland and internationally, particularly in the UK, USA, France, Canada and The Mauritius.
‘The Last Transmission’ is a flaming burst of raw rock ignited with shredding guitars mighty percussion and sublime soaring synths. The track is jam packed and richly layered showcasing fine musicianship from theses guys. Perfectly placed reverb brings the track to red hot intensity as it scorches all in its path while the cool effortless yet dynamic vocals cool the track slightly. The guitars pierce through with an electrifying blood-tingling shrill. Instrumentally deep and luxurious ‘The Last Transmission’ is a rip-roaring sonic seizure blazing from start to finish swooping you into a whirlwind of high powered vivacious instrumentation and a blistering intricate production that boasts the talent and craftsmanship of The Grey Merchant.
The Grey Merchant are currently in the studio putting the final touches to their debut long-player release which is expected sometime in the late spring of 2017 so keep an eye out for that.
Stream ‘The Last Transmission’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week comes From Artificial Pleasure

London-based Artificial Pleasure have released their new single ‘I’ll Make It Worth Your While’. The trio Phil McDonnell, Dom Brennan and Lee Jordan give us a track that fills your entire body with an overwhelming desire to dance. This irresistible track is brimming with funky grooves and swanky guitar flicks that give a contagious itch to move and shuffle. With twinkles of Bowie -like elements ‘I’ll Make It Worth Your While’ is a peppy strut of genius. Effortless cool vocals slide and strut with a charm and charisma that makes you think “god their cool”. Ablaze with feverish swagger and panache teamed with a mighty bassline it gives you a flamboyant punch in the face with blissful pop punk. Exploding with vibes of loosing control its a hit that leaves you craving more . This sweet track is an ear worm that will have you on your feet in no time bellowing “Let me out! I really wanna dance!”
Stream ‘I’ll Make It Worth Your While’ below.

Neon Wolf ‘Be American’

Kilkenny alternative-indie five piece Neon Wolf have released their new single ‘Be American’. The band have played at many festivals such as Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions, as well as a main stage appearance at Longitude 2015. They have also supported The Courteeners, Alabama Shakes, The 1975, The Districts and Hudson Taylor in Belfast’s Mandela Hall and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.
‘Be American’ is about having hope in dark times and it is an insanely catchy mixture of 80’s pop and rock. Shimmering synths glisten and glitter with a blinding bright lustre that exudes intense heat and summer vibes. Soft vocals coax you gently into the infectious bop beat while the percussion shimmy and shake with enticing charm and charisma. The soothing lull on backing vocals is reassuring and calming while the melody is honey to the ears, so sweet and juicy you want to press repeat. This track is the essence of sunshine. With soaring vocals for the bridge its extremely uplifting and will put you instantly in a good mood and i’m not kidding the sun actually starting shining when I played this song first so it even has the suns approval. With Michael Jackson vibes and rich textures Neon Wolf open our minds to the hope of positivity ahead.
Watch ‘Be American’ below

Nova Neon ‘Stone To A Balloon’

London alt-pop five-piece Nova Neon have released new single ‘Stone To A Balloon’ today. It is the latest single to be lifted from their recent debut album ‘Chroma’. Led by the bluesy vocals of Bianca Lewis, Nova Neon create intricate and original songs powered by electro grooves and indie rock dynamics. The band have headlined gigs at historic London venues The Borderline, The Garage and The Barfly, a show-stealing performance at the Isle Of Wight Festival and a run of sold-out Sofar Sounds sessions. They have gained online praise from Brooklyn tastemakers Afropunk and features with Brit clothing brand Original Penguin. Nova Neon also received radio airplay with BBC Introducing, BBC London and Amazing Radio last year.
‘Stone To A Balloon’ is an enchantingly delicate melancholy laden track which bops along with warm textures and soothing qualities. The track starts with a sway-like flow and sombre tone. It then builds and wakens up into an uplifting radiant emotive crescendo that evokes positivity and reassurance. Nova Neon blend a bluesy groove with indie rock creating a sophisticated mature sound that is refined and captivating. The brooding soul vocals inject intense passion into the track while the warm sweet toned interweaving guitar hooks console and revitalise with dynamic zest. The lilting electronica twinkles with a sparkling delicate elegance that gives the track a feathery lift. To match the genre-crossing mix of sounds on the new track, there is also a complex lyrical narrative. As Lewis explains; “Stone To A Balloon is a love song about a broken relationship, where one person is fighting to keep it alive whilst the other one drifts. The metaphor of stone to a balloon is used to reflect that – one person acts as the stone (the rock of the relationship) whilst the other is the balloon (the drifter). In a working relationship, the two counter each other harmoniously – but in this case, it’s the emotional realisation that it no longer works that drives the song.”
Nova Neon will be playing live shows in support of the new single and album in 2017. For more info, head to http://novaneon.com./
Stream ‘Stone To A Balloon’ below

https://soundcloud.com/saintinthecitypr/nova-neon-stone-to-a-balloon/s-yacsL

Eugene Twist ‘Stuntman’

Scottish artist, Eugene Twist is back with his newest single ‘Stuntman’ from his highly-anticipated album of the same name. With a lyrical arena that boasts whistleblowers, extraterrestrials and self-consuming psychonauts, Scotland’s Eugene Twist is not your everyday songwriter. After two years in the musical wilderness, his second album ‘The Stuntman’ has arrived on the back of one mission, to let the storyteller run riot inside the song. Taking time to build a makeshift studio and learning how to record and mix allowed Eugene time to breathe with his arrangements.
‘Stuntman’ is a trippy funky flex of cool swagger teamed with dark bewilderment. With a slippery sway of greasy fluidity this track exudes panache with a hit of sleazy thrown in. The charming spoken vocals add a punk vibe to the verse as they flicker with shards of detest while they become velvety smooth for the chorus adding a luring melty quality. The slick shredding guitar adds a glossy enticing allurement before it builds into a distortion of psychedelic wobbly opiate perplexity. The deep elastic bass adds a tone of seduction and bewitchment that gives the track a fluid abstruse structure. ‘Stuntman’ is a shimmy and a sway of fun cloaked in darkened eerie danger that creeps with chilling mystery.
Watch the video for ‘Stuntman’ below