Category Archives: Alt Rock

Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

THVS ‘Fevers’ Album

THVS formed in 2014 with Michael, Matt and Dave making up the elements of guitar/vocals, drums and bass. The power trio have earned a reputation through their energetic, sweaty and cathartic live shows. The band have now released their new album ‘Fevers’.

‘Fevers’ is a rampant blast of THVS’ heavy pop as they create a collection of brisk raging tracks that are not for the faint-hearted. The rough ear piercing sound kicks off with the first track ‘Rax’ and steamrolls right through to final track ‘Brando’. With pulverising drums screeching guitars and metal influences throughout ‘Rivals’, ‘Brides’ and ‘Circles’ the band create a bloodthirsty album that is relentless in its approach. There is no breath or relief from the onslaught as the rough jagged riffs batter and bruise between a crashing wall of sound while the screaming vocals howl and spit with aggression throughout. The band veer from manic to lunacy as the second half of the album comes into fruition. They summon all out anarchy as the tracks intensify. Slicing sharp guitar solo’s create refined piercing relief in tracks like ‘Wounds’ before the band demolish your ears with their vociferous alternative rock. Lyrically the album deals with numerous heavy themes of loss, regret and self doubt. However they also deal with thought provoking themes as well such as achievement, the connection between people and detachment to the world around you. The band portray this though their shattering wall of sound and heavy pop rock superbly. ‘Distances’ and ‘Brando’ bring the album to its mutilated peak. With heavy riffs, dark foreboding bass and utterly annihilating drums the band end the album with the most spine chilling slaughter. 

‘Fevers’ is a raw pure concoction of THVS’ unapologetic sound set to  ravage your brain from the inside out. However, with all the frenzied ear bleeding soundscapes the band manage to blend in some really refined and cultivated moments throughout. The album possesses sublime ominous bass grooves and wonderfully precise, shrilling guitar solo’s while the relentless rhythm batters their ferocity into the depths of your soul. The darker chilling moments within the album are beautifully fermented and fester deep within each track’s core to create a deep and volatile album sure to leave your ears ringing for days. 

Stream ‘Fevers’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Chinese Newspaper ‘Late Night Pharmacy’ EP

Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their new EP ‘Late Night Pharmacy’. The band has gained some traction since the release of their single “If Not Now Then When” playing shows such as Vantastival festival, opening for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at the Tivoli Theatre as well as being part of an all Irish line up at the Button Factory on Halloween night.

‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is Chinese Newspaper’s most defined and exhilarating body of work to date. There are a plethora of shredding refined guitar moments and intense rhythms throughout the EP.  The band ferment and harness their wild raucous musicianship to create something that is well-crafted and polished but with a deep rooted sense of anarchy. ‘Are You Bored?’ sets the riot in motion with a sublime rumble on drums creating a fluctuant almost wriggling foundation while the bass swivels between the intoxicating finesse on guitar. It’s a hyper energetic track stamped with all the loud aggression we have come to know Chinese Newspaper for. This band is flourishing. They immerse their sound in rich layers and textures. There is a dash of rock ‘n’ roll swagger in ‘Cola’ as the band smother the track in a bloodthirsty wall of sound. It’s ready for the energy of a live show as the chorus explodes into a massive assault and mosh ready blitz. The moody vocals from Killian Barrett express angst with vigor while his rasp and attitude create that teenage rebellion atmosphere through the stormy instrumental backdrop. There is no denying the rhythm and pounding drums in this track – they are sublime. Nathan Merriman could summon a demon with that ominous drum rumble and Aran McGilick ties the track together with the vibrant, infectious groove of his bass while the guitar lightly ricochets off this backdrop majestically creating an invigorating and danceable listening experience. The band chill the intensity and sweltering heat of the EP with ‘Nothing Comes From Nothing’. A light melodic ditty which swoons over a melancholic sulky melody while a hazy atmosphere ( created by shaky percussion and steady beat ) provides that lazy summer’s day gloom. The light indie-drizzled guitars jangle innocently throughout until the track becomes more expressive and jagged for the crescendo. The nostalgic ‘Sunday’ brings the EP to a close. With thumping drums and a mosh-ready break, its an emotional tantrum backed by fantastic instrumentation which intensifies for the chorus and broods through the verses. These guys have mastered the ability to create emotive music and make the listener feel connected and enthralled by their tunes while also bashing out rich fuzz-filled pop with grunge and rock elements sprinkled on top. 

‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is a clear step in the right direction for Chinese Newspaper. They haven’t lost the raw rampage of their 2017 ‘Spotless Mind’ EP. They have refined and cultivated it to create a fine, engaging and deft sound all of their own. With first rate guitar work and ground rumbling rhythm these guys have a sound that is both dreamy and razor sharp. 

Stream ‘Late Night Pharmacy’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock

Slyrydes ‘Dangerous Animals’

Galway’s Slyrydes are set to release their new single ‘Dangerous Animals’ on October 25th. The track was recorded by Daniel Doherty (Fontaines DC, Vulpynes, Galants) in Darklands audio Dublin.This is the fourth single from the band who have an album set for release in 2020. The band have been making a name for themselves with their previous tracks gaining radio support from Today fm, 2fm, RTE radio one, Radio Nova, BBC radio Foyle and Radio X in the UK as well as many regional stations.

‘Dangerous Animals’ is a relentless onslaught of bruising, battering punk rock as Slyrydes take their abrasive sound and carve it brutishly into your head with savage force. The piercing shrilling guitars lacerate and gash into the track with menacing rage as the pulverizing drums batter furiously throughout with primal vigor. With a curdling bass line rumbling relentlessly through the frenzy, this track packs one heck of a punch. The delirious swirling on guitars create a sinister, seizure-inducing mania that is both chilling and compelling while the shouted vocals spit and bellow the cutting lyrics. Slyrydes have created one turbulent blitz with their new track ‘Dangerous Animals’. It’s a dark blood thirsty belter brimming with raw unadulterated punk rock.

‘Dangerous Animals’ will be released on the 25th of October for more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/slyrydes/


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Pretty Visitors ‘High Sailing Blues’

The Pretty Visitors have released their new single ‘High Sailing Blues’. Previously supporting artists such as Circa Waves, Jaws, Billy Lunn (The Subways), The Family Rain and more recently, Sisteray, The Pretty Visitors  showcase an energetic, eclectic live sound. In 2019 The Pretty Visitors released their demo ‘Its Not Easy’ and have featured multiple times on BBC Introducing shows. 

‘High Sailing Blues’ is a gritty raw rock track as The Pretty Visitors flesh out their swagger-dipped sound. Steamy guitar riffs carve into the pounding drums while a slick bass wiggles and coils throughout. This robust powerhouse is a sleek battering of the band’s energetic sound with a steamy sensual backbone. The raspy vocals add a rough quality while the vaporous guitar licks and sharp flirtations give a refined and majestic element to this hungry mammoth. The Pretty Visitors knock it outta the park with ‘High Sailing Blues’

Stream ‘High Sailing Blues’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/theprettyvisitorsuk/high-sailing-blues-demo


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock

Sister Ghost ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’

Belfast-based punk act Sister Ghost are set to release their new single ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ On October 21st. Sister Ghost, aka Shannon Delores O’Neill, has a background playing in bands from the age of 12. In early 2014, she began writing and demoing – singing and playing everything herself – before enlisting a band to bring Sister Ghost to completion. She has been recognised for mentoring and encouraging other female-identified musicians to perform in the Northern Irish scene, having also set up the Girls Rock! NI chapter in 2016. Sister Ghost has garnered high profile support slots with Shellac, Pussy Riot and Le Butcherettes as well as airplay on BBC 6 Music and a Next Wave Artist slot on BBC Radio 1. As of Spring 2019, O’Neill has teamed up with producer Cahir O’Doherty (Frank Turner, Fighting With Wire, New Pagans) to work on the debut Sister Ghost album, set for release in 2020.

‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a brisk swarm of punk rock as Sister Ghost blast out their blistering high energy wall of sound with ease and vigor. From fiery guitar riffs and rooted rumble on bass to the pulverizing drums the band set down an infectious foundation ready to set a live audience alight. With attitude soaked vocals tight harmonies and dynamic melody this powerful onslaught is a force to be reckoned with. The track takes aim at oppressive systems both in Northern Ireland as well as those abroad as O’Neill spits and bellows the lyrics with intensity creating a hyper active atmosphere as well as making the song relatable beyond the political confines of Belfast. ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a wallop in the face of infectious fierce punk rock at its raw and exhilarating best. 

‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is set for release on October 21st for more follow Sister Ghost on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sisterghost


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Karma Vulture

LA-based moody rock trio Karma Vulture are relatively new players on the rock scene, but they are kicking it off with a proper bang, introducing their debut single ‘Karma Vulture’ through an edgy little vampire visual with a fun twist.

‘Karma Vulture’ announces the band with dirt stained gritty riffs and a luring beat as the track creeps into its roaring chorus. With a rooted brawny bass line and powerful vocals this track was crafted for blasting from the speakers. It’s a lean mean mammoth with slinky instrumentation and swagger dripping from its raw seams. ‘Karma Vulture’ is a strong debut track – the band hold their own frenzied heavy sound with Royal Blood – esque flirtations to create one thrilling, dark tune. The melody seeps and creeps with velvety smoothness and sensuality against a blistering debauched background. With opaque guitar lines enticing and whining between the tempting drums Karma Vulture have created one rip-roaring number that is sure to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys. 

Watch the video for ‘Karma Vulture’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Garage Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Vulpynes ‘Dye Me Red’ EP

Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting new Irish rock bands in recent years. They have released their second EP ‘Dye Me Red’. Vulpynes’ self titled debut EP was released on UK indie label Headcheck Records last year. Since then, the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.

‘Dye Me Red’ is Vulpynes most thrilling EP to date. The duo have refined their battering rock with acid garage elements and punk persona with such precise detail its awe inspiring. The ferocity and explosive energy shoot like acid soaked missiles from each track as the dark and foreboding wall of sound consumes you and traps you in their brand of alternative rock. ‘I Can’t Sit Still’ kicks off the EP. The gritty riffs suffocate and scorch the track in a humid harsh atmosphere while the bruising assault on drums creates a flexible and powerful foundation. Molly’s vocals are commanding throughout and possibly the most compellingly forceful female punk vocals on the Dublin scene at the moment. She has depth and subtlety in her voice that adds genuine weight to the punk rock anthems, The razor cut guitar chords in ‘Bitches Are Like Waves’ lacerate with a majestic quality while Kaz on drums keeps the rhythm fast and furious. The high intensity of their tracks make them flow together seamlessly as Vulpynes present this four track EP in a quick poisonous dose. The duo have always moved through their tracks with relentless stamina, bashing their thunderous sound through each release. However this EP showcases a shift in perception, they maintain their raucous style from previous singles like ‘OCD’ and ‘’Silica’ but now they have polished and sharpened their sound to create something more intoxicating. The second half of the EP shows this superbly. ’It Washes Out’ crawls under your skin with distortion-filled verses before the chorus strikes you into submission. There is equal measure of rough punk and smooth slinky rock to create a fierce wall of sound that encompasses Marilyn Manson with some Jack White glittering throughout. ‘The Hunt’ brings the album to a frantic close. I have never heard this band exude more swagger and brutality before. There is a hint of The Prodigy in this savage number as the drums pulverize between the dizzying guitar lines to create a brain frothing sinister number. It’s absolutely outstanding. 

Vulpynes have come a long way since their early days. They display their most intense gnawing sound yet in ‘Dye Me Red’. It’s a spitting,lacerating, compelling and utterly enjoyable EP.

Stream ‘Dye Me Red’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Glam Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

TREMENDOUS ‘Copycat Killer’

Birmingham band Tremendous are set to release their fourth single ‘Copycat Killer’ (produced at The Basement, Ealing, London) on November 22nd. The band have received , extensive radio play from BBC introducing, Mike Rogers Show in Tokyo, Amazing Radio and Banks Radio Chart to name a few.

‘Copycat Killer’ is a slinky glossy number as Tremendous blast out their vibrant glam rock in chic flashy style. This intense track blazes through full throttle as sizzling guitars stride and strut throughout while the thumping beat pounds relentlessly creating a thundering backdrop. The band flesh out their frenzied wall of sound with this tune while blending it through a retro rock ‘n’ roll distillery and fizzing it to perfection. It’s a snappy track that rides entirely on high voltage adrenaline with a swagger-filled, catchy melody and dynamic vocals. ‘Copycat Killer’ is another boisterous energetic number from Tremendous.

Stream ‘Copycat Killer’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Rezner ‘For Myself’

Photo Credit : Mood Foto

Cornwall’s The Rezner have released their second single ‘For Myself’. The four piece have been championed by Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1 while Alan McGee (signed Oasis and Primal Scream) has personally asked them to play a show for him. They have played festivals such as Isle Of Wight, Boardmasters and Leopallooza to name a few.

‘For Myself’ swarms with buzzing indie rock as The Rezner slap attitude and adrenaline into their blistering wall of sound. With raspy vocals spiraling over the infectious melody – this speed ball, swaggering track is a force to be reckoned with. The swift bass groove and punchy drums anchor the track while the intense scorching guitars crash, soar and glide over the animated backdrop. With gritty riffs and catchy chorus ‘For Myself’ is a hook-filled anthem sure to have a live crowd going wild. The Rezner are crafting their sound and creating a name for themselves as ones to watch as they follow their exhilarating debut ‘Micky’ with an equally satisfying tune.

On creating the track frontman Sam Stone said :“For Myself’ was a song wrote for those of my generation. A song to sing whilst all the negative press gets put behind the curtain for a short while. The whole story contained within the lyrics is all about letting yourself go as a young adult and fucking the rest of the world off,freedom in other words. A release of positive energy for leaving behind the problems that shouldn’t even get to you in the first place.”

Stream ‘For Myself’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Glass Violet

Bristol based rock band Glass Violet have released their debut single ‘Chemicals’ which has already received backing from the likes of BBC Radio Bristol and Amazing Radio .

Glass Violet announce themselves with ‘Chemicals’ – an urgent rush of indie rock and passionate musicianship. It’s an anthemic track that drifts on a nostalgic melody and easy going vibe. The blistering backdrop is laced in slick guitars, fizzing rumble on bass and punchy drums. The band fill out their sound with rich percussion which rattles and shakes while the lush keyboards inject a sweet melodious buzz throughout. Terrifically layered without over doing it the band create a heartfelt track with an exhilarating backdrop. The velvety vocals exude charm and swagger while maintaining the heartfelt passion of the melody. With a blazing guitar solo and invigorating swirling soundscapes ‘Chemicals’ is a blistering impressive debut single. Keep an eye on these guys.

Stream ‘Chemicals’ below 


Author : Danu