Category Archives: Alt Rock

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

Distant Blue ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ EP

Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue are set to release their Debut EP ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ on October 25th. With refined instrumental intricacies smooth steamy melodies, gripping lyrics and chaos-riddled soundscapes ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is explosive and unforgettable in equal measure. Distant Blue blend their fiery boisterous alternative rock in dark sultry tones with opener ‘Tongue Tied’. In ‘Lucid Liar (Novocaine)’ beefy riffs drizzle on steaming bass lines which develop into one aggressive smasher. Muscular riffs, riot-inducing breakdowns, and ferocious choruses batter your head from every angle with the instrumental interlude of ‘blue.noise’ providing only a brief relief. The tracks on this EP build superbly to dizzying crashing crescendos that are sure to be epic live. Distant Blue have created an EP made for the live setting. With their gritty edge in the more hardcore rock sounding ‘Come and Join The Party’ and blistering take on a emotional number ‘Opiate’ the band roll out everything you need to mosh, bounce and jump to in one brisk exhilarating EP. Switching between a creamy tone, a robust, ferocious growl and rapid almost spitting rap, frontman Ed Binding presents himself as a versatile and engaging vocalist. The guitars glitter with character throughout the EP. They twinkle with sensitivity through the verses in ‘Opiate’ while smashing and crashing throughout the choruses. The guitars add a majestic yet robust quality to each track allowing the pulverising, energetic drums and bass to create that rich and vibrant foundation.

‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is a sublime debut sure to ignite the mosh pits. Distant Blue are gaining momentum with their punchy and straight to the point tracks which are jam packed with catchy powerful choruses and meaty hooks. ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ EP is an engaging listen and doesn’t disappoint. 

‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is set for release on October 25th. For more you can follow Distant Blue on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDistantBlue/

You can also pre order ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ here https://lnkfi.re/mymindisoutofme

Stream ‘Lucid Liar (Novocaine) below


Author : Danu

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

Runaway Hounds ‘Strangers’

Photo Credit : Sam Mines Band Photography

Wolverhampton indie rock four-piece Runaway Hounds have released their new single ‘Strangers’. Comprised of twin brothers Owen (vocals/guitar) and Kent (lead guitar) Stavenuiter, Dan Glover (bass) and Callum Ford (drums).The band have played several headline sets in venues in the West Midlands and have taken their sound across the UK, performing to crowds as far as London.Their debut single ‘Rattlesnake’,gained airplay and support from the likes of BBC Introducing along with their second and third single ‘Sophie’ and ‘Nightlight’.

Warm ethereal guitar melodies glisten and adorn ‘Strangers’ with beaming glimmers of illumination as Runaway Hounds hone in on their tightly weaved and biting indie sound. With a buoyant, deft drum and bass foundation the track packs in a meaty punch while still maintaining a feathery light texture within a subtle dazed atmosphere. Nonchalant vocals coat the sweet melody in a breezy yet passionate topping. The band explore the concept of love at first sight, both embracing and questioning the feelings encountered at this moment with gentle fluttering instrumentation which twists through darker dizzying soundscapes. The song builds gently to its catchy chorus as the guitars cultivate the majestic and refined tone with a sweet sharp solo while the groove-laced bass accompanies, playfully bouncing and wiggling between the biting guitar. Runaway Hounds are maturing and blossoming beautifully into a band with a sturdy tight and refined sound that is both exciting and enduring.

Stream ‘Strangers’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Rosadocs ‘Concrete’

Sheffield’s based four piece indie rock band The Rosadocs have released their new single ‘Concrete’.The live reputation of the band is growing fast, with good reason. So far they have sold out not only their own shows but have played alongside The Pigeon Detectives, Twisted Wheel, Glass Caves, Vida, PLANET, Oddity Road and Louis Berry. The Rosadocs have recently sold out their hometown headline show at the 500 capacity Sheffield O2 Academy 2. After playing Festival slots at Tramlines (Main arena) and YNOT? and support slot in Leeds on The Sherlocks upcoming album tour. The Rosadocs have announced their fourth headline show in Sheffield to follow on February 15th 2020 at the 900 capacity Leadmill.

‘Concrete’ presents The Rosadocs’ vibrant indie sound complete in all its youthful bliss. Intricate sweet guitar lines blaze and flicker throughout providing a zesty electrifying burst of adrenaline through the punchy rhythmic backdrop. The track flows smoothly through the passionate melody and laid back tempo creating an effortless cruising listen. ‘Concrete’ is catchy and builds superbly to the blistering chorus as the lush backing vocals and melty melody are charming and instantly likeable. With warm raspy vocals and a radiant energetic wall of sound The Rosadocs flesh out their dynamic indie rock and channel it into a heart thumping anthem. These guy are ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Concrete’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Funk, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Munky ‘Megaton’

Artwork by Barra Carlin

Dublin Disco-punks Munky have returned with their new single ‘Megaton’ produced by Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C, Somebody’s Child), and boy it is a doozy.Following quick on the heels of their debut EP, released in April, which saw them tour Europe with the Meat Puppets the band present a shiny new tantalizing alternative rock track to sink our teeth into.

Wrapping eerie, chilling guitar squeals in groove-rooted, dark menacing soundscapes ‘Megaton’ haunts, creeps and coils with spine chilling ferocity. Zachary Stephenson’s agonising vocals reel and writhe through the gritty backdrop as he spits out the lyrics in an almost rap-like manner. Dizzying, delusion-filled distortion saturates the track in deep thick tones of despair and manic psychedelia. The whining guitar is like something out of a chilling horror movie as it stings and pierces through the ominous atmosphere while the rooted bass-groove fluctuates and festers  beneath like a dangerous steamy vapour that evaporates off the smashing and at times frenetic drums.The track builds superbly into an intense clamorous crescendo as Munky creates and ferments one immense, thrilling and irresistible track.‘Megaton’ is a dark concoction formed out of curdling rancid emotions however, it is how these fine musicians portray these emotions that is mesmerising and outstanding. 

The band has this to say about the track: “We really embraced the studio on this track. After our first release this year we were excited to get back in and further carve out our sound to tape. This track was built off the drum and bass groove. We threw any semblance of music theory out the window, and just wrote what felt right. The lyrics came from the music, I was singing a lot of non-sequiturs when we’d jam, and certain themes emerged. Sam says it sounds like earth but not earth. Like we teleported into the future and found the remnants of a world that looks like earth but dead. Conor started throwing down some wild ‘far out maaaaaan’ sounds from his guitar which perfectly fit the mood. Don’t ask us how he made the airplane sound at the end of the track. To be honest I think it sounds like My Chemical Romance did a song with Dr Dre”

Stream ‘Megaton’ below 

Munky recorded a live session at Ravensdale Lane Studios which includes a live rendition of ‘Megaton’ check that out below


Author : Danu

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

THE SUNSETS ‘Space Love’

THE SUNSETS have released their new single ‘Space Love’. The Sunsets are an American alternative rock band from Alabama & Georgia. ‘Space Love’ is the first recording showcasing the bands current line up of Torsten Dryden on synth and vocals, Breihan Dryden on drums, Jack Vermuth on bass and guitar with Trent Johnson on guitar. They are also joined live by Hannah Culpepper on backing vocals and Quincy Chapman on saxophone.2017 brought the band to new heights as they performed at high-profile engagements such as “Destination Okeechobee 2017” (Gainesville, FL) and the Cutting Edge (CE) Music Business Conference (New Orleans, LA). The band also provided direct support for notable acts in Atlanta, GA such as She Wants Revenge (Interscope Records/Universal Music Group), Alvarez Kings (Warner Bros. Records / Sire), and Emarosa (Hopeless Records / Rise Records) at the Masquerade. The Sunsets are currently working on their sophomore record as well as playing shows across the USA.

‘Space Love’ is a swaggering rock number intensified with invigorating synths and slinky guitars as The Sunsets belt out their exhilarating sound. With powerful drums and an adrenaline soaked atmosphere the band develop their mighty wall of sound. The guitars shrill, pine and whine with vaporous humidity while the groove rooted bass wiggles its way beneath creating a flexible slithering foundation for the guitars to ricochet off. The jagged riffs and silky licks add panache and charm to the song while the passionate rock ‘n’ roll vocals drive through that classic rock persona. The synths add a futuristic twist to the otherwise smoking rock track. ‘Space Love’ is another energetic roaring number from The Sunsets.  

Stream ‘Space Love’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Chay Snowdon ‘Men Cry Too!’

Chay Snowdon have released their new single ‘Men Cry Too’. The four-piece Plymouth band have already played 2,000 Trees, Y Not Festival, Dot To Dot, Boardmasters and many more. The band have been selling out their own headline shows time and time again and have supported the likes of The Sherlocks as well as gaining consistent radio support from Steve Lamacq amongst many other of the biggest names in the business. 

With jaunty guitars, a smooth as honey melody and swagger drenched musicianship Chay Snowdon present us with another passionate slick anthem with ‘Men Cry Too’!. With powerful vocals exuding emotion and fiery charisma while the punchy drums create a mosh ready backdrop, this tune packs in oodles of gusto. It’s smooth with zesty guitar injections, wiggle-infused bass line and a cool rock ‘n’ roll persona ready for arena sing-along’s and multiple radio plays. These guys know how to write catchy, tight and heart pounding tracks sure to have you singing for days.  

Stream ‘Men Cry Too!’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Ruborg ‘In It For The Long Haul’ Album

Swedish singer/songwriter Ruborg has released his new album ‘In It For The Long Haul’. This is his first project for 2019, preceded by the promotional singles ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’, released in July and August respectively.

‘In It For The Long Haul’ finely blends tender acoustic ballads and blues rock with Ruborg’s passionate musicianship  to create a wholesome and warm album. ‘Glory Of The Wild Days’ kicks the album into motion with vibrant light guitar, stomping beat and a nostalgic wild melody that is sure to put a smile on your face. ‘Damaged Goods’ is a gritty, adrenaline-pumped track as slicing jagged guitar lacerates through the stomping rhythm while Ruborg swaggers through this slick rock number.  With delicate acoustic guitar gracing and driving tracks like ‘ Traces’  Ruborg creates soft and emotional scenes to sway to as his rich deep vocals caress the tender melodies. The album shifts seamlessly into meatier blues rock with tracks like ‘Road To Exile’  and ‘On The Breadline’  where the punchy drums fill out the backdrop while the guitars flurry through steamy riffs and light mellow jingles in tracks like ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’. There isn’t a shortage of powerful classic rock choruses however ‘Black Dog Calls‘ displays Ruborgs’s versatility perfectly as it  broods to start before belting into a mighty chorus filled with passion and oomph. An enjoyable album from start to finish.

Stream ‘In It For The Long Haul’ below 


Author : Danu

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

SPRINTS ‘The Cheek’

Dublin’s upcoming alternative rock band SPRINTS have released their sophomore single ‘The Cheek’. Comprised of Karla Chubb, Colm O’Reilly, Sam McCann and Jack Callan, SPRINTS released their debut single ‘Pathetic’ in April to rave reviews, receiving both national and international press coverage. The song was playlist on Irish radio as well as featured in the ‘An Alternative Eire’ official Spotify playlist. 

‘The Cheek’  is a brisk raw blast of SPRINTS punk-whacked alternative rock. With gritty guitar cutting through the jagged tense soundscape the verses crash in ready to rumble. The driving bass travels at floor shaking relentless stamina while Karla Chubb’s powerful vocals add sarcasm and fire into the track. It’s catchy with a manic ferocious chorus that is sure to be epic live. With pummeling drums and a blistering raucous wall of sound ‘The Cheek’ is one frenzied anthem and another smasher from SPRINTS.

About the track the band say : “Whether they think they own the place, or think they own you, we are all too familiar with those dickheads at the bar.  Male or female, I know a lot of friends have shared the same experience. To have your sexuality, or your worth questioned, to be berated or harassed for turning someone so ‘impeccable’ down, is an unfortunately too regular occurrence.”

SPRINTS will celebrate the track’s launch on Saturday September 28th with a show in Bello Bar.

Stream ‘The Cheek’ below 

Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Garage-Psych, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Not I ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’

Not I is the project of Dublin based musicians Ian Meagher (drums/vox) and Thomas O’Reilly (guitar/vox). They have released a new music video for ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’, taken from their forthcoming debut album of the same name. The music video, which was directed, produced and shot by Redemption Film’s Niall McCann, Matthew Boyd, and Greg Dunn (the team behind feature films Lost in France, and The Science of Ghosts), sees the band embark on a humorous adventure in (or outside) the realm of Dublin’s bingo scene.

With gritty biting guitars pulsing adrenaline to the very core of ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’, Not I craft a wonderful exhilarating whir of alternative rock that ferments and curdles with sublime intensity. The pounding drums progress from a steady background thud to an anarchy calling blitz as the track leads to its massive crescendo. With quirky baritone vocal bursts from moody verses to  falsetto yelps and shouted exclaims, this track exudes character and swagger. It’s dark and smothered in raw instrumentation and the sharp guitars venture from acute strides to crashing frenzy along with the punchy drum progression, With its minimalist approach the band create a wholly invigorating shattering track. With psychedelic dazzling hues and just sheer gritty rawness ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’ marks Not I as a band to keep an eye on. This track is sure to be epic live. 

Watch the video for ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Brand New Friend ‘The Letter A’

After their stellar performance at the 2000trees Xtra Mile Recordings takeover in July, Northern Irish five-piece Brand New Friend have released their new single, ‘The Letter A’. They have played shows throughout the UK and Ireland, both headlining and with veterans or peers like Snow Patrol, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive-In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY, Feeder and Xtra Mile Recordings label mate Seán McGowan – plus a host of festival slots at Reading and Leeds, 2000trees and others.Their debut album ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’, spawned several singles all of which garnered plays on the likes of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart shows on Radio 1, John Kennedy on Radio X and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq as well as sessions and interviews on the Across The Line show on BBC Ulster.

‘The Letter A’ is a punchy track with a smooth melody wrapped in a biting indie rock soundscape as Brand New Friend blister and swarm through the track with relentless stamina and infectious vigor. With jagged striking guitars slicing through the bouncy bass line and snappy drums this track has an infectious energetic buoyancy that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. The pop smacked melody and 50’s-60’s classic melodic hue gives a sentimental familiarity and charm to the song. The vocals exude confidence with a youthful sense of urgency as the band flesh out their tight and dynamic sound. With an explosive chorus, The Strokes- esque verses, sharp instrumental backdrop and gritty crunchy element presented beautifully on guitars, this adrenaline-inducing number is sure to have you singing along in no time. 

Watch the video for ‘The Letter A’ below 


Author : Danu