North Dublin alternative four piece Bullet Girl have released their new single ‘The Rush’ which was produced and mixed by Graham Byrne. In 2019, Bullet Girl have gone from strength to strength bringing their unique blend of alternative rock and post-punk across major venues in Dublin, culminating in two packed out headline gigs in Whelan’s (Upstairs) on June 15th and at The Workman’s Club on July 12th for Oslo Dublin.
Swirled in a surge of energetic alternative rock with a swanky strut quality ‘The Rush’ announces itself with swagger, adrenaline and sublime instrumentation. With a groove ravaged back bone, the track shuffles in, ready to dominate your mind. The sun speckled guitar, strums little golden bursts of euphoria through the buoyant backdrop while confident vocals charm their way through the catchy melody. This track is saturated in panache displayed by a steamy guitar solo, infectious chorus and intense dynamic musicianship. This is a band you need to hear. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Heavy Rock duo Follow No One have released their new single ‘Fear No Evil’. This is their 2nd single of 2019, following on from their last effort ‘Your Time of Dying’, released in March which has been nominated for Best Rock Act/Best Rock Song at the 2019 JMA Awards in Nashville.
‘Fear No Evil’ is an abrasive rock track that blends Follow No Ones hard hitting sound with groovy elements to create an invigorating number. With intricate guitar work entwining between the pounding drums and powerful vocals this track is mighty in every aspect. The shrilling guitars crunch, crash and soar over the rough backdrop adding flurries of finesse and grandeur between the chaos. The chorus is dynamic and anthemic as the song goes from high point to high point without any lag. It’s a power rock track that swarms in to rush adrenaline into your veins – an enjoyable and exhilarating listen.
Irish rock band Skyfever have released their new single ‘Burning Hands’. This searing gritty number blazes through with Skyfever’s ballsy rock in all its glory. Blistering guitars lacerate through pounding drums and scorching synths as the band showcase their prowess and swagger in one hell raising tune. With a darkly coated backdrop, powerful expressive vocals and rooted bass weaved generously into an epic synth feature its a dramatic tune from the start. The dynamic chorus, teasing sister verses and shrilling solo showcase the bands ability to refine their sound and blend it perfectly for maximum impact. The thumping beat and vocals alone could summon the dead while the dazzling glossy soundscape and raw rock brutality beaten into this edged track creates a thrilling contrast.This shredding riff driven track curls and coils rock and synth to create something truly special. Skyfever are ones to keep an eye on.
Bio: DAN FRESHER is a rapper based in Easton, Bristol however his new single ‘Follow Me, Run’ takes a more electronic pop sound.
Track: ‘Follow Me, Run’
Why We Like It: It’s a lushly layered, pop-sprinkled ditty that floats freely on an electronic cloud of bliss while the smooth vocals caress the melty melody. The track is laid back and fresh as the chiming electronics create a wispy ethereal vibe. The sticky slapping beat creates a humid atmosphere as the audio clips add a unique quality making this track instantly likeable and summer ready. It’s a chilled well crafted track from this young artist.
Bio: Bristol band The Hideaways is comprised of Danny Pugh (Vocals, Guitar, Synth), Tim Burden (Guitar, Synth), Sam Bendall-Weeks (Bass) and Jack Ford (Drums). In the last year they received their debut play on BBC Radio 6 Music, embarked on a 2 week UK tour and played to sold out crowds in Bristol and beyond. The band have recently returned to Monnow Valley Studio with producer Matt Glasbey (Editors, Marmozets) to record new music.
Track: Stop Disappearing
About the track frontman Danny Pugh said : “Stop Disappearing never really made sense as standard verse-chorus type of song.When I first wrote it it was a pretty straight indie tune but as we started playing it together as a band it just felt right to keep getting heavier and scattier the longer it went. That’s how we ended up with an outro that sounds like Joy Division in a K-hole.”
Why We Like It: It’s a cutting slice of jangly alternative rock as the band sweetly introduce the track with a soft indie soundscape before belting into a dramatic expressive number. The delicate sweet melody coos and drifts along an indie pop speckled backdrop of zesty strums and golden guitar lines while a punchy drum and bass combination maintains a buoyant foundation. The track builds superbly as the instrumentation becomes more acute and harsh. The guitars crash into a rapid meaty drum foundation as the vocals become more shouty. The Hideaways display their more frantic and dramatic musicianship as they present a hair raising outro of epic proportions.
Bio: New York City based Meyru have played a series of sold out shows throughout downtown Manhattan, including landmark venues like Mercury Lounge, Pianos, The Bitter End. Their 10 song LP, ‘Good to See You’ was mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Dan Millice (A$AP Rocky, Al Green, 50 Cent).
Track: Wasted Days
About the track the band said:“Wasted Days started in rehearsal one day when Steven brought a guitar riff that he had been working on for a while. The song is definitively very different from our usual stuff. Funky, poppy and out there compared to our normal indie rock tunes. I think that’s what most people like about it though. It allows us to step into a different territory of music and genre. Lyrically its all about the time that you’ve consciously wasted doing nothing but living in the moment and would happily waste again.”
Why We Like It: It’s a strut-soaked funky number dripping in swagger and passion while also oozing fun musical prowess. With slinky guitar lines weaving steamy vapor through a steady beat and lush backing vocals it’s a charming track sure to have you wiggling those hips in no time. With raspy soul drizzled vocals spread on a honeyed melody it’s the perfect ear worm. The track builds to a sing along ready crescendo while the vibrant warm guitar melody playfully wiggles throughout. Its one groove infested charmer for sure.
Bio: Fresh from touring alongside Brummie garage-pop stalwarts JAWS, and embarking on their first trip stateside for SXSW earlier this year, London’s Honey Lung certainly ramped up activity on the live front, with August dates supporting Basement lined up and their first ever UK headline tour kicking off in November.
Track: Nothing
Why We Like It: It’s a smooth yet sharp blast of euphoric shoegaze. These guys blend laid back velvety melodies and soft vocals with crashing blistering instrumentation seamlessly to create a wholly invigorating listening experience. The delicate twinkling verses contrast the raucous instrumental breaks as crashing guitars ricochet off pounding drums while a dreamy melody cools and tranquilizes the mania with its nonchalant tone. This sun spiked gem is a summers day filled with blustery sweltering chaos and a lazy relaxed daydream all at once. Pretty impressive and very infectious.
Bio: Hailing from the working-class suburbs of Newcastle upon Tyne (UK), BARE ROOTS combine 80s soundscapes with 90s soulful rock and roll. The band was formed by school mates Anthony Francis (vocals, guitar), Joe Anderson (bass) and Martin Corkhill (drums) who later joined forces with Ollie Petrie (guitar).
Track: ‘Always’
Why We Like It: Its a smooth alternative track brimming with passion as BARE ROOTS douse their sound in country rock tones while maintaining their alternative roots. With jangly guitar pining occasionally through the punchy drums and solid backdrop it’s a classic ear worm. With a shredding solo and warm tones BARE ROOTS create another charming track to put on repeat.
Bio: Glasgow based musician The Standing Man has released his new single ‘Cos I Feel You!’
Track: Cos I Feel You!
Why We Like It: It’s a swagger dripping rock ‘n’ roll track with a slinky guitar feature that mirrors Soft Cell’s ‘Tainted Love’. The snappy beat and sweltering instrumental backdrop sets the track alight while the reverb raspy vocals prance through with panache and energy. Its a catchy swanky track that boasts confidence and sultry qualities.
Bio: Irish alternative rock band Otherkin have released their new single ‘True Believer’. The band have enjoyed significant success in recent times, with airplay support from BBC RADIO 1 as well as radio play back in Ireland and playlist support on all the main streaming platforms.Following an exciting Electrowerkz show in London, Otherkin will be heading back out on the road across the UK this September.
Track: ‘True Believer’
Why We Like It: This dark 80’s synth, disco banger strides on a glossy electronic background while the raspy vocals of Luke Reilly and indie rock foundation on drums and bass keep the track in alternative territory. Dramatic in its approach with jarring keys and ominous backing vocals this galloping slinky number has everything to keep you engaged. With an epic ‘The Final Countdown’ -esque synth melody leading the way to the creeping verses – it’s an anthemic and edgy addition to the band’s catalogue. Otherkin layer this track superbly weaving modern aspects with shiny 80’s quirk seamlessly. Light twinkles on keys contrast the crashing guitars, thrilling distortion and playful electronics making ‘True Believer’ one heck of a head rush.
Sleater-Kinney are set to release their tenth album, ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ on 16th August. The iconic trio is comprised of Carrie Brownstein (guitar/vocals), Corin Tucker (guitar/vocals) and, now former drummer, Janet Weiss (drums). The album was produced by St. Vincent and is released through Mom + Pop. Tickets are on sale to the general public for the band’s extensive North American tour kicking off in Spokane, WA on the 9th October with a full run of European dates announced for next year including a show at Dublin’s Vicar Street on March 1st.
‘The Center Won’t Hold’ shows a sparkling deeply smoldering new facet to Sleater-Kinney’s sound as they swirl and layer sultry synths and slinky guitar lines into their indie aesthetic. It’s a lush album – rich in sound, vibrant in its construction and smoking hot all the way to its core. From the enticing build of title track ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ right through to the fleshy raw ‘Ruins’ and steamy dance infested ‘Hurry On Home’, Sleater-Kinney present their unique sound blending boisterous noise- rock mania with brooding thuds, experimental moments, electronic swirls and all out smothering indie. ‘Reach Out’ is one sublime indie track with mesmerising guitar moments and infectious emotive melodies while ‘Can I Go On’ swirls a quirky quality into the mix as Sleater-Kinney flesh out their infectious melodies coating them with a sweet candied tone and sun kissed vibe. This album is full to brim with pulsing synths and sensual wobbly guitar, psychedelic soundscapes and powerful vocals. The synths and electronics ooze and seep from the tracks like liquid nitrogen creating a smokey haunting atmosphere of euphoria and mystery while the catchy melty melodies tease and entice. There is a Fleetwood Mac hue lingering over ‘A Restless Life’ and the darkly coated ‘The Future Is Here’ as the guitar jingles and strides with a laid back tone allowing the warm honest vocals take the attention.
‘Love’ bounces with an 80’s slapped pop melody and infectious groove while the adrenaline rush on guitars are reinforced by the lush harmonies and vibrant atmosphere. The rock ‘n’ roll foot shuffling ‘Bad Dance’ drips swagger into the album with every slinky guitar line, panache-saturated vocal and drum thud. Sleater-Kinney display their emotional power ballad-esque style with ‘The Dog The Body’. With lamenting sting on guitar, anthemic chorus, punchy drums and compelling vocals its one for fist pumping the air to. ‘Broken’ brings a graceful close to the album. Elegant piano accompaniment and emotional vocals serenade distant guitar pines in the background creating the most moving and heartbreaking listening experience.
‘The Center Won’t Hold’ is a thrilling album that walks a fine line between sensual electronic and indie rock. Sleater-Kinney blend all these elements superbly to create a impressive body of work that you can dance, sing and rock out to. Its quirky, crazy and absolutely brilliant.
About the album Brownstein explains, “We’re always mixing the personal and the political but on this record, despite obviously thinking so much about politics, we were really thinking about the person — ourselves or versions of ourselves…. — in the middle of the chaos.” Weiss adds, “I think for Carrie and Corin it was liberating to explore a different sound palette. Annie (St. Vincent) has a lot of experience building her own music with keyboards and synthesizers so she could be our guide to help us make sense of this new landscape and still sound like us.” Tucker says, “The Center Won’t Hold drops you into the world of catastrophe that touches on the election. And almost like a mission statement, at the end of that song, it’s like the band is finding its way out of that space by becoming a rock band.”
‘The Center Won’t Hold’ will be released on 16th August
Until then you can stream the title track ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ below :
Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released their new single ‘Shadow Gallery’, a Britpop inspired anthem about dementia. Since forming in January 2019 they have released three singles/videos, their debut being the highly well received ‘Uncanny Valley’. Following slots at NotAFest, Soma Fest, Your City Festival and dates all over the UK supporting acts such as Mantra and Woes, the band have plenty more in store for 2019 including slots at Macmillan Fest & Hard Rock Hell and a hometown show supporting Mallory Knox (TBC). They’ll be putting on a headline show at the Asylum 2 in Birmingham on the 16th August. The video for the new single features a large cast who play the band growing up, 70s/80s pop star and Amarillo singer ‘Tony Christie’ playing an older version of Y!KES singer Joby Fitzgerald.
‘Shadow Gallery’ is a powerful melodic anthem laced in passionate songwriting and dynamic, jarring instrumentation as Y!KES take their raucous sound and rein it in to create a more melodic and tender number. Raspy vocals add grit to the emotional melody while punchy drums and rowdy backdrop maintain Y!KES’ mighty wall of sound. The guitars inject a sweet and stinging sense of innocence throughout the track as they lament through the verses before crashing into the meaty chorus. It’s a compelling and sophisticated tune that boasts the bands ability to write tracks of substance as well as all out blistering tunes.
You can catch Y!KES live at :
11th August – Statfold Barn Festival, Tamworth
16th August – The Asylum 2, Birmingham (Headline show/Video shoot)
07th September – Macmillan Festival, Nottingham
30th September – Mama Roux, Birmingham – with Mallory Knox (To Be Confirmed)
07th November – Hard Rock Hell Festival, Great Yarmouth
Dublin artist Watchy has released his debut solo EP ‘Double Retired’. This four track surge of blustery alternative rock ignites with title track ‘Double Retired’. Doused in gritty coarse bass lines pulverising drums and gravelly vocals this brisk frenzied track announces the EP with punk/rock stained tones and aggressive instrumentation. The track builds to its frenetic crescendo with kick ass rock swaggered guitar and meaty foundation. The triumphant ‘Queening Death’ follows. Here Watchy takes Queens’ ‘I Want to Break Free’ throws it into a mincer of rock mania before peppering it with metal hues and aggression to create a milk curdling assault on the senses. Watchy screams the lyrics over a bruising backdrop of shredding epic guitars and pounding drums taking this classic and spinning it into a more ominous heavy exclamation of desperation. With a frantic crescendo featuring shouted “die die” lyrics it’s ready for the blood thirsty mosh pit. Debut single ‘Shelved’ cools the tone of the EP as we see Watchy venture into his electronic aesthetic. This instrumental track builds and ferments carefully, showcasing his ability to richly layer and brood his tracks into ballsy refined tunes. Beginning as a synth jam the track progresses into an all out manic alternative number as the bass flourishes becoming more aggressive and powerful while the drums go berserk. ‘Temporary Satisfaction (I Can’t Get No)’ brings the album to a powerful end with 80’s rock flavoured guitar and buoyant rhythms. The gritty bass lines saturate the track in panache while Watchy wails and screams over the blistering backdrop.
‘Double Retired’ isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a raw EP filled with heavy crashing instrumentation, sharp bass and floor-moving drums. Watchy has developed and fleshed out his rough and tumble alternative rock and I dare say its pretty impressive.
About the EP Watchy said :” I wanted to see if I could do something on my own, playing and hanging with my friend Dara from Chancer (who I convinced to drum on these tracks) really inspired me to write on my own and work on songs from the ground up, I treated it like a job and went in on my own to rehearse ideas, come up with melodies take a lunch break then go back to them and finish at a reasonable time then come back to them a day later. The results have been so amazing and I’m really proud of what I came up with.”
London based trio Burnt Tongues have released their second single ‘Setting the Tone’. The band consisting of Chris Kelsey (vocals, bass), Jack Charles (guitar) and Piers Berryman (drums) have recruited a loyal fan base with ambitious live performances and debut single ‘Twist & Shake’. The band are set to release a stream of singles and collaborations throughout the year and anticipate an album in early 2020.
‘Setting the Tone’ is an intoxicating swagger-dunked alternative number. Burnt Tongues intensify their blistering sound with sharp guitars which slice and shrill through the buoyant punchy drum and elastic bass foundation. This blustery track is lock and loaded, ready for repeat plays. The infectious melody drifts on a cool pop tone. The warm lead vocals exude a smooth rock ‘n’ roll vibe while the shouted backing vocals injecting a whack of punk into the mix. ‘Setting the Tone’ is an exhilarating track brimming with charm and kinetic instrumentation, making Burnt Tongues ones to keep an eye on.
You can catch Burnt Tongues live at:
29th August – The Monarch Camden / supporting The Famous Class
14th September – Nambucca / hosted by This Feeling.
Cumbria based alternative indie band Springfield have released their new single ‘105’ which was recorded at Catalyst Studios in St. Helens with production duo Sugar House. The track arises following their previous single ‘Footstep’, gaining 40K + streams and over 12K monthly listeners in 4 months on Spotify alone.
Springfield flesh out their mighty musicianship with ‘105’ – a short brisk alternative number that travels along strident guitars, pummeling snappy drums and a thrilling wall of sound. With a catchy pop melody surrounded by swirling synths, this kinetic number is a caffeine shot in the chest of energizing indie. Dynamic vocals spit the lyrics while backing vocals shout behind the rigorous backdrop creating a harsh and rough texture to this relentless track. It’s a fiery well layered speed ball that is sure to have you singing along in no time,
Tundra have released their new single ‘You’re Welcome’ today. Tundra are an indie-punk band from Bury St Edmunds, who have been picking up momentum nationally following the release of their single ‘Navy Red’, which was released in April 2019 and received national & international airplay including BBC 6 Music (Steve Lamacq), Amazing Radio (Charlie Ashcroft) and Radio X (John Kennedy). The band have previously supported Marmozets, Milk Teeth, Muncie Girls and Gaffa Tape Sandy, in addition to performing at Strawberry Fair, SwanFest and BNatural.
‘You’re Welcome’ is a blustery punk smacked indie number that whirlwinds in with Tundra’s brisk energetic sound and infectious songwriting. An elastic bass weaves between jangly guitar lines and punchy drums while expressive vocals ooze attitude and aggro into the track. The guitars crash and blast into the fiery backdrop with relentless stamina while the infectious melody and dynamic chorus is designed for live crowds to scream back. It’s a vigorous, razor sharp number brimming with adrenaline.
You can stream ‘You’re Welcome’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
