Category Archives: Alt Rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Bayonets ‘Cheap Cravat’

Bayonets has released his new single ‘Cheap Cravat’.Bayonets is a solo project created by the Irish Co. Kerry musician and songwriter Vinnie Flynn. His distinctive style is a mix of alternative rock,indie, blues and folk. In addition to writing and performing live, Vinnie also works with several publishing companies based in the US who pitch his compositions to prime time TV shows and movies. Vinnie has performed at some of the biggest and best Irish music festivals including Electric Picnic, Vantastival and K-Fest. Vinnie will be playing a string of gigs and festivals in 2022, having just relocated to Barcelona Spain. His new single ”Cheap Cravat’ was recorded by a new upcoming Barcelona based producer ”Castell” the release gig will be held in Barcelona, Spain on November 13th 2021.

Blistering through a tantalising backdrop of stomping rhythms and desert-scorched guitar ‘Cheap Cravat’ is a dark and invigorating new tune from Bayonets. The song balances smooth, sensual tones with gritty textures to create a dynamic tune for listeners to indulge in. A luring melody creates a haunting yet lulling quality while Vinnie’s vocals rasp and croon throughout; whispering in parts to enhance the eerie undertone within the vibrant soundscape. The song is a sleek, well-crafted tune and exudes an irresistible charm that leaves the listener craving to hear more.

Stream ‘Cheap Cravat’ below 


Author: Danu

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

THUMPER ‘The Loser’


THUMPER have released their new single ‘The Loser’. This follows the success of the rereleased’ Ad Nauseam’ which picked up support from BBC6, US Radio and playlisting on Spotify and Apple Music. This highly anticipated single is a fresh start, kicking off an extensive UK tour and the build up to their debut album.

‘The Loser‘ is a glorious seizure of alternative rock and THUMPER’s most ambitious display yet. The song’s relentless pace never ceases and is a blazing onslaught of gritty riffs, frantic bass, and mammoth drums from the get-go. This manic blitz maintains a hefty rhythmic foundation throughout as soaring guitars venture from sweet melodies to bloodthirsty gashes of distortion, swirling psychedelia, punk rock tones and fiery instrumentation with ease. Oisín Furlong’s vigorous exclaims anchor the listener within the track’s kinetic soundscape while at the same time evokes images of live crowds mercilessly chanting back the lyrics. The track is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish and a fine example of THUMPER’s powerful musicianship and impressive sound. Turn up the speakers, press play and enjoy.

Lead singer, Oisin, says that: ” ‘The Loser’ is presented as a love song but is howled by an unreliable narrator. A fishing-for-compliments style tirade of non-sequiturs, each verse is bursting at the seams with faux self-depreciation. The song races along at breakneck speed, each section pushing past the crescendo of the last. As the final chorus blasts through your speakers, the saccharine melody reveals a pathetic character that has spent the whole song talking about themselves.”

Stream ‘The Loser’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

HAWKE THE BAND ‘Limo’

Photo Credit: Grace Philips

Dublin duo HAWKE THE BAND are set to release their brand new single ‘Limo’ today. The track is due to go live at 7 pm. Formed by best friends Richie Power (vocals/keyboards) and Eoghan Mac Mahon (vocals/guitar) in the shadow of Dublin’s world-famous Guinness Brewery. ‘Limo’ was recorded in London and Dublin and produced by Conor McLaughlin (of Sick Love), assisted by the highly-regarded D. Cullen (Boo Hewerdine (The Bible). HAWKE THE BAND are currently finalising a very special Dublin hometown gig (more details soon), but are very pleased to confirm a handful of new UK live dates for late 2021, including a new London show as special guests of Bedford born indie-rocker Elijah Miller.

‘Limo’ is a sleek single that boasts the arena-worthy sound of HAWKE THE BAND. Saturated in chiming melodies, lurching rhythms and soaring guitars, the track surges with adrenaline as the band layer the song meticulously to create an ethereal fist-pumping rock tune. The track skyrockets into massive choruses and an even bigger crescendo of crashing guitars, rampant basslines and swelling synth embellishments while the brooding verses create tension throughout. HAWKE THE BAND pack in clever, catchy lyrical content as Eoghan Mac Mahon bellows out the sure to epic live pre-chorus “ Don’t call my name, don’t fall for shame “. It’s a song destined for manic live shows as the shredding solo, echoed vocals and driving drum pounds evoke images of arena and festival sing-alongs. HAWKE THE BAND have a hefty and powerful sound. Their dedication to creating passionate, musically rich anthems is admirable and the impressive ‘Limo’ is a fine example of this.

You Can Catch HAWKE THE BAND live at

  • 26 September Hull O’Riley’s (18+)
  • 15 October Newcastle Surf Café (14+)
  • 16 October Manchester Tribeca (14+)
  • 21 October London Luna Lounge (18+)
  • 10 December London – The Grace (with Elijah Miller)

Tickets on-sale now via https://www.hawketheband.com/tickets

For more follow HAWKE THE BAND on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/hawketheband


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Late Night Pharmacy ‘Grass-Eating Boys’

Dublin, Ireland-based alternative rock band Late Night Pharmacy have released their new single ‘Grass-Eating Boys’. The single is the band’s fourth single of 2021, following April’s “Too Late for the Rickshaws”, June’s “Slacktivist (Normalise This)” and July’s “Relapse”. Recording the single was only possible after Late Night Pharmacy were one of four Irish bands hand-picked to take part in the 2020 edition of the TiLT Development Deal. As part of this deal, the band received hours of free studio time in Dublin’s legendary Sun Studios (in which artists such as Rihanna, Kanye West and Sinéad O’Connor have recorded over the years). There, the band recorded two songs, of which “Grass-Eating Boys” is the second to be released.

Laced in biting guitars and swirling soundscapes, ‘Grass-Eating Boys’ is a thrilling new single from Late Night Pharmacy. The band create a tightly-knit wall of sound through soaring guitar embellishments and sharp riffs while a buoyant beat maintains a strong and flexible foundation throughout. Late Night Pharmacy layer and craft the song meticulously; a constant instrumental onslaught of propulsive rhythms and blitz on synths is deftly combined with sweet melodies and slight tempo changes to create spacious moments within the frantic soundscape and contrast the post-hardcore rock moments. This wonderful combination of elements is a joy to listen to and showcases how talented this band is. ‘Grass-Eating Boys’ is an exciting tune that boasts Late Night Pharmacy’s refined and powerful musicianship.

About the track, the band said: “Our lead guitarist read the article “The Sex Recession” in The Atlantic, in which he encountered the Japanese terms “sōshoku(-kei) danshi” (grass-eating boys) and “hikikomori” (pulling inwards): Japanese men who express no interest in pursuing careers, financial independence or romantic relationships, and who live the life of a modern hermit. The song was inspired by this phenomenon, which is quickly becoming as visible in the West as it is in Japan.”

Stream ‘Grass-Eating Boys’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

InRetrospect ‘Open Eyes’

UK band InRetrospect have released their new single ‘Open Eyes’. Since late 2018, InRetrospect have grounded their footing in the music scene, playing shows throughout the UK. Releasing a small collective of singles from 2020 to date has earned the band radio play from BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Distortion Radio, ARFM, Kerrang Radio and more, and gained the band DSP playlisting with Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Pandora and Apple music, surpassing 120,000+ streams on Spotify alone.

‘Open Eyes’ roars with the blistering and manic sound of InRetrospect. The band create a battering tune laced in hefty drums and bloodthirsty riffs while a robust bass line carves an enticing groove throughout. The song balances sweet melodies with raw unbridled angst perfectly to create a heavy mosh-ready song that you can belt at the top of your lungs. Boasting an arena-worthy soundscape, the band pack in oodles of deft instrumentation, massive headbang moments, and lacerating guitars to create a tantalising and mind-crushing song of epic proportions with earnest lyrical content to boot “Realise you’re not the only one struggling with pain in your life So open your eyes. And take that step towards bettering yourself in time”. ‘Open Eyes’ is a powerful tune oozing a blood-curdling intensity that marks InRetrospect as a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Open Eyes’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, New Music, Shoegaze

Dalton ‘This Way’

Singer-songwriter Nate Harar, also known as Dalton, has released his new single ‘This Way’ lifted from his upcoming album, ’To the Woods’, due out October 22nd via AWAL. Dalton released his self-titled debut album on the indie label Fierce Panda Records in 2015. The album was well-received (London In Stereo, NME, The Line of Best Fit, Clash, Drowned In Sound). He then followed that up with a five-song EP released in 2017, along with a second full-length, ‘Take Shelter’, in 2019.

Driving on a swarm of fuzzy guitars, ‘This Way’ is an invigorating new single from Dalton. Filled with lush harmonies, buoyant rhythms and a breezy melody Dalton creates a sweet nostalgic gem laced in euphoric instrumentation – the track packs one hefty shoegaze punch as the blitz of sharp guitars bluster around a dreamy melody and sun-kissed 90’s soundscapes. ‘This Way’ is well crafted and layered to perfection to create a richly textured tune that boasts Dalton’s refined and exhilarating musicianship.

Stream ‘This Way’ below


Author: Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, New Music

Bouquet ‘Dressed Up Animal’ Album

Cuban rockers Bouquet have released their new album ‘Dressed Up Animal’ that features music written over the last 15 years. Planned as the first of three instalments, ‘Dressed Up Animal’ is a sample of the different sounds and styles that have influenced the band over the years.  Bouquet is a Cuban rock band founded in 2003 in Cienfuegos by Aivis Prieto (vocalist and composer) and Pavel Cama (vocalist and guitar) The band has been a pioneer in a unique style of Cuban rock, being faithful to its sound and showing an excellent performance on rock stages all over the island. Since their inception Bouquet have played at international and national festivals, including charity concerts in support of the fight against HIV AIDS and the Terry Fox tribute festival in the city of Cienfuegos. The current line up features founding members Aivis and Pavel, who have been joined by Daniel Jiménez on drums and Yunior Moiña García on bass and backing vocals. 

‘Dressed Up Animal’ balances heavy most worthy soundscapes with rock-driven theatrics to create a diverse and shredding collection of tracks. The band take raw heavy riffs and weave them between majestic melodic moments of jazz flavoured piano and 80’s- esque undertones to create a dynamic and all-consuming sound for songs ‘Mind Blower’ and ‘Candela’. There is sleek musical prowess displayed throughout. This is perfectly displayed within the swaggering blues-whacked grit of title track ‘Dressed Up Animals’ – with its sensual soundscapes evaporating off lean, mean riffs and raw vocals, the track is grounded in immersive instrumentation and rock bravado. Bouquet have a knack for creating cinematic soundscapes whether it’s the chilling dark grunge of ‘Good Thief’ or the metal- esque riffage in ‘Sobriety II’, the vivid and dramatic instrumentation lifts each track to epic heights. The band express their multi-genre aesthetic with elements of jazz speckled throughout the album teamed with Cuban rhythms, funky basslines and soaring alternative rock to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. ‘Dressed Up Animal’ is a tight and cohesive collection of tracks that boasts the refined and powerful sound of Bouquet.

Stream ‘Dressed Up Animal’ below 


Author: Danu

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

THUMPER ‘Ad Nauseum’

THUMPER have released a remix of their blistering single ‘Ad Nauseum’. When the original single version of ‘Ad Nauseam’ dropped in early 2020 THUMPER embarked on an extensive UK and EU tour in support of the song. As it began to get extensive playlisting on Spotify, Apple Music, Kerrang, and BBC6, this was to be followed up by months of festival appearances and shows in Iceland, North America, and more. Two weeks in, and this breakneck schedule was cut short by Covid, and all plans, touring and otherwise, were axed. Once the PAUSE button was well and truly pressed on the year they were about to have, THUMPER began channelling their energy into a different type of year. Behind the scenes, their debut album started to take shape, with the band holed up in their home studio for months on end. Now THUMPER is taking up where they left off with a raft of shows including festival slots at Iceland Airwaves, Reeperbahn, a huge UK tour, and ‘Ad Nauseum (2021 mix)’  released today.

‘Ad Nauseum (2021 mix)’ is a refined remix of the explosive original single as THUMPER put a more focused lens on their abrasive sound to create a sharper and more whiplashing rendition of this exhilarating tune. ‘Ad Nauseum’ is one of THUMPER’s most epic releases to date and the sheer tension, scuzzy bombardment and adrenaline surging through this song is awe-inspiring. This retouched, remixed, and remastered version will have you frothing at the mouth ready for the mania of their live shows to follow.

THUMPER are a band not to miss. In a live setting, this band’s talent truly shines. Catch them live at the dates below, and trust me you won’t be disappointed.

 TOUR DATES: 

  • Thursday/Friday 23/24 September -Reeperbahn, Hamburg 
  • Wednesday October 6th – Jimmy’s Liverpool
  • Friday October 8th – Focus Wales
  • Saturday October 9th – Bootleg Social, Blackpool
  • Sunday October 10th – Yes, Manchester
  • Tuesday October 12th – Sneaky Petes, Edinburgh
  • Wednesday October 13th – The Hug & Pink, Glasgow
  • Friday October 15th – Head of Steam, Newcastle
  • Saturday October 16th – Live at Leeds Festival
  • Tuesday October 19th – Fulford Arms, York
  • Wednesday October 20th – The Adelphi, Hull
  • Thursday October 21st – Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield
  • Friday October 22nd – Firebug, Leicester
  • Saturday October 23rd – The Crofters Rights, Bristol
  • Sunday October 24th – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
  • Wednesday October 27th – The Prince Albert, Brighton
  • Thursday October 28th – The Windmill, London
  • Friday October 29th – Voodoo Daddys, Norwich
  • Saturday October 30th – The Crauford Arms, Milton Keynes

Stream ‘Ad Nauseum (2021 mix)’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Mellor ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ EP

Following on from the fantastic success of their previously shared singles ‘Lost In This World’ and ‘Vacant Stare’, which dropped earlier this year, Reading-based indie-rockers Mellor have returned with their new EP ‘Fragment Of Imagination’. Despite the current global pandemic, Mellor maintained their momentum in 2020, releasing single ‘Heaven isn’t Yours to Give’ and signing a management deal with Eighty4 Music.

Taking their sound to soaring new heights, ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ is a mighty roar from Mellor. Blistering guitars ricochet off a battering drum assault as the band announce the EP with the explosive indie rock bravado of ‘Cool, Calm, Deranged’. This track is utterly thrilling as a sharp guitar refrain shrills throughout a muggy angst-riddled backdrop – a pretty exciting start to an EP.

Mellor have become known for their tight, energetic guitar melodies and solos, and within ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ they deliver on these exhilarating air guitar worthy moments without fail. The guitar travels from epic solos to majestic embellishments, and everything between to give the listener a shot of adrenaline throughout the EP.

‘Version Of A Life’ and ‘Vacant Stare’ pulse with desert rock guitars and a 60’s – esque rock n’ roll swagger however it is the galloping ‘Shame’ that is the perfect example of the band’s deft guitar prowess. Mellor weave a raw guitar melody through a dense onslaught of drums and bass, creating an intoxicating wall of sound that is ecstasy to the ears and equally spectacular with each subsequent listen.

Gary Kingham’s vocals hold all the instrumental chaos together. His effortless warm tone drifts over the songs earworm melodies with ease and showcases the band’s expressive lyrical ability “So start a fire, When I’m not there, Put it out with her vacant stare”

Mellor are constantly evolving their sound, and ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ is a fine example of this. The energy, passion and vigor bursting from this EP is admirable, while the awe-inspiring display of refined musicianship within makes Mellor one of the most exciting bands out there at the moment. 

Stream ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Salvation Jayne ‘Violent Silence’

Photo Credit : Sean Hardy


UK alt-rock band Salvation Jayne have released their new single ‘Violent Silence’ via Jawdropper Music / Ingrooves. The track is the first release from their highly anticipated debut album ‘A Mouthful of Magnificent Spite’ set for release in February 2022, which was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios and mastered in the US by Dave Greenberg ( David Bowie etc). The track is about the power of being silent with someone’s ego, rather than feeding it and staying detached from the drama. 

‘Violent Silence’ is a blistering tune laced in Salvation Jayne’s energetic musicianship. The song travels on a dynamic backdrop of raw bass grooves, jangly guitars and driving drums that ping with headbanging enthusiasm while quirky keys create a refreshing interlude between the alternative rock onslaught. Charismatic vocals ooze emotion and angst throughout and is enhanced by the tracks emo-pop undertone and punk/ rock sensibilities – the result is a thrilling assault on the senses that evokes images of a mosh pit in a live setting. ‘Violent Silence’ is full of youthful vigour and emotion, and marks Salvation Jayne as a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Violent Silence’ below 


Author: Danu