Category Archives: Alt Rock

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

The Skullers ‘I’m Your Man’

New Jersey’s The Skullers have returned with a jaunty new summer single, a cover of Richard Hell’s ‘I’m Your Man’. The band is donating the proceeds and raising awareness for a non-profit called Career Gear that helps men in need enter or re-renter the workforce. The band deliver a pristine and respectful cover of ‘I’m Your man’ which was an outtake from Richard Hell & the Voidoids’ 1977 debut album Blank Generation. It’s an undiluted rendition brimming with swagger and class. Jangly guitars stride and breeze through this exhilarating number with steamy effervescence while the smooth vocals caress the carefree irresistible melody with charisma and charm. The guitar solo is crisp and thrilling and the drums punch and pound throughout. It’s a magnificent track to cover filled with buoyancy and bright scintillation teamed with a catchy as hell melody and these guys did a superb job fleshing out the refined unadulterated stomping rock that fills you with good vibes.

The Skullers will perform at Johnny Thunders Birthday Bash on July 15 – a prestigious annual event that takes place at the Bowery Electric in New York.

Stream ‘I’m Your Man’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Funk, Indie, Indie Disco, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Miles Kane

Miles Kane has released the new single and title track of his anticipated third album ‘Coup De Grace’. It is the second taste of the album following the release of the Jamie T and Lana Del Rey collaboration ‘Loaded‘ earlier this year. The album which follows predecessor ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ from 2013 is set for release on August 10.

‘Coup De Grace’ is a snazzy, disco hued dazzling glam rock display from Kane that is sure to have you shaking and grooving mindlessly. The stomping beat slaps and rebounds off fluctuant jangly glitter-soaked guitars while Kane’s vocals glissade upon the infectious melody with swagger and charisma. It’s 70’s esque foot tapping frenzy as the verses cruise and slide with a luring quality right up to the bursting sing along ready chorus. Doused in funky vibes this track steam rolls in with all its flamboyant trance inducing glory to wrestle your mind with its swanky chicness sprawled on top of glam rock finesse. From the first vocal wail this track has you hooked and transported to a groovy timeless world of dance and fun and lets not forget the fluidity in the lyrics, they flow with such rapidity and molten smoothness – its captivating.  The deeply weaved elastic bass adds a thrilling rooted quivering foundation for this track to elevate off. The blending of slinky rock attitude driven guitars with disco soundscapes creates a crisp pristine little world of endless dancing and prancing. It’s very slick indeed.

 

Stream ‘Coup De Grace’ below

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Van Bellman ‘I Hate To See You This Way’

Van Bellman has released his new single ‘I Hate To See You This Way’.Van Bellman is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based musician Zac Taylor. You may have seen him playing guitar on TV with multi-platinum band American Authors, or perhaps carrying your luggage at the Gansevoort Hotel on Park Avenue a few years back. Taylor has been cultivating this new project and has now presented his brand of bluesy rock and indie pop.

‘I Hate To See You This Way’ is a gritty, crawling blast of bluesy rock at its most exciting and electrifying. Rough guitars shred and lacerate through a thick muggy drum whack while Taylor’s chilled vocals cruise in luring and creepy for the verses becoming more passionate and emotional for the meteoric chorus. Exploding in a barrel of spinning emotion this track throbs, stomps and screams with rock and roll swagger and slick panache. It’s sharp and brawny with a sensual sliver of finesse embossed on top. The whisky soaked melody wriggles its way into your brain while rough spiky guitars steam and evaporate over the kinetic riveting rock drenched soundscape.With heart-gripping pop speckled moments between the lusty growls and eerie tension this track is a sublime stalking number that drips and oozes sophistication and fine musicianship.

The theme of ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ focuses on the pain of watching someone you love go down a dark road, witnessing them self-destruct. Anyone can relate to this heartbreaking and helpless feeling, whether they have played the role of the nurse or the patient. “It means a lot to me as both a lyrical and sonic story,” said Taylor, who also produced the track at the legendary Mission Sound Studios in Brooklyn through some serious vintage equipment.

Stream ‘I Hate To See You This Way’ below


Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Indie Buddie Introducing : Shrink Like Alice

Up and coming Irish band Shrink Like Alice have released their new single ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’. It was recorded in Orphan Studios by Graham Byrne. Shrink like Alice are a four piece band based out of Navan, Co.Meath, Ireland. Formed by frontman Gary Clerkin and bassist Greg Halford in late 2014, the band has since been joined by lead guitarist Liam Sheridan and drummer Miles Ronayne. In 2015 the band released their first single ‘Loser’. Followed by their debut EP ‘Square Eyed Boy’ in 2016 which featured songs such as ‘Russian Roulette’ and ‘Loo la’.

Their latest single ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’ is the bands first professionally recorded release and showcases their razor sharp sound in all its explosive glory. Crashing riffs erupt with riotous stamina throughout while the pummelling drums and rugged bass create a sublime combustive backdrop. The sulky melody chills this blistering assault with sleek smothered sultry verses before the fiery chorus kicks in. The scorching guitars blast through the brawny  backdrop adding some hefty shredding might while the raspy aggressive vocals and fierce rhythm pounds your skull with a thrilling assault of mosh ready ferocity. Shrink Like Alice have crafted a kinetic beast while also showcasing some refined musicianship doused in slick swagger – oozing rough and ready coolness. It’s an impressive effort from a band who I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more of.

Stream ‘Beside The Last Thing You Think’ below


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : The Masons

Manchester’s The Masons are set to release their new single ‘Bed’. Formed in October 2017, the band is made up of Aiden (guitar/vocals), Connor (drums), Kyle (guitar) and Mathew (bass). ‘Bed’ is a slick, compact display from this four piece. Sharp melodic guitar floods the track with a golden vibrancy while punchy drums and groove infested bass lines keep a movable sleek foundation. The melody is sublime as it cruises upon this glorious laid back backdrop with ease and a fluidity while the raspy vocals whack on a touch of grit and swagger. The guitar is just magnificent as it ventures from sweetly warm and euphoric to sharp, blistering and steamy all while maintaining a cool mellow dreaminess that is just superb. It’s a very proficient, tightly bound track with some slinky ornamentation embroidered within to add vivid flecks of colour. This is a cool swagger soaked number blending gritty edgy rock with a dash of smooth indie pop to make it infectious and delicious. These guys are ones to watch.

You can check out the track on their Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/themasonslive/videos/582038048844955/

You can catch the band at their next live show at Jimmy’s 12 Newton Street, Manchester, United Kingdom on 24th June supporting The Capital.


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Sub Motion ‘Gun in Your Pocket’

Dublin’s Sub Motion have released their latest single ‘Gun in Your Pocket’. The band broke through with tracks ‘Soccer Mom’ and ‘Headlights’ which led them to a sold out Whelans show as well as festival slots at Electric Picnic, Vantastival and Indiependence. They received radio play in Ireland, the UK and the US. By the end of 2017 they were snapped up by publishing label, Tremelo Music Publishing. They have also secured support slots with The Strypes, Fangclub, The Hot Sprockets in the past year following a series of successful releases.  

Sub Motion whack out another infectious belter with ‘Gun in Your Pocket’. Jagged sharp riffs shred through the track from the get go with the most thrilling, briery, raw assault while a sublime rumbling bass sets a blood curdling fluctuant foundation for their explosive sound to ricochet off. The punchy drums relentlessly pound throughout while the catchy melody secures itself firmly in your brain. It’s an adrenaline pumped, seductive number that leaves you bracing for the mighty chorus. This exhilarating rush of spiky, invigorating rock is mosh ready, spine chilling and harsh. The distorted guitar shrills add an electrifying intensity while Rebecca Geary’s sultry dynamic vocals entice and compel throughout. Sub Motion showcase their proficient fire-starting sound with a slick swagger and razor sharp edge. ‘Gun in Your Pocket’ is just the tip of the iceberg for this band.

Whilst recording another track in Herbert Place Studios with producer James Darkin, ‘Gun in Your Pocket’ was born out of a spontaneous studio jam between takes. Speaking about the track, lead singer Rebecca Geary says, “the song came completely out of nowhere, just when we needed a badass, balls to the wall rock song to channel our energy into”.

You can catch Sub Motion live at:

RiverFest 2018, Offaly – 16th/17th June

The Bowery, Dublin (Supporting Crazy Town) – 23rd June

More TBA soon.

 

Stream ‘Gun in Your Pocket’ below

 


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

The Gallery ‘Wounded Knee’

The Gallery have released their new single ‘Wounded Knee’ which is about the corruption of power in the music industry and the anger felt towards profit driven promoters. The lyrics are politically motivated, with references to the Battle of Wounded Knee and the Berlin Wall. Since their birth out of Wakefield in 2016, The Gallery have gone on to impress audiences around the country with their captivating live performances, destructive guitar sounds and snarling vocals.The band have made appearances at festivals such as Live At Leeds Leeds, Tramlines and Great Escape. Their debut EP, ‘A Safe Approach to Being’, was recorded by Mike Heaton of Embrace at Squirrel Studios and it’s closing song, ‘Force Fed Plans’, was made This Feeling’s ‘Track of the Day’, whilst ‘Black Teeth’ also received airplay on BBC Introducing. After back-to- back sell out headline shows in early 2017, the band embarked on their debut tour in December. Overwhelmed by the response, they quickly organised a follow up to this in April, which included a sold out Nottingham show, emphasising the bands significant progress in the past year.

‘Wounded Knee’ is a scorching indie track that packs some serious punch.An elastic bass line tightly weaves between a resilient drum beat while crashing guitars thrash and shred cutting into the infectious melody. The dynamic vocals rapidly spit and splurge over this fantastic high powered backdrop as this track surges through at a rapid thrilling speed. It’s a compact number that builds in intensity for the smouldering verses before exploding into a mammoth chorus. These guys have shown their mature vivacious musicianship through this high powered instrumentally dense track. Exuding swagger in a chilled cool manner their sound is captivating and enthralling with an energy that is sure to ignite your spirit. The Gallery are ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘Wounded Knee’ below


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

Dead Royalties ‘Phantom Hearts’

Dead Royalties have released their new single ‘Phantom Hearts’. They are an energetic Post-Punk/Art-Rock trio with a sound that takes influence from Queens of the Stone Age, Royal Blood and flavours of 90’s Alt-Rock / Brit-Pop. Their heavy yet accessible riffs conceal a hefty dose of unexpected complexity, opening new dimensions and making them appeal to both mainstream listeners and those who like to get their intellectual curiosity tickled. With their well received debut E.P. ‘Hormones’ (released through Secret Chord Records), as well as three other singles, they have rapidly gained momentum in the Bristol music scene and with BBC Introducing, resulting in sell-out home shows, a back catalogue of future releases and a unique sound that makes this trio such an exciting and hard hitting act.

‘Phantom Hearts’ is a slinky, strut ready number ravaged with groovy rhythms and heavy mosh ready rawness. The sleek pop flavoured melody slithers upon a rough cutting riff driven backdrop and gritty soundscape while smooth swagger soaked vocals caress the melody provocatively. Its heavy headbanging-ly frantic instrumentation contrasts magnificently with the sensual persona of the track making for a wholly enthralling listen. It’s infectious and will get everyone up dancing. Once that thudding beat kicks in this track has you grooving and bopping as it seeps cool flamboyance and prance quality from every note. Those guitar licks and elastic bass meanders inject panache and an irresistible strut element while the flickering soundscapes drizzle the track with a dizzying dose of acid. It’s a “slightly prudish and clinical love song about fornication and misguided lovers” produced in the most thrilling manner.

Stream ‘Phantom Hearts’ below


Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock

METHODS ‘Fires’

After the release of their debut single, ‘Sanctuary’, and a number of live shows throughout 2017, METHODS return with their new single ‘Fires’. METHODS are a Wolverhampton based, 5 piece, made up of, Ash Bradley (Vocals), Jon Nash (Keys), Ryan Deakin (Guitar), Pete Bates (Drums) and Adam Hall (Bass). They play a mix of dark electro indie with Influences including the likes of Joy Division, Depeche Mode, Primal Scream, Editors, Interpol etc… The band are currently putting together a tour around the UK to promote the band and their new single, ‘Fires’ which is currently available to pre order on iTunes and released on 15th June via Hellhole Records .The five piece have recently been played on BBC Introducing West Midlands and toured with The Twang.

METHODS have produced a catchy passionate little pearl with ‘Fires’. They blend a bitter sweet concoction of dark gritty rhythms with ethereal guitars and a delicate sweet melody seamlessly to create an enthralling emotional experience. The shimmering synths flicker and glisten between the throbbing beat adding an aerial breezy atmosphere to the rooted rhythmic foundation while airy guitars soar and bite throughout cutting the lofty atmosphere with a razor sharp sting and shot of glowing vibrancy. The guitar tone is melancholic as it whines and laments along the sombre melody while velvety passionate vocals caress and ooze gripping emotion. The lyrics are moving and the chorus is infectious, tender and delicate. It’s a passionate heart breaking display from METHODS.

When asked about the track singer, Ash Bradley said :
“Fires, is a song about the break up of a relationship. About two people who have been together for a long time, growing a part. Both using actions to show there feelings, instead of speaking to each other. Thoughts get locked away. The only way for them both to move forward is for it all to end.”

Stream ‘Fires’ below


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

Callow Saints ‘Unhinged’ EP

Callow Saints are a female-fronted indie/rock band from Aylesbury. After taking the local music scene by storm, the band rapidly spread further afield, becoming more and more in demand in the Oxford and London scenes. They were voted one of the top bands out of 20,000 entrants to win a slot at the prestigious Camden Rocks Festival; performed alongside the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, Bryan Adams and The Pretenders at Cornbury Festival, have headlined a packed out O2 Academy in Oxford and had two sold-out EP launch shows in the past two years.The band have just released their latest EP, ‘Unhinged’.

Callow Saints deliver a varied batch of memorable songs that exude energy and passion in their ‘Unhinged’ EP. ‘I Should Run’ sets the EP in motion, seeped in emotional tones as a moving melody drifts upon a vibrant backdrop of crashing drums, elastic bass and strident stinging guitars. The flicker between the zealous guitars and sensual groove on bass makes for a wholly enthralling experience for the verses as it teases and builds in intensity for the gritty explosive chorus. They blend the raw expressive emotion and edgy rock soundscapes perfectly creating a meticulously layered sound. This EP gives a sublime taste of the sound Callow Saints have developed, the tracks are catchy, dark and extremely consuming. ‘E.M.M.A’ is pushed by a driving rooted bass line while punchy drums pummel through staggering, slick, guitar work. The whispered bridge adds a creepy, haunting quality that keeps you on your toes- this track is sublimely mesmerising. Ruby’s vocals command attention- her power and control is masterful as she croons, whispers and bellows with magnificent control. Her sultry vocals for the verses of ‘Ten’ is particularly enticing as steamy guitars whine over a steady beat and sensual bass. Once again they produce a fiery aggressive chorus which interrupts the vaporous atmosphere. That guitar riff is hypnotic and spine chillingly good.‘Kiss Is Bliss’ brings us to the end of the EP with a lighter tone. The riff has a Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ feel while the buoyant rhythm, catchy lyrics and peppy melody lusciously makes this track a sing along anthem. It’s an animated, bright way to the end the EP while still packing in some rock punch.

‘Unhinged’ is a thoroughly satisfying EP filled with all the right ingredients to have you rocking out, dancing and singing with ease. Each track is brimming with delicious melodies upon gritty rough instrumentation with a sweet, swagger soaked sliver of silky sleekness on top. Ruby’s vocals are just sublime and powerful she transmits passion and emotion from every note effortlessly to create enthralling, gripping tracks that are wonderful to listen to but mighty enough to have a nice kick.

Stream ‘Unhinged’ below