Category Archives: Alt Rock

Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Fangclub ‘Knife’

 

Fresh from their first UK headline tour Dublin trio Fangclub have have announced the release of their highly personal new EP titled ‘True Love’ along with their new single ‘Knife’. The 5 track EP, set for release on June 29th, is a fiery collection of Fangclub’s unique brand of alternative rock. 2018 has already been a busy one for Fangclub, having toured with The Cribs, Milk Teeth and Nervus as well as rocking the UK with their first headline tour. 2017 was a hell of a year for the band too. Not only did they release their self titled debut album (available now on Vertigo Records) to mass critical acclaim but they also toured the UK and Ireland with their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies, and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart) with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words.

Now this track raises the bar. ‘Knife’ introduces a more aggressive mind destroying sound that is just fantastic.It bulldozes in with pure unruly aggro as the rooted bass boils and bubbles beneath a chilled eerie vocal line before the chorus bludgeons you with its crashing wall of sound -screaming vocals and distortion galore. It’s a thrilling, electrifying whack of gritty, rugged, garage rock at its most fermented. The drums bash your skull while the melody still firmly grips the pop infectiousness of their previous tracks however, the intensity is at dangerous levels. I love the energy in this track the destructive, barbaric, chaos churning and coiling for the verses becomes effervescent and erupts for the riveting chorus. This is something special.

Speaking honestly about the music and its lyrical content, enigmatic frontman Steven King said this of the EP.
“True Love is a collage of an intense year that almost ended the band.Last year I became infatuated with the idea of True Love. But not just love of a person. Love of drink, drugs, people, actions & habits. Anything can be your “One True Love” if you let it. Love can be painful. True Love can cut deep like a Knife. “Knife” was my skewed idea of an obsessed love (at the time). It’s the introduction to the EP’s theme. Am I using you or are you using me? I don’t care, I need you. Keep me alive, kill me, keep me warm, make me cold, make me happy, make me sick, wake me up & make me sleep. I don’t mind being chained to you under the blanket of True Love.”

You can catch the band live at the following shows this summer

June

1st Vestrock, Hulst, The Netherlands

2nd K-Fest, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland

July

13th 2000 Trees, Cheltenham, UK

20th Truck Festival, Oxford UK

27th Sunflower Festival, Lisburn, Northern Ireland

Stream ‘Knife’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Breaks ‘Masquerade’

Manchester unsigned indie band The Breaks have recently released their latest single ‘Masquerade’ which is the lead single on their ‘Trap Door’ EP. This blistering fuzzed indie rock track swarms in all ruffled and scuzzy as coarse guitars sting and crash against pummelling drums and elastic bass. Though initially appearing a mighty force of bruising rock this track maintains a slick chilled underbelly as laid back swagger drenched vocals cool the scorching instrumental backdrop with a slinky melody and effortless charm. The guitar riffs sear and swelter while that rooted bass groove pushes the track into impressive adrenaline rushing heights. It’s a high voltage rampage from The Breaks that entices with sweet chilled tones luring underneath a thrilling tight wall of sound that surges through your veins heightening every sense. It’s brawny and sensual all at once and i’m sure makes for one manic mosh pit when performed live. This exhilarating track makes The Breaks ones to watch out for.

Watch the video for ‘Masquerade’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Surf Rock

The Helters ‘Afghani Super Smack’ EP

Five piece alt/indie band from Wellington Somerset, The Helters have released their new EP ‘Afghani Super Smack’. The band comprised of members Mark Owen (vocals), Davey Roberts (guitar) , Charlie last (drums), Conor Dolan (bass) and Alex Canham (guitar) have been together for two years and have already been featured on BBC Introducing as well as selling out local venues and getting regular plays on local stations over the country.

‘Afghani Super Smack’ is a euphoric collection of tracks that flood with that youthful hazy longing and adrenaline of the Pixies. The Helters’ sun kissed dreamy indie becomes apparent from the twinkling intro of ‘Salt’. They don’t dwell in this delirious haze for long when the track kicks in, it’s edgy and raw as dizzying guitars whirr around punchy drums and attitude driven vocals. The band slap on a breezy biting atmosphere to accompany the pop drizzled melty melody adding bite to the smooth sun-kissed atmosphere. Each track displays new fragments to their melodic guitar elements which at times soars to ethereal heights in tracks such as the blissful exhilarating ‘Four Aces’. The bass in ‘Afterglow’ provides a muscular foundation for the golden guitar moments and showcases the meticulous layering and polished production of the tracks as it contrasts perfectly yet, alone, holds its own captivating elements. The melodies are just sublime as they surge with sugar sprinkled longing and melancholy with an adrenaline heart gripping rush driving it through. ‘Killing Joke’ is another example of the superb bass work as shrilling guitars and rumble on bass create a tense start to the song. It’s catchy and filled with a touch more attitude than its predecessors. This soaring, anthemic, edgy number is the perfect way to end the EP as it is biting, thrilling and dreamy all at once.

‘Afghani Super Smack’ is a fresh breezy effort from The Helters. It’s sweetly melodic, euphoric and anthemic with a crashing blustery instrumental backdrop that is heart pumping and balmy while their surf-rock elements are tight and simply sublime. All the component parts are filled with the classic 90’s era indie that will make you sweetly nostalgic. A majestic EP for sure and one for those lazy summer days.

Stream ‘Afghani Super Smack’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

Bastille ‘Quarter Past Midnight’

Bastille have released their new single ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ which is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming third album, the follow-up to 2016’s UK No. 1 album ‘Wild World’. The past half-decade has certainly been a whirlwind for the four-piece, who comprise frontman Dan Smith (who is the sole songwriter, and co-produces all the tracks alongside Mark Crew), keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris Wood. They’ve played over 500 shows across six continents, including their recent, critically acclaimed ReOrchestrated tour, and have amassed 15 million single sales and 6 million album sales globally. Both ‘Bad Blood’ and its follow-up, ‘Wild World’, reached No.1 in the UK and the top 10 in the US, and their music has been streamed a staggering 3.3 billion times. They’ve not gone without awards recognition either: after winning British Breakthrough Act at the BRITs, they’ve earned Grammy, AMA and MTV Europe Awards nominations. The new single which was recorded and self-produced in the band’s newly built studio which also houses Smith’s record label Best Laid Plans (Rag N’Bone Man, Rationale), is set to follow their upward trend.

‘Quarter Past Midnight’ is a surging rush of the anthemic bliss Bastille do so well. Driven by a snapping breakbeat and adrenaline flooding drums which fill the track with a shot of exhilaration that dashes through your veins while the infectious melody melts on top of kinetic electronic soundscapes. Oozing tones of excitement and elation this track whizzes with an effervescence that grabs you and makes you want to let loose, dance, sing and just expel all your stress and worries. Sweet toned guitar jangles weave coolly between this delicious explosion of sounds creating a warm delicate braid –  tying all the luscious component parts together while injecting a little stream of zest throughout track. Smiths smooth vocals seamlessly flow between his velvety baritone and sweet falsetto making for a dynamic listen. It’s vivid cinematic chorus provides that final burst of ecstasy that will have you hooked and craving more. Bastille never disappoint.

About the track frontman Dan Smith says: “It’s just about trying to capture that Sliding Doors moment on a night out. Some people are gonna go home; for some this is just the beginning. It became about being in someone’s car, driving through the city, and I wanted to try and capture that sense of excitement, and that rush.”

Stream ‘Quarter Past Midnight’ below

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, New Music, Punk Rock

All Hope Remains ‘Hindsight’ EP

Four-piece punk rock outfit All Hope Remains have released their newest 7-track EP ‘Hindsight’. All Hope Remains is a punk-rock band taking a contemporary approach to a scene that boomed in the mid 90’s.Forming a little over 2 years ago, All Hope Remains is an amalgamation of members from former Surf Coast bands, LostBoyFound and Driveby Epic. Spending the first chunk of their time together behind closed doors writing and creating their sound before moving on to gigging under the band name Kill The King, which was eventually changed upon finding the name didn’t truly reflect the project they’d worked to build. The EP itself consists of a variation of early songs written at the start of their formation, and songs written more recently, offering an insight into the growth of the band over the past few years whilst remaining consistently tight and mature throughout. Taking influence from bands such as No Use For A Name, Strung Out and Bodyjar, who lead the uprise of the punk-rock scene in the early 90’s, All Hope Remains present a modern interpretation of the music that inspired their development as musicians.

‘Hindsight’ is a fast paced, gritty, guitar driven collection of tracks that pound with the youthful adrenaline of early 90’s punk rock. It’s a brisk EP that flies by in the blink of an eye as some of the tracks are short and sweet. ‘Sorrow Sustained’ sets the EP in motion with accelerated guitars crashing against punchy drums creating a hyper wall of sound for the ethereal melody to rebound off. The track runs along at a snappy pace while jagged start stop injections shake things up a bit ready for that mosh pit mania.‘Tolerate’ and ‘Smoke And Mirrors’ are two short numbers, both coming in at just over 1 and a half minutes of brisk heavy guitars and crunching soundscapes.  The band flesh out their emotion pop punk melodies in tracks such as ‘Bleed Regret’ and ‘These Machines’ as these soft sweet melodies melt over a hefty instrumental bashing. All Hope Remains flood a decent amount of sun soaked vibes through their sound as well as the guitars scorch and shred throughout. The bustling, vivacious punk rock relentlessly ploughs through right to the last track ‘Worthless’. The stamina throughout this EP travels at bubbling, high intense speeds to create a familiar yet refreshing listen.

‘Hindsight’ showcases All Hope Remains’ ability to produce listenable tunes and hefty doses of punk rock with some pop thrown on top to create a distinct and respectable sound that is sure to be insane live.

Stream ‘Hindsight’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Michael Jablonka ‘Flump’

Michael Jablonka has released his new single ‘Flump’. This searing track marks a grittier grunge infested shift in Jablonka’s sound. It’s a fierce shredding slice of indie rock, as raw course guitar riffs lacerate with adrenaline surging force through the groovy rhythm. With its pedal to the metal potency, Jablonka walks the fine line between edgy ferocity and chilled suaveness. His vocals are as cool as a cucumber while blistering guitar and pummelling drums twist, coil and combust behind him. This rich dynamic track is another fantastic reason to keep an eye out for this guy. His talent and skills are one to be admired and his tunes, frenzy inducing dynamite.

You can catch Michael Jablonka live on Sat 19 May at The Queen’s Hotel, Brighton (Great Escape Festival)

Stream ‘Flump’ below


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

Wulfman Fury ‘Getaway’

Sheffield lo-fi garage-rock five-piece Wulfman Fury have released their new single ‘Getaway’. Fronted by experienced session player George Moran, the band is made up of Steve Harrison (bass/vocals), Joe Moran (guitar/vocals), Will Severs (keys), and Dave Mitchell (drums). The brain child of George and Dave, Wulfman Fury was born from George’s ‘Fox Den Studios’ and has been going from strength to strength since its conception in October 2017. To date, the band have self-released two singles, ‘Nightsweats’ and ‘Draw the Line’, as well as a Sheffield themed b-side ‘Blades and Owls’. Each release has been met with early praise from those in the industry and a growing fan base inside and out of Sheffield. ‘Nightweats’, ‘Draw the Line’ and new single ‘Getaway’ have had airplay on BBC Introducing, BBC Radio Wales, Amazing Radio and on stations in Canada and France to name a few. In their hometown Wulfman Fury are yet to play a gig that hasn’t sold out.

‘Getaway’ is that sublime rush to the head of indie rock that thrills to the core. It’s brimming with rich melodic sounds from the infectious adrenaline inducing melody to dazzling keys that shimmer between a punchy rhythm. With fuzzed guitar jabs and a staggeringly smooth swagger laced vocal- this track has it all. The melody is doused in mysterious vibes while distortion whines behind flashing keys creating a spacey, psychedelic atmosphere. Guitars whirl and stab electrifying buzz fulled intensity through a stomping rhythm to create a wholly engulfing, riveting listen. It’s a breathtaking display from Wulfman Fury and another outstanding track to get excited about.

You can catch Wulfman Fury live at:

12th May London – Nambucca (This Feeling)
25th Sheffield – Record Junkee (This Feeling)
21st July Sheffield – Tramlines Festival
29th September – Leadmill (Headline)

Watch the video for ‘Getaway’ below


90's Grunge, Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From LIERS 

Dublin’s alternative female fronted four piece LIERS have released their new single ‘Universal Female’. LIERS started life when lead singer Liz Seaver was looking for the right talent to compliment her self-penned music titles. An established singer/songwriter in her own right with two independent albums to her name, Liz has been performing with the line-up of Lead guitarist Ed Scanlan, Bassist Stephen Farrell and Drummer Ronan O’Hanlon for some time at festivals such as Castlepalooza and venues such as the Sugar Club. These four talented musicians are not new to the Irish scene. Liz has previously toured with the inimitable Jack Lukeman and shared the stage with other Irish greats such as Mundy, Damien Dempsey and Paddy Casey. While playing alongside Liz over the years Ed, Stephen and Ronan also formed three-piece ‘Long Tail’ who released the EP “Your Time” and have toured nationwide with Fangclub. The energetic and experienced LIERS are now being repped by Polite Society (Fangclub, Long Tail, Vulpynes).

‘Universal Female’ is a smooth, melodic adrenaline shot of alternative rock. It’s chilled and cool with a whirring buzz fuelled wall of sound. These guys blend a sultry infectious melody with rowdy crashing instrumentation seamlessly to create a wholly satisfying listen. Strident sharp guitars pierce and shred through an elastic rumbly bass and punchy drums while Liz’s dynamic luring vocals slap a hefty dose of sass and power on top. This track is a catchy hook-filled force of nature that steam rolls in and invades your brain leaving you jumping around the room thinking you’re a bad ass. It’s brimming with kinetic energy and blazing spirit with a sing along ready chorus, its sure to be epic live. These guys are ones to watch for sure. ‘Universal Female’ is compact, rhythmically rich and vibrantly explosive in all the right places. It’s definitely worth a listen.

LIERS will also be supporting Fangclub tonight in Whelan’s along with Sub Motion make sure to check them out.

Stream ‘Universal Female’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Mellor ‘Tri-State Blues’

Reading indie quartet Mellor have released their new single ‘Tri-State Blues’. Having recently been tipped by promoters ‘This Feeling’ and Subculture to be ‘Big in 2018’, Mellor’s music has gained exposure from Amazing Radio, BBC 6 Music along with inclusions on Spotify playlists ‘Hot New Bands’, ‘The Indie List’ and ‘Transistor’ (which have a combined following of over 250,000 listeners). The band have had previous gigs playing alongside The Kooks, Bay Rays, Carl Barat & The Jackals, Flyte, and Blaenavon and have now released another catchy banger to wrap your ears around.

A shrilling suave guitar wail introduces ‘Tri-State Blues’ with a choppy steamy swagger that commands your attention. Once that drum kicks in, your hooked. This boisterous panache-soaked track is steeped in adrenaline rushing guitars, punchy drums and dynamic vocals to create a thrilling roller-coaster ride. It’s slick and polished with ear worm melodies that are so smooth and delicious its like they are soaked in honey just to tempt and lure us music mad little bees. The electrifying guitar quivers are riveting while neck snapping hefty elements insure a sweaty, frenzied live performance. Its frenetic yet at the same time cool and chilled as a cucumber. Another sing along ready smasher from the Reading quartet.

You can catch Mellor live at:

28/04/18 – Are You Listening Festival? – Reading

03/05/18 – The Monarch, Camden

12/05/18 – The Horn at The Half Moon, Bishops Stortford

25/05/18 – The Star, Guildford

16/06/18 – The Black Prince, Northampton

 

Stream ‘Tri-State Blues’ below

 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

whenyoung ‘The Collector’

Limerick’s whenyoung have revealed the video for new single ‘The Collector’ which is the third track from the hotly tipped three piece and follows stunning tracks ‘Actor’ and ‘Pretty Pure’. The clip was shot on location in London and directed by frontwoman Aoife Power. This superb gem is engaging and delightful as twinkling guitars and Aoife Power’s crisp vocals introduce the track delicately. The track builds becoming more dynamic as reverb laden guitars whir around her sweet immaculate vocals while the catchy chorus surges through with heart racing urgency. The Collector is subtly anthemic with a captivating melody that flurries around your brain for days. The instrumentation is breezy gripping and majestic without becoming over powering. A sublime track, keep an eye out for this young trio.

Speaking about the clip, Aoife Power said: “The video for The Collector documents the simple, everyday movements that everyone experiences. We are all carrying out the same routine to show that we are all connected in the universal tasks of daily life but still individually searching for a sense of place and belonging. The gentle tones and slow paced everyday storyline was inspired by the films of Eric Rohmer.”

‘The Collector’ comes in the midst of a series of support slots throughout spring for whenyoung, with the three piece touring with the likes of Peace, The Vaccines and Declan Mckenna later this month. Tickets are on sale now, and the full list of dates can be found below.

May

3rd – Headline Show @ The Grand Social, Dublin

4th  – Jimmy’s, Manchester

8th – St. Luke’s, Glasgow (with PEACE)

9th – Leadmill, Sheffield (with PEACE)

11th – Fibbers, York (with PEACE)

12th – The Venue, Derby (with PEACE)

13th – Welly, Hull (with PEACE)

 15th – Norwich, The Waterfront (with PEACE)

16th – Kentish Forum, London (with PEACE)

 19th – Engine Rooms Southampton (with PEACE)

23rd – Dryden Social, Leicester (with PEACE)

24th – Birmingham 02 (with PEACE)

Watch the video for ‘The Collector’ below