Category Archives: Dream Pop

Album Review, Alt- Pop, doo-Wop, Dream Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Zach Leon ‘Sail Away Heart’ Album

23-year-old pop-indie singer Zach Leon has recently released his full-length album entitled ‘Sail Away Heart’. Leon is an alternative artist originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years. Leon released his first solo EP ‘The Great And Terrible’ in  2016 which lead to music videos, local recognition and a growing fan base.

‘Sail Away Heart’ devotes itself to gloriously triumphant anthems like the richly textured ‘California (Girls Don’t Sing)’ with its lush rhythm, snappy catchy melody and superb sing along chorus. ‘The Villain’ follows this pattern with a jazzy vintage piano feature introducing the track before it blasts into a fiery anthem of crashing instrumentation and mighty vocals. Leon uses every weapon in his arsenal to offer up a wide assortment of genres from heavy alternative tunes to the sweet doo wop 50’s- esque romantic elegance of ‘A + K’ and the tipsy swayable ‘Drunk Eggs’ .The first half of the album glides and flows with delicacy and warmth with ‘Sad Tonight’ acting as the acoustic little charmer which displays Leon’s ability to hold your attention with a simple arrangement, beautiful melody and captivating lyrics. The sweet little jingle of ’Sailawayheart pt. 1’ marks the end of that delicate tone as ‘Pretentious Love’ shakes up the album with an alternative rock heaviness. Shouty vocals swear and scream with attitude while guitars crash and drums pound throughout. ‘Fight Me’ smashes through with punk attitude demanding attention with its infectious mosh ready bounce. These particular tracks add a rough and tumble edge to the album making for an invigorating listen. I love the short little interludes in the album ‘Sailawayheart Pt. 2’ and closing track ‘Sailawayheart pt. 3’ are just sweet little dittys you could put on a loop, they are peppy and refreshing.

‘Sailawayheart’ is a refreshing array of beautiful romantic tunes covered in a warm glow and tenderness with some feisty rock and punk whacks thrown in. Leon blends his multi genres well slipping and sliding between genres showing the highs and lows of life and the magical glimpses between. An impressive collection from this young singer songwriter.

Stream ‘Sailawayheart’ below


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

Mason Summit ‘Stick It Out’

21-year-old Los Angeles Songwriter Mason Summit has finished his Homemade Fourth Album ‘Summer Cold’ which is set for release on January 19th, 2018. The lead single ‘Stick It Out’ has been released today. The album follows 2016’s acclaimed ‘Gunpowder Tracks’. In contrast with his previous efforts, which featured ensembles of some of LA’s finest musicians, Summit engineered, mixed, & performed most of Summer Cold himself at home.

‘Stick It Out’ is a light laid back track that oozes bright luminous tones. Summit’s smooth raspy vocals add warmth and a soothing quality. Golden zesty guitar lines sparkle throughout the track giving a sun kissed glow while the elastic bass injections teamed with the punchy drums add depth and flexibility. With swirling soundscapes between the melty melody and blissful instrumentation it’s a luscious slap of positivity and determination. The melody is hazy, dreamy and insanely catchy while the instrumentation floats and bounces around the striking lyrics. With 60’s psychedelic hints and a euphoric atmosphere this track is a charming little ditty that will give a boost on those tough days.

When asked about the track Summit said: “I wrote the oldest song on the record, ‘Stick It Out,’ in August of 2015, right before starting a gap year to apply to schools and finish my last album. The year off was a rough time, emotionally — I was going through a breakup and most of my friends were away at school. But it also turned out to be pretty productive from a creative standpoint.”

Summit is embarking on his first-ever tour of the California coast, along with fellow student and collaborator Irene Greene, in December you can catch him live at:

12/15 The Bistro – Hayward 12/16 Armadillo Music – Davis 12/17 Make-Out Room – San Francisco 12/18 Morro Bay Wine Seller – Morro Bay 12/19 Bang the Drum Brewery – San Luis Obispo

Stream ‘Stick It Out’ below

 


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

Voyages ‘New Year’s Day’

Bath family of five, Voyages have released their new single ‘New Year’s Day’. Voyages is the creation of singer/songwriter, Will Walter whose work began in Spring 2017 in his home studio in the West Country. Enriched by psychedelic sounds, Walter’s journey started to create a modern alternative production and a new sound from everything he loved about his record collection before adding a band of brothers together for the ride. The band, who now perform and record as a 5-piece, are twins, Will and Tim Walter on vocals/keys, their brother Ollie Walter on guitar, alongside another set of twins in James and Lewis Woods who take care of the rhythm section on bass and drums. Their live show has become a huge part of what they do and they plan to be on the festival circuit for summer 2018. The quintet are about to release their debut EP with five fledgling tracks under the guise of ‘New Year’s Day’.

‘New Year’s Day’ is a mouth-watering luscious guzzle of infectious 60’s drizzled pop with a snappy peppy beat rebounding and vibrantly springing off a melty dreamy melody. With heavenly nectarious harmonies and a golden sun soaked radiance this track is a majestic little ear worm destined to brighten any day. Perfectly placed clap along percussion teamed with laid-back cruising guitars which wind in and out playfully between the melody create a snappy humdinger. Well layered and perfectly crafted you hear a new little jingle with every play. It’s mellow, immensely melodic and Beatles- esque with The Beach Boy’s vibes sprinkled on top. Voyages are ones to watch out for. This track is superb.

“The New Year’s Day EP is based around the mistakes made over the last year and the notion that if you didn’t make any you probably didn’t take enough chances, ” explains Will Walter, who wrote lead single, New Year’s Day originally as a poem, on New Year’s Day. “It was ultimately a stream of consciousness brought on by a goddamn awful year and catastrophic New Year’s Eve party which resulted in loss of phone, wallet and mind.”

The EP is available on all digital platforms as well as pre-orders for vinyl copies which include instant digital download. Visit https://voyagesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases for all info.

Stream ‘New Year’s Day’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

The Elephant Room ‘Naive Green’

Dublin-based trio The Elephant Room released their debut album Body in 2014, followed by the EP ‘Blotch’ last summer. They have now released their new single ‘Naive Green’. This psychedelic tinged track is sun kissed lazy days bliss. With smooth laid-back vocals and soft bouncy percussion all wrapped in a breezy mellowness it’s an instant tranquilising shot of ecstasy. With diluted guitar lines paving the path to the dreamy wobbly promised land this track is that subtle gesture and nudge that takes you to your mind-numbing state of bliss. With simple hypnotising “do do do” lyrics and fluffy comfy swirling soundscapes it’s the most luscious melty track that calms, sedates and fills you with hazy summer joy. This track is well crafted as The Elephant Room lull and coo with sublime weaving instrumentation as the perfect backing. Slightly trippy and sweet and oh so smooth these guys are ones to keep an eye on.

Watch the video for ‘Naive Green’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, Indie Quick Picks, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Soul, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

Indie Quick Picks

The Tates 

Genre: Indie pop

Bio:  The Tates  are a Welsh Indie Pop five piece consisting of Liam Fusco, Tom Ryan, Matt Kilgariff, Jac Robin and Shaun Gwizdak. This new track has been eagerly anticipated after the success of the band’s debut release ‘Electric Girl’. The song was supported by Huw Stephens, BBC Introducing, Radio 1 and gained Amazing radio playlisting as well as being A-listed on BBC Radio Wales. Energized by their summer tour in support of ‘Electric Girl’ a confident and inspired band returned to the studio in Cardiff to work with producer Steffan Pringle (Estrons, Himalayas, Future Of The Left) again.

Track: Water

Lyrically ‘Water’ asks a poetic question exploring themes of nature over nurture, as Tom the guitarist explains: “Are the flaws that we share with our parents who we are, or have we learnt from them? Are we free to be the people we want to be or are we trapped by our genetic makeup and our immediate environment and society?”

Why We Like It: It’s a refreshing glistening indie pop track. Infectious sun soaked and brimming with rich textures and melodies. Shimmering synths teamed with zesty stings on guitar and smooth vocals create a sublime hazy dazzling track so succulent and silky it’s mouth-wateringly good.

Follow The Tates on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TheTatesOfficial/

Stream ‘Water’ below

Keeva

Genre: Singer songwriter, blues

Bio: Half Jordanian, half Irish singer Keeva was discovered after ex-White Denim members Austin Jenkins and Josh Block found her demos online. Growing up between Ireland, Jordan and also London, young Keeva has taken inspiration from musical traditions from all three places while also obsessing over the cult 45s of Sun Studios/RCA’s Studio B, alongside the likes of Patsy Cline & Willie Nelson to deliver her debut single Whiskey.

Track: Whiskey.

Why We Like It: It’s a timeless track elegant and delicate in its approach with graceful piano accompaniment and soulful emotional vocals. It’s strong, sure and brave as a firm chord progression gives strength and courage. The melody has sweet tender moments while also filling and seeping with firm endurance. It’s a power ballad for sure but more one to inject power to the listener to get up and get on with it.

Follow Keeva on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/keevamusic

Watch the video for Whiskey below

Polar States

Genre: Indie

Bio: Liverpool-based quartet Polar States début single won them the attention of Grammy Award winning producer Jon Withnall (Coldplay, Elbow) and since then its been none stop. The band have now released their debut four track EP ‘Lost’.

Track: ‘Lost’

Why We Like It: Title Track ‘Lost’ is the perfect example of Polar States infectious indie rock. Smattered in bubbly pop elements with a laid back smooth ear worm melody it’s a melodic flavoursome little ditty. Sharp guitar injections and dark undertones add a nice bite and gritty texture and teamed with punchy drums and lush vocals it’s the perfect blend. This track is radio ready and one which can be enjoyed by all.  Make sure to check out the rest of the EP it’s a doozy.

Follow Polar States on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/PolarStates/

Stream ‘Lost’ below

 Joe Russell-Brown

Genre: Dream Pop

Bio: 19-year-old Joe Russell-Brown’s has released his debut EP it is a collection of songs created on a cheap microphone and laptop in his grandma’s bungalow. It captures his transition from acoustic songwriter to dream-pop band leader

Track: Post-Youth Depression

When asked about the track Joe said: “Post-Youth Depression is a retrospective euphoria of the days you can only appreciate when they’re gone. It’s about friends, living in a shit town and the acceptance of whatever’s to come.”

Why We Like It: It’s a chilled lo-fi track, so soothing laid back and sweetly nostalgic. With slurred vocals and hazy soundscapes it’s like walking into a dream. The subtle guitar adds a whimsical idealistic mist to the track. Smothered in a blurred illusion that gives the track transparency, giving the sense of a euphoric memory in the back of your mind – you can’t grasp it as it is almost  vaporous just there to cherish in the moment but cannot be held on to. Another sublime EP which you should check out.

Follow Joe Russell-Brown on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/joerussellbrownmusic/

Watch the video for Post-Youth Depression below

Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here

 


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

Cider Wasps ’Ethereal’ EP

Cider Wasps are a four-piece alternative rock band from Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Ireland. The band consists of brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford, Stephen Keating and Colin Drummey. Formed in early 2013 the quartet have been gigging in various venues across the country but as of late have started hitting the Irish festival scene with an appearance at Indiependence 2016. The band launched their debut EP entitled ‘HERE’ in the autumn of 2015 which featured their single Lúnasa. Many radio stations and DJ’s picked up on the EP immediately and it began to hit the Irish airwaves on stations such as WLR-FM, Beat 102-103, CRY104FM, and 98FM to name a few. Their most recent ’Ethereal’ is the second EP release from the band which was launched alongside an independent tour of Ireland starting in Whelans and finishing in Waterford.

’Ethereal’ is an impressively smooth EP packed with passion and sublime melodies. Each track glides smoothly into the next. The tempos are easy-going with dramatic crescendos and with sleek production it’s radio ready. The dreamy delicate ‘80beatspersecond’ kicks off the EP. Silky smooth vocals caress a sweet luscious melody while a throbbing beat sets up the tension for the explosive chorus. These guys write tracks from the heart, every song evokes a rush of urgency and intense emotion while soaring backing vocals and aerial breezy soundscapes lift the tracks to skyscraper heights.’Hummingbird’ trots in with a lively bounce and jangly melodic distorted guitar. The heavy rapid drums and resounding pulse on bass adds a lively energy to the track and danceable foundation. ‘Home’ slows the tone again to start. It’s a heavenly delicate romantic track that builds into a mammothly anthemic explosion. Elevated backing vocals and a heart wrenching rush of blood to the head chorus displays just how good these guys are at making you feel every heavy towering note. ‘Magic Beans’ is simply beautiful and graceful with heavenly soundscapes to start. The track once again erupts for this striking mind-blowing crescendo as Danny Dunford slips into his sweet falsetto range while hefty drums pound and crashing guitars blister and burst through the colossal soundscape. The divine ‘Ethereal’ finishes the EP with warm mellow guitar plucks and tender glowing tones. It’s candy coated purity and tear jerkingly delicate. A sublime melody and sharp guitar stings create a hazy sombre feathery lightness that is just heavenly. When the beat kicks in it’s soft and spongy adding a soothing cushion and bounce. It’s just sublime, a song to treasure.

The ‘Ethereal’ EP is a luscious highly emotive and passionate collection of tracks that touch on all aspects of modern pop/pop-rock without losing cohesion. Silky smooth with the right amount of punch and heaviness throughout. Dunford uses his velvety vocals to inject the right combination of sincerity, drama and emotion into all five tracks creating a satisfying beautiful listen.

You can catch Cider Wasps at their next live show on 23rd November at Fibber Magees, Dublin make sure to check them out.

Stream ‘Ethereal’ below


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

Young Earth ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP

Dublin Indie-Pop/Rock band Young Earth have announced the release of their debut EP, ‘Frequency Illusion’ on Tuesday 7th November along with their biggest headline show to date in The Academy 2, Dublin to mark it’s release. The five track EP will include previous singles ‘Worth It’ and ‘Got A Secret, the latter having amassed over 100,000 Spotify Streams and was previously featured on Indie Buddie. The band have earned critical acclaim from blogs and music tastemakers both internationally and in Ireland, leading to a busy summer of festivals, a co-headline tour and regular local and national radio play, including being included on RTE 2fm’s Rising Playlist.

The ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP is an oh so sweet collection of infectious indie bangers. Every track is short,snappy and feverishly good, they will give you stuck song syndrome. The warm vibes kick in from the first track which is title track ‘Frequency Illusion’. Featuring some golden guitar lines that twinkle throughout it’s indie at its best. With running elastic basslines and a punchy beat teamed with velvety soothing vocals, it’s a balmy soothing track soaked in sweet nostalgia. Honey drizzled summer pop melodies add a swoony hazy tone while the sharp zesty spurts of guitar give a nice edge and sting to the track. This ear worm dreamy haze continues with ‘Worth It’ however, it takes a heavier raw approach to the verse. These guys have a knack with melody and this is visible in every single smashing delicious chorus. Though the lyrics can portray a sombre or longing theme they balance this with a boppy contagious sound that fluctuates between sugar pop and heavier indie rock. ‘Got a Secret’ displays their grittier side. Blistering guitars, striking rhythm and fiery drums- it’s a tight display of their refined musicianship. It features finger clicking swing-like panache soaked verses, zesty sprightly choppy guitar strums and a vibrant bounce on drums teamed with breezy cool vocals. The song oozes oodles of competence and swagger. The powerful instrumental break adds a heavy mosh ready neck snapping might to the track displaying Young Earths diversity and seamless blend between luscious pop and heavy rock. ‘Under Cover’ cruises in, smooth and sleek with an enticing luring verse and glossy exterior. It’s just too cool and suave. The track builds becoming more dynamic for the anthemic chorus and shrilling guitar solo. Catchy as hell and razor sharp yet oh so smooth, it just screams panache. ‘Let Go’ brings us to the end of the EP on a high. Melty bright melody, creamy vocals and luminous tones bring that state of euphoria and elation that Young Earth do so well. Warm mellow guitar lines playfully entwine between the delectable melody while a throbbing rhythm adds a flexible groove and danceable quality. It’s uplifting and motivating with hints of sentimentality creating a richly emotive track that grabs you and makes you want to listen to it over and over again.

Young Earth ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP is a refined well crafted EP brimming with killer melodies and smashing instrumentation. These guys blister and bubble in all the right places while also wrapping you in a luscious layer of sun kissed dreamy pop. The tracks are like smarties, smooth creamy heavenly inside with a harder shell coating. They balance summer pop anthems and sweet melodies with heavier, fuzzier sounds seamlessly. An impressive EP from the Dublin four piece.

Lead Single, ‘Let Go’ will be released on the 31st October. Tickets for their EP launch will be available through Ticketmaster Ireland in association with MCD productions here – http://Bit.do/YOUNGEARTHTICKETS It’s one not to be missed.

Stream ‘Got a Secret’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Fling ‘That’s Nice’

Bradford five piece Fling have released their new single ‘That’s Nice’ by revered independent label Dance To The Radio. The track has recently clocked up radio plays with Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq & Zane Lowe. The band were described as ‘off kilter pop-perfection’ by Wonderland and have been garnering critical praise from all areas of the indie world with Steve Lamacq playing the band numerous times on BBC 6 Music alongside extensive spins from Radio X and even Beats 1 jumping on board. New single ‘That’s Nice’ is a sugar coated indie pop tune, smooth and sleek this quintet have created a laid-back indie pop dazzler that celebrates the natural things in life. A smooth hazy track about having sex, it’s blatant, exuberant and insanely catchy. The sultry guitar licks weave between a honey drizzled melody and spongy beat they cruise in with laid back verses and sizzling instrumentation. Its warm tones wrapped in cosy fuzzy joyous vibes and good times. From the opening catchy keys riff to the scorching guitar and velvety raspy vocals its instantly likeable. It’s a natural  floral and wreaths, irresistible homage to the finer things in life put to dreamy sweet music.

Not one to mince his words, Fling’s frontman Charles McSorley explains ”A lot of people write songs that talk about sex or wanting to have it, but not about doing it. So we did one about doing it because it’s nice doing it.”  …….. fair enough

Stream ‘That’s Nice’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Pop Rock

Fears Chella ‘Lush’

Stoke/Manchester based band Fears Chella have released their new single ‘Lush’. The track follows the success of their last single ‘Girlfriend’, which earned the band playlists slots with Ditto Music, Spotify, Hattie Pearson and Shell Zenner along with BBC Introducing ‘Track of the Week’, support from Huw Stephens on Radio 1 and a plethora of media. With upcoming shows supporting The Big Moon and MISFIRES, whispers of a headline tour around the corner and previous shows headlining a stage at Dot To Dot, slots at Threshold and Sonder Festival as well as slots supporting All Tvvins, Honeyblood, LIFE, King No-One and PINS these guys are really grabbing attention and making their sound heard.

‘Lush’ is a juicy burst of refreshing indie pop. Smooth and breezy these guys glide in on an effortlessly cool wave of sun soaked indie sprinkled pop with a hint of grunge underneath. Dreamy lavish soundscapes swish around sharp guitar stings and a soft bouncy beat. It’s anthemic with a catchy chorus and exhilarating instrumentals. It’s an adrenaline rush of youthful bliss. Sugar coated and sweet yet blustery and raw. Fears Chella keep their sound edgy and polished at the same time to create a hazy dreamy, airy almost chaotic 90’s tinged indie banger. To put it simply it’s well ‘Lush’.

Stream ‘Lush’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, Synth-pop

The Only Ocean ‘Fake Sunflowers’

The Only Ocean are a four -piece atmospheric rock band from Lompoc, CA — a town most notable for its high security prison and its annual Flower Festival. Friends since junior high, the band taps into a level of unity that is typically only achieved by sibling groups, like the Beach Boys or the Jonases, their tight modern grooves locking together to support a soft bed of crackling guitars and soaring vocals. In 2015, they released their self-titled debut album, a polished collection of dreamy psych-rock bangers, produced by Jonathan DeBaun (The Mars Volta, Omar Rodríguez-López). After a year of supporting the record with energetic shows spanning the California coast, they returned to studio to record a 5-track follow up EP, titled ‘TOO’; a denser and more aggressive effort, with lead single ‘Cul-De-Sac’ approaching hardcore and punk rock in its ferocity. Tracks like ‘So Shy So High’ hinted at a more ornate and melodic direction to come. With the recent addition of guitarist Mic Singh, The Only Ocean’s sound has expanded to even grander proportions. Their recent release, ‘Good Morning’, is a confident and deliberate side-step into the festival rock arena, with producer DeBaun again returning to put his signature flair on things, dutifully guiding the band into new territory. The Only Ocean have now released their new single ‘Fake Sunflowers’ which follows the new solid sound of ‘Good Morning’ .

‘Fake Sunflowers’ flickers and bleeps with flashing sonic soundscapes against strident sharp guitars and an infectious beat. The soaring chorus adds an ethereal quality to the track while the lush sweet melody glides along smooth and creamy like honey to the ears. Tight harmonies add a multi dimension and rich texture to the track while the electronic soundscape adds a psychedelic dreamy vibe. It’s displayed simply but backed by richly layered intricate instrumentation. Another sublime track from The Only Ocean.

Stream ‘Fake Sunflowers’ below