Category Archives: EP Review

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

Natural Mystery Museum ‘Volume 0’ EP

London trio Natural Mystery Museum have released their first EP ‘Volume 0’. ‘Volume 0’ was recorded at The Premises Studios in London and mixed by Caesar Edmunds, known for his work with Foals and Queens of the Stone Age. Since forming in 2018, the band have taken to the London Alt-Rock scene, catching eyes and ears along the way.The band have gained a reputation for their hard-hitting, frantic live shows, attracting management company ‘Major Influence’ to get on board. Natural Mystery Museum have been supporting Sunset Sons throughout their UK tour in June, and have a London headline show planned in July

‘Volume 0’ is a searing blast of alternative rock freshly squeezed and shaken up with a biting kick. The band slap on slick glossy melodies over a gritty fuzz filled backdrop to create the most satisfying listening experience. ‘Enter The Void’ kicks off the EP with slinky shimmy- esque rhythms while razor sharp, swagger dripped guitars soar and inject zest into the track. With a groove infested bass line driving this track its a prancing adrenaline inducing banger ready to please the ears with slinky raw goodness.The mosh ready crescendos are plentiful as Natural Mystery Museum evoke glorious images of their manic live shows though their frenzied instrumentation.Heavy riffs, distortion and refined guitar moments prance all over  ‘Dead Friends’ and ’Salt The Earth’  as they strut and confidently swagger through your mind with finesse and shredding might. ‘If I (Could Lie)’ is the closest we get to a slow jam with intricate guitar flourishes between a steady beat and melty melody. This track surges with vibrancy and subtle bliss before blasting into a fuzz filled psychedelic crescendo of madness. This mind melting mania is reminiscent of the chaos in Mini Mansion Mirror Mountain with a softer flurry and texture. 

‘Volume 0’ displays the confident and ballsy sound of Natural Mystery Museum as they flesh out their brawny riffs, slick guitar work and infectious rhythms. A wholly satisfying EP. 

Stream ‘Volume 0’ below 


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

Butterfly Stone ‘Serious’ EP

5 piece rock band, Butterfly Stone have released their latest EP, ‘Serious’.Butterfly Stone hail from the West Midlands, UK, originally formed by Emmy Award winning composer and producer Mark Willott. They have composed songs for international motion pictures ‘The Snow Queen’ & ‘Snow Queen 2’ and The Song ‘Serious’ was used in the Russian movie, Superbobrovi.

‘Serious’ is a beefy powerful EP brimming from the seams with dynamic alternative rock as  Butterfly Stone flesh out their frenzied hyper sound. The EP features three tracks with three different lead vocalists. The band fluctuate coolly from ballsy rock to funky flex and sweet ballad seamlessly.Title track ‘Serious’ takes the lead with a mammoth sound of crashing guitars, pulverising drums and attitude soaked vocals. With a shredding riff slicking through the lean mean backdrop this track introduces the EP with gusto and power. ‘Believe’ follows strutting that funky/flaunty side of the band with brass blasts creating an equally impressive massive sound to more jubilant effect. With raping vocals and catchy chorus the band demonstrate their diversity while still maintaining a hefty sleek sound. ‘Breathe’ brings the EP to a tender end as elegant piano, twinkles and strides behind a passionate vocal delivery. It’s a power ballad that packs a serious punch. The track builds slowly to a mighty crescendo that is emotional and spine chilling.

Butterfly Stone showcase their powerful musicianship and diversity as a band through this rollercoaster EP that features something for everyone.

Stream ‘Serious’ below


Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Master of None ‘You Will Get What You Deserve’ EP

Little Red’s Ian Mitchell (AKA Master of None) has released ‘You Will Get What You Deserve’ EP by All Will Be Well Records.The EP features three brand-new tracks that tell stories of murder and vengeance.

‘You Will Get What You Deserve’ EP saturates and gushes with Master of None’s dark eerie sound and coiling musicianship. Title track ‘You Will Get What You Deserve’ introduces distortion, sharp guitar and a steady beat, kicking off the EP with chilling tones and a slick rock hued backing. The reverb laden vocals is what brings this track to goosebump inducing status. The instrumental backdrop meanders from gritty guitar to an electronic fused spasm as the track develops. ‘Call Me Jack’ follows suit with slick, jagged guitars with a country undertone that is suffocated by the razor sharp rock background while Mitchell’s vocal melody has a Johnny Cash – esque quality to it. This twisted,beguiling blending of genres is what makes this track so mesmerising. ‘Hunt You Down’ brings us to the end of the EP. More dark,ominous and heavier than the other tracks this catchy number lacerates with acute sultry guitars while the electronics pulse and slap between the haunting sinister vocals as Master of None creates a chilling western- esque brawny track with flashing soundscapes and an utterly creepy atmosphere.

Master of None has developed and crafted his unique sound to create something perilous within ‘You Will Get What You Deserve’ while stewing each track in sultry dark instrumentation and sublime genre blending.

Stream ‘You Will Get What You Deserve’ below


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

The Vercettis ‘Starfish Island’ EP

Cork alternative band The Vercettis have released their new EP, ‘Starfish Island’. A diverse and energetic EP  ‘Starfish Island’ showcases the slick, swaggering sound of The Vercettis through vivid and kinetic musicianship.

There is sublime bass lines, sweltering guitar moments and rich rhythms within this EP. ‘Porno Star’ – doused in funk flavoured dance rock, kick starts the EP. This catchy track which explores male sexual insecurity features slinky guitar lines, a sprightly bass and buoyant beat to add a quirky and entertaining backdrop for its theme. ‘Bang’ introduces a bluesy tone to the bands sound. With a scorching guitar solo and psychedelic tinges between the heavy riff, snappy drums and alien- esque sounds- its a sensual and eerie track to wrap your ears around. ‘You’ follows fleshing out the bands sublime guitar work as a sweet guitar melody weaves through the chilled out number with vibrant delicate tones. Laid back and effortlessly easy on the ears this track blends in a sprinkling of hip hop influences against a wistful melody and floaty dreamy soundscape. ‘Cradula’ brings us to the end of the EP with an infectious foot tapping beat as this luring dark number surges with a sultry yet ominous alternative rock tone. This track is perfectly crafted for that goosebump inducing, menacing feeling as rich instrumentation slinks in creating a sense of haunting dramatic horror. The track develops to a wonderful instrumental section that becomes peppy, dance infused and quirky before returning to the rhythmic thud and ghostly creep. The track which is written from the perspective of the vampire “Cradula” as he attempts to seduce his next victim is a magnificent and cinematic end to the EP.

The Vercettis showcase their quirky and creative musicianship in ‘Starfish Island’. Each track is packed with rich vibrant instrumentation that is sure to stir your darkest side while enticing your dancing bone and tantalizing/tickling your alternative rock itch.

Stream ‘Starfish Island’ below


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

Rain ‘Volume 1’ EP

Rain have released their debut EP ‘Volume 1’. The band which is a three piece from Sunderland in the north east of England is comprised of lead singer and guitarist Patrick Ashurst, Alex Liddle on bass and Ben Mitchell on drums and backing vocals.

‘Volume 1’ is a compact EP brimming with Rain’s engaging indie rock. ‘You Used To Say’ sets the EP in motion with the sweet chime and jingle of indie soaked guitar with punchy drums and a rooted bass. Rain present a chilled summer drenched sound that hooks you from the start as laid back vocals mope over the vibrant instrumentation. Their sound is tight and brimming with zesty engaging guitar lines that are intoxicating to the ears. ‘Let Me Free’ brings a rock n ‘roll shimmy to their sound with swagger drizzled on top of gritty sharp guitar and buoyant rhythms. A little darker than its predecessor this track has a smoky more abrasive vibe. ‘Across the Dim Line’ closes the EP with light jangly guitar and indie rock soundscapes. The nonchalant vocals add a moody quality to the verses before the track bursts into its catchy chorus.

Rain are crafting their sound and fleshing out their indie alternative flavours. ‘Volume 1’ is a tight well formed EP that showcases a promising band finding their brand and style while creating some enjoyable tunes.

Stream ‘Volume 1’ below


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Lady Landscape ‘2’ EP

Meath-based five-piece, Lady Landscape have released their new EP ‘2’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and smooth baritone vocals. ​Upon forming, the then two piece band released their first EP ‘1’ in 2018, before taking a short hiatus, whilst Harrison spent some time in Vancouver, Canada to work on new demos. McDonnell and Harrison then returned to work in their makeshift bedroom studios to craft and shape their second release ‘2’. Constantly developing their sound with each release, Lady Landscape became a five-piece in 2019, incorporating friends of the group: Jamie Reynolds (Drums), Tiernan Buckley (Bass) and Adam Ollin (Lead Guitar), for a series of live shows in Dublin.

‘2’ is a four track treasure of laid back dreamy tunes that melt into your brain with euphoric delight. The bands simplistic approach creates tracks that are easy on the ears as they fill the songs with mellow tones and luscious textures. ‘Nanaimo’ kick starts their sun kissed sound with an angel delight-dipped melody, nonchalant vocals and twinkling instrumentation. With glistening guitars flickering between the hazy soundscape while a buoyant beat keeps the track peppy and light, ‘Nanaimo’ flurries by with effortless charm and soothing tones. The band blend rich and rejuvenating musicianship with calm, soft lo-fi pop soundscapes and shimmering synths seamlessly. A good example of this is the ethereal ‘Kitsilano’ which was previously featured on Indie Buddie. With their tight musicianship and indie pop sprinkles, Lady Landscape create an EP that is delicious and refreshing. The tranquilizing tones continue with ‘Jericho’ , a sweet ditty with a mesmerising guitar melody and majestic synths. These guys have a knack for honeyed, velvety melodies and ‘Jericho’ takes that skill and turns it up a notch as they subtly surge the track with a 60’s flower power vibe all while layering the track in rich rhythms and glorious sun kissed textures. Final track ‘Varanasi’ brings the EP to a gentle and peaceful end as the tender melody drifts upon a glistening soundscape of soft guitar, and spacey synth elements while the baritone vocals coo the sweet lullaby- esque lyrics. This psychedelic hue closes out the EP allowing you to sail away into a delicate dreamland gracefully.  

‘2’ is a wholly satisfying EP as Lady Landscape’s mature, beautiful sound gently blossoms with refinement and grace – it’s captivating and unique.

Stream ‘2’ below


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

Valhalla ‘Big Men, They Fall’ EP

Dublin alternative rock trio Valhalla have released their debut EP ‘Big Men, They Fall’. The band comprised of Mark Boyle (Vocals & Guitar), Barry Monahan (Bass) and Luke Alford (Drums) have been hard at work with multiple live headline shows across the Dublin scene in such venues as The Workmans Club, Sin E, The Sound House, The Underground and Fibber Magees. 2018 saw the band play a sold-out show in Whelan’s for the single launch of “Hear Me Calling” which has been well received with airplay on Radio Nova & RTE 2XFM.

‘Big Men,They Fall’ foreshadows a promising future for Valhalla. This intoxicating EP is full of wonderful engaging guitar lines, infectious grooves, stomping rhythms and sublime melodies. It’s not just the jagged rawness and subtle hue of rock slapped aggression in ‘Don’t Leave Her Down’ that engages and lures your ears into their music. It’s also the sweet melodies and meaty riffs and how they bring a sleek, emotional quality into their powerful tracks. This perfect blend of edgy rock, moody indie and soft delicate moments is what makes this EP a mature and refined experience.With ethereal, almost celestial tones on guitar glimmering through the dark smoky ‘Don’t Leave Her Down’ Valhalla showcase the bands proficient ability to meticulously craft and build their tracks beautifully. The powerful vocals from Mark Boyle surge each track with emotion and warm tones. ‘Hear Me Calling’ brings a funky flex to the EP as the rooted bass weaves a hip moving groove through the sultry guitar while the punchy drums keep the foundation lean and mean. With a clap along feature, enticing melody and perfect blend of gritty/silken textures- this trio find the sweet spot between dark rawness and strut worthy sleekness, solidifying their hold on your ears. ‘The Revenant’ slows the tone as Boyle pines over an emotional melody and gripping instrumentation. This is one for the teary power punch in the air as we see a tender side to the bands musicianship all while packing in beautiful guitar work and engaging rhythms leading us perfectly to the final track ‘Cryptic’. A tender, icy number that exposes raw emotion through a bittersweet melody and compelling instrumentation.


‘Big Men,They Fall’ is a four track EP that boasts the intricately cultivated and tight musicianship of Valhalla. The band have a full, rich sound and maturity that stands composed, passionate and impressive. They are ones to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Big Men,They Fall’ below


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

Pretty Happy ‘EGO, NO EGO’ EP

Hot off the release of single ‘Mr Crabs’ in February of this year, Cork based indie-punk trio Pretty Happy have released their debut EP, ‘EGO, NO EGO’. The group, consisting of brother/sister duo Arann (lead vocals, bass) & Abbey Blake (Guitar) and Andy Killian on Drums have built a solid reputation as one of Cork’s most charismatic and creative live bands over the past 18 months.

There is a lot of character and intriguing elements to ‘EGO, NO EGO’ as Pretty Happy finely blend some punk rawness with indie melodies and lush instrumentation. It’s a refined body of work, unique in its obscurities and filled with refreshing tunes, quirky interludes and catchy as hell melodies. ‘Note To Self: Don’t Buy Any More Skittles’ – a spoken snippet with delusion inducing sounds takes us into the sublime world Pretty Happy have created. There is a groovy shimmy from ‘Shut Up’ as the bass wiggles through a punchy drum beat while suave guitars jangle about the track. The lush backing vocals hold that infectious melody while the screaming, needy main vocals yelp hysterically. The lyrics are humorous and the track seamlessly wanders between brain crashing frenzy and sweetly mellow creating a thrilling psychotic sense of comfort.Indie Buddie favourite  ‘Mr. Crabs’ follows with its swagger drenched persona pounding though your brain with no shame. There is a theatrical flavour to these tunes and Pretty Happy blend this drama with absolutely mesmerising instrumentation and rhythms. Each track is unforgettable, unique and wholly mind boggling. ‘Eugene Completely Sold Me Out, Even Though I Let Him Give Me a Skittle for a Ride Home. Hell Yeah!’ is an interesting interlude that has to be experienced to be believed. ‘Delay’ peppers the EP in indie rock with vibrant guitars glistening with scintillation strengthened by the rooted foundation and thumping beat. The track builds into a dreamy pop speckled chorus. This song meanders from 60’s tones of flower power to reggae- esque hues before its dazzling psychedelic crescendo. A truly trippy and engaging journey, this track is where Pretty Happy showcase their musical prowess. The EP finishes on another obscure number- the short ‘That’s Over- Crooked Man’ another dramatic ditty with snide eerie vocals over a deep bass groove. It’s short but very absorbing ( I  wish there was more of that tune).

These guys have the entertainment down to a tee. Each track is witty and filled with character while the instrumental quality is top notch.  ‘EGO, NO EGO’ is a wholly satisfying and bewitching experience.

About the EP Arann Blake said : “We wanted to release an EP that was fun. Something that captured our personality but also had the energy of our live performance. We were also able to get a bit creative with our drummer Andy Killian producing. Andy was able to do our songs justice whilst still experimenting to make an EP that’s a bit different.”

Stream ‘EGO, NO EGO’ below


EP Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Giorgio De Palo ‘First Waves’ EP

Berlin-based Italian singer-songwriter Giorgio De Palo has released his first debut EP called ‘First Waves’. Most of the EP has been created in his small home studio, where time and economical pressure were inexistent offering the ideal environment for a free creative process.

‘First Waves’ is an easy listening collection of tracks filled with beautiful mellow melodies and rich musicianship simmering in ethereal atmospheres. ‘Eclipse’ kicks off the EP with sublime guitar, plucked delicately through wispy soundscapes while Giorgio’s warm vocals passionately coo over the heartfelt melody. Rich and exotic with sun bursts glistening through every vibrant note and luring beat its a sublime way to begin the EP. The tender previously released singles ‘Rails’ and ‘Vivid Dream’ follow with their uplifting vibes, supple beats and glorious guitar melodies. There is a dreamy haze created in this collection of tracks that absorbs you into a caring world created meticulously by Giorgio. ‘Disruption’ brings the EP to an end with darker tones as haunting soundscapes surround deep vocals and a melancholic melody. It’s a nostalgic sombre number doused in beautiful guitar work and an ominous beat. The way the guitar meanders and weaves through each track ties them all together superbly and adds a majestic quality to this fantastic and moving EP.

Stream ‘First Waves’ below


Americana, EP Review, New Music

Paula Standing ‘Truth and Trickery’ EP

Modern Americana talent, Paula Standing has released her latest EP, ‘Truth and Trickery’. Songwriter and performer, Paula Standing hails originally from North Queensland but now resides in Southern Australia where she spends time perfecting her written craft and building upon her roster of original music.

‘Truth and Trickery’ is a wholesome Americana collection with hues of county rock as Paula Standing fleshes out her musicianship and rich sound.This six track collection shines a light on the modern phenomenon of fake news. ‘A Good Day’ kicks the EP off with sway like tones as a warm guitar creates a sweet waltz-like tempo. With elegant piano and lush backing vocals complementing Standing’s sweet strong vocals its an easy listening ditty. Standing plays about with instruments and genres  throughout the EP as ‘All Over By Christmas’ introduces a steamy string melody while the country twang of ‘ Heartaches’ Coming Around’ ,‘Oh Baby (Why Am I Thinking of You)’ and ‘The War Ain’t Over Remix’ adds warmth and depth. There are some sublime guitar melodies sprinkling lush qualities and sun kissed vibes into each track while the passionate vocals coo and caress the catchy melodies. ‘Beautiful Remix’ brings the album to a sweet and delicate end as a soft beat bounces behind twinkling guitar. Standing’s vocals are the main striking point throughout the EP however the injections of strings and luscious guitar melodies are what makes these track stand out. Not my usual cup of tea but ‘Truth and Trickery’ is a charming sweet EP filled with sophisticated laid back tunes.

Stream ‘Truth and Trickery’ below