Category Archives: Feel Good Music

The Fontaines ‘Cold’

The Fontaines are brother-sister duo, Charlotte and Hank Fontaine, from Los Angeles, their infectious ‘New Wop’ sound with swinging bopping 50s references has become a favourite of ours here at Indie Buddie. So we were delighted to hear they have released a new track for us to obsess over. ‘Cold’ was released today on soundcloud and remains true to their sugar coated doo wop style only this time they have added a refreshing bit of rock in the mix. They have proven that they are not afraid to take risks and it does seem to pay off for this duo.
‘Cold’ begins with a heavy electric instrumental which softens to a light drum beat as Charlotte’s vocals begin in a soft smooth tone until the chorus kicks in and both the instruments and vocals heighten keeping with a bopping 50s style. However, there is a heavier more modern guitar and drums feature which adds some grit and substance to the song. The verse again comes in gentle and soft before a huge instrumental bridge that is full of energy and almost mosh like which is a pleasant surprise and shows us you can do old school and make it fresh and new.
A really impressive and accomplished track from The Fontaines look forward to hearing more!
Stream ‘Cold’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes from The Brazen

The Leeds/Birmingham-based indie rock band The Brazen which consists of Ryan Hobbs (Vocals), Matt Lucas (Lead Guitar), Trev Phillips (Bass), Adam Larner (Drums) and Rob Clayton (Guitars) released their new single ‘Laser Lips’ yesterday, ahead of their début album that is set for release this May.
‘Laser Lips’ is a catchy upbeat tune full of swagger and a rock and roll vibe that makes you want to dance. Its an infectious tune that shows just how versatile these guys are. While ‘Burn It Down’ written by their very own Trev Phillips has a heavier rock sound,  ‘Laser Lips’ lightens things up with a disco dance feel that definitely makes you want to “shake your hips”. Rob Clayton shows off his writing skills with the catchy fun lyrics accompanied with tight luminous instrumental and a blazing slick guitar solo. The contrast in style of both Phillips and Clayton make for a really promising album as their writing styles are different but they have the ability to combine elements of their styles to make great tunes.
‘Laser Lips’ is an energetic fun song that will have you up and dancing in no time! and we mustn’t forget to mention the confident strut like swagger in Hobbs vocals it will make you want to get up and strut your stuff with them.
The Brazens album will be available to pre order from tomorrow so make sure you get your copy!
Stream ‘Laser Lips’ below

The Amazons

The Amazons are an indie rock and roll band from Reading. Members Matt Thomson (vocals and guitar), Chris Alderton (guitar), Elliott Briggs (bass) and Joe Emmett (drums) have been on an upward journey, ever since they first arrived on the music scene with their first demo “Something in the Water” back in early 2015. In March this year they released their new single ‘Stay With Me’ which is an energetic youthful track full of adrenaline. Produced by Tom Dalgety (Royal Blood, The Maccabees), the single has already gathered critical attention. It had its first début on Radio One and has been championed by Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart.
With thunderous drums and slick guitars The Amazons give us a dynamic fist pumping anthem.This is a melodic track that packs a punch, its sure to get everyone dancing and singing along.
You can catch The Amazons at:
Sat 23 Apr Are You Listening Festival ,Reading.
Sun 01 May FestEVOL ,Liverpool.
Thu 12 May House of Vans, London.
Thu 19 May The Great Escape, Brighton.
Fri 27—Mon 30 May Lost Village Festival, Lincoln.
Sun 29 May Lost Village Festival, Lincolnshire.
Fri 15 Jul —Sun 17 Jul Truck Festival,Steventon.
Fri 15 Jul —Sun 17 Jul Beat-Herder, Ribble Valley
Thu 28 Jul —Sun 31 Jul Kendal Calling, Penrith.
Fri 29 Jul Standon Calling ,Standon
Sat 20 Aug Glass Butter Beach Festival, Abersoch
Sat 03 SepFestival No.6 ,Portmeirion
Watch ‘Stay With Me’ below

Fickle Friends

 

Looking for that perfect summer track? Well Fickle Friends have it sorted!
Fickle Friends are an Indie Pop band from Brighton. Natti, Sam, Harry, Chris, and Wilson have brought us our summer heatwave with their track ‘Say No More’. Their shimmering synths, infectious hooks, groovy bass and perky vocals just radiates sunshine. It’s a retro feel-good anthem filled with 80s synths and a dazzling fresh power-pop sound. Its like The 1975 meets Haim.
This warm, feel good energetic track can almost make you feel the heat of the sun an absolutely brilliant track a must listen to!
I’ll look forward to more from Fickle Friends!
Stream ‘Say No More below’

Bonsai

Bonsai are a four piece band from Stoke-on-Trent that consist of Chris Hough (Guitar & Vocals), Joe Hough (Guitar), Benjamin Hough (Bass) and Freddie Godley (Drums). These guys have created an alternative rock sound based on raspy vocals, psychedelic riffs and steady beats, that gives a dusty drive in a desert vibe.

‘Houdini’ was released last year and gives a classic rock feel, with slick, prominent guitar throughout and smooth raspy vocals. The guitar gives a trance feel to the song that draws you in right up to the polished sensual guitar solo.
‘Ned’ starts as a mellow track with a nostalgic guitar teasing the tune until the vocals and drums kick in. This track gives a youthful freedom vibe. With the slick skill of the guitar as a prominent feature throughout and well rounded drum beats this song takes you on an epic journey. Just the guitar riffs and solos alone are like a path to ‘Neverland’ that you can’t help but follow.
Two really strong tracks from very talented and skilled lads , will look forward to hearing more from Bonsai.
Stream ‘Houdini’ and ‘Ned’ below

Keep The date free for Infectious Synth-pop band Neon Wolf

Alternative Synth-pop band Neon Wolf From Kilkenny. Rob Grace ( Vocals), Stevie Cullen (Guitar/ Vocals), Joe Glynn (Drums), Lee Shanahan (Bass) ,Liam Doyle (Keyboards/Vocal) début EP ‘Love Lost In Design’, topped iTunes charts in Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland and saw them receive both national and regional airplay in those countries. In 2012, the band were also awarded the RTE RAAP Breakthrough Bursary, having been chosen out of a list of thousands of entrants. Since then Neon Wolf have been developing a staunch fan-base and have been playing at many festivals such as Electric Picnic, Sea Sessions, as well as a main stage appearance at Longitude 2015. They have also supported The Courteeners, Alabama Shakes, The 1975, The Districts and most recently Hudson Taylor in Belfast’s Mandela Hall and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre.In 2015, Neon Wolf released their single ‘A Place To Call Home’ on Killing Moon Records in Ireland and UK and have now announced a début headline show Upstairs in Whelans live on Saturday June 11th.
These guys are a must see with their tight instrumentation, fun and catchy pop tunes. Their single ‘A Place To Call Home’ is a sunny tropical infectious tune with punchy drum and lustrous guitars. Its bursting with melodic hooks and shimmering synths. Every note explodes good vibes and sunshine. With soft warm vocals and a falsetto chorus just oozing energy and enthusiasm.
Feel good sunny music on a summers day in June, they will make the sun shine even if its raining. Tickets for the gig are €10 and are available from Ticketmaster.
Watch ‘A Place To Call Home’ below

Blossoms “Getaway”

Blossoms have just dropped their new single, the Stockport boys , Tom Ogden (Voice/Guitar), Charlie Salt (Bass/BV’s) Josh Dewhurst ( Lead Guitar) Joe Donovan (Drums) and Myles Kellock (Keyboards/BV’s)  new song “Getaway” is an honest,catchy light pop track. Its melodic with creamy velvety guitar,shimmering synths and steady smooth beats. Toms soft vocals really add a gentle touch to the already emotional piece. This bright upbeat song leaves you with a sweet but sombre vibe which is very compelling. I can imagine “Getaway’ is very effective live as Blossoms are known for their brilliant live performances. We saw them earlier this year and every song had a new dimension when it was performed live so I’ll look forward to where they take this lovely track when they perform it live. They will be supporting The Last Shadow Puppets in Dublin this May make sure you check them out we will definitely be looking forward to their set!
You can catch Blossoms live at :
APR 16 Villa Marina, Isle of Man
APR 30 Live at Leeds, Leeds University Refectory,Leeds
MAY 19 The Great Escape, Brighton
MAY 25 Olympia Theatre, Dublin
JUN 10 Isle of Wight Festival, Newport
JUN 11 Parklife, Manchester, United Kingdom
JUN 12 Field Day, London Victoria Park ,London

Stream “Getaway” below

Carnabells

 

 

Carnabells are an indie Pop band from Leeds. Luke Thompson (Vocals) Mitch Thompson (Guitar) Jack Mattison (Keys) Mitchell Wright (Drums) and Nathan Francey (Bass) have released a new track ‘The Belle of the Strutters’ Ball’ . An upbeat jangle – pop tune full of charisma with infatuating harmonies , bright glittering guitars and bouncy piano. Its a lovely catchy light pop track with a bubble gum feel. This sweet candy – coated song will have you bopping and dancing in no time.
You can catch Carnabells at their Leeds headline show Saturday 28th May
Stream ‘The Belle of the Strutters’ Ball’ below

Polar States


Polar States are a band from Liverpool who’s début single won them the attention of Grammy Award winning producer Jon Withnall (Coldplay, Elbow) and since then its been none stop.Paul, Josh, Phill and Mark have just released their new single ‘TIME’. Which they recorded in their rehearsal room, produced it themselves and mixed it in Paul’s flat.
“Time” is an example of this bands beautiful song writing, its honest and full of raw emotion, set to radiant music. Its smoothly arranged and is so easy to listen to, with soft vocals and steady beats and lustrous guitars. Its real music full of passion and truth and an absolute joy to listen to. It has a dreamy, hazy vibe that makes you want to sit back close your eyes and let the music take you away.
These guys show real promise and are set to work with some top producers on their next singles. The future looks really good for these guys.

Polar States have some live gigs lined up you can catch them at

Apr 14 Alexanders Chester, United Kingdom
Apr 19 O2 Academy Liverpool, United Kingdom
Apr 27 The Underbelly London, United Kingdom
Apr 28 Dublin Castle London, United Kingdom
May 13 Aatma Manchester, United Kingdom
May 21 The RS Sheffield, United Kingdom
May 28 The Exchange Stoke On Trent, United Kingdom
Stream “Time” below

Brendan Maclean

Brendan Maclean is an Australian gem, his new release ‘Hugs Not Drugs (Or Both)’ is a brilliantly flamboyant track with a catchy melody and infectious hook. Its electro – rock beat is sure to get you up Dancing. Brendan shows off his vocal range with a fun loving chorus that has a Panic! At The Disco vibe. Brendan has a full dynamic voice full of confidence and swagger .With witty lyrics and full of high energy its a party track that is sure to do well.
Stream ‘ Hugs Not Drugs (Or Both) ‘ below