Category Archives: Grunge

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From MeMe Detroit

Since her 2016 debut album release ‘Live to Love You’ll Love to Live’, MeMe has been pulling in fans with a magnetism that is both eloquent yet effortlessly cool. With previous support slots that include bands such as Dead Sea Skulls, Piano Wire, Fun lovin’ Criminals, Asylums and stand out shows which include The main stage at Moto GP, Silverstone, The O2 Academy, Dublin Castle, The Finsbury pub for ‘Get in her ears’ and Jurassic Fields festival MeMe’s energy and sleazy grunge is one to take note of. She has now released her new single ‘Soc Med Junkies’. This grunge smothered track oozes and seeps with dark gritty tones and fiery attitude. Sultry guitars shred and lacerate with relentless stamina through the rapid shuffling rhythm while MeMe’s luring vocals coo and entice for the verses before belting out the fiery chorus. It’s lean, mean, power indie that makes you want to jump kick, wiggle and groove all at once. Swallowed up in a chilled, cool persona and hypnotic melody mixed with heavy angst and crashing instrumentation this track kicks ass, wrestles you to the ground and mesmerises you in its hazy muggy hook driven charm. MeMe has a knack for writing tracks that slash bash sizzle and steam all at once while packing in some striking lyrics. ‘Soc Med Junkies’ is definitely worth a listen.

Stream ‘Soc Med Junkies’ below


Johnny Yuma ‘Rest In Peace’ EP

Minneapolis, Minnesota rock trio Johnny Yuma have recently released their EP ‘Rest In Peace’. The band comprised of members Elliot Heerman on Bass and Lead Vocals, Patrick Irwin on Guitar and Jane “Damage” Halldorson on Drums have created their own brand of Dusty, Dirty, Rock’n Roll that makes for an engaging electrifying listen. From the get-go these guys blast straight into their no-nonsense raw neck snapping bluesy rock. ‘Alabama Woman’ sets the brisk tempo as crashing guitars and punchy drums whirlwind through a stop start pace while raspy vocals expel swagger soaked fiery attitude. It’s one for dizzying confusion of the sweaty mosh pits. The riff driven ‘Knock Knock’ brings us further into their blistering rock and roll as guitars jaggedly saw through pummeling drums while an elastic rumble on bass keeps the track running along. A scorching guitar solo shreds with a shrilling desert hot western vibe while the punchy rhythm trudges along keeping the rapid tempo. These guys exude a don’t mess with me attitude with slick swagger thrown on top. ‘Cellophane’ continues the relentless stamina of its predecessors while smudging a catchy 60’s- esque melody over their rambunctiously ruffled frenzy inducing garage backdrop. Razor sharp guitars once again blister and pierce throughout the track however in this track they have a slinky liquidity to their acidic sting. ’Mother’s And Sailors’ gives us a much needed breather from the heavy assault. This light county twanged ditty gives us another glimpse at Johnny Yuma’s talents. Still energetic this number is more buoyant, sweetly toned and infectiously peppy. Who can resist a cheeky little whistle along feature especially when it’s this catchy. Barn dance anyone?… don’t mind if I do. ‘Whisper’ brings us to a scuzzy end to the EP. It’s fuzzed up, lean and mean, ready for bar brawl rock and roll. It’s grungy rough and tumble with gritty guitars pulverising drums and sneering vocals that will make your blood coil and boil forcing you to mosh and jump about. Fueled by bad ass adrenaline from the deep dark depths of Minnesota these guys whack out one heck of a tune that will slap you in the face at lightning speeds.

‘Rest In Peace’ is an EP for blasting into your ears at worrying volumes while you headbang, dance and attempt air guitar like a boss. It’s a solid, swagger drenched, meaty display from the trio that will rattle your bones.

Stream ‘Rest In Peace’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-949424166/sets/rest-in-peace


Fangclub ‘All Fall Down’

2017 was a hell of a year for Irish rock band Fangclub.  Not only did they release their self-titled debut album (out now on Vertigo Records) to mass critical acclaim, including an RTE Choice Prize Album Of The Year nomination, but they also toured the UK and Ireland on their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from the press (Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Upset) and specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart), RTE 2FM, Today FM and Kerrang! Radio with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words’.  The trio are now back with their new single ‘All Fall Down’.

‘All Fall Down’ is the trios turbocharged, heavy-riffing follow up that shows these guys are here to stay. It’s a blood pumping, adrenaline fueled anthem laced with the blistering sound Fangclub do so well. Rumbling drums and a running ground shaking bass summons the dead from their graves while the shredding gritty guitars drag you to your knees with an almighty defying fuzz filled rush. With chilled eerie vocals creeping in the infectious melody, this buzzed inflamed banger is a high intensity lightning bolt announcing the exciting return of Fangclub. With a solo that makes your hair stand on the back of your neck and a catchy as hell chorus, it’s an explosive return.

The band are currently writing new material for the follow up to their acclaimed debut album… so stay tuned for more news on that soon…

Catch the band live at one of the following shows:

**With Milk Teeth and Nervus

Mar 21            Crauford Arms Milton Keynes, United Kingdom**

Mar 23            The Underworld London, United Kingdom**

Mar 24            The Anvil Bournemouth, United Kingdom**

Mar 25            The Junction Plymouth, United Kingdom**

Mar 27            Tsunami Cologne, Germany*

Mar 28            Sunny Red Munchen, Germany*

Mar 29            Goldener Salon Hamburg, Germany*

Mar 30            Badehaus Berlin, Germany*

Apr 6               Trinity Ball Dublin, Ireland

Apr 13             Mike The Pies Listowel, Ireland

Apr 14             Cyprus Avenue Cork, Ireland

Apr 18             Roisin Dubh Galway, Ireland

Apr 21             Kasbah Social Club Limerick, Ireland

Apr 26             Whelans Dublin, Ireland

Apr 27             Kavanagh’s Portlaoise, Ireland

Apr 28             Central Arts Waterford, Ireland

May 6             Hit the North Festival, Newcastle, United Kingdom

Jul 12              2000 Trees Festival, Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Jul 20              Truck Festival, Oxford, United Kingdo

Stream ‘All Fall Down’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bad Lungs.

Bad Lungs are a garage/punk band from North London. The band comprised of members Tom Rowlett(vox/ Guitar), Frank Lada (Guitar), Dominic Sennet (Bass), Winfred Kent (Keys) and Chris Britain (Drums) have released their debut single ‘The DT’s’ which the five piece self released and pressed themselves.

‘DT’S’ is a vicious bombardment of garage punk, relentlessly wacked out at a neck breaking pace creating the ultimate dizzying hyper assault to the senses. With vocal howls that spit and snear, shrilling guitars that whine pierce screech and wail teamed with pummelling drums it’s a mammoth cyclone ready for those sticky blood thirsty mosh pits. Its fast-heavy garage rock played dexterously and ferociously by this quintet. Ghostly keyboards eerily creep while meaty guitars stride and stomp with raging hysteria. It’s a force to be reckoned with topped off with thrilling distortion bashed along with mighty powerful drumming. This beast of a track shoots you with such a high voltage it will take days to recover.

 

Stream ‘DT’s’ below


Static Vision ‘What Is and Now’ Album

Static Vision are a punk band from Limerick who have just released their debut album ‘What Is and Now’. It’s a no nonsense assault to your eardrums of slickly presented swagger drenched punk rock with some powerful garage thrown in. Recorded in one day in the Music Hubb Studios in Limerick with Chris Quigley it’s a impressive collection of tunes. ‘The Unknown’ slaps you straight into their rowdy punk sound with shrilling distortion and an aggressive vocal. However, it’s not all shouting and bashing instruments these guys refine it down adding some sublime indie drizzled guitar riffs and an infectious melancholic sing along ready melody into the mix. ‘Tune’ introduces an Arctic Monkeys ‘Brianstorm’ – esque riff to start building into a sun soaked hazy verse which explodes with screaming vocals. It’s a fiery expressive album showcasing their raw kinetic sound. With tunes like ‘Got Soul’ and ‘Familiar Faces’    bringing us the light indie bops rooted in a ruckus causing explosion that I can imagine gets a crowd going crazy. Their tracks are well crafted leaving space to wiggle and dance between the frantic moshing and neck snapping headbanging. ‘Feels Like I’m Older’ is the mellow mood shifter of the album. With bright jangly guitar lines and a peppy sway-like tempo teamed with lush backing vocals it’s a breezy spurt of luminous indie. The vocals remain harsh and fiery but the instrumentation contrasts with a sweet Californian sun kissed vibe. The album is brimming with organic coarse tracks that exude the energy of a live show. Sure, it’s rough and tumble but that’s why it works it’s real and honest. ‘Dead’ is moody sulky bliss reminiscent of Nirvana while the vibrant ‘Alcoholic’ and the sultry ‘Girls’ bounce back with quirky vocals and an infectious indie elasticity which brightens the atmosphere. With psychedelic hues thrown on top and some shredding guitar features these guys are ones to watch.

Static Vision ‘What Is and Now’ Launch show is on tomorrow the 18th November in the Pharmacia Limerick if your around check them out.

Stream ‘What is and Now’ below


Fangclub ‘Better To Forget’

Dublin-based trio Fangclub have released their brilliant new single ‘Better To Forget’ taken from the forthcoming self-titled debut album set for release August 4th on Vertigo. Formed of singer and guitarist Steven King, drummer Dara Coleman and bassist Kevin Keane, Fangclub have released two acclaimed EPs ‘Bullethead’ and ‘Coma Happy’, toured with the likes of Twin Atlantic and won over a dedicated legion of fans. They have already gathered major attention from the press (Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Upset) and specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart), and Kerrang! Radio.
‘Better To Forget’ is a blazing fiery brutal attack on the senses. Fangclub deliver a massive blow of catchy mighty grunge drenched in an infectious melody and blistering instrumentation. Merciless pummelling drums and crashing guitars create the relentless intensely energetic sound this trio do so well. It’s brisk raging frenzy that consumes you in a bloodthirsty fever of thrilling grunge. The animated elastic bounce on bass keeps a constant rebounding effect while the guitars and drums strike with an instant shot of adrenaline inducing mania. Another mighty track from the unstoppable trio.

Stream ‘Better To Forget’ below


Indie Buddie Introducing : VITO

VITO are an indie/alt-rock foursome from Newcastle Upon Tyne. The band consisting of members Tom Conway (Guitar, Main Vocals), Andy Bell (Guitar, Vocals),Jasper Watson (Bass, Vocals) and Dom Willis (Drums) channel the genuine and unprocessed vibe of garage rock. They have released their new single ‘Moonlight Dancing’ with End of The Trail Records after the success of their first single ‘Masquerade’ which was featured regularly on BBC Introducing and Radio X.
‘Moonlight Dancing’ is a blazing indie track glistening with raw breezy soundscapes shredding guitars and punchy drums. It’s refreshing with an elastic rhythm slapping along vibrant edgy riffs creating an explosion of dynamic blustery energy. With a flair for compelling lyrics and a catchy smooth melody smothered in nostalgic tones this track is one for the youthful free spirit in all of us. These guys create music that strikes you with emotion and passion while absorbing you in their organic sharp sound.

When asked about the track Andy Bell said
“It’s about an argument our friends had who are in a relationship. We were on a night out and they were just constantly snapping at each other and eventually refused to talk to each other – a very common occurrence. By the end of the night they had drifted back together and acting like nothing had happened. We felt like this was so common and relatable that it had to be romanticised and put into a song. “

Watch the video for  ‘Moonlight Dancing’ below


La Bête Blooms ‘Lost and Found’

Fresh off the back of their latest EP ‘I Know It’s Nothing’, the Hull post-punk collective La Bête Blooms have moved fast to release their new brash and bold song, ‘Lost and Found’ portrays the plight of a modern couple seeing the world crumble around them in 2017. This shrilling track oozes their scorching fuzzed up grunge with blasts of thrilling bruising noise however this song takes a more polished refined approach. Its rounded off while still packing some serious punch with razor sharp rawness. Sneering briery guitars pierce with a splintery sting while punchy drums pummel throughout. Wrapped in sweltering hazy tones and shoegazey vibes, it’s tight and slick yet extremely spiky and sharp.

Stream ‘Lost and Found’ below

https://soundcloud.com/labeteblooms/la-bete-blooms-lost-and-found


Indie Quick Picks

 Rusty Shipp

Genre: grunge rock

Bio: Rusty Shipp is a rock band from Nashville, TN that likes to call their style Nautical rock n’ roll. They combine the influences of rock legends like The Beatles, Dick Dale and The Beach Boys with the hard-hitting sounds of modern alt rock bands like Nirvana, Muse, and Thrice to craft songs distinguished by their addictive melodies, unconventional riffs, and haunting vocals. At the forefront is the singer-songwriter and guitarist, Russ T. Shipp (literally his birth name), followed by Jake Adams on bass, and AJ Newton on drums.

Track: Devil Jonah

When asked about their sound Russ T. explained: “Though we’re noticeably darker and more aggressive than The Beatles, Their form of songwriting resonates with the largest number of human beings, and we try to tap into that same magic. Bands like Nirvana and Muse did the same thing, but we’re taking it in an even more philosophical direction, while still having fun by incorporating the nautical theme.”

Why We Like It: Its a mighty pounding piece of unconventional rock wrapped in dark pop melodies which are set alight by metallic riffs and heavy headbang ready instrumentation. Its fiery gritty and brawny, thundery and robust in all the right places.

You can follow Rusty Shipp on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/rustyshippband

Watch the video for Devil Jonah below

The Discarded

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Genre: garage rock/punk

Bio: Toronto garage-rockers The Discarded is made up of two teenagers and their musician father, brothers Jared Dean-Bass, backing vocals, Caden Jax- Drums, backing vocals and J.P Wasson is best known as the drummer for popular Toronto bands Fifth Column and The Snowdogs, but Caden wanted to drum – so in The Discarded, Dad sings and plays guitar.

Track: Could That Be You

When asked about the track Wasson said: “Could That Be You was the first song I wrote with the band and it came together very quickly. Over the previous months, the boys’ mother and I had divorced. This song is about looking forward and what qualities you’d like a person to have in a new relationship. And ultimately wondering if that person you are seeing is that type of person.”

Why we Like It: It’s a rapid breakneck fuzzy frenzy covered track. Blistering guitars and pummelling drums belting throughout with a lo-fi rock n’ roll vibe that will have a live audience dancing and bopping in no time.
You can follow The Discarded on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thediscarded16/

Stream ‘Could That Be You’ below

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Odd Couple ‘Flügge’

German duo Odd Couple Tammo Dehn and Jascha Kreft, have released their new single ‘Flügge’ which is the title track off their album.This dirty scuzzy riff loaded track is as dark and thrilling as they come. Smothered in psychedelic vibes, its a dizzying trip that blisters and spits gritty rock. This grunge-laden track is a steady beefy jittery wallop, highly strung and intense – its headbanging-ly good. The raspy rough vocals will make your blood tingle while the punchy drums and melody assaults your ears with the most mind blowing electrifying sound your ears will probably ever experience. Its blissfully obscure, mighty and overpowering. The track finishes with an odd acoustic bit which is pretty random but I love it.
Stream ‘Flügge’ below