Manchester indie rock five piece Freeda have released their new single ‘Wash’, the third single to be taken from the bands upcoming EP which is set to be released at the start of next year. Their first two singles ‘Plug It In’ and ‘Go Home’ received airplay on Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing. At the start of 2019 Freeda released two singles ‘Replay’ and ‘Plead’, both of these received extensive backing from XS Manchester and continued support from Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing. Freeda have their largest headline show coming up at Deaf Institute on the 23rd November.
‘Wash’ is a swirling electrifying gem that seeps, oozes and bleeds Freeda’s sublime, mature and invigorating musicianship. From that twinkling reverb intro it’s apparent these guys can take a delicious melody and explode it into their thrilling wall of sound without drowning it out. There is a sugar cane 50’s element to the melody but the five piece make it current, youthful and timeless all at once. Whipping exhilarating synths into the mix this track grabs your heart firmly with its riveting soundscape. The jangly sting on guitars glisten while the punchy drums shake things up creating a sublime bubbly texture to this effervescent number. It’s a sensational, perfectly crafted track that rockets Freeda into their most compelling sound to date. Their knack with melodies, instrumental prowess and utterly passionate musicianship is the reason these guys have a bright future.
About the track the band said : ‘‘Wash’ is a song that plays with the idea of two people letting themselves drift apart as they realise neither person was who the other thought. Although animosity shines through at first, the protagonist soon deals with emotions of moving on, implying that rising above may be the better option.”
Rain have released their new EP ‘Forget The World’. 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.
‘Forget The World’ is a snug collection of tracks as Rain delve deep into their melodic indie. The band are fleshing out their sound by refining and beautifully building on their debut EP ‘VOLUME 1’. From the driving bass line in ‘The Only One’ to the punchy drum progression in ‘Pyros’ and warm guitar jingle in ‘Goodbye x’ the band chisel there sound into a sleek and effortless swaggering soundscape. The melodies flurry from 60’s Beatles- esque tones to early Arctic Monkeys elements while maintaining the bands own charm and sparkle. The groovy guitars saunter throughout the EP with silky licks and intricate riffs creating a glistening light texture and zesty quality to each track without becoming overpowering. The band don’t overload their tracks with excessive layering, they use their instruments precisely where needed to create a clean and tuneful wall of sound. ‘Forget The World’ is the radiant upbeat ditty that is sure to spark sing-alongs in a live setting while a Fluorescent Adolescent -esque guitar refrain in ‘Thank You’ carries its predecessors upbeat vibe with a more tender melody before the melancholic longing ‘Goodbye x’ plays out the EP.
There is passion and warmth throughout ‘Forget The World’ as Rain nourish the listeners ears with their well blended tunes and rich musicianship. Each track is lovable and infectious in its own right. Rain are blossoming and shaping their indie into something compelling, exciting and vibrant.
Bio: Danny G & The Major 7ths are a neo-soul group from Dublin, Ireland. ‘Time the Healer’ is the 3rd single from forthcoming album ‘The Lookout’. ”Say When’ and ‘Believing’ were both featured on RTÉ’s recommended playlist and were on rotation on WPPM 106.5 FM PHILADELPHIA – Reprezent 107.3FM London , 87.8 MHz Oz Urban Radio Perth, RTÉ Radio 1, 2FM and Today FM to name a few.The band is an all-star lineup ranging from 5 to 8 musicians including past or present members of Hozier, Loah, Fehdah, Mary Coughlan, Zaska, Ensemble Eriu, Manden Express, Selk, MixTapes from the Underground and LaGracia.
Track: ‘Time the Healer’ feat. Fehdah & Zaska
Why We Like It: It’s an intricately weaved and profound piece of musical beauty that hits all the right spots. With rich soul elements drifting elegantly over chic funk grooves and soft sprinkles of jazz it’s a classy flamboyant delight. The smooth vocals caress the creamy melody with an elegant suaveness while the snazzy guitar infectiously flash steamy vapor throughout this refined piece. The track unravels becoming more musically rich as it progresses. With lush harmonies and soft atmosphere this compelling gem is classy and velvety smooth with zesty wonderful twists within its sleek intricacies. Well crafted and clean ‘Time the Healer’ is the work of musical magicians.
About the track Danny said : “This song was written for a friend. When you go through a really tough time, the pain never really goes away, you never forget it. But time passes. One day you’ll wake up and it won’t hurt any more. You’ll come out the other side, wiser and stronger.”
Bio: We Three Kings are a no-nonsense three piece rock ’n’ roll band from Manchester. The band are an unpretentious live act with a massive, balls-out sound, recent singles ‘Give It To Me, GO!’ & ‘Do It’ have achieved widespread critical acclaim, including radio airplay on BBC Introducing, Planet Rock Radio and Amazing Radio
Track: Gasoline
Why We Like It: It’s a fiery brawny number brimming with the bulky blues infested rock ‘n’ roll We Three Kings do so well. With its catchy chorus, jagged rough riffs and pounding drums the band whack out another robust assault that wrestles your ears into submission. With a shredding solo and infectious groove its one locked and loaded pistol ready for the mania of a live show.
Bio: The Suncharms are a Sheffield based indie/shoegaze band originally active between 1989-1993. After releasing a retrospective CD compilation on Cloudberry Records the band reunited and released a 7″ single on Slumberland Records in 2018
Track: Monster Club
Why We Like It: It’s a woozy dreamy number encased in subtle eerie undertones as the band create a chilling summer tropical jam. With warm guitar jingles, hazy melodies, haunting vintage organs and creepy creaking sounds its a wonderful paradox. The shoegaze tones glide and subtly drift about the track while the laid back atmosphere consumes your ears in marshmallow soft delight as the band lure you into their mysterious haunting soundscape.
Bio: Little Blue Thula are an alt-folk duo from Hull. Forming over a year ago, playing almost 80 shows (of which some include supporting signed artists) and a full length album recorded, the band are fast becoming one of the most productive bands on the circuit.
Track: I Could Never Understand
Why We Like It: This gentle sweet track flows effortlessly on Little Blue Thula’s passionate and meaningful musicianship. Soft emotive vocals drape delicately over the sweet melancholic melody while the lush harmonies and warm guitar accompaniment create a dreamy supple atmosphere. These guys have a refined ability to create deeply compelling tracks that hit you in the chest with emotion and tenderness – ‘I Could Never Understand’ follows this trend beautifully.
Watch the video for ‘I Could Never Understand’ below
Saltwater Sun
Genre: Indie Rock
Bio: Following on from the release of critically acclaimed EP The Great Deceiver earlier this year, Saltwater Sun kick-start the next phase with their new single ‘Mouthbreather’. Admired across the BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music airwaves (Annie Mac, Jack Saunders, Huw Stephens), the childhood friends have spent the majority of summer on the festival circuit (Isle Of Wight, Latitude and Truck) alongside notching impressive support slots with US alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World and fellow indie risers The Amazons and Another Sky.
Track: Mouthbreather
Why We Like It: It’s a dark tense indie track that flurries around blistering grunge as the band create a whirling wall of sound filled with fury and dizzying angst while the pop smeared melody creates a catchy element to their blistering instrumental backdrop. With sharp guitars, strident bass lines and a psychedelic hued soundscape Saltwater Sun craft their infectious indie into a smothering sinister track that is utterly outstanding. The explosive backdrop creates an exhilarating atmosphere as Jen Stearnes’ vocals coo through the ominous, shivering verses and soar with luring power and rasp filled texture for the chorus. It’s another outstanding track from this exciting band.
About the single frontwoman Jen Stearnes explained: “Mouthbreather is a monumental rant about the myriad people who get on Saltwater Sun’s collective last nerve. Loud chewers, bad drivers and mansplainers–the list goes on! Sure, we could be the bigger people and rise above, but where’s the fun in that?”
Bio: Named after Bowie’s ’80s classic, Ireland’s modernlove. have rapidly become one of indie-pop’s brightest and most talked about new bands. Debut single ‘Us’ and follow up ‘Bop’ have quickly amassed over 250K streams on Spotify and featured on editorial playlists such as New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds and The Pop List. ‘Bop’ was also featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’ and picked up national radio support in the UK and Ireland. With a recent support slot for Good Cop Bad Cop (Arctic Monkeys’ Matt Helders new band) under their belt, they’ve been announced to support Larkins in The Academy on November 25th, and a headline show in The Soundhouse in spring
Track: Liquorice
Why We Like It: modernlove. present a lush juicy slice of indie pop saturated in shimmering glossy synths and mouth watering melodies that are sure to leave you craving for more. With rich rhythms shaking, pulsing and shimmying through tutti frutti guitar jingles and intricate bass lines the band create a tasty number sure to charm the hearts and minds of all who hear it. It’s a passionate track with dynamic emotive vocals that venture effortlessly into sweet falsetto heights and warm depths. The band whack out brisk lyrics that will tie your tongue in knots while the adrenaline induced through their 80’s dipped wall of sound will take you back to your youthful heart racing days. With The 1975- esque influence, bittersweet melody and vibrant soundscape these guys are ones to keep an eye on.
About the track the band said : “Liquorice is a song about naive teenage infatuation set against a dizzying backdrop of alcohol and substance fueled nightlife”
Hook have released their debut single ‘I love the world because you’re in it’. Hook are a 3-piece based in Dublin, Ireland made up of Eoin O’Donnell – vocals, guitars; Morgan O’Brien – drums and Danny Spelman – bass, vocals. The single was produced by the band with Colin Reid and recorded in the world-famous Camden Recording Studios, Dublin and in the band’s own studio.
‘I love the world because you’re in it’ is a bright indie track that floats on the warm musicianship of Hook. With a jangly guitar stride the track has an instant uplifting quality while the steady beat creates a buoyant and foot tapping foundation. There is a county hue about the track that adds a twang of wholesomeness while the warm vocals and sweet melody charm their way into your ears. With a glorious guitar instrumental, subtle psychedelic tones and soothing soundscape Hook create a luscious new wave indie track that is a beautiful, dreamy delightful.
Stream ‘I love the world because you’re in it’ below
Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their new EP ‘Late Night Pharmacy’. The band has gained some traction since the release of their single “If Not Now Then When” playing shows such as Vantastival festival, opening for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at the Tivoli Theatre as well as being part of an all Irish line up at the Button Factory on Halloween night.
‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is Chinese Newspaper’s most defined and exhilarating body of work to date. There are a plethora of shredding refined guitar moments and intense rhythms throughout the EP. The band ferment and harness their wild raucous musicianship to create something that is well-crafted and polished but with a deep rooted sense of anarchy. ‘Are You Bored?’ sets the riot in motion with a sublime rumble on drums creating a fluctuant almost wriggling foundation while the bass swivels between the intoxicating finesse on guitar. It’s a hyper energetic track stamped with all the loud aggression we have come to know Chinese Newspaper for. This band is flourishing. They immerse their sound in rich layers and textures. There is a dash of rock ‘n’ roll swagger in ‘Cola’ as the band smother the track in a bloodthirsty wall of sound. It’s ready for the energy of a live show as the chorus explodes into a massive assault and mosh ready blitz. The moody vocals from Killian Barrett express angst with vigor while his rasp and attitude create that teenage rebellion atmosphere through the stormy instrumental backdrop. There is no denying the rhythm and pounding drums in this track – they are sublime. Nathan Merriman could summon a demon with that ominous drum rumble and Aran McGilick ties the track together with the vibrant, infectious groove of his bass while the guitar lightly ricochets off this backdrop majestically creating an invigorating and danceable listening experience. The band chill the intensity and sweltering heat of the EP with ‘Nothing Comes From Nothing’. A light melodic ditty which swoons over a melancholic sulky melody while a hazy atmosphere ( created by shaky percussion and steady beat ) provides that lazy summer’s day gloom. The light indie-drizzled guitars jangle innocently throughout until the track becomes more expressive and jagged for the crescendo. The nostalgic ‘Sunday’ brings the EP to a close. With thumping drums and a mosh-ready break, its an emotional tantrum backed by fantastic instrumentation which intensifies for the chorus and broods through the verses. These guys have mastered the ability to create emotive music and make the listener feel connected and enthralled by their tunes while also bashing out rich fuzz-filled pop with grunge and rock elements sprinkled on top.
‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is a clear step in the right direction for Chinese Newspaper. They haven’t lost the raw rampage of their 2017 ‘Spotless Mind’ EP. They have refined and cultivated it to create a fine, engaging and deft sound all of their own. With first rate guitar work and ground rumbling rhythm these guys have a sound that is both dreamy and razor sharp.
Lifted from their second album ‘Suspended’ which was released earlier this year to critical acclaim, Dublin four piece Gypsies On The Autobahn have just released their single ‘Rubicon’ along with a thought provoking video which is written and directed by front man James Smith. Having supported some huge international and Irish bands such as Bombay Bicycle Club, The Coronas and Little Green Cars, G.O.T.A are currently working on their own UK shows for late 2019/2020.
‘Rubicon’ is an intricate meticulously layered track which almost pauses time with its spacious composition as Gypsies On The Autobahn take their sound to new sophisticated ethereal heights. With a rooted bass groove driving the track and creating a movable backbone between the shaky percussion and beat, the band set the track up with luring seductively dark tones. The smoky guitar laments and pines with a hollow sense of loneliness through the wispy mist – like soundscapes. With passionate vocals caressing the funky bass and dance-able beat this track has sublime contrasts. The bass and guitars create a push pull effect between the overcast backdrop as the track builds to a slightly more vibrant pop sprinkled chorus. Gypsies On The Autobahn have created a catchy, lovable track filled with rich emotionally entangled elements. It is a delight on the ears.
About the song and video the band say: “In the lead up to writing Rubicon Niall and James had come to blows and were not speaking to each other. Eventually Niall came in with this bass line, which was what broke the silence between them. Working in close proximity with each other for so long there is ultimately going to be conflict; luckily this conflict gave us Rubicon. The video is about two people who can’t talk, moving between Reality and the Otherside; a dark and surreal look at relationships and conflict. Written and Directed by frontman, James Smith, shot and edited by Oliver Kelly and Alex Lynch and starring Laura Brady and Tadhg O’Rourke.”
London/Brighton trio Johnny Kills havereleasedtheir new single ‘Help Me Out’. They have also announced the title of their debut EP: ‘Panic’, which will be released via Killing Moon on November 20th. The bands previous EP single, ‘I Feel Like’, earned fans in BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. Johnny Kills have supported the likes of Fangclub and Sick Joy whilst playing numerous shows in Brighton, London, Liverpool, York and Birmingham.
‘Help Me Out’ is a breezy, zinging, indie-pop can of soda as Johnny Kills present their fizzing, energetic, bouncy sound in a fruity laid back surf pop flavour. This track is a youthful infectious gem. A punchy beat and relentless bass-groove creates an animated backbone. The fuzz laced guitars add a dash of bite as the track takes a sunny Californian indie rebellion tone. The attitude-soaked, angsty vocals complain over the kinetic backdrop as the band smother the track in their signature infectious pop-sprinkled melody. It’s a tight, light-hearted number with a garage rock chorus that erupts into the ears with tantalizing vigor and blistering instrumentation. There is a 90’s pop rock vibe about this track that makes it intensely nostalgic and sure to charm its way on repeat.
Tim Lloyd-Kinnings describes the themes behind ‘Help Me Out’:“It’s about getting to a stage where you have some big life questions-what career do I want? Where do I want to live? What do I really care about?-to which the answers are all a resounding ‘I don’t have a scooby, mate’. It’s about having a blank slate in front of you and it just freaking you out, and hoping someone else will sort it all out for you.”
Southern California-based Margot Polo, solo project of David Provenzano (Sherwood/Fialta), has released his new EP, ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’, The EP was mixed by L.A. veteran producer Brad Wood. Margot Polo’s singles have landed TV features on shows like Good Trouble (Freeform) and God Friended Me (CBS) and have logged over half a million streams on Spotify. This Autumn, Margot Polo heads back into the studio to brew up more material for a full length record, to be released in 2020.
‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ is a summer-fun EP saturated in vibrant soundscapes as Margot Polo spreads his delicious indie electro pop into five glorious blissful tracks. ‘Let’s Get Out’ sets the good vibes in motion. With sun kissed radiant guitars jangling between a fruity electronic backdrop and skittish beat this track is dreamy escapism in one glorious tune. Provenzano fleshes out his Justin Timberlake / The Weekend swagger and charm with the dance-able groove and shuffle of ‘Electric Girl’ and the broody more bleary-eyed electronic pop ‘Someone New’. His melodies cruise and flow fluidly through each track while the rich and intricate instrumentation and refined production sets a wonderful and engaging backdrop. ‘Poison’ takes the EP down a dark road with R&B elements smearing the bubbling electronic soundscapes with luring entrapment. ‘The Feeling’ closes the EP with an intoxicating atmosphere as Provenzano surges adrenaline and a rush of emotion through this catchy exhilarating number.
Provenzano has a mesmerising ability to create tracks to make the heart race, pulse and plummet with his lush heartfelt melodies and vivid soundscapes and ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ displays this perfectly. Within five tracks we experience joy, euphoria and freedom as well as sadness and mystery. It’s a journey of lavish musicianship and wonderful expressive electronic pop.
While this record has a few moodier moments, Provenzano says this EP is all about escapism. “OOHYEAHYEAH is about the different ways, healthy and unhealthy, that we yearn to transcend reality. That might be through something dangerous, like substance abuse. Or it might be a road trip, a relationship. A night out with a mysterious stranger. There’s a bit of ambivalent hedonism implied here. That’s what I love about pop. These lyrics are not very autobiographical; they’re fantasy, my own preferred mode of escapism”
Dream pop two-piece Night Hikes have released their new single, ‘Vera’. This dreamy shoegaze track drifts beautifully between a pulsing beat and dizzying distorted guitars as Night Hikes create a psychedelic hued dream world. Shimmering synths wisp about the track with an ethereal sparkly sheen while the sweet vocals softly coo the delicate pop sprinkled melody. The duo create a blissful haze, glazed with sunshine and radiance however the synths and zest on guitar leave a bitter sweet after taste. As always with Night Hikes the track is precise and meticulously crafted with intricate interweaving elements presented in a laid back manner for easy listening. The band create and blend edgy indie elements into their Utopian sound making the track satisfying and utterly charming. Another beautiful track from Night Hikes.
About the track the band said: “Vera is a persona we created to reflect the commodification of the “wild-woman” archetype. Vera exists only in how she comes across, and it is impossible for anyone, including her, to tell who she is as a person. She is beautiful and carefree. She walks barefoot and loses herself in the pulsing crowd at music festivals, but she is curated. She is wistful to a fault, choosing happy slogans over a real, authentic understanding of the world around her and the work it takes to make it a better place.”
Hull four-piece The Hubbards have released their new single ‘Seven Or Eleven’.The track follows the bands recent EP ‘Petty Grudge Pop’ which amassed an impressive 500,000 combined plays since its release, a placement on Netflix show Terrace House, while affording the band recent successes such as a headline set at the renowned Humber Street Sesh (headlined by The Hunna the previous night) and an esteemed support slot with indie royalty Doves.
‘Seven Or Eleven’ presents The Hubbards’ honest social commentary through a delicious dreamy dose of candy-floss indie pop with a stinging bitter aftertaste. From the smooth infectious melody that The Hubbards have become known for to the slicing guitar and buoyant beat – the track smoulders and bubbles throughout building gradually to a fizzing grunge-slapped crescendo. The track ventures from a laid back haze in the verses with twinkling guitars and weaving bassline to a heavier burst of indie for the chorus. The edged chorus blisters with effervescence as the ethereal soundscapes become harsher. The smooth vocals coo and drift over this compelling backdrop before becoming more expressive for the crescendo. The band present a song about the oppressive nature of mass consumerism the way The Hubbards can only do – with cynicism, disdain and lush melodies. Singer Reuben Driver sings “Nothing says success like an excessive waste/I’m sure I’ll find another suit to suit my taste/ it doesn’t really suit me anyway”. These guys have matured sublimely creating unforgettable sophisticated tunes with their signature brand of indie pop/ rock, glorious melodies and refined musicianship.
Stream ‘Seven Or Eleven’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
