Cleveland-based Indie/Alternative artist Holden Laurence has released his new single, ‘Like James Dean’. A nostalgic powerful indie dazzler, ‘Like James Dean’ drifts and glistens with Laurence’s compelling heartfelt musicianship as he lays bare the desperation of the American Dream which is full of disillusionment and disappointment. With lamenting guitars and shimmering synths the track weaves a beautiful and bittersweet path between dreamy and melancholy as Laurence’s velvety vocals coo the emotional lyrics over a creamy yearning melody. With a pulsing rhythm, the track holds an air of wistful passion and eagerness while the wandering keys shimmer with innocent hope. The jangly guitar adds a sharp but warm, youthful element into the track as the lyrics mirror themes of youth, celebrity, and the obstacles of forming an identity in the modern age. Once again Holden Laurence uses sublime and refined songwriting buoyed by irresistible melty melodies and immaculate production to create a track that hits you in the chest with passion and emotion. The perfect follow up single to his superb Sophomore album ‘Rewire’
Bio: Brian Rudkins (lead guitar, vocals), Cian Ferguson (bass,keyboard) and Keelan Gannon (guitar, vocal) are Neverwait – a three piece alternative rock band based in Ireland. The band have released their debut album ‘Blind’ which was recorded and produced by the band themselves.
Track: Blind
Why We Like It: This tight mirage of electronic alternative rock wiggles and creeps with lo-fi tones and hip hop beats to create something organic and truly engaging. The verses tease and slowly seep through creating tension while the taping beat remains the constant behind the vaporous melody and quivering reverb vocals. The track builds superbly to its expressive chorus and dramatic crescendo with horn elements adding a dash of soul. The psychedelic hues flirtatiously meander through the thick electronics adding a dark smudge over this tantalizing number. Well crafted and fantastically layered ‘Blind’ is an utterly captivating and emotive track presented beautifully and majestically by Neverwait.
Bio: Red Sun Alert are an up and coming band from Cork City, Ireland. Since forming in late 2017, the band have been busy making a name for themselves around the country. They have supported artists such as The Altered Hours, Making Monsters, Cherym and many more.
Track: Live Laugh Love
Why We Like It: It’s a gritty riff heavy mammoth that stomps and rampages through with raw jagged guitars and punchy assault on drums. With a rugged bass weaving between the harsh head-bang ready bursts and brisk guitar runs, the track fluctuates between the fluid elasticity of the verses and heavy throbbing chorus. With coarse growl- ish vocals, a scream here and there and a mosh-ready bridge laced in frantic guitar lines this brutish battering assault on the senses is one hell of a track. Don’t let the acute rough lacerations fool you though. There is refinement and swagger within ‘Live Laugh Love’ especially in the suave and precise guitar work. The band’s upcoming EP ‘Red Sun Alert’ is set for release October 3rd – looking forward to it.
When asked about the track Julia Pawlak said:“ While writing the lyrics to this song I was feeling extremely overwhelmed by how it seems that women are still seen as lesser in the music scene. There’s so many wonderful girls in the creative community and simply they’re not getting the notice that they deserve. This song is about acceptance of my gender and what it means. I don’t want to spend my time here complaining and wishing I would get the same treatment as my male friends in bands. I’m going to fight for it and do everything I can to create that space of non-judgement and equal treatment.”
Bio: Mayo born singer songwriter,Tracy Gallagher is one of Ireland’s finest emerging indie folk artists. Tracy is set to release her debut EP ‘The Fallen’ later this year. Her debut single ‘Sit With Me’ received national airplay and praise from well-known Irish radio personalities. Tracy is soon to announce a national tour to coincide with the release of her EP.
Track: The Fallen
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate warm track that flows beautifully into the ears with a melancholic sense of ease as Tracy Gallagher’s emotive and pristine vocals coo over the tender melody. With sultry guitar injections, the song drifts innocently over a sense of mystery. The catchy chorus is sweet as taffy as the steady beat creates the soft backdrop. There is oodles of character portrayed through the delicate jangle and deep rumble on guitar adding a conflicting twist and sublime contrast to Gallagher’s expressive crisp vocals. Wonderful and emotional ‘The Fallen’ is a superb piece of musicianship.
Bio: Kilkenny band The Wha have released the video for their debut single ‘Innocents’ – out via Chess Club. The band have also announced they will play a string of shows in September with Two Door Cinema Club in Dublin and Belfast. ‘Innocents’ has already attracted the attention of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, Radio X’s Gordon Smart and Felix White and a host of press tastemakers. All aged just 18-years-old The Wha are dual vocalists and guitarists Finn Cusack and Sam Cullen, joined by Marek Lech (bass) and Abe G. Harris (drums). The video for ‘Innocents’ was shot in Kilkenny by director Conor Dockery at Dock Visual
Track: ‘Innocents’
Why We Like It: It’s a fantastic debut track which thrives on an exhilarating bass while piercing guitars slice and jangle through a punchy beat and carefree punk-hued attitude. With an ethereal catchy melody and vibrant vocals this invigorating number boasts impressive laid back swagger. There is a retro rock ‘n’ roll vibe about this track as the band take their blistering guitar-driven sound, coat it in an infectious melody, slap on a dash of indie and pepper it with a Brit-pop seasoning, and the result is something to shout about. This is a band that you need to know and listen to now.
Bio: LEWIN is an Alternative\Indie music project by Mitchell Lewin. His newly released single ‘Learn To Love/Love To Live’ has been received greatly having multi air-times on worldwide radio stations and local stations such as BBC Introducing in Shropshire.
Track: Learn to Love/Love to Live
Why We Like It: This breezy indie track sails gracefully upon a buoyant vibrant foundation while Lewins’ warm vocals exude emotion and tender tones.It’s a cosy song with luminous guitars glistening with glorious scintillation while the smooth melody coats the track in cosy tones.With a heart-pounding bridge and sing along ready chorus this indie dazzler is ready to warm the soul and comfort the ears. Its catchy and uplifting as Lewin crafts his sound with sweetness, passion and sublime instrumentation.
Brighton band Chappaqua Wrestling have released their new single ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’. The band have had a hectic year supporting Sports Team and Black Honey as well as playing Latitude, Green Man and Live At Leeds amongst others. They were also invited to record at Abbey Road for BBC Introducing and will be interviewed on Radio 1 next Monday to launch this new single.
‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’ is a sweet can of indie pop flavoured with Americana hues fizzed to perfection. Chappaqua Wrestling have finely brewed their melodic smooth sound into something truly captivating. With a bubble gum “bah bah dah bah bah” vocal hook between the sweet mellow melody, the band create a dreamy tune that drifts delicately into the ears. With lush harmonies and velvety vocals the track flows fluidly. The band however take this sweet candy floss element and back it with a warm sting on guitar to add a dash of zest. The west coast groove wiggles its way throughout creating something to shuffle and jiggle to while the Americana hues add sweltering heat to the track. This rich instrumentation makes the track tantalizing to the senses and ensures repeat plays. With a shredding solo, exotic guitar flurries and a western- esque humidity between the laid back effortless atmosphere Chappaqua Wrestling have created a track that immerses you in a blissful world completely crafted by them. Honing in on their breezy retro sound of their last single ‘Cry Every Time’ and refining it to polished perfection Chappaqua Wrestling are fast becoming a band to keep an eye on.
Irish band Electric Shore have released their third single ‘Temper‘.This melodic emotive track broods and ripples with Electric Shores perfectly blended indie rock with lush delicate pop elements sprinkled on top. The twinkling keys add a flurry of sweet innocence while the lamenting stings on guitar create a biting sharpness. The track meanders through a hazy melancholic tone as the soft somber vocals coo over the nostalgic melody while anthemic backing vocals create the arena ready sing along feature. It’s deeply moving and tender with pristine musicianship and crisp production as the track builds to an epic heart racing crescendo – it is hair raising and utterly enthralling. The light airy instrumentation flutters and flows beautifully complementing the emotional lyrics about regret, loss and a desire to make the most of time with those who are precious to us. Developing their sound and honing in on their craft Electric Shore have created a majestic and riveting track with ‘Temper’.
Irish alt-rock quartet The Academic have released their new single ‘Aftertaste’. Co-Produced by the band alongside Dublin producer, Cormac Butler, “Aftertaste” is a teaser of what we can expect from the band’s second album, which is promised for the first half of 2020. The band have shared the stage with headliners such as Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes, and Cage The Elephant as well as headlining their own sold out shows on both sides of the Atlantic.
‘Aftertaste’ is an exhilarating guzzle of carbonated indie shimmering through a glistening 80’s pop sheen as The Academic present their tight intricate sound with precision and vibrancy. From the sweet candy flossed nostalgic melody to the lustrous guitars the band create a meticulously layered indie pop smacker ready to revolve in your head for days. Sleek glittering synths create a refreshing ethereal atmosphere bursting with energy as Craig Fitzgerald’s vocals warm the track with his passionate velvety tone. Intricate zest filled guitars create a stinging bite to this beaming effervescent number. An elastic bass rumble creates that all important infectious groove while the synths surge adrenaline into the track. ‘Aftertaste’ is a stadium ready charmer that is sure to continue The Academic’s rise to fame.
Speaking of ‘Aftertaste’, frontman Craig Fitzgerald says, “When it came to ‘Aftertaste’ it was a lot different to how we worked before. From a production standpoint we were a lot more involved. Sometimes there is a preconceived notion out there that if you are a guitar band, you should be in a particular lane. Our mindset when writing, is less defined by what the stereotype of an indie band should sound like and be more about letting our songs be the best they can be.”
Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘slow tv’. As with their last two singles, ‘slow tv’ was once again recorded with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert]. wojtek the bear have been play-listed by Radio X, played live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland, They have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show.
‘slow tv’ is a jangly slice of lo-fi indie as wojtek the bear spread pop sensibilities over a glorious buoyant backdrop to create a sweet juicy number. With a zest stricken C86 influenced guitar line and animated rhythms, this track floats and bounces along in a blissful sun kissed atmosphere. Soft vocals coo over the glucose melody and hazy atmosphere however there is a gloomy almost melancholic undertone in the track which adds a beautiful contrast to the vibrant and rich instrumentation. Superbly layered and meticulously crafted ‘slow tv’ is a dreamy luscious track with a refreshing sting to keep you pressing that repeat button. Another fantastic track from wojtek the bear.
Lead singer, and chief songwriter Tam Killean says about the track, “I guess the track is a rumination on the total opposite ends of the spectrum you can end up at with people you’ve been in relationships with. There are people i’ve been with before who at the time are your entire world, yet now if they got wiped out by the 267 bus to Possilpark I’d probably only find out about it if it was in the Evening Times the next day.”
Sal the Musician has released his new single ‘Strawberry’. His third single ‘Strawberry’ revolves around another one of his creations: a man called Greg. Greg lives in the 80’s, works as an accountant, and is a sex addict. Greg is the subject and face of the track. Greg is Sal’s critique of modern society. The song itself talks about the darker side to casual sex,and what it does to us as people.Sal the Musician’s debut EP ‘Art Is Creation’ will be released in early 2020
‘Strawberry’ presents Sal the Musician’s expressive songwriting through vivid, warm instrumentation and fluid melodic progression. With cosy acoustic guitar jingling through rich percussion and luring beat, this track drifts beautifully on a sweet mixture of vibrant, sultry dark tones to create a wholly satisfying listening experience. Sal’s vocals coo and rasp over the smooth smothering melody while jangly keys inject a sense of innocence. The catchy chorus erupts into a radiant jubilant display while the verse coats the track in darker hues. It’s a superb and lustrous track as Sal the Musician creates a mesmerising scene of lust and euphoria through intricate instrumentation and wonderful curdling tones.
Fí has released her new single ‘Call Me Out’. Fí is a Dublin based electro-pop artist hailing from Mullingar. She’s a self taught musician who started writing after buying her first guitar in college and has spent the last few years crafting songs from her bedroom. Her second single, ‘Feel Better’ was released to rapturous reviews and radio play and Fí has been honing her skills collaborating, writing and working with different producers in London,Dublin and LA. Fí was selected as a shortlist for ‘Play The Picnic’ by RTE2FM in June 2018. She has done many festivals and acoustic gigs playing Electric Picnic, Vantastival and supporting acts like The Academic and Aine Cahill.
‘Call Me Out’ is a tropical swirl of luscious pop as Fí fleshes out her vibrant and charming musicianship. Wispy electronics whirl around creating an ethereal magical atmosphere while the infectious beat and fruity tropical sounds create a summer sunshine number to brighten any day. Fí’s warm expressive vocals coat the track in cosy tones while the bitter/sweet melody creates that sublime catchy hook. It’s a confident powerful track doused in fun energetic tones and energising electronics.
About the track Fí says “It’s a straightforward confrontational song about calling out someone who tries to come back in your life. It’s all about female assertion and confidence. “
Glasgow Band Slouch follow up their early 2019 release, ‘In Your Mind’, with brand new single ‘Duplicity’. The single was recorded in summer 2019 in St. Helens with production duo Sugar House. This year has so far seen them included in Fred Perry Subculture’s ‘Big in 2019’ playlist curated by This Feeling, play some of Glasgow’s most famous venues including King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Stereo and Nice N Sleazy and play their first shows outside of their hometown.
‘Duplicity’ is an effervescent glistening delight as Slouch meticulously blend punchy indie rock with ethereal shimmering synths and sublime pop sensibilities. With chiming guitars sparkling through the dynamic euphoric soundscape while a buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo, ‘Duplicity’ has everything to have you singing along and dancing. The melty melody drifts elegantly under the warm vocals as the track builds to its anthemic chorus. With a zesty guitar solo and crisp electronics Slouch have created a hazy dreamy number filled with sublime bubbling instrumentation.
‘Duplicity’ will be celebrated with a gig in Broadcast Glasgow hosted by This Feeling on the 27th September.
PAGES. have released their new single ‘Bubble Brain’. PAGES. are an indie-pop band from the North-East of Scotland. They have performed a 4-date national headline tour and multiple headline shows in their hometown of Aberdeen. Their new single, ‘Bubble Brain’, achieved national airplay on BBC Radio Scotland and has been mixed/mastered by U.S.producer, Rob Murray (Mark Ronson, Britney Spears, Major Lazer).
‘Bubble Brain’ is a smooth hazy indie pop gem that floats delicately upon PAGES. infectious musicianship. With elegant keys creating an ethereal backdrop between the sticky gloopy beat – the track glides effortlessly through a dreamy groove driven soundscape. The zesty guitar injections add a dash of vibrancy and refreshing lift to the candied syrupy consuming track as the smooth vocals coo the melty melody. Richly textured and lushly layered this indie pop delight is a laid back jam that is sure to stick in your head for days.
