Category Archives: Indie Pop

Lost Boys ‘Sleeping Alone’

Limerick’s emerging indie band, Lost Boys have released their new single ‘Sleeping Alone’. The band consists of Peadar Storey on Vocalist/Rhythm Guitar, Michael Meleady on Backup Vocals/Guitar, Patrick O’Donnell on Drums and Peter Corbett on Bass. Since the groups formation in November, Lost Boys have made a name for themselves across Limerick for the production quality of their tracks and their live performances.

‘Sleeping Alone’ is an ethereal, gripping number from Lost Boys that displays their mature and cultured sound beautifully. With majestic, graceful guitar lines weaving gloriously throughout,  this track has a dreamy yet chilling icy quality. The emotional vocals ooze passion and soul, filling the track with depth while lush backing harmonies and innocent sweet soundscapes create a haunting and moving quality. These guys have crafted this track superbly. The song builds with luscious, tender, waves of chiming guitar and a backbone of meaty pulsing rhythms creating tension for the hair raising crescendo. Deftly constructed and subtly embellished, Lost Boys blend rich musicianship and emotional contact meticulously to create a wholly invigorating and satisfying listen. ‘Sleeping Alone’ is an accomplished and emotive track. It is cinematic in scope showcasing Lost Boys melodic prowess.

About the track the band said : “Sleeping Alone is our attempt at describing absence after loss, paired with an overwhelming need to explain yourself. Its like a journey of self destruction you go on in order to get to the place that you need to be to accept how things are and move on.”

Stream ‘Sleeping Alone’ below


The Shipbuilders ‘Silk Road’

Liverpool’s very own gypsy-rock band, The Shipbuilders, have released their latest doubled-sided single, ‘Silk Road’ which marks a moment of change for the band, their first release under new label Mai 68.

‘Silk Road’ is a beautiful number glistening with lustrous guitar lines, buoyant rhythms and a velvety melody as The Shipbuilders present a rich, dreamy 60’s hued track to indulge in. The band layer the song sublimely with blissful guitar twinkling between a satin indie pop sheen of delight. It’s an authentic heart warming track that creates magical tones of wonder through charming and refined musicianship. With soft vocals, a catchy melody and floaty psychedelic soundscapes this silken track glides effortlessly into your ears ready to prompt repeat plays.

The band will play a string of shows in the upcoming months.
You can catch them live at:

Eagle Inn – Salford – 14th June

Un Deg Un – Wrexham 21tst June

Fox & Newt – Leeds – 20th July

Kendal Calling – 27th July

Stream ‘Silk Road’ below


Indie Quick Picks

Pelicandy

Photo credit: Nona Duch

Genre: alt-pop

Bio: Pelicandy are a London alt-pop duo who shared their first release of 2019 ‘Silent Treatment’ earlier this spring, the two-piece have already received widespread acclaim throughout the tastemaker community and across the airwaves (BBC Radio 1, Virgin),

Track: White Sky

About the track vocalist TC stated: “White Sky is about realising the ability to focus and reframe your own thoughts and perception of reality. Choosing what world you want to live in depending more on your mind-set than your surrounding environment, it’s like a superpower that anyone can learn. Depending on how we direct our thoughts we can even change our body’s own biology. It sounds like science fiction or new-age spirituality but it’s legit psychology and neuroscience”!

Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering funk flavoured synth driven track that glides upon cool chilled tones and a laid back atmosphere. With refreshing crisp synths glistening through snappy drums and breezy soundscapes this electronic number is brimming with swagger and summer vibes. Featuring a zesty stinging guitar solo and an infectious melody this velvety gem is instantly likeable.

You can follow Pelicandy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pelicandyband

Stream ‘White Sky’ below

Michael Jablonka

Photo credit :Lennon Gregory

Genre: Alternative Indie

Bio: Michael Jablonka has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. His skills have been utilised by some of the country’s major rock and pop acts, and this summer Jablonka continues his tour of arenas and festivals worldwide with fellow North Londoner and Brit-soul sensation Michael Kiwanuka

Track: ‘Go- Go’

Why We Like It:  It’s a haunting number that broods Jablonka’s refined thrilling musicianship. A steady drum beat sets a hypnotic tone for this thrilling track to flourish off while the sweet lamenting guitar chimes between this eerie sulky backdrop. The song builds becoming more passionate as distorted guitar pines and shrills flesh out Jablonka’s raw edgy sound. The song progresses beautifully from its laid back beginnings, gradually building to a soul infused rock crescendo brimming with intensity as the gritty guitar solo taking the track to spine chilling heights.

You can follow Michael Jablonka on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/michaeljablonkaofficial/

Stream ‘Go- Go’ below

Sea Girls

Genre: Indie

Bio: Following a whirlwind start to the year, which saw them being named as the only band on the BBC’s Sound of 2019 list and playing their biggest ever sold out live show at London’s Heaven, Sea Girls are excited to share the news that they have signed a record deal with Polydor Records (Billie Eilish, Sam Fender, The 1975). Earlier this month, the band announced their biggest UK shows for this autumn, kicking off in Nottingham on 2nd October

Track:  Damage Done

Vocalist and songwriter Henry Camamile explains the track: “Damage Done is about young love and moving on. The night before the song was written I recognised that a part of my past was amazing, a bit flawed and broken all at the same time. I wanted to try to be at peace with it, and to realise that better things are to come rather than holding onto the past. I sort of told myself I’m singing to no one if I’m not thinking of the future.”

Why We Like It:  It’s another passionate compelling track from Sea Girls that sweeps you up into a clenching surge of adrenaline. The sweet toned guitar twinkles between a snappy pulsing beat creating the tense and suspenseful verses that tease the anthemic chorus to come. These guys have an insane ability to create gripping, youthful tunes that rush into your veins with the expectation, kinetic energy and flutter of a first kiss while packing in some impressive indie backing to keep everything invigorating and refreshing. With an infectious melody, energetic bass, passionate warm vocals and precise exhilarating musicianship- it’s one sublime whoosh of indie to have you hooked in seconds.

You can follow Sea Girls on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sonicseagirls/

Stream ‘Damage Done’ below

Llovers

Genre: Indie Pop

Bio: Fast establishing themselves as one of the North East’s finest emerging acts,Teesside quintet Llovers have released their debut EP ‘Things That I Don’t Understand’, preceded by sparkling lead single ‘Coming Loose’ out via Think Tank? Drawing widespread acclaim across the airwaves (BBC Radio, 1, BBC 6 Music) over the last 18 months with a series of early releases, the band have already demonstrated their buoyant live potential supporting acts including Sundara Karma, Dream Wife and VANT.

Track: Coming Loose

About the track co frontman Jack Brooks stated : “Coming Loose deals with the anxieties that can come from being in a relationship, specifically one in which there’s little affection given from a paramour on the surface. It describes these feelings while also establishing which is used as a form of comfort within the narrative of the track”.

Why We Like It:  It’s a sparkling indie pop delight that swoons and floats around a delicious melody, shimmering synths and warm velvety vocals. A lustrous soundscape floods the track in dazzling scintillation while glittering guitars and a steady beat provide a wispy dreamy quality making this track so easy on the ears. The bitter sweet melody contrasts sublimely with the vibrant instrumental backdrop as the song soaks in summer vibes, psychedelic pop embellishments and rich textures.

You can follow Llovers on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wearellovers

Stream ‘Coming Loose’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


 

Mike Paul ‘Games with My Heart’

Carrick on Suir singer songwriter and music producer Mike Paul has released his new single ‘Games with My Heart’ following his debut single ‘Blame It on the Sun’ which was released on January 21st and had great success in its first month on Spotify gaining nearly 40,000 streams.

‘Games with My Heart’ is a charming upbeat synth pop number sparkling with light instrumentation and delightful tones. With a shaky rhythm and steady beat keeping a buoyant foundation for the shimmering synths and peppy guitar melodies, Mike Paul brings a funk flavour to his indie pop. Soulful vocals glide effortlessly over the velvety melody while a groove infested bass drifts suavely over the glistening soundscape. It’s a delightful bounce and laid-back display of Mike Paul’s absorbing musicianship.

Stream ‘Games with My Heart’ below


Ink Pix ‘How R U?’

Independent, synth pop artist ‘Ink Pix’ is releasing his next new single on the 31st of May, entitled ‘How R U?’.A preview in the form of a lyric video will also be available on the 28th of May. The song will be the first in a continuous run of singles Ink Pix will be releasing every 3 weeks.

‘How R U?’ is a catchy synth pop flutter as Ink Pix presents an intricately crafted number with playful instrumentation and rich rhythms. The synths glimmer and bloop behind the  rapid vocal coos. It is tightly layered with a sticky beat holding the infectious buoyant foundation while the crisp production polishes off the song with a glossy sheen. Catchy with a sugar coated melody and relatable lyrics Ink Pix has crafted his own tasty brand of synth pop.

For more you can follow Ink Pix on Facebook below https://www.facebook.com/inkpixmusic


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


Mushroom People ‘Vertigo’ Premier

Mushroom People have released their new single ‘Vertigo’. Mushroom People want to start a new chapter of their career. ”Vertigo’ is about freedom, it’s about letting go, outgrowing yourself–and all the fears that are coming with it.”

‘Vertigo’ places the luscious pop sound of Mushroom People firmly in our minds and hearts. With its twinkling guitars, dreamy melody and exhilarating electronics this track builds superbly into Mushroom People’s most captivating sound to date. An enchanting bass groove weaves beneath massive beat drops and pulses while the spiritual guitar illuminates the track with sun kissed sprinkles of delight. Lenny’s deep vocals charm and soothe while that delicious catchy melody seeps gently into the  ears with an easy going warmth compelling you to put this track on repeat. With a sweet flurrying string element blended within this sublime number Mushroom People have created one heart stopping gem.

About the track vocalist Lenny said “At some point last year we found ourselves not writing the music we really like, but now with some time to rethink the whole project we finally managed to create something we deeply care about.”

Stream ‘Vertigo’ below


Holden Laurence ‘Rewire’ Album

Cleveland-based Indie/Alternative artist Holden Laurence has released his Sophomore album ‘Rewire’ and will celebrate with a release show at Mahall’s on May 17th alongside Niights and Punch Drunk Tagalongs. Like his previous release ‘Wild Empty Promises’, Laurence once again recruited drummer Michael O’Brien of The Modern Electric to provide the pulse of Rewire. The Rewire sessions were recorded at Fe True Productions(Cleveland) and Bobby Peru Recording Studios (Milwaukee), and were engineered, mixed, and mastered by Shane Olivo, in partnership with executive producer Dr. Michael Bell.In addition to self-producing for the second time, all instruments and vocals, with the exception of drums and percussion, were performed by Holden Laurence

‘Rewire’ is a luscious and compelling collection of alternative 80’s pop submerged in beautiful vivid musicianship as Laurence wraps each track in glorious sugary synths that flash and seep their glucose sweetness through tracks like ‘Shadows of Old Love’, ‘Friendship and The Fever’ and ‘Speaking in Tongues’ .The emotional melodies melt into the tracks effortlessly and rest easily on the ear with bittersweet nostalgia blending with melancholic tones. The velvety vocals exude passion as the glistening sharp guitars weave zesty melodies throughout. The tracks whirl and glissade smoothly from vivid bass grooves and meaty drum progressions to ethereal dreamy tones seamlessly creating a vibrant and texture throughout the album. The emotional tender tracks like ‘Lightning Strikes’, ‘Rewire’,‘Desire’ and ‘Roses and a Romeo Mask’ are beautifully presented with delicate passion and gripping soundscapes while the more upbeat, indie speckled, sun kissed gems like ‘We’ll Always Have the Radio’ illuminate the album with a euphoric laid back tone of delight. Laurence brings us down a sultry nostalgic road of longing with ‘Mary Magdalene’ with its wistful, heart stopping melody and gripping soundscapes that is sure to rest charmingly in the heart of any one who listens to it. The album comes to a beautiful and delicate end with the track ‘The Southern Wind’ as warm guitar twinkles about a soft melody and lush harmony. It’s a charming number that builds becoming more dynamic as it blossoms into a heart warming ditty with honest lyrical content and pure emotional tones.

‘Rewire’ is a richly satisfying album that boasts Holden Laurence’s immaculate, passionate and rich musicianship.

Stream ‘Rewire’ below


Lonnie Storey ‘Silver and Glass’

Photo Credit: Zach Clapham

South-East London artist Lonnie Storey has released his new single ‘Silver and Glass’. This dreamy sun specked number floats upon a melted ice cream sundae melody while a sweet vaporous indie soundscape jingles and glimmers in the background. The track glides and sluggishly droops between energetic bursts and laid back breezy vibes with zest-stricken guitar melodies, elastic bass grooves and a danceable beat. It’s infectious, vibrant and quirky with nonchalant vocals cooing through the verses before becoming more dynamic for the catchy chorus. Filled with swagger and effortless suaveness this glossy, fizzing pop gem builds to a psych hued crescendo that is simply divine.

On ‘Silver and Glass’ Lonnie shares: ‘Silver and Glass is all about becoming a hot vapid mess,being so obsessed with image and presentation, hoping it will cover the cracks in a fragile, unhinged personality, whose self esteem leaked out of them overnight.”

Stream ‘Silver and Glass’ below


Aimée Steven ‘My Name’

Liverpool artist Aimée Steven has released her debut single ‘My Name’  on At Large Records. The track which has already been featured on BBC 6 Music and received multiple plays on BBC Merseyside is a compelling 60’s – esque chic number that boasts Steven’s slinky, vintage musicianship.Her smooth velvety vocals emanate a rich quality and warm texture over the suave melody as she coolly strolls over the lyrics with sass and swagger while a shimmy chic backdrop glimmers behind. The jangly guitar stridently weaves between the shaky rhythms and steady beat as they lay down that effortless 60’s- esque foundation. It’s a rich vibrant sassy track that is sure to have the feet tapping and hips grooving in no time. A sublime debut from  Aimée Steven.

Watch the video for ‘My Name’ below .