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
The Perks are a Pop Rock Alternative band from Las Vegas, NV composed of brothers Andy, Aaron, and Hunter Gorman, and their best friend Ryley Isakson. Since their inception on October 11, 2012, they’ve been playing energetic sets for passionate crowds both in and out of Vegas. The band just released their new single “Enough of This Place” which is a light catchy melodic tune with beautiful harmonies and a chorus everyone can join in to with “ooh” lyrics. It’s a sweet simple song that is well composed with light accompaniment for the verses which builds for the chorus. Their clapping bridge over electric guitar is very effective and has a positive vibe giving the song an uplifting “Imagine Dragons” feel. The simple vocal style also adds a smooth, easy to listen, laid back vibe to this song.
The Perks seem to have a nack for writing catchy tunes and their collection of songs show a variety of styles while keeping it fresh. “Not My Home” is a track they released last year which is an example of their talent. It’s a well produced song with steady beats and shimmering pop synths. It’s a really infectious tune and again the vocals are perfect as they are soft while showing off a vocal talent by moving into a smooth almost falsetto without becoming sharp. The tempo change at the bridge is very effective and we get to hear an instrumental solo which shows off their playing skills.
“Sirens” shows us a more indie rock side to the Perks with slick guitar riff and an intense mysterious vocal in the verses before a catchy upbeat bright chorus. They keep it light with this song also, but show off their guitar and compositional skills.
“Razorblades” would be my favourite of their songs with its groove beat and memorable chorus with energetic tones. Its a fun positive track that will make you dance and clap along.The funky guitar and luminous synths gives the track a spirited lively feel finishing with a lustrous guitar solo.
Perks are an energetic radiant band with catchy songs that are very easy to listen and sing along to.
Stream “Enough of This Place” ” Sirens” and ” Razorblades” below
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
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
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
