Due to the lockdown, Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their unreleased single ‘Cola (Synge Street Version)’. A little more clamorous than the ‘Late Night Pharmacy’ EP version the band take one of their most exhilarating and catchy tracks and add a refreshing new gritty edge to it. The moody verses are pushed into a jogging pace by the kinetic bass rumble and stomping kick drum while the rasp filled vocals smother the track in a sultry angsty sulk. It’s a vibrant indie track with blistering strides on guitar oozing sunny day humidity while the band’s frenetic wall of sound asphyxiates the chorus with scorching intensity.This band have a knack with creating rich textures and the perfect blend of cool, calm brooding moments between their whirlwind explosive soundscapes to produce a truly invigorating and first rate sound that is just as raw and intense as it is majestic. Love this track.
Walsall indie band The Assist have released a charity single for the NHS and they have already raised over £500 via their JustGiving campaign. ‘Life’ is a smashing indie rock number that surges with The Assist’s passionate and breathtaking musicianship. Swirling keys coil and ricochet off the pulsing beat and sharp guitars creating a biting ethereal soundscape filled with raw instrumentation on a sublime funk flavoured backdrop. It’s an honest track that showcases the hard work the NHS staff endure as they continue to risk their lives for others. ‘Life’ is a tight, rich and thoroughly exhilarating number.
Liverpool’s Polar States are helping to alleviate lockdown induced boredom for themselves, and their fans, by releasing a song a day, directly to their fans via a private WhatsApp group.
The band explained : “When we first went into this lockdown period we were actually just finishing up recording a really big batch of new songs, and had the plan that we wanted to try and finish off one of the demos every day and send them off to our manager. But then the world changed very quickly around us, and we knew we had to try and find a way to keep our fans as optimistic as possible in this super weird time, so we had the idea of sending anyone who wanted it a song every day as we complete them. We did this for a few days and people were really responding to the songs, which was great, but then we started opening up the chat for half an hour a day so people could message us and each other and it began to take on a life of it’s own! It suddenly became this forum for people to connect with each other, and just forget about how crazy life is right now for a few minutes each day, which is the most valuable thing for us all right now. We’re still writing all the time and working on things remotely, so there’s no reason why we can’t keep this up. It’s definitely not too late to get involved!”
The band are no strangers to sending out their demos directly to fans, having sent out their early demos in a similar way, prior to releasing their EP ‘All You Couldn’t See’ with Killing Moon Records and completing their debut packed out UK tour in late 2019 on the back of their social media buzz.
You can follow this link to join in with the WhatsApp chat every night at 8pm GMT:
VELVET are an up and coming five piece indie band from County Durham.The band have just released their debut E.P ‘Brother’. With luscious summer vibes, sweet melodies and intricate instrumentation ‘Brother’ is a compact and delightful EP from VELVET. The band have managed to capture a laid back summers day vibe in this sublime EP. One particular glorious element throughout each track is the light tasty guitar lines which weave zesty refreshing qualities into the rock n roll swagger of ‘Ride’ and vibrant indie jangle of ‘This Wave’. The mellow tones and soft rasped vocals ooze marshmallow softness into the tracks. With shredding solos, cushioned rich rhythms and sweet melodies, each song is a breezy ethereal delight. The buoyancy of the tracks is infectious as the punchy drums and entwined bass lines create a charming fluctuant foundation.With the golden glow of ‘Happy Place’ and zealous radiance of ‘Brother’ the EP is a sweet concoction of breezy sublime musicianship as VELVET create the perfect collection of tracks to chill and dance to. The band showcase their fine ability to blend some gritty rock elements into their sun kissed psychedelic hued sound to create a satisfying listening experience.
Manchester’s The Covasettes are back with another knock-out EP ‘Spin’. A two-track gem featuring ‘Spin’ and ‘Irate’. In previous years The Covasettes have built quite the portfolio of live gigs; winning ‘Most exciting live band of 2018’ and playing at the ARIAs awards at Leeds First Direct arena. They supported The Sherlocks at their sold-out Leeds Stylus show, played at the Etihad Stadium, and sold multiple dates out across the UK for their tour back in summer 2019.
‘Spin’ is a blazing return from The Covasettes. The track rushes in, swagger soaked and brimming with relentless stamina. The raw gritty riffs cut through the bands full flavoured sound with acute precision while the punchy drums and intense bass create a brawny foundation for the guitars to rebound and soar off. The quartet blend polished indie with edgy alternative rock seamlessly to create a clean mosh ready anthem filled with gusto and might. It’s a heavier track than we are used to from The Covasettes. The four piece have taken their knack with melody, tight musicianship and instrumental prowess to create something truly invigorating. This number packs one heck of a punch and displays the bands grittier edge. With smooth vocals and infectious ear worm melody the band have refined their sound superbly.
As the B-Side to Spin, The Covasettes have released a revamped classic from their early days. ‘Irate’ follows the dynamic surge of ‘Spin’ as the band glide through groove infected bass lines, foot tapping drum stomps and superbly slick guitar lines. There’s a sleek rock n roll prance about this track that is so infectious while the dynamic vocals from Chris Buxton flood the song with panache. This band have developed the ability to inject wonderful elements into their tracks with lustrous and epic guitar lines. They meticulously layer upon this to flesh out the track with steamy elastic bass wiggles and punchy animated drums to create a robust tantalizing sound that is irresistible.
Commenting on the track ‘Spin’, frontman Chris Buxton said: “Spin is a song I’ve loved from the minute I had first written it on an acoustic guitar. It’s fierce and almost old school in its approach and I love it for that. It’s a powerful rock song I think will certainly pound a few ear drums on its release. It’s a really exciting time for us at the moment, everything we’ve done up to now has been so well received and it feels like things have started to click into place and I hope that this track will propel us even further. We’re definitely unorthodox in the way we release music, our sound is constantly evolving and it’s really important to me that we evolve with it. We don’t confine ourselves to one particular sound and I think it’s exactly that which makes us the band we are today. This is the beginning of a bigger project and I can’t wait for people to get stuck into it. We’re in uncharted territory at the moment and we’re loving every moment of it, but for now, we’re just letting the music do the talking”.
Brighton three-piece Something Leather is set to release their debut EP ‘Midnight Reverie’, on 17th April.The trio have already gained a reputation for explosive live shows thanks to a host of support slots with up-and-coming bands including Black Midi, Saint Agnes, Sophie and the Giants, Calva Louise and Phobophobes.A triumphant 2019 saw successful UK and European tours establish an increasing following for the band.The year culminated with latest single ‘Lullaby’ garnering further support from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq.
‘Midnight Reverie’ is a sleek streamlined EP swirled in sultry dark psychedelic tones. Something Leather inject gritty indie rock, opaque pop and ominous atmospheres into ‘Midnight Reverie ‘to create a sublime EP of tremendous magnitude. The production and craftsmanship of this EP is fantastic. The band take their elegant psych rock and mince it into a mirage of dazed pop elements. Each track drags you further into their mesmerising and bewitching sound.
With a sinister flurry of guitars ’Trip To The Sun’ kick starts the EP. Sultry and mind melting the track whirls through dizzying acid dipped electronics while a steady pounding beat and eerie organ – esque elements create that spine chilling backbone. Phillie Etta Jane’s vocals are the sweet hauntingly lulling constant within each track. She creates a soft delicate moment within each song while exuding a sultry panache effortlessly. The dreamy melodies compliment her vocals superbly as they hush and entice you into the harrowing entrapment created by the instrumentation – it’s a bait your ears will willingly take.
The trio write catchy and mystical tunes with a heavy backdrop that is irresistible.’Farewell Fareworse’ has a Sleater-Kinney residue over the distorted electrical mayhem while the prowess on guitars pine and wail with intent over the crashing wall of sound. There is controlled chaos within this EP as the band weave vintage qualities with wild guitars and relentless synths to create their own unique, harrowing yet velvety sleek sound.The noir pop peppered ‘Midnight Dive’ shows a melancholic side to Something Leather. The dreamy whimsical brooding display flows with flashings of black and white west coast images of sulky bliss. This narcotic soothing track drifts with twanging pines on guitar as the track dissolves into multi fragments of laid back moody indie pop. Like all Something Leather songs the track builds to a fizzing crescendo that evaporates your mind. It’s a tragic, beautiful and darkly-shaded pinnacle moment of the EP.
The band return to their seductive and menacing grit for final track ‘Down Another One’. Another stand out number, the drama and intensity of this song is immense. Like daggers, the drums relentlessly pierce and pound while growling backing vocals haunt the backdrop. The jabbing guitars, distorted roars and spine chilling wall of sound create a creepy gut wrenching atmosphere while Phillie Etta Jane’s breathy yet sweet vocals build the tracks momentum. It’s heavy, dark and brilliant.
‘Midnight Reverie’ is a dark concoction of tracks to bask and submerge yourself in. With such murky and sultry cinematic melancholia steeped in elements of psychedelia, indie rock and electronic pop Something Leather have created one first rate body of work. There are distinct moments of brilliance within ‘Midnight Reverie’ that set the bar high making Something Leather one of the most exciting bands around right now.
‘Midnight Reverie’ EP will be released on April 17th until then check out the video for the bands recent single ‘Farewell Fareworse’ below
Bristol band The Rupees have released their new single ‘Run‘. An exhilarating display of indie rock ‘Run’ blisters and boils encompassing The Rupees raw snarling sound with all its might. The band don’t pull punches as they create a scorching garage rock gem. Coarse guitars jaggedly lacerate through a swirling synth smog while the punchy drums and resounding bass pound through a hefty foundation. It’s a lean mean force of nature as the band cause a chaotic wall of sound through refined and vigorous instrumentation without losing their slick swagger. There is a freeing sense of adrenaline and powerful gusto as the track explodes into its frenetic chorus while the gravely vocals and catchy melody relentlessly resonate through the whirlwind backdrop. ‘Run’ is sublime vigorous anthem from The Rupees.
About the track the band said : “Run is about dreaming for something more, being the underdog, wanting to escape whilst existing in world of averageness, having to work a mundane job in a mundane place, but knowing there is something more, knowing there is something inside of you that is trapped in there because of the exact circumstances you find yourself in. But you can run, you can use love and your passions to escape, you are not sure if you are ever winning or losing but you just have to run with it, with the things you love, just keep going!”
Donegal alternative indie rock four piece Sheerbuzz have released their new single ‘Darkside’. The band formed in 2017 with the goal of starting a music scene in their area. The four piece released their debut EP in March of 2019. That year it became one of the most streamed Irish EPs without a PR team or any label.
‘Darkside’ is a lush indie number brimming with shredding guitar lines and funky moments as Sheerbuzz showcase just how carefully they have been building and cultivating their sound. Laced in buoyant rhythms and sweet sunkissed melodies the track balances an effervescent meaty alternative rock wall of sound with sweet melodic indie superbly to create a well crafted wholly enjoyable number. The intricate bass lines weave and wiggle throughout the tracks foundation creating an elastic quality and funk peppering. The catchy chorus, laid back tones and glorious guitar lines make this track exquisitely charming. The band use sharp sultry guitar licks between soaring riffs and a shredding solo to add swagger and sass to the track while the distinctive vocals’ melancholic longing bounce over the dreamy melody. ‘Darkside’ is a dreamy, sun sprinkled and vibrant new single from Sheerbuzz.
About the track the band said: “ Darkside is a song about losing connections with people you used to be very close with, that connection being lost through different choices that put that person in a situation they aren’t happy with but aren’t sure how to recover from. That feeling of disconnection you want to rectify by any means necessary.”
Dublin electronic rock band Synk have recently released their new single ‘Waiting Room’.The track was written during the transition into Autumn 2019 and was recorded in isolation in Co. Leitrim shortly after itʼs conception and is self-produced by Synk. Synk is comprised of James Lonergan on Vocals, Guitar, Daniel Smith on Guitar, Phil Noone on Drums, Evan Kennedy on Bass, Vocals, Keys and Fergus Grant on Keys, Guitar, Vocals.
Once again Synk entwines and coils sweet lush moments between chaotic bursts to create a satisfying and mystical track. ‘Waiting Room’ twinkles to an airy fresh start as glistening light flurries of guitar trickle behind a warm vocal lilt. The track fluctuates becoming more dark as rich ominous rhythms weave with jittery angst. I love the opulent textures and sounds this band flood their music with – each quiver, beat and pulse is vibrant and emotive expressing something quite beautiful. The ethereal electronics add a mysterious quality and magical wonder element while the beat is the elastic band that releases the whimsical dream-like soundscape into the atmosphere and pulls it back just as effortlessly. With jangly flutters on guitars the band show character with luminous bursts through the darker smudged depths and moody elements.
Synk keep their tracks pulsing and simmering right up to their crescendos which are always exhilarating and ‘Waiting Room’ follows this superbly keeping your ears bound in a mesmerising daze hanging on every bewitching earthy note. The vocals are shared by James Lonergan and Evan Kennedy, with James singing the first half of the song, and the ending coda sung by Kennedy.
‘Waiting Room’ is an intricate rippling mirage, shimmering with the masterful and compelling musicianship of Synk. I love how they convey so much emotion through contrasting sounds with such beauty and balance, it’s quite masterful.
The British indie rock outfit Sidetracked have recently released their debut single ‘City’. Sidetracked consists of bassist Cohen Radcliffe, lead guitarist George Wolstencroft, drummer Lewis Flynn and Alex, the lead singer, rhythm guitarist & songwriter
With jangly guitars slicing through a laid back bouncy indie rock backdrop ‘City’ triumphantly announces Sidetracked’s infectious sound. The band melt a catchy smooth melody over a bubbling indie soundscape to create one radiant zest filled gem. With punchy drums providing a dynamic springboard, the track soars with adrenaline pumping stamina and a hint of surf rock fun. The ethereal bite on guitars creates a twinkling refreshing burst of energy while the groove riddled bass and spongy rhythm maintains a feathery lightness and upbeat charm. Sidetracked showcase their slick ability to create a polished clean and jaunty number sure to have you bopping along in no time. A sublime debut.
Stream ‘City’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
