Category Archives: indie rock

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Radio Mafia ‘Don’t Think About It’ EP

Multi-genre Irish Five Piece Radio Mafia recently released their debut EP ‘Don’t Think About It’. Radio Mafia are in the process of putting the finishing touches on what is to become their debut album, titled ‘Can Anybody Hear Me’ which the band is aiming to release this summer.

‘Don’t Think About It’ is a tight collection of tracks as Radio Mafia meld alternative gusto with some slinky funk and blues elements to create a satisfying debut EP. With infectious grooves, sleek guitar lines and a buoyant beat, title track ‘Don’t Think About It’ sets the EP in motion.

The band allow each track its own identity within the EP without compromising on the overall flow and smooth transition from track to track. ‘B.R.S’  and ‘Fit to Die’ provide the brawn and alternative rock on the EP with gritty guitar lines, meaty drums, soul creeping rumble on bass and an overall harsh mosh rock attitude while ‘Glass Soldier’ brings a dash of swing into the mix. The finger clicking, foot tapping beat teamed with chic guitars and jazzy keys create a delightful break between the more alternative tracks and showcases the band’s ability to create a sound that is more classy and vibrant while still maintaining the bands bite and rawness. The smooth vocals, lush harmonies and pop sprinkled melodies hold all these tracks together and provide the component parts that puts Radio Mafia’s stamp and style on them. 

Whether its a polished swing number or a rowdy alternative rock or punk influence Radio Mafia manage to create diverse and engaging tunes that have an instant likability and buoyancy. ‘Don’t Think About It’ is a solid debut EP.

Stream ‘Don’t Think About It’ below 


Author : Danu

electro - rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – MiG 15

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From MiG 15

Liverpool newcomers MiG 15 have revealed a video for their brand new single ‘Interstellar’.Kicking off their 2020 with a bang, the band supported ‘80s electronic legends Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark on their Feb 2020 European live dates, as well as hitting the road in the UK through Feb/Mar 2020 supporting Love Fame Tragedy, the new solo project from The Wombats front man, Matthew Murphy.With early radio support from Janice Long at BBC Wales and Dave Monks at BBC Introducing Merseyside, things are off to a flying start for the quartet. Already working with big-name producers such as Rich Turvey (Blossoms, Clean Cut Kid, The Coral, She Drew The Gun) and Tord Knudsen from The Wombats, and with a heavy touring schedule already lined up, the band will be announcing further details of new music and live appearances over the coming months.

‘Interstellar’ is an intoxicating whirl of electronic indie entwined in a rock n’ roll slapped shell of swagger. With swirling soundscapes creating a rush of adrenaline the band weave and coil their sound twisting it into a thrilling listening experience. With intricate guitars mangled beneath the sonic outburst the band layer the track meticulously to create something truly infectious and powerful. Buoyant drums pummel the chorus while the bloops and bleeps embroider the track in intriguing soundscapes. MiG 15 pace and build their track superbly. An ethereal atmosphere creates pockets of swirling space between the flurrying electronics and indie blasts. With an 80’s – esque tonality, catchy chorus and dynamic yet smooth vocals ‘Interstellar’ is a lightning bolt of fine musicianship. 

Commenting on the ethos behind the band and the themes explored in their music, the quartet say: “MiG 15 is a deliberately provocative symbol of the Cold War—the Cold War never went away; it’s just gone digital. Lying politicians are still manipulating the masses, and now they have even more tools and types of media at their disposal with which to do it. Music should be the weapon of the people, but in a post-truth world, even that is struggling to break through.”

Watch the video for ‘Interstellar’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Bootlace ‘Wonderland’

Edinburgh based indie band Bootlace have unveiled their new single ‘Wonderland’. Among support acts throughout the country with the likes of Declan Welsh & the Decadent West, The Ruvellas, and Neil Morrison, Bootlace have already headlined iconic venues Bannermans Bar and Sneaky Petes in the heart of the capital.

With prominent spaghetti western – esque guitar and a striking rhythm section ‘Wonderland’ cements the strong enduring sound of Bootlace. The rampant bass rumbles throughout reinforcing the elastic groove and brawny foundation while the strong punchy drums provide a rugged sturdiness.The band create dark intoxicating sounds as the scorching sultry riffs slice and gnaw through the track with a desert-like humidity.  It’s a strong well crafted track with wild twangs on guitar oozing character into the song while laid back vocals and itchy melody are set alight by the rich instrumentation. ‘Wonderland’ is a precise and demanding track that showcases the prowess and fine musicianship of Bootlace.

Stream ‘Wonderland’ below 


Author : Danu

A Chat With, Alt Rock, indie rock, Interviews, New Music, Video Interviews

A Chat With : Emily 7

We sat down to have a chat with Scott Bellew and Kyle Bellew from Dublin alternative rock band Emily 7 in The Button Factory Dublin. We talked about their recently released EP ‘Minty’s Indie Club’, their relentless gigging and what it’s like being a new band in Ireland.

Watch The Interview Below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Surf Rock

Chappaqua Wrestling ‘Early’

Chappaqua Wrestling return with their new single ‘Early’. Chappaqua Wrestling are long-term writing partners Jake Mac and Charlie Woods, both 24, from Brighton via Manchester.The band have gained support from BBC Radio aficionados Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, Jack Saunders and Annie Mac as well as supported Sports Team and Black Honey. The band have also performed at the Green Man and Latitude Festivals, before travelling to the US for their first stateside show at 4XFAR in California last month. Chappaqua Wrestling are set to release a new EP this spring.

With sweet melodies, hazy tones and lush delicate intricacies ‘Early’ continues Chappaqua Wrestling’s sublime musicianship. The band smooth a grunge hue over their irresistible sound to create a sublime edge. Twinkling guitars create a dreamy refrain with a sun speckled radiance as the velvety vocals caress the melty melody with a laid back tone. The duo unravel the track beautifully, building to a heavier chorus with a gritty tonality of raw guitars and heavy beat. The narcotic tranquilizing verses disperse elegantly into the ears with a butter on toast warmth and melting quality while the crashing chorus showcases Chappaqua Wrestling’s fine ability to blend genres seamlessly. These guys are talented for sure. The lushness and deft musicianship is presented in such a wonderful and subtle way it’s an utter delight to the ears. 

About the track the duo explain :  “Early is the resurrection of a group of parts and a chorus written a while back. It’s something of a time traveller but has only recently been put together as a live song. The earliest notions of it date back to 2014 when we were in college, but the intro came as recently as a few weeks ago when we were in California.It chronicles the early stages of a relationship and the late nights/early mornings that came with it, dipped in layered guitars and harmony riffs. It’s a helluva fun song to play, so we are hugely excited to release it.”

Stream ‘Early’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

SLEEPTAPE ‘NO’

SLEEPTAPE have released their newest single ‘NO’. SLEEPTAPE are a four piece band based in the North East of England and consist of Jonathan Lott (Lead Vocals / Guitar), Luke Rogers (Lead Guitar), Stephen Wetherall (Bass) and Daniel Butterworth (Drums).

‘NO’ is a blistering wallop of alternative rock as SLEEPTAPE drape intense melodies over scorching frantic instrumentation to create a smothering thrilling soundscape. With ethereal  ominous jingles on guitar piercing through a relentless drum progression the band create a frenetic and crashing wall of sound. The rooted rumble on bass strangles and twists around the massive resounding drums while the band use the light guitars to create a slight relief from this heavy mania. It’s a raw beast pounding with adrenaline as SLEEPTAPE return with a mammoth track brimming with finesse and might. 

About the track the band said : “’NO is a song about feeling as if you’re running out of time to achieve what you want to, whilst struggling to cope with the noises and thoughts in your head of inadequacy.”

Stream ‘NO’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ EP

Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released their debut EP. ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ is a compact grunge rock EP swirled in a whirlwind of crashing guitars, pummeling drums and slinky bass lines. This EP represents Y!KES sound in a complete well thought out body of work. Dark undertones haunt the tracks with an ominous quality as the band flesh out their heavy musicianship.

The band have created some great tracks in this EP. ‘Chekhov’s Gun’ sets the madness in motion. Moody, dark and smothered in a sulky tone this intoxicating track slithers and weaves between alternative rock and grunge as gritty guitars soar and strike between the buoyant backdrop with relentless stamina. The band build tension and showcase their ability to produce melodic, moving music with a heavy rock backbone.

Y!kes pack this EP to the brim with catchy alternative pop-punk songs that are tough to resist. ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’  and ‘Spitfire Salutes’ give you that edge-of-your-seat riffs and bass rumbles while the punchy tight drums maintain that pounding foundation. With whirring guitars, dynamic vocals and that instant rush of adrenaline pulsing through each track its difficult not to be impressed.

‘Hiding In Plain Sight’ is a refreshing lift from the bands dark sound as they venture into Pixies territory with light indie guitar jangles, sunkissed melodies and a laid back nostalgic atmosphere. Giving us a glimpse of their sweeter melodies and melancholic tones it’s a lovable track lying between some hefty bangers.

However its ‘Repeat The Objective’ that holds my attention – a gritty, raw force of nature showcasing Y!kes unbridled ambition. With razor sharp guitars and acute bass, the verse lures and lacerates with a heavy consistency and intoxicating quality. The vocals wail and growl between the mighty wall of sound ( I have to hand it to Oli Long, those vocals are sublimely expressive and harrowing). It’s a searing, thrilling and frantic number rich in intricacies and deft musicianship.

‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ is an impressive debut EP from Y!kes and a keyhole glimpse of their raw talent and potential. A fantastic, impressive EP which sets the band up for great things. 

Stream ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Ten Hands High ‘Red Wine’

Leeds indie four piece Ten Hands High have released their new single ‘Red Wine’. After releasing their debut single in January 2019, which racked up 30k streams in three weeks on Spotify, Ten Hands High proceeded to play several packed out shows in their hometown of Leeds. The band then went on to release 5 more tracks in the space of 5 months, selling out their debut London headline at the Hope and Anchor in Islington along the way. Currently based in London, Ten Hands High have a busy 2020, with new music in the works and a mini-tour for early 2020.

‘Red Wine’ is that heart gripping, adrenaline rush of indie that seeps into your brain with catchy hooks, vibrant instrumentation and explosive energy. Ten Hands High build and layer this track superbly creating a new suspenseful burst with each musical flurry. From zest stricken guitar lines, warm melodies, and rooted wiggle on bass- this track hits all the marks. With a massive blasting crescendo embroidered with distortion, the band smashes and flourishes through the intensity with powerful vigor. As the crashing wall of sound causes goosebumps for the chorus the indie pop sprinkled verses glitter radiance, youthful adrenaline and blood rushing tension throughout. With pulsing rumble on drums, shaking percussion and majestic ethereal guitars teamed with warm vocals ‘Red Wine’ is a smashing indie banger ready to make you smile and bop. A sublime new track from this rising indie band .

Stream ‘Red Wine’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/user-523740213/red-wine


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Single Premiere

Brian Whittington Debut Single ‘Loretta’ Premiere

Dublin’s northside native, Brian Whittington has released his new single ‘Loretta’. Having garnered previous press for his impressive covers of Amy Winehouse and Elvis, and having wracked up hundreds of thousands of views on his YouTube channel, Whittington has released his debut single ‘Loretta’ ahead of his Whelan’s show on April 4th.

‘Loretta’ is a swagger dripping rock & roll number saturated in Whittington’s catchy songwriting. With a smooth melody that glides in on suave vocals this slicked back ditty will have you dancing around the room within seconds. A shredding guitar solo scorches through a groove-doused bass line which wiggles its infectious rumble through the dynamic drums. It’s a clean hook laden track filled with oodles of adrenaline and explosive energy. With a sassy soundscape, vibrant guitars and utter swag oozing from every buoyant note this radio ready number will ignite the soul and charm you to the dance floor. 

Stream ‘Loretta’ below


Author : Danu