Bedrooms have released their new single ‘Chunky’. Bedrooms are a 4 piece alternative band from the northside of Dublin, formed in 2019. The band released their debut single ‘Chico’s Bodega’ in June which has since been featured on Dan Hegarty’s 2fm show, as well as being added to the playlist on PlayIrish radio.
A sublime track to follow ‘Chico’s Bodega’ – ‘Chunky’ is a laid back melodic ditty that coasts effortlessly on Bedrooms biting indie rock. There is an effortless flow to this track that creates a lazy mellow atmosphere while the edged backdrop of fuzz guitars and driving rhythm provide that wonderful rough wall of sound to keep your head out of the clouds. The marshmallow melody has a sweet, dreamy quality with a nonchalant vibe as the reverb vocals coo and drift with a sort of aloof casual tone. With witty lyrics, a driving wall of sound and vibrant guitar melodies, – Bedrooms have created a sun speckled, charming alternative track. The band are developing and establishing their sound and each release is a heartfelt and delightful glimpse into their growth and exciting creation of their brand of alternative indie. I’m looking forward to seeing how these guys cultivate their sound further.
Manchester indie rock five piece Freeda have released their new single ‘Wash’, the third single to be taken from the bands upcoming EP which is set to be released at the start of next year. Their first two singles ‘Plug It In’ and ‘Go Home’ received airplay on Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing. At the start of 2019 Freeda released two singles ‘Replay’ and ‘Plead’, both of these received extensive backing from XS Manchester and continued support from Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing. Freeda have their largest headline show coming up at Deaf Institute on the 23rd November.
‘Wash’ is a swirling electrifying gem that seeps, oozes and bleeds Freeda’s sublime, mature and invigorating musicianship. From that twinkling reverb intro it’s apparent these guys can take a delicious melody and explode it into their thrilling wall of sound without drowning it out. There is a sugar cane 50’s element to the melody but the five piece make it current, youthful and timeless all at once. Whipping exhilarating synths into the mix this track grabs your heart firmly with its riveting soundscape. The jangly sting on guitars glisten while the punchy drums shake things up creating a sublime bubbly texture to this effervescent number. It’s a sensational, perfectly crafted track that rockets Freeda into their most compelling sound to date. Their knack with melodies, instrumental prowess and utterly passionate musicianship is the reason these guys have a bright future.
About the track the band said : ‘‘Wash’ is a song that plays with the idea of two people letting themselves drift apart as they realise neither person was who the other thought. Although animosity shines through at first, the protagonist soon deals with emotions of moving on, implying that rising above may be the better option.”
Greywind have released their new single ‘Desolate’. Greywind are a two-piece alternative rock band from Killarney in Ireland formed by siblings Steph and Paul O’Sullivan. In their first 35 shows as a band they have already played some of the biggest festivals in Europe, including Reading and Leeds, Isle of Wight, Download, Rock Am Ring and have supported the likes of You Me At Six and Thrice. Their debut album ‘Afterthoughts’ was recorded in Texas with Grammy-Winning producer Jason Perry and has achieved huge critical acclaim from the likes Zane Lowe, Kerrang!, Rocksound, MTV. The album was released through Universal Music and charted in the Top 10 of the Official UK Rock Chart.
‘Desolate’ is a prime example of Greywind’s passionate full bodied alternative rock. Wisped up in a heartfelt melody the track travels upon a bed of rich, vibrant and wholesome musicianship as Steph’s warm and emotive vocals coo and powerfully express the striking lyrics with a soothing and dynamic tone. As with every stunning Greywind track ‘Desolate’ drifts beautifully on a heavy backdrop of thumping drums and sublime crashing guitar work. This track broods majestically into its explosive cinematic chorus that is ready for arena sing-alongs. The twinkling components exude a sweet innocence while the subtle fuzz and ethereal guitar elements build the track to its most epic and adrenaline-inducing crescendo. ‘Desolate’ is an enthralling, powerful display from Greywind.
Watch the stunning video filmed in Kerry by director George Maguire below
Something Leather have shared their new single, ‘Lullaby ’released via We Can Do It Records. The band have been hailed as one of the most exciting bands on the Brighton music scene.The band have announced an exclusive ‘Lullaby’ vinyl package in association with Flying Vinyl, which will feature the new single and their highly acclaimed previous single ‘Velvet’ released earlier this year.Something Leather have recently supported a multitude of upcoming bands including the likes of Black Midi, Calva Louise, Valeras, Phobophobes, Madonnatron,Saint Agnes and JOHN, gaining a significant buzz since the release of their debut single ‘Shotgun Persona’.
‘Lullaby’ is a chilling psychedelic entrapment of retro steamed alternative rock as Something Leather create an eerie, creeping soundscape filled with perilous bliss. Eerie organ jingles seep into the track with ghostly terror. A driving bass lurks in the background slithering through a wiggle-inducing progression while the 70’s hued shimmy beat adds that dance-able light quality. The sultry vocals coo and seduce with a wispy vaporous quality through the ominous soundscape as the sharp guitars wriggle with a tightening claustrophobic grip. It’s a sublime haunting number that is utterly infectious and sure to have you hooked on Something Leather’s unique bewitching sound.
About the track the band said : “Lullaby’ is the sweet temptation of dwelling in the past instead of moving on, the comforting call to press pause or rewind when it’s actually necessary to go ahead, There’s calm and stillness as well as action and urgency all side by side–replicated in the song itself. Can we actually break free from a lullaby’s spell?You tell us..”
Rain have released their new EP ‘Forget The World’. The band which is a three piece from Sunderland in the north east of England is comprised of lead singer and guitarist Patrick Ashurst, Alex Liddle on bass and Ben Mitchell on drums and backing vocals.
‘Forget The World’ is a snug collection of tracks as Rain delve deep into their melodic indie. The band are fleshing out their sound by refining and beautifully building on their debut EP ‘VOLUME 1’. From the driving bass line in ‘The Only One’ to the punchy drum progression in ‘Pyros’ and warm guitar jingle in ‘Goodbye x’ the band chisel there sound into a sleek and effortless swaggering soundscape. The melodies flurry from 60’s Beatles- esque tones to early Arctic Monkeys elements while maintaining the bands own charm and sparkle. The groovy guitars saunter throughout the EP with silky licks and intricate riffs creating a glistening light texture and zesty quality to each track without becoming overpowering. The band don’t overload their tracks with excessive layering, they use their instruments precisely where needed to create a clean and tuneful wall of sound. ‘Forget The World’ is the radiant upbeat ditty that is sure to spark sing-alongs in a live setting while a Fluorescent Adolescent -esque guitar refrain in ‘Thank You’ carries its predecessors upbeat vibe with a more tender melody before the melancholic longing ‘Goodbye x’ plays out the EP.
There is passion and warmth throughout ‘Forget The World’ as Rain nourish the listeners ears with their well blended tunes and rich musicianship. Each track is lovable and infectious in its own right. Rain are blossoming and shaping their indie into something compelling, exciting and vibrant.
Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released the video for their new single ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’. The single is one of four tracks from the bands debut EP coming in January 2020.
‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ continues Y!KES stride of relentless scorching alternative rock with a dark haunting twist. The band present their buoyant hyper sound with an eerie undertone of perilous danger expressed superbly through the howling gravel of new vocalist Oli Long, who joined the band last month. With shredding licks and slinky shrills on guitar accompanied by funky synths the band flesh out their swagger-dipped musicianship with ease. These guys have a knack for creating exciting tracks filled with hyperactive instrumentation, fuzzy riffs and thrilling bass lines and ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ follows this trend beautifully.
The video is a spooky tale of a rogue vampire terrorising the band as he runs rampant sucking their blood and turning them into a wicked vampire band. With capes, dramatic makeup, a quirky Halloween vibe and garlic bread incident its worth checking out.
Watch the video for ‘Hold On To Your Grudge’ below
Bio: Danny G & The Major 7ths are a neo-soul group from Dublin, Ireland. ‘Time the Healer’ is the 3rd single from forthcoming album ‘The Lookout’. ”Say When’ and ‘Believing’ were both featured on RTÉ’s recommended playlist and were on rotation on WPPM 106.5 FM PHILADELPHIA – Reprezent 107.3FM London , 87.8 MHz Oz Urban Radio Perth, RTÉ Radio 1, 2FM and Today FM to name a few.The band is an all-star lineup ranging from 5 to 8 musicians including past or present members of Hozier, Loah, Fehdah, Mary Coughlan, Zaska, Ensemble Eriu, Manden Express, Selk, MixTapes from the Underground and LaGracia.
Track: ‘Time the Healer’ feat. Fehdah & Zaska
Why We Like It: It’s an intricately weaved and profound piece of musical beauty that hits all the right spots. With rich soul elements drifting elegantly over chic funk grooves and soft sprinkles of jazz it’s a classy flamboyant delight. The smooth vocals caress the creamy melody with an elegant suaveness while the snazzy guitar infectiously flash steamy vapor throughout this refined piece. The track unravels becoming more musically rich as it progresses. With lush harmonies and soft atmosphere this compelling gem is classy and velvety smooth with zesty wonderful twists within its sleek intricacies. Well crafted and clean ‘Time the Healer’ is the work of musical magicians.
About the track Danny said : “This song was written for a friend. When you go through a really tough time, the pain never really goes away, you never forget it. But time passes. One day you’ll wake up and it won’t hurt any more. You’ll come out the other side, wiser and stronger.”
Bio: We Three Kings are a no-nonsense three piece rock ’n’ roll band from Manchester. The band are an unpretentious live act with a massive, balls-out sound, recent singles ‘Give It To Me, GO!’ & ‘Do It’ have achieved widespread critical acclaim, including radio airplay on BBC Introducing, Planet Rock Radio and Amazing Radio
Track: Gasoline
Why We Like It: It’s a fiery brawny number brimming with the bulky blues infested rock ‘n’ roll We Three Kings do so well. With its catchy chorus, jagged rough riffs and pounding drums the band whack out another robust assault that wrestles your ears into submission. With a shredding solo and infectious groove its one locked and loaded pistol ready for the mania of a live show.
Bio: The Suncharms are a Sheffield based indie/shoegaze band originally active between 1989-1993. After releasing a retrospective CD compilation on Cloudberry Records the band reunited and released a 7″ single on Slumberland Records in 2018
Track: Monster Club
Why We Like It: It’s a woozy dreamy number encased in subtle eerie undertones as the band create a chilling summer tropical jam. With warm guitar jingles, hazy melodies, haunting vintage organs and creepy creaking sounds its a wonderful paradox. The shoegaze tones glide and subtly drift about the track while the laid back atmosphere consumes your ears in marshmallow soft delight as the band lure you into their mysterious haunting soundscape.
Bio: Little Blue Thula are an alt-folk duo from Hull. Forming over a year ago, playing almost 80 shows (of which some include supporting signed artists) and a full length album recorded, the band are fast becoming one of the most productive bands on the circuit.
Track: I Could Never Understand
Why We Like It: This gentle sweet track flows effortlessly on Little Blue Thula’s passionate and meaningful musicianship. Soft emotive vocals drape delicately over the sweet melancholic melody while the lush harmonies and warm guitar accompaniment create a dreamy supple atmosphere. These guys have a refined ability to create deeply compelling tracks that hit you in the chest with emotion and tenderness – ‘I Could Never Understand’ follows this trend beautifully.
Watch the video for ‘I Could Never Understand’ below
Saltwater Sun
Genre: Indie Rock
Bio: Following on from the release of critically acclaimed EP The Great Deceiver earlier this year, Saltwater Sun kick-start the next phase with their new single ‘Mouthbreather’. Admired across the BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music airwaves (Annie Mac, Jack Saunders, Huw Stephens), the childhood friends have spent the majority of summer on the festival circuit (Isle Of Wight, Latitude and Truck) alongside notching impressive support slots with US alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World and fellow indie risers The Amazons and Another Sky.
Track: Mouthbreather
Why We Like It: It’s a dark tense indie track that flurries around blistering grunge as the band create a whirling wall of sound filled with fury and dizzying angst while the pop smeared melody creates a catchy element to their blistering instrumental backdrop. With sharp guitars, strident bass lines and a psychedelic hued soundscape Saltwater Sun craft their infectious indie into a smothering sinister track that is utterly outstanding. The explosive backdrop creates an exhilarating atmosphere as Jen Stearnes’ vocals coo through the ominous, shivering verses and soar with luring power and rasp filled texture for the chorus. It’s another outstanding track from this exciting band.
About the single frontwoman Jen Stearnes explained: “Mouthbreather is a monumental rant about the myriad people who get on Saltwater Sun’s collective last nerve. Loud chewers, bad drivers and mansplainers–the list goes on! Sure, we could be the bigger people and rise above, but where’s the fun in that?”
Bio: Named after Bowie’s ’80s classic, Ireland’s modernlove. have rapidly become one of indie-pop’s brightest and most talked about new bands. Debut single ‘Us’ and follow up ‘Bop’ have quickly amassed over 250K streams on Spotify and featured on editorial playlists such as New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds and The Pop List. ‘Bop’ was also featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’ and picked up national radio support in the UK and Ireland. With a recent support slot for Good Cop Bad Cop (Arctic Monkeys’ Matt Helders new band) under their belt, they’ve been announced to support Larkins in The Academy on November 25th, and a headline show in The Soundhouse in spring
Track: Liquorice
Why We Like It: modernlove. present a lush juicy slice of indie pop saturated in shimmering glossy synths and mouth watering melodies that are sure to leave you craving for more. With rich rhythms shaking, pulsing and shimmying through tutti frutti guitar jingles and intricate bass lines the band create a tasty number sure to charm the hearts and minds of all who hear it. It’s a passionate track with dynamic emotive vocals that venture effortlessly into sweet falsetto heights and warm depths. The band whack out brisk lyrics that will tie your tongue in knots while the adrenaline induced through their 80’s dipped wall of sound will take you back to your youthful heart racing days. With The 1975- esque influence, bittersweet melody and vibrant soundscape these guys are ones to keep an eye on.
About the track the band said : “Liquorice is a song about naive teenage infatuation set against a dizzying backdrop of alcohol and substance fueled nightlife”
Following ‘Getintheshower’ and ‘The Island’ earlier this year, Alt/rock outfit Dakota Avenue have released their new single ‘Temptress’ which was recorded in Stoke-on-Trent with producer Andy Gannon. The trio have performed and received airplay from BBC Introducing, match day slots at Manchester City’s Etihad and festivals nationally; Belladrum, Tramlines, Dot To Dot, Blackthorn and RivFest and supported The Covasettes and Sly Antics to name a few.
‘Temptress’ takes Dakota Avenue’s powerful rock and refines it into a punchy, more potent dosage. The band batter through with robust and aggressive drums creating a beefy backbone with elastic flexibility while the piercing guitars slice and whine throughout creating an ethereal, vaporous quality that is sleek and steamy. It’s a dynamic number that boasts the mighty anthemic range of this three piece as they cultivate their sound to a grander scale. There is an equal measure of smooth velvety qualities to robust power. The melody drifts into the ears with ease as Frontman J’s compelling vocals coo and lure through the verses before howling the infectious chorus. His vocals drift with soulful and powerful tones while maintaining a rock-fueled rasp. Dakota Avenue have successfully carried the sublime passionate nature of previous release ‘Getintheshower’ through to ‘Temptress’ however they have slapped on some destructive heft and crashing wall of sound to create a thrilling new single and entice listeners. These guys are ones to keep an eye on.
THE HOWLERS / PIXEL STUDIO A / Kentish Town / Shot by Rob Blackham / www.blackhamimages.com
After receiving notable support from BBC Radio 1, Radio X & Clash Magazine with debut single ‘La Dolce Vita’ East London Desert Rockers The Howlers are back with their follow up single ‘Matador’. Recently endorsed by Laney Amplification the band are continuing to drive home the hype that surrounded their debut single. The band will be playing a handful of shows around London and the UK to see the year out, as well as live shows the band will be back in the studio to finish their third single which will be released in early 2020.
‘Matador’ is a rousing piece of desert rock as The Howlers lasso your ears with their sweltering musicianship and exhilarating sound. With bracing whines on guitar the band delve deep into a mystery soaked biting atmosphere while the relentless drums and dynamic bass roar and rumble through the blistering wall of sound. The track exudes swagger as the cool vocals gravel between the stinging backdrop. Its western – esque bravado and spiky coating adds fiery intensity while the smooth melody and anthemic eruption for the chorus make this track something your ears will crave to hear again. ‘Matador’ is an intoxicating new single from The Howlers.
Macclesfield trio Cassia performed their debut Dublin headline show in Whelan’s last night.The last stop on their UK and European tour the trio gave it their all. They must have been absolutely shattered, in fact when I spoke to them beforehand they admitted they were tired. However the band were not going to let that stop them and like a ball of radiant energy the trio – illuminated Whelan’s.
Support on the night came from Irish singer/songwriter Jack Joyce.Unfortunately I missed his set however I looked him up on spotify after the show and he has some delightful, heartfelt tracks.With intriguing track titles like The Darth Vader of Teenage Romance’ and ‘Grumpy Boots’ his home grown tunes sparkle with a quirky sense of humour and passion to create something truly special.
Cassia strolled onstage and launched into show opener ‘Loosen Up’ as the crowd bounced and bopped along. One thing that is immediately noticeable is their tunes are more punchy and dynamic within the live setting.Jacob Leff’s nimble drumming provides an Afro -esque beat. Immersed in his drumming he occasionally looks at the crowd to smile between the rapid ebullient foundation he creates.It’s his rich drumming that coaxes the crowds hips to wiggle and shimmy. Rob Ellis coos the catchy lyrics between beckoning sing-alongs and sublime slinky calypso guitar lines. To see this guy execute those smooth rippling riffs and licks with such precision is quite mesmerising. ‘Weekender’, ‘Under The Sun’ and ‘Small Spaces’ create a fun and chilled atmosphere as the band become a wonderful catalyst to an enjoyable night. With flashing lights that dazzle through the heavy instrumental breaks the trio display their proficient and clean performance with a dash of edgy pizzazz glimmering throughout. The band don’t mess about too much on stage they don’t need crazy gimmicks or dramatic poses they perform with a chilled persona that puts the audience at ease. ‘Replica’ is particularly a joy to watch. The band are bathed in gold hued lighting as they present the balmy tropical tune with a glint in their eyes. It’s rare for a band to have such a soothing yet fun effect on the atmosphere of a room; however their smiling faces and the infectious tunes they produced elevated the venue lifting it into a world created entirely by the band. Lou Cotterill was a hit with the fans as some of them giggled in shyness at a glance from him as he wiggled while laying down those deep-rooted bass grooves. ‘Get Up Tight’ and ‘Out Of Her Mind’ have the crowd singing and cheering but its ‘100 Times Over ‘ that causes one of the most energetic reactions of the night. Some of the crowd mimicked the actions to the “get up sit down “ lyrics while ‘Moana’ sparks Hawaiian hula-type dancing. The band announce that they are coming to their final two songs and the crowd moan and complain shouting “one more song”. Ellis tries to explain they will play two more so naturally the crowd demand five more. It’s a haggling ordeal that results in the band playing one extra track for the encore – their fantastic cover of Martin Solveig and Dragonette’s ‘Hello’ .
There is no denying these guys are talented. With depth through their lyrics and sublime sweet harmonies blended throughout Cassia deliver a show of pure refined indie goodness.The audience left the venue beaming and singing lyrics from the songs. It was a joy to witness and for such a young band to have this effect on a crowd is wonderful.
Author : Danu
Check out some more images from the show below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
