Category Archives: indie rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Watchy ‘Shelved’

Dublin artist Watchy has released his debut single ‘Shelved’. After playing in numerous bands, Watchy has decided to go solo and this groove-rooted glimmering instrumental number is the thrilling result. The track broods and festers to start creating a dreamy haze as the sparkling synths interplay with the droning bass and punchy drums. The synths and bass create a soft dialogue to start as the drums maintain that all important meaty foundation which holds your subconscious through the meandering hypnotic melodies and lush synths. It’s a new wave fluttering spell of delight that blends beautifully. The track builds gradually, finally surging with adrenaline it becomes more heavy. The bass slips into its grittier more powerful persona breaking away from the dazed,dreamy, synth-jam into punk rock ferocity. Watchy howls over this powerful display of raw sharpness as the percussion and drums flesh out and become more harsh and expressive. ‘Shelved’ is a perfectly crafted and finely brewed explosive debut from Watchy.

About the track Watchy said : “I wrote this song completely myself from scratch and it was the first time I’d done so and was actually happy with it, my friend Dara from Chancer plays drums on it and we got the whole thing done in one day despite it being Dara’s first time hearing it in the studio,,,, This is my debut single and I’ve got more coming in the future”

Stream ‘Shelved’ below



Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Bare Roots ‘Away Too Long’

Hot on the heals of their epic debut release, ‘Ride The Wave’, the latest product of Newcastle’s burgeoning indie rock scene Bare Roots have confirmed the release of their follow up single ‘Away Too Long’, set for digital and streaming release on Good Friday, April 19th.BARE ROOTS combine 80s soundscapes with 90s soulful rock and roll. The band was formed by school mates Anthony Francis (vocals, guitar), Joe Anderson (bass) and Martin Corkhill (drums) who later joined forces with Ollie Petrie (guitar). Thanks to a wave of early industry hype, the band are already scheduled to perform at Newcastle festivals Hit The North 2019, THIS IS TOMORROW and Stockton Calling alongside acts such as Jake Bugg, Tom Grennan, Foals, You Me At Six and Nothing But Thieves.

‘Away Too Long’ is an anthemic whack of the infectious indie rock Bare Roots do so well. With blistering guitars, hefty drums and an exhilarating wall of sound that will give you goosebumps – this track is another powerful mammoth. Arena ready and filled with passion their potent rock is hook-filled and rushes adrenaline through your veins. The ethereal guitar jingles with sweet lamenting nostalgia through the verses before blasting into the crashing chorus. With a compelling tantalising solo as the icing on this delicious cake Bare Roots present another intense indie track that packs oodles of gusto and refined instrumentation.

Speaking about the new single,front man, Anthony Francis said: “The track was influenced by those big nostalgic rock songs. Tracks such as ‘Go Your Own Way’ by Fleetwood Mac and ‘Hold Back The River’ by James Bay spring to mind. Although we’ve only recently launched as a band, we have a lot of material already written and recorded. We’ve had Away Too Long for a while now and we’re excited to put it out there. We work hard on our tunes and it’s all we do. We’ve focused on the art of songwriting and music production so that we can offer the listener something truly homegrown. People are often surprised that we’ve created it all ourselves! Away Too Long is a heartbreak tune. If you’ve experienced an ounce of heartbreak in your time, then I’m sure you can relate to it.”

You can Follow Bare Roots on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/barerootsuk/



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

Alta Cura ‘Storm’ EP

Dublin’s quintet, Alta Cura are set to release their new EP ‘Storm’ on the 19th of April. The overall theme of the EP explores the idea of inter-personal relationships. Alta Cura seamlessly blend a variety of  genres wrapping jazz elements, R&B, rock, metal and blues rock in a lustrous alternative coating.

Title track ‘Storm’ kicks off the EP’s relationship themes, the lyrics are about “the facade someone has before becoming more a part of their life, and how your opinions shift as that facade comes down”. The five piece translate this sublimely through gritty riffs slicing through pulverising drums and turbulent rhythms while the expressive vocals exclaim over this mosh-ready, hefty backdrop. With some funky elements glimmering through the guitars and bass groove this track sets the EP alight showcasing the tight sound of Alta Cura. The swagger drenched ‘Burn’ follows with infectious riffs darkly coating the track in a luring hip grooving movement while the jazz sprinkled guitars playfully meander through the heavy backdrop.The catchy melody and mammoth chorus continue the bands arena ready rock with a sublime twist. ‘Brisbane’ is the passionate ballad that grips your heart with tender sway-like versus. Dan Cusack’s vocals emotionally coo and pine however, in true alternative rock manner the band belt into a passionate wailing chorus with powerful instrumentation as Cusack pines, wails and bellows over the gritty crashing guitars and pummeling drums. ‘A Vision in Green’ is a dream-like ballad dealing with themes such as jealousy and loss. Quite the come down from its explosive predecessor, this track chimes along with a bluesy hue over a steady beat and warm guitar strides. The track naturally flows into a mighty chorus with shredding guitar slivers zealously striking through the buoyant rhythms before bursting into one hell of a guitar solo.There is a graceful melodic flow through ‘Djuarachi’ as the band triumphantly blend some metal heftiness through their alternative rock while ‘Low Tide’ contrasts this frenzy – emotionally and tenderly dealing with the theme of loss.Elegantly the band create a sweet floaty backdrop for this gripping tune.The melancholic guitar softly laments behind the steady beat, graceful strings and mournful vocals.It’s a beautiful and passionate display from Alta Cura as they build the track to a powerful and hair-raising crescendo. ‘Dusk’ brings a haunting end to the EP. This ambient number wisps with suspended vocals lushly harmonising through a tranquil forest of twinkling guitars and earthy soundscapes. It’s a refreshing and utterly surprising end to the EP.

Alta Cura present a rich and diverse EP that showcases the bands fine and sophisticated musicianship with luscious instrumental embroidery and grand displays that make this band worthy of arenas.

You can catch Alta Cura live at :

EP Launch- Grand Social April 20th

Triple Headline- Whelan’s. June 27th ( not announced )

Stream ‘Brisbane’ below


Alt Rock, Glam Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Tremendous ‘Open For Closing’

Birmingham glam rock band Tremendous have released their new single ‘Open For Closing’. This anthemic old school number drizzled in glam rock-sprinkles of delight is a powerful track that packs one hell of a punch. With their keen ear for melody Tremendous belt out an infectious gem saturated in swaggered rock ‘n’ roll persona and mighty instrumentation. Shredding guitars shrill, whine and soar with air guitar worthy grandeur while the punchy drums and elastic bass create that compelling backdrop. It’s arena ready and filled with oodles of raw gusto as the dynamic vocals knock you for six while the smooth earworm melody glides in and charms your very soul. You can’t get more powerful, anthemic and kick-ass as ‘Open For Closing’.

Stream ‘Open For Closing’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Y!KES ‘The Y Factor’

Birmingham alternative four-piece Y!KES have released their second single ‘The Y Factor’. The single was produced by singer Joby Fitzgerald and Magic Garden Studio’s Gavin Monaghan and The video  is a pastiche of TV shows such as The X Factor and Gogglebox which see’s the band in various different costumes and environments playing multiple characters, all being glossed with an 80’s retro feel.The band have just completed the ‘Arch Nemesis Tour’, the last show of which saw a sold out headline show at the Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham.

‘The Y Factor’ is a scorching blast of Y!KES’ speedball alternative rock at its most frenzied and infectious. With blistering guitars smashing through a buoyant snappy bass and punchy drum backdrop this track surges with intense adrenaline. The frantic riffs carve through the track with slick precision as the gritty vocals and catchy anthemic melody creates the perfect tune for a bloodthirsty live show. It’s a gob smacking number brimming with brawny drums, a thrilling guitar solo and fantastic musicianship.

Watch the video for ‘The Y Factor’ below


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

Kios ‘Asleep’

Kios have released their new single ‘Asleep’. Kios is an indie rock band out of Nashville, TN. The three piece is made up of Cole (vocals/guitar), Aaron (drums), and Mitch (bass).

With its delightful vitality and tight musicianship ‘Asleep’ is a refreshing sun soaked indie gem from Kios. Zest filled guitars playfully meander throughout the track injecting tasty fruity bursts while the punchy drums and elastic bass set that shimmy-ready, groovy foundation. It’s an infectious uplifting track that radiates sunshine and good times from every note while Kios showcase their slick fun sound. With smooth vocals gliding effortlessly on the melty honey drizzled melody this catchy radiant number is instantly like-able and another euphoric tune from Kios.

Stream ‘Asleep’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From whenyoung

London’s (via Limerick) whenyoung have announced they will be releasing their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Reasons to Dream’, through Virgin EMI on the 24th May. In anticipation of the album release the band have released their new single, ‘Future’ which tells the story of a close friend who sadly took their own life, while also striving to find a message of hope in the darkness.

‘Future’ is sweet fizzy indie rock at its most exhilarating and refreshing. whenyoung present a tender wholesome number bursting to the seams with vibrant delicious instrumentation while tackling a striking and emotional theme. Filled with elegance and ethereal innocence, this driving track soars and chimes with glorious guitar moments sparkling gracefully between a peppy beat and passionate vocals. These guys pay attention to detail – from the short clap clap moments to haunting backing vocals, lush harmonies and refined, dignified guitars this track has everything to charm the hearts and minds of the nation. The melody, coated in Aoife Power’s heavenly vocals is infectious and warm. These guys can write a tune that will have you singing along, dancing in seconds and with a strong meaningful lyrical content they are the band to watch.

The video was directed by award winning short film maker Michael Baldwin and stars young actor Badger Skelton, who featured in Tom Beards critically acclaimed ‘Two for Joy.’ It takes inspiration from Wim Wenders’ New German Cinema classic, ‘Wings of Desire’, showing the trials of suburban youth in stark monochrome.

Watch the video for ‘Future’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Mini Mansions ‘Hey Lover’

Mini Mansions have shared a video for their new song ‘Hey Lover’, starring The Kills’ Alison Mosshart. The song follows their recent single ‘Gummy Bear’, which was released earlier this year and both tracks will feature on the trio’ s upcoming third album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’

‘Hey Lover’ is a bittersweet libation for indie and psych lovers alike. It is as beautiful and delicate as it is raw and sharp. This guzzle of pop shimmered delight is that breathtaking slow burner that glimmers with emotion and pristine melodies on a sizable instrumental backdrop. A 60’s pop melody floats and swoons over a buoyant beat and twinkling synths while Michael Shuman’s smoky whispers caress the lyrics with steamy seduction as he coos and blends perfectly with Alison Mosshart’s sultry tone. The elegant guitar weaves majestically through the rich rhythms while the jangly keys playfully bounce about the track creating a sugar sweet quality and wonderfully light texture to the song. The band meander from a graceful innocence to lustful messy arrangement with grace and refinement as the track progresses to a psych-blasted crescendo of distortion and intensity. The track flows with a twinkling fluidity that is masterful, each component part adds a new dimension to the track making each subsequent listen just as exhilarating as the first. With a sweet melodic bridge leading to the final chorus-explosion Mini Mansions tease their upcoming album with another mouth watering tune.

Mini Mansions are set to release ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ on July 26 via Fiction Records. Ahead of its release, they will embark on a UK headline and festival tour. Shuman’s Queens Of The Stone Age bandmate Jon Theodore will be joining them on drums for the live dates.

You can catch Mini Mansions Live at :

May 2019

4 – Leeds, Live At Leeds Festival

5 – Newcastle, Hit The North Festival

6 – Glasgow, King Tuts

8 – Dublin, Whelans

9 – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds

11 – Brighton, The Great Escape Festival

12 – Southampton, Joiners

13 – Exeter, The Cavern

14 – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach

16 – Bedford, Esquires

17 – Cambridge, Portland Arms

18 – Norwich, Waterfront Studio

20 – Sheffield, Picturehouse Social

21 – Tunbridge Wells, The Forum

22 – London, Islington Assembly Hall

23 – Liverpool, District

24 – Manchester, Dot To Dot Festival

25 – Bristol, Dot To Dot Festival

26 – Nottingham, Dot To Dot Festival

Watch the video for ‘Hey Lover’ below


Alt Rock, Cinamatic, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Theatrical

Otherkin ‘All That Remains Won’t Be the Same’

Following on from their recent, critically-acclaimed comeback single ‘Tombstone’, Irish four-piece Otherkin have released their new single ‘All That Remains Won’t Be the Same’.  The single (as with Tombstone’) comes from the same sessions in Brighton with Chemical Brothers producer Steve Dub, and Jolyon Thomas (Royal Blood, Slaves) on mix duties

‘All That Remains Won’t Be the Same’ brings a crunching cinematic feel to Otherkin’s sound. The track is tightly wound as intense anthemic synths add a determined edge and 80’s sheen.This track gallops in on hefty drum thuds while the lone ranger guitars whine over the feisty backdrop. With its dark theatrical approach, triumphant synths, and all out epic tone  ‘All That Remains Won’t Be the Same’ is a shift in the four pieces’ sound that makes Otherkin an important band to keep an eye on. These guys pack a lot of emotion and character through the guitars as they glimmer, pine and shrill through the ominous hued soundscapes. The track injects a hefty dose of mosh ready aggro and instrumental battering however the band cleverly weave this through their refined and compelling lyrical content. Another impressive and invigorating track from Otherkin.

Speaking on the track, frontman Luke Reilly states: “The lyrics were written at the end of 2017 as the horror stories emerged of everyday abuse and sexism perpetrated by men of power in all walks of life. The song is a rejection of anyone who feels they can behave that way and the title itself is a declaration for change, a statement that these vile actions have no place in society today.”

Stream ‘All That Remains Won’t Be the Same’ below


Indie, indie rock, New Music

Echo November ‘Fall Into Me’

Indie rock band Echo November have recently released their new single ‘Fall Into Me’. Echo November (occasionally stylised as EchoNov) was formed in Hertfordshire in 2018 and is comprised of old school friends Rob Parker (guitar and vocals), Zach Flint (lead guitar and backing vocals), Sam Bojakowski (bass and backing vocals) and Andy Price (drums).

‘Fall Into Me’ is a vibrant juicy burst of indie rock with zest filled guitar riffs glistening between upbeat rhythms and a luscious melody. Brimming with sun kissed ethereal vibes with a hazy sweet toned guitar sprinkling glorious specks of scintillation throughout – this dynamic indie charmer is well crafted for a wholly satisfying listen. With a rooted bass groove, punchy drums and sun kissed soundscape ‘Fall Into Me’ has everything to keep you dreaming of summers past. The track builds to a blistering crescendo as the band slide away from their laid back melodic sound for a mosh worthy finale.

Stream ‘Fall Into Me’ below

https://soundcloud.com/echonovband/fall-into-me/