The Pretty Visitors have released their new single ‘High Sailing Blues’. Previously supporting artists such as Circa Waves, Jaws, Billy Lunn (The Subways), The Family Rain and more recently, Sisteray, The Pretty Visitors showcase an energetic, eclectic live sound. In 2019 The Pretty Visitors released their demo ‘Its Not Easy’ and have featured multiple times on BBC Introducing shows.
‘High Sailing Blues’ is a gritty raw rock track as The Pretty Visitors flesh out their swagger-dipped sound. Steamy guitar riffs carve into the pounding drums while a slick bass wiggles and coils throughout. This robust powerhouse is a sleek battering of the band’s energetic sound with a steamy sensual backbone. The raspy vocals add a rough quality while the vaporous guitar licks and sharp flirtations give a refined and majestic element to this hungry mammoth. The Pretty Visitors knock it outta the park with ‘High Sailing Blues’
London/Brighton trio Johnny Kills havereleasedtheir new single ‘Help Me Out’. They have also announced the title of their debut EP: ‘Panic’, which will be released via Killing Moon on November 20th. The bands previous EP single, ‘I Feel Like’, earned fans in BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. Johnny Kills have supported the likes of Fangclub and Sick Joy whilst playing numerous shows in Brighton, London, Liverpool, York and Birmingham.
‘Help Me Out’ is a breezy, zinging, indie-pop can of soda as Johnny Kills present their fizzing, energetic, bouncy sound in a fruity laid back surf pop flavour. This track is a youthful infectious gem. A punchy beat and relentless bass-groove creates an animated backbone. The fuzz laced guitars add a dash of bite as the track takes a sunny Californian indie rebellion tone. The attitude-soaked, angsty vocals complain over the kinetic backdrop as the band smother the track in their signature infectious pop-sprinkled melody. It’s a tight, light-hearted number with a garage rock chorus that erupts into the ears with tantalizing vigor and blistering instrumentation. There is a 90’s pop rock vibe about this track that makes it intensely nostalgic and sure to charm its way on repeat.
Tim Lloyd-Kinnings describes the themes behind ‘Help Me Out’:“It’s about getting to a stage where you have some big life questions-what career do I want? Where do I want to live? What do I really care about?-to which the answers are all a resounding ‘I don’t have a scooby, mate’. It’s about having a blank slate in front of you and it just freaking you out, and hoping someone else will sort it all out for you.”
It’s no secret that Dublin’s Munky know how to put on a show. Not only do they perform with vigor and energy, they always pull in support acts that equally keep the animated dance vibe going with tasty tunes and wonderful characters on stage. Sunday Night in Lost Lane Dublin was a prime night to see these guys.
Toshín kick started the night. Front woman Tosin Bankole spirals on stage, twirling in her dress as her welcoming smile and cheery dramatic gestures beckon the crowd closer. The band begin their vibrant, rich, soul-infused, pop-funk with gusto changing the atmosphere to one of fun, friendly and groove-filled bliss. Bankole’s vocals kick in and she slaps you in the face with her vocal control, power and sheer soul. With blends of Motown creating a classic chicness to the compelling sass and RnB peppering this band are mesmerising to watch but also their tunes are utterly luscious on the ears. Each track features sublime bass grooves, slick guitar maneuvers, warm Sax blasts and chiming keys as the band build and progressively blend their tracks into a pure rich musical concoction brimming with attitude. The harmonies are crisp and sweet and the vibrant percussion had the crowd bopping and dancing along. Backing vocalist Shannon Doyle is a ray of sunshine. She dances and blends sublimely with Bankole’s vocals while providing another strong and commanding soulful element to the band. Songs about cheating boyfriends and daddy issues has the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands. Not even a broken guitar string stops this band. They laugh off its rude interruption grab another guitar and play on. These guys have it all – showmanship, charismatic persona and proficient musicians to tie it all together in one joyful melodious bow. Toshín are a must see.
The blissfully chilled and charming Shaky Shack follow. Their jazz dipped alternative pop creates a narcotic and soothing groove that submerges the venue in luxurious sounds. Although frontman Alex Winter has the flu it is not noticeable until he apologizes for hoarse tones and the odd cough. They cruise through their set with mellowed-out ease. Mateusz Kosnik swooshes through the slinky, funk-dipped guitar lines – his hair covering his face as he submerges himself in their tunes ethereal vibes. With Andrea Louise Jones on sax the band’s sweet and exquisite sound becomes warm and cosy within the psychedelic haze. Drummer Sam Russell taps and chimes carefully providing the perfect sway-able tempo and intricate beat to the sweet cooing melodies. The crowd engage with Winter’s 1,2 mic check halfway through the set. They shout back 1,2 as he laughs and banters with them. Winter displays his cheeky rebellious side when he points out a guard in the crowd while he hushes the crowd for the sing along “sucking on a blunt with the boys” lyric. The crowd jeer and happily play along. It was a brilliant end to their set list that had the crowd laughing, belting out the lyrics and dancing uncontrollably. Shaky Shack displayed slick proficient musicianship on the night. They were a joy to watch. The band are releasing a new track ‘In Honey’ in November and that is going to be one sweet treat. Make sure to check it out.
The crowd shout “we love you” and cheer as Munky triumphantly take to the stage. Bassist Niall Donnelly shouts “hello we’re called Munky and we play lots of songs and this is one of many of them” before the powerful ‘One In Five’ kicks in. The room erupts immediately as the crowd fall under Munky’s spell. Conor Lawlor’s precise guitar work pierces and pines through the mighty backdrop while the tight groove on bass weaves and wiggles with a dark undertone throughout. Straight away the crowd are moshing, jumping and singing back the lyrics. The band has gone all out. They have a dazzling light display and their tunes sound fresh robust and slick. As always Zachary Stephenson’s rasped, powerful vocals are full of conviction. These guys were born showmen and they pour every fibre of their being into their shows adding humor and fun into everything they do while maintaining a precise and polished display. Lawlor adds little flurries of extra finesse in his guitar work as he strides, poses and flicks his hair in a very suave manner while Donnelly provides the panache-soaked poses on the right of the stage. Their fans are dedicated for sure. They dance the night away grabbing each other to wiggle and group together for moshing mania. One member of the crowd willingly allows the flashing lights to blind him. Even after Stephenson warns him “no no don’t blind yourself” he refuses to move as if the sight of these guys on stage was the perfect last image he ever wanted. Unfazed from his previous stint on drums with Shaky Shack Sam Russell provides the all important rhythmic foundation with ease. Spinning his drumsticks he confidently paves the way for ‘You’ve Got Male’ as the tracks take a more raw, kinetic dimension live. When you think these guys can’t get any better they play new single ‘Megaton’. Lawlor’s guitar squeals between the thick muggy, crashing wall of sound as the eerie lighting gives a breathtaking visual element to the song in a live setting. It’s a well executed set as the band balance their heavy first half with the fun disco second half with the help of Andrea Louise Jones on sax. Munky always have amazing backing vocalists on their live shows and on Sunday that was provided by the incredibly talented Sinead McConville and Lauren Murphy. Crowd favourite ‘Ms Communication’ and ‘Cuck Rock’ spark mass sing-alongs while an emotional rendition of ‘I Can’t Quit’ is performed by Stephenson. Basked in a dim light he sings the track with tender, sweet emotion before the band join him for the blistering crescendo. The crowd knew every word and guitar riff – some did air guitar while others executed an air drum display. The crowd dance non stop for the entire set as shredding guitar solos, intricate infectious bass lines and brawn-filled drumming adorn the venue with the band’s signature funky sound.
Munky put on a frantic, vibrant show filled with fun, dancing and first rate musicianship on Sunday night. They have refined their set to a blast of energetic delicious tunes. It was a charismatic explosive and oh so funky night as Munky brought a sensational set to Lost Lane.
It’s been 6 years since Los Angeles’ Local Natives played Dublin so the crowd that packed into The Academy Dublin were thirsty and long overdue a show from the five piece. The pressure was on for the band to deliver and they didn’t disappoint.
Support came from One True Pairing the alias of former Wild Beasts songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Fleming. Laced in choppy synths with a sticky beat provided by drum machines Fleming lays out his moody passionate tunes as his deep baritone resounds throughout. His stance is simple as his striking jangles on guitar pulsate and jaggedly maneuver throughout. He ventures from wild indie hued electronic with a pinch of country peppering in tracks like ‘I’m not Afraid’ to more beat heavy psychedelic dance – esque tunes like ‘Down At The Factory’ with ease giving the crowd something to dance and mosh to. The shredding guitar solo in ‘Down At The Factory’ is something to be admired and is unforgettable live. He keeps everything simple allowing his tracks talk for themselves. His music is intense and filled with anguish and emotion – intriguing and wholly consuming. An enjoyable start to the night.
Local Natives take to the stage. The crowd cheer as they blast straight into their infectious passionate tunes. These guys are known for their indie rock sound and wonderful harmonies but, on stage they take things to another level. Their tunes become more rich and vibrant as if this is what they were created for – the raw energy of the live scene. The timeless gems from their new album ‘Violet Street’ adorn the set list. The embellishments with vivid beats and blood rushing adrenaline on guitar add to the live experience. Very cool and energetic on stage the band command attention especially Taylor Rice who wiggles and bops continuously. He springs into the crowd for ‘Sun Hands’ jumping among them as they bellow the lyrics “And when I can feel with my sun hands, I promise not to lose her again” while forming a circle around him. The band of multi instrumentalists swap between guitar, bass, keys and vocals regularly keeping the set fresh as they showcase their mesmerising skills and wonderful vocal tones while the crowd cheer for each of them. They don’t waste too much time chatting they try to pack in as much of their tasty luscious tunes as possible. Couples in the crowd sway, embraced in each others arms for ‘You & I’ and twist and mosh through the heavier tunes. The night travels at a fast pace as the time flies with each exhilarating track. It was a smooth and vibrant show with tracks from their back catalog (four album’s long) making a welcome appearance such as ‘Black Balloons’ which Rice explains “ we haven’t played this one in years”.
Rice’s attempt to flatter the crowd with a speech about how much he loves Dublin turns slightly sour as he includes Dublin in “our UK tour” the crowd boo at this statement while, now on guitar Ryan Hahn places his head in his hands. The explanation that he didn’t get to finish his sentence and he was going to say UK and Irish tour didn’t quite sit well with the crowd but a quick save with ‘Megaton Mile‘ won them over. The band play ‘When am I Gonna Lose You’ which calls for celebration as Rice announces his first child is due in one month. The harmonies in this bands tracks are luscious and Kelcey Ayer’s mesmerising vocal range is immaculate as he confidently executes his sweet falsetto on ‘Coins’ and ‘Airplanes’.
Local Natives put on a memorable and fantastic show complete with a stunning and dazzling light display. Their confidence oozed from the stage creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere and their tunes are so groove-filled, crashing, energetic and refined you can’t help but dance along. The band finish their set on a massive high with ‘Who Knows Who Cares’ as the crowd sing the last part for the band. These guys have been around since their debut album ‘Gorilla Manor’ in 2009 yet their sound is so fresh, compelling and enjoyable. I’ll be looking forward to their next show.
Belfast-based punk act Sister Ghost are set to release their new single ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ On October 21st. Sister Ghost, aka Shannon Delores O’Neill, has a background playing in bands from the age of 12. In early 2014, she began writing and demoing – singing and playing everything herself – before enlisting a band to bring Sister Ghost to completion. She has been recognised for mentoring and encouraging other female-identified musicians to perform in the Northern Irish scene, having also set up the Girls Rock! NI chapter in 2016. Sister Ghost has garnered high profile support slots with Shellac, Pussy Riot and Le Butcherettes as well as airplay on BBC 6 Music and a Next Wave Artist slot on BBC Radio 1. As of Spring 2019, O’Neill has teamed up with producer Cahir O’Doherty (Frank Turner, Fighting With Wire, New Pagans) to work on the debut Sister Ghost album, set for release in 2020.
‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a brisk swarm of punk rock as Sister Ghost blast out their blistering high energy wall of sound with ease and vigor. From fiery guitar riffs and rooted rumble on bass to the pulverizing drums the band set down an infectious foundation ready to set a live audience alight. With attitude soaked vocals tight harmonies and dynamic melody this powerful onslaught is a force to be reckoned with. The track takes aim at oppressive systems both in Northern Ireland as well as those abroad as O’Neill spits and bellows the lyrics with intensity creating a hyper active atmosphere as well as making the song relatable beyond the political confines of Belfast. ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a wallop in the face of infectious fierce punk rock at its raw and exhilarating best.
‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is set for release on October 21st for more follow Sister Ghost on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sisterghost
Edinburgh singer songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘Aftershave’. Fleshing out his indie sound Wallace presents a vibrant guitar-driven number. With a nostalgic melody that cruises on 80’s hues through a sprightly backdrop this charming track is an honest, punchy ditty. Wallace’s warm deep vocals coo through the intricate guitar melody and exhilarating soundscape as this track rests easy on the ears and is designed for repeat plays. Those jangly guitar melodies and strides add a zing and bite to this wishful track. Wallace tells a story of youthful nights out, superbly and this golden heartfelt gem is a perfect portrayal of his tight and invigorating musicianship.
Southern California-based Margot Polo, solo project of David Provenzano (Sherwood/Fialta), has released his new EP, ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’, The EP was mixed by L.A. veteran producer Brad Wood. Margot Polo’s singles have landed TV features on shows like Good Trouble (Freeform) and God Friended Me (CBS) and have logged over half a million streams on Spotify. This Autumn, Margot Polo heads back into the studio to brew up more material for a full length record, to be released in 2020.
‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ is a summer-fun EP saturated in vibrant soundscapes as Margot Polo spreads his delicious indie electro pop into five glorious blissful tracks. ‘Let’s Get Out’ sets the good vibes in motion. With sun kissed radiant guitars jangling between a fruity electronic backdrop and skittish beat this track is dreamy escapism in one glorious tune. Provenzano fleshes out his Justin Timberlake / The Weekend swagger and charm with the dance-able groove and shuffle of ‘Electric Girl’ and the broody more bleary-eyed electronic pop ‘Someone New’. His melodies cruise and flow fluidly through each track while the rich and intricate instrumentation and refined production sets a wonderful and engaging backdrop. ‘Poison’ takes the EP down a dark road with R&B elements smearing the bubbling electronic soundscapes with luring entrapment. ‘The Feeling’ closes the EP with an intoxicating atmosphere as Provenzano surges adrenaline and a rush of emotion through this catchy exhilarating number.
Provenzano has a mesmerising ability to create tracks to make the heart race, pulse and plummet with his lush heartfelt melodies and vivid soundscapes and ‘OOHYEAHYEAH’ displays this perfectly. Within five tracks we experience joy, euphoria and freedom as well as sadness and mystery. It’s a journey of lavish musicianship and wonderful expressive electronic pop.
While this record has a few moodier moments, Provenzano says this EP is all about escapism. “OOHYEAHYEAH is about the different ways, healthy and unhealthy, that we yearn to transcend reality. That might be through something dangerous, like substance abuse. Or it might be a road trip, a relationship. A night out with a mysterious stranger. There’s a bit of ambivalent hedonism implied here. That’s what I love about pop. These lyrics are not very autobiographical; they’re fantasy, my own preferred mode of escapism”
Dream pop two-piece Night Hikes have released their new single, ‘Vera’. This dreamy shoegaze track drifts beautifully between a pulsing beat and dizzying distorted guitars as Night Hikes create a psychedelic hued dream world. Shimmering synths wisp about the track with an ethereal sparkly sheen while the sweet vocals softly coo the delicate pop sprinkled melody. The duo create a blissful haze, glazed with sunshine and radiance however the synths and zest on guitar leave a bitter sweet after taste. As always with Night Hikes the track is precise and meticulously crafted with intricate interweaving elements presented in a laid back manner for easy listening. The band create and blend edgy indie elements into their Utopian sound making the track satisfying and utterly charming. Another beautiful track from Night Hikes.
About the track the band said: “Vera is a persona we created to reflect the commodification of the “wild-woman” archetype. Vera exists only in how she comes across, and it is impossible for anyone, including her, to tell who she is as a person. She is beautiful and carefree. She walks barefoot and loses herself in the pulsing crowd at music festivals, but she is curated. She is wistful to a fault, choosing happy slogans over a real, authentic understanding of the world around her and the work it takes to make it a better place.”
Reading Rock artist C’nergi has released his new single ‘Hope and Paradise’.
‘Hope and Paradise’ is a vibrant indie rock track which presents C’nergi’s passionate songwriting with equal parts grace and power. With a twinkling piano feature the track flutters on an ethereal atmosphere while the intricate experimental rhythms add a unique texture to the track. The guitars stride and drift with an 80’s classic rock dramatic persona and swagger. ‘Hope and Paradise’ is filled with tender verses and explosive choruses to create a rich listening experience. C’nergi’s raspy vocals coat the catchy melody in emotion as the track develops into a power rock ballad. ‘Hope and Paradise’ is a fantastic follow up to his last single ‘Give Light’, released in August 2018.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Karma Vulture
LA-based moody rock trio Karma Vulture are relatively new players on the rock scene, but they are kicking it off with a proper bang, introducing their debut single ‘Karma Vulture’ through an edgy little vampire visual with a fun twist.
‘Karma Vulture’ announces the band with dirt stained gritty riffs and a luring beat as the track creeps into its roaring chorus. With a rooted brawny bass line and powerful vocals this track was crafted for blasting from the speakers. It’s a lean mean mammoth with slinky instrumentation and swagger dripping from its raw seams. ‘Karma Vulture’ is a strong debut track – the band hold their own frenzied heavy sound with Royal Blood – esque flirtations to create one thrilling, dark tune. The melody seeps and creeps with velvety smoothness and sensuality against a blistering debauched background. With opaque guitar lines enticing and whining between the tempting drums Karma Vulture have created one rip-roaring number that is sure to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Watch the video for ‘Karma Vulture’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
