Liverpool artist Aimée Steven has released her debut single ‘My Name’ on At Large Records. The track which has already been featured on BBC 6 Music and received multiple plays on BBC Merseyside is a compelling 60’s – esque chic number that boasts Steven’s slinky, vintage musicianship.Her smooth velvety vocals emanate a rich quality and warm texture over the suave melody as she coolly strolls over the lyrics with sass and swagger while a shimmy chic backdrop glimmers behind. The jangly guitar stridently weaves between the shaky rhythms and steady beat as they lay down that effortless 60’s- esque foundation. It’s a rich vibrant sassy track that is sure to have the feet tapping and hips grooving in no time. A sublime debut from Aimée Steven.
Easy Tide have released their new single ‘Bleu’. Easy Tide is a three piece garage band from Navan Co. Meath comprised of Aaron Dunphy (bass,vocals), Steven Rafferty (guitar,vocals) and Mark Carolan (Drums,vocals). The track is the band’s first release of 2019 and will also be on their upcoming album ‘Brief Bloody Moments’ later this year.
‘Bleu’ is a catchy blast of garage that glides freely upon a smooth melody and a fuzz filled backdrop. The band blend indie elements seamlessly through the distortion and razor sharp instrumentation. The dreamy melody lays upon an exhilarating backdrop of crashing acute guitar lines, punchy drums and rumbling bass while the mopey vocals coo and exasperate over the sublime instrumentation. The track is tight and well crafted. It builds from a sulky moan to a riotous expression that will have a mosh pit happily engaged. The track flirts with hues of psychedelia as the wobbly guitar weaves psych tones throughout before belting into one shrilling solo. Easy Tide showcase their dynamic thrilling musicianship with this infectious tune that buries itself deep under your skin until you are singing it uncontrollably.
“Loud generous and mysterious” is what LA’s Mini Mansions promised for their show last night in Whelan’s Dublin and the trio plus guest drummer Jon Theodore (Queens Of The Stone Age) didn’t disappoint. Blushed cheeks and giggles came from the queue of fans waiting to enter the venue as they talked about Theodore’s appearance (he has that effect on people), their favourite Mini Mansion’s song, many fans saying it was ” impossible to choose just one song as they are all just brilliant” and who was the coolest member of the band. The Mini Mansion’s trio have made a big impact on the indie scene. Their charm causing many (both male and female fans alike ) to gush “I love them” as they stand in anticipation for the show to start. There is a change in the air… Mini Mansions have returned to Dublin more confident and proficient than ever, ready to take the venue by storm.
But first, London duo Sons Of Raphael swagger on stage to warm up the crowd. Ambitious, relentless and fierce these guys exude energy as they prance about, spring-boarding from one song to the next with little breath between. Their energy and charisma pours onto the stage as they douse their shrilling guitar refrains and melodies in distortion and reverb. They fill out their sound with a backing track played on a reel-to-reel tape player behind them creating the most unique and thrilling listening experience. The two brothers, comprised of Loral and Ronnel Raphael bash into and ricochet off each other as they bounce about the stage. At first the crowd are bewildered by what their eyes behold until the band showcase their raw psychedelic tunes with incredible enthusiasm and chaotic control. ‘Rio’ kicks the mania off, the razor sharp guitar lacerating through the thick air with refined precision while the quirky sharp vocals yelp and coo through the retro melodies. The tracks travel full throttle as the crowd bop and mosh between entranced sways for tracks like ‘A Nation Of Bloodsuckers’. There is something quite mesmerising about this young band and with their drive, blistering tunes and eccentric stage presence they are ones to keep an eye on.
The crowd stand in dimmed lighting awaiting their exalted trio to arrive while still recuperating from the trance-like daze they were under just moments before, courtesy of Sons Of Raphael. Suddenly they hear the blazing intro and psychedelic whirl of ‘This Bullet’ before the sweet tone of Tyler Parkford’s voice sparks whoops and cheers from the crowd. The band tease the audience allowing them to only hear them before calmly walking on stage to play it out in true, fierce Mini Mansions manner. With Theodore behind the drum kit the band is unstoppable. The tracks take a new lease of life, blossoming under the strong drum foundation allowing the immaculate guitar flurries, athletic key progression and elastic bass to flourish beautifully on stage. Michael Shuman no longer shackled behind a cocktail drum kit spins, kicks and prances about the stage showcasing his compelling front man persona in all its glory. He interacts with the crowd venturing to the edge of the stage as they gaze upon him enthralled. ‘Death Is A Girl’, ‘Creeps’ and ‘Midnight In Tokyo’ all have the crowd eating deliriously out of the palm of the bands hands as the trio exude and seep swagger into the venue. Zach Dawes is exceptionally light on his feet, as he flutters and almost pirouettes about the stage with refined elegance and grandeur while executing some pretty snazzy guitar poses. The trio treat us to a cheeky listen to a new track ‘I’m In Love’ as a member of the crowd shouts “thank you”. This thumping dynamic track bounces upon a nectarous melody and has the crowd excited for what’s to come on their upcoming album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar’ on July 26th.Their sound translates superbly live and the band appear comfortable and suave – executing their rich sound as chiming keys twinkle between sharp guitar shards and fuzzed bass flirtations seamlessly. They keep their fans hyper with tracks like ‘Monk’. To the crowd’s shock Parkford takes on Alison Mosshart’s part for the steamy single ‘Hey Lover’. His sweet falsetto blending perfectly as always with Shuman’s smoky deep whispers. Beloved ‘Any Emotions’ and ‘Vertigo’ go down a treat with the crowd as they bellow back the lyrics singing the riffs and keyboard melodies .
Many tasty guitar embellishments, delicious melodies and sugar soaked bass lines later – which has fans crowd surfing and a rogue fan standing on the stage (for some reason he just looks back at the crowd and does nothing else) the band come to their final track ‘Bad Things (That Make You Feel Good)’. This fizzing shimmy-ready infectious gem is exhilarating live. The gritty guitar riff slices boldly through the track while the driving beat, fuzzed bass and dynamic keys create the perfect backdrop to lose your mind to and lets not forget the clap along feature – who wouldn’t love that.
The crowd plead for one more song chanting “Olé, Olé, Olé” until the band return for their triumphant encore of ‘Freakout ‘, ‘Honey I’m Home‘ and ‘Mirror Mountain‘ which sees the trio and audience go absolutely nuts. Shuman and Dawes flaunt about the stage kicking and spiraling. Dawes even bends his back in some sort of an impressive contortion as Shuman ventures into the moshing crowd while onstage Parkford goes all crazy ”Phantom Of The Opera” on us. They always deliver a brain fermenting finale to their shows and last night didn’t disappoint.
Mini Mansion’s are the crème de la crème, there is no band like them and their talent, sheer skill and magnetic aura is astonishing. However, there was something different about the band last night, a glint in their eyes and a different confidence and suaveness than before that I can only hope means these melody-connoisseurs have big things to come. Perhaps the release of the new album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar’ will reveal more.
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Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Fangclub
Fangclub have released their new track ‘Hesitations’. The three-piece who are currently working on their second album present a tasty savage appetizer. With dark soundscapes creeping like a misty fog on a eerie cold night this intense number confirms Fangclubs firm grasp on our ears. It’s catchy and explosive with their trademark anthemic chorus that erupts with crashing guitars, pulverising drums and inflamed bass. The verses simmer as the guitars smoulder and curdle beneath the rumbling bass while the drum relentlessly pounds throughout. Steven King’s vocals haunt and whisper building the intensity before becoming more dynamic for the raging chorus. With the sublime addition of a hypnotic chant by the Rush Youth Choir contrasting the blood curdling wall of sound, Fangclub have beautifully fermented and crafted this track to create their most thrilling and exhilarating material yet. If ‘Hesitations’ is anything to go by there is exciting things to come from this trio.
Newcastle moody synth-pop duo SADSUN have released their new single ‘Heads or (Tails)’. SADSUN made their debut on the scene in February with their single ‘Control’, an addictively delirious synth-pop track with dark and atmospheric undertones. Gaining praise from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, God Is In The TV and BBC Music Introducing North East, founded by talented musicians, Aimy Miller (vocals/production) and Simon Atkinson (synths/guitar/production), SADSUN blend uplifting vintage pop sensibilities and brooding introspective lyricism with a cinematic backdrop.
‘Heads or (Tails)’ is a refreshing burst of synth pop shimmering with a glorious 80’s pop sheen. The funky guitars inject and weave a groovy thread throughout this laid back summer number while the glistening synths and sticky, pulsing beat create a breathtaking ethereal atmosphere. With smooth vocals caressing the nostalgic melody this sweet, summer baked gem is an easy listening catchy track to put on repeat.
Speaking on ‘Heads or (Tails)’, vocalist, Aimy Miller explained: “Heads or (Tails) is an attempt at exploring the chaos of emotions. When it was written, I was struggling to get a grip on how I was feeling day to day – it felt as though it could literally be down to a flip of a coin. One moment I was over the moon happy, the next I was through the floor hopeless and experiencing a lot of physical pain. I was aware how it must have been for someone to see me like that and i just wanted everything to stop.”
Glasgow four-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘tonic youth’.The track is the first of four singles being released by wojtek the bear during 2019, which will be collected on a limited edition 10” vinyl in the autumn.
‘tonic youth’ is a blissful refreshing can of indie pop brimming with sugary melodies, lush harmonies and vibrant instrumentation. This dreamy number chimes with radiant guitars, a pulsing bassline and a peppy beat. The track majestically floats along the buoyant rhythmic foundation while the smooth vocals coo behind a graceful string melody. These guys have fleshed out one beautiful track that glimmers with sun kissed vibes while drifting delicately on a laid back tone of ecstasy.
Of the track, lead singer Tam Killean reveals; “When I first moved into Glasgow in my early 20’s I quickly encountered people at parties I’d never been exposed to before; kids who’d never worked a day in their life, spent their summers in Val-d’Isére or Biarritz and all seemed to have fucking ponies. This song is about how initially on coming into contact with them I had a bit of a crisis of confidence, thinking that I’d wasted my life by just getting absolutely smashed from the age of 15 onwards.”
Liverpool band NULLA have released their debut single ‘Sunyata’. With its infectious groove, laid back swagger and silken guitar lines ‘Sunyata’ is a tight impressive debut from Nulla. The guitars inject a zesty refreshness into the track as they shrill and lightly zing through the ethereal soundscape. A melty pop melody floats upon the dreamy soundscape with a buoyant beat and elastic bass groove creating that charming hip moving foundation for this easy going gem. With its catchy melody, velvety vocals, shredding solo and sun kissed radiance ‘Sunyata’ is a glorious jazz-drizzled ditty to keep you smiling all day.
It was a Brighton take over Thursday night in The Grand Social Dublin. With sparkles at the ready, swagger in tow and Guinness ready to guzzle. Indie rock, rising deity, Black Honey took the venue by storm equipped with everything to make the night memorable.
One of those was fellow Brighton gems Chappaqua Wrestling who flooded the venue with the sweetest, most delicious tunes as their musical prowess pleasantly wafted delicately about our ears. Each tune brought their sound to a new delightful level. Both Jake Mac and Charlie Woods take turns on vocals as they coo and softly lull through tracks like ‘False/Blue’ and ‘Wait To Form My Head’ while ‘Football’ blows our minds with blistering instrumentation. Their tracks are laid back, sun soaked and infectiously groovy. The duo are accompanied by Jude Lilley and Josh Cassidy-Stone who maintained the joyous buoyant foundation and rhythmic bliss superbly. Their breezy tracks melt exquisitely into the ears with ease as the honey drizzled melodies float upon their edgy indie backdrop. Each track was tight and utterly mesmerising with a 50’s melodic hue floating about them. You can’t fault their slinky solos and thrilling riffs as they flesh out the bands intricately weaved sound beautifully.This duo’s easy going charm is infectious as they banter with the crowd “ I tried my first Guinness today …. I love it so much” as well as jokingly haggling on the price of their EP as members of the crowd try to create a bit of currency exchange confusion. The band are talented and down to earth with some really infectious tracks . They even hug each other after their set, it was pretty moving. Chappaqua Wrestling are definitely ones to see live.
Black Honey take to the stage triumphantly as the crowd’s cheers resound through the venue. The ever so spellbinding frontwoman Izzy B Phillips parades in a sparkly pink dress and flashy sunglasses which she presents to a thrilled fan at the front with a wink and greeting smile before belting straight into ‘ I Only Hurt The Ones I Love‘. Flamboyant and sassy she struts about the stage executing every pose, stride and wiggle with a precision that leaves the crowd in awe. She has a mesmerising effect on the audience as they gaze upon her in all her glittering glory. The band is brimming with charisma, guitarist Chris Ostler prances about as he performs those sublime, ornate and golden soaked spaghetti western melodies and refined solos with finesse and grandeur. His smiling face a joy to see as he bops and hops along to their lavish tunes. The band give us a sneaky listen to the cinematic James Bond – esque new “not on the internet yet” single ‘ I Don’t Ever Wanna Love’.
“Girls come close, come in, lads step aside, girls at the back come up…. Cos this song is for you ” Izzy calls as she moves closer to the crowd hugging her stunned fans while they sing the chorus for the beloved ‘Corrine’. This is something she regularly does throughout the set, she stays with the crowd embraces and dances with them before returning to the stage to wiggle and shimmy to the bands infectious tasty tunes. The tracks take a new dimension live, the disco funk speckled delight ‘Midnight’ becomes more gritty and raw within the live setting while a slower start to the exhilarating ‘Spinning Wheel’ teases the fiery frenzy to come. Drummer Tom Dewhurst lays down that all important meaty foundation and punchy beat that keeps tracks like ‘All My Pride’ pounding through your soul as he grins to the coolly composed Bassist Tommy Taylor who’s slinky bass lines make tracks like ‘Teenager’ and ‘Midnight’ swelter their way to epic status.
A beautiful rendition of ‘Baby’ allows Izzy to showcase her flawless vocals while ‘Bad Friends’ and ‘Into The Nightmare’ wallop through with attitude and fiery instrumentation. Their setlist powers through at an unstoppable speed, it almost feels like no time has passed when the band announce their final track of the night ‘Somebody Better ‘ as the crowd cheer and dance along.
Black Honey put on one heck of a performance. One of the best live shows of the year so far.
Following a string of releases in 2018 and the BBC 6 Music plays of ‘Precious’ last year, Drogheda-based indie dance artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?’. This frantic track ignites with blistering guitars as it blazes through at a brisk hyperactive speed. With a punchy beat ricocheting with relentless stamina, this track is a neck snapping belter as Quinn’s swaggered vocals bounce off the catchy melody and witty lyrics. Designed for dancing and jumping manically to, this accelerated track scorches with shrilling guitars that majestically soar through the frantic rhythm while its crashing chorus creates a messy rough texture and gritty quality. Hypnotic and brimming with fiery energy and intensity ‘Do You Like Spicy Food?’ is another blazing track from Donal Quinn.
Grant Kilpatrick has released his debut single ‘Tension’ which was recorded with Bruce Rintoul (Twin Atlantic/Vukovi/Fatherson) . Based just outside of Edinburgh Scotland, Grant Kilpatrick is a songwriter with an edge. With introspective lyrics draped over a backdrop of raw angular guitar music, Kilpatrick displays his wide range of influences through his tunes.
‘Tension’ is an edgy indie rock track that swarms in with sharp guitars, pulverising drums and a hefty wall of sound. This mammoth blasts with adrenaline pumping energy as Kilpatrick’s smooth vocals dynamically sing over the blistering backdrop. The acute guitars sting, pierce and shrill with attitude and relentless stamina adding sweltering swagger and passion while the buoyant fierce rhythm keeps the track travelling at an exhilarating speed. This song storms in with a whirlpool of boisterous indie rock at its best. Driving with vigor and kinetic electricity ‘Tension’ is an invigorating debut from Grant Kilpatrick.
Stream ‘Tension’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
