Category Archives: Indie

Mellor ‘Helsinki’

Mellor are set to release their first new material of the year, single ‘Helsinki’ on March 22 via AWAL. After a reshuffle of members the new line-up has settled on: Gary Kingham , Sam Igoe , Kristian Bell and Josh Woodward.  Mellor have been featured on the Spotify Indie list, Transistor and Hot New bands playlists, Apple Music’s Breaking Bands playlist, had national and local radio support from Tom Robinson, John Kennedy, Frank Skinner and most recently Abbie McCarthy on BBC Radio 1 and have also played at festivals such as HURL Fest, Butefest, Truck Festival, Tex Fest, Are You Listening, Tramlines and Camden Rocks.

‘Helsinki’ is another absorbing indie mammoth from Mellor. Traveling on blistering guitars and a relentless bass groove this track is set to high voltage from the start. Swagger drenched guitars wail, soar and majestically intensify the song while a punchy drum and elastic bass rumble keep that snappy foot tapping foundation that is sure to have a live audience going wild. With a surge of adrenaline through every pulse, beat and guitar tickle this song is one electrifying thrill. The track is tight, as Mellor create an exhilarating wall of sound that crashes into every fiber of your being- filling you with instant energy. Gary Kingham’s warm raspy vocals lace the song in passion and expression as he effortlessly and powerfully holds his own over the mighty instrumental hop and dynamic soundscape. It’s one whirling rush of fantastic indie. Make sure to check ‘Helsinki’ out when its released on March 22nd.

About the track the band said :” ‘Helsinki’ is about someone who has been lead on and given false hope for so long, that they eventually have that realisation, where they should just cut that controlling, self-indulgent person off completely.”

You can follow Mellor of Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/melloruk


Alex Abbuehl ‘Black Coffee’

Italian-born,singer/songwriter Alex Abbuehl has released his debut single ‘Black Coffee’.This vaporous number swivels ever so sleekly between 70’s rock chic and laid back west coast jazz as Alex coos and passionately broods over lonesome elegant keys and a steady beat. It’s delicate and soulful as the lyrics tell a heart wrenching story while a passionate sultry backdrop pines and weeps behind his warm vocals. The piano maintains a strong position throughout the track as it intricately weaves and wonders about playfully and delicately before becoming more precise and anguish-stricken for the expressive crescendo. Soft backing vocals coo through the chorus adding a dash of chicness and refinement. It’s classy, emotional and beautifully crafted for a hair raising listening experience as Alex presents a sophisticated number filled with warm jazzy elements and a pristine, glossy melody holding it all together.

Stream ‘Black Coffee’ below

https://soundcloud.com/alex-abbuehl/black-coffee/s-5cQQr


Giorgio De Palo ‘Vivid Dream’ Premiere


Driven by the peacefulness arising from the seashore where he grew up, Giorgio De Palo discloses himself through his songs, fully embracing his feelings and thoughts.Born in Rome, raised internationally and currently based in Berlin, he decided to pour himself into music striving to find his voice on small stages as a solo artist and his own sound in his bedroom.The majority of his upcoming EP ‘First Waves’, which will be released in the coming months has been created in his small home studio.

Vivid Dream’ is a dainty gem that flows elegantly as Giorgio’s sweet warm vocals caress the mellow melody delicately. This gentle melody drapes carefully around soft guitar strums and a steady drum tap. It’s a dreamy intimate folk hued ballad as the track wistfully and beautifully floats upon a laid back atmosphere and peaceful tone. Sublimely sweet and soothing every strum and note coos and calms you into a tranquilizing state of bliss. With golden rays of gentle sun glimmering through bright guitar jangles and a soulful guitar solo the track is enchanting, uplifting and brimming with glorious tones and oodles of passion.

About the track Giorgio explains : “Vivid Dream describes the search for a deeper truth and awareness in our ephemeral existence. It’s about being conscious of what hides beyond the surface, finding answers in the pure and majestic force of nature.”

Stream ‘Vivid Dream’ below

https://soundcloud.com/giorgiodepalomusic/vivid-dram


The New Shoes ‘Little Racket’

Gosport, Hampshire alternative rock/punk band The New Shoes have released their debut single ‘Little Racket’ on Mayfield Records.This track wrestles punk to the ground and mangles some 60s pop and garage rock into its structure to create a snappy animated and thoroughly satisfying number. With a choppy rhythm, pop sprinkled melody and a melodic guitar feature this punchy track is a boisterous animated no nonsense anthem. Designed for the sticky mosh pit, it’s brimming with short adrenaline bursts and a catchy chorus while a shredding guitar solo lacerates through the rigorous backdrop sizzling with swagger. With the messy rough and ready punk undertones, raw rugged garage and a luscious coating of buoyant 60’s melodies The New Shoes have provided a kinetic vigorous debut.

Stream ‘Little Racket’ below


Lycio ‘Young Ties’

Birmingham band  Lycio have released their new single ‘Young Ties’. This latest cut is one of the bands oldest compositions, and sees a return to their darker side. The track was mastered at Metropolis Studios by Stuart Hawkes (Jack Garratt, Rae Morris, Lorde, Fickle Friends, Rudimental, Mura Masa).

‘Young Ties’ is a wispy ethereal slice of atmospheric indie wrapped in swirling, fluctuant synths while an elegant piano and flashing drum arrangement provide a gripping and meaty backdrop to this airy number. Mendez’ passionate vocals powerfully plough through the chorus with oodles of expression while gently cooing through the delicate brooding verses. The track is doused in sweet melancholy as swoony dreamy soundscapes flurry and delicately rebound off the luscious melody and sway-able synths. Richly layered, each gripping note is laced in emotion as the track gracefully and beautifully dances with its darker tones creating an ambient full-bodied sound. Another majestic track from Lycio.

Of the track, frontwoman Genie Mendez explains – “Young Ties is about mental health. Trying to understand how my head works, whether it’s a gift or a curse (‘the beauty that’s inside my mind’), and then trying to accept it (‘I’ll go where you are taking me’). Then of course everyone’s getting on with their daily routine not knowing the struggle of those around them (‘all the young men in long ties…’). And of course ‘can you bring me home/can you take control’ is a question for my own head. I’m asking my mind if it can really handle this, if we can bounce back from it.”

Stream ‘Young Ties’ below

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Chay Snowdon ‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’

Chay Snowdon return with double-single; ‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’.The Bristol based band (Liam Roberts on lead guitar, George Roach on bass, Ed Fox on drums and Chay Snowdon providing vocals and rhythm guitar) have already made their mark in the music independent scene with support slots with the likes of ‘The Sherlocks, ‘JUDAS’, ‘VANT’, ‘The Snuts’, ‘Glass Caves’ and ‘Oddity Road’ as well as performances at Camden Rocks and two UK tours. The band have now returned with two knockout indie tunes.

‘Mon Cheri’ is a brisk swagger-dripping banger sure to set a mosh pit alight. With jangly guitars weaving and striking bursts of vibrancy through foot stomping drums – this charming adrenaline surging track is locked and loaded, ready to make you dance, shuffle and bop. With shrilling guitar whines, rich buoyant rhythms and panache soaked vocals, its a rush of wild indie rock. Riding on high adrenaline instrumentation, this catchy track is a punchy, potent thrill from the start.

‘Sha La La’  is the flip-side to ‘Mon Cheri’s’ energy with its slow dance tempo and delicate brooding instrumentation. It’s sweet, tender and emotional as Snowdon’s warm vocals exude passion and soul. The smooth melody floats gently over twinkling guitars and soft drum taps. A moving guitar feature fills the song with that “hold me close” swoon leading the track into its dramatic classic rock crescendo of heartfelt guitars mourning over punchy drums and sing along refrain.

‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’ are two equally gripping and diverse tracks from Chay Snowdon showing just how versatile these guys can be. Each note leaves you craving to hear more.

Stream ‘Mon Cheri’ and ‘Sha La La’ below



Heir ‘Better In Silence’

Heir celebrate the announcement of their tour in April with the release of their new song, ‘Better In Silence’. Following their previous single, ‘Restless’ the band continue to display class and courage with another carving of irresistible DIY-pop music. 2018 saw the band launch their own collaborative arts night, Blueprint. The event brings together bands and visual artists for a display of high quality creation. Heir also spent the latter half of the year working with producer Ken Scott (The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John).

‘Better In Silence’ is a glorious light airy indie number grounded with a sublime elastic bass rumble and sticky beat slaps. Heir flesh out their sophisticated, polished sound with crisp production, shimmering electronics and luscious melodies. It’s refined and chic with a swanky funk flex glimmering through the rich basslines, jangly guitars and rhythmic bounce. The smooth vocals caress and soften this honey melody with a sweet coo, lush harmonies and dreamy falsetto while the zesty guitars add a dash of vitality and juicy sting to the track. Richly weaved this song cruises along sun kissed vibes, laid back tones and heavenly melodies ready for that perfect chill time listening.

You can catch Heir live on their April tour at :

10.04.2019 ~ Leeds, Lending Room

15.04.2019 ~ Newcastle, Think Tank Underground

16.04.2019 ~ Hull, The Polar Bear

17.04.2019 ~ Manchester, Gullivers

18.04.2019 ~ London, Sebright Arms

20.04.2019 ~ Breda (NL), Sofar Sounds

21.04.2019 ~ Appeldoorn (NL), Gigant

22.04.2019 ~ Cologne (DE), Sofar Sounds

24.04.2019 ~ Utrecht (NL), Stathe

27.04.2019 ~ Roosendaal (NL), King’s Day Festival

28.04.2019 ~ Amsterdam (NL), Hannekes Boom *more dates tbc.

Stream ‘Better In Silence’ below


VELVET ‘Out to Get Me’

Four piece indie band  VELVET have released their debut single ‘Out to Get Me’ which was recorded in Newcastle at Loft Studios with Matt from Little Comets.The band comprised of Jack Rasmussen, Lee Wright, Liam Cooke and Josh West are heading back into the studio in February to record their debut 4 track EP which is set for release in March.

‘Out to Get Me’ is a sweet number that floats on dreamy tones, delicate twinkling guitars and a creamy soft melody. Spongy drums bounce and hop with a feathery light buoyancy as the ethereal guitars add a stinging gentle breeze to this supple gem while also weaving sublime melodies filled with melancholia and heavenly scintillation throughout. With warm raspy vocals flooding the song with coziness and passion- this delightful track is an easy going melodic ditty that wraps your ears in glorious soothing indie.

You can follow VELVET on their socials here :

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/velvetmusicofficial/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/velvetmusic

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/velvetmusicofficial/

Stream ‘Out to Get Me’ below


Vampire Weekend ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’

Vampire Weekend have returned, greeting their tune thirsty fans with a warm, cosy and instantly satisfying two track combo. ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’ are the first tracks released from the band’s upcoming fourth album, ‘Father of the Bride’.

In true Vampire Weekend fashion ‘Harmony Hall’ floods through with rich opulent sounds and textures to tantalize and enrich the senses. It’s as if Vampire Weekend have announced the bright beautiful coming of spring and thawing of winter. Soft guitars twinkle around the delicate melody while each verse and track progression introduces a new subtle element as the song unfolds into a blossoming beauty. There is a subtle,elegant, baroque element between a jazz flavoured piano. The piano flurries through,ever so delicately and charmingly unwrapping the delightful goodness within the song. Ezra Koenig’s velvety vocals caress and comfort the melty melody with a sprinkling of sugary delight while the elastic bass grooves, shuffling percussion and buoyant drums maintain the playful boppy foundation. The track, which features the closing lyrics “I don’t wanna live like this, but I don’t wanna die” from ‘Finger Back’ on their previous album Modern Vampires of the City is cosy and a little cryptic as Koenig leaves a nice little trail of lyrical bread crumbs for his dedicated fans to follow. With a Simon & Garfunkel -esque harmony and romantic tinted coating, Vampire Weekend ensured their return would be worth the wait.

‘2021’ is a sweet little track coming in at less than 2 minutes, this addictive ditty glides upon subtle instrumentation of warm guitar, twinkling keys and tapping hi- hat while Koenig softly and emotionally croons the sweet lyrics. With a falsetto sample singing “Boy” between the lush delicacy this track has a repetitive hypnotic charm to it that is difficult to resist.

Stream ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’ below


Motions ‘Play The Hits’ Premiere

Motions are an indie band from Dublin. Following the release of their well received ‘Late Night Calls’ EP in 2018, alongside a string of gigs and festival appearances across Ireland they have released their new single ‘Play The Hits’. . The track was written by Dave Nulty & Tom Daly and produced by Alessio Buso.

‘Play The Hits’ is a synth laced dance number luxuriate in 80’s speckled electronics. This catchy dance number is infused with rich flashing soundscapes as shimmering synths flicker and playfully ricochet off snappy beats and skittish rhythms. With a swirling ethereal atmosphere jangly guitars and smooth warm vocals this infectious number struts in cool and effortless with sticky scorching sun kissed electronics hooking it firmly into your brain. A few pinches of indie zest is sprinkled on top of this pop steeped anthem making it a charming shuffle-ready tune from Motions.

Watch the video for ‘Play The Hits’ below