Category Archives: Indie

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From GURU 

Emerging from the high-rent utopia of Brighton, indie newcomers GURU announce themselves with their irresistible take on punk in the form of debut single ‘Consumer Helpline’. The quartet comprised of Tommy Cherrill (vocals), Kieran Hunter (guitar), Ferg Belfrage (bass) and Simon ‘Danny Boy’ Daniels (drums) have already earned impressive support slots alongside Lady Bird, LIFE and Kagoule and have gained some early praise for their demos (BBC 6 Music).

‘Consumer Helpline’ is a razor sharp well executed slice of raucous punk. Its a swagger dripping fuzzy assault that goes down smooth with a sharp after-sting. Splintery guitars shred and lacerate through the rough rhythmic foundation and battering drum onslaught as the cool easy going vocals suave their way through the verses before stumbling and dramatically exclaiming over the chorus. The track whirlwinds its way into a frenzied thunderous crescendo. Their thrilling brand of psychedelic rock seeps with panache as they pulverize their powerful punk through every fibre of your being. It’s gritty, messy and coarse yet GURU slide in some really slick refined elements to create a wholly satisfying number that whooshes through with pungent adrenaline leaving you craving for more. Keep an eye out for these lads.


Stream  ‘Consumer Helpline’ below

https://soundcloud.com/gurubanduk/consumer-helpline-1


Tribal Dance ‘And Then All That Was Left Was A Physician And A Silhouette’ Video Premier

Dublin-based experimental/post-punk band Tribal Dance are set to release their video for ‘And Then All That Was Left Was A Physician And A Silhouette’ tomorrow December 5th. Tribal Dance consists of bassist and vocalist Adam Smyth, guitarist Stephen Dowling and percussionist Leo Clarke. Their debut single “Flongo” released in August 2017, sent out waves of excitement and received extremely positive reviews from music blogs and nationwide newspapers as well as national and international radio play, which contributed to a sold out single release show. The band have been showcased in Whelan’s Ones to Watch along with headlining a special Nialler9 showcase The Button Factory as well an unforgettable performance to a packed tent at KnockanStockan 2018.The band’s sophomore release ‘And Then All That Was Left Was A Physician And A Silhouette’ is set to be the first release on Bad Soup Records in December 2018, accompanied with an intense and dramatic music video, a limited edition physical release.

‘And Then All That Was Left Was A Physician And A Silhouette’ is Tribal Dance’s fierce way of dissolving your mind in their thick murky concoction of math punk with sweet little bubbles of psychedelic rock gasping beneath this suffocating brew. The tense atmosphere builds right from the start as these guys unfold each segment gently with eerie soundscapes twinkling through distorted guitars and punchy drum attacks. This acid saturated gem lures and entices with soft lulling vocals, sweet little guitar injections and a meaty rhythmic foundation. Just as the track seeps into its dreamiest delusional state Tribal Dance electrocute you back to life with a pulverising heavy finale. The fluctuation between Math mania and soothing psychedelia is masterful as Adam Smyth switches from animated screams to soft coos seamlessly while wobbly desert guitar whines between a deep groove and laid back melody. Well crafted this track consumes you entirely in the dizzying world of Tribal Dance and with musicianship this refined and messy all at once – these guys are definitely ones to keep an eye on.


Watch the video for ‘And Then All That Was Left Was A Physician And A Silhouette’ below


No Alarms ‘Find Me’ Video Premiere

No Alarms have released the video for their new single ‘Find Me’. No Alarms was born in Texas as the solo passion project of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Boles, and has since bloomed into a Detroit-based, fully-fledged, five-piece. No Alarms is blending the lines between modern indie pop and new wave revival, and building an engrossing live show from the ground up. Their debut single “Right is What’s Left” was featured in an episode of ABC’s “Kevin Probably Saves the World” originally airing on February 6th, 2018. ‘No Alarms’ EP was the 13th most added record on NACC college charts its debut week, and has since peaked at #132 on the NACC 200.

‘Find Me’ is an entrancing smooth indie pop track that swirls and floats elegantly upon No Alarms’ infectious melty melody. It’s a sleek glossy number as their rooted grooves set a fluctuant foundation for the flashing electronics to rebound and playfully ricochet off while velvety vocals coo and caress the tasty melody. With a sticky summer sun vibe this dance-filled song is uplifting and ethereal as it bounces along energetic drums and dazzling synths making for a wholly satisfying listening experience. With rich textures wrapped delicately in a multi coloured prism ‘Find Me’ showcases No Alarms ability to create  a full bodied delightful tune that tantalizes all the senses.

Watch the video for ‘Find Me’ below

 

 

 


Runaway Hounds ‘Nightlight’

Wolverhampton’s Runaway Hounds have released their new single ‘Nightlight’. Driven by a passion to create and a love for music, twin brothers Owen (vocals/guitar) and Kent (lead guitar) Stavenuiter spent many of their school years experimenting with genres, sounds and instruments alongside classmate and close friend Dan Glover (bass). However, it was not until late 2016, with the arrival of Callum Ford (drums), that the group found their own distinguished sound and Runaway Hounds was born.In just over a year, the band have played several headline sets in venues in the West Midlands and have taken their sound across the UK, performing to crowds as far as London.Their debut single ‘Rattlesnake’,gained airplay and support from the likes of BBC Introducing along with their second single ‘Sophie’.

‘Nightlight’ is an unblemished clean track that smoulders and burns gradually into a blistering indie number. There is an intense energy behind this tack as in all of Runaway Hounds’ songs however, this number simmers steadily to its crescendo with the backdrop creating a little more space allowing each element to shine. The rumble on bass and drum tap creates a suspenseful intro before the track flourishes into its wonderful flurrying verses. Zesty guitar melodies lament and jingle above this anthemic number creating the perfect tone and ethereal experience. These glorious guitar melodies are the pinnacle of the track, they add such vibrancy and emotion that makes the song come to life in a graceful and beautiful manner while still sliding in a healthy dose of indie rawness. The chorus explodes with punchy drums, sing along ready lyrics and a fantastic bass line weaving between the crashing guitars. Runaway Hounds have clearly taken time to refine their sound. Focusing on their musicianship, they have provided a gripping wholly satisfying track that packs a mighty punch. This four piece are thriving and blossoming in their musical surroundings.

Stream ‘Nightlight’ below

 

 

 


SOCIAL STATE ‘Never Gonna Get It’

Birmingham based duo SOCIAL STATE have released their new single ‘Never Gonna Get It’. The two piece comprised of Andy and Brad blend Indie, Hip-Hop, Punk and Emo to establish an unprecedented sonic identity. They are heavily inspired by growing up in the Midlands, not doing well in education and the antics of teenage youth. Their debut ‘Never Gonna Get It’ is a statement piece which talks about the constraints and misrepresentation of the millennial generation. The song is the first release in the cycle, with numerous releases to come within the following months.

‘Never Gonna Get It’ is a catchy spurt of indie punk filled with adrenaline surging vitality. This duo whack out a buoyant rugged pop-smacked number with a meaty texture and hook filled gang-chant chorus that is sure to ignite a live audience. Their rap flows fluidly as the duo spit out the lyrics with attitude and an air of revolt while jaunty guitars playfully rebound off a snappy beat. This track is infectious – that chorus will have to be peeled and prised out of your head. SOCIAL STATE are a fiery duo providing vibrant light numbers with a meaty substance. Keep an eye out for these brash anti-establishment chappies.

Watch the video for  ‘Never Gonna Get It’ below

 

 


Matt Portland ‘Secondary’

London singer songwriter Matt Portland has released his new single ‘Secondary’.Portland is a solo artist who writes, produces and plays every instrument on his songs, recorded in his small home studio.The new track draws inspiration from the ballads of the late 60’s and 70’s and soundtracks from that era, attempting a modern take on the Wall of Sound.

‘Secondary’ encapsulates beautifully Portland’s wholly absorbing and carefully crafted sound. With delicate finger picked guitar and lonely guitar slide intro the track croons in with tender solitary tones and a swoony sweet 60’s melody. Building the track into a passionate ballad Portland fleshes out his lonesome Spaghetti-western sound with a steady drum thud and graceful piano element. It’s a weepy delicate number that gradually builds in emotion as more instruments are introduced to fill out the track. The guitar laments behind a rich percussive foundation while elegant strings flutter around the teary fist pump passion. Each part of the track builds upon the brooding theme as the melancholic tones flicker between a powerful tear jerking chorus. The guitar solo wails and whines with a bittersweet tone while Portland’s velvety vocals coo over this timeless wishful backdrop. It’s a well crafted track that packs one heck of an emotional punch.

Stream  ‘Secondary’ below

 


Aaron Taos ‘Control’

Aaron Taos is a Brooklyn based indie pop artist hailing from Guilford, CT.  In June he released his sophomore EP, ‘Night Thoughts’ and spent the summer on tour opening for King Princess. He has now released his new single ‘Control’ which is the first single off his new project, ‘Birthday Boy’. 

‘Control’ glistens with warm guitar moments as Taos sings over a peppy melody and infectious clap along feature. Filled with sun soaked dreamy tones this track glides and hops along ethereal soundscapes while glorious lamenting guitar weaves a golden thread throughout the track tying it blissfully in your ears with a lasting secure hold.Tightly crafted this track holds a laid back hazy vibe while also packing in that radio friendly charm. It’s honest and entertaining with sublime melodies and a steady beat holding all the delightful component parts together.

Watch the video for ‘Control’ below

You can also stream ‘Control’ here

 


Magdalena Bay ‘Ghost’

The LA-based duo Magdalena Bay visit a darker side of synth pop on their latest single ‘Ghost’. The pop duo are 22-year-old Mica Tenenbaum (songwriting, vocals) and 23-year-old Matthew Lewin (songwriting, vocals, production). The lyrics to the new track are inspired by the iconic 80’s film Mr. Vampire, which Mica had just watched in a Chinese film class.Following the success of recent singles Neon and Waking Up, Magdalena Bay have an arsenal of finished music that they plan on unleashing on the world now that they’re settled in LA. Ghost is the second of these to be released, and is sure to show listeners a new side to the band who write and produce all of their music from their home studio.

‘Ghost’ is a silken, lustrous pop number tightly bound in laser precision electronics. This track wriggles and weaves its way through rich, pulsing beats slapping against shimmering synths while the glossy pop melody smooths on top with a dreamy luxurious texture that oozes class and swagger. The dazzling soundscapes flash with eerie dark stomps throughout creating a haunting atmosphere to this luscious pop number.  Magdalena Bay have created a clean, dance-able and infectious number that moves with grace and elegance while a bubbling groove steers the track to something more sinister.

“We wanted to try something new when we started writing Ghost” explains the band. “We had just finished a string of really bubblegum pop songs. Then, this spooky beat came out of nowhere. The song is darker than our previous releases– but it’s still fun and totally dancy. To us, Ghost is what would happen if Britney Spears and MGMT collaborated on a track..”

Stream ‘Ghost’ below

 

 


Vintage Bones ‘Regret and Nostalgia’

Vintage Bones is a new LA-based rock band. They have recently released their debut single ‘Regret and Nostalgia’. The band is rooted in the expression of “anthemic yearning,” influenced by musical greats like The Killers, Future Islands, and Modest Mouse. This fist pumping anthem pulses and rushes with heartfelt emotion doused in tones of longing while a bittersweet dreamy pop melody floats like a wishful cloud into your ears. Zingy guitars inject edgy elements while vibrant bass lines and dynamic vocals evoke that heart stopping drama that will grasp the hearts off all listening. It’s crisp, raw and lusciously sweet all at once while beautifully crafted lyrics drive the track home. This nostalgic number is a sublime debut from Vintage Bones.

About the track the band explains, “This song is a proclamation of love lost. The flash of remorse that happens during deep contemplative moments as the past comes rushing to the present, flooding the senses as if it were all happening again. A window through time to cherish and mourn. This is an anthem to those moments.”

Stream ‘Regret and Nostalgia’ below


Brass Phantoms ‘In Sight’

Dublin’s indie rock band Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘In Sight’. Their single ‘Waiting Up’ garnered widespread airplay across Irish Radio on RTE 2FM, 98FM, SPIN, Today FM, and Radio Nova, as well as prestigious international features on BBC Radio 6 with Steve Lamacq and Spotify-curated playlists. The five piece consisting of  Ryan Cashell (vocals & bass), Greg Whelan (guitar & backing vocals), James Geraghty (guitar), Adam McCabe (drums & backing vocals), and Colleen Heavey (keys & backing vocals) have headlined shows all over Dublin, performed at major festivals including Other Voices and Indiependence Festival, and were the main support for Delorentos on their sold-out tour. The group has toured through the UK and have performed twice at MONDO Festival in New York, having been listed as one of the festival’s top acts to see.This year has seen Brass Phantoms sign a worldwide distribution deal with Believe Digital. Their single ‘City Of Wolves’ was used to promote television coverage of the UEFA Champions League this year, as well as being added to Spotify’s editorial Hot New Bands playlist .The band follow this success with their brand spanking new slice of indie rock ‘In Sight’.

‘In Sight’ has all the meaty enticing components true Brass Phantoms tracks possess. The ethereal glorious guitars reach piercing thrilling heights as they playfully soar, weave and sparkle over the punchy groove and weighty rhythmic foundation. The guitars in this track are particularly mesmerising as the sweet biting tones slice and sting over the aerial atmosphere with a superb finesse and grandeur that is awe inspiring. This cutting track strides along cool as a cucumber as Ryan Cashell passionately sings over the smooth melody while shimmering icy keys and elastic bass build the track to its massive intense crescendo. These guys create emotive tracks that pack oodles of gusto and rich instrumentation. Each track adds a new and exciting dimension to their sound and ‘In Sight’ is the perfect shiny new addition to their crisp refreshing collection.

About the track, frontman Ryan Cashell says: “In Sight delves into overcoming personal battles and letting go of bitterness. It’s how you treat yourself and deal with these obstacles that will make you stronger.”

Stream ‘In Sight’ below