Category Archives: Indie

Alt- Pop, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

The Rupees ‘Terror Lover’

Bristol garage rock band The Rupees have released their new single ‘Terror Lover’. Ryan Tucker (Vocals, Guitar) ,Seamus Daley Dee (Drums),  Jacob Chambers (Synths) and Tom Phillips (Bass) make up the four piece and their music has already been showcased on BBC Radio 1 (Huw Stephens), BBC Radio 6 (Steve Lamacq), and Sky TV and have played Reading Festival, supporting bands such as Blossoms and The Growlers and selling out their own headline shows.

‘Terror Lover’ displays The Rupees blustery synth driven sound at its dazzling grizzly best. With distortion galore and a punchy backdrop immersed in searing guitars this track is mighty and mesmerising. The all encompassing light flashy synths weave their mind dissolving soundscapes around this animated number. Its catchy and dance floor ready as disco vibes swarm the track in glistening bedazzlement while snarling vocals snap out the infectious lyrics. Brimming in intense rock energy these guys blend their blinding synth rock meticulously to have you compelled to dance mindlessly to its thundering upbeat thrill.

Stream ‘Terror Lover’ below



 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

The Misty ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’

London based multi-instrumentalist ‘The Misty’ has released his new single ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’.  The track was recorded in his own home, as well as enlisting the help of La Frette Studios in Paris, the same studio chosen by rock band Arctic Monkeys for their latest LP release. Alongside the single release The Misty produced a music video, with the help of China Town Studios, featuring a French model to help put together the visual.

‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’ is a fluctuating flutter of delight as The Misty croons over a dreamy melody while vaporous guitars whine and sting between ethereal soundscapes. Filled with a rich and intense depth this track grooves and sensually sways with psychedelic hues through a delicate melodic flow. The swirling bubble of electronics set the romantic tone as the brooding vocals and sultry guitar injections add a stirring quality and meaty grit. Perfectly crafted this luscious tantalizing track transports you to a soothing dreamy state that captivates with a 70’s psychedelic rock vibe softened by whirls of jazz flickering through a pop lush melody. It’s soft and aerial with a vibrant mouth watering backdrop to tease all the senses.

Watch the video for  ‘The Lovely Dead Girl at Table Six’ below

 


Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Kingdom Of Reptiles

Kingdom Of Reptiles are a Georgian and Greek Alternative/Grunge duo based in London.The band have released their debut single ‘Blue Magic Gin’ a gritty sweat and leather rock n’ roll track doused in catchy guitar riffs punchy drums and an edgy raw persona. This energetic number strides on the slapping red rawness of the slick guitar lines as it ventures cheekily between its deep grungy range and higher steamy tone effortlessly. The melody prowls over the feisty backdrop with swagger and attitude as this explosive track batters and sensually entices your ears into submission. With a shredding instrumental bridge reminiscent of The Black Keys and sleazy creepy verses weaving their way into your brain, this rock grunge infested gem is infectious, sing along ready and snappy. Keep an eye out for this duo.

Watch the video for ‘Blue Magic Gin’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

DARMA ‘Gloom’ EP

The Manchester-based trio DARMA, have released their new EP ‘Gloom’. The band comprised of Harry Corbett (vocals), Lloyd Whitehead (bass), and Issac Whitehead (drums), give a new meaning to the term garage rock. The band themselves have coined the phrase “loudquietheavypop” to more accurately describe their sonic sound. Singled out by Louder Than War as one of the most energetic young bands around, DARMA have supported the likes of Primal Scream, Dinosaur Pile Up, and fellow Mancunians The 1975 and Ist Ist, DARMA have had a busy 2018, playing shows at Sound City (Liverpool), Tramlines (Sheffield) and the Manchester Apollo for Radio X. 

‘Gloom’ is a searing torpedo ready to demolish your ears in feisty dark grunge, glorious melodies and alternative rock mania. The rich blend of tracks is first rate as they slither between blissfully melodic and frenzy effortlessly to pack in something for everyone. From the first gritty strike in ‘Miasma’ something clicks. A thrilling notion that this band have something special sparks a fire in your belly as crashing guitars throttle through punchy drum whacks and raspy attitude driven vocals. Dark melodies melt with a bubbling texture into your ears as this trio surge kinetic adrenaline into each and every track.The bombarding assault of  ‘Procrasturbator’ follows. These tracks are perfect for that mosh pit frenzy as Corbett screams over a hyperactive backdrop filled with lacerating sharp guitars, rumbling bass and bombarding drums. This is one heck of a track. ‘Hey, You’ cools the tone of the EP with a melancholic sweet melody which glides mournfully over a hypnotic drum and bass rhythm while raw guitar-strikes thud throughout. Anthemic choruses are what this trio do well and this track in particular was designed for the mass sing-along live show display. Their muscular rock keeps the tracks from becoming soppy and maintains a stomp and edge to their melodic swoon. Its all blistering frenzy until ‘Interlude’ brings a chilled dreamy “breather” to the EP as twinkling guitars accompany soft vocal coos. Even during this little rest DARMA entwine some distortion at the end to keep us all alert for the ground shaking final track ‘You’re Always Right’. The moody melody lures you into the dark menacing abyss of the track until you are hooked craving for one more listen. Catchy, creepy and enticing the final track on the EP ripples with grit as guitars crunch and smash their way through a mosh ready rhythm while the endearing vocals soar and escalate as the track progresses.

Each track within ‘Gloom’ burrow’s deep into your veins with a satisfying thrilling sense of ecstasy that leaves you frothing at the mouth for more. These guys are just so good, what a debut EP. I need to see them live.

You can catch DARMA live at:

30-Nov-2018 – Jacaranda Records Phase One w/ Rival Bones + Vulture Cult

Stream ‘Gloom’ below

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Edits ‘Cold’

Manchester synth pop duo Edits have released their new single ‘Cold’. Formed in the legendary crumbling walls of Salford Uni’s Adelphi building, Liv Westhead (Vocals/Synths) and Chris Abbott (Guitars/Programming) provide their D.I.Y. aesthetic; producing everything themselves, including their music videos. Their latest single follows on from January’s ‘Re-Surface’ EP and the accompanying video takes the viewer on a journey through snow-covered mountains.

‘Cold’ is an endearing, breezy synth pop number that chills and swirls with kinetic icy adrenaline. Twinkling synths glitter and glisten through the brooding melody as Westhead coo’s over the spine tingling melody. Her vocal command is mesmerising as she sweetly and effortlessly shifts into her falsetto holding a soothing yet ominous tone. The track flurries and dances about dark soundscapes as it becomes heavier towards the crescendo. The slapping beat flashes dazzling trip hop hues throughout as Edits use their electronics to their full potential- creating a cinematic icy number to chill you to the core yet entice you into the track depths. It’s a mature, bold track that slides this duo’s charming glacial sound into your frostbitten ears with ease.

Stream ‘Cold’ below

 


Album Review, Blues, Folk, Folk and Soul, Indie, New Music

Magpie Diaries ‘Sanctuary’ Album

Country/folk group Magpie Diaries have released their long-awaited 11-track debut album ‘Sanctuary’ via Dashville. Originating in Hunter Valley, Australia, singer-songwriter Matt “Magpie” Johnston unassumingly founded Magpie Diaries as a coping mechanism for the loss of a dear friend, channeling his grief into the band’s signature brand of smooth alternative country music, bolstered by a tinge of folk and psychedelic rock straight out of the 70s. Motivated to continue this musical journey, Johnston set to work on the songs, recording Sanctuary with producer Matt Sherrod (Crowded House, Beck, William Crighton), over the next 3 years. Alongside his own musical endeavours, Magpie hosts a festival in his family property once a year. The festival titled The Gum Ball started over 10 years ago and today brings in crowds from around the world.
‘Sanctuary’ is a laid back mellow collection of tracks that melt gloriously into the ears creating a rich easy listening experience. The tracks swoon and glide about melancholic tones and dreamy vibes. Opening track ‘Beat Myself Up’ creates the swaying calm atmosphere with warm raspy vocals, lush harmonies and bittersweet guitar twangs. The guitar melodies in the tracks creates a sweet euphoric tone throughout the album from pining laments to steamy whines in ‘Irresistable Pie’ – the guitars flood each track with rich and varied characters. The album ranges from the upbeat soulful folky tones of ‘When Love Comes, ’10 Honey’ and ‘Beetroot’ to the tender ‘Strawberries & Cream’ and ‘If You’re Hurting’.When Magpie Diaries wants to lull you into a dreamy melancholic country toned stupor they do it superbly with sweet lyrics, beautiful melodies and soft passionate instrumentation and when they want to add a dash of shimmying vibrancy the shift is seamless and joyous without ruining the easy going mood of the album. The foot tapping infectious ‘Mumma’s Right’ and the delicate emotional ‘This Spring’ show this perfectly. The shift in tone is refreshing yet subtle. ‘Wastin’ Time’ thuds in on a darker tone as a stomping beat backs a sultry bluesy guitar and luring mysterious atmosphere. The brass elements through the album are simply sublime and lace each track with a juicy sultry persona. The raw ‘Don’t Give Up’ closes the album on an emotional vibe as glistening keys twinkle softly between strong guitar chords and lush vocals. It’s a passionate bruised end to the album that hits you hard in the chest and pulls at those heart strings. It’s a comforting track that gives hope and motivation in difficult times.

‘Sanctuary’ blends, churns and glides through a multitude of emotions from sensual, melancholic to cheery effortlessly while creating the perfect relaxed atmosphere to submerge yourself in.

Magpie Diaries will support the release of Sanctuary with 4 shows at the prestigious Woodford Folk Festival over New Years, along with an Australian East Coast tour throughout January – March. More information can be found on their socials here https://www.facebook.com/magpiediaries/

 

Stream ‘Sanctuary’ below

 


Alt Rock, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Badhands ‘Monday Morning’

Badhands (aka Daniel Fitzpatrick) has released his debut album this week along with the video for the lead single, ‘Monday Morning’.Badhands is the musical project of Dublin songwriter and musician Dan Fitzpatrick. His recently completed debut album, entitled ‘Predictable Boy’, began as a collaboration with producer and bass player Tom Cosgrave (The Minutes), then quickly evolved in to a more expansive project with the enlistment of multi-instrumentalist Aoife Ruth, drummer Ken Mooney, and engineer Chris Barry. With a strong focus on lyrics and vocals the album explores themes such as laziness, loneliness, loss and madness. Badhands debut single ‘Waves’ was released in November 2017, and was soon followed by an impressive run of live gigs, namely a performance at the Whelan’s Ones to Watch festival, a packed headline show in The Workmans Club, and a sold out gig at Vicar Street supporting Michael McDonald.Predictable Boy marks Fitzpatrick’s first venture as a solo artist, having previously worked as a musician and songwriter for years with the likes of The Mighty Stef, The Last Tycoons, Paddy Hanna and Maud in Cahoots.

‘Monday Morning’ is a gloriously melodic number which floats upon a rich energetic backdrop of jagged guitar injections, punchy drums and an elastic rooted bass line that weaves and twirls its way into your spine making you groove and dance along. With a bitter sweet melancholic melody drizzled into your ears by Fitzpatrick’s warm raspy vocals, this track is drenched in passionate tender moments that are incredibly relatable and touching. With sombre tones perfectly contrasted against vibrant lush instrumentation, Fitzpatrick presents a wholly consuming, mature number full of gusto and honesty. His musicianship is refined, pure and brimming with opulent textures as he wavers between the darker tones of the brooding Monday monotony and the lively foot tapping energy seamlessly to create a charming little ditty that is sure to make your day better.
Badhands ‘Predictable Boy launch is at The Workman’s Club in Dublin this coming Saturday, November 17th make sure to check it out. More live dates below

November 16th – Bennigans, Derry
November 17th – The Workmans Club, Dublin
November 22nd – The Roisin Dubh, Galway
November 24th – Broken Home, Newbridge
December 7th – Pharmacia, Limerick
Plus More TBA

Watch the video for ‘Monday Morning’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Jade Bird

London-based songwriter Jade Bird has made a blinding return with her new single ‘Love Has All Been Done Before’. Fast-becoming a household name with her beautifully distinctive voice and fiercely raw pop songs that tell unforgettable life-stories, Jade Bird is firmly in ascent. Her recent single ‘Uh Huh’ took up residency on the Radio 1 B-list as Bird toured America, playing sold out shows to doting crowds everywhere she went.The 20-year-old has toured profusely across the world with her band, performed her breakthrough single ‘Lottery’ on Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and the UK’s ‘Later…With Jools Holland’ too and most recently gone into session at Maida Vale with Annie Mac for Radio 1. This month, Bird will embark her biggest ever UK & Irish headline tour – an 11-stop run taking in all the major cities including a stop-off in Dublin, where she plays Whelan’s on November 30th .

‘Love Has All Been Done Before’ is a powerful splurge of alternative pop. Brimming with fiery attitude Bird’s raspy vocals coo and belt out with demanding charm and charisma as she calls for more respect and romance in a relationship that is becoming depressingly monotonous. Swept up in a whirl of crashing drums, vibrant guitars and exhilarating soundscapes this track rushes with high voltage adrenaline while a sweet cheery melody hops along with a peppy infectiousness to remain in your head for days. The verses skip around her commanding bright vocals with an innocent cheeky bop before the chorus explodes into a mighty intense outburst. It’s an electrifying track that oozes passion and vigor with a dynamic rich instrumental backing to have you instantly hooked on Jade Birds irresistible sound.

You can catch Jade Bird live at:

20/11 The Globe – Cardiff

21/11 Electric Brixton – London

22/11 The Haunt – Brighton

24/11 O2 Institute3 Birmingham – Birmingham

25/11 Deaf Institute – Manchester

26/11 Rescue Rooms – Nottingham

28/11 The Wardrobe – Leeds

29/11 King Tuts Wah Wah Hut – Glasgow

30/11 Whelan’s – Dublin

08/12 Southampton Engine Rooms – Southampton

09/12 The Cavern – Exeter

Stream ‘Love Has All Been Done Before’ below

 


Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock

Indie Buddie Introducing : doops

Reading based three piece doops have released their second single ‘Laika’.The band comprised of Andrew Bingham (Guitar, Vocals), Chris Crouch (Drums) & Luke Connor (Bass)  have already supported the likes of ‘Touts’, ‘King Nun’ and ‘Saint Agnes’.They have also played packed slots at Are You Listening Festival, Readipop & Oxjam along with a sold out release show for their debut single ‘GUSHROOM’ at the Monto Water Rats in Kings X.

‘Laika’ is an abrasive, raw gash of alternative rock at its most blistering, mind dissolving best. These guys whack out this hyperactive number as it travels at a brisk speed ready for a brawl and jam packed with shrilling guitar distortion and a snappy exhilarating rhythm. Coming in at a short 1 minute and 25 seconds, this song is one pure concoction, distilled to its finest dizzying dosage. The punk attitude is doused on top of raw guitar lacerations. Heavy, meaty beats push the track into your head with a thrilling, bashing force while spacey acid fizzling riffs keep everything at a dynamic high. The rapid lyrics spit through the frenzied soundscapes with an effortless ease as the track builds to a paralyzing guitar solo. These guys have a fresh penetrating sound that is sure to drive your blood pressure to the roof in the most invigorating way.

Stream ‘Laika’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

RAFFER ‘Can’t Resist It’

Clean-cut, indie/pop artist RAFFER is back with yet another dazzling independent release -the self-produced single ‘Can’t Resist It’.This tutti- frutti gem floats upon a sweet nostalgic soundscape as rich rhythms slap and groove between swirling electronics.It’s a tight number that glows glorious radiant vibes as zesty guitar melodies entwine the luscious backdrop adding a refreshing burst of vitality while Raffer’s velvety vocals glide effortlessly and tenderly over the candy coated melody. It’s a compact, danceable indie pop delight that wraps your ears in luxurious sweet tones and delicious melodies.

Stream ‘Can’t Resist it’ below