German trio Mushroom People have released their new single ‘La La La La Lie’. With their last song ‘LOWWS’, Mushroom People, which is made up of two producers and a vocalist attracted a lot of international attention and made it to #1 on the Hype Machine charts. ‘La La La La Lie’ is a heavy trudging electronic number that slithers in on chilled darkly coated verses of thick bulky drum beats and sticky claustrophobic electronics. The track slaps and crawls through the brooding viscous stuffy soundscapes before it explodes for a dynamic release for the catchy chorus. Steamy guitar solos break up the clammy atmosphere with its zesty sting and sultry licks while a mixture of reggae-ton beats and pan flute injections freshen up this captivating tightly weaved gem. The soulful and passionate vocals are the icing on the cake they exude swagger, charm and emotion all in one swoon inducing effortless swipe. Mushroom People are ones to watch out for ‘La La La La Lie’ is one slick glossy number that will seep its way comfortably into your brain.
Los Angeles based, surf pop trio, Bikini Trill have released their new EP, ‘Wassup, We Good?’. The band combine trap / hip-hop beats, surf guitar and bass, with powerful pop vocals to create a fresh sound and feel-good vibe. This female-fronted group draw inspiration from a variety of genres including punk, reggae, and hip-hop. Formed in 2016 by vocalist Frex (Lauren Johnson), bassist Kourosh Poursalehi, and guitarist Tony Stern, Bikini Trill is a nod to the various musicians and genres from which they draw inspiration- combining the Riot Grrrl punk mentality of Bikini Kill with current urban and trap influences. Currently, the band is celebrating their second mini tour at SXSW in Austin, Texas and are gearing up to tour with Coast Modern and Mikey Mike- playing the House of Blues San Diego, The Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, Arizona, and The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.
‘Wassup, We Good?’ is a blissfully melodic collection of tracks that fill your soul with golden luminosity, laid back vibes and euphoric mellowness with an underlying punchy kick to add a bit of spice. Each track fluidly flows into the next from the trippy ‘Napster and Acid (INTRO)’ right through to the seductively slinky ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’– Bikini Trill sandwich in a sweet collection of velvety smooth raspberry ripple tunes to have your mind in a sedative state of creamy groove filled bliss. ‘Chapo Howl’ firmly envelopes you in Bikini Trill’s swirling exhilarating world as vibrant guitars meander through captivating vocals while a subtle drift of sweet psychedelic hued soundscapes wisp like a refreshing breeze over the sugary pop melody. The tracks are addictive and radiate sunny, easy going vibes ‘Smoke A Jay and Watch Yourself Dance’ adds a body moving bouncy rhythm into the mix coaxing your body to sway and bop along while ‘Need Me’ throws in a dash of gritty guitar jingles. Johnson’s vocals are simply captivating and nectarous as she floods each track with a honey steeped sprinkling of sweetness that is delicious to the ears and when teamed with the catchy mouth-watering pop melodies it’s a deadly concoction that leaves you craving more. Bikini Trill manage to balance and blend this sugar rush with some hip-hop beats and biting guitars to add a healthy dose of edge and gritty texture to the tunes. ‘KUT U UP (INTERLUDE)’ and ‘Scarlet’ stride in on a cool swagger driven reggae-esque beat and rich weaving soundscapes that add some attitude and bite while the glistening guitar moments elevate and give a vivid golden lustre to the tracks. The lyrics are honest and rugged and don’t gloss over the themes whereas the instrumental backdrop covers the lyrics with a hazy dreamy camouflage. In ‘2:25 am’ Johnson’s vocals really hypnotise as she coos and sweetly pines through a sticky beat and lamenting soundscapes- its quite touching and beautiful and the perfect lead in to the closing track ‘Wassup, We Good? (OUTRO)’, a spaghetti western -esque ditty filled with psychedelic tones and desert like vibes.
‘Wassup, We Good?’ is an absorbing collection of tracks perfect for sweltering hot days as the sun glares and distorts your view allowing Bikini Trill to create sublime delusions with scorching guitars and gloopy beats between luscious melodies and captivating vocals.
Fresh off their slot at Vantastival, Dublin Indie Psychgazers Sun Mahshene are set to release their new single ‘Tales of Fiction’ on the 28th of July. The track was recorded and co-produced by Dan Doherty in Darklands Audio. This is the first single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions & Tales of Fiction’ which is due for release in October 2018. Sun Mahshene started off as a solo project by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Nathan Henderson and soon turned into a collective of talented musicians, bringing Dave Murray on board for drumming duty and Ian McGinn on rhythm and lead guitar. With a mutual ambition to create something special they decided to merge their wide range of influences and joined forces with Darren Hughes on Bass and Ryan Daffy as third guitarist.
These guys know how to make mind melting tunes and ‘Tales of Fiction’ is no different. Filled with shrilling guitars and floor shaking punchy drums and bass combination, the monstrous wall of sound this track brings is something to behold. Swirling soundscapes mystify with wispy dreamy kaleidoscopic hues while the crashing biting guitars soar, wail and glide with a relentless onslaught into your ears in the most captivating and thrilling manner that leaves you in a blissful haze of euphoria. The adrenaline rush that exudes from this track is sublime while the smooth honey drizzled melody flows in on a laid-back cloud of sweet sedation. Henderson’s vocals weave between powerfully dynamic and velvety smooth tones while oozing a fiery passion. It’s a big tune camouflaged as a sweet psych trip. Once this track kicks in it goes full throttle – psychedelic indie rock at its shoegazing fueled best. Once again Sun Mahshene produce a fresh mouth-watering slice of captivating infectiousness to sink our teeth into.
Psychedelic rock trio Serene are set to release two new songs, ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ this week for Kendal calling. The band who are based in The Lake District and Liverpool have regular spots on the Manchester and Liverpool circuit; The Night and Day Cafe, The Castle, Zombie Shack, The Peer Hat, The Zanzibar, along with the brand new Peaky Blinders Bar (Liverpool). In summer, Serene are often found at a multitude of Lake District festivals, such as Kendal Calling, EskFest, Another Fine Fest, PigFest, DogFest, MoonFest, Noon til Midnight and Grasmere Guzzler. In the summer of 2016 they embarked upon a two week tour of Italy, previewing their new material prior to releasing their debut album – ‘The Lonely Road’. This proved a successful adventure, as it gained the band a session with BBC Introducing, along with CumbriaLIVE describing the band as ‘one of the finest live acts in the county’. Serene also supported Nazareth on their tour of England in January this year.
‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ display the depth and maturity of this trio. Their precise and enthralling musicianship is what I have come to love about this band. ‘Pendle Hill’ swirls with dark eerie tones creating a spine chilling atmosphere as haunting vocals sets the harrowing scene for the shadowy verses. The flickering guitars meander through the almost tribal beat adding a danceable groove to the psychedelic mindless soundscapes. If you want a submerging chilling experience filled with rich tangible instrumentation that grips and pulls you into a mysterious world of ominous possibilities this is the tune for you. The depths and multi textures layered into a captivating hypnotic tune is masterful and just a first class experience. ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ follows this marvelous trend with cool tones over sweltering oriental-esque and sometimes traditional or Celtic -ish guitar moments. The melody is superbly melancholic as it sweeps and rushes over the psychedelic hues with a grandeur and elegance that would bring a gentle tear to your eye. The bass and drums keep an elastic and fluctuant groovy foundation for the ethereal luscious soundscapes to wisp around and playfully rebound off. This dreamy hazy gem floats about with a feathery lightness while still maintaining a meaty brawny hold. Vocals gently coo and brood with an angelic heavenly sweetness while this infectious mesmerising track immerses you in an overwhelming surge of euphoric yet wistful bliss.
These guys are coming into their prime and it’s a pleasure to watch and experience their magnificent tunes come to life is such a beautiful colourful and prismatic way.
Stream ‘Pendle Hill ‘and ‘Footsteps in the Dark’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Deep Sky Objects
Alt-rockers Deep Sky Objects return this summer with their second single from their raved-about debut EP ‘Deep Sky Objects’. After the success of the Kerry band’s spring tour the band have lined up a string of dates across Ireland including INEC’s Future Sounds. We see the band come into their own with this rockier follow-up to debut single ‘This City’s at War’ while keeping true to their melodic song writing Deep Sky Objects recorded their debut self-titled EP ‘Deep Sky Objects’ in Whitewell Studios with Ciaran O’Shea. The EP was subsequently mastered by Fergal Davis. In March 2018 Deep Sky Objects released their debut single ‘This City’s at War’ to an eager audience and received extensive airplay across regional radio as well as national airplay. Deep Sky Objects ‘Desire’ is our worth a listen track this week.
‘Desire’ is a ballsy dark smeared number that blisters bruises and pummels with melodic ferocity. Driven by a meaty gritty riff this track instantly grabs attention wrestling you to the ground with its eerie melody chilling and creeping over the boiling explosive instrumental backdrop as Kevin O’Brien’s vocals soar and haunt above this scorching concoction. With a sturdy thundering drum and rooted rumbling bass back bone this track has everything to thrill you to the core and have you moshing along. Drenched in ominous darkly hued tones this goosbump inducing tune is well crafted for sing along lovers, head bang fanatics and slick earworm melody seekers. They then throw a shredding steamy guitar solo on top and bam! these guys have just whacked out a banging tune.
London-based psych-pop quintet Tempesst have released their latest single ‘Doomsday’, the title track from their forthcoming EP. The band first originated in Queensland, Australia on the Sunshine Coast, based around twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums). After a move across the globe, the outfit — rounded out by Eric Weber (guitars), Kane Reynolds (keys), and Blake Misipeka (bass) — made their raucous debut with the 2017 EP ‘Adult Wonderland,’ earning widespread praise in the U.K., which led to dates supporting the likes of Temper Trap and Albert Hammond Jr., and showcases at The Great Escape, NME Awards, and Live At Leeds. The new track is in part a reflection on how our addition to social media and the internet have turned us into mindless creatures, and part a commentary on the current state of the world.
‘Doomsday’ is a mysterious swirling brew of classic ’60s and ’70s influenced psychedelic rock and delicious pop that leaves you in a mind melting daze of delight. Tasty guitar whines weave between dizzying hazy electronics while the smooth melody cruises in to soothe the mind and sugar coat the woozy psychedelic swoons. It’s deliciously creamy with an underling fuzzed sting as the guitars whip a dash of zest into this enthralling liquefying mixture. The luring vocals tease and tempt throughout the eerie verses as lush backing vocals coo and haunt the background leading you deeper and deeper into the consuming trippy abyss of the track. Filled with creepy tones under a captivating cinematic soundscape this earworm has all the component parts to draw the listener in and trap them in its honey drizzled magnetising sound. Its infectious and a truly satisfying listen.
“It’s the first time in my life that I’ve felt so aware of my mortality and it probably doesn’t help that the Facebook and Netflix algorithms have cottoned on and keep feeding me shit on the topic,” Toma says about the track. “‘Doomsday’ is the start of what will probably be a long running theme.”
Following on from last summer’s series of acclaimed surf-rock singles Johnny Kills emerge for the first time in 2018 with new tune ‘Who’s Counting?’ Out via Killing Moon (Annabel Allum, Beach Riot). The band have earned champions including BBC Introducing, The Line of Best Fit, DORK, Indie Shuffle and The Metroplus dozens more tastemaker radio stations and blogs with their flair for delivering scuzzy pop off-cuts. The trio are made up of Tim, biological brother Lewis Lloyd-Kinnings and spiritual brother Cameron Gipp and aiding them in bringing their tracks to an acceptable auditory standard is Leeds based producer and Forever Cult bassist Alex Greaves (TRASH, PLAZA, Seeing Hands) on production and mixing duties, with Pete Maher (Pixies, Lana Del Rey, Scisso Sisters) on mastering.
‘Who’s Counting?’ is a glittering glam dazzling indie pop anthem laced with flashing sonic slaps over a sticky beat and fuzzed guitar jingles. Johnny Kills blast out an infectious danceable number that surges with youthful adrenaline doused in an 80’s -esque sparkle of glitter and glam all while packing in a healthy dose of punch. Glorious whines on guitar add a lamenting sharp sting to this vivid stomping track while wonky vocal hooks give a unique sing along friendly quality. It’s scuzzy in all the right places with dark sonic flecks swirling murky tones into the verses before the dynamic pop sprinkled chorus lifts the track into a feathery light bouncy anthem. This track is well crafted as each element brings a new rich texture and vibrancy – the guitars bring us the indie, moody, lamenting vibes with a shrilling spikiness while the buoyant beat, luscious melody and sonic swirls add a tasty blend of sugar sweet pop into the mix, and those vocals, just sublime and refreshing. It’s an adrenaline rush and such a thrill to listen to.
“It’s about meeting a great new person and ridiculously overthinking every aspect that this entails, internally focusing on this quasi-freak-out rather than enjoying and appreciating the new relationship for what it is” claims vocalist and songwriter Tim Lloyd-Kinnings, “Thinking ‘oh bloody hell, what’s happening here? –this can’t be good’ rather than ‘oh, isn’t this great?”
Gringoh are a new band from Hounslow West London (but born and bred in Ireland) making Urban London music influenced by the beats of Latin America and sounds from all over the world. The band have now released their debut single ‘Rules And Relations’. Now, this song I love! It’s fresh and crisp with exotic smouldering guitar that starts like it’s from a Zorro movie- weaving its way through Latin American beats coaxing and luring you to shuffle your way to the dancefloor. The vocals are effortless as they glide upon the danceable delectable melody – teasing and enchanting with a glorious sweltering sense of mystery and jubilation all at once. The backing vocals evoke images of sombrero’s with a Mariachi- esque feel. This young band blend genres seamlessly to create a wholly immersing colourful and rich listening experience.
RootNotes are a new funk band from Walsall, West Midlands consisting of members Jordan Harris (guitar/vocals) , Kieran Osbourne (drums/vocals), James Potts (saxophone), Matty Cross (guitar) and Daniel Evans (bass). The band are set to release their debut single ‘Move To This’ on all major platforms on July 27th with a video dropping on YouTube the same day. ‘Move To This’ was recorded at Magic Garden Studios by Gavin Monaghan, who has worked with the likes of Robert Plant, Kings of Leon, The Blinders, The Twang and many more.
‘Move To This’ is a swanky blast of confidence boosting funk. Filled with vibrant colourful sounds such as warm saxophone, trumpet blasts and rich rhythms which swirl around a delicious swagger soaked melody – this little gem will have you bopping wiggling and strutting your stuff in no time. Instantly likeable and groovy it glides in, exuding a sleek well polished panache with a vivid air tight instrumental backdrop. This piece of chilled effortlessly cool bubbling bliss is worth blasting through your speakers as its infectious vibe takes over your body.
You can follow RootNotes on their social media below
The RPMs are set to release their new single ‘Gotta Let Go’ via Xtra Mile Recordings on Sept 28 via all digital formats.New single ‘ Gotta Let Go ‘ raises the bar significantly for this young Brighton band. Following the success of their previous singles, ‘Your Ghost’ and ‘Let Things Happen’ new single, ‘Gotta Let Go’ is cast firmly in the mold of an indie pop dancefloor banger. The RPMs emerged from the Brighton scene that has also birthed contemporaries Black Honey and Fickle Friends. The band was formed in Dorset by childhood friends Jack Valero (lead vocals, guitar), Callum James, (drums and backing vocals). Following a move to Brighton they were joined by Miguel Cosme on bass and gained early momentum in 2016 for their debut EP, ‘Digital Disobedience , followed by their second EP in 2017, ‘Agents of Change ‘ released via Xtra Mile Recordings. Inspired by the support The RPMs expanded to a five piece, adding in Chris Bowden on keyboards and Ollie Summer on lead guitar to carve out a more ambitious sonic direction. Aided by in demand producer Gethin Pearson (Mallory Knox/Charli XCX) ‘Gotta Let Go’ flows into their steadily evolving plot together with other significant milestones: their SXSW debut ; being chosen by Huw Stephens as one of his Alternative Tips for 2018 ; their first Radio X-Posure session and inclusion on R1’s Best Of BBC Introducing Playlist.
‘Gotta Let Go’ will coax you to the dancefloor with its instant dizzying flash of keys swirling around zesty guitar jangles and slapping beat. This hyped up anthem speed balls into the frantic catchy chorus ready for those mass live sing alongs while woozy sonic soundscapes rush by with an adrenaline inducing surge of dynamism. It’s one to jump frantically to while the infectious chorus seeps into you mind hooking itself firmly ready to pop up when you least expect it- keeping you humming it all day.It’s explosive, charming and charismatic- perfect for those limb flailing “dance like you’ve never danced before” nights out.
Speaking of the track, singer Jack Valero said, “It’s actually a classic break up song, but not in the traditional sense being sad and tragic, it’s about the more explosive and potentially positive side to being freed from someone who’s treated you badly and feeling empowered from making that hard decision. But can also encapsulate lots of difficult situations you might have to shrug off in life.”
You can catch The RMP’s live at :
JULY 20 – Sheffield – Tramlines Festival
JULY 21 – Oxfordshire – Truck Festival This Feeling w. Pirate Studios Stage
JULY 22 – Stockport – Blackthorn Fest
AUGUST 3rd – Kent, Edenbridge – LeeFest Neverworld
AUGUST 4 – Kent Edenbridge – LeeFest BBC Intro Kent Stage (Abbie McCarthy)
AUGUST 10 – Peterborough – Green Meadows Festival
AUGUST 12 – Cornwall – Boardmasters
AUGUST 26 – Warwickshire – Camper Calling
Stream ‘Gotta Let Go’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
