Category Archives: Indie

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

Fangclub ‘True Love’ EP

Fresh from their first UK headline tour, Irish rock band Fangclub have released their highly personal new EP titled ‘True Love’.  Last year the trio Steven King, Kevin Keane and Dara Coleman released their self titled debut album to mass critical acclaim and also toured the UK and Ireland with their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies, and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from the press (Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Upset) and specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart), and Kerrang! Radio with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words’.

‘True Love’ marks massive growth in the bands sound. The swirling and churning dark tones lurk underneath even the most peppy sounding of the tracks. There is something more sophisticated and painful in this EP. The meaty brain crush blast we are used to once again feature on True Love however they have honed in and sharpened everything from meatier ground shaking basslines and immense pounding drum grooves to slick acute guitar lacerations placed perfectly for maximum impact. Fangclub have us firmly in their grips and they are not letting go. Recent single ‘Knife’ sets the thrilling mayhem in motion with gritty basslines grumbling under slashing guitars and demanding drums. The chilled vocals cool the scorching instrumental backdrop for the verse teasing the explosive chorus we have come to love from Fangclub. Slick basslines have become a staple on this EP as they fluidly flow throughout each track with a sublime rooted groove adding a lusty darkness to each track, like a shadowy thread holding each song together. ‘Heart Is A Landmine’ is where their shadowy eerie tones take over. A moody melody bleeds over a punchy backdrop of slithering guitars whining between a mighty rhythmic bounce. It’s a cinematic tune that could feature in a Batman movie especially with its stirring melody and sublime griping guitar feature. It’s pretty dark and dramatic yet magnificently catchy and climatic all at once. ‘Smother’ brightens the tone of the EP. The guitars become lighter as they zealously inject juicy zest between punchy punk flavoured rock. Its sun kissed melody melts upon the gritty soundscapes like butter as a slick guitar solo and sing along ready chorus slaps on a glossy finish. The “buzz kill” ‘Sweater Forever’ follows. This is my kind of tune. It’s a moody sunny day wallowing blast of grunge that is just magnificent. The drums trudge through a gloopy sweet melody while the piercing sting on guitars lament and soar over this sullen tune. It’s both vibrant and sulky all at once as their vivid use of instrumentation and shaky percussion creates gripping heart wrenching turmoil for us to immerse in. Those twinkling keys add a light innocence through the heavy monotony. The scale of emotion presented through music in this track is masterful and exactly how I hoped these guys would progress. The sheer musical depth containing perfectly timed multi facets glimmering through emotional honest lyrics make for a completely absorbing listening experience. ‘High’ closes the EP bringing everything full circle. It’s upbeat, powerful, catchy and filled with scorching guitar lines. The vocals lure you into the relentless onslaught of crashing drums, brawny bass lines and mouth watering guitar work.

‘True Love’ is a flavourful and tantalizing EP from the trio and proves Fangclub have a lot to offer – they are just coming into their prime.

Stream ‘True Love’ below


Album Review, Indie, New Music

Chimpanbee ‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’

Irish indie band Chimpanbee have released their debut album ‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’. Chimpanbee formed in 2010 from the ashes of a grunge rock band called The Creaks. In 2010 the band released an E.P entitled the “The Pressures of Free Money” which was free to download. With 25,000 friends on myspace the E.P found many ears and some decent airplay which was followed by a brief venture to London and some popular local shows. The band were then discovered by Alex Jones of Ruby Music and subsequently signed a deal. After some extensive and fervent recording session’s the album was nearly finished and a highly anticipated release was on the horizon , but unfortunately tensions frayed as they do and the young ensemble split in 2012. This left the album incomplete and seemingly to go to waste. But in 2017 the album re-surfaced and Chimpanbee were revived in the process. The band added a new lead guitar player by the name of Alan Stacy, a bluesy, soulful and gifted professional to compliment the rough and ready haphazard style Chimpanbee had crafted.

‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’ ignites an instant rush of excitement within the listener with its rich luscious sounds and genre bending refinement. From that snappy whack of opening track ‘Sleep in Your Bed’ Chimpanbee introduce their fun infectious sound with groove mingled rhythms wiggling beneath an infectious vibrant melody and slick guitar flourishes. This foot tapping swagger soaked style continues throughout the album ‘Fell In Love’s ethereal guitars and sparkling keys soar over a dreamy coated melody. The energy in these hyped up energetic tunes keeps the album tipping away at a lively enjoyable pace as Chimpanbee flesh out their tunes and compact finely layered sound. The slow burners hone in on their exquisite musicianship. ‘Light It Up’ begins sweet broody and delicate with lush backing vocals cooing behind twinkling guitars and velvety passionate vocals. They begin the track gentle, tender and emotionally dreamy. When those lyrics hit you they relate to that poor sod who we have all been at one time or another however, the track builds becoming more bad ass and hefty developing into a fiery rock heavy anthem. Punchy drums ,striking guitars and distortion make for a cinematic wallop that fights back the timid beginning. With a sing along bridge this track is one for massive live shows. You can imagine the crowd swaying, moshing and bellowing back the lyrics. This song alone gives a sublime glimpse into the magnificent capability of this band. The sprinkling of sun kissed vibes through ‘Tokyo’ adds a peppy buoyancy to the album with golden light guitar strides between sprightly drums and glistening keys. The catchy sing along choruses are plentiful and are a fundamental element in each and every glorious track. ‘Snaaakes’ gives us a mysterious fairy like tone to the album with rumbly percussion flickering underneath magical soundscapes. It’s the tune that sparks images of little Celtic fairies dancing on midsummer’s night as magical blue and gold lights twinkle about, floating in the air like fireflies. The dark undertones add a sublime mystifying quality to this indie folk number. Darkly coated and eerie ‘Systems Failed’ has a thick heavy chorus of crashing guitars and meaty drums while ‘No Lies’ has a vibrant animated bounce. Each track holds its own identity within the album and brings a delicious new dimension and layer to sink your teeth into. Title track  ‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’ closes the album with delicate elegant piano and a steady beat holding a strong foundation for the sweet vocals and sombre drenched melody to glide off. This track is laced in lonely melancholic tones and the piano playfully weaves a beautiful melody like its dancing and swaying in sweet lamenting solitude. It’s a tear jerking melody that floats into your head until you are humming this bitter/sweet tune. The whistle feature adds a charming quality as that piano melody becomes the main focal point of the song I found myself lost in its beautiful majestic tone leaving everything else in the track in the faint distance.

‘Can’t Stop or Rewind is a charming and captivating experience. From the start to the end of the album you feel like you have experienced a multitude of emotions traveling through journeys of happiness, joy and grief all while bewitched within Chimpanbee’s musicianship.

About the album the band said “Can’t Stop or Rewind is an album that takes you on a journey from an alcohol and drug fueled one night stand right through to falling in love , developing unhealthy attachments and dependencies until it all finally winds up in full destructive mode and ultimately a bitter end. An elementary tale performed as though the world ends tomorrow, it aggressively captures the intensity and mystique of meeting the real world for the first time”.

Stream ‘Can’t Stop or Rewind’ below 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Run in Red ‘Fade Away’

Dublin based three piece Run in Red have released their new single ‘Fade Away’ which will be the first single from their upcoming second EP ‘Undercover, Overthrown’. This warm number coos and soothes with graceful guitar twinkles over ethereal soundscapes and a beautifully tender sing along melody. Raspy cosy vocals caress the charming melody with a sweet and easing tonality while jangly guitars and buoyant beat keep the backdrop bouncing along. It’s a heart warming number swooped in a cinematic swoony soundscape of bliss. This delightful gem is 90’s- esque, feathery light and well-crafted to grip your heart firmly and evoke those sweet, nostalgic and longing memories you had long suppressed.

To celebrate this release, the band will play their first headline show in The Sound House on Eden Quay tonight if you are around make sure to check it out

Watch the video for ‘Fade Away’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Winter Heart

Irish band Winter Heart have released their new single, ‘Light A Match’. Winter  Heart  was formed  in  2016  by  childhood friends  James O’Donnell and Mikey  Aldridge  through  a  shared  love  of  big  choruses  and  honest  lyrics.  They’ve  played  two  headline  shows  both  selling  out  and  released  three  singles.They  describe  their  music  as  “Honest  music,  we  are  writing  about  our  lives  and  what  we  go  through,  i  don’t  see  much  point  in  writing  a  song  that  means  nothing  to  us”states  James.The  new  single  ‘Light  A  Match’  showcases a  new  mature  sound  for  the  band  and  has  gained  the  most  attention  gathering  over  10,000  views  in  its  first  two  days.

‘Light A Match’ is a breezy soaring display from this duo. Filled with heart racing soundscapes over a throbbing drum beat, it’s perfect for a gripping cinematic scene as a sweet emotion filled melody floods over swirling biting soundscapes and a fantastic rhythmic section. The passionate vocals add hues of raspy grit while ethereal guitars give the track a lofty heart gripping suspenseful lift. The divine melody fills you with a sombre sweet longing while the backing vocals surge a haunting airy quality to this exhilarating track. Winter Heart have displayed an ability to firmly consume the listener in their breathtaking wholly intoxicating sound leaving you craving more. The song builds to a thumping crescendo that sparks images of a live crowd chanting and clapping along- it’s one for arenas for sure. Keep an eye out for these guys.

Stream ‘Light A Match’ below


Alt- Pop, Glam Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Tropical Indie

FLING ‘Extra Special’

Bradford’s resident psychedelic rockers FLING have released their new single ‘Extra Special’ which was produced by Lee Smith and Jamie Lockhart at Greenmount Studios (The Cribs, Pulled Apart By Horses, Submotion Orchestra, Snarky Puppy). Known for their wildly eccentric live shows, the burgeoning quintet have already built up quite the following, with their playful personalities seeing them well-received on the festival circuit so far this summer and have earned plaudits from the likes of Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1) and Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music).

‘Extra Special’ is a delicious mouth watering glam pop number brimming with oodles of luscious melodies and fruity components to make for a satisfying listen. This track will have you drooling over its subtle gush of juicy guitar injections and sugar saturated shimmering keys. The laid back almost whispered vocals lure and entice you into this tropical bliss as Charles McSorley sprawls upon the melty melody with irresistible panache and charm while a rich rhythm shimmies and shakes creating a captivating fluctuant foundation for this delectable track. The wandering keys playfully weave between the mesmerising melodies while a glorious stinging guitar glimmers a blazing solo to create a dreamy psyche hued haze over this infatuating tune. This track is well crafted to alert all the senses and surge a sublime wave of tantalising sounds into your ears.

Discussing the single, the band stated: “It’s about that private time of solitude in between the chaos where you choose whatever it is you want to do, whether it be smoking or something else. The moment where you empty your mind from all thoughts and just experience coexisting with someone or something that gets your vibe”.

Stream ‘Extra Special’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Tropical, Tropical Indie

Ben Browning ‘Even Though’

Australian producer and songwriter Ben Browning has released his sophomore album ‘Even Though’. A long-time member of the band Cut Copy, Browning’s solo project sees him defining his personal musical identity pulling melodic inspiration from Brian Wilson, XTC and Paul McCartney. Ben’s 12-track sophomore album ‘Even Though’ follows his debut 2015 full-length ‘Turns’ and is a retrospective of Browning’s journey as a musician; from playing in high school and college bands to Cut Copy, to moving to the States from Australia. The first glimpse we got of this album was the kaleidoscopic swirl of ‘Sunshine Baby’ but the track we are loving is one of the first songs he wrote for the upcoming album and also its title track, ‘Even Though’.

‘Even Though’ is a chilled shimmy soaked large guzzle of sweet tropical bliss. With shimmering electronics sparkling between peppy bright guitar jingles and buoyant rhythmic grooves this track is instantly refreshing and likeable. Browning’s vocals soothe with a laid back vibe over a delicious velvety melody and tranquilising tones while the swirling juicy soundscapes flicker and bounce about creating the perfect sun kissed glorious atmosphere. This track is one for sweltering hot summer days, cocktails and colourful shirts.

Stream ‘Even Though’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Mellor

Reading quartet Mellor​ are set to release their new single ‘Safe Word​’ on August 17​ via self release. The Mellor name has been around for about 5 years, but this current line up with Gary Kingham on vocals, Sam Igoe on drums, Kristian Bell on guitar, and Josh Woodward on bass has been together for around eighteen months. The lads took the moniker in homage to a certain Joe Strummer aka John Mellor! It’s this current line up that the band have felt comfortable with the music and sound they’re producing. Kristian, Gary, and Josh have known each other since college, and Sam joined the band thereafter. Last year was the first year of releases with the current lineup, they released four singles ‘Fire on Fire’, ‘Bone Idle’, ‘You Were Right’ and ‘Arms Length’ culminating in an EP at the end of the year. With airplay supports from Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music; John Kennedy, Radio X; Charlie Ashcroft, Elise Cobain, Amazing Radio; Tim Cocker, Virgin Radio; Frank Skinner, Absolute Radio; Linda Serck, BBC Intro Berks the lads are making a name for themselves for sure.

‘Safe Word’ is a strident, scorching example of the refined airtight indie rock this four piece do so well. Raucous guitars grate, shrill and pierce throughout blasting out some slick licks, shredding riffs and thrilling solos that will have you in a kinetic frenzy of awe. The punchy drums batter, bash and rumble out a bounce-able rhythm to make you jump up and down in a state of ecstasy. The groove infested bass weaves an elastic, sensual foundation through this exhilarating piece of gritty indie perfection. The pop drizzled melody is doused in melodious goodness that is sweet nectar to our honey bee ears as it smoothly flows upon the blistering backdrop cooling the mania with its delicious flow and catchiness. The vocal delivery from Kingham once again exudes swagger and passion wrapped in a raspy dynamic coating. Another magnetic and invigorating track from the Reading lads. These guys are travelling  full steam ahead and have a bright future.

 ‘Safe Word​’ touches on the aspect of everyone having a comfort zone in their life and how many of us often go through life regretting that we didn’t do certain things. Speaking of the track the band said, “People get very comfy doing the same thing day in day out. We think it’s an interesting thought that can applied to many aspects in life, whether it be work, personal, or social.”

You can catch Mellor Live at :

30th June – Texfest, Leicester

20th July – Actress and Bishop, Birmingham

22nd July – Tramlines Fringe, Sheffield (Record Junkie)

25th July – Lock Tavern, Camden

27th July – Bute Festival, Bute – Scotland

7th August – The Horn, St Albans

10th August – The Soundhouse, Leicester

16th August – Gwdihw Cafe Bar, Cardiff

17th August – Oakford Social Club, Reading

Stream ‘Safe Word’ below


Ambient Music, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cascadia Fault Line ‘Grace’

Cascadia Fault Line are an indie three piece located in Liverpool.The band have recently released their debut album ‘Told A Thousand Times’ along with the release of their latest single ‘Grace’. This smooth gentle number glistens with delicate guitar and soothing vocals to start before building into a vibrant bursting chorus. It’s a heartwarming listen that has a golden hue like a sunflower flowing in a summers breeze.The tapping beat unfolds into a punchy dynamic bounce and the guitars become more aggressive and sharp as the track progresses. Rachael Dunn’s vocals remain sweet and graceful throughout as this dreamy floaty number evolves becoming more hefty and edgy instrumentally. It’s a dainty little ditty that packs in a heavy dose of emotion. This subtle yet hard hitting, sun speckled number will have you in a haze of sweet melancholic nostalgia.

Stream ‘Grace’ below

https://soundcloud.com/faultcascadia/grace


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

Marc Baker ‘Common People’

Electro pop singer Marc Baker has released his new single ‘Common People’ via Tragic Fashion. Taken from his forthcoming EP ‘Marc Baker’, the single is the follow up to Marc’s 2017 hit single ‘No Place I’d Rather Be’. Originally from Melbourne, Baker currently resides in Los Angeles, California, where he has spent the past three years recording and touring across North America. During the past nine years, the Aussie born has collaborated and performed alongside some of the industry’s biggest names, including the likes of The Big Pink, Miami Horror and Big Black Delta. Having performed to thousand’s of people across the US, Baker has built a loyal fan base that is now yearning for more new music. Named by the critic’s as one of the most exciting emerging artists, he has finally announced the release of his debut self-titled EP, which was produced by Miami Horror frontman Ben Plant. The four song EP includes the debut single ‘No Place I’d Rather Be’, which became an instant hit for Baker and received critical acclaim from media and fans alike upon release.

‘Common People’ embraces bedazzling flashing electronics while conjuring the kind of synth washes and sweet melodies reminiscent of the luscious heart racing pulses of the mid 80’s. Baker’s velvety vocals coo over dazzling soundscapes and sticky beat slaps to create a nostalgic dream soaked gem. It’s subtly anthemic as the chorus bursts with emotion and vibrancy while the “do do” intro makes this catchy number easy on the ears. It’s soothing as jangly, vivid guitar injections add a breezy vibrancy to the wistfully melancholic pop tune. ‘Common People’ is a slick, slightly chilly and majestic slice of electro pop that will revolve around in your mind for days.

Stream ‘Common People’ below

 


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Delphina Kings ‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ EP

Following the release of their singles ‘Lovestruck’ and ‘Kid Calm Down’, Manchester-based indie rock band Delphina Kings have announced the release of new EP ‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ on 6th July. The release will coincide with an EP release party, which will see the band headline Gullivers NQ in their hometown of Manchester on Saturday 7th July. Support will come from fellow North West acts SUNGLO, RAVELLAS and FLANEUR.

‘Don’t Think This Is Gonna Work’ is an infectious collection of adrenaline pumping indie rock that sizzles and boils beneath your skin with thrilling instrumentation. ‘I’m Numb’ kicks off this scorching mania with shrilling distorted guitars over a punchy rhythmic backdrop of danceable groove infected bass lines and shaky percussion teamed with buoyant drums. These guys exude steamy swagger as effortless cool vocals glide over a frenzied strut worthy buzz of sublime instrumentation and dizzying acid soaked soundscapes. Their high voltage sound fills you with an effervescent whir of intensity as each track whacks out a kinetic energy with a sublime anthemic punch. ‘Electric’ is the perfect example of this. The shredding guitars teamed with spiraling vigorous soundscapes makes for an enthralling instantly electrifying listen. Each track surges with heart racing euphoria from the soaring ‘Like You’ with its slinky funk hued persona drizzled in psychedelia to the luring creepy final track ‘Delirious’, Delphina Kings showcase their slick swagger drenched style in all its glory. ‘Like You’ makes a shift in their sound as they hone in on the sultry psychedelic tones, building them meticulously to create a steamy 60’s -esque trippy number that renders you trapped in its sweet luscious delusions. The soothing gentle vocals coo and caress the melty melody while distorted guitars build for the dynamic chorus. ‘Delirious’ closes the EP continuing the psychedelic tones however taking them to darker more eerie depths. The steady beat and strumming guitar becomes the constant as the wispy melody slips between the sleepy hypnotic soundscapes. Their knack with melodies makes each track easy to sing along to with a delightful ear worm effect that will have them stuck in your head all day while the bands ability to blend genres seamlessly makes the experience instantly satisfying.

About the EP bassist/lyricist Andy Hoskinson said : “We’ve only released singles so far, and we wanted to give people something a little longer to get their teeth into, let them get to know us better”. “An EP isn’t necessarily the done thing any more, it feels rebellious”, adds frontman Chris Gibson.

For more you can follow Delphina Kings on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/delphinakings