Category Archives: Indie

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Kerbs ‘Creep’

The Kerbs are a four piece independent rock band from Foxford, Co. Mayo, Ireland that formed Spring 2017. Growing up in a rural town with a strong counter-culture music scene the lads found common interests in bands like Pearl Jam, The Doors and Stone Roses which remnants of this is evident in their sound. The last 5 months have seen them release 2 hotly received singles (‘Changes’ and  ‘I Am Zeus͟’) which have received support from iRADIO, RTE 2XM, KCLR 96 FM, 8RADIO, Mid-West Radio. After a successful few months on the road, and number of sold out shows on both East and West coasts of Ireland, the lads are already proving that the best is yet to come with planning their first full Irish/UK tour, lots of new music and have already been invited to do sessions on radio. The band comprised of members Mark McHale (Vocals and Guitar), Alex Stupar (Lead Guitar), Noel Gallagher (Bass Guitar) and Kevin Holmes (Drums) have released their new single ‘Creep’. The single  has already received airplay on WLRFM, Spin 1038, KCLR 96 FM, Cork 96FM,Dublin City FM, U Radio, 8RADIO, a live performance on FM 104 and published on the IMRO Ireland website.

‘Creep’ is a spine chillingly dark concoction from the four piece as it crawls in with eerie guitar riffs biting between a rooted groovy bassline and steady beat. This track slithers in with enchanting luring verses while raspy vocals coax with an alluring temptation before building in intensity and becoming more emotional. The soft tapping beat lulls you into a false sense of security while the twinkling mournfully sweet guitar laments behind the whiskey soaked catchy melody. With a dash of jazzy tones thrown in by the buoyant beat this track is perplexing and mesmerising all while chilling you to the core. It’s superbly composed as The Kerbs slowly build the tension relinquishing a bit more as each verse progresses- brooding and fermenting into a mighty thrilling crescendo. This is an impressive piece of work, these guys are ones to keep an eye out for.

When asked about the track the band said : “At its core the song speaks about rejection and the aftermath effect it has on our emotions, thinking and behaviours. Lyrically it tells a tale of a guy striving for attention from a girl he is attracted too but her thoughts lay elsewhere, which in turn sparks a feeling of self doubt and vulnerability bringing the song to its climatic finish. “

You can catch The Kerbs live at:

April 23rd– RTE 2XM interview and live acoustic performance

April 27th– Headline gig in The Sound House, Eden Quay, Dublin

May 5th– Support gig in the Roisin Dubh, Galway

May 6th– Charity Gig (SERVE) in The Hideout, Foxford, Mayo

Watch the video for ‘Creep’ below


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

Submariner ‘Ghosts’

Submariner have released their new single ‘Ghosts’. After a strong 2017 where they sold out headline slots on the South Coast, made their major festival debuts at Common People and Victorious festivals, released their debut music video for “Closer” and gained attention from BBC introducing and The Line of Best Fit; Submariner are primed and ready to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as 2018 promises tours, a debut EP and further festival appearances.

‘Ghosts’ is a catchy feathery light dash of indie pop that is dreamy, luscious and bright yet holds a deeper foundation. The political lyrics shows the bands maturity and awareness without dragging the track down while vibrant ethereal guitars jangle about swirling synths and a snappy steady beat. The delicate sombre toned melody laments over the heavenly aerial soundscapes with a heart warming sweetness that carries both hopeful tones and melancholic nostalgia. The velvety smooth vocals caress the melody with a gentle tenderness and emotional power while the twinkling guitars flicker glimpses of bright scintillation throughout, creating an optimistic vibe. This track is subtly anthemic and ambient as lush harmonies and breezy effortless cool tones mixed with burning emotion rush through the song filling you with adrenaline and passion to keep pushing through. A sublime track that both glistens and shimmers with sun kissed aerial instrumentation combined with catchy golden melodies and heartbroken realism.

When asked about the track the band said: “The song is spiritually inspired by last year’s general election. The narrative involves a woman who gives her life to fight for other people, the oppressed and the broken. She is haunted by the ghosts of those she and the system failed to save. The chorus addresses her opponents and details the flaw in greed, especially the lines ‘reap the seeds, there’s no where for them’ & ‘I’ll be dead, long before you live’ indicating that the oppressor seeks wealth only in financial sense, but without compassion and kindness, has no real quality to life. In the fictional sense, the story ends on a note of hope, with the ghosts of the failed haunting the consciousness of the heroines enemy, leaving you with the line ‘In the dark, you’ll remember me’ and in turn, spurring the person into action.”

Stream ‘Ghosts’ below

 


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

JOY ‘Seahorse’

 

Bath based four – piece, JOY have released their new single ‘Seahorse’ (which was self-produced and recorded in their hometown studio) the follow up to their debut single ‘Tree’ which saw them receive critical acclaim locally and amass significant streams on Spotify on it’s release late last year. Available digitally at all major outlets, the new track recalls the dramatic and haunting yet bright guitar melodies of bands such as The Pixies, Wolf Alice and Helvetia. Fully formed last year from the ashes of Bristol outfit Big Fish, the JOY line up of Toby Ijbema (vocals), Ale Invernizzi (bass), Ben Roe (drums) and Callum Wutherspoon (lead guitar) have spent the last twelve months writing, recording and honing a new sound. During this time, Toby was found busking by YouTube personality Stefan Michalak in an underpass and was featured on Michalak’s channel, which subsequently introduced the band to a wider audience and an influx of fans worldwide. A truly exciting live band, JOY are building an ever growing fan base after making their live debut with a sold out show at the legendary Moles Club in Bath last year.

‘Seahorse’ is a deeply melodic track seeped in tender soulful tones. Delicate drums tap while elegant guitar twinkles behind the raspy warmth of Toby Ijbema’s vocals as this slow burner pines and broods its way into its powerful crescendo. They use subtle melancholic guitar melodies to fill the track with a heart warming glow as the supple vocal melody glides along swaying and sweeping across the elegant instrumentation. The track progresses becoming more heavy – distorted guitar add a cinematic shrill of urgency as the drums and bass become more rooted and punchy. It’s a well-crafted track which delicately swivels between mournful lows and glorious hair-raising highs. It’s a heavily emotional and moody experience which shows the maturity in the musicianship of this band.

Stream ‘Seahorse’ below

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Tropical, Tropical Indie, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Courtship

Courtship have released their new single ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ taken from their soon to be released debut album ‘Denial in Paradise’. It’s a refreshing swig of juicy summer pop drenched in sparkling synths and vibrant jangly guitar. With a glorious melty melody immersed in lo-fi calming vocals and luminous instrumentation this track is delightful and vivacious. The production is tight and neat with slapping beats rebounding off the swirling breezy soundscapes creating a compact tropical number that is summer sun ready, light and euphoric. This track is melodic, stripped back and grandstanding at all the right moments to create a satisfying listen. The beat in particular pulses and adds a meaty yet fluctuant texture giving a joyous rush of adrenaline through the weaving beaming soundscapes and glistening guitar. It’s a feel good instantly likeable track that is sure to coax out the sun.

Courtship have also just released a video for the single which pays homage to Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom and stars actor Jack Grazer from the film IT

Watch the video for ‘Tell Me Tell Me’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

ROGUE! ‘Sober’

Irish band ROGUE! Have released their new single ‘Sober’. The band who have played shows brimming with energy and fun at Live on Air festival, The Academy, Whelans Summer Watch and BIMM Live, whack out a groovy blast of grungy alternative rock while maintaining a silky sleekness. ‘Sober’ is just as sassy and smooth as it is compelling and mighty. A pulsing snappy rhythm scuffles through dizzying guitars and flashing synths creating a relentless wall of sound that is hefty, mosh ready and fierce. The meaty instrumental arrangement alone is knock out but that female vocal is a sucker punch of power. Filled with soulful sass with an unbelievable control and crisp potency, the vocals lift the track to new powerful heights. With a catchy sing along ready chorus spread on top this track has it all. These guys tie up all the ends bringing a mixed bag of genres together blending them finely to create a sultry groovy cocktail with one hell of a fiery kickback.

Stream ‘Sober’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Art Funk, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Cocoa Futures ‘Sink in the Water’

Cocoa Futures return after a year off with a very slick number ‘Sink in the Water’. The band teamed up with producer Brendan Willams who is the handyman behind bands such as Dutch Uncles and GoGo Penguin. It’s a groove driven slice of art funk laced in rich and diverse swirling synths. Maintaining a spacious format this tack takes its time building and increasing steadily to its crescendo. Rich rhythms are plentiful as Cocoa Futures make the most of the aerial space by filling it with luscious deep percussion pulses and gooey slaps. Twinkling guitar riffs saturate the track with a zealous refreshing zest while the electronic soundscapes glisten and wisp about in a tranquilizing yet groove infested danceable manner. It’s darkly hued and tightly bound to create a wholly mesmerising, compelling listen. The velvety vocals and mellow melody subdue you into an easy going state while the fluctuant wavy percussion gives a jittery foundation to create a joyously dance ready number. It’s an ambitious and impressive tune that contains all the blissful sweetness of synth pop in its purest concentration and combines this with a healthy dose of swagger sprinkled on top.

After several sold out shows in London last year and appearances at The Great Escape, Cocoa Futures is poised to take 2018 by storm with five more releases planned to be released before the year is out.

Stream ‘Sink in the Water’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Indie Buddie Introducing: The Indica Gallery

The Indica Gallery are a psychedelic quintet based in Liverpool comprised of members Joe Mansergh (Vocals + Guitar), Michael Spence (Keys + Vocals), Zack Smith (Drums + Percussion) , Finlay Lovett (Bass + Vocals) and Ryan Patterson (Lead Guitar). On 20th of April the band will be releasing their debut single ‘Forever Loving You’. It’s a lusciously melodic breezy number that floats in on a dreamboat of euphoric melancholic mellowness. Jangly guitars twinkle between a spongy beat, subtle swirling keys lavishly flood the track with tranquilising psychedelic tones while velvety vocals seep passion into this soothing song. With a 60’s -esque melody melting upon a slow jam indie rock backdrop with some power pop bursts thrown in – The Indica Gallery have created a wholly satisfying listen. Crooning in on a light fluffy cloud of delicate psychedelic wisps with a gentle edge pushing it through this track is a beautiful blend of The Beatles mixed with Oasis with a sprinkling of Miles Kane on top. It’s sharp, ethereal and well put together. A sublime debut from The Indica Gallery.

You can catch The Indica Gallery live at The Yellow Earl – Whitehaven on 20/04/18 (Supporting Twisted Wheel)

For more follow them on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theindicagallery/

 


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Carnival Club ‘Sin City’

Carnival Club have released a brand new EP ‘NOMADS & CROOKS’ its the follow-up to 2017’s ‘Magdalena’s Cape’ EP. The lead track, SIN CITY is produced and mixed by Joe Cross (The Courteeners, Hurts), with the other four tracks engineered and produced by long-time collaborator Kev Carroll. 2017 ended with Carnival Club supporting The Courteeners’ Liam Fray on his sell-out tour, strengthening their already-strong Manchester fanbase – their last three Manchester gigs have all sold out.

‘Sin City’ is a darkly coated blast of spiky indie rock that slaps, whacks and ripples all while seeping swagger from every note. Punchy drums and elastic bass hop and rebound creating a fluctuating foundation for the scorching twisted guitar riffs to ricochet off. The briery wobbly guitar distortion and brisk rhythm creates a shuffling groove that is irresistible while Kai Jon Roberts’ powerful vocals lure and ooze charisma over the catchy melody. This track hooks you from the start. It’s is a high-powered adrenaline shot of glorious panache-soaked rock and roll that is danceable and buzz filled. It’s a superb effort from this young band that is sure to make them very popular.

Watch the video for ‘Sin City’ below


Alt Rock, Desert Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Willie Breeding ‘Ride On’

Nashville based newcomer Willie Breeding has released his new single ‘Ride On’ with his debut album ‘Big Sky’ set for release later this summer. This lonesomely haunting western- esque track is immersed in rich wavy melodies seeped between gritty guitars that churn and coil around Breeding’s deep country baritone. The ghostly yet sweet backing vocals provided by Emily Hagihara create a chilling atmosphere as they wisp about the track while the Americana- esque sound fills it with a head strong lone ranger vibe. The guitar riff instantly grabs attention as it builds into a shrilling cinematic tremble on guitar before the guns and holster showdown. It’s nostalgically sweet yet dangerously gripping and dramatic while the melty melancholic melody flurries along-lighthearted and carefree. Perfectly crafted this track is both picturesque and musically exciting. Willie Breeding is one to keep an eye out for, his style is magnificently unique and utterly thrilling.

When asked about the track Breeding explains “It’s a song making fun of myself, When I first moved to Nashville, I used to go out and often when I would walk into the bar, I would walk straight through it and out the back door. It wasn’t a conscious thing, I almost wouldn’t even remember being in the bar. Then I would have no idea where to go or what to do. Living in New York, I always loved going out by myself. Did it for years. Nashville seemed very different. So I wanted the music to sound huge, and I had this big riff. Seemed appropriate for a song making fun of myself.”

Stream ‘Ride On’ below

https://soundcloud.com/williebreedingmusic/ride-on


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

Zkeletonz ‘Always’

Postpop trio Zkeletonz have released their new single ‘Always’ which was self-produced, self-mixed and self-mastered and the new single was the first ever postpop song Zkeletonz wrote together at Kafri Studios in London’s East End.The band have appeared at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho, Hoxton Sq Bar & Kitchen, Stockwell Festival, Fuse Festival, Peckham Festival, Well Street Against Racism street carnival and Plaza Latina, a huge outdoor celebration of London’s Latin American community. Their first video ‘Trouble’ was broadcast on Channel 4 with no music industry support. Celebrity fans include hip hop DJ Tim Westwood, the poet and podcaster Scroobius Pip and the Wasps rugby winger Josh Bassett. ‘Always’ is the third single from the trio . It builds on momentum from their first two releases ‘Trouble’ and ‘Don’t Cover It Up’, which received support from Sunday Brunch, BBC Introducing and the Birmingham Mail. This new release has already secured radio play from John Kennedy on Radio X.

‘Always’ is a sleek funky infectious gem. Slinky guitars hop and skip between a shuffling rhythm and infectious funky groove while lush vocals glissade upon a silky smooth melody. Their rhythms are luxurious as this track struts in announcing its sublime snazzy flamboyance backed by colourful splashy instrumentation that makes for a richly textured, vibrant listen. The twinkling guitar injections squirt a zesty sting into this body shaking, prismatic number leaving you mesmerised and uncontrollably dancing along. Zkeletonz have established a lovable infectious sound that is just beaming from every note and glorious in every way.

Stream ‘Always’ below