Category Archives: Indie

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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From April Towers

Nottingham duo April Towers have announced their long awaited debut album ‘Certified Freaky’ which will be released this spring through their own imprint Full Frequency Sounds/Republic of Music. To coincide with the announcement, April Towers have shared a new single ‘Tel Aviv’ which is taken from their debut. Having played together in other bands previously, the duo of Alex Noble (vocals, guitars & keyboards) and Charlie Burley (production, samples, guitars & keyboards) embarked on their latest project in August 2013 and April Towers were born. A series of 6 singles and EPs culminating in last summer’s ‘Takes One To Know One’ followed suit, one of which (2015’s ‘A Little Bit Of Fear’) earned them a place on the official FIFA 2016 soundtrack. Throughout their existence they’ve been building momentum and working towards ‘Certified Freaky’ . The single is the first song Alex and Charlie wrote together when they formed as a duo 4 years ago, ‘Tel Aviv’ is a two faced song in many ways: upbeat tempo and vocal highs are coupled with pretty dark lyrics. Recorded at Soho’s legendary Dean Street Studios (in the same room David Bowie recorded Diamond Dogs) over the course of last year, the album was co-produced by the band along with respected electronic artist/DJ Ben Pearce, mixed by Nathan Boddy (Gary Numan, Shame, James Blake) and mastered by Geoff Pesche (Gorillaz, Kylie Minogue, Pulp) at Abbey Road Studios. The whole album was crowd funded via Pledge Music and the band played a sold out show in their native city of Nottingham last September to commemorate this.

‘Tel Aviv’ is a shimmering, infectious slice of synthetic pop encased in luscious snappy soundscapes with a delicious melody iced on top. A sticky beat slaps and whacks between flashing synths and subtle swirling electronics creating a surge of adrenaline throughout the track. Smooth vocals caress this pop drizzled melody while lush backing vocals coo with an eerie haunting undertone filling out the sound. The snappy rhythm creates a dancable groove that is infectious and captivating as the ethereal soundscapes rush past giving a soaring aerial feel. It’s tightly bound to create a charming wall of sound that is captivating and utterly infectious.

April Towers’ live set has also developed over time to incorporate live bass, drums and percussion which gives it a more organic and less mechanistic feel while retaining the vibrant energy of a late night in clubland. Since forming, they’ve played numerous festivals both in the UK and Europe and this summer are already scheduled to play Y Not as well as their first ever headline slot at Deerstock in July.The duo have already confirmed a string of UK dates in April, with many more to be announced soon.

SATURDAY 7TH APRIL, FOX AND NEWT – LEEDS 
SATURDAY 14TH APRIL,WESTON HOMES COMMUNITY STADIUM COLCHESTER
THURSDAY 19TH APRIL, ARCHSPACE – LONDON w/ DISKOPUNK 

Stream ‘Tel Aviv’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

0141 ‘This Weekend’

Glasgow’s four piece rock band 0141 are about to release their new single ‘This Weekend’, on Friday 6th April. The track which was produced by Chris Marshall and Johnny Madden, rushes with the blistering energy 0141 are becoming known for delivering. This catchy number crackles and pops with infectious indie rock. Flaming guitars sear and pierce through a rumbling running bass line and punchy drums . The guitars wail, stride and prance about the track with a swagger filled coolness that forms the hefty shredding back bone of this scorching track. With a pop sprinkled melody laced in youthful adrenaline teamed with an anthemic chorus, it’s a brisk crowd ready banger that is sure to go down well at a live show.

You can catch 0141 live at Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow supporting SWAY on the 12th April.

Check out the promo video for ‘This Weekend’ here https://www.facebook.com/0141band/videos/1670243936376115/


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Electro, Indie Pop, New Music, Single Premiere

Niki Kand ‘Bleeding Hearts’

Niki Kand is a musician and visual artist based in Liverpool. She is a DIY musician whose love of Kate Bush and The Beatles mixed with her drive that comes from an imaginary world, has given life to her music. Her tunes are self-produced and entirely her own creation. She has recently released her new single ‘Bleeding Hearts’ which is the first single off her debut extended play ‘Pinkish’ which is set for release August 29.

‘Bleeding Hearts’ is a sultry concoction of swirling electronics playfully weaving between twinkling keys and a snappy beat. Niki’s clean, crisp vocals lure and entice over the sticky muggy beat while the catchy melody hooks you into the tracks magnetising depths. The flickering, breezy soundscapes have a hypnotic effect with an eerie quality that is darkly luring yet cheery enough to coax you to dance and sway joyously. It’s light and dreamy with grooves that make you want to move and clap along. This track is superbly produced and crafted. Its sound is pristine and clean with simple little effects that make this an ear worm you wont be able to prise from your mind.A superb track from an outstanding DIY musician.

Stream ‘Bleeding Hearts’ below


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Synth-pop

Crome Yellow ‘Wash Basket Earpiece’

Waterford band Crome Yellow have released a new music video for their song ‘Wash Basket Earpiece’. The Video was released to announce their upcoming debut album ‘See Why’.The inspiration for their forthcoming album came off the back of playing live shows in Waterford and Dublin and trying recapture the atmosphere of the songs that were most fun to play.

‘Wash Basket Earpiece’ displays Crome Yellow’s progression from their moodier psych-based sounds found on their previous EP ‘Yellow Road’ into a more feel good and upbeat sound. It’s a light wisp of psych sprinkled synth pop. Guitars fluctuate between peppy jingles and luscious strums to create a blooming soundscape that soothes as well as invigorates your soul. It’s blissful to the ears and cheery as a buoyant beat and groovy bass line hops about the track with a delightful spring in its step.The melody is divine and sedating as creamy vocals simmer down each luxurious note. It’s tightly compact and crafted for chilled,ethereal listening on a lazy summers day, this tune is simply euphoric.

Watch the video for ‘Wash Basket Earpiece’ below


Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Provocateurs

Provocateurs are an up and coming Indie Rock/Pop outfit hailing from both North and South Manchester who draw on early 00’s influences with aggressive riffs and anthemic melodies, Provocateurs formed in August 2015, Duffy and Fitch formed the band on a night out in Manchester. After building their own rehearsal room, along came James Allen and Marco on lead guitar and Bass. Provocateurs have been gigging around Manchester and the North and have recently released their latest track ‘Fall for You’.

‘Fall for You’ is adrenaline rushing, blistering indie that swooshes, soars and punches with sublime instrumentation. It’s snappy and infectiously melodic with a sing along friendly chorus smothered in shredding sharp guitars that shrill with gripping urgency and intensity while punchy drums and elastic bass wallop a thumping groove and buoyant rhythm to make those feet jump and hop. This track is brimming with youthful stamina and indie spirit as vibrant vocals belt out the catchy luscious melody while breezy ethereal soundscapes escalate creating a breathtaking rush that will have you craving to put this track on repeat.

Watch the video for ‘Fall for You’ below

 


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

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kios

Kios is an indie rock band based in Nashville, TN. The three piece is made up of Cole Suddarth (vocals/guitar), Aaron Krak (drums), and Mitch Wollenberg (bass). Cole and Aaron met through a previous band that formed at Belmont University – Aaron and Mitch grew up together in Newark, Ohio; all three moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue music. They have now released their debut single ‘Be Loved’ with an EP planed for the end of the summer.

‘Be Loved’ is a sugar rush of sweet luscious indie pop filled with infectious melodies glazed on top of vibrant sparkling instrumentation. Smooth laid back vocals glide upon the melty melody while a snappy clap along feature and buoyant drums add a peppy lift and energetic urgency to the track. Ethereal guitars swirl around flashing bright scintillation throughout the dreamy candied soundscapes. The bassline rumbles and slaps creating a fluctuant foundation to this wispy joyous tune while providing a hint of edgy grit. It’s a sublime refreshing, chilled, fruity cocktail on a hot day that is summer ready and an absolute joy to listen to.

Stream ‘Be Loved’ below


Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sam Brockington ‘Fool’

Indie singer-songwriter Sam Brockington is set to release his newest single ‘Fool’ on April 6th. After gaining support from BBC Introducing and BBC 6Music upon the release of his debut EP ‘Peace of Mind’, his newest release takes us in a new direction, showing Sam’s growth as an artist and marking what is set to come.Hailing from Devon, Sam began his solo career as a busker in Melbourne, Australia, where he was able to develop a distinctive folk inspired singer-songwriter style influenced by the likes of Matt Corby. Upon returning to the UK and relocating to Bristol, Sam began to focus on shaping his sound and became a regular in the festival circuit, with highlights including Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds. Inspired by the pace and diversity of the city, Sam’s music has now matured into a fusion of alternative indie whilst still preserving that earnest and warming singer-songwriter edge.

His newest single ‘Fool’ was written about the feeling of being held back in life by his own personal hurdles, with the aim of connecting with the listener on a more emotional level. Produced by Bat For Lashes bassist TJ Allen, the track holds an underlying profoundness while still appealing to listeners as an upbeat indie release. With his warm distinctive vocal adding a celestial quality, this track glows with a heart warming purity and comfort that is beautifully uplifting and vibrant. The melodic bass grooves and weaves between a driving drum beat and ethereal guitar. This track pulses, throbs and soars with adrenaline rushing emotion. Lyrically the song is a burst of expression and clear anguish, making your heart skip a beat and yearn to listen to it again. Richly layered and simply sweet ‘Fool’ is a fine example of the pure honest musicianship that consumes the listener in a whirlpool of luscious sounds and leaves them dancing around the room entirely captivated.

‘Fool’ is due for official release via all major digital platforms on 6th April and is set to be supported by a video release the following week and a B-side single release in May.

While you wait to hear the track have a listen to ‘Peace of Mind’ below

 


Funk, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Gorilla Troubadour ‘The Apple Truck’

Dublin based Gorilla Troubadour have released their new single ‘The Apple Truck’. Gorilla Troubadour are an emerging energetic funk rock band that consists of Dylan Kearns (Lead Vocals/Rhythm guitar), Eamon Ganley (lead guitar), Eric Walsh (drums) and James O Connor (Bass). The group take inspiration from bands such as ‘The Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ and ‘Arctic Monkeys’ to create heart pumping grooves and atmospheric tunes. In summer 2017 they played venues across Ireland including Limerick, Waterford and Mullingar. Later that year the band headlined Whelan’s on the 10th of October to a full house. A launch gig is set for the 4th of April 2018 in Whelan’s along with multiple dates across the country including Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Wicklow with more to be confirmed.

‘The Apple Truck’ is an impressive swagger-soaked blast of funk rock at its best. This young band display a mature sharp sound that exudes strutting panache smeared on top of ballsy gritty rock. From the start of that opening riff this track steams and blisters with gritty red-hot charisma. With vaporous stings on guitar teamed with a meaty flexible drum beat and sensual bass lines Gorilla Troubadour belt out a thrilling wild beast. This track takes its time unraveling its lush sound slowly as it coolly cruises in on a funky carpet of chicness.  It’s all about the groove, this four piece keep it tight as the guitars follow the rhythm neatly then find their spaces to shine with a sultry whine or shredding solo. The melody and simple vocals dance on top of the infectious groove for the verses while the chorus explodes in true rock and roll manner. It’s catchy well-crafted and definitely makes these guys ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘The Apple Truck’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Mono Club ‘Sky High And Submarine’ Album

London six-piece, Mono Club have released their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Sky High And Submarine’ on LGM Records. The album was recorded and self-produced in their London studio and then mixed by Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers).Featuring a stunning set of ten songs, including the current single ‘Best Laid Plans’, the new album will more than confirm their early promise as one of the most exciting new bands around right now. Formed just over two years ago after the break up of Goldheart Assembly, the Mono Club line up of John Herbert, Dan Bell, Jake Bowser, Nicky Francis and Kyle Hall have recently recruited singer / musician Lyla Foy (Sub Pop / Rough Trade Records). They released the aforementioned debut single ‘Sky High And Submarine’ last year and it quickly became a big favourite of Steve Lamacq’s and was subsequently play listed on BBC 6 Music.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a ten track collection of melodious, psychedelic swirled pop that is so soothing and luscious you will be craving for more. Each track brings a new level of mellowness while packing in delicious melodies and intricately layered instrumentation. ‘Sour Mash’ begins our journey into this beautiful honey caressed world created by Mono Club. Luscious velvety vocals serenade over twinkling, subtly psychedelic instrumentation while a steady soothing beat adds a flexible foundation for its euphoric soundscapes to rebound off. Their knack for mouthwatering melodies and tight blissful instrumentation creates the most glorious tunes and each track on this album is flooding with marvelous dreamy sounds. ‘Sky High And Submarine’ is angel delight wrapped in buoyant rhythms and golden guitar jingles. The harmonies are lush and teamed with the honey drizzled melody create the most tranquilizing atmosphere. The swirling trippy soundscapes never become overwhelming or too heavy they balance them sublimely with the laid back sun kissed vibes and vibrant guitars to create a wholly satisfying and mesmerising listen. ‘Memory Critical’ and ‘Place Called Home’ add a little more bounce and funk into the album. They are joyful with sweet, narcotic, dreamy tones. If you’ve ever wanted to lay back, relax and let the world go by ‘Memory Critical’ is the song for you. It will take every worry from you during the duration of the song and leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. I have fallen in love with Mono Club’s melodies – the sweetness and tender emotion in tracks such as ‘Other Peoples Worlds’ exude passion and beautiful delicacy while still packing in some hefty instrumentation. It’s anthemic and powerful yet elegant and emotional,the perfect blend to get hearts racing everywhere. The album is filled with soothing swoony moments between peppy pop sprinkled melodies with a delightful swoosh of dizzying psychedelia mixed in. It’s an impressive collection of tracks that calm and sedate with enough edge to keep you on your toes. From the catchy vibrant ‘Best Laid Plans’ to the brooding yearning ‘Over The Moon’ with its funky bassline and eerie piano feature which chills and cools the track down, creating a darker side to the wispy dreamy atmosphere, these guy blend their contrasting elements perfectly. The album winds down delicately. The twinkling ‘Venus Rising’ and warm cosy ‘Sleeping’ ease us to the end with the gritty ‘Heaven Was Her Heart’ resting between them.

‘Sky High And Submarine’ is a mesmerising listen. There is something special sprinkled on top that leaves you captivated and wanting to hear more. Listening to this album I yearned to sit back with sun on my face, a drink in my hand soaking up the good times. With those satisfying mouth-watering melodies teamed with zesty guitars and mystical, psychedelic soundscapes it’s a superbly crafted collection of tracks. The harmonies are heavenly, and each track brings something exciting and juicy to the table.

Stream ‘Sky High And Submarine’ below

 


Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Down The Middle ‘Green Eyed’

Down The Middle have released their new single ‘Green Eyed’.Brought together from countries across the globe – Australia, South Africa and Ireland – the four members of Down The Middle bonded over a series of productive jams and an appreciation for indie rock. Their diverse upbringings and musical backgrounds have helped create a melting pot for creativity, developing a tight driving sound. Down the Middle are Sydney-based and were formed in 2016 when guitarists Tiernan and Rudi started writing music together. It was quite a struggle to find the perfect line-up, but when new members: Zach, a local DJ/drummer, and Matt, the bass player joined in 2017, the final formation of the band was complete. The band have played 16 shows to date that include headlining iconic Sydney venues such as The Chippendale Hotel, The Marlborough Hotel, and Vic On The Park. Their music is a sonic journey that falls somewhere between We Are Scientists and Pixies. They have interstate gigs included on the list, and an upcoming four state tour in April to promote the release of their debut single ‘Green Eyed’

‘Green Eyed’ is a playful light slice of indie pop brimming with zippy guitars and a snappy rhythm that will have feet tapping and bodies dancing in no time. This bubbly sun kissed track is infectious, tidy and compact with a warm melodic bass running along the sweet melody as dynamic vocals lament with a heart warming dose of passion. The post-revival up-tempo drums will have hips wiggling uncontrollably as this charming catchy track glows with a glorious soothing nostalgic warmth. Its steady “does exactly what it says on the tin” indie that will put a smile on your face and add a little beam of sunshine into your day.

The accompanying music video is a charming throwback to 90s and 2000s indie rock, with a beta/VHS feel to the clip, and a simplicity that allows the song itself to take the lead.

Watch the video for ‘Green Eyed’ below