Donegal indie rock four piece Wolves of Youth have released their new single ‘Start Again’ – a vibrantly vivacious guzzle of indie rock that leaves you buzzing for more. Edgy guitar stings introduce the track with anticipation before it explodes into that radio ready infectious tune you expect from these guys. With punchy drums, strident guitars and rumble on bass it’s an anthemic belter. It’s flooding with nostalgic sweet tones embracing a luscious sun kissed sing along melody which is caressed by the warm raspy vocals. This track is another example of the fine infectious indie Wolves of Youth produce as they relentlessly steam roll through with an electrifying sound that stops you in your tracks. The song builds as guitars blaze and scorch into the mighty adrenaline rushing crescendo. It’s a soaring glistening number that grabs you right in the center of your chest makes you feel each and every passionate lyric, every intense golden note and every surge of emotion you have ever felt. It’s an impressive, heartfelt, dynamic track and one to put on repeat.
Dublin indie rock/post-punk outfit Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘Disciples’. Last year the bands track ‘Waiting Up’ garnered widespread airplay across Irish radio, as well as being featured on BBC Radio 6 and Spotify curated playlists, and last month their single ‘City Of Wolves’ was used across television campaigns to promote the UEFA Champions League.They have been part of festivals including Other Voices and Indiependence, as well as headlining sold-out shows in Dublin. Before heading on tour at the end of last year, the Metro in London listed the five piece as ‘Artist of the Week’ and have just signed a distribution deal with Believe Digital after their recent UK and US tour.
‘Disciples’ is an overwhelming whack of soaring indie. Swirling synth soundscapes and ethereal guitars create an immaculate celestial atmosphere which encapsulates the snappy dynamic rhythm in a whirlwind of rushing adrenaline. These together, crash and collide in a dramatic fashion to deliver a thrilling powerful sound. Brass Phantoms never create their tracks by half measures its all in and mighty and this track is no different. So many lush intricate components weave, rebound and flicker within this track creating a juicy rich full-bodied tune to completely immerse yourself in. It’s breezy with haunting dark tones folded tightly into its inner core. Ryan Cashell’s vocals are as powerful and expressive as ever with his rooted deep range surging ominous tones for the verses and exuding passion with compelling potency for the chorus. The guitars are just magnificent with sharp, stinging, jagged strides intertwining with curving intricate melodies. It’s superbly composed – majestic yet chilling and hair-raisingly glorious. Another knock out track from the five piece.
In support of the track Brass Phantoms will be touring across Ireland supporting Delorentos with MCD, as well as doing their own headline shows in London in The Finsbury on April 19th, and in the Workmans Club in Dublin on May 17th. Make sure to check them out.
Bio: La Bête Blooms are a Post-Punk band from Hull. The band consists of members Daniel Mawer (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Jack Gallagher (Bass) , John Copley (Vocals/Lead Guitar), Louisa Robinson (Keyboard) and James Coggin (Drums).
Track: Take Arms
Why We Like It: It’s a glorious fizzing assault of the post punk this band do so well. Acid stinging scratchy guitars blast feed back into your ears while effervescent synths fizz throughout a drum and rumbling bass foundation. It’s filled with angst and adrenaline with some witty lyrics thrown in. Its biting and sharp but a thrilling buzz to the head.
Bio: Powerbleeder is an indie pop band from Seattle. The band members are David Plell (songwriter, vocals, guitar), Martin Selasco (keys), Mike Sampson (drums), and Craig Peters (bass). The single is out now and their upcoming EP, “G u s h,” will be released on April 10, 2018.
Track: Donnie Wants You Dead
Why We Like It: It’s a melodic pop soaked track with a melody that hops along with the sweetness of a doo-wop tune while harsh grunge instrumentation floods the background of the chorus. The verses jingle and bounce like a happy bunny while the chorus swarms in like a harrowing wolf wanting to make rabbit stew. Meticulously layered well-crafted it’s a suspense filled joy ride.
Bio: Emma Saunders is a singer song writer from London. She has been involved in music from a young age and has worked with various artists most recently, French producer Don Low. At the start of this year she started writing her own music, it’s heavily inspired by the ‘Doo Wop’ genre, with more modern elements and she has her first solo gig coming up in London on 2nd of April at ‘The Old Queens Head’.
Track: I Feel Alive
Why We Like It: It’s soulful, passionate and timelessly pristine. Saunders vocals are crisp, pure and expressive. Simple piano accompaniment creates an elegant quality to the track while her vocals lure and entice with a rich depth and effortless power. The sweet lull in the backing vocals create a doo wop vibe as Saunders vocals take the limelight mesmerising you with every note. The track is melodically beautiful and passionate with a maturity and sophistication that is timeless. It’s classy, vintage with some subtle eerie tones mixed in.
Bio: Death By Piano is a Brooklyn based duo comprised of singer/keyboardist Kalen Lister and producer/instrumentalist Greywolf. ‘Bender’ Is taken off their upcoming debut EP, ‘Countdown’ which is set for release 6th April.
Track: Bender
Why We Like It: It’s a delicate sweet electronic track that soothes and eases the mind with tranquil electronics floating around a sticky slapping beat and beautiful crisp vocals. Mellow and aerial this track is a swishing flickering dreamy example of fine musicianship and refined production..
Bio: Birmingham’s Ivory Wave have released their new single ‘Cool Kids’. Since mid 2016 the band have enjoyed a fast ascent from a gang of mates to local heroes selling out hometown shows which now erupt into chaotic, sing-along frenzies
Track: ‘Cool Kids’
What inspired the track: The bands frontman George Johnson explains the inspiration behind ‘Cool Kids’; “It should be us who shape our own future as we will be the ones who are living it. It’s a celebration of being able to wear what you want, a celebration of being who you want to be and most importantly a celebration of youth.”
Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant fun indie track that will have you bopping along in no time. With flappy beats rebounding off groovy buoyant bass lines and wobbly silky guitars this track is instantly likeable and strut ready. They even throw in a sleazy sax feature. Who can resist this tune.
Bio: 10 O’Clock Chemical are comprised of songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist Rhys, drummer Danny, bassist Josh and guitarist Jack. The four of them met through Stoke On Trent’s local music scene, sharing a deep love for rock and electronica. In addition to the core lineup is a mysterious cyber entity called Zed, who carries administrative duties for the band and even makes the odd cameo appearance. With radio support from BBC Introducing Stoke, and the accolade ‘Best New Artist’ as voted by six hundred of their peers at the Staffordshire and Cheshire Music Awards in Spring 2017, they have now released their debut single ‘Babylon is Fallen’ via the group’s own label GRITPOP. A still from the locally filmed video, made on a snowy January day, forms the single’s sleeve. Their follow-up will arrive in April ahead of their debut EP in June.
Track: Babylon Is Fallen
Why We Like It: It’s a laid-back electro dance number that slaps grooves and throbs with a chilled cool vibe while still packing in some edgy jabs. Its addictive and catchy with itchy funky elements springing against a slippery bass and dizzying electronics. The verses lure and entice you into the hypnotic mind melting entrapment of the chorus. It’s a trippy rave-ready, danceable track that has a Kasabian vibe.
Bio: Irish alternative band Snow Patrol have released ‘Don’t Give In’ the lead single from ‘Wildness’, their first record in seven years. Since their 1998 debut, Songs for Polarbears, Snow Patrol have racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including 15 million global album sales, 1+ billion global track streams, five UK Platinum Albums, and are Grammy, BRIT Award and Mercury Music Prize nominated. After their Fallen Empires tour ended in 2012, band members —which also include multi-instrumentalist Johnny McDaid, guitarist Nathan Connolly, bassist Paul Wilson, and drummer Jonny Quinn — decided to take a step back from the band, and focus on their own projects. Gary Lightbody continued his work with his Tired Pony side project with members of Belle and Sebastian, R.E.M, Reindeer Section and Fresh Young Fellows and moved to Los Angeles to begin writing songs for movies (including “This Is How You Walk On” for 2017’s Gifted), and doing a number of high-profile co-writes with Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Biffy Clyro.
Track: Don’t Give In
Why We Like It: It’s a heart warming number backed with sweet melodies and tender tones. A touch of Americana warms the track as a blood pumping beat and mighty sing along ready chorus drives the track to anthemic heights. With raspy emotional vocals, mellow guitars and a shredding crescendo, its passionate, powerfully wholesome and tender yet motivational.
JUDAS are an emerging four-piece indie rock band hailing from across the UK and currently based in London.The band have achieved an incredible amount in the space of the past two years: releasing their self-titled debut EP, they went on to perform at some of the biggest festivals in the country including Isle of Wight, Kendal Calling, Tramlines and the Main Stage at Reading and Leeds festival, two years running. Building their fanbase the old-fashioned way through relentless gigging across the country, critical support would build up across the likes of BBC Introducing, XFM, CLASH and WONDERLAND, their live set on Soccer AM last year alongside Circa Waves, followed by a smash UK tour underlines not only their ferocious ambition but also their sprawling rough-diamond sound. Since opening the Main Stage at Reading and Leeds Festival last year, JUDAS released ‘Ceasefire’ a modern but britpop-esque anthem that has since gained nearly 1 million streams on Spotify, has been featured as track of the week on Radio X and Virgin Radio and has also garnered numerous plays across BBC introducing, BBC 6 music, Sirius XM and many others. They have now released their new single ‘Big Mouth’.
‘Big Mouth’ is anthemic pedal to the metal indie rock. A smooth chilled pre chorus gives a Twenty One Pilots- esque vibe with its cruising reggae tinged beat slowing the tempo before the band explode into a spastic chorus of raw jagged guitars which slice through punchy drums. Filled with high intensity and electronic adrenaline JUDAS have created a track that is both a blazing beast and laid back cool jam. They effortlessly glide between frantic crashing and easy going instrumentation without the track sounding choppy. Not only is this song instrumentally lavish and impressive its insanely catchy that “la la la la” will stick in your head for days. With snappy, rumbly rhythm shifts, and vigorous shredding guitars teamed with powerful vibrant vocals and a splintering solo these guys have written a powerhouse track down to a tee. It’s well layered, intricately detailed and sophisticated. JUDAS are ones not to miss.
JUDAS are following the release with a UK support tour with Mallory Knox and numerous festival bookings over the summer catch them live at
*_ Supporting Mallory Knox
1st March – The Garage – London
16th March – Nemix – Newcastle
17th March – The Tunnels – Aberdeen
18th March – Sneaky Petes – Edinburgh
16th April – The Haunt – Brighton*
17th April – The Globe – Cardiff*
18th April – Cavern Club – Exeter*
20th April – The Sugarmill – Stoke*
22nd April – Rebellion – Manchester*
24th April – Mama Roux’s – Birmingham*
26th April – Bodega – Nottingham*
29th April – Soccer Six Festival
5th May – Sound City Festival – Liverpool
6th May – Hit the North Festival – Newcastle
23rd June – Isle of Wight Festival – Isle of Wight
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bayonets
Bayonets is a solo project created by Kerry musician and songwriter Vinnie Flynn. His distinctive style is a mix of alternative rock, indie, blues and folk. In addition to writing and performing live, Flynn also works with several publishing companies based in the US who pitch his compositions to prime time TV shows and movies. His body of work conjures haunting intrigue, each melody luring the listener into a dark and beguiling tale. Bayonet’s sound is undeniably his own and unclassifiable in any one genre.His debut single’ Slow Burning Fire’ was premiered in June 2017 by Hot Press Magazine and has received wide media acclaim. The track has received regular radio play on RTE’s 2fm and it’s made Joe.ie’s song of the day, it’s even hit airwaves as far as Brooklyn, United States. Flynn has now released his second single with an accompanying video titled ‘This Old Coast’.
‘This Old Coast’ is a sinister spine-chilling number that creeps into your brain with its enchanting melody and entrapping guitar. Flynn has developed and carefully crafted this track to create a wholly engulfing, mesmerising experience. His brooding velvety vocals lure you into the track while a pulsing, thumping rhythm adds a blood rushing, thickly smothering sense of peril. It’s asphyxiating yet breathy all at once while filing you with goosebump inducing paranoia. The hypnotic guitar lines flicker with a warm yet ominous quality that wiggles and worms its way into your subconscious. This darkly hued concoction is a gripping, fantastic display- eerie, passionate and one heck of an ear-worm. From the first note ‘This Old Coast’ has you firmly in its grasp hooked and wanting to hear more. It bubbles and boils, intensely brooding and building while still remaining cool and creepy. This riveting track holds an air of seducing mystery and showcases Flynn is someone to watch out for.
Flynn has a string of gigs and festivals in the pipeline for 2018, including some overseas appearances.You can catch him playing at Siné on the March 31st with Vulpynes and K-Fest in Killorglin Co,Kerry on June 3rd. Vinnie also has two more large Irish festivals to announce over the coming weeks.
Wicklow indie, garage rock band Feuds have released their debut self-titled EP which was recorded in the Hive Studio, Kilcoole with Eoin Whitfield. This five track EP is a balanced collection of lushly melodic indie and hefty garage with some sunny vibes sprinkled on top. Each track is carefully layered with adequate spacing between intricate lavish guitar lines and meaty rhythms to create an easy going mellow listen with some roughness to keep it interesting. ‘Longer Days’ jump starts the EP. Laid back and smothered in a hazy sun kissed vibe with silky zesty guitars interweaving between a rapid flexible rhythmic foundation – this track springs from subtly sweet to a light moshing banger. Feuds have a knack for tight peppy guitar lines which illuminate each and every track sweeping elegantly with peppy elasticity and glorious scintillation. ‘Nothing to Happen Next’ and ‘Late Forties, Early Fifties’ continue this sublime trait with the majestic guitar melodies playfully intertwining the punchy drums and vibrant bass line. They don’t overdo anything, it’s the perfect blend of everything, exquisite pop speckled melodies doused in a sweet nonchalance with a garage backdrop that kicks things up a little without becoming overpowering. The Lo fi vocals teamed with the utter blissfully dreamy soundscapes this four piece create make their tracks such a joy to listen to while their rumbly elastic rhythm gives the tracks a rippling quality and adds movement and body. ‘When is October 6th?’ is my favourite track on the EP. It’s flooded in subtle tropical tones with a sweet melancholic vocal melody surging emotion throughout. The track unfolds gently into heavier grittier rock seamlessly. The instrumentation is the main focus of this track as it jingles and flutters along joyously before the brawny crashing chorus shakes things up a bit. ‘Left Behind’ brings us to the end of our day dream with Feuds. The twinkling guitar peeping behind snappy drums give the verses a fluid relaxing flow while the tempo change for the chorus makes sure its not too lulling on the ears. It’s slightly more brooding and moody but still packs in some sparkling vibrancy and feathery lightness in the instrumentation to not put a downer on what is a sublime EP.
Impressively crafted Feuds have created a wholly satisfying EP that shows some serious promise from this band. Their tunes are sweetly melodic, woozy, beautifully formed and pack a healthy dose of rawness behind them.
Feuds are launching their EP in the Workman’s Thursday March 22nd make sure to check them out
Hailing from Hamm in North West Germany, Giant Rooks are an art-pop five-piece who’ve been turning heads since their inception. Releasing their debut EP back in 2015, the quintet garnered fans quickly, and soon began to emerge as one of the most promising acts in their native Germany.It was this first EP release that saw the groundwork laid for the band to win the popNRW Prize for newcomers in 2016, as well as two consecutive summers of festivals, which saw the band play over 80 festival shows including Reeperbahn, Eurosonic and The Great Escape. In addition to this, the band have also supported Kraftklub and The Temper Trap, not to mention a 29-date, nine country tour with Mighty Oaks throughout November and December 2017.
‘New Estate’ is an EP bursting with luscious flavours and depths that hold a richness so pure and mature it’s majestic and powerfully melodic. From the stomping intro of opener, title track ‘New Estates’ it’s apparent this EP is infectious indie at its best. With a peppy beat bouncing through melancholic jangly guitar and darkly tinged keys, this five piece take a sombre tone to a bright indie format.Their tracks seem to strike you right in the center of your chest and make you feel every warm, tender, catchy note. With a folky hue to the tunes there is an instant soothing glow and cosy feel to even the chillier tracks such as the haunting soul – filled ‘Bright Lies ‘. The melodies are sweet and delicate ‘Chapels’ once again trickles along with a sway-like tempo and calming atmosphere. The steady beat and soaring keys create an aerial breeziness that cuts deep along with the tender lyrics. The unique vocals add dynamic passion and intensity to each track and make the sound of Giant Rooks instantly recognisable. ‘Mia & Ciara (Days To Come)’ emphasises the nostalgic tone of the EP. Its golden mellowness is just simply divine and heavenly to the ears. Glittering guitars sprinkle bright rays of scintillation throughout the track while a buoyant rhythm keeps an optimistic playful feel. ‘Slow’ closes the EP. It is soft and sweetly comforting as intricate guitar lines flood the track with warmth while the instrumentation builds to an anthemic mighty crescendo.
‘New Estate’ is a moving EP laced with emotion, deft guitar licks and swirling subtle electronics. Opulent percussion and brooding vocals create a sophisticated breath-taking collection of tracks that have a purity and refinement without overcrowding each track.
2018 will see the band embark on their second major tour, with the 23 dates taking in shows in both The Netherlands, and the UK for their first official run of English dates
Mar 20: The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
Mar 21: Old Blue Last, London
Mar 22: The Lending Room, Leeds
Mar 23: The Night & Day Cafe, Manchester
Mar 24: Cafe Totem, Sheffield
Giant Rooks are also on tour throughout Europe in 2018. Please check here for more information http://www.giant-rooks.com/
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From FLING
Psych-pop glam-rockers FLING have released their new single ‘Banjo Billy’ a bonkers three minute glam-pop stomp that leads the way for the release of ‘The Legend of Banjo Billy’ EP out April 13th on Dance to the Radio. The release comes off the back of a 2017 that included sold-out hometown shows, playing to a packed Festival Republic tent at Leeds Festival and enjoying Radio support from the likes of Steve Lamacq (6Music), Huw Stephens (Radio 1), Radio X and Beats 1. Describing themselves as ‘Wonky Pop’ the 5 piece from Bradford comprise of Charles McSorley (Vocals), Jack Winn (Guitar), Billy Fielding (Drums), Jake Lees (Bass) and Sam Malynowsky (Keyboards) met at a gig and instantly bonded over T.Rex and David Bowie. FLING moved out of their basement studio to work with Lee Smith at Greenmount Studios (The Cribs / Pulled Apart By Horses).
‘Banjo Billy’ is the perfect blend of shimmering pop with the zesty fizz of indie rock. Laid back and sun kissed this track was made for summer days, sweltering heat and a cold one. With an infectious pop melody melted on top of sharp zealous guitars and rich buoyant rhythm it’s instantly likeable and fun. Raspy vocals glaze over the vibrant melody with a soothing easy going charisma while lush backing vocals fill out the sound creating the perfect sing along feature. It’s a jingly, infectious gleaming number that is smooth to start with stinging undertones. Well layered this track is a refreshing guzzle of zesty indie pop that leaves you craving for lazy summer days.
VOID have released their new EP ‘Awaken’. VOID’s music has received suitable comparisons to the likes of James Blake and London Grammar because of their adventurous style of pop-song, utilising their influences of ex-rockers who have swanned into the electronic-pop genre such as Coldplay.
‘Awaken’ is an EP with tracks carefully crafted and built to raise lighters all over the world. ‘Wait’ seeps, bleeds and exudes sweet delicate emotion. Tender vocals coo through the verses while swirling and flickering soundscapes flood the track with heart racing adrenaline. VOID display their knack for choruses that are charmingly harmonious, gripping and emotive. Passionate vocals make the anthemic chorus powerful and hard hitting while the flashing soundscapes add a touch of bedazzlement. ‘How We Made It’ is filled with breezy aerial electronics and beautiful vocals caressing a sweet melody that only the hardest of hearts could resist. ‘These Words’ closes the EP. Mackenzie’s vocals are rich, powerful and immaculate adding a soulful touch to an EP that wears its R&B embroidered pop on its sleeve. ‘Awaken’ is a refreshing honest wholesome display from VOID with truly pure and exquisite musicianship.
Promising Manchester indie-rock band The Covasettes have released their second single ‘Wondering Why’.Following the success of their debut single, ‘This Feeling’, which we featured as Indie Buddie Introducing the exuberant four-piece have worked tirelessly over the last six months to bring their distinctive, catchy sound to music lovers across the country. Formed in mid 2016, the quartet have gone from strength to strength impressing music lovers and promoters alike with their energetic, anthemic live set. In 2018 alone they have played sold out shows in Manchester, Derby and London.
‘Wondering Why’ is vivid infectious indie. Tightly weaved ethereal guitars swirl between jagged guitar riffs creating an intense bubbling and boiling effect within the track while punchy drums and nimble bass set an elastic fluctuant foundation for them to rebound off. Instantly catchy and dynamic this track surges youthful adrenaline through your veins while the luscious melody smothers the track in sweet pop wrapped goodies. The soaring breezy instrumentation packs some serious punch and the shredding guitar solo brings a slick swagger soaked quality to the track. It’s a well crafted golden number brimming with blistering instrumentation and some catchy, luxurious, anthemic melodies.
Commenting on the track, the band said: “We are so excited to announce our second single Wondering Why. It is one of the first songs we ever wrote as a band so it is a great feeling to finally be able to share it with the world. We have been working hard in the studio for the last few months creating a song that we are really proud of. To us it has everything that a good song should have, electrifying choruses, huge indie riffs and driving rhythms. Wondering Why is a song that we love to play live and always gets a crowd jumping. We are eager to share it and we hope everyone loves it as much as we do!”
Stream ‘Wondering Why’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
