Thom Southern has released his highly anticipated second single ‘Perfect Someone’. The song was co-produced by the legendary Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, Feeder).After recently bursting onto the scene with the fuzzy debut single ‘Shivers’, the Belfast based artist is already making a powerful and unforgettable first impression.Thom Southern also co-writes and produces for his sister Lucy Gaffney. Following the success of their previous joint ventures Southern and MMODE, the pair are both now simultaneously striking out with exciting solo projects.
‘Perfect Someone’ is a sweet slice of shoegaze. Thom Southern has created a song doused in rich textures and lush tones, he builds the track superbly creating soundscapes so pure and passionate it holds your heart in suspense for each note. With pulsing beats and dreamy melody this chillwave pop tune is saturated in sweet nostalgia. The flashing synths create a mystifying wall of sound as Southern’s velvety vocals coo through the rush of sonic flurries to soothe the scorching backdrop. Exuding tight production and superb musicianship ‘Perfect Someone’ is a beautifully crafted track from Thom Southern.
Thom Southern elaborates on the lyrical sentiment for the new single…“Perfect Someone is a bittersweet story of nostalgia and young love. I wanted to write a song about that moment when out of the blue an old romance pops into your head and takes you straight back to a specific time and place. The lyrics are about finding an old coat that hasn’t been worn in years with a photograph inside one of the pockets. You remember how good that day was but inevitably you know it will never be the same again. I wanted to embody the track with repetitive melodies which create the immediate atmosphere of nostalgia. I used an 808 drum machine to make the track hypnotic to take you through the story in a quick, simple way just like when a memory flashes into your head and then it’s gone.”
Hailing from Tipperary, Kill ‘Em Charlie are a five piece indie rock outfit. Newly re-imagined and taking their sound to blistering new heights, they have released their new EP, ‘I Hope This Works for You (‘Cause it Does for Me)’. Showcasing deft hooks, swaggering musicianship and some seriously slick riffage the EP is an impressive display of indie rock.
The band pivot their slick guitar lines around a punchy drum foundation while elastic wriggles on bass create a dark luring undertone in ‘Dark Maneuvers’ and ‘I’m Not Alone’. The tracks explode with heavy jagged moments of epic alternative rock proportions as Kill ‘Em Charlie build tension through gritty riffs, sweet backing vocal coos and pulverising rhythms which provide a satisfying mosh worthy listening experience.
The band’s clean, catchy and expressive melodies surge adrenaline and panache throughout providing a light and sometimes dreamy release from the crashing wall of sound. However it’s ‘One Thing To Say’ which displays the band’s tight, refined instrumental, and melodic prowess. Showcasing light jangly guitar, jazzy keys and bouncy beats teamed with tropical tones and glimmers of The Strokes between some pretty slick arrangements, the track is a special moment on the EP. It’s dangerously catchy, well crafted and radio ready. The vocals are strong, smooth and blend perfectly with the bands scorching sound.
The five piece keep the EP traveling at high intensity and don’t allow any track to dampen the EP’s stride. Even the glum titled ‘This Is A Proper Quarter Life Crisis’ blazes with lively indie rock, enriched with rampant bass lines, razor sharp guitar lacerations and pulverizing drums – paving the way for the dynamic ’Victoria Avenue’ . Each song on the EP warrants repeat listens and the band use the blazing track ‘I’m Not Alone’ to close the EP, leaving you craving to hear more.
‘I Hope This Works for You (‘Cause it Does for Me)’ is a solid debut EP from Kill ‘Em Charlie. The five piece are showing strong musical growth as they experiment and hone in on their sound. Looking forward to hearing more from this band.
Stream ‘I Hope This Works for You (‘Cause it Does for Me)’ below
Chay Snowdon are an Indie Rock four piece based in Bristol/Plymouth. ‘Tough Guys Die First’ is the second single from Chay Snowdon’s debut EP ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably? (Then We Will Begin)’. The first single released from the EP ‘What the Kids Want’, has already gained playlisting from Planet Rock Radio, multiple plays from Serious XM in America and brilliant backing from BBC Introducing in the South West. It also received repeated plays on Steve Lamacq’s BBC 6 Music drive time show as well as his recommends show. Chay Snowdon have been selling out their own headline shows time and time again, as well as playing some amazing festivals including Liverpool Sound City, 2000 Trees, , Y-Not Festival, Boardmasters, Dot To Dot Festival, Lechlade Festival, Oceanfest, Chagstock and Looe Music Festival.
‘Tough Guys Die First’ is another blazing rock anthem from Chay Snowdon. With scorching guitars, pummeling drums and a raw bassline the track exudes swagger and kinetic energy. These guys have a knack for creating powerful tunes sure to ignite a live audience and ‘Tough Guys Die First’ is no exception. The band provide an adrenaline-inducing rock n roll number laced in lean mean grooves, dynamic vocals and soaring guitar refrains. With a shredding solo and epic crescendo it is arena-ready rock rearing to go.
Bio : The Lathums are a melodic indie band from Wigan. The band have released a video for their single ‘I See Your Ghost’.The single follows the announcement that the community-minded band will cut just one, 7″ copy of their cover of Northern Soul classic, The Snake, with owning the one-off record being the only chance of ever hearing it. Ticket holders in an online raffle to grab the vinyl have already raised close to £4,000 to support the fan-led fund to save Wigan Athletic.
Track: I See Your Ghost
Why We Like It: This catchy brisk number bounces upon skittish beats jaunty guitars and a deft dead summoning bass. The rapid lyrics slip through the frantic instrumentation with a cool tone while the vocals coo and haunt all at once. The tempo keeps the tracks brisk pace ticking along like a time bomb. The song is both chilling, spooky and vibrantly dynamic as the band create enticing ethereal verses before whacking out a massive hook laced chorus. With a shredding guitar solo, ghostly vocal bridge and spaghetti western-esque guitar moments the track is impressively crafted. It’s cinematic fun and intoxicating all at once. Love it.
Bio : Luke Concannon has released his new single ‘Doing Nothing’, taken from his upcoming album ‘Ecstatic Bird in the Burning’
Track: Doing Nothing
Why We Like It: It’s an emotional sweet tune brimming with warm melodies, and subtle textures. With lush harmonies, cosy folk tones and soothing acoustic guitar accompaniment the track is an easy listening mellow delight.
Bio : In the space of just two albums, Royal Blood have ascended to become one of the world’s biggest rock bands. The Brighton duo have scored two UK #1 albums – their self-titled double-Platinum debut from 2014 and 2017’s ‘How Did We Get So Dark?’ – in the process selling 2 million albums worldwide. Their acclaim has included the BRIT Award for Best British Group plus further accolades at the NME and Kerrang! Awards as well as a Mercury Prize nomination. What’s more, they’ve made a major international impact, hitting the Top 10 in a further seven territories and peaking at #2 on the US Alternative Album chart. Further US success has included three #1 hits at Rock Radio, plus four Top 20 records at Alternative Radio.
Track: Trouble’s Coming
Why We Like It: This stomping swagger dipped number is another tantalizing display from Royal Blood. The track oozes panache and slick musicianship with the duo’s signature fuzzed basslines piercing the infectious groove and majestic assault on drums. With sinister vocals and disco elements glimmering through on synths the track is a glossy raw beauty. The duo balance chic finesse and fierce rock with ease to create a strut worthy number brimming with musical prowess.
Bio : For The Girl are an indie pop rock sextet from Nottingham.With a number of high profile gigs and UK supporting tours under their belts, this is a band that’s clearly going places, helped by a style and sound all of their own. Their stage presence is like no other irrespective of where they play, from small and intimate venues, to the electric crowds of the UK’s O2 Academies
Track: Fishnets and Dreams
Why We Like It: For The Girl present a tight, shredding and utterly exhilarating tune in ‘Fishnets and Dreams’. They spread a sleek bluesy rock melody and slick vocals over blistering guitars, resounding bass rumbles and explosive drums to create a full-bodied, ground-shaking wall of sound. With ethereal keys exuding an ominous 80’s-esque soundscape into the indie rock mix, ‘Fishnets and Dreams’ showcases the majestic vigor and powerful musicianship of For The Girl. It is a dramatic, powerful and well crafted tune.
Bio : Songwriter and producer Finneas has released his new single ‘Can’t Wait to Be Dead’. Finneas, who won six Grammy Awards in January for his work on Eilish’s debut full-length “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?,” has been releasing a steady stream of new material over the past few months. Those include a trio of songs with Eilish, a solo EP last fall and a single a few weeks back, “What They’ll Say About Us,” which was written in lockdown
Track: Can’t Wait to Be Dead
Why We Like It: It’s a powerful bubbling number which simmers into a dynamic heart pounding anthem. Finneas drifts his emotive lyrics over acoustic guitar and lush harmonies to start before the song ventures into a more rock sound. With sharp laments on guitar between a steady building beat this song is a passionate display. Finneas’ knack with melody once again is on top form as he surges a bittersweet earworm melody with anthemic gusto while his warm tender vocals coo and soar over the dynamic backdrop with ease. It’s an uplifting, earnest and infectious track that is well crafted and emotive to its very core.
Lurgan based Indie – alternative artist BECAH, is back with her second single and has announced her upcoming debut EP ‘Freaks’, due out Nov 20th. With her debut single ‘Forget’ released in July BECAH grabbed the attention of the industry with her heartfelt lyrics and original writing style. Now back with her second single ‘Ghost’ BECAH brings a new energy and shows off her flexibility when it comes to songwriting.
‘Ghost’ displays the limitless scope of BECAH as an artist as she dives into the dark electronic and more dynamic side of her mesmerising musicianship. The bittersweet melody drifts atop an effervescent soundscape of punchy drums, distorted guitar fuzz and biting electronics, creating a sweet, innocent contrast to the sinister explosive atmosphere. With heavy synths and sharp guitar this tune is passionate, tender and powerful – the lyrics hit hard as BECAH’s crisp and wonderfully lush vocals coo with soulful tones while a choppy piano refrain accompanies the verses creating an almost jazzy retro element before the chorus consumes the song in a rage of emotion.
BECAH’s debut ‘Forget’ gave listeners a glimpse of her immense talent and sterling sound. However she has turned up the heat for ‘Ghost’. The maturity displayed in her songwriting, tantalizing musicianship, and precise guitar work is impressive. Keep an eye on BECAH.
About the song, BECAH say :”Ghost was the first song I ever sat down and finished when I began writing. Scrawled out in an old notebook on my bedroom floor with a few rough chords as I was only teaching myself guitar at the time. I’ve always noted it as the foundation for everything that has come after, as it gave me the confidence to continue writing. It speaks of those almost loves – the longing to have a person that can never be yours, and the difficulties that surround those kinds of relationships. The sleepless nights, the hope, the disappointment. Feeling as though that person is almost like a ghost in your life because one moment they’re there and then the next they’re gone.”
Hot off the heels of his atmospheric synth pop single ‘Timeline’, PureGrand (Luke Faulkner) returns with his new single ‘Such A Fright’, accompanied with a self made video which parodies the pressures and hypocrisy of the modern workplace but dresses it up in the stylings of the 1990s.The song was written and produced by Faulkner and is the latest single to be taken from his new body of work which is inspired by social themes felt by young millennials and by Faulkner’s own experiences in the past year and exploring them through the sounds and aesthetics of 90s and millennium pop.
‘Such A Fright’ is an intoxicating slice of electronic pop as PureGrand uses building soundscapes, catchy melodies and earnest songwriting to create a danceable dark tune.The slapping beats scuff the atmosphere in ominous undertones while the coiling electronics shuffle with an 80’s hue and disco vibe. With a bittersweet pop melody and sombre vocal delivery the track is a lonely bop brimming with lush textures and surging electronic pop sensibilities. Lyrically the song illustrates the claustrophobic sensations and the trappings of dealing with anxiety. PureGrand use retro synths and infectious melodies to create an asphyxiating atmosphere showcasing brief moments of innocent release to compliment the tracks lyrical theme. ‘Such A Fright’ is an infectious meaningful number from PureGrand.
Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue have returned with their scorching new single ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. Steamrolling in, swagger drenched and rearing to go, the band present one hell of a belter with ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. With sharp blistering guitar riffs ricocheting off the battering drum and steamy bass grooves the track is a hefty onslaught of rock. The song has a strutting yet raucous quality as bluesy licks weave between a raw alternative wall of sound. With clever lyrics, slick vocals and infectious melody teamed with crashing chorus explosions and dynamic crescendo, there is no denying the talent and kinetic energy this band possess. ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’ is a glorious alternative rock mammoth ready to blow your mind.
Bristol indie folk singer songwriter Joe T. Johnson has released his new single ‘English Elegance’. This sweet retro hued ditty drifts upon Johnson’s 60’s melodies while he subtly builds a psychedelic hued backdrop. The song weaves between eerie moments with light pop elements glimmering throughout while a dreamy melody, upbeat rhythm and sweet vocals contrast the sinister, lamenting spaghetti western-esque guitar whines throughout. With harmonica moments and march-like drum elements Johnson wonderfully layers ‘English Elegance’ to create a fantastic pop delight to listen to.
Bob Baker has released his debut EP ‘The Bob Baker Sound’. His debut single ‘The Way It Is’ got its first radio play as a featured track on BBC Introducing in the East Midlands as well as becoming Track of the Week on BBC Radio Derby.
‘The Bob Baker Sound’ is a jaunty cohesive collection of tracks doused in Bob Baker’s heartfelt, light and utterly enjoyable musicianship. With driving rhythms, chugging guitars and quick lyrics ‘The Way It Is’ and ‘I Know You Did It’ kick starts the EP with a hearty full bodied sound. There are elements reminiscent of Jake Bugg within the songs which exudes a brisk youthful adrenaline.
Baker laces each track in catchy melodies, irresistible hooks and a bright fun atmosphere that will put a smile on your face.However ‘I’m Not The Same As You’, takes a darker tone as Baker sprinkles sharp guitar and power rock gusto into an airy more sombre melody. With light keys and a mighty chorus build the track is quite the passionate mature gem.
Baker takes his time fleshing out the instrumental backdrops, adding new layers and textures within each song. From the vigorous indie in ‘The Way It Is’ with dynamic guitars and punching drums to the soft twinkling on keys for the sweeter ‘Chase The Wind’ each song has its own identity on the EP. Baker’s smooth warm vocals tie all the tracks together oozing confidence, emotion and effortless charm.
Baker is a talented songwriter. His witty lyrics elevate his vibrant tunes to a fun and quirky level. The tracks on ‘The Bob Baker Sound’ are satisfying, foot tapping gems which mark Baker as an artist to keep an eye on.
About the EP, Bob Baker sent us a track by track breakdown to give us insight into what inspired the songs
The Way It Is
” ‘The Way It Is’ is a song about sudden rejection I suppose. One minute everything’s going smoothly the next minute the rug gets pulled from under your feet and you’re forced to change direction very quickly. When something like that happens you’re given no choice but to accept it, crack on with things and do what you’re good at. That’s just the way it is. “
I’m Not The Same As You
” ‘I’m not the same as you’ is a song about being close to someone but realising certain differences between you and them. A situation that I’m sure many people can empathise with. “
Don’t Chase the Wind
” It’s one of those songs that the listener can apply to their own situation. For me this was all about watching someone throwing away a great situation when all I could do was stand at the side and watch “
I know You Did It
” I know you did it is a bit of everything, humour, anger & honesty. It’s the irony of the plain truth amidst flat denial, woven into a tune that I hope won’t get out of your head “
Folk troubadour John Hynes has returned with his new single, ‘The Glory’ which is inspired by the death of his father, “a man for whom a life well lived meant a humble life of independence.”, as John puts it. Hailing from Co. Kildare John’s songs are a storyboard for hopeless romantics and hopeless romances. His songwriting explores the grey areas of life and love, where the good and bad reside uncomfortably side-by-side.Produced by Gavin Glass (David Keenan, Lisa Hannigan) and featuring string arrangements by Cormac Curran (Hozier, Villagers), John has expanded and grown from his previous singles and is releasing his most autobiographical song yet. With John’s previous singles reaching No.1 on the RTE Radio 1 airplay chart and receiving plays on Today FM, Lyric FM, 4FM, Radio Nova, and a host of regionals, he is eager to keep the momentum going with a busy year of releases.John is also announcing his forthcoming debut album due out in May 2021. “A Man In Love” will expand on these themes of love and loss; the death of a father, the birth of a child, lost loves, marriage and modern manhood and will be released in May 2021.
‘The Glory’ is a heartwarming emotive track as John Hynes wraps tender lyrics in passionate melodies and beautiful musicianship. Graceful strings swoon with elegance and grandeur while the warm guitar strums and steady beat provide a cosy and wholesome atmosphere within the track. Hynes’ emotive vocals exudes a country tone as the track beautifully blossoms between pop and folk- rock. As the song progresses it becomes more powerful and anthemic with lush backing harmonies and a captivating crescendo. There are elements of Father John Misty sprinkled throughout the track as Hynes showcases his poetic and moving songwriting to create a delicate and utterly moving tune.
Stream ‘The Glory’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
