Category Archives: Indie

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, Electronic, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music

Something Leather ‘Midnight Reverie’ EP

Photo Credit : Jessie Morgan

Brighton three-piece Something Leather is set to release their debut EP ‘Midnight Reverie’, on 17th April.The trio have already gained a reputation for explosive live shows thanks to a host of support slots with up-and-coming bands including Black Midi, Saint Agnes, Sophie and the Giants, Calva Louise and Phobophobes.A triumphant 2019 saw successful UK and European tours establish an increasing following for the band.The year culminated with latest single ‘Lullaby’ garnering further support from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq.

‘Midnight Reverie’ is a sleek streamlined EP swirled in sultry dark psychedelic tones. Something Leather inject gritty indie rock, opaque pop and ominous atmospheres into ‘Midnight Reverie ‘to create a sublime EP of tremendous magnitude. The production and craftsmanship of this EP is fantastic. The band take their elegant psych rock and mince it into a mirage of dazed pop elements. Each track drags you further into their mesmerising and bewitching sound.

With a sinister flurry of guitars ’Trip To The Sun’ kick starts the EP. Sultry and mind melting the track whirls through dizzying acid dipped electronics while a steady pounding beat and eerie organ – esque elements create that spine chilling backbone. Phillie Etta Jane’s vocals are the sweet hauntingly lulling constant within each track. She creates a soft delicate moment within each song while exuding a sultry panache effortlessly. The dreamy melodies compliment her vocals superbly as they hush and entice you into the harrowing entrapment created by the instrumentation – it’s a bait your ears will willingly take.

The trio write catchy and mystical tunes with a heavy backdrop that is irresistible.’Farewell Fareworse’ has a Sleater-Kinney residue over the distorted electrical mayhem while the prowess on guitars pine and wail with intent over the crashing wall of sound. There is controlled chaos within this EP as the band weave vintage qualities with wild guitars and relentless synths to create their own unique, harrowing yet velvety sleek sound.The noir pop peppered ‘Midnight Dive’ shows a melancholic side to Something Leather. The dreamy whimsical brooding display flows with flashings of black and white west coast images of sulky bliss. This narcotic soothing track drifts with twanging pines on guitar as the track dissolves into multi fragments of laid back moody indie pop. Like all Something Leather songs the track builds to a fizzing crescendo that evaporates your mind. It’s a tragic, beautiful and darkly-shaded pinnacle moment of the EP.

The band return to their seductive and menacing grit for final track ‘Down Another One’. Another stand out number, the drama and intensity of this song is immense. Like daggers, the drums relentlessly pierce and pound while growling backing vocals haunt the backdrop. The jabbing guitars, distorted roars and spine chilling wall of sound create a creepy gut wrenching atmosphere while Phillie Etta Jane’s breathy yet sweet vocals build the tracks momentum. It’s heavy, dark and brilliant. 

‘Midnight Reverie’ is a dark concoction of tracks to bask and submerge yourself in. With such murky and sultry cinematic melancholia steeped in elements of psychedelia, indie rock and electronic pop Something Leather have created one first rate body of work. There are distinct moments of brilliance within ‘Midnight Reverie’ that set the bar high making Something Leather one of the most exciting bands around right now. 

‘Midnight Reverie’ EP will be released on April 17th until then check out the video for the bands recent single ‘Farewell Fareworse’ below


Author : Danu

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

The Rupees ‘Run’

Bristol band The Rupees have released their new single ‘Run‘. An exhilarating display of indie rock ‘Run’ blisters and boils encompassing The Rupees raw snarling sound with all its might. The band don’t pull punches as they create a scorching garage rock gem. Coarse guitars jaggedly lacerate through a swirling synth smog while the punchy drums and resounding bass pound through a hefty foundation. It’s a lean mean force of nature as the band cause a chaotic wall of sound through refined and vigorous instrumentation without losing their slick swagger. There is a freeing sense of adrenaline and powerful gusto as the track explodes into its frenetic chorus while the gravely vocals and catchy melody relentlessly resonate through the whirlwind backdrop. ‘Run’ is sublime vigorous anthem from The Rupees.

About the track the band said : “Run is about dreaming for something more, being the underdog, wanting to escape whilst existing in world of averageness, having to work a mundane job in a mundane place, but knowing there is something more, knowing there is something inside of you that is trapped in there because of the exact circumstances you find yourself in. But you can run, you can use love and your passions to escape, you are not sure if you are ever winning or losing but you just have to run with it, with the things you love, just keep going!”

Stream ‘Run’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Sheerbuzz ‘Darkside’

Donegal alternative indie rock four piece Sheerbuzz have released their new single ‘Darkside’. The band formed in 2017 with the goal of starting a music scene in their area. The four piece released their debut EP in March of 2019. That year it became one of the most streamed Irish EPs without a PR team or any label.

‘Darkside’ is a lush indie number brimming with shredding guitar lines and funky moments as Sheerbuzz showcase just how carefully they have been building and cultivating their sound. Laced in buoyant rhythms and sweet sunkissed melodies the track balances an effervescent meaty alternative rock wall of sound with sweet melodic indie superbly to create a well crafted wholly enjoyable number. The intricate bass lines weave and wiggle throughout the tracks foundation creating an elastic quality and funk peppering. The catchy chorus, laid back tones and glorious guitar lines make this track exquisitely charming. The band use sharp sultry guitar licks between soaring riffs and a shredding solo to add swagger and sass to the track while the distinctive vocals’ melancholic longing bounce over the dreamy melody. ‘Darkside’ is a dreamy, sun sprinkled and vibrant new single from Sheerbuzz.

About the track the band said: “ Darkside is a song about losing connections with people you used to be very close with, that connection being lost through different choices that put that person in a situation they aren’t happy with but aren’t sure how to recover from. That feeling of disconnection you want to rectify by any means necessary.”

Stream ‘Darkside’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Synk ‘Waiting Room’

Dublin electronic rock band Synk have recently released their new single ‘Waiting Room’.The track was written during the transition into Autumn 2019 and was recorded in isolation in Co. Leitrim shortly after itʼs conception and is self-produced by Synk. Synk is comprised of James Lonergan on Vocals, Guitar, Daniel Smith on Guitar, Phil Noone on Drums, Evan Kennedy on Bass, Vocals, Keys and Fergus Grant on Keys, Guitar, Vocals.

Once again Synk entwines and coils sweet lush moments between chaotic bursts to create a satisfying and mystical track. ‘Waiting Room’ twinkles to an airy fresh start as glistening light flurries of guitar trickle behind a warm vocal lilt. The track fluctuates becoming more dark as rich ominous rhythms weave with jittery angst. I love the opulent textures and sounds this band flood their music with – each quiver, beat and pulse is vibrant and emotive expressing something quite beautiful. The ethereal electronics add a mysterious quality and magical wonder element while the beat is the elastic band that releases the whimsical dream-like soundscape into the atmosphere and pulls it back just as effortlessly. With jangly flutters on guitars the band show character with luminous bursts through the darker smudged depths and moody elements.

Synk keep their tracks pulsing and simmering right up to their crescendos which are always exhilarating and ‘Waiting Room’ follows this superbly keeping your ears bound in a mesmerising daze hanging on every bewitching earthy note. The vocals are shared by James Lonergan and Evan Kennedy, with James singing the first half of the song, and the ending coda sung by Kennedy.

‘Waiting Room’ is an intricate rippling mirage, shimmering with the masterful and compelling musicianship of Synk. I love how they convey so much emotion through contrasting sounds with such beauty and balance, it’s quite masterful. 

Stream ‘Waiting Room’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Sidetracked ‘City’

The British indie rock outfit Sidetracked have recently released their debut single ‘City’. Sidetracked consists of bassist Cohen Radcliffe, lead guitarist George Wolstencroft, drummer Lewis Flynn and Alex, the lead singer, rhythm guitarist & songwriter

With jangly guitars slicing through a laid back bouncy indie rock backdrop ‘City’ triumphantly announces Sidetracked’s infectious sound. The band melt a catchy smooth melody over a bubbling indie soundscape to create one radiant zest filled gem. With punchy drums providing a dynamic springboard, the track soars with adrenaline pumping stamina and a hint of surf rock fun. The ethereal bite on guitars creates a twinkling refreshing burst of energy while the groove riddled bass and spongy rhythm maintains a feathery lightness and upbeat charm. Sidetracked showcase their slick ability to create a polished clean and jaunty number sure to have you bopping along in no time. A sublime debut.

Stream ‘City’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Crown Commons

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Crown Commons

Brixton based Rock and roll band Crown Commons have released their new single ‘Alright Again’. This is one dance around the room infectious ditty. From the get go the band blast their zealous sound into your ears with an exhilarating intro of clamoring bliss. Strident stings on guitars weave golden sweet melodies between sharp jangly riffs while a groove infested bass fluctuates beneath adding a rich velvety underbelly. The track travels full throttle building in intensity as it progresses while the strong blood pumping drums create the sturdy backbone. The track flourishes and erupts with a dynamic catchy chorus as the sugary melody drifts into the ears with that instant rush of vitality that sparks a craving for more. There is a driving surge as the bass and guitars playfully weave and ricochet off each other creating an upbeat wiggle while the lyrics talk about going through a tough period, then coming out of it on the other side happy.

Crown Commons create a sound rich in intricacies, maturity and light hearted charm with oodles of swagger laced on top. With lush backing vocals and a blazing guitar solo teamed with Oli Collins’ velvety warm rasped vocals, ‘Alright Again’ is an electrifying ear worm that will brighten your day for sure.

Stream ‘Alright Again’ below 


Author : Danu

Event News, Indie, Live Music, New Music, Takeover

EVENT NEWS – ASYLUMS TAKEOVER

Asylums are set to take over our Instagram and Facebook this Sunday 5th April at 8pm for a live stream.

Frontman of Southend’s finest Asylums, Luke Branch will play songs from the albums ‘Killer Brain Waves’ (2016) Alien Human Emotions (2018) and the forthcoming third album due this Summer.

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

Instagram  : https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

It’s been a huge 18 months for Asylums.  As recent recipients of the prestigious and hard-to-score PRS Momentum Fund, their next leap forward seems gilded, greased, and good-to-go. Current single ‘Catalogue Kids’ finding a warm home at BBC 6 Music, Radio X and Kerrang! Radio, as well as playlist adds at Deezer and Spotify and nods from The Independent, Kerrang! and Louder Sound has only increased expectation and excitement for album number 3.

These guys have a blistering fuzz filled sound brimming with attitude and gusto and whether its acoustic or not their songs carry themselves with power and timeless charm. I for one can’t wait to see Luke whack out these bangers.

As a taster you can stream the band’s recent single’ Catalogue Kids’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music

Jordan Run ‘Outcast’

Irish indie collective Jordan Run are set to release their new single ‘Outcast’ on Friday (the 3rd of April). The band are fronted by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Aaron O’Sullivan.The band have played at the Ruby Sessions Dublin, packed out their debut Coughlans show in Cork as well as support slots for Ariel Posen, Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) and James Arthur, and appearances at a number of major festivals (Electric Picnic, All Together Now, and Indiependence). Jordan Run are releasing their debut EP on the 29th of May 2020.

‘Outcast’ is a twinkling emotive track laced in good wholesome musicianship as Jordan Run present their melodic songwriting through this well crafted track. The song bubbles and builds superbly as the glistening soft guitar intro unfolds, allowing the track to blossom. The band embellish ‘Outcast’ with a breezy electronic soundscape while a slapping shuffling beat, warm keys and balmy guitar carry the track to its lustrous crescendo. Jordan Run flesh out the track with touching lyrics and a sweet, passionate vocal delivery to create a hearty full flavoured track that hits you right in the chest. With a shredding guitar solo, big chorus and singing crescendo it’s a well cultivated piece from Jordan Run.

‘Outcast’ is set for release on Friday. For more you can follow Jordan Run on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/jordanrunofficial/?ref=bookmarks


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Avenues ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ EP

Hull based indie rock band The Avenues recently released their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’  The band comprised of Tom Foston on Guitar, Vocals, Ollie Brown on Guitar, Vocals, Joe Galloway on Bass and Adam Pidd on Drums present a tight blistering EP of catchy hook filled tunes and impressive musicianship. 

Brimming to the seams with infectious melodies, scorching riffs and a wonderful indie rock wall of sound ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ is locked, loaded and ready to delight the ears. With groove rooted bass lines weaving and rummaging through zesty relentless guitars ‘Boredom’, ‘Out Of Shape’ and ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ whirlwind the EP up in an energetic blast of raw vibrant indie. The tracks display witty lyrics through a rasped vocal delivery and are filled with charming characters and a range of emotions.These guys embellish their songs in sweltering guitar lines. ‘Haven’t Got A Prayer’ in particular displays the bands guitar prowess which oozes a majestic quality and edge that is very impressive. With smooth melodies gliding effortlessly on an effervescent backdrop The Avenues have crafted tracks ready to ignite a live crowd. ‘O.S.T.M’ is a banger of a tune, with its mosh pounding bridge, jangle guitar refrain and sweet vocals there is something utterly infectious about this track. Well crafted with lush backing vocals, ‘O.S.T.M’ is the band at their most polished, however, they maintain the right amount of rawness. This grit teamed with a dreamy melancholic melody on guitar creates a hair raising and engaging listening experience. It’s sure to be epic live as the harmony between crashing instrumentation and pure emotion reaches a glorious balance. ‘She Still Won’t Love You Tomorrow’ brings the EP to a tender close. Warm acoustic guitar accompanies the sweet melody and velvety vocals as The Avenues showcase their ability to provide a solid cracking tune within the stripped back setting. 

The Avenues display deft musicianship through their debut EP ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’. Their ability to create compact enjoyable tunes with great beauty is admirable. Keep an eye on The Avenues.

Stream ‘What Happened In The Pink Room?’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – Featuring Honey Lung,Paper Tigers, Pauric O’Meara, MESSIMER, Idle Hours and Under Starling

Honey Lung 

Genre : Indie Shoegaze

Bio : London shoegazers Honey Lung have released their new single ‘Juggle’, the second offering from the band’s ‘Post Modern Motorcade Music’ EP which is out now. The band are  hitting their stride, attracting continued praise across the BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music airwaves (Jack Saunders, Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq)

Track: Juggle

Why We Like It: It’s a sun-kissed fuzzy indie number doused in laid back shoegaze tones and sweet indie elements. Warm guitar jingles wrap around a buoyant soundscape as the track maintains the bands dizzying intricacies filled with psychedelic prisms of distortion and twisting emotion throughout. With dynamic vocals and smooth melody atop an edgy backdrop ‘Juggle’ is another sublime track from Honey Lung. 

About the track frontman Jamie Batten explained: “Sometimes we can all feel like we’re a juggling act and it’s tiring. We wrote ‘Juggle’ initially as an angry jam that eventually turned into a song. It was one of those songs that would always be in the back of our minds and we always knew we would return to it;it was just a matter of time”

You can follow Honey Lung on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/honeylungband

Stream ‘Juggle’ below 

Paper Tigers

Genre : Alternative Rock

Bio : Formed in 2018 by Michael Smyth and completed by Hayley Norton on vocals, Stevey Henry on bass and Michael Teague on drums. 2019 saw Paper Tigers  come out swinging, gigging incessantly and releasing debut single ‘Gucci Smiles’, the single amassed 5000 streams with the video being viewed 2500 times.

Track: Flames

Why We Like It: It’s a fiery sassy number as Paper Tigers steamroll in with resounding bass lines, lacerating guitar riffs and thrashing  drums. The relentless energy within this track exudes slick swagger as the band create a frantic assault on the senses with their fierce wall of sound. Its lean mean and sultry all at once as the smoky powerful vocals lure through the manic backdrop. These guy create an invigorating, heavy and raw sound brimming with refined powerful instrumentation.

You can follow Paper Tigers on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/PaperTigersNI/

Stream ‘Flames’ below 

Pauric O’Meara

Photo Credit: imagerybyro

Genre : Indie singer songwriter 

Bio : Pauric is an independent singer songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. His previous work has garnered over 150K on Spotify alone.He has performed in many top venues around Ireland supporting bands such as Hermitage Green, Hudson Taylor, Billow Wood, Amazing Apples and HAWK. 2019 saw two headline shows in Dublin in The Soundhouse and Workmans Club, as well as an Electric Picnic Festival debut

Track: Wasting Time

Why We Like It:  Pauric O’Meara creates an upbeat jangly ditty brimming with passion, soul and oodles of gusto. His velvety vocals coo and flood the track with a warm glow. The track builds superbly beginning as a tender ballad then progressing into a power anthem. The zealous guitar playfully weaves about the punchy beat and vibrant soundscape as the track floods with emotion and uplifting strength. There is a wonderful funk flavour to the song as the rooted wiggling groove struts about creating an infectious buoyancy and swagger to this catchy gem. 

You can follow Pauric O’Meara on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pauricomusic/

Stream ‘Wasting Time’ below 

MESSIMER 

Genre : Indie 

Bio : MESSIMER is an indie band from Boise, Idaho which is comprised of friends Luke Messimer, Dalton Mace, and Reggie Mace.The band have released their new single ‘I don’t need you / Yes I do’ which is the third single off their upcoming debut full length album, ‘The Lookalike’.

Track: I don’t need you / Yes I do

Why We Like It: It’s a melodic sweet indie track wrapped in a retro hue of 60s elements. With a melty candied melody drifting on a colourful soundscape the track charms its way into the ears effortlessly. The light ethereal guitar provides a zesty sting between the fluffy atmosphere and dreamy melodies while the steady beat grounds the track. With dynamic vocals adding a touch of rock n’ roll swagger while the lush backing vocals coo, this melancholic toned track oozes character. MESSIMER layer this track superbly, swirling bitter sweet tones and rich textures to create a sun speckled infectious number. 

You can follow MESSIMER on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/messimermusic

Stream ‘I don’t need you / Yes I do’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/messimer/i-dont-need-you-yes-i-do

Idle Hours

Genre : Indie 

Bio : Manchester quartet Idle Hours formed at university and have received plays on BBC Introducing Manchester, they bagged support shows with Radio 6 favourites The Orielles and Man of Moon, along with appearances at Dot to Dot and Neighbourhood Festival, sandwiched between Avalanche Party and Oscar Lang in the YES Basement. More recently, Idle Hours headlined AATMA to a sell-out audience.

Track: Scream In Stereo

Why We Like It: It’s a refreshing wave of indie as Idle Hours create a biting track submerged in a laid back soundscape. The band smudge a dreamy melody onto a jagged backdrop of sharp guitars and bouncy drums to create a fluctuant groove infested track. The rumble on bass weaves playfully beneath a vibrant guitar riff while the velvety rasp toned vocals caress the hazy melody. Idle Hours have a refined and well blended sound that is quite irresistible and infectious. The track balances a ratio of indie rawness and new wave sweetness superbly to  create a satisfying listening experience. 

About the track frontman Jack Waldron said :  “The song is very much an observation of how social media has become a bare necessity in the lives of today’s youths, myself included. You look around any environment and people are glued to it; I just think we should look up more often”.

You can follow Idle Hours on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/idlehoursband1/

Stream ‘Scream In Stereo’ below 

Under Starling

Genre : Alternative rock

Bio : Under Starling are an alternative rock band originating from Dungarvan, Waterford. The band have released a new “Reimagined” version of their track ‘Quasar (3C 273)’

Track: Quasar (Reimagined)

Why We Like It: The band present an ethereal wispy rendition of their previous release, swirling airy soundscapes and delicate keys around the crisp and emotive vocals. This sweet number takes a pristine take on the beautiful track allowing the soft and clean vocals hit hard with emotion and passion. There is a rich depth to the track. The rippling beat pierces the atmosphere with precision as the track delves beneath an ambient pool of elegance. The band have created another wonderful and moving way to listen to this sublime track.

You can follow Under Starling on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/UnderStarling/

Stream ‘Quasar (Reimagined)’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Author : Danu