Category Archives: psychedelic

Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, New Music, psychedelic, Trance

West Of The Sun ‘Siberian Hysteria’.

West Of The Sun are a five piece psychedelic rock and roll band from North London. Band members Luke Ward, Joe Stratton, Michael Howes, Kieran Callinan and Stevie Durkin have recently released their new single ‘Siberian Hysteria’. The five piece self-produced the song alongside engineer Shuta Shinoda (Primal Scream, Spiritualised, The Horrors) at Hackney Road Studios in East London.
‘Siberian Hysteria’ is a dreamy, warm psychedelic track with a hazy desert vibe. The track begins with fast passed striking guitars and a rapid steady beat. It then breaks and becomes a smooth astral psychedelic journey with an Arabian feel. With wah wah psych-guitar jangles and prominent percussion giving a sand like image to the track. The almost spoken main vocals with the soft lull of the backing vocals puts you at ease and sits contently in the back of your mind creating a trance feel. The slick guitar riff adds an intense sun rays feel that you can almost feel burn you. The atmosphere of sweltering heat and exhaustion is created through the loop and repetition as the song spirals to a delirious end.
This is a brilliantly written song that plants a visual image in your mind and takes you on a journey. West Of The Sun are set to release their début album later this year and if ‘Siberian Hysteria’ is anything to go by its going to be fantastic!
You can catch West Of The Sun live at
18 Jun The Soundhouse Leicester
02 Jul The Borderline London
18 Sep The Amersham Arms London

Stream ‘Siberian Hysteria’ below

Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Trance, Uncategorized, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen track this week is ‘Ride On’ from Cherryshoes

Cherryshoes is a Psycho-pop band Fronted by the mesmerising El-Jay. They portray a hypnotic blend of dark pop that is captivating. Their single ‘Ride On’ is a well crafted psychedelic rock-pop track that consumes you in a bewitching wave of psychedelia. El- Jay’s soft vocals adds an alluring hypnotic quality to the track that could lead you down a trippy garden path. The soft instrumentation has a relaxing hex effect that places you at ease and perfectly content in this spell – like enrapture. The steady beat gives an eerie seductive tone to the track this is reinforced by the echo backing vocals. It reminds me of a succubus, a highly attractive seductress or enchantress, alluring but dangerous.
Cherryshoes recently performed two sets at latitude festival and are currently recording their first album. Can’t wait to hear more from these guys.
Stream ‘Ride On’ below

Alt Rock, Funk, Glam Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Hidden Charms ‘Cannonball’

                    Photo Credit : Phoebe Fox

London band Hidden Charms consist of Vincent Davies (singer, guitarist & bassist), Ranald Macdonald (co-singer, keyboardist, guitarist & bassist), Josh Lewis (guitarist & bassist) and Oscar Robertson (drummer). They have revealed their new single ‘Cannonball’ which follows their successful single ‘Love You Cause You’re There’ which was released in 2015 on Deltasonic records (The Coral, The Vryll Society). Hidden Charms had made a name for themselves as a psychedelic rock band but refuse to be tied down to one genre as we see from their new single.’ Cannonball’ which is now available to stream on Spotify and SoundCloud and will be available to purchase on iTunes on 17th June.
‘Cannonball’, produced by Mr Chop (production credits include MF Dooms/Stones Throw Records), is a confidant , funky tune full of swagger. They still however hold onto the psychedelic vibe with the distorted guitar solos but have added a bit more pop into the mix with this track. The funky beat gives a 70s glam rock strut to the track which adds a cool, daring, boldness to the song. This song has an infectious sing along quality to it. With a simple melody and “La La La La La” backing vocals that act as a call and response to the main vocals in the verse that makes this track so easy to love. Full of cool tones conveyed in the vocals and slick seductive guitars that add a provocative teasing effect while the drums give us a strong groovy bounce full of spirited energy. The track ends with the main vocals singing “Na Na Na Na” answered by the ‘La La La La La” backing vocals. This is perfect for engaging with a live crowd as its simple and so catchy.
Hidden Charms have played with  Benjamin Booker, Hanni El Khatib, X Ambassadors and YAK over the last 18 months alongside a four-week Club NME Koko residency, so they know how to put on a good show!
We highly recommend seeing these guys live!
You can catch them live at:
19 May – The Great Escape, Brighton
20 May – Republic of Music Courtyard, The Great Escape, Brighton
21 May – Stadtpak, Eupen Music Marathon, Belgium
29 May – Purple Turtle, Reading
04 June – Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds
10 June – Isle Of Wight Festival
18 June – Bushstock Festival, London
02 July – De Beschaving, Utrecht, Netherlands
03 July – Barn On The Farm Festival
09 July – Cornbury Festival
23 July – Smoked and Uncut Festival
24 July – Blackthorn Festival
31 July – Kendal Calling Festival
05 Aug – Euro Ye-Ye, Gijon, Spain
06 Aug – Field View Festival
12 Aug – Boardmasters Festival
14 Aug – Down To The Woods Festival
02 Sept – Lodestar Festival
04 Sept – BML Festival
Stream ‘Cannonball’ below

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

Of Clocks And Clouds ‘She Had To Go’

Founded in 2013, Brooklyn band Of Clocks And Clouds are Joe Salgo ( vocals, guitar, electronics ) and Ross Procaccio (drums, vocals, electronics ). They combine classic and modern rock with a hint of electronic and psychedelic influences. They have released their new single ‘She Had To Go’ from their forthcoming, self-produced album, Better Off, due out July 15th.
‘She Had to Go’ is a heavy brawl like track full of intense festering emotion and dark, driving, electric guitar. The track begins with a strong infectious guitar hook that runs throughout the track. The husky smooth vocals adds a psychedelic trance feel to the song. The addition of a slick seductive guitar lick in parts reinforces a tone of conflicting emotions. The intensity of the song breaks briefly for the bridge into softer strumming on guitar with vocal harmony. This then builds into a massive mosh instrumentally into the verse that follows, which gives you a breather before the final chorus where the vocals intensify for the final chorus.
This is a huge rock track showcasing Of Clocks And Clouds  talent for song writing. We are eagerly awaiting the release of their new album this summer.
Stream ‘She Had To Go’ below

Alt Rock, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Black Honey ‘Headspin’

 

Black Honey have just dropped their EP ‘Headspin’ and it is everything we expected and more. Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass) and Tom Dewhurst (drums)have created a solid polished collection of songs while still maintaining that raw appeal.
‘All My Pride’ kicks the EP off with slick, blazing guitar as Izzy performs her vocals with such intensity and vulnerability that sucks you in and makes you listen to every word of her story. It is full of vigorous energy and a great lead single for the EP. We loved this song so much we made it our Worth A Listen track earlier this month.
‘Headspin’ follows next with a slower tone. It begins with light accompaniment as the vocals are the main focus. The hazy west coast vibe paired with Izzy’s almost seductive soft vocals which gives a melancholy atmosphere to the track. The backing vocals add a haunting quality to the track with a subtle drum beat like the secret ingredient to a sweet dish . The song builds towards the end instrumentally with psychedelic ‘wah wah’ guitar and a stronger beat. This song takes you on a journey with every note, It has a very Lana Del Rey feel with an almost cinematic trip to lose yourself in.
‘On Your Side’ brings us back to a sunny bright side of Black Honey. This track begins with a light drum beat to start. It then kicks into a  swinging feel with a rock element. Its a catchy up beat vibrant song. Although its a bouncy track it still holds that melancholy, nostalgic tone which is conveyed through the vocals that gives the track a mysterious quality. The sweet matching harmonies gives the track an uplifting feel to the main vocals and adds a subtle contrast.This song makes you want to sit back in the sun and reminisce as you hear the lustrous, bright guitar solo.
‘Mocking Song’ Is the final track on the EP it slows down the tone again and brings back that west coast style.It has a sombre and almost angry tone on vocals with light guitar and waltz accompaniment for the verses. Again its a picturesque track as you can almost imagine Izzy standing swaying with a drink in her hand and tears down her face. Its a raw emotion filled track that shows a vulnerability which we haven’t seen before from Black Honey. The psychedelic guitar for the instrumental break is really effective and makes you fall into despair with Izzy.
This is a strong EP that shows us the variety in Black Honeys style and it shows us where they want to take their music. Its a multi dimensional EP  from an extremely talented band. These guys will be sticking around and if this is only their EP imagine what an album would be like!
Stream ‘Headspin’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track Comes from Serene

Serene is a three piece band from Cumbria consisting of  Kieran Day on vocals, guitar, bass, synth; Ryan Patterson, lead guitar and synth; Matthew Southwell, drums and percussion.Contrary to what their name suggests these guys are full of loud, big sounding psychedelic, alternative rock. Their song ‘Rainbow Mind’ is a seductive enrapture of psychedelic rock with slick alluring guitars and steady beats. The gritty vocals give a grunge vibe to the chorus, however Kieran’s vocals for the verse is deep and haunting and adds a bewitching mysterious quality to the song. The psychedelic guitar solo is impeccable and breaks the tone a little preparing for the big crescendo.
This is a fantastic song well written and composed and really showcases the talent of these guys. Serene are currently preparing to release their first EP and if ‘Rainbow Mind’ is anything to go by its going to be a strong EP. Bright future ahead for this band!
Stream ‘Rainbow Mind’ below

Alt Rock, Feel Good Music, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Bonsai

Bonsai are a four piece band from Stoke-on-Trent that consist of Chris Hough (Guitar & Vocals), Joe Hough (Guitar), Benjamin Hough (Bass) and Freddie Godley (Drums). These guys have created an alternative rock sound based on raspy vocals, psychedelic riffs and steady beats, that gives a dusty drive in a desert vibe.

‘Houdini’ was released last year and gives a classic rock feel, with slick, prominent guitar throughout and smooth raspy vocals. The guitar gives a trance feel to the song that draws you in right up to the polished sensual guitar solo.
‘Ned’ starts as a mellow track with a nostalgic guitar teasing the tune until the vocals and drums kick in. This track gives a youthful freedom vibe. With the slick skill of the guitar as a prominent feature throughout and well rounded drum beats this song takes you on an epic journey. Just the guitar riffs and solos alone are like a path to ‘Neverland’ that you can’t help but follow.
Two really strong tracks from very talented and skilled lads , will look forward to hearing more from Bonsai.
Stream ‘Houdini’ and ‘Ned’ below

Indie, New Music, psychedelic

The Vryll Society’s ‘La Jetee’

 

The Vryll Society have announced the release of their brand new single ‘La Jetee’. Liverpool’s Psychedelic rockers Mike Ellis, (Vocals), Ryan Ellis (Lead Guitar), Lewis McGuinness (Lead Guitar), Lloyd Shearer (Bass), Ben Robinson (Drums) new release ‘La Jetee’ is a blend of a unique mixture of melodic styles with a French pop vibe. The title ‘La Jetee’ references Chris Marker’s 1962 post-apocalyptic vision of Paris. This track is softer than some of their other pieces and very melodic which seems to stimulate both the soul and mind. As with all of The Vryll Society’s songs you loose yourself as they transport you to another world entirely in their surreal and complex body of work.
I would highly recommend going to see these guys live. We saw them in Dublin in February and they were brilliant. A refreshing band that look a bit like they came from the sixties but with a modern twist. Their deep thought provoking intelligent lyrics, pulsating bass and guitar riffs show these guys are here to stay and deserve to do really well. I will look forward to their return to Ireland but for anyone in the UK who wants to see them live ( and I would highly recommend going ) they have some gigs lined up :
APR 13 The Green Door Store Brighton
APR 14 The Louisiana Bristol
APR 15 Cafe Indiependent
APR 16 The Ferret ,Preston
MAY 1 Camp and Furnace , Liverpool
Stream ‘ La Jetee’ below

Alt Rock, Electronic, Feel Good Music, Indie, New Music, psychedelic, Reggae Fusion, Trance

The Perx

The Perx are just two buddies from Los Angeles ,Ryan and Jeremy making songs in their basement.Their Indie, Alternative Rock sound with some electronic thrown in is infectious. ‘Hipster Nightmare’ has an electronic dance feel, perfect for your Friday night tune. Really catchy lyrics and crazy synths. This song shows an ambitious, experimental side to them, that works really well and sounds amazing.
‘The Dreamer’ takes us on a mellow, dreamy almost trance-like trip. With smooth west coast style and light instrumental that builds as the song progresses. Its a really well written song that will definitely take you on a journey. ‘Another Minute’ has a Police feel, with a reggae beat before it breaks back into an electronic sound for the chorus. This is an upbeat energetic song with a great electronic reggae fusion with the lovely surprise of a guitar solo. Both these songs were released on soundcloud four days ago and showcase the variety of music these guys can produce.
‘Episodes’ Is a groovy track with a catchy chorus that is full of emotion. This song has a psychedelic vibe in the verses that makes you loose yourself, right up to the amazing chorus. This was the first song I heard from ‘The Perx’ and I was hooked after one listen.‘Alive’ again is a fantastic song with lyrics everyone can relate to, ‘Wednesday pisses me off’ we have all thought that! The whole song runs so smoothly with steady beats ,radiant guitar and strong vocals and melody. Its written in a not quite upbeat tone but a hopeful hang in there tone.
I Really enjoyed these guys and look forward to hearing more from them.
Stream ‘ Alive’ ‘Another Minute’ and ‘Hipster Nightmare’ below

Indie, New Music, psychedelic, Trance

Worth A Listen

 

Our worth a listen track this week comes from Little Grim a four Piece band from London their single ‘ Vice’ is a dark ambient track with an intoxicating psychedelic feel. The strong bass line and guitar riff draws you into every beat and note played right up to the climax, where it becomes more grungy to make you automatically mosh until it descends into a trance finish. The Hook pulls you into a story of strong rumbling emotions while the falsetto backing vocals seems to call to you back like a haunting conscience
This band have a tight sound and a bright future ahead hope to hear more from them in 2016

Stream ‘Vice’ Below