Indie Quick Picks

Mitch Sanders

Photo Credit :Hattie Turner Photography

Genre: Rock & Roll

Bio: Mitch Sanders is a singer/songwriter from Bristol influenced by many genres such as; Rock & Roll, Blues, Soul, Folk, Indie and many more.His band consists of Kit Lavis on Guitar, Henry Sergeant on Bass and Alex Gibbs on Drums

Track: Motherland

Why We Like It: From the thumping beat, strident guitar and intricate bass this track flows with rich musicianship and vivid songwriting. With a heart felt chilled melody cruising upon the laid back verses the band build this track sublimely. The chorus packs an anthemic punch reminiscent of OneRepublic. The steamy guitar pierces over the brooding vaporous backdrop to create a sharp sting between the dark smothering soundscape as Sanders’ velvety, soulful vocals caress the tender melody. Its an intricate, well crafted track polished to perfection. Mitch Sanders is one to keep an eye on.

You Can Follow Mitch Sanders on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MitchSandersMusic/

Stream ‘Motherland’ below 

Rodney Owl

Genre: Singer songwriter

Bio: Originally from Co. Armagh Rodney Owl is the moniker of Galway based artist Mark McConville. ‘The Rain On A Wave’ is his fourth release this year and is taken from his second album which is still in the recording process.

Track: The Rain On A Wave

Why We Like It: It’s an easy listening track filled with majestic instrumentation as Rodney Owl blends sweet harmonies, twinkling guitar and glistening light bass to create a delicate soothing tone and heart warming track. The intricate weaving of guitars, bass and synths creates a magical atmosphere that is feathery light and delicate while also rich in depth and tone. This warm cosy delight features luscious harmonies with Jenny Groarke on backing vocals adding a celestial element to the track. It’s a tranquil, sway-able delight that dances sweetly into the ears with ease.

You can follow Rodney Owl on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/RodneyOwl/

Stream ‘The Rain On A Wave’ below 

Hunting

Genre: Indie garage rock

Bio: Hunting is barely recognizable as the same band that released a debut album five years ago: it’s gone from a solo project to a trio, from folk to catchy electro-rock, and from wistful melancholy to buoyant exuberance.They have recently released their sophomore album, ‘Whatever You Need’ via Nevado Music

Track: Whatever You Need

Why We Like It: It’s a lush indie rock track swirling in 80’s glam rock soundscapes as the band create a dazzling melodious number, filled with meticulous intricacy. A bright uplifting melody and wispy shimmering synths fill out the jangly indie-rock backdrop. With buoyant rhythmic section, panache drenched vocals and an overwhelmingly catchy chorus Hunting blend slick, glossy, glam rock with synth pop and gritty indie seamlessly to create an invigorating, swagger-filled charmer of a track. 

About the track the band said : “Whatever You Need” is about meeting someone you like so much you’d do anything to make them happier, give up anything to make their life better. For me, I met that person right before leaving town to live in Europe for two months to write songs and try to catch Bowie’s late 70’s Berlin vibe.  Though, all the while I felt like it’d be way more fun if she was there tripping around with me. The lyrics ‘We’ll get high on our Fame, all stoned on our vain’ is a reference to what it must have been like to be Bowie and Iggy Pop lighting up that city.”

You can follow Hunting on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/huntingtheband/

Stream ‘Whatever You Need’ below 

DAY6

Day6 Credit: JYP Entertainment

Genre: Pop rock

Bio: DAY6 is a South Korean band formed by JYP Entertainment in 2014. The band is composed of five members: Jae, Sungjin, Young K, Wonpil, and Dowoon. They made their official comeback with their single ‘Time Of Our Life’ and their 5th mini-album, ‘The Book of Us: Gravity’.  This is the band’s first comeback since their ‘Days Gone By’ single at the end of last year.

Track: Time of Our Life

Why We Like It: Brimming from the seams with energy this vibrant track bounces and jingles with the bands infectious melodies and tight instrumentation from the first note. With elegant sweet keys playfully wandering through the explosive indie-jingled wall of sound these guys have the recipe for mass appeal. The edged indie blends with the bands dazzling pop sheen creating a satisfying, sweet track with enough punch to keep it fresh. The jagged guitars strike and glide throughout with relentless stamina while the punchy drums and elastic bass maintain that buoyant backdrop. Its an instant pick me up burst of vitality that will have you dancing around in no time. 

You can follow Day6 on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/day6official/

Watch the video for ‘Time of Our Life’ below 

Austel

Genre: alternative electro-pop music

Bio: Having performed with Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, supported Fleet Foxes with Lyla Foy, and toured the UK with Munro Fox and Stella Martyr, Austel released her debut EP Unfold in 2018 – receiving critical acclaim from the likes of BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing and The Line of Best Fit.  Austel fuses classical training with contemplative songwriting and innovative electronica – enriched by collaborations with producer, bandmate and music technologist Adam Stark (MI.MU Gloves).

Track: Now We’re Here

Why We Like It: This flashing track weaves and coils with dark electronics and slapping sticky beats while Austel’s compelling vocals lure and entice. The track haunts with chilling soundscapes as Austel creates an eerie ethereal atmosphere with swirling choruses. The simplicity of the verses creates a wonderful and mesmerising contrast to the echoed tense chorus. ‘Now We’re Here’ is superbly crafted with a foot tapping mystical soundscape and crisp production.

On writing the single, Austel says: ‘’The song is essentially about the impact of toxic relationships and dismantling the pedestals we put people on. Learning to be comfortable with your own identity. Commanding a new-found sense of confidence and inner strength. It also touches on the idea that we as a society have grown so distant from each other, and ourselves. In an age where communication devices are practically glued to our hands, most of us feel lonelier than ever. We’re not built to socialise through screens; we crave a warm, human connection. So Now We’re Here is also about trying to process that, and why it’s so hard to open up and be vulnerable when you’re met with ‘cold love”.

You can follow Austel on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/austelmusic/

Stream ’Now We’re Here’ below 

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Author : Danu