Indie Quick Picks Featuring – The Utopiates, Gloria, Pushpin, ALBA and Isaac Dunbar

The Utopiates

Genre : Indie rock

Bio : Formed during the global pandemic and in the thick of a nationwide lockdown, The Utopiates forged a strong bond over a shared love of music. The Utopiates is comprised of Dan Popplewell (Vocals/Guitar),Ed Godshaw (Keys), Josh Redding (Lead Guitar), Luke Nottingham (Bass) and Matt Dacey (Drums)

Track: Only Human

Why We Like It: It’s a dark number driven by gripping keys, heavy guitars, and a brooding atmosphere. Through honest lyrics, the band discuss the loss of community we have experienced in the last year as The Utopiates create a musical and expressive cry for help to the masses. With a shredding guitar solo, pulsing synths, and punchy drums the track exudes an 80’s rock persona however the lamenting and stark lyrics leave a bitter aftertaste. Impressive and utterly compelling. 

You Can Follow The Utopiates on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/theutopiates

Stream ‘Only Human’ below

Gloria

Genre : Alternative

Bio : Having sold out their debut headline gig in Manchester and chosen as main support for The Elephant Trees in Leeds – just two notable shows among a plethora of early highlights, Gloria are back with new single ‘Story Of Strife’. The band have also gained a massive 180,000 streams of their eponymous debut single ‘Gloria’ on Spotify,

Track: Story Of Strife

Why We Like It: ‘Story Of Strife’ is an emotive and beautifully written single. Jangly warm guitars glide through the track with a folk rock-esque glow that comforts a sombre, lamenting melody. A steady beat maintains a lush swaying tempo while Austin Woodcock’s passionate vocals coo and surge with heartfelt emotion. The textures and tones provided by an array of guitar melodies within the track are captivating. Gloria embellish melancholic soundscapes with nimble refrains to create a wholesome and heartfelt song. This trio present a mature and immersive sound that is well beyond their years. Keep an eye on Gloria.

You Can Follow Gloria On Facebook Here https://www.facebook.com/thebandgloria/

Stream ‘Story Of Strife’ below

Pushpin

Genre : Indie, post-punk

Bio : Pushpin are a new and inventive band, based in South London. Their music has been featured on BBC Radio London, BBC Introducing and Soho Radio, and has been performed at 93 Feet East. They have further written and produced theatrical soundtracks at the Camden Peoples’ Theatre, and provided original compositions for XR London.‘Folds’ is the first of five songs written in 2020, as Pushpin got to grips with being a “virtual-based band”. Working apart, they exchanged voice notes, sampled microwaves, pots and pans, hoovers and whatever was to hand during the lockdown.

Track: Folds

Why We Like It: Fizzing in a psychedelic synth explosion and sweet dream-pop elements with post-punk outbursts ‘Folds’ is a unique and thrilling single. The song bubbles in intricate grooves and sharp guitar riffs mixed with sweet pop bounces creating an instant charm and vibrancy that is infectious. The catchy melody glides with honeyed earworm tones into the ears allowing the distortion and heavy rhythms create an almost mosh effect as the dizzying synths crash into the mind-frazzling chorus. The song explores the elusiveness of self-love and affirmation while the track spirals in and out of control through numerous blending and colliding instrumental bursts. Pushpin take us from soft self-care mantras to drum-driven head pounding confusion in one swift swoop. ‘Folds’ is a fantastic new single. 

You Can Follow Pushpin on Facebook Here https://www.facebook.com/PushpinBand/

Stream ‘Folds’ below

Alba

Genre : Singer songwriter

Bio : Beginning her musical career as the front woman for Sons of Rock in her teen years, ALBA has taken stages by storm, captivating audiences and becoming known for playing her guitar behind her Head. Alba embarked on her first solo project upon moving to London in 2016, performing on stages across the UK including The Cavern Club, Ronnie Scott’s, Lancaster Music Festival, and opening for acclaimed acts such as The Waterboy

Track: Sister 

Why We Like It: Alba sets a velvety melody over smoky instrumentation to create a wholly engaging and powerful new single. With intricate guitar rippling through a foot-tapping beat and lush backing vocal harmony this bight track is instantly charming. The rock toned guitar adds an edgy quality to the track without becoming overpowering. It’s an emotional soulful track that boasts the immaculate warm vocals and passionate songwriting of Alba.

You Can Follow Alba On Facebook Here https://www.facebook.com/albamusicofficial

Watch the video for ‘Sister’ below 

Isaac Dunbar

Genre : Indie Pop

Bio : Hailed as one of the most critically heralded new artists in 2020, 17-year-old Isaac Dunbar from Cape Cod, Massachusetts has released his new single ‘pink party’ which follows on from “intimate moments” and “love, or the lack thereof,” both of which will be featured on his forthcoming EP ‘evil twin’ set for release in February 2021.

Track: pink party

Why We Like It: It’s a dark frenetic single which shows a new exhilarating side to Dunbar. Smothered in muggy electronics and an intoxicating beat the track has an eerie dance-infused soundscape as Dunbar’s menacing whisper and deep chants drive the track’s hypnotic element. ‘pink party’ sees Dunbar at his most bewitching. The frantic, head-spinning synth is laced in swaggered vocals as the track struts in before the hook loaded chorus kicks in. There is an ominous soundscape within this track that is sheer genius. The punctuated beats and aggressive electronics are set to a smeared glitter ball dance vibe which creates a fantastic sonic assault on the senses that is infectious and luring.

You Can Follow Isaac Dunbar on Facebook Here https://www.facebook.com/isaacdunbarofficial

Watch the video for ‘pink party’ below 

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Author : Danu