Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band ‘Made My Peace With You’ Album

Liverpool-born, Paul Dunbar is a soul, rock & blues singer-songwriter, playing live across the UK and Europe and has supported the likes of Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Big Country, James Taylor Quartet & Frank Turner. He has announced the release of his new album ‘Made My Peace With You’ which is set for release in May with a subsequent album launch scheduled for Monday 7th May at Liverpool Philharmonic. Dunbar is recording with the newly formed Black Winter Band, Tom Cowley (Drums,Percussion,Vocals) and Callum Williams (Bass,Keys,Vocals) complete the lineup.

‘Made My Peace With You’ is a healthy dose of soul flavoured classic rock with some folk and country seasoning sprinkled on top. Dunbar straddles multiple styles in a seriously balanced mature manner. The classic rock opener of ‘The Losing Game’ and dynamic funky groove of ‘Made My Peace With You’ feature jangly guitars and heartfelt melodies which flood the track with passion while slick shredding solos create a steamy vaporous texture.The tender power ballads of ‘Ballad of Four Eyes’, ‘Set Free To Emotion’ pull at the heart strings  while  the dark brooding ‘Hands Down’ throws a trudging heftiness and heavy emotion into the mix. Dunbar’s raspy warm vocals exude emotion and soothing tenderness for the sweet tunes and vibrate powerful dynamism for those rock tinged beauties. Soul is definitely his calling as each track oozes, bleeds and seeps soulful passion. Warm glorious melodies caress every track whether it be the infectious heart stopping chorus of ‘Barely Holding On’ with is soothing country elements, mellow guitar and a steady spongy beat, Dunbar provides a cosy yet nostalgic tone to each song. The tracks glide fluidly into each other making for a smooth mellow listen. ‘Friends’ and ‘Earth Sky Or The Raging Sea’ whack out the bluesy meaty side to the album with slick guitar between an elastic slapping bass and attitude soaked vocals. They are  strut ready and vibrant oozing panache and sultry blazing swagger while the stomping rhythm in ‘Earth Sky Or The Raging Sea’ is mighty and staggeringly powerful. The snappy grittier rock and roll tracks like ‘Contort Yourself’ sets the adrenaline a blaze with a danceable rhythm and scorching guitar lines. ‘Whos Gunna Love You’ closes the album with sweet somber tones drenched in luscious country drizzled melodies. It’s an emotional end to the album and evokes images of broken hearts, rain and painful emotion.

‘Made My Peace With You’ is a refined and energized product from Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band. It’s a dignified, well-written piece of work that is honest, mature and thought provoking. Housed within are arm-waving choruses, easy-on-the-ear melodies and modern country/ classic rock songs that are powerful and timeless.

Stream ‘Barely Holding On’ below

 


Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

 Five Mile Smile

Genre: Rock

Bio: Five Mile Smile are a two-piece rock band from Belfast.

Track: This Is Not A Drill

Why We Like It: It’s a hefty dose of swagger-soaked rock and roll that glides in strut ready backed by pounding raw instrumentation. Thumping drums batter throughout while shredding sharp guitar shrill and whine. It’s an exhilarating wallop of pure classic rock and roll.

You can follow Five Mile Smile on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Five-Mile-Smile-604400046245516/

Stream ‘This Is Not A Drill’ below

Blossoms

Genre: Indie

Bio: Stockport band Blossoms have returned with their new single ‘I Can’t Stand It’. It is the first track from their upcoming second album, ‘Cool Like You’.This follows the bands self titled debut album which scored the five piece number one on the official UK Albums Chart.

Track: I Can’t Stand It

Why We Like It: Bursting with the youthful surge of indie pop this number bops, chimes and gushes with subtle sweetness and delicate vibrancy. It’s catchy, luscious and blissfully melodic as shimmering synths trickle candied chimes over deep bass slaps and jangly guitars. With a dreamy melancholic melody and pulsing buoyant beat Blossoms steep this track in light heart-racing sugary sprinkled pop that rides in on a wave of nostalgic emotion

You can follow Blossoms on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/blossomsband/

Stream ‘I Can’t Stand It’ below

Sleepovers

Genre: Indie, Shoegaze, Britpop

Bio: London’s Lo-Fi rabble Sleepovers have released the aptly titled ‘Group Therapy’ from the forthcoming Heartbreak High EP out March 9th.  Following the release of ‘Good Sides’ from the same aforementioned EP,

Track: Group Therapy

Frontman Alfie Smith explains the meaning behind the song: “I was self medicating a broken heart and head which ultimately led to turning to others for help.”

Why We Like It: It’s a woozy airy healthy dose of shoegaze pop that packs in some dreamy honey coated melodies to tranqualise your mind in a light breezy bubble. With sharp distorted guitars adding a dash of dizzying bedazzlement and spiky zest this track presents you a luscious sweet daydream bliss but with a piercing edge. The heavily layered swirling guitars provide a shrilling wall of sound that is crafted to a refined elegance yet appears laid back almost lazy. Sublime listen.

You can follow Sleepovers on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sleepoverslondon/

Watch the video for ‘Group Therapy’ below

Kalpa

Genre: Indie

Bio: Kalpa are an indie 5-piece band from Bath. After a successful 2017 touring with Voyages through Bath to Liverpool, supporting Flyte on their UK Album tour in Bath and King No-One at Liverpool Arts Club, Kalpa are kicking up the dust and gaining serious traction. 2018 started off with their debut single launch, backed up by supporting High Tyde at the iconic Thekla, Bristol.

Track: Wrong Faces

Why We Like It: It’s vibrant indie pop that sprinkles little sun kissed bursts of scintillation through every note. With zesty jangly guitars gleaming throughout animated peppy drums its instantly likeable and radiant. The sweet melty melody glides upon the vivid instrumentation with ease as the dynamic passionate vocals flood the track with emotion. It’s a beaming infectious little ditty.

You can follow Kalpa on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/kalpaboys/

Stream ‘Wrong Faces’ below

Electric Shore

Genre: Alternative

Bio: Dublin indie-rock band Electric Shore have been working tirelessly on the live circuit since the release of their 2016 sophomore EP ‘Glass’. Now they’re back with new single ‘Too Different’,

Track: Too Different

Why We Like It: It’s a breezy atmospheric number that packs oodles of passion.Mature and anthemic this punchy track builds and progresses so that the chorus hits hard. A rich rumbly rhythm creates a fluctuating foundation for the sweet toned guitars to flicker and rebound off. The melody is delicate and lulling for the verses while the guitars freely swirl about the track with an ethereal aerial charm. Its well crafted and maturely written. A powerful display from Electric Shore.

You can follow Electric Shore on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/ElectricShore/

Watch the video for ‘Too Different’ below

My Pleasure

Genre: Almost pop

Bio: My Pleasure is from Hull, UK and describes his music as “almost pop”

Track: Drama at the Gala

About the track My Pleasure said: “Drama at the Gala is pretty much the song I always wanted to write, in which several different instruments spar with each other for attention and you’re never sure where the actual hook of the song is. It was especially nice to have my friend Carl Macklin on the drum set, fighting against a Casio drum machine.”

Why We Like It: It slaps a hosts of sounds into your ear drums causing the most contrasting assault to the senses. With sharp zealous guitar stings jabbing through fuzzed distortion while sweet little jingles lull and delicately soothe with a dolly like effect. Its packed with punk attitude and heavily layered beats which break for a stripped back acoustic verse. Though it’s a contrasting dizzying display each section is sublimely created giving a catchy satisfying track that quenches all appetites.

You can Follow My Pleasure on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pg/mypleasursaurus/about/?ref=page_internal

Watch the lyric video for ‘Drama at the Gala’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist on Spotify here


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Half Light ‘8th May’

The Half Light are a four piece indie band from London who are returning to the scene in 2018 with new material and a new line up. ‘8th May’ is the first track from their forthcoming EP, Night On My Mind. Since forming in 2011, the band have self-released three records, ‘Friday Night’ EP (2011), ‘Clapham’ EP (2012) and ‘Moscow’ (2015), which will be followed by ‘Night On My Mind’ EP later this year. Their music has featured on radio stations across the country, including BBC 6 Music, BBC London and Amazing Radio and the band were nominated for Best UK Act at the 2015 Pure M Awards. Following these earlier releases, vocalist James Rogers and guitarist Guy Chapman were joined by a refreshed rhythm section, Mike Taylor and Martin Sherbish, to complete the line up and the band entered the studio in late 2017. Influenced by the best of indie rock across the decades, the band has drawn parallels with The Smiths, Interpol and REM. ‘8th May’ will be released on 5th March and was recorded at Musicland Studios, Haggerston and produced by Ian Flynn of Werkhouse. The track will be followed up in 2018 by subsequent releases ‘Night On My Mind’ and ‘Seven Summers’.

‘8th May’ is vibrantly charming punchy pop encased in delicately chiming guitars on top of a catchy shimmy ready rhythm and is likely to win over any listener with ease. It is utterly alluring and infectious with a ravishingly fetching rhythm that would coax you to the dance floor and command your feet to shuffle and bop joyously. Sweet toned guitar takes a tropical warm tone and wisps you into a sway like salsa dance. It’s smooth and delightful with some nice jagged guitar injections to create a slap of roughness through the chorus. Richly layered and sublimely crafted The Half Light have created a catchy gem, brimming with delightful ear worm melodies and glorious instrumentation. A sublime listen.

The Half Light will play The Water Rats, London on Saturday 10th March to mark the launch of 8th May. A series of further gigs and festival appearances will be announced on the band’s website in the coming weeks (www.thehalflight.com).

Stream ‘8th May’ below


Event News

Event News: Crazy Town at The Bowery Dublin

Who : Crazy Town
When :  Friday 13th of April
Where: The Bowery ,196 Rathmines Rd Lower, Dublin

Who doesn’t remember the “Come my lady, come come my lady, your my butterfly, sugar baby” lyrics anyone listening to music in 2001 could hardly prise that catchy lyric from their skull. Well Crazy Town are back and they are heading to the Bowery, Dublin for a nostalgic night of reminiscing and some new tunes. Crazy Town’s music and image reflected one of the most dynamic and volatile sociocultural environments on the planet — Los Angeles — where the urban squalor of the South Central district exists just minutes away from the glitz of Beverly Hills. Spearheaded by a team of producers/vocalists, Seth “Shifty Shellshock” Binzer and Bret “Epic” Mazur, Crazy Town combined hip-hop’s lyrical attitude and rhythmic sass with the muscle of live rock instrumentation. The combination yielded the group a number one hit in 2001, when “Butterfly” topped the Billboard 100 and helped push the band’s debut effort, The Gift of Game, to platinum status. After 2002’s Howard Benson-produced Darkhorse failed to receive similar accolades, the band broke up in 2003.Crazy Town members pursued production projects and solo careers as the decade progressed, but between Binzer’s myriad bouts with drug addiction and the death of DJ AM (2009), attempts to reunite the band never truly took hold. That all changed in 2013 when Mazur and Binzer let fly in an interview that they were currently in the studio working on new material. The resulting Brimstone Sluggers — the moniker that the duo operated under before becoming Crazy Town — dropped in the summer of 2015. So spike that hair pull out the bling and tattoos for a night of classic rap-rock.

Crazy Town are playing Friday 13th of April at The Bowery, Dublin Doors 8pm

Tickets available at  http://thebowery.ie/


Album Release, Album Review, Blues Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Soul

Maker ‘DEA’ Album

Kent four piece Maker will release their twelve track debut long-player, ‘DEA’, on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018. Made up of band members Alessandro Marinelli (vocals), brothers Andrew Donaldson (guitar) and Gavin Donaldson (drums) and John Austin (bass) Maker bring a sound brimming with psychedelic bluesy punch and stirred with a fist full of soul. The band have already picked-up fans in one of the world’s most acclaimed guitarists, Rich Robinson (The Black Crowes/Magpie Salute), as well as Simone Marie (Primal Scream) and Tom Meighan (Kasabian). Their debut album ‘DEA’ was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales where artists such as Oasis, The Stone Roses, Queen, Black Sabbath, Kasabian plus many more have all recorded seminal albums. Produced by Nick Brine (The Stone Roses, Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, Imelda May), the album was recorded over just fourteen days and every track was recorded with the band all together playing in the same room.

‘DEA’ is a timeless swagger filled pure rock album with all the boozy soaked blues, fire loaded soul and leather dressed suave you’d expect from this four piece. From the first shredding riff of ‘Soul’ you know your in for one hell of an album. Its gritty, rough around the edges rock with enough sass and swagger thrown in to create a sleek steamy blazing rock track. With powerful vocals and strut ready atmosphere teamed with passion and soul, it’s an anthemic and fiery start. The debut album’s title, ‘DEA’, comes from the initials of the album track ‘Dead Ends & Avenues’, a track which is about triumph in the face of adversity, making your own luck and succeeding despite life’s hurdles.It’s a foot stomping infectious number that shuffles and prances with a rebellious two finger salute. These guys keep pelting out the sizzling licks brain crashing drums and rugged brawny riffs over infectious melodies and feel good blistering stamina to create an album that is wholly satisfying and invigorating. With shredding guitar solos and oodles of red hot energy this album is locked and loaded and set to scalding temperatures. The Lenny Kravitz– esque ‘Move Your Feet’, bluesy sensual ‘Quick Getaway’ and funky flavoured ‘Curtain Call’ all ooze trade mark shots of their raw, brawny, slick rock and roll. While the sultry ‘Girl Quit Your Crying’ brings a slower tonality with its bluesy and soulful tone and sensual sway -like tempo. Featuring steamy guitar licks and a elegant piano feature before building to a mighty crescendo with punchy drums and expressive vocals this track is passionate and powerfully sharp all while cruising on sultry and sensually smooth swagger. Maker use this album to showcase the versatility in their sound as they whack out the twanging glorious ‘John’s Pharmacy’. With its country- esque twangs and glowing warmth teamed with peppy piano, it’s a joyous little ditty.There is no end to their slick rock and roll, ‘Soaked Up’ floods through reinforcing their golden rock and roll drenched flamboyance that makes you want to dance. Each anthemic track is like an instant shot of confidence and a strut ready soundtrack to boost you with feel good vibes and make you feel like you’re the sh*t. While the smooth tender tracks like ‘Comin In From The Rain’ cools the tone and sets the perfect scene for summer evening chill time. It’s delicate and passionate without becoming sappy. It is tender and emotional in a raspy sweet rock and roll way. ‘She’s On A Replay’ is a sultry dark mysterious track that is worth the wait, slotting in second last on the album it’s a strident laid back swagger laden banger steeped in spine chilling blues that creeps in, all mysterious and eerie before the explosive chorus. The intensity of the verses tease the thrilling chorus to come while slick guitar licks slither around the brawny melody and blistering riffs.The sweet warm twangs of  ‘(Little Bit Of) Soul’ brings us to a calming mellow end to the album. It’s soulful and charming with glimmering guitars behind a melty passionate melody and punchy drums which then builds into a stomping anthem. It’s a euphoric sublime end to an album that packs some mighty beefy punches and swagger soaked kicks.

Maker have already headlined many of the UK’s most prestigious venues (including rocking London’s legendary 100 Club in March 2017 as part of the ‘Best Of British Blues Explosion’), played as special guests to some of the UK’s finest artists (including band hero Wilko Johnson) and shared bills with the likes of The Cribs, Dizzee Rascal and Mark Ronson, to name but a few. The band have a handful of brand new live shows just confirmed (with further dates to be added in the near future).

‘DEA’ is released on Kidda Records on 6th April 2018 for more information head to Makers Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Makeruk/

 

Stream ‘Soul’ below

 

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Scenic Route to Alaska ‘Ghost of Love’

The easy-going Edmonton-based trio Scenic Route to Alaska have released their new single ‘Ghost of Love’. Comprised of members Trevor Mann on lead vocals and guitar, Shea Connor on drums and Murray Wood on bass this trio weave catchy vocals and memorable melodies through rich arrangements. ‘Ghost of Love’ is taken from the band’s upcoming LP Tough Luck which is a collection of 10 tracks that were recorded with famed producer Howard Redekopp (Tegan & Sara, The New Pornographers) and is set for release March 9th. Following the band’s last release ‘How It Feels’, Scenic Route to Alaska has amassed an impressive pile of achievements and accolades. The band’s catchy vocals, memorable melodies, and rich arrangements have led to label signings, number ones on CBC Radio, and award nods.

‘Ghost of Love’ is a warm glowingly infectious indie track that bops along. It is laid back, gloriously melodic and sweet to the ears. It’s uplifting melty melody seeps into your brain and comfortably embraces your mind rendering you hooked and sedated. Punchy buoyant drums and jangly vibrant guitars teamed with velvety charming vocals create a joyous little pop smothered ditty. Summer ready and radio friendly this light little number will charm and snuggle its way into your mind leaving you craving more.

Stream ‘Ghost of Love’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Classic Rock, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bad Hombres

Glasgow classic rock band Bad Hombres have released their new single ‘Manuel!’. Bad Hombres formed in April 2017 and consist of Jack Conlon, Paul Duff and Innes McGarry. The band mix a blend of Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand, and are firm favourites for fans of Kasabian and The Libertines. Having made their debut at the world-famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in August, 2017 proved to be a great introductory year for the band with the release of their first demo ‘Icarus’ being received greatly.

‘Manuel!’ is an exhilarating darkly smeared punchy track which displays that though Bad Hombres are a fresh young band they can flesh out a mature, confident sound with a chunky foundation. From angst riddled vocals to sharp strident guitars and a rooted relentless bass it’s a searing smack in the mouth of smog smothered classic rock. This track is swagger soaked and crisp, without being too slick, retaining enough of a raw edge to keep its classic rock n’ roll spirit intact. The stomping bridge shift is sublime and is a thrilling chant-able crowd ready feature that is sure to be epic live. Keep an eye out for these guys. I’m looking forward to what these guys do next.

Stream ‘Manuel!’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

TV ME ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’

Liverpool based three-piece pop project TV ME have recently dropped their newest EP ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’, a four-track experimental fusion of psych, art pop and dream pop. Led by Thomas McConnell, the songwriter of the band – who toured as a solo artist supporting Mercury-nominee, C Duncan, before taking time to hone his writing skills and further explore the incorporation of psych and electronica into a new project.TV ME formed in early 2017 with their debut single gaining instant airplay with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, and a signing with Deltasonic Records for their early releases. Offering harmonic vocals teamed with classic song-writing and engaging textures, the newest release from the trio – their first self released project, presents an EP ranging in style from psych-folk to cinematic instrumentals and dance pop whilst still retaining a fresh sound. Since their formation last year, the trio have landed some notable support slots with the likes of Cat’s Eyes, Flyte and Childhood and have recently completed their first UK headline tour in support of their EP release, with plans to release their debut album later in 2018.

The lead single ‘Stitches’ kicks off the EP. The track was written in sections by Tom himself over the duration of 15 years, with the beginning piano piece written at the age of 14, the ending written age 10 and middle section ‘stitching’ the piece together two years ago in 2016. Taking inspiration from old videos of Laurel & Hardy, Pinky & Perky and A Hard Day’s Night for sound and lyrics, 60’s and 70’s influences can be clearly heard in both the vocals and guitar. Twinkling guitars and jazzy piano accompaniment instantly shoot you back to a flower power 60’s -esque time. While lush vocals coo with a soothing quality. It’s dreamy and airy swirling with gentle sweet psychedelic soundscapes which create a sublime euphoric atmosphere. ‘Mountain Biplane’ follows – a little more electronic with bouncy synths creating a whirlwind of trippy soundscapes while a sticky beat flickers between the catchy melody. It’s vibrant psychedelia wrapped up in a luscious candy floss dose of pop. They whack in a nice shot of obscurity too as spacey wobbly synths introduce ‘Day’ followed by a beautiful elegant piano feature. This sway like instrumental number glides with grandeur as the piano provides a touch of romantic cinematic class and finesse while a soft tapping drum beat gives a steady foundation. Gently backing vocals whisper “ooh ahh” creating a tender oh so delicate effect. ‘Opal Fruits’ closes the album with funky guitar jingles between swirling trippy soundscapes. Once again velvety vocals glissade upon a melty instantly likeable melody while sublime obscure soundscapes rush around.

‘A Broadcast From TV ME’ is an outstanding cocktail of psychedelic, art pop and dream pop blended and fermented perfectly to create a wholly unique and satisfying listen.

You can catch TV ME live at

Stoke – 30th March – Your City Festival

Chester -26th April – Alexanders

Stream  ‘A Broadcast From TV ME’ below

https://soundcloud.com/tvmeband/sets/a-broadcast-from-tv-me/s-51nIT

 

 


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Novatines ‘Silver Screen’

Bath Based Alt-Rock 4 Piece, Novatines have released their new single/video ‘Silver Screen’. Released through Dirty 38 Records ahead of their UK tour in March, ‘Silver Screen’ is a statement of ethereal madness, beautifully seated in twisted, bitter-sweet detail. Following on from the group’s debut single ‘Medicine’, ‘Silver Screen’ which was recorded live and produced by the band, stretches out a vivid dream and showcases Novatines as something very real. The group have been tipped as one of the ‘hottest new UK guitar bands’ and will be touring throughout the UK this coming spring.

‘Silver Screen’ is a passionate track that builds into a powerful rock anthem. Beginning tender and sweet with twinkling guitars the four piece lull you into a melancholic dreamy state before blasting you back with their fiery instrumentation. Sharp guitars wail and sting over punchy drums while the sweet delicate melody broods throughout as if unaware of the surrounding instrumental turmoil. Shredding guitars shrill over the soft melody with a biting abrasiveness that wounds deep lacerating all in it path while pulverising drums and a hefty bass batters and bruises packing oodles of emotion and passion. It’s a sophisticated, mature offering that lays their heart on their sleeve in an exhilarating true rock and roll manner.

Watch the video for ‘Silver Screen’ Below

 


Indie, Indie Folk, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Goldkey ‘Faster’

Goldkey is the musical alias of New York artist Mike Horn. Working with producer Ben Rice (Norah Jones, The Candles, Queue, Daughter) at Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, Goldkey has crafted tunes that are one part indie pop, one part indie folk. His first single ‘Mountain’ was featured on Spotify playlists Tune Core The New, Indie Mono Indie Folk. Goldkey followed this release with the driving psychedelia of ‘What Am I Supposed To Do?’, which led to dates supporting artists Eighty Ninety, Elliot & the Ghost and a headline appearance at the 2017 Official Jeff Buckley tribute concert. He will play summer 2018 festival dates and select North east dates in support of his upcoming single ‘Faster’, to be released March 2.

‘Faster’ oozes a beautiful dreamy glow with tender heart-warming emotion. With delicate instrumentation of twinkling guitar and richly soft vibrant drum rumble this track is true, pure, wholesome and just sublimely charming. With a sweet melody caressed by Horns’ luscious velvety vocals and honeyed guitar twangs it just warms your bones and soothes the soul. It’s passionate, fragile and a cosy track to hold dear. There is something very special about this little gem.

Stream ‘Faster’ below


Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.

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