Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Ragmans Daughter
Ragmans Daughter are an indie band from London who have released their debut single ‘Lazy’. This hazy sun sprinkled track is a crisp display from a band who are sure to go far. Vivid juicy guitar jangles weave playfully between the laid-back melody and punchy drums which bounce and hop with a contagious spring and elastic rebound. The track becomes more fuzzed and heavy as it progresses adding an effervescent buzz and gritty texture to their luscious mellow sound. The production is on point. The track is fun, fresh and appears unfussy until the psychedelic whirls and grungy flavours kick in and you realise this is a band with a difference. The melody is drenched in sugary melty syrup that seeps into your ear rendering you hooked to their delicious sound. This track announces Ragmans Daughter as an energetic and creative band with a lot of success ahead of them.
Gallus are a Glasgow band comprised of members Barry Dolan (Vocals), Craig Duris (Bass), Eamon Ewins (Guitar) and Paul Ewins (Drums). They have released their debut self titled EP and played their first gig at the legendary King Tut’s. These fresh young lads have shown some serious potential within this EP. The rowdy ruckus causing wallops of ‘Weapons’ which features crashing guitar riffs against a jagged driving bassline and pummelling drums showcases a shrilling mighty display that I can imagine is insane live. That instrumental is so snappy, raw and elastic it’s sure to set the mosh pit alight. ‘Making Tracks’ introduces itself with a slick riff and rumble on drums. It’s bouncy, edgy and smothered in rock and roll. It’s my favourite track on the EP as it showcases some really striking nimble guitar work. The shouty vocals maintain the rawness and brawn of their sound while the instrumentation displays an organic whiff of finesse. ‘Maybe Next Time’ begins disguised as the delicate track on the EP. Twinkling guitars and soft vocals introduce the track before it explodes instrumentally into their brand of garage rock. It’s a bit Pixies- esque at times with vibrant golden guitar lines adding a sun kissed glow to the grungy attitude soaked track.
These guys have whacked out an impressive EP that showcases their talent and slick musicianship with tracks that exude energy, adrenaline and some exciting instrumentation. Gallus will be finishing of their year with a free show in Glasgow at Broadcast with 0141 and Heavy Rapids. Following this, they will be supporting Retro Video Club as part of Independent Venue Week so if your around make sure to check them out.
Bio: Alternative rock trio Dramalove, originally from Italy but now based in Canterbury have released their new single ‘Play With You’ It is the lead single off their first full-English EP titled “How To Wear A Broken Heart” and it includes 5 songs picked up from a selection of a 20 demo song package that the band managed to home-record during this first year and a half living in the U.K. It has been mastered in Ashford at the Anchor Baby Recording Company and is due to be released in early 2018, The trio have already achieved a certain level of stardom by reaching the semi-finals of the Italian version of X Factor of which the Italian version allowed bands to apply and team up with artists such Skin from Skunk Anansie and Mika. Dramalove fast gained a dedicated local following in Canterbury, and summer 2017 already saw them touring across the country with gigs in Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester and London.
Track: Play With You
Why We Like It: It’s a slick heavy dose of swagger soaked rock. This smooth criminal is sassy gritty and sensually steamy. With sticky eerie soundscapes smothered on vaporous sharp guitars lines and Matt Bellamy- esque falsetto vocals this track cruises in, in all its stuffy sizzling glory to take over your mind. It’s impressively commanding and luring.
You can follow Dramalove on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dramalove
Watch the video for ‘Play With You’ below
Bad Family
Genre: Alternative Rock
Bio: Brighton’s Bad Family formed in late 2016 and quickly released EP1 to critical acclaim. They return with EP2 and are ready to claim their place among the indie elite.
Track: ‘On Your Wall’
Frontman Dane Etteridge explains about the track:“Have you ever been with someone, it doesn’t work out and they start sleeping with someone new way too soon after the breakup? Well, thats what ‘On your Wall’ is about, the horrible anxiety and hatred it causes towards the person that you once cared so deeply about, The idea that you shadow is the last thing to leave a room, and your former lover is with their next one before your shadow has had the chance to get out.”
Why We Like It: It’s a stinging knife edged rock track blistering with fiery sharp guitars crashing against punchy drums which creates a thrilling wall of sound. With a catchy chorus and delicious melody this track is instantly likable and fiery. Swirling guitar whines teamed with rumbling drums and a dark chanting bridge create a wholly unique eerie spiky experience. It’s an attitude drenched anthem.
Bio: Zach Leon is an alternative artist based out of Nashville, Tennessee and originally from Kansas City. He was front man for a rock band called ‘Project Zero’ in his earlier years and is now currently pursuing a solo career.
Track: A + K from his ‘Sailawayheart’ album
Why We Like It: It’s a luscious sweet ditty. Creamy smooth and sugar coated this track is melty, heart shaped candied romance. A soft delicate acoustic guitar twinkles along a boppy doo-wop beat while sing along friendly backing vocals and clap along joyous chorus creates a light heart-warming dreamy blissful atmosphere. This track will put a smile on your face and have you swaying happily in no time. With velvety passionate vocals and feathery light skip along rhythm this track is the perfect pick me up.
You can follow Zach Leon on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/zachleonmusicstuff/
Stream ‘A + K’ below
Mellor
Genre: Indie
Bio: Reading Indie four-piece Mellor have had a whole host of national and regional media support from the likes of Absolute Radio, BBC6 Music, BBC Berkshire, BBC London, and BBC Introducing. Labelled by Alt Reading as “one of Reading’s most exciting acts”, they bring a live show packed with high energy, raucous vocals, big guitar riffs, and pounding drums. The bands dedicated following is steadily on the rise thanks to shows up and down the UK sharing stages with the likes of The Kooks, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Carl Barat & The Jackals, Flyte, and The Milk.
Track: You Were Right
Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant track stamped with Mellor’s signature infectious blistering indie- so irrepressible and effervescent it bubbles and boils intense adrenaline through your veins. Sharp guitars sting and wail with a brazen zest teasing then gushing through you leaving you craving almost gagging for more. Punchy drums and dynamic vocals bring the track to anthemic heights. It’s one for large crowds bellowing out at the top of their lungs.
You can follow Mellor on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/melloruk/
Stream ‘You Were Right Below’
The Fontaines
Genre: new wave rock
Bio: The Fontaines are a new wave rock duo based in Los Angeles, California comprised of siblings Charlotte Fontaine (vocals) and Hank Fontaine (guitar). They are backed by Xrys Kaplan (drums) and Daniel Zuker (bass) both live and in the studio.They have released a series of singles and EPs while performing across the United States – including a sold-out headlining performance at legendary venue The Troubadour. It was recently announced that The Fontaines will be returning to SXSW in 2018 in support of their new EP ‘Playboys’ which was recorded at Big Bad Sound LA (Rancid) and mixed by Xrys Kaplan and legendary producer Patrick Leonard (Madonna).
Track: ‘Playboys’, the title track from The Fontaines new EP
Why We Like It: It’s blusterous, sassy, attitude driven rock. With a snappy beat and rowdy guitars blazing through a twist ready shimmy and shake groove. This track oozes enough energy to whip you into a frenzy of dancing. It’s raw and gritty with a timeless doo- wop-ness that has been distorted and corrupted adding an edgy aggressive coating. Charlotte’s vocals seamlessly flicker from a soft coo to powerful bellow as the track becomes more dynamic. It’s a razor sharp jubilant frenzy causing number and catchy as hell.
Merseyside’s Factory have released their new single ‘Violet Lips’. Factory have been shaking up venues all over the country supporting bands like SPACE, as well as selling out headline gigs in Manchester and Liverpool. In 2016 they were chosen by Alan McGee to open up for Primal Scream at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester and 2017 saw the band kick things off with the sold-out release of single and music video for ‘Step a Little Closer’ which received radio play from Dave Monks at BBC Radio Merseyside. Factory also completed their first UK tour, with dates at Sound City ‘Suburbia’, TRAMLINES, Dot 2 Dot and even their first gig in the capital.
‘Violet Lips’ continues their quest for world domination. Its more shrilling fierce and savage than its predecessor. With funky guitar injected between slick basslines and punchy drums it’s a swagger soaked demand for attention. This track seeps chic rooted grooves from its very core, with a bass line so elastic beefy and slick it steam rolls through with relentless tyrant stamina. With steamy guitar wails and a refined shimmy ready rhythm these guys have what it takes. It’s a solid rough and tumble track, yet sensually smooth to make you dance effortlessly. With a raspy vocal adding raw rock and roll muscle teamed with a catchy melody and sweat and leather adrenaline pumping instrumentation, this track is a force to be reckoned with. Keep an eye out for Factory these dark horses have some serious talent and they have burst onto the music scene gung-ho and are ready to rock.
Kent based, RAFFER has released his new single ‘Together’ which was written, recorded and mastered all under one roof. RAFFER is only 19 years old and already producing pieces which simply wow listeners. RAFFER has returned from a short break, ready to make an impact with a selection of new music set to be released over the coming months. His entirely self produced, infectious indie-pop sound has already won him compliments from BBC Introducing and ‘Together’ is sure to follow this trend.
‘Together’ is a dewy luscious indie pop track so melodic and catchy it will be stuck in your head for days. Glowing in bright luminous vibes this track squirts, bursts and oozes energetic youthful vibrancy. Velvety vocals exude passion and dynamism while zesty zealous guitar stings inject instant vitality and vigor. Its deliciously sweet melody is like honey to the ears which induces a sugar rush of ecstasy from the first note leaving you craving more. The infectious hook teamed with a shredding electrifying lead guitar riff lifts the track to soaring anthemic indie pop heights. This track is doused in sunny vibes and one to dance around the room ridiculously to.
Irish hip-hop/alternative artist Darce has released the first single ‘Valhalla’ from his forthcoming EP ‘Night’ which features vocals by up-and-coming Cork soul singer Eve Clague. In 2017 Darce released his debut EP ‘Sunset’ and it has been featured on blogs across the world including Ambrosia For Heads and The Irish Times via Nialler9 (Artist of the week). He has been played on esteemed radio stations such as 2fm,98fm, Cool Hype Radio (Chicago) and Fubar (London).’Valhalla’ has already got it’s UK radio debut on Fubar Radio along with it’s first Irish play on 98fm’s Totally Irish.
‘Valhalla’ is a tightly crafted, darkly hued track that smothers you in sparse haunting soundscapes. It’s a breezy biting number with honest lyrics and a smooth creamy chorus melted on top. The rap adds attitude and fiery emotion to the track while Eve Clague’s vocals soothe and coo with a lulling gentle sleekness. The sticky beat adds a rebounding spring to the track while the haunting aerial soundscapes swirl with a chilling icy sharpness. It’s a catchy laid back frosty display from Darce.
When asked about the track Darce said: “It captures youth in rural Ireland. From the nights of backstreet drinking in cold ghost estates to the creeping feeling of knowing you will have to leave eventually.”
Bio: Hailing from the UK, AT THE SUN are a heavy rock 5 piece blending their love of blues, metal and classic rock to create a powerful sound of big riffs, soulful vocals and ripping solos. The band have released the brand-new music video for their second single, “Walk On Over”, taken from their debut EP “Breathe”
Track: ‘Walk On Water’
Singer Harry Dale calls the track:“a story of lust, desire and temptation”
Why We Like It: It’s a scorching blistering rock track that oozes steamy swagger. Sensual bass lines. Punchy drums provide a slick elastic foundation for this vaporous track while sizzling guitar licks wail with luring sultry lustiness. It’s a sleazy bluesy stuffy whack of swagger soaked rock.
Bio: Alabama four-piece Belle Adair has unveiled ‘Neptune City’, the latest from its forthcoming record ‘Tuscumbia’. Groups in Belle Adair’s orbit include some of the most exciting acts to come out of Southern independent music in the past decade: Alabama Shakes, John Paul White, St. Paul and The Broken Bones and Dylan LeBlanc, as well as Shoals legends like Donnie Fritts and David Hood. When not working on their own music, Belle Adair serve as something of a house band for this community, just wrapping up an international tour with White and backing Fritts on his recent comeback dates. The group shares keyboardist Ben Tanner with Alabama Shakes, and their Single Lock Records is home to a majority of the artists listed above.
Track: ‘Neptune City’
Why We Like It: It’s a blissed out refreshing blend of indie pop with hints of folk stirred in for good measure. This track is effortlessly smooth laid back and easy on the ears. With a nostalgic breezy summer vibe doused in luscious melodies and rich instrumentation its instantly likable. Jangly atmospheric guitars add a spaced out vibe and refreshing zest and fizz to the deliciously soothing track. It’s mellow, insanely melodic and richly layered, an exquisite track.
You can follow Belle Adair on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/belleadair
Stream ‘Neptune City’ below
The Purple Lights
Genre: Funk, Groove-Rock
Bio: London’s Most Electrifying Groove Rock Duo The Purple Lights fuse Akeba’s authentic roots reggae beats into Rob’s psychedelic gritty grooves, combining a powerful message, delivered in a bright package. Over the summer The Purple Lights performed at festivals including Glastonbury, Beacons, Latitude and Secret Garden Party instantly reaching out to fans and building a unifying and positive presence, as they draw on everything from 60s psyche to dancehall vibes and tribal drums for inspiration. ‘Not Alone’ is the title track from the much anticipated second EP.
Track: Not Alone
Why We Like It: This vibrant laid-back track oozes heartfelt warm vibes smothered in indie rock goodness. A luscious reggae beat sprinkles glorious rays of sunshine all over this track while Rob Fincham’s expressive Adam Ant- esque vocals add a touch of chic swagger. Its pop melody is so infectious while the bouncy rhythm takes you to sunshine and paradise. It’s an instant pick me up shot of groove rock.
You can follow The Purple Lights on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Purplelightsmusic/
Stream ‘Not Alone’ below
Megan Dixon Hood
Genre: Singer Songwriter
Bio: Cheshire born singer-songwriter Megan Dixon Hood has been under the radar in the music scene for some time. A Manchester graduate in music studies she has continued to develop what she has learned during her years at university to create wonderful ethereal nu-folk, including her 2014 debut single Early Morning Riser which gained significant airplay and was praised by Terry Wogan on his BBC Radio 2 show. Last year saw her release ‘With Time’, a moving single driven by flowing pianos and stunning vocal harmonies, and since then she has carried out a busy festival schedule including gigs at Rock the Farm, Glass Butter Beach, and a headline slot at Middlewich Folk Festival. To round the year off comes new single Alias Grace, a track that precedes an upcoming EP to be released in January/February 2018.
Track: Alias Grace
When asked about the track Dixon Hood said: “Alias Grace’ was inspired by the book of the same name by the author Margaret Atwood. The song itself takes on the perspective of Grace, suggesting the idea that she did not commit the crime, yet the rumors spread quickly and she is aware that she is seen as the ‘beast’ despite her beauty and mild manners. The tone is somewhat sarcastic, as she invites the listener to ‘step into’ her skin, to see for themselves what her life is really like and make their judgments that way.”
Why We Like It: It’s a mysterious darkly coated track that bubbles and boils with eerie secrecy. The staccato guitar riffs whip and bounce with vibrancy and a sense of urgency while the descending piano adds tension and spine chilling suspense. Dixon Hood’s crisp vocals flutter between chilling depths and sweet ethereal falsetto, its quite sublime and captivating. The track becomes more stormy and shadowy creating the perfect thrilling hair raising atmosphere. It’s a bewitching wholly enthralling track.
You can follow Megan Dixon Hood on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/megandixonhood/
Bio: Shallow Waters are a three-piece band hailing from the North West of England.
Track: Wake Up To What Is Real
Why We Like It: It’s a swagger soaked dizzying blast of desert grunge. Spiraling grooves crash against razor sharp fuzzed guitars creating a gritty rough and tumble track that assaults your senses. Laid back vocals howl over shredding guitar solos and pulverising drums. It’s a manic onslaught of instrumentation smoothed off in a sensual wave of psychedelia and doused in fiery attitude.
Bio: Hailing from Los Angeles, Vast Asteroid is a supergroup of sorts, made up of The Warlocks former bassist Mimi Star, seminal Mancunian punk-rock band Slaughter And The Dogs drummer Mark Reback and singer and guitarist James Poulos. After previously playing together in various configurations, the members coalesced around a shared love of the immersive, propulsive and passionate music of shoegaze, space rock, desert rock, art grunge, and brit pop. They also gave a name to this unique blend they together give shape to: spacegaze. Born from a brief writing and rehearsal period in and around the Highland Park neighbourhood of L.A., the band’s debut full-length album was released in November. The album also features the likes of Dave Catching (Eagles Of Death Metal) as a special guest.
Track: Poison Fang
When asked about the track vocalist and guitarist James Poulos said :“Lyrically, it’s a song with several layers of meaning. It’s about the end of things, and what turns out to come after the end. What promises become possible, or even necessary. We knew we wanted a video that didn’t give any room for uncertainty about what you were seeing, yet offered plenty of room for emotional variance and interpretation. One idea that expands to become a meditation.”
Why We Like It: It’s a acute razor sharp swagger soaked track. With sultry laid-back vocals smothered with blistering guitars crashing against punchy drums and thrilling mind bending psychedelia. Briery guitars shred everything in their path with fuzzed riveting distortion while the track lures and entices with a darkly hued soundscape. Its melodic charming and enticing all while slapping a healthy dose of distortion and gritty sleaziness in the mix. With a sway ready bridge laced in melancholic tones and anthemic stamina it is arena ready and sing along friendly.
You can follow Vast Asteroid on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/vastasteroid/
Watch the video For ‘Poison Fang’ below
You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here
21-year-old Los Angeles Songwriter Mason Summit has finished his Homemade Fourth Album ‘Summer Cold’ which is set for release on January 19th, 2018. The lead single ‘Stick It Out’ has been released today. The album follows 2016’s acclaimed ‘Gunpowder Tracks’. In contrast with his previous efforts, which featured ensembles of some of LA’s finest musicians, Summit engineered, mixed, & performed most of Summer Cold himself at home.
‘Stick It Out’ is a light laid back track that oozes bright luminous tones. Summit’s smooth raspy vocals add warmth and a soothing quality. Golden zesty guitar lines sparkle throughout the track giving a sun kissed glow while the elastic bass injections teamed with the punchy drums add depth and flexibility. With swirling soundscapes between the melty melody and blissful instrumentation it’s a luscious slap of positivity and determination. The melody is hazy, dreamy and insanely catchy while the instrumentation floats and bounces around the striking lyrics. With 60’s psychedelic hints and a euphoric atmosphere this track is a charming little ditty that will give a boost on those tough days.
When asked about the track Summit said: “I wrote the oldest song on the record, ‘Stick It Out,’ in August of 2015, right before starting a gap year to apply to schools and finish my last album. The year off was a rough time, emotionally — I was going through a breakup and most of my friends were away at school. But it also turned out to be pretty productive from a creative standpoint.”
Summit is embarking on his first-ever tour of the California coast, along with fellow student and collaborator Irene Greene, in December you can catch him live at:
12/15 The Bistro – Hayward 12/16 Armadillo Music – Davis 12/17 Make-Out Room – San Francisco 12/18 Morro Bay Wine Seller – Morro Bay 12/19 Bang the Drum Brewery – San Luis Obispo
Accidents in the Workplace have released their new single ‘Wake Up’ along with an accompanying video. It is the second single from the Dundalk based funk / rock band and was recorded in Black Mountain Studios, Co. Louth and produced by Alex Borwick of The Young Folk. The band were formed in early 2016 and made their live debut that June at Vantastival Music Festival. A string of captivating performances at various festivals and renowned venues over the last year has earned them a reputation of being a must-see act. ‘Wake Up’ is a swanky stomp and shake of infectious funky swagger. This track flexes and struts with sass, panache and sweltering flamboyance. Brimming with a rich luscious sound from triumphant brass bursts to snazzy guitar licks this track sprinkles a vibrant shower of sparkling chicness. With powerful expressive vocals teamed with shimmy and shake ready instrumentation this track comes to life and hits you with an instant rush of vitality. The keys bounce along the bass and drums with a spring and animation that is dance around the room ready. It’s well layered and meticulously crafted to bring a sweet oh so satisfying sound that is so cool, sassy, funkadelic and instantly likeable. Accidents In The Workplace bring a track that packs some serious muscle behind it’s pizzazz soaked giddy funk swagger. It’s dripping in finesse and displays a considerable musical depth through the bands lavish attention to detail.
Accidents In The Workplace will be supporting the amazing Jerry Fish on December 28th and have a headlining show on New Year’s Eve in The Spirit Store, Dundalk so make sure to check them out.
Michael Jablonka has released his follow-up to his single ‘Peacefully’ the addictive new garage anthem ‘I Found You’. 27-year-old Jablonka has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. Those to have enjoyed his dextrous services include Charlie Brown, Stooshe, Shakka and Delta Maid and fellow North Londoner and Brit-soul sensation Michael Kiwanuka. In addition to performing as Michael Kiwanuka’s chosen guitarist – a role that has found him touring arenas and festivals worldwide this summer – Jablonka has been fine-tuning his own powerful 21st-century take on bluesy alt-funk and soulful indie-rock.
‘I Found You’ is a breath-taking masterful display from Jablonka. That riff grips you and ignites your soul with a fiery fuzzed thrilling sound. It’s rootsy garage rock at its best with punchy drums pounding a surge of adrenaline through your body. Joblonka writes tunes that make you feel every emotion while the music melody and rhythm flood through you with an upsurge of elation. A shredding guitar solo gushes kinetic energy while Joblonka’s raspy passionate vocals exude swagger. His falsetto stops your heart in suspense while the hair raising instrumentation spirals around with a relentless stamina. This track blisters and scorches with tempo changes seamlessly creating lush textures. It’s irresistible honey to the ears and a first rate display from Joblonka. One of my favorite finds this year.
‘I Found You’ was one of the first tunes the Londoner wrote as a solo artist, though it took a while to manifest. When asked about the track Joblonka said: “I had writer’s block, and a chorus with nothing much else. I imagined the verses to be a constant build up and wanted the chorus to be that break-free moment.”
