Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Garage Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Synth-pop

The Cheap Thrills ‘Sentimentality’

The Cheap Thrills are a garage/psych pop band from Liverpool. Renowned for producing sonic pop songs with catchy hooks and melodies crafted and then recorded in the centre of Liverpool. The band have released their new single ‘Sentimentality’ and it’s a sugar rush of indie pop bliss. It is shaken and fizzed with crashing guitars splintering off punchy robust drums which adds a healthy dose of garage grittiness. Smooth vocals surge passion and youthful adrenaline over a jumpy bass line and spacey guitars while the infectious luscious melody sweetens the deal and leaves you craving more. With shimmering flashing synths adding a rush of breezy aerial freedom it’s a blood pumping blistering gush that will have you up dancing and bellowing out the lyrics in no time. The Cheap Thrills are an exciting band that create electrifying passionate tunes that leave you itching for more.

Watch the video for ‘Sentimentality’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Deep Sky Objects Self Titled EP

Photograph by Jack Deacon

Deep Sky Objects are a three-piece alternative-rock band originally from Kerry. The band members include brothers Kevin O’Brien (lead vocals, guitar), Thomas O’Brien (drums and backing vocals) and DD Foley (bass guitar and backing vocals). The trio have released their new self titled EP which has been featured on Today FM’s ‘Ed’s Songs of Praise’, Spin South West’s ‘Spin-Alt’ and many other stations throughout the country.

‘Deep Sky Objects’ is a five track EP of alternative anthemic whizzers. With biting guitars and fierce bass lines that penetrate through each track with a thrilling ground shaking bloodthirstiness these guys have whacked out a sublime EP where each track holds its own and is epic in its own right. Opener ‘This City’s At War’ explodes with fist pump fury and breezy ice braking might. The guitars are sharp, sublime and melodic while the laid-back vocals glide along the infectious melancholic melty melody. The soaring ‘Bones’ follows blustery guitars and elevated vocals give the track an aerial vibe and take the track to towering heights. Oozing passion with mini explosive bursts for the choruses this track is chilling with eerie tones lying beneath a blanket of breath-taking instrumentation. ‘Desire’ fleshes out the trio’s swagger soaked grittier side. A hair raising sensual dark bass line runs rampant all over this track and it’s awesome. A force to be reckoned with, dominant in all its glory. Punchy mosh worthy drums add fire and rage to this grimy ominous track while a shredding guitar solo scorches with such steamy slickness it burns all in its path. ‘See You When It’s Over’ returns to the peppy lighter indie rock sound. It is catchy with a bouncy rhythm that rebounds and slaps off the melody with playful animation hiding the sinister piercing guitar shrills and mysterious vocals. ’Crazy New Addiction’ brings us to the end of the EP the best way Deep Sky Objects can with a fantastic bass line that grabs your ears and seeps inside holding you captive to its infectious groove. Dark and luring this track crawls and creeps under your skin with chilling goosebump inducing instrumentation. The guitars simmer and scald with razor sharp stings while a body grooving rhythm obtains an uncontrollable danceable hold on the listener.

Deep Sky Objects are a band to watch out for. Each track is engaging, thrilling and well crafted. It’s a meaty well produced collection of tracks that is laser-focused on doing the simple things to perfection and boy do they excel. The choruses are catchy and the hooks will rattle around your head for days. These guys know what they are doing and it’s pretty impressive.

Stream Deep Sky Objects EP below

 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Pop Rock, Power Pop, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The RPMs

Straight off the back of a string of summer gigs and festivals up and down the country, Brighton’s The RPMs are back with their new single ‘Your Ghost’ and all revved up with a bigger sound than before. The RPMs recently released their second EP ‘Agents Of Change’ in June 2017 through Xtra Mile Recordings. They followed their release with a run of shows throughout the spring and summer months, including supports with We Are Scientists. Alongside this they also played Camden Rocks, Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Butefest,110 Above, Big Feastival (run by Jamie Oliver and Alex James from Blur) and RivFest in honour of the memory of River Reeves and the members of Viola Beach. The EP continued to win them fans on the radio, including airplay of lead single ‘Oh My God’ from Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins and Tom Robinson across BBC 6 Music and Radio 1, BBC Introducing in The South & the Radio X Evening Playlist.  More recently, ‘Things I Forgot To Do’ was added to Huw Stephens’ Best of BBC Introducing playlist as well as the Radio X Evening Playlist and John Kennedy Recommends on Radio X.

‘Your Ghost’ is a flickering indie pop sprinkled bombshell. This band know how to write an insanely catchy tune brimming with rich intensely satisfying soundscapes. Dazzling electronics flash and fluctuate throughout adding a surge of adrenaline inducing bedazzlement. With bright spirited guitar jangles and a snappy beat this track is an instant vitality shot of pizzazz and high-powered energy. Smooth laid-back vocals add a hazy daydream vibe that exudes summer sun and good times. These guys write smashing indie pop bangers and ‘Your Ghost’ is a prime example of this. The melody is luscious and sweet while the instrumentation blinds with bright breezy scintillation and power pop energy while still holding an indie edge. Another great track from The RPMs.

Stream ‘Your Ghost’ below

 


New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Isaac Gracie ‘Terrified’

Isaac Gracie has released his new single, ‘Terrified’. It’s release quickly follows his recent ‘Death of You & I’ EP, and was recorded in London. The 23-year-old London-raised singer-songwriter who sent the music industry into a fever with his debut track ‘Last Words’ has spent the last days of Autumn nestled neatly on the Radio 1 playlist (with the EP’s title track) and captivating audiences out on the roads of Europe and the UK. We are fans of Gracie here at Indie Buddie so were chuffed to hear he has released ‘Terrified’. You’ll perhaps already recognise ‘Terrified’ as a self-produced demo right back where it all started, on an EP of rough but hugely promising acoustic solo tracks and now Gracie has added a few new elements and polished it off a little. With pulses and a tender acoustic guitar accompaniment to start ‘Terrified’ pulls you into the center of its heartbroken story. The addition of the gentle elegant piano glides and sways with grandeur and innocence while guitar whines add a heart wrenching pull. The track flows fluidly and delicately into a passionate soaring chorus that surges with emotion and agonizing pain. Gracie’s vocals are immaculate as always- the depth and maturity exposing the wound within as he expresses this perfectly with every quiver, rasp and delicate coo. The lyrics are so heartfelt, lamenting and honest it’s a gripping heart wrenching performance. It’s raw, heart on your sleeve, naked emotion presented beautifully. The track has taken a new lease of life becoming explosive without sounding busy or even loud. I personally loved the rawness of the demo, but this polished little gem is one to hold dear.

With a debut album currently being finished and expected in the Spring of 2018 via Virgin EMI, and further live dates across the globe being added to almost weekly, Isaac Gracie is one not to be missed.

Watch the video for ‘Terrified’ below


Album Review, Electronic, Indie Electro, New Music

Shanghai Restoration Project ‘R.U.R.’ Album

Brooklyn based electronic duo, Shanghai Restoration Project (SRP) have released their new album ‘R.U.R’ on Undercover Culture Music. The album was recorded and self – produced in New York over the last year and features thirteen brand new tracks including ‘Spooky Party’ and the forthcoming single release ‘Alpha Go’. Originally the solo project of Dave Liang, the Shanghai Restoration Project were initially inspired by the 1930s Shanghai jazz bands. Earlier work combined Chinese instrumentation with hip-hop as Liang had done some producing within P. Diddy’s Bad Boy Label. Shanghai Restoration Project first came to the public’s attention during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing when the BBC featured tracks from their debut album as theme music during their broadcast coverage. In 2011 Liang met Sun Yunfan, a multi-disciplinary artist who grew up in China. Last year the duo co-wrote and produced the album ‘Life Elsewhere’ with Chinese jazz singer Zhang Le, which was well received in China and nominated for several national awards and ‘R.U.R’ album is the first record the two have officially released together as Shanghai Restoration Project. The duo have now been streamed over 20 million times to date, been featured on the BBC, NPR, The New York Times, Last Call with Carson Daly and they’ve performed over 100 live shows around the world in places such as NYC, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Moscow, and The Great Wall of China.

‘R.U.R.’ takes you on a journey of discovery through sonic multi-layered soundscapes. They take us to a world where robots have replaced humans and are trying to figure out what led to our extinction. The entire album is an expansion of your senses with ‘Expedition Voronya’ adding flickering twinkling electronics flooding with images of green pastures and rushing water. This duo take you to rain forests with fresh breezy atmospheres while animal noises and rain falling flood the background setting a picturesque scene. The fluctuant percussion, earthy wind pipes and elegant piano flutters in tracks such as ‘Last Bachelor Oecanthuskeep’ create an engaging listen. It’s a little unusual at first but once the rich abundance of instrumentation begin painting beautiful delicate images for you it is really quite a magical experience. With melodies that are so animated and crisp and use of electronics so clever and precise it’s an impressive body of work. Each track evokes every one of your senses bringing you right into the depths of the journey and making the experience realistic and beautiful. This duo aptly display the good side of the human race and world around us with light fluttery tracks but they also display the more sinister side with tracks that take a darker tone. It’s robotic yet immensely fluctuant and wobbly with disco hints and infectious grooves. This duo have created a unique experience that’s not for everyone but worth the venture.

 

Stream ‘R.U.R.’ below

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, indie rock, New Music

Dirty Orange ‘X.X.X’. EP

South West London three-piece rock band Dirty Orange have released their scorching new EP ‘X.X.X’. The band comprised of members George Wilkins (guitar/ lead vox), Scott Thompson (bass), and Connor O’Shea (drums & BV) have created a collection of tracks that are so fiery, raw and gritty it demolishes all in its path. The staggeringly swagger soaked ‘Time And Again’ kicks off the EP with its driving guitar strikes and gripping scuzzy attitude. Its rock and roll stained infectious melody is so catchy and slick it slithers its way into your brain refusing to leave. Featuring a steamy guitar solo this track steamrolls in in a true grimy rock and roll kick ass fashion. ‘Dancing With The Gypsy’ follows with an Arctic Monkeys ‘Teddy Picker’- esque riff and punchy drums belting throughout pounding your skull and forcing you to mosh. With gravelly vocals and a catchy chorus, it’s another infectious fierce assault of Dirty Orange’s strut worthy panache driven rock. ‘I Don’t Mind’ follows. Another slick killer that exudes effortlessly cool sweat and leather swagger. Final track ‘Council Estate’ is a neck snapping tune, rapid lyrics glide along instrumental jabbing and a razor sharp jaunty riff. Another attitude drenched track that ensures the EP goes out as rapid, boisterous and accelerated as possible.

Keep and eye out for Dirty Orange these guys ooze swagger and attitude with tunes that seep slick fierce vapour so hot it will scald you.

Steam ‘X.X.X’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-905103793/sets/xxx


Album Review, Indie Folk

Kindred ‘Our Tomorrow’ Album

Formed in the picturesque countryside of the South-West, Kindred are a five-piece indie rock band formed of members Fran Crandon, Ian Scott, Helen Sayer, Ian Anstey and Clive Millar. The 5-piece have recently released their debut album ‘Our Tomorrow’, distinguishing themselves from other ‘young rockers’ by taking influence from more traditional genres like folk, which is reflected in their debut. The album is written by guitarist Ian Scott (better known as Scottie) and released on his own record label, ScottSound Ltd, and recorded at the White House Studios. Consisting of 10 engaging tracks,’ Our Tomorrow’ has already picked up support from local radio shows, particularly the track Sunset Surf, written about how it feels to be surfing that special wave, whilst missing your loved one. As well as this five, special mentions go to Heidi Neil for backing vocals and Josh Munyard who played bass on selected tracks on the album.

‘Our Tomorrow’ is a captivating collection of indie rock songs from luscious sweet melodies smothered in bouncy vibrant instrumentation –  it’s a little box of light indie treasures. Its folk influences add a feathery lightness and wholesome depth to the tracks. From the first animated note of ‘She’s My Girl’ it’s obvious this album is set up with positive pick me up good vibes and spirited tunes. It’s elastic with a spring in its step peppy rhythm and jangly guitars teamed with sparkling elegant piano twinkles between the sweet melody. The soft charming vocals add a sugar-coated smoothness and delicious dreamy vibe. Naturally ‘Sunset Surf’ takes you to sunshine and sea air. Zealous stabs on guitar squirt some refreshing zest into the hazy laid-back track while a longing melody flows fluidly throughout. ‘Friend’ has a doo wop-esque  creaminess which adds a touch of animation to their toothsome collection of tracks. Each song becomes more positive and elastic than the previous it’s like walking into a musical that is bursting with smiles sunshine and enthusiasm without becoming too cheesy. Those guitar lines interweaving between the melodies are sublime and add a glorious tropical radiance. ‘Moonshine’ displayed this superbly with its dazzling lustrous guitar solo. The keys in ‘Our Tomorrow’ is about as peppy and gleaming as possible yet light and heavenly. The track oozes warmth and with a well layered sound featuring meticulously crafted details placed perfectly to create a wholly unique experience that is soothing, soul lifting and pure- it’s hard not to let your spirits be lifted. With tracks called ‘Summer Days’ and ‘Free’ they have created your positive feel good playlist. Even final track ‘Baby Blues’ is a fun swinging danceable number. It’s the cheeriest bluesy jam spread generously on a slice of swagger soaked rock and roll.

‘Our Tomorrow’ is a charming collection of tracks clearly designed to brighten your day and it does that for sure.

​20% of the sales of ‘Our Tomorrow’ will be donated to the children’s charity Bibic, which supports children and their families who struggle with brain related disabilities such as Down Syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy.

Stream ‘Our Tomorrow’ below


Album Review, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Glam Rock, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Dan Rico ‘Flesh & Bone’

Chicago Singer Songwriter Dan Rico has released his new 7″ called ‘Flesh & Bone’. Its three tracks back in time to all things glam rock, vintage pop and beautiful. It’s a timeless collection that rewinds all the hustle and bustle and brings you swagger and slickness suave at its best. ‘Flesh & Bone’ resurrects Mark Bolan in all his glam rock strutting fineness. Its gritty riff driven and smooth as hell. Snappy and thrilling with lush backing vocals teamed with Rico’s oh so smooth vocal croons its like it could be a T-REX track. With steamy guitar licks and a shimmy ready flamboyance its sure to get those hips shaking and feet tapping.  ‘Gold Volvo’ is just beautiful. Sweet vocals and luscious melody glide immaculately together while jangly guitar blasts bright rays of sunshine into this hazy dreamy track. Gentle and soothing its a sun kissed heart felt sublime tune that oozes nostalgia. ‘Anyway You Want Me’ continues this timeless laid back sentimentality. With a delicious pop melody smothered on a rock and roll slow jam this track cruises and glides with charm and charisma. It is so mellow and easy-going with a clap along rhythm and danceable chorus, Rico knows how to write some infectious tunes. Perfect for hazy lazy days in the sun.

Stream ‘Flesh & Bone’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Donal Quinn ‘Twat’

Following a string of big dance bangers during summer 2017 and the BBC 6 Music plays of “Massif Anthem”, Drogheda-based indie dance artist Donal Quinn has released his new single ‘Twat’ which was recorded in Hackney, London with top producer Tom McFall (Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Bloc Party). With its shuffle slow jam verses and sway ready radio friendly chorus ‘Twat’ is a sing along anthem (well until you pay particular attention to the words). Smothered in soft velvety tones, it’s a sweet melancholic drown your sorrows tune with a few cheeky lyric jabs. Featuring a sombre strong piano chord progression, soft beat and lush melody it has everything you need to create a wistful ear worm. This ditty even comes packed with a steamy sorrowful guitar solo. Its damn catchy and smooth on the ears. Keep an eye out for Donal Quinn.

Stream ‘Twat’ below


Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Royal Blood at the 3Arena Dublin with support from Black Honey and At The Drive In

Rock duo Royal Blood ascended into the 3Arena Sunday night for their biggest headline show in Dublin to date. The band who have built a devoted fanbase with their hard-pummeling rock have been known to put on some insane live shows and the 3Areana was no different. I’ll admit having seen the lads perform at smaller venues before and experienced the raw intense show they put on I was afraid that a larger venue would lose that intimate mania…. I was wrong.

Brighton four-piece Black Honey kicked off the night for their Dublin debut blasting straight into ‘All My Pride’. Front-woman Izzy Baxter (who popped outside before the show to give queuing fans posters and encourage them to stay warm) exuded sass and swagger with every hip pop and powerful point at the crowd. It’s difficult to connect with the crowd with a lengthy runway between you and the audience but she ventures as far out as her guitar lead would let her and wallops out as much charisma and oomph as possible. It’s an enchanting display as Baxter commands the stage with a daring poise that can only be admired. Their tracks, undoubtedly catchy with spaghetti western guitar wails it’s fiercely thrilling live. The hazy fiery ‘Madonna’ with it’s blazing guitar lines follows using the shrilling distortion and hysteria causing intro of ‘Somebody Better’ as its chaser. They belt out solid tunes that blend hazy dreamy melodies with shattering drums and scorching guitars. Baxter’s sultry vocals radiate over the dizzying instrumentation as she struts about exuding a fierce confidence. “Sláinte” she says while lifting her drink to the crowd, “did I get that right? … what’s the craic?..what is the craic though?” she questions before the steamy new single ‘Dig’. ‘Hello Today’ sparks a clap along among the crowd and you have to hear ‘Spinning Wheel’ live that’s all i’m going to say, it was dynamite. Black Honey are an exciting band for sure who amply coped with the large crowd and put on an exciting show. With a debut album due next year, I can’t wait to see what they do at a headline show here in Ireland.

At The Drive In followed and wow words can hardly describe the experience. Cedric Bixler-Zaval leapt rolled, kicked and wailed his way through the set. It was hard core brain assaulting mania and the crowd loved it. With his signature mic drop and kick trick as he strutted down the runway oozing swagger and attitude it was a swanky spectacle for sure. With tracks accelerated to neck breaking speeds they had the crowd pumped and ready to rock. “yeah that’s right tell your momma tell your nan” he shouts before the frantic ‘No Wolf Like The Present’. The crowd erupt into a blur of moshing heads and flailing limbs. “Can you feel it in your veins?, can you feel it in your teeth?, let me see your teeth” he bellows while the crowd scream back and you could for sure feel the sound pounding through your body bashing your senses. It was a mighty frenetic set that was unforgettable. Cedric Bixler-Zaval is tireless he doesn’t stop moving from climbing onto the speakers and karate kicking to springing into the air frantically. He gets the audience riled up and pumped. The mass of spiraling interweaving guitars pulverising drums and screaming vocals grip the crowd into submission, At The Drive In are a force to be reckoned with.

Royal Blood take to the stage as the crowd explode with screams and whoops. ‘Lights Out’ sets the fans alight. The duo have an impressive red laser light display which encased the band for the first track and with artistic screen images they were ready to make an impression. Every lyric, riff and drum roll was bellowed out by the crowd as frontman Mike Kerr takes every opportunity to strut down the stage to the crowd. There’s a lot going on from stage hands swiftly placing mic stands as Kerr moves about the stage to rapid guitar changes. Favourites from their self-titled debut album sparked massive cheers and huge sing alongs. Their fans adore them and make filling an arena like this easy for the pair. Kerr has grown into his frontman role and is taking it in his stride as he slickly blasts out those lusty beefy riffs. “I don’t believe this is happening to us tonight this place is huge” he admits before the explosive ‘Come On Over’. It’s a tireless set of moshing singing and hair everywhere. Ben Thatcher’s pulverising drumming is so powerful and mighty it sends the crowd into a frenzy of headbanging. With dashing backing singers introduced for ‘I Only Lie When I Love You’ these guys exude a new suaveness. They’ve learned a lot and for a two-piece filled the arena with their larger than life swagger. Track after track is announced to mammoth screams and whiplash causing headbanging. They pulled out all the stops from a dramatic clap along, shredding solos to a stick on fire hitting a gong. Royal Blood made sure they put on a show to remember. There was crowd surfing, pushing, fighting for the drum sticks Thatcher threw out followed by the “Olé, Olé, Olé” chant. The duo had the crowd in the palm of their hands. Though these guys have developed a rock and roll persona they haven’t left their humbleness behind “we feel very uncomfortable right now. Worst front man of all time.  I’m a man and I’m at the front and that’s it.” Kerr admits before the knock out  ‘Hole In Your Heart’ which sees Kerr relocate to the front of the stage to play keys. Kerr recalls their first time in Dublin where they got “so f**king drunk… I feel like we fit in here, I feel like we all drink the same”.

The crowd scream and stomp for the encore until Royal Blood triumphantly return with ‘Ten Tone Skeleton’ and the fierce ‘Out Of The Black’ which causes total anarchy among the crowd. Thatcher approaches the crowd stepping up on the barrier they fight over him and reach forward to grab any and every part of him so much so he says “whoa whoa hang on guys”. They leave the stage like heroes as the crowd bellow, scream and clap.

Royal Blood blew the roof off the 3 Arena. They steamrolled in and blasted out a cracking show losing little to none of the manic intensity of their more intimate shows.


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

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