Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Whop, Rock, Rock and Roll

Beautiful Corruption ‘Orphic’

 

Beautiful Corruption are a four piece alt-rock band based in Kilkenny, Ireland. The band consists of Oisin Wolfe on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, James Brown on lead guitar and back-up vocals, Simon Cooke on drums and Rory Cooper on bass. We reviewed their début EP ‘ Snakes & Ladders’ earlier this year which showcased their growing talents and potential. They have released their new single ‘Orphic’ which is a strong follow up.
‘Orphic’ is a competent proficient track full of shredding guitars, pounding drums and dynamic vocals. The intro sets the musical scene with a taste of the explosive sound to come .The verses are presented in a slick manner with a rock and roll vibe light beats and acute guitar that holds a bright infectious luring melody while the bass and drums keep us grounded. The vocals exude swagger while the backing vocals add a lush harmony which is refreshing. The chorus explodes into the mosh worthy frenzy that Beautiful Corruption are known for with thunderous drums , vigorous guitars, forceful bass and charismatic vocals making this song infectious. The mighty lusty guitar solo and instrumental break is effectively brawny and powerful and ends the song on a high leaving you wanting more.
Watch ‘Orphic’ below

A Chat With, Alt Rock, Blues, indie rock, Interviews, New Music, Rock

A Chat With : Jack Berry

After reviewing Jack Berry’s new album ‘ Mean Machine’ earlier this month, we decided to have a chat with him about his new album and to get to know him a little better.

How Did ‘Mean Machine’ come about?
I had a bunch of songs I was working out and I got a call to use an old track (“Kiss Like”) for a Showtime show but I had to re-record the instrumentals. We went in, recorded it in an hour and the engineer just says, “Well, you’ve got the studio for the day…want to record anything else?” Three days later we had Mean Machine.
Did you find it difficult to decide what tracks you wanted on the album and what order to put them in?
Which songs were already set, but the order I treated like a concept album. Lyrically everything is correlative and the story carries itself throughout and I arranged the tracks to justify that.
The songs on the album all keep in with the same theme of conflicting emotions only portrayed in different ways was it difficult to keep the same theme through all the songs?
I certainly didn’t plan it to be that way, so it wasn’t difficult to stick to it. It’s more difficult to just stay out of the way of the flow. Let it breathe.
Your songs are full of swagger and confidence does this reflect on your personality?
Most of the figures I placed as heroes growing up had bravado in spades. Like Clint Eastwood or Muhammad Ali – but I wouldn’t say I walk the streets like Shaft. I’m a lot more laid back than what my music suggests…til I’m not.

Which of your songs are you most proud of?
I’m really proud of The Bull. The storyline alone was a fun thing to create and everything fell into place from there. I never planned for it to be so heavy but that’s what I love about it – the rise and tension. Parts of other songs still give me chills which is weird I reckon, to get that feeling from your own songs but I’m pretty good at detaching myself from the project as a person and artist.
There are some really great riffs in this album, were they difficult to come up with or did they come naturally?
Thank you for saying that. Naturally I suppose. The difficult part was refining them. I could hear them in my head but I’m only a sub-par player so it took time to do the riff justice.
Do your songs draw inspiration from personal experiences?
I like to use the content or vibe as a sort of score or soundtrack to my personal experiences so in a way yes, but not verbatim.
From your album you get a sense that these songs would be epic performed live, what is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
The live show brings the ruckus, I can tell you that much. I try to bring the energy of a punk show in rock form. We’re all dropping in sweat by song three. “Bad Dog” is typically the closer and for good reason.
What advice do you have for people who want to start a career in music?
Once you commit to starting that road, don’t turn back – only way you’ll make it is being relentless. Especially these days. It’s a beautiful thing to have so many artists among us, but it makes it a bitch to survive and get noticed.
What has been your biggest challenge in the music industry so far? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Keeping my mouth shut about other genres or artists that receive so much fame and attention. There’s just no point but I’m so opinionated and certain things like country, which is just pop music with shit lyrics these days, not at all a candle to what it use to be but…ah dammit. See. Shut my mouth.
Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
By order of the Peaky Blinders I assume.
What is next for Jack Berry?
Shows, shows, more shows. Then back to the drawing board. Scatter some whiskey and tacos in there and that should cover it.

Whiskey and tacos sound good! might do that myself! stream ‘Mean Machine’ below.

https://soundcloud.com/jackberrymeanmachine/sets/mean-machine

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

New Valley Wolves ‘Eyes On Me’

New Valley Wolves are a rock duo from Dublin. Jonny Lucey and Baz Joyce have created an aggressive concoction of blues, rock ‘n’ roll and hard- core rock. Their new single ‘Eyes On Me’ was released earlier this year and it is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
‘Eyes On Me’ is a riff based gritty blues rock track full of attitude and swagger. The slick fiery riffs teamed with pounding soul shaking drums give this track a cool sensual tone with an added grit. The confident vocals exudes swagger with its grainy “I don’t give a damn” tone. The verses give an eerie destructive almost threatening tone while the infectious riff sticks in your head, its so catchy you will have it playing in your head all day. This track builds into frantic head banging rock that is mosh pit worthy. This track is full of energy with powerful drums and vigorous guitar I can imagine its insane live!
Stream ‘Eyes On Me’ here

https://soundcloud.com/new-valley-wolves/eyes-on-me

Folk and Soul, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Tom Ryder ‘Desk Job’

Essex-based singer-songwriter Tom Ryder has released his new single ‘Desk Job’ from his recent ‘Strings Attached’ EP. Tom has made an impression on BBC Introducing in Cambridge and BBC Essex. BBC Three Counties Radio have play listed Tom’s songs and invited him in for live sessions. The new EP track ‘Strings Attached’ has already been heard on the airwaves of 39 BBC regional stations. His début single ‘Silence Breaking Through Sound’ raised close to £9,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2015 and has gained celebrity praise and approval from Chris Evans and Rod Stewart. Ryder’s new track ‘Desk Job’ follows and doesn’t disappoint.
‘Desk Job’ is a soft gentle track that explores the daily 9 to 5 grind to a beautiful and infectious folk-pop melody. With a delicate rounded beat and velvety smooth acoustic guitar this track is spongy and sweet. While the lyrics are easy to relate to and perhaps sometimes harsh, we are not being told a fairytale as it is a song about “reality”. However the lyrics are performed in a compassionate tender manner. Ryder’s vocals are warm and sympathetic. Although the theme is somewhat melancholy the tone of the song is upbeat and positive, with a brass feature that fills you with hope and positivity. The added almost whisper vocal and break in the song near the end adds a dramatic effect to the track that makes sure to keep your attention.
This is a lovely emotional raw track that is honest and true yet still upbeat and cheery.
Stream ‘Desk Job’ below .

https://soundcloud.com/saintinthecitypr/tomryderdeskjob

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, Rock, Rock and Roll, Smooth Rock

Mayflower ‘Sienna’

Mayflower are a smooth Rock & Roll band from Manchester. Formed in 2014 they have wasted no time in getting their name out there. They have secured headline gigs at the iconic Night & Day Café, a sold out show at The Castle Hotel and a string of shows around the Northwest in UK. They quickly gained the attention of Michelle Hussey and Natalie-Eve Williams at BBC Introducing in Manchester and subsequently BBC 6 Steve Lamacq has expressed his interest in them.
Their track ‘Sienna’ is the song that caught my eye. It’s a beautiful melodic track full of warm hazy nostalgic vibes portraying a melancholy sombre atmosphere. With gentle guitars and soft beats while the lull of lush harmonies in the backing vocals have a relaxing effect. The delicate smooth vocals are filled with emotion and combined with the sweet backing vocals give an uplifting feel to the track. The lustrous guitar feature gives a bite to the song and an almost psychedelic feel which adds a little contrast to the velvety sound.
Looking forward to their new tune coming out mid-August we really can’t wait to hear more!
Stream ‘Sienna’ below

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes in the form of Fickle Friends ‘Swim’

Fickle Friends are Nattassia (Natti) Shiner (vox/synth), Sam Morris (drums), Harry Herrington (bass/backing vox), Chris Hall (guitar) and Jack Wilson (synth/backing vox) from Brighton. The Indie Pop five piece released ‘Swim’ earlier this year. We are big fans of Fickle Friends hear at Indie Buddie. We have previously published a feature on their track ‘Say No More’ and were so blown away with their sound we decided to make ‘Swim’ our Worth A Listen Track this week.
‘Swim’ is a playful exuberant track that radiates sunshine from the very first note. The soft sprightly pop beats and chirpy shimmering synths give this track a bright upbeat vibe. The twinkling guitar uplifts your soul and teamed with the positive bouncy beat gives a dance quality you can’t help but bop to. The cool and sweet vocals give an airy vibe to the track like a refreshing breeze on a hot day. The lyrics have a more sombre tone as the track is about one feeling like they are drowning which adds an effective contrast, but there is hope as we are told “you are not alone” this mantra keeps the track optimistic and positive.
Another fantastic song from Fickle Friends look forward to hearing more!
Watch ‘Swim’ below

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Barmines ‘Sky’s The Limit’

The Barmines are an Indie Rock band from Leeds. Band members Rob Burton (Singer/Guitarist), Liam Lockey (Drums/Backing Vocals), Leam Hayes (Guitarist) and James May (Bassist) are creating a stir with their energetic explosive sound and fantastic live shows. The release of their début EP “There’s Never Any Romance” was played in front of a sold out crowd at The Wardrobe in Leeds to just over 300 people. Since then they have played the O2 Academy in Sheffield, The Cockpit and The Wardrobe plus slots at Strawberry Fields Festival and Bingley Festival playing alongside some top bands like Catfish and the Bottlemen and Reverand and The Makers.
Their single ‘Sky’s The Limit’ is a dynamic spirited track with a full robust sound. With vigorous guitars and hefty drums this song packs a punch. The sturdy bass line runs throughout the song especially in the verse giving a potent foundation to the track. The song features an infectious chorus with a booming sound behind driving this song to victory. The track begins on a soft start and builds both in energy and dynamics as the song progresses. The strong confidant vocals are emotion filled and intense which is particularly effective in the chorus. The bridge breaks to a lighter tone with slick guitar and then blasts us into the powerful sound that has a mosh effect. This song I can imagine is fantastic live as it is full of charisma and energy.
The Barmines have already confirmed some awesome festivals for 2016 including Isle Of Wight and Down To The Woods, Party In The Pines and Blackthorn Festival with a few more to be announced. If you are around definitely go see these guys!
Stream ‘Sky’s The Limit’ below

A Chat With, electro- pop, Feel Good Music, Indie Pop, Interviews, New Music, Synth-pop

A Chat With: Charlyn

Charlyn

We caught up with Charlyn after our feature on their new single  ‘Marylise’ last week to get to know them a little better.

 Tell us a bit about Charlyn ?

Charlyn is a Swiss singer/songwriter, born on 26th December 1991. She grew up in the French speaking part of Switzerland and had always been surrounded by music and musicians. She played the piano for seven years and then started singing lessons. In 2012 she decided to study music and moved to London to achieve her goal. She met her band members in London and found her style of music. She started to write a collection of demos and learnt the songs with the band since 2015. The sound of the band is Pop-Rock-Electronic with some 80s sounds influence.

When did you decide on the members of your band and how did you meet them?

Everything kind of happened gradually. I had to perform my songs within a band for university, therefore I had to find people to play with me. I have asked Robin Wheeler (drummer/producer) who was my flatmate at the time, to play the guitar for me, which he did.
My brother, Loric Mathez, who was studying drums one year above me became the drummer and for the rest of the musicians it varied according to people’s availabilities. In 2015 I had to find a new bass player, as the one I was playing with was too busy and wasn’t really involved in the band anyway. Therefore I looked for a bass player who would be into the same kind of music as me. I found George Price through friends and Facebook, he loved the project and was in.
Summer 2015 Loric decides to leave the band to focus on his advanced studies. Therefore we had to find a new drummer. We auditioned quite a few drummers but couldn’t find any one who was able keep up with a simple groove. Robin then decided to swap his guitar for the drum kit, which is his first instrument and we then looked for a new guitarist. I posted an ad on Facebook and Thomas Clutterbuck replied. We auditioned him and since that day he is our guitar player.
If I had to describe the band I would say we are like a family as we don’t only rehearse and play live but we meet up outside of the music world and therefore became close friends. I love my band 🙂

 What inspired you to make music?

I’ve always been into music since I can remember. I would say my dad, who is an autodidact has inspired me. He was writing his own songs as well and I grew up playing or singing with him. Then around 12 I started to write my first songs. In 2011 when my brother left for London I had just finished my apprentice time in a job I didn’t like. I came to visit him in London and I didn’t know what to do at the time with my life. He said to me ‘What do you really want to do? What is your heart burning for?’ I said ‘I want to sing’ and he replied ‘Then that’s what you got to do!’. Because of that discussion music is now not only a passion but it’s my profession and I’m so glad I made that decision back then.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

I’m someone who loves positivity. It’s something that I use on an everyday basis within my life, my health, my studies, etc. I often look at the world or listen to radios etc and I realise that most of what we are listening and exposed to talks about depression, death, heart breaking, or some stupidity which we don’t really care about. In my songs I like to use this positivity as well as bringing hope and happiness to people. Not all of my lyrics are always happy but the message behind them goes in that sense. I had a few people that said to me that my music makes them feel happy and motivated for their day and that is what I want to achieve.
Otherwise I also like to make stories up based on different situations I or other people have been through. I like to write songs about ordinary people’s stories because I know a lot of people can identify themselves to them.

Could you briefly describe your music making process?

I normally sit down on the piano and play around with chords, then find a melody and sing random lyrics just making sounds; I call it the ‘yoghurt singing’. Once I’m happy with my song and melody I write the lyrics with similar sounds to the ones I was using before. I then go on Logic Pro or Abletone and make my demos.
For the songs that are on the upcoming EP I brought most of them as piano and voice ideas to my drummer/producer Robin and he made them sound amazing. I like his ideas and the way he works, he always surprises me with really cool touches and colour to the songs and production.

Tell us a bit about your new single Marylise.

I wrote Marylise in my room in London like most of my other songs. I wanted to write a song after a subject that got to me. I remembered watching some models interviews on Youtube and they were saying how their life is sometimes very depressing, how they have to look pretty all the time, how they have extremely strict diets and how some of them would like to live the life of every day people. I thought that was a very interesting topic to write about. It also made me think about those extremely talented kids we see on TV or Internet, some of them are so young and already superstars. I wonder if this is really want they want to do or if it is what their parents want them to do. That was my lyrics topic for this song.
I would say the song is really summery and catchy and I like the 80s kind of vibe that Robin used for it. It goes well with the song in general and makes it fresh in a way.
I’m happy with how the song turned out I could not imagine it to be different now.

Does the theme behind the single mirror a personal experience?

No, it doesn’t. I actually had the chance to have supportive parents, that always encouraged my brother and I to follow our dreams. They may have oriented us in some ways but never forced us to do something we didn’t want to do.

What was your favourite and most difficult part to record your new single?

I would say my favourite part is the chorus because we’ve put loads of different harmonies, that make it sound fuller. The most difficult part was probably the articulation and accent. Being Swiss English is obviously not my first language therefore I do have a bit of a French accent when I speak and sing. Robin made me sing the lines over and over to get a better accent and say the words in a more correct way. This was extremely tiring but really did help me to get better with how I sound, sing and say things.

 Any plans to come to Ireland in the future?

Yes, I would really like to organise a UK tour with the band and of course we would come and play there, However nothing is planned yet but it’s on the list.
I would love to discover this wonderful country and sceneries as I’ve heard great stories about it.

 What advice do you have for people who want to start their career in music?

I would say try to do as much as you can yourself but also be realistic and if you are not good enough in certain areas then work with people that are and can help you. Also having personal saving does really help as music is a very expensive area and without a part time job or good saving it is hard to move further away from Thursday Jam nights. I would also advise to be nice and respectful towards other people you will work with. Unfortunately they are a lot of big headed and rude people in this industry and it isn’t nice to work with such people so don’t become one of them. Being nice and honest is the way to go you want friends in this industry same thing as every day’s life.

What’s next for Charlyn?

We are lucky to go and play quite a few gigs in Switzerland over this summer and we are looking forward to it. We will also be playing in London on 7th, 8th and 15th June at the Half Moon, Putney. We are playing at the BIMM End of Term Graduation at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town on 17th June and at the Good Ship, Killburn on 14th August. More gigs still have to be confirmed.
We are also filming the video for Marylise on 26th and 27th May and the video should be out end of June, which is very exiting.
The EP is coming out mid June as well and we can’t wait to hear back from fans and audience about it.

We are looking forward to the EP as well if ‘Marylise’ is anything to go by its going to be added to a lot of summer playlists out there

Stream  ‘Marylise’ below

https://soundcloud.com/charlynmusic/marylise-charlyn

Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, New Music, psychedelic, Trance

West Of The Sun ‘Siberian Hysteria’.

West Of The Sun are a five piece psychedelic rock and roll band from North London. Band members Luke Ward, Joe Stratton, Michael Howes, Kieran Callinan and Stevie Durkin have recently released their new single ‘Siberian Hysteria’. The five piece self-produced the song alongside engineer Shuta Shinoda (Primal Scream, Spiritualised, The Horrors) at Hackney Road Studios in East London.
‘Siberian Hysteria’ is a dreamy, warm psychedelic track with a hazy desert vibe. The track begins with fast passed striking guitars and a rapid steady beat. It then breaks and becomes a smooth astral psychedelic journey with an Arabian feel. With wah wah psych-guitar jangles and prominent percussion giving a sand like image to the track. The almost spoken main vocals with the soft lull of the backing vocals puts you at ease and sits contently in the back of your mind creating a trance feel. The slick guitar riff adds an intense sun rays feel that you can almost feel burn you. The atmosphere of sweltering heat and exhaustion is created through the loop and repetition as the song spirals to a delirious end.
This is a brilliantly written song that plants a visual image in your mind and takes you on a journey. West Of The Sun are set to release their début album later this year and if ‘Siberian Hysteria’ is anything to go by its going to be fantastic!
You can catch West Of The Sun live at
18 Jun The Soundhouse Leicester
02 Jul The Borderline London
18 Sep The Amersham Arms London

Stream ‘Siberian Hysteria’ below

Album Review, Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock

The Flux Machine ‘Louder!’

The Flux Machine is Luis Accorsi and Raphael Sepulveda. They are a New York City based alternative indie rock band with an edgy hard rock sound. Their new album ‘Louder!’ was released earlier this year and it’s a tornado of hardcore rock music with some sneaky melodic pop and country aspects thrown in which make this album contagious and appealing to all.
The first track on the album is ‘Run Away’. From the start they blast you into a storm of pounding drums with a deep rooted bass that pulses through your soul. This track is full of energy with a catchy anthem like chorus that compels your body to jump and dance. With simple lyrics and “na na na” feature it’s hard to stop yourself from singing along.
‘Square Up’ follows in a grungy eerie seductive manner. The verses are full of gritty deep bewitching vocals with luring bass line and tempting drums. The track bursts into another massive energetic rock pop chorus. The contrast between the dark verses to the lighter chorus is effective and innovative.
The title track ‘Louder!’ is a manic mosh pit of frenzy. It’s rapid tempo and grinding guitar with thunderous drums makes this song the power rock track that lives up to its name. You can just imagine a live crowd going wild to this track. Turn it up and go crazy!
‘Toxic Love’ has a “The Strokes” feel. With distorted vocals and prominent strong drums. Again filled with infectious melodies and catchy easy to sing along chorus. The sweet backing vocals and slick guitar solo add a refreshing change to the tone of the track and breaks up the intense energetic vibe.
‘How It’s Gonna Be’ and ‘Mess you up’ follow with the same high powered energy with ‘Mess You Up’ becoming more grunge and intense. With heavy sound and screaming growl vocals that add an eerie quality and give a wall of death feel.
‘Believe’ is a dramatic change from the intensity of its predecessor, it lightens the mood and slows down the tone giving us a chance to calm down and slow our racing heart beats. It is a melodic softer track that is full of emotion with an airy bright feel. It completely takes you by surprise but shows a delicate side to the band. With cool sunny vocals and bouncy beats. The backing vocals add a psychedelic 70s vibe in places. It is a proper tender hazy sunshine track.
‘Love And Affection’ continues to surprise us as it is also bright and more pop infused only with a hint of country added to the mix. The light bopping beats really lift this song while the guitars give us a taste of that rock sound we are used to. The soft vocal in the chorus give a gentle feel to the song. It’s definitely a surprise but a beautiful song all the same.
‘Wheels Of Love’ eases us back into their heavier sound with a slick blues bass riff that coaxes your hips to sway and move. We welcome the heavier rock sounding drums back with gritter vocals and a scream in places. A confident filled, seductive track that exudes swagger and is extremely strut worthy.
‘Jack, Jim And Johnny’ brings us back to a blues country style. With twanging guitars and a soft bouncy beat that builds as the tempo becomes more rapid until we are presented with a country rock track. This track is full of middle finger attitude. It is a great song to get you pumped.
‘Crash Down’ brings us back to a fast tempo high energy rock track. With a call and response chorus that is infectious. It shows us a fun side to the band with stunning guitar and strong drums that bury and bend deep inside you and pound through your body making you get up and dance.
The album finishes with ‘Hate Love’ which is full of “oomph” and energy and is a fiery strong song to end on. The dynamic guitars and spirited drums make this track lively and infectious. With its humorous lyrics and aggressive spirited sound this track will leave you wanting more.
The Flux Machine have created 12, non-stop, power songs that are infectious and memorable and extremely likeable and innovative. They have something for everyone ‘Louder!’ is definitely a fantastic listen.
Stream ‘Louder!’ below

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

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