Black Honey have just dropped their EP ‘Headspin’ and it is everything we expected and more. Izzy Baxter, (vocals, guitar) Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass) and Tom Dewhurst (drums)have created a solid polished collection of songs while still maintaining that raw appeal. ‘All My Pride’ kicks the EP off with slick, blazing guitar as Izzy performs her vocals with such intensity and vulnerability that sucks you in and makes you listen to every word of her story. It is full of vigorous energy and a great lead single for the EP. We loved this song so much we made it our Worth A Listen track earlier this month. ‘Headspin’ follows next with a slower tone. It begins with light accompaniment as the vocals are the main focus. The hazy west coast vibe paired with Izzy’s almost seductive soft vocals which gives a melancholy atmosphere to the track. The backing vocals add a haunting quality to the track with a subtle drum beat like the secret ingredient to a sweet dish . The song builds towards the end instrumentally with psychedelic ‘wah wah’ guitar and a stronger beat. This song takes you on a journey with every note, It has a very Lana Del Rey feel with an almost cinematic trip to lose yourself in. ‘On Your Side’ brings us back to a sunny bright side of Black Honey. This track begins with a light drum beat to start. It then kicks into a swinging feel with a rock element. Its a catchy up beat vibrant song. Although its a bouncy track it still holds that melancholy, nostalgic tone which is conveyed through the vocals that gives the track a mysterious quality. The sweet matching harmonies gives the track an uplifting feel to the main vocals and adds a subtle contrast.This song makes you want to sit back in the sun and reminisce as you hear the lustrous, bright guitar solo. ‘Mocking Song’ Is the final track on the EP it slows down the tone again and brings back that west coast style.It has a sombre and almost angry tone on vocals with light guitar and waltz accompaniment for the verses. Again its a picturesque track as you can almost imagine Izzy standing swaying with a drink in her hand and tears down her face. Its a raw emotion filled track that shows a vulnerability which we haven’t seen before from Black Honey. The psychedelic guitar for the instrumental break is really effective and makes you fall into despair with Izzy.
This is a strong EP that shows us the variety in Black Honeys style and it shows us where they want to take their music. Its a multi dimensional EP from an extremely talented band. These guys will be sticking around and if this is only their EP imagine what an album would be like!
Stream ‘Headspin’ below
The Hearts are indie trio Alex Nash, Hamish Kay and Jamie Roberts from Newport, South Wales. They have already had some impressive gigs under their belt supporting acts such as Arcade Fire, Paul Weller and Pretty Vicious. They are known for their massive energetic chorus and synth-infused rock and their new track ‘Lovers Drug’ doesn’t disappoint. ‘Lovers Drug’ begins with a soft vocal and smooth instrumental backing to introduce us to the tune. It then kicks in to a high energy hands in the air anthem. With its mighty fist pumping chorus this song is bursting with energy. The strong vocals are full of vibrancy and intense emotion which is reinforced by the luminous guitars pounding drums and shimmering synths. These guys really know how to catch your attention and make you feel like you can do anything.
Stream ‘Lovers Drug’ below
RINSE are Josh Hollingworth, Rich Hewitt, Josh Hassall and Ollie McNicholas. This indie quartet from Stoke-on-Trent released their new track on Friday 22nd April.‘Taser Party’ is an explosive dream rock track that has already taken the BBC Introducing from Stoke Record Of The Week title. RINSE describe themselves as Summer Grunge and this song definitely gives that impression. ‘Taser Party’ begins with a delicate soft riff which is repeated throughout and is infectiously psychedelic as it sticks in your mind comfortably and replays over and over again with ease. The bouncy playful drum beat gives us that summer vibe while Hollingworth’s haunting vocals give us that grunge feel. The verses keep the eerie mysterious atmosphere that will give you goosebumps while the chorus explodes with a heavier sound and fantastic guitar work.These guys have a real talent for creating an atmosphere in their songs
Another great song from RINSE
Stream ‘Taser Party’ below
The Fontaines are brother-sister duo, Charlotte and Hank Fontaine, from Los Angeles, their infectious ‘New Wop’ sound with swinging bopping 50s references has become a favourite of ours here at Indie Buddie. So we were delighted to hear they have released a new track for us to obsess over. ‘Cold’ was released today on soundcloud and remains true to their sugar coated doo wop style only this time they have added a refreshing bit of rock in the mix. They have proven that they are not afraid to take risks and it does seem to pay off for this duo. ‘Cold’ begins with a heavy electric instrumental which softens to a light drum beat as Charlotte’s vocals begin in a soft smooth tone until the chorus kicks in and both the instruments and vocals heighten keeping with a bopping 50s style. However, there is a heavier more modern guitar and drums feature which adds some grit and substance to the song. The verse again comes in gentle and soft before a huge instrumental bridge that is full of energy and almost mosh like which is a pleasant surprise and shows us you can do old school and make it fresh and new.
A really impressive and accomplished track from The Fontaines look forward to hearing more!
Stream ‘Cold’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track this week comes from The Brazen
The Leeds/Birmingham-based indie rock band The Brazen which consists of Ryan Hobbs (Vocals), Matt Lucas (Lead Guitar), Trev Phillips (Bass), Adam Larner (Drums) and Rob Clayton (Guitars) released their new single ‘Laser Lips’ yesterday, ahead of their début album that is set for release this May. ‘Laser Lips’ is a catchy upbeat tune full of swagger and a rock and roll vibe that makes you want to dance. Its an infectious tune that shows just how versatile these guys are. While ‘Burn It Down’ written by their very own Trev Phillips has a heavier rock sound, ‘Laser Lips’ lightens things up with a disco dance feel that definitely makes you want to “shake your hips”. Rob Clayton shows off his writing skills with the catchy fun lyrics accompanied with tight luminous instrumental and a blazing slick guitar solo. The contrast in style of both Phillips and Clayton make for a really promising album as their writing styles are different but they have the ability to combine elements of their styles to make great tunes.
‘Laser Lips’ is an energetic fun song that will have you up and dancing in no time! and we mustn’t forget to mention the confident strut like swagger in Hobbs vocals it will make you want to get up and strut your stuff with them.
The Brazens album will be available to pre order from tomorrow so make sure you get your copy!
Stream ‘Laser Lips’ below
Ardyn are twin sibling duo Rob and Katy Pearson from Gloucestershire.Their band name originates from the Latin word for ‘enthusiastic’. Their music is a blend of psychedelic/folk dipped pop with a “doom” filled ballad vibe. They released their debut EP via National Anthem (Chvrches, HAIM, Wet) in 2015 which gave us hypnotic, melodic tunes that you can just loose yourself in. Their new single ‘Over the River’ which was released Monday is a light airy track that starts with a simple sweet melancholy piano. The song builds as it progresses into vocal rounds which is very effective. The exhaled vocal in the verses with a kind of tribal beat has a dance feel to the song and consumes you in a hypnotic trance that is intense but still holds a light blissful bright feel. Ardyn create picturesque music so effortlessly as you almost get an image of the trickling of water from the soft piano at the start to a rushing river by the climax.
Ardyn have created a warming melodic sound with hypnotic pop elements. A really great track from the twins look forward to hearing more.
Watch ‘Over the River’ below
Based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire indie/rock five-piece Shoot The Symphony have been creating a buzz since they released their first single ‘Unwind’ in late 2015, which was recorded at RML Studios, and got them quickly named Band Of The Week by Salop Radio, one of the most well known stations in their home town. Scot Kelly, Stephen Dalziel, Bobby Brazier, Conor Hubbard and Joe Goodman released ‘Sadie’ earlier this year, it is only their second released track but confirms their style and talent. ‘Sadie’ opens with a whirl of lustrous guitar riffs and rumbling drums. The verses soften with the hazy smooth vocals as the main focus, that builds into a lively, infectious indie rock chorus with rigorous guitar hooks and thumping beats and high energy. Its an animated track with a melancholy tone which is conveyed through the vocals which adds a nice contrast to the track.
Shoot The Symphony will be releasing their first EP Side Effects later in the year. If ‘Unwind’ and ‘Sadie’ are anything to go by it will be a solid EP with tracks that have serious radio potential.You can catch Shoot The Symphony On the 13th of May at the O2 Institute in Birmingham.
When Entering the quiet little pub of Eddie Murphys in Thomastown you expect, by its cosy old fashioned make up, that you would be settling down for a nice quiet drink, but Eddie Murphys had other plans. If you pass through the charming room and head outside to the back, passed “Le Bog Pour Les Femmes”you find a building with a good fashioned rock and roll vibe with wooden benches and tables where bands can make as much noise as they want and this is where we found our Alternative Rock band Beautiful Corruption and their support act Brand New Dead Things.
Dublin’s Brand New Dead Things kicked things off with melodic groovy sounds and strong riff based tunes. Maurice Ramsbottom (Guitars/Vocals), Dec Clarke (Drums) and Aaron Grimes (Bass/Vocals) gave us a diverse energetic set with polished sleek base riffs, robust drums and zealous guitar.Their array of tracks showed off Ramsbottom’s strong vocals as he slid into falsetto effortlessly. There was no shortage of humour either from these guys which kept the crowd entertained while they were tuning and blowing their nose. Brand New Dead things are a fun energetic band with serious skill. Looking forward to their new tracks to come Beautiful Corruption waisted no time in following. From the first song they exuded energy. The Kilkenny band Oisín Wolfe (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar) , James Brown (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals), Rory Cooper (Bass) and Simon Cooke (Drums) started with ‘Leather’ a solid riff based song to get everyone pumped, followed by an impeccably rehearsed set that was still a fresh performance from the boys. Half way through the set they do a crowd pleasing cover of wolf Alice’ Moaning Lisa smile’ The second half of the set explodes into frantic head banging tracks with slick nimble guitar as Wolfe coaxes the crowd to their feet to dance and mosh (even a guy on crutches gets up to join in) The set comes to an end with the band giving a final burst of energy on their final song of the night.
London band Dead! have just released their new single ‘ Your So Cheap’. Its a solid rock track with proficient guitar and pounding drums. The verses feature clever well written lyrics with strong vocal. Although the tone is bitter, its a kick ass track with a catchy sharp chorus and cutting vocals. With a razor-sharp guitar solo before the intense bridge that shows a well arranged song and lives up to the hype surrounding this band.
We are also treated to a second track with the release of ‘Your So Cheap’ this comes in the form of the energetic dynamic track that is ‘Save Me’. This is a banging tune full of energy with an infectious melody that seeps into your brain and leaves you craving more. With strong bass line, guitar hook and thunderous drums.The chorus explodes into a fierce full sound with passionate vocals. The bridge brings us that mosh worthy instrumental that Dead! are famous for with, of course the vocal scream
Dead are a force to be reckoned with!
Stream ‘Your So Cheap’ and ‘Save Me’ below
Little Grim the South London quartet have released the video for their new single “Sparks”, ahead of its release on Newspeak Records on June 3rd. Its a 70’s funk and soul track which shows us another side to Little Grim. With a rhythmic groove on bass and syncopated guitar riffs with the classic wah-wah sound effect of the 70’s. This track makes you want to strut your stuff turn on a disco ball and dance. The video is portrayed as a 1970s British gangster film and was produced by film-makers Do Not Entry and stars Chris Fairhall, as a rough, scar-faced gangster hell bent on a violent journey to recover his missing wife.
The band are embarking on ‘The Indie Heroes Tour’ a project which will see them play a series of live shows at independent music venues across the UK starting at Southampton’s Pre Bar on May 5th, make sure you check them out.
Watch ‘Sparks’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
