Five Days North have released their new single ‘Heaven Hold Us’. Since winning the 2017 Best Unsigned Band at the UK Unsigned Music Awards, Five Days North have steadily evolved into the encompassing and emotionally charged outfit they are today. Bringing with them their heart-on-their-sleeve lyricism, the band have released a smattering of singles and EPs that have turned heads and broken hearts both in their native Manchester and further afield. Festival appearances at the likes of Dot2Dot Festival and Kendal Calling have seen their fanbase widen; their anthemic indie-pop the perfect soundtrack to a weekend in the fields.
An uplifting anthemic gem ‘Heaven Hold Us’ is a smashing track from Five Days North. The band spread a heartfelt melody over an ethereal synth pop backdrop to create the perfect passionate indie pop delight. The track is laden with hooks and beautifully buoyant instrumentation as Five Days North build their timeless euphoric sound into something truly mesmerising. Filled with shimmering synths, glistening guitars and punchy drums teamed with an elastic bassline; this glorious earworm is a must listen.
The Waah-Kin Tribe have released their new single ‘Now You’. Hailing from ‘Sunny’ Scunthorpe, The Waah-Kin Tribe are an energetic Alt/Indie Rock 3 Piece. After releasing and debuting their first single ‘Holding Up The Mirror’ in Paris, the lads have continued to gig far and wide bringing their punk influenced experience to centre stage. With support from BBC Introducing the trio have been electrifying audiences with their songs and are looking forward to bringing back their notorious live performances.
‘Now You‘ is a vibrant indie rock track saturated in groove-laced instrumentation and The Waah-Kin Tribe’s energetic songwriting. The band flesh out their jaunty indie sound with funky guitar riffs, buoyant drums and a elastic spring on bass to create a full bodied and dynamic sound. Using bubbling radiant soundscapes to contrast the lyrics which metaphorically depict life today in its current climate this danceable ray of sunshine is driven by an infectious, strut-ready rhythm and smooth catchy melody. ‘Now You’ is a doozy sure to brighten your day. Looking forward to hearing more from The Waah-Kin Tribe.
Bio : Alex Luca returns with his new single ‘Freedom’, the second single from his upcoming EP ‘How Real Life Feels’.
Track: Freedom
Why We Like It: Luca spreads his emotive songwriting over soft building instrumentation to create an evocative tender tune. A delicate piano arrangement weaves between lush laments on string as the song blossoms into its cinematic crescendo. Well crafted and exuding a laid back tone ‘Freedom’ is a beautiful new song from Alex Luca.
Bio : Ragerra is an Alternative Rock trio from Dublin. 2019 saw the release of their debut EP “Big Men, They Fall” as well as numerous headline shows across Ireland & the UK. Ragerra is now about to release their much-anticipated debut album Primal Features in April 2021, they will celebrate the release of Primal Features with a launch party on April 9th in Lost Lane Dublin, Ireland.
Track: Brutal
Why We Like It: It’s a riff-driven, gritty alternative rock track shrouded in distortion as the band flesh out their acute brawny sound with raw pummeling drums. The song is about the public’s obsession with men who committed a series of Brutal acts back in the 1960’s & 70’s. Ragerra present this through crazed instrumentation and dizzying soundscapes. ‘Brutal’ is an uncompromising whack of raw rock.
Bio : Despite only forming in 2019, the Wrexham four-piece have already self-released an EP and amassed 700,000+ Spotify streams, sold out their first vinyl run, and sold over 1,000 tickets for their debut headline tour planned for Spring 2021. They are fast-becoming the new indie band to watch, with support slots with the likes of The Lathums already secured and support from the likes of The Coral.
Track: Mrs Narcissistic
Why We Like It: It’s an upbeat gem that surges with vigor and youthful adrenaline while the bubbling instrumentation glides over the angsty lyrics with a joyous bounce. The track is an instant shot of sunshine filled with jaunty light indie soaked guitar, punchy drums and dynamic bass. The band have created a song about a relationship breakdown through danceable, fun and irresistible musicianship. Showcasing witty lyrics and a radiant soundscape ‘Mrs Narcissistic’ is a sublime ear worm.
Bio : Irish singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson has released her new single ‘The Starlight Lounge’ and its accompanying video. The track follows 2019’s brilliant debut LP ‘First Prize Bravery’, and continues a burgeoning creative relationship with James Vincent McMorrow, who co-produced the single. ‘The Starlight Lounge’ also follows Sorcha’s recent success with ‘Out The Gaff’ where she collaborated with Denise Chaila, MuRli, God Knows, and again with producer James Vincent McMorrow.
Track: ‘The Starlight Lounge’
Why We Like It: Exuding soft production, warm jazz-like keys, and constant beat the track is a laid back gem which showcases how diverse and exciting Sorcha Richardson is as an artist. This intricately layered number oozes lonely vibes as the keys jangle through a dreamy soundscape and mellow melody. Richardson’s vocals are almost nonchalant as she pierces hazy sonic textures with a sweet tone while warm guitars meander around the hypnotic beat. The track subtly shifts from synth pop to melancholic psychedelic pop with ease creating a lulling and weary atmosphere for the verses before the catchy bubbly chorus lightens the mood. ‘The Starlight Lounge’ presents a new facet to Richardson’s talent.
Bio :The Kecks are truly an international affair – their members come from Germany (drummer Kai Weidle), Australia (guitarist Samuel Telford), Great Britain (bassist Joel Phillips) and Austria (lead singer, Lennart Uschmann). Having initially been founded on the back of a FlixBus on their way to see The Growlers play in Berlin, The Kecks have since established a reputation for writing brutally honest and somewhat unconventional indie-rock that has landed them on Radio X, BBC Radio 6, Amazing Radio, and Spotify editorial playlists.
Track: All For Me
Why We Like It: Lennart Uschmann’s voice crawls out from under a sprawling brooding soundscape of twinkling guitars and soft drums with a whisper and almost Bowie-esque quality. Exuding a sombre, sway-like tempo and lamenting guitar refrain the track builds, becoming more expressive and dramatic as Uschmann pines and almost cries over the bittersweet melody. ‘All For Me’ is a stylish retro rock sad banger from The Kecks.
Aaron Spencer has released his new single ‘Flower’.’Flower’ began life as a bedroom demo during lockdown that Aaron Spencer created, bringing in his band members to record on with the final sessions taking place at Oscillate Recordings. A proud Cumbrian, Aaron Spencer is now based in Liverpool as he pursues his dream of a music career. After short spells of being in bands, Aaron Spencer launched himself as a solo musician with the successful release of his 2020 solo debut ‘Sticky Dancefloor’ which received praise from CLOUT and Reyt Good Magazine
Aaron Spencer spreads punchy punk over an anthemic indie rock backdrop to create an upbeat vibrant track with ‘Flower’. The jaunty guitars jab through a stomping drum beat and elastic bass rumble while Spencer spits out the striking lyrics. There is melancholy behind the melody while the lush backing vocals add a hint of innocence and vulnerability. ‘Flower’ is a dynamic new single from Aaron Spencer.
Taking inspiration from observations made on nights out, Aaron explains “I wrote the song when I started going out to pubs and clubs in Whitehaven. Nights out have always been influential for my songwriting. There’s an air of escapism, remedy and even desperation.The song digs below the surface and states that there’s more of a sombre reason behind people’s actions. You shouldn’t judge unless you are willing to spend some time in their shoes.”
Blues singer Dubh Lee has released her latest single ‘Carousel’. The track was recorded in The Meadow recording studio in Co. Wicklow and the singer enlisted the help of David Griffin from New Secret Weapon to record the bass and drums for the track.In the past Dubh Lee has performed at events all over Ireland such as Electric Picnic and the Ruby Sessions, along with more intimate shows opening for acts such as Jack Lukeman and Bagatelle, and she supported jazz band Jimmy’s Cousin on their Irish tour in 2019. From folk beginnings she has transitioned from performing solo with an acoustic guitar to performing heavier material with a bassist and a drummer in 2020, now playing energetic live sets as a power trio featuring songs with blues and garage rock influences.
Raw relentless riffs and brawn laced bass lines adorn ‘Carousel’ in a lean mean wall of sound as Dubh Lee displays the power of her uncompromising blues rock. The track is well crafted and instrumentally deft as shredding guitar lines swelter and simmer though the groove infused backbone. Dubh Lee doesn’t overpower with this track instead she allows the instrumentation to hypnotically smoulder around her striking vocal delivery as the track straddles a fine line between folk and boisterous blues. The song, which lyrically deals with using partying as a coping mechanism is a tight number that builds superbly becoming more dynamic as it reaches its blazing crescendo. ‘Carousel’ is a raw cut and glimpse into the compelling sound of Dubh Lee.
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new strut worthy single ‘The Tin Man’. This radiant anthem prances in on Thrillhouse’s infectious musicianship.The band have created a luscious irresistible tune exuding a hip moving beat, jaunty guitar, and funky bass groove with a vibrant backing vocal and fruity pop melody providing the sugary coating on top. Thrillhouse craft fun, energetic and exhilarating tunes laced in charm which compel you to put the track on repeat. Their tunes will put a smile on your face and coax you to the dance floor. I’m becoming a big fan of these guys.
Fast Trains has released his new single ‘The English Way’ taken from his upcoming EP ‘ourWorld Volume 1′ set for release in 2021. Fast Trains is the solo project of songwriter and producer Tom Wells. Combining inventive alternative pop with a cryptic visual space known as ourWorld, the project has received backing from BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music, and its videos have been shown at film festivals all over the world.
‘The English Way’ is a refined, sonically lush number filled with the melodic and emotive songwriting of Fast Trains. The track pivots around a shaky rhythm, sharp lonely guitar strides and precise production as Fast Trains builds his unique soundscape meticulously. Boasting tense keys and sweet melodies the song broods and simmers while Wells coos the warm melody. The song is a call for men to move away from that British trait of keeping a stiff upper lip, highlighting the dangers of bottling up one’s emotions through cinematic and catchy musicianship. ‘The English Way’ is a sublime and gripping new track from Fast Trains.
‘Eden on the Park’ is the brand new album from Australian Alt-rock band Edith Lane. The album is almost a coming of age for Edith Lane, who have been around the local Melbourne scene for the last 8 years, performing with different bands and groups. Inspired by lead singer Victor’s own life experiences, the idea of ‘Eden on the Park’ was largely informed by the poetry of Peter Porter and the works of bands such as Radiohead and Sonic Youth. The album was recorded in a small home studio in Footscray called Love Shack Studios, owned and run by bandmate Jessicca. This isolated setting gave way to intimate performances recorded without any sense of pressure.
‘Eden on the Park’ is a mesmerising and expressive album that broods with emotion and erupts with crashing instrumentation. Throughout the album Edith Lane expertly build and release tension through sublime musicianship. Venturing between soft ethereal moments in tracks ‘B(I’m Glad We Talked’ and ‘32&’ to raw unadulterated grunge rock in ‘A Conversation With The Devil’, the band craft their songs superbly. Of particular interest is the 90’s grunge elements and haunting vocals which exude mournful tones in ‘Quite Observation’ and ‘Frame by Frame’ – tracks such as these are joy to the ears. The band swirl crashing ( and at times psychedelic ) guitar riffs and refrains through dreamy or raw backdrops creating a varied, multi-textured wall of sound. However the fluctuating, ominous bass and drums provide the brawn and foundation for this magnificent guitar work to ricochet off.
There is abyssal darkness within the album. At times, it’s harrowing, painful and heart-rending as a powerful vocal delivery accompanied by emotive piano moments express innocence and vulnerability.
This introspective album takes you on an emotional journey of bittersweetness. ‘Eden on the Park’ is a wonderful display of musical prowess. Edith Lane majestically blend genres to create a wholly consuming album brimming with energy, sulky moments and aggression.
Speaking to the emotional state behind the album, Victor explains “It’s emotional, and there’s a lot of vulnerability in it, but we don’t want to portray it as a sad album, nor do we want to come across as having a sense of self-importance. I guess the feelings would be honest, self-aware, something along those lines.”
Dublin multi-instrumentalist Sam Ludlow is set to release his new single ‘Summertime Somewhere’ on 20th of November. The song was recorded during the Summer with producer/friend, Mateusz (Shaky Shack), and Andrea Louise Jones on sax in a small house outside Dublin.
‘Summertime Somewhere’ is a wonderfully melodic track as Sam Ludlow spreads mellow alt pop over infectious grooves and intricately crafted soundscapes. The track’s soothing atmosphere and relaxed vibes seep into the listeners ears with ease as Sam’s velvety vocals cruise over the laid back melody and bubbling beat. The sunkissed haze on guitar is perhaps the most interesting aspect on the track, it exudes warmth through a soft beat which ventures slightly into reggae territory without fully committing to the genre. Sprinkles of jazz provided by a sultry sax give that final touch to create an all consuming listening experience.
‘Summertime Somewhere’ is a delight to listen to. Sam Ludlow is honing in on his sound and perfecting his craft. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.
‘Summertime Somewhere’ is set for release tomorrow 20th of November for more you can follow Sam Ludlow on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/samludlowartist
Kryan is set to release his new single ‘Scars’ tomorrow November 20th. Kryan is a Dublin based Singer-songwriter who blends intimate and honest lyrics with pop sensibilities. In addition to being featured on Spotify’s ‘Easy’ playlist, previous release ‘I Always Knew’ was praised for Kryan’s mature and developed sound despite being the artists first release under the’ Kryan’ moniker. ‘Scars’ was co-written and produced by David Prendergast (Kodaline, Overheard, The Albatross).
Showcasing earnest songwriting and deftly embellished building soundscapes, ‘Scars’ is a beautiful and emotive track from Kryan. The song takes a retrospective look at the shared victories and losses of a blossoming relationship. Kryan displays this through a progressive instrumental backdrop which exudes a hopeful tone. ‘Scars’ begins with elegant piano and soft guitar accompaniment allowing Kryan’s warm vocals express the passionate, meaningful lyrics through a moving melody. As the track progresses it becomes more uplifting; the guitars and keys intensify and a suspenseful beat rises in the background as the song reaches its cinematic crescendo.
Deeply personal and honest ‘Scars’ is a passionate track from an intriguing artist. Looking forward to hearing more from Kryan.
Discussing his new single Kryan said “I began writing ‘Scars’ at the end of the first lockdown in Ireland. I then brought the track to good friend Dave Prendergast who would later flesh out the track and we would begin the recording process when it was safe to do so in August. After a week or two tidying up lyrics and melodies, Scars found a whole new meaning. As a follow up to ‘I Always Knew’, ‘Scars’ tells the story of the ups and downs that nobody sees.
Stream ‘Scars’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
