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Music Blog for Indie Rock Fans

Mark Docherty rode the crux between new-wave and no-wave in ‘Reckless Abandon

Posted on 3 June 2023

Liverpool’s Mark Docherty created a brand-new wave somewhere between new-wave and no-wave in his latest defiantly distinctive single, Reckless Abandon, which is set for official release on June 3rd.

By bringing distortion-heavy buzzsaw riffs into the post-punk arena, the innovator, who will undoubtedly become renowned for the dualistic tendencies in his vocal performance, succeeded where very few artists of this era do; by drenching the airwaves in originality. From Nick Cave-ESQUE croons to raw rock magnetism, it all lingers in Docherty’s vocal arsenal.

Fans of Pixies and Depeche Mode alike will want to clamour all over Reckless Abandon, which is a sonic depiction of just what it says on the uninhibited tin.

Stream Reckless Abandon from the date of release via SoundCloud, and stay tuned for the debut LP, which is set to drop on June 16.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Holy Joe has made an eponymous indie debut and enriched Liverpool’s cultural tapestry once again after his THE DECEMBERISTS legacy.

Posted on 2 June 2023

After taking what was left of the city of Liverpool by storm after the Beatles tore through the cultural fabric of it in the 80s outfit, THE DECEMBERISTS (no, not the American band who coincidently go by the same moniker), the guitarist founded his new project, Holy Joe, to prove he still has what it takes to make an audience shake, rattle, and roll to the sound of his ingenuity.

In the wake of working fret magic in several revered indie bands, the integral part of the UK indie landscape has stepped to the centre of the stage and established himself as a stellar singer-songwriter in his own right with his self-titled single. The rambunctious record has all the making of a perfect indie-pop release and plenty more in its arsenal.

With the quintessentially affable air of Half-Man Half-Biscuit fused with melodies that will grip the nostalgia-loving senses of the La’s and the Seahorses fans, the single is rhythmic raconteurial earworm which leaves enough room in the indie tapestry for a nuanced Americana folk twang.

Stream the self-titled debut single on SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

“Sick Sad Alone” by Loser Company: A Gritty Anthem of Resilience

Posted on 28 May 2023

Loser Company’s “Sick Sad Alone” emerges as a raw and captivating punk rock gem, showcasing the band’s unique musicality and unapologetic attitude. The raspy yet remarkably in-tune vocals draw comparisons to the legendary Janis Joplin, exhibiting an exceptional sense of intonation. With a punk rock edge reminiscent of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day,” Loser Company delivers an anthemic track that resonates with a sense of rebellion and resilience.

From the opening chords, “Sick Sad Alone” captivates listeners with its gritty energy and infectious hooks. The song’s driving instrumentation and powerful vocals create an atmosphere of defiance, urging the listener to embrace their individuality and embrace the strength found in overcoming adversity. Loser Company’s ability to infuse their music with an unyielding punk spirit sets them apart, making “Sick Sad Alone” a standout track.

Loser Company’s biography reflects a journey marked by struggle, separation, and ultimately, a powerful reunion. Emerging from a Metro-Detroit basement, Mas Kihira and Will Saunders began making music together at a young age before life’s challenges pulled them apart. However, a twist of fate brought them back together, reigniting their shared purpose and passion. With a renewed sense of clarity, they joined forces, forming Loser Company and using their experiences of suffering and loss as fuel for their creative expression.

Their history, riddled with potholes and hardships, has shaped Loser Company’s sound and message. Their slacker indie rock vibes resonate with outcast souls who have experienced the hardships of life. Loser Company aims to create music that embraces the melancholic joy of tough times and serves as a reminder to remain humble during good times. Through their music, they strive to connect with listeners, reassuring them that they are not alone in their pain and struggles.

Loser Company’s social media presence, including their website (www.losercompanymusic.com) and profiles on Instagram (@loser.company.music), Twitter (@LoserCompany), and Facebook (facebook.com/losercompany), allows fans to engage with the band’s journey and stay updated on their latest releases and projects.

In conclusion, “Sick Sad Alone” by Loser Company stands as a powerful testament to the band’s resilience and musical prowess. With their gritty punk rock sound, they invite listeners to embrace their inner strength and find solace in the face of adversity. Loser Company’s ability to combine raw vocals, infectious hooks, and a rebellious spirit creates a captivating sonic experience that leaves a lasting impression. Through their music, Loser Company unites the misfits and reminds us all that there is beauty in embracing our flaws and finding strength in our losses.

No Places Is Safe: Paint A Planet heat up all cold mountains with the dominant debut single I Am The Sun

Posted on 27 May 2023

Feeling the hectic storm brewing so much closer than before as the rumbles shake innocent trees nearby, Paint A Planet shows us where the light is and asks us to follow the path with the sensationally eye-opening single, I Am The Sun.

Paint A Planet is a Tampere, Finland-based indie alternative metal/rock band that makes the kind of superb treats which shall inspire the mind to think further into the soul.

Radiating with so much brilliance and charging all hearts into a flurry of sentiments, Paint A Planet turns up the volume and shall rocket a sensational ear-warmer to tell grandkids about in the future.

I Am The Sun from Tampere, Finland-based metal slashers Paint A Planet is the kind of sizzler which will change all perceptions and blossom into something different than before. This is a rather powerful experience which will deepen the emotions within all willing visitors.

Turn it up loud on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Last Night: The Big Gun Show flows through Mexico on the way to Chicago

Posted on 21 May 2023

With the money thin and much to ponder, The Big Gun Show wonders when the healing will come from losing a love which is so treasured beyond anything else with the superb single Chicago.

The Big Gun Show is an Austin, Texas-based indie rock band who love to play that golden era type of music which is fused between 1970-1973.

”Imagine a song swap in the basement of Villa Nellcôte among outlaws Haggard & Waylon, sided by modern-day honky tonker Charlie Robison. Also in the circle are members of Jet, Lucero and Blackberry Smoke. Graham Parsons demonstrates country stylings to Keith as Ray Wylie Hubbard makes Jagger and Freddie King laugh while they wail in unison like old, drunken friends.” ~ The Big Gun Show

Stoned again and giving us a really fine single to love for its authenticity, The Big Gun Show reminds us what true reflection sounds like in 2023. This is pure artistry at its best with a riveting sound to turn up on full volume only.

Chicago from Austin, Texas-based indie rock band The Big Gun Show is an old-school song with a vibe many just can’t ever forget. Inside this real song with purpose, we are taught to never give up no matter where the roads shall wander in this odd world.

Listen up on Spotify for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Therum soars to the winners line with Sweet Victories (Sour Defeat)

Posted on 20 May 2023

Urging all to listen closer and featuring a divine sound made for those enormous festivals, Therum’s Sweet Victories (Sour Defeat) is a truly impressive single to be inspired by no matter the weather outside.

Therum is a Florida-based alternative psychedelic rock band that loves to drop sensational solos and songs featuring emotive lyrics which will draw the goodness back inside.

Showing us how Gainesville gets down, Therum is on top form here and lights up our fires that have burnt out to a crispy old pizza box due to the ragged fairytale which appears broken. Led by John Luke Melovich, we are treated to a warm embrace which is lovingly received.

Sweet Victories (Sour Defeat) from psychedelic rockers Therum is a stunner into the hearts of anyone who needed a wake-up call. Performed to levels of music splendour, we find a rather terrific single to turn up and let take over all past worries.

This is the kind of cinematic track we can all get excited about while closing our minds to the bad news on television.

Turn this up loud on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Louise Distras prescribes sugar for the pill in her indie rock LP, Beauty After Bruises

Posted on 17 May 2023

With Johnny Marr-ESQUE jangle-pop melodies, the colourfully kaleidoscopic hues of the Psychedelic Furs, Manics-reminiscent lyricism and a fiery pinch of 90s pop energy, the opening single from the sophomore LP, Beauty After Bruises, from Louise Distras is a triumph of candour-instilled innovation.

The LP traverses themes of ugly truths with songwriting chops that will clip you around the ear as you drench yourself in the resonance. Seeing the inorganic futility in striving for perfection in any arena, Distras celebrates the messiness of the human condition before depicting it through her gorgeously humanist soundscapes.

It has been ten years since the last LP from the Yorkshire-residing visionary; now, with the backing of Ministry of Love Records, she is more undeniable than ever, especially with Ross Peterson and Stephen Street at the production and mixing helm, respectively.

The album starts with the instant earworm, Truth in Your Lies, which will leave you in instantaneous arrest of her ability to carve a melody around her lyricality, which exhibits the power of stripping your soul bare while advocating for yourself.

After just one hit of Beauty After Bruises, I can already see how heavy it will be in rotation as I repeatedly sink my teeth into the empoweringly exhilarant energy.

Beauty After Bruises hit the airwaves on April 28; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Coming Up Milhouse’s debut single, Not Over You, is a riot of candied curveballs

Posted on 14 May 2023

Even though the track title leaves little room for guesswork in regards to the sentiments that flow through the swoonsomely crooned pop hit, the debut single, Not Over You, from Coming Up Milhouse, is a riot of candied curveballs.

With vocal lines that could tender the heartstrings of Elliott Smith, synths that create an odyssey of retro mutant pop in the same vein of Trudy and the Romance, and indie jangle pop melodies which add to the trending trajectory which spawned from revivalists such as the Midnight, Not Over You is a debut which plateaus above indie landfill releases.

The self-described soft boy indie rockers from Birmingham know just where to find the sweet spot when balancing lyrical melancholia and earwormy indie hooks.

Not Over You was officially released on May 5; hear it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Good die young: Goatzilla stomp their feet all over our fragile speakers with Leave It All Behind

Posted on 12 May 2023

Shredding all sofas into tiny pieces and booming in a sound which might either age or excite, Goatzilla is at its roaring best with a lionhearted exhibition on the hard-road-ahead ripper an ace cricket bowler would be proud of on Leave It All Behind.

Goatzilla is a Gold Coast, Australia-based indie punk rock 4-piece band who are best known for their explosively entertaining live concerts and have been on the scene since 2015.

”They like good whiskey, cars, heavy music, and collecting way too many guitars.” ~ Goatzilla

On their first album since 2019’s Muthafukasaurus, Goatzilla seemingly has the power to destroy all tired faces with the ultimate pick-me-up. This is hardcore and raw. Are your ears ready for a pounding? If so, press play and turn it all the way up.

Leave It All Behind from Gold Coast, Australia-based indie punk rock 4-piece act Goatzilla is a meaty song which needs a steak for consumption right next to it. There is a hugely colossal track on the cards for anyone brave enough here.

With so much strength from all corners and a vivid vocal rendition to take note of, this is a truly life-enhancing single for anyone who likes it rather heavily textured.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Yet Today: Grayston feels a deep wound brewing on the rather fantastic A Vision in My Mind

Posted on 12 May 2023

Recorded at Threecircles Recording Studio in Wimbish, Essex, Grayston has just opened our ears properly again like an otolaryngologist on the rather eloquent release to alleviate pain, A Vision in My Mind.

Grayston is a hugely experienced UK rock band that pulsates with a thunderously created sound and takes us into a much better world through their edgy music creations.

”Framework for the song was written in 1997, but lyrics rewritten in early 2023 as a gesture to those going through a life crisis like bereavement, divorce, or tragedy of some nature.” ~ Grayston

Guiding us through the troubles and guiding us to a happy heart, Grayston are the kind of underground legend who exits music venues with fans sweating in delight after each performance.

With a vivid vision and so much to relate to, this is a hugely impressive performance to swim deeper into when the cold waters try and flush all the goodness away like a wicked vacuum cleaner.

A Vision in My Mind from UK rockers Grayston is an enlightening experience for the betterment of many who are going through tough times. In a challenging world, this is an example of what is possible through the power of quality music.

Sung with a ferociously passionate vocal delivery, we are fed so many soulful tidbits to learn from for the next time we fall.

Hear more on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen