Browsing Tag

Alt Indie Pop Rock

Franklin Gotham has released their stoically stellar single, Without Being Alone.

Franklin Gotham’s latest single, Without Being Alone, is a tender power-pop embrace that you’ll want to fall into time and time again for the comforting vintage tones, dreamy doo-wop vibes and compassionate lyricism. If you can imagine what Pavement would sound like if they picked up the same romanticism as Syd Barrett, you will be able to get an idea of the sticky-sweet euphoria delivered.

Without Being Alone stoically explores the kind of love that leaves you on the sidelines exploring the infinite possibilities with impassioned impatience. If it’s been a while since you looked at love with rose-tinted glasses, the sweet succinct melodies in this synaesthesia-inducing single will efficaciously remind you.

Without Being Alone is now available to stream and purchase on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Azure Wolf orchestrated the ultimate alt-indie pop-rock anthem with their single, ‘Honey Rush’.

On May 21st, 2021, Azure Wolf released their most visceral work to date with their double a-side single, Chateau / Honey Rush. Both of the singles are fervent exhibitions of the Winchester, VA-based alt-indie artist’s authentically accessible experimentalism. Yet, with Honey Rush, Azure Wolf orchestrated a dark pop-rock anthem that unequivocally affirms that they need to be on your gig bucket list.

With pop elements creating an all-consuming chorus constructed with sweeping sonic progressions, anthemic production and catchy lyrics that you’ll probably need a serious concussion to forget, Honey Rush is the ultimate anthem for anyone whose mentality errs on the side of melancholy.

The breaks that follow the tension-fraught build-ups offer a serious amount of catharsis as you get caught up in the tumultuous momentum of the radio-ready single. It is one of those tragically rare singles that becomes more impactful and meaningful the more you listen to it.

Azure Wolf’s latest release is now available to stream via Spotify and Bandcamp.

Connect with Azure Wolf via Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Vardy and the Wilhelm Screamers take us to their Final Disco

If opening stages for The Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, The Cribs, and Hot Chip, isn’t pedigree enough then I’m not sure what is, and that live-playing, song-writing craft-honing experience is certainly standing singing drummer Vardy in good stead here when it comes to ‘Final Disco’.

Here joined by bassist Sam Hubbins, ‘Final Disco’ is a glorious, bouncing, joyful mix of post-punk indie and alt-rock in the style of Royal Blood, Biffy Clyro, or Mallory Knox, an energetic, gleeful celebration of a final night of partying before growing up and slowing down, a passion for dancing, drinking, sunny beaches, and hallucinogenic rock n roll.

The beautifully overdriven guitar riffs and surges, the bassline funks and wanders, and the drums push the whole track along in an upbeat, dancing-party mood, Vardy’s vocal delivery easy and fun and the lyrics humorous and insightful.

‘Final Disco’ is a sublime, brilliant indie-pop tune, catchy as hell with a narrative that will be instantly familiar and sympathetic to everyone who’s ever felt they need to grow up without growing old.

Check out ‘Final Disco’ on YouTube, and follow Vardy and the Screamers on Facebook or Instagram.

Review by Alex Holmes