Browsing Tag

Alt Indie Rock

KAIS has illuminated the airwaves with their sonically ensnaring Alt Rock track ‘Dark Side of the Light’

Posted on 12 November 2020

‘Dark Side of the Light’ is the latest single to be released from award-winning Middle Eastern Alt-Rock artist KAIS, who hasn’t just put his own name on the map, he was in the vanguard of pioneering artists who kickstarted the Indie Rock scene in Jordan.

Their latest single which dropped on November 11th, 2020 is a soul-laden intricate tonal tapestry, gently weaved together with elements of Indie Rock, Alt Rock and Psychedelic Soul.

With a conceptually meta approach to the lyricism, Dark Side of the Light hits just as hard lyrically as it does sonically. Without any overbearing literalism, Dark Side of the Light speaks of lost love and the longing which can cast us into the dark, making us all too aware of how love serves as the light while we’re left scorned in hindsight.

Lines such as “You know it’s a battle with sin” is a reminder that all relationships involve a battle against temptation. While “One side’s here to stay, one side’s gotta win” emphasizes the inescapable reality of romantic parallels.

The vulnerability in the lyrical admissions is lost to the volatility of the reverb-wrapped instrumentals which allow the sentiments to relay with resounding conviction.

You can listen to Dark Side of the Light which was recorded at KAIS’ recording studio, Hot Soap Studios, in Cyprus via Spotify

Review by Amelia Vandergast

 

Tasmanian rockers ‘Meres’ fly in with a fine new single ‘Finally’

Posted on 11 October 2020

Tasmanian band Meres rock in with a fine new single ‘Finally‘ and this is a groovy effort.

This is a self-confessed weirdo-mildly-abrasive-pop-rawk from Tasmania in Australia. Their name is pronounced like “pairs” and “who cares”. With a cool name which has a real meaning, we are off to a great start. Their style is to set the bar low, no expectations. They certainly are a band you can’t stop listening too, the chorus gets stuck in your head. In a good way.

This is a rocking pop indie track that has a constant vibe that keeps you happy. This is a real song about finding yourself and it’s okay. You are not selfish. Sometimes you just need to do this. Stay happy and not let anything else get in your way for a while. You are in the car and can’t get out right now as you need to keep the engine going strong.

Australian band Meres are in top form in ‘Finally‘ and this is a great video that is full of dogs, cat faces and the band in full swing. We see rockets going into space at the end and this is the ending so perfect. This is a band going all the way to the top.

Click here for the YouTube page.

Head through to the Facebook link.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

jain – kneading: Eccentrically Volatile Alt Garage Rock

Posted on 20 August 2020
https://jaintn.bandcamp.com/track/kneading

Nashville, Tennessee artist jain released their noisy Garage Rock EP ‘the end of June’ at… the end of June. The track which caught our attention was the discord-spilling riotously angsty single ‘kneading’.

The short and distortedly sweet track incorporates elements of Punk, No Wave, Post Hardcore and Indie and throws in some sonically psychedelic lead guitar work to ensure that you’ve never heard anything quite like this eccentrically volatile release before.

In short, kneading is utter chaos and it can even make artists such as Pavement and Daughters seem middle-of-the-road.

You can check out kneading for yourselves by heading over to Bandcamp where you’ll be able to download and stream the rest of the EP.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Johnny Rock Band rock out with a fun party vibe on ‘Hotdog on a Stick Song’

Posted on 19 August 2020

Johnny Rock Band rocks in with the summer special ‘Hotdog on a Stick Song‘.

Growing up in Encinitas raised on music, art, surfing and avocados. Tate Sanderson aka Johnny Rock loves being with his trusty guitar and also never cutting his hair. Life is too short to care about that. He would attend surf P.E. in the morning then turn in a song he wrote for credit in English class later in the day.

A dream, a guitar and a lot of ambition tossed Johnny onto the highway of life, touring the U.S, Mexico and over in Japan. He had been dreaming of playing all over the world and this has turned into a reality.

Johnny Rock Band rolls in with his new song ‘Hotdog on a Stick Song‘ and this is a fun story. This is all about having a good time and not worrying too much. This is a great message and an ode to making 2020 better. Music and life should be enjoyed. I love the cruising vibe here and the solos are fantastic. I could imagine watching this band at a sweaty festival and rocking out to them.

Stream here on Spotify to hear more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

South Carolina’s Brett Weller sings to summer days on ‘Carolina Sun’

Posted on 16 August 2020

Former New Orleans native, singer-songwriter Brett Weller sends us a summer anthem here with his brand new indie rock fused ‘Carolina Sun‘.

Set for release on 27th August, this is a riveting indie rock reflection into the sun. The solos are fantastic and get the pulse rising just like you want it to. This is a soul message that leaves you feeling you are out on the road, looking for that perfect sunset. This sultry sun-soaked song simmers in the BBQ as you reflect on life’s adventures.

After moving his family to South Carolina in 2020, indie-rocker Brett Weller soon felt the effects of quarantine and the impact it has had on the whole event industry. Despite the challenges of navigating a new season of life during a pandemic, the singer-songwriter is riding a fresh wave of music inspiration that has been bubbling in his veins. Brett has begun working with Atlanta based producer, Matt Jackson, making a mesh of electronic rock and synth pop vibes.

Mixed and mastered by Grammy Award winner, Darrell Thorp, the debut single ‘Carolina Sun‘, this is the song from Brett Weller we have all been waiting for. With a road-trip theme tune, we can all enjoy summer days with this on loud.

Stream here for the Soundcloud link.

Click here to see more on Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The Star Prairie Project reflects 2020 with new rock song ”Frantic Mind”

Posted on 23 July 2020

The Star Prairie Project is the brainchild of Nolen Chew Jr who is a singer-songwriter from Star Prairie, Wisconsin. The main aim of this recording project is to write original songs and make them into records. Nolen collaborates with musicians and producers from LA to London to bring the songs to life.

The Star Prairie Project is named after the village of Star Prairie which is 50 miles north east of Minneapolis/St Paul and the Alan Parsons Project from back in the day.

”Frantic Mind” is a powerful rock song that encapsulates the minds of most humans right now. Life is crazy at the moment.

The Star Prairie Project have strong vocals on this one and they back it up in style with a sound that is a joy to listen to. This is a proper band that rock out with speaker-busting guitar riffs and smashing drums. ”Frantic Mind” is a top track and the real lyrics makes this even better.

Stream this exciting rock track that defines 2020 here on SoundCloud.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

NYC Rockers Rebel Kicks boot out the dust on ”Way Out”

Posted on 18 July 2020

Indie-Rock New York City band Rebel Kicks boot down the door with new track ”Way Out’‘ The words and music are by Anthony Babino & Steven Babino. Produced by Jimmy Greco & Rebel Kicks, this is the song we have been waiting for in 2020.

With a groovy beat to get the song going you just know that this is going to be a quality track. This is all about saying goodbye to that deadbeat town that offers nothing. You are in the mood to move and start afresh to travel and find a way to do things better.

”Way Out” from Rebel Kicks is about moving on and the rock-filled melodies get your ears happy and get that body surely jiving along here. The feeling of moving towns can be very freeing sometimes and it can do you the wonder of good. Why stay somewhere that makes you so unhappy?

This is a fine indie-rock track with blues influences that I quite fancy. This is a rocking new song from Rebel Kicks as they make 2020 a better place to be in.

Stream this brand new rock song with lots of dancing involved right here on Soundcloud.

Facebook is the page to find out more about this awesome act.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Chicago Singer-songwriter Jim Soule rolls in with exciting indie rock ”A New Brand of Fiction”

Posted on 28 June 2020
Forget the Days by Jim Soule

Saint Paul, Minnesota was the hometown for singer-songwriter Jim Soule and he is now based in Chicago where his music career has blossomed. He is joined currently by Mike Soule and Chad Wheeling. Together they form a formidable trio who pack the speakers with enthusiastic abandon here with their indie-rock feels.

”A New Brand of Fiction” started off as a curious how much sleep will Jim get once his next kid arrives type of song. This vivid lyrics wrapped inside also speaks of a life that sometimes shows you to show more confident and learn from it. Ups and downs.

”Forget The Days” is the brand new album from the legend that is Jim Soule and this is a sterling effort from the wily and wise singer-songwriter and masterful poet. This is a song that is characterized by that underdog effort inside your tired bones. Being exhausted and working all the time is now a new norm that shouldn’t be.

The band impress on this song with this strong indie-rock bluesy feel. A winning song for a society that is shouting for heroes and positive music.

Click here for the Bandcamp link.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Newcastle Rockers Indoor Kids leave no doubt to their brilliance with ”Down”

Posted on 18 June 2020

Ah yes. This is such a quality sound and they are going places. Indoor Kids have a powerful style with incredible production and the band executes the sound like no other.

”Down” is just over 5 minutes and you can’t get enough. Newcastle natives Indoor Kids take us into the unknown with breath-taking precision and rock 2020 into shape with 80’s style music that is timelessly crafted for this lost generation. Get off your phone and turn this up until your speakers shake into shape.

The start of the song is a bit haunting and then we are told to settle down. The band are in control here and they are taking us into another world like Neo in The Matrix. They have built up for this moment and each member knows exactly what they need to do. This is the Champions League final and the boys are lining up for that Free Kick. My body shakes as I anticipate the next build and listen even closer. It’s not often that a band has me jamming like this. Always ready for the fight. This is an act that is breaking through to the very top and they are going to put on one heck of a show.

Taken off new album ”The Great Outdoors, Pt. 1”, ”Down” is a powerfully fused anthem and sits comfortably seated in the front row of majestic music releases from 2020.

Head to the band’s Spotify page to get this single in your head all day.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

UK Alt Indie Rock quartet SOHLER made their debut with the jaw-dropper of a single “Computer”

Posted on 27 April 2020

When was the last time you hit play on an Indie Rock track and felt genuine excitement for what was being poured into your ears? If it has been a while, indulge yourself in the electrifying ingenuity contained in the debut single Computer by Alternative artist SOHLER.

It’s even better than finding a forgotten tenner in your pocket. Because who can put a price on discovering an aural cocktail of sounds you’ve come to love from the likes of Elliott Smith, Radiohead, The Calling, Arctic Monkeys and Muse all in one tight perfectly produced package?

The progressive single kicks off with an artfully pensive Indie Rock prelude and allows the rhythmic momentum to slowly build while Wil Harvey’s sticky-sweet vocals become increasingly more adrenalizing.

Before you know it, you’re immersed in an anthemic earworm with massive Indie Rock choruses and you’ll be at the mercy of SOHLER who aren’t shy about throwing curveballs your way in the form of explosive instrumental breakdowns.

SOHLER is a rare up and coming act you can quite easily get obsessed with.

You can check out SOHLER’s single for yourselves by heading over to Spotify now.

Keep up to date with new releases from the UK-based artist via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast