Browsing Tag

60’s

8udDha bl0od – R3D0: Sublimely Mellifluous 60s Psych Pop Rock

Posted on 19 April 2020
https://soundcloud.com/william-orpen/untitled-1252

If your playlists could use an injection of catharsis, look no further than the sublimely mellifluous single R3D0 from breaking Alternative artist 8udDha bl0od.

Fans of the Beatles and other 60s Psych Pop Rock pioneers will definitely appreciate the gently enticing rhythms which aid transcendental escapism while simultaneously leaving you enamoured by the artist’s ability to create such a transfixing soulful single.

It’s lyrically light, but perceptibly, R3D0 was stripped-back to the essential components to offer nothing but sheer psychedelic good vibes.

Not all of 8udDha bl0od’s tracks are as captivatingly serene as R3D0. But this just affirms that the Brighton-based artist has no trouble when it comes to orchestrating more traditional, accessible and radio-friendly tracks despite their inclination to explore slightly less archetypal sounds.

You can check out R3D0 which was released in February 2020 along with 8udDha bl0od’s tracks for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

KBone – ‘Crashing Into You’

Posted on 26 December 2019

Glaswegian musician KBone pairs up with singer Aika Zabala on the aural treat that is ‘Crashing Into You’. Complete with lyrics penned by songwriter Douglas Beardmore, this track is as impressive as it is innovative.

The song begins with a 60s-esque riff, that is slowly joined by a primal beat and a sweet, melodic vocal – courtesy of Zabala. Her voice is reminiscent of Grimes or Katy B and she sings a story well known by all. Addicting, insatiable lust. The lyrics happen to be the first that songwriter, Beardmore, has sold and from the biting poetry contained in the subject matter of the song, it most definitely will be the first of many lyric sheets sold by him.

The chorus crashes in, larger than life. Its metallic instrumental undertones contrast with the gentle timbre that Zabala creates. Then we flow back to the verses. The subtle yet striking tinkles of percussion here add to the psychedelic essence of ‘Crashing Into You’. Although essentially a pop track, it’s the small nuances of genre like these, combined with the day-glow design on the track’s artwork, that suggest KBone has some 60s influences that are filtering through into the track.

I hope that this is not the last collaboration that Zabala and KBone undertake.

Review By Alicia Carpenter

Soul/RnB Twins MMG Release New Single “Rockstars of the Roller Skate Rink” and Get Set to Tour Japan

Posted on 15 September 2017

Some bands refuse to get stuck into one specific category or niche. Their sound is diverse, airy and full of character, incorporating a wide variety of influences and approaches in a very organic and natural way.

This is certainly the case of MMG, a duo that seems to know no boundaries when it comes to experiment with sound and come up with cool new ideas.

The duo’s kaleidoscopic blend of R&B, jazz, funk, fusion, and soul could be traced back to a wide variety of influences, ranging from classic artists such as Otis Redding or Chit to modern-day icons such as D’Angelo or Thundercat. This eclectic musical act set out to embody the sound and vision of various ages and aesthetics, including 60s R&B and 70s Disco.

The beautiful thing is that all of these musical influences aren’t compartmentalized in the band’s music, but they coexist together, not colliding but seamlessly integrating into one another. It is not really easy to let so many ideas flow together into the mix, but half the job is done when you get to work with such talented and visionary musicians to bring the project to fruition.

“Rockstars of the Roller Skate Rink” is a refreshingly upbeat release that stands out as a vibrant party anthem, enticing listeners with infectious rhythms and memorable melodic hooks.

The duo is certainly showcasing their best shape yet on their latest single, which seems to be a bold statement and a sign that they are perfecting and consolidating their charming sonic aesthetics even further.

I love it when catchy songs also have brains and this is certainly the case with “Rockstars of the Roller Skate Rink”. This is the kind of track that you can instinctively connect with –  it has a primal groove, a catchy production, and some fun aesthetics. However, this is one of the songs that allow you to dig deeper if you really want to, discovering multiple layers of influences and ideas, coming together into one appealing package. In other words…who said that interesting music couldn’t also be “easy” and readily attractive to a mainstream audience? MMG is an intelligent pair of musicians who really succeeded in making a very unapologetically catchy song with a lot of heart and brains.

Find out more and listen to “Rockstars of the Roller Skate Rink” by MMG directly through Spotify and add it to your playlist now!.

Beachdust Release 60’s Inspired Song ‘Spider Baby’

Posted on 3 September 2017
Midnight Sally by Beachdust

Beachdust is an eclectic musical project with a fondness for unexpected and catchy songwriting. Elements of pop and 60s beat clash with garage, indie and alternative, making for charismatic and personable patterns, just like bands such as The Black Lips, The Kinks or even The Strokes, just to mention but a few. Their recent single release, “Spider Baby”, is taken from the band’s latest studio album, Midnight Sally, which features 10 songs, including the single itself.

These talented musicians set out to bring something unique to the table: It is amazing how this clash of tones appears so organic and orderly: it’s not simple to pull it off, but Beachdust effortlessly succeeded in the task, doing a great job at perfecting their distinctive sound formula in a fun and lighthearted way.

“Spider Baby” is a great example of the band’s formula, going for a catchy, light and energetic vibe, matched with a set of compact, yet endearing lyrics.

The High Gallery release ‘As Above So Below’

Posted on 17 August 2017

If some would make the distinction between rock’n’roll a being a retro, back beat driven guitar jive and rock as being the evolution of stolen blues riffs which became the core of a whole new world of music, The High Gallery may just be one of the missing links between the two definitions.

This San Diego outfit manage to blend whole chapters from the musical record, from the aforementioned jive beat to the 50’s surf guitar twang but they also reference melancholic 60’s pop and early 70’s psych. Throw in some brass for drama, bluesy slide guitar breaks, swelling Hammond washes and pulsing bass lines not to mention a vocal which would stand out in any era and you have less of a band and more of a music rollercoaster ride through the sonic history of the western hemisphere.

Die Blonde release hazy new compelling single ‘L.A. and Nashville’

Posted on 26 July 2017
https://youtu.be/E9QIUWVb-lg

L.A. and Nashville are arguably two of the most important cities in the United States to the music industry.

Los Angeles is home to a kaleidoscopic music scene under the California sun, with a particular emphasis on rock music. Nashville is known for its country music scene and references to timeless Americana.

Die Blonde set out to combine these two musical philosophies and bridge the gaps between alternative rock and folk with their new compelling single, “L.A. and Nashville”. This song defies genre definitions and blurs the lines between the usual cliches, going for something edgy and refreshingly unpredictable.

The song immediately kicks off with some warm and bright acoustic guitar and an engaging stomping groove. The vocal harmonies are laden with beautiful reverb effects, going for a cool 60s feel – Think Mumford and Sons jamming with Tame Impala!

On “L.A. and Nashville”, Die Blonde set out to create a hazy and dreamy production aesthetic with psychedelic overtone. Their ability to create memorable melodies and poignant lyrics seamlessly blends in with their tasteful production value, making for a very organic and personal sound.

Find out more and listen to the single directly via the band’s page http://dieblondeband.com/

A&R Factory Present: Nightmen

Posted on 17 February 2017

Nightmen started out in late 2014 in Malmö, Sweden. The members are previously known for being part of acts such as Terrible Feelings, Yast and MF/MB/, however Nightmen is something completely different. Combining garage rock-poses and sugary sweet power pop,

In early 2015 the debut-EP ”Girl for You” was released by Rundgång Rekords. The music magazine Gaffa wrote the following,”Charmingly, vibrant garage rock with nods to the pop music of the 60’s”.

In 2016 Nightmen released their first LP,”Fifteen Minutes of Pain”, on Lövely Records. The music blog Hymn wrote:”You can’t be tough in all situations, the softer side of things needs to come forward as well. In the case of Nightmen the punk rock converge with the hook-laden power pop. You just can’t live without melodies”.

In august of 2016 Nightmen recorded their second LP ”Can’t Avoid Success” in AGM-studios together with Joakim Lindberg. With the rural countryside as a backdrop a softer album with even more powerful pop sensibility was made. However the attitude is very much intact and the leather jackets still fit perfectly.

Ahahahah (Oh No) is the first single from Nightmen’s second album ‘Can´t Avoid Success’. Combining garage rock-poses and sugary sweet power pop, Nightmen have made a name for themselves as one of the most interesting new rock bands to come out of Sweden.