Browsing Tag

Acoustic Indie

Michael Shanks rocks on fantastic ‘Creature of the Night’

Texas singer-songwriter Michael Shanks returns with his riff-fused lit brand new song called ‘Creature of the Night’.

Michael Shanks is a carefree musician, singer-songwriter and bandleader from Texas who has played from Buenos Aires to Beijing. ‘Creature of the Night’ has been called the darkly whimsical lovechild of Jimi Hendrix and Tom Waits.

Born in the wild, worldly sprawl of Houston, Texas, from a very young age Michael experienced music from around the globe. At home his family would jam the likes of the Doors, CCR and even Beethoven, but out in Houston’s thriving arts scene he was introduced to Ravi Shankar, Philip Glass, Joe Guitar Hughes, Astor Piazzolla and countless other internationally known musical innovators. This melting pot of music paved the way for Michael’s broad musical vision that looks beyond borders or genres.

With his upcoming EP, ‘Space Sounds: from the Deepest Orbits to the Nearest Hearts‘ out soon, this is an exciting time for the carefree musician who strides out confidently here on ‘Creature of the Night’ from Michael Shanks. There is soul here as he describes watching certain people who turn into zombies in the world and turn into creates. This is a fun track that grooves you like back in the 70’s with it’s solos and rock-out attitude.

Click here for the Spotify link.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Long Island native Alix Perti takes us on trippy journey on ‘Quarantea’

Alix Perti brings us an acoustic wonderland with the catchy indie rock journey of ‘Quarantea’.

Alix Perti is an alternative artist from Long Island New York. He is dedicated to bending genres and taking his audience on a trippy experience somewhere in the galaxy they’ve never been before. Originally producing hip hop beats, he was swept up by the psychedelic and punk rock scene. Alix has found a way to weaponize his passion, heartbreak and revolutionary attitude, into explosive tracks and storytelling. His promise is to always bring out pure music no matter what.

‘Quarantea’ from Alix Perti is a psychedelic journey that bends through different genres as promised. The sound is real and authentic that it filters through the feelings that we have now in the world. The NYC artist is splendid on this brand new single that is a radical gem that has sparked up in the sands to lead us to better times.

Stream here on Spotify to hear this gem.

Click here for the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Danny Mortimer is back with new indie rock single ‘Just Like Before’

Blending heartfelt lyrics with big sing-along choruses the Moray based singer-songwriter Danny Mortimer has been attracting attention thanks to his music throughout Scotland and beyond. He returns with his new beautiful song called ‘Just Like Before‘.

The first in a series of double sided singles released by Danny Mortimer, with the B-Side ‘Another Light‘. This is an indie rocker who likes to get the vibe alive and he rocks in the door here with this new single. This is a message to enjoy the small things in life as one day you will realize that they were big moments in your life.

Just Like Before‘ from Danny Mortimer is the journey to find life’s fulfillment in doing the things we love. It feels like there are a few songs in one here which makes this such a fascinating listen. Finding our way through life with an energetic sound wins the day on this indie-pop single that has a positive message.

Head through to the YouTube page.

Click here for the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Avé is back with his soulful energy on beautiful ”Dive in My Ocean”

Philly native Avé is back and with a real bang here. The supremely talented indie R&B singer meshes our broken hearts together with a picture of love on his new track called ”Dive In My Ocean’‘. This mermaid of music sounds rejuvenated and fresh to sing into our bones with his stunning stories. He is feeling a bit heartbroken as he lusts for the one that has his heart all tied up into a bow. Can he find that love again in the ocean?

“That’s the music I grew up on,” says Avé. “I absolutely love Janet Jackson. I think, of all the songs I’ve released, this one you can see my influences in the Jacksons the most.”

We agree Avé, we agree. This is such a quality song and his voice transfixes you. A real entertainer inside, you can feel his creativity and the video is wonderfully shot. It showcases Avé’s talents to a high level and this young singer-songwriter is sure to blossom mightily on the world stage now. His voice is so pure and fresh.

Dive In My Ocean’‘ is an underrated gem and we hope for more songs from Avé as he warms the soul.

Stream this video that was released off The Giving Groove on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Louisiana singer Rhonda Merrick is ready for the one in ”All the Way”

You just know when you are ready. You love the person and they love you back. Side by side you know you can be strong together and make each day special. It’s time.

All the Way” from Rhonda Merrick is a story of love and so perfectly explained. She is ready to settle down and sing. Her family is important to her and with these three passions, she is now happy. Coming from a music family has been a blessing and a curse. Rhonda is now moving above all doubts and the time is now here. After being close in 2011, the timing was off when she almost signed with Universal Music. Being a Mom meant so much more. 2020 has been a challenge but when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

I feel like Rhonda Merrick is starting to build up her confidence and she will make a huge impact from now on. She is a musician who has been waiting in the wings to fly. It’s your time Rhonda. Be free and do what you love.

Stream this new song right here on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Kilter throw us deep with ”Fall in Place”

With different influences in the indie rock and psychedelia world, Kilter is a music project based in Louisiana in the USA. It features an ever-changing group of band members that adds a nice twist to the sound. It must be tough to do this and this could be a new style in the music world. Music solves all problems and with musicians needing to work as soon as possible I like this direction.

The sound is dark and deep with a doom feel. ”Fall in Place” is a journey about life and wanting things to fall into place while knowing that the timing might be off. Kilter have a different style and is like nothing I have ever heard before ever. I do feel in a strange mood while listening to this song and I’m sure that is the point. You end up listening so closely to each word.

After being in heavy metal band Anticult, Matt from Kilter decided to change direction and this is the output. I’m sure with so much more experience with this new genre the sound will develop and only grow stronger. I’m excited for the next batch of songs and this could be a name to watch.

Stream this new song right here on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Thomas Bradley Project release reflective ”Falling Down”

Sometimes we fall down. If we have real friends and family around us then we are pulled up and stand up again. Leaving your past behind is the only way to avoid that sinking feeling. You can then grow and evolve while starting afresh.

This is the follow up to April 2020’s Eternal Sea from the Thomas Bradley Project that was brilliantly reviewed by Amelia Vandergast. What a song this is. This new creation is part of his new 4 part demo that is proving to be a fantastic series of music from the young musician and his band.

Falling Down’‘ is a terrifically arranged song that is easy to get lost in. It’s so emotional and you can feel the hurt inside the vocals and lyrics from Thomas. Thomas Bradley is on Lead Vocals and Rhythm Guitar with Thomas Dean on Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals. The violin skills from Keisha Drury adds so much elegance to this song and I have goosebumps while listening to her. Thomas Bradley Project have together created a wonderful track that is sad and beautiful at the same time. This is about building yourself up after being hurt and mending the broken heart. This is a promising act that will get lots of love in the indie circles and they should be proud of this effort.

Listen to more of this soulful artist right here on his growing YouTube channel that shows loads of potential.

Follow this band on their Facebook page so you can see when they are live in your town.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Treva and the Mojos release relevantly single “In the Ditch”

With Italian roots and currently in majestic Melbourne, Australia. You will want to turn up Treva and the Mojos real loud. The distorted sound at the beginning reminds me of a Radiohead song and then the vocals hit right in the stomach.

The band created this indie pop track back in 2012 and released it only now to inspire as it felt relevant and real during these times of COVD-19.

This is a band forging their own path and doing it their way. “In the Ditch” is all about getting ourselves out of that ditch and struggling to make it happen due to all the ugliness out there. I’m so inspired by this track as it’s so real. Millions have hidden away and might never emerge again as they are too scared to come out. It’s so important not to lose your mind right now and stay strong for whoever you care about in the world. Keeping your eyes open and looking to the stars for inspiration is the only way to survive and for our souls to be saved. This is a band with a massive future and their realness is for all to see and their music so stunningly crafted with love.

Stream this soulful band right here on their Spotify page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Indigo Hush’s ”Drugs Are For The Weekend” is a sobering story of love and addiction

The rush of the crowd, the smoke filled energy of the party combined with the feeling of being a part of something special. This is the vibe that most of us feel when we could go out, before quarantine days of course. Indigo Hush is a new act on the scene that paints us a picture of how it feels when the party all ends. This is reality.

With a dark & moody energy, ”Drugs Are For The Weekend” is a song that should warn us of getting a bit too deep into the party scene. It has a bleak undertone and Indigo Hush hits the nail on the head with his experiences and ultimately delivers a commendable track with a haunting beat that is executed perfectly for the song.

Drugs Are For The Weekend” is a sobering tale from new Indie Electro artist Indigo Hush as he takes us on a journey through the chipped paint walls of the local club featuring fake friends, showing us how it feels to like someone but only to lose all feeling of attraction when the drugs get a bit too much. Designed for the weekend, temptation takes over and the artist methodically and painfully accepts his fate, concluding that it isn’t really worth it.

Stream this and more from Indigo Hush on his Spotify channel.

Review by Llewelyn Screen

8udDha bl0od – Song 1: Feverishly Sweet Alt Indie Folk

https://soundcloud.com/william-orpen/song-1/s-hOI5QGIWIyI

If it’s been a while since an Alt Indie track turned your soul to mush, delve into the jangly feverishly sweet melodies contained in Brighton-based artist 8udDha bl0od’s recently released single Song 1.

Any fans of Noah & the Whale will be equally as enamoured by the Song 1 as we were. It may be a little more frenzied and intricately turbulent than archetypal offerings of Indie, but that simply amplifies the charm which spills from the candidly humble lyrics which relay all too resonant romantic insecurity.

With each new release from 8udDha bl0od, their potential becomes increasingly more tangible. It’s safe to say that they’re the most creatively versatile artist we’ve ever had on our radar.

You can check out Song 1 for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast