Browsing Tag

Alternative Rock

Your Lies: Dundee alt-rock artist Frances Gein knows that someday she will be fine on break-up track ‘Mud’

Posted on 18 September 2021

As she bravely crawls away from the past relationship that ended so traumatically, Frances Gein wades through the darkness to find her light again on the terrific new single ‘Mud‘.

Frances Gein is an inspiring LGBTQ+ alternative rock/pop artist from Dundee, Scotland. She blends topics about mental health, loneliness, and existential dread into her music creations, as she aims to mix grunge and beauty together.

”She began learning guitar at the start of the lockdown in 2020 to deal with personal trauma but fell in love with the art of song writing.” ~ Frances Gein

With a gritty and honest flow streaming genuinely withing her veins, she leads us into this heartbreaking story of being with someone who selfishly just wanted to take away your energy all for themselves. Without truly caring for you – they showed you their true intentions eventually – that let you away from that toxic web of doom, so you could heal up to love properly like you truly deserve and smell that romantic perfume.

”Inspired by the poetry of William Wordsworth, ‘Mud’ looks back at abusive relationship with a sarcastic tone.” ~ Frances Gein

‘Mud‘ from the talented Scottish alt-rock/pop solo artist Frances Gein, is the story of knowing that sometime in the future you will be okay. Right now however, you are still steaming with the vivid memory of not being loved properly by a former lover who let you down badly. She sings with a real maturity and takes us on a movie-like journey through the mess that you didn’t want to endure, but certainly learnt from.

Sometimes you have to be at your absolute lowest, to reach the exciting highs that will complete your hungry soul.

Hear this new single via the Spotify music channel and see more on her IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

UK alt-rock outfit THE BIGGER PICTURE is set to make a sonic debut with ‘Sparkle’.

Posted on 8 April 2021
THE BIGGER PICTURE

London-based alt-rock newcomers THE BIGGER PICTURE is set to make a sonic debut with, ‘Sparkle’; a single that parallels the anthemic energy in tracks by Muse, Arcade Fire, Editors and Biffy Clyro and sets the bar high for the debut EP.

The full-bodied release will take you back to the days when rock artists would master theatrical aural experiences, designed to completely blow your mind when the crescendos and guitar solos come around. It is hardly a stretch to say that, given the chance, THE BIGGER PICTURE could offer the same command of a festival crowd as Queen did in the 80s.

The dual vocals practically make Sparkle effervescent with collaborative chemistry, and the guitar work is enough to give James Dean Bradfield a complex.

You can check out THE BIGGER PICTURE via Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Matt Moody is set to release their rhythmically slick Grunge Indie Pop earworm “Watchu Want”

Posted on 26 October 2020
https://soundcloud.com/mattismoody/whatchu-want-1/s-2MjRP3MG0oP

With their latest single “Watchu Want”, trailblazing Alt-Rock artist Matt Moody added Grunge to their classic anthemic Rock signature sound. Bringing it right back to the Alt 90s style while giving fans of contemporary Rock something fresh to sink their teeth into.

With Indie Pop elements also weaved into the mix, Watchu Want is a rhythmically slick earworm which we can’t help getting excited about.

Matt Moody may just be the only artist capable of uniting fans of Aerosmith and fans of Dinosaur Jr with one release. You get the sexy swaggering vocal dynamics alongside the experimentally mind-melting tones found in Grunge and Dream Pop, what more could you possibly ask for?

You can check out Watchu Want from the date of release on October 30th by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Cultural Vultures offer Alt Rock fans smooth bluesy redemption with a view of their ingenuity in action

Posted on 29 August 2020

Any true audiophile of the Alternative inclination will be as enraptured as we were by the invitation to watch Cultural Vultures live in the studio.

The voyeuristic view into their ingenuity starts with striking classical strings before the smooth bluesy, funk-deep Louisiana swamp sound takes hold of the seriously nuanced soundscape in the first track. If you thought Jim Jones was charismatic, just wait until you get to hear the redemption which the ‘live from the studio’ video has to offer.

Offering discernible talent is one thing, but Cultural Vultures offer so much more than a showcase of talent. Their magnetically captivating sound is an absolute pleasure to get lost in. I think I nearly forgot the real world existed.

You can watch the aural alchemy being weaved for yourselves via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

UK Alt Rock Trailblazers Settlem3nt are Set to Unleash Their Colossal New Hit “CHAMPAGNE”

Posted on 5 August 2020
Settlem3nt

Anyone with a penchant for scuzzy biting Alt-Rock won’t want to hang around on jumping on the latest release “CHAMPAGNE” from UK powerhouse Settlem3nt.

After a promising debut, the band had plenty of hype to live up to with CHAMPAGNE. They definitely succeeded with their viscerally charged infusion of Punk, Post-Rock and Metal. With the colossal sound, alchemic riffs and transfixing instrumental breakdowns, Settlem3nt easily set themselves apart from any other emerging artist.

Their high-octane sound would have reminiscences to Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes if Frank Carter went heavier with their sound, and dare I say threw in the same level of ingenuity?

You can check out Settlem3nt’s single CHAMPAGNE for yourselves from August 31st by heading over to Spotify. In the meantime, you can check out their equally as masterfully volatile debut single Visions.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Aliens in Bowties have made their Alt Rock debut with their fiercely authentic EP “Take Me to Your Tailor”

Posted on 21 May 2020

Up and coming Alt Rock 3-piece powerhouse Aliens in Bowties dropped their genre-defying debut EP Take Me to Your Tailor on May the 5th. Soundgarden, Metallica, She Wants Revenge, and Shinedown fans alike are going to want to hear it.

Each of the seismic shifts in tone and style in the four progressively fierce tracks is as viscerally captivating as the last. There’s a rare sense of urgency found in both the vocals and the tight instrumental arrangement. So, whether you’re enjoying Aliens in Bowties ability to spin intricate mellifluous melodicism or you’re caught in the frenzied electrifying doom-laden breakdowns, you’ll be equally as arrested.

One thing which remains as a constant is the mesmerism which spills from Mitch Rector’s vocals. In the slower track on the EP Mystery, he doesn’t hold back on the soul-bearing sultry romanticism. Yet in the first track “Hesitate” you’re treated to his uniquely volatile charisma which sets Alien in Bowties leagues apart from your average Alt Rock newcomer. Pair that with their prowess on a fretboard, and you’ve got a second reason to put Aliens in Bowties on your radar.

You can check out the EP for yourselves by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

8udDha bl0od shows a (slightly) soffer side with new release iN3x7 2 M3

Posted on 19 May 2020
https://soundcloud.com/william-orpen/next-to-me?in=william-orpen/sets/found-lost-within-wi7hout-the-ka7-7riangl35/s-R3kGqYblCHj

Experimental and alternative rock artist 8udDha bl0od has released another (this time, shorter named) single ‘iN3x7 2 M3.’ 

While being known for sonically brash and overpowering soundscapes, this number is a relatively softer one. It’s more reminiscent of early Britpop meets grunge and ‘iN3x7 2 M3’ proves that 8udDha bl0od is able to retain a notable portion of his usual artistic presence on the track. 

For those wanting an experimental rock sound made in a Britpop-voiced manner, 8udDha bl0od’s new track could very well be up to your music taste – just don’t expect to be able to remember any songs by name if you dive into his rather rapidly expanding discography. 

Listen to 8udDha bl0od’s new track iN3x7 2 M3 on his Soundcloud account here.

Artie Ziff – Drive: Astrally Infectious Alt Post Punk

Posted on 7 May 2020
tiny.cc/0h4xnz

If it’s been a while since you’ve hit play on a track from a new artist and felt that immediate euphoric sense of aural intoxication from ingesting undiluted ingenuity, hit play on Alt Rock artist Artie Ziff’s latest 2020 single “Drive”.

If you could imagine what it would sound like if Joy Division, Sonic Youth, Eagles of Death Metal and King Crimson collaborated on a track, you’ll get a good idea of what Drive will throw your way. The progressive track may consistently evolve as it explores the full tonal spectrum, but with each new seamless transgression in sound, you’re left with the palpable excitement to hear what curveball Artie Ziff will throw at you next.

Drive is a sound which is all too easy to get obsessed by. The Glaswegian three-piece are undoubtedly ones to watch, get them on your radars.

You can check out Artie Ziff’s psychedelically infectious single Drive for yourselves by heading over to Spotify now.

Follow Artie Ziff on Facebook to stay up to date with future releases.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Alt 90s Britpop & Folk Rock Converge in 8udDha bl0od’s Latest Single “Wasn’t Enough”

Posted on 5 May 2020
8udDha bl0od

Wasn’t Enough is just one of the singles which feature on Brighton-based artist 8udDha bl0od’s latest EP which will appease fans of Folk-Rock and Alt 90s Brit Pop alike.

Wasn’t Enough may be one of the more stripped-back tracks on the EP, yet, despite the slower pace, the track possesses the same intensity that you’d find in one of 8udDha bl0od’s more experimental Alt Rock tracks.

As Wasn’t Enough progresses, the tone moves away from organic absorbing warmth as the acoustic instrumentals are replaced by distorted guitars and plenty of sonic aural curveballs are thrown in for good measure.

No matter what kind of guise 8udDha bl0od’s creativity falls under, it’s always a pleasure to lose yourself within it.

You’ll be able to check out Wasn’t Enough along with the rest of 8udDha bl0od’s Folk-Rock EP from May 3rd via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

LOVEBREAKERS RELEASE THEIR SINGLE ‘EYE ROLLER’

Posted on 26 April 2020

You can never say that the Britons can’t rock, it’s actually very much their cup of tea!

Lovebreakers set the example with their first single ‘Eye Roller’, an easy-listening alternative rock ballad that hints to a full-length album that apparently the Birmingham quartet is currently working on.

If you like Oasis’ and The Replacements’ open chords, ‘Eye Roller’ will satisfy you with its crunch strumming and melodic riffs overlaid on an upbeat pop tempo that makes your head cheerfully swing back and forth to the rhythm. Indie-ish (dare I say) vocals and honest and straightforward lyrics, you can’t help but sing along “guess what’s over, your eye-roller.”

Head over to Spotify and hit play on ‘Eye Roller.’

Review by Jim Esposito.