Browsing Tag

Arctic Monkeys

London’s Forsylver became indie royalty with their latest release, Promethazine Queen

Posted on 3 May 2024

Launched to a capacity crowd at 93 Feet East in Shoreditch, the latest single, Promethazine Queen, from London’s hottest breakthrough indie outfit, Forsylver, is the perfect introduction to the expansively influenced outfit who have hit the ground running straight out of the gate.

With a vocal style that shifts between invokes the sticky-sweet euphonic magnetism of The Feeling harmonising atop the flares of funk in the eclectic indie-pop-rock tapestry to Arctic Monkeys-reminiscent cutting commentaries Forsylver’s distinctive style emboldens the sincerity within Promethazine Queen. From the Daft Punk-esque riot of a middle eight to the jangle pop guitars to the complex time signatures in the rhythm section, Promethazine Queen is a perfect circle of expression and innovation.

Instead of following trends, the fourpiece, fronted by Joe Ewer with Will Farrow carving out the funk-pop guitar chops, Alex McKenzie feeding the rhythms on bass and Shunya Matsumoto giving the percussion a Radiohead-art-rock flair, are etching their innovation into the tapestry of the future of indie.

Forsylver may have only been on the scene since late 2023, but they’re already an unreckonable force. With plenty more planned for 2024, they should be the epicentre of every indie fan’s radar.

Promethazine Queen was officially released on May 3rd; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Crux sharpened their socially conscious knife in their garage rock protest ‘Dreamseller’

Posted on 1 December 2023

For their latest ensnaring alt-rock synthesis, Dreamseller, Newcastle’s breakthrough act, Crux, took a break from touring the Seattle sound through mutative prog-rock instrumental arrangements and left plenty of room to explore garage rock nuances, noted through The Strokes-esque vocal delivery which adds an element of precariousness to the deadpan croons Alex Turner wishes he could execute with such devil may care finesse.

As the basslines stab and roll through the electrifyingly vintage production, the angular guitar lines carve through the atmosphere and the percussion consistently works to the singular aim of adding an element of tension to the single that will pull you back in time after time. The magnetism within the refreshing distinction and creative confidence which sees the release swathed in swagger is far too addictive to quit.

Since emerging in 2019, Crux’s name has become synonymous with their fiercely uncompromising style and their ability to sharpen their grungy prog-rock signature with a socially conscious edge. With Dreamseller, the outfit revamped their sound and scathed at the commodification of musicians and the industry which sees no value within art, unless it can be exploited at the expense of the artist.

Dreamseller was officially released on November 24; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Wacko Fest presents: “This Is Fine.”

Posted on 26 November 2022

Wacko Fest is a project with a truly one-of-a-kind sound and style. What makes the artistry of this musical act so special is that it all started in a very serendipitous way, just from friends having fun and jamming together. The spontaneity at the heart of Wack Fest is still a huge and vital component of this release and a really good example of why their formula is so exciting and always connects with people. Wacko Fest’s most recent work, “This Is Fine,” drops on November 25th, 2022. This is a great introduction to the band’s music and a fantastic example of the broad scope that fuels its artistic endeavours overall.

This release is highly recommended to fans of jangly, melodic and energetic indie rock.

Find out more about Wack Fest: http://www.wackofest.com/

South London’s One-Eyed Disco are curious as to what others are saying on ‘Man On The Moon’

Posted on 25 March 2022

With a look down to Earth as they are flying high above to find a better world for us all, One-Eyed Disco returns with an awesome track that will be stuck in your head for ages with ‘Man On The Moon‘.

One-Eyed Disco is a South London, UK-based indie-punk 4-piece band that have ravishingly likeable energy that might have you feeling a bit sweaty after a few listens.

”With lyrics that perfectly capture the darker side of modern society, and the joys that can still be found therein.” ~ One-Eyed Disco

Displaying a sound that has you edging up the volume and pestering the neighbours with a speaker-shaking track that is meant to uplift us to greater heights, One-Eyed Disco is quite fantastic with a new single that is up there with the best releases of 2022 so far.

”Their sound has been described as the love child of original Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian, with lyrics that perfectly capture the darker side of modern society and the joys that can still be found therein.” ~ One-Eyed Disco

‘Man On The Moon‘ from the South London-based 4-piece band One-Eyed Disco, is a proper catchy breeze-filled track that will have you in awe of their tremendously fired-up sound that reminds you of some of the great UK bands. They seem to have found a winning formula here and with this being the first release from their new EP, you might have found your new favourite British band to fall in love with.

Check out this new single on Soundcloud and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Biz-ARD invites you to get into ‘The Vibe’ with his dopamine-boosting alt-pop playlist staple.

Posted on 19 April 2021

If there is an up and coming pop artist worth paying attention to in 2021, it’s Liverpool-born high-vibe alchemist Biz-ARD. His latest single is a stylish funk-filled invitation to shake off the apathy and to ‘step in the vibe’. You’ll be putty in his hands before the first verse runs through.

With choppy guitars akin to the ones in Bowie’s Let’s Dance paired with Biz-ARD’s indie and post-punk tendencies, The Vibe is accessible from the first hit while still unravelling as a brand-new sonic experience. Mostly because you’ve never encountered an artist like Biz-ZARD before.

To truly appreciate The Vibe, you’ll need to check out the official video that documents Biz-ARD’s greenscreen-enabled globe-hopping and vibe sharing. It is available to view via YouTube.

The Vibe is also available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sonic Indie and Celestial Soul Collide in Nikola’s Transfixing Alt Indie Rock Single ‘Pink Lights’

Posted on 22 December 2020

After spending years successful touring bands, Minnesota-hailing artist, Nikola Hamilton, released their ground-breaking EP ‘Darling’ and established themselves as one of the most luminary singer-songwriters who have made their debut in 2020.

The standout track, Pink Lights, will allow you to imagine what would happen if Interpol chose to team up with Hozier. You get the cold, cutting sonic style with the almost celestial vocals which tear though the darkly atmospheric soundscape and speak directly to your soul.

If Nikola made a bigger impression with their sleek Darkwave debut, we’d have concussion.

You can check out Nikola’s EP for yourselves which was released on November 13th, 2020 via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Gentlemen’s Crow has released their psychologically thrilling experimental Indie single “You Were Never Really Here”

Posted on 15 August 2020

After a successful debut, Floridian Indie artist Gentlemen’s Crow released their romantically enrapturing single “You Were Never Really Here” on August 7th.

Gentlemen’s Crow seems to exude the level of cool which Alex Turner attempted with the latest Arctic Monkeys album. It’s effortless, it’s intellectual, it’s simply mesmerising. With infusions of Psych Blues nuances into the anthemically-charged soundscape, the choruses won’t fail to leave you adrenalized.

As for the lyrics and concept for the track, You Were Never Really Here is a testament to the talent, imagination and wit of the artist. It’s not every day that you encounter a single which offers both a psychological thriller and a fresh-new Indie sound. Gentlemen’s Crow is well worth putting on your radar.

You can check out You Were Never Really Here for yourselves by heading over to Spotify. For more info, you can head over to the artist’s official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Josh Who – Let Go: Seductively Smooth Alt Rock

Posted on 4 August 2020

If you could imagine what Velvet Revolver would sound like with a driving Indie Post Punk guitars, you’ll get a good idea of what is in store when you hit play on the latest single “Let Go” by breaking artist Josh Who.

Vocally, you’ll pick up on slight reminiscences to both Josh Homme and Alex Turner, but perceptibly Josh Who orchestrates his seductively smooth Rock hits with little mind to assimilation.

With the intensity of the single, you can tell the artist poured their blood, prodigal sweat and tears into it. Despite how polished, matured and nuanced the final product was.

I’m genuinely stoked that Josh Who ended up on our radar. Whatever it takes to transform a track into a hit, he’s got it. Wait until you hear the guitar solo. You’ll understand.

You can check out Let Go for yourselves by heading over to YouTube.

You can follow the artist via Facebook to stay up to date with their latest releases via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

‘’The Overnight Parade’’ is the comeback everyone wanted from Glasgow band Lazy Activists

Posted on 1 June 2020

The time has stopped but who is to say it won’t come back again. Relevant lyrics for these times wouldn’t you agree?

Formed in 2013, ‘Lazy Activists’ are a powerful 3-Piece Acoustic Alt Rock act from Scotland who push the boundaries with their epic sound. This is a passionate band who are well-known all over the UK and hope to make the crossover into the rest of Europe, USA and the world.

Their debut album, ‘Colourful Misconceptions’ was released at the end of 2014 to much hype. After a 6 year break with recordings, 2020 saw the release of a long awaited follow up EP, ‘The Overnight Parade.’ A welcome music output from the band, much to the delight of their loyal fans.

‘’The Overnight Parade’’ has all the right ingredients and I hope for a music video to accompany this terrifically top track. Hopefully the long break hasn’t affected any of the momentum they built up in 2014. This is a band that only wants to play the music they love and for that, they must be appreciated. 

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

London’s The Curious fly sky high with daydreaming single about love: ‘’Always Want More’’

Posted on 18 May 2020

Even if you go, even if you know, I always want more. Wanting more from those special moments is always a tempting notion. It’s always tough to accept that you should enjoy what you get and nothing more. 

‘The Curious’ are a 4 Piece ALT Indie band from London on the rise with their positive lyrics and terrifically produced music- this is a professional outfit. 

You can see the band are influenced by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Marr, Blink 182, Arctic Monkeys and more. Their music is pure and likeable. Known for 2017’s breakout hit ‘’City Lights’’, the band are in top form here.

‘’Always Want More’’ is the follow up to March 2020’s fiery ‘’My Only’’- a song that gained some good traction in the UK. Let’s see how the band develops and they must be hungry to be on stage again, let it rip and show everyone what they are made out of.

Immerse yourself in more of ‘The Curious’ on their YouTube page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen