Browsing Tag

leeds

Lose your head and your heartbreak on the dancefloor with Sam Macdonald’s nu-disco hit, I Wanted More

Posted on 2 June 2024

80s synth pop vicariously lives and breathes through Sam Macdonald’s latest nu-disco hit, I Wanted More, which is a testament to the artist and producer’s cultivated talent, honed while studying music production at Leeds Conservatoire.

Hit play and be force-fed ear candy through the synthesis of the rhythmically compulsive disco grooves and the 80s Madonna-esque vocals that don’t stop at soaring above the production; the passion within them wraps around the track like an incandescent aura you will want to bask in time and time again.

The euphoria within the fiery neon-lit tour de force, which finds a vindicating way to address the dejection of not being able to meet unrealistic romantic expectations ensures that anyone who has been burnt by that particular old flame before will be able to lose their head and heartbreak on the dancefloor with this flawless hit.

I Wanted More was officially released on May 10th and is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Face the wrath of Moose Wrench’s synthesised surrealism through their latest single, Ginnel Dick

Posted on 18 December 2023
Not Dead Yet by Moose Wrench

Moose Wrench, a Leeds-based alternative outfit, propelled us into a vortex of macabre synthetics with their latest single, Ginnel Dick, from their debut album, Not Dead Yet. This track is an audacious escapade into the realms of electro-cyberpunk, infused with a Lynchian nightmare aesthetic and Kafkaesque surrealism. The song is a cacophony of genre-bending sounds that merge to form a unique auditory experience, making Moose Wrench a standout in the “dad-bod alt-core” scene, which they created because no other genre pigeon-hole is wide enough for the sheer insanity that ensues once you hit play.

After an 80s horror-adjacent intro, the single opens with a punchy, rolling beat reminiscent of Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, setting the tone for what is to unfold. As the track progresses, it spills over into a psychedelically dark atmosphere, transforming the listening experience into something akin to a séance rather than a mere song. The symphonic synthscape towards the outro echoes the dramatic flair of a Cradle of Filth release, adding an operatic depth to the already rich sonic tapestry.

It’s a masterfully twisted orchestration that mocks conventional structures and sounds and is a testament to the trio’s ability to confront and creatively express life’s annoyances, from poor driving to the existential dread of mid-life. It is a must-listen for those seeking a fresh, unconventional sound.

Ginnel Dick will debut across all major streaming platforms on December 18th; in the run-up to the official release, purchase the single on Bandcamp.  

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Leeds-based indie rock evocators Milford Place will render hearts raw with their latest single, Lately

Posted on 7 July 2023
https://soundcloud.com/milfordplace/milford-place-lately-master-fade-in/s-SUBPUwi8RsX?si=5796a7869edf4f08b94da4827631e275&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Whoever you revere as the most iconic emotive indie rock acts of all time, everyone can agree that the Leeds, UK-hailing 4-piece Milford Place deserve a spot in the evocative rock hall of fame, especially after ‘Lately’ entered their discography.

After making their presence well-known on the local live scene in 2019 by playing to capacity crowds and always finding a new way to hone their live performances, the outfit is looking to come back with an even bigger bang following pandemic stagnation. After dropping Lately onto the airwaves, Milford Place will easily steal the hearts of indie rock fans who turn to sonic sanctity to quell their heartbreak.

With tinges of Peace, Jaws and M83 to their intricately lamenting sound, which always cuts to the core of emotion for visceral catharsis, we have no doubt that the melodic powerhouse will effortlessly dominate the indie landscape in Leeds and beyond.

Lately will officially release on June 7th; hear it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Stubbed my toe on a Rock: Moose Wrench man-flu’s their way through the midlife existential crisis on Not Dead Yet

Posted on 16 June 2023

Provoking us off our cosy crisp-laded crunchy couches and informing us to hastily brush off all those lazy mentalities which don’t help at all, Moose Wrench is at its roaring best and might shatter fragile glass windows that haven’t been triple-glazed with a speaker-breaking single to sit up with, Not Dead Yet.

Moose Wrench is a Leeds UK-based alternative act that loves to be known as the finest dad-bod alt-core trio in the world with their ultimate confidence and groovy vibes to entertain all ages who are brave enough.

Angry and snarling. Brisk and brooding. Moose Wrench is the name. Leeds is in their blood through and through. Turn them up okay? Before they break something. Anything. They make loud music which is right up in your nostrils.

Not Dead Yet from Leeds UK-based alternative act Moose Wrench is a thunderous release that you will either love to pieces or find compelled to shout at. Either way, that’s the point. They don’t care about our feelings at all. Making music they love is the mission, that loyal fans will bounce off walls to hear.

This is underground music with a piercing sound, that will slice through earlobes like a spikey pin in the night.

Turn this up on Spotify.

See more on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Americana Meets British Acoustic Indie in Champagne on the Rocks’ Sentimentally Cinematic Single, Golden Hour

Posted on 9 May 2023

UK singer-songwriter, Champagne on the Rocks, tantalised timeless Americana tones and tinged them with British acoustic indie in his latest cinematically rendered single, Golden Hour.

With choruses that made me nostalgic for Semisonic, Deep Blue Something and The Calling while simultaneously affirming that Champagne on the Rocks has what it takes to become a sonic legacy in his own right, you’re damn right we were arrested by the elevated weight of Golden Hour. When the winding Americana guitar solo hits, the stripped-back sentimental hit which will allow all of your most-cherished sun-soaked memories to manifest in your mind, the track transformed into a virtuosic triumph. Repeat attention is practically mandatory.

Golden Hour is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Back to The Bar It Is: Jejune gets another one in the thirsty tummy via Boogie Juice

Posted on 22 April 2023

Rushing the groove and taking another shot to spruce up the night, Jejune downs the apple sours and feels rather alight again with the catchy new single to dance all night with called Boogie Juice.

Jejune is a Leeds, UK-based indie rock band that is a fearless and unpretentious outfit that just wants to bring humanity kickass tracks to jam with.

Soaring with a Cuban, Jersey and Notts fused energy which is only heightened by the quality on offer, Jejune turns up the volume and shows us their raspy brilliance to make the night one to remember. This is a late-night track you see, and only for those who love a cold one, or appreciate the booze-packed aura.

Boogie Juice from Leeds, UK-based indie rock act Jejune is a rather super song which will make many smile and many frown. That’s the point. This is a loveable track which shall get feet tapping and many cheers forming, to bring us a cheerful soundtrack to sip on happily.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ferocious Leeds punk upstarts Mince smash their paws on the window with Misprint

Posted on 5 November 2022

Sawing off the tree and doing it with a cheeky wink too, Mince surge through with a striking single to dust off those mud-soaked boots with on their stomping new release called Misprint.

Mince is a 5-piece Leeds, UK-based indie post-punk band who blasts through with a thunder-like entry into our shocked souls each time they drop the heat.

“Misprint is a problem that nobody is ever likely to face. We all have irrational fears, but what about the worries our minds haven’t even begun to cover? If you feel like you’ve forgotten or left something at home, it’s probably just the knowledge that anything can change your life in an instant. Be care-free.” ~ Mince

With fire in their bellies and so much venom laced inside and ready to bite at any moment, Mince send our minds alive and is a swimming pool of fun with a sensational single to get truly excited about. This is raw to the core. Just the way it was intended.

Misprint from Leeds, UK-based indie post-punk band Mince, is a hammering new single which will cause a few rib cages to be tested. Powerful in delivery and soaring with a tremendously exciting sound, this is a mood-altering track which shall take our breath away rather quickly.

Hear this fine single on Spotify and see more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Keep On Calling: That Is Good grows tired of being used on Get Shut Off

Posted on 2 September 2022

With a debut album on the way soon, That Is Good shows us what it’s like to feel like a trophy on his goodbye-forever single called Get Shut Off.

That Is Good aka Dan Fielding is a Leeds-born, London-based indie alternative singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who makes a highly memorable blend of catchy music to never forget.

On a stunning single that will have many questioning whether they are in the correct relationship, That Is Good shows us it’s okay to end things if you feel like your soul is being damaged.

With an ear-soothing soundtrack to assist anyone who needed a reminder that you can indeed get away from dark days, this is a highly impressive release that might be stuck in your head all day.

Get Shut Off from Leeds-born, London-based indie alternative artist That Is Good is a terrific song which will lead you to that door if you know that it’s time to walk away. Sung with a real intensity and a foot tapping groove, this is a reminder that sometimes people just want to use you for their own greedy ways. Filled with a vocally excellent vocal ambience and a lyrical awareness, this is that story about waving goodbye and never looking back.

When you don’t want to answer your phone, you know that it’s truly over forever.

Listen up loud on Spotify and check out the IG page for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Rising Leeds band Thysen smashes through our ceiling with their ‘Splinter’

Posted on 29 June 2022

With groovy riffs and an anthem-sounding style that is made for massive stadiums, Thysen unleashes their drum-snapping melodies to electrifying effect on their latest single to be totally enthralled by on ‘Splinter‘.

Thysen is a Leeds, UK-based indie post-shoegaze quartet who were making massive strides in the local scene before this horrific pandemic cruelly wiped out their progress.

”Since entering the scene in 2019, they have been perfecting their unique blend of herbs and spices.” ~ Thysen

Sending us into a better state of mind with an exciting performance which shall get your head nodding in total delight, Thysen return with monumental display made with a robust tone and vocals which will have you listening closer.

”Expect a range of sounds from melodic shoegaze to emo and stoner.” ~ Thysen

‘Splinter‘ from Leeds, UK-based post-shoegaze band Thysen, is a splendid single that will wash away all your doubts and shall thunder into your mentality like all the best songs do. They are a tight unit who have been developing their sound and seem ready for the next step – as they make that powerful music you can’t forget – that will get the who crowd completely enchanted into their message.

Listen up to this new track on Spotify and see more via their IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Leeds brothers The Dunwells show us that genuine romance is actually possible with their latest masterpiece, ‘This is Love’

Posted on 5 May 2022

Taking us into an enchanting world that is loaded with a wonderful romantic glow of hope, The Dunwells show us the light with their latest gem that shall set your cold heart free again on, ‘This is Love‘.

The Dunwells is a Leeds, England based indie-folk/Americana brother band that are one of the most respected groups around and shows their undeniable class yet again.

”The Dunwells have found favour with audiences across the world having toured extensively in USA, Europe and the UK as well as having supported artists including Mumford & Sons, Tom Jones, Scouting for Girls, Bryan Adams & Elbow on their UK tours.” ~ The Dunwells

Displaying a real grace and kindness that seems to be missing from modern-day society in many forms, The Dunwells are quite exceptional and return with another ear-warmer to change your mood and take you into a kiss-filled place of love.

”The brothers have taken their ‘indie-folk’ roots to a new level, experimenting and underpinning many of the tracks with soaring, intricate and studiously interwoven electric guitar infusions.” ~ The Dunwells

‘This is Love‘ from Leeds, England based indie-folk/Americana band The Dunwells is a majestic effort from two souls who are connected smartly as one, who has made a really special single here. The vocals are so smooth and sealed with that pacifying wind that helps you ease all worries away, with a song that might make your day a lot better.

Sometimes music is designed to heal, and we are blessed by a tremendous performance to truly embrace and never forget.

Hear this fine new single on Spotify and see more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen