Browsing Tag

New Wave

Helsinki alt-rockers VANTA show us where we are headed on ‘Count to Zero’

Posted on 20 March 2022

With that weighty sound that booms from the rooftops as they submerge into the shadows, VANTA wonders if this is indeed the end with their latest single that has you thinking deeply about your movements while all this carnage continues on ‘Count to Zero‘.

Fronted by Markus Saikkonen, VANTA is a Helsinki, Finland-based alt-rock 4-piece band who have that easy-to-hear-hunger flowing into their icy veins of creativity.

”VANTA plans to be a part of the new wave of Finnish rock music export and has their targets in the international market.” ~ VANTA

Burning up our imagination and taking us into a contemplative mood that we forgot existed, VANTA show us why they are one of the most exciting Scandinavian bands out there at the moment with another top-quality performance that is loaded with that realness we all need more of in this plastic world.

‘Count to Zero‘ from Helsinki, Finland-based alt-rock 4-piece band VANTA, is the kind of track that has you contemplating the end of time in this wild west type of world. With a tremendously stimulating aura that has freshly tipped vocals and honest lyrics that are matched with a stunning soundscape that only seems to get more and more intense as this track heats up. This is a riveting single that will catch your heart from falling and bring you into an enthralling place, that has you looking over the cliff to see what is about to transpire.

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

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The Schoolboys have released their very 2022 new-wave-meets-proto-punk love song, Think About It

Posted on 2 March 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjps0bKXZZ0

So many of the greatest songs have been written on hard and fast infatuation. The Schoolboys evaded all the usual tropes that have long since been outdated in their latest new-wave-meets-proto-punk single, Think About It.

If I told you the track itself was as sweet as the lyrics, “Isn’t this just what you asked for? I see you give up too fast, you should never walk away when there’s still something you want” would you even believe me?

The Schoolboys originally formed in 2021 as an alt-rock band in Reading, England, under the influence of the Strokes and the Smiths. Based on Think About It, the nostalgically-minded outfit had no trouble finding their own warmly overdriven sonic signature. Any fans of the Violent Femmes, Joy Division and Modest Mouse will undoubtedly want to pay attention.

Think About It is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

LUXTHEREAL bring in the new wave of classic rock with their ethereal hit, I Got You

Posted on 13 January 2022

After an entrancing synth-driven prelude, the Phoenix-based alt-rock outfit LUXTHEREAL’s standout single, I Got You, grips you with the alchemy that pours from the cinematic cocktail of classic rock, new wave, and post-punk.

The dreamy and ethereal instrumental interludes wrap around the robust vocal timbre of Rachel Guilbault and the increments of classic rock that pull you back to the 80s while simultaneously immersing you in a brand-new sonic world, defined by its emotive gravitas and atmospheric magnetism. Any fans of Christian Death will undoubtedly want to make LUXTHEREAL a firm fixture of their playlists.

I Got You is available to on YouTube and on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

New Rock City – Da Ratman!: Bop-Worthy Dark Punk Rock from NYC with Scuzz

Posted on 5 December 2021
Da Ratman! - Single by New Rock City

With a scuzzy punk rock viciousness that could only have ever come from NYC, New Rock City’s latest single, Da Ratman!, is a blackened bop-worthy hit that could single-handedly and simultaneously restart the New Romantic and Horror Punk scenes.

With no two singles from the duo ever the same, they keep their fanbase guessing what revivalist tones they will deliver next. Based on Da Ratman! It’s safe to say that they know just how to pull different stylistic elements together to energetically complement each other. It’s as hooky as any Misfits track, jangly as Johnny Marr’s licks and comes with devilishly macabre undertones in the same vein as The Creepshow. Da Ratman! is a firecracker of a track that no one will regret hitting play on.

Da Datman! Is now available to stream and purchase via Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

I’ve Been Waiting All My Life: Fremantle band Easy Jean impress on riveting ‘Creating Gods’

Posted on 29 August 2021

Taken off their recent five-track release ‘Hard Feelings and Real Tears‘, Easy Jean kindly bless us with the final song off the new project with a nostalgic track called ‘Creating Gods‘.

Easy Jean is a promising new-wave/post-punk Fremantle, Western Australia-based indie band who are a new act in the local scene. Featuring an all-time assortment of world class musicians who make this something special, you feel like you are delving into the start of something rather excellent.

”Easy Jean was born a little over a year ago by core songwriters Cheree Dobra from Melbourne Dream Pop Band Bayou, Andy Hill from Electronic Act Ambidexter and Drew Wootton of The Panics. Add World Music legend Grace Barbe on Bass to the
mix and Max Porotto on drums for a killer live show.” ~ Easy Jean

The sultry beat here is rather hauntingly beautiful, which compellingly captures your vivid imagination and has sensually classy vocals interwoven rather majestically at each turn. You feel her contemplative voice shine over the night-lit city outside – on a deeply thoughtful single which is full of absorbing corners – which takes you perfectly inside her wonderfully creative mind.

”A band born out of isolation” ~ Easy Jean

‘Creating Gods‘ from the effortless Australian new wave act Easy Jean, is a stunning song full of gloriously crisp vocals of the very highest order. With a simmering music video that is certainly reflective as you delve deeper into the song and feel like you need a step back – to truly think about your path – we are eased smoothly into a sterling effort from a quality band. This is the type of song to play when you need to have some quiet time alone, to look deeper in the dusty mirror in front of your tired eyes, and work out where you are indeed headed.

A truly fine effort, which will have you pondering your next move in this maze-filled world.

See the new music visuals on YouTube and find out more on the IG music fan page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

My Soul Is Not for Sale: High-tempo Sheffield band Lina and the Lions passionately urge us to look up for guidance on ‘The Sky Beneath Our Feet’

Posted on 16 August 2021

Roaring in hungrily with the stunning 6th single release from their upcoming studio album ‘Second Nature‘, Lina and the Lions bite ravenously through the bones of our surprised speakers on the cinematic new single ‘The Sky Beneath Our Feet‘.

Lina and the Lions is a new studio-born alt-rock- new wave band from Sheffield, England. They make that be-brave and empower yourself to succeed type of music soundscape, which is such a sterling listen on every level imaginable.

“We wanted every song to have the potential to be someones’ personal anthem for hope, fearlessness and self belief. When we were kids we all had this extraordinary bravery that allowed us to dream.” ~ Lina and the Lions

Led heroically by Israeli-born singer-songwriter Lina Lane, this is a pure pop edge, mixed with a stupendous alt-rock cutting board of tasty treats. Her vocal ability takes you to places you know you should be – as you urge yourself to break away from whatever is holding you back – as you find that perfect connection of the mind, so you may reach your true potential.

”Second Nature was born in the depths of chaos amid the worst year of modern times. Trapped, hopeless, locked down. The difficult situation we all found ourselves in led Lina and the Lions to question their purpose, and the purpose of their music.” ~ Lina and the Lions

‘The Sky Beneath Our Feet‘ from the sensational Sheffield, England-based alt-rock new wave act Lina and the Lions, is a passionate gem of a single. The inspiring message has you feeling so inspired to break away from the norm. With electric vocals which sparks up your attention into action – this is a fantastic release that certainly has an important purpose – to assist us in revitalizing our tired souls.

Looking up is the only way to truly find your path, as looking down only drags you down into the mud of no evolution.

See this fabulous new music video on YouTube and see more on the IG channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

National Pride: Spectacular Scottish band The Ronains return triumphantly with top notch version of the classic ‘Flower Of Scotland’

Posted on 22 May 2021

DragonSoop sponsored band The Ronains show their quality once again on the proudly-sung remix of an absolute classic that shows the true love for their country on ‘Flower Of Scotland‘.

The Ronains is a powerfully constructed Clydebank, Scotland-based indie-rock band. They make that movie or series-type soundtrack, that has you feeling uplifted and ready to achieve what you know you can conquer.

After getting the much-needed blessing from The Corries’ Ronnie Browne and as they got the proper licenses all sorted, this legendary song has been redone by this quality band and they certainly make this a terrific version all the way though. The hairs on the back of your back stand up to attention, you feel invigorated and ready for anything.

”The Ronains bring together a mixture of New Wave and Rock and Roll to form a unique live sound, and have enjoyed performing to packed venues across the country, including sold out shows from the O2 ABC, Glasgow to The Cavern Club, Liverpool, supporting the likes of Jake Bugg and Gerry Cinnamon along the way.” – The Ronains

‘Flower Of Scotland‘ from the magnificent Clydebank, Scotland-based indie rock act The Ronains, is the hair-raising story of rising upwards and pulling all that nation pride together as one, to counter-act the hostility and anger that is way too apparent in this unconnected world.

With tremendous vocals and a soundscape that echos through the mountains, this is a remix that certainly has made the original version from 1967 very proud.

Stream this top notch track on Spotify and support their journey via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Litters has unleashed the ultimate Indie feel-good hit with the sonically ensnaring single ‘Diamond Eyes’

Posted on 12 December 2020

Brisbane-based singer-songwriter, Litters, has unleashed their fiery New Wave Indie track ‘Diamond Eyes’. If you could imagine what it would sound like if Arcade Fire and Jack Johnson collaborated, you’ll get an idea of how Litters pulled off the perfect balance of sonic energy and tender intricacy.

With an enticing rhythmic command complete with angularly hypnotic guitar, a smorgasbord of influences stylistically banded together and a significant serving of authentic aural ingenuity, Diamond Eyes is about as efficacious as a blackhole when it comes to pulling you in.

Diamond Eyes isn’t just radio-ready, it should be topping the Indie charts.

You can check out Diamond Eyes for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

MOTIV – ‘Don’t Let Yourself Down’  

Posted on 14 November 2020
MOTIV

In a world of manufactured angsty alt-rock and generic R&B and trap-based pop-dance, it’s always refreshing when an artist does something different; with this track, MOTIV produces something close to eighties synth-pop – think Pet Shop Boys, Nik Kershaw, or Howard Jones – but with a modern, updated twist.

It’s ridiculously catchy, too. The ‘Don’t Let Yourself Down’ hook of the track’s title squirms its way into your head and refuses to leave for hours after the track has finished. Yet, it perseveres with an almost-ambient set of eighties-style production values – heavy reverb, old-school sequenced and gated drum beats, and a synth melody which mimics the vocal line, all whirling and writhing around that lyrical hook. ‘Don’t Let Yourself Down’ is a perfect slice of danceable, singable pop that’s a beautiful antidote to 2020’s lockdown blues.

Follow MOTIV on Instagram.

Review by Alex Holmes

Artist Eloe reminisces on a one-night stand in his latest release More Than Just A F**k – Rolling

Posted on 28 May 2020

Magnifying the unexpected feelings following a one-night stand, artist Eloe put his reflections into words in his latest release More Than Just A F**k – Rolling.

Playing with synths and new-wave sounds that work out through a smooth background pad, hip hop slow beats design a contour for gentle Soul vocals describing the aftermath of what at first seemed to be lust but ended up being a surprising emotional connection.

Most times it doesn’t have to be love to make two people connect. Some nights that start with a physical instinct can still result in a beautiful empathy that won’t necessarily evolve into a longer relationship but will still endure as a memory to cherish. Something that in a such materialistic world is just so rare.

By combining all of the above, Eloe creates a sensual R&B effort that you can check out for yourself on Soundcloud.

Review by Jim Esposito.