New music now! Ivory Wave- ‘Paradise’

 

After dipping into the music that has been sent throughout the day Ivory Wave were one of the first bands that graced my speakers, and it stuck since it was first played. Taking influences from the glorious Madchester era, the band have a clear view of what they want their music to sound like and they act on it with conviction.

‘Paradise’ is a perfect example of their Madchester style as it has this hint of psychedelia to it with the floating harmonies and far out vocals, but it’s actually quite progressive. The band smartly use samples and synths to their advantage which manages to create their own little World in the song.

The band’s catalog is rather impressive after I dived into their pool of music, which is highly recommended. Expect to hear more from this Birmingham band as they continue to grow steadily!

Words by Alex Wise @al4563

 

WFM Introducing…Hey Bulldog

 

Probably better off known as a Beatles’s song, however Hey Bulldog are capable of changing people’s thoughts when they hear those words, as their music takes psychedelia to different level, as it they give it a much heavier and shoegaze twist. The Manchester trio have been together since the start of 2008, and since then they have been refining their sound and make it identifiable to them. The band have had their sound for a while now, and their new EP ‘Numb’ show’s this as it is honeyed with psychedelia from top to bottom.

Their new EP seems to bring all of psychedelia’s best elements together, as it could easily put you in a trance which would be a struggle to get out of, and it also has the capability of making thrash your head back and forth. The Manchester accent is ever present in the songs, which you’d think would take away from the songs and the genre they stem from, however it brings a surprising twist that you can’t really argue with as it comes off well.

Since listening to the EP and talking to the band, it’s clear what the bands intentions, and with releases like this, it will make the task much easier.

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Cult Choir – High Spirits

 

 

Lengthy albums can be a drag to listen to and review sometimes, but Cult Choir made it an enjoyable experience with their dreamy 16 song line up that just seems to drift from start to finish. High Spirits kicks off with ‘Perfect’, which is decorated with melting vocals and a dreamy riff, that seemed to be made for the lyrics ‘Ohhhh you know that/You’re perfect’,  with it floating along, there’s a part of you that just wants it to carry on.

The song offers songs like this all the way through without really letting you down, if you’re in the mood for that music that wants you to float in the sea without fear, Cult Choir has all bases covered. ‘Wicked Eyes’ and ‘High Spirits’ offers the best of this, with more of that golden coated lyrics and sounds surrounding your ears.

The album is not scared of putting you in a nervous position, with eerie sounds and sort of unknown feeling surrounding you. This is achieved by disturbing riffs and little howling vocals which can’t quite make out. ‘Something’s there’ and ‘Cold October’ do this to perfection, presenting you with sounds that shouldn’t really placed into someone’s brain, but once you get past that initial disturbing feeling, you can begin to appreciate the music that’s on display, much like Sonic Youth in that sense. They present you with something that is hard to get around and enjoy, but once you’ve done that, its bliss.

In some places the vocals aren’t the most polished and clean, but this all adds to the effect of the song, making it unfair to criticise them as it gives the songs a human edge, which most songs now lose as they’re far too polished.

The second half of the album pretty much follows suit, as it showcases all the elements that were shown in the first half, making the album somewhat repetitive in places, but not so much that it makes you want to turn off. An important component of the album is that no songs, except for ‘New Life’, runs over three minutes, so as soon as you feel that the song is becoming slightly dragged out, the band move you on to next one.

The highlights of the second half are ‘I Want to know’, which sound like a Beatles love song mixed with a very dark tone and environment, proving to be one of the gleaming songs on the album. ‘Forget it’ I is slightly more fast paced number that offers rather a catchy melody, this song shows the diversity of the band as it shows that they’re capable of speeding up the pace, but still keeping that important sound that they’ve developed. ‘New Life’ ends the album, where the lyrics are king as he sings “we’ve got to find a new way/We’ve got to start a new life”, which puts a cap on the album perfectly, leaving the listener with good thoughts of the album.

The album is best described as a dreamy fuelled piece of work, with human touches and rough edges. The production of the album has played a large part in the album, as it’s kept that lofi feel, but managed to achieve this larger sound, making It something that has a Cult Choir stamp on it.

Words by Alex Wise @al4563

Burning Condors – Love on The Rocks

Band: Burning Condors

Hometown: London

Influences/Sounds like: Joy Division, Bowie,

Burning Condors has that sound to them which could be easily mistaken by a passer-by as just plain noise, nothing more, but for someone who actually likes these trashy sounds and screeching vocals, it’s actually quite good. ‘Love on The Rocks’ melody is nothing short of perfect, in fact it could be a pop song if they toned down those guitars (which we don’t want to happen), the bands has been described as what Blur would have been like if they grew up listening to Carl Perkins, which is the best way it could be put.

The fast paced riff, vocals and drums all come together to provide 3 minutes of pure energy, making the song perfect for a scene in a film where the main character has go wild on drugs and women, like Henry Hill in Goodfella’s. This is not a one off for the Burning Condors as all of their songs have this raw edge that deserves a strong crowd on the end of it. Having already got a fair a number of listeners attached to their songs, there’s no doubt that they’re heading in the right direction, hopefully Birmingham will be next on the agenda for the London four-piece.

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Baywaves – To The North

Band: Baywaves

Hometown: Unknown

Sounds like: DIIV

I often wonder whether a song injected to the brim with clear influences is a bad thing, for Baywaves it certainly isn’t. ‘To The North’ basically gives the listener it’s influence on a plate, and despite it being derivative, it provides a refreshing image of a warm breezy summer evening. What’s most endearing is the clean, simplest drum beat going which completely garnishes the song.

The effects used on the guitar act as ‘To The North’s’ back bone, with leads as juicy as Mac Demarco’s, sadly they’re sparse on this track. Despite the vocals being slightly overpowered by the other instruments, they give a DIIV-esque atmosphere to the track. Production wise, ‘To The North’ is great, the reverb isn’t too much, but even if it would be, it’d only add to the subliminal, hazy mood this single has. Chilled, dark, and mellow. In fact I bet someone’s blowing smoke rings to this one, right now.

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Words By Saagar Kaushik

@bhench0d

WALTZ – WALTZ EP

Band: WALTZ

Hometown: Wrexham

‘Waltz’ a self-titled EP from Wrexham based band Waltz gives us three tracks showcasing what they are made of and ultimately what they have to offer.

From the onset the band display their ability in creating hard driving riffs complemented by a solid rhythm section, showing a good sense of style and composition.

First track ‘Garden’ gives the listener an EP opening two-minute thrash with some catchy hooks, particularly the addictive vocal melody from pre-chorus to chorus. The lead singer demonstrates what the band are about, with what sounds like an ode to the Arctic monkeys recitative style during the intro, but instead with a questionable pseudo-Mancunion accent to flavour what on the onset is a solid start from the band.

Second track ‘Waiting for the Call’ arguably the best track on the EP, again begins with an excellent display of riffing, this time delving into murky metal waters. What is most apparent here is the togetherness of the band, with each member complimenting each other, providing both drive and tempo. Lead vocals take much more of a shine here, showing he is on the same page as the rest of the band. His technique of meandering from mimicking the rhythm of the riff and picking his own melody, works really well here. Cementing much more of a presence we have come to expect of a rock lead singer.

Final track ‘Speak your mind’ for me lets the EP down. Whereas the first two tracks display two different approaches, giving the listener a sense of what the band are about (which EP’s generally do) this track tends to slip into the realms of too much influence and not enough creativity.

Overall not a bad listen. Good composition and a great feeling of union from the band, who sound competent on their instruments. My one criticism (and excuse me if this is harsh, as I do realize its only an EP) is the lack of identity, especially from lead vocals. I ask: if they were to stand in an identity parade, would they stand out? And ultimately, would they be able to distinguish themselves from the others?

Words by Simon Piaia 

@SimonPiaia

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Arcade Parade – Cave of Swimmers EP

Band: Arcade Parade

Hometown: Shropshire

Influences: The Maccabees, Foals, Bombay Bicycle Club

Arcade Parade is the new fresh faced young ‘Indie’ band from Shropshire. With gigs at The 02 Academy3, Birmingham Ballrooms and The Slade Rooms already under their belt, the band is definitely set for great things…

On first listen, the EP: ‘Cave Of Swimmers’ introduces catchy melodies, pounding bass lines, innovative guitar riffs and rather impressive husky vocals; a wonderful blend of talent from the young quartet.

Grace, the first track on the EP opens on a strangely infectious drumbeat, a beat that causes the head to bob and the foot to tap. After the minute and a half introduction the roaring and grisly vocals step in; Kelly Jones instantly appears in my mind. The sound is so mature you almost forget you’re listening to four teenage boys.

Cave of Swimmers is the second track on the EP that immediately explodes into a memorable guitar hook and a mash up of drumbeats. The almost chaotic opening and alternative nature of the beats makes you immediately listen up. I can’t help but lean towards that Stereophonics ‘anthem’ type vibe yet again, with a bit of the Arctic Monkeys thrown in for good measure.

Eyes Open is the third song on the EP Cave of Swimmers. Eyes Open unveils itself as a lot more raw than the other two songs, that ‘in a tin can’ kind of jumbled sound is definitely a positive. The rhythmic fires of electric guitar continue throughout, never allowing the song to soften and fiercely overlapping the vocals.

Finally there’s the fourth track, Out Of The Picture. The mystifying opening is very different than the other 3 tracks on the EP and definitely sends that ‘alien invasion’ shiver over your body… once that steady yet catchy beat kicks in again we realise where we are. The euphoric sound is ensnaring in Out Of The Picture as the lead singer sings with such conviction, “I just can’t let you in”.

The passion, catchiness and tightness of the band is so apparent, especially as the EP progresses. All of the ingredients are there; it’s just up to Arcade Parade to separate themselves from the rest of the ‘indie’ bands. They’ve definitely got the goods, they’ve just got to use it right.

Words by Amy Morrison

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Weekender – Spanish Peaks

Band: Weekender

Hometown: Philadelphia, United States

Sounds Like/ Influences: Tame Impala, The Dandy Warhols

Any band that has supported PEACE is probably worth taking note of, after listening to JAWS and Superfood.

A debut EP is as important as the first cup of tea of the day, as it can determine how things will pan out, a bad cup of tea can ruin any day. The task of recording it and realising it is daunting as well as exciting, because you can’t wait to let it out into the world, but you still want it to be well received. With this in mind, Weekender can be pleased with themselves.

 

The EP ‘Spanish Weekends’ is just a burst of energy from start to finish, with heavy riffs and obsessive melodies sprayed all across the EP. The production of the EP is most impressive, as it sounds like something that has just come hot out the oven from Abbey Road Studios, with everything sounding as clear as a bell. The first song ‘Spanish Peaks’ is any shoegazer fans dream, as the astral sound glistens throughout the song as the heavy reverb plays an important part to it, and it also remains catchy and attractive.

This happens throughout, with diminutive riffs dancing around your mind as you endeavour to sing along. The brave and strong title of ‘No Help from Jesus’ lives up to expectations as it manages to not be pretentious, as some of this music has a tendency to be. The energy and pace run through ‘LSD and the age of interest’ and ‘Secret for you and me’, however they do seem somewhat more haunting than the first as the guitar screeching in ‘Secret for you and me’ is uncontrollable, but enjoyable to my brain, which has

developed a strange taste.

Although these are lengthy pieces of music, they maintain your interest like a talking cat on youtube, as the vitality and the stride remain in each song, so you can’t really stop listening. They close things of with more of a sentence than a song title in ‘Don’t hide you have a voice’, a beautifully mellow piece starring a banjo and some soft vocals to accompany them. Once they’ve got you settled down in your nice, comfortable chair BANG!, The hypnotic energy that’s been present throughout returns and produces something that George Harrison would’ve come up with, it’s that good.

Overall the EP is a complete an utter blast, that refuses to let you go until the EP finishes.  Hopefully this will not be the end of Weekender as I’m sat here, waiting for the next piece of music to be released.

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The Sea The Sea – Winter Parade

 

Band: The Sea The Sea

Hometown: Oxford, Britain

Sounds Like: Wild Beasts, The Antlers

There’s not many better feelings when a new indie/rock/punk band pops up on our twitter feed that we like, partly because we haven’t had  a lot to do to fine them, but mainly because we’ve got more good music to listen to. The Sea The Sea’s slightly magical indie tone coruscates throughout their song ‘Winter Parade’.  So much so, you will need to wear a pair of sunglasses when listening to it because of the gleam you receive from it.

The repetitive but memorable melody seems to roll on for a while, but it somehow manages to keep your attention, similar to the TV when I’m attempting to fall asleep. Some sections of the song hint at how the XX would sound if they became faster paced and energetic, with the bursting reverb that is ever present. Without warning the song seems to drifts off from the tight grapple it had you in, and before you know it you’re pressing play again. This is a perfect example of how indie pop can work, a lot of artists/bands attempt, but it comes of weak and limp, however The Sea The Sea has done the genre proud and have just gained themselves another fan.

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Shoot The Rabbit – Scribble EP

Band: Shoot The Rabbit

Hometown: 

Boys in the band: David Bullough – Lead Guitar & Vocals , Rhodri Davies – Drums, Matt Norton – Bass, Adam Taylor – Rhythm Guitar

Sounds Like: Arctic Monkeys, The Maccabees

‘Scribble’ EP

Shoot the Rabbits intentions are clear throughout the EP, which is to create enticing, catchy and beautiful good old fashioned indie music, and they demonstrate this perfectly in the EP. Some bands now class themselves as indie, and when you’re listening to you feel led astray because it’s not really indie, it’s just some alternative nonsense, this won’t happen with STR as they deliver what they said they would.

From start to finish we’re gifted with fun and intrinsic riffs, which sound like something you’d hear off an early Maccabee’s album or perhaps an early Arctic Monkeys album. The first track ‘Scribble’ is what is described as indie music, pacey, catchy, seductive vocals and marginally lo-fi. The substance of the track lies with the lyrics as they prove to be clever and witty, something that Mr.Turner himself would perhaps write. It’s a bright and lively opening to the EP, which runs into the next song ‘No bugs or flies around me’.

Once again this features a toe-tapping riff that could linger around your head for days, this isn’t helped either by how jumpy it is in parts. This track easily paints a picture of how it would be received live, with people jumping from wall to wall as they try to keep up with the singing and the pace of the song, which is something that rarely ends well. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the first Arctic Monkeys album, because the song could’ve snuck itself onto the track list without anyone realising. The final track ‘Best Keep Quiet’ take as slight turn down to XX avenue, with the intro and the riff inherently reminding me of their distinct style. Although they seem to take a different root for this song, they seem to pull it off. However, the breakdown part is a bit scrappy and runs on for a bit too long, but we are rewarded after that long breakdown with a huge ending that would go down so well live.

To get the full brash effect of this EP, your speakers need to be relatively loud so you can appreciate every element in there. After listening to the EP, I will be keeping my eyes wide open, looking out for a pair of STR tickets round my area.

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