Category: Alt Rock

Alt Rock, Synth popLeave a comment

State of the Nation – Rotterdam

Tom

It’s hard not to compare State Of The Nation to New Order and I am not going even to attempt to do so here. Suffice to say that this is a thoroughly enjoyable retro pop single that sounds like Blue Monday, Confusion and most of Brotherhood. Thankfully there are no pointless remixes this time around and you can get it digitally from Bandcamp. Another single entitled Amsterdam follows next month. I wonder what that will sound like? Facebook Continue reading State of the Nation – Rotterdam

Alt Rock, indiepopLeave a comment

The Crystal Furs – The Crystal Furs

Tom

Texan alt. rock/indie-pop band The Crystal Furs have just released their debut self-titled album which includes the recent Tunnel Vision single and it’s fantastic flip side Miss Hughes. The album is fast out of the blocks with frantic guitars driving Quit You and Weightless coupled with with Amanda Camille’s lovely vocals. The band are best when they maintain that level of pace (Summer’s Over) with the only exception being the aforementioned flip side as the Camille’s distinctive vocals dominate the slowed down guitars. All in all it’s an enjoyable debut! One for fans of the likes of Belly, Throwing Muses, … Continue reading The Crystal Furs – The Crystal Furs

Alt Rock, Coldwave, Garage, indiepop, Jangle Pop, Minimal/Cold Wave, Post Punk, Powerpop, Punk, Riot Grrrl, Shoegaze, Synth pop1 Comment

Records I Like Top 10 2016

Tom

Blimey. This year’s list was hard to compile given that I restrict myself to just 10 choices (self-inflicted stupidity!). I have been listening to plenty of punk, coldwave, indie-pop, riot grrrl, queercore, garage and post-punk but I think this selection is a fair reflection of my listening habits these past 12 months. Tracks missing the cut include the likes of Underworld, Joanna Gruesome, The Radio Dept., The Legends, Earth Girls,The Liminanas, Red Sleeping Beauty, Massive Attack, Jessica & The Fletchers, Vital Idles, Useless Youth, E’spaniel, Nice Try, Hate Week, Primetime, Tape Waves, The Wolfhounds, Merchandise, Slam, Blind Delon, Lad’s Mags, … Continue reading Records I Like Top 10 2016

Alt Rock, PowerpopLeave a comment

Bruising – I Don’t Mind

Tom

There have been a couple of great singles on the Beech Coma label already this year (Holy Now & Posture) and as 2016 enters its last month and a half here is another in the shape of I Don’t Mind by Leeds band Bruising. Their form of indie rock reminds me of the Elephant Six bands and in particular Dressy Bessy in their rockier moments. The combination of slacker guitars and singer Naomi Baguley’s unhurried vocal style could make this the last great single of 2016. It’s released on 7″ vinyl (250 copies) early next year or digitally on the … Continue reading Bruising – I Don’t Mind

Alt Rock, Dreampop, indiepop, Jangle Pop, Post Punk, Punk, ShoegazeLeave a comment

September Round Up Time!

Tom

I have been a bit slack on posting these past couple of weeks but I have some good excuses for that! Firstly I have set up a new record label with my Sleeping Today Promotions collaborator. I have also been helping promote the next Culture Bunker night which takes place on October 22nd and it will also be part of the #keepingitpeel events for 2016. And on to getting back on track and the music that has been grabbing me of late. Indiepop supergroup (?) Tangible Excitement! will  be releasing a new 7″ single shortly on Freakscene (UK & Europe) … Continue reading September Round Up Time!

Alt Rock, Jangle Pop, Post Punk2 Comments

Strange Passage – Shine and Scatter

Tom

I have to say that the Shine and Scatter by Massachusetts based Strange Passage is one of the best debut releases I have heard on Bandcamp this or any other year. There are no fillers on this four track EP and the music harks back to the when UK guitar bands were breaking out from the shadow of post punk. The deadpan vocals of singer/guitarist Renato Montenegro are another plus as he scowls through the thriving, jangling guitars at will. Immense…… Shine and Scatter is available on cassette and digital formats from bandcamp. Continue reading Strange Passage – Shine and Scatter

Alt Rock, C86, indiepopLeave a comment

Univers – Europa

Tom

Catalonian indiepop/rockers Univers released their latest album Limit Constraint back in May. It’s packed full of excellent tunes such as Mecànica Moderna or Divisió de la Victòria but it is the second track in Europa that gets the biggest thumbs up from me. It’s full of those classic deadpan vocals and shambling guitars complete with chanting lyrics and chorus. It will be in this years top 10 for sure….. The band still remind me of a Spanish 1990’s Wedding Present and they haven’t moved on that much musically since 2014’s debut L’Estat Natural but hey if it isn’t broke, why … Continue reading Univers – Europa

Alt Rock, Coldwave, Post PunkLeave a comment

Commis Voyageur – 16.1

Tom

More music from Russia today this time in the shape of Moscow band Commis Voyageur who actually sing in English. Mind you if they sung in their native tongue it wouldn’t matter a hoot because the music & songs are excellent. The band play a strong synth lead version of post-punk/indie with the synths blending in naturally with the singers excellent vocals and the guitars and bass. It’s pretty impressive stuff. The EP is available on a pay what you want basis from Bandcamp . Facebook Continue reading Commis Voyageur – 16.1