From Indie and Rock outfits to Folk songwriters and electronic experimenters... here's our rundown of some of our favourite new releases in the Liverpool music scene. You can also keep up to date with the best North-West releases via our playlist below.
The Cheap Thrills
Described by the band as a "love letter to Liverpool", The Cheap Thrills' new single ‘Home (I Want You Forever)’ more than delivers on that promise.
Commissioned by Liverpool Football Club to soundtrack their upcoming advertising, the feel good tune that will take you back to "where it all began", regardless of where you come from - however for those from Liverpool it will resonate on a whole other level.
With an anthemic chorus that you can imagine being chanted wholeheartedly at gigs, smooth bass lines that accompany Lewis' vocals and slick synths within production that tie the track together - this song is an Indie lover’s dream.
"This city gave me bite and a backbone", in the touching bridge Lewis reminisces about times spent in Liverpool, and how even the harder times within his hometown gave him the strength needed to thrive in the wider world. This constantly explores the notion that the environment and experiences of our past profoundly shape who we are as individuals.
As former Liverpool Band of the Year winners, it is clear that the band are a hit with the local community. In a celebration of their roots, The Cheap Thrills have created a track that not only captures the spirits of Liverpool, but also speaks to the universal experience of home.
Words by Ewan Morgan
Georgia Johnson
As an artist, Georgia Johnson has carved out her space in the music scene as a stellar songwriter, performer, and vocalist. Her new EP ‘Bearhug’ shows her raw talent and capabilities as a marker for the revival of the Folk genre.
Photo Credit: Charlie Williams / @scrawny_nan
She beautifully shows the complexities of growth and change through her songs and highlights how sadness so often comes side by side with joy and excitement. Through her one-of-a-kind ability to weave her emotions though her music, Georgia Johnson has developed a rich and meaningful relationship with audiences as you cannot help but feel the emotion of her songs deeply.
The EP itself is a curated selection of some of her best work yet. The collection is for the people who have a spot of grief for their past selves but carry on with the joy that comes with growing into the person they were meant to be. The airy and free flowing melodies and her incredible vocals have made every one of her songs a powerhouse in their own rights.
Georgia’s pure and unfiltered emotions make listeners reflect and internalise their own growths through time and her EP comes as "comforting as a bearhug". The single ‘Nomad’ is a dazzling track that expresses the innate need for adventure and new experience to find where the grass is greenest. She also explores lost relationships through ‘A Beach in Vienna’, as when someone you know changes so drastically you have lost the version of them that you had, it is a bittersweet style of grief that most people will experience. This EP contains some of the most enchanting, evocative, songs from Liverpool right now.
Words by Georgina Butler
Keyside
Liverpool’s rising rock quartet Keyside have returned with their latest single ‘Runaway’, a powerful ode to resilience, wrapped in irresistible Indie hooks reminiscent of bands like The La’s or The Smiths.
With lyrics revealing a social conscience that goes deeper than their uplifting melodies might suggest, frontman Dan Parker says the single is about “how hard it can be for young people growing up in a difficult household”, with its lyrics exploring the liberating feeling of breaking free from the pressures of home life and discovering the world beyond. It’s a theme that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, especially when delivered through Parker’s soulful vocals and the band’s jangly, melancholic melodies.
Recorded at Kempston Street Studios in Liverpool and produced by Chris Taylor (who’s recently worked with Noel Gallagher and The Coral), ‘Runaway’ is another great hit from the band who'll be supporting Blossoms next month. The production is polished yet retains enough grit to keep the track grounded, whilst Parker’s audibly raw accent maintains the track’s authenticity, grounding the song in its Merseyside roots.
These local roots are important to their sound and shine through as the track masterfully encapsulates the Scouse music scene through both its sound and its lyrics - raw, authentic, and brimming with a quiet defiance.
Keyside may not be rewriting the Indie genre, but with ‘Runaway’, they show they're more than capable of making it their own. Another strong step forward for a band undeniably on the rise.
Words by Donovan Livesey
The Kowloons
When the latest single from The Kowloons came out in late September, the weather in Liverpool seemed to reflect the sentiment of ‘Raining (It Don’t Stop)’. Most people probably had found themselves soaked to the bones and complaining about the rain. However, right after its release, suddenly it stopped raining – as if that's the consequence when falling in love with this song.
Its bluesy feel is defined by a dominant electric guitar and up-tempo drums, as well as harmonies that add to the overall nostalgic feeling similar to bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks. It's little off-beat parts might particularly get you into an excited toe-tapping state.
The dreamy middle part starts with “I can get no” and we possibly can’t be the only ones whose thoughts immediately went “Satisfaction!” before the actual lyric “sleep” finishes it. Yet again, this shows that the boys made a fantastic job incorporating their classic Rock influences while making something fresh and modern out of them.
Words by Anna Nuamenko
Caitlyn Eve
Caitlyn Eve’s newest single ‘Leave The Light On’ is a track that we can't get enough of right now.
Her raw, bitter lyrics mixed with her rich vocals and that deep, soulful growl, that starts off the chorus makes you want to scream along with her. The pure rage as she sings "how does it feel, my darling?" is bewitching, her delivery throughout is dripping with venom and the production is just top notch- we especially love the bridge, crescendoing into the final chorus.
It sounds so full and all-encompassing, just like the toxic relationship she describes, and is done in a manner that feels almost cathartic. Every little detail has been perfected and refined, and it shows. From beginning to end, it is dramatic, intense and simply excellent.
This is Folk Rock at its finest, and you’re truly missing out if you don’t give it a listen.
Words by Nia Bottom
HOLLOWBODY
The latest single ‘Godspeed’ from Liverpool’s own Alt Rock group, HOLLOWBODY blends crisp production, catchy riffs and floating melodies. Throughout the track, vocalist Harry James explores feelings of existential uncertainty as he navigates life, "stuck waiting for a call’ from the ‘big man up above".
Sonically, the song begins with a half time drumbeat, accompanied by vintage synths and plucky guitars, reflecting the themes of uncertainty displayed in the lyrics. Comparatively, the choruses adopt the classic Britpop sound familiar to us from bands such as The Royston Club and Blur.
Distorted guitar power chords dominate the mix whilst trashy drumbeats provide rhythm, topped off with a strong vocal performance from Harry, who’s catchy vocal melodies are reminiscent of the classic 90s bands that formed the British rock scene 30 years ago and that is seemingly making a resurgence in modern British music today.
Words by Jake Leeks
Olvine
Amid Britain’s growing Jazz scene, Liverpool-based Olvine has released a new double single ‘Starcruiser’. Following their live album ‘All Yours Mate’ and vibrant EP ‘Brady’s Caravan’, the band’s recording style highlights the importance of live playing. Effectively engaging in the genre, virtuosic players combine unexpected bursts of melody with propulsive rhythms, shooting back and forth. Their take on Jazz fusion is evocative of Liverpool’s rich scene while maintaining, as described by themselves, a unique, "kaleidoscopic" voice.
The first half of the release, titled ‘Out Of Hours Emergency Callout’, establishes this. Harry Simmonds pairs isolated keys with hushed vocals and gently calls to the other members as though asking someone to bare the load that subdues him. Disjointed yet impactful, Thomas Benson’s drums instinctively respond and summon the others to join. The call-and-response technique is extremely effective and it feels as though each musician helps carry the weight until they flow into a seamless force. As sporadic motifs are thrown between the players, isolated bursts of music intensify the journey of the song causing a palpable energy. Highlighted in the brass section, trumpet player Martin Smith, begs to be heard, his expressive style, successfully, piercing through; helping further increase momentum.
The following song ‘Of Course’ offers a cathartic release after the unpredictable rhythmic and melodic outbursts prior. Raw and collective, the ensemble explores a shared motif as the other side is reached; fragments of cheers and laughter caught in between.
At its core, Olvine captures the essence of Jazz. An intrinsically improvisational, collaborative, and responsive art form, often lost within a world of pretension and artifice. A refreshing listening experience, Olvine places you in the room with the artists and establishes a sense of authenticity. The intended effect is achieved and, as melodies swing around the room from player to player, a kaleidoscopic experience enhances mood above all else.
Words by Lola Warne
Rae Charlea
Australian-born but Liverpool-based and self-proclaimed "Pixie Indie Rockstar", Rae Charlea, expresses a multitude of emotions throughout her work and translates these into powerfully moving songs with a signature synthy electric guitar throughout.
Her new single ‘I.H.H.G.’ is an eclectic mix of cultural criticism and social commentary, paired with a Grungy, almost Shoegaze- esque fusion of electric guitar and vocals.
A distinct expression of anger and frustration through the lyrics "I hate her guts" differentiates slightly from Rae Charlea’s other more melancholic and vulnerable songs, allowing us to understand just how multi-faceted her music really is.
Words by Asha Bagchi
Little Furry Things
Liverpool's hidden gem, Little Furry Things, are sure to kick off soon. Especially with their new single release ‘Industry Plant’.
Straight upon pressing play, the swift pangs of guitar from Sam Holmes hit the listener in the face, catching and keeping you following for the story that is about to be told. Alex Hannah’s gritty but soothing voice filters into the song, taking us back to early music of Dinosaur Jr (whose track 'Little Fury Things' may have influenced their artist name) with the tinny vocals and engaging riffs. But instead, Little Furry Things give that sound a new life by taking a twist on it, telling the evocative journey of an ‘Industry Plant’.
"I’ve done what you want, now I’ll wither away" perfectly encapsulates the feelings of being used and disposed, keeping this image of an abandoned and dying plant in the centre of the song. They use this as a motif for someone trying to make their way to commercial success.
The driving bass riffs of Oliver Stevens keeps the song moving with the punchy beats of John Smethurt’s drums pulling the whole song together. It is obvious the band are cohesively working together to construct this replayable and relevant song about working in a commercial industry. The dynamic energy that runs through the song is reminiscent of Black Flag’s style, who they mention to be influenced by with a brilliant cover of their song ‘Fix Me’ available on YouTube. Just like their lyrics foreshadow, the song withers away eerily, the guitar plays out the last note until fuzzy and dissonant.
Words by Cara Panini
Miles Temp
At just seventeen, Liverpool’s Miles Temp is quickly proving to be one of the city’s most promising talents. His latest single, 'Heartbeat' (Out September 24th) is a minimalist masterpiece - a strikingly raw and intimate exploration of love and loss delivered with a level of emotional depth that belies his age.
A Clairo and Conan Gray indebted Indie-Pop burst, ‘Heartbeat’ takes a bold step as Miles, known for his guitar-driven songs, abandons his favourite instrument to let his distinctive voice command the spotlight. The result? An emotionally charged performance that allows listeners to focus on his lyrical depth and vulnerability.
One of the song's most striking features is the refrain, “you moved closer in my arms, and the way it hurt when you moved on”. Here, Miles captures the duality of closeness and separation, the ache that accompanies the memory of a relationship that once felt so full of promise. Without relying on complex instrumentation, ‘Heartbeat’ thrives in its simplicity, allowing listeners to focus on the emotional clarity of his words.
Whilst his vocal delivery is soft and understated, the emotions it conveys are anything but. He manages to strike a balance between restraint and vulnerability, avoiding the trap of trying too hard to make his point. Instead, 'Heartbeat' thrives in its subtlety, a reflection on the ache of lost love that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
While only his fifth single, ‘Heartbeat’ firmly establishes Miles Temp as a songwriter with remarkable emotional insight. Be sure to catch Miles live this Autumn.
Words by Donovan Livesey
Abbie Ozard
Over the last few years, it feels as though Abbie and her music has gone through the same coming-of-age experience, constantly growing in depth and thoughtfulness, finally resulting in her debut album ‘everything still worries me’, a record packed full of the same playful melodies that make her music so infectious yet laced with an added undercurrent of mature reflection.
Photo Credit: Chaz Rudd
Overall, ‘everything still worries me’ is a joyous yet thoughtful album and a great example of what a debut album should be. Not merely an extension of previous releases or a collection of an artist’s best recent tracks, but the marking of a new era in their career, one that fully showcases the qualities of the artist. It is a coming-of-age record that evidences Abbie’s musical and personal growth and announces her as one of the country’s most exciting new indie pop songwriters. Abbie has never been more sonically or lyrically astute in her choices, dealing with complex, often contrasting emotions while journeying through a wide range of beautifully crafted, textural sounds that capture the joy, freedom, angst, anxiety, playfulness, fear and perpetual learning of modern mid-twenties living.
Carleigh Mack
Originally from New Hampshire, USA, Alternative songwriter Carleigh Mack now resides in Liverpool and has become a fixture of the local live scene, running an open mic at Artefact and playing alongside her good friend Bella Wright. However, her time has come to turn her attentions to her own music once again. After much deliberation, a good dose of self-doubt and plenty of personal growth, Carleigh has finally decided to release her new EP 'Growing Pains' which is out now.
The EP explores some of Carleigh's most formative experiences with sonic delicacy and emotive power, showcasing the poignancy of her storytelling and breadth of performance while documenting her developmental journey during her teenage years. The lyrics are simultaneously relatable and niche, finding unique, quirky sentiments that convey Carleigh's personality and using them to explain deep, complex emotions that many will resonate with.
Liverpool’s Psychedelic beatmaker Captain Crocodile combines the spaced out, deep-toned musings of King Krule with some wonderfully hypnotic beats that hook you into a trance. Following his debut album, he has wasted no time in returning with new music. His two new singles ‘Screwed!’ and ‘Out Of Sink’, that come in collaboration with Videotrash, paint a wonderful showcase of why the Captain Crocodile sound is so inviting.
Photo credit: Raye Osterloh / @ferns4raye
‘Screwed!’ leads with a beautifully moody bass groove that instantly lulls you into hypnotic state. The spoken word vocals then interlace with each other, shifting in and out of focus with an ebb and flow. The Grunge-Punk swagger is palpable and the groove is infectious, like a blend between Baxter Dury, Nirvana and Mount Kimbie. ‘Out Of Sink’ then leans fully into the King Krule sound with shimmering electronic textures that build up a dreamy landscape while the beat injects a punchy energy. The vocals then land loosely with a hazey psychedelia that you can let wash over you as your mind melts away.
We couldn't publish this article without including the new single from our favourite local newcomers, Shefu. The quirky Alt-Rock outfit have made waves recently, finally playing a run of shows alongside fellow Liverpool outfit Crawlers, the support slot that they were destined to take on from day one! So, now is the perfect time to welcome their newly gained slew of Shefoids by releasing their third single, 'Butterknife'.
Photo Credit: Maya Whittaker
Opening with a raw, vulnerable and haunting acoustic intro, the song then jumps into a much bigger and more anthemic Rock sound. The track is filled with vocal prowess and instrumental flair, especially from the sharp, winding guitar line that cuts through with a wonderful power.
Radiating with 90s angsty energy, the track beautifully combines their love for both throw away humour and deeply poignant sentiments while delivering it all with a confident, moody swagger.
The debut single 'Fight Club' from bones is set to become a hard-hitting Indie Rock anthem, punctuated by grungy vocals and dynamic drumbeats.
Playing on the idiom ‘all bark and no bite’, the song captures underlying tensions that threaten to escalate into a full-blown conflict. The pre-chorus paves the way towards a powerful chorus that combines rich, layered sounds with raw, unfiltered lyrics, effectively conveying a sense of pervasive aggravation. The lead guitar solo also stands out, adding depth and solidifying the inherent skill evident in the track.
Having already played a handful of gigs over the past year around Liverpool and steadily amassed a dedicated following, the group are beginning to create a strong identity as a band. This first single has cemented that identity and put them in a strong position to ascend in the Liverpool music scene.
Words by Eve Waterhouse
Liverpool-based but Norwegian born, Sara Wolff, creates captivating soundscapes to bolster her intricate storytelling, using her deep love for sound in all its forms and influences that range from Folk to Art-Pop to create a wonderfully spellbinding style.
Photo Credit: Kate Davies
Her new single 'Is It True?', released via Lost Map Records and made alongside Mercury Prize winning producer Mike Lindsay, explores creativity and community in a challenging time while showcasing Sara's beautifully pure vocal textures. The delicate yet full-bodied vocal style blends seamlessly with the natural acoustic tones, drawing in your attention to each and every melodic twist. These natural textures are matched by lyrics full of earthy semantics, perhaps inspired by her work as a sound recordist, often exploring nature to extract the myriad of unique sounds it has to offer.
This love for sound experimentation is a common theme for both Sara and Mike and it truly shows when the middle of the track evaporates into a swirling soundscape full of chimes, ethereal synths and bustling plants as if you have been transported into a mystical desert sandstorm. Whether you share this love for interesting sonic textures that always keep you on your toes, or just like pure and tranquil Folky bliss then this track is one for you.
The Drivers Club’s new single, ‘Y R U SO LOUD’ captures your attention almost immediately and demands to keep it. Following the melancholic acceptance of the world’s chaos from the bands previous release ‘So Fine’, this new track holds the intent to revel within that very chaos and maintains the energy to match.
The energetic mixture of classic influences from Talking Heads and a modern energy from bands such as Nothing But Thieves is amplified through an eccentric new sound that the band has obviously refined over may years. You can almost envision the rapturous impact this track will have on live audiences.
With the track clocking in at 02:36, it doesn’t stick around for long; it burns bright and leaves those listening on the edge of their seat, wanting more and eager for what The Drivers Club may have to offer next.
Words by Peter Wintersgill
First coming to attention as part of Clean Cut Kid, songwriter and vocalist Pet Snake is well known in the Liverpool scene for her rich vocal talents and introspective songwriting abilities.
She has just returned with three new singles in 2024. The first of which, ‘Getting Older’ really struck a deep chord with us. It's nuanced lyrical sentiment and haunting, hypnotic rhythm had a strangely uplifting and empowering spirit to it that we just loved. There are certain elements that we have come to expect with Pet Snake’s music; the rich warmth of her voice and the swooping delivery of her melodies are as beautiful as ever. However, the new tracks like 'Crashing' have a more distinctly catchy edge while also creating a really poignant, coming-of-age feeling fit for a the emotional scenes in your next favourite Indie film.
Perhaps one of the most under appreciated artists on the Liverpool scene, it feels like Pet Snake has truly found her groove and is slowly emerging from the Merseyside underground to take centre stage and showcase her incredible talents! Listen to the latest single 'New Arrivals' now.
One of the most well respected songwriters on Merseyside, Ali Horn is known for his regular Jacaranda appearances and his time as the frontman of Psych outfit Strange Collective who recently returned to play Quarry’s pre-show party for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. If he’s not playing around one of Liverpool’s tight knit local venues then he’s probably out on the streets busking in the sun.
For the first time in three years, he has returned with new solo music, and as always it’s brought a breath of fresh air into the scene’s output. The two singles ‘The Big Slowdown’ and ‘Bloom’ have a richer, more atmospheric sound than a lot of his past work and you can clearly see some of the signs that the simultaneous return of Strange Collective has slightly influenced his solo sound.
‘The Big Slowdown’ is a really poignant single that showcases the emotive depth and natural warmth of Ali’s voice. The steady swing of the song casts a breezy summer air thanks to the gentle guitar strums and echoed effects. Lines like “I ain’t got no hopes or dreams but I’m trying to make the darkness light” have a weighty impact thanks to the completely unfiltered, earthy tone of the vocal deliveries and the guitar notes that follow with a beautifully hypnotic sound.
‘Bloom’ is a little more dramatic, built upon big Brit Pop acoustics and drawn out vocal lines that ring of acts like James. The bright guitar melodies of the track have a really sunny glow to them and the mix of the worldly tones and bubbling electronic backing injects a spaced out Psychedelic feel, leaning into a Stone Roses vibe.
It’s fantastic to see Ali returning to his solo project and by the sounds of these tracks, it’s been well worth the wait! We’re looking forward to more.
Along with Keyside, Reignmaker are one of that new breed of Scouse Indie outfits offering songwriting far beyond their years and bringing a depth to their music that warrants special attention.
Their music is build up of a rich combination of acoustics and rich, melting guitar tones that create hypnotic Indie landscapes for them to sign on top of. Their recent release 'When You Cry' was a more direct and punchy track that led with a solid drum rhythm, injecting a big energy into their trademark, thoughtful, contemplative melodies.
The jaunty swing is matched by a bittersweet chorus that is perfect for singing back with all your heart. 'Part of You' then followed this up with a really sentimental and thought provoking sound. The finale, that builds up from tranquil synths to pounding drum hits before bursting into a final chorus that is a true earworm.
Hannah Weedall’s new single, ‘Live a Little’ is a story of escapism and realising your independence. The song paints a picture of missing where you come from yet chasing a desire to forge your own path and not let life pass you by.
Hannah takes influence from artists such as Sam Fender, holding onto that hometown connection, yet showing a clear desire to see and experience what could be beyond that. The track's sound retains that connection to classic northern indie, whilst also evoking images of sprawling summer fields on a U.S Roadtrip.
Following on from the feelings of loss, experienced in Hannah’s last release ‘Lifeline’, this new track brings back the energy and joy of Hannahs earlier sound, and creates a track that would feel most naturally at home in the beaming sunlight of festival season.
Words by Peter Wintersgill
The shimmering Pop sounds of Bunny Alex cast a bittersweet air and insist on you singing the lyrics out loud while imagining you're in the midst of a film-worthy love story. Their latest single ‘Breaking My Own Heart’ emits the same audible sentiment as the title, with glossy production adding a cinematic edge to the stirring emotions.
Vocally, Bunny Alex has that powerful yet soothing effect that rings of Taylor Swift, packing in all her passion into a soft and swooping melody that lands wonderfully on the ear. Yet, when you dig into the lyrics there is a more heartbreaking tale!
The pop instrumentals drive a really fun rhythm that’ll make you want to dance around your bedroom but the emotive sentiments will make you want to stare longingly out the window. So, whatever mood you’re in, you can fit the silky melodies to suit your vibe.
Chaotic Jazz-Funk outfit Bonk! have undeniably been a resounding success in Merseyside and are now rapidly expanding their reach to other major cities across the UK, including Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield.
The band of four, made up of Dan Hewitt (Guitar and Vocals), Badri Ram Mohan (Keys), Sam Robinson (Bass), and Remy Forrester (Drums), spent the majority of 2023 gigging in Liverpool and other areas of the UK, showcasing their music, building upon a defying sound and growing their fanbase.
What sets Bonk! apart from other bands is the way they're able to illustrate and bring their personalities through their music and their live shows. The playfulness and humour that characterise their persona are reflected in the music they create, making it unique and enjoyable for listeners, whether you're a fan of Jazz or Hard Rock, Bonk!'s music has the power to inspire you to embrace your individuality.
Words by Kayleigh Cantrell
Japanese/British solo artist MARiMARi defies the usual Pop expectations. Her style, both visually and sonically, is one that is instantly captivating, blending influences from across the musical and cultural worlds to create an aesthetic all of her own.
You can immediately tell from the title of her debut EP ‘Little B*tch, Little Danger Zone’ that her music has a swagger and confidence to it that dances the line between being menacing and infectious. Opening track 'No Regrets' reinforces this no nonsense attitude producing a track that is bold in sound, unforgiving in lyrical sentiment and beautifully abstract in texture, inviting you into Mari's Hyper-Pop world.
The bubbly electronic tones that flow throughout the 6 tracks, mixed with the brazen attitude, ring of acts like Chloe Moriondo, like a Pop sound that has been twisted and warped into a more bizarre and visceral experience. It is a sound that never sits still and always leaves you guessing.
The EP's highlight 'Aerosol', although possessing a punchy rhythm and slick, commercial vocal flows that rings of early Katy Perry or Kesha, still leaves room for some more abstract and inventive electronic additions just to inject MARi's unique personality into the mix.
Hints of Emo, Pop and Bubblegum all creep into the EP, offering a vibrant variety of sounds throughout. It is a wonderful first announcement of what MARiMARi represents as an artist!
With a distinctive earthy aesthetic, Folk songwriter Euan Blackman writes tranquil tunes for sitting in nature and letting your mind drift away. He possesses vocals that can offer the smooth melodic finesse of Pop as well as the deep, warming textures of a wholesome Folk track. Having already released one EP in 2024, he is now gearing up for another to be released this summer.
Photo Credit: Stu Price
'Butterfly', the first teaser off this EP, has a wonderfully calming tone and rolling flow to it. This comforting sound is driven by a soft drum rhythm and breezy acoustic strum that, together, build a really blissful bed of sound that Euan's placid vocal sentiments can glide on top of. The little electronic melodies inject a catchy brightness into the track that still fits the natural tones but with a newfound distinct melody to stick with you. Tonally, this track is a masterpiece, filled with such a cosy, feel-good energy that you can't help but be healed.
'I Don't Think About It (Too Much)' has then leaned into the electronic sound a little more, with a crunchy electro drum sound providing the backdrop to yet another, tranquil soundscape. The tone of the bubbling instrumentals, Euan's smooth vocal layers and lyrics of "post-millennial blues" ring of The 1975's 'Birthday Party' yet Euan introduces a rich harmonica sound to bring that pure Folk essence back around. Based from these two singles, we can't wait for the 'Thunderstorms' EP this summer!
Another band gearing up for a new EP this summer are the stylised Americana trio Motel Sundown. The five-track collection, titled 'El Dorado', is laced with rich vocal harmonies, something which lies at the heart of the Motel Sundown sound as they combine their voices in a blissful fashion.
As the title of the EP suggests, a lot of the tracks carry a vintage, desert tone. 'Waterfall' and 'Lost Time' offer rich, soulful Blues textures and a nostalgic lyricism that rings of Americana and Country greats. Although they both play on these classic themes, they do so with a diverse range of atmospheres. The former plays out a captivating dreamscape that invites you to melt away and let the the smooth vocal melodies wash over you while the latter injects a bigger energy that will get you on your feet!
Continuing this theme of versatility, 'Midnight Blue' offers a velvety moonlight serenade fitting for the late night band at a smoke-filled dive bar. Meanwhile, their most recent release 'Your House' leads with a rich acoustic roll and full-bodied vocals that provide an earthy Folk texture. These range of atmospheres and sonic textures means that there's so much to enjoy throughout the EP while guaranteeing you're never too far away from their trademark Americana style. Look out for the EP, out June 28th!
After announcing UK tours supporting major names including Circa Waves and Vistas, Sterling Press have cemented their quintessential British attitude with a triptych of fresh singles. ‘Doorbell’, ‘Crowdpleaser’ and ‘What Would You Do?’. The tracks offer a new genre-meshing sound thanks to an experimental approach to production and the electronics of the Moog Little Phatty Stage II and the Akai MPK Mini - neither of which take away from the group’s essential ‘guitar-band’ attitude.
Don’t you ever feel as though your playlist is lacking in doorbell samples? Well, we certainly do... are suffering is now over thanks to this the band's latest release. 'Doorbell' comes reeping in with a Trance-like vocal melody and washed-out Drum and Bass groove, before exploding into a punchy rhythm guitar line and vocals to match. The retrograde verse section loses none of the intro’s energy and makes for a true Indie blend between a slightly-driven guitar riff, laid back drum beat and edgy lyrics that address the listeners at the door. If this threefold foray wasn’t enough, we’re then brought into a Psychedelic bridge; another genre seamlessly entered into, and perfectly executed - lifting listener’s into the provocative chorus hook "tell me who you’re trying to be?".
This lyrical attitude prevails for the rest of the track, thanks to lines "you got the gift of the gab, but your charm’s all gone" and "you talk about yourself for far too long". If the song needed anything more, we’re given a House-influenced bridge that cuts through the section’s previous Psychedelic feel, to drop us into the final chorus. Calling an end to a truly genre-meshing but essentially guitar driven tune, complimented by forward-thinking production techniques and experimentation with samples of … a doorbell, who’d have thought?
Words from Joseph Wray
The self-proclaimed West Midlands emo quartet Danger Dog have become renowned on the Liverpool scene for their visceral live shows. Their music loves to play with your expectations, often lulling you into a false sense of security with gentle, melancholic atmospherics before lurching into angst-fuelled attacks. In terms of their personality they are friendly and unserious, yet their music taps into a much darker and more poignant realm both in its sound and its lyricism.
Photo Credit: Stu Price / @stupricecine
Their new single '(D)anger Dog' is a high-intensity, no-nonsense burst of visceral anger that truly explores the depth of emotion that lies within their songwriting. This is the anthem that will get the moshpits moving.
With a blend of dirty guitar lines, a gritty vocal drawl and plenty of crashing drum fills, HEADFEEDER offer an undeniably appealing slice of classic Rock and Roll. It's music made for getting off your face, forgetting your troubles on the outside world and entering into their high-octane sonic world.
There's elements of the Psych influences that flow through the Liverpool scene... it is a track about getting stoned after all. Yet the heart of the track is the big energy and the constant flair from the guitar line. it never sits still, always offering little sparks of Rock brilliance! A super fun debut release.
Astles’ new single 'This One’s for You' fits perfectly with his oeuvre of soothing, soft Indie music, described aptly on his Spotify profile to be “as warm as milky tea”. Originally from the seaside town of Southport, Astles’ songs are a celebration of tenderness, all with a distinct undercurrent of nostalgia. Think somewhere between Matt Maltese and Billie Marten, he delivers a sound listeners are sure to savour.
'This One’s for You' begins with a slightly melancholy tone, with minimal instruments accompanying Daniel Astles’ voice. The track showcases his lullaby-esque tone with its calming rhythm and he manages to make even the drums sound soft and light. Then, as the song progresses, his voice becomes perfectly accompanied by a series of string instruments, subtly adding depth and dynamism to the track, and by the second chorus the lilting keys of a piano are added to create a vibrant symphony, captivating the listener throughout. The result? A building crescendo of textures and sounds that marks the upbeat denouement of the track.
Astles’ music charms listeners all the more live, and he is performing in several locations across the coming months, including trendy Jaguar Shoes in London and at Liverpool's Philharmonic Music Room where he will be accompanied by a string quartet. With his contemplative lyrics and flowing sound, Asltes is not one to miss!
Words by Saba Khorassani
Kurran Karbal
Following a transformative journey to India in search of personal healing and spiritual growth, Birkenhead-based songwriter Kurran Karbal has returned home and is gearing up for his debut solo album. His recent double-track release ‘Time / All’s Fair’ has provided an exciting teaser for what the album entails.
The first track, ‘Time’ is a bubbling synth groove built up with funky bass lines and drum rhythms that allow Kurran’s more silky vocal lines to float on top of. Lyrical contemplations of the afterlife sit right next to frustrations of not being able to find money or time, creating this really interesting connection between the spiritual and the grounded.
Musically, the song has a really hypnotic flow with a vibrant and eclectic instrumentation filled with dense pulses and more playful, spaced-out synth textures. These niche choices of tone give the song a unique charm and convey Kurran’s worldly personality.
The second track ‘All’s Fair’ is a more stripped-back, intimate lullaby that sees Kurran hum beautifully soothing lyrics with a delicate poignancy. The atmosphere is floating, the melodies are bittersweet and the overall energy is hypnotic. As psychedelic swirls of electronic notes, tranquil keyboard chords and echoed brass lines enter the fray you become completely entranced with the trippy atmosphere.
The groove then picks up as the drums come in and lovely backing harmonies fill out the sound. By the end, you are completely enthralled, letting the hypnotic sound wash over you, slipping you into a warming sunshine haze.
Casual Blood Service
American-born but Merseyside based, lofi songwriter Casual Blood Service makes music that is simultaneously melodic and haunting, both blissful and melancholic in the same breath. By bringing retro Shoegaze sounds of the US to a slightly uncomfortable lofi indie soundscape, a rare blend is created.
Her latest single ‘Crooked Teeth’ opens with an eery, stripped back beat that is populated with uniquely toned percussion with an almost metallic quality. It brings to mind some of the obscure sounds in Laura Marling’s LUMP project courtesy of Mike Lindsay. The vocals then arrive with an intentionally monotone, melancholic delivery, casting a haunting air that fits with the midnight bride aesthetic of the accompanying video.
A really distinctive, stylised sound that you can get fully immersed in.
Drew Friel
Drew Friel has been on our radar since the release of his endlessly playable single ‘Breakfast Bar’ late last year. Since then, he has been hard at work, slowly but surely releasing what has now become his debut EP ‘Toby Carver’.
The EP is comprised of four singles: ‘Breakfast Bar’ the opening track, which although catchy, is an incredibly self aware track that shows the authenticity of Friel’s songwriting; ‘You Never Give Me Your Money’, which features a notable ebb and flow of tempo creating a fascinating unpredictability, losing pace during choruses before catching up in the verses; ‘Don’t Run For Office’ which picks us back up, leaning more into a synth-driven and layered vocal effect which slowly winds down towards the end of the song, in anticipation of the final track; and ‘Your Top Ten List’, which is rather gentle in comparison to the rest of the EP, there is a lightness and rawness to the song which steadily brings us to a close.
The bright guitar-driven tracks are reminiscent of ‘90s Britpop tracks with the use of acoustic guitars layered with drum machines and warm and upbeat production. The tracks are further enhanced by Friel’s rich vocals giving them a well-rounded and polished feel. Despite the lightness and catchiness of the music, the lyrics are surprisingly darker in tone; take for instance the opening line of the second track ‘You Never Give Me Your Money’: “I’m struggling now/ when it comes to matters of virtue/ I know how much/ I hurt you”.
Despite this being his debut EP, Friel is rather impressively paving a way for himself in the Merseyside music scene, and is undoubtedly one to watch as he continues on his journey as a musician.
Words by Kat McGrattan
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