[INTRODUCING] Timeless Lizards

Local bands are something we don’t take seriously enough. Our ability to support local artists and venues is extremely minimal compared to the majors in the industry, but it’s a chance for you to become well aware of music that is one day going to be considered big. From the grunge-tinted melodies to the harmonies that could make you almost hysteric, Timeless Lizards are a four-piece waiting to be noticed by more than just your average punter.

Not too long ago a demo named ‘I Should Know’ became available on Soundcloud by the Bedfordshire-based band. With little information available and the band almost unknown, the song offered an exciting look in to what the local scene was about to get. Bluesy-rock hangs in the background whilst darkened vocals, supported by suggestive guitar playing came to the forefront, creating the prospect of a bright career for a, somewhat, mysterious quartet.

Inspired by Peace, Foals, The Beatles, The Police and others, you would be forgiven for thinking that the band may just be any other indie project consisting of four kids who “just want to make music, man”. Their only released demo feels teasing, it suggests an ability to create music that is strikingly different to that of many other unsigned bands, but also adds a certain degree of depth to an abyss that Ollie Taylor’s vocals create. Unreleased material follows suit but gives the sense that the song is ready to be played in a venue like Brixton Academy, it’s a large anthem embellished by prominent lyrics covering a tiring theme that already highlights their progression in maturity and knowledge of creating something that really works.

Winning battle of the band heats around the counties and becoming a hotly-booked band for local gigs is something any musician could dream of, but it’s the four-piece that take it in their stride. A swift walk on to the stage before releasing an almighty river of anthemic choruses for the crowd to be sucked in to, seduced by the timidness they portray between songs. It becomes part of the charm, part of the reason you begin to enjoy their music more and more and the final time you ask “who the fuck are these?” Chances are you’re going to remember them from that moment.

Timeless Lizards may just be another band for now, but with their following growing with each live show and with every track share, the quartet are producing a feeling inside people that has been lacking for some time. The belief that this can go bigger is there, it’s just a matter of time.

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[LISTEN] Promise Keeper - Side Decide

Promise Keeper has released his second single, Side Decide.

London-based electro-pop artist, Promise Keeper, has put out a song that is his second piece of work and promises a funk-infused, hip-hop inspired beat driven by chilled out soul vibes - a perfect combination for the seasons ahead. 

Though everything still seems pretty secretive, we're certain that this is going to be something that blows up heavily in the coming months. Take a listen to the single below and gear up for a new favourite. 

[LISTEN] Project Bongo - Keep A Secret

Dutch 5 piece Project Bongo have been enjoying their climb up both the USA and Global Spotify chart with "Keep A Secret", the lead track from their debut EP "Weekends". 

Musically, there's a hint of Two Door Cinema Club, a taste of Phoenix, a small dose of a slightly less mature 1975, and a sprinkling of The Knocks. Great references indeed. 

If you want bright summery hooks and some general good time sing-along vibes, definitely press play below. Take a look at the bands Instagram/artwork and it looks like these guys don't take themselves too seriously, which is mega refreshing, and surely makes for an enthralling and charismatic live show. 

When these guys hit the UK I'll see you there, front row. 

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[TWITTER]

[LISTEN] Al Pride - Leaf

Al Pride are collective of Men and a Woman from Switzerland (NOT SWEDEN), who certainly step up the game from their other two albums. "Hallavara" is the 3rd record and "Leaf" is their first single off their highly anticipated album which they recorded in Sweden

The Video is all about dark, all grey, black & white, but if you take an earful of it's music it's rather something you listen on a festival when you're half naked in summer, super drunk and you think about pissing into your bottle, because there is no way out of the crowd.

A more like bouncy-new-soul sounding drumkit is always working with nice crunchy, well draw barred-fit Hammond. My favourite parts are definitely ... The keys. The best song so far by Al Pride. Not sure if it was an overdubbing or not but the keys are monstrous. Not sure why they kept and hid major talents there... Big up and I hope this record is rather a key-record than something else. Have fun watching the video, i leaf it right here:

Pre-Order "Hallavara" on iTunes
Follow Al Pride on Facebook

Catfish and the Bottlemen reveal new single "Soundcheck"

Catfish and the Bottlemen have revealed their new single, Soundcheck, on Annie Mac's show tonight. After just a short break from touring the first record, the four-piece are back with a brand new song for fans. As well as this, the band have recently been announcing festival slots, including headline sets, across the country. The next record will be out before Summer hits.

Exclusively played on Annie Mac's show tonight (15.2.16), the new single is described as "the one" by Van, the lead singer. He has also previously said that the last record, The Balcony, was the support and this record is the headliner.

Soundcheck is cleaner than before. The sound is more precise and perfected, drawing upon the band's career and the way in which it has progressed so quickly. They're ready for stadiums and there's no doubt about it - what with their darker, more mature sound still building up into something of an anthem; something they can do very well. Proving they have learned more as musicians and have taken a step back to approach that within their music, Catfish and the Bottlemen are back with a song described as "huge" and "spectacular" by listeners on Radio 1.

Van McCann reveals details of the next album. Recorded out in LA, the four-piece say they have been working with a producer who has been telling them more directly about what is good and what isn't. The sound apparently came natural and they made it sound as big as they could, without steering too far from what they are.

[GIG REVIEW] Lisbon w/ King No-One, Victors & Indigo Velvet @ Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, Saturday 6th February 2016

Either i'm going mad or the Brudenell Social Club has venue has moved. Yet nobody i spoke too seemed to confirm this for me. Anyway despite my uncomfortable feeling that i was possibly at the wrong venue, i instantly heard the reassuring sounds of Indigo Velvet coming from the room behind the bar.

Their sound caught my ears instantly and even made me skip getting an early Guinness in for fear of missing another second of their set stood in a queue at the bar. A couple of people had said these lads were good (shout out to the Lisbon street team @LisbonFC) and for me they didn't disappoint. Technically great, young and enthusiastic, I thought they carried themselves really well. Keep it going boys!

Want to check them out, below socials:

LIKE - FACEBOOK
FOLLOW - TWITTER

Victors were next on the bill and they for me personally didn't hit home as much. I can't slate them because they actually played a great little set, there was just that spark missing for some reason that even a couple days after the event i can't quite put my finger on. Maybe the tunes that had the familiar 'ooo's and ahh' sing along sections just made my brain switch off.

That said I genuinely loved the bassist! From the moment go he was just exuberant about being on stage. 1UP on everyone else's efforts.

Interested? Head on over too:

FOLLOW - TWITTER
LISTEN - SOUNDCLOUD

What can I say about King No-One that I haven't already. For anyone who has read my previous posts about them will know i love this band so this is going to read pretty samey.

The lads know how to deliver their tunes now with almost surgical precision and I always enjoy a good mic stand twizzle!

The guys played their newest tunes "Stay Close" and "Say My Name" which went down rather well with a Leeds crowd who no doubt will now try pop along to the single launch in the same city. Headrow House / 17/3/16.

Jump on board if you haven't already:

FOLLOW - TWITTER
LISTEN - SOUNDCLOUD

Headline Act - LISBON certainly showed their prowess in terms of headlining an evening of good music by treating the crowd to some sensual, almost seedy at time, proper good indie tunes. The lads know how to get the crowd involved whilst still singing about subjects to make you think.

New tune 'Vice' has a vibe that means your hips move even if you don't want them too! A natural progression from a tune like 'Good 2 Me'. You cannot stop this, nor should you want too. 'Khaleesi' and 'Blue Love' and had the crowd continuing to move and get involved.

In turns out the lads are really really nice guys from speaking to them afterwards and i hadn't realised that I am apparently a doppelganger for Matt Varty (Lead Singer)... see this link: PICTURE

@lisbonjoe was superb at the merch stand appreciating the fact i'd traveled a fair distance, told me to have a safe journey home and chucked a t-shirt at me! On stage he was a class act aswell, as were the rest of the lads.

Would recommend catching them at some point in the near future if you can. Apologies for the poor pictures btw, i'm no cameraman unfortunately so i let the iphone do it's best. Must try harder in that respect but when the bands had my attention all night i always forget to take good piccys.

Hit LISBON up here:

LIKE - FACEBOOK
FOLLOW - TWITTER
 

Jase Hare

[LISTEN] Clean Cut Kid - Pick Me Up

There's so much more to this band than the mix bag of tricks that the line up offers. Genuine thought provoking lyrics and equally mind pushing compositions treat any listener to a delightful experience.

Tracks like their latest effort 'Pick Me Up' showcase that they have all the attributes to be masters of the modern socially-awkward love song. In my opinion, a great thing to have in your locker.



Some big hitting fans and a recent live lounge appearance under their belts, this band will throw up more interesting things in the coming months i'm sure.

I'm off to see them in Hull next month supporting Fickle Friends (go see them both in a town near you) and I will hopefully catch a few words with so look out for that, but in the mean time wrap your ears around this little gem!



Jase Hare

[LISTEN] King No-One - Stay Close

King No-One keep going from strength to strength and it comes as no surprise to me that their latest effort 'Stay Close' sees them picking up the pace and still delivering comfortably. Officially released 18/03/2016, i can't wait so their soundcloud page is my new home for the next few weeks.

This hip shaking belter of a tune is a great addition to their growing stature and even has a more direct speech section which i found a bold move these days but for me it works.

Double A-side with 'Say My Name' gives a wonderful contrast of their skill set, slowing it down and getting soulful. Playlist additions the moment they drop for sure.

The chaps are playing a couple of gigs this month which i'm sure they'd love to see your faces at!

Leeds - Brudenell Social Club - 6/2/16
London - Hoxton Bar and Kitchen - 10/2/16
York - Fibbers - 26/2/16

BREAKING: New Wolfmother Album "Victorious" to be released in 2016, listen to first selftitled single

Christmas came very early, to be excact, 35 days earlier this year. With the greatest banger in the past year. "Victorious" is about what Wolfmother alsways has been. It's final version sounds from Led Zeppelin to Kadavar over to keen simplicity.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/post/idsa.f98392c3-8ee6-11e5-b2c0-e072ac89b95d

click the link up above to reveal the phenomenal single "Victorious"

[LISTEN] Mìo - Neverland (feat.Le Pie)

Dream-Pop is a particularly apt tag for the latest offering from Australian production duo Mìo, considering its title Neverland. With misty production, hints of tribal drums and sugary guest vocals from fellow Aussie Le Pie, imagine an early M83 demo combined with the melodies of Say Lou Lou's more recent singles.

"Everyone's working out, staying in.... I don't want to grow up now, meet me in Neverland. I'll be here  living life, making out with Peter Pan." 

Perhaps the beauty of Neverland, with its hooky chorus and distinct lyrics, is that it isn't trying to be something it's not. This is especially true when considering the vibe of Mìo's debut song Back To You; a bass-heavy, moodier, Massive Attack-esque track with Swedish vocalist Erik Lindestad that shows their ability to mix light with dark. In any case, it's well worth checking out both tracks below on their soundcloud.

Follow / [FACEBOOK] (Mio) / [FOLLOW] (Le Pie)

Others /  [INSTAGRAM]

Claire announce new EP

Munich indie-pop band CLAIRE have just announced the coming release of a new EP called "RASEINIAI". The six tracks, set for release on October 30th, are "more than just a collection of songs", the band claim. The EP carries the name of a film which the band have been shooting over the past few months.

After being fascinated by their previous work we really can't wait for their new material to be released!

[LISTEN] Honne - No Place Like Home (feat. JONES)

Honne's music has grown on me massively since a friend recommended the amazing "All In The Value" just over a year ago. Although I must admit, at the time, I didn't really get it; it was almost like each song held something back and there was always room for the tracks to develop further.

In addition to that frustration, I've never really been able to define them properly - in fact I've never even been able to say their name so if you know what it is, please do let me know...

The most eloquent way I can think to define their music is futuristic soul, with a twist of 80's pop in the funkier tunes and, just for good measure, the sonic aesthetic of James Blake/Jamie Woon. But then having said that, the vocal throws all that out the window!

Anyway, onto "No Place Like Home"... The reason I wanted to write about this track is because it is so different to what these guys normally do. JONES' beautiful, shimmery voice brings a new dimension to Honne's sound, mostly in the way it compliments frontman Andy's vocal so effortlessly in the second chorus.

There's also a completely different pace here. I found myself relaxing, whereas in other tunes of theirs I find there's this whole dance/chill conflict going on that for some unknown reason made me a little on edge. There's no doubting that all Honne's songs are carefully and cleverly constructed and "No Place Like Home" is certainly no exception to that. See what you think of the track, but make sure you listen to the rest of their tracks on soundcloud too.

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Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]
Watch / [YOUTUBE]

[LISTEN] Zak Abel - Running From Myself

Ok, so "Running From Myself" may not be the track that's getting most of the plays over on wonder-teen Zak Abel's latest soundcloud playlist ("One Hand On The Future"), but it sure as hell got this authors attention right from the oh-so-funky beginning.

With a lyrical profoundness and depth beyond his meagre 19 years, Zak expresses his doubt and inner turmoil with ease, opening the first verse with "Ever felt like going somewhere else? Away from all this chaos. I've been questioning my mental ill". But its not just the lyrics that show maturity - his strong distinctive and soulful vocals (think Bill Withers and Gil Scott-Heron) are just the right balance for the track, being expressive and gravelly but at times as smooth as melted chocolate.

Hailing from North London, Zak has been writing since he was 15 and signed his first record deal at 17. He's even featured on the epic Wookie track "Higher" and has been seen most recently performing with Gorgon City.

The track develops. The funk increases. What's that? Your foot just won't stop tapping? Mine neither and I'm pretty confident that you'll find yourself singing that vocal/double bass hook for days. Needless to say It's All Indie love Zak and this track (nice rhyme). Take a listen below.

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Listen / [SOUNDCLOUD]
Watch / [YOUTUBE]

[LISTEN] King No-One - Constellations

Don't think these lads will be busking for too much longer unless they just love the buzz of it. Their new tune 'Constellations' sounds like it would be more suited to a stadium filled with adoring fans rather than York shoppers out for a bargain, which is precisely what they'll be getting if they hear this down the high street!



 A belter of a tune that i predict may rocket King No-One up to were they want to be. Layered, strong and BIG! The lads have produced again for me. Their back catalouge is looking pretty strong now for the boys which can only mean their gigs are going to be getting more crammed.

Jump on them now and don't regret it.

Follow / FACEBOOK

JaseHare

[LISTEN] French Films - You Are The Sun

Heureka, Finnish Rock'n'Rollers French Films who early 10's took over the world with their cooler Psych-Surf-Rock over the whole world took a bit time off. Things changed. The music? Hell no man, Keyborder Sanntu left the band and within' their new Guitar Player they overtook a new era. Now what's there to explore? Well, much mates. Very much. They haven't changed their 3-4 chord songs though but (!!!) with the new vocals and specialized lines they come with rocknroll attitued like the animals and beatles. Took it to the 10's and shuffled it with significant FF-Sounds. Check it out. New era of highclass men has begun. And nevermind the "Friday I'm in love" - You will cure it anyways... and shine again like a sun. There you are the sun innit.

Buy / French Films "You Are The Sun"

[INTRODUCING] Minority Association

Lewis Lindgren (producer of Button Eyes) begins new solo project with the release of Minority Association’s video for debut single ‘Tiles’,  from their forthcoming album We Are Not Them. 

Drenched in synths and trip-hop drumbeats, Minority Association are making an impact in the best way possible. The soothing sounds alongside the whispering voices in the background make it easy to fall into a trance and focus on nothing but the adventure of the man in the video. Running through scenes of the main character at various locations at the beach, it’s easy to imagine listening to Minority Association’s soulful beats by a swimming pool in the summer sun. If this track is anything to go by, their album We Are Not Them will be a beautiful piece of trip-hop to get your teeth into this summer. Ending on the sample “somewhere there’s a human being who’s behind all of this”, Minority Association are left lingering in your mind.

We Are Not Them is available as a free download via he band's BANDCAMP

Introducing... ZIBRA

After exploding onto the dance floors with their electrifying brand of glitch indie last year, London outfit ZIBRA have now unveiled their latest offering, Great White Shark. The track, lifted from the brand new ‘EP 2000’, is another snapshot of the band’s signature stadium-sized chorus chants, clattering guitars and punchy, anthemic riffs. ZIBRA’s debut track Heartache gained early support from BBC Introducing and Zane Lowe who made the band ‘Next Hype’ when playing the track. The trio have been busy honing their craft on the live circuit, playing alongside Coasts, Years & Years and Sunset Sons, across the UK, ahead of this summer’s festival season. Great White Shark is the lead track to be lifted from ‘EP 2000’, which also includes ‘Eclipse’ and ‘Vibrance’.

NEW ALBUM: The great surprising selftitled album "Valtter Vin"

It was long ago when I met Valtteri Väänänen which worked as a tour-mixengineer for the finnish French Films and he thought me few things about engineering and I never knew he was making music by his own. Then few months ago he came up with a Pop sensation called "Päiväuni". It's something like the early "Jump in the pool" heroes Friendly Fires and the late Neo-80's Indie Songs. it's all in finnish and I don't understgand no shit but clearly: I'm getting the feelings and the voice is something you will dream about. It's estethic not so Lo-Fi dreampop and contains summer feelings till you die. Vogue and SoKo would be proud of this guy.

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JP Cooper releases new EP 'When The Darkness Comes'

JP Cooper released his new EP 'When The Darkness Comes' today. The five track EP, featuring songs such as 'Closer' and 'Satellite', is a highly anticipated release from the singer-songwriter. He's been on our radar for a while now and everything sent to us simply blows us away. 

'When The Darkness Comes' isn't that different from previous releases in the sense that Cooper's sweet voice and melodic guitar create a perfect match to make a relaxing and peaceful EP. It's gold from start to finish. The songs are packed with good vibes that make your head nod and toes tap. Cooper's voice hits high notes just right and with it accompanied by layers of backing vocals it cooks up a beautiful EP.

You can pick up 'When The Darkness Comes' here.

Check out his social media links below.

[FACEBOOK]
[TWITTER]

- Nathan (@nxths)

New Guards song released!

New York band Guards have released their first new music since their debut album "In Guards We Trust" (2013). Their latest track showcases Guards' talent at making upbeat, feel-good songs.

The track will be used on their second album which is expected to be released in 2015.
Check out Guards' new track "Nothing More" here: