After a hiatus from releasing music, Swansea favourites Trampolene return with rousing spoken-word track ‘Come Join Me In Life’.
Fronted by Jack Jones, Trampolene are certainly not a band to shy away from. Boasting music that is unapologetically loud, outspoken, and bold. This 3-piece have garnered a reputation for packed-out, reckless, and brilliant live shows.
Quickly becoming infamous for their ability to combine raucous indie rock music and spoken word poetry, capable of intoxicating any chaos-hungry audience. Future crowd pleaser ‘Come Join Me In Life’ elevates Trampolene even further, as it delights with a no holds barred, gorgeously untamed approach. Definitely one that Jones will have fans reeling back to him at every upcoming Trampolene gig.
Stirring, and at times intentionally and purposefully unsettling. The singer-songwriter addresses us as though we are a boisterous crowd pouring down a flooded street. Jones at the forefront, demanding justice for each and every one of our lives.
A modern-day wordsmith, delivering poignantly punchy points and fiercely frank truths. ‘Come Join Me In Life’ is poetry that invades your mind and overtakes your voice. Etching itself upon your memory, with an eerily divine presence. “I belong in this poem and I belong in this pen. I belong in your head every now and then.” Through gloriously unrefined and powerful words, Jones has made clear impact, as the phrase “working-class hero” surely springs to mind. Aiming to empower and encourage, walking the line between rebellion and redemption, with glorious reckless abandon.
Heightening emotions, challenging thought processes, and demanding us to firmly grasp what we want out of life with both hands. ‘Come Join Me In Life’ fuels political fires and breaks from convention, as the track roars in solidarity with recent cultural and historical movements. Jones taking centre stage as that pillar so desperately needed, to prop up every single underrepresented voice. Giving much needed encouragement and support at a time where we must stand united to survive.
‘Come Join Me In Life’ is out now via Strap Originals
Punk rock is infamous for its love of rebellion. Rule-breaking, non-conformity and an unwavering bold stance in both style and substance. It is a genre that regularly depicts a state of turmoil, and hits back at society with a vengeance. As global politics and the state of the world at large, are currently tipping the scales. There is no denying that punk is the musical outlet we need at the moment.
Eager to shake up society and our music scene, are the fiery Pseudo Cool. Possessing all of the grit and grunge you could desire; this band have a sound that is edgy and untamed. Led by siblings Cathy Bastian (lead vocals, bass) and Lloyd Bastian (backing vocals, guitar), family ties run deep throughout their music. Lead guitarist Dylan Howells, and drummer Shay Bevan complete the lineup.
Bursting out of the South Wales town of Maesteg, Pseudo Cool blazed onto our radar just this year. As 2020 has seen them release not one, but three new singles. All of which have received heavy praise, including backing from BBC Radio Wales and Horizons Cymru, as well as a string of music blogs, publications and podcasts. With tongue-in-cheek lyrical jabs and jangled guitars, Pseudo Cool inject humour into their music. Yet add just enough of that raw punk-bitterness, to sharpen our taste buds.
Pseudo Cool are an emerging punk band from Maesteg, South Wales
First single ‘Modern Man’ released in July, gave us a first glimpse of what to expect from Pseudo Cool. Debuting their edgy punk sound to the world, the band certainly kicked off in style. With unapologetic lyrics poking fun at modern 21st century masculinity. ‘Modern Man’ is a satirical quip, that delves into the strives and struggles of your everyday relationship. Delivered in a rhythmic blend of riffs, instruments glide along with Cathy Bastian’s muted almost spoken vocals, which interject that brooding tone we adore. Reminiscent of female punk fiends such as Siouxsie and Debbie Harry.
Progressing only further with sophomore single ‘Wrong’, at the end of September. Pseudo Cool rose the tempo of their music higher, breaking previous vocal and instrument boundaries they had set for themselves. As their muted brooding sound, gave way to a punk-rock charm; Bastian flexed her pitches and flaunted her vocal flair on this track, and it is truly a delectable transformation to behold. Proving her to be a multi-tonal, and very capable vocalist. Seeking influence from the likes of Lily Allen, with the grit of popular Dublin newcomers Fontaines D.C.
Exploring every branch of punk is certainly on this band’s agenda, as they prove their worth yet again on latest track ‘I’d Like To Watch’. Released just this month [October], with a sound so ominous and dark, it sizzles from a sinister twist. Abolishing the punk-rock prowess of the predeceasing ‘Wrong’. Pseudo Cool have built a bass-driven track, that is entirely different to the previous two guitar dominated singles. Raw, grungy and heavy, ‘I’d Like To Watch’ reflects the muted brooding of ‘Modern Man’. Although any satirical comedy that was present, is now long gone. Replaced instead with a sensual, simmering atmosphere. Unnerving, yet so deliriously exciting.
Artwork: Caitlin Holly Williams (@caitlinhollyart)
Pseudo Cool break the rules, refuse to conform, and stand bold in both their style and substance. Modern rebels of the music scene, their sound embodies the true spirit of punk, and they are a dose of EXACTLY what we need to hear right now. Set to release more singles before the year is out, it appears that the chaos of 2020 has delivered us a band so chaotically brilliant.
Listen to Pseudo Cool on all platforms now!
All tracks were Produced and Mixed by Cody Reynolds-Shaw of Trenova Sound
Meet the Cheshire band, providing all the bite of a classic rock sound, with an intriguing modern twist. The Moondogz tether gritty instrument playing to moody vocal blues, and latest album ‘What’s Done Is Done’ will spark the curiosity of any classic rock fan, and grab the attention of all who dare to listen.
No strangers to the music scene. The Moondogz pack a punch with their 80s influence, and it is clear to hear the adoration they possess for that classic rock style. As a wealth of musical experience has culminated to craft their latest album. The vast amount of hard work and dedication put into it, has clearly paid off. Through progression of their distinct sound, you can feel your skin prickle from the sheer enthusiasm of their energetic guitar playing. Drums clash in time with your heartbeat, and that growl in the vocals of lead singer Anthony Machin, will nestle into your mind for a long time to come.
From the very get go, The Moondogz set the pace of what we can expect to hear from ‘What’s Done Is Done’. As opening track ‘Better Man’ blares out. Rampant guitar playing and a throbbing bass line create music just demanding to be played loud. Whilst lyrics are equally as bold, home to all the brashness of unapologetic rock n’ roll. Although, there is no denying that raucous riffs are what really drive this album forward. Shining in all their furious glory, on tracks such as ‘Leave The Light On’, ‘Summer Rain’ and ‘Running Down a Dream’. These ear-bleedingly heavy focal points, are what make the album such a strong contender for future rock greatness.
Unflinching, loud and choked full of crazed guitars. ‘What’s Done Is Done’ barely catches its breath, from the start to the very finish. It’s one hell of a rollercoaster ride, promising thrills, and certainly delivering them. As The Moondogz plough through grungy rock ballad after ballad. There is a familiarity in their classic rock comforts, yet such braveness in their injection of this beloved sound, straight into 2020. We see a rock n’roll style lace among modern eccentricities, and are introduced to a band that have successfully fused an effortlessly elegant debut rock album.
Stream ‘What’s Done Is Done’ on all platforms now!
As Cardiff continues to produce an array of exciting and talented musicians. Meet Static Inc. A three-piece alternative rock group, who are crossing borders not only musically, but also where language is concerned.
Combining both English and native Welsh within their debut track. Latest single ‘Tangelo’ is enriched by its varied blend of tongue, adding an interesting perspective. Lines interchange their language seamlessly, meaning verses are coolly multi-lingual, in an effortless transition.
Often musicians sing in just one language during a track, but to hear two very different languages laced together in such a way, is a breath of fresh air. Despite drawing on lyrics that are solemn and moody. The gritty realness that exudes from this debut is refreshing, as Static Inc place heart and personal experience within their music.
Based on a bedrock of rumbling alt-rock. Static Inc build truly expansive music, as they progress through their multi-layered track. Standing at an impressive seven minutes, ‘Tangelo’ is segmented with upbeat, catchy guitar solos, that schmooze against fizzing drums. Musical correlations flow from one part to the next, and motions are fluid-like within this rock-operatic daydream.
Varying sections create a single that is digestible and easy to listen to. Even with its lengthy playtime, ‘Tangelo’ never falters. Faint hums of influence spark from Queen’s 6-minute ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’, with similar styles that only deepen in intensity as the minutes progress.
As a strong instrumental closure brings ‘Tangelo’ to its crescendo. Drums clash with an industrial fury and guitars pulse along in a medley of sound. Incorporating an entirely different style, when compared to the multi-lingual lyrical moodiness of the opening few minutes. These purely playful 4 minutes, allow for such a profound instrumental pitch, that charges the track with a new lease of energy.
Static Inc are clearly a budding new band, out to prove that language is certainly no barrier when it comes to music. All whilst harnessing a unique and intriguing sound. Capable of telling a story entirely its own, without the use of any words at all.
Living, rehearsing and recording amidst Tottenham’s bustling warehouse community. Musical-outlet World News have clear intentions of becoming an indie band on the rise. With latest single ‘Lend Me Your Brain’ pairing hooking basslines to rhythmic jangled guitars. Low-pitched vocal purrs provide the final ingredient, to create a sound that is blisteringly direct.
There is no denying that this band know exactly what they want, and there is a sense of certainty that they will soon achieve it. With such a bold style rooted to their music. We can feel the soul of its very core. Notes of nostalgia hum from lead vocalist Alex Evans, particularly in the subtle understatement to his voice, remnant of years gone by. While smooth basslines glide in close comparison to The National. Faster-paced segments hone the slightly unhinged approach of main inspiration, Squid. With just enough lo-fi distortion creating character, World News may have a sound that is direct, but it is far from monotonous.
Subtle tempo changes and moving rhythmic pitches, allow the track means of flow and direction. Matching in tempo, to its lyrics. Written during the breakdown of a relationship, ‘Lend Me Your Brain’ explores peaks and troughs of anxieties as they bubble away, whilst coincidingly battling painstaking doubt, and a reckless abandonment of one’s own self. Yet all the while, remaining eerily grounded. As the music flows, so do thoughts, feelings and emotions. Brushing against the grind of daily life. The bass rumbles on like the rattle of the underground tube, vocals simmer like the swirls of fumes that clog the air. Condensed in sound, as though packed into the claustrophobic warehouse confinements. Lyrics are brought to life by their music.
It is these pops of sheer genius, that set World News apart from anyone else. Runaway brooding segments, in which the bass takes over and rampages throughout the track, like an emotional train wreck. Vocal drones that demand attention, like a jilted lover needing to be heard. World News are taking control of their sound and style with brilliant assurance. As Debut EP ‘Job and Money’ is set for release on 18th September. Dominating the indie genre, is surely next on their agenda.
‘Lend Me Your Brain’ is available to stream on Soundcloud now
Streaming on Spotify from 18th September, along with their Debut EP ‘Job and Money’
Through a pulsing guitar, we are hurtled into the fast-paced, loud and untamed music of South Wales’ Alternative Rock Band Feverjaw. Since bursting onto the scene last year, they are a band that have made an impact, and their music continues to be very well received by fans and the industry alike. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that they are planning to unveil their debut album very soon. With first single Bloodwork due to be released this Friday (4th September).
As boisterous guitars meet the clash of drums. Sparks fly on their tantalising latest track. With an opening riff that is strong and punchy, Feverjaw ensure we are hooked within the very first few seconds. Gritty rock music, delivered in a fresh and exciting new way. Bloodwork is fuelling and gloriously energetic.
Vocals from lead Dale Hawkins blaze through with bold ferocity. Providing that biting satisfaction, as this track roars to life. Exuding an undeniable air of confidence, Feverjaw are unflinching in the message they wish to convey. Brooding lyrics thrive over intense instrument playing, meandering between menacing and subtle melancholy. There is a definite ‘fight over flight’ fury that is uplifting and inspiring. The raucous music tearing throughout the track, ensures Feverjaw can be heard loud and clear. As Bloodwork shines to become an anthem of positivity.
Stirring and vibrant, Feverjaw are undoubtedly giving us a little more than just rousing rock music alone. With lyrics laced in thoughts and feeling, this sense of self and empathy that burns throughout their music, adds a layer of depth to your typical rock n’ roll façade. As we discover a band capable of becoming a beacon of hope. Feverjaw grasp rock music with all of its chaotic energy, and channel this to confront chaotic emotions head on.
Bloodwork is out on 4th September via Tone Burn Records
Ahead of the release of their debut single Key Largo. I caught up with Cardiff-based indie pop band Angel Hotel, to find out how life has been for them since lockdown and what their plans are for the future!
Hi Guys! So first of all, I have to ask how are you all coping during lockdown? I hope you’re alright and staying safe and well!
Hiya Becky! We’re great thanks and thank you so much for including us in your blog!
How have you found the current situation? Has it impacted your music and how you all create as a band? Or have you managed to find a way to make it work?
Like a lot of bands dealing with the current state of the world – we’ve been doing our very best to make the most out of a bad situation. Not being able rehearse as a full band, let alone play live shows, has been detrimental to so many of us but on the plus we’ve been using this opportunity to write as much new material and refine our live set to the best of our ability given the bizarre restrictions. Simply put, we are VERY excited to start playing live again!
Eagle-eyed music lovers would have noticed that you have recently made the decision to change your band name! Formerly known as Apostle, you are now the newly formed Angel Hotel!
What were your reasons behind this? Can we expect an exciting new sound from Angel Hotel?
The change in name primarily came from an evolution in sound. The initial concept of Apostle would be a solo project, but as the music developed – and so did the band – we no longer felt that it was a suitable name to call the outfit. In addition to this we felt that the name Angel Hotel was a better representation of our sound, branding and artistic vision. As well as it being our new name, Angel Hotel is also a famous Cardiff landmark that’s housed a litany of international artist. It’s a Welsh icon, and is as Welsh as Bara brith! We’re inspired by our city and we’re proud to represent it.
Who would you say are your biggest influences in music, both previously and going forward?
The writing process behind Angel Hotel songs have always been inspired and in part influenced by existing films soundtracks, while also adding our contemporary twist to a classic sound. We love 80s films! We are trying to encapsulate the way they make you feel rather than the way they are sonically – It’s the sound of nostalgia. It’s the sound of hearing something for the first time as a kid and falling in love the way it made you feel. The easiest way to categorise our genre would be under the umbrella of power pop, with the audience likening us to that of alternative pop and even grunge. Others have said that we have a sound reminiscent Bruce Springsteen crossed with the high energy Blink-182. Whatever the comparison, we hope people enjoy it.
Your debut single as Angel Hotel ‘Key Largo’ will be out very soon!I’d love to hear all about your ideas behind writing it, and what fans can expect to hear from your new single?
It’s a contemporary love letter littered with introspective reflections and a poignant hindsight, combined with a drinking sesh haha. The song isn’t our most energetic recording recently, however I think it showed a coherency that was more representative of our overall direction.
With the release of a new single, a new sound, and a new band name to go with it! Are you hoping to record your debut EP soon?
Our EP has actually already been recorded! We are beyond excited with the results and it was an absolute honour to be able to record at the legendary Long Wave Studios earlier in the year. We’re just so happy that we not only got to work with producer Tim Woodcroft but we also managed to finish the whole thing in two days, long before lock down restrictions were enforced so we are undoubtedly counting our blessings. The plan so far is to release the EP as individual singles – possibly three our four – and then release another full EP a little later down the line. Artists tend to release one song at a time because of how Spotify has taken over! Wish we could go back to the old days of releasing a full album! We’re chuffed nonetheless.
As well as being the lead vocalist of Angel Hotel, Sion has also just released a brilliant single as a part of Taf Rapids Stringband, and his own solo music! How are you finding juggling different musical projects with being in a band? It must be a lot of fun, but a lot of hard work too!
I [Sion] have found it a lot easier with the introduction of lock down to be honest. Since I lost all of my gigs I have found time to write. Taf Rapids Stringband is a blue grass venture completely different to my other projects but a style of music I’ve always loved playing. There hasn’t being a huge amount of other stuff to get on with so it’s been a fantastic excuse to get stuck in with as much music related work as possible.
It is clear to see how much love and passion you all have for music! Looking back over just a short space of time, you’ve had your own tour, have supported the likes of Dan Bettridge and most recently performed for free in aid of flood relief in our South Wales valleys, which was extremely kind hearted of you! What would you say has been your favourite show to date?
To be honest we’ve only had four gigs! We had a lot more planned this year with festival season looming. But sadly due to the virus all the festival plans were inevitably cancelled. Sad times! However, back in February we were fortunate enough to play a headline slot at The Moon on Womanby Street [In Cardiff]. It was great to see so many faces in attendance and gave us a taste of what’s to come and a great motivator to focus on the band going forward. We’ve definitely put all of our energy into writing the past few months and have managed to put together a library of new potential tunes, hot and ready to record.
It was also great to see so many local bands coming together for a great cause during the flood fundraiser. Cardiff is host to a plethora of fantastic bands and the Moon Club has always been one of the best places in the city to discover new grass roots bands.
What are your ideas for Angel Hotel after lockdown? Can you share with us any hints of your dream album in the works, or any future tour plans?
We’d love to work more with Tim [Woodcroft] and it would be an honour to do loads more recording at Longwave Studios. We plan for making up for lost time, and we intend on doing this by booking as many gigs as we can as soon as lock down is lifted. The long-term plan is to continue to produced music of a high quality and live performances of an exciting nature. We are looking to forward to catching up with as much live music as we can as soon as restrictions lift. With so incredible local bands to pick on, we’re spoilt for choice! We’re willing to bet there’ll be plenty of shows in the pipeline.
The Debut Single from Angel Hotel Key Largo will be out on 14th August
Follow Angel Hotel on their socials below
Our debut single “Key Largo” is out August 14! You can pre-save it via the link below xhttps://t.co/ogogoAT6aw
Grasped by a guitar riff, we dive straight into latest single Can’t Go Back from London-based indie outlet Medium Love. Despite its initial heaviness, the biting riff soon softens when accompanied by an unexpected but glorious, pop of synths. Adding a light-hearted twist to the track.
Swaddling a mean guitar riff with synths could seem an odd combination at first. However the brilliant mixture of instruments Medium Love harness, showcases a unique sound, setting them apart from the very get-go. A ripple of personality breezing through within the first 5 seconds, certain to hook anyone in.
Can’t Go Back pairs perfectly with summer sunshine. As a snaking bassline pulses throughout, drums clash with guitars, creating a raucous rhythmic dreamscape. Pop-punk vocals from Kacey Underwood lift the track to dizzying heights, and once met by co-vocalist Heather Eaton, the duos varying harmonies combine to provide a rich vibrance. Reminiscent in sound to Childcare and The XX.
These vocal harmonies contrast exquisitely, not just with one another, but with their own individual tempos. Matching breathless woozy moments with intense shouted sections. Again, we see a build on that medley of sound Medium Love are delivering throughout their debut.
This mash-up of genres could risk coming off speckled and jarring, but Medium Love manage the balance just right. To present a track that is polished and professional, with just a dash of DIY-bedroom-pop vibe, which we all love!
Perhaps their professionalism spans from experience, as Medium Love are not entirely new to the music scene. Founding member Kacey Underwood was formerly of BigDeal, a band who achieved success amongst the grassroots movement between 2013-2016. Based between California and London.
Striking out anew with Medium Love, we feel that all involved are really beginning to channel their own unique styles. It truly is wonderful to behold! Especially when compared with the pure punk-rock that dominated the sound of Big Deal.
This flair and spark of individuality now at home within Medium Love, will surely stand them in good stead and I highly anticipate their upcoming EP release in just a weeks’ time.
If you haven’t listened to Talk Show yet, then you seriously need to. The bands brand new EP ‘These People’ is out today, and is available to stream on all platforms. It contains four singles, that will stir your subconscious and invade your mind.
On this punchy new release, Talk Show simmer to boiling point with their edgy punk sound and lyrics that snare your senses. I have been eagerly waiting the EP since we were graced with our first taste back in January. The initial single Banshee quickly entranced me, and was a stark reminder of the incredible capabilities this band possess.
Talk Show relish in a madness that is able to function absurdly well.
Talk Show are a fascinating enigma to behold, and their onstage presence is unlike anything I have ever witnessed before. Blending edgy punk with something far darker, their latest EP is a glowing example of how they cleverly clash genres and sounds, to create a form of punk that is in many ways a breed of their own. Their songs are eery and distorted in their lyrical approach which knocks you off balance in a woozy bliss, but as quickly as you are lost are you then swept back up again and thrown into the frantic, chaotic frenzy of their fast paced, energetic tempo. Instruments collide and screech in this fuelled riot, with vocals tearing through in a crazed harmony that I can’t imagine any other band fusing together so well. Talk Show relish in a madness that is able to function absurdly well.
My personal favourite from ‘These People’ is Petrolhead. Talk Show always have a way of building their songs up brilliantly, but Petrolhead is nothing shy of an explosion. It’s charged and gloriously angry, and I cannot wait to hear it live.
You can catch Talk Show on their headline tour in September. They are also going to be playing across Wales for IVW with Panic Shack, postponed tour dates are yet to be confirmed.
Keep up to date by following Talk Show on their socials:
Didn’t think we’d actually get to this point but our debut EP ‘These People’ is out today and available to the world. Stream it wherever, blast it out your windows and annoy the neighbours.
This album was released on Christmas Day. Before this, it was kept a total secret. There were none of the usual pre-album single releases, or marketing strategies to prepare us. We weren’t aware this was happening, until the tweet came through on the bands page and the album was available to stream online. What a present it was.
The surprise element sent fans into melt down, and there was no denying the buzz around this album. So many questions teemed about it from not only fans, but names in the music industry too I’m sure. The release was a completely wonderful surprise. As it was Christmas Day though, I struggled to find a moments peace to listen to the album in full. On Boxing Day morning, I seized my chance. I listened to the album in its entirety, twice for good measure. My first impression? Honestly, it’s just stunning.
This new album has stripped Blaenavon back to their roots entirely. Recorded mainly just using a piano and an acoustic guitar. It consists of pure, raw, emotional lyrics that encapsulate singer Ben’s struggle with anxiety and depression. The album speaks of pain and hurt, but also of recovery and redemption. It’s a stunning vocal outlet of emotion and feeling, gift wrapped in gorgeous piano playing and acoustic melodies.
Stand out favourites for me are ‘Michael’, ‘slow down, cyclist’ and ‘write it down’. I just love how real and simply recorded these songs are. I don’t think I can gush about this album more. The way they’ve left dialogue in from where they’ve conducted the recording session, the emotional conversations, the odd bursts of laughter. It doesn’t appear to me that there were any forced retakes, any attempts at utter perfection. This album is perfect simply as it is. Blaenavon. Ben. Honestly this album is a masterpiece, and you should be very, very proud of it.
The songs are extremely touching and truthful. Whether there is intense meaning behind them, or whether they are simply the produce of a recording whim on the spot. The fact they leave the listener guessing and to draw on their own conclusions is magical in itself. For me, this album isn’t one that necessary needs to be understood and dissected lyric for lyric, as I have seen people calling for. It just needs to be listened to. It’s beautiful.
Demoitis
“What happens when you listen to one version of something so much that when it’s properly recorded it’s difficult to accept.”
Becky and the Bands 
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