Tag: southwales

Static Inc Release Single ‘Tangelo’

Static Inc Release Single ‘Tangelo’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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.

Stream ‘Tangelo’ on all platforms now

Follow Static Inc on socials

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Feverjaw Announce Latest Single Bloodwork

Feverjaw Announce Latest Single Bloodwork

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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

Follow Feverjaw on socials

https://feverjaw.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/feverjaw/

https://www.instagram.com/feverjaw/

https://twitter.com/feverjaw/

If you enjoyed what you read, and want to keep up to date with my writing. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! @beckyandthebands

GILLIE Releases Debut EP Open Up, Honey

GILLIE Releases Debut EP Open Up, Honey

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

To bottle an emotion, is to capture a moment. Holding on to a feeling, entwines memories within it.

Through Debut EP Open Up, Honey. GILLIE is completely in tune with her emotion.

Each song is a delicate glass jar. The contents of which are raw and sweet, yet a sharpness exists.

Pairing rich, earthy vocals with sweeping guitar sounds. GILLIE bares her soul through the most beautiful indie-folk music.

I had the overwhelming joy of premiering first track Winter Girl ahead of the release of Open Up, Honey. Engulfed with a love of GILLIE’s unwavering lyrics and gorgeous vocals. Her ability to expose such intense feeling is awe-inspiring.

Winter Girl resides as a song for growth. Recognising a difference in ones-self is a moment of freedom, yet with that freedom also exists a harsh undertone of deprecation. Past mistakes, doubts over your own identity, and cutting truths can rise to the surface. Winter Girl truly struck a chord with me. As Gillie admits to those bleak moments that often never meet the eyes of others, through her music.

For the EPs next track, Hear You Say, verses build to an intense chorus. Vocals rise to crescendo. Calmness breaks into a storm to be reckoned with, as GILLIE’s lyrical admissions deepen. Guitars pulse through the track like a heartbeat, and we feel our skin flush and emotions pivot from such raw honesty. Wounds from undeserving lovers are often deep, and GILLIE does not hide from her scars. Hear You Say is nothing shy of exquisite bravery. A beautiful song embodying the strength of wearing your heart on your sleeve.

Closing track Pleasant Thing is eerie by how well it resonates. A blend of soothing tones, gentle guitars and whispering vocals pry open the track. Leading us towards muted lyrics, cutting through like poetry. The poetic sombre nurtured by GILLIE, is once again achingly honest and so sublime.

Vocals lace through the mind of the listener delicately, yet the truths pouring through them awash all else. Soft, rhythmic instrument patterns compliment these vocals gracefully, whilst giving the track body and motion. Pleasant Thing soars to swoon in its breezy chorus, that yearns with sheer lust and longing. A gorgeous alternative love song. Pulling away from, yet pulling towards desire.

Each track presented within Open Up, Honey holds its uniqueness so well. Varying vocal pitches and depths convey such staggering emotion. I have no doubt, that each will hit home with their listeners in different ways.

Speaking of her Debut EP, Gillie explains;

This EP is based around the feeling of emerging from a grey, low place and rediscovering a place of certainly and comfort.

Overall, crafting an EP that is stunning, both vocally and lyrically. Pairing such refined vocals with gentle instrument playing has allowed for gorgeous juxtaposition.

Open Up, Honey is sublime in every way it could possibly be.

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios with Jean-Francois Machet. Consisting of Gillie Rowland on vocals, Ailsa Tully on bass and Finlay O’Hara on drums.

Open Up, Honey is available to stream now via Skivvy Records

Follow Gillie on her socials

https://www.instagram.com/gillie_music

https://www.facebook.com/GillieMusic/

https://twitter.com/GILLIE_music

If you enjoyed what you read, and want to keep up to date with my writing. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! @beckyandthebands

KEYS Release New Single ‘This Side of Luv’

KEYS Release New Single ‘This Side of Luv’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Through a happy-go-lucky swirl of sound, we are swept away by latest single This Side of Luv from Cardiff-based band KEYS. Honing inspiration from psychedelic pop of the 60s and 70s, their music is a glorious clash of instruments with the grooviest lovelorn vocals from lead Matthew Evans. Bedroom recording at its best, the track is a glowing example of plug in and play. In no way overthought or finely tuned. Instead This Side of Luv took shape during the recording process and came to life using cassette four-track machines during lockdown.

Reflecting on Britain in the early 70s, KEYS recall how joyous music emerged from bleak moments. Pondering over its effect on history, they express how music has the power to lift the spirit, and hope to achieve this with their very own modern-retro sound in 2020. Without any shadow of a doubt, This Side of Luv is a song capable of boosting any glum mood. Seeking beauty in heartbreak, the track radiates fun and happiness in the brightest of technicolour. I long for the moment I can dance around to a spinning KEYS vinyl.

With an unmistakable early Beatles vibe, KEYS provide a perfect nod of nostalgia, but shake things up with a new-age bang. Rhythmic drums and guitar hooks flow marvellously throughout the track. Yet without drawing on any formalities, it is safe to say that this is simply a great piece of music.

KEYS have blown me away with a brilliant blend of vintage vibrance for This Side of Luv, that commanded my attention from start to finish.

This Side of Luv is out now via Libertino Records

Follow KEYS on their socials below

If you enjoyed what you read, and want to keep up to date with my writing. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! @beckyandthebands

TJ Roberts Release Latest Single ‘Sinceridipity’

TJ Roberts Release Latest Single ‘Sinceridipity’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Following on from their previous release True Secret to a Happy Life, TJ Roberts are back with yet another slice of indie-rock goodness. Latest single Sinceridipity makes no apologies for its bold entrance, as shredding guitars hurtle us full force into the track. Brooding vocals from front man Tom tear through in the first verse, but there is no hiding from that biting guitar lurking underneath, as the track builds to break in its charged chorus.

Blazing to life, Sinceridipity brands its mark, easily becoming one of the finest indie tracks of the year to date. Instruments stampede in a glorious frenzy but complement one another exquisitely well. The track features Zac White of Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard on guitar. A musical collaboration of dreams, with fellow BBB member Tom Rees having produced the track. The close-knit South Wales Music Community proving yet again, just why it is so good.

Demanding your attention from start to finish. Sinceridipity is undoubtedly a track that needs to be turned up loud. Especially if you really want to enjoy that minute-long guitar solo that powers through to the end. Hushed thought-provoking verses intertwine with the triumphant chorus; showing off impressive combinations of vocal and instrumental prowess that are driving this band to the forefront.  

Lyrically Sinceridipity encapsulates adolescence, and those moments of embarrassment, when we somehow find ourselves looking back over an array of fake, but often misinformed, personalities that developed. A time-honoured tradition of barely comprehensible nonsense. Musical inspiration has been sought from the dark-eyed Lou Reed and Eels’ Mark Everett, as well as the rambunctious energy of Dinosaur Jr. and Fugazi.

The track is available to stream on all platforms via Libertino Records.

You can follow TJ Roberts on their socials below:

Introducing Tales In The Shade: Get To Know The Band And Their Debut Single

Introducing Tales In The Shade: Get To Know The Band And Their Debut Single

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

New music, I hear you rejoice! It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to your new favourite band, Tales In The Shade.


A wonderfully eclectic mix of individuals, with an incredibly expansive and exciting take on music. Hailing from Wales and the South West, Tales In The Shade have performed on and off together locally since 2018, so you may have caught them at a gig or two already. However 2020 will see them release their debut single ‘Elephant’ and I cannot even begin to express to you how great it is.

I’m sure you’re curious to know a little more about them, right?

Well, each band member brings their own unique diverse sound and style to the band, having been a part of numerous other musical outlets over the years. From an ELO tribute band to a heavy metal mash up, Tales In The Shade have the full-colour spectrum of musical influences. Such a rich variance of experience, combined with a can-do attitude and ability to perform so well together, means that Tales In The Shade have created a band of friends, as well as musicians.

The band do not label themselves as being a part of a particular genre, but would rather describe their sound as an abstract, underlying concept. Their varying thought processes and ideas collide gorgeously, to allow them to create songs that they write collaboratively through an initial brainstorming process.

Tales In The Shade breathe more life into their lyrics than your average songwriter.

Before their songs even materialise, Tales In The Shade create their own back-stories, worlds and universes for their songs to be set in. These stories give Tales In The Shade their very own dimension from which they can source characters, and an array of fantastic plot lines, as a basis for their music. Similar in a sense to the works of Creeper and Green Day, where recurring characters and storylines entwine throughout multiple songs. Who knows in the future, Tales In The Shade could have their very own Rock Opera on the way! Move over American Idiot. 

The bands front man Sam Griffiths (pictured above) explains their creative approach in more detail;

“We like the idea of not telling a story in a verbatim and obvious way, but to just tell a fragment of a story, an ambiguous hint of a bigger picture. If we were to write a song set in a world of superheroes, we wouldn’t be writing about Batman, we’d be writing about the perspective of the unassuming janitor cleaning away in the next room. ‘Show and don’t tell’ can have tremendous power lyrically.”

Being a writer myself, their creative means of devising song lyrics really appeals to me, and has made the prospect of future releases incredibly intriguing. Recording their music on the brink of lockdown, Sam expressed to me how finessing their debut single within those last few precious hours was “a very profound and memorable way to experience such a devastating event.” The band have had zero human contact with one another since, but are eagerly awaiting the chance to be back in the recording studio as soon as they are able. 

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Twin Stranger Release Latest Single ‘Crushed’

Twin Stranger Release Latest Single ‘Crushed’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Twin Stranger are back with yet another incredibly catchy single. You may recall my adoration for them, following the release of their debut single ‘Tears Of Joy’ back in February. ‘Crushed’ has arrived with as much bold enthusiasm, and more. It’s fantastic. 

‘Crushed’ has the huge capability of becoming an instantly recognisable hit, and I am beyond excited about it.

Fuelled by an amazing energy and sound that fires throughout the track. ‘Crushed’ begins by captivating the listener instantly, delivering such a glorious intensity as it bursts into life. Lead Vocalist Alex McConnachie sweep us off our feet, possessing an overwhelming confidence. I continue to be enthralled by his distinct energy. You just know that when a song hooks you within the first 10 seconds of listening, that it’s going to be special. It is clear to me that ‘Crushed’ has the huge capability of becoming an instantly recognisable hit, and I am beyond excited about it.

The track oozes vibes of sunshine, summer-time parties and dancing. It is a proper feel good song and yes, I am just a little bit in love with it already. Bringing joy in strange times, ‘Crushed’ is a song you can turn up loud, and drown out the rest of the world with. Twin Stranger have produced a gorgeously fun track that fizzes with so much life, and I honestly cannot stop listening to it. 

I would describe ‘Crushed’ as an alternative type of pop-rock. It has all the power, punch and fun of a blaring pop-rock number, but is in no way overworked, or too full on. Instead its homegrown powerful presence creates something that shines. ‘Crushed’ is certainly impressive, and it’s clear to hear that every element incorporated, from vocals to melodic guitars and drums, collide perfectly together. Personally, I feel the tracks popularity will only grow the more it is heard, and it’s a song that anyone can enjoy listening to.

Despite the upbeat nature and carefree charm of ‘Crushed’, the lyrics are actually an underlying jab at the vane and egotistical sides of humanity; which you’d be forgiven for not noticing straight away. Speaking of the track Alex McConnachie expresses; “Crushed is about realising that some people you know just love listening to the sound of their own voice, and other people’s troubles and feelings only really enter their mind for a split second, then they’re gone again. On a more positive note it’s also about summer time when you’re a teenager, the days blend into one and you’re just hanging out with your friends without a care in the world, just living in the moment.”

From its vibrant sound to its sniping lyrics, ‘Crushed’ is a track that certainly makes an impact. It’s definitely a firm favourite of mine already, so you now know what I’ll be listening to non-stop this summer. 

I can’t wait to hear what Twin Stranger bring us next! 

Twin Stranger are a Welsh 5 piece power-pop project led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Alex McConnachie. The band’s sound is a mix of hooky bass-driven pop melodies, synth freak-outs and dreamy guitar soundscapes.

You can follow Twin Stranger on their socials below:

https://www.facebook.com/twinstrangerofficial/

https://www.twitter.com/twinstranger_/

https://instagram.com/twinstrangerofficial/

Dan Burridge Releases Latest Single ‘Just Fooling Around’

Dan Burridge Releases Latest Single ‘Just Fooling Around’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

A fresh burst of talent, Dan Burridge, is a young indie sensation and I absolutely adore his sound . He has a very distinct tone to his voice that you won’t be able to get enough of. I feel there is something unique about it that quickly sets him apart from others. I can picture him wrapped around a microphone, balancing off the edge of a stage, with a euphoric energy. Think an early edgy Alex Turner meets the indie pop-fizz of the likes of Declan McKenna. I have a strong inkling this guy will bring so much joy to a music hungry crowd.

‘Just Fooling Around’ is a single that will shake you up and make you feel good again. It possesses everything a great indie track should. A shredding guitar riff, a punchy bass, and a superb vocalist. I cannot big Dan’s vocals up enough on this track. Asides from that though, the instrumental backing to this song sounds tremendous, and it’s made me think that as well as being a solo artist, Dan could also slot perfectly into the role of front man in an indie-rock band if he so wished.

Previously Dan has gigged around South Wales playing acoustic sets, so ‘Just Fooling Around’ is our first taste of hearing him performing with a full band incorporated into the mix. Personally, I feel it suits him exceptionally well. Having that extra flair and spark to the music really drives not only his vocals, but his whole unique sound and style forward, and defines his music fantastically. I’ll be very interested to see how Dan develops musically, and would say he’s certainly a growing artist we should all keep in mind.

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