Author Archives: Katie Moore

This week might be a first for us as our latest Artist Of The Week comes from a trio of intergalactic archeologists who call themselves Moviestar. This band is like no other we’ve come across. Sent to earth to save us all from “Stupid People,” Moviestar combine punk, pop, and sci-fi to create something truly unique.

The first single to be taken from their debut album is the infectiously catchy “Stupid People.” As the title may imply, the single is about people on Earth and the terrible ways we can treat each other and ourselves. Although this band’s narrative is pretty out there, you have to give them kudos for calling out what’s become of the world in its current climate. “Stupid People” is a reverb heavy piece of punk-rock goodness, full of attitude but also a lot of fun.

Their press release tells us they were formed in the future on planet Fenris, but they now reside in Norway as of 2016. Infinity Vik, The Octopus Goddess, and The Anaconda (yes, really) play a variety of obscure instruments including a disfigured guitar with only 4 strings, a 32 stringed instrument, a synth bass, and a child’s drums kit amongst various others we’re sure.

They are also said to put on one hell of a live show with Infinity Vik being compared to David Bowie or Freddie Mercury when it comes to stage presence. If that doesn’t intrigue you, we don’t know what will. We hope we can catch a glimpse of this mystery band in the flesh in the very near future—or maybe the past for them.

Moviestar’s debut album Stupid People / Happy Days arrives in stores on 9th February 2018 via Oh Yeah!

Since forming back in 2014, Sheffield punk-rockers Steal The City have fast been building a reputation for their raucous live sets, and are now ready to release their seething new single “Beating Heart.”

Racing with thrashing riffs and immense, pummelling beats, it’s a track that any punk-rock fan should welcome with open ears. Inspired by the idea that we should make the most out of life, “Beating Heart” comes complete with a catchy chorus blasted out by the rasping growl of the vocals. Though tinged with shades of nostalgia harking back to the angst-driven power of the likes of Rise Against, it manages to maintain its own fresh, fist-clenching intensity.

A riotous wall of sound, this debut offering from Steal The City cements them as an enraged force to be reckoned with in the UK and beyond. An instant earworm, you’ll be hooked on first listen.

“Beating Heart” is in stores now via Redemption / Dharma Records.

South London folk collective The Bara Bara Band have not only received acclaim for their debut album and previous two EPs from the likes of Folk Radio UK and FATEA magazine, but also keep themselves busy running their own folk club in Tooting.

Having garnered a loyal fan-base over the last few years, the band are now set to release their new album next month. Taken from the album, latest single “Plimsoll” is inspired by a true story of the politician of the same name who, in the 1800s, canvassed for better safety on cargo ships where owners were sending sailors off to their deaths to cash in on insurance.

A rich musical arrangement filled with layers of sweeping strings and delicate vocal harmonies, it’s a truly uplifting folk ditty that perfectly fuses together traditional lyrical storytelling with the band’s fresh take on instrumentation.

With the distinctive vocals of Ruth Jacob and Rupert Browne flowing together perfectly in sync, alongside lilting, uptempo melodies, it’s impossible not to fall in love at first listen with The Bara Bara Band’s whimsical charm and innovative sound.

The Seeds Inside (The Grapes Upon The Vine), the new album from The Bara Bara Band, is in stores 15th September via Singaround Records.

Worcester’s raucous rockers HVMM will be letting their debut EP “Talk To Me Like I’m Dead” loose on the world on 1st September 2017 via US label ILA. They have been making some strong waves across the UK for the past few months now, which is why we’ve pegged them as our Artist of The Week.

Their latest single, AA-side “Going Postal / Beggars & Thieves,” are two incredibly ferocious tracks from start to finish, filled with blues rock grit and unapologetic power. “Going Postal” builds slowly with a distinctive swagger and lead singer Andy Teece’s signature vocal taking centre stage, sounding akin to Jack White or Brandon Flowers’ colloquial singing styles. “Beggars and Thieves” is equally as hardcore, oozing with thrashing riffs, relentless energy, and pure, unforgiving angst.

These guys mean business, that’s for sure. Having met in a country pub after causing somewhat of a local riot, Andy and Sam Jenkins (drums) formed the band back in 2015. Ebony Clay (lead guitar) and Jack Timmis (bass) followed shortly thereafter and the quartet have been asking for trouble wherever they’ve gone since. We’ve also heard they’re pretty mesmerizing live as well, and they’ll be playing their first headline show in London’s Sebright Arms on 22nd November 2017.

“Talk To Me Like I’m Dead” is out on 1st September 2017 via ILA.

Barnsley-based Tom Hale may be young, but he is no newcomer to the music scene. Having previously fronted indie-rockers ROOD, he has now made the move to go solo and has just released his cinematic debut EP.

The collection of tracks each contribute to the story of a man who falls in love with a woman in his dreams with each song building to the EP’s climax—title track and lead single “In The Night.” Oozing an elegant grandeur, the track flows with soaring strings and an endearing romanticism as Hale’s deep, rich vocals seduce with their smooth, subtle power.

An indie-rock ballad of epic proportions, “In The Night” may bring to mind the cinematic croonings of fellow Yorkshireman Richard Hawley. And, as with the Sheffield legend, it’s near impossible not to be swept off one’s feet by the swooning emotion and catchy, heartfelt melodies that Hale has to offer.

“In The Night,” the debut EP from Tom Hale, is in stores now.

Now based in London, Welsh artist Greta Isaac has always had an affinity for her folk roots. However, innovative new single “Comfortable” signals a slight change in direction and a fresh new sound for her listeners.

Exploring the destructive human tendencies of apathy and selfishness, “Comfortable” whirrs with a glitchy pulse alongside twinkling melodies and Isaac’s seductive, honey-sweet vocals. With shades of Grimes, the track races with sweeping loops of unsettling beats and soaring electronic experimentation.

Crafting together complex layers of sound, Isaac has created an utterly infectious slice of rich electro pop, marking herself as a hugely promising young artist and a definite one to watch this year. With intrigue growing over her new musical project, Greta Isaac is set to debut “Comfortable” live at a secret show in London on 5th September, followed by an appearance at Festival No. 6.

“Comfortable” is in stores now.

With their previous musical projects receiving acclaim from the likes of MTV and NME, Andrea Chamberlain and Leon Brown—aka All Flags Are Grey—are now set to impress with their new, debut single.

Addressing poignant issues such as addictive behaviour, vulnerability, and self-inflicted loss, “Bare Bones” flows with glitchy beats and a stirring sense of unease. As the passion of Chamberlain’s unique, beguiling vocals glides atop whirring electronic melodies, the track oozes a sweeping emotive power. Exuding a rich musicality and enchanting grandeur, it’s sure to captivate upon first listen.

With this latest offering, All Flags Are Grey have shown themselves capable of creating something truly majestic; a track that’s simply epic in its intensity.

“Bare Bones,” the upcoming single from All Flags Are Grey, arrives in stores 7th July via Seven Wishbones.

Previously receiving airplay from BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, Radio X’s John Kennedy, and BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, Dundee band Model Aeroplanes are back with another slice of blissful indie-pop.

An instant earworm, “Lover” races with jangly melodies and uptempo beats, oozing sparkling, summery vibes. Reminiscent of French stars Phoenix, the track is an immensely infectious offering, exuding a shimmering euphoria.

With past support slots including Twin Atlantic and Editors, this is no doubt just the beginning for Model Aeroplanes who now, having shown themselves capable of creating such glistening indie-pop delights, are sure to propel to stardom in no time at all. So, find a garden, grab a beer in the sunshine, and be swept away by the dazzling, uplifting bliss of Model Aeroplanes.

“Lover,” the new single from Model Aeroplanes, is in stores now.

Having previously played together in the band Genius Loki, Portuguese duo Ed Rocha Gonçalves and Catarina Salinas—aka Best Youth—have over the years topped radio charts, played festivals such as Optimus Primavera Sound, and opened for Father John Misty. Whilst their debut album was a huge success in Portugal, they’ve now decided to re-release it worldwide later this month.

Filled with reflections on love, doubt, and insecurities in the modern world, Highway Moon oozes one dreamy soundscape after another. From the whirring beats and chiming chords of “Red Diamond,” to the twinkling arpeggiated melodies and soaring emotion-strewn power of “Rain On The Windshield,” each track is an alluring electro-pop delight.

Whether you’re being drawn in by the sparkling ethereal splendour of “Sunbird,” gliding along the seductively smooth haze of “Melt,” or tapping your feet in time to the glitchy, climactic beats of “Mirrorball,” and the scuzzy electro soundscape of “Mouth,” there is not a single lull in the captivating charm of Highway Moon. Simply put, it’s impossible not to lose yourself in the delicate beauty and dreamy elegance of Best Youth’s debut.

The re-release of Highway Moon is in stores 26th May via Station 5.

With a playful charisma and youthful energy, London-based trio Two Penny Blue are already building a reputation around London for their enjoyable live shows, and now—with a new single on the way—look set to charm the ears of listeners further afield than the capital.

Reminiscent of the likes of The Lumineers or the quirky folk sounds of Noah And The Whale, “Gypsy” is filled with infectious, uptempo melodies and the distinctive rich vocals of frontman Tommy Gathers.

Oozing a hazy, uplifting charm alongside intricate, folk-inspired guitar hooks and soaring harmonies, it’s a much-needed ray of sunshine—a slice of glistening folk-pop exuding a graceful joy that bodes quite well for Two Penny Blue.

“Gypsy” is in stores 19th May.

Set to release his new single later this month, Nottingham-based multi-instrumentalist Matt and The Beanstalk cites influences ranging from Darwin Deez to the legendary Kate Bush in creating his catchy indie-pop offerings.

A musically rich track, “Symphony” flows with gentle uptempo melodies, intricate finger-picking, and an admirable reflective lyricism, highlighting Matt and The Beanstalk’s skill as a songwriter.

Apparently telling the tale of an angel struggling to believe in herself and the power of love in driving her to success, “Symphony” oozes sparkling, sweeping emotion and uplifting, euphoric vibes.

Produced by Newcastle-based Bramwell Bronte, ‘Symphony’ is out 14th April via Beanstalk Records.

Having received airplay from Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1, as well as plenty of acclaim from both Steve Lamacq and Marc Riley at BBC 6 Music, Amsterdam-based artist Pip Blom first caught our attention last year with her EP “Are We There Yet?” Now, along with her band—Tender Blom (guitar and backing vocals), Berend Kok (bass), and Bowie Thörig (drums)—she is busy touring the UK with Surfer Blood, off the back of releasing her latest single.

“I Think I’m In Love” is filled with infectious, racing hooks and Blom’s distinctive youthful vocals reflecting on the complications of love and relationships. An uplifting, energy-fuelled offering reminiscent of Aussie rocker Courtney Barnett, “I Think I’m In Love” has all the twinkling melodies and rich harmonies you could ever dream of, complete with an addictive, sing-along chorus.

With her quirky charisma, raw vocal power, and ability to create such incredibly catchy offerings, it seems a sure thing that Pip Blom will be winning over the ears of many this year with her own distinct brand of charming, fuzzy indie-rock.

“I Think I’m In Love” is in stores now via Toaster Records.

Starting out creating music alone in his bedroom, Danish artist Lucas Berner has now re-coined himself The Chairman and creates deep, reflective, electro-fused offerings. With his new single “Animate,” Berner’s set to grab plenty of attention from listeners worldwide.

Filled with throbbing beats alongside the rich darkness of Berner’s vocals, “Animate” exudes shades of melancholy electro akin to Lampchop. Written as a cathartic release from his personal battle with depression, the track flows with sweeping melodies and reflective lyrical storytelling, creating a truly captivating and thought-provoking soundscape.

If The Chairman continues to produce such emotion-strewn and musically rich tracks, he’s certain to be a one to watch for 2017.

“Animate” is out 10th March via Danish Music Entertainment.

Already known for their engaging live shows, Brighton band Army Of Bones have received praise from the likes of The Revue and BBC Introducing and sold-out headline gigs across the UK. Now, with their debut album out next month, they are undoubtedly looking like Ones To Watch in 2017.

An album filled with songs of hope tinged with doubt, Army Of Bones’ eponymous debut is a creation inspired by the power of music to heal divisions. Filled with frontman Martin Smith’s soaring melancholic vocals and sweeping cinematic melodies, it’s a contemplative collection of powerful, emotion-strewn offerings.

From tracks such as the impassioned, anthemic “End Of Time,” to the more upbeat, driving electro-pop sound of “Batteries,” and the heart-wrenching emotion of “Ecclesiastes,” each track exudes a truly captivating, dramatic power. Filled with profound lyrical reflections that flow seamlessly alongside a rich musicality, this debut is sure to cement Army Of Bones firmly in our ears, and our hearts, for the long-term.

Army Of Bones, the eponymous debut album, is out 6 March via Bones Music Group.

Fronted by teenager Charlotte Brimner, Scottish three-piece Be Charlotte are set to release a brand new single later this month. I’ve no doubt that it’s going to take the world by storm.

“One Drop” showcases just why Brimner is already regarded as one of Scotland’s most cutting-edge songwriters. Skillfully fusing an eclectic range of genres, the track combines elements of hip-hop, electro, and pop, creating a truly infectious and hugely addictive dance-floor anthem.

As Brimner’s Scottish twang alternates between sweeping, impassioned vocal power and gritty beat-boxing loops, “One Drop” races with twinkling melodies alongside throbbing beats and glitchy electro vibes—a vibrant and innovative creation, bound to propel Be Charlotte into the mainstream in no time.

Having already received acclaim from BBC Radio 1 and Radio X, Be Charlotte have also been named as one of The Great Escape’s First Fifty for 2017, and are going to be playing SXSW in March. This year certainly looks set to be a big one for Be Charlotte.

“One Drop” is out 20 January via AWAL/Kobalt Label Service.