Alffa Release New Single ‘Breathe Free’

Aug 19, 2024 — Leave a comment


North Wales rockers Alffa are back after a near 5-year break, ready to reignite the fire they lit with their 2019 debut ‘Rhyddid O’r Cysgodion Gwenwynig’ (Freedom From The Poisonous Shadows). Fresh off the electrifying Welsh anthem ‘Pwythau’ in May, they’ve dropped another bomb ‘Breathe Free’, kicking off a series of releases before they unveil their sophomore album in November. 

Proving once again why they’re a force to be reckoned with, Alffa’s latest offering is a potent cocktail of punk rock fury and hard rock grit, channelling the swagger of Queens of the Stone Age into the powerful dual musicianship of Royal Blood. However beneath the blistering surface lies a deeper message; ‘Breathe Free’ dives headfirst into the internal battle we all face, transforming raw emotion and intense melodies into a powerful anthem of self-acceptance and inner strength. 

“This song invites you on a journey of self-discovery, reminding us all that embracing and celebrating our true selves is the key to true freedom.” Alffa noted of the single.“‘Breathe Free’ is not just a song for us; it’s a call to break free from internal struggles and celebrate the power within.”

Hailing from the rural village of Llanrug in North Wales, Alffa are the dynamic duo of guitarist/vocalist Dion Wyn Jones and drummer Sion Eifion Land. No strangers to the Welsh music scene, their breakout came in 2018 with the single ‘Gwenwyn’ becoming the first Welsh-language song to surpass a million streams on Spotify. This success fueled their debut album, ‘Rhyddid o’r Cysgodion Gwenwynig’ (Freedom from the Poisonous Shadows), released in 2019. Their eyes are now firmly set on the global stage, aiming to break out of the Welsh language arena and into the international spotlight.  This ambitious duo is poised to be the next big thing, proving that great music can come from anywhere – even a small village in North Wales.

Following the overwhelming response from their mind-blowing debut, Alffa found themselves slammed by a wave of personal struggles and bad luck, including COVID, that temporarily choked their creativity.  Undeterred, they channelled this tumultuous period into their upcoming sophomore album, crafting a message of hope not just for their audience, but for themselves as well. This defiance stands out in the punk/rock landscape, which is often mired in negativity. Though the album delves into the depths of depression, self-doubt, and the search for purpose, it ultimately explodes with a message of resilience. Joining forces with renowned producer Gethin Pearson, Alffa push their sound further, transforming their struggles into a triumphant closing chapter.  Consider this a 1-0 victory for Alffa – a testament to their ability to not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity. 

‘Breathe Free’ is out now, whilst their upcoming sophomore album is hailed for release this November. 

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

Moon Looks On Releases New Single ‘The West Wind Blows’

Aug 19, 2024 — Leave a comment

Stephen Gormley, the visionary artist behind Moon Looks On, invites listeners on a westward journey with his latest single, ‘The West Wind Blows’. Crafted in a moment of deep reflection, Gormley’s new track is a lyrical ode to the rugged beauty of the west of Ireland, blending poignant nostalgia with optimism for the future.

“I was dreaming of the west of Ireland when I wrote this story. It’s a song about looking back over your life and holding on to optimism for things to come. It’s a tip of the hat to the past, the present, and the future in equal measure.”

‘The West Wind Blows’ is a masterful blend of introspection and melody, showcasing Stephen Gormley’s ability to capture the essence of human emotion in his music. He continues to establish himself as a profound storyteller and a beacon of authenticity in the music world. 

Over the past few years, Moon Looks On has been carving out a name for himself on the Irish and international music scene, with appearances at music festivals and venues such as Glastonbury, Electric Picnic, All Together Now, 2000 Trees Festival and The Ruby Sessions to name but a few, along with performances on the renowned TV show ‘Other Voices’ on Ireland’s premier broadcasting channel RTÉ.

Moon Looks On has also had tracks from his album ‘Razor Wire Skies’ added to the much sought-after ‘New Music Friday’ Spotify playlist whilst amassing over a quarter of a million streams on Spotify. His music videos and tracks have also premiered in Hot-press magazine, Irish Independent &  Golden-Plec and on both Irish and UK Radio stations such as RTÉ 2FM, Today FM, RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2XM, & Radio X  in
Manchester.

Upcoming Gig 

Hawkswell Theatre – September 14th.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

The Montagues Release New Single ‘Gravitate’

Aug 19, 2024 — Leave a comment

The Montagues, the trailblazing indie rock band from North Wales, are back with their latest single “Gravitate”. This alternative rock opera track delves deep into the profound feeling of being lost in life, capturing the emotional turbulence of searching for answers whilst second guessing your direction and decisions. 

Known for their electrifying performances and compelling sound, The Montagues have carved out a unique space in the indie rock scene. Blending influences from Nothing but Thieves, Muse and Catfish and the Bottlemen, their music resonates with a wide audience, creating a blend of nostalgic and modern rock that captivates listeners.

“Gravitate” is more than just a song; it’s an emotional journey. With intense vocals and personal storytelling, the track becomes a resonant anthem for anyone navigating the uncertainties of their personal journey. Despite the chaos depicted in the song, “Gravitate” carries a hopeful message, reassuring listeners that no matter how adrift they may feel, they will inevitably be drawn to the person they are meant to become.

The song’s dynamic tempo changes mirror the rollercoaster of emotions experienced when searching for one’s true self. These shifts in rhythm and intensity reflect the highs and lows of the personal quest for identity, making “Gravitate” a powerful and relatable experience for all who hear it. Gravitate is the second single from their upcoming EP release “Verona Act I”.

The Montagues have been making waves across the music scene with a series of impressive achievements. They’ve rocked The Legendary Cavern Club thanks to BBC Introducing, received National radio play via John Kennedy at Radio X with their previous single Juicebox, June 2024), receive regular spins from Dave Monks on BBC Introducing Merseyside, and have consistently sold out gigs from North Wales to Liverpool. Their reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances has cemented their status as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the UK indie rock scene.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

Baby Schillaci Release New Single ‘The Anti Suncream League’

Aug 19, 2024 — Leave a comment

Hitting the scene in 2023, Baby Schillaci are swiftly carving out their position in the alternative Welsh music scene with their raw, unfiltered sound. Rooted in post-punk and noise, the band’s aggressive yet intricately layered compositions evoke comparisons to seminal acts like Mclusky, At the Drive-In, and Fugazi. Their music is a relentless assault on the senses that challenges and captivates in equal measure.

Baby Schillaci’s reputation has been forged from their formidable live shows with echoes of Nirvana, Public image & the Manics mixed with their own unhinged, visceral theatre. The intensity and unpredictability of their shows have drawn a devoted following.

Looking ahead, Baby Schillaci are set to release their highly anticipated album, ‘THE SOUNDTRACK’ in 2024. This debut album promises to expand their sonic horizons while retaining the raw, confrontational edge that has become their hallmark.

Known for their relentless energy and erratic performances, Baby Schillaci continue to push the boundaries of the genre with a track that encapsulates their unfiltered essence.

‘tHe AnTi SuNcrEAM LeaGUe’ is a tour de force, bristling with a frantic energy and instability. The track’s sharp edges and chaotic rhythms reflect Baby Schillaci’s signature post-punk aesthetic, delivering a raw, uncompromising soundscape.

The single’s deadpan delivery and poignant lyrics delve into the fake-news fragility of the modern age and the hubris of Ted-Talkers, Health influencers and dictators. The intense, discordant finale envisions a stark, Zapruder tape examination of what’s to come.

For Fans of Mclusky, Fugazi, and Nirvana

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

Otis Release New Single ‘Last Fool In The Line’

Aug 16, 2024 — Leave a comment

Rock n’ rollers OTIS hailing from the genre blending pot of Kentucky USA are pleased to release their new groove laden single and video ‘Last Fool In The Line’ being the first original music from the band for 7 years. Boone Froggett (frontman/guitarist) smiles about the story, “It tells the tale of a hard luck guy that never seems to learn his lesson. I think we all know someone like this or have even been in his shoes a time or two! Sometimes the real life stories we hear in the bar or the smoking section of a venue can really be more fantastic than fiction.” The accompanying striking video, courtesy of Very Metal Art, depicts the anti-hero in a myriad of precarious situations encountering nefarious characters and femme fatales with the allure of a vintage 50’s pulp graphic crime novel.

While it would be easy to categorise the bands sound as southern rock, their musical palette is clearly much broader, alongside Boone, John Seeley (bass), Alex Wells (guitar), and Dale Myers (drums), the tight-knit guys stay connected to their homegrown roots having been around traditional instruments from a young age and brought up on deep-diving record collections. “Musically this song is a love letter to the things we loved about the late 60’s era. It’s kind of like the Southern Soul of Stax and Atlantic Records meets the English rock of Humble Pie and The Faces.”

With a reputation for incendiary crowd engaging shows and having recently played world famous venues in Allman Brothers Big House Macon Georgia and The Iridium New York Boone goes on, “It’d been a live staple for us since we reemerged back on the touring scene in 2023 and after taking it to the crowd over and over they finally helped us get the recipe down and we felt the time was right.” Recorded in a live full band take at The Rock House in Franklin Tennessee, renowned Grammy Award winning musician Kevin McKendree (Brian Setzer, George Thorogood) produced and mastering duties came courtesy of Ty Tabor of the acclaimed US rock band Kings X.

Previously, a chance meeting with Billy F Gibbons led to the legend listening and becoming a fan of the band – even handing their albums off to the likes of Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck and previous US/UK tours have included sharing bills with household names in ZZ Top, The Kentucky Headhunters, Jackyl and Blackberry Smoke. With this new original release and the new line-up firmly established, expect a heap more to come encompassing melodic howling vocals of stories to tell, slick intertwining guitars and soulful grooves…that’s OTIS.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

Red Telephone Release New Single ”Delay The New Day’

Aug 16, 2024 — Leave a comment

Following the success of their deliciously dark and mesmerising debut album ‘Hollowing Out’, Cardiff multi-instrumentalists Red Telephone are back with ‘Delay The New Day‘. Kicking off a series of singles before they release their sophomore album of the same name in October. 

Building on their debut record’s blend of melodic psych and darkwave, Red Telephone promises to further explore this fusion with the addition of cinematic influences in their upcoming releases. Their first single, ‘Delay The New Day’, delves into themes of indulgence and hedonistic distraction, examining how the allure of nights out and easy comforts can become laborious and repetitive. Driven by the quintet’s knack for multi-instrumental intricacies, Red Telephone’s latest work evokes comparisons to Arctic Monkeys‘ newer sound (like Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino or The Car) while staying true to the unique style they established in their critically acclaimed debut.

‘Delay The New Day’ offers the first glimpse into Red Telephone’s upcoming album of the same name. Recorded semi-live in a short timeframe and featuring their first full-time drummer, this latest project aims for a more cohesive sound, capturing a specific time and place for the individuals and as a group. Primarily written in solitude by members Declan and Kieran on guitar and piano, the album places a strong emphasis on melody and lyricism from the outset. Thematically, it explores the challenges of balancing full-time work with being a musician, and the alienation caused by conflicting advice on how to succeed, straying from their original musical intentions.

Of the process they said “It’s about the paranoia, doubt and dissolution that goes with the territory of pushing yourself and trying to carve out a path where you hopefully get to survive on what you love doing. Even songs on the album that aren’t directly about this still tie into the theme, for example,  Delay the New Day, which is about indulgence and hedonistic distraction at the expense of creating.”

Hailing from Cardiff, Red Telephone are a quintet featuring two sets of brothers alongside their first full-time drummer. They began their journey by releasing their first two singles as a double A-side vinyl on the Welsh cult label Popty-Ping, earning praise from Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq. Their critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Hollowing Out’, garnered media attention from Clash, BBC 6 Music, and Under The Radar, amongst many. Now, in 2024, with their second album completed and set to release this October, Red Telephone continue to make waves in the UK alternative scene with their potent blend of psychedelic rock and darkwave, drawing comparisons to indie trailblazers MGMT, St. Vincent, or fellow Welsh band Super Furry Animals.

‘Delay The New Day’ is available across all major streaming platforms now, whilst their upcoming sophomore album of the same name is hailed for release this October. 

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

Indie Revolution Album Of The Month – The Heavy North ‘Fire In The Furnace’

Aug 13, 2024 — Leave a comment

Indie Revolution’s Album Of The Month is Liverpool blues-rock band The Heavy North with their fantastic debut live album ‘Fire In The Furnace’. The band did a hometown 12-piece band show at the Camp and Furnace in December 2023.

Formed in 2018, The Heavy North released their critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Electric Soul Machine’ in 2022 and last year’s follow-up album ‘Delta Shakedown’ marked the band’s first UK Official Charts release.

In recent years The Heavy North’s sound has caught the attention of BBC 6 Music, Radio X, Amazing Radio, BBC Introducing, Classic Rock Magazine and Tim’s Twitter Listening Party – alongside legendary actor and new music champion Robert Carlyle describing the band as “Absolutely brilliant!”

The band’s hometown show at the Camp and Furnace last year saw The Heavy North perform tracks
from their two studio albums with a string quartet, a brass section and backing singers for their
biggest show to date. It was a show to remember! And now it is recorded on an album for all to hear.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

Indie Revolution Single Of The Week – The Silver Lines ‘Watch Yourself Boy’

Aug 9, 2024 — Leave a comment

Indie Revolutions Single Of The Week goes to the fantastic, high-energy single ‘Watch Yourself Boy’ by genre-defying band The Silver Lines, the latest track from their upcoming EP.

The Silver Lines are the fantastic Birmingham based alt indie rock band made up of brothers Dan and Joe Ravenscroft on lead Vocals and Guitar respectively, George Vivian on Bass and  Kindo on Drums.

The Silver Lines were first formed in 2018 by the two brothers who said they were “uninspired by the current landscape of guitar music” and as such, decided that they were going to take matters into their own hands and make music of their own. 

“Repulsed by the notion of being just another ‘all white male indie’ band that sings of teenage love or rants empty pseudo prophetic quotes”, The Silver Lines set out to release new music that defies the genre and the peers within it. The product is a very self aware form of songwriting that covers many taboo topics from toxic masculinity, learnt behaviours from past generations, and explores personal experiences that connect with the listener on a much deeper level. 

Speaking about the single, the band comment: “Watch Yourself Boy is a clever take on the ‘Rock N Roll lifestyle’. We all say we would love to live like rock stars but do we really mean it? Lyrically it’s narrated in a way of ambiguity for interpretation. Musically it’s driven, unrelenting and very heavy. It’s an echo to the previous single Cocaine.”

They add: “Based around four notes, the key is in its simplicity and use of light and shade to gain it’s effectiveness. In contrast to the previous period of The Silver Lines, this era of the band is focusing a lot more on what works with a live performance and how simple the song can be whilst being effective.”

Discussing their forthcoming EP, The Silver Lines explain: “…And The Lord Don’t Think I Can Handle It captures the energy of our live sound — angsty, bold, yet more introspective than their earlier records. The tracks depict the cyclical nature of our lives, swinging from chaotic moments to nostalgic reflections.”

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

Rae Charlea Releases New Single ‘Charm Outta Boredom’

Aug 8, 2024 — Leave a comment

British-Australian musician Rae Charlea (pronounced kar-lee-ah) continues the narrative she began sharing with previous single ‘He’s Just A Boy’ with the grungey and angsty part two in new single ‘Charm Outta Boredom’.

“I wrote ‘Charm Outta Boredom’ a few months after I wrote ‘He’s Just A Boy’ when the story with this guy I liked finally came to a close. ‘He’s Just A Boy’ was all about rationalising the crush and poking fun at yourself for falling fast for someone you barely know whereas ‘Charm Outta Boredom’ was written out of the anger of realising that I had been led on and the subsequent processing of these emotions. I wanted to write a ‘how could you!’ song aimed at this guy and it’s quickly turned into one of my favourite songs that I’ve ever written”.

“I did ask the guy, who this song is about, why he led me on and what his intentions were if they were never aimed towards a relationship with me and he told me that he was just ‘flirting for the sake of flirting’. That hurt but it gave me an idea for the song title ‘Charm Outta Boredom’ cause those two phrases feel the same to me”.

‘Charm Outta Boredom’ is also Charlea’s first released single with a co-write too with songwriter, session musician, San Rocco bassist and friend Seán Julian; whom Charlea met at a gig in Dublin, Ireland in the 2023 Summer. Charlea and Julian quickly bonded over a love of the same rock bands and 90s music and when Charlea had returned back to Australia in September, Julian sent over a voice memo of the bass line he had written for the song which Charlea took too immediately, finishing the song in less than an hour one night. “I got such strong Nevermind era Nirvana vibes and loved the track so much. Immediately I knew that it was the perfect instrumental to tell this story”.

Speaking on writing the instrumental for the single ‘Charm Outta Boredom’, Julian recounts: “like a lot of my ideas this one came very quickly to me. I turned to my bass after an argument with a close friend. I was messing around with chords on the bass with my beloved chorus effect and that main riff really stood out to me. The rest of the song was written on bass in the space of 10-15 minutes and just on the bass alone I knew I was onto something. I sent it onto Rae and once she sent back the first draft of her vocals, I thought it fit the vibe I was going for perfectly”.

‘Charm Outta Boredom’ is out now across all major streaming platforms!

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

Lissy Taylor Releases New Single ‘Your Girl’

Aug 8, 2024 — Leave a comment

Stoke-on-Trent alt-rock riser Lissy Taylor returns with the infectious new single ‘Your Girl’. With a natural ability to write addictive indie-rock anthems, Lissy has built a feverish fanbase and a reputation for her polished, high energy live shows.

‘Your Girl’ celebrates the confidence boost of being single on a flirty, summery indie-pop bop. Built around a tight backdrop of bright guitar tones, punching drums and grounding bass, Taylor’s silky, smokey and effortlessly charismatic lead vocals glide above the instrumental backdrop to create an uplifting, mood
boosting tone tinted with a sultry and catchy edge.

Speaking about the track, Lissy shares: “I wrote it after a breakup thinking yes I could be your girl but I can be anything. I really wanted to capture the confidence and empowerment in being single.”

A hard working independent artist who is renowned for her strength and determination, the power of Lissy Taylor’s songs have allowed her to recently support a number of rising artists including The Snuts, Sundara Karma, The Reytons, Circa Waves, Sea Girls and The View.

This year Lissy has been crowned by Manchester City Football Club as their Battle of the Bands Winner 2024 after performing to 7000 football fans live at the WSL final in Manchester’s Joie Stadium where she was also televised on BBC One, Match of the Day introduced by Alex Scott MBE. Lissy was awarded 5 days recording courtesy of Manchester City FC. Working with acclaimed producer Tayte Nickols, Lissy has recorded live tracks at Strongroom Studio 1 before Tayte was awarded ‘Breakthrough Producer of The Year’ by the Music Producers Guild for work on Lissy’s song ‘Minds A Riot’ recorded and produced at Abbey Road. Having gained support across music press, including Clash, Louder Than War and Clout, Lissy Taylor’s songs have gained airplay across UK national radio including from Nels Hylton on BBC Radio 1, OJ Borg on BBC Radio 2, Absolute Radio (Skin Show) and John Kennedy Radio X, gaining a slot on the X-posure playlist. Her latest 3 singles have all been played on BBC Radio 1 Future Alternative; ‘Life Changing’, ‘Minds A Riot’ and ‘Feel For Me’, which was also added across editorial Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, Pulp, Proper Belters, Indie Girl, Fresh Finds UK and Shockwave.

Following a sold out Manchester Headline show 5th July 2024, Lissy is set to make her debut on the main stage at Y Not Festival ahead of Noel Gallagher as well as playing across What’s Happening Weekender, TRUCK Festival, Camper Calling, Birkenhead Live, Pine Festival, Gibraltar Weekender Festival and The Gathering Sounds.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com