The totally independent, DIY duo hailing from Essex consists of Silky and Jonny “Top Kat” Hick. The pair self manage and fund their brand of ska pop and have won praise from ska royalty in their home country.
They have been selling out shows fast and pulling in some serious crowds at festivals, these two are definitely ones to watch!
They have recently released the amazing album ‘Be Lucky’, it is literally one great tune after another. It reached 30 in the UK Official Album Charts and 5 in the Independent Album Charts. Thanks to all the amazing support from their loyal fans the band have secured not just one, but two Top 30 Albums!
Death Of Guitar Pop are giving away free signed copies of ’69 Candy Street’ on their website deathofguitarpop.com all they ask is you cover the small shipping cost. If you already own a copy this could be the perfect chance to pass a copy to a friend.
They have officially announced their biggest ever headline show at the iconic 2,000 capacity 02 Shepherds Bush Empire in London! They have hired the venue themselves, no promoter, no agent, completely DIY. They are a huge inspiration to independent bands all around. They have two very special guests in the way of Laurie Wright and James Bone. Pre sale tickets are live now for fan club members.
Upcoming Gigs 10th November – Hare and Hounds, Birmingham 11th November – The Waterfront, Norwich 23rd November – Night & Day, Manchester 24th November – Classic Grand, Glasgow 25th November – Riverside, Newcastle Upon Tyner
Music Scene Wales’ Single Of The Week, chosen by the Indie Revolution Team is the fantastic new single ‘Actions’ by London’s very own Maze. This is their first single since 2022’s debut album ‘Chaos Interrupted’, and it’s a great return.
In a brand new monthly piece, Music Scene Wales will feature a brand new album of the month chosen from the best on the independent music scene by the Indie Revolution team, those being Music Scene Wales, Yr Wyddfa Records, This Is The Music, Upcoming Bands, Wax and Beans Record Shop and In Your Ears Music.
This months chosen Album Of The Month is Liverpool’s finest, The Heavy North’s fantastic new album ‘Delta Shakedown’
“This is a master craft of songwriting and a band at the very top of their game. It oozes class and experience.” – Music Scene Wales
‘Delta Shakedown’ is OUT NOW on 12” gatefold colour vinyl, CD and all download and streaming platforms. Visit www.theheavynorth.com for more information.
Tickets for The Heavy North’s Camp and Furnace show on Friday 1st December are ON SALE NOW. Visit www.theheavynorth.com for more information.
The Heavy North release World Class second album ‘Delta Shakedown’
Liverpool’s finest The Heavy North have just released one of the best albums of 2023 and it’s called ‘Delta Shakedown’. In fact that’s a bit of an understatement! They’ve just released one of the best albums of the past decade! Possibly even the past thirty years? All in good time this will tell I’m sure.
I first heard of The Heavy North when their debut album ‘Electric Soul Machine’ Dropped last year and I was instantly sucked into their riffed up blues rock world. I’m a sucker for great music! What they created on that record was brilliant. On their latest offering they have just gone and created a monster! The best kind of monster ever imaginable! This is one of the best records I’ve heard in my entire life let alone the past decade! It’s a big statement I know, but it is what it is. This record is something special.
From the very first riff of the opening track ‘Delta Shakedown’ I’m instantly transported back into The Heavy North world I love so much! I’m back travelling with them on this laid back, groovy journey in my car! There are so many great influences shining through on this record! The Doors, Thirteen Floor Elevators, The Black Angels, The Eagles, Cream, The list goes on! Its truer to blues as it could possibly be.
With all these great influences shining through they still manage to create something completely original that sounds how only The Heavy North can sound. This is a master craft of songwriting and a band at the very top of their game. It oozes class and experience.
This isn’t a record a young band in their twenties can just make off the cuff! This takes years of crafting your art over time. This isn’t a band making singles for Spotify! This is a band who really understand and appreciate the art of making a real record together! An art that’s lost on 99% of young band these days! I really hope some younger bands use this to educate themselves and one day we get that back!
If I had to pick one album to take with me to the desert today it would be ‘Delta Shakedown’. This is my number one contender for album of the year by far.
As strong as the singles ‘Where Are You Now’ and ‘Round Again’ are you really have to listen to the list the way it’s supposed to be listened to! As a record in full from beginning to end. Then you will truly understand just how great this band are!
Jose Ibanez has proven he’s one of the best producers in the business. The production is world class. In 30 years time we will be all able to look back and realise just how great this record is.
‘Delta Shakedown’ is OUT NOW on 12” gatefold colour vinyl, CD and all download and streaming platforms. Visit www.theheavynorth.com for more information.
Tickets for The Heavy North’s Camp and Furnace show on Friday 1st December are ON SALE NOW. Visit www.theheavynorth.com for more information.
Scott Marsden #MusicSceneWales @MusicSceneWales musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com
The amazingly talented Welsh, hip-hop artist Ren, hailing from Dwyran on Anglesey, made it to number 1 in the UK charts with his independently released album, Sick Boi.
The internet sensation has built up a huge fanbase online, and it was his extremely loyal fanbase who helped push him beyond the line to beat his competition from Rick Astley. In the end it wasn’t even close as Sick Boi had a 6,000 unit advantage when the official UK albums Chart was published on October 20th, thanks to a striking push in the final 24 hours of the cycle.
Sick Boi is released through The Other Songs, it is the indie entertainment company’s first ever UK top 10.
Rens victory sees him joining the long list of Welsh album chart toppers, from Tom Jones, Bonnie Tyler and Duffy to Manic Street Preachers and Stereophonics among many others. This should not be underestimated given that it has been achieved completely as an independent artist.
This has also come as a huge victory for the Welsh star as he has suffered many years from an autoimmune diseases which also resulted in bouts of depression which forced him at one time to withdraw from music. Last year he addressed his struggles in a song called Hi Ren, a phenomenal track where he confronts his illness through the voices in his head. His Youtube video for Hi Ren gained over 20 million views. Sick Boi is a real contender for Music Scene Wales’ Album Of The Year.
Ren refused to be told the results ahead of the charts and tuned in along with his fans on the countdown. A real victorious moment for Ren and also for independent music.
The Goa Express release their long-awaited self-titled debut album on the 1st of December. It’s preceded by their anthemic new single ‘It’s Never Been Better’ on the 27th of November.
Ahead of dates in December, The Goa Express are excited to finally announce their long-awaited and unmissable self-titled debut album this December. Preceded by the addictive hook laden new single ‘It’s Never Been Better’ on the 27th of November, the oldest song on the album, this bold, swaggering singalong is hoisted aloft on a tidal wave of chiming guitars, widescreen drums and bass, that shudder into your solar plexus. This song is a gloriously catchy lament to summer’s spent together. “‘It’s Never Been Better’ existed for many years as a home demo on GarageBand”, say the band. “Reinvigorated in the studio, the song is a match made in heaven for the summer months and reminds us of the moments we used to spend together with those who ended up going different ways.”
The Goa-Express’s self titled debut album is a document that encapsulates growing up, their spirit of friendship and dreams of escape. Together, brothers James Douglas Clarke (Guitar + Vocals) and Joe Clarke (Keys), along with Joey Stein (Lead Guitar), Naham Muzaffar (Bass) and Sam Launder (Drums) create a wall of sound, riven with infectious harmonies, waves of psych laden guitars and playful rhythms, it’s constantly refreshing at every turn. With echoes of the youthful supercharged melodies of early Supergrass, the unstoppable rhythms of early Psychedelic Furs or the loose dreamy melodic qualities of the La’s, yet theirs is a unique combination only captured by these five friends in a room and very much a sound of today.
This exciting five piece’s bond was forged long before they picked up instruments: growing up in Burnley in the rural shadow of the North of England’s industrial centre. Their shared adolescent experiences (late gigs at The Golden Lion in Todmorden, camping underneath the cliffs at Hebden Bridge) shaped their collective friendships, and the sound and spirit of their band
Ocean Colour Scene’s Damon Minchella pairs with Tom Manning on production duties, the band decamping to the Welsh village of Raglan to record the songs that make up their debut album. Opener ‘Honey’ sets the tone: bursting into life, with hooky guitar riffs and crashing percussion careering on the rails. “It’s all about the birds and the bees/let’s make honey” James Douglas Clarke drawls impassionately. Recorded during a post Glastonbury comedown, it’s the besotted sound of the setting of the sun and the joy of finding someone. This band of brothers know the power of pop music, they say: “it’s melodic but instant. It stops you in your tracks. You can hear it coming from a mile away, but it’s still extremely hard to get out of its way in time.”
‘Good Luck Charm’ spirals with kaleidoscopic time signatures and a hammering double tracked guitars of Joey Stein and Douglas Clarke, harking to the era of the Stone Roses yet with its own kick, Riven with a yearning for escape from your surroundings, breaking out of being stuck in a rut with urgent melodies “demands change and asks for more, warm weather and a change of scenery. We can all get stuck in our tracks and it’s important to just get up and go.” Upon its release earlier this year it caught the ears of DIY magazine, and Matt Wilkinson who played it on his Beats show, John Kennedy at Radio X, plus Radio One where it picked up plays from Clara Amfo.
The punky ‘You’re the Girl’ is the shortest song on the album, taking inspiration from Douglas Clake’s summers of love. The scampering bass lines, pianos, fuzzy guitars, are impactful and immediate. ’Small Talk’ ramps up on a wave of shiny jangly guitars and a sneering vocal that captures the moment of festival burnout and wanting to block it all out.
While the previous single ‘Talking About Stuff’ released in May, is another melodic gem, the band describe it as the ‘prettiest’ song on the album, it’s delightful melodic scamper sums up the ups and downs of friendship capturing a “moment spent on the beach during the Summer.” They say “we all have our bad days and we can all fall out with loved ones but don’t let it stick, be a better person next time.” Upon release it was added to Spotify’s New Music Friday (UK) and Hot New Bands playlists.
Recorded in the immediate wake of their Glastonbury debut last year ‘Portrait’ was the first of a string of addictive singles from the album released throughout 2023, that has only built their momentum as one of the best emerging bands in the country. With fuzzy guitars, hyper active pianos and a whirlwind of percussion, its earworm qualities capture feeling good with someone and “the best thing I never had.” Gaining airplay on BBC 6 Music who playlisted it and the attention of Steve Lamacq who premiered it on his show plus praise from Jack Saunders on Radio One, The Times, Independent and So Young Magazine.
Heartbreaking closer ’Prove it’ turns the volume down for a wistful acoustic strum in the verses, before storming into a crescendo as the sun sets, providing the perfect ending to this thrill ride of tunes. “It can often be hard to let go of the things we love and it can be harder to accept when things are over.” The band say “all good things have to come to an end at some point.”
Post-lockdown, The Goa Express played over a hundred UK/EU gigs in 2022, including stops at Glastonbury, Latitude and The Great Escape. With their status as burgeoning hometown heroes, The Goa Express can be seen performing to thousands at Burnley’s Turf Moor stadium in Bank of Dave, Netflix UK’s most watched film upon release week. With a cavalcade of refreshing tunes, and “us vs the world” togetherness, The Goa-Express’s debut album proves they are one of the most exciting emerging bands this country has to offer.
Music Scene Wales’ Single Of The Week, chosen by the Indie Revolution Team is the infectious ‘Laces’ by Merseyside, alternative rock band This Is War. The Liverpudlian five-piece consists of Paul Garden (Vocals), Jonny Roberts (Lead Guitar), Gianluca Rizzoli (Bass), Bertrand Bouyer (Rhythm) and Martyn Leah (Drums)
The band formed in 2021 and have quickly earned themselves a massive following and also Spotify streams.
Of the song Paul says “Laces is about being a child at heart and seeing it from an adults point of view. Be free…Be honest…Be better”
Classically trained pianist and singer songwriter from Pontypool in South Wales, Rebecca Richards is making a name for herself with her gorgeous chord progressions, melody creation and beautiful vocals. Her songs have been described as uplifting and empowering whilst maintaining a bittersweet edge. Her love of music is heavily steeped in country, blues and rock and major influences include The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Glen Campbell and Blackberry Smoke.
She has recently learned to play mandolin and tenor guitar which she says helps with creating a wide variety in her songwriting and performance. Rebecca has been fortunate to have performed across the UK including The Camden Club, London, South Wales Country Music Festival, Newport, The Green Gathering, Chepstow and The Acoustic Cafe, Tavistock as well as playing venues across Wales and the South West. More recently she has been shortlisted for the 2023 UK Country Music Radio Song Award and she will be playing live at the finale in Donnington on 28th October. Rebecca says her favourite part of music creation is the connection with others through her music.
New Yesterday’s is out now on all streaming platforms.
Apollo Junction is a dynamic indie-pop band hailing from the heart of the UK. Known for their infectious melodies, electrifying performances, and genuine connection with their audience, they are on a mission to redefine contemporary music. With a sound that seamlessly blends anthemic rock and catchy pop, Apollo Junction’s music is a testament to the magic of music that transcends boundaries.
Apollo Junction are primed to take their hallmark uplifting, anthemic sound to inspiring new heights with the release of ‘Here We Are’.
Through 10 masterfully-crafted tracks, Apollo Junction pushes the boundaries of their own genre-defying sound to deliver their best collection of tunes yet. Produced by Andy Hawkins and mastered by John Davis at Metropolis, with artwork designed by Matt Lodge, ‘Here We Are’ stands as a powerful affirmation befitting its title.
Brimming with searing new wave synth-pop and liberally seasoned with rock sensibility, Apollo Junction’s third album tells the story of being a band in a turbulent world. While not everyone can identify with such experiences, the album will resonate profoundly with all who have, at times, felt knocked down by life and yet dare to nurture fresh hopes and renewed dreams.
“2022 was quite a challenging year for us as a band,” says drummer Jonny Thornton. “That kind of went into the record, in a positive way. There’s a little bit of our soul in each of these records.”
With glimmering instrumentals and soul-stirring lyrics, ‘Here We Are’ sees Apollo Junction extend a hand to lift those who feel disappointed or alone, issue a stirring call to action to those in need of a push from behind, and celebrate the special people that stand beside us through thick and thin.
“We are nothing without the people who support us; the team around us and the AJ family,” says lead vocalist Jamie Williamson. “This collection of songs is for the moments that we’re looking to share.”
Poised to take a spot on the official UK charts the band have peeled back the curtain on their dazzling new album, little by little, with the release of six singles that helped secure a coveted Blood Records edition — which sold out in less than 45 minutes — and garnered national radio play.
To wit, penultimate pre-lease single ‘Mil1ion’ has been heard on BBC’s Match of the Day each of the last three weeks, and latest single ‘Magic’ has had repeat plays on BBC2. The building momentum has the band eyeing a feat they’ve never before attained: an official UK charting album. “We’ve never really chased the charts,” says Williamson. “Our record label is in a shed in someone’s garden. We are a quintessential, true indie band.”
But on the strength of a passionate (and growing) fanbase who would love nothing more than to see their band get the recognition they deserve, the album is now potentially within striking distance of the top 40. And the band are ready to follow their own advice, per album single, ‘Endings’, to “give it all you’ve got for tomorrow.” To help the chart push, a deluxe version of the album is now available on CD for just £5 and there’s a digital version on iTunes for £3.99.
Ready to embark on their biggest tour yet Apollo Junction has an 8-stop UK tour planned to follow the album’s release, including a few cities the band has never been to before. Several dates are already sold out. The tour kicks off in Blackpool on October 28, with a uniquely Apollo Junction twist. The band have hired a coach, which will take a few dozen supporters from Leeds for a daytime beach jaunt, and an intimate HMV in-store appearance prior to the evening’s gig. “We thought, let’s do it in an Apollo Junction way,” says Williamson. “It’s about being together. It’s going to be brilliant.”
Guernsey grunge rock band Coastal Fire Dept. aren’t finished throttling 2023 with new music. Four punky grungy songs left over from their album recording sessions for ‘Outsiders’ have been finished. All tracks appear on EP ‘Flood The Saltpans…Save The Vale’ out early next year.
The song tells the true story of an embarrassing night out in St Helen’s for Ollie some time ago (which is now a regret of his). Nada Surf’s 1996 hit single ‘Popular’ was the musical influence for ‘Regret’ & Matthew Caws of Nada Surf recently gave ‘Regret’ his seal of approval.
This is almost certainly the first ever grunge single to feature AI performing. Enjoy the big chorus!
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