Alternative rock

The Stray Pursuit Release New Single ‘Mess With My Head’

May 19, 2025 — Leave a comment

The Stray Pursuit return with their powerful new single ‘Mess with My Head’.

Swansea band The Stray Pursuit return with their exciting new single ‘Mess with My Head’ it captures the chaos and intensity of young love, set against the backdrop of living at home and fixating on someone new. With raw emotion and infectious energy, it unravels the tension of heated arguments and the mental tug-of-war that comes with a relationship growing more serious.

Rife with gritty guitars, punchy drums, and emotionally raw yet melodic vocals.  It carries a sense of frustration and urgency, blending angst with anthemic hooks. The song’s themes are both personal yet universal, concerned with mental health struggles, overthinking, and toxic relationships, giving it an emotional yet rebellious edge. With its dynamic melodic shifts, big riffing and powerful delivery, it’s an ambitious anthemic rock sound built for singalongs, it channels the energy of bands like Royal Blood and Nothing But Thieves.

The band recorded the track at Longwave Studios in Cardiff, collaborating with esteemed producer Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me the Horizon, Holding Absence, Nova Twins). on their debut EP ‘Dominio Effect’.  Hailing from Swansea, The Stray Pursuit emerges as a dynamic force in the realm of Alternative Rock. Distinctive for their guitar-driven riffs and captivating vocals, each track embodies their eclectic musical tastes. Inspired by bands like Catfish and The Bottlemen and The Hunna, and with echoes of the Welsh rock lineage of The Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers, and Funeral for a Friend, in the upcoming months they will release more exciting tracks.

The four-piece consists of lead singer Aaron Morgan, lead guitarist Dylan Cooney, bassist Fred Wilkinson, and drummer Ben Lewis. They have supported Andrew Cushin, The K’s, and Vida, and played alongside The Lottery Winners, Pastel, and Trampoline just to name a few. TSP were featured on This Feelings ‘Big in 2020’. In June 2023, they sold out a headline show at The Bunkhouse for their single release ‘Let It Be Known’. They then went on to sell out two out of five dates of their ‘Domino Effect’ debut EP tour in 2024. One in Cwrw, Carmarthen and the other in The Moon, Cardiff.

The band’s origin story traces back to an unexpected bus ride that led Aaron and Fred to forge an unexpected bond. Despite being rivals in separate bands, their chemistry became undeniable during a jam session. The additions of exceptional talents lead guitarist Dylan and drummer Nicky solidified the lineup.  Tragedy struck when founding drummer Nicky Bevan passed away in December 2022. They say “The devastating loss catalysed a renewed purpose for the band: to honour Nicky’s legacy and prove our potential for greatness. He is missed dearly, and will be forever cherished by so many people.”

The pandemic-induced hiatus and Fred finishing university provided growth for the band. Emerging from this break in June 2022, and Ben joining the band later in April 2023, The Stray Pursuit reentered the practice room, channelling their energy into crafting new tracks and elevating their stage presence and live performance, for the songs on their debut EP ‘Domino Effect’.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

The Ramellos Release Debut Single ‘Heedless Hearts’

Jan 13, 2025 — Leave a comment

Fast rising alternative rock outfit Ramellos have steadily been building their live fanbase through support slots with Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard and north east locals Camel Island and Pretty Velvet. They’re ready to kickstart 2025 with their debut single release, ‘Heedless Hearts’ which is out now for all to hear!

They’ve worked with notable recording studio Blank Studios in Newcastle on their soaring debut, about which they said: “this is the most satisfied we’ve ever been with a piece of work, and next year we’ll be sharing it with everyone that’d like to hear it. We are planning our own headline show, plenty more support slots, and we hope to jump on a few festivals over summer, as well as shows around the country!

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
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The Velvet Hands Release New Single ‘Caller’

Dec 18, 2024 — Leave a comment

London Resident Cornish alt-rockers, THE VELVET HANDS announce a second release from their forthcoming EP.

Following on acclaim for the recently released “I’ll Be Free” and the success of “Chick Habit”, the band’s Anglo French collaboration with French feminist grunge trio Pythies, The Velvet Hands let another track out of their musical bag; “Caller” taken from their eagerly awaited EP due in the Spring of 2025.

The band play 4 dates in January 2025 as part of Independent Venue Week as well as their largest headline show to date at Dingwalls. The band are keen flag flyers for the small independent venues that keep the pulse of the live music scene beating. 

January 28th – The Saltbox, Nottingham

January 29th – Northern Quarter, Huddersfield

January 30th – Cavern,  Exeter

February 1st – Old Bakery Studios, Truro

March 8th – Sound Factory Festival,  Plymouth

March 22nd  – Dingwalls, London

Of the track frontman Toby Mitchell says ‘Caller, to me, is about acceptance. Accepting that sometimes you need help, that sometimes relationships end, that sometimes friends die.. but also that sometimes life will be kind to you. It was written in mine and Dan’s flat one spring afternoon and fills me with sadness and hope in equal measure everytime we play it’

The track was recorded at Cube Studios in Cornwall and mixed & mastered in London by The Velvet Hands and Jamx Jules.

The Velvet Hands are Toby Mitchell, Dan Able, Louis Mitchell and John Logan. After forming amidst Cornwall’s blistering garage-rock scene, the four-piece relocated to London and have been making a name for themselves on the capital’s underground guitar circuit ever since.

Praised as being “full of bolshy spirit” by NME, the band’s self-recorded debut album was Huw Stephens’ Album Of The Week on Radio 1. Garnering comparisons to the likes of The Clash, The Cribs and The Libertines, The Velvet Hands have also caused a stir with a range of tastemakers including Fred Perry Subculture, DORK, Gigslutz and God Is In The TV.

Gaining airplay on Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and Radio X amongst others, the band have also supported the likes of Fontaines D.C., VANT, Wallows, Frank Turner, Paul Weller and Liam Gallagher. Hand-picked by Michael Eavis to support Elbow at the 2022 instalment of the infamous Pilton Party, the band have played Boardmasters, Y Not, Truck, The Great Estate, Isle of Wight festival and more. They have also twice sold out Paris’ Supersonic club.

In 2023 The Velvet Hands released their second album ‘Sucker Punch’ to widespread praise. Delivering coming-of-age tales with slacker-rock sensibilities, the album combined the punchy guitar licks of The Strokes or Parquet Courts with rousing punk choruses reminiscent of The Clash or The Vaccines. The ten-track LP was recorded by John Logan at The Cube Studios in Cornwall, produced and mixed by The Velvet Hands and JamX Jules at Par Studios and mastered by the legendary John Cornfield (The Stone Roses, Supergrass).The album was made available on vinyl in November 2023 through the Falmouth based KrautPop label.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@Indierevuk
Indirevuk@gmail.com

The Stray Pursuit Release New Single ‘Mama’

Sep 16, 2023 — Leave a comment

Hailing from Swansea, The Stray Pursuit emerges as a dynamic force in the realm of Alternative Rock. Distinctive for their guitar-driven riffs and captivating vocals, each track becomes an embodiment of their eclectic musical tastes. Inspired by bands like Green Day, Stereophonics and Guns N Roses, their music resonates with a unique fusion of influences. 
 
The four-piece consists of the lead singer Aaron Morgan, lead guitarist Dylan Evans, bassist Fred Wilkinson, and drummer Ben Lewis. They had their first gig in November 2018, quickly followed by a string of sold-out shows. Including Swansea’s renowned music hub Sin City in March 2019 with their debut single release show of “Out of This World”. Since then, they have supported The K’s, featured on This Feeling’s ‘Big in 2020’, and played alongside Sub Focus, Steel Bangelz and Caity Baser at the Swansea Student Summer Ball 2023. 
 
The band’s origin story traces back to an unexpected bus ride that led Aaron and Fred to forge an unexpected bond. Despite being rivals in separate bands, their chemistry became undeniable during a jam session. The addition of exceptional talents lead guitarist Dylan and drummer Nicky solidified the line-up. 
 
Tragedy struck when founding drummer Nicky Bevan passed away in December 2022. The devastating loss catalysed a renewed purpose for the band: to honor Nicky’s legacy and prove their potential for greatness. The pandemic-induced hiatus and Fred finishing university provided a window for maturity for the band. Emerging from this break in June 2022, and Ben joining the band later in April 2023, The Stray Pursuit re-entered the practice room, channelling their energy into crafting new tracks and elevating their stage presence and live performance. 
 
A new chapter unfolded at Longwave Studios in Cardiff, where they collaborated with producer Romesh Dodangoda to record their debut EP. Scheduled for release by December 2023, this EP promises to be a testament to their growth and artistic evolution. 
 
 
About the song:
 
Delving into the intricacies of a strained relationship between a son and his mother, ‘Mama’ becomes an emotional canvas where frustration and confusion are elegantly woven into a quest for clarity, improved communication, and a shared understanding. 
 
The song’s foundation is built upon a commanding bassline, driving the rhythm with unwavering intensity. Intermittent pauses and calculated breaks strategically highlight moments where the titular word ‘Mama’ is delivered with unwavering vocal prowess, charged with raw power and undeniable passion. 
 
This punchy and enthralling composition not only captivates the senses but offers a tantalising glimpse of the journey The Stray Pursuit promises to embark upon. 
 
Produced under the expert guidance of Romesh Dodangoda, at Longwave Studios in Cardiff, this single aims to leave an indelible mark on the auditory landscape.
 

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

London Ghost Release New Single ‘Phoenix’

Mar 23, 2023 — Leave a comment

LONDON GHOST are the 4 piece alternative rock n roll band born and raised on the streets of London’s illustrious and culturally diverse Ladbroke Grove. The band is made up of Edd Whyte  on Vocals and Guitar, Mike Serapinas  on Piano and Synth, Tikz  on Bass Guitar and Sid on Drums. Although this is the standard line-up, don’t be surprised to find many other creative artists and musicians collaborating with London Ghost, especially when performing live! 

The band were formed in 2019 when they released their debut single ‘Moonlight’. The single ‘Control’ followed in the same year and then ‘Ladbroke Grove’ and ‘Spit Fire’ were released in 2021 and most recently the hit single ‘West London Jungle’ in September 2022. 

Although still relatively new as a band, LONDON GHOST have acquired themselves somewhat of a cult following with multiple sold out gigs and streaming figures in the region of 100k on Spotify alone as well as praise from high end press such as Katie Jones from VIPER Magazine who described the band as  ‘Fresh talented rock ‘n’ roll magic’.

LONDON GHOST are now back with their most exciting release to date in the form of the somewhat eerily yet decidedly delicious track ‘Phoenix’.

‘Phoenix’ starts off with an almost haunting, melancholy air to it. Edd’s vocals ring out with crisp and clear precision setting the tone from the get-go. Things take on an interesting turn of events when the use of synths is introduced giving the track a uniquely different perspective in dimension and diversity. It’s not immediately expected, but it’s something that works so well. The chorus hooks are rousing and you can almost picture the notion of a phoenix rising. This is a track telling a story; a story about acknowledging the low points in life and turning them around and rising out of the debris and chaos that once was to fight the good fight for self preservation. 

Indeed Edd has said of the track:

“The lyrics are inspired by a little bit of loneliness, a little bit of current events and a little bit of a desire to break out of a negative place, but ultimately it’s about perseverance because (to use a cliche) that’s the only thing you can do in life – stay positive and keep going.

The music is eerie and enchanting with shades of Lil Nas X, Gorillaz, with powerful, heartfelt and dynamic vocals with a little reminiscence of Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) and Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)”.

‘Phoenix’ was written by Edd Whyte, was recorded in Camden London and produced by Mike Serapinas and Edd Whyte.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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The Black Angels ‘Wilderness of Mirrors’ Album Review

Dec 16, 2022 — Leave a comment

Wilderness of Mirrors by The Black Angels
4/5 stars

Heavy vibes. Floaty. Cinematic. Committed.

So, where to start with Wilderness of Mirrors by The Black Angels?

Psychedelic is a misused term for anything these days that’s dared to venture away from the four square walls of the pop format. And whilst trying to describe the unlimited mind-bending creative freedoms that are truly psychedelic, the term has somehow done the exact opposite and become a genre.

To put The Black Angels firmly in that genre however, would be to do them an injustice; the reason being that although they are ticking all the ‘psych’ genre boxes, they’re doing much more, and you get a real sense that they mean it.

Opening track ‘Without a Trace’ is pure cinema. One of those moods you can hit play and watch your own moves vicariously through the lenses of your own eyes. Like a soundtrack to a film that doesn’t exist. A heavy, burning caravan of a track.

And through ‘History of the Future’ and ‘Empires Falling’ they manage to strike that fine balance between turn on, tune in, drop out hypnosis of ‘psych’ but without getting lost in monotony for monotonies’ sake. You get a sense that they do have a plan. A richness that prevents it ever getting boring.

Then El Jardín, pierces the darkness of the record for the first time with some light, still haunting, but light none the less and a welcome contrast.

La Pared (Govt.Wall Blues), a song of unity in the face of the divide and conquer tactics of governments everywhere, is somehow romantic in its defiance. And again expands the sounds of the record, with what sounds like bag pipes blending perfectly into the throbbing vintage tremolo of the guitars and slowly marching drums.

This record opens up to you as you run through it and keeps offering new avenues. And, whilst I’d put it close to artists like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club for want of a lazy description, it’s absolutely not a pale comparison. Sure there’s 60’s guitars and carny melodies that will forever be owned by forebears, I’m not going to mention those four lads from Liverpool. Despite the nods, there’s enough of The Black Angels in here to not really need the retro reference points.

There’s no obvious single on this record and there shouldn’t be.

There are carefully balanced textures, just the right amount of guitar hooks and meaningful lyrics to make it stand up and that’s where the commitment comes in; it’s well thought-out and deliberate.

If you’re like me and you’re already tired of EVERYTHING… then you’ll hear no new noise here. But you will get a beautifully crafted, fluttering slab of sincere, rich, immersive and meaningful ‘psych’. Better than the pack, for sure.

Scott James Massey
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Nice Guy Release Latest Single ‘Corona’

Nov 20, 2022 — Leave a comment

NICE GUY are the five piece alt/Indie rockers from Teeside consisting of Michael McCluskey on Vocals and Guitar,  Josh Atkinson on Guitar, Chris Pittam on Bass, Matthew Bowen on Drums and Patrick Michael Oliver on Keys.

The band first formed in 2018 and released their first single ‘Fake Leather’ with local Middlesbrough label, Goosed Records. They followed this up with their second hit single ‘Last Orders At The Linthorpe’ in mid 2019 and then, well, the world shut down for reasons we are all too aware of by now!

Fast forward to the summer of 2020, however, and Nice Guy were in the studio recording their next two singles. With new material in their arsenal and public interest in them gathering momentum, the band secured slots on high profile gigs such as the  ‘Songs For Northern Britain’  showcase and alongside Avalanche Party at the famous Westgarth Social Club.

2022 saw Nice Guy launching themselves out of the starting blocks and showing the world that they mean business by releasing three consecutive singles ‘Shame’, ‘Tonight’ and ‘Fast Food’ all to much critical acclaim from the likes of Louder Than War who said “Nice Guy have positioned themselves as powerful bastilions of rightfulness, as well as rolicking riffery”.and NARC magazine who described their music as “expertly crafted vocals sit atop pulsating drums and raw frenetic guitars to create an indie rock anthem that is as refreshing as it is banging”. and NE VOLUME stating “…an example of how great a single can be. Tightly written, a story that unwinds naturally through a catchy beat… it’s everything you could want from a band.”

Following on from such success, and a summer spent gigging up and down the country performing at the likes of Gathering Sounds Festival and supporting names such as The Paddintongs, The Heavy North and Apollo Junction,  Nice Guy are now back with their much anticipated fourth single release of the year, the strikingly entitled ‘Corona’. 

‘Corona’ is undoubtedly a thought provoking track with its clever and measured lyrics set to the beat of ticking drums and gentle guitar strumming. The track is carried along with an air of wistful melancholy until the mid-section where guitar riffs burst into life, giving this track another twist in the tale with a new somewhat fiery determination. ‘Corona’ ebbs and flows along at a pleasurable pace as emotions are played out, building ultimately into a crescendo of high octane musicianship and chanting lyrics of “I can’t get you out of my head Corona”. 

‘Corona’ is a track that showcases a high level of skilled musicianship and maturity for this exciting band and will no doubt continue to cement their upward trajectory of them being one of the best new bands of our time. 

Lead vocalist and songwriter Michael has said of the track:

“The track was written around 10 years ago and is a story about how times change but some people don’t change with them. From the perspective of a man who hasn’t grown up and pines for the days where he drank in the park with his friends and the girl he liked, whilst the world has moved on. He’s now questioning why he is still drinking, when it’s lost the glamour it once held for him.”‘Corona’ was written by Michael McCluskey and was recorded and produced at Sugar House Studios and was mixed by Swift Mastering.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

The Pastimes Release Debut Single ‘Tide’

Nov 17, 2022 — Leave a comment


I first stumbled on The Pastimes when they supported my band Holy Coves at Front Room in Rhyl earlier this year, they came highly recommended from the venue promoter Steve Rastin. From the very first note they blew me away, they are definitely my new favourite band. A band with so much potential with the right support. Young enough to develop their sound, phenomenal live performers and if their first recording ‘Tide’ is anything to go by then they have bags of potential in the studio too. It wont be long until this band graces us with their debut album and the thought of this really excites me.

From melodic shoegaze sounds to a twist of heavy grunge this song captures me instantly. The Pastimes are a band to watch out for. Their fantastic single ‘Tide’ lures you in with its seascape vibes of the rising and falling of the sea, dreamy vocals, dark lyrics and that heavy kick of distortion is when I instantly know I’ve fallen in love.

“I’ll be the one to save you when you’re high
I’ll try
The moon couldn’t even pull your tide”

‘Tide’ was recorded at The Motor Museum Studio in Liverpool, Ben Harper produced and mixed the track, Graeme Lynch at Two Zero Nine mastered the track.
The band have returned to the studio to record their Debut EP.




Scott Marsden
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Black After Dark Is Debut Brilliance

Mar 20, 2022 — Leave a comment

I wasn’t expecting by only the third month of 2022 that we would have so much amazing new Welsh music already released. It’s not that I don’t already know how much talent we have out there in Wales, but to capture brilliance on a record is completely different!!
Swansea based band Bandicoot have just gone and done that and released one of the albums of the year for me. It’s sheer class from beginning to end, it’s easy to raise comparisons to Gorkys & Race Horses (already a huge compliment!) but that would really be a lazy critique of something which ventures so much further than both these bands put together.
For me its got everything, I love how they leave the door open to so many more possibilities and you can’t completely lock them down to a specific genre. There are so many great influences on this record. I can hear psychedelia, pop, alternative rock and a bit of 90’s nostalgia. it has everything, Its a very cleverly thought out record. Moments remind me of old school Radiohead, grooves like Can then melodies of a My Bloody Valentine record run through a song! I love the energy, the drive, the melodies and most importantly I love the vocals and what Rhys Underwood sings about, I believe what he says and at the same time don’t have to take it too serious. He transports me to a head space where I can listen to him clearly, understand him completely and still enjoy listening to the music.
I think its the cross over into alternative which really sets them apart from other bands I’ve listened to over the years. But whatever genre they cross over into I think it’s important to remember that Bandicoot are a band who excite me. Without a doubt this has to be nominated for a Welsh Music Prize.
Along with Buzzard Buzzard Buzzards debut these are the two best records to come out of Wales so far this year!! LETS REMEMBER ITS ONLY MARCH!!! Personally this would be my pick between the two. Really looking forward to watching this band mature over the years and I’m already excited about the follow up record.

Black After Dark is available on all streaming also on vinyl and cd from Libertino Records.
https://www.libertinorecords.com/

Emily Marsden – Editor
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