Small Black Arrows Release New Album ‘The British Museum’

Jun 5, 2024 — Leave a comment

SMALL BLACK ARROWS release debut album The British Museum on all digital platforms, vinyl and CD. This is preceded by digital single Voices In The Static. Their previous two singles The British Museum and Trojan Horse have received huge praise from Adam Walton on BBC Radio Wales and in the Press from Louder Than War, The other Side Reviews, Its All Indie and more.

The tracks reached#12 and #19 in the iTunes alternative chart respectively. The Debut Album contains eight songs and six ‘exhibits’, the fourteen tracks together form the multi-layered concept of The British Museum. The ‘exhibits’ feature actors Ella Peel (Gangs of London, Ordinary Lies), Wim Snape (The Full Monty, Breeders) and Dean Smith (Last Tango In Halifax, Snatch).

The album is an immersive masterpiece that takes you on an urgent joyride through modern Britain. Hauntingly melodic and politically prescient, Small Black Arrows capture a cautionary examination of love, mental illness, manipulation, and morality, through one ‘App’s’ perspective of the impending AI revolution. In a society where lies and misinformation are being used to shift power into the hands of an ever decreasing few, The British Museum becomes an allegory for the tactics used to forge a wealth and power disparity during the British Empire.

‘With all of the statues and history books you would have assumed we would have learned when we were following a dangerously well-trodden path.’ Says frontman Luke, tongue firmly in cheek, before more seriously stating: ‘The worry is now there is even less accountability with this handful of digital Machiavelli.’ Never intending to create a concept album, Small Black Arrows had considered if their eclectic composition style could even fit into one cohesive body of work. As multi-instrumentalist Jimmy suggests, ‘we don’t labour too much on what the SBA sound is, we save that for the studio. But when it comes to the writing it’s not really in our nature to curate-pun intended-what inspires us.’

Yet, the endeavour of turning a concern into a strength became an irresistible creative challenge for the duo.‘ When it comes to putting an album out and asking people to use their hard-earned money to buy it, we wanted to make sure we created something that was really worth it.’ And so was forged The British Museum, an album that is more than just a collection of songs. It’s a rollercoaster you’ll want to…nay, need to, ride again and again. Each time it will hack your brain and rewire your senses as you appreciate something new and wonderful layered into the sonic tapestry used to construct it.

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

Caitlin Lavagna Releases New Single ‘Gold’

Jun 5, 2024 — Leave a comment

Born in the Rhondda with strong Gibraltarian roots, Caitlin has developed a passion for percussion. With a
strong, rich vocal and a knack for instant pop hooks, Caitlin blends honest songwriting with an exciting rhythmic core.

Whether sharing the bill with other up-and-coming artists, supporting well-established bands, or headlining her show, Caitlin Lavagna will always bring the fiesta so people can let loose and shake their frames!

Caitlin cites her influences from a wide range of Indie rock/pop and reggae artists beginning with bands like Sting and Fleetwood Mac up to Florence, Pink and Adele. Strong female vocals and rhythm massively influence her!

Since ‘Run A Mile’ was released in 2023, Caitlin has performed in this years Rock and Roll Panto at Theatr Clwyd in North Wales, been invited to sing on Radio Gibraltar and nominated for Best Female Artist at the Radio Wigwam Awards in London. She has also recently performed in Turning The Wheel – A New Musical by Kieran Bailey and has began rehearsals for Operation Julie (The UK Tour) which starts in April! A prog rock psychedelic musical based on the biggest LSD drugs raid in British History and set in 1970’s.

Gold is out now across all streaming platforms!

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

Crook On The Wall Release New Single ‘These Cracked Streets’

Jun 3, 2024 — Leave a comment

The new, young, and exciting “Crook On The Wall” have released their latest single following on from their most recent show at Manchester Rebellion. The band have already made a name for themselves around Manchester with multiple gigs as Manchester Academy as well as National Radio play for their first single “Imperial Mind” on Radio X.

The band are at the forefront of new emerging artists in the UK, currently self-managed and backed, they have shown all the potential necessary to go right to the very top. With a unique flair energy surrounding the band, it is only to be said that they are one to be kept close on your radar over the upcoming years.
“These Cracked Streets” immediately catches your attention with the fast, intricate drums, heavy energetic guitar and bass, to then be followed by the song’s anthemic guitar riff which flows throughout the song.

The song focuses its meaning on growing up around the streets of Manchester, with emphasis towards the movement of “living in the now,” hence the lyrics “Let them decide how they should rule the world” in the chorus. This song highlights the band’s nature as currently underground artists who sing about what they know that can only be found from building from the roots upward.

With much more material the band is planning to release, “These Cracked Streets” shows a much more raw and authentic side towards the band, as well as the skills they have acquired of such an early age in maintaining their unique sound whilst moving between styles of music.

Set to play “Venture Fest” on July 27th, the band are excited to announce some upcoming gigs as well as much more with their high aspirations and vision. With members ranging from ages 17-15, “Crook On The Wall” are a band are only at the beginning at an incredible journey that lays ahead of them.

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

Megan Wyn Releases New Single ‘Waiting For A Reason’

Jun 3, 2024 — Leave a comment

Megan Wyn has spent the last 12 months building an army of new fans from across the UK, and it all started by arming herself with an inventory of songs well beyond her years.

Earlier cuts, ‘You Don’t Get It’, ‘Familiar Faces’ and ‘Are You Bored Yet?’, made a long-lasting impression on new music scenesters writ-large. With her self-deprecating lyricism, which can be on the nose at times, Megan has developed a wall of sound that can only really be compared to her Welsh elders Manic Street Preachers and Catfish and The Bottlemen.

Already in the last year the young star to be has packed out rooms on the metropolitan festival circuit at places such as Twisterella, Beyond the Music, Stockton Calling, Liverpool Sound City and Focus Wales. She has also sold out shows in her new home of Manchester, as well as Liverpool and London.

Elsewhere, Megan has supported indie heroes past and present in Swim Deep, Little Comets, Sundara Karma, Andrew Cushin, The K’s and others at sold out shows across the UK

There is something authentic building with Megan, the fruits of her labour after years of playing the circuit from the early age of 16 are starting to rear their heads and as her sound is blooming, it is no surprise that her fanbase is too.

At radio, Megan has already had playlist support from Radio X alongside a live session with John Kennedy. Amazing Radio also added previous single, ‘Familiar Faces’ to their A-List which saw the track get to a top 20 placement on their chart. She also did a live session with BBC introducing Manchester, whilst gaining repeat support at BBC Radio London and BBC Radio Merseyside including a live session for the latter.

Wyn was also Huw Stephens‘ Artist of The Week on BBC Radio Wales and added to the station’s playlist. Wyn also had support at Spotify UK with placement on tastemaker playlists such as Proper Belters & Fresh Finds UK & IE.

On the brand new single, the Welsh artist shows that age really is just a number and talent is something that is unimpeded by that number. The track swells in the introduction prior to exploding into life and feeding first time listeners with the ultimate payoff of raw, undeniable talent. Rare that an artist is effortlessly cool whilst calling upon pop sensibilities relentlessly. Wistful but assured in equal measure, it sounds exactly like a teenager figuring themselves out.

Speaking about the song, Megan said: “This song focuses on looking at my own flaws in navigating a relationship and the feelings of naivety, guilt, and loneliness that come with it. It focuses on the polarities of behaviour that we encounter when coping with suffering, and that we always want what is bad for us.”

As the year progresses, Megan is booked for more and more shows, and this summer will be her busiest yet with slots at key festivals such as Kendal Calling, Y Not Festival and Liverpool Sound City in the calendar already. She will also be setting off to Sweden to play her first international show to boot.

2024 promises to be a truly stellar year for Wyn with a headline tour + debut EP to follow later this year, the world truly is the young starlet’s oyster.

‘Waiting For A Reason’, was written with and produced by Alex Quinn (The Royston Club, Lottery Winners, Overpass) over the course of an extensive period of writing in Summer 2022.

Previous years saw Megan play The Great Escape, Truck Festival, Y Not and Isle Of Wight Festival. And she completed her debut headline tour earlier in the year.

An old head on young shoulders, Megan rightly feels that she has reached her starting point. With live experiences already in the bag, it was just a matter of honing her sound and landing on something that was truly representative of herself.

It’s also true that moving from her native Anglesey just off the Welsh coast, to her now home of Manchester at the age of 16, would have helped Megan develop not only as a musician but most importantly as a woman.

Megan grew up wanting exactly what she has now, the ability to put pen to paper and have songs fall out of her, to play shows to packed out venues in Manchester, as well as, elsewhere.

—
Catch Megan Live:
07.07 – Cheshire – Britfest
19.07 – Deadwax – Birmingham (What’s Happening Weekender)
20.07 – Glastonbury – Godney Gathering
27.07 – Preston- Rock AM River Festival
02.08 – Derby – Y Not? Festival
04.08 – Kendal Calling
30.08 — Llandudno – Pine Festival
06/07.09 – Bridlington Spa – By The Sea
20.09 – Manchester – Deaf Institute
23.09.2024 – Newcastle – Three Tanners Bank
24.09.2024 – Sheffield – Sidney & Matilda
25.09.2024 – Birmingham – Dead Wax
26.09.2024 – London – The Grace

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

Dennis Del Kennedy Releases New Single ‘Monsters In The Dark’

Jun 1, 2024 — Leave a comment

Dennis Del Kennedy A.K.A ‘DELBHOY KENNEDY’ is native to the popular port district of Leith, Northern Edinburgh, Del has nurtured a path fitting of his musical roots. Lead singer of well-known Edinburgh Street buskers ‘The Kennedy project’ ‘Delbhoy’ consistently performs in-front of over 2/3000 people a week and has amounted over five million views on various YouTube/Twitch and social media platforms.

Having formed a tight bond with fellow ‘Leither’ and Hollywood looking heart throb Callum Beattie, the two have subsequently become patrons to the ‘Steps to Hope’ Charity which has helped in some part to selling over 3000 tickets for ‘Callum’s’ Glasgow Barrowlands show in September of last year, for which ‘Delbhoy’ was main support.

2023 was a groundbreaking year for ‘Delbhoy’ who also collaborated with Sheffield’s number one son & respected cultural commentator ‘Jon McClure’ (Reverend and the makers) of ‘Delbhoy’ Jon Said “You’re an absolute gentlemen & success is coming your way” … a sentiment echoed by many of Del’s loyal fans & big words from a man twenty years in the game with ten albums under his belt.

‘Delbhoy’ has strong links outside his home country, being managed by and working with social giants ChoiceDNA & Modern English who collectively stage tours & run social media campaigns with monster acts, ranging from The Wu Tang Clan to The Rolling Stones.

This year ‘Delbhoy’ releases his debut solo EP which will be produced by sort after troubadour producer and fellow Scots man ‘Johnny Madden’ – The EP will showcase the dexterity to Del’s writing capabilities having worked with & alongside The Views respected frontman and accepted hell raiser ‘Kyle Falconer’. At the now famed & infamous Spanish recording studios ‘La Sierra Casa’.

With upcoming summer shows & festival dates locked in supporting Aziz Ibrahim of Stone Roses & Simply Red fame, we turn our campaign & attention to Del’s latest single release ‘Monsters In The Dark’.

‘Monsters In The Dark’ is 3 ½ minutes of skillfully honed and beautifully mastered musicianship. Effortlessly blending together soft, gentle strumming guitars with harmonious lyricism that sweeps and swirls along carrying the listener to the chorus hooks on the crest of a wave where the tempo builds and crashes in a striking tapestry of sound with some epic guitar solos adding to the overall sound making this track so much more than a standard soft ballard.

Del is a capable raconteur having hosted many events including ‘Scottish Premier League’ and his caustic wit and cheeky smile is ever abundant and clear throughout his music.

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

Skanger Release New Single ‘Debris’

Jun 1, 2024 — Leave a comment

SKANGER are an electro / alt indie band hailing from Dublin in Ireland, consisting of Mark Healy on Vocals and Guitar, Terry Hackett on Drums and Ingmar Kiang on Bass Guitar.

The trio released their second single ‘Talk To Yourself’ In October 2023 to much critical acclaim from the likes of Babystep Magazine, Hot Press, The Last Mixed Tape and The SongbirdHQ.com.

“Skanger’s musical prowess takes centre stage in “Talk To Yourself.” With an upbeat sound, melodic guitar riffs, and a steady drum beat, the track masterfully weaves together a sonic tapestry that demands attention. The band’s unique blend of electro and alt-indie elements creates a captivating listening experience.” – Babystep Magazine

“Dublin-based band Skanger have released their second single from their upcoming album Love and Violence, and it’s a sonic left turn from the down-tempo of their previous release ‘Dim The Lights’. In contrast, they show their musical versatility with a track that is upbeat and dance-based, with airy guitar riffs and a sound influenced by the Manchester music scene of the 80s and 90s.” – HOT PRESS

“Skanger’s ‘Talk To Yourself’ casts itself across a widescreen indie-rock scope as the band open and close the focus from intimate verses to big choruses”. – THE LAST MIXED TAPE

“The latest single release of ‘Talk to Yourself’ is a track that really showcases the band musically. It’s an upbeat sound coupled with melodic guitar riffs and a steady drum beat mixed with meaningful lyricism. The track really draws you in and asks you to pay attention and listen”. – The Songbird HQ.com

Skanger have amassed a large and loyal following in their native Ireland having received praise, features and repeated plays from the likes of HotPress, Rte magazine and Radio 1, Dublin City FM, The Irish Times, and TG 4 television to name but a few.

The latest single release of ‘DEBRIS’ is just under 4 minutes of 80’s nostalgia filled retro synth beats and meaningful lyricism with rousing crashing cymbals and positive mic drop deliverance in the chorus hook lines. Dealing with issues of a serious nature, the track is wrapped up in a stunning melodic back harmony making for a very satisfying listening experience.

Regarding what the band had to say of the new single, well they took the somewhat unusual decision to let AI appraise the song based on its analysis of the lyrics – and this is what the algorithm had to say…

‘Based on the lyrics provided, the song Debris explores themes of questioning, introspection, and conflict, with a tone that transitions from sadness to frustration. The lyrics delve into the complexities of dealing with one’s own actions and grappling with the consequences (‘how will you square what you have done’), particularly in the context of violence and conflict (‘bullets and bombs’).

‘The repeated refrain of ‘Explain to me’ highlights a desire for clarity and understanding amidst confusion and chaos.’

‘DEBRIS’ was recorded in Dublin by the band and produced by Ingmar Kiang who has previously worked with the likes of U2, Bob Marley, Tom Tom Club and many more.

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

Mine Road Release New Single ‘Snowplough’

May 30, 2024 — Leave a comment

Irish Hard Rockers, Mine Road have emerged with their first single, ‘Snowplough’, taken from their forthcoming debut album, ‘Tomorrow’s Sky’, out July 4th.

Bursting with high-energy, and powerhouse hard-rock anthems, Mine Road certainly know how to pen songs that were made to be played in arenas! Their new single, ‘Snowplough’ is testament to this as the song builds to a crescendo of colourful melodies that surge with undeniable power and presence.

Speaking of the new single, the band says; “This essence of the song is about loss. The feeling of being covered by a blanket of snow, with the negative aspect in life being the snow itself. We wanted to write a song to combat those negative emotions and try to get a positive take on the negative things in life, all the while finding strength to plough through to the other side.”

The band is made up of brothers Stuart Cash (guitar) and Steve Cash (drums), vocalist Ken Carthy, and guitarist Dave Flood.

The band released Satellite, a 4 track EP in 2012, followed by a hiatus as Stuart moved to Sydney, Australia soon after its release. Songwriting tentatively began again as the two brothers began to trade ideas between continents, Stuart living in Sydney with Steve basing himself in New York. A return to Dublin in 2019 for the brothers opened the possibility of a Mine Road revival as Carthy and Flood all returned to the fold.

After completing the writing process for their first full length album, the band decided to tour Ireland after Covid had shut down live performances for the previous two years. With a successful run of shows nationally under their belt, the band knuckled down to the task of recording debut album ‘Tomorrow’s Sky’ and it’s been well worth the wait!

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

Subterrania Release New Single ‘Knows Me To Well’

May 30, 2024 — Leave a comment

Subterrania are consistently upping their game, proving to fans and industry peers alike that they are a band who have the potential to go all the way to the top. This notion is further cemented with the release of their newest single – ‘Knows Me Too Well’

Subterrania are a 4 piece indie rock band hailing from Swansea in South Wales. Fronted by Dylan Cai, and including Fin Roach on guitar, Jamie Tooze on bass and Luis Hancock on drums. Collectively, they have stormed their way across the new music scene in 2023 with their electric riffs and relatable tales set to super catchy, infectious melodies.

To date the band have had two previous releases being ‘Shine’ and ‘Benidorm’ both of which were received to much critical acclaim and praise across the globe achieving them streaming figures in the region of 12k and 15k respectively on Spotify alone since their releases in July and September 2023.

Subterrania are now back with their first release of 2024 with the hat trick of singles in ‘Knows Me Too Well’.

‘Knows Me Too Well’ is just over 4 ½ minutes of blistering guitar solos and frenzied drumming with mighty Madchester inspired lyricism that manages to feel entirely fresh but with a nostalgic nod to that great era in music.

The track bobs and weaves along at a decidedly rousing fast pace, pausing briefly here and there only to allow the effect of the vocals to take their rightful place centre stage.

The chanting chorus hook lines in the mid-section are simply made for festival mosh pits and we can see this track going down an absolute storm with revellers this summer season.

The band have said of the track:

“‘Writing Knows Me Too Well’ in collaboration with the rest of the band, came from a shared sentiment all of us in Subterrania have experienced at some stage. We wanted the track to resonate with the challenges encountered by so many performers, and to reflect on moments where our openness and trust in and outside of the music scene could have been abused.

The track is like a reminder of how our relationships with friends, family, and ourselves are constantly under a magnifying glass with our hands often being the ones to hold it. It’s a reflection of the myriad challenges humans face on a daily basis and shines an unpolished light on self doubt, anxiety and uncertainty for the future; where making a muse even out of the bad stuff is the smartest way forward. “

Previous Accolades

“Swansea four-piece announce themselves as potential rock ‘n’ roll big hitters on this epic swirling anthem. For fans of Oasis, The Seahorses, Hurricane # 1, Vida, Pastel, Rolla” – Gigslutz for This Feeling (on Shine)

“Hailing from South Wales, Subterrania have established themselves as one of the most exciting bands around. Shine is an effortless anthem, that most bands long to write, full of swagger and soaring stadium ready guitar solos, Subterrania are a band set to be on everyone’s lips – This Is The Music

“Frontman Cai has an innate ability to inject melody into his inflections which lifts them above the ‘Definitely Maybe’ wannabees of this generation. Hancock’s ferocious drumming allows an urgency to build despite the deceptively slow tempo of a ‘Columbia’ or ‘Step Into My World’. – Travellers Tunes

‘Knows Me Too Well’ was written and composed collectively by the band and was Recorded, Mixed and Produced at The Bunkhouse Live Music Venue and at Luis Hancock’s Music Room.

Upcoming Gigs/Tours

15th June – The Bunkhouse Swansea – Headline Show with This Feeling

20 – 23rd June – Festival TBA

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

Indie Revolution Single Of The Week – Marseille ‘She Can Fly’

May 24, 2024 — Leave a comment

Indie Revolutions Single Of The Week is Derbyshire band Marseille with their brilliantly nostalgic single ‘She Can Fly’.

Marseille are consistently upping their game, reaching goal after goal with their blistering sounds.

Marseille are the Derbyshire based five piece band consisting of Will Brown on Vocals/Rhythm Guitar, Joe Labram on Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals, Lennon Hall on Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals, Will Sabey on Bass and Tom Spray on Drums/Percussion.

Marseille started 2024 by being named as one of This Feeling’s “Big in 2024” acts and performing as part of their showcase in Manchester.

Marseille shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon with gigs, festivals slots and tours already booked in for them throughout the year and with plans to release their ‘Godiva’ EP; 2024 is without doubt, going to be the year of Marseille.

The second single to be lifted from the upcoming EP is the harmonious and melodic ‘She Can Fly’. A certain love song that starts off slow and measured with gentle strumming guitars and a sense of soft romanticism that quickly gives way to the building of crashing drum rhythms and loud distorted guitars before ebbing away once more to allow the genteel nature of the delicate vocals to come into play, before the track takes a turn once more building into a euphoric crescendo with contrasting melodies and mesmerising guitar solos.

Singer and songwriter Will Brown had this to say about the track:

“She Can Fly was bizarrely written so effortlessly for a song that’s so euphoric. It’s just that chorus that came to me when singing over some inversions on my guitar and the rest really wrote itself. A song about being visited by a girl with similar qualities to that of an angel, now that’s a topic for a song! Especially for an EP titled GODIVA.”

The ‘Godiva’ EP from the band is due for release later this year.

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

Dea Matrona Release New Album ‘For Your Sins’

May 24, 2024 — Leave a comment

Dea Matrona have always been an exciting proposition. A duo that pushes boundaries of genres in an authentic yet nostalgic way, their debut album ‘For Your Sins’ bestows a passion project like no other. An album that bridges together an intoxicating blend of indie pop and rock with superb sophistication, influences from Fleetwood Mac, HAIM, The White Stripes and Arctic Monkeys drench through. From the thumping and prowling “So Damn Dangerous” to the whimsical pop wonder “Every Night I Want You”, the low strums of “Black Rain” to the country swing of “Won’t Feel Like This Forever”, it delivers a slice of everything. The album is a completely self-made labour of love, with the band writing, recording and producing the album themselves.

Easily a Dea Matrona classic for long-time fans but the perfect introduction for newcomers, it is set to draw one and all into Dea Matrona’s infectious aura.

Dea Matrona comprises two school friends, Mollie McGinn and Orlaith Forsythe, who grew up busking to their favourite rock ‘n’ roll anthems on the streets of Belfast. Covering the likes of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Homeward Bound”, they have reached an online community of 500,000 followers and racked up over 8 million views on YouTube. With their hard hitting riffs and musical intensity they have established a rare, sensational sound – gritty and real but loaded with melody and style. The band have garnered some incredible support so far from the likes of The Telegraph, Kerrang!, Classic Rock, Clash, The New Cue, The Independent, MusicRadar and more.

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