Glasgow’s own indie rock n rollers Hazy Sundays release their brand new single “Where The Devil Decides” from the upcoming debut EP out on 31st May ‘Give Me Some Dopamine’.
Since forming the band has supported the likes of Reverend and the makers, and played alongside the like of Bez (Happy Mondays) and Chris Helme (The Seahorses). The band have had some mainstream radio attention on recent releases from the likes of John Kennedy at Radio X and also been played on Sirius Xm in LA.
The debut EP showcases the bands high energy, groove infested tunes sure to get future audiences bouncing and singing along in unison. Fans of sing along indie vocals with layers of guitars with lots of riffs and solos, powerful bass melodies and pounding drums will love this EP. The band also showcase their softer side with crowd favourite “Wires” which contain real emotional vocals and subject matter and the band take a more laid back approach to their more usual balls to the wall approach. This EP is only the beginning for Hazy Sundays so catch on now to their first release and follow the band as they go from strength to strength.
‘Where the Devil Decides’ is the new single from the bands new EP and is a riff infused indie floor filler full of groove, swagger and intent. Starting with a distorted low riff the song weaves through a verse grooving along before it hits the chorus which fills a huge sonic space filled with guitars and pulsating bass and drums and a beautiful vocal this is sure to get you moving before it hits a wah soaked solo revealing in the golden days of rock n roll and flying to a crescendo as the band go off into the indie stratosphere this a tune you have to hear.
Following on from her last mesmerising single Murmurations, Olive Grinter releases the quintessentially beautiful ‘Feeling Queer’
‘Feeling Queer’ is the songwriter at her most personal and delicate. In ‘Feeling Queer’ Olive eschews metaphor and naturalistic imagery for an honest admittance of love and comfort to a partner. Olive walks a path, seldom achieved by only the most accomplished songwriters, of appearing vulnerable with total and unfailing sincerity.
‘Feeling Queer’ starts as an admittance of distance from desire, a quiet acceptance tinged with sadness. As the melody repeats, the distance recedes as the lyrics move from imagery to narrative. Olive’s stunning voice strengthens and the sonic landscape widens, as she centres herself and her muse. It is at once deeply personal and universal in the way few love songs achieve. In the song’s conclusion Olive unifies her voices to create a deep and ever undulating harmony; a reflection of the pure union within her lyrics. Once again, ‘Feeling Queer’ draws comparisons to Laura Marling, Snowpoet and Adrienne Lenker.
‘Feeling Queer’ is the final single from her debut album, due in mid 2024, which was recorded alongside producer Sam Barnes (AhGeeBee, Part Time Signals, Boy Azooga).
The Mood, a British Indie Rock DIY, emerged from the streets of Birmingham in 2021, blending the infectious energy of Britpop with the raw dynamism of 2000s Indie Rock and the attitude of British Punk. Comprising lead vocalist/guitarist Daniel Priestley, bassist Nathan Keevil, drummer Max Stanway and guitarist Jaimie Jagger (also the frontman of Jazzcat).
The Mood swiftly became synonymous with their distinctive sound – a seamless fusion of distorted scratchy guitars and euphoric melodies. Influenced by iconic bands like Blur, Arctic Monkeys, The Smiths and The Libertines, The Mood skilfully crafted a sonic tapestry that echoed the spirit of their predecessors while carving out a niche uniquely their own. Their lyrics, often introspective and poetic, captured the essence of everyday life, love, and the tumultuous journey of working-class youth. The band’s rise to prominence was marked by electrifying live performances that left audiences craving more. Their debut single, “Ultimate Indie Disco,” released in 2021, encapsulated the band’s evolution, followed up by much loved “Daisypicker”.
Boozing, Dancing, and a Chance of Romancing is a high-octane anthem that encapsulates the raw energy and intensity of a wild night out. With gritty guitars, pounding drums, and a frenetic bassline, this track ignites a firestorm of adrenaline from the very first note. Listeners are thrust into the pulsating heartbeat of a crowded nightclub, where the air is thick with anticipation and desire. Three friends find themselves entangled in a primal competition, vying for the attention of the same woman. Each verse paints a vivid picture of their relentless pursuit, fuelled by a potent cocktail of alcohol, ego, and lust. Distorted vocals cut through the chaos, delivering lyrics that oscillate between defiance and vulnerability. With a swaggering demeanour, the song recounts the trials and triumphs of the night, embodying the reckless spirit of youth and rebellion. Meanwhile, the band’s frenzied instrumentation builds to a crescendo, mirroring the escalating tension on the dance floor. Despite the fierce rivalry, there’s an underlying sense of camaraderie among the protagonists, bound together by their shared quest for excitement and fulfilment. In the chorus, the band converge in a raucous chant shouting words from the title.
“Boozing, Dancing, and a Chance of Romancing” is more than just a song; it’s a visceral experience that transports listeners to the heart of the action. With its infectious energy and irresistible hooks, this track leaves an indelible impression, inviting audiences to lose themselves in the thrill of the moment, and embrace the chaos of the night.
Irish Hard Rockers, Vendetta Love continue their rise with another stand-alone single that packs a serious punch! Never a band to rest on their laurels, Dublin/Portlaoise, four-piece, Vendetta Love continue raise the with their latest single, ‘Glue’ which gives off Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Frank Carter vibes, and is the debut single featuring bassist Neil McEvoy on vocals.
Commenting on the track, the band says; “This song came from a little chord progression and riff I had written a few years ago that I had always wanted to do more with, eventually expanding into the mix of sections that form the cohesive mess that it is.Lyrically it touches on a couple different themes like mental health/addiction and also some dreams/nightmares I’ve had that stuck in my mind. Both Chris and Shawn have added so much to the character of the song, weaving melodies and attitude in such wonderful ways. Darren plays a blinder on the drums and really pulls the whole song together. We recorded it in Trackmix Studio in Dublin, which is always a pleasure. Working with Michael there is always so comfortable and efficient. Singing lead vocals is a first for me and was honestly nerve-wracking but I couldn’t be happier with how the song turned out, and for anyone missing Shawn’s lovely voice he does make an appearance on vocals so all is not lost. Anyway, Glue, get it in your ears.”
Vendetta Love are a hard hitting, solid force of no bull, hard rock & grunge from Ireland. They combine the anthemic brooding darkness of Seattle grunge, with the danger and excitement of LA’s Sunset Strip.
Having multiple headline shows under their belt as well as coveted support slots alongside Airbourne, Poets of the Fall, and even TikTok sensations Adam & The Metal Hawks they are no strangers to the stage. They’ve released two 5 track EPs in 2021and 2022, respectively with 3 singles in 2023. The band are currently gearing up for jam-packed Summer full of live shows around the UK & Ireland.
Renowned indie-folk singer, songwriter, and producer Josienne Clarke has released her highly anticipated album, Parenthesis, I, via her own label, Corduroy Punk. On Parenthesis, I, Clarke has not only embraced her past but has also redefined herself in the present, presenting a body of work that is both timeless and deeply personal, and her best to date. “This is the sound of my journey to some kind of resolution, seeking and finding a safe path of my own,” she says.
Throughout her career, Josienne Clarke has been both a Rough Trade-signed artist and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winner, two opposing poles that neatly sum up her inability to be pigeonholed. After the success of her 2019 solo record, In All Weather, and the indie-infused A Small Unknowable Thing in 2021, she released the EP I Promised You Light and the covers EEP Now & Then in 2022. In 2023 she released Onliness (songs of solitude and singularity) – a moment of personal reclamation, which saw her re-recording songs from her back catalogue. Now, she stands on the cusp of a new era with Parenthesis, I. Shimmering, warm, intimate, and profoundly heart-wrenching.
The album is a masterful journey through Clarke’s personal and musical evolution. On Parenthesis, I, she draws influence from folk greats Nick Drake and Sandy Denny, as well as more contemporary artists like Julia jacklin, Courtney Marie Andrews, Anaïs Mitchell and Lucy Dacus. “It encompasses all of my musical influences. You can hear flavours and textures from all the records I’ve put out in the last 5 years. After an interval I am presenting myself to the world, reworked, remade, anew” says Clarke, who produces all of her records, and also plays guitar, saxophone, clarinet and recorders throughout.
From the opening chords of ‘Friendly Teeth,’ Clarke invites listeners into a world of unfiltered honesty and emotional vulnerability. The poignant exploration of truth over myth sets the tone for an album that effortlessly weaves together themes of personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
Clarke’s ability to confront challenging subjects with grace and authenticity is a testament to her songwriting prowess. ‘Forbearing’ dives deep into themes of failure, suicide, and miscarriage, ultimately celebrating the transformative power of changing one’s perspective. Between 2020 and 2022, at a time when her music career was significantly changing track, Clarke suffered a series of miscarriages, leaving her feeling suicidal and without a purpose. “I thought I had nothing to show for my existence,” she says. “Being at your lowest, where you can’t withstand your situation any longer, is a place from which you either give up or you fundamentally change the way you think about yourself, life and the space you afford yourself in it,” she continues.
The confessional ballad ‘Most Of All’ condenses Josienne Clarke’s life story into five verses. “It is a licking of wounds and counting of blessings, taking stock and setting straight in my head,” she says. “It’s one of those songs where I’m a bit exposed and I almost can’t bring myself to share it. Several times I nearly took it off the tracklist, but experience has taught me, those ones end up being among my audience’s favourite songs,” she goes on. The version that made it onto the final tracklist is the original demo Clarke recorded, just her voice and guitar, lo-fi and honest.
Throughout the darkness shine many moments of resilience. “Bring me a double edged sword, and I’ll show you an iron will” sings Clarke on the soaring ‘Double Edged Sword’. “Sometimes your continued existence is enough, the bold move, an act of resistance. Going through something difficult and coming out the other side is an achievement in itself. Holding your ground or a boundary is not aggression, refusing to surrender is not the same as fighting,” she notes. “I was going for the sound of The Stone Roses ‘Waterfall’ meets Taylor Swift’s ‘Anti-Hero’ played by a folky singer-songwriter!,” she adds with a laugh.
Another stand out moment is ‘Fear of Falling’, a modern Americana number that captures the struggle of leaving the past behind and embracing a brighter future. “This song contains imagery from the beautiful place I now live, the Isle of Bute in Scotland. I walk along the harbour everyday and take in the sea air, it’s great for the soul and artistically inspiring. I take a deep breath of it and remind myself to leave the past where it belongs,” explains Clarke.
As Clarke aptly states, “The songs and their themes are immensely personal to me, but more importantly, these themes may be relatable to others.” With lives characterised by complexity, nuanced feelings, and the slow, arduous process of growth, Parenthesis, I encapsulates Clarke’s journey to resolution, seeking and finding a safe path of her own.
Focus Wales is an exciting event at the heart of Wrexham that has been going for over a decade now. It’s a great event for discovering new bands and a fantastic opportunity for anyone in the music industry to network. With three days of acts from around the world there is something for everyone.
We had scheduled so many exciting acts to see that over the course of the weekend we must have walked a thousand miles! The first act that stood out to us was The Silver Lines at a fantastic venue called Hope Street Church. The band is genre defying with songwriting that covers all matter of taboo topics. We were totally blown away by them. Their fantastic new single ‘Cocaine’ is out now.
An act that has resonated with me all week since the festival is the wonderful Charm Of Finches, an Australian sister duo who performed within the stunning St. Giles Church, the setting was just perfect for their ethereal and enchanting performance. A song that really captured me was ‘Clean Cut’.
Megan Wyn rocked it out at The Rockin’ Chair. Megan is an Anglesey born artist who is destined to go far, for such a young age she has already accomplished so much as a musician. She gave an excellent performance, reminiscent of Debbie Harry from Blondie or even the likes of PJ Harvey.
The Garrys are a sibling quartet from Canada consisting of three sisters and their brother who make surf music dripping with nostalgia that could be straight out of a Quentin Tarantino movie soundtrack. They gave a fun and groovy performance at The Parish.
The Royston Club played the main stage Llwyn Isaf, they played a blistering set to a passionate Wrexham crowd who totally soaked them up. With immense vocals they delivered great song lyrics perfect for anthem singalongs, you could feel the crowds love for the band. What another great moment for these talented home town boys.
North Wales band Holy Coves played an electrifying set to an eager crowd at Hope Street Church, the venue was packed out with people listening in off the street. They opened with the vibrant Away We Go and closed with the darkly devastating Droner, they had the crowd in the palm of their hands. If they return to Focus Wales 2025 they will most certainly need a bigger venue.
Adwaith who are a Welsh band to the core played a stomping set at The Rockin’ Chair, the highlight was hearing their latest single MWY, a track that is made to be played live.
Sister Envy are a North Wales band signed to Snowdonia Records (along with Holy Coves). They played their debut at Focus Wales in the Wynnstay Arms and blew the crowd away. The very same day they released their second single ‘Tide’. This is a band that will go far with their exceptional talents.
Spiritualized, a prolific songwriter and musician of Space Rock delivered a beautiful set. It was great for the long time fans but maybe could of done with some of their more popular songs, they were still on fire and delivered a fantastic performance.
That was to name a few, there were many more I would of liked to have seen, for example, Mr. Phormula, Hazmat, Gallops, CVC, Chalk, the list goes on, it was impossible to be everywhere at once but it demonstrates the great variety of talent showcased at Focus Wales. The weekend was packed with astonishing performances from so many accomplished artists. I’m eager to see what Focus Wales 2025 brings us!
Super early bird tickets are now available for Focus Wales 2025 via the link below!
Mansfield’s new album ‘For All the Right Reasons’ is out now along with the lead single ‘Let’s Stop Pretending’.
The new album from the Danish rock band hits you right in the heart and ‘For All the Right Reasons’! It reveals new depths of the band’s musical direction, solidifying their presence in the international indie scene.
On 17th May they will release their second album ‘For All the Right Reasons’, following their critically acclaimed 2020 debut album ‘Star-Crossed Lovers’. Since their debut, Mansfield have been making waves across Denmark, England and Germany, sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Atomic Swing, The Peawees, All The Young and Marseille.
The band’s distinct sound, influenced by British indie rock tradition, has gained attention from radio stations worldwide and with their new album, Mansfield Invite listeners on a sonic journey, blending catchy hooks with poignant lyrics.
‘For All the Right Reasons’, sees the band take new musical steps and unleash their creativity. The album demonstrates a new experimental approach to sound and musical arrangements, as shown on the singles ‘Someone Else’ and ‘Dreams of Desire’ both of which were released earlier this year. Orchestral strings, mellotrons, acoustic and electric guitar weave an invigorating atmosphere in which the melodies unfold.
Lead singer and songwriter Christian Stage reflects,
“With this album, we wanted to take the songwriting and the production to another level by adding a more personal and contemporary touch.We asked Danish producer Morten Bue to work with us on account of his experience and expertise. We knew his work with artists such as Mew, Iceage and Tindersticks, but also his collaborations with producers like Flood (U2, Depeche Mode) and Tore Johansson (The Cardigans, Franz Ferdinand). He was the right person for the job”
The result is an energetic rock‘n’roll album sounding both gritty and pop infused. With heartfelt vocals, anthemic choruses, distorted guitars and a groovy rhythm section. With this album, Mansfield have effortlessly created their own unique musical expression displaying a high level of songwriting. As the album title indicates, the main motivation for the band to return to the recording studio was the camaraderie, the passion for the music and the interaction with the audience.
Lead guitarist Mathias Havelund elaborates,
“This album feels different from the first one. We have spent more time on the recording process, but we have also learnt from experience and poured that energy into the songs. Christian’s lyrics are now more introspective and reflective. This calls for musical arrangements conveying these thoughts and emotions.”
On the lead track ‘Let’s Stop Pretending’, Mansfield turns an upbeat rock anthem into a tongue-in-cheek remark on self-indulgence and the fear of losing face. In the music video, producer Stinna Skrivergaardhas captured the song lyrics in a humorous portrayal with the band members playing various characters that face different obstacles. Upon the release of ‘For All the Right Reasons’, Mansfield will do live shows in Denmark and the UK in May. Joining bands like Marseille and Caper Clowns, performing in Manchester, Liverpool, Derby and Hull and they support All The Young in London.
‘For All the Right Reasons’ was recorded at Black Tornado Studio in Copenhagen with producer Morten Bue overseeing production, mixing and mastering. The album will hit both the digital and vinyl markets via record label DME.
Mansfield are Mathias Havelund (lead guitar,vocals), Filip Gulløv (drums,vocals), Mathias Wedeken (bass) and Christian Stage (lead vocals,guitar).
Marseille are consistently upping their game, reaching goal after goal with their blistering sounds and are now releasing the follow up to their huge hit “Monkey In The Middle” with ‘SHE CAN FLY’
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.
Formed in 2021, the band have wasted no time in getting down to business showcasing an impressive momentum in releasing an envious array of hit singles to date to include the 2022 releases of ‘Forget It All’ ‘Might As Well Be Mine’ and ‘The Jungle’ including the Vega Rally Remix of the track and the b-side of ‘The Universe Is Yours’ and the 2023 releases of ‘Only Just Begun’ ‘Thinker’, ‘This Dream Of Mine’ and ‘Devil’s Gonna Get You’ and their first release of 2024, the epic, psychedelic anthem of ‘Monkey In The Middle’– all of which were received to much critical acclaim and support from the likes of Soccer AM, BBC Radio introducing, Steve La Macq on BBC Radio 6, John Kennedy on Radio X, Rodney Bingenheimer on Sirius XM Radio in Americaandonline praise fromindustry legends and peers such as Rick Witter from Shed Seven and Aziz Ibrahim from The Stone Roses,plus extensive reviews and features in the music press.
These releases have served to showcase this band as well and truly being ones to watch which has been further cemented with their extensive touring schedule and live performances to include both Y-Not and the Isle Of Wight Festivals.
Marseille started 2024 by being named as one of This Feeling’s “Big in 2024” actsand 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.
Upcoming Tour Dates :
18th May – The Font, Brighton (The Great Escape Fringe) 25th May – The Adelphi, Hull 26th May – The Cavern Club, Liverpool 1st June – 33 Oldham Street, Manchester 16th June – The Brickmakers, Norwich 21st June – Isle Of Wight Festival 14th July – Ripley Music Festival 3rd August – YNOT Festival 9th August – Deva Fest 31st August – Spiders Web, Grimsby
MARSEILLE HEADLINE UK TOUR DATES
12th September – The Deaf Institute, Manchester 13th September – Record Junkee, Sheffield 14th September – The Grayston Unity, Halifax 15th September – Think Tank, Newcastle 17th September – The Garage (Attic), Glasgow 19th September – The Joiners, Southampton 20th September – Komedia Studio, Brighton 27th September – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham 28th September – The Victoria, London 2nd October – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
Indie Revolutions Single Of The Week is the transcendent ‘Tide’ by Sister Envy.
Following on from their warmly received debut single ‘Mourning Sickness’ North Wales band Sister Envy grace us with yet another captivating single, the extraordinary ‘Tide’.
‘Tide’ lures you in with soothing guitar tones and cinematic psychedelia, it grows from enveloping heart on the sleeve melodies, decorated in a carousel of psych tinged guitars into a sprawling epic anthem.
‘I’ll be the one to save you’ promises Joliffe in a track that’s woozy, romantic, mysterious yet with a sting in the tail. Gradually swelling into a fuzz laden chorus that has elements of the shoegaze anthems of Ride. Verve or the grungy gaze of early Smashing Pumpkins. It’s another fascinating glimpse of Sister’s Envy’s sonic arsenal and world of intrigue and ambition that looks at the horizon beyond their North Walian homes.
Vocalist and guitarist, Kameron Jolliffe says: “Tide is the first song we recorded together as a band, I wrote it whilst severely hungover one sunny afternoon, it was one of those days where the moon was visible.. I wrote it about someone I used to see, a toxic relationship that still pulls you in just to inevitably throw you back.”
Sister Envy hail from the North Wales coast, a place of mystery, harshness, and beauty, a place where opportunity is blocked for younger people yet dreams can break through. It’s here that Sister Envy met at college. This fast-emerging Alternative Psychedelic rock quartet are a brand new signing to North Wales label Yr Wyddfa Records Snowdonia (home to Holy Coves).
Sister Envy are Kameron Jolliffe (Vocals and Lead Guitar), Matty Waring (Guitar), Callum Jones (Bass) and Ryan Roberts (Drums). The band are a new signing to North Wales label Yr Wyddfa Records Snowdonia.
They have crafted their sound in the studio with Welsh producers Owain Ginsberg (Hippies Vs. Ghosts) and Scott Marsden (Holy Coves).
The lunar single ‘Tide’ is out now on all streaming platforms.
Following on from their warmly received debut single ‘Mourning Sickness’ North Wales band Sister Envy grace us with yet another captivating single, the extraordinary ‘Tide’.
‘Tide’ lures you in with soothing guitar tones and cinematic psychedelia, it grows from enveloping heart on the sleeve melodies, decorated in a carousel of psych tinged guitars into a sprawling epic anthem.
‘I’ll be the one to save you’ promises Joliffe in a track that’s woozy, romantic, mysterious yet with a sting in the tail. Gradually swelling into a fuzz laden chorus that has elements of the shoegaze anthems of Ride. Verve or the grungy gaze of early Smashing Pumpkins. It’s another fascinating glimpse of Sister’s Envy’s sonic arsenal and world of intrigue and ambition that looks at the horizon beyond their North Walian homes.
Vocalist and guitarist, Kameron Jolliffe says: “Tide is the first song we recorded together as a band, I wrote it whilst severely hungover one sunny afternoon, it was one of those days where the moon was visible.. I wrote it about someone I used to see, a toxic relationship that still pulls you in just to inevitably throw you back.”
Sister Envy hail from the North Wales coast, a place of mystery, harshness, and beauty, a place where opportunity is blocked for younger people yet dreams can break through. It’s here that Sister Envy met at college. This fast-emerging Alternative Psychedelic rock quartet are a brand new signing to North Wales label Yr Wyddfa Records Snowdonia (home to Holy Coves).
Sister Envy are Kameron Jolliffe (Vocals and Lead Guitar), Matty Waring (Guitar), Callum Jones (Bass) and Ryan Roberts (Drums). The band are a new signing to North Wales label Yr Wyddfa Records Snowdonia.
They have crafted their sound in the studio with Welsh producers Owain Ginsberg (Hippies Vs. Ghosts) and Scott Marsden (Holy Coves).
The lunar single ‘Tide’ is out now on all streaming platforms.
Indie Revolution 