The Now Set To Release Debut Album ‘Too Hot To Handle’

Jan 30, 2024 — Leave a comment

Vibrant and attention grabbing rockers The Now are proud to announce their much awaited and highly dynamic debut album ‘Too Hot To Handle’ for release March 1 on CD/vinyl and all digital platforms via Trew Music, pre-order/pre-save HERE.

“We’ve been really inspired by some of the brave stories told by people who have suffered from mental health.” Opening up the charismatic and engaging frontman Shane Callaghan says of the theme of the title track, “We all read some remarkable stories during men’s mental health week and still continue to read about the stresses that people can come under and we thought there’d be nothing better than writing a song about it and pulling in a collection of our experiences and stories in life so far across our debut.”

The album title track opens and is swiftly followed by balls to the wall ‘Devil Inside Me’…with this hard hitting one-two they map out their clear intent to entertain, inspire and incite powerful emotions from the off. Highlighting the sonic breadth of the bands sound, the sweeping ballad ‘Live And Die’ and the epic ‘Time Is Over’ are juxtaposed by the swirling ‘Girl You Got Me’ and the defiant anthem ‘Get Out’ which reflects upon some of the nefarious characters that can be met along the way. “It’s a safe bet to say that we have something for everyone and we’ve all been through difficult times in our lives – from emotional break ups, to the ever changing transitions we face and obviously the challenges of losing people close to us. We want to take our fans and new listeners on a journey and to pull out their own meaning for themselves from each of our songs.”

Hailing from South Wales UK, the energetic 4 piece are made up of Shane (lead vocals/guitar), Callum Bromage (guitar/vocals), Jay Evans on (bass/vocals), Will Scott (drums), as a live band they ensure that not only will you see one of the best shows around, there’s a place for you to escape the mundane fallacies of day to day life and to be part of something bigger than you can imagine. Their hooky, instantly relatable music has been featured as a Planet Rock Track of The Week, on ITV, BBC Radio 2 Johnnie Walker Show, Sky Sports to name a few. The stunning debut was recorded at the highly renowned Real World Studios and produced by Grammy Award winning Oli Jacobs, (Peter Gabriel, The 1975).

Having supported Reef, Florence Black and shared the stage with legends in Placebo, Noel Gallagher, Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, in addition to a rapturous reception at The Isle of Wight Festival and a fantastic ovation at Planet Rockstock they are on a mission to leave no head left unturned. The year ahead holds in store their headline album launch show at O2 Academy 2 Islington March 7 with tickets on sale HERE and a local appearance at Station 18 Festival, Hangar 18 Music Venue Swansea with more shows, festivals and ventures to Europe to be announced.

“We believe ‘Too Hot To Handle’ really showcases our diverse range of writing and sound, we’re not to be pigeonholed into one way stylistically! Ultimately you can be who you want to be, make the music you believe in and you shouldn’t care what anyone says about what you choose to do in life as it’s simply too short.” Join The Now and live in the moment.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

North Walian Newcomers Sister Envy Are Set To Debut With Single ‘Mourning Sickness’

Jan 29, 2024 — Leave a comment

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).

Their first single ‘Mourning Sickness‘ released on all streaming platforms on the 23rd of February eases you into their world. Woozy psychedelic-tinged guitars and enveloping vocals that detail the bleary moments after you wake. North Walian singer-songwriter Kameron Jolliffe vividly captures the wistful memories of growing up. With his infectious vocals burrowing their way into your head. Possessing a carousel of percussion, a tapestry of beguiling rock sound, that takes influence from the sounds of the 60s and 70s but also the early 90s indie and gaze scene of bands like, My Bloody Valentine, Ride and Spiritualized.

https://linktr.ee/sisterenvyband

Kameron Jolliffe says of the bands debut single; “Mourning Sickness was the first song I ever wrote when I was 16, and it feels like it makes sense for it to be released first, almost like an ode to my past self and what was happening in my life at that time.“

Sister Envy have been busy honing their sound in the studio with Welsh producers Owain Ginsberg (Hippies Vs Ghosts) & Scott Marsden (Holy Coves) over recent months getting ready for ‘Mourning Sickness’ their debut single release this February.

Their initial three singles were recorded in Liverpool at the famous Motor Museum Studio with Ben Harper. Mixed in France by Welsh legend Owain Ginsberg and mastered in Austin Texas by American producer Erik Wofford (The Black Angels). Over the next twelve months, Sister Envy will invite you into their fascinating world over a series of singles releases and shows including a debut performance at Focus Wales in May. Gradually revealing the different faces of their tapestry of sound and fledgling experience.

Available to buy now on Bandcamp. Listen here now:
https://soundcloud.com/sisterenvy/morningsickness

Sister Envy band members:
Kameron Jolliffe – Vocals and Lead Guitar
Matty Waring – Guitar
Callum Jones – Bass
Ryan Roberts – Drums

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalscymru@gmail.com

Olive Grinter Releases New Single ‘Murmurations’

Jan 25, 2024 — Leave a comment

Following on from her debut single, released late 2023, Olive Grinter’s second single ‘Murmurations’ offers a further glimpse at the depth and intelligence in her folk song writing. A perfect symbiosis of lyrics and melody, the prosody propels the listener to the heart of the song’s theme; a desire to convene and reunite with nature and its rhythms. Building from almost nothing, the song becomes a chorus of voices, all
yearning in unison for an escape.

Once again, Olive’s musical lineage is apparent in her vocal delivery, with clear blues influences in the subtle turns and inflections throughout. Reducing her guitar to simply a pedal, her voice (accompanied by many iterations) is the sole point of movement, which remains vulnerable but without single fault or waiver. Similar to her previous release, ‘Murmurations’ draws comparisons to Laura Marling, Snowpoet and Laurie Anderson in the layering of vocals.

‘Murmurations’ is the second single from her debut album, due in early 2024, which was recorded alongside producer Sam Barnes (AhGeeBee, Part Time Signals, Boy Azooga). Of the single, Olive writes: “The word ‘murmuration’ is used to describe the dance of flocks of starlings. Their chaotic yet harmonious movements are entrancing. I like to think they emulate the mayhem of everyday life. If you were to step inside a murmuration it would be horrifically loud, turbulent and fast-paced. However, step back and watch it from afar and you witness one of the most peaceful, mystical phenomena nature has to give. This song is about escaping into the slower, tranquil pace of nature.”

A beautifully crafted song that perfectly emulates sitting back and watching the beauty of nature.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

This Feeling Confirm Big In 2024 Shows Along With The Release Of The Big In 2024 Vinyl

Jan 25, 2024 — Leave a comment

The ‘Big in 2024’ triple vinyl is on sale now via Blood Records. Don’t hang about, these sell out quickly and will be priceless in the non too distant future.

“These Big in 2024 shows are testament to the talent coming through, as well as so many on the scene who are travelling, meeting up and sharing their love for guitar bands on social media. It’s a massive love-in at gigs all over the UK right now and it’s snowballing. It’s never felt better and we’re buzzing for what 2024 will bring. We’ll see you in the zone!” Mikey Jonns

This Feeling’s annual ‘Big In‘ series has hosted early year gigs since 2014 (The Struts and Trampolene played the first ever ‘Big in’ show 10 years ago) and each series is complemented by the release of a limited edition vinyl compilation album that raises money for the Teenage Cancer Trust that equals a vinyl debut for many of the acts featured.

With their ears to the ground when it comes to discovering new bands and then giving them a chance to shine, This Feeling is a great place to hear the best new indie bands first with 350+ gigs a year, the majority of them packing out grassroots venues all over the UK and new band stages at IoW, Truck, Y Not, The Great Escape and more!

At the time new acts need it most, This Feeling are there right from the start…look what Crawlers, Red Rum Club, The K’s and The Royston Club, now all signed and smashing big stages all over the world, have to say…

“This Feeling help young bands get opportunities that seem so far away, such as playing huge UK festivals, getting great quality content and and overall support. Coming from nothing they really helped us take our feet off the ground and grow our career and gave us the utensils to become more equipped musicians, artists and a band!” Crawlers

‘This Feeling were massive for us starting out. They represented our first opportunity to break out of Liverpool and play other cities across the UK for the first time.’ Red Rum Club

“This Feeling were the first to get us going on the gig circuit and we’ve never looked back. This Feeling is always at the forefront of championing the best up and coming new music, and has the track record to prove it. The support This Feeling give to new and established artists is unparalleled!” The K’s

“This Feeling were one of the first promoters to get behind us. They gave us opportunities from when we first started, through to headline shows of our own and some of our first festival slots, including a ‘Big In’ performance back in 2021 which gave us some real exposure in the midst of a Covid lockdown!” The Royston Club

You can purchase the vinyl following the link below.

This Feeling – Big In 2024

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

The Silver Lines Release New Single ‘Bound’

Jan 24, 2024 — Leave a comment

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

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

Later being joined by George on Bass and Kindo on drums, the band have gone on to release a string of successful releases being ‘Roamer’ in 2018, ‘Parliament’ and ‘Fallen Idol’ in 2019, ‘Breathe’ and ‘Skin’ in 2020, ‘Alive’ and ‘Delivery’ in 2021 and ‘Love Made’, ‘The Big O’, ‘Hotel Room’ and the ‘SLEAZE’ (EP) in 2022 and ‘Blow Dry’ ‘Castaway’ and ‘Bound’ in 2023 . The band have consistently sold out hometown gigs as well as play support slots with the likes Buzzcocks and established U.K. punk band Ist Ist. They have also played extensive gigs and festivals in both the UK, France and USA and have had radio plays on the likes of BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio X, XS Manchester and Amazing Radio.

Fast forward to 2023 and being “repulsed by the notion of being just another ‘all white male indie’ band that sings of teenage love or rants empty pseudo prophetic quotes”, The Silver Lines set out to release new music that defies the genre and the peers within it. The product is a very self aware form of songwriting that covers many taboo topics from toxic masculinity, learnt behaviours from past generations, and explores personal experiences that connect with the listener on a much deeper level.

2023 has been a year which has seen The Silver Lines secure themselves as established artists on the underground punk / indie circuit in the U.K. They released two singles being ‘Blow Dry’ and ‘Bound’ both of which have been played on BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio X, XS Manchester, Amazing Radio and championed by BBC Introducing West Midlands and Hereford & Worcester. They also did a live BBC session showcasing their sound.

At the start of the year they did a 12 date UK tour (all 100 -150 cap venues) with Hope & Anchor, London, Audio, Glasgow, Bristol, Cavern, Exeter, Smokehouse, and Ipswich all selling out. This was then finished with a US tour (NYC and LA) with the second date of the tour Piano’s, NYC selling out. They also drew a good crowd at The Paramount, Los Angeles where they headlined both. Notable festivals they’ve played include Focus Wales, Stockton Calling, MosFest, Your City, The Alternative Escape and playing the BBC Introducing stage at LakeFest.

After being spotted at Pianos in New York by the owner of Focus Wales, The Silver Lines were invited to play Focus Wales, from there they were spotted by Jean-Louis Broussard and invited to play his festival Trans Musicales, France which attracts over 62,000.00 music fans. Following this they are now working closely with the French booking agent Twin Vertigo who are keen to book some European dates in April 2024. Also after catching the Focus Wales set, Dev Sherlock, senior programmer at SXSW invited the boys to play SXSW which is where they are headed in January 2024 which will be attended by 300,000 people.

In August The Silver Lines recorded a new EP which is to be released early next year. In 2024, aside from going to SXSW and potentially extending their stay in the states to do some more dates, the band will also be touring in Europe and aim to book an Independent Venue Week tour, along with releasing new singles from their upcoming EP.

UPCOMING GIG DATES

Feb 3rd – Gorilla Fest, Mexborough, UK

11-16th March – SXSW, Texas, USA

April 3rd – Le Brise Glace, Annecy, France

April 4th – L’Antonnoir, Besancon, France

April 5th – Le Chapelier, Clermont-Ferand, France

April 6th – Le Dancing, Sete, France

April 10th – Le Pingouin, Arthez-de-Berne, France

April 11th – Les Abbatoirs, Cognac, France

April 12th – Supersonic, Paris, France

April 13th – Le Metaphone, Oignies, France

More UK dates to be announced.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Annie Hardy Releases New EP ‘Cross Bearer’

Jan 24, 2024 — Leave a comment

Annie Hardy is the outspoken, boundary pushing visionary and lead vocalist from renowned and widely revered grunge/punk band Giant Drag with whom she attained massive success.

The band released their first EP ‘Lemona’ in 2005 on UK tastemaker label ‘Wichita Records’ which led to a record deal with ‘Kickball/Interscope’ who later went on to release ‘Hearts and Unicorns’ for the band, to much critical acclaim from the likes of NME, Pitchfork and The Guardian to name but a few.

Annie and Giant Drag then took a break from the limelight before deciding to make a comeback in 2013 and self-release ‘Waking Up Is Hard to Do’ with a vinyl release by Canadian DIY label ‘Yeah! Right Records’.

Annie later released her first solo LP ‘RULES’ (Full Psycho/Yeah! Right Records) which was recorded and produced by Joe Cardamone. The record boasts an array of musical guests including DJ Bonebrake (the drummer of Los Angeles historic punk band X), Don Bolles (The Germs), Stephen McBean (Black Mountain, Pink Mountaintops) and Petra Hayden (That Dog) to name just a few.

Annie Hardy is now back with her second solo EP offering of the ‘Cross Bearer’ EP. Cross Bearer contains 5 previously unreleased tracks by the artist being

1) Agency

2) IDK2

3) Haunted

4) IDK4

5) Ghost

Each track in turn takes the listener on a sonic, psychedelic journey of self awareness and discovery. There’s an eloquent mix of a child-like innocence coupled with an extreme mature wisdom that comes from having lived a life with many twists and turns, a life that has known both pure joy and crushing heartbreak.

It’s a genre defying, eclectic mix of musicianship and songwriting unlike no other. Annie Hardy has a style all of her very own; she is a leader where others can only follow in her wake.

It’s probably unsurprising that Annie Hardy is such a groundbreaking artist given that her influences come entirely from within herself without the unusual outside influences playing a part. At her own admission Annie hates technology and what it has done to humanity and says that she hasn’t watched TV or a movie for 12 years now.

The first music video to be released in conjunction with the Cross Bearer EP is the video to accompany the track ‘Haunted’.

‘Haunted’ lives up to its name both musically and visually. The soundtrack has a distorted tinkling circus melody throughout adding to the ethereal eeriness of it all. The video is like a psychedelic smorgasbord shifting dramatically between elements of past, present and future; between dreams and reality featuring Annie herself as the one being glimpsed here and there as a ghost-like presence.

Annie has said of the new EP – “All songs were channeled in from another dimension, simultaneously written/recorded in one take without previous knowledge or existence in this realm.”

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

The Black Vultures Release Debut Single ‘Treat Me Like An Animal’

Jan 18, 2024 — Leave a comment

The Black Vultures are an energetic four-piece rock band hailing from the Gwent Valley, South Wales.

Their debut single ‘Treat Me Like An Animal’ focuses on the imbalance of a relatonship but in a light hearted manner, relating to the treatment of one party metaphorically treating the other as a physical animal. The single is upbeat, catchy and anthemic in it’s delivery.

The band are releasing a follow up single this month with a third single in March, followed by the release of an EP early this year. Watch this space!

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Music Scene Wales’ Top 50 Albums of 2023

Jan 1, 2024 — Leave a comment

Ren – Sick Boi

“This is a mammoth album of the best futuristic hip hop you’ve ever heard, knocking everyone else out of the park.” – Louder Than War

2. The Heavy North – Delta Shakedown

“This is an album that will be talked about for years, it’s a true blues explosion of sound yet there is more to it, far more. The blues/rock vibe acts as a supporting foundation for other elements to be introduced, elements of funk, punk, classical, gospel and everything in between blend seamlessly with their trademark garage blues ethos.” – Upcoming Bands

3. The Shed Project – Our Fear Is Their Power

“The Shed Project show their talents and growth with their new album. Each track goes from strength to strength, hooking you all the way in. The quality in production and song writing is refined, Roy’s vocals are heartfelt and real and their sound has matured.” – Music Scene Wales

4. CVC – Get Real

“Channelling 60’s California, this Welsh six-piece charm with classy psych-pop made for long summer evenings” – The Guardian

5. Apollo Junction – Here We Are

“Apollo Junction are set to take their hallmark anthemic sound to inspiring new heights and a wider audience with their third album Here We Are”. – Louder Than War

6. Trampolene – Rules of Love & War

“Excellently crafted indie guitar pop or whatever you want to label it…a real earworm” – RPM Online

7. Laurie Wright – Get On The End Of It!

“A force of nature possessing a raw and genuine talent that many can only dream of” – Music Scene Wales

8. The Royston Club – Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars

“The whole piece is an awesome medley of sick strings, relatable life experiences and very singable lyrics. Here is your wake up call…get those hips shaking – try to avoid the car crashing though”. – No Extra Source

9. Skindred – Smile

“Ragga-metal mainstays Skindred crank the attitude and stack up a few more anthems on irrepressible eighth album Smile.” – Kerrang

10. Rogue Jones – Dos Bebés

“Strides confidently and boldly, full of great songs built and presented with excellent musicianship and production.” – Wales Arts Review

11. The Lottery Winners – Anxiety Replacement Therapy

12. Lewca – Boombap for Boomers

13. The Lathums – From Nothing To A Little Bit More

14. The Reytons – What’s Rock And Roll?

15. DMA’s – How Many Dreams?

16. Mr Phormula – A.W.D.L

17. boygenius – The Record

18. Himalayas – From Hell To Here

19. Declan Welsh and the Decadent West – 2

20. Godsticks – This Is What A Winner Looks Like

21. Mark Sharp & The Bicycle Thieves – Unmask The Circus

22. Senses – Little Pictures Without Sound

23. Stellar Echoes – Now Is All There Is

24. Nancy Ackroyd – Light the Lamps

25. Brownbear – Demons

26. The Utopiates – The Sun Also Rises

27. Mace The Great – SplottWorld

28. Andrew Cushin – Waiting For The Rain

29. Brooke Combe – Black Is The New Gold

30. Thrillhouse – Something About This Place

31. The Sherlocks – People Like Me & You

32. H. Hawkline – Milk For Flowers

33. The View – Exorcism of Youth

34. Death Of Guitar Pop – Be Lucky

35. Baxter Dury – I Thought I Was Better Than You

36. Spector – Here Come The Early Nights

37. BDRMM – I Don’t Know

38. King Krule – Space Heavy

39. Olivia Dean – Messy

40. Rebelski – Simplicity

41. The Goa Express – The Goa Express

42. Gallaher’s Green – Dare To Dream

43. Box Of Trash – Candlewood 230

44. Ivan Moult – Songs From The Severn Grove

45. Tapestri – Tell Me World

46. Those Damn Crows – Inhale/Exhale

47. Revolution Rabbit Deluxe – Control Freaks

48. Patio – Collection

49. Come At The King – Overgrown

50. Katie MF – False Starts, Open Endings

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

The Shed Project ‘Our Fear Is Their Power’ Album Review

Dec 22, 2023 — Leave a comment

Following on from their brilliant debut album ‘The Curious Mind Of A Common Man’ we are graced with what can only be described as a powerful, inspiring and heartfelt album entitled ‘Our Fear Is Their Power.’

Bolton band The Shed Project show their talents and growth with their new album. Each track goes from strength to strength, hooking you all the way in. The quality in production and song writing is refined, Roy’s vocals are heartfelt and real and their sound has matured.

‘Our Fear Is Their Power’ tackles every day life and difficult subjects, they are a band of the people. ‘Our Fear Is Their Power’ talks about the corrupted government, ‘Ghost Town’ is about the bands very own town and how it has been left to ruin, a familiar story to many towns all over the UK and ‘Naughty’ is well…it’s naughty!

I hear alot of inspiration from the greats of the 90’s, The Verve, Charlatans, Oasis and Stone Roses just to name a few which gives the album a nostalgic feel but with a sound completely unique to The Shed Project making it their own. The band are referred to alot like The Stone Roses, as much as they have similar qualities they are so much more than that, The Shed Project can’t be pigeon holed.

2023 has been a great year for bands on the independent music scene. This year has been a fantastic year for album releases, along with The Heavy North’s ‘Delta Shakedown’, ‘Our Fear Is Their Power’ is one of our favourites and is a strong contender for Music Scene Wales’ Album Of The Year 2023!

Scott Marsden
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Holy Coves Win Tiwn’s Top Ten Albums

Dec 22, 2023 — Leave a comment

Welsh music magazine TIWN have announced their first official TIWN TOP TEN, as voted by the TIWN Family and the general public. Showcasing the best albums that were released between October 2022 and November 2023. They then gave the task of choosing the Number one to their audience. This year’s winners are North Walians Holy Coves for their fantastic album Druids and Bards.

Holy Coves’ lead singer and songwriter Scott Marsden responded to the news:

“Huge thanks to Tiwn Media and everyone for voting! This record means everything to me. I feel like I’ve been trying to make this record my whole life!”

“Druids and Bards is part of a trilogy. If you think Druids and Bards was good wait until you hear chapter two!”

This year saw an incredible amount of superb albums released. The top ten albums also include Nancy Ackroyd, Trampolene, Mr Phormula, Skindread and Himalayas, all brilliant albums for 2023.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com