Red Telephone Release New Single ‘Sentimental Dreaming’

Dec 11, 2024 — Leave a comment

As the countdown to their sophomore album Delay The New Day enters its final stretch, Cardiff multi-intrumentalists Red Telephone offer fans one last sonic appetiser with ‘Sentimental Dreaming’.

Driven by a hypnotic bassline and layered with ethereal synths, ‘Sentimental Dreaming’ comes with an interesting backstory. Born from a 15 minute acoustic guitar session intended to fix the chorus of a different song, the track became one of the first the band worked on for their new album. However, its journey to completion was far from straightforward, going through multiple iterations, including a bold foray into Robyn-inspired pop, before finding its final form in a spontaneous late-night studio session.

“We started listening back to practice recordings of all the different versions we’d attempted and there was this one phone recording with this really rhythmic, catchy bassline by Dom.” lead singer Declan says of the song’s construction “We were basically recording it ten minutes later on the fly and didn’t leave the studio until about 2am. There was definitely some late-in-the-day chaos as we scrambled to get it over the line, but it added a different energy & even brought about one of Kieran’s favourite guitar parts on the album, which he put down off the cuff going into the outro almost in some jaded desperation to get it done.” With nods to Suede and Talking Heads, and a bridge that channels Roy Orbison, ‘Sentimental Dreaming’ emerges as a serendipitous anthem for the band, capturing their eclectic influences and innovative approach to songcraft.

Delving into the album’s central theme of the trials and tribulations of modern day artists, ‘Sentimental Dreaming’ lyrically explores the chasm between the romanticised visions of creative pursuits and the often harsh realities of chasing those dreams. Of the song’s lyrics Declan says “There’s obviously this idealistic sentimentality in dreaming – it almost sounds like a sweet, harmless thing to do – but it’s deceptively powerful, because it can send us down paths that end up dictating not only behaviour but entire periods of our lives and ways of living.”

Following the success of their deliciously dark and mesmerising debut album Hollowing Out, Red Telephone’s upcoming album Delay The New Day see’s their ever evolving sound push boundaries even further. Building on their signature blend of melodic psych and darkwave, Red Telephone promise to further explore this fusion with the addition of cinematic influences to their sophomore effort. Led by the quintet’s knack for multi-instrumental intricacies, Red Telephone’s latest work evokes comparisons to MGMT, St. Vincent, or fellow Welsh icons Super Furry Animals, while staying true to the unique style they established in their critically acclaimed debut.

Thematically, the album delves into the struggles faced by countless aspiring artists: the relentless juggling act of day jobs and creative pursuits, the bombardment of conflicting advice on achieving success, and the ever-present fear of losing sight of the initial spark that ignited the passion. Delay The New Day is a tapestry of paranoia, self-doubt, and the sheer determination it takes to carve a path in the music industry. But even deeper than that, it’s about refusing to compromise on artistic vision, and embodying the underdog’s mentality to keep creating for the right reasons.

Hailing from Cardiff, Red Telephone are a quintet featuring two sets of brothers alongside their first full-time drummer. They began their journey by releasing their first two singles as a double A-side vinyl on the Welsh cult label Popty-Ping, earning praise from Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq. Their critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Hollowing Out’, garnered media attention from Clash, BBC 6 Music, and Under The Radar, amongst many. Now, in 2024, with their second album completed, Red Telephone continue to make waves in the UK alternative scene with their potent blend of psychedelic rock and darkwave.
‘Sentimental Dreaming’ is out now, whilst their upcoming album Delay The New Day is hailed for release January 31st 2025. Pre order Delay The New Day on vinyl for guaranteed entry to their exclusive album listening party on January 29th at Tiny Rebel, Cardiff.

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

The Crawling Eye Release New Single ‘Playing Dead’

Dec 5, 2024 — Leave a comment

The Crawling Eye are a three-piece indie band from South Wales, they have been on the scene since 2019. They consider themselves eclectic in relation to style and influences and record whatever feels right to them. They have always delivered solid songs, but it wasn’t until lead vocalist Regan Meredith joined that they found their sound. They evoke the 80’s Indie sound, with strong psychedelic elements mixed in with modern Pop sensibilities. A truly unique, fresh sound from the trio.

Vocally the song is instantly haunting, the chorus featuring the catchy line “You keep saying I’ve been playing dead again” – there is a sense of ambiguity in the song’s lyrical theme. Frontwoman Regan Meredith would’ve thrived in the 90’s indie scene and it’s another captivating performance from the young vocalist.

Playing Dead is out now on all streaming platforms.

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

Stone Deaf Release New Song ‘Red Head’

Nov 13, 2024 — Leave a comment

The song was written by Stone Deaf’s frontman Michael Pole who also features on the track on main vocals, lead and rhythm guitar. The drums were played by William Walton and the bass was done by Travis McDonagh. It was recorded in South Wales by James Weaver. The band formed in Swansea in October 2023 and is already playing sold out shows full to the brim with energy and power.

The song was tonally influenced by Jack White in terms of its distorted guitar work and upper octave solos full of double stops a la Angus Young (AC/DC). The rhythm part was also influenced by Queens of the Stone Age with its straight staccato downstrokes.

The song was inspired by a short relationship turned sour that had a strong underpinning in manipulation and exploitation so that ‘Red Head’ through any means necessary could obtain what they wanted.

The song is full of energy, rebellion and getting the truth out there so that those in or who have been in toxic relationships can see that they’re not alone and most importantly to take a step back and stand up for themselves.

The recording of this track took place in Swansea, South Wales with producer James Weaver who was carefully selected by the band so to retain as much of the energy the band had in live shows and bring it on to the record.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk

No Thee No Ess Release New Album ‘Distant Country’

Jul 9, 2024 — Leave a comment

Cardiff band ‘No Thee No Ess’ return with the announcement of their 8th Studio Album ‘Distant Country’ out now!

Described by Andy Fung, ‘Distant Country’ is a a journey on a wagon, a Waltz through the Country genre with an array of guest musicians joining the band around the campfire, including Gareth Bonello (The Gentle Good) on Banjo, Kate Ronconi (Lost Tuesday Society) on Violin, and Rhodri Ratatosk on pedal Steel.

No Thee No Ess is the long time collaboration between visual artists and musicians Paul Battenbough and Andy Fung.

Both have a high pedigree of previous projects (Derrero, Cymbient, The Cosmic Array amongst others) and they’ve come together to make their 8th studio album ‘Distant Country’ with producer and collaborator Frank Naughton.

‘Distant Country’ is ‘No Thee No Ess’ 8th studio album following on from 2022’s well received, psychedelic ‘Dimmer Switch’.

This album has distinct country hues and a laid back and dreamy feel whilst retaining the band’s signature aesthetic. The album has more traditional song structures and utilises more acoustic instruments to augment the songs but still has a nod to psychedelia.

‘Distant Country’ is ‘No Thee No Ess’ 8th studio album following on from 2022’s well received, psychedelic ‘Dimmer Switch’.

The album was engineered and produced by Frank Naughton and No Thee No Ess and recorded at Ty Drwg studio in Cardiff with wonderful guest musicians Frank Naughton – bass, piano, Rhodri Viney – pedal steel, Gareth Bonello – banjo, Kate Ronconi – violin and Sarah Passmore – vocals helping to elevate this work. The album reflects the band’s love for alternative country music which has always been present.

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

The Now Release New Single ‘Too Hot To Handle’

May 3, 2024 — Leave a comment

Fast rising, vibrant and head turning rockers The Now release their new single and video ‘Too Hot To Handle’ being the title track of their highly dynamic and acclaimed debut album available now on CD/vinyl and all digital platforms via Trew Music HERE.

“We’ve been really inspired by some of the brave stories told by people who have suffered from mental health. 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.” Opening up the charismatic and engaging frontman Shane Callaghan says of the theme brutally depicted in the accompanying visceral and striking video, “Luckily as a band we’ve not suffered directly from mental health. The line “I’ve got a problem in my head, I’ll just watch it burn instead”…this is really what a lot of men do and instead of talking about it we tend to hold it all in until it gets too much. We hope the song can give anyone some comfort if they’re ever feeling like there’s no escape but remember there’s always someone there to pick up the pieces.”

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 and 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).

The album is by no means a one-trick-pony. Bearing swaggering balls to the wall rock, sing-along anthems and a sweeping ballad which all demonstrate a clear crossover appeal from rock to indie to pop exemplifying the sonic breadth of the band. “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.” Since the release Metaltalk enthused “Great songs, intelligent writing, intuitive production.”, Emerging Rock Bands identified “They genuinely do sound different to everyone else”, Metalplanet Music stated “One of THE best releases of 2024” and Overtone exclaimed “An incredible album, 9.5/10.”

Having recently opened for Feeder to sold out crowds the band have shared the stage with heroes 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 with a local festival appearance at Station 18 Swansea followed by more shows 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
#IndieRevolution
@Indierevuk
Indierevuk@gmail.com

The Dead Flowerz Release New Single ‘Cheers To The Weekend’

Apr 29, 2024 — Leave a comment

In the heart of the South Wales valleys, where the rugged landscapes meet the spirit of rebellion, there lies a band that embodies the essence of rock ‘n’ roll like a wildfire waiting to ignite. They are The Dead Flowerz, a six-piece powerhouse of raw energy and untamed creativity, breathing new life into the alternative rock scene. The band consists of Kyle Coombes (lead singer / guitar), Alex Morgan (lead guitar), Lucy Davies (guitar), Michael Hill (bass), Carly Hutchinson (vocals) and Dylan Clarke (drums).

Their mantra? “Rock & Roll – straight from the soul.” And believe us, they mean every word. With their roots firmly planted in the rich soil of musical history, The Dead Flowerz channel the spirit of the late 60s and legends such as The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Who, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, yet, they seamlessly infuse their sound with a contemporary edge, drawing inspiration from modern titans like Black Sabbath, Guns N Roses, Nirvana, The Libertines, The Black Keys, and The White Stripes.

The story of The Dead Flowerz began like a fateful chord progression echoing through the valleys. It was toward the end of 2023 when chance encounters at open mic nights around Cardiff brought together kindred spirits with a shared passion for creating sonic magic. But it was Kyle, the band’s visionary songwriter, who ignited the flame that would set their journey ablaze.

Picture this: a restless artist, grappling with the void of inspiration, decides to take fate by the reins. Armed with nothing but his guitar and a thirst for adventure, Kyle boards a flix-bus to Paris, a city pulsating with artistic fervour. There, amidst the cobblestoned streets and the whispers of poets, he found his muse. For nearly three months, he soaked in the essence of Paris, drawing from its mystique to craft the soul-stirring melodies that would define The Dead Flowerz debut EP.

But Kyle’s odyssey was only the beginning. Back in Wales, he reunited with his bandmates, each bringing their own unique flavour to the mix. Together, they forged a sound that defies convention and electrifies the senses. From the punchy guitar riffs that grab you by the collar to the infectious melodies that linger in your mind long after the music fades, The Dead Flowerz sonic tapestry is a testament to the power of collective creativity.

The band released their debut single ‘Woke’ in February 2024 to critical acclaim from the likes of This Is The Music who cited the release as being “HIGHLY INFECTIOUS ….THE BAND’S ENERGY WILL INSTANTLY GRAB YOUR ATTENTION” and Tits Upon Tyne who observed “ A HIGH-VOLTAGE BLEND OF INDIE AND ALTERNATIVE ROCK THAT HITS LIKE A SONIC PUNCH TO THE GUT. FROM THE MOMENT THE GUITARS KICK IN, YOU’RE TRANSPORTED TO A WORLD OF RAW ENERGY AND UNFILTERED EMOTION.”

THE DEAD FLOWERZ are now back with their follow up single which succinctly showcases that this is a band who intend to stay the course and clearly demonstrates that they are way more than just one hit single. The upcoming release of ‘Cheers To The Weekend’ ups the ante once more being an even stronger release than the first single. With its rhythmic, blues inspired melodies and anthemic chanting chorus hook lines, this track is a sure fire winner which will appeal to the masses and we can see it being a firm favourite when performed live.

Indeed the track has already been picked up and featured by BBC Introducing and we’re sure that this is just the tip of the iceberg!

The band have said of the track:

“Cheers To The Weekend is a cryptic expression about the frustrations of a survival to live at the weekend mentality that I found myself in for so many years, disguised as a party anthem. It explores the perils that come with living such a hedonistic lifestyle and the toxic relationships and habits that came with it. Most importantly, I’d like to think that its overall message is to hang in there and don’t quit on your dreams.“

‘Cheers To The Weekend’ was written by Kyle James Coombes , was recorded at Leeder’s vale (Nick Brine’s studio in Ebbw Vale) and was mixed and produced by Jon Constantine and Mastered by Nick Brine.

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

The Now Release New Single ‘Truth Always Comes Out In The End’

Mar 7, 2024 — Leave a comment

Head turning rising rockers The Now release their catchy, synth and guitar driven new single ‘Truth Always Comes Out In The End’. “It’s about the upper classes and the political elite using the working class as pawns for their own game. We as individuals will never have the power to override their demands and as a working class group we depend on the truth of their actions to come out and bring them down.” The engaging and charismatic frontman Shane Callaghan defiantly states, “Think about the way in which the Conservatives have lessened their grip on the government and the truth now coming out about what they did during lockdown.”

The conversation provoking track is taken from their much awaited and highly dynamic debut album ‘Too Hot To Handle’ out now on CD/vinyl and all digital platforms via Trew Music direct from the band website. Accompanying the release is the impactful and striking video highlighting the story behind the song that etches a mark on the viewer.

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).

“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.”

Having supported Reef, Florence Black and shared the stage with heroes 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 is finely poised with their headline album launch show at O2 Academy 2 Islington tonight and two special shows opening for the legendary Feeder in Bristol and Cardiff the following nights. Ventures to Europe to be announced.

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

The Black Vultures Release New Single ‘Never Say’

Feb 2, 2024 — Leave a comment

Energetic four piece Rock Band The Black Vultures, hail from the heart of the Gwent Valleys, South Wales. They recorded both ‘Treat Me Like an Animal’ and their follow up single ‘Never Say’ with Local Welsh Producer Tom Williams (De’Lour) at Unit 13 Studios, Tredegar. Both singles were mastered by Chris Peet of North House Studio, Ebbw Vale.

The Black Vultures are Huw Williams (Singer & Rhythm Guitar), Aled Owen Jones (Lead Guitar), Mitch Casey (Bass & Backing Vocals) and Brandon Pritchard (Drummer).

‘Never Say’ Focuses on a relationship, whereby one person within the relationship realises that there is a need to move on. Having come to the conclusion that things aren’t working, the party ending the relationship is hopeful that the other person doesn’t present themselves back in their life, in the hope that they agree to walk away in a different direction without further issues or problems, keeping things amicable.

The band plan on releasing their third single in April 2024, the band will also begin recording their debut album during early-mid 2024.

The Black Vultures have played relentlessly throughout 2023 and they look forward to new upcoming shows and festivals during 2024. The band plan to grow their name across Wales and the UK by playing energetic, catchy songs, engaging crowds through their growing stage presence. Watch this space!

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

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.

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