The Songbird HQ

Twin City Release New Single ‘I Feel Alive’

May 3, 2024 — Leave a comment

Straight off the bat here and with no preamble, Twin City are undoubtedly one of the UK’s most exciting Indie Rock ’n’ Roll bands on the new music scene right now. 

Based in Bristol and consisting of Welsh brothers Louis (Vocals/Guitar) and Toby Ellis (Drums), Conor Feeney (Bass), and Pete Refson (Guitars), Twin City were formed in 2021 and wasted no time in releasing their debut single ‘Shake The Walls’ (August 2021) with an accompanying music video which gained instant traction receiving over 10k views on YouTube in its first week of release along with multiple airplays on BBC Radio and Amazing Radio UK & US. 

The band’s second single ‘Looking Glass’ was released  in May 2022 and was quickly picked as BBC Uploader’s ‘Big New Sound’ receiving a full week of prime time airplay on BBC radio. 

2022 further saw Twin City release their self titled debut EP which contained 4 tracks including the previously mentioned single ‘Looking Glass’ plus 3 other tracks which further sought to build excitement amongst industry peers and fans concerning this band. 

Other notable timeline events include Twin City’s debut gig selling out in under 24 hours forcing a venue upgrade which also sold out 24 hours later and the band’s second ever gig being as main support to The Lathums in front of a 1000 strong sold out crowd at Bristol’s Trinity Centre. 

The band’s third single release of ‘Solid Gold’ was released  on 15th Sept 2023 to much critical acclaim. 

Entering 2024 with a new found focus and even more determination to take on the world by storm, March 2024 saw Twin City signing a record deal with the ever expanding indie label; Bubblebrain Records and the two are now gearing up for the first official release from the band on the label – ‘I Feel Alive’. 

‘I Feel Alive’ is a track that resonates throughout with its reverberations of fuzzing and snarling guitars, the vocals edgy and provocative drawing the listener in as the drums begin to pound and thrash, the pace building into a crescendo with that blistering rousing chorus hook. This is a stadium sized anthem if ever we heard one!

The band have said of the track:

“‘I Feel Alive’ is a song about having an undeniable magnetism with someone who ends up being bad for you, and although the process of eventually getting them out of your life is hard, you can’t help but feel exhilarated by it all.

‘I Feel Alive’ was written and composed collaboratively by Twin City and was recorded at J&J Studios in Bristol and was Mixed & Produced by Tom Smith (Holy Youth Movement / The Pleasure Dome)  and Mastered by James Trevascus at Invada Studios, Bristol.

With a string of sold out shows, festival appearances, and high profile support slots, including shows with The View, Twin Atlantic, The Royston Club, The K’s, The Coral, Bilk, The Lightning Seeds, Sea Power, Gallus and many more, Twin City are definitely a band worth keeping on your radar. 

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

Moonshine Heavies Release New Single ‘Idiot’

Apr 29, 2024 — Leave a comment

Moonshine Heavies are a six piece Rock n Roll band from London. With their debut release of ‘Automation’ in March 2023,  they quickly established themselves as being ones to watch when they went onto head the Iconic Camden Assembly in the capital. They further cemented that status by the release of their two follow up singles in the same year ‘’Droplets’ and ‘Two Fingers’ and by headlining the Camden Rocks All-Dayer and the O2 Academy in Islington. 

The band’s first three singles of 2023 were all recorded at Lightship 95 Studio in London and were all received to critical acclaim receiving plays and support from the likes of BBC Introducing and in the press such as Hot Vox, Backseat Mafia and Music Crowns. 

And the momentum continues to build for the band with the release of their 2024 single ‘FOMO’ and having already played headline shows at The Workshop and Hoxton Underbelly and having further starred in War Child UK’s national “RISING” campaign alongside bands such as The 1975, The Hunna, and Sea Girls, among others.

The six piece band consisting of Alexander Hunter – Lead singer/songwriter, Kapish Patel – Guitar/songwriter, Johnny Beloe – Guitar/songwriter, Matty Perrin – Drums, Sandeep Ravaliya – Bass and Gavrisha – vocalist are now gearing up for the release of their latest track ‘Idiot’.

‘Idiot’ at first listen is a ska infused melody with twanging guitars and pleasingly retro-esque vocals delivered with an assertive chanting chorus hook line. The track is fast paced throughout until there’s a change in rhythm in the mid section which then sees the track building into a decidedly punk inspired crescendo that’ll leave you breathless and full of excitement!   

The band have said of the new track:

“Sometimes people look you straight in the eye and believe their own web of lies. All you want to do is shout, “Shut your mouth Idiot!”. Alas… it’s not socially acceptable, so best avoided. Here’s a song where you can picture the idiots in your life and debase them to your heart’s content. Despite the fury within it, the song is a perfect summer skank culminating in a fast punky ending. What more could you want?”

‘Idiot’ was written and composed by Moonshine Heavies and was recorded at Lightship 95 Studios in London. 

Upcoming Gigs 

26th April acoustic set at Luna Leyton

15th June at Luna Leyton

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

Rapturous Release New Single ‘Repeat After Me’

Apr 25, 2024 — Leave a comment

Rapturous are the Kent based five piece genre defining, alternative Rock/Hip-Hop outfit who are quickly set to become your new favourite band. 

Made up of lead singers Luke Barratt and Ashton Lilburn (who also plays Guitar), Luke Davidson on Lead Guitar, Nathan Cooke on Bass Guitar and Adam McVey on Drums. 

The band have been bringing their high octane sell out live performances to major cities across the country leaving a trail of excitement in their wake as they set pulses and eardrums alight with their unique brand of showmanship and explosive soundscapes. 

Rapturous released their debut single ‘Lion’s Den’ in 2021, followed by ‘In Vain’ in 2022 and their debut EP ‘Future Of Nothing’ in the same year. After spending 2023 on the live gigging circuit and in the studio perfecting their sound, the five piece are now buzzing to be back with their first offering of new music in 2024 with the explosive, highly charged anthem of ‘Repeat After Me’. 

‘Repeat After Me’ is nothing short of pure brilliance with its skilled spits and rhymes  delivered at 100 miles an hour coupled with those rock sensibilities and contrasting second front man vocals adding layer upon layer to this rich musical tapestry. The drum beats keep the rhythm and vibe of the track throughout with some heavy, crashing skins and cymbals in the chorus, mixed together with some truly epic guitar riffs – ah, this track is a positive melting pot of influences coming together to make for something entirely fresh and undeniably exciting. 

Having already been a staple and fan favourite in their gigging set, we know that this track absolutely goes off when performed live! 

The band have said of the new track:

“The song was inspired by the old blues style of call & response, we wanted to create something that could be easily sung back to us by the crowd. The song is about being free from anything that is getting you down, be it your job, finances, the world, or the weekend’s football scores. Freedom from misery, that’s the idea.” 

With an arsenal of new music already stacked in their locker, the band now have their sights set on further developing their unique sound, and taking their music to new audiences and new heights across the globe.  

‘Repeat After Me’  was recorded at Strongroom Studios in London, and it was produced/mixed by Dan Lucas of Joplin House, & mastered by Dave Greenberg of Sonopod Mastering.

Upcoming Gigs 

25th April – The Lighthouse,  Deal (‘Repeat After Me’ Single Release Show)

18th May: The Font, Brighton (Great Escape Festival Fringe Event)

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

Oli Barton Releases New Single ‘The Light’

Apr 15, 2024 — Leave a comment

South London-based indie artist Oli Barton continues to exhilarate audiences with his electrifying live performances and is “poised to take his place among the indie elite” (Reyt Good Magazine). Following the success of his debut solo single ‘It’s Over Now’, Oli is set to release his follow-up single, ‘The Light’, produced by Alex Quinn (The Royston Club) and mixed by Tom Longworth (Red Rum Club).

As a teenager, Oli would busk on his local high street, honing an animated performing style that perfectly encapsulates his energetic, cheeky personality. As Oli describes, “when singing on the street, you certainly find out what people like and especially what they dislike. You’re going to sink pretty fast without a decent tune.” 

“The Light” blends a dizzying mix of suave and moody verses and explosive heavy choruses. Always intimate, Oli’s vocal is able to bring listeners in close before propelling them into a powerhouse of a chorus that is sure to stick in their head for days.

Bringing a darker, moodier sonic palette; ‘The Light’ explores the hedonistic world of online dating and one night stands. Intricately balancing the alluring and sensual atmosphere of its verses with crashing, heavy guitars in the chorus, the track unfolds like a cinematic journey into the depths of a seedy night out. As always, Oli infuses the track with his trademark dark sense of humour and cheeky lyrical observations. “The Light” is an exciting and alluring next step for Oli Barton.

In the years of releasing music independently through his own label Coke & Dagger Records, Oli has been featured multiple times on BBC Radio nationwide whilst also getting noticed by large festivals up and down the UK, supporting artists such as Starsailor, Kid Kapichi and Baxter Dury. This journey has culminated in the release of this single which is a tight consolidation of all of Oli’s strengths as an artist.

“For years I’ve been experimenting and messing around with sounds. I’ve loved different songwriting approaches and production techniques designed to create exciting experiences for listeners. Now to put it simply, I want to give the people what they want. I want to give them the sweaty, euphoric experience they get at our gigs and put it on record.”

Oli comments on the new track:

“I think the clear difference here is the added sense of rhythm. Before we were making rock songs with big dynamics, but now we’ve made a focus on getting people on their feet and moving. It’s what people need right now. I want to combine the rhythmic elements that I love in funk, indie and new wave and combine it with a dark almost hip-hop energy”

However, this is by no means a formulaic indie song; it’s a grooving, pulsing anthem with furiously punchy, chopping guitars and a bold, youthful vocal. This track has the pungent smell of clubs and pubs found round the backside of any English town but with an added indie-pop twist. This is the sound of the cheeky provocateur, the observant wallflower and the hopeless romantic all rolled into one and that’s the unmistakable sound of Oli Barton.

‘The Light’ stands as a testament to his bold, daring artistic vision that is sure to solidify his reputation further as an artist determined to leave his mark on the indie music landscape. 

Upcoming live dates

Friday 19th April – Notting Hill Arts Club, London

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

Laurie Wright Releases New Single ‘It Was All Part Of The Plan’ Featuring The Molotovs

Apr 12, 2024 — Leave a comment

Laurie Wright is nothing less than a force of nature possessing a raw and genuine talent that many can only dream of. Having graced the stages of the famous Glastonbury Festival aged just a mere 16, you can start to gauge the level of talent that he possesses.  

While the global pandemic and various lockdowns saw many struggling, it was during this time that Laurie really turned his life around once and for all. He cleaned up his act, and began to seriously focus once more on his music. Starting off with him winning The Libertines ‘Talented Fans’ Competition and being called the ‘next big thing’ by Carl Barat. Liam Gallagher also proclaimed himself  a  fan by  tweeting ‘I’ve heard him, I like him.’ 

Other accomplishments for Laurie Wright also include having recorded music at the world famous Abbey Road Studios, playing festivals such as Glastonbury, The Isle Of Wight,  Lakefest and Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg as well as touring and supporting the likes of The Skinners Brothers and The Cribs and more recently Laurie and his band played a sold out gig at the world famous Koko in London supporting the legendary Rifles band. The band were so impressed by Laurie that they ended up inviting him on stage to perform with them as part of their set! Not too shabby for a lad who by day can be seen busking the streets in London huh!

With several releases under his belt already including the single releases of 2022 ‘West End Lover’  and ‘The Rockstar and The Fan’  (which received its worldwide exclusive first spin on Radio X by John Kennedy on his X-Posure show where he hailed the track and band as “very exciting”) This was followed up in early 2023 by the highly charged stadium sized banger of  ‘Rock n Roll Ain’t Dead While We’re Living’ and ‘Butter Side Up Boy’, which was showcased by the world renowned Rodney Bingemheimer on his SiriusXM radio show in America. 

Following his electrifying set at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival Laurie sprung a surprise release on fans  of ‘Wings of Gold and Platinum’ which together with the accompanying music video was released on 23rd June 2023. The video was filmed during his KOKO performance in London with RIFLES and The Skinner Brothers. 

Whilst performing at last year’s Isle Of Wight Festival for The Songbird, Laurie came across and met for the first time an exciting young band going by the name of The Molotovs.

The two bands hit it off immediately and began working and touring together which has seen them play and tour extensively all over the UK in 2023 and into 2024 with their double headline ‘Get On The End Of It’ Tour.

The Molotovs are an exciting young trio featuring brother and sister, Matthew and Issey Cartlidge co-fronting the band while playing lead guitar and bass respectively and Will Fooks on drums. The band have gone from strength to strength in recent years seeing them on main stages supporting the likes of Blondie and The Libertines  and they have just announced a tour in Europe as well as a headline slot at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival.

Whilst touring the bands often intertwine and Laurie can be found playing on a Molotovs set and vice-versa. Excitingly, the two bands have now officially joined forces to bring to us their first recorded release in the form of the brand new single – ‘It Was All Part Of The Plan’.

The new single is an unmistakable Laurie Wright track featuring his distinctive vocals and melodic harmonies building up into a crescendo with  those trademark heavy explosive chorus hooks featuring thrashing, pounding drums, jazzy harmonica and funky bass notes… The track is a hedonistic soundscape layering music and elements like textures in a woven, elaborate tapestry. The addition of the Molotovs on the track adds in some seriously juicy guitar riffs and a new element for Laurie’s music with the addition of female vocals courtesy of Issey.   

It was envisioned the the collaborative track was going to be unleashed at the end of March, but then there were issues with the artwork and not being able to upload the tracks to digital streaming platforms at the 11th hour, so you could say ‘It Was All Part Of The Plan’ didn’t exactly go according to plan or did it!? You decide!

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

Mansfield Release New Single ‘Dreams Of Desire’

Apr 12, 2024 — Leave a comment

Danish indie band Mansfield invites the listener on a joyride with their new single ‘Dreams of Desire’  with its catchy chorus and guitar-driven sound, the song is energetic and uplifting from start to finish.

‘Dreams of Desire’ boldly indicates what is to be expected from Mansfield’s forthcoming album ‘For All the Right Reasons’ set for release in May 2024. 

Since their debut album ‘Star-Crossed Lovers’ in 2020, Mansfield has made a name for themselves by doing live shows in Denmark, England and Germany. Performing with artists such as Atomic Swing, The Peawees, All The Young and Marseille has helped Mansfield solidify their presence on the music scene and bring in new influences. With a clear nod to British indie rock tradition, Mansfield has developed their own distinct sound showing a high level of songwriting. 

Radio stations around the world continue to play their singles from ‘Star-Crossed Lovers’ and the EP ‘Come Rain or Shine’ released in 2023.

‘Dreams of Desire’ reveals a new side to Mansfield’s musical journey. The idea for the song came about after a memorable performance together with John Hassell, the bassist of The Libertines and the lead vocalist of The April Rainers, based in Denmark. Mansfield’s lead singer and songwriter Christian Stage reflects:

“I wanted to write a song inspired by the grittiness of The Libertines with distorted guitars that blend in with pounding drums and groovy bass lines. When I came up with a resonant lead guitar riff for the song, it took on a different shape making the music sound a bit like U2. The delay guitar sound lends the song an element of pop coinciding well with the emotional lyrics that express a yearning for intimacy.” 

Lead guitarist Mathias Havelund adds;

“’Dreams of Desire’ was the final song that Christian wrote and brought to the studio during our recording sessions. We only recorded it a few times to capture its spontaneous vibe, and we can’t wait to share the energy with our listeners.” 

Following the completion of ‘Dreams of Desire’, Mansfield performed at iconic London venue The Water Rats, known for hosting Bob Dylan‘s first UK concert and Oasis‘ London debut. The concert was a pivotal moment as the band’s first live performance of ‘Dreams of Desire’ was met with enthusiastic applause from both the audience and their British promoter. 

Mansfield then decided to release the track as a single. Inspiration from the band’s London experience is seen in the music video featuring live footage from their recent show supporting British band All The Young in Copenhagen. The video encapsulates the electrifying ambiance of live performance, perfectly illustrating the single’s dynamic energy. 

As with the band’s previous single ‘Someone Else’, this music video was produced by Andreas Valdemar.

‘Dreams of Desire’ was recorded at Black Tornado Studio in Copenhagen with producer Morten Bue overseeing production, mixing and mastering. The single is on all streaming platforms now via record label DME, paving the way for the album ‘For All the Right Reasons’ to hit both the digital and vinyl markets on May 17, 2024. 

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

Marseille Release New Single ‘Monkey In The Middle’

Mar 1, 2024 — Leave a comment

Marseille are consistently upping their game with a determined intent to progress, they return with the release of their first single to be taken from their upcoming sophomore EP.

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, Felix Moxey 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’ – 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 America and online praise from industry legends and peers Shed Seven 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 live performances in 2023 at the famous Y-Not and Isle Of Wight Festivals. Marseille further undertook a 10 date, sell out UK tour in 2023 and they have recently played This Feeling’s “Big in 2024” showcase in Manchester. 

Marseille shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon with gigs, festivals slots and tours already booked throughout the year and with plans to release their ‘Godiva’ EP; 2024 is going to be the year of Marseille. 

The first single to be lifted from the upcoming EP is the highly charged, shoegaze inspired masterpiece of ‘Monkey In The Middle’. 

Having been a staple of the band’s live performances, fans have long called for this track to be released as a single and so the lads listened and went into the studio and recorded the track emulating all the swagger and energy that comes with their  live performance.

The track opens with a thunderous bassline and  an attention cry squeal from the guitar letting you know from the first 10 seconds that this track means business. 

The smashing of drums kicks the track  into an almost hip-hop level of sound, yet played with the elegance and agility of Jazz. The roaring wall of rhythm guitars come in like a full blown storm all setting the scene for frontman Will Brown to take to the stage with his signature snarl and rasp. 

The song grooves along until you’re taken out of the moment by a percussive interlude and the sonic fuzz from the guitars, when just like that, you’re dropped straight back in the fire with a razor sharp solo cutting straight in with the pitch perfect, defiant war cries of a young band who know who they are and where they are going.

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

“Monkey in The Middle is one of the older tracks in our repertoire, but despite how many songs have been cut from our set, this one has always remained. A song written about feeling like a performing ‘Monkey’ just to line someone else’s pockets, greedy people wanting you to no longer be yourselves, just to furnish their needs. Ultimately, it’s a track about staying true to yourself or you’ll forget who you are.”

Upcoming Gigs/Tours –

01/03/2024 – The Crescent, York (Supporting Serotones)

15/03/2024 – Deadwax,  Birmingham (Supporting Rosellas) 

16/03/2024 – Head Of Steam, Newcastle (Supporting Rosellas)

30/03/2024 – Fulford Arms, York – (Supporting Tom Hingley of Inspiral Carpets) 

20/03/2024 – Record Junkee, Sheffield (Supporting Holy Coves)

27/03/2024 – Foundry Studio, Sheffield (Supporting Sam Scherdel)

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

Mansfield Release New Single ‘Someone Else’

Feb 17, 2024 — Leave a comment


Danish indie quartet Mansfield reveal a more emotional side to their songwriting on their latest single release; ‘Someone Else’. The song is about a lost and unrequited love and speaks directly to the listener with its relatable lyrics. With a catchy chorus and compelling melody lines, ‘Someone Else’ is a captivating ballad led by heartfelt vocals, acoustic guitars and orchestral strings.

Since releasing their debut album ‘Star-Crossed Lovers’ in 2020, Mansfield have actively performed across Denmark, England and Germany, all the while diligently recording new material. ‘Star-Crossed Lovers’ received 4- and 5-star reviews in Danish and international music press, and it was awarded ‘Album of the Week’ on Danish national radio, generating consecutive airplay ever since. 

In 2023, Mansfield released their EP ‘Come Rain or Shine’ which was very well received and generated a lot of radio play in Denmark as well as internationally. 

With ‘Someone Else’, Mansfield are taking a step forward in their musical development by sharing their most personal and honest song to date. The acoustically led ballad features strings and groovy drums supporting lead singer Christian Stage’s intimate vocals. 

As the songwriter of the band, Christian Stage explains:

“This song is not about bitterness or resentment. The idea for the lyrics comes from the realisation that love may hit you like a hammer, both in a positive and a negative way. But to understand and appreciate love, you sometimes need to get your fingers burnt.”

Drummer Filip Gulløv adds:

“Our hope is that listeners can connect with the lyrics, finding solace and inspiration. It’s a reminder that moving forward often means leaving the past behind, focusing on the brighter path ahead.” 

The music video for ‘Someone Else’ illustrates the song lyrics in a black and white recording. Filmed in just one take with the band performing in the background, the video shows actors Celine Højbjerg and Jens Vinther in a moving and emotional dramatisation of the conflict. Video producer Andreas Valdemar’s portrayal of the song is both relatable and realistic.

Upon the release of ‘Someone Else’, Mansfield will support British indie band All The Young in Copenhagen and Hamburg on February 17 and 18. All The Young paved the way for Mansfield’s recent performance in London with upcoming band Marseille. On their forthcoming album, Mansfield has once again teamed up with renowned Danish producer Morten Bue who has worked with Mew, Kashmir, José González and Tindersticks. Released by DME and available on all digital platforms on February 9th, ‘Someone Else’ is the first single to be taken from the album ‘For All the Right Reasons’ set for release on May 17th 2024.

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

Ventrelles Release New Single ‘Acid Flower’

Feb 5, 2024 — Leave a comment

VENTRELLES are the Manchester-based quartet headed by Phil Knox on lead vocals and guitars, Connor Long  on Guitars/Lead Guitar,  Paul Winny Mawhinney on Bass and Gaykord Knott on Drums/Percussion. They describe their sound as ‘Fleece Pop’ fusing the styles of 80’s guitar groups such as Pale Fountains and Echo and the Bunnymen and sometimes darker tinged edges of The Chameleons and The Jesus and Mary Chain with a punchy delivery, sun-soaked guitars, energetic rhythms, life-affirming vocals and soulful bass lines.

Formed from the embers of past collectives and distant echoes of teenage knock about bands, Phil came home from living in Chicago in 2014 ready to take on the world of music, so with the help of some band mates old and new, the VENTRELLES sound was born.

The unusual band name came about by combining the Chicago Transit Authority ‘Ventra’ card and The ‘L’ train to form what the band admit sounds a bit like a Phil Spector produced female soul-pop group! 

Having previously toured with cult indie favourites Cabbage and having had repeated radio support from Jim Salevson on XS Manchester, the band are now currently putting the finishing touches to what they describe as the first ever Fleece Pop album, the debut single from which ‘Acid Flower’ is out now.

‘Acid Flower’ is 3 minutes and 30 seconds of equal parts pulverising shoegazing wall of sound and shimmering acoustic-led foot tapping rhythms, laced with acid chiming melodious lyricism Perfect for fans of The La’s, Super Furry Animals, Ride and Echo & The Bunnymen.

Front man Phil Knox has said of the track;

“I was listening to Johnny Marr’s solo back catalogue quite a lot at the time, it was definitely influenced by him guitar wise, lyrically, I just scribbled out anything that sounded like it was coming from an indie band in 2023/4. I wanted a more old school direct but not obvious feel. I wanted to leave some space for the listener to make their own mind up about what this particular song was about.  I always try to keep them as open books, keep the magic in there, it’s rare nowadays, a lot of modern songwriters don’t leave any mystery. It’s a disappearing art in a world that’s constantly telling you what to feel.”

‘Acid Flower’ was written by Phil Knox and was predominantly recorded at Vibe Studios in Manchester with additional vocals being added to the track in Phil’s living room!  

Upcoming Gigs/Tours –

Ventrelles will undertake a mini headline tour this year amongst other things taking in Grimsby, Blackpool, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow for starters. Fans are advised to keep an eye on the band’s socials or sign up to their mailing list for updates.  

Next up for the band will be the upcoming release, the soulful stomp of ‘’Sand Crawl’ followed by the promise of the bands seminal album in Summer 2024.

Emily Marsden – Editor
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