The Songbird

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

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

Wez King Releases New Single ‘Clay’

May 22, 2023 — Leave a comment

Wez King is an accomplished singer/songwriter hailing from Maidstone in Kent. Following on from his earlier single releases of ‘M.H.’, ‘We Were Young’,‘Take It Or Leave It’ and ‘Mona Lisa’ which were all received to much critical acclaim from the likes of BBC radio and from John Kennedy on his Radio X  ‘X-Posure Show’ Wez King is now back with a much more gentler and emotive offering in ‘Clay’.

‘Clay’ is a strikingly beautiful track where Wez’s stunning vocals are really being allowed to shine and take centre stage. The instrumentals are paired back and twinkling in melody, really letting Wez’s vocal range take full effect, something which has been hinted at in previous releases, but never before shown to such a full degree. The track is also a lot more reflective, taking on a whole new dimension for this extremely talented singer/songwriter. 

Wez  himself has said of the track:

“Our new Single ‘Clay’ is our first take on a break up song with a touch of familiar charm and wit.”

Wez is no stranger to the music scene having previously been in a successful band, Tres Kings, before deciding to branch out as a solo artist. He has been  featured on KMTV, and played at Neverworld and Bearded Theory Festivals having been billed alongside artists such as Doves, Tom Grennan and The Vaccines. 

‘Clay’ was written by Wez King and features him on Guitar  and Vocals, with Dan Maggs on drums and Sabid Dhinsa on Bass. The track was recorded at The Libertines HQ in Margate, The Albion Rooms, and was recorded and mixed by Jason Stafford and mastered by Graham Waller.

Most Recently Wez has had his music featured in cinemas and on SKY TV as part of a music documentary based on the revolutionary radio station XFM. You can catch ‘Kick Out The Jams- The Story of XFM’ on SKY and Amazon TV.

Previous Press Accolades 

“Tender, Stripped back and not dissimilar to Liam Gallagher at his most vulnerable” – Our Sound Music 

“Outstanding, Diverse and Interesting…with strong vocal delivery by a talent who continues to explore different musical styles.” – DeadGoodBlog 

“Every so often the UK indie scene is hit by a powerful new talent that sweeps away all other talents, setting the standard that all bands push to meet…it’s time to meet the next big talent, the one and only Mr Wez King.” – Broken8Records

“A Very exciting new singer/songwriter” – John Kennedy Radio X 

UPCOMING GIGS

Upcoming gigs this year will see Wez performing at the legendary Isle Of Wight festival amongst many others.

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