Newcastle

Waves of Dread Deliver a Dreamy Masterpiece with “The Tide” – EP Review

13th Oct 2024 — Leave a comment

Combining the very best of shoegaze and dream pop, Waves of Dread have produced one of the best EPs to come out of the North East this year with The Tide.

Following up 2023’s A Bad Dream in a Raging Sea, the Newcastle group have pushed themselves forward with their latest release, which combines lush production with excellent songwriting.

This all coalesces into a tight package that feels like waking up to a beautiful morning, with its hazy and distorted production.

Opener The Tide sets the dreamy tone, providing fun basslines and synths aplenty. Beneath the dream pop aesthetics lies an exceptionally written song, with a gorgeous chorus that hits all the right notes.

Early Riser builds on these aesthetics with a very trippy sounding beginning, featuring distant vocals and a beautiful guitar line built upon a bed of rainfall. As the track progresses, it welcomes gorgeously thick basslines into the mix, with a few hauntingly good synth lines thrown in for good measure. The whole thing feels like waking from a nice dream into a perfect morning.

The guitars clean up for Overspill, with its sharp guitar melody. The track once again demonstrates the smart production choices that run through the EP at its core. The use of layering is fabulous, allowing the track to get dirtier as it goes on, as layer upon layer of guitar is added to the overall mix.

Restless Sleeper, Sleepless Dreamer concludes the EP, using a glockenspiel to power the track forward, contributing massively to the dream pop feel. There’s more of an acoustic focus on this track, yet it is still washed in beautiful reverb.

Overall, this dream pop and shoegaze EP is a must-listen for fans of groups such as Slowdive and Cocteau Twins, with sharp songwriting and lush production.

Darren Burdis Takes an Emotional Stroll Through Heartbreak on New Single “Heartbeats” – Single Review

3rd Oct 2024 — Leave a comment

Indie singer-songwriter Darren Burdis’ new single will certainly get hearts fluttering with a gorgeous, personal track.

The Newcastle songwriter has turned in a clever and touching acoustic ballad, hitting hard from the moment the needle drops.

The shimmering guitar line that floats atop the acoustic opening is a gorgeous way to start showcasing Burdis’ talent with the instrument and setting the track on the right path.

I particularly enjoyed how the drumbeat mirrored the rhythm of a heartbeat, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in the production.

In terms of the overall vibe of the song I could hear the influences of indie folk artists such as Elliot Smith, particularly evident in the heartbreaking lyrics.

This is beautifully intertwined with the glossy guitar work which reminded me of the heartland rock of Bruce Springsteen and the North East’s own Sam Fender.

The vocal delivery is hoarse and husky perfectly suited to this track giving Burdis the perfect tools to paint this emotionally raw piece onto the record.

The gorgeous backing vocals towards the backend of the song evoke early Radiohead, and if you’re into similar acoustic indie music with a lot of heart, this single is definitely for you.

grapevine Delivers on Catchy 80’s Inspired Single “Bad Idea”- Single Review

26th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

The new track from grapevine features glossy 80s production combined with great pop songwriting to create a catchy piece of alternative pop.

Produced by local talent Jamie Donnelly, the song is drenched in the sonic palettes of the 1980s, as well as much of the pop landscape from recent years, particularly echoing the sound of artists like The Weeknd.

That is immediately evident from the intro, which begins with a driving drum machine beat that persists throughout the track.

A diverse sound has been crafted with an attention to detail, with a number of different synths being deployed to enrich the overall production, ensuring a varied sound.

At the heart of all of this is an incredibly strong and well put together pop song that takes a classic subject matter and explores it in new and interesting ways.

The chorus, which repeats the title of the track, pairs incredibly with the melody to provide an earworm, which will burrow into your mind for weeks to come.

If you enjoy artists like The Weeknd or your pop music with a catchy yet inventive edge, make sure to check out this latest single

Specky Cult Unleash a Bold New Sound with Their Explosive Single “Swish” – Single Review

22nd Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Specky Cult are back, with a whole new sound and bold punk inspired direction on their latest single Swish.

Gone is the acoustic feel of previous releases, replaced by a punchy, full-bodied sound that immediately grabs you.

The Sex Pistols feeling bass riff which greets you at the beginning of the song sets the theme for the more full-bodied sound that the band has gone for, setting the tone for the rest of the track.

This is immediately joined in the mix by heavy and thumping guitars, which the song’s catchy melody is constructed from.

Lying over the top of this is a set of lyrics which take aim at the current beauty standards and the impact they have upon individuals.

These are delivered with the emotion and personality that you’d expect from a Specky Cult, with the group continuing to build their reputation for strong lyricism.

Add to this a catchy and memorable melody, which reaches its glorious climax during the chorus and you have another great single from Specky Cult, which highlights a different side to the group.

If you’re a fan of indie and post-punk, Swish is sure to offer plenty of thrills and fun. Make sure to also check out their previous album, which I reviewed earlier this year.

Goodsprings Swing Big with Playful Ska-Reggae Fusion on “Lo Mejor De Lo Mejor” – Single Review

19th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Goodsprings’ fun new single shows the band continuing to develop, with an almost big band feel to this swinging ska tune.

Injecting playfulness into your songwriting is the key to producing amazing, fun music, and Goodsprings have done exactly this on their new single, Lo Mejor De Lo Mejor.

It’s fortunate that they’ve managed it with the English translation of the title of the track literally meaning “The Best of The Best”.

The fun nature of the title runs throughout the track, which combines elements of ska, jazz and reggae to produce a lively swing song.

This playfulness is also reflected in the lyrics, which are delivered with a cocky snarl, mirroring the song’s message as a love letter to those who don’t care to fit in.

This unpredictability is an element of the song I thoroughly enjoyed, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Combined with the big band atmosphere, this leads to delightfully, quirky results, particularly evident in the breakdown of the track, where the group engages in a scat-like section over a tight bass groove.

I also wanted to praise the amazing brass work, which elevates the track to such a high level bringing a gorgeous flourish, particularly in the choruses.

Overall, this is yet another strong track from Goodsprings, building on their good work from their previous single, Horrors. The fusion of genres works well, producing a charming track with a unique energy. Make sure to check it out if you’re a fan of groups like Sublime or Slightly Stoopid.

Simon Taylor Brings Geordie Grooves On Funky New Single “The Theatre of Broken Souls” – Single Review

5th Sep 2024 — Leave a comment

Have you ever wondered what Lou Reed would sound like if he grew up in the North East of England?

Probably not, but if you have, then Simon Taylor’s new single is the perfect listen.

Combining influences such as Leonard Cohen and the aforementioned Lou Reed, Taylor has been building his reputation around the North East scene, and this latest record is sure to elevate it even further.

I can particularly hear the influence of Transformer-era Lou Reed within the track with its fun, funky guitar passages and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about working at a music venue.

The melodies are strong and stick with you for days, which is a testament to the great songwriting on display.

The North East, and Newcastle in particular, runs throughout the song, deepening the personal nature of the lyrics and bringing a unique voice to the track, crafting a great bit of Geordie funk.

Overall, this is a fantastic teaser track and a really fun listen. I can’t wait to see what Simon comes up with next.

Club Paradise Teases New EP with Summer Anthems ‘Years’ and ‘Chasing the Summer’ – SINGLE REVIEW

31st Jul 2024 — 1 Comment

Club Paradise have started the countdown to their new EP by releasing two great teaser tracks to whet the appetite before their October release.

The first of the two tracks, Years, starts with a bold guitar solo, which glides over a bright synth line.

The verses to the track builds the tension with reverby guitar swells intersecting a driving rhythm section which gains pace as it continues.

The chorus twinkles with a sparkly synth line driving the catchy eighties-inspired melody. It is here that you can hear the influence of bands like The 1975, as well as a range of other indie pop groups.

The song has a smart pop sense and a glittery production; but, it also knows how to deliver a punch with the crunchy guitar solos and dark lyrics, which contrast the light production.

Previous single, Chasing the Summer, has lofty ambitions, beginning with a huge intro featuring a big guitar solo and thumping drums.

The vocals immediately hit you and are delivered with passion and energy. These are joined by backing vocals in the verses, which once again reminded me a lot of The 1975.

The chorus is huge, with guitar lines which go hard over a thumping beat. Overall, the track is the epitome of an anthem with huge guitars and catchy melodies.

Together, these tracks do a great job of wetting the appetite for the upcoming EP, which arrives in October.

Hannah Robertson’s ‘Blissfully Miles Away’: A Gorgeous Dream Pop Single with a Bite – SINGLE REVIEW

19th Jul 2024 — Leave a comment

Hannah Robertson returns with yet another gorgeously dark single, taking her dream pop sound in a more twisted direction.

Beginning in a realm of dreamy and hypnotic guitars, the track quickly awakens you with a rush of distortion and drums, bringing a gnarly edge to Robertson’s dream pop production.

The influence of groups such as NewDad and Slowdive is evident within the dreamy shoegaze-inspired production. However, an underlying darkness brings a nasty edge to the ethereal track, making it more dream rock than dream pop.

The anticipation built up through the verse explodes in the chorus, which musically acts as a dark counter balance to the airy intro.

Throughout the track, the performances and production are exceptional, helping build a dark, dreamy atmosphere with their crispness.

If you love groups like Wolf Alice and enjoy hypnotic, dreamy production, then this track is perfect for you!

Let Specky Cult Take You On A Journey With Their Genre Spanning New Album “A Different Kind Of Difficult” – ALBUM REVIEW

16th Jul 2024 — 1 Comment

Specky Cult’s sophomore album blends rock and folk together to craft a unique voice with a truly North East perspective.

The first track, Come Back Kid, immediately sets the scene for the record with a folky feel reminiscent of groups such as Fleetwood Mac. The acoustic guitar on the track immediately establishes this, as gorgeous piano lines drive the track forward, opening the LP in fine fashion.

Love Crap then takes the LP in a different direction, embracing more of an alt-rock sound while maintaining a folk edge. Just imagine a hard rock Lindsey Buckingham, and you are along the right lines. These are joined by synths in the mix, which enrich the listener’s palette.

The LP takes another twist on the third song Seriously, which begins in a manner which echoes About A Girl by Nirvana, before opening up into an interesting melodic flow and a refrain of “seriously” which imbues the chorus.

The group channels Bob Dylan with a lovely mouth organ beginning on Alibi, continuing the folky vibe of the record. The chorus of “I’m not your alibi” sends out a defiant message, hammering home the theme of the track.

Everything Is Awesome brings back the rock guitars, along with a beautiful MOOG synth line that mirrors the vocal line. The song’s lyrics are deeply personal in tone, with the chorus sending a hopeful message to the listener.

Lovely guitar swells adorn Hell Before Breakfast, building towards a great chorus. The track is then immediately followed by Anthems and Tantrums, which takes the folk vibes up to ten with its gorgeous production.

Pull The Plug bursts to life with dominating guitars, surrounded by lyrics that tackle the challenges of living in the internet age, injecting some sharp social commentary into the album.

The track that follows, Pie and Mash, continues along these lines, commenting on the mundanity of everyday life and stating that all singer Carol Stephen needs is “pie, mash and a pint of ale”.

Pie and Mash – Specky Cult

The title track, A Different Kind Of Difficult, begins with a heavy guitar riff, leaving behind the folk vibe that dominates the album for a classic rock feel filled with nice MOOG lines and gorgeously crafted riffs.

The album then comes to an end on Big Shop, which opens with a fake shop closing announcement that I thought was a nice touch. The track’s instrumentation is warm, contradicting the lyrics that complain about the mundanity of ageing, life, and doing the shopping on a Friday.

Overall, this album showcases the band’s strengths as well as the breadth of their musical influences. If you love classic rock and folk, then the band will almost certainly be for you.

Irked’s Self-Titled EP is a Rip-Roaring Explosion of Punk Rock – EP REVIEW

12th Jul 2024 — Leave a comment

Irked’s self-titled EP is a rip-roaring explosion of punk rock that combines spectacular lyricism with pure energy.

First track, Snakes, immediately greets you with feedback, acting almost as a power up screen for the EP and providing a perfect preview of what is to come when the bass hits.

In the verse, the instrumentation is controlled yet threatens to explode at any moment. This expectation is fulfilled by the time the track hits the chorus, where we are greeted with a scream and a cacophony of guitars, meeting the anticipation that the track has built up.

The lyrics use intense imagery to bring singer Helen Walkinshaw’s experience of sleep paralysis to life, with the performance matching the vivid imagery of the track’s lyrics.

This gives way to Backstreets, which hits you once again with its primal punk energy while offering a sharp critique of gender dynamics, the dismissal of male misconduct, and the effects of this.

The frustration in the lyrics is perfectly encapsulated by the instrumentation, which fizzes with aggression. At times, this cedes to allow Walkinshaw to emphasise the song’s message and powerful commentary. The track overall is a perfect encapsulation of punk at its very best, delivering pure energy and an attack on societal norms.

Single Crippling Empath explodes straight into the chorus, bringing more incredible performances with some excellent guitar work that runs throughout the EP.

Lanzarote uses personal antidotes to reflect upon recent political history, creating a foreboding atmosphere that the worst is still to come. This is all painted over a canvas of riffs, which help to build up the atmosphere, while allowing the lyrics to shine through.

The EP concludes with Move, which begins once again with drum rolls and feedback before exploding into life. There is more great guitar work, with the entire fretboard getting a workout at times, as well as an energetic performance from the rhythm section, which maintains the energy throughout the tracks on the EP.

Lyrically, the song provides a snapshot of the frustration and obstacles of everyday life and the resilience and determination it takes to keep moving forward, providing a defiant ending to the EP.

Overall, this is an amazing EP front to back and does everything a punk album should do lyrically and musically. If you’re a fan of bands like Amyl and the Sniffers or The Chats, then Irked may have just made the perfect EP for you.