Bitch Hunt

London based four-piece Bitch Hunt recently signed to Reckless Yes (Fightmilk, Captain Handsome, Mark Morris). They identify as a queer/trans alt-rock band. Let’s check out what they have been up to:

Their debut EP is available on Bandcamp.

Spaceman

Punk has been in the ascendancy within rock music for some time now so, to suggest it needs a reset may seem odd. It does! Too many bands are idling by talking over their music, few are landing any real blows.

On ‘Spaceman’, Bitch Hunt have renewed punk’s vigour with their stripped-back garage-punk style. Dirty lo-fi riffs demand your attention before The Strokes-esque solo makes you beg for it!

(The Verve like video is simply hilarious!)

Armadillo

With the joy of The Buzzcocks and the charm of Jilted John, this track will awaken many teenagers to the embrace of punk.

It’s a John Hughes movie for the 21st century accompanied by the sound of best friends finding a musical release. The guitars are sharp, life-affirming bullets of love that provide angst and anxiety a place to escape to.

A. Smyth

Dublin’s A. Smyth is set to return with his second album, ‘Last Animals’ on 19th February. Already a budding talent in Ireland, Smyth is set to breakthrough in the UK this year.

With that in mind, let’s check out a couple of his tracks:

 Hero

An angelic dream where Elliot Smith gives a modern take on Van Morrison’s peak. The vocals are featherlight whilst the guitars pack an enriching hug.

A divine guitar solo sets Smyth out in his own right. The aching shimmer floods the senses with Neil Young’s warming distortion.

River

Ryan Adams’ ‘Desire’ is given an injection of Nick Drake’s innocence on this lullaby. Delicate and sweet, Smyth questions life choices with the spirit of the Romantics in his heart.

 *Image Courtesy of Mark Duggan

The Gabriels

The Gabriels are an indie quartet forged on a love of jangly guitars and classic pop sensibilities. Made up of Gudg (vocals), Fran (Bass), Leon (Guitar), and Stuart (keys), they release their debut album this Spring.

The single is available at Bandcamp.

The leadoff single is ‘Loose Canyon’ and, is as stunning a debut single as your ever likely to hear. The guitars trickle downstream without a care in the world allowing frontwoman Gudg to sprinkle angelic vocal over.

With little England dominating politics and covid19 sucking the morale out of everyone, their yearning to escape is the new year tonic we all need. The shimmering West Coast guitars evoke yesteryear but, remain fresh and purposeful to their scintillating end.

Through their longing to be back in the Laurel Canyon scene, they have encapsulated Roger McGuinn’s ability to make guitars glisten. However, what lifts this song is its ability to capture the heart of Gene Clark. The longing of ‘Set You Free This Time’ and the vulnerability of ‘If You’re Gone’ permeate their dream of escape.

Few debut singles can profess to be this fully formed. Even less can say they are great.

Civic Green

Barnsley’s Civic Green is a four-piece consisting of Danny Hall (vocals/guitar), Andy Lowman (bass/vocals), Gav Darley (drums), and Matt Walker (guitar). The indie quartet has signed with the impeccable These Bloody Thieves Records (False Heads, The Institutes) for the latest single ‘City Streets’.

Let’s check out their latest single and ‘There Is Always A Light’ from earlier in the year.

City Streets

The romanticism of The Enemy’s ‘Sing When You’re In’ flows through the guitars on this heart-pounding anthem.

Laced with heart, this is a clarion call for underdogs. As they decree ‘I don’t need nobody here / I’ll make it on my own’, it’s time for the underclasses to saddle up and join them in battle.

 When that vaccine comes, beers will fly uncontrollably around arenas to this!

There Is Always A Light

Form the playbook that brought ‘More Than A Tramps Vest’ and ‘Hindu Times’, welcome back the radio-friendly indie hook.

They have a flair for Tom Clarke and Noel Gallagher’s style of lyrics. When frontman Danny Hall sings ‘what’s been lost, will come back again’ and ‘faces loved and lost they will live on’, an instant bond is formed between band and fan.

Robust, rebellious, and infectious, it sets the platform for indie classicism to soar once more.

Shade

Many say the North will rise again. When did it sink? It wasn’t with Cabbage, The Blinders nor was it via the resurgence of Johnny Marr’s solo career.

Further proof lies with Manchester four-piece Shade. Signed to Fear Records, they have released two tracks this year. Let’s check them out:

Head In The Clouds

Released in September and produced by the legendary Gavin Monaghan, Shade set their axes to exuberant and blow the fucking doors off.

The hiss of Definitely Maybe loiters with a feverish intent. Dripping in bravado and oozing guts, it holds the same qualities of a resplendent Liam Fray striding out to a sold out Heaton Park. It’s humble and brash, earnest and boisterous. Big stages lie ahead.

Neverdie

Despite their Manchester roots, there is something inherently Liverpudlian about this instant classic!

The effervescence of The LA’s seduces the innocence of Gerry Cinnamon on this fluid piece of magic.

It’s not ‘Live Forever’ but, you’ll crave the solos with the same fervent expectation. The early flourishes lure you into their brand of hedonism before the closing moments sail off victoriously. 

*Image courtesy of Asupremeshot

Test Card Girl

Test Card Girl is the creative moniker for Caffs Burgis, a singer-songwriter from Manchester. In 2017, she attended the iconic Trades Club in Hebden Bridge to watch John Bramwell. It was here she would meet her producer and collaborator Dave Fiddler.

Her latest single. ‘Holds Me Down’ was produced with Fiddler at Fuse Studios in her Manchester. The crisp and quirky synths accentuate Burgis’ acutely soulful vocals. It takes a supreme talent to make synths sound warming. Burgis has nailed it on her first attempt. Enriching and homely, she takes the Celtic soul of King Creosote for a heart-warming day out with Billie Eilish.

Being able to lift the pop of Haim towards the power of Zola Jesus is rapidly beckoning her towards national treasure status Test Card Girl releases her debut album ‘Seven Dolls’ later this year.

Test Card Girl · Holds Me Down

Columbia

Columbia are five piece from Liverpool consisting of Alex Sheppo (vocals), Jonny Eccleshall (bass & vocals), Jay Sweeney (lead guitar), Tom Comer (rhythm guitar) Jay Culkin (drums).

Named after the Oasis classic and, recording with The Real People’s Chris Griffiths, they are set to light up big stages, when they’re allowed.

Let’s take a look at what they have been up to in 2020 so far:

This Life

A death defying renewal of ‘Definitely Maybe’s spirit. Taking no prisoners, it’s a tirade of debauched escapism.

The release of Jay Sweeny’s guitars is an exhilarating joyride that is going to send the re-opened gig venues of the UK into sweat dripping frenzy. They’re matched, in the closing moments by front man Alex Sheppo as he wrenches out an Ashcroft “this is a big / fuck you / come on” moment of demonic brilliance.

Nothing Left For Me

Channelling Richard Ashcroft’s William Blake mode, Columbia wander lonely streets on this record. Sweeney’s guitars, are beset with turmoil, try to find the light but, a fraught danger is forever in looming.

The contrast of acoustic and electric guitars bring memories of The Verve and Oasis’ glory days flooding back. Is it just pastiche? Perhaps, but, when it’s this good, it deserves to stand alongside the giants of working class glory.  

Meanwhile, frontman Sheppo offers his most interesting vocal to date. John Power and Richard Ashcroft lurk but, something melodically deranged formulates like Mansun’s iconic Paul Draper. With an innate ability to play vocal textures like this already, it poses a great future from a remarkable star.

Glass Violet

Bristol’s Glass Violet consist of Tom Hurdiss (Vocals, Guitar), Alex John (Guitar, Vocals)
Matt West (Drums), Josh Walsh (Bass), Declan Pollard (Synth / Keys). Barely a year into their career, they have been turning heads on their local scene.

Lets see what they have been up to:

Chemicals

Fans Oasis ‘Lord Don’t Slow Me Down’ film, will have often pondered, what do Oasis and Kasabian merged sound like. ‘Chemicals’ offers up that alternate reality. Earnest and determined to escape lifes shackles, they have evoked their working class rock ‘n’ roll. It also leans on the another of Oasis’ touring partners, the criminally underrated Soundtracks Of Our Lives. Their sun-drenched rock is oozing through this.

Hurdiss’ vocals are too indebted to Tom Meighan here. However, Liam was too Ian Brown long before Creation Records knew about him.

Over The Moor

A far reaching colossus! They have caressed the grey tinged horizons of the UK with a freedom that only gutsy British rock ‘n’ roll can.

Melodic, escapist and with Kasabian’s ‘Bless This Acid House’ in their hearts, they have hit upon a unifying tonic. One that, is absolutely needed in 2020.

In Earnest

In Earnest are three-piece band from Southend-on-Sea. Consisting of Thomas Eatherton, Sarah Holburn (Vocals) and Toby Shaer, they are self-professed sad indie noise enthusiasts.

17th April marked the release of their debut single, ‘Put Me Under’. It focuses on singer-songwriter Holburn’s chronic anxiety and depression, conditions which prevent her from holding down regular jobs. Luckily, for the rest of the wold, she has channelled it on this sublime song.

Lyrically, Holburn goes a long way to paint the perspective of anxiety sufferers. The awareness of what should but can’t be done builds a tension full of integrity. The isolation she puts over with ‘every now and then I sleep in someone else’s shoes’ is a remarkably honest notion. She goes on to deliver the tracks true standout line:

“You are everywhere and nowhere / just don’t put me under your spell”

A line to think on, especially in these secluded times.

Together, the three piece have launched themselves to the world with a stunning piece of music. At points, Holburn’s vocals have the haunting beauty of Julien Baker but, they surpass her during the climatic crescendo.

Shaer’s acoustic picking layers delivers nice nods to the atmospheric joy of Bon Iver. Meanwhile, Eatherton’s guitars, are of such quality that, they seem to ooze from earth like John Martyn’s classic ‘Small Hours’.

With a six track EP due soon, In Earnest have arrived in both, great style, and substance. Watch this space!

TINFOILS

Manchester’s TINFOILS release their new single, ‘Spitting’, Friday 17th April across all digital platforms. Having had to postpone gigs with the sublime Mysterines and the emerging C33s, they have brought this release forward as much needed uplift to their fans.

All images courtesy of Trust A Fox

The garage psyche of Thee Oh Sees is given a jaunty trip down The Libertines frenzied Albion coast. Raucous and riotous, but, always heart-warming, TINFOILS have found away to step away from life’s bullshit and create their own world.

At times, somehow, they make rolling with life’s heavy punches sound euphoric at times. Largely though, this is the sound of working class Britain. Taking the piss out of everything and not giving a shit.

Joyous!

The Red Stains

The Red Stains, just another band from Manchester? No. They’re another fucking great band from Manchester!

Photography by Andi Callen

The four piece are made of Natalie Emslie on vocals, Sterling Kelly on bass, Ella Powell on synths and guitar and Ben Dutton on drums. Only a year into their existence, they have already garnered interest from the iconic Tim Burgess and the wonderful people at Vanadian Avenue.

April 24th will witness their debut single ‘Mannequin’. Even during lockdown, it’s one of the most eagerly anticipated singles in recent years.

The throbbing baselines paint a dank landscapes for Emslie to deliver her venomous insight into objectification. Much like Ari Up, Emslie has the ability to be make almost every syllable sound like a right hook whilst, simultaneously, containing great melody.

This summer, Covid19 permitting, they will be appearing at Kendal Calling. Visions of people arriving to a stage three hours early are forming of the back of this great debut.

Andrew Cushin

For some time, there has been a disconnect on the indie circuit among fans. Rightly or wrongly, for the rock ‘n’ roll types, the likes of Foals and Bombay Bicycle Club lack an edge and authenticity. For trendier types, bands like Courteeners and Reverend & The Makers are dismissed as unintelligent and lad rock.

Arise Andrew Cushin.

His career began in unlikely circumstances. As a non-league goalkeeper, his coach asked him to train the younger players. This friendship led to discussions and music sharing over Weller, Ashcroft, Doherty, Beatles, Oasis and Damien Rice.

The twenty-year-old Geordie walks a tightrope of creativity between the two strands. The opening notes of his debut single ‘It’s Gonna Get Better’ will cause some to think, “oh, another Noel Gallagher wannabee”. That is, until he opens his mouth. Cushin is blessed with vocals sent from the soul gods.

In a short space of time, Cushin has been stealing shows and grabbing headlines with This Feeling and, circumstances permitting, will be a shining star at their Re-Wired festival this August.

Nobodies Birthday

Nobodies Birthday are a five-piece rock ‘n’ roll outfit from Reading. They consist of Dom (vocals), Ryan (lead guitar), Steve (rhythm guitar), Brendon bass guitar) and Tom (drums).

Having supported The Cribs, Pigeon Detectives and The Sherlocks, they look set to have a big year with a new EP due for release this year.

Clouds

Frontman Dom takes from all the 00s greats. The cuteness of Kyle Falkner (The View), the debauchery of Matt Bowman (Pigeon Detectives) and the adorable yet confrontational style of Tom Meighan all come together here.

'Clouds' greatest asset though, lies within its warmth. The guitar licks and stomping drums can only emanate from true friendship. This is the sound of mates forging memories. Yes, we want all our bands to sell out tours, but, let it never detract from the romance of the bond and the art they can make along the way.

Lemonade Wages

Sometimes, it feels like all is lost with music. Then, a song falls into your lap like 'Lemonade Wages'. It pays great homage to the lyrical romance of 'Sally Cinnamon', the melody of Oasis’ 'I Will Believe' and the swirling genius of 'Columbia'. Suddenly, it's not cold anymore, you can get the girl and political hope isn’t naive.

Camens

Camens are four piece hailing from Stoke-on-Trent. They consist of Scott Powell (vocals), Josh Egan, James Corbishley, and Luke Brightmore.

After supporting the legendary Futureheads and the soon to be huge The Snuts, they are set to follow suit in 2020. Let’s check out what they have been up to:

Handbrake

The lost indie genius of Reading’s Pete & The Pirates and Manchester’s Polytechnic strides into town once more here. This is a thrill, an absolute joyride of indie pleasure. Picture Liam Fray’s early guitar work and the vocal cuteness of Stonroway’s Brian Briggs and, you’ll be the same pleasure land we’re in!

Time Is Precious

The immediacy of Two Door Cinema Club meets the pop sensibilities of The Wombats on this indie-pop anthem. Big expansive riffs and indie dancefloor rhythms are met with self-doubting lyrics full of wit and charm.

Retro Video Club

Retro Video Club are a four piece from Edinburgh consisting of Liam Allison, Sam McGill, Michael Ward, and Kieran Burt.

Championed by Radio X legend John Kennedy and, with a string of UK dates lined up for March, we dive into their work:

Youth

The seaside desolation of The Horrors' 'Primary Colours' is brought to life once more with the nostalgic organs. From there, they hit blast off and never look back.

Front man, Liam Allison, vocally walks a line of anarchy like Billy Idol (Generation X era) and Julian Casablancas. He also has a cuteness and angelic quality that’s set to adhere him to millions.

Night In

Who among us, can honestly say, we don't love the Scottish accent within rock music? Simon Neil, Gerry Cinnamon, Bobby Gillespie, Scott Hutchison. It's a litany of vocals to adore.

With the desperation of Tribes, the gang mentality of Palma Violets and, the pop hooks of Supergrass, RVC have hit upon anthem gold here.

Prospa

Prospa are a two piece producer outfit hailing from Leeds. Harvey Blumler and Gosha Smith have been setting the rave circuit alive this past 12 months and, with their debut London headline show on the horizon (MOT Unit 18, April 3rd), we look at the work that's taken them to this point.

Prayer

'Prayer' combines the heart of early 90s rave and the expansive brilliance of Magnetic Man. Prospa have hit upon the psychedelic beats of that have seen the Chemical Brothers dominate festival scene for 30 years.

Intended

Again, they manage to encompass all that has gone before and refresh it for 2020. Dan Le Sac vs Scroobious Pip’s analogue production filtering through to the cuteness of Chvrches and on this subtle but heartfelt Kolsch affair.

Working Men's Club

The last twelve months have seen Working Men’s Club touring with Fat White Family and signing to Heavenly. In 2020, they are lining up a big tour and a glorious night at London’s iconic 100 Club with The Murder Capital and Odd Morris.

We take a look at two of their best tracks to date:

Teeth

If Pil were teenagers, this is the hook laden solitude they’d be supplying in 2020. A sense that, everything is fucked, infiltrate the apocalyptic landscapes they conjure. This is the sound of the The Fall, Underworld and Egyptian Blue colliding in a moment of punk protest and guitar music heaven.

Bad Blood

The Streets and Depeche Mode riffs with Jonathon Richman via Mad Max vocals. This is the new sound of house parties. The Jamie T solo is uniting but edgy, a spiky piece of alternative music gold.

This feels like the sweet spot of alternative culture. Dangling the toe into the mainstream and landing the big fish time and time again. Whilst, all the while luring the entrenched indie musos away from their chin stroking to join something truly engaging.

Paris Street Rebels

Paris Street Rebels are a Rock'n'Roll band from Ballingry, Fife, Scotland.

Paris Street Rebels have the greatest band bio on Facebook, bar none. Moving and inspiring, they lay out their mission statement to add themselves to the great annals of rock n roll history. Despite those who deem the glory years over, PSR are taking their shot, and if the doubters are true, it only makes their credentials purer.

The band are made up of Kevin Murphy Jnr (vox/guitar), Grant 'G' Malcolm (vox/guitar), Jordan 'Jazz' McLean (bass guitar) and Cameron Gaudin (drums). Lets check out some of their work to date:

Kings of Balado

There is something about spoken word, in the Scottish accent that lends itself a raw and powerful meaning. Ian Rankin’s recent appearance on The Charlatan’s ‘Future Tense’ and Edwin Morgan’s heroic performance on Idlewild’s ‘Scottish Fiction’ spring to mind.

Here, the Fife four piece have created the drama of the Idlewild song alongside the guttural power of Cabbage to create a life long set closer.

I Don’t Wanna Die Young

This is their crowning glory to date. Snarling, brattish and flamboyant, they spew out a combination of Tribes and The Libertines on this rock 'n roll epic.

The dual vocals, sounding like a duet between Tom Clarke (The Enemy) and Johnny Thunders, have the rock 'n' roll desperation of The Libertines at their peak.

Dylan John Thomas

Hailing from Glasgow, Dylan John Thomas looks set to be the one to finally raise the bar of the troubadour.

Having supported Gerry Cinnamon and Liam Gallagher in 2019, 2020 is Thomas’ as soon as he chooses. Let’s dive into his released from last year:

Problems

Lyrically and vocally, Thomas has found himself a space between Jake Bugg and Gerry Cinnamon on this spritely acoustic affair.

At times, it threatens to become a Scouse affair with gentle rumble of The Stands and Shack coming into play. Throw in the sublimes string section and, Thomas is already musically light years ahead of his peers.

Nobody Else

This sun kissed genteel affair will lead you to Donovan via his contemporary Gerry Cinnamon.

The closing solo, finds John Squire in Fairport Convention. Steeped folk heritage, ‘Mersey Paradise’ ripples through the heart and soul of the quaint pop song.  

Stanleys

Stanleys are a Wigan four piece consisting of Tom Concannon (Vocals), Jake Dorsman (Guitar), Harry Ivory (Bass), and Rob Hilton (Drums). They released their debut EP ‘The Sound of the Stanleys’ last year and have returned with new single ‘Better Life’. It’s released on the 15th January.

A Better Life

Despite their young age, Stanleys have a wisdom way beyond their years. The characterisation is as vivid as Tom Clarke’s work on ‘Will Live and Die in These Towns’ but with a more poetic soul.

This tale of what might have been, depicts a life of a man tragically living in the past. Yet, the sweeping guitars of The Courteeners and the pop sensibilities of Orange Juice lend it a glory that the protagonist continually dreams of.

The Martyr

'The Martyr' is what true outsiderdom sounds like! Heartfelt and longing to escape their surroundings, they’ve hit upon a sound that sounds like a young, angst ridden Richard Hawley roaming Sheffield.