We see things they'll never see
Rats ft Skinnyman – Jack
Musically, there’s an array of indie-punk bands reigniting the mid-00s scene at the moment. Liverpool’s RATS are key to the scene, and have returned with their new single ‘Jack’ and, it might just set them apart from the pack.
Unlike so many of the 00s scene, RATS have a visceral social comment and are willing to creative risks in delivering it. For the most part, ’Jack’ conforms to many indie reference points of the 15 years, and does it expertly. It’s great pop music.
Then, the introduction of Skinnyman changes everything. The return to depression era employment tactics is ruining lives. All the while, the givers of zero hour contracts get tax breaks (FUCK BORIS). Step up Skinnyman! His aggressive climax is the sound of the downtrodden getting nose to nose with their oppressors and demanding change!
*Image courtesy of @ChrisDriverPhoto
Death Valley Girls - Dream Cleaver
LA's Death Valley Girls, fresh from touring last years album 'Darkness Rains', wasted no time before returning to the studio. They have returned with stand alone single 'Dream Cleaver'. It's out now on Suicide Squeeze Records.
Their archetypal punk and garage remain but, now, they've calmed them and allowed their pop instincts to take them to a peculiar altered state of mind. They've taken the hypnotic spirit of Suicide and given it the immediacy Primal Scream.
When the sax kicks in, its easy to see why Bobby Gillespie was at their Victoria (Dalston) show earlier this year. The hallmarks of their dystopian classic '2013' lurk in the shadows of this anthem.
This tale, is a display of adoration for psychonaut and ethnobotonist Terrence McKenna; the founder of “the spirit molecule” and trans-dimensional travel.
In exploring this subject, they have left Stooges aggression of 'Darkness Rains' behind and moved towards a groove laden, white knuckle psychedelia realm.
Moon Duo - Lost Heads
Portland based Sanae Yamada and Ripley Johnson are back in the guise of Moon Duo. They release their second single 'Lost Heads' from their upcoming album ‘Stars Are The Light’, which is set for release on September 27th via Sacred Bones ahead of Autumn UK tour dates.
They have been prolific in their psyche exploration, but, for their next adventure (the 7th album) its a forage into the roots of disco. 'Lost Heads', in particular has a particularity British feel circa -88-91. Johnson's guitars are still at play, and after a residency in Salford this year, picked up influences from the psyche work of James on 'Bitch' and 'Girl at the End of the World'.
The hypnotic elements of Primal Scream's 'Autobahn' loom, but, 'Lost Heads' is far dreamier and acid tinged. It's ethereal qualities are that blissful moment on a night out; the headliner has blown you away and now your floating in space.
When you hear a band, like Moon Duo, famed for a strand of music for so long are ripping up all they know, alarm bells ring. To return with a new style of such quality and integrity, is not only remarkable, its just plain showing off. More please!
Average Sex - Erotomania
London's Average Sex, begin their nationwide tour tonight in Liverpool. To celebrate,they've released their new single 'Erotomania' via Tim Burgess' O Genesis imprint.
Song writing partnership, Sam and Letitia, haven't missed a beat since last years 'To My Dead Friend'. Slightly fuzzy, slightly 60s girl group and most definitely kick ass, can anyone match them for alt-pop right now?
As with their previous singles, its so easy to get lost in their melodies. However, scratch the surface and lyrically, darker avenues open up. They have an innate ability to recreate traumatic and intimate tales with such clarity, it's as though you lived through it with them.
Despite the obvious hurt on display, they continually find ways of making the listener laugh. We defy you not to find the humour in the line “Oh Grace why wont you punch me in the face”.
After two sell out EPs, this tour is sure to be the start of big things for Average Sex.
-Image courtesy of Caffy St Luce
The Crooks - Crystal Eyes
Chesterfield's The Crooks are back with their new single 'Crystal Eyes' today. Melodic, in your face rock n roll has been the mantra so far, what will this provide?
The return back to the studio has seen them slide back into the destructive psyche of mid point Oasis along with, a kick ass punk bassline. The added spikiness steers them away from their polished EP and in the direction of confrontation. Images of battle lines being drawn are unavoidable as front man Jacko snarls “ it's in our veins to live differently”.
Yearning to be heard is one thing, but now, The Crooks are demanding it. The rabid attack of The Enemy's 'Away From Here' combines with Oasis' psyche in what is, an announcement to the world to get behind them as they ride into battle.
Every generation has a set of bands luring the people away from insipid creativity. With the vapid Love Island having just finished, let The Crooks be that band.
Echolines – The Poison Artist
Newcastle’s Echolines are back with their new single ‘The Poison Artist’, out on 6NOT4 Records.
Their previous single, ‘Imagination Stranger’, was a pop celebration of 80s indie influences. Things have taken a more expansive and darker tone this time. From the warped synths, to the Robert Smith meets an angry Jimi Goodwin and Guy Garvey vocals, they’ve struck a dank chord of greatness.
They adopt Public Service Broadcasting’s style with the inclusion n of exerts from a documentary on the CIA. From this sinister early inclusion, ‘The Poison Artist’ explodes with colour, vigour and dreaded nihilism. Brass, so often the accompaniment to glory, rages here like a rabid wolf!
The guitars, whilst they have jangle reminiscent of The Cure’s triumphant Glasto set, the intensity of them is soul crushing. The imagery they create is of love being torn down, through self-destruction and at worst, for sport.
Echolines are rapidly becoming a vital band for your record collections!
*Image courtesy of Van Goth
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
Stanley Duke & The Kindred Spirits – Collagen
Cornwall’s Stanley Duke, was last seen in the band Lost Dawn in 2016. Now embarking on a solo career, Duke, backed by The Kindred Spirits, releases his debut single ‘Collagen’ on the 26th July via Jam X Recordings.
The psyche guitar work here, with its roots in the 70s has elements of Yuck’s self-titled debut album and the wayward glory of the Libertines. As Duke sings “live the dream, live the life”, there is a sense that this could all fall apart at any minute. Nevertheless, as Frank Turner says:
“We’ll have all the best stories to tell”
There is a punk spirit coursing through the dirty rock n roll here. It took The Black Keys a long time to forge a freeing rock escapism with their dirty garage licks. Here, Duke, has caught a meandering wave to float away on his first effort.
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
C33s – Big Winner
Manchester’s C33s have joined forces with Producer Gavin Monaghan (MOSES) again for their second single ‘Big Winner’. Released on Bloody Thieves Records and a mainstay on Chris Hawkins BBC6 show, a big break through feels imminent.
The tour with Cabbage has paid dividends. Their natural garage psyche has been given an injection of their peers’ weird and wonderful punk. The immediacy it’s given them as been spliced hooks in the vein of their Irish counterparts Fontaines Dc and The Clockworks. Make no mistake, this is a great era for bands.
Like Cabbage and The Blinders, they have razor sharp lyrics that threaten the status quo:
“Gathered wisdom from the psych ward to the street / Keep them coming / I will drench them in defeat”
Couple this with the Toy meets Lemmy solo, a real sense C33s can turn their hand to anything emerges. There is no intention on playing it safe on this psyche fizzer!
*Image courtesy of Trust A Fox
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
Ynys - Mae'n Hawdd
Ynys, aka Dylan Hughes (Former Races Horses) follows his debut single 'Caneuon' with another fine piece of Welsh language pop ‘. Originally written 5 years ago, Hughes roped in his friend to Mali Llewelyn to add vocals and finish it off.
In the height of Stranger Things series 3 fever, it’s a perfectly timed release. The 80s synths recall the exquisite theme tune from the Duffer Brothers masterpiece.
Hughes' ability to conjure the 60s pop Burt Bacharach and the melodic peculiarities of Gruff Rhys act as a tonic to the synths. There is an effortless flow to this tale of wandering the coast at midnight. It’s a freeing of the soul in a world gone mad.
With a summer and autumn tour booked, be sure to get out and see the UK's latest alt-pop sensation.
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
Mark Morriss - All The Wrong People
The Bluetones frontman has returned with a new solo single ‘All The Wrong People’. It is the lead single from his upcoming fourth studio album ‘Look Up’ (out via Reckless Yes Records).
With Steve Wonder’s ‘Higher Ground’ firmly in view, Morriss allows his pop instincts to flourish, arguably to the finest degree since 2003’s ‘Never Going Nowhere’. There are hooks oozing out of this at every turn. The piano licks, sauntering drums, and the wah wah guitar combine to re-imagine 70s funk and soul to glorious effect.
Morriss’ lyrics’, are not often in the social comment bracket. However, with the world pulling itself apart, Morriss’ adopts a reflective stance many of us have when agitators of the world frequent the TV. In this instance, Trump, aka “big blonde hippopotamus” is the target. It may seem a juvenile quip but, in reality, this is how most reasonable people react to the colossal oath every time he tweets racist bile. It’s all that can be done to cope and Morriss has mirrored this with aplomb.
Having heard the jaw-dropping ‘Roll Away’ and the sun-kissed ‘Rimini’ at live shows, ‘Look Up’ is shaping up to be the pop album that truly matters in 2019.
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets are available here:
Little Avis - Silver Tongue
Little Avis’ third single, ‘Silver Tongue’ was released this week. Following on from their raucous Graham Coxon inspired single ‘Ghalib’, the Manchester outfit have put out ‘Silver Tongue’.
It has the wayward indie pop of Young Knives with immediacy and hook laden Shame and The Buzzcocks. Raising the bar above just another punk single here though are the vocals from Lee Hunter. His found an exquisite post-punk sweet spot between Edywn Collins and David Byrne.
At times, there is a Richard Hawley sense of romanticism about the protagonist. It cuts through the wry post-punk delivery and provides an everyman humbleness to the single. This kind of universal truth is sure to carry them to the hearts and minds of the UK’s alternative community sooner rather than later.
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
Cleargreen – People
Manchester’s Cleargreen are back with their new single ‘People’ today. Already a force in their home city, they have been stealing the show on This Feeling stages on the festival circuit too.
Previous single ‘Gone’, whilst freeing, probably had too many hallmarks of the DMA’s to be their breakthrough moment. On ‘People’, they’ve taken a monumental leap to establish their identity.
It’s a conscientious examination of the public mindset in 2019, shining a light on the contradictions of humanity. By proxy, it highlights the echo chamber mentality of both left and right and how, but with heart and amiable sincerity at its core. How apt on the day that Putin labelled Liberalism “obsolete”.
The LA’s-esque riff is given The Verve pop majesty circa Urban Hymns sheen. Equally beefy and emotive, Haworth and Staley’s guitars combine the aforementioned style with a Teenage Fanclub sense of adventure. Rock ‘n’ roll escapism is back, and with a chorus of “Going away where there is no tomorrow / Go to the place where I don’t feel hollow” it’s here to stay.
The colossus that is Liam Gallagher is rolling back into town at present and, we look forward to it. However, we urge everyone to pay attention to the new class. Cleargreen, Gazelle, Stanleys, and The Raintree County have lit the touchpaper for a new rebellion.
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
The Raintree County – Feel Alive
In 1995, there was no need for Oasis to follow 1994’s ‘Definitely Maybe’ with more of the same. The world was ready for Noel Gallagher and Owen Morris to stretch their their sound to the edge of oblivion on ‘What’s The Story (Morning Glory)’. However, The Raintree County’s new single ‘Feel Alive’, has created an alternate reality where that Manchester via Liverpool sound was followed up on.
Full of escapism and hopeful swagger, the Leeds five piece have delivered a slice of the North West. With the charm of ‘Digsy’s Donner’ and the expansiveness of ‘Slide Away’ and ‘Columbia’, they have tapped into that Burnage groove to take the mind elsewhere.
This isn’t just a rehash of the past though. Nor is it just a tribute to Oasis. There are nuggets psyche reminiscent of Mick Head’s Shack and the drunkard triumphalism of Tribes fuelling this anthem for the present day.
Two singles in, The Raintree County are nailing down their own sound via the greats. Definitely ones to watch!
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
Come At The King – Where’s That Smile, Boy?
With every release, Come At The King grow that much more menacing. Their latest offing, ‘Where’s That Smile, Boy?’ is no different.
The London trio have combined the energy of their debut ‘Minesweeper’ and the grooves of ‘Shudder’ to hit a gloriously filthy note! Early Black Keys and BRMC circa ‘Spectre of the Feast’ guitars combine with dank and dangerous basslines.
Lyrically, this is the most mature of their work to date. Garage rock isn’t often associated with quintessentially British characters. Here though, they’ve connected their dangerous sonic to a the machinations of small town men with big time delusions of grandeur. To quote the legendary Members “this is the sound of the suburbs”.
Come At The King’s rise is growing rapidly, be sure to catch them live at our 8th birthday party Friday 2nd August. Tickets available here >>> https://newcrossinn.com/tickets/events/travellers-tunes-8th-birthday
MOSES – Findings
For the best part of 2018, London’s MOSES were churning out anthemic but punk led singles. Earlier this year, changed tack with ‘I Think You Worry To Much’ to provide a shimmering pop song. Their latest single ‘Findings’, again leans towards the alternative pop world.
With the whimsical aspects of Coldplay and Snow Patrol in the 00s pomp at play, MOSES have delivered a slow building number in that vein. This is no indie rehash though. There something so beautifully fragile about MOSES and frontman Victor in particular. As leadership implodes and institutions crumble, MOSES (among others) continue to deliver great pop art and somehow, they do it with kindness.
*Image courtesy of Ana Ban Ana
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
The Velvet Hands - Don't Be Nice To Me
With a huge Liam Gallagher support slot in the bag, Cornwall’s The Velvet Hands return with their new single ‘Don’t Be Nice To Me’.
2018’s debut album ‘Party’s Over’ got people talking excitedly about the four piece but, such was the Strokes influence, question marks loomed over future successes. Could they break free from their heroes shackles being the main one.
‘Don’t Be Nice To Me’ is a big stride away from their NYC idols. It’s a short sharp upper cut to their peers and the drivel in the charts. With the warmth of Palma Violets and the angst of Shame, they have found their sweet spot.
This free flowing piece of rock rebellion is going to cause some serious beer spillages on indie dancefloors this summer!
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
The Raintree County – Happy People
‘Happy People’ is the debut single from Leeds five piece The Raintree County. Having garnered attention from BBC Introducing West Yorkshire and the Y Not Festival, we decided to delve in.
Immediately, The Real People’s classics ‘Window Pane’ and ‘I Can’t Wait’ spring to mind. The choppy psyche guitars and front man Jimmy Sweeney’’s vocals have channelled their inner scouser to good effect.
It’s the distinction of their sound that is striking for a debut single. Ben Arnold’s beefy guitars funnel the vastness of Black Keys through the indie-psyche of The Real People and The LA’s. Bands are so often slow to realise less is more, they’ve already nailed that. A bright future beckons.
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
The Cosmics - Drained
The Birmingham three piece have returned with their new single ‘Drained’. This is taken from the 6 EP they are releasing in June.
The immediacy of the record is undeniable. Singer Erin Grace co-opts a Shrang-la’s vocal for the verse before effortlessly sliding into a furious punk rock delivery in the chorus.
Conor Boyle’s guitars possess the rapid fire angst of Oasis’ ‘Bring It Down’. There are nuggets of Noel’s glam rock riffs from ‘Hindu Times’ and ‘Cigarettes & Alcohol’ giving this record a depth and warmth few can match.
Their upcoming show at Old Blue Last (June 13th) is sure to be a sold out affair on this showing.
*Image courtesy of Danny Boyle
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
The White Tips - Patience
Former Travellers Tunes party performers The White Tips are back with their new single ‘Patience’.
The Aylesbury outfit have laid bare their love of Nirvana for all to see on this new offering. The moment Andy Shaw’s bass drops, memories of ‘Lithium’ will come flooding back.
As soon as the record starts, there is an inevitably about it, a solo is coming (say this in Ned Stark’s voice!). It’s a nice nod to the destruction of ‘Breed’ and the pop instincts of ‘Drain You’ but, with all Nirvana enthusiasts, the unavoidable difference class is apparent. Cobain really was another level to most.
That said, there is something here, a spark to keep you coming back. With airplay and festivals behind them, an upturn in confidence may well make this journey more intriguing.
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
Paula Wolfe – Georgia Blue
London and Norfolk based artist (and producer) Paula Wolfe has returned with her new single ‘Georgia Blue’.
In 2019, with European elections approaching, couldn’t be released at more apt time. With an undercurrent of hostility permanently in the air, human emotions and progress are sliding out of view.
Wolfe’s tale of a cross dressing train driver, with crisp warming vocals and swooning production is a stark reminder to be less selfish. It’s written with great characterisation and a strong sense of Englishness, it’ll recall the eloquence of Ray Davies and Paul Weller in their pomp.
Despite the prevailing beauty on show, there is a solemnness to the protagonist’s journey that should spark memories of ‘Saturday Night Sunday Morning’ or Pulp’s ‘Common People’. A sense of ordinary people living extraordinary lives burns bright.
This is ‘That’s Entertainment’ for the woke generation and boy does society need art like this to bring different generations together once again.
Friday 2nd August marks our 8th birthday. Come down to the New Cross Inn for a night of great live music. Tickets available here:
