Indie – Booze & Reviews

87 and The Toys release their indie-infused new EP ‘Japanesy If You Pleasey’

87 and The Toys are one of those outfits that come along and steal your heart instantly. Best described as creating music that’s bathed with memorable lo-fi melodies, garage rock elements and retro-indie, ‘Japanesy If You Pleasey‘ is their latest adventure.

Filled with seven tracks that demonstrate the band’s desirable talent, 87 and The Toys are from Portland and are armed with music to make you move. Fitting somewhere between Violent femmes, The B52’s, Daniel Johnson and Neutral Milk Hotel, the glorious sound of 87 and The Toys is nostalgic yet highly original.

“Japanesy If You Pleasey” was released October 13th and features an authentic production that showcases that imperfections sometimes make perfections in music. First track ‘Georgia Governor Kemp’ tells the story of the Republican Governor of Georgia’s attitude towards COVID-19, and is a surprising yet passionate start to the EP.

“Bojack” is a single that tells the tale of, you guessed it, Bojack Horseman. With the song’s sentiment being the sudden realisation that there’s no more episodes to watch, the track would fit perfectly in the tv series, if it was still a thing.

What is one thing for sure with the EP is that the subject’s of each track will probably make you giggle with their complete randomness. The third track, “All You Can Eat Sushi“, is a song that was initially written as a joke

“RAMEN” is an acoustic driven number that feels like the lovechild of Pixies and The B52’s.”Rilakkuma County” is based on popular Japanese character ‘Rilakkuma the Relax Time Bear’, and is coated with punk sensibilities.

“The Internet People (Know Every Move You Make)” and “LOVE” are completely different sides of the spectrum. While “The Internet People” is a shadow of 87 and the Toys’ iconic sound,”LOVE” showcases Hana’s singing in Japanese. Overall, the EP will walk into your live with no expectations and leave you stunned with it’s creativity.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/87andthetoys
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/87band/
Website: https://87andthetoys.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/87andthetoys/sets/japanesy-if-you-pleasey
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pv3LeeMHwQtauS4aPrxHX?si=kRlGaG0vTtGRXZL8YYoUsw
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChwi1ucmaeMWuWLkJTE6HMg

Check out the latest episode of The Quite Great Radio Show

Episode 3 of ‘Just Checking In’ is now out – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pNt2GF_LcA&t=197s

Four Crooks instil anthem after anthem in latest EP ‘Black Magic’

Indie, Indie-Rock, Rock, Uncategorized

One good thing out of lockdown is that musicians all across the globe have turned their creative juices into something positive. Four Crooks did exactly that too. Gathering their thoughts and talents together in a remote farmhouse to write and produce their new EP ‘Black Magic‘, the 3 track EP is a refreshing release that captures a youthful band destined for stardom.

Situated somewhere in between the attitude of The Black Keys and early Arctic Monkeys, the record takes centre stage and showcases a band that use their music as a sort of escapism.

‘Black Magic‘ is led by the first track of the same name, and describes feelings of addiction. A warning and a celebration of everything that can take hold of all your senses, the first single is an elevating tune that captures Four Crook’s youth.

‘Feel Alright‘ talks about walking out of a difficult relationship with your head held high, while EP-closer ‘Paranoia‘ is a hard-hitting number that describes how it feels to be trapped with anxiety and doubt.

Four Crooks are stating that rock and roll is far from over, it just has a refreshing new face.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fourcrooks
Twitter: twitter.com/fourcrooksband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourcrooks/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/fourcrooks
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/481eyDyRzknJPYeewo9SKN?si=Pe99LDC3RIq1z8ktrGH36A
Youtube: https://youtu.be/0vaNFaZ3Hag

Check out the latest episode of The Quite Great Radio Show

Watch the next episode “Just Checking In – Episode 2” on the Quite Great YouTube channel. Writer, Chloe Mogg covers ‘Is COVID-19 causing a surge of long term chronic illnesses?

Michael Jones’ latest release ‘The Crossroads’ crosses new territory for the songwriter

Blues, folk, Indie

Award-winning poet and singer-songwriter Michael Jones released his new single ‘The Crossroads‘ on Friday the 13th of November. One of the only positive things that came out of Friday the 13th, ‘The Crossroads’ is an anthem all about change at a time where the world is hurting.

Taken off his forthcoming EP ‘American Poet Part II‘, which is out November 27th, Michael states that ‘The Crossroads’ is linked to his successful track ‘This is The Night’. On the track, Michael states, “These epic and changing times have brought humanity to The Crossroads. The symbolism of Robert Johnson, trading his soul for the gift of music, is woven into the heart of American folklore. We can all sense that 2020 is a transitional historical moment. The choices we make now may very well determine the fate of our collective human soul. It is from this idea that I wrote The Crossroads”.

Drawing inspirations from the likes of poets-turned musicians such as Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Jim Morrison, Michael Jones is an innovative artist with a strong discography behind him.

‘The Crossroads’ is bathed in blues sensibilities, and nods to the classic legend of Robert Johnson at the crossroads. A genuine track that feels timeless, Michael Jones states that ‘The Crossroads’ reflects classic songwriters while giving a new, refreshing sound.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaeljonesmusician
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljonesofficial/
Website: https://americanpoetmusic.com
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-288217762
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/12137225696
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKoXV-6T8p3hX91j0XZOEAw?view_as=subscriber

Check out the latest episode of The Quite Great Radio Show

Paul Tully releases passionate tribute to tackling ‘Anxiety’ head-on

Americana, Country-Rock, Indie, Singer-Songwriter

Hailing from Strabane in County Tyrone, Paul Tully currently resides in Dublin. Known around the circuit as one of Ireland’s best kept secrets, there’s nothing hush about Paul’s heartfelt single ‘Anxiety’.

An ode to a condition that affects millions across the world, the poignant track couldn’t have come at a better time.

During the darkest times of UK lockdown, anxiety levels are at the highest they’ve been in a long time. Hoping that it’ll give people confidence to speak up about their mental health, the single states that you are never alone, and reaching out for help may be hard but it’ll be the best thing you’ll ever do.

“I’m hoping the song could bring a sense of comfort to those suffering from anxiety and let them know they aren’t alone. When I wrote the song in June of this year, we were in the middle of lockdown and there was a real uncertainty regarding our health and well-being of not only ourselves but those closest to us. On top of that we have ever-increasing living costs, the never-ending Brexit and a complete lack of job security – people really are at their wits end. The song basically describes my experience with anxiety and I hope it can help anyone listening and know that they aren’t alone.”
Paul Tully

‘Anxiety’ resides in a warm Americana arrangement that subtly nudges country-pop. An upbeat track that’s filled with optimism, the guitar-driven track may feature a tear-jerking message, but it’s lively sound is bathed with hope.

Follow Paul’s socials to be the first to hear of any new music news:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/paultullymusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/paul_tully
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/paul-tully/anxiety-clean-version/s-xLIpYT4YXH0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6BcVRhFYxNkhk1jPMAVe8i?si=y39vfmYbTu-5c_YN5FMcAw
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/anxiety-single/1532961739

Check out the latest episode of The Quite Great Radio Show: https://www.mixcloud.com/QuiteGreatRadioShow/the-quite-great-radio-show-011120/

Watch Quite Great TV’s Weekly Monkjack Round Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3pvM4f3ubA&t=7s

The Jesus and Aeroplane! Seattle’s Drone Rock Masters, The Black Planes, Release Stunning Debut

Cocktails, Indie

Pining back to an age of a golden generation of what festivals were ‘meant to be about’, the heart of musical experience will forever remain in what can be achieved through performing live. With careful regard to not cast aside the casual listener, Seattle’s take on hypnotic psychedelia The Black Planes have crafted a new angle on seducing the masses with cutting edge mesmerism through debut album ‘This is the Black Planes’.

After initial viewing of their new video for ‘Stone in Love’, their style is self-evidently nothing short of a transfixing Austin Powers scene transition. The album was recorded and mixed over a 10 month period, with the mixing and mastering completed by local legend Chris Hanzsek (producer of Soundgarden; Melvins and many others), co-founder of Reciprocal Recordings (home of most early Sub Pop acts, including Nirvana) alongside Jack Endino. The overall concept that inspired the conception of The Black Planes was derived from an aim for a darker, heavier sound than predeceasing concept Friction Pitch, as a more encompassing affair that’s meant to be appreciated as a whole.

The experience is one of echoing back to an era of 70s psychedelia, indulging the audience in a kind of mesmeric gawp at proceedings while simultaneously letting them blow you away. Guitarist Dan Gallagher harks back to his own experiences of seeing Moon Duo perform at The Sunset Tavern in Seattle and heavily hopes to replicate a similar kind of performance in doing so. Listening to the tracks it’s already easy to see the dim lit decadence of the venue being illuminated by twin graphic visualisers projecting the sound waves for multi-sensual appreciation.

Much of the journey is perpetuated by the bass guitar, which slides elegantly through repeated groove patterns. At times, the experience is sustained by the absence of essence, enhancing a sense of calmness, bordering on asphyxiation. This doesn’t last for long, however, as the self produced synth-sounds and delicate guitar permeate a life-giving breath and ambience which serves as a light giving halo circling the all-round easy going vocals.

Since here we’re embracing the Seattle sound, slip your slippers on and settle down to a Starbucks-laden White Russian.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0FZkiUZJswsfgUt3MBV1nS?si=6hjk8T0lRPO3TWyPALxXww

Youtube: https://youtu.be/QRYT0ynm8HA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblackplanes/

Website: http://www.theblackplanes.com

Don’t Ban This Filth! Screamin’ Whisper Channel 70s Goodness

Indie

Are people in bands getting younger or is it just us? OK, it’s just us, but the youthful visages of Screamin’ Whisper really did have us reaching for the phone to dial the national truanting hotline. Formed around Gaelic-speaking identical twin brothers Brian and Martin Hughes (and gooseberry Zak on drums), you’ll be relieved/disappointed to hear they sing in English, and jolly…well, jolly it is too, glam rock in an untinselly way, with old-fashioned choruses and some nice foot-stompy bits – T-Rex with more sensible footwear. They’ve just released their debut album, “Filth” which has no immediately detectable swearing but still might upset a few of your more elderly relatives.

To sup upon whilst experiencing the Screamin’ Whisper sound, we were in too minds but have settled upon a delicious brew which is both evocative of the 70s and suitable for the younger folk. Chin chin!

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/screamin-whisper

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/6rQdWHpY1DFUwryo9Fiwzl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/screaminwhisper/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScreaminWhisper

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepscreamin/

Website: www.screaminwhisper.com

Spirits in the Sky with Satellite Ravens

Beers, Indie, Indie-Rock

Space rock then. There can’t be many bands that have, on the surface, defined a time, a place and a level of inebriation than Hawkwind, yet it is largely their influence which has led to the emergence of Satellite Ravens. The tie-dyed heartbeat which thrums through their music is all oil on lightbulbs and whooshing guitar effects, a technique which has never entirely disappeared for reasons both musical and otherwise (none of which we condone, obv). Every decade has had their own take on the style, from Spacemen 3 in the 90s to Monster Magnet to Flaming Lips to, more recently, Comets on Fire. Satellite Ravens have an extra twist in that lead Raven (indeed, most of the time, only Raven) is primarily a bassist, meaning that the psychedlic stew is bolstered by a very pleasing funk flavour.

For drinking purposes, though mescal infusions would seem apt on the surface, we can’t miss the opportunity to mention Space Rock Pale Ale which promises nuggets of alien technology.

www.satelliteravens.com

https://www.shortsbrewing.com/beers/space-rock/

Slim Loris and the Country Rock Sound of Sweden!

Acoustic, Country-Rock, Indie, Indie-Rock, Shots

The Alt-Country boom in the mid-90’s was quite a thing – country as a genre had long been derided as rhinestones and fake smiles, but even before the commercial rebirth of Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, bands had openly embraced the genre and added their own sympathetically subtle embellishments. Acts such as Giant Sand, Wilco and The Handsome Family brought the dust-swept art of story-telling into ultra-cool indie territory, despite (or maybe even because of) their heartfelt love of the simplicity of the music and the lyrics.

Though alt-country (or, if you prefer, Americana) has settled into its niche quietly now, the ethics and sound are appearing in the most unusual places. Perhaps the gold-standard of these is Slim Loris, a band based in Gothenburg, Sweden, who are producing some of the most life-affirming music you can imagine, whilst keeping a firm grip on reality. The first track to be aired from their forthcoming EP, “Wild & Untamed”, is “Burning Elephant”, one of the rockier tracks but still brilliantly melodic and wholly satisfying…

Which brings us to booze. What to pair? Presenting the combining of American and Swedish culture:

SoundCloud

https://soundcloud.com/slimloris

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4i1M26n7NN5vINKv3VfuHu

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYvykGoHrbiiBqa33Ia_pPA

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Slim-Loris/214253388610637

Twitter

https://twitter.com/SlimLoris

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/slimloris/

Website

http://slimloris.com/

After Hours Post-Rock with Broken Islands

Ciders, Cocktails, Indie, Indie-Rock, Rock, Spirits

Broken Islands may be the most heart-breaking listening experience of your year – or maybe the most uplifting, such is the strange brew of raucous guitars and honeyed vocals. Post-rock may have had a somewhat tumultuous hay day, evolving from sheets of amplified power chords to orchestral, if rather directionless, suites of floppy-haired yawning. It was a brave attempt to bring classical techniques to rock and indie music but it failed as bands either misunderstood what they were trying to integrate or took themselves too seriously to an alarming degree. And then there’s Broken Islands.

Broken Islands are the band post-rock should have used as its template for glory. Exceptionally grand and widescreen in scope, this is utterly thrilling, indeed the temptation to wheel out cliched phrases of rapture is almost too much to resist. Listen to the track “Crown” and you risk arrest if not moved to tears. It’s a stunning testament to a band who have only unleashed themselves on the world when they had fully developed as both a band and songwriters. Their album, Wars, has just been released (on red vinyl) and is a potential game-changer.

What to accompany this emotional experience? Well, the band are from Canada so it would be nice to bring that into the mix. Lo’, please enjoy a heart (and body warming brew from those good people at Canada Dry

https://www.canadadry.com/recipes/warm-ginger-apple-rum-punch

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-475951978/sets/wars

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gpCj0xQj8BwdG3uXPUJRr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvEJQKLM-qaFjTvMXxUMkWg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokenislands/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/broken_islands

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thebrokenislands_/

Website: http://www.thebrokenislands.com/

Heavyball – The Perils of Midweek Drinking

Beers, Indie, Pop, Ska

Midweek drinking is a terrific thing, until you bring work into the equation. No matter how good an idea it feels to keep putting off the ‘one last drink’, there is something about a midweek hangover which is a crime against humanity. Numbness and pain somehow managing to co-exist for a day which lasts far longer than 24 hours. Heavyball know this and share our pain. Their latest album, “When Can You Start?” is a concept album relating the final week in the life of an office worker whose hopes and dreams are quashed at every turn. Hope springs eternal but sometimes, the refuge of the pub is the best option.

Though several of the tracks have a jaunty, two-tone feel, the mood across the album varies from both joyous to despairing, perfectly summing up the lives of many stuck in a dead-end job: it’s a means to an end but it can soon become a pit it’s impossible to escape from.

To accompany a suitably mood-swinging listen to the album we suggest a proper pint – no American IPAs or fizzy 3% stuff, go for something which tastes lovely but quickly turns into a terrible mistake without you realising until it’s far too late (probably the following day). Can’t go wrong with Black Sheep. Look, posh Black Sheep!