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Introducing… Glyphs!
“Curious, exotic nuggets…” - Clash Magazine
Glyphs are delighted to announce that they will be bringing their electro indie soundscapes to a wider audience with the release of EP Out To Sea due for release on 20th October 2014 via Small Sounds.
You can stream and download EP track 'Shed Skin' for free on the ABoF SoundCloud page or via the embed below.
Out To Sea is the work of a band who have harnessed their considerable talent by melding together various genres into one, unique sound that encompasses tender, melodic pop vocals, hip-hop style beats and electro-synth all accompanied by comforting noises and samples that could have been lifted from a Spectrum 128k circa ’85. Opening track, and official single Out To Sea, displays the band’s playful side by evoking the spirit of 80’s synth-pop bands such as Erasure and The Pet Shop Boys creating an ear worm that’s hard to shake. While ‘The Machine’ could sit alongside many modern electronic artists like The Knife and Autechre as beats pop and samples soar, neatly bridged by a shoegaze style chorus. Closing track ‘Man Of Straw, Man Of Stone’ sways rhythmically with samples and beats washing gloriously over soft, distant, dream-like vocals reminiscent of Boards Of Canada.
Formed in 2010 Glyphs came together after Mark Walsh (vocals/songwriting) and Matt Wilkie (producer) became flatmates. Despite having known one another for a few years previously, Mark had embarked on a two year trip to Asia and Australia and it wasn’t until his return to Brixton that the pair reconnected. Originally hailing from Liverpool the duo set about writing and recording together as Matt had an array of music and beats already written and Mark was able to provide the lyrics and vocals.
Out To Sea is Glyphs’ fourth release following on from their Small Sounds EP and Glyphs EP both released in 2011 and the Locks & Keys EP, which was released in 2013. Combining a wide range of influences from Caribou and Bonobo to Four Tet and The Knife, Glyphs have created a sound that they can call their own.
To support the EP release the band will be playing a number of shows around London while continuing to write more material for another release in 2015.
Out To Sea is due for release on 20th October 2014 via Small Sounds.
Introducing… Daydream Frenzy!
“…really catchy Rock.” - Alex Baker, Kerrang! Radio
Daydream Frenzy’s free track All The World is out now. This free download is just a prelude of what’s to come with plans for another single in the Autumn and an as yet untitled debut album due for release in 2015.
You can stream and download the track for free on the Daydream Frenzy BandCamp page or via the embed below.
Watch the video that accompanies the track on the band's YouTube channel or via the embed below.
Originally from Insch and Huntly - small towns outside Aberdeen – the trio take influences from many different genres, combining them to make their own blend of Alternative Rock.
All The World’s lyrics revolve around freedom, realising your full potential, keeping your head high and finding adventure. But it’s the punchy bridge and chorus that really gets your head banging with big anthemic leads, powerful drums and strong harmonies not far from the likes of Twin Atlantic, Angels & Airwaves and Jimmy Eat World.
Formed in January 2010, Donald Barclay (vocals/guitar) and Hamish Gordan (drums) starting jamming acoustically at school. Fraser Henderson (bass) then joined to bring in a heavier sound; eventually forming Daydream Frenzy. Four years later, the boys have received support from Kerrang! Radio, Amazing Radio and Scuzz TV. The band have also supported the likes of Big Country, The Maine and Don Bronco and recently sold out their own headline show.
Daydream Frenzy are one of the most exciting Scottish rock exports you’ll hear this year.
Katalina Kicks’ album ‘Dirt’ out now!
"...Dirt is a full-tilt masterclass in garage rock."
- TeamRock
Katalina Kicks have released their second album Dirt via Snappi. You can listen to the album over on TeamRock who are hosting an exclusive stream.
The video for album track 'Forever Young' was premiered on AltSounds and you can watch it now via the band's YouTube channel.
You can stream and download the track via the ABoF SoundCloud page.
The London based four-piece have produced an unashamed, foot-stomping rock and roll record that would fit nicely alongside bands such as Nirvana, Misfits, The Hives, The White Stripes and QOTSA - bands that inspired Katalina Kicks to create and write music in the first place. ’Sex N Drugs’ opens the record and sets the tone beautifully - coming out kicking and screaming in a splendorous example of garage rock revival glory. On the surface the sound could be seen as an ode to the likes of The Stooges and MC5, but Katalina Kicks have a charm and swagger that marks their sound out firmly as their own. Dirt takes you on a punk-rock journey, stomping through the decades with energetic gusto, waving at Kurt, Iggy, Evan, Jack and Meg as you pass them by on this magical mystery tour.
The band were formed by Ian George (vocals & guitar) in 2009 with the aim to create a stripped back heavy rock sound. Things took off immediately and very quickly Katalina Kicks were offered a publishing deal, so they recruited Harry Stam (guitar) and Jase Wilkinson (drums & backing vocals) and Katalina Kicks were born. Most recently the band added Nadia Silverstone (bass) to complete the current line-up. Two critically acclaimed singles followed in 2010 before the band released their debut album The Return of Montague Rotter. The album gained a following in the States as it charted on many CMJ College Radio stations which then saw the band showcase at SXSW and the Canadian Music Fest in Toronto. Closer to home, the band started to play some great live shows in London with a headline appearance at Koko, a slot at Club NME and a showcase at Camden Rocks.
You can also stream and download album track 'Kings Of America' for free via Katalina Kicks' SoundCloud page as well as their cover of Iggy and The Stooges classic 'Search and Destroy'.
To support the release Katalina Kicks will be touring the US and Latin America as well as hosting a huge album launch party when they return to the UK in Autumn.
Dirt is released via Snappi and is available to buy digitally via iTunes.
Clockwork Radio album ‘No Man Is An Island’ out now!
"...chaos with a quirky charm..." - God Is In The TV Zine
Clockwork Radio release their debut album No Man Is An Island via Poly Tune.
To get a taste of their sound you can download 'Sitting Bull' for free on Clockwork Radio's SoundCloud page or via the embed below.
You can also stream and download album track 'Fever' for free from Clockwork Radio's official website.
The album is an energetic and accomplished collection of brightly coloured compositions, each member of the band painting part of a musical mural to create an intense and vibrant sound that embodies good times in the sunshine. Tracks like ‘The Balance Of Water’ give the band the opportunity to slow down proceedings and show off their knack for stripped down melodies and subtle vocal harmony. The release is a great showcase for a band who are very much confident in their sound and the effect it has on their audience.
Beginning life as a side project in rural Wales, Clockwork Radio have since explored half of Europe, playing anywhere from rooftops to boats and festival stages. Sculpting their own brand of alternative rock whilst on the road, the band self-released 4 EPs over a two year period, collaborating with artists Agnes Cecile and Juan Carlos Riviera on artwork and videos. Tracks from the EPs were quickly picked up by the likes of BBC Radio One, BBC 6Music, XFM, Q and NME Radio.
In late 2013 the four piece recorded their debut album No Man Is An Island over two days in December in Manchester's 80 Hertz Studios. The album sees the band take a completely new approach to the way they record, taking a snapshot of their live sound, capturing the character of their live shows.
With previous single Feel It Up gaining airplay from BBC 6Music, BBC Radio 1’s Nick Grimshaw and named as one of BBC Introducing… Manchester’s Tracks Of The Year, No Man Is An Island opens a dramatic new chapter for Clockwork Radio.
No Man Is An Island is released via Poly Tune and is available to buy digitally via iTunes and physically via the band's official site.
Ben Cooling’s single ‘Breathe Again’ out now!
"...a distinctive voice and acoustic style..."
- Contactmusic
Ben Cooling has released his soul-searching single Breathe Again via Circus City Music Group. It's taken from EP To Hell With Consequences, which was released earlier this year.
Watch the poignant video for Breathe Again on YouTube or via the embed below.
Breathe Again's lyrics contain a message of empowerment, further demonstrated in the accompanying video. It urges listeners to not be constrained by regrets, and to acknowledge that things that seem important in the present might hold you back from doing something truly remarkable in the future. It's a powerful message, and one that is all too relevant in today's troubled times.
Breathe Again is released via Circus City Music Group and available to buy via iTunes.