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Introducing… ULTRAS
"...a fusion of colours, tones, and
textures that builds up towards
something gently emphatic."
- Clash
With influences ranging from elements of hip-hop and electronica to rock, pop and traditional Scottish folk music, ULTRAS is the brain child of multi-instrumentalist Gav Prentice. The self-titled debut album is due for release on 28th April 2017 via Hello Thor Records and Instinctive Racoon.
To support the release ULTRAS have unveiled single Team Handed which premiered on Clash, and is now available to stream via the A Badge of Friendship Soundcloud page and on Spotify.
Team Handed follows on from the release of Napoleon, a track that illustrates ULTRAS versatility as composers, and was recently picked up for airplay by BBC Radio 6's Steve Lamacq. The track is available to stream via the ULTRAS Soundcloud page.
ULTRAS’ eclectic take on modern pop music is as challenging as it is rewarding; a twelve track record that confronts the listener sonically and lyrically, resulting in the creation of a sound that has the ability to reach euphoric highs as well as melancholic lows.
Started on the back of the break of up of his former band, cult pop act Over the Wall, ULTRAS set about making a record with the help of six separate producers, an approach heavily inspired by Gav’s love of hip-hop mixtapes. This bold approach has helped to build a sound full of diversity ranging from the warm, emotional, mournful lament on the aforementioned Team Handed, which sees Gav reunited with former Over the Wall partner Ben Hillman, to the layers of analogue synths and beats that envelope you on You’ve A Foul Mouth John Barleycorn, a track produced by Miaoux Miaoux’s Julian Corrie. Odd-pop maestro Jonnie Common oversaw the chopped up samples and bass of Stepping Out, while on This Is Where I Fall and The Path To Getting Paid, we are hit with the big, alternative rock sounds and tight rhythms produced by Joe Cormack, renowned for his work with Pictish Trail. Here, ULTRAS have created a cacophony of rich soundscapes, emotionally demanding your attention throughout due to its rousing, passionate and, at times, witty take on modern life and culture.
Describing the project as “violent pop for the patronised” the ULTRAS live act sees Prentice (beats, guitar, keyboard, vocals), joined by Matt Clark (guitar, bass) and Roy Mohan Shearer (drums, keyboard). The project has already gained support from a number of notable music industry figures with coverage coming from Simon Raymonde and Jim Gellatly on Amazing Radio, Tom Robinson’s BBC Radio 6 show, Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland as well as Goldflakepaint, Song by Toad and Podcart. ULTRAS are currently arranging a tour for May 2017, following on from their successful appearances at The Great Escape, and Wickerman festival as well as supporting the likes of We Were Promised Jetpacks and Admiral Fallow.
ULTRAS by ULTRAS is out on 28th April 2017 via Hello Thor Records and Instinctive Racoon.
The Calm Fiasco single ‘Sorry I’m Late Again’ out now!
“…a no-hold-barred introduction…" - Clash
"...a perfect slice of hooky indie-rock..." - A Music Blog Yea?
“…buzzes with raw riffs and infectious hooks…" - Gigslutz
Four-piece indie rockers The Calm Fiasco have released Sorry I'm Late Again, the second single to be taken from their forthcoming EP The Fear, out on 24th March 2017 via Chewy Records. The single is now available to buy and stream on iTunes and Spotify.
The video for Sorry I'm Late Again premiered on A Music Blog Yea? and is now available to stream on The Calm Fiasco YouTube channel.
The track is the follow up to first single Just Don't Care Anymore, which premiered on Gigslutz and is now available to stream via their Soundcloud page.
The forthcoming EP release finds the band in scintillating form as they aim to build upon the success of their 2016 single Lose Control, picking up support from the likes Clash Magazine. Managing to convey an in-your-face attitude while producing memorable hooks and choruses, The Calm Fiasco have managed to create a record without losing the essence of an authentically raw, live performance. Taking inspiration from the angular, fuzzy riffs made famous by the likes of Television, and later The Strokes, allied to the contemporary indie-pop hooks of Two Door Cinema Club and Phoenix, The Fear is an impressive accomplishment achieved by a band who’s sound continues to progress with each and every release. This is apparent throughout the EP, full of tracks that wouldn’t sound out of place rocking the main stage of any summer festival. Driven bass lines are accented menacingly by swirling guitar pieces, effected vocals and catchy harmonies as The Calm Fiasco create a heady mix of indie, pop and rock with a Glaswegian twist.
Hailing from Glasgow and comprising Del Morin (lead vocals/guitar), Greg Totten (lead guitar/backing vocals), Harry Fleming (bass/backing vocals) and Andy McInnes (drums), the the band came together in 2012 after bonding over a shared love of music both past and present. Fast forward just a few years and they have already picked up a well of support from the likes of Clash Magazine, Little Indie Blogs, Gigslutz, Tenement TV, Amazing Radio, The Daily Record, The Sun and The Sunday Mail.
Sorry I'm Late Again is out now and available to buy and stream on iTunes and Spotify and is taken from The Fear EP which is set for release on 24th March 2017 via Chewy Records.
Tokyo Taboo release new video for ‘Pussy Power’!
"Refusing to bow down, the band are fighting against the patriarchy one fuzz pop belter at a time..." - Clash
Following the release of the incredible and hard-hitting Pussy Power, London duo Tokyo Taboo
have now shared a powerful new video for the single to celebrate International Women's Day. The track is taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album 6th Street Psychosis, released 24th March 2017 via TT Records.
The video premiered on Punktastic and you can watch it now via the band's YouTube Channel .
You can also listen to Pussy Power via the band's Soundcloud page now.
“I wrote this ages ago when listening to 'Just A Girl' by No Doubt. Pussy Power actually starts with the line 'Just a girl / Just
a slut..' The idea of being 'just' something that no one takes seriously is very much how I feel as a female.” Filled with the duo’s trademark high octane power, riotous riffs and the impassioned ferocity of front woman Dolly’s vocals, Pussy Power is just what we need right now. Voicing the fist-clenching rage so many of us currently feel, it’s more than just a fantastic tune, it’s an essential, motivating call to arms.
The politically charged Pussy Power explodes with a raucous aggression and racing ferocity, blasting out its message with impassioned aggression. Voicing Dolly’s frustration about the fact that women are often seen as less important than men, the track races with a spectacular tenacious urgency and fist-clenching power.
The duo comprise of singer Dolly Daggerz and guitarist Mike, who are joined by a band for their live shows. Dolly takes inspiration from iconic performers from Heart to David Bowie and Karen O and Mike simply loves a good riff. Tokyo Taboo is a perfect amalgamation of Dolly and Mike’s influences; inspired by Manga, Japanese culture, drag and 80s fashion, they are true performers, with an image that equals the intense vibrancy of their sound.
Pussy Power is taken from Tokyo Taboo's forthcoming album 6th Street Psychosis, out on 24th March 2017 via TT Records, and is available to buy from
iTunes now.
Introducing… The Phantoms!
"They bring the stadium sound
to a basement venue, just huge..."
- Clash
"whirling, crystalline guitars; harrowing vocals; and throbbing rhythms..."
- The Revue
Formed back in 2012, Scottish four-piece The Phantoms earned quite a reputation for their energy-fuelled live shows. Now, releasing their new single Shadows - out on 21st April 2017 - they look set to take the rest of the UK by storm.
The single premiered on The Revue and is now available to stream via the band's Soundcloud page.
Comprised of Colin Simpson (vocals/guitar), Euan Crowe (lead guitar), Blair Cullen (drums) and Zach Tarimo Goodhur (bass), The Phantoms create their own distinct brand of sweeping, anthemic indie-rock. With infectious hooks reminiscent of the likes of noughties legends Kasabian, Shadows is an undeniably catchy track, propelled by driving beats and whirring reverb.
The quartet has already supported Catfish And The Bottlemen and We Were Promised Jetpacks, as well as playing Isle Of Wight Festival and selling out King Tuts in Glasgow. Having also received widespread airplay from the likes of Radio X, The Phantoms are fast becoming one of Scotland's most exciting prospects.
Shadows, the forthcoming single from The Phantoms, is out on 21st April 2017.
The Nyx announce new single ‘Fire Breathing Lady’!
"Fuzzed up riffs and scorching vocals..." - Clash
"...stings and excites..." - Q Magazine
Energetic rockers The Nyx have shared their latest dynamic single Fire Breathing Lady, which features on their debut self-titled release out 21st April 2017 via Rumours Music. These empowering women are making music with a purpose and they’re doing it with huge servings of attitude, emotion and raw authenticity.
The single premiered on IDIOTEQ and is available to stream on the band's Soundcloud page now.
The EP kicks off with the band’s previous single Hideaway, immediately introducing you to the band's ability to create electrifying riffs and front woman Simone Picknett’s undeniably unique vocal blends effortlessly with the girls’ solid harmonies throughout. Simone explains “Hideaway is about the struggle of the push and pull of an over thinking mind. What's real and what’s not”. The next two tracks on the EP, Fire Breathing Lady and Myself, were written in the early years of the band’s formation. The first of which, an angsty track delivering a strong yet fun message, shows a grittier side to the band. Its brimming with quirky guitar licks and front woman Becky Wixon’s fierce vocal delivery is paired with almost glam rock style harmonies from the rest of band. Final tracks Myself and ‘Home’ build slowly, showing the band’s musical versatility whilst still evoking the same uncontrollable energy and intent that carries throughout the entire EP.
The band originally formed in High Wycombe, which included Becky and Simone (vocals and guitar) and Ruby Rose Lee (bass). Having already received praise from the likes of Q Magazine, Absolute Radio and having previously supported well-established acts such as The Subways, the girls decided they wanted to move in a different direction and thus The Nyx was born. Adding Collette Williams on drums, the grunge-rock outfit was complete and these fiery females are now ready to redefine what it means to be a girl in a band. Catch The Nyx live at the following dates:
31st March 2017 - Zigfrid von Underbelly - London
This release amplifies the energy of this flaring female-piece who have something to say and stand for.
Self-titled EP The Nyx is out on 21st April 2017 via Rumours Music.