Sophie Linehan, Author at Totally Wired Magazine

Touch Me: The Ringards

February 5, 2023

Opening in the same way you would imagine a hit 1980s detective show, with a strong, parasitic bass line guaranteed to live in your ear for days to come, East London’s latest trailblazing avant-garde five-piece, The Ringards, have birthed yet another masterpiece. Much like the double lives led by detectives, “Touch Me” discusses the intricacies of being a performer: the vulnerability you have to be brave enough to endure and the difficulties in how you represent yourselves as musicians and as people in such a visible and public position. Being “accessible” and “relatable” may be key, but finding a balance between what you decide to give or

Steely Dan: pyncher

November 5, 2022

Dark, moody, and full of energy and electricity all describe Manchester’s latest underground gem, pyncher, perfectly. The young band exude that raw, dirty, yet artful aesthetic that the post punk space is known for while making it entirely their own – falling somewhere between the gap of post punk and grunge rock. Sam Blakeley’s often elegantly guttural voice, heavily reminiscent of Lux Interior of The Cramps, creates this rich feeling of longing throughout their discography, in a way that, although similar to other punkesque artists, established pyncher as a powerful contender in the scene. Steely Dan, the band’s new single, released by Isolar Records on the 28th October, is

Ave Maria: Bishopskin

October 1, 2022

Bishopskin and religious iconography are like bread and butter. Not only is it in their band name, song names, and running through their lyricism like a golden thread, but it is in their live performances, which feel like a spiritual awakening for both band and audience. Their new single, “Ave Maria,” is no different. Another postmodern indie rock canticle added to their discography that I’m sure is to be just as well received as their previous releases. Tiger Nicholson, lead vocalist, opens the tune with a sombre prayer-like monologue, describing the tangibility and mysticism of his natural surroundings, partnered with an angelic chant and clapping sequence

Squire: the next big thing from Newcastle

April 2, 2022

Rough Trade is a goldmine bursting to the brim of undiscovered and lesser known gems, artists on the up hill climb to stardom, who wholeheartedly deserve to be in the limelight. I discovered the band Squire, hailing from Newcastle, when I popped down to the Bristol Rough Trade a few weeks ago and what a gig they put on! Having released their first single, Drama, in 2019, the band have been steadily growing in popularity, breaking 10,000 streams on Spotify. Since then they have released nine more singles, all equally infectious. With incredible showmanship and their latest release, Lime, this new indie band is the perfect addition to your summer playlist.

Indie Idols: Trevor Sensor

September 29, 2021

An artist often compared to the likes of Bob Dylan thanks to his use of philosophical and anecdotal lyrics, it is difficult to not be transported into the world of Trevor Sensor through his debut album – Andy Warhol’s Dream. Released in 2017, the album contains some musical masterpieces and created quite the splash among fans of label Jagjaguwar, being described as “one of the most refreshing albums I have heard in years.” Having been born and raised in the desert of midwestern America – Sterling, Illinois – surrounded by prairies, where the hardware store is the town’s greatest attraction, Sensor is an unlikely hero in the

Indie Idols: Will and the People

August 25, 2021

Have you ever attended a concert and decided to skip the support acts? After all, they’re not who you’re there to see and one more drink in the bar is so tempting! If you have, I must say I think you missed out on some possibly brilliant music. I used to think that the support acts were just an unnecessary warm up to the main event, however, I have come to realize the error of my ways, and have since discovered some impeccable artists supporting others. This month’s Indie Idol is evidence of that. In 2019, I attended a Barns Courtney concert at the Electric Ballroom in

Indie Idols: Crywank

July 25, 2021

The 1980s were a wild time, to say the least. Teenagers were rebelling – as per usual – and creating their own kind of lifestyle, diverting the general expectations of growing up and maturing that had dominated previous decades. Fashion was outrageous, attitudes were eccentric and controversial, and all of this was reflected in the music. Punk emerged from the underground and, in a symbiotic relationship with the youth, the face of music was forever scarred for the better. Bands like Sex Pistols and the Ramones exploded onto the scene expressing anarchy and distrust in the establishment, loudly displaying their political agenda and providing a voice for

Why We Love: Press Club

June 25, 2021

Spotify’s Discover Weekly is a wonderfully exciting place where you can unearth artists specifically tailored to your tastes and it is what led me to a band that has been described as “one of the most exciting young prospects in rock music.” Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Press Club’s gritty garage-punk sound first blessed the ears of Bandcamp listeners in 2017 with the release of their single Headwreck, a hazy two and half minute anthem clearly expressing the band’s true unadulterated passion and determination that has continued to shine throughout their two subsequent albums, Late Teens and Wasted Energy. Influenced by bands like Brand New and Hüsker Dü,

Sophie Linehan

GET THE MAG