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The Apocalyptic Indie Romance of Black Books

The Apocalyptic Indie Romance of Black Books, Austin, TX-based indie rockers Black Books have been teasing new material as of late.  The prospect of a new album has made me delve back into the band’s rich archives, which contain some of the most prescient, melodic tracks this side of the 20th century. Think Townes Van Zandt meets Pink Floyd…but in a bar off South Congress. The band’s 2020 single, “Goodbye Cool,” was released alongside a video that seemed to foretell the entire scope of the pandemic a month before it arrived. If the band’s past work can tell us anything about their upcoming release, it’s that it will be jam-packed with the kind of songs you want to listen to again and again, in every imaginable setting…

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Touch Me: The Ringards

Sophie Linehan 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 not give to the audience is just as important. The track opens a conversation relevant to all in the industry, especially in the age of social media, and gives listeners an insight into obstacles of performance. Backing vocals interject throughout the verses, almost

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Steely Dan: pyncher

Sophie Linehan 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 a well-loved fan favourite often played at live shows. Opening with a raucously infectious bassline, a disturbing cackle and almost menacing “Hey Steely! What about me man?” from Blakely, the song is one sure to get you jumping along. Full of pent up

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Ave Maria: Bishopskin

Sophie Linehan 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 reminiscent of simpler times. Almost tribal, it is backed by the cyclical moan of a saxophone, artfully played by Jed Holloway, the saxophonist of the eight-piece collective. Telling the story of visions of Jerusalem and Mary on the English moorland, the passion of the

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Alien Chicks release new single ‘Woodlouse’

TotallyWired September 28, 2022

Experimental post-punk power trio Alien Chicks released their addictively catchy third single “Woodlouse” on Friday. The Brixton-based band sold out their Windmill Brixton launch party and played to a packed venue on Friday night, causing a big scramble for spare tickets.  The launch was full of energy emanating from both the band and crowd, with a mosh pit throughout their set and more crowd surfers than we have ever witnessed at the Windmill. In matching three-piece costumes, Alien Chicks played a thrilling set, twisting and turning through elements of rap, ska, and jazz and touching on countless different time signatures, breaks and climaxes while maintaining a raw post-punk edge to their sound.  Supported by the mysterious ‘The Kings’ Arms’ (The Queens’ Head), Gag Salon, and Neuroplacid, they topped off the night with a session of Windmill karaoke – an after-gig ritual they have become known for. Fans went home (or

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Miles Apart: Kiwanuka At The Brighton Centre

Daniel Lazenby August 25, 2022

‘Even if we are miles apart.’   These are the echoing last words of Michael Kiwanuka’s ‘Light.’ They’ve taken on new meaning with all that we’ve been through since its release at the end of 2019, which made finally getting to hear them from the man himself even more liberating.  It’s been a long time coming. He was originally set to embark on a UK tour two years ago in support of his eponymous third album, and while that obviously didn’t go to plan, the wait has proven a valuable asset, giving listeners time to fully absorb the record, and allowing him space to further develop its tunes with his band, imbuing each song with an earned maturity.  By the time he took the stage in Brighton on May 20th, Kiwanuka had already become something of a modern classic for those in attendance.  Anticipation hung heavy in the air as ‘Piano

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Squire: the next big thing from Newcastle

Sophie Linehan 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.  

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Everything All Of The Time: Kid A Revisited

Daniel Lazenby March 27, 2022

Rick Simpson brings new life to Radiohead classics at The Jazz Cafe. Though it’s only a stone’s throw from Camden Town tube station, my dash to The Jazz Cafe on the night of Sunday, 20th February was a wet one.  Outside the venue, the latest in a volley of storms was raging through London’s streets. Inside, meanwhile, a drenched crowd was eagerly awaiting pianist and composer Rick Simpson, who was set to perform Everything All Of The Time: Kid A Revisited, his ode to the seminal Radiohead album.  A madly brilliant, sprawling recontextualisation of Kid A presented by way of jazz quintet, the project sees Simpson taking a scalpel to each track and extracting its core DNA for use as a basis in his crazed experiments. Each minute detail has been immaculately captured in a recording, and whilst I wholeheartedly advise you to grab a copy, I feel that there’s

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Bishopskin: Lean Closer

Ingrid Jensen March 24, 2022

Bishopskin call the track less “primal,” than their recent single, “I Was Born on an Island,” but the injection of a little modernity ultimately showcases the band’s wide range, and adept control at genre-bending.

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Touch Me: The Ringards

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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 not give to the audience is just as important. The track opens a conversation relevant to all in the industry, especially in the age of social media, and gives listeners an insight into obstacles of performance. Backing vocals interject throughout the verses, almost

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Steely Dan: pyncher

Sophie Linehan 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 a well-loved fan favourite often played at live shows. Opening with a raucously infectious bassline, a disturbing cackle and almost menacing “Hey Steely! What about me man?” from Blakely, the song is one sure to get you jumping along. Full of pent up

Read More »

Ave Maria: Bishopskin

Sophie Linehan 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 reminiscent of simpler times. Almost tribal, it is backed by the cyclical moan of a saxophone, artfully played by Jed Holloway, the saxophonist of the eight-piece collective. Telling the story of visions of Jerusalem and Mary on the English moorland, the passion of the

Read More »

Alien Chicks release new single ‘Woodlouse’

TotallyWired September 28, 2022

Experimental post-punk power trio Alien Chicks released their addictively catchy third single “Woodlouse” on Friday. The Brixton-based band sold out their Windmill Brixton launch party and played to a packed venue on Friday night, causing a big scramble for spare tickets.  The launch was full of energy emanating from both the band and crowd, with a mosh pit throughout their set and more crowd surfers than we have ever witnessed at the Windmill. In matching three-piece costumes, Alien Chicks played a thrilling set, twisting and turning through elements of rap, ska, and jazz and touching on countless different time signatures, breaks and climaxes while maintaining a raw post-punk edge to their sound.  Supported by the mysterious ‘The Kings’ Arms’ (The Queens’ Head), Gag Salon, and Neuroplacid, they topped off the night with a session of Windmill karaoke – an after-gig ritual they have become known for. Fans went home (or

Read More »

Miles Apart: Kiwanuka At The Brighton Centre

Daniel Lazenby August 25, 2022

‘Even if we are miles apart.’   These are the echoing last words of Michael Kiwanuka’s ‘Light.’ They’ve taken on new meaning with all that we’ve been through since its release at the end of 2019, which made finally getting to hear them from the man himself even more liberating.  It’s been a long time coming. He was originally set to embark on a UK tour two years ago in support of his eponymous third album, and while that obviously didn’t go to plan, the wait has proven a valuable asset, giving listeners time to fully absorb the record, and allowing him space to further develop its tunes with his band, imbuing each song with an earned maturity.  By the time he took the stage in Brighton on May 20th, Kiwanuka had already become something of a modern classic for those in attendance.  Anticipation hung heavy in the air as ‘Piano

Read More »

Squire: the next big thing from Newcastle

Sophie Linehan 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.  

Read More »

Everything All Of The Time: Kid A Revisited

Daniel Lazenby March 27, 2022

Rick Simpson brings new life to Radiohead classics at The Jazz Cafe. Though it’s only a stone’s throw from Camden Town tube station, my dash to The Jazz Cafe on the night of Sunday, 20th February was a wet one.  Outside the venue, the latest in a volley of storms was raging through London’s streets. Inside, meanwhile, a drenched crowd was eagerly awaiting pianist and composer Rick Simpson, who was set to perform Everything All Of The Time: Kid A Revisited, his ode to the seminal Radiohead album.  A madly brilliant, sprawling recontextualisation of Kid A presented by way of jazz quintet, the project sees Simpson taking a scalpel to each track and extracting its core DNA for use as a basis in his crazed experiments. Each minute detail has been immaculately captured in a recording, and whilst I wholeheartedly advise you to grab a copy, I feel that there’s

Read More »

Bishopskin: Lean Closer

Ingrid Jensen March 24, 2022

Bishopskin call the track less “primal,” than their recent single, “I Was Born on an Island,” but the injection of a little modernity ultimately showcases the band’s wide range, and adept control at genre-bending.

Read More »

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