Tag: indie group

Song of the Day: LLaw – 101 Mix – 9Bach

9BACH has deservedly earned their flowers as one of the most acclaimed acts to come out of Wales. Known for fusing traditional Welsh musical heritage seamlessly with a contemporary, cutting edge feel, the band quickly gained popularity beyond their native borders, performing across various countries, including Spain, Holland, Canada, Aotearoa, Vietnam, Australia and the Middle East.

After taking a five-year hiatus, the band enters new grounds and collaborated with artist/producer Andy Gangadeen – who has worked with leading bands, among them, Chase & Status and Lava La Rue – for their single, ‘LLaw – 101 Mix’, exclusively available on Bandcamp. Inspired by Lisa and Martin’s love for the acid house movement from the 80’s and 90’s, ‘LLaw – 101 Mix’ immediately draws you in with a mesmerically smooth electronic drive, with Lisa’s vocal performance in Welsh adding the ultimate euphoric and liberating touch to the production.

9Bach was formed in 2005 by lead vocalist Lisa Jen and guitarist Martin Hoyland, followed by bass guitarist Dan Swain, vocalist and pianist Mirain Haf Roberts and producer Andy Gangadeen. The band name is a play on numbers and words: 9 is as in Nain, (pronounced nine), which means grandmother in the North of Wales; Bach means little and is also a term of endearment in Welsh. In one language 9 is something so mundane as a number, but in Welsh Nain is a cozy, family-orientated, lovely thing – all the qualities that’s associated with a grandmother.

As well as being the lead vocalist and founding member from one of Wales’ most innovate band, Lisa is also a long-term vocal collaborator with Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals: she featured on the Candylion album, and sang live on the Candylion/Hotel Shampoo tour dates. Along with fellow 9Bach vocalist Mirain, Lisa also featured on Gruff Rhys’ albums, Seeking New Gods and Bablesberg. In addition to her extensive work with Rhys, Lisa also lent her voice to Public Service Broadcasting’s Every Valley album.

Now they’re back from a lengthy break, 9Bach enters a new chapter, exploring even more innovative sounds. Their collaboration with Andy is sure to solidify position in the Welsh and international scene.

‘LLaw – 101 Mix’ is out available on Bandcamp. Have a listen below…

Follow 9Bach via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/9BachMusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/9bach
Website: https://www.9bach.com/

by Categories: Songs of the DayTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Song of the Day: Devotion – Midnight Mystery Club

MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB (MMC) broke the bank on their latest single, ‘Devotion’. With no budget, no ads, it’s a song that hits hard and begs for grace.

After emptying the ashes of the remaining budget, MMC have decided to release music anyways. Burning through the last nickel with nothing left to relying on than their dedicated fans and supporters.

Following the wake of artists like Duke Dumont, Kiesza, and Disclosure, ‘Devotion’ is a throwback to the early 90s dance floor. Lit in neon and pulsating light with a powerful hook that surprises with a gut-punch of emotion. After the almost anthemic intro the track breakdown into an emotional deep dive of falling short in love and the desperate need for forgiveness.

On the surface ‘Devotion’ feels like a snapback in time with hard hitting 909 snares evoking memories of strobe lights and underground warehouse parties. Then the drop pulls you back, unapologetically into something softer, melodic, and almost tender. It’s bright electricity on the surface until you hear the brokenness of the first line “My feelings of devotion are fleeting emotions from hot springs to deep oceans in a day”. It’s about setting out to conquer the world and ending up stranded in a ditch. Where the best of intentions are often met with the realities of weakness that gives birth to humility and surrender.

The plea “If I break your heart can you amend it, heal it with your scares”, overflowing with remorse that recognizes that expectations of greatness may only be forecasting shortfalls. The hope in the silver lining is that scars heal stronger than new skin and that broken bones are never break in the same place twice.
Before the depth of what’s been presented settles in you’re back to the groove and the glue that holds this dance track together. With a solid hook that is slapping the walls while the hefty weight of emotions echo in the distance.

In an oddly serendipitous way, MMC had hoped to release this song with a shiny campaign focused on blowing it up right out of the gate, but like the best of intentions they’ve been sidelined to replying solely on the kindness of goodwill of those who believe in this project and who resonate with dreamers who just love music and sharing what is crafted in love. Those who long for something nostalgic but causes the soul to feel something new. That resonates truth in a way that causes us to question life’s meaning and our own place as humans within it.

Midnight Mystery Club are winners of the Independent Music Awards electronic/ dance Producers of the Year. Their music has been featured by the brands Zara, Gap, and Tommy Hilfiger amongst others. Their previous releases have been featured on many Ibiza classic compilations including Cafe Mambo Sunsets, Cafe del Mar, and Joe Morris’ Shade of Summer. They continue to dream big dreams and trust that in the end true love wins and with forgiveness, healing can make remorse into unashamed beauty.

Now it’s time to check out the latest masterpiece below…

Connect with Midnight Mystery Club via:
IG: instagram.com/midnightmysteryclub
TikTok: TikTok.com/midnightmysteryclub

Source: Midnight Mystery Club

by Categories: Songs of the DayTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Song of the Day: Retro-39 – Tilly Birds

Bangkok’s alt-pop sensations TILLY BIRDS have dropped their latest single, ‘Retro-39’, a shimmering synth-pop gem that dives deep into the bittersweet feeling of missing someone you can’t get out of your head. Known for their genre-blurring approach, the trio of Billy, Third, and Milo have once again crafted a track that fuses indie, funk, and 80s-inspired pop into a sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

Formed over a decade ago, Tilly Birds have always embraced their broad musical influences, from The Beatles to Queen, merging them into a modern approach that resonates with listeners worldwide. With millions of fans in their home country of Thailand and beyond, the band has become synonymous with crafting catchy, energetic tracks that leave a lasting impact.

Their album It’s Gonna Be OK (2021) earned them the Best Asian Artist award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards 2021, and it was also recognized by NME Magazine as one of the 25 Best Asian Albums of 2021. In Thailand, their success is unparalleled—they swept five major awards at the TOTY Music Awards 2021 (T-POP of The Year), including: Best Music of the Year (Male Group), Best Artist of the Year (Group), Best Producer of the Year, Best Song of the Year and Best Album of the Year.

In their latest offering ‘Retro-39’, Tilly Birds take listeners on an emotional journey of longing and nostalgia. The song paints a vivid picture of trying to escape the memory of someone you wish you didn’t miss—disconnecting from the world, turning off your phone, and retreating to music as a form of solace. With its irresistible hooks and sleek 80s-inspired production, the track blends funky synths and infectious chorus lines, making it a perfect addition to their already captivating discography.

Musically, ‘Retro-39’ showcases Tilly Birds’ knack for marrying infectious pop hooks with textured, layered production. The track opens with an immediate pull—sharp synth lines weaving through punchy beats, while Billy’s guitar riffs add a grungy edge beneath the polished surface. As the chorus hits, Third’s emotive vocals soar, delivering a melody so infectious it’s impossible not to get caught up in the moment.
Tilly Birds’ ability to inject emotion into danceable pop is what makes ‘Retro-39’ stand out. For fans of The 1975, HYBS, and Dayglow, the song is built on contradictions—retro vibes mixed with contemporary energy, upbeat grooves paired with lyrics of longing—but it works beautifully, creating a sound that’s both familiar and new.

In a music world saturated with fleeting pop trends, ‘Retro-39’ is a reminder of why Tilly Birds continue to thrive: they create songs that connect on a deeper level, pairing irresistible sounds with stories that resonate. As you hit repeat on ‘Retro-39’, it’s clear Tilly Birds are a movement, shaping the future of alternative pop one unforgettable track at a time.

‘Retro-39’ is out now…why not check out the video for the vibrant single below…

Follow Tilly Birds via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tillybirds
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TILLYBIRDS/
X: https://x.com/tillybirds

by Categories: Songs of the DayTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

OUT TODAY: Sonz of Thunder UK returns with track, ‘Money Talk’

For the last few years, Dancehall/Gospel duo SONZ OF THUNDER UK (SOTUK), consisting of brothers Shane and Dean Brown, have adopted the sweet rhythms of the Motherland (Afrobeats), which received a seal of approval from the likes of Capital Xtra, BBC1/1xtra and BBC London. Now the guys return to their Dancehall roots with brand new single, ‘Money Talk’, out 20th August now across various platforms.

Written by Shane and Dean Brown, ‘Money Talk’ sums up a well-known quote: The love of money is the root of all evil.With the glorification of money displayed in today’s world, where many are on a manic chase for the notes – without any consequences – SOTUK’s latest single is a reminder to not place so much faith in the very thing that causes break-ups and envy in relationships. Instead, ‘Money Talk’ encourages to place trust and faith in the Most High. 

Produced by Zabdiel Campbell, ‘Money Talk’ follows the re-release of their 2019 single, ‘Enjoy Life’, named Gospel Song of the Week by Soul Food Gospel Radio. The carefree riddim has also scooped the top spot on UGN Jamz’s Reggae Royalty Chart and AStepFWD UK Christian Chart in the reggae category.

Veterans in the UK gospel reggae scene, SOTUK has been spreading words of inspiration across the UK which earned them a steady following in the gospel and secular communities as well as receiving continuous support by the likes of Capital Xtra’s Ras Kwame, BBC London, Pulse88 Radio, The Beat 1036, Premiere Gospel plus many more. Recipients of TTMP Gospel Awards, SOTUK has been nominated for a Premiere Gospel Music Award. The brothers enjoy more good news; they were recently nominated for GX Awards for Best Reggae Act.

Blessed with performing on the same stages with some of reggae’s great acts such as Papa San, Luciano, Levi Roots and Christopher Martin, SOTUK has been working in Ghana with native producers, including Bizkitbeats and Kbeats, for tracks such as ‘Joy To The World’ and ‘Blessings Pon Blessings’, which possess an Afrobeat flow. Both tracks have demonstrated that the guys can take on many genres while maintaining their Reggae/Dancehall signature sound.

Stay tuned to SOTUK as they are currently working on new music, with fresh and exciting sounds for 2024…Until then, check out their latest single, ‘Money Talk’, out now across all good music platforms.

Connect with Sonz Of Thunder UK via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sonzofthunderukmusic
X: https://x.com/UkSonz
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sonzofthunderukmusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonzofthunderukmusic

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Arliston’s new single, ‘Vertical’ mountaineers through melancholy

ARLISTON‘s latest offering ‘Vertical’ is a brooding, introspective journey that delves deep into the heart of existential dread. The duo’s signature blend of intimate vocals and expansive soundscapes is in full force here, creating a sonic atmosphere that’s both suffocating and cathartic.

Opening with a delicate piano melody and Jack Ratcliffe’s soulful baritone, the track gradually builds to a crescendo of emotional intensity. It’s a familiar Arliston territory, but ‘Vertical’ feels like a particularly raw and vulnerable exploration of the band’s signature melancholia. The lyrics, both poignant and relatable, capture the paralyzing feeling of being overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

Musically, the track is a masterclass in dynamics. The tension between quiet introspection and soaring choruses is expertly handled, creating a sense of emotional catharsis. The addition of Sam Catchpole’s driving drums and Brett Shaw’s percussive flourishes adds a layer of complexity to the arrangement, without ever overshadowing the song’s core emotional impact.

While Arliston’s influences are clear – The National, Bon Iver, and Damien Rice cast long shadows over their sound – the duo have managed to carve out their own distinctive niche. ‘Vertical’ is a testament to their talent for crafting songs that resonate deeply with listeners, offering a much-needed soundtrack to those moments of doubt and despair.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Arliston, ‘Vertical’ is a must-listen. It’s a song that lingers in the mind long after the final notes fade, leaving you with a sense of both melancholy and hope.

‘Vertical’ was released last Friday (26th July) via various music platforms. Why not have a listen below…

Follow Arliston via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/officialarliston
IG: https://www.instagram.com/arliston/
X: https://x.com/arlistonband

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment