Here are a few more submissions that I’ve received over the last week and won’t be covering in my usual amount of detail. I wanted to mention each of them anyway because I appreciate them coming my way, and also because failing to do so makes me feel a bit shitty. All of them are worth a listen.
Growing Up A Ghost – Do Something (EP) Considering that the EP only lasts roughly around eight minutes Ohio based Growing Up A Ghost use those minutes very well, packing two shorter tracks in with the lengthier Burnt Out, which opts for a more technical approach with tiptoeing melodic guitars accompanying clever drumming, chunky bass and reflective lyrics. There’s a hazy American Football feel to the EP’s mellower moments, whilst the more explosive shorter tracks verge on experimental pop-punk pulled off brilliantly. Whatever, Man bounces along after a smart intro and brings in some of the more relatable lyrics (‘This is the best thing I’ve had / So I’m probably gonna ruin it again’) with vocalist Nick Moeggenberg sounding a little bit like Mark Hoppus on a downer, which is far from a bad thing. It’s a great track, as is charismatic opener Know Better which is just as good if not better. Taken as a whole Do Something is excellent, mixing styles seamlessly throughout, making for a catchy and commendable feel-something release that showcase a lot of potential. For a debut the EP is very impressive, and hopefully more of the same follows soon. [9]
Ready Never – Eleutherophobia (Album) I really liked this release, partly because it puts a spin on standard electronic music and gives it a more stylistic and contagious feel, especially on the head nodding Casualties, which has a distinctly indie feel to it, making for a catchy and relaxed release which only sounds slightly cheesy. Ready Never do things a little differently, in that they make EDM music with the intention of playing it live instead of letting the music play itself. It means that there’s a much more ‘full-band’ approach that really benefits it. Lead single and topical Take That Pill is excellently constructed, building to a euphoric dance anthem, and Eleutherophobia is above all else, a dance record, and it works as one, but also has a depth to it that most releases from the genre often disregard. It’s a clever and quirky record that encourages and soundtracks a good time, and given that its name means ‘a fear of freedom’ it seems fitting that the record is so openly warm and unrestrained. [8]
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Phooey! – Discography (A bit of everything) There’s a very cool DIY aesthetic to Phooey! which I really admire, with the Ukrainian band initially starting as a solo project with frontman Nikita pulling all the strings (literally) and then growing before shrinking. Since 2013 Phooey! have / had been incredibly busy and have / has released a whole host of material borrowing from a wide range of genres, with each release trying something new and generally pulling it off. Phooey! present an interesting sound which should appeal to anyone who likes low-fi bedroom quality records that are quirky and interesting – think Radiator Hospital with way more weird. [8]
Locktender – Rodin (EP / Album) Locktender play expansive post-hardcore with elements of metal, post-rock and screamo making up diverse and varied well-crafted soundscapes with snarling vocals layered on top. With two of the four tracks that make up Rodin coming in at 12 and 20 minutes respectively you’ve a good idea of what to expect, but chances are your expectations won’t quite prepare you for the scope of The Man With The Broken Nose, which rises and falls majestically, or the huge The Burghers Of Calais, which is absolutely staggering. ‘Shorter’ tracks Eternal Springtime and The Thinker don’t quite reach the same heights but soar nonetheless, and for a record inspired by art Rodin is vibrant, being sombre and savage in equal measure. [8]
Phantom Runners – Chasing The Feeling (Track) I both love and hate Huey Morgan, but his production on the most recent Phantom Runners track is brilliant, as is the track itself, delivering a really relaxed indie feel alongside mellowing vocals and a climbing crooning chorus. Chasing The Feeling is a song that brings together a few different styles to good effect, although the rapping lets it down a little after a sublime opening verse. The video’s alright as well, watch it below. [7]
Drunksouls – Just Before Chaos (Album) I’m not a fan of reggae, and probably never will be, but I can recognise that Just Before Chaos is a good reggae record, albeit it one I’ll probably never listen to again. Its pop sentimentalities and occasional rockier moments are more to my taste, but it’s tough for me to really recommend it. That being said, featured track Human Race has 2,000,000 hits on YouTube and only 60 dislikes, so they must be doing something right. Just Before Chaos is a compilation release, featuring past material and new track Chaos, which cruises in a delightfully serene manner, picking up occasionally with some faster vocals and catchy guitars. [6]
Life – Money (Track) Life is a fully fitting name for this new Hull outfit, because Money churns with a youthful energy. Think dynamic indie reminiscent of The Strokes in their prime, but with some British charm and more dynamic instrumentals. Money is a great track, and Life are a band well worth keeping an eye on. Listen and enjoy below. [7]
Dugout – Where There Used To Be Meaning (Album) This is a really great pop-punk record with a few heavier Four Year Strong-esque elements thrown in. It’s a generally good time, and stand-out track 100 Proof pairs some Tom Delonge styled vocals with great punchy instrumentals and a solid sing along chorus. It reminds me to an extent of old school Simple Plan with a bit more bite, and as a whole it’s solid. Acoustic tracks like Alone In The Company Of Others are subtler additions that still pack a punch, whilst closer Distance sees the record end on a high. At eight tracks it is a little short, but it’s well worth your time. If still available you can stream it here. [7]
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