As January draws to a close (and hasn't it been a really, really long month?) we still have plenty of new music and news to bring you!
Introducing: Filthy Tricks
Filthy Tricks are a 5 piece indie rock and roll band from Warrington. The band’s influences range from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, to Sly & the Family Stone and The Violent Femmes.
They're kicking off 2020 with brand new single "Walk In Line"
It's a proper rock tune, conjuring images of posturing and battles, with its aggressive, punchy sound and commanding lyrics. Fitting, then, that the song should be chosen by local Rugby League team Warrington Wolves as the soundtrack to the promotional video for the upcoming season.
New Music: Dom McAllister - "Low On A Wave" EP
Today marks the release of debut EP "Low On A Wave" from talented youngster, Dom McAllister. It's six tracks of contemporary pop/R'n'B that would sit very easily in today's music charts.
Dom has an amazing vocal range which is put to good use throughout the EP. Opening track "Incense" sets the tone for the rest of the music, underpinned by a chilled-out hip-hop drum and bass but allowing the delivery of some eyebrow-raising vocal acrobatics that tell the story of money struggles and addiction.
"Prospects" and "Movements" give honest accounts of love and sexuality, whilst "Camouflage" ties the album together as it talks of the struggles with these subjects and feeling empowered despite them. This is the over-arching subject of the EP
The current release from the album is "Intentions" - a well produced piece of modern pop that brings in some really emotive music, allowing Dom to express his innermost thoughts. “'Intentions' speaks on the hardships of our daily lives. In homage to London and the tragedy of Grenfell Tower. I collaborated with Jords who speaks on his story which cuts deep. During this crazy time we’re facing at the moment it’s easy to feel alone. I hope people feel less alone knowing we’re all going through hard times.”
For me though, the stand-out track is the beautifully chilled "Lingers (No Lie)." It's the final track on the EP and is definitely worth sticking around for!
New Video: Navina "Pieces"
Singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Navina has been gaining industry recognition and momentum since releasing her first two singles ‘27 Hearts’ and 'Circles' in the last year. Her latest release, ‘Pieces’ premiered on BBC Radio London as part of a live session and Premier Radio’s Unsigned Podcast.
‘Pieces’ sees the songstress jumping back on the piano to bring you uplifting tunes inspired by baroque melodies and middle 8s that spreads the message that in life’s big jigsaw, progress doesn’t come instantly, it comes in pieces.
To enforce the positive message of the song, the video reminds you of the simple things in life - such as friends and laughter. “I wrote Pieces inspired by the concept of jigsaws and patience. I think more so than ever, we can try to display a life which has everything figured out on our online highlight reel. We try to find the answers in many different things when in reality, true contentment comes from looking above ourselves and the situations we find ourselves in, towards something greater. If we look back on where we’ve come from, we most often realise that we’ve come much farther than we need to go. Being content is merely just piecing together the good things that each day brings.”
Introducing: The Vandalis
The Vandalis, are a 6 piece collective (sometimes with extra people) who have been tearing the Manchester music scene up in the last few months, with a tantric mix of post punk, jazz and blues.
Their current single, "Break You" fools you from the start into thinking you're about to hear some punk/metal combo with the distinctive opening few bars but slows down just enough to become a nicely hyperactive indie punk track. Complete with harmonica!
It's a stark contrast to their previous single, the beautifully mellow "My Cologne"
Listen to The Vandalis on Spotify
Daddy Long Legs UK Tour
Brooklyn, NY-based trio Daddy Long Legs Brian Hurd (vocals, harmonica, guitar), Murat Akturk (slide guitar), Josh Styles (drums, maracas) have announced a second London date on their run of UK & IRE tour dates for February 2020.
So who are Daddy Long Legs? To me, they're a kind of cross between Johnny Cash, ZZ Top and Kongos. Some real foot stomping, dirt kicking bluesy style country/folk - once heard, never forgotten!
Produced by Jimmy Sutton and engineered by Alex Hall (JD McPherson, Pokey LaFarge, Jake La Botz) at Hi-Style Studios in Chicago, the band’s debut album, Lowdown Waysfeatures 12 original compositions with songwriting contributions from JD McPherson and Sutton. A new direction from their first two studio albums (released by Norton Records), Lowdown Ways sees the boys widen their sonic horizons with field hollers, gospel, Cajun, and Mississippi Hill Music, coupled with their renowned supercharged, harp-driven R&B bangers.
Leading up to the album’s release, Rolling Stone Country named “Glad Rag Ball” one of the ‘10 Best Country, Americana Songs of the Week’, citing “it’s all guttural hollering and foot-stomping rhythms.” Brooklyn Vegan premiered the official video for “Pink Lemonade,” co-written with JD McPherson and WFMU “Mornin’ Noon & Nite”.
Since forming in 2010, the band has released two studio albums, a live album and two 45s on Norton Records. Their last album was 2015’s Rides Tonight. They have toured with Jon Spencer, Hurray For The Riff Raff, The Sonics, Nikki Lane, Nick Waterhouse, amongst others.
You can catch the band over here in the UK as part of their Europe-wide tour at the following events. And something tells me that you're going to be in for a proper night out!
Sat 1st - Opium, Edinburgh
Sun 2nd - The Lantern, Halifax
Tues 4th - Esquires, Bedford
Tues 18th - Louisiana, Bristol
Wed 19th - Night & Day, Manchester
Thurs 20th - St Marys Creative Space, Chester
Fri 21st - Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich
Sat 22nd - Prince Albert, Brighton
Sun 23rd - Railway Hotel, Southend
Mon 24th - Paper Dress Vintage, London
Tues 25th - Paper Dress Vintage, London
Thurs 27th - Black Box, Belfast
Fri 28th - Sandinos, Derry
Sat 29th - Sugar Club, Dublin
And just like that, January was no more! But fear not, we've got loads more great new music, artists and news to bring you throughout February!