Song of the Day - Suns of Praise

Today's song of the day comes from California based indie-rock band Bad Suns. Their debut EP, Transpose, has recently been released and hasn't charted but has received attention from music blogs and other internet outlets. They are supporting The 1975 in their US tour - so they are no mugs.

Although they are not a hugely popular band, their music, I believe, stands up for itself. Here is the title track off of their EP, Transpose:

So What's So Good?

Inspired by British rock music of the 80's and 90's, Bad Suns play rock music with an indie twist. Driving drums and unique guitar hooks characterise the verses of these songs. The instrumental that comes as a middle eight is hardly typical of a proper rock song, but it's interesting enough. 

Vocally, the song is very solid, with the catchy backing vocals adding depth to the music and Christo Bowman's voice ranges from indie-pop to a proper rock and roll at times. 

Transpose is a song that is enchanting and interesting, reminiscent of 90's rock but with shades of modern indie bands like The 1975, making for a curious listening experience.

Song of the Day - Smoke and Mirrors

Today's song of the day comes from KIVEN, a Los Angeles based quartet, who have recently released their self-titled debut album. Their music hasn't exactly set the charts alight, but they have received attention in the indie music scene and have been announced at SXSW, which is a huge indie festival in the US. Their EP's and singles initially gained some recognition, but it is their album which has set them apart. Despite that, I have chosen one of their earlier singles, Hope and Smoke.

So What's So Good?

 

KIVEN initially gained a lot of praise for their intricate weaving of different guitar and keyboard sounds, which are elegantly and effortlessly displayed in this single. The drums slot in easily with the elaborate guitar sound to create a powerful but easy to listen to indie-rock track. It's deceptively complex and heavy.

 

Tyler Demorest's vocals are quirky but mesh perfectly with the music. It's not a typical rock voice but is perfect for the type of indie-rock they have created. Comparisons have been drawn to hipster favourites Minus the Bear due to the intricacy of their music, but KIVEN have an ace up their sleeve as they have a distinctive singer which fits with their intelligent music.

 

KIVEN are a band who have crafted an unusual concoction of intricate and heavy guitars with a typical indie rock voice to create a quirky and enjoyable track. Give them a listen. 

Song of the Day - In Too Deep

Today's song of the day comes from Birmingham based fourpiece Swim Deep. Swim Deep make music that is similarly to surf-rock, which fits well with their aquatic-themed styling, such as the album cover of their debut album, Where the Heaven are We. Their debut album peaked at 20 in the UK charts, which  means whilst they haven't become big, they've certainly been making waves  (pun most definitely intended) with their unique brand of surf-rock.

This is Honey:

 

So What's So Good?

 

Honey is a dreamy song, with a distant drumbeat that starts the song off. Just as the song appears to be drifting off into limbo, lead singer Austin Williams kicks in to gear. The guitars start, giving a trance like feel to the opening verse.

Honey is a song you could easily fall asleep to - there's a reason they have been described as dream-pop. It's blissful, dreamy and distant, and Williams even sings about dreaming. Swim Deep effortlessly capture the peaceful and calm nature of sleep, within a simple but listenable indie-rock track.

Swim Deep have received some good review for their music and it's easy to see why, with enjoyable tracks like this. Honey is the perfect song for a sombre mood or just a moment of reflection. Give it a listen.

Song of the Day - Disco Inferno

Today's song of the day comes from American indie-rock band Broken Bells, fronted by James Mercer who happens to be the lead singer and guitarist of The Shins, who are also a very decent indie-rock band. Their recently released album, After the Disco, reached number 1 on the US Alternative charts. However, their singles have as of yet struggled to make the same impact, many of them not even charting.

Today's song is the title song off After the Disco:

 

So What's So Good?

 

 

After the Disco kicks off with a ridiculously funky beat that is instantly infectious. Despite their indie-rock roots, this could easily be a funk song. The psychedelic feel of the song is in line with the album cover and the video, featuring colourful, trance-like patterns, which are created by the trippy synths.

 

There are a whole bunch of instruments used in the producing of the song, but they synth and drums really shine through, creating the flashy and offbeat rhythms that characterise the song. Mercer's dreamy vocals help to create the image of mystery and experimental music, being more accustomed to dream-pop than indie-rock, but it fits the feel of the song perfectly.

 

After the Disco is an incredibly catchy and infectious song that will have you toe-tapping throughout the day, whether or not you like it. It's a unique blend of dream-pop, funk and indie-rock that comes together to create an intense track. Give it a listen.

Song of the Day - Along for the Hyde

Today's song of the day comes from Manchester-based indie-rock band Mutineers. They brand their own music as 'melancholic pop', but I feel they are also an indie rock band. They have drawn comparisons to bands such as The Smiths, due to lead singer Nicholas Mallins' unique vocals and the downcast themes that run through their songs. However, this is not to say they are a depressing band - musically they are fairly upbeat and their songs are fit for any mood.

They have one album, called Friends, Lovers, Rivals, which has not received a whole lot of attention but their fanbase is growing and they are touring the UK very soon. (I have a ticket to see them in Brum.)

This is Hyde Road:

 

So What's So Good?

 

 

A slow ascending start that grows into a catchy chorus make up the structure of the song, but there's so much more. Mutineers are a synth-heavy band, which shines through in parts of the song, combining with the guitar to form a lovely retro sounding melody. Hyde Road is as much an 80's song as it is modern indie music; an unusual combination.

 

Mallins' vocals are unique and certainly not to everyone's tastes, but they fit the theme of 'melancholic pop' perfectly, with a powerful yet tearful feel. His voice could easily fit much slower, more desolate music (much like some of The Smiths' songs) which Mutineers are not averse to. Landlord's Daughter is a Mutineers song which is a lot slower.

 

Hyde Road is an emotional journey through a slower start through to the radiant chorus and outro. It's a well written song with some catchy rhythms and a unorthodox vocal performance which is akin to marmite - love it or hate it.

 

Give Mutineers a listen and come see them in Birmingham on the 30th April, if you like what you hear.

Song of the Day - Blaenavon a Laugh

Today's song of the day comes from teenage indie band Blaenavon. Blaenavon are a three-piece band hailing from Hampshire, who are all 17 or 18. Their music belies their age however, with some extremely refined and mature music. They have recently released an EP, called KOSO. They have received some great praise, being compared to the likes of Foals and Kings of Leon. I've had the pleasure of seeing today's song live, where it was known as 'Magic Sticky Hand', for some bizarre reason. It was extremely good live however, and I have decided to share it.

This is Prague: 

So What's So Good?

A melancholic riff interspersed with crashing drums give the song a solid platform to work off.  This isn't so much an air guitar rock song as song you will air-drum to. The drum beat is powerful and compelling, whilst the guitar adds a dark, poignant feel to the song.

Once lead singer Ben Gregory's unique vocals kick in, the song truly takes flight. From the first line, his voice will have you hooked. Heart-breakingly vulnerable yet somehow striking, the vocals add to the mysterious aura of the song.

The chorus is catchy enough without ever feeling repetitive. It's hardly Shakespere-esque stuff lyrically, but there's emotion behind the words of the chorus. After the second chorus, the song evolves, ending in a crescendo of strong guitars and impressive vocals. 

Prague is an awesome song that captures fragility and emotion within a powerful indie-rock song. Anyone who likes rock or indie music should definitely give them a listen, as otherwise you could be missing out on a gem of a band. 

Song of the Day - Worn and Torn

Today's song of the day comes from Brum-based band Broken Witt Rebels. I've had the pleasure of seeing the Rebels live, which is how I discovered them, and they rocked. They play Blues inspired rock music which belies their age. Whilst they are a young band, they have a classic sound that could have come from a rock band from another era.

Today's song is All Worn Out:

So What's So Good?

Powerful guitars are BWR's specialty, and this song is no different, opening on an awesome blues-y riff. This continues throughout the song with some slick, layered guitar work, combined with the dynamic drumbeat. During the verses, the guitars are toned down a little; it reminds me of Tighten Up by The Black Keys. Sounding like The Black Keys is almost never a bad thing.

Lead singer Danny Core's vocals are full of energy and emotion, but it's easy to forget that this guy is still a teenager. He has a voice that transcends his age, sounding like it's straight from an older era. 

All Worn Out is a powerful, enchanting song that deserves a listen by anyone who likes rock 'n' roll or blues music. Give the Rebels a chance.