A year after their break-up, San Francisco dream pop band No Vacation are back with a brand new track. ‘Mind Fields’ is a bright and airy belter that boasts a spellbinding soundscape and a real attention grabbing bass interlude. Though it was penned as an ode to break-ups, this wistful track is teeming with optimism as it looks towards the future. This song is a single ray of sun piercing through the haze, illuminating the last glistening thread of positivity to guide the way through the darkest times of a break-up. With its catchy hooks and comforting atmosphere it’s the kind of track that will keep you coming back for more. This kind of gorgeous dream pop is making a real comeback as of late and ‘Mind Fields’ is up there with the best that you’re likely to hear.
top tracks
Top Tracks: Charly Coombes – SPX
Singer/songwriter and filmmaker Charly Coombes is back with the latest single from his upcoming third album. Formerly of the 22-20’s, and brother of Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, his new track ‘SPX’ follows a synth driven retro 80s sound, but maintaining some of the space age vibes of his 2015 album Black Moon, like music from some alternate future. If you’re looking for the musical lovechild of indie rock and the Stranger Things soundtrack then your prayers are answered! The bare bones video for the single, directed by Charly himself, focuses on the live performance of the track and the passion of the musicians all working together. Taken from his new album RUN, out 24th March, ‘SPX’ is perfect for fans of Mystery Jets, Gunship, LANY and Børns, with its warm and inviting soundscape of cascading electronica.
Top Tracks: Young Earth – Got A Secret
Dublin based band Young Earth are on to a winner with their first new song of the year. ‘Got A Secret’ is a pure-bred indie rock banger, the perfect crowd-pleaser for festivals and clubs alike with its catchy hooks and superb spiralling riffs. It’s one of a dying breed of the iconic noughties sound of bands like Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse, a reminder of a time when indie ruled the world. Whether you want upbeat and carefree vibes or heavy, adrenaline fueled overdrive, this track is a must for your latest playlist. Even at this early stage of their career they are very much on their way to being the best Irish band on the indie scene. Young Earth may have a secret, but it’s plain for all to see that the ingredients are all here for something special.
Top Tracks: Kris Angelis – Heartbreak is Contagious
The latest single from California based singer/songwriter Kris Angelis is the perfect example of a gold standard acoustic pop hit. The bright energy and infectious melodies make ‘Heartbreak is Contagious’ the kind of warm and inviting song that is difficult to resist. The title track of her upcoming EP, out 2nd June, it deals with the idea that seeing someone’s pain and heartache can start a chain reaction and result in the cracks starting to show, and bring about fresh heartbreak in someone else. To create so much joyful spirit from such a dark topic is no mean feat, but Kris pulls it off. It won’t take long until this song wins you over and has you singing along. In fact, it’s the kind of track that will have you shamelessly singing for weeks to come!
Top Tracks: LAOISE – Halfway
The latest single from upcoming Irish electropop artist LAOISE is a track that seeps its way into the inner workings of your mind. ‘Halfway’ draws you in with its breathy vocals, subtle mystical vibes and bewitching melodies. It’s a song that refuses to be ignored, pulling you in deeper like some siren luring you towards the shore. It’s ethereal atmosphere, somewhere between Halsey and Stevie Nicks, suddenly shifts towards the end of the track into seductive R&B territory, with soulful organ soundscapes and understated funky bass lines. Both of the distinct styles that ‘Halfway’ explores are superbly executed and perfectly matched to produce one of the most gorgeous and engaging singles of the year. If this track is anything to go by, then we can expect great things from this immensely talented Galway girl in the near future.
Top Tracks: Hidden Cabins – Bet It All On You
New Jersey duo Craig Cirinelli and Brian Hofgesang have released their new single, the slow-burning epic ‘Bet It All On You’. Over the course of ten minutes the tension within the track builds from broody folk intro, through to its thrilling cathartic climax. It’s like the soundtrack of some desperate last stand, resolute as the end slowly approaches and storm clouds gather. The song’s dark atmosphere and emotive guitar tones show hints of classic Nick Cave and the powerful vocals towards the end of the track are reminiscent of Maynard James Keenan. Hidden Cabins have managed to build a powerful epic from the simplest of arrangements, which is a feat in itself. The track grows and takes you on a journey, but never outstays it’s welcome.
Top Tracks: Mount Song – Halo
The new single from this Swedish singer/songwriter is an understated affair. Jacob Johansson, under his moniker Mount Song, has released the haunting ‘Halo’ from his upcoming album released 7th May. ‘Halo’ is a brief but bittersweet track that deals with those times when the weight of the world, and the demons within, just become too much to bear. Built around a simple acoustic melody, it adds some lovely harmonies and subtle psychedelica to give a real dreamlike feel. It’s the perfect track for those late nights where your swirling thoughts keep you from drifting to sleep; it captures the sensation better than any other song I know. There is plenty of beauty to be found in sadness, and Mount Song has found just the right balance with this single.
Top Tracks: Something Mechanical – Gunn
Canadian rockers Something Mechanical are back with their first new music since their eponymous 2015 debut album. Taken from their upcoming EP Less Than Human, released 17th March, their latest single ‘Gunn’ is a no-nonsense, hard-hitting rock anthem, firing shots at disloyal friends from days gone by. The gritty vocals, driving rhythm and furious guitar work is sure to appeal to fans of the classic grunge sound, as well as of modern hard rock heroes such as Shinedown and Alter Bridge. Focussed and finely tuned, the new track from the Edmonton quartet is a sure sign that their upcoming EP is going to be a real force to be reckoned with. If you’re looking for some straightforward, in-your-face rock then look no further.
Top Tracks: The Lunar Year – Porcelain
How often can you say, in all honesty, that a song took your breath away? That was exactly what happened when I first heard ‘Porcelain’, I daren’t do anything to disturb the divine calm of this song’s delicate beauty. This heavenly piano ballad is the kind of track that pulls you into a trance and makes you forget the rest of the world exists. Philadelphia band The Lunar Year have crafted a song that captures the atmosphere of confession, that fragile moment when you first tell someone that you love them. When you are at your most vulnerable, when you risk your whole world falling apart, but you cannot keep that long overdue declaration of devotion within you for even a second longer. Listening to this song, it’s difficult to tell whether it reminds you of being in love, or whether it’s making you fall in love all over again.
Top Tracks: Maggie McClure – Be Right Here For You
There is a right time for every song, whether it’s a somber ballad for late night reflection or a rock anthem for walking down the street in full badass mode. For those rare times where you start your day on cloud nine, and you just want to joyously dance the day away, there are tracks like this bright and bubbly little pop hit. Singer/songwriter Maggie McClure’s latest piano driven track ‘Be Right Here For You’ is so shamelessly upbeat it could practically summon the sunshine on a cloudy day. Keep this lovely little number close at hand for the perfect pick-me-up on those rainy days and monday mornings. This pure and simple perky pop is just the right dosage of that much-needed feel-good factor.
Belwood Music 