Tracks Of The Week, 16.06.15

Having only been together for a couple of years, and having recorded their latest EP in just four hours, the sound that Happy Diving create is pretty impressive.

As the EP’s title track,‘So Bunted’, hits you with a frenzied rush of energy, reverb-soaked guitars screech and it’s impossible not to be drawn into the intense, raging riffs of this perfect slice of sludgy indie-pop.

With catchy hooks and subtle harmonies alongside its frantic vigour, ‘So Bunted’ oozes an undeniably ‘90s Brit-pop vibe with a refreshing, youthful spirit that’ll leave you wanting more.

‘So Bunted’ is out 17 July on Topshelf Records.

Hailing from Athens, and now residing in Manchester, Tryfon Lazos, Andreas Venetantes and Conor Loughran, aka Old House Playground, deliver compelling blues-rock fused with traditional Greek folk influences.

Latest single, ‘Polite Fiction’, flows with an uptempo, foot-stomping energy alongside fantastic blues-inspired riffs and the deep, Nick Cave-esque vocals of Lazos. Skilfully amalgamating this blues-rock energy, reminiscent of the likes of The White Stripes, with striking brass melodies and marching beats, ‘Polite Fiction’ is a unique and wonderfully theatrical offering.

The new EP from Old House Playground, The Great Escape, is out 22 June, and I highly recommend a listen.

It was with great excitement that I recently heard that awesome Missouri brothers, Radkey, are about to – finally – release their debut album. At such a young age, Solomon, Isaiah and Dee are clearly already pros at creating angst-driven punk-rock filled with teenage vigour and rebellion.

Having been causing a stir worldwide over the last couple of years, Radkey’s new track ‘Dark Black Make Up’ initially seems a little more laid back than previous tracks – as those distinctive, languid vocals flow alongside steady beats. However, we are soon reunited with the band’s characteristic vigour and exhilarating buzz; blistering riffs gradually build up to create that intense wall of sound that we have come to know and love.

Radkey have reignited the flame of punk with a unique, youthful, 21st century edge, and I really can’t wait to hear the album in full. Dark Black Makeup, the debut album from Radkey, is out 21 August via Little Man Records. Download the single here.

If it’s dreamy, electro-pop that you’re after, look no further; Sweden’s Stellaria is here with her wonderfully dark, ethereal tracks to accompany chilled-out summer evenings.

Stellaria’s debut track, ‘All My Nights’ is a beautiful slice of dream-pop, oozing an eerie melancholic haze and synth-filled, delicate melodies. So, let yourself sit back and relish the effervescent grace of Stellaria.

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Mari Lane

Mari Lane

Editor, London. Likes: Kathleen Hanna, 6Music, live music in the sunshine. Dislikes: Sexism, pineapples, the misuse of apostrophes.