From Indie and Rock outfits to Folk songwriters and electronic experimenters... here's our rundown of some of our favourite new releases in the Liverpool music scene. You can also keep up to date with the best North-West releases via our playlist below.
We couldn't publish this article without including the new single from our favourite local newcomers, Shefu. The quirky Alt-Rock outfit have made waves recently, finally playing a run of shows alongside fellow Liverpool outfit Crawlers, the support slot that they were destined to take on from day one! So, now is the perfect time to welcome their newly gained slew of Shefoids by releasing their third single, 'Butterknife'.
Photo Credit: Maya Whittaker
Opening with a raw, vulnerable and haunting acoustic intro, the song then jumps into a much bigger and more anthemic Rock sound. The track is filled with vocal prowess and instrumental flair, especially from the sharp, winding guitar line that cuts through with a wonderful power.
Radiating with 90s angsty energy, the track beautifully combines their love for both throw away humour and deeply poignant sentiments while delivering it all with a confident, moody swagger.
You can catch them playing the first ever BOOT FEST on June 29th. Tickets here.
Scouse Indie quartet Keyside have quickly become one of the most exciting acts in the city. Combing hints of classic Liverpool acts such as The Las and The Coral with their own unique, modern twang, their recent EP 'Nikita' has proved that they have something more to offer than your average Indie lad band.
What immediately sets them apart is the vocals of frontman Dan Parker which have a richness and maturity to them far beyond his years, offering tones reminiscent of The View's Kyle Falconer. The music too, has a more thoughtful edge than most Indie acts provide.
Swinging drum rhythms and wonderfully lucid guitar lines create a hypnotic feeling on tracks like 'Turn Back The Time' while tracks like 'Nikita' and 'Down My Way' offer a soaring, coastal Indie sound with a fantastic versatility and depth of emotion.
You can read our full review of their new EP here.
The debut single 'Fight Club' from bones is set to become a hard-hitting Indie Rock anthem, punctuated by grungy vocals and dynamic drumbeats.
Playing on the idiom ‘all bark and no bite’, the song captures underlying tensions that threaten to escalate into a full-blown conflict. The pre-chorus paves the way towards a powerful chorus that combines rich, layered sounds with raw, unfiltered lyrics, effectively conveying a sense of pervasive aggravation. The lead guitar solo also stands out, adding depth and solidifying the inherent skill evident in the track.
Having already played a handful of gigs over the past year around Liverpool and steadily amassed a dedicated following, the group are beginning to create a strong identity as a band. This first single has cemented that identity and put them in a strong position to ascend in the Liverpool music scene.
Words by Eve Waterhouse
Liverpool-based but Norwegian born, Sara Wolff, creates captivating soundscapes to bolster her intricate storytelling, using her deep love for sound in all its forms and influences that range from Folk to Art-Pop to create a wonderfully spellbinding style.
Photo Credit: Kate Davies
Her new single 'Is It True?', released via Lost Map Records and made alongside Mercury Prize winning producer Mike Lindsay, explores creativity and community in a challenging time while showcasing Sara's beautifully pure vocal textures. The delicate yet full-bodied vocal style blends seamlessly with the natural acoustic tones, drawing in your attention to each and every melodic twist. These natural textures are matched by lyrics full of earthy semantics, perhaps inspired by her work as a sound recordist, often exploring nature to extract the myriad of unique sounds it has to offer.
This love for sound experimentation is a common theme for both Sara and Mike and it truly shows when the middle of the track evaporates into a swirling soundscape full of chimes, ethereal synths and bustling plants as if you have been transported into a mystical desert sandstorm. Whether you share this love for interesting sonic textures that always keep you on your toes, or just like pure and tranquil Folky bliss then this track is one for you.
The Drivers Club’s new single, ‘Y R U SO LOUD’ captures your attention almost immediately and demands to keep it. Following the melancholic acceptance of the world’s chaos from the bands previous release ‘So Fine’, this new track holds the intent to revel within that very chaos and maintains the energy to match.
The energetic mixture of classic influences from Talking Heads and a modern energy from bands such as Nothing But Thieves is amplified through an eccentric new sound that the band has obviously refined over may years. You can almost envision the rapturous impact this track will have on live audiences.
With the track clocking in at 02:36, it doesn’t stick around for long; it burns bright and leaves those listening on the edge of their seat, wanting more and eager for what The Drivers Club may have to offer next.
Words by Peter Wintersgill
First coming to attention as part of Clean Cut Kid, songwriter and vocalist Pet Snake is well known in the Liverpool scene for her rich vocal talents and introspective songwriting abilities.
She has just returned with three new singles in 2024. The first of which, ‘Getting Older’ really struck a deep chord with us. It's nuanced lyrical sentiment and haunting, hypnotic rhythm had a strangely uplifting and empowering spirit to it that we just loved. There are certain elements that we have come to expect with Pet Snake’s music; the rich warmth of her voice and the swooping delivery of her melodies are as beautiful as ever. However, the new tracks like 'Crashing' have a more distinctly catchy edge while also creating a really poignant, coming-of-age feeling fit for a the emotional scenes in your next favourite Indie film.
Perhaps one of the most under appreciated artists on the Liverpool scene, it feels like Pet Snake has truly found her groove and is slowly emerging from the Merseyside underground to take centre stage and showcase her incredible talents! Listen to the latest single 'New Arrivals' now.
One of the most well respected songwriters on Merseyside, Ali Horn is known for his regular Jacaranda appearances and his time as the frontman of Psych outfit Strange Collective who recently returned to play Quarry’s pre-show party for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. If he’s not playing around one of Liverpool’s tight knit local venues then he’s probably out on the streets busking in the sun.
For the first time in three years, he has returned with new solo music, and as always it’s brought a breath of fresh air into the scene’s output. The two singles ‘The Big Slowdown’ and ‘Bloom’ have a richer, more atmospheric sound than a lot of his past work and you can clearly see some of the signs that the simultaneous return of Strange Collective has slightly influenced his solo sound.
‘The Big Slowdown’ is a really poignant single that showcases the emotive depth and natural warmth of Ali’s voice. The steady swing of the song casts a breezy summer air thanks to the gentle guitar strums and echoed effects. Lines like “I ain’t got no hopes or dreams but I’m trying to make the darkness light” have a weighty impact thanks to the completely unfiltered, earthy tone of the vocal deliveries and the guitar notes that follow with a beautifully hypnotic sound.
‘Bloom’ is a little more dramatic, built upon big Brit Pop acoustics and drawn out vocal lines that ring of acts like James. The bright guitar melodies of the track have a really sunny glow to them and the mix of the worldly tones and bubbling electronic backing injects a spaced out Psychedelic feel, leaning into a Stone Roses vibe.
It’s fantastic to see Ali returning to his solo project and by the sounds of these tracks, it’s been well worth the wait! We’re looking forward to more.
Along with Keyside, Reignmaker are one of that new breed of Scouse Indie outfits offering songwriting far beyond their years and bringing a depth to their music that warrants special attention.
Their music is build up of a rich combination of acoustics and rich, melting guitar tones that create hypnotic Indie landscapes for them to sign on top of. Their recent release 'When You Cry' was a more direct and punchy track that led with a solid drum rhythm, injecting a big energy into their trademark, thoughtful, contemplative melodies.
The jaunty swing is matched by a bittersweet chorus that is perfect for singing back with all your heart. 'Part of You' then followed this up with a really sentimental and thought provoking sound. The finale, that builds up from tranquil synths to pounding drum hits before bursting into a final chorus that is a true earworm.
Hannah Weedall’s new single, ‘Live a Little’ is a story of escapism and realising your independence. The song paints a picture of missing where you come from yet chasing a desire to forge your own path and not let life pass you by.
Hannah takes influence from artists such as Sam Fender, holding onto that hometown connection, yet showing a clear desire to see and experience what could be beyond that. The track's sound retains that connection to classic northern indie, whilst also evoking images of sprawling summer fields on a U.S Roadtrip.
Following on from the feelings of loss, experienced in Hannah’s last release ‘Lifeline’, this new track brings back the energy and joy of Hannahs earlier sound, and creates a track that would feel most naturally at home in the beaming sunlight of festival season.
Words by Peter Wintersgill
The shimmering Pop sounds of Bunny Alex cast a bittersweet air and insist on you singing the lyrics out loud while imagining you're in the midst of a film-worthy love story. Their latest single ‘Breaking My Own Heart’ emits the same audible sentiment as the title, with glossy production adding a cinematic edge to the stirring emotions.
Vocally, Bunny Alex has that powerful yet soothing effect that rings of Taylor Swift, packing in all her passion into a soft and swooping melody that lands wonderfully on the ear. Yet, when you dig into the lyrics there is a more heartbreaking tale!
The pop instrumentals drive a really fun rhythm that’ll make you want to dance around your bedroom but the emotive sentiments will make you want to stare longingly out the window. So, whatever mood you’re in, you can fit the silky melodies to suit your vibe.
Chaotic Jazz-Funk outfit Bonk! have undeniably been a resounding success in Merseyside and are now rapidly expanding their reach to other major cities across the UK, including Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield.
The band of four, made up of Dan Hewitt (Guitar and Vocals), Badri Ram Mohan (Keys), Sam Robinson (Bass), and Remy Forrester (Drums), spent the majority of 2023 gigging in Liverpool and other areas of the UK, showcasing their music, building upon a defying sound and growing their fanbase.
What sets Bonk! apart from other bands is the way they're able to illustrate and bring their personalities through their music and their live shows. The playfulness and humour that characterise their persona are reflected in the music they create, making it unique and enjoyable for listeners, whether you're a fan of Jazz or Hard Rock, Bonk!'s music has the power to inspire you to embrace your individuality.
Words by Kayleigh Cantrell
Japanese/British solo artist MARiMARi defies the usual Pop expectations. Her style, both visually and sonically, is one that is instantly captivating, blending influences from across the musical and cultural worlds to create an aesthetic all of her own.
You can immediately tell from the title of her debut EP ‘Little B*tch, Little Danger Zone’ that her music has a swagger and confidence to it that dances the line between being menacing and infectious. Opening track 'No Regrets' reinforces this no nonsense attitude producing a track that is bold in sound, unforgiving in lyrical sentiment and beautifully abstract in texture, inviting you into Mari's Hyper-Pop world.
The bubbly electronic tones that flow throughout the 6 tracks, mixed with the brazen attitude, ring of acts like Chloe Moriondo, like a Pop sound that has been twisted and warped into a more bizarre and visceral experience. It is a sound that never sits still and always leaves you guessing.
The EP's highlight 'Aerosol', although possessing a punchy rhythm and slick, commercial vocal flows that rings of early Katy Perry or Kesha, still leaves room for some more abstract and inventive electronic additions just to inject MARi's unique personality into the mix.
Hints of Emo, Pop and Bubblegum all creep into the EP, offering a vibrant variety of sounds throughout. It is a wonderful first announcement of what MARiMARi represents as an artist!
Alright (Okay) have been making waves on their local underground scene for a good while now, known for their visceral live shows, quirky attitude and appealing dense and scrappy sound. This scrappiness is not to be confused with sloppiness because every note they play is placed there with intent yet they prefer to perform with a lucid, Garage band style rather than a crisper, commercialised delivery.
Photo Credit: Florintein
Worlds of gloomy retro Rock and bright Indie melody clash together beautifully on their latest single 'Boyz Noize' as they inject both a raw ferocity into indie sentiments to create a wonderful whirlwind of conflicted emotion. However, their sound is always best sampled live so look out for their upcoming live dates.
With a distinctive earthy aesthetic, Folk songwriter Euan Blackman writes tranquil tunes for sitting in nature and letting your mind drift away. He possesses vocals that can offer the smooth melodic finesse of Pop as well as the deep, warming textures of a wholesome Folk track. Having already released one EP in 2024, he is now gearing up for another to be released this summer.
Photo Credit: Stu Price
'Butterfly', the first teaser off this EP, has a wonderfully calming tone and rolling flow to it. This comforting sound is driven by a soft drum rhythm and breezy acoustic strum that, together, build a really blissful bed of sound that Euan's placid vocal sentiments can glide on top of. The little electronic melodies inject a catchy brightness into the track that still fits the natural tones but with a newfound distinct melody to stick with you. Tonally, this track is a masterpiece, filled with such a cosy, feel-good energy that you can't help but be healed.
'I Don't Think About It (Too Much)' has then leaned into the electronic sound a little more, with a crunchy electro drum sound providing the backdrop to yet another, tranquil soundscape. The tone of the bubbling instrumentals, Euan's smooth vocal layers and lyrics of "post-millennial blues" ring of The 1975's 'Birthday Party' yet Euan introduces a rich harmonica sound to bring that pure Folk essence back around. Based from these two singles, we can't wait for the 'Thunderstorms' EP this summer!
Another band gearing up for a new EP this summer are the stylised Americana trio Motel Sundown. The five-track collection, titled 'El Dorado', is laced with rich vocal harmonies, something which lies at the heart of the Motel Sundown sound as they combine their voices in a blissful fashion.
As the title of the EP suggests, a lot of the tracks carry a vintage, desert tone. 'Waterfall' and 'Lost Time' offer rich, soulful Blues textures and a nostalgic lyricism that rings of Americana and Country greats. Although they both play on these classic themes, they do so with a diverse range of atmospheres. The former plays out a captivating dreamscape that invites you to melt away and let the the smooth vocal melodies wash over you while the latter injects a bigger energy that will get you on your feet!
Continuing this theme of versatility, 'Midnight Blue' offers a velvety moonlight serenade fitting for the late night band at a smoke-filled dive bar. Meanwhile, their most recent release 'Your House' leads with a rich acoustic roll and full-bodied vocals that provide an earthy Folk texture. These range of atmospheres and sonic textures means that there's so much to enjoy throughout the EP while guaranteeing you're never too far away from their trademark Americana style. Look out for the EP, out June 28th!
One of our favourite new Liverpool noisemakers has to be TOY CAR. Their string of singles have showcased their songwriting talents with songs like 'Burn The House Down' demonstrating a wonderful skill for atmospheric balance, dipping between introspective grooves and more expressive vocal deliveries. Meanwhile, newer releases like 'Rat Race' have seen them ramp up the energy even more and deliver an instant Indie anthem that we can't get enough of!
Photo Credit: Nathan Cole
It was their first single they have all recorded as a band and this shines through as there's a scrappy, audible camaraderie and synergy between all members. From the very first moments of the track you are slapped awake by the fast-paced, punchy drum rhythm that is filled with an infectious Punk fire. The grumbling bass line is dark and moody and while the guitar radiates with a sharp, angsty tone, cutting through in the right moments to provide snippets of vibrant, Rock and Roll flair.
'Better Than Before' then arrived, pairing the best of both worlds in the TOY CAR arsenal. The opening is measured, offering steady Indie melodies and vibey tension that builds up to a wonderfully expressive anthem later in the track. A huge rapturous sound, led by Shaun Hough's powerful vocals and dense guitar lines.
You can catch them playing the first ever BOOT FEST on June 29th. Tickets here.
WOO
With a shattering, anthemic Rock energy that absorbs you in sound, WOO consistently deliver gritty hits that just ooze with youthful angst and Rock and Roll swagger. The guitars have a really classic tone, cutting through the noise with sharp, menacing tones. Meanwhile, the vocals have a soaring, echoed effect that really fills out the sound.
We've always been fans of these guys, yet, after seeing them at Liverpool Sound City this year, we can fully appreciate how much their command and personality on stage bleeds into their recorded music. You can feel the slightly spaced-out stoner vibes but then are smacked round the face with a Grungey, no-nonsense wall of sound!
Their two new tracks in 2024 'Crib' and 'Wake' have really stepped things up a gear and showed that these guys mean business!
Following the charming, psychedelic Indie vibes of their debut EP 'Bet The Wet', Ambedo Blue have returned with a new single 'Bad Bad Day' a ludic and bittersweet journey with some cosy, easy-going guitar lines yet, as the title suggests, some more downbeat lyrical sentiments. The four-part outfit describe their sound as “a melancholic trance in which you become absorbed in vivid sensory detail”, an apt commentary for this new single which offers a cleverly crafted and fully immersive sonic experience.
The song initially pairs layers of natural acoustics with really rich and wonderfully subtle electric guitar parts, creating a web of sound that rings of a hazy Courtney Barnett track. The drums tease you with a soft yet fast-paced shuffle, dropping hints of a bigger sound to come later in the track. When this bigger sound grows its impact is fantastic. The drums let loose and a moody guitar line takes charge, leading you down a road of dead-eyed Psychedelic melancholia. Throughout, the vocals have a really authentic emotion to them, never becoming to overdramatic that it feels excessive but conveying the feelings of the track with rich melodies. By the end of the track, the sound becomes really full with intertwined instrumentals tangled left and right like a combination between the gloomy Rock of Fontaines D.C. and the Slacker Indie of Kurt Vile.
After announcing UK tours supporting major names including Circa Waves and Vistas, Sterling Press have cemented their quintessential British attitude with a triptych of fresh singles. ‘Doorbell’, ‘Crowdpleaser’ and ‘What Would You Do?’. The tracks offer a new genre-meshing sound thanks to an experimental approach to production and the electronics of the Moog Little Phatty Stage II and the Akai MPK Mini - neither of which take away from the group’s essential ‘guitar-band’ attitude.
Don’t you ever feel as though your playlist is lacking in doorbell samples? Well, we certainly do... are suffering is now over thanks to this the band's latest release. 'Doorbell' comes reeping in with a Trance-like vocal melody and washed-out Drum and Bass groove, before exploding into a punchy rhythm guitar line and vocals to match. The retrograde verse section loses none of the intro’s energy and makes for a true Indie blend between a slightly-driven guitar riff, laid back drum beat and edgy lyrics that address the listeners at the door. If this threefold foray wasn’t enough, we’re then brought into a Psychedelic bridge; another genre seamlessly entered into, and perfectly executed - lifting listener’s into the provocative chorus hook "tell me who you’re trying to be?".
This lyrical attitude prevails for the rest of the track, thanks to lines "you got the gift of the gab, but your charm’s all gone" and "you talk about yourself for far too long". If the song needed anything more, we’re given a House-influenced bridge that cuts through the section’s previous Psychedelic feel, to drop us into the final chorus. Calling an end to a truly genre-meshing but essentially guitar driven tune, complimented by forward-thinking production techniques and experimentation with samples of … a doorbell, who’d have thought?
Words from Joseph Wray
The self-proclaimed West Midlands emo quartet Danger Dog have become renowned on the Liverpool scene for their visceral live shows. Their music loves to play with your expectations, often lulling you into a false sense of security with gentle, melancholic atmospherics before lurching into angst-fuelled attacks. In terms of their personality they are friendly and unserious, yet their music taps into a much darker and more poignant realm both in its sound and its lyricism.
Photo Credit: Stu Price / @stupricecine
Their new single '(D)anger Dog' is a high-intensity, no-nonsense burst of visceral anger that truly explores the depth of emotion that lies within their songwriting. This is the anthem that will get the moshpits moving.
With a blend of dirty guitar lines, a gritty vocal drawl and plenty of crashing drum fills, HEADFEEDER offer an undeniably appealing slice of classic Rock and Roll. It's music made for getting off your face, forgetting your troubles on the outside world and entering into their high-octane sonic world.
There's elements of the Psych influences that flow through the Liverpool scene... it is a track about getting stoned after all. Yet the heart of the track is the big energy and the constant flair from the guitar line. it never sits still, always offering little sparks of Rock brilliance! A super fun debut release.
The brilliant debut track from Dog Sport was an absolute pleasure for us to review as the Liverpool Post-Punk outfit are well on their way to cementing their name as one of the most exciting and daring new acts within the Alternative scene.
The first thing that hits you on this son are the crashing drums which pound through the track with an industrial intention. This is perfectly paired with vocals reminiscent of John Cooper Clarke’s northern poetic realism all laid over the glass-like Shoegaze tones of the guitars, weaving a dissonant horror theme through the chorus. The guitar work is particularly impressive as the tones achieved make the instruments wail and howl, giving an image of a horrifying, surreal journey through an industrial plane, never taking the spotlight through arrogance but through sheer power and magnitude when called upon.
Through the verse there is a brilliant minimalist approach with an eerie use of synth to give an overall space to the track with a subtle guitar riff complimenting it to give a very wide sound even with little sonic space being used. The silence is used immaculately, the silence is key. Last but not least, the real driving factor of this song is the bass which plays the key part in the constant rhythm, unrelenting and beautifully haunting. A stellar debut from Dog Sport which we’re sure will go down as a characteristically great song from a great catalogue yet to come.
Words by Charlie Prosser
Astles’ new single 'This One’s for You' fits perfectly with his oeuvre of soothing, soft Indie music, described aptly on his Spotify profile to be “as warm as milky tea”. Originally from the seaside town of Southport, Astles’ songs are a celebration of tenderness, all with a distinct undercurrent of nostalgia. Think somewhere between Matt Maltese and Billie Marten, he delivers a sound listeners are sure to savour.
'This One’s for You' begins with a slightly melancholy tone, with minimal instruments accompanying Daniel Astles’ voice. The track showcases his lullaby-esque tone with its calming rhythm and he manages to make even the drums sound soft and light. Then, as the song progresses, his voice becomes perfectly accompanied by a series of string instruments, subtly adding depth and dynamism to the track, and by the second chorus the lilting keys of a piano are added to create a vibrant symphony, captivating the listener throughout. The result? A building crescendo of textures and sounds that marks the upbeat denouement of the track.
Astles’ music charms listeners all the more live, and he is performing in several locations across the coming months, including trendy Jaguar Shoes in London and at Liverpool's Philharmonic Music Room where he will be accompanied by a string quartet. With his contemplative lyrics and flowing sound, Asltes is not one to miss!
Words by Saba Khorassani
Having moved from Canada to Liverpool to further their musical aspirations, Chilean frontman Donnie & Ukrainian bassist Lisa from Deshine have already been making waves in the local scene. Whether you catch them busking around Bold Street or getting in the mix at the city's underground gigs, they have quickly become familiar faces around town, focused on their mission of spreading their sonic message.
Inspired by traditional Rock and Brit-Pop giants such as The Beatles, Oasis and The Stone Roses, they are channeling their unforgiving, Punk-spirited attitude and intriguing life stories through a no nonsense brand of high-octane Rock & Roll.
Singer Songwriter Samya O'Grady is usually known for the ethereal textures and rich tones of her vocals with her string of 2023 collaborations showcased the wonderful versatility of her vocals and songwriting. Yet, 2024 has seen her take a sonic shift towards a more Dance leaning sound.
'Thinking Clearly' sees her team up with Joe Muldog who brings a more electronic sonic palette to compliment Samya's vocal talents. A slick Disco-infused groove laden with a thick bass line and flavoursome electronic subtleties create a really fun and free-spirited energy while the lyrics hint at something more poignant. These heavy production elements battle with the more natural beauty of the bright piano notes and Samya's vocals in a wonderfully balanced contrast. At times it feels as though the deeper thoughts are battling with the lighter, uplifting electronic tones, perhaps reflecting the inner turmoil and battle for a clear head that the lyrics suggest.
Hailing from Liverpool, Modern Rock band Centerfold have released their new single 'Changing World'. Having played iconic venues such as The Zanzibar and The Jacaranda, the band have brought back crunchy traditional guitar riffs to create their awesome new single. This marks their second single after the success of their first release 'Rewrite Your Time' that arrived in September.
Photo Credit: Dylan Cox
The track starts off with a strong, catchy drum beat to introduce the song with the overall tone of the lyrics perfectly underpinned by melancholic, ominous riffs throughout. Josh Stevenson kicks off the track with a raspy vocal style reminiscent of early Grunge, launching into the catchy chorus with heavily distorted guitar and energetic drumming. The power of the vocals cut through starting off with “what you see is true destruction”, demonstrating full range in the track.
The pace of the song slows down towards the end by playing an ascending guitar lick, isolating it from the wall of sound. This is short lived as it returns to the energetic headbanging chorus that really makes this track tick!
Words by Jamie Griffiths
Armed with a slew of hypnotic beats and a hazy vocal delivery that will put you into a trance, Liverpool-based songwriter Captain Crocodile has been treating the local scene to a dose of dreamy melancholia this year with a string of singles.
He makes insular tracks that invite you into a lucid sonic world...one that you may never escape. Crunchy rolling drums are met by a pulsating electro rhythms and moody guitar lines that bring to mind the soundscapes of King Krule. The vocals float across the top of the tracks, blending into the mix and offering subtle melodies infused with a Grunge-tinge. Wonderfully immersive soundscapes that you can fully get lost in.
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