Sounds of an Eccentric

'Honey' is the latest track from Liverpool six-piece Red Rum Club . Known for their brazen brand of 'Scouse Americana', the group have had a busy twelve months. From recording their debut album to selling out Liverpool's O2 Accademy, to winning the prestigious Pirate Prodigies and subsequently playing Reading and Leeds Festival - it's clear that the group are set for a bright future. Joe Corby's trumpet fronts the brief intro of the song, with a bold, gutsy sound that captures the listener. Like all of their previous singles, the gallant trumpet melody elevates the track, providing a warm air of theatricality. The trumpet continues to add character throughout the track, but the song could definitely carry an even heavier emphasis on the trumpet. This would compliment Doran's rawer than usual vocals in the undeniably catchy chorus of: "Honey we've got a history, Honey you'll be the death of me". The peppy bass line provi...

Artwork by Kat Willaims Welcome to the first episode of our brand new music podcast: Contra Cast. This week Ben and I will be showing you our inner madness and reviewing music from: DUDS, Hello Operator , Sam Fender, Red Rum Club and KOYO. Check out our Patreon Page and any spare pennies would be greatly appreciated, so we can continue to create the show. So without further ado, here is the show. Let us know what you thought either in the comments or on Facebook .  (Here's our Twitter and Instagram for good measure!) Big Love, Sal and Ben x Download it hear!

Grimbsy indie band MINT have launched a charity campaign in protest of the of Air Strikes in Syria.  After claiming that Hulk Hogan had tweeted about their latest single, the band announced that it was all an hoax . The group wanted to illustrate how easy it is to create Fake News and to coerce the public into believing a skewed message.  The band have since announced that they have created two 'Mintamania' t-shirts. All the profit made from the shirts will be donated to Save the children. I caught up with their front man Zak Rashid to find out more. Now you've caused a bit of a stir on social media recently. Talk us through the whole Hulk Hogan tweet scenario.  Basically, the idea stemmed   from us being so sick of seeing fake news. We assumed that if people saw it was a joke, its comical and harmless. And if they believed it then point proven. So we were scratching our head thinking how we could make it relevant and usef...

Soma Fest hits London venue The Cellar this Saturday - with performances from Sisteray, The Garage Flowers, The Barrats, Feral Family and many more, you'd be mad to miss it. The all day festival is ran by promotions company Modern Age Music, an organisation that goes above and beyond to showcase and nourish the UK's independent music scene. Doors are at 1pm and bands will be performing until 1am - so wear your sturdiest dancing shoes. Tickets are priced at £6.60, and with 15 bands performing, that means that you're only paying just over 40p per band you see. The festival coincides with Independent Record Store Day, meaning that you can really indulge in the best of what the independent music scene has to offer. When you support your local bands and stores, you give them the ability to flourish, injecting a sense of community and culture to your area. For the price of two pints (or maybe one - it is London afterall!) you can make a difference and have an ...

Photo by Alethea Shephard This year is flying by! Don't be a fool this April - go support your local music scene. 1st - Arcades with support from The Americas, Bad Bug, Follow the Giant at The Lending Room 2nd - La Rissa, Mutabase, Cynthias Persiscope, Work, Tom Bramfoot at Wharf Chambers 3rd -  Veda at Hyde Park Book Club 4th - Ivory Wave, Northern Comfort, The Brackets, Spearmint Tongues at The Lending Room 5th - SG Lewis at Belgrave Music Hall and Canteen 6th - Tuesday's Secret, The World Keeps, Elastic Waste, Fudge at The Lending Room 7th - Double Denim Live Presents: The Brazen and Neon Dolls Co-Headline at Key Club 8th - Myles Manley at The Carlton Club 9th - Queen Zee at The Castle 10th - This Feeling Presents: Trampolene, Himalayas, Sophie and the Giants at The Junction 11th Keyon Harrold at Brudenell Social Club 12th - Goat Girl at The Shipping Forecast 13th - Orielles at Brudenell Social Club 14th - Double Deni...

Photo by Alethea Shephard Sounds of an Eccentric is three years old! When I spontaneously wrote a review of a Little Comets gig three years ago, I never thought anyone (apart from my mam) would read it,   and to see how the blog has grown over the past few years is incredible and really humbling. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and my writing. Every band, artist, photographer, promoter, writer, or live music fan - you let me indulge in my two greatest passions in life and for that I am so grateful. In particular I'd like to thank Cath Wilcox (my darling Mama Soul and Number One fan), Jack and Carly Bowden, Shaan Sira, Ben Marcano-Olivier and all the Tranqua Lite Boys,  Russel Poad, Karl Hodge, Martina Topic, Richy Southern, Phil Mitchell, Mick Dolman, Chantel Littlewood, Arianne Jessop, Nathan Robinson, Alethea Shephard, Adam Gallagher, Cal Ruddy and all the team at Spotlight UK and Indie Central Music. You're all fabulous and have giv...

Photo by Ant Adams This week's 'Track of the Week' comes from Kent trio Glass Peaks . The dynamic three piece have taken a bold DIY move with their latest single; '(Don't) Ask Me To Dance', as they've independently recorded and mixed the track.  Their ballsy move has definitely paid off, as the track is arguably their most creative work to date. It's more mellow than their previous tracks, radiating a warm, endearing ambiance, that illustrates a cooler, suaver side to the group. Their older tracks use more synth and dance melodies, whereas this track has a more prominent guitar sound and showcases the range of front man Alfie Jefferies vocals, which flit from gravelly rock cries to dreamy lilts. As the track progresses bold riffs and drops gives the song a refreshing grit that's sure to be a 'wow moment' when performed live. The final instrumental incorporates a more upbeat vibe, providing the song with an engaging vigour and end...

Photo by Hayley Rawlings Last Friday Manchester based psyche-folk artist Solis christened her debut E.P, with an intimate and profoundly charming gig at Leaf on Portland Street. From the hand-painted tapestry to the feather scattered floor, the evening radiated a quintessentially bohemian vibe. The interluding chatter was minimal due to the hypnotically captivating energy of her performance. She was able to orchestrate the room, simultaneously summoning a gentle sway and raising the hairs on the back of your neck. Supporting the enigmatic artist was fellow Mancunian groups  Plume ,  Hark  and  Different Oceans , all of which amicably played stripped back versions of their set, heightening the tranquil aura of the evening. The eponymous E.P. features four of her most celebrated tracks: 'Spirits', 'Home', 'Osmosis' and her stand out track 'Be Together'. Fuelled by lilting vocals and an ethereal chorus, 'Be Together' is a dreamy ...

On Sunday night, Nottingham musician Jake Bugg played an intimate, acoustic gig at Leeds Grand Theatre. All the dates on the tour are at seated venues, creating a relaxed ambiance from the get go. Over the past few years, Bugg has established a prestigious brand for himself. The mainstream commercial success of his debut album has provided him with a wide fan base, which has consequently allowed him to be more creative with his later albums, earning his stripes with the critics. Kicking the night off was singer-songwriter Georgie. The artist is known for her soulful vocals and witty lyrics. The young artist captivated the room with her charming stage presence. The highlight of her set was her track 'Too Much TV' (the title track of her upcoming debut E.P.), a gritty, tongue-and-cheek ballad with a punchy chorus. Bugg then graced the stage, playing a ninety minute, stripped back acoustic set. It was a bold move that highlighted his skilled musicianship and demand...

Photo by Sam Shaw 'When Love Goes Wrong' is the second single from Brighton indie-pop quartet Twilight Driving .  A heavy 80s pop and early 00s indie influence meanders throughout their music, radiating a wholesome, tranquil sound. Imagine The 1975 met Switchfoot  - you'd get a track like 'When Love Goes Wrong'. The simple melody is nostalgic of 00s indie-pop - it wouldn't be out of place in the background of a Hilary Duff Rom-Com. And that's not a bad thing, it just channels a soundtrack vibe. However, the charming synth harmonies gives it a modern edge and lovely ambiance. Intimate lyrics ('we're losing ourselves my dear', 'am I making you happy any more?') provides the track with a warm candidness that gives the track an honest intimacy. As the track conclues they incorporate some unusual distorted riffs. Unfortunately they just sound clumsy and obnoxious and distract from the sweet, twinkling synth and endearing vocals...

On Thursday night Sheffield indie group SHEAFS kicked off their debut UK tour with a bolshie gig at Oporto in Leeds. Kicking the night off was new kids on the block Manuka Hive . A glitzy fusion of gritty riffs, proud harmonies and beefy bass. After opening with a somewhat lackluster track, they erupted into a gutsy, theatrical song that combined 60s rock with 00s indie.  They need to ditch the first track - it's the weakest in their set and they're capable of packing a far bigger punch. Their front man was a bit O.T.T. in parts, with some of his facial expressions just  looking odd or as if he was in pain. It was just a little self indulgent and there needed to be more connection with the crowd. However the bromance between the guitarist and bass player; paired with their big, catchy sound; did redeem their set. Considering they only formed in October, their existing set is admirable, and the weaker elements of their set are just growing pains. There's a lot of...

Follow our Spotify playlist - a mix-tape dedicated to promoting the best independent bands from across the UK.  Each week I'll be adding five new tracks - but for the time being here's 30 tracks to get you started.  Featuring the likes of:  Tranqua Lite , Velvoir, Glass Peaks , Naked Six , SONS , Red Rum Club , Rival Bones  and Avalanche Party - you'll never be stuck for something to listen to again.

Photo by Maddie Bright  Here it is! The very first episode of Booze, Bands, Banter - the show that toasts to and with the independent music scene. Big thank you to Below Stairs for letting us film in your gorgeous bar and our special guests Tranqua Lite. Catch Tranqua Lite at their headline gig at Chapel next Friday - click here to check out my review of their single 'Tempered Tides'. So without any further ado, kick back and have a cold one with us. FOLLOW SOUNDS OF AN ECCENTRIC FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM

Photo by Tom Rowland Open Your Minds is the latest politically charged single from London four-piece Concrete Caverns . The track opens with a cooing, almost psychedelic guitar riff,  heightened by a menacing bass line and aggressive drums, creating a big, punchy sound from the get go. An upbeat, strummed riff adds a chirping catchiness to the song, contrasting nicely with the dark bass line and cementing it as a solid crowd pleaser. Joe Driffield's vocals are surprisingly well controlled for such an angsty track - he's able to switch from typical upbeat indie lilts, to  a serious political tone to ballsy, gritty snarls - showcasing an engaging range as a front man. In the chorus, charming vocal harmonies contrast the bold riffs and Driffield's bellows, giving it a rich depth and a feel-good factor despite the track's serious political message. The most impressive component of the song is its poetically political lyrics. Stand out lines include "fe...

Last week Red Rum Club completed their nine date tour, enthralling audiences across the UK with their suave brand of "Scouse Americana". I caught up with front man Frances and drummer Neil  at the Lending Room to talk about  their tour,  the new single and  romantic mix tapes. 'Calexico' is set to be released this Friday - S.O.A.E. review coming Monday. Check out what I thought of their Leeds gig here. FOLLOW SOUNDS OF AN ECCENTRIC FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM

'Never Mind' is the debut single by Newcastle born artist Amy Marrianne. The twenty year old singer-songwriter has combined her background in musical theatre with her love of pop and folk music to create a bewitchingly mellow track. It's clear that she has been heavily influenced by French artist Bon Iver - as the single sounds like a middleman between 'Holocene' and '715 - CRΣΣKS'. The songs opens in an acapella style, delicately layering ethereal harmonies with vulnerable vocals, to create an hauntingly beautiful ambiance. Occasionally there's a glimmer of a Geordie accent tickling the vocals, which gives the track an endearing warmth and sense of character. As the song progresses, minimalist piano and flute accompanies the vocals, adding a sweet depth to the tranquil melody without compromising its gorgeous simplicity. Overall, it's a very promising debut single that highlights Amy Marrianne's ability to craft engaging and compos...

Double Denim Live returned to Verve Bar on Saturday 27th January, hosting a night of music from local Leeds and Liverpool based bands. Kicking the night off was Merseyside trio  Ladies . Their sound was fuelled by a cocktail of 60s rock and 00s indie influences, giving it an preppy catchiness. Bold bass lines gave their music a nice depth and their front man's vocals possessed a sweet, wholesome charm. Unfortunately their stage presence was a little static and they need to engage with the crowd more. However, they did mention that they were all a little under the weather, which may explain their somewhat tame performance. Up next was Liverpudlian three piece  Turbulence  -  a quintessential guitar rock group with a beefy bass backbone. Tickling hints of classic indie gave their sound an upbeat edge, whilst the snarling vocals added a suave air to their music. They radiated a really big, impressive sound for a three piece. No frills, just loud energeti...

Photo by Alethea Shepherd February 2018 is an exciting time for the independent music scene, with every day hosting an exciting gig from an up-and-coming band or artist.  So forget about how you're going to declare your undying love for someone on Instagram and support your local scene. 1st February - The Seagulls at The Lending Room 2nd February - Cassia at Chapel 3rd February - Idle Ross at Verve Bar 4th February - Baby Strange at Jumpin' Jacks 5th February - HAUS at Brudenell Social Club 6th February - VUUR at The Wardrobe 7th February -Red Rum Club, Lending Room 8th February - No Teeth at The Head of Steam 9th February - Crywank at Temple of Boom 10th February - Honey Arcade at Key Club 11th February - Spring King at Brudenell Social Club 12th February - Peach Pit at Headrow House 13th February - Avalanche Party at the Polar Bear 14th February - Julien Barbagello at Hyde Park Book Club 15th February - Joe Kelly at Ver...