Sounds of an Eccentric

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 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...

This week's Spotify playlist additions come from Glass Peaks, The Blinders, Dream Estate, The Old Pink House and Twilight Driving . Give them a listen and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming reviews and articles.  FOLLOW SOUNDS OF AN ECCENTRIC FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM

Photo by Alethea Shephard March is nearly upon us and with so many exciting independent gigs on the horizon, it's the perfect time to discover your new favourite band. 1st March - Contagious Courageous and In The Tune Presents: Scribble Victory, Rascalton, Emaze and Cameron Sinclair-Harris at the Sitwell Tavern 2nd March - Solis Debut E.P. Launch at Leaf on Portland Street 3rd March - The Harriets at Belgrave Canteen and Music Hall 4th March - Farfisa Single Release at Aatma 5th March - Here Lies Man at the Brudenell Social Club 6th March - THE WORLD IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE & I AM NO LONGER AFRAID TO DIE at Brudenell Social Club 7th March - Deep.Sleep at the Lending Room 8th March - Spotlight Music Presents: International Women's Day Showcase At Independent 9th March -  Sauvage, Mosaic Sun & Noah Noah at Tynemouth Surfcafe 10th March - Double Denim Live Presents: Avenoir Single Launch at Key Club 11th March...

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...

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.

'Calexico' is the latest single by genre-blending sextet Red Rum Club  . The dynamic "Scouse Americana" group specialise in creating big cinematic tracks with a northern grit and 'Calexico' is arguably their strongest release to date. The track opens with gallant Americana trumpet, reinforced by ebullient percussion and a rich bass line, emitting a a Herculean sound that triumphantly demands the listener's undivided attention. A simple yet bold bass line meanders throughout the track, providing it with a sating depth and assertive, full-bodied sound. Front man Francis Doran's vocals are an inexplicably suave purr, embellished with a powerful grit. Occasionally his accent dominates a word, warming the track with an endearing candidness. His 'ai-ai-ai's' in the chorus gives the track a lighthearted catchiness - admittedly it's more on the Scouse(r on a night out) side than Americana but it's fun and makes you bop along. He ...

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

Last night Liverpudlian six-piece Red Rum Club enthralled a lively crowd at Leeds' Lending Room. Kicking the night off was Leeds based four-piece Turnstones . Unfortunately, the majority of their set was timid and unimpressive. Their songs were pleasant enough, just very safe sounding, and they looked painfully awkward on stage. However the last two tracks of their set were fantastic -they skyrocketed from blasé to ballsy. They engaged more with the audience and came out of their shells - it was like watching a completely different band. They need to scrap the first section of their set and focus on creating songs like the last two. Up next was local group Paradas . Their front man had a dreamy rock tone, akin to Kings of Leon's Caleb Followill, with an admirable vocal range. His lilting vocals complimented the gritty classic rock inspired riffs, giving their sound a rich depth. Occasionally their riffs were a bit repetitive, so it'd be interesting to see some ...

Enigmatic art-rock group Velvoir return with their explosive single: 'Jackboot' The track opens with a frenzy of pulsing bass and aggressive guitar before welcoming front woman Verity Jasmine Bee's gritty, alluring vocals. The single has a more of a rock edge than their previous tracks, with a bigger focus on the raw, ferocious energy that makes their live sets so compelling. However, like their previous releases the lyrics are evocative and thought-provoking, resonating with an intense, twisted sermon-esque vibe. As the track concludes, Bee channels her usual theatrical flair through a belligerent belting verse before erupting into a banshee-like scream. This is reinforced by an uninhibited wave of ebullient bass, herculean guitar and punchy percussion, emitting a colossal sound. It's a track that is easy to envisage in a live setting - it radiates with a nuclear buzz. Although their recorded material is great, Velvoir are a group that you have to experi...

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...

'I See Faces' is the latest single from Mancunian electronic-pop trio Ambiere . Their sound is akin to the likes of The xx and Glass Peaks, combining lilting vocals with ambient synth and sturdy beats, creating a suave lullaby sound. The group released their debut E.P, 'Tree of Life' earlier this year and 'I see Faces' is a gorgeous, atmospheric addition to their set. The track opens with brooding synth, heightened by an intricate guitar riff and a siren-song vocal hook. As the track progresses a stronger drum beat is woven in and the vocals adopt a suave tone, emitting a cool, surreal vibe. It's deliciously dark with a toe-tapping beat. Ambiere have a wonderfully versatile sound: the chilled vocals have a soothing effect on the listener whilst the percussion gives their tracks a dancey edge, making it appeal to a wide variety of moods and audiences. FOLLOW SOUNDS OF AN ECCENTRIC FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM FOLLOW AMBIERE F...

Newcastle post-indie group Static Blue return with not one, but two new singles: 'Rabbit Hole' and 'Tarra'. The two singles are due to be released on 5th December, and will be launched at their headline show at Little Buildings on December 9th. The first track 'Rabbit Hole' opens with a charmingly nostalgic guitar riff, before introducing a disco drum beat and hazy, daydream vocals, creating a post-indie and disco hybrid. It's a lot more reserved then their previous singles, which have grittier (and occasionally camp) undertones. The ambient harmonies and lilting vocals work well together to produce a really pretty tonality and the group have the solid foundations for adding an ethereal, tranquil side to their music. The track could have been elevated if the bass line was more pronounced - there's some really delicious riffs but we only get a little nibble of its flavour. Also the screaming in the final chorus is a bit distracting and spoi...