Belgian Alt-Rock Duo Lovelorn Dolls Announces ‘Deadtime Stories’ Record

Belgian based Lovelorn Dolls have announced their new record, ‘Deadtime Stories’.

On ‘Deadtime Stories’, the duo embraces a stronger identity – creepy cute ambiance, eerie Tim Burton-esque scenes, guitar-driven sounds, catchy dark melodies, childlike synths, industrial tones, and Kristell’s distinctive voice, all boldly and fully embraced.

The title itself is a cynical play on words, referencing children’s rhymes with a dark twist. Each song delves into themes of death, endings, suicide, broken dreams, loss, and the perilous allure of fame. The artwork cover perfectly encapsulates this, depicting a lonely girl reading in a cemetery fog.

Produced, mixed and mastered by Maxx Maryan, known for his work with cult electro-goth metal duo Helalyn Flowers and IMJUDAS, the album features several guest appearances, including by Dero Goi (ex-vocalst of OOMPH!) in the duet ‘Dancing at Your Funeral’, which Goi co-wrote and co-produced. American Gothic rapper VVitchboy also appears on the energetic and enchanting track ‘Death & Glory’.

Earlier, Lovelorn Dolls released the ‘Beautiful Chaos’ EP, an ode to love stories gone wrong with five bonus remixes roam from minimal EBM to industrial goth and ethereal wave via contributors The Breath of Life, Absynthe of Faith, Audiopyre, Restriction 9 and Antidote for Annie.

Listen to the bands latest single ‘A Heart Cries’ below.

Jinjer Release Live Version Of Their Stellar Track, ‘Pisces’

Ukraine’s hottest and most exciting band, JINJER, have recently dropped a new live video for their iconic anthem, “Pisces”, from their upcoming first official live DVD/BluRay, Live in Los Angeles, set to be released on May 17, 2024 via Napalm Records.

Recorded and filmed on December 22, 2022, Live in Los Angeles marks a celebration of the band’s 15 years of success, capturing the energy of their renowned live performances.

JINJER on “Pisces”:        
“We somehow missed the point when ‘Pisces’ became more than just a good song for so many people… only years after its release, we are only now starting to comprehend how people relate to this track, how much it has done for us as a band and why it is so special for so many people. It is always a huge pleasure to perform it live and to hear you sing along. It is almost a spiritual experience…”

Check out the live video for ‘Pisces’ below.

Skinny Lister Announces UK Headline Tour For Winter 2024

Regularly cited as one of the best live bands in the biz, Skinny Listers’ annual live pilgrimage around the UK has become the stuff of gig circuit legend in recent years.

Following the release of their rave-received ‘Shanty Punk’ record last year, it seems Dan, Lorna and co. are not resting on their laurels any time soon and are already dropping teasers for some potential new material landing in time for these shows. As Dan Heptinstall says of the 2024 Winter tour: 

“Our end of year wouldn’t be the same without hitting the road for our annual Skinny UK Tour. And Christmas doesn’t officially start until we hit London for the Skinny Christmas bash, for which we go even bigger this year – at the amazing Scala in Kings Cross. Can’t wait to get back out there for some serious partying! We might even find space in the set to test drive a few new tracks. See you at the barrier!”

With 13 dates in all across the UK, check out the touring dates below.

November 2024

23rd – BRISTOL Thekla

27th – OXFORD O2 Academy 2

28th – Manchester Academy 3

29th – BIRMINGHAM Castle & Falcon

30th – CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach 

DECEMBER 2024
4th – YORK Crescent

5th – NEWCASTLE Cluny

6th – ABERDEEN Tunnels

7th – EDINBURGH Mash House

8th – NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms

11th – EXETER Cavern

12th – PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms

13th – LONDON Scala

Unpeople Share New Single, ‘Going Numb’

Hotly tipped alt rock outfit Unpeople have shared their debut self-titled EP via SharpTone Records.

Alongside the new EP, the band have showcased their latest single, ‘Going Numb’.

Commenting on the new single, the band say: 
“This song is relatively self explanatory if you read the lyrics. Try your hardest not to bottle up negative emotions. Let them out. However you see fit. Even if you’re scared of how they might manifest themselves, it is almost always better to let it out. Talk to someone. Talk to yourself, even. Just saying things out loud can be half the battle sometimes but I always find it immediately halves the stress by just simply verbalising the issue and facing up to it. 

It sure beats going numb.”

Check out the full self-titled EP below.

Nottingham Newcomers Commons Share Debut Track, ‘Queen Of Hearts’

Nottingham based alternative-rock-come-indie-rock newcomers Commons have shared their exhilarating debut single ‘Queen Of Hearts’ taken from their upcoming debut EP, ‘Clean Living’.

The vibrant debut single ‘Queen Of Hearts’ serves as a perfect introduction to Commons’ distinctive indie-rock sound, seamlessly weaving together lush electronic atmospherics with the band’s energetic rock sensibilities. Opening with a reverb soaked steel drum synth, the track introduces overlapping guitar lines before bursting live as punching drums, urgent, expressive vocals and grounding bass join, as the guitar riffs grow more distorted and the bands alt-rock tendencies shine through. 

Speaking about the single the band explain: “The song Queen Of Hearts at its core is a song about a ‘man eater’ of a woman who doesn’t care who’s hearts she breaks, as long as she eventually gets what she wants.”

Conquer Divide Announce UK Tour With New Years Day

Conquer Divide have announced a September UK and European tour with New Years Day and Fearless Vampire Killers.

Conquer Divide have spent the last few weeks traversing through Europe on a sold out tour with The Warning, and are currently playing the last run of dates in the UK.  Talking about the tour, drummer Samantha Landa says. “After touring for the first time in Europe and the UK (finally) with The Warning, we’re so excited to be coming back this soon – and with another badass band! Plus an early announcement means our fans will be able to snag tickets. Meeting so many awesome people in these cities was huge, and it’s going to be great to see you all again.”

Check out the touring dates below.

21 Sep – Engine Rooms, Southampton – UK w/New Years Day
22 Sep – Key Club, Leeds – UK w/New Years Day
23 Sep – Thekla, Bristol – UK w/New Years Day
25 Sep – O2 Academy Islington, London – UK w/New Years Day
26 Sep – Academy 3, Manchester – UK w/New Years Day
27 Sep – Slay, Glasgow – UK w/New Years Day
28 Sep – O2 Academy 2, Birmingham – UK w/New Years Day

Imagine Dragons Announces New Record,’Loom’

Entering a fearlessly bold era, Imagine Dragons will unveil their anxiously awaited sixth full-length album, LOOM, on 28th June 2024. 
 
Imagine Dragons’ sixth studio album LOOM represents the pinnacle of their artistic journey of self-discovery and marks the best body of work they’ve ever made. LOOM, produced entirely by Imagine Dragons and their longtime collaborators Mattman and Robin, finds the perfect balance between the classic sounds that have made them superstars and the freshness that brought them joy in the studio. Featuring 9 brand new tracks including the hit single “Eyes Closed”, LOOM signifies new beginnings on the horizon – the excitement for a new day, moments yet to come.
 
To announce the new record, the band have shared a new track, ‘Eyes Closed’ which is available to listen to below.

https://open.spotify.com/album/4p78uCfiL8gmt2AKrlWATG?si=WyHapF63QdK31i75Nh2djw 

Dust Release New Single, ‘Trust U See’

Ascendant Australian post-punk outfit dust have returned with their first treat of new music in a year, new single ‘TRUST U SEE’ – ahead of an arena tour in support of Interpol in the Autumn.  

‘TRUST U SEE’, in their own words, is an “alarming and visceral sonic exploration of both literal and underlying feelings. Justin’s literal lyrical recount of searching for pain relief and feeling frustrated is paralleled with metaphorical messages of trust, relationships and frustration. TRUST U SEE became a staple opening song in the live set, forming it organically into the final version of the song before taking it to the studio. We were able to have a new outlook on recording and experimentation. It was our first time recording properly in a studio and we were able to be very hands on and take time in post production to get the song to express what we wanted.” 

Check out the bands upcoming UK touring dates with Interpol below.

Fri 1 Nov – The Halls – Wolverhampton, UK
Sat 2 Nov – The Apollo – Manchester, Uk [SOLD OUT]
Mon 4 Nov – Royal Concert Hall – Glasgow, UK [SOLD OUT]
Tue 5 Nov – 02 City Hall – Newcastle, UK
Thu 7 Nov – Beacon – Bristol, UK* [SOLD OUT] 
Fri 8 Nov – Alexandra Palace – London, UK
Sat 10 Nov – 3Arena – Dublin, IRE

Check out ‘Trust U See’ below.

Gigi Gold Announces Debut EP, ‘Souvenirs’

Alternative folk-rock artist GIGI GOLD has announced her debut EP, ‘SOUVENIRS’, for release on 17 JULY 2024 via MARSHALL RECORDS.

Speaking on the first new single, ‘Why Should I,’ Gold comments, “It’s about taking your power back, be it from a situation where someone else has had control or even just getting older. I’m not 22, and I’m aware of that, especially as a woman, where your age is taken more into consideration. I don’t think that should stop anyone trying what they want to – it’s me saying, ‘screw it, I’m gonna do what I want.’”

Check out ‘Why Should I’ below.

Gigi Gold will play Hanwell Hootie, London on May 11th 2024.

Ella McRobb Shares New Single, ‘Slow Motion Heartbreak

Ella McRobb has shared her stunning new single ‘Slow Motion Heartbreak’.

Delivering timeless vocals to narrate contemporary stories of love, loss, and growing up, McRobb searches for significance within moments of vulnerability in her first single release since her poignant debut in 2023, ‘Slow Motion Heartbreak’. Detailing the track, the musician explained: “‘Slow Motion Heartbreak’ is a nostalgic song about cherishing every moment you have with the people you love. You never know whether it’ll be the last time you’re on your dad’s shoulders, or visit a place that’s special to you. The song was written in three hours with Will (Taylor) and Nick (Hill) from Flyte and Hugo M. Hardy – on my way to meet them I had the thought of ‘if I’d known what I do now, what would I do differently?’, and that became the basis of the song.”

The new single arrives alongside supporting track ‘Give Me Love (And I Will Give You Everything)’. When discussing the song, the songwriter explained: “In many ways, ‘Give Me Love (And I Will Give You Everything)’ was born out of ‘Slow Motion Heartbreak’. I went to my close friend and collaborator Adam Lee, who’s also a musical wizard, to expand on the feelings I wanted to evoke with ‘Slow Motion Heartbreak’, whilst creating a song that’s special in its own right. The song is about how I live my life with my heart on my sleeve, and if I’m given someone’s love I will give them everything in return. I wrote the lyrics from a vulnerable place, hoping that if someone lets me down, they at least do it on a summer’s day so I can find the beauty in the silver lining.”

Check out ‘Slow Motion Heartbreak’ below.

Band Interview Of The Day – A Permanent Shadow

  1. If could introduce yourselves for us, who are you?

I’m CP, the singer in A Permanent Shadow. My co-workers are Valentí on guitar and Albert on keyboards. 

  1. How did you all meet?

We’ve known each other for years from the local circuit in Barcelona. It was only for a Lou Reed tribute show that we actually started working together, and we liked the experience so much we just kept going.

  1. How long have you been playing?

We started out together in 2018 and released our first album in 2019. Since then, we’ve released three albums and an EP.

  1. What three words would you use to describe the music you play?

Quirky electronic rock.

  1. What are your musical influences?

David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, LCD Soundsystem, amongst many others. We love layered intelligent rock with danceable rhythms.

  1. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen during a show?

Once our drummer went missing during a show. He had downed a couple of beers before the show and the bladder would not hold…

  1. Being away from the stages in the last few years, where was the first place you visited when the restrictions were lifted?

I remember I went to Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona in 2022 after a long gig hiatus. It was a bit overwhelming as they had oversold the site to make up for two festival-less seasons. It got a bit scary at one point. I know of people who went the first day and never came back out of fear of being trampled underfoot. 

  1. What’s the one record you own but wouldn’t ever admit to owning?

Oh, I’m not ashamed of any musical inclination. I love the song “Boys, Boys, Boys” by Sabrina and we have played it live on occasion. It usually provokes a reaction of utter disbelief, which is great!

  1. What have you been listening in the last few weeks?

I’m currently listening to a lot of Ride and Sleater Kinney, not just the new albums, which both are fantastic, but also some of their older stuff. There are some magnificent and quite underrated bands out there. 

  1. Are there any releases you have planned in the near future?

We’ve just released the album “No Leaf Clover”, which you can check out on all digital platforms. For later this year we are planning to release our second covers EP which, as you may have guessed, will contain a cover of “Boys, Boys, Boys”. You’re gonna love it!

Check out A Permanent Shadows’ latest record, ‘No Leaf Clover’ below.

Teen Mortgage Announce Headline Shows Ahead OF UK / Ireland Run Supporting Smashing Pumpkins & Weezer

Already creating a storm over in the US, Washington DC’s Teen Mortgage will hit the UK and Europe this summer as support to Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer on their tour and a run of their own rawkus headline shows.

“We’re beyond stoked to embark on our June UK/EU tour – it’s an honor to kick off six shows for the Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer co-headline tour.. We follow that by assembling the UK and EU’s gnarliest rippers to join us on our own headline dates. We can’t wait to tear it up with you all.”  Be sure to catch the band live in the UK on one of these forthcoming shows:

Check out the touring dates for Teen Mortgage below.

May

30th Ireland, Dublin, Workman’s Cellar

31st Ireland, Waterford, Luca Skate & Record Shop

June

1st Ireland, Limerick, Kasbah Nightclub

3rd UK, Leeds, The Key Club

4th UK, Manchester, Night & Day Cafe

5th UK, Nottingham, Bodega

6th UK, London, Downstairs At The Dome

7th UK, Birmingham, Utilita Arena (with Smashing Pumpkins & Weezer)

8th UK, London, O2 Arena (with Smashing Pumpkins & Weezer)

10th Ireland, Dublin, 3 Arena (with Smashing Pumpkins & Weezer)

12th UK, Glasgow, OVO Hydro (with Smashing Pumpkins & Weezer)

13th UK, Manchester, Co-Op Live (with Smashing Pumpkins & Weezer)

14th UK, Cardiff, Cardiff Castle (with Smashing Pumpkins & Weezer)

15th UK, Bristol, The Louisiana

16th UK, Brighton, The Green Door Store

18th France, Paris, Point Emphemere

19th Netherlands, Utrecht, ACU

20th Netherlands, Nijmegen, Merleyn

21st Germany, Cologne, MTC Club

22nd Germany, Hamburg, Molotov Skybar

23rd Germany, Berlin, Badehaus