IT'S ALL INDIE

It seems bad to start a live review by referencing an artist that has nothing to do with band playing, but the first thing that strikes you as you walk into the 100 club is the similarity in the demographic of the audience, and the overall feeling of excited adulation, to a Mac Demarco show. But whereas Mac arouses this reaction through sheer force of personality, Alex Giannascoli, AKA Alex G, does it through the sheer power of his song-writing. One of the most prolific artists of the past couple of years, Alex has made a name for himself by producing cool, laid-back yet truly emotional songs, and indirectly become a ‘generation X’ pin-up for a swathe of disenchanted indie kids. Tonight’s set draws from the highlights of his 4 albums, naturally leaning heavily on recently released ‘Beach Music’ and break-out LP ‘DSU’. Taking to the stage in a low-key manner, Giannascoli and band faff around setting up before launching into the one-two punch of ‘Beach Music’ singles ‘Bug’ and ...

Introducing... KRAFTKLUB

Music from Germany doesn't exactly have the best reputation. Music IN German is usually pretty bad. One of the exceptions to this "tradition" is German band KRAFTKLUB. Describing their music isn't an easy task, leading to every music magazine in Germany assigning them to a different genre. If the band from Chemnitz, a city in former eastern Germany, were an instrumental band they would sound like an indie guitar band, similar to the Arctic Monkeys. But that's a big IF, since there's the not-so-small matter of lead singer Felix Brummer (whose brother Till plays bass for KRAFTKLUB). With him rapping often ironic and humorous lyrics and guitarist Karl Schumann occasionally singing they don't fit into any standard genre. In their song "Eure Mädchen", a song featured on FIFA 13, they claim: "Wir machen Pop Musik", (We make pop music) ironically showing that they themselves don't care who listens to their music and what their fans l...

An Interview with... The Garden

The Garden are one of the most exciting young bands right now, live and recorded. From Orange County in California, the twins have built a name for themselves at home and across the pond but still show no signs of slowing down. Whilst on tour with Warpaint, the duo are playing a one of show at London's prestigious 100 Club where a sold out show get the chance to go wild to The Garden's unique style and stage performance. Photo by Nathan McLaren-Stewart Nathan McLaren-Stewart sat down with the band backstage before the band played to 350 sweaty fans to talk about playing rooms that hold up to 5000 people, their unique sound and girls stealing their jackets. When you come to the UK does it feel like you have already established that support you have back home in America or do you think that's something you need to work on? Wyatt: I think here and back home, both support systems aren't fully established. I think they're on their way and I think that the UK i...

The Origins of Indie Rock Music: From Underground Roots to Global Stages

Indie rock music is one of the most beloved and influential genres in modern music. Known for its DIY ethos, raw authenticity, and refusal to conform to mainstream industry norms, indie rock has evolved from underground beginnings into a global movement. But where did indie rock come from, and how did it grow into the genre we know today? What Does “Indie Rock” Mean? The term “indie” originally stood for independent . In the late 1970s and early 1980s, bands that weren’t signed to major record labels released their music through smaller independent labels . Over time, the word “indie” became less about the business model and more about the sound and attitude —raw, experimental, and often outside the mainstream. The 1970s: Punk and Post-Punk Influence Indie rock’s origins are deeply tied to the punk rock explosion of the mid-1970s. Bands like The Sex Pistols and The Clash proved that music didn’t need polished production or major backing to make an impact. Out of punk came post-punk ...

Single Review... Ideals - Reflections

A standard Tuesday waiting around for the evening and what happens? Ideals suddenly release a FREE download of 'Reflections' An utter surprise and a lovely track to listen to on quite a dull day in Cambridge. I remember hearing this track way back in January when they headlined the Haymakers in Cambridge, still it lingered in my mind as one of those tracks always does, you can't remember much but when you hear the studio version you just get bowled over! Catchy hooks, riffs, pulsating bass lines and the drummer working so hardly make this track become one with Andrews catchy lyircs. "And if he looks in the mirror and sees a reflection Of a boy on the path to redemption" They seem to be getting better and better as time goes on by, this song (so far) is the jewel of the crown in their collection of songs... for now maybe? I think this can be one of their tracks that stands the test of time, much like 'Lungs' which I still listen to and will always love. Ide...

Fever Dream Kills drops the explosive new cut, "Leave Me While I Sleep"

England’s Fever Dream Kills solidify their meteoric rise with the explosive new single, "Leave Me While I Sleep". The single from the Doncaster outfit is absolutely thrilling, and the quartet have certainly delivered a masterclass in alt-rock. ... an absolutely thrilling, festival-ready masterclass in alt-rock that proves Fever Dream Kills are already destined for the top. When I first listened to this, I felt like I was listening to an artist that has toured all over the world, headlining festivals, not a band who are just on their first-ever single release. The intro is so bold and has absolutely stunning guitar tones with brilliant percussion that will get you hooked well within the first 20 seconds. It's one of those tracks that will stop you in your tracks—a track that will have you pining for more. The chorus is absolutely delightful, with massive rock tones adorning it. The band and the single really come to life in the closing minutes with some absolutely fantasti...

Florence + The Machine cover Elton John's "Tiny Dancer"

A few weeks back Florence + The Machine revealed their cover of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" for the tribute album, "Revamp: The Songs Of Elton John & Bernie Taupin", which is out now. Speaking to BBC Radio 2 Elton John said - "Florence + the Machine does the most wonderful version of Tiny Dancer. I think Bernie said, 'If I hear that song one more time I'm going to throw up,' but he phoned me up and said, 'I know I said that, but you have to hear what she's done to it,' because he heard it before me and it sounds amazing. The arrangement on the record, her performance on it. We're so lucky to have these people doing this stuff.". ⇒ FOLLOW OUR SPOTIFY PLAYLIST HERE ⇐

Tyler Shea delivers his upbeat new single, "HOLLY"

From Looe in England is Tyler Shea, and not too long ago he delivered his new single, "HOLLY". This effort from the singer-songwriter is his first since his 2025 EP, "Still Not Over You", came out. The new effort is very acoustically driven and is filled with upbeat vocal moments. ... a heartfelt indie pop anthem that transforms vulnerability into an irresistibly catchy, radio-ready chorus. It leans very much into the indie pop realm of genres and is deeply personal, with its lyricism having been written in his bedroom studio, capturing the anxious overthinking and vulnerability of re-entering the dating scene after a breakup. Let's be honest, that's something that we can all relate to at some point in our lives. I absolutely loved the chorus when the electric guitar and drums also entered the fold. It became one of those indie pop tunes that could easily take over the airwaves. With influences ranging from The 1975 to Holly Humberstone, he has certainly got...

The XX reveal video for "On Hold (Jamie XX Remix)"

At the end of 2016, The XX announced their return and news of a new album, "I See You" with the lead single "On Hold" and the track has quickly gone on to become one of The xx’s biggest songs to date. Today, the band’s very own Jamie XX reveals his "On Hold" remix, which is his first official remix in over four years. It comes accompanied by a 'remix video' from Alasdair McLellan, who made the original 'On Hold' video Want to have your music on It's All Indie? Click here for how to do so!

16 Of The Best Tracks To Feature On Fifa Soundtracks

Ok, so Fifa 16 is coming out soon and I simply can't wait for one thing... no not getting Arsenal to sign a player or to get my beloved Cambridge United team into the Premier League, rather the soundtrack! This year features loads of artists we've supported for a long time such as Bastille, Coasts and ZIBRA, along with a load more that I've personally seen perform live. So here's 16 of the BEST tunes to be on the FIFA OST's ever! Blur - Song 2 (FIFA Road To World Cup 1998) Caesars - Jerk It Out (FIFA Football 2004) Bloc Party - Helicopter (FIFA 06) The Departure - Be My Enemy (FIFA 06) Nine Black Alps - Cosmopolitan (FIFA 06) Shiny Toy Guns - You Are The One (FIFA 07) Foals - Olympic Airways (FIFA 09) Casiokids - Fot I Hose (FIFA 10) Caribou - Odessa (FIFA 11) Groove Armada - Paper Romance (FIFA 11) The Naked and Famous - Punching In A Dream (FIFA...

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