The Grace Note Blog

'Celexa' - Pizza Crunch Single Review  Pizza Crunch released their new single 'Celexa' on 18th June. I have been a massive fan of theirs since I found them through their amazing last single 'Coma-Inducing Gibberish' back in February! Hailing from Scotland they have a brilliant blend of indie rock, punk and this one even gives me a retro feel from the guitars. The drums and bass drive this song along, with cool guitar tones and clever witty lyrics, I love it! Ewan seems to be able to put so much expression and charisma in his vocals you literally get his point purely from his tone! If you need a dance and to be able to smile whilst you're doing it then Pizza Crunch are the band for you.  Referring to the prescription anti-depressant Celexa, the band have highlighted dependency and likened the effects of a love interest to this. "Dependent again on Celexa, gasping for air without Celexa, scrapping to avoid the teeth of the abyss, and nothing else exists w...

  'Never Knew' - The Blams Single Review East London trio, The Blams released their debut single 'Never Knew' on 11th June. Sonny, lead singer and guitarist, wrote the song about "wanting a relationship to work even though the other person isn't invested or good for you"  Magnificently referred to in the lyrics as "Emotional Manslaughter" the song describes all the things that are said when you know the other person is slipping away and you start to overthink it all; "when you look at me like you never knew", the insecurity with "you knew you'd never love me, you knew you never would"  and later in the lyrics he still questions whether "could you still be the one or is it too late?". The song has an indie grunge sound and you will get a Nirvana-esque feel I'm sure - especially at the more subdued start of the song, with the palm-muted guitar and more controlled vocals.  This creates a perfect contrast as the ...

'Somebody' - Emily 7 Single Review  Dublin based indie rock band Emily 7 released their latest single 'Somebody' on 4th June.  'Somebody' has an immediate catchy vibe about it, reminiscent of 60's rock n roll, but with definite 90's indie influences. It's impact is full of energy with massive drums, exciting guitar riffs and brilliantly delivered vocals that express every word!  "Everybody's got somebody, I need someone, someone like you to come around today, someone like you come and take my blues away"  It is a song you have to dance with your mates to, you'll be singing along to this chorus and feeling it! Scott, Kyle, Daniel and Brandon have absolutely smashed the indie music scene in Ireland with 'Somebody' reaching #1 on both the iTunes single and alternative charts on release day.  They have had an amazing response with press, reviews, lots of radio play and the latest, a tweet from Liam Gallagher: When I spoke to Kyl...

  'Curtains' - Daydream Runaways Single Review Daydream Runaways are Ben (vocals), Nath (bass), Cam (guitar) and Brad (drums), an indie pop/rock band from the UK's South West. Following on from the success of their EP 'Dreamlands' and the singles from that which were supported by BBC Introducing, the band are exploding out of lockdown with their new single 'Curtains' released on 4th June.  In a change of direction from their EP, Daydream Runaways blend their pop side with a big splash of rock in this new indie anthem. With powerful vocals and strong, punchy guitars, bass and drums they make a massive head bopping track. The contrast between the verses and chorus is pure class and makes this a treat to listen to. To me the verse lyrics look at moving forward, leaving behind the past and looking for better; "We all search for the reasons, to wake up in the mornings" and "We all live in hope, waiting for tomorrow". However we are told, in th...

  'Two's A Crowd' - Idle Lies Single Review Indie rock band Idle Lies released their latest single 'Two's a Crowd' on 28th May. This is their first single since they were joined by new vocalist, Ross Neville-Jackson and builds on the success of their previous songs as a four piece. Sam Leonard (guitarist) wrote the song in its entirety during the first lockdown and the band managed to learn and rehearse it over zoom, one of many issues faced by musicians in this last year. The five piece from Liverpool also include Lucas Pidgen (drums), Joe Green (bass) and Shantanu Kindu (vocals & rhythm guitar).  'Two's a Crowd' is dominated by the stunning guitars, including the repeating riff that you hear in the introduction, which gives the song an air of melancholy. The striking lyrics and vocals add to a stunning overall impression of a thoughtful, creative and most importantly, very catchy song! The track was recorded by Sam Pierpoint at Soundback Studio...

  'Matryoshka' - Permo Single Review Scottish punk mavericks Permo released their single 'Matryoshka' on 28th May.   Matryoshka is a set of Russian wooden nesting dolls, decreasing in size placed inside one another, and like the dolls this song has its layers! It starts with a powerful intro, the big drums and then a punchy guitar, making way for a driving bass and the punk vocals to make their appearance.  Commenting on the track bassist Hamish said "Matryoshka is a blistering tirade aimed at the self-centred, egotistical members of our generation who insist on polluting good conversations with their one-upmanship and exaggerated anecdotes."  It takes a no-holds barred attack at those people who like to share their big success stories however far-fetched they may be! With lyrics like "Big swagger, big shagger, think you're Mick Jagger but the truth is you're a joke" and "Layers and layers so full of yourself" its a reminder that se...

  'Scary Faces' - The Riot Vans Single Review Glasgow punk rock band The Riot Vans released their single 'Scary Faces' on 21st May. Charlie, Aidan, Jack and Adam are newly signed to Disobedient Records - and this is their first release with the label.  The punchy start to the song instantly grabs your attention and will get you jumping even before the  powerful vocals kick in! The distinctive driving guitars and drums in this track are what gives it the catchy, upbeat feel.  The Riot Vans perfectly blend their punk vocals with a ska feel to the track and it is definitely going to be a winner live in the mosh pits.   Commenting on the track the band said "Scary Faces is effectively an amalgamation of things we thought sounded cool". I couldn't agree more!  You can listen to 'Scary Faces' on Spotify  here.

  'We're All Going Mad' - Ashley Stacey Single Review Following the success of his single 'Palace Pier' earlier this year, South East London singer-songwriter Ashley Stacey released his latest single on 14th May 2021 with the accompanying lyric video going live yesterday. 'We're All Going Mad' is the conclusion drawn from lyrics focusing on the stress of a modern society including "No service with a smile",  "Capitalistic mindset, unsustainable lifestyles"  and the pre-occupation with social media we all have leading to a lack of in person social contact "Tied to your phone, time spent alone". The driving bass, guitars and energetic drums joined by a horn section, lead to a big old rock n roll anthem that is begging to be heard live this summer.  Ashley released his debut album 'The Sun Still Shines On You' in September 2020, he has had radio play including BBC Radio Kent and has been added to This Feeling's ...

'Enemy' - King Blonde Single Review King Blonde are a 4 piece from Derby, they released their latest single 'Enemy' on May 14th. 'Enemy' continues their dark and dreamy indie rock journey, following on from their previous singles, Low Light (15/1/21) and Noah (8/3/21). With powerful vocals, big drums and captivating guitar hooks 'Enemy' will have you throwing shapes in the kitchen. Although mine are nowhere near as good as the talented dancer they got for the accompanying video.  Their previous PR campaign for 'Noah' involved encouraging motorists to give them a pip whilst standing on the streets with a King Blonde sign! If this isn't commitment to the cause then I don't know what is. With radio play for 'Enemy' already on BBC Radio Introducing Midlands and 'Low Light' being named as Track of the Week by BBC Radio Derby back in February, King Blonde are smashing it this year! You can listen to 'Enemy' on Spotify  h...

 'My Mind' - Sages Of The Subway Single Review Cambridge based indie/alt pop band Sages Of The Subway released their latest single on May 14th.  'My Mind' sees Dean, James, Nath and Tom take a step towards a more synth pop sound resulting in a cool, sophisticated track with a brilliantly catchy chorus and vibey guitar solos and riffs.  "When the night is through, I wake up and I start the day again, like all of this is new, I'm stuck out in the past it's all I know, I try to get away, I want the feeling here to always stay"  A sultry, reflective song to "get you out of my mind".  This is going to be an essential at the clubs and house parties as we move forward, I don't think you could listen without dancing. Having already had air play on BBC Introducing Radio Cambridgeshire, 'My Mind' is a dance inducing, infectious anthem that is going to take us through a summer of music. You can catch Sages Of The Subway live at the O2 Academ...

  Pretty Mafia - 'Benny Blanco' Single Review Pretty Mafia are Charlie, Joe, Ethan and Joe - a four piece indie rock band from Wakefield, West Yorkshire.  Charlie wrote 'Benny Blanco' at the start of the first lockdown, it's a rock n roll song of a modern day gangster. A story-telling tale of Benny Blanco as a character, who "loves a fiasco", with lyrics such as "bad guys do what good guys dream" -it really makes you smile.  The song is loaded with groovy vibey guitars, clever intricate drums and vocals full of personality. I really enjoyed listening to this song over the last week, every time I listen my opinion evolves. Initial thoughts were of an Oasis-esque feel with some Arctic Monkeys in the vocals. I've gone on to hear some jazziness to the drums and please note that Joe's epic guitar solos give an extra edge of cool to the track! Formerly known as Ascendo, this is their debut single since their reincarnation as Pretty Mafia, and b...

  'Salem II' EP Review Grace Calver Salem are front-vamp Will Gould (also of the band Creeper) and guitarist Matthew Reynolds, they burst onto the scene with The Apathy Ball and the release of their debut single 'Destroy Me' last year. Today (Friday 7th May) they release their second EP titled 'Salem II'. One of the main things I love about them and this EP is the imagery created with the lyrics and music. The lexical fields of vampires, love and darkness that can be found through all of the songs, paired with the gothic, theatrical and punky sound.  There is an eerie start to this EP with the introduction of the first track; 'William, It Was Really Nothing' before the punchy guitars explode in. A nod to The Smiths' 'William, It Was Really Nothing', this song is a theatrical masterpiece - with dominating vocals supported by a stunning, gothic choir and powerful guitars. This contrasts beautifully with the gentle bell, piano and wind chime sou...

  The Skinner Brothers - 'Iconic' EP Review Tomorrow (Friday 7th May 2021) sees The Skinner Brothers drop their new EP 'Iconic'!  As their Spotify bio says, "The Skinner Brothers don't fuck about" and this 4-track EP backs up this claim! The EP explodes into action with two new tracks and two previously released singles - but with a twist. First up, the title track 'Iconic' starts with Zac Skinner's vocals and a guitar - then the beat comes in hard and we're rockin'! This is an amazing start, a track full of swag and attitude and will get the crowd chanting along "Iconic" in the build up to the final chorus. 'Iconic' is for winning the game with success against all odds "Get on it, step on it, subsonic, iconic." The second, and other brand new track is 'M.O.R.E', heavier than 'Iconic', it starts small and grows into an anthem oozing with self confidence. 'M.O.R.E' mentions getting up m...

  Not Now Norman - 'Shut Your Mouth' Single Review Photo: Paul Murray Media Not Now Norman are a hard rock band from Berwick-Upon-Tweed. They released their latest single 'Shut Your Mouth' on 23rd April 2021, their direct and in-your-face sound deals this time with the raw emotions felt after frontwoman Taylor-Grace Mitchell left an abusive relationship.  Taylor reveals "the track is about domestic abuse, the words are everything I wanted to say when my abuser was berating me. The build up is meant to get people to start shouting 'Shut Your Mouth' with the track when the final chorus hits. It's meant to reignite the fire that victims feel has died when they escape domestic abuse and boost confidence."  This track has piercingly powerful guitars and strong commanding vocals, which make it a theatrical rock anthem. The build up will leave the listener feeling strong and powerful and I am in no doubt that seen live, the whole crowd will be behind Tayl...

  Panda Swim - 'Downer' EP Review Alt-rock trio from the Isle of Wight, Panda Swim released their 4-track EP 'Downer' on Friday 23rd April.  Frontman Stu, drummer Guy and bassist Joe have produced an EP full of feelings and story-telling songs of how life changes over time. The EP starts with 'School Of Fools' touching on the cruelties of early life and those problem school years when all you want to do is play a guitar! Progressing to current times and adult life "You were always gonna be my number one, now I've got two daughters and I've got a son". Their latest single, and track 2: 'Oceans' is reminiscent of early Weezer with a powerful introduction leading in to lyrics about putting your life and love on hold; "You can steal my love away, lock it up for another day. Take me far into the ocean dear, I'll pick up my heart next year." Stu describes the third track, 'Way Out' as being written at a time when he foun...

  Greebo - 'Settle Down Or Knuckle Up' Single Review Essex trio - Ash (vocals/guitar), Harry (bass) and Matt (drums) release Greebo's latest single; 'Settle Down Or Knuckle Up' today. Their third single follows on from last year's 'Now That She's Gone' that got the band their first radio play.  'Settle Down Or Knuckle Up' is about confronting the issues within yourself, coming to terms with them and dealing with them.  The spoken word vocals in the song are accompanied by smooth drums, a powerful bassline and exciting guitars.  Greebo have a unique, distinctive sound, making this track laid-back but with attitude, and somehow dark but also bright! I can't wait to see this song live!  You can listen to 'Settle Down Or Knuckle Up' on Spotify  here and watch my interview with them below:

The Decades - 'Fool's Gold' Single Review The Decades are a four piece indie rock band from County Wicklow. Their debut single 'Electricity' reached number 1 in the Irish iTunes charts, and they released their second single 'Fool's Gold' today (Friday 2nd April). The band said "with 'Fool's Gold' we really wanted to say something. There's this lifestyle that is so common with our generation of constant partying and a cycle of one night stands and relationships that go nowhere. It comes out of loneliness and a desperate need for a connection to others, and finding meaning and value in the wrong places."  Sean, David, Myles and Rhys have produced a track layered with guitars, pulsing drums, powerful and emotional vocals and a cool, driving bassline. I love how everything gets pulled back before the build up bringing us into a dramatic final chorus. This is a track for dancing to at festivals that will hopefully happen this Summer!...

  Waterparks - The Anti Tour Show Allow the self indulgence, but I'm going to write a review of my favourite band - Waterparks, who just did an online concert through Veeps last night - The Anti Tour Show (27th March). It's been just over a year since I last saw Awsten Knight, Geoff Wigington and Otto Wood live in London, and since this they've released two further singles 'Lowkey As Hell' and 'Snow Globe' which will feature on their new album 'Greatest Hits' out May 21st.  The stage was beautiful, set up like a forest. Awsten described it as "the most romantic woods you've ever seen". There was obviously a reason behind the bikes and fire hydrants entangled in the leaves, which I'm sure will reveal itself when the album is released.  As with all Waterparks events, the recording was amazing - overseen by Jawn Rocha, who seems to meticulously plan the filming in fine detail. It's surprising how much the varying camera angles, per...

  'Dying To Lie' - Dust Monk Single Review Dust Monk are Liverpool/Warrington based Phil and Jamie, who released their debut single 'Dying To Lie' on Friday 19th March.  The unusual percussion (bongos and maracas) blends perfectly with the acoustic, laid-back sound to create a unique track which is distinctly different in today's music world.  'Dying To Lie' has the sound of a happy, vibey song but on listening to the lyrics its dark undertone is revealed. Dust Monk describe the song as a dark tale about how someone can lose all their morals when they are desperate to get what they want. The opening lyric "I don't wanna die, I just want your full attention" is an absolute genius of a line to draw you in.  The retro nostalgic feel engages the listener and gives me thoughts of palm trees, Hawaiian shirts and drinking from a coconut! For some reason, I can picture this on an American TV soundtrack based in Miami or Florida!  Dust Monk have been wo...

My Favourite Memories from Gigs (All of these photos and videos were taken by me and are my own personal videos) With the news that concerts may be returning from 21st of June, I got myself some tickets booked, in the hopes that I may get to do some gig reviews! This got me thinking back to all the concerts I've been to before, so I've decided to share some of my favourite memories and experiences from gigs! 1. Remington Leith Concerning the Health and Safety Officials! I went to see Palaye Royale at Shepherd's Bush O2 Empire on the 21st February 2020. It was the most exciting concert I've ever been to, and it ended with frontman Remington Leith climbing up onto the balcony and hanging upside down! I was lucky enough to meet the band at their pop-up shop the next day, and Remington told me his mum wasn't impressed with the danger he was putting himself in!  2. Awsten Knight's Superpower On the 1st of February 2020, I had VIP tickets to see Waterparks in the Elec...

  Chris Pidsley - 'Alex's House' Single Review Back in December, Chris recorded a live gig, and whilst it was being streamed there was the option to donate for different rewards. One of these rewards was to have a song written about you. This was purchased by one of Chris' friends - and the result is 'Alex's House'. The indie pop song is about Alex letting him stay at hers for a few weeks when he first moved to London and was trying to find a place to live. Full of inside jokes between the two of them, the lyrics include; "I told you it was for the weekend", "Living here rent free" and "Getting in the way" to document these weeks. Chris told me he is particularly proud of the chorus, because he hid her name in the lyrics! Every line starts with the sound of each letter spelling out Alex: A: "Eighteen not the wisest             L: Elements of a teenage mindset E: Easier to                      ...

  Sean from Ivypaint Talks: Their Collaboration with Kellin Quinn, Emo National Anthems and Kurt Cobain Ivypaint are a pop punk band from Orlando, consisting of Sean Duong (vocals, rhythm guitar), Adam Chenkus (bass), Christian Wheeler (lead guitar) and Jason Flanders (drums).  I first found them when they came up on my For You Page on TikTok with a brilliant cover of 'Teenagers' by My Chemical Romance. I then went to investigate them on Spotify and found some amazing tracks that I've been listening to ever since. My particular favourites are 'Head Rush', 'Melatonin' and 'Lake Bessie'. They have said that they are influenced by Neck Deep, Waterparks and Blink-182 - all brilliant bands, and I would add that fans of Fall Out Boy and All Time Low would love their music too!  They have a new single '50/50' out on March 5th featuring Kellin Quinn from Sleeping With Sirens. I took this opportunity to ask Sean some questions about the band and their...