Tamara Jenna
- Nov 11, 2022
- 9 min read

ACOUSTIC, INDIE ROCK & GUITAR RIFFS -11/11/2022 - WHO'S YA FAVOURITE!? CHART

MINCE - Misprint

Leeds, United Kingdom

Leeds has always been a spot for amazing live music, and what better way to kick off this evening than with a little bit of authentic Leeds-based music?! Those of you stuck in tonight who are wishing you were out at a gig are in luck because 'Mince' have just the energy for you! The latest single from the group entitled 'Ditch' gained a lot of recognition from radio hosts from Chris Moyles to Shell Zenner, oh and just to finalise their traction they have been handed over to a few BBC Radio 1 Shows too! I'm sold, are you?

Now, let's get to the even better part, their latest release. 'Misprint' is a track that has a lot of classic British Rock embedded within it! The post-punk-based Northerners' have created an industrial sound along with siren-sounding guitar playing, heavy drum rolls and a whole lot of distortion! The bass riff makes the whole song something that doesn't just smack of UK indie rock but also differentiated the group from the crowd.

LONGTOOTH & WASTERMAN - You Should Fear Us

Market Harborough, United Kingdom

Longtooth & Wasterman are indeed as cool as their name suggests. Their single, ‘You Should Fear Us’ is a balls-to-the-wall punk rock anthem and it deserves your attention. The band have come out of the woodwork in stunning rock and roll fashion with a sound that is grinning madly and musically profound. Yes, it's a simple song, on the surface. As we dive deeper we find tidbits of musical talent scattered throughout the song, and whether Longtooth & Wasterman know they are there or not, they make the song stand up, shout and then dance in the chaos.

The song opens with a punk rock powerchord riff that is catchy off the bat. It rolls this way and that and keeps the drums in its wake. The bass lives to liven up the sound and goes off on its own tangents when the time is right, adding yet another layer of attitude. The vocals and accompanying melody are like Sex Pistols with a modern twist. They are more musical and live for both the music and the message, not one over the other. This approach has led to a song that is balanced, fun, witty and most of all downright rocking. Also, I bet it would be amazing live, if you ever get the chance to catch Longtooth & Wasterman on stage, take it. If ‘You Should Fear Us’ is anything to go by, then the band have a hell of a lot to offer. (Written by Freddie McKee)

It's now time for a little bit of Scandanavian heavy metal meets grunge for you all from 'One and a half Dog'. This five-piece band have merged the sounds of progressive and classic rock to form their unique twist on alternative rock.

The name of their latest release is 'Catch 22', and a catch it sure is! A drum roll opening sets a cinematic wonderland for listeners to get lost in, just in time for the bass-infused minor key that makes its way into the track. The guitar solos are sure to get you lost within their realm as they search their way through the maze of accompanying guitar strums! One of the things that stand out to me within this song is the way that all the elements of the composition have been mixed! Throughout the duration of the piece, it remains clear that each part of the puzzle (instrumentation) knows its place and purpose.

The vocal performance reminds me of the work of the good old-school, classic, Ozzy Osborne whilst the riffs are heavily focused on the features of heavy metal! What a combination! Catch 22 is a song that 100% deserves the first spot in our ones2watch! this week. Amazing!

VISHAL NAIDU

Reveries In Grey

Bangalore, India

Bangalore-based Vishal Naidu has been producing music for a while now, slowly building a pure and authentic journey as a guitarist to portray the musings of nature.

The latest release from this talented artist was released on 04/11 under the title of 'Reveries in the Grey'. Through this release, Naidu carves the intricate journey of what the artist describes as "prevailing melancholia, a liminal space between sadness and joy".

'Reveries in the Grey' opens with a pure ambience which has been created through the spaces between the notes. The way that track builds is absolutely stunning! As the addition of more strings enter the piece listeners are given an orchestral layer to this neo-folk production. The method behind the guitar playing transitions through many chapters to tell a true tale of wonder.

From the neo-folk meets classical twist to the beautiful heartwarming Spanish guitar and the rock-encased strums, this piece really impressed me (as a guitarist for over twenty years). Hats off to Vishal Naidu for creating such a gorgeously crafted tale. This is one of my favourite guitar compositions to date.

I had no idea that over seven minutes had gone by whilst listening to this piece. If we are to believe it a fact that true art captures the transcendence of time then this piece is nothing short of an eternal masterpiece.

DELTAWELLE

Alles Soll Schön Sein

Berlin/Leipzig, Germany

Now it's time for a little new wave indie in the form of the German band, Deltawelle. The inspiration behind their name comes from the revelation that the main songwriter of the group produces song ideas unexpectedly at night just before sleep. The group, therefore, named themselves after the graphic representation of a brainwave. Cool right?

Their latest release isn't just that in itself, rather it marks their DEBUT release. So, what is the song called and what does it translate to mean in English? 'Alles soll schön sein' meaning Everything should be beautiful is the answer to both of those questions. The song addresses the feeling of desperately failing to capture happiness.

The band are a talented bunch who produce everything themselves - which is the marker of a determined group of minds. Listeners are guaranteed to get swept away in the obscure funk-based basslines and Ska-inspired lead guitar strums.

A nice bit of synth indie rock adds a sense of futuristic coolness to the production along with the layered vocals and high energy of the overall production. This is a really great piece, especially for a debut release. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Deltawelle in the near future.

Indie Rock marries dance in this track! Get it on repeat! Click the link below.

Anton Commissaris

Straight On Down The Line

Menlo Park, United States

If you are looking for a phenomenal artist that spans a number of genres with their style then Anton Commissaris could be the one for you! This artist is fascinating to listen to, when you look deeper into what he has created, especially with his latest track ‘Straight On Down The Line’.

In order to be able to ensure this amazing track is enjoyed entirely it needs to be taken in segments, take the guitars, for example, they contain a gorgeous riff that while being unique hold a high level of familiarity. When considered deep this would be the Jazz element, which is almost swing-like. Then we take the drum beat. This is one that feels very soft rock like leaving us already intrigued by the skill of the artist, this is further built upon by the introduction of a guitar solo. Although this holds a rock feel to it, I would consider there to be an element of blues in there.

Although the instruments all play their part combining the genre styles throughout this track the vocals bring with them their own level of style which touches on country and folk. The harmonies work so well to tell the story of love. I specifically love the female almost choir-like backing singer, as I feel this adds a whole new feature of enjoyment to it. Every single element of this release is enjoyable in segments, but when fused together forms an amazing smooth groove unique track. (Written by Jasmine)

MARKUS MURPHY

Castle Made For Two

Montréal, Canada

Montreal-based independent musician, Markus Murphy leads a band of jazz alumni in a pursuit to deliver! Murphey composes, produces and performs all of his music with support from session musicians and others both live and in the studio. His latest release mixes the realms with a coordination spot that reset somewhere between acid jazz, slow surf and dream pop.

What a track this is! Gorgeous neo-soul pursuit/jazz guitar strums, slick solos and a funky bassline add that extra dusting of perfection to the production along with jazz-infused dreamy keys and a lofi hip-hop drum composition. The vocals - are as dreamy as they come!

Murphey claims that the lyrics and story come from the subconscious to deal with themes of solitude and the loss of someone close something that listeners have to listen to in-depth to grasp the full nature of. The music was recorded live with jazz players in Montreal subsequently offering listeners the high energy and connectedness that sometimes lacks in a studio setting. One thing that I absolutely love is the way that you can really feel the difference between the live and studio settings within this production - the live touch feels polished to studio standard whilst still offering the energetic welcome of a live performance. The final touches are nothing less than the high of mixing and mastering engineer Paul Mahern.

Simply Spectacular - taking a spot in our Ones2Watch!

GAVIN DOYLE

Back From Blue

Dublin, Ireland

'Back from Blue' marks one piece of the puzzle for Dublin-based independent artist Gavin Doyle. The song offers a quarter of a collection of tracks offered by the star in his newly released EP, 'Treading Water'. The EP was formed during the artists' time in lockdown during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was at this time that Doyle decided to voice his feelings of isolation but also his hope for better things to come.

'Back from Blue' is the final song on this raw and honest EP. The beginning will open the heart of any listener through its folk story-telling technique and harmonious vocal layers. Two artists immediately came to mind whilst listening to this song - the first was Ed Sheeran due to the chord transitions and the second is Dermot Kennedy in storytelling abilities.

This is a song that I will listen to again and again - I've genuinely discovered an artist who moves my soul. This is a beautifully crafted, well-told story. In fact, the whole EP is a masterpiece and I for one can't wait to watch this artist as he flourishes into all of the things he wishes to. I would 100% part with my money to purchase a copy of this project, so make sure you at least give it a listen by clicking the link below (it's free).

ONE AND A HALF DOG

Catch 22

Trondheim, Norway

DIONEESUS

Lolita

Pittsburgh, United States

We are super excited to announce that Dioneesus is back with a brand-new track! His latest release entitled 'Lolita' is a multidisciplinary pop anthem that addresses the concept of new love. It's as simple as that.

Who is Lolita? what is this song about?

This track features guest vocals from Nandita Mahesh who describes a new love affair in great depth. What I love about the nature of this piece is that it covers both perspectives (male/female within this particular setting).

The hip-hop drum programming within the backing track provides an easy pillow for the vocals and the electric and bass guitar to rest upon. This is a really interesting piece that provides a back-and-forth vocal between the perspectives that I previously mentioned.

One of the standout features of this production is the way that the instrumental acts as a current within an ocean of reflection. This allows listeners to wholeheartedly grasp the concept of the piece easily and effectively.

That's not all though! Dioneesus has one last trick up his sleeve in the form of an accompanying music video starring Stacia Paglieri that was filmed in the Pittsburgh Cultural District that is set for release on 14/11/22 so keep your eyes peeled for some more unique twists and turns!

ROMAIN GUTSY

The Girl From Kerry

Paris, France

Romain Gutsy return to TJPL NEWS with his latest single “The Girl From Kerry”. The track was released on November 3rd marking the offering of a track that was written by Romain in Dublin in May of this year to be followed shortly after with the help of Marc Bentel in the arrangement. Romain Gutsy is a French-born singer-songwriter and musician who started his career in the 90s, singing and playing the accordion with French bands and guitar in the Celtic band Daffy Plays Mandola. He has also worked alongside Grammy award winners Soul Asylum, and American singer, Calvin Russel!

So what does 'The Girl From Kerry' entail? The song is based on intertwining folk blues through the art of folk-style storytelling and the twangs of blues. The song starts with the raw, husky vocals of Romain Gutsy along with minimal instrumentation. As we enter the second verse listeners are introduced to an upbeat happy-go-lucky composition whilst the artist continues to bring his signature vocal performance. This song reminds me of a cross between The Pogues and The Jungle Book due to the vocal tone, storytelling technique and vocal ad-libs.

This is a must-listen track, purely for the arrangement technique and the vocal distinctiveness!

CLICK THE IMAGE OF YOUR FAVOURITE TO VOTE

MINCE - Misprint
LONGTOOTH & WASTERMAN - You Should Fear Us
VISHAL NAIDU - Reveries In Grey
DELTAWELLE Alles Soll Schön Sein