Tag: alternative rock

Joey’s Knuckle – Love

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Breaking through the Northern indie scene are four-piece indie-rock band Joey’s Knuckle. The band’s name reveals the unpredictable punches life throws at you, with emotional lyrics layered over their fast-paced, evolving sound. The new single ‘Love’ further explores complexities of a messy, modern romance. It’s undeniably dangerous and their loudest project to date. Lead guitarist Fen comes to define this song as he drives us into the verses and chorus where the vocals gain momentum and always return crashing back with grit and a grooving bassline. Following this, the bridge encapsulates a conversational discourse between lead vocals and that familiar guitar. Then both parts cross over and build argumentative tension before breaking away into a final harmonic chorus which pulls the listener along.

The music is chaotic and volatile when it matches its intense lyricism, but the instruments do well to capture listeners and always keep us engaged. “Love” exists in its own complex liminal space, between an unstable relationship and its indefinite heartbreak. The band says, “we’ve all been through versions of this story”, a relatable need but not a want to let go. These universal feelings engrained into their energetic music is just another reason why Joey’s Knuckle are meant for a live audience. It’s intoxicatingly honest, and what everybody needs blasting through concert loudspeakers or their headphones on a late-night walk home.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/joeys_knuckle

Don Gonzo – Quit Your Job

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Don Gonzo are back bigger than ever with their new punchy psychedelic rock song “Quit Your Job”. You can always depend on a danceable, spacey tune from the band and this one launches straight into rapid percussion with electrifying jazz chords. Their driving post-punk riff seamlessly blends into some tension building vocals. At its peak, there’s a sudden pause along with the ironic lyric “my mind’s so noisy”, then once more the radical rhythm changes and we feel like the instruments are chasing the vocalist in a more action packed second verse. The bridge of this song consists of some stripped-back guitar and the simple repeated line – “quit your job, it won’t do no harm”, further emphasising the band’s message.

A new switch into the second half of the song turns it into a totally different musical direction with funkier sounds and a new melody. Don Gonzo provides a unique and unpredictable listening experience at break neck speed.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/ohdongonzo/

LOMENS – Unplug the Earth

ByDaniel PackhamCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

West Yorkshire’s Lomens are quickly becoming a standout force in the region’s punk rock scene. Their latest track, “Unplug the Earth,” is a bold statement that refuses to be boxed into one genre. Blending the haze of shoegaze with indie’s melodic edge, the band crafts a sound that feels both raw and expansive. 

At the forefront are raspy, commanding vocals that cut through the mix, driving home themes of resistance and liberation with raw intensity. Lyrically, the track leans heavily into metaphor, envisioning an ‘unplugged world’ as a way to grapple with feelings of powerlessness, societal pressure, and personal struggle. The instrumentation complements this urgency perfectly — jagged guitar riffs clash with punchy drums, creating a sonic landscape that feels both chaotic and deliberate. The song’s cathartic energy invites listeners to not just hear, but feel every note and lyric, turning frustration and rebellion into a shared experience. In doing so, it cements Lomens as a band unafraid to push boundaries, blending introspection with punk’s unapologetic, rebellious heart, and delivering a track that resonates long after the final chord fades.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/Lomensuk

Rillington Place – Lament

ByDaniel PackhamCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Rillington Place are a five piece alternative metal band who released their debut EP titled ‘Lost in the Storm’ back in 2024. Residing in Dewsbury, the band are heavily involved in the live music scene in Yorkshire and are even a part of the Dewsbury Music Foundation. They are a unique band not only because of their musical style but because the majority of them are family. 

Their track ‘Lament’ follows in the footsteps of iconic influences like Deftones and Nirvana, channeling the raw intensity and emotional depth that defined 90s grunge while carving out a sound uniquely their own. The song tackles the theme of bipolar disorder, drawing from personal experience to deliver a hauntingly authentic narrative that resonates with listeners. Gloomy, textured guitars weave seamlessly with the rasp of the lead vocals, creating a soundscape that is both visceral and immersive. As the track builds, it culminates in a striking finale where a commanding drum section locks in with a powerful guitar riff, leaving a lasting impression of intensity and skill. ‘Lament’ not only showcases Rillington Place’s musical prowess but also solidifies their identity as a band unafraid to confront heavy subjects with artistry and conviction. This track marks them as a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary rock scene, proving they can balance emotional vulnerability with hard-hitting sonic impact.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/rillington_place

Urban Rift – Johnny Go

ByDaniel PackhamCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Ever wanted to time travel back to the 1950s where rock n roll ruled over the music scene. Urban Rift’s track ‘Johnny Go’ does just that! The strong guitars and prominent hi-hats give the song the dynamic range that defines the classic rock n roll genre. Residing in the West Yorkshire area, Urban Rift show their heritage through their vocals as you can really hear the northern soul punching through. 

Released as a single in 2024, ‘Johnny Go’ tells the story of a reckless bad boy who leaves chaos in his wake everywhere he turns. The track captures that spirit of rebellion with an infectious indie edge, echoing the swagger and grit of bands like Arctic Monkeys while still carving out its own identity. Driving guitar riffs and a blistering solo push the song forward, while the pounding drums add urgency and raw energy. Lyrically, its nonconformist theme celebrates individuality and defiance, making it resonate with listeners who crave music that pushes back against the norm. Bold, brash, and irresistibly catchy, ‘Johnny Go’ is the kind of track that not only entertains but also expands your playlist with something fresh and rebellious.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/urbanriftband

Bone Wars – Terrible Lizards

ByKirklees Most WantedCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Huddersfield’s Bone Wars, a psych-rock band, make music inspired by prehistoric creatures. They create songs with catchy tunes and long, free-flowing instrumental parts.

The band brings together different musical styles: Sully Evans’ funky bass lines, Ben Wallbanks’ (from Knuckle) strong drumming, Steven Beever’s (from Nu-Popes, Land Sharks) layered keyboards, and Leo Brazil’s unique songwriting.

Their first song, “Terrible Lizards,” isn’t just a tune; it’s a musical story about where the word “dinosaur” comes from. They were inspired by how scientist Richard Owen named them back in 1841. The song tries to capture the feeling of wonder and size that Owen wanted people to have, not just the idea of scary monsters. Their sound mixes old-school psychedelic music with new, experimental sounds, and adds a touch of funk and world music for a really enthralling listening.

For more info: https://www.instagram.com/bonewarsmusic

Nick Ryder – She Said

ByKirklees Most WantedCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Nick Ryder and his band, emerged from the Huddersfield music scene in 2024, is crafting accessible songs and drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of musical influences. From the classic melodies of The Beatles and Elvis Costello to the energy of Brit-pop and the structure of classical music, their sound is designed to resonate with first-time listeners.

Their debut single, “She Said,” is a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering bond between a mother and son. The song explores the theme of unconditional love, capturing the essence of a mother’s devotion through relatable lyrics and memorable melodies.

The Kirklees Most Wanted project is being delivered by The Saving Grace Collective and is part funded by Saving Grace, The Arts Council England & UK Shared Prosperity Fund
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