Tag: indie rock

Fishing For Compliments – Drunken Tree

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Fishing For Compliments are a five piece indie/folk/pop band from mighty Huddersfield. Formed around lead singer Eileen’s songs, the band have honed their own sound which has been described as “unique”, “upbeat” and “uplifting.” Drawing on eclectic influences, the band released their debut album Off The Isle of Somewhere in 2020. They have received award nominations, gigged at venues and festivals across the North and they are currently putting the finishing touches to their second album.

Drunken Tree is a soothing, folky number with jangly guitar, evocative lyrics and a ridiculously catchy chorus. The backing vocals and harmonies give the hook an almost anthemic feel and Eileen’s vocals are a powerful and expressive vessel for the song’s story to unfold. The song’s themes touch on addiction and being tempted into unhealthy coping mechanisms, all of which is very universal and relatable.


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

Memnor – III:Infancy

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Memnor are a prog rock band who enjoy writing long form narrative songs. Their love of sound design and technical musicianship make for complex and varied soundscapes.
III:Infancy is an experimental journey full of heavy guitar and synths. There are many twists and turns throughout the song which showcases the skill and agility of the musicians, especially the drummer who frequently switches up the rhythms and tempo. The synthesised vocals are almost Queen- esque and there are calming, quiet interludes amidst the rocky guitars. III:Infancy closes the first chapter of the
New Seed Saga, a sci-fi story about a new entrant to an interconnected web of minds that see themselves as trees in a colossal forest. Enjoy the magical adventure!

Find out more – https://wearememnor.com/

Brad Mack – I’m Gonna Leave

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Brad Mack has a distinctive, husky voice somewhere between Paolo Nutini and Alex Turner. Having taught himself to sing in lockdown, the artist from Batley has gone on to headline shows, play at festivals and tour around Europe. He is known for his lively, high energy indie rock. I’m Gonna Leave is a cheerful break up song which celebrates leaving an unhealthy relationship. It’s a very liberating song and the twanging guitars and addictive chorus are reminiscent of The Arctic Monkeys. Despite the subject matter, this is an upbeat song which many people could empathise with.

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

Astoria – If I’m Like You

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Astoria formed during the pandemic and have been headlining gigs ever since. Originally from Kirklees, the band are now conquering Leeds with sell out shows at The Wardrobe and the renowned Brudenell Social Club. They have released tracks through Launchpad, played at Live At Leeds and they have been featured on the Leeds United match day playlist. They are looking forward to widening the reach of their live performances in the future. If I’m Like You has a distinct ‘90s feel akin to The Stone Roses. The melodic chorus, tight musicianship and sharp lyrics combine to explore the theme of struggling with personal identity and wishing to be someone else. On this track, jangly guitars build up to a final, epic chorus resulting in an explosion of backing vocals and guitars.

For more info: here

Blue Orchid Reaction – Tiny House

BySaving Grace MusicCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Blue Orchid Reaction are a 4 piece, indie rock band who play uplifting indie/ pop rock. They are influenced by a range of different genres and artists, and they have been gigging around West Yorkshire for the past three years. Tiny House is a captivating song which starts off gently with colourful riffs and smooth Paul Heaton style vocals and then finishes on more of an aggressive note with heavy guitars and shouty singing. The dramatic shift in the mood and the tempo likely reflects the topic of the song which is about being confined at home during covid and having nowhere to escape to.


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

Carol Hodge – Waving Not Drowning

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Carol Hodge is an extremely versatile and accomplished performer. A pianist, vocalist and songwriter, Carol has worked extensively with The Wildhearts and guested with punk oufits The Membranes and The Headsticks. She has toured widely around the UK. Although her roots are firmly in the punk scene, Carol has created her own sound and has produced four studio albums as a solo artist. Waving Not Drowning opens with mellow piano which leads into Hodge’s rich, strong vocals. The steady tempo builds up to a powerful chorus which Hodge delivers with ease. The passionately sang chorus is balanced nicely with tender, intricate piano. The lyrics and melodies of this Alanis Morisette like track are extremely compelling. The song tackles the very real themes of mental health issues and discusses the difficulties of life and how it can sometimes be tricky to support friends who are struggling. “We saw the ripples but we missed the signs/ I guess I couldn’t be there every time/Nobody can be there every time.” Powerful and emotive stuff!

Find out more – https://www.instagram.com/carolxhodge/

The First Ones – Clarity From Chaos

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

The First Ones are an alt rock trio from Huddersfield. Influenced by Biffy Clyro, The Cribs and The Jam, they fuse metal with sweet vocal harmonies and have definite prog rock leanings. The band have gigged throughout West Yorkshire in well known venues such as Northern Quarter (Huddersfield) Grayston Unity (Halifax) and Crank Studios (Morley.)
Clarity From Chaos is a fun, punchy single with funky guitar riffs and a punk spirit. The drums go hard on this one, the bass line slaps and there is a mean guitar solo halfway through. All of this provides a frame for the confident vocals, strong melodies and appealing harmonies. This track addresses forging a path through chaos and trying to find peace of mind in a crazy world. “It feels like nothing’s sacred anymore/Dry your tired eyes/Can you wait a little longer/I’m just trying to find a better life.” The take home message from this song is ultimately upbeat; keep on going and do what you can to improve your situation.

Find out more – https://www.instagram.com/thefirstonesband/

The Valleys – What goes up

ByKirklees Most WantedCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

The Valleys bring a fresh rock, jazz even folk infused, sound inspired by walking round the streets of Huddersfield. Their track, “What Goes Up,” is a uplifting anthemic song that challenges societal norms and encourages listeners to question the status quo.

The song’s lyrics delve into themes of injustice, distraction, disillusionment, and the relentless pursuit of happiness. With a warm embracing main vocal & emotion and poetic lyricism, The Valleys explore the complexities of modern life and the universal human experience.

“What Goes Up” is a thought-provoking track that resonates with listeners on a fun but deep level. It’s a call to action, urging individuals to break free from societal expectations, their own complacency and embrace their true selves.

Find out more – https://www.instagram.com/thevalleys.band/

Rock Paper Sister – Home

ByKirklees Most WantedCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Huddersfield, Rock Paper Sister is a dynamic female-fronted 4 piece delivering a high-voltage blend of rock, classic rock, indie rock, and alternative rock.

Their latest album, “Home,” showcases the band’s unique sound, characterized by melodic vocals, powerful riffs, creative bass lines, and flamboyant drumming. The lead single, of the same title is both rousing and thought-provoking tackling the moments when the world is unloving and dark.

With their energetic live performances and strong songwriting, Rock Paper Sister are quickly making a name for themselves in the local music scene. Their recent appearances at Bands on the Square and the Longest Day Festival have garnered strong feedback, and they are poised to continue their upward trajectory with upcoming performances.

Find out more – https://www.instagram.com/rock_paper_sister_music

3 Letter Danger Club – Hometown Boy

ByAnnaCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

3 Letter Danger Club are a 4 piece funk, rock and ska band from West Yorkshire. They dropped their debut album “Life Juice” in August 2024 and are gigging locally at established venues such as Northern Quarter, Huddersfield. Preferring to steer clear of writing about romance, their original songs address topics such as misogyny, drug addiction and friendships gone wrong. The single “Hometown Boy” is a celebration of heavy guitars and fuses elements of rock, metal and ska. The blistering drums, honeyed vocals and lyrical guitar solo make for an exciting, fiery track to pack dance floors and cause a stir.“Hometown Boy” is about karma and how not to treat people, especially in the music industry.

https://www.instagram.com/@3letterdangerclub

The Kirklees Most Wanted project is being delivered by The Saving Grace Collective and is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 
© Saving Grace 2025