In order to not miss a beat TURN UP THE VOLUME scans the musical
horizon daily, for 10 years now, to pick ace tracks and add 5 new ones
twice per week, to the one and only JUKEBOX playlist that matters.
ALL TOGETHER
The 5 fresh ones TRACK BY TRACK
Artist: PETE BRILEY Who: American singer-songwriter who used to be part
of the country-rock band Outlaw Orchestra and released
his self-titled solo album in 2023.
Track: COPENHAGEN
Newest preview of his
upcoming, 2nd album.
Briley: “I realised I’d passed through that airport over a dozen times but never
stepped foot in the city itself. I was always just a ghost—present, but never rooted.
That fleeting sense of presence grew into a broader meditation on transience.”
TUTV: Expect a limbs-activating and jaunty pop tune with a funky groove
you should add to your 2025 summer playlist, pronto. A stimulant in the
morning, a nightcap in the evening, an inspiration during the day.
Press info: It’s a powerful reflection on the digital age of division. Inspired by the rise of keyboard warriors and the echo chambers of modern politics, the track delves into how social media fuels conflict and polarization, with poignant lyricism and sonic intensity.
TUTV: Think Dinosaur Jr and Grandaddy teaming up for a psychedelic stroll. Jangly melodic, vocally harmonic and shoegazy electrical. One spin and your dreaming ears are hooked. Share this therapeutic trip on your social media, all you music junkies out there, and light up our digital world.
Band: SMOKING OCEAN Who: 4-piece alt outfit from London, who blends inspirations from the greatest to create a unique, absorbing sound. Always delivering huge riffs and raw energy, creating music that makes you feel alive and inviting you to sing along and dance.
TUTV: A short metallic intro is followed by a bouncy, electrically-charged, forth and back pop rollercoaster propelled by greedy guitars, vivid vocals, and a chorus that counts.
Press info: Drawn from the thunderous rhythm of Lunar Paths’ Zero Trust Mentality,Celestial is pMad’s cosmic, post-apocalyptic meditation on distance, connection, and collapse. It’s an ethereal yet hard-hitting track that bridges Cinematic rock with pMad’s unmistakable gothic roots.
TUTV: Vintage dark-pMad-wave. Glowing six-strings sparks, meditative vocals,
and accelerated dynamics and reflective pauses alternating organically. Stellar.
Who: A new brother-sister party duo, from South London colliding the raw unfiltered energy of punk, with the overflowing ecstasy of pop. With fierce tempos and ferocious energy, their music is an explosively cathartic release of raw intensity and unapologetic fun.
Track: I’M NOT YOUR PUNCHBAG
From their upcoming debut EP. Details TBA.
It was written before they came up with their
moniker Punchbag.
TUTV: Ecstasy. Elation. Euphoria. Exhilaration. Yes, this electro-smack makes
you bounce and jump like a pogo-stick. Two singles in and Punchbag are already
a punky EBM sensation. They kick you in the teeth without asking while having
fervent fun.
Who: 2-piece from Birmingham (UK) – Euan Woodman (drums/vocals) and Tom Rhodes (bass/vocals) – born in late 2023 over a shared love of noise, literature and late night shebeens. They write music about love and hate. They’re good for your soul.
TUTV: Warning. This insanely groovy punk blast will bulldoze all over your shocked speakers. Expect a superheated funky firestorm that attacks the Richter scale with a shattering impact. A manically jagged jackhammer it is. Trust me, you’ll think you like them, very much, while you bang your head into your fridge’s door.
Who: British red-hot-steaming misfits, Isaac Holman (lead vocals, drums) and Laurie Vincent (backing vocals, guitar, bass) started their rowdy ride back in 2012,
named Slaves. They have fabricated 3 earthshaking LPs so far.
Who: A collective with members scattered across the UK and the Netherlands. This group, now comprising seven members, has its roots in a trio that expanded over the past four years. The current lineup includes both current and former members of notable bands such as IDLES, Sex Swing, Tall Ships, Manatees, Do Me Bad Things, Pulled Apart By Horses, Petbrick and Mugstar.
New track: WET LEATHER
Piece from their upcoming, sophomore LP Total Technik,
out on April 18th. Pre-order info here.
TUTV: Kraut-rock and roll with an intoxicating impact. A wall-of-guitar-pyrotechnics rollercoaster. An overpowering tempest of rambunctious riffs. Voltaic psychedelia at
its spine-chilling best, bombarding your ears the way you like it. Fascinating, right?
You betcha.
TUTV: Raucous Royal Blood riffs, hard-hammering drum beats, a mean
bass machine, gutsy vocals and a knockdown chorus combine for a jagged
jackhammer that you’ll play louder with every spin.
Who: Flaring indie duo – Carrie Clark and Pam Peltz – who found each other on
the edge of the delicately ramshackle playground of the 1990s Austin (Texas)
music scene. They released their 4-track debut EP Let It Be So in 2023.
TUTV: Hallelujah! The pins do it again. Gold is a hip-shaking bluesy garage rock thrill
that has an instant impact on your greedy ears with its solid swagger, its gloriously cracking guitars with a feverish solo somewhere in the middle, and its cool duet vocals. Play it to your unicorn, and have a dance together.
Who: Legendary indie group from Rhode Island founded in 1981, in by two musically marvelous stepsisters, Kristin Hersh and Tanya Donelly who later co-formedThe Breeders with Kim Deal but soon afterward she started her own group Belly.
Who: Canadian post-punk outfit from Calgary, Alberta.
They formed in 2012 under the name Viet Cong, a name
they dropped in 2016 following lots of criticism related
to the Vietnam War.
Track: BASTARDS
New single from their upcoming 5th LP,
titledIII At Ease. Out on May 9th.
TUTV: Never heard Preoccupations going
this synth-poppy and it works 100%.
Who: A group from North Wales piloted by brothers Cynyr (guitar & vocals) and Dion Hamer (drums & vocals). They produce material from their home studio on
the hills of Eryri, splicing together elements of surf guitar music, kraut-rock grooves
and hypnotic psych tinged vocal harmonies. Last year their released new album Back To The Begining.
TUTV: From the first chord on, Exploding! swirls irresistibly fueled by heated guitars,
a magnetizing, bouncy bass riff, a non-stop, repetitive and footstomping drum beat and moody vocals, that bring former Super Furry Animals‘ frontman Gruff Rhys‘ smooth voice tone to mind. Bullseye.
Who: A duo with contrasting yet complementary artistic journeys. Giulia born in Sesto San Giovanni, infuses the project with her vibrant soul, creating intense melodies, profound lyrics, and a captivating voice. Marco born in Monza, brings an instinctive and meticulous approach to crafting their signature electronic sound.
Track: LAUGH
Second single following last year’s
excellent debutFaded Flowers.
The song is inspired by a true story. It tells the story of a woman who, after 30 years of domestic abuse, laughs at her husband’s funeral—not out of joy, but as an uncontrollable, cathartic release.
TUTV: Think Sharon Van Etten at her most heartfelt. Laugh is a purifying and soul-freeing rumination, invigorated with passional vocals, synth-shining orchestration and a steadfast drum beat.
TUTV: Heaven is a powerhouse ripper, that gets under your skin without asking
permission, fed by inflammable guitars, intense vocals and a titanic chorus. Americana rock pschydelia at its hypnotzing best.
Who: Synth-driven power-poppers from Seattle, Chicago and Vancouver. Since their inception, The band have performed throughout Canada, Mexico,, the US, the UK, and Europe. References: The Fixx, The Cure, 20/20, The Dickies, Duran Duran, The Cars, Devo,
The Go-Go’s.
TUTV: Diana comes out for the gates like a speed train and never looks back.
Dynamizing synths start the whirlwind trip, the powerhouse drum/bass engine
pushes the rotating rhythm with vivid vigour, and zippy vocals complete the
accelerating sonic picture.
Track: CRINGE
The first single taken from the upcoming second album,
named ‘A Love Letter To Your Yearning Heart’ which comes
out on May 30th.
TUTV: The alternating dreamy female and sinewy male vocals create
an intriguing contrast and give this speedy, puissant stroke a kinetic
twist. Dashing energy that makes your finger reach for the repeat button.
David Wildman (guitarist/lead vocals) “I think there is a rock renaissance in progress.
This is a Margaret Thatcher-ruining-England level of trauma we’re experiencing. Trump and Musk have taken over in what was basically a (barely) legal coup, and it has ignited a wave of rage not seen in years, translating into important and meaningful music being made all over, and mostly under the radar so far. We’re proud to be part of that.”
Credit Dan Saltzman
TUTV: This guitar-frenzied riff buzzer resonates like an alarming wake-up call to counter Trump‘s Divided States Of America. The Times They Are A-Changin’ warned/sang Bob Dylan way back. And they drastically do, lately, but obviously, in the wrong direction. Tell are aware of the new blank generation, and let us know it, loud and clear, with puissant panache.
Who: Group formed in Leeds (UK) by three schoolmates and a ‘drummer wanted’ poster on a lamppost. They turn rough-and-tumble, high-energy sound–injecting indie rhythms into punk sensibilities and subjects.
TUTV: Imagine The Fall fronted by Iggy Stooge. These cocky hound-dogs know all you need to know about indie (post)punk history to get up, stand up and form a band with an eager mission to kick ass. Great news, music junkies.
TUTV: Gloriously affecting and steadily boogielicious with musing duet vocals
all over it until sinewy guitars, slowly but surely, augment the intensity of this witty
mixed emotions tune.
Musically, this track encapsulates the typical joy and experimentation within its composition – something for which, Pete is very much becoming renowned for.
All My Friends Are Wasters is an ode to the bohemian friends that would never
be understood by this stranger at the party. Someone who could never understand
the square pegs in round holes all trying to catch a wave – and that just makes Briley
love the people in his life all the more.
TUTV: Compelling, profound and transfixing reflection.
Subtly and emotively arranged with fetching piano play
and expressive vocals.
In order to not miss a beat TURN UP THE VOLUME scans the musical
horizon daily, for 10 years now, to pick ace tracks and add 5 new ones
twice per week, to the one and only JUKEBOX/PLAYLIST that matters.
ALL TOGETHER
.
The 5 fresh ones TRACK BY TRACK
Band: KILLS BIRDS Who: Kinetic indies
from Los Angeles.
Track: TRACE
Piece from their upcoming
EP ‘Crave‘, out on April 11th.
“And while relationships inevitably evolve, fade or even unravel, for us
the song represents the rapture and joy inherent in both love discovered
and love remembered.”
TUTV: A high-voltage charged post-Valentine burst of mawkishness.
An amplified spurt vitalized by about 100 guitars, agitated vocals and
robustious drumming. Exuberant missile. Ace.
Who: A duo with contrasting yet complementary artistic journeys. Giulia born in Sesto San Giovanni, infuses the project with her vibrant soul, creating intense melodies, profound lyrics, and a captivating voice. Marco born in Monza, brings an instinctive and meticulous approach to crafting their signature electronic sound.
Track: LAUGH
Second single following last year’s
excellent debutFaded Flowers.
The song is inspired by a true story. It tells the story of a woman who, after 30 years of domestic abuse, laughs at her husband’s funeral—not out of joy, but as an uncontrollable, cathartic release.
TUTV: Think Sharon Van Etten at her most heartfelt. Laugh is a purifying and soul-freeing rumination, invigorated with passional vocals, synth-shining orchestration and a steadfast drum beat. Magnific accomplishment.
Band: AUTOGRAMM (Seattle, Chicago and Vancouver) Who: Synth-driven power-poppers from Seattle, Chicago
and Vancouver. So far they recorded/released 3 albums.
Being a self-described “cat band” they naturally – after some deliberation – decided
to re-record the vocals and dedicate the content of the lyrics to their drummer’s cat, Randy.
The Silo (drummer): “It’s a letter to a good friend, in need of a
little confidence push. Everyone needs an ego boost sometimes.
Even if they’re a cat.”
TUTV: Wham bam bloody wham bam. Autogramm take you on a spiralling ride
from the get-go powered with bang-on drumming, gung ho guitars, luminous
synths and speedy vocals. Look what the cat dragged in, folks.
New track: CLAD KINGS
Piece from their upcoming EP
‘Moon Dogs’, out April 25
It originated from a spontaneous five-minute jam between guitarist/vocalist Ben and drummer Alex, captured in a single take. What began as a simple idea soon evolved into a dense, immersive production, with the band layering what felt like thousands of overdubs. They made use of nearly every organ and guitar available in the studio, adding synths and countless harmonies before arriving at the final version.
TUTV:Clad Kings imposes with its multi guitar-synth accumulation. It feels like floating around in a hallucinative space. Psychedelic DIIV vibrations and idyllic Tame Impala vocality come to mind. Move into your unworldly bubble and enjoy.
Musically, this track encapsulates the typical joy and experimentation within its composition – something for which, Pete is very much becoming renowned for.
All My Friends Are Wasters is an ode to the bohemian friends that would never
be understood by this stranger at the party. Someone who could never understand
the square pegs in round holes all trying to catch a wave – and that just makes Briley
love the people in his life all the more.
TUTV: Compelling, profound and transfixing reflection.
Subtly and emotively arranged with fetching piano play
and expressive vocals. Absorbing effort.
In order to not miss a beat Turn Up The Volume scans the musical
horizon daily (doing it for years now, actually) to stay in touch with
all new things sonically great and shares the results on a weekly
basis.
FULL JUKEBOX (so far)
.
The 10 new ones added this week
TRACK-BY-TRACK
Band: CHOSES SAUVAGES Who: French-language post-punk outfit from Montréal, CA. They carved themselves their own niche with their brand of dance-punk. They have 2 albums on their résumé, so far.
With this single the group lean little more into classic new-wave territory
while addressing the frustrations evoked by political injustice and the media.
Félix Bélisle (frontman): ‘The song refers to the feeling of helplessness faced by the extremely violent international news from recent years. It also deals with the dehumanization of certain populations taken hostage in armed conflicts and the fear of others.”
Single artwork
Talking Heads meet Gang Of Four. Funky bass/drum-motorized
and guitar-sparkling stroke with some eerie synth moments.
Band: RATS Who: Liverpool team active since the latter stages of the last decade, the band,
led by singer and lyricist, Joe Maddocks, have developed no small reputation for uncompromising social statements coupled with no little humour.
Joe Maddocks: ”Section 60 means a form of policing where a whole neighborhood is persecuted because of the actions of a few. I was riding home from the studio one night
and was stopped by the police, leading to my anatomy being violated for no reason other
than riding a bicycle. In the cycle lane too. This song isn’t having a go at the police, but the
legislation.
Irrisitible vibe with an instant impact on
your body movements. Get up and bounce
around like a kangaroo on dope.
Band: DEXTERITY Who: Up-and-coming alt/prog rock group, fronted by Sarah Dexter, merging inspirations from progressive metal with alternative rock. Dexterity emphasizes how unconventional rhythms and song structure can appeal naturally to the listener by combining those aspects with flowing melodies and grooves you can dance to.
Sarah: “There can be constant turmoil for people who exist outside rigid gender/sexuality binaries.Transitioning in terms of name and hormones and label is a journey, and it all
takes a while. But I knew presenting femme, as my true self, had to happen. I changed the Vessel and the Vessel changed me, and everything else followed in its own time.”
Single artwork
Wayward forth-and-back trip juiced with jumpy guitars
and intensified with mixed emotions lyrics/vocals.
Artist: RAGING LINES Who: The musical project of Norwegian songwriter Sondre Thomassen Thorvik.
He delivers catchy post-punk, dark indie rock, and seek out combinations from
the likes of Joy Division, Depeche Mode, Massive Attack and Johnny Cash,
to name a few.
“For the first time in my life I asked the band if we could just jam. Words that have
never come out of my mouth – ever! But I loved all the sounds we were getting. I was
curious – what would happen? In an hour we wrote two songs that ended up becoming
“I Can’t Imagine” and “Southern Life.”
“Winner Stays On encapsulates what we’re about as a band, it combines a side of non-stop energetic rock with more melodic and thoughtful lyricism. We believe it’s got The Ansells’ sound which we’re working towards. We hope it will introduce us to new fans as we have plenty more where that came from. We’re only just getting started.”
Stirring indie guitar Brit-pop
tune that sticks after one spin.
Artist: PETE BRILEY Who: British singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist
who played in different bands before following his own
path.
Track: CRACKING THE FLACKS
Briley: “It was the first time a woman had ever brought me a drink – she asked how
old I was and immediately bolted. ‘I don’t know what the weather was doing in Bradford
on my 19th birthday, but it’s a metaphor for the exuberance of youth, chasing your dreams.”
Special experience wrapped in an infectious
melody flavored with emotive vocals.
Band: CLOAKROOM Q. Who: Irish indies who started in 2016. The group has been through many iterations.
They have a keen common desire to explore their creative abilities without limitations, the 4 piece have been working together for years to reach a “Halfway point between Roxy Music and Death Grips.”
“A three-and-a-half-minute track that leaves no stone unturned during their exploration
of ideas, as they veer and sway between lounge act and heavy metal apocalypse. It’s the sound of the band that plays at the Overlook Hotel as Jack Nicholson gets served by the best bar man from the netherworld. Mike Patton’s favourite band he’s yet to hear.”
Both intriguing and capricious thrill throwing
you forth and back. Fascinating stroke.
Artist: PETE BRILEY Who: American singer-songwriter who used to be part
of the country-rock band Outlaw Orchestra and released
his self-titled solo album last year.
Briley: “I feel like there is more colour in California,
everything at home is all shades of grey“.
The lyrics referencing the Kerouac and the Beat poets who are also all a little off-kilter, complement this time signature perfectly. This track transports you to Pete’s adventure hanging out in the old haunts, bookshops and bars of the Beat Generation.
TUTV: It’s back to the future. With taking inspiration from the 60s literary subculture movement Beat GenerationBriley brings those heydays back today and celebrates
at the same time the sunny state of California. All that requires a frisky and feel-good
tune.
Enter Colour (California) that has an immediate effect on your body movements.
It’s a crystal guitar pop gem energized with glistening riffs, sprightly vocals and a
spot-on chorus, that make you jump for joy. Something we really need in these
restless and chaotic times.
In order to not miss a beat Turn Up The Volume scans the musical
horizon daily (doing it for years now, actually) to stay in touch with
all new things sonically great and shares the results on a weekly
basis.
Check the 10 new rad cuts just
added to this rad 2023 playlist.
“In the wake of hyper-masculinity being promoted within the internet sphere, we invite all the tough guys out there to try and feel their emotions instead of repressing them. There is nothing cool or sexy about trying to dominate or intimidate others.”
This London‘s power pop duo fabricated a monumental belter with Made Of Love. If you’re a fan of melodramatic Los Angeles heroes The Killers you’ll become an instant fan of Wings Of Desire after just one spin of this sublime gem. I just added it to my best-tracks-of-2023 list.
3. (I Wanna Be Ur) 90s Dreamgirl’ by HANNAH MARKS (NYC)
Hannah Marks is a NYC-bassist, bandleader, composer, & educator. She’ll have her debut album Outsider, Outlier out on October 20th. Pre-order info here.
(I Wanna Be Ur) 90s Dreamgirl is the 2nd shared track from the LP. It’s an astonishing piece of multi-layered music. It’s a titanic tune with impassioned vocals and mood-swinging brilliance that scrapes the sky when the mountainous chorus erupts. Ever heard a funky cello riff and schizophrenic guitars in one and the same song? It happens here. ACE!
These glam and glitter legends have no intention whatsoever to retire. They canned album number 16, baptized DANCE MACABRE and will share it with the world on 27 October.
The Irish producer and synth-pop artist in his own right has this new unbridled electro stormer out. A song of love, its brutality and the corruptive nature of hearts, OWLS dives into the realms of obsession, desire and the inevitable downfall of it all. This is not for the faint hearted, this does not hold a happy ending, this will chew you up and spit you out.
Shit happens.
But it sounds mind-blowing
and looks creepy/freaky here.
