Another Genre Wander: Step Rockets - Gris-de-Lin - CeaseTone

Step Rockets - West Coast.

Background bio - It didn't take long for Step Rockets to take off. Their self-released single “Kisser”found its way to #1 on the Hype Machine charts just two weeks after its release despite virtually no publicity. The track has since garnered over 5.5 million plays on Spotify and catapulted the band onto the international music scene. With appearances at Firefly Festival, Summerfest, SXSW, CMJ, Canadian Music Week and a slew of other festivals and major venues across North America, Step Rockets have developed a reputation as one of the most exciting new live bands on the scene, seamlessly blending wailing guitar solos and anthemic melodies with infectious dance grooves. Step Rockets continue to push the boundaries of indie pop with unique instrumentation and progressive song writing. The band's music has been featured in TV shows and commercials, including placements in Showtime's Shameless and ABC's Cougartown.

Their music exemplifies a cosmic divergence of the past, present and future, focused around memorable melodies and powerful lyrics. The band has released a collection of popular singles including "Kisser" and“Turning Tides (By Your Side)” –as well as remixes and videos –that all lead up to their highly anticipated debut EP, Future Nature, scheduled for an early April 2016 release (on Harbour/Caroline).  Step Rockets will be on tour this spring in support of the new EP and the first single, “West Coast”.

To say that Step Rockets are on a lot of peoples radar would be a pretty big understatement. So apologies that this is my first listen to the band, but there you go. Musically 'West Coast reminds me of Duran Duran (at their best), I guess it's the upbeat nature and power of the song. It's the sort of song UK top forty radio would benefit from, if they were not seemingly always targeting the under teen age group (how about where you live?).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gris-de-Lin - The Kick.

Background promo - Gris-de-Lin's music combines elements of post-rock, blues and alt-folk, peppered with twisted electronics.?? 'The Kick' is Gris' first solo project and was recorded in a nursery school in Dorset where she worked with producer Cee (aka Chris Hamilton). His recent credits have included the acclaimed album by American artist Torres as well as new material by Savages off-shoot Kite Base.?? Gris also collaborated on the EP's title track with producer Clyma, previously of The Infadels.

‘The Kick’ started out as a musical improvisation combining a rugby report from the local newspaper, home-made music samples and experimentation with different instruments. In addition to Cee and Clyma's involvement, Rob Ellis (Anna Calvi/PJ Harvey producer/collaborator) played drums on ‘Fireworks Begin’.

Two tracks from the EP ‘Your Ghost’ & ‘Birthday’ will be released on hand screen-printed 7” yellow vinyl on 1st April. The 7” vinyl will include digital downloads for the whole EP. The song ‘Birthday’ is also being featured on a vinyl compilation for Record Store Day that has been curated by Radio 1 DJ Alice Levine and will be given away in Richer Sounds stores throughout the UK.

Gris-de-Lin is currently touring with Bronzerat artist Joe Gideon and drummer Jim Sclavunos (Grinderman, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Sonic Youth) promoting Joe Gideon’s new album Versa Vice. The tour runs from 15th – 30th March nationwide and follows their recent live session for Marc Riley on BBC 6 Music.

Regular visitors here, may have noted that the occasional 'alternative' song strikes home in a big way. 'The Kick is one of four songs on the EP and it's one of four songs that have really got under my skin.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CeaseTone - The Bright Side.

Background promo - Four piece Icelandic electro-rock band will have you simply addicted to each and every one of their songs.  With mesmerising vocals, soft synths and playful guitar strums, Ceasetone packs the floor with fans who never stop dancing.  

Their single “Full CIrcle,” released in September of 2015, hit the national radio’s top charts along with the band winning All Tomorrow’s Parties festivals “Unsigned Talent Competition.” Ceastone’s fresh sounds continue to lure fans in quicker then ever and 2016 is the year to ride the waves with them.

This is a really nice song. 'The Bright Side' is full of beautiful vocals, combining with a melodic and rich musical soundtrack. It's a case of please just listen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------