Alt PR

Press Release: WATCH: Light Parades – Adolescence

jack — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:28:00 +0000

Light Parades, one of the UK’s most gorgeous indie bands have a stunning new video for ‘Adolescence’, which comes from album Through All Times, which was released through the band’s own label, Rainbow Box Music, on March 25th. Light Parades’ Through All Times is an anthology of beautifully crafted alt-pop pieces that are drenched with passion, sweeping vocals and stunning musical imagery that captivate the mind and seduces the heart.

‘Adolescence’ has already been getting some glorious feedback and love from music critics and fans across the globe, now the band have released a visual spectacle to accompany a track that’s already swirling with desire and some of the most delicious vocals you’ll hear for a long time. The video showcases a journey between two young lovers, and how the love story turns into a tormented horror tale.

Watch: Light Parades – ‘Adolescence’

Light Parades are on tour over the next few weeks promoting the new album and put on an absolutely brilliant live show. There’s nothing like sharing some once in a lifetime moment or two with friends and excellent musicians, so make sure you get yourself down to a show when they’re at a town near you.

Live Gig Dates:

• 05.04.13 @ Waterfront, Norwich

• 06.04.13 @ Surya, London

• 26.04.13 @ The Brunswick, Brighton

• 01.05.13 @ The Moon Club, Cardiff

• 03.05.13 @ Night and Day, Manchester

• 04.05.13 @ Glad Cafe, Glasgow

For more information on Light Parades:

Twitter: @lightparades
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lightparades
Press Page – http://altpr.co.uk/clients/artists/light-parades/

REVIEW: Alan Bonner | The Alternative Review

ffion — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:30:16 +0000

Balladeer paints a curious image of Alan Bonner. He seems a vibrant soul, not affixed to any aesthetic in particular, almost a bard of sorts in his execution, and unafraid to put himself on full display. Which is good considering that he is unquestionably the focal point of his sophomore record – Balladeer is built on a backbone of Bonner’s vocals and quirky personality, and is that much better for it. “Please don’t tell me I’m amazing / So amazing / That you’re going back to him,” he wails amongst ukulele strums on the infectious “Lighthouse Song” displaying the diary-page endearment with which Bonner approaches his music. While a good portion of Balladeer is stripped down, devoid of grandiose instrumentation or studio touches, Bonner himself is generally entertainment enough to keep one affixed to this album for its breezy runtime….

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

Free Download: Volenté – So Many Times

jack — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:23:17 +0000

To celebrate the release of Volenté ‘Broken Promises’ single, the genre bending ‘So Many Times’ is available for a free download, so make sure you treat your ears this Easter weekend with a gorgeous offering by one of South Wales’ finest electro pop sirens.

‘Broken Promises’ was released March 25^th via Dockrad Records, and has gained a wonderful amount of critical acclaim, proving to be a quirky yet highly addictive piece of pop that definitely stirs up intrigue and wonder.

LISTEN | DOWNLOAD: Volente – ‘So Many Times’

http://soundcloud.com/altpr/volent-so-many-times

Learn more about the in’s and out’s of ‘Broken Promises’ with the wonderful track by track run down of exactly what made ‘Broken Promises’ so special.

Broken Promises

When writing, I usually start out on an acoustic guitar with vocals. On the ‘Broken Promises’ track, I was inspired by drum ‘n bass and beats reminiscing about the early rave days, with undertones of electric guitar, which reminded me a bit of Sonic Youth. Broken Promises is all about how when one has a link with an individual and something goes wrong, about what happens when that link gets broken, the effects and consequences thereof, whether dreaming about the person or meeting them again at some point in the future. The string section and wailing on the choruses represents the sadness when all is lost by countless broken promises.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxtGgr4CRiM

So Many Times

I decided early on that this song would be very minimal, hence the Massive Attack comparison. So Many Times is about not giving up and carrying on, regardless of how good or bad a situation might be. It is about the fact that nothing in life being set in stone, nothing is a sure bet and that plans never work out, so best to make rough sketches instead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKYRmAvc34Y

End of Time

I really enjoyed creating this track, as I liked the hook I came up with and the orchestral section of the track seemed to work well with the minimal bass and beats. Strangely enough, I thought of Aled Jones, when doing the soprano backing vocals to this track, which was kind of bizarre. This song represents the emotional side of broken promises.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XESvaCCJozc
Listen: ‘Broken Promises:

URL: https://soundcloud.com/altpr/volent-broken-promises/

For more info on Volenté, check out:

REVIEW: Alan Bonner | See Sound

ffion — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:50:49 +0000

Alan Bonner releases his second album ‘Balladeer’ amidst a whirling dervish of melancholic pianos and Bowie influenced vocal inflections. Dealing with the themes of love, hope and redemption, ‘Balladeer’ is certainly not unique in terms of its content, but in amongst the faux-folk on offer there is a core that hints at something special in the music of Alan Bonner.

The album flits from stripped back song to stripped back song, from piano to ukulele, proving to be an ample platform for Bonner to showcase his superb voice. Tracks such as ‘Lighthouse Song’, a clappy folk-pop number, tentatively marks itself out as a possible live favourite – clapping is always great for audience participation.

Bonner very much embraces the image of the wandering troubadour, having moved from Suffolk to London at 18, and stills appears to be formulating a world view tinted rosy by his rural past. This is helpfully complimented by his folk leanings and pop sensibility, all of which mark him as a one man Mumford & Sons, albeit far more delicate and melancholic…

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

Press Release: Introducing: Light Parades // New Album OUT NOW

jack — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:52:23 +0000

Introducing: Light Parades

Their stunning alt-pop album, Through All Times, came out March 25th

A sensational new indie foursome that should be firmly on your radar goes by the name of Light Parades, an exciting new indie masters that have a brand new album with melting vocals and captivating melodies, making this a collection not to be missed.

Take a listen to ‘Adolescence’ for a taste of what the album beholds:

Indie/alternative pop quartet Light Parades formed in late 2011. Floating between their two bases, in London and Norwich, Daniel Hopkinson, Ollie Pearce, Stephen Hopkinson and Jakub Tucholski began rehearsing new songs, which Daniel Hopkinson had been writing prior to the formation.

Shortly after forming, the band took the unconventional first steps of heading straight into recording their debut album, a process that stretched over a year long period, at Rockfield Studios with producer/engineer Nick Brine.

Through All Times, released on the 25th March 2013 on the band’s own record label – Rainbow Box Music.

Light Parades create their own brand of alternative indie-pop. Serene and uplifting, with melancholic undertones, weaving intricate and catchy vocal melodies, and strong piano movements.

With such magnificent attention to detail and beautiful, intricate melodies woven into dramatic indie pop anthems, this anthology is a gripping introduction into the Light Parades world.

For more information on Light Parades:

Twitter: @lightparades
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/lightparades
Press Page – http://altpr.co.uk/clients/artists/light-parades/

Press Release: WATCH: Me You and Thomas – Eventually

jack — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:31:25 +0000

WATCH: Me, You and Thomas – ‘Eventually’

Brand new single set for release April 8th via Howling Owl Records

Hercules Moments – “if you’re looking for a great slice of female-fronted melodic indie-rock, ‘Eventually’ might just be your new favourite single”

An So She Thinks – “Sepia tinged authenticity, daubed in swathes of colour, this is an impressive single from the Bristol duo.”

Raw Ramp – “This is lo-fi rock with a genuinely tasteful feminine twist.”

One of Bristol’s most refreshing and highly creative shoe gaze double act, Me, You and Thomas, have a brand spanking new video to accompany their latest single ‘Eventually’, which is set for release April 8th via Howling Owl Records. The video is a gorgeous display of film noir, showcasing the band’s artistic approach to the art of music. The video was directed by Felix Drake and is awash with a nostalgic black and white tale of mystery.

The video was premiered on Gold Flake Paint, which you can check out here: http://www.goldflakepaint.co.uk/video-me-you-and-thomas-eventually/

Me, You and Thomas are a talented double act who are masters of the indie art form, producing captivating tunes that are deliciously gritty, with pulsating guitars, Joe Sherrin’s bustling drums and draped in Rhianna Bearey’s whiskey smooth vocals.

WATCH // Me, You and Thomas – ‘Eventually’

‘Eventually’ is a three track single, with ‘Stop Here’ and ‘Boundary’ adding an extra stunning dimension to the single, that will be available physically in a run of 50 via Howling Owl Records. The collection is a testament to indie music and a fine example of the glorious up and coming independent music that’s being crafted here in the UK at the moment.

If you’re a fan of dream-pop indie magic, then you need to make sure you treat your ears to Me, You and Thomas’ ‘Eventually’.
Track listing is:

1. Eventually
2. Stop Here
3. Boundary

For more information on Me, You and Thomas:

Twitter: @meyouthomas
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MeYouThomas
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/me-you-and-thomas
Press Page – http://altpr.co.uk/clients/artists/me-you-and-thomas/

For more information on Howling Owl Records:

Email – howlingowlrecords@gmail.com
Website – http://howlingowlrecords.tumblr.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/HowlingOwlRecords
Twitter – https://twitter.com/HowlingOwlNoise

REVIEW: Alan Bonner | Vents Magazine

ffion — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:33:35 +0000

Part time romantic and part time reflective, Alan Bonner’s folksy approach while maintaining a pop sensibility recalls the magic of Rufus Wainwright. The Brit’s 9-song Balladeer takes you on a journey of ambition and loss, but no worries, you’ll be tapping your fingers and swaying your head the entire ride. Accompanied by tender guitar picking and a sweet mixture of pianos, cellos, and accordions, Bonner sings straight from the heart, one ridden with enough pain to produce endearing and unflinching music. Still, he manages to uplift in the most subtle of musical genius.

Kicking off with “Autumn,” Bonner sings what appears to be a fair warning to the listener: “It makes me wanna laugh/It makes we wanna cry.” Painting a beautiful portrait of love long gone, Bonner’s dream-like melodies continue throughout the album, ascending into nostalgic territory. We may even find him at times fully understanding his gift, pleading for an audience to reciprocate in “Look At Me,” somberly singing he will “Keep singing as long as there’s an audience/Stop right there, don’t you dare look at me like that.” A packed house or not, Bonner’s poetic angst is enough to convince new listeners to stick around for the emotional, aural assault…

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

FEATURE: Alan Bonner | RTE

ffion — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:25:25 +0000

For Alan Bonner, the timing couldn’t be better. With the wildfire success of Ed Sheeran and Mumford and Sons, the mood is right once again for sensitive singer songwriters with a more organic approach to their art.

Suffolk-born Bonner has just released Balladeer, a second album which may just chime with these down-at-heel times. It’s emotional stuff on which the intense twenty-something sings about love and life (and whiskey bottles in the lonely parks) across sparse songs arranged on cello, accordion, piano and guitar. And yes, that is a ukulele on Lighthouse Song.

After leaving his small village for London at 18, Bonner has spent the past few years writing, recording and playing at venues across the UK and Europe. Since graduating from the Brighton Institute of Modern Music in 2007, Bonner has supported acts such as Fyfe Dangerfeild and David Ford and has made a few sorties across to Ireland where he’s played with a Irish acts. He mentions Bowie, Dylan and Rufus Wainwright as influences.

And before you ask, he’s no relation to Packie.

You’re not taking any chances with being misunderstood with the title of your second album, Balladeer . . .

“Well I just thought it’s what I’ve always done – I write ballads so that is the name of the album and it’s also a catchy and short name after the title of my first album which was quite wordy.”

So is it a good time to be a one-man band with a set of sensitive songs?

“I think so and it is great to see that kind of music coming around again. My first album was a lot more glam than this one but I have been doing acoustic folky stuff for a long time.”

Like a lot of new artists in the digital age, you’re very active online. What are the pros and cons of DIY music?

“Well I haven’t made it yet if that’s what you mean! It’s a tough one because whereas being able to do stuff on your own is great there is only so far you can get without backing. I’ve put out two albums on my own, done tours but I’ve also held down a full-time job. There is no manager or label behind me as such so that is missing.” …

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

REVIEW: Alan Bonner | Surviving the Golden Age

ffion — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:28:55 +0000

Unsigned musicians can be hit or miss but Briton Alan Bonner‘s second self-released album Balladeer is a hit. While most critics are quick to point out the parallels between Mr. Bonner and similar English songwriters, say Elton John or early David Bowie, those comparisons are rather superficial and don’t garner Mr. Bonner enough credit for his individual contributions to the craft.

Albeit Balladeer is piano oriented, in fact the first two tracks serve well to illustrate the album’s namesake- Mr. Bonner doesn’t shy away from experimenting in other mediums. For track three, “Lighthouse Song,” the ukelele is the substantive rhythmic device. The heavy dramatics of the opening songs are stripped away in favor of a more carefree yet still conflicted amorous subject. This is quickly followed by a gentle guitar and bells lullaby in tribute to Mr. Bonner’s “Little M.”

Conflict seems to be the subject matter if not inspiration for the greater part of Balladeer. Many of his songs focus on inter-personal relationships, a rich topic whenever conflict is involved. And while the subject of regret surfaces as often as his intricate piano lines, Mr. Bonner doesn’t use his equally often cited substance and alcohol abuse as a crutch to explain away his acknowledged regret, rather boldly he embraces the excesses as a natural outlet of the joy to be found in living, urging his audience on “Ocean,” to quite literally dive in…

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

Volenté to play 3 gigs in support of new 3 track single ‘Broken Promises’

jack — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:52:58 +0000

Volenté to play 3 gigs in support of new 3 track single ‘Broken Promises’

(Looking for high-rez images? See more here)

Single set for release via Dockrad Records March 25th

Close Watch Music - ”It’s an interesting mix of sounds that permeate this single, and Volenté (who hails from Wales) should receive a great deal of success with Broken Promises.”

The MMP – “Worth checking out!”

In support of her brand new 3 track single, ‘Broken Promises’, Volenté is about to embark on 3 gigs across Wales and England, which is sure to be a glorious live event that showcases exactly what makes this lady a unique and spellbinding musician and performer.

Volenté is responsible for personally writing, recording and performing her music, making it a very personal and high emotive offering. ‘Broken Promises’ has been receiving a great deal of critical acclaim, withVolenté being compared to great musical influences such as Bjork and Kate Bush. The blend of genres meshed together in a fierce yet highly compelling manner makes ‘Broken Promises’ a surreal and imaginative world where wondrous ideologies, imagery and musical displays are intertwined beautifully.

‘Broken Promises’ is released March 25^th on Dockrad Records.

Make sure you get over to one of the following to see Volenté in all her glory.

Friday 22nd March // Warehouse 54, Newport
Friday 12th April // Dublin Castle, London
Friday 26th April // Buffalo Bar, Cardiff

Watch the artistic video for ‘Broken Promises’ below:

http://youtu.be/lxtGgr4CRiM

Listen: ‘Broken Promises:

URL: https://soundcloud.com/altpr/volent-broken-promises/

For more info on Volenté, check out: