Just over the last few weeks alone, we’ve received music submissions from several British acts, have been messaged by a GDW reader highly recommending an Australian alt-rock trio, and checked in on the happenings with some of our fave artists on the New Zealand scene. Cue the lightbulb that went off in my head when looking for an angle for this month’s Video Vault feature. If you are looking for some melodic pop-rock or alternative indie-rock from across The Commonwealth, I strongly suggest you take time to enjoy these four stunners being shared here today.
Asylums, “Instant Coffee”
Our journey kicks off in the English county of Essex, with this latest tune from alt-indie rockers Asylums. “Instant Coffee” finds the band entwining the fragile introspection of early Kurt Vile and Cat Power with the late 90s sounds of Blur and The Cardigans – resulting in an uplifting, soul-searching tune that easily whisks you back in time to when melodic indie-pop gems dominated the British airwaves. Having Dave Eringa (Manic Street Preachers) on hand to produce their new music certainly doesn’t hurt either.
More Kicks, “Terminal Love”
We stick around in the English southeast, as London’s More Kicks just released their second album, “Punch Drunk,” with this teaser track blending together the sounds of classic 60s garage, 70s NYC rock and roll, and 90s guitar pop. “Terminal Love is actually a fairly sad expression of a relationship ending,” shares vocalist James Sullivan. “Or rather the creeping realisation that something is just slightly off kilter. Check out this new indie-garage album if The Buzzcocks and The Replacements dominate your playlists.
Camp Cope, “Running With The Hurricane”
Bidding the UK farewell, we travel halfway around the globe to check in with a Melbourne alt-rock trio who were highly recommended to me recently. Having been informed that the softening of the sound and fury from this all-female post-punk, post-emo trio since their 2015 debut sees them dabbling within the Americana scene, and as much as I love solid indie-rock, discovering the tender side of a badass trio is often also very rewarding. Plenty on offer here for fans of Courtney Barnett and The Chicks.
Mel Parsons, “Failure”
We wind up this edition of Video Vault in Lyttelton, New Zealand, and catch up with indie-folk and alt-country singer-songwriter Mel Parsons, who recently released her highly anticipated “Slow Burn” album. As the latest single from the album, the accompanying video for “Failure” was shot on location at the iconic Wunderbar in Mel’s home town, and sets her in a dreamy and reflective light, in which she’s looking in upon her own world. Mel’s friend Alice Church is convincing here as a doppelganger.
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
