Pure, untamed, garage rock and roll is an unusual commodity in present day music, but it is something which Avalanche Party offer in abundance. The band was formed by brothers Jordan (guitar, vocals) and Joe (bass) Bell in the remote North Yorkshire Dales. Speaking in an interview, the latter mentioned the influence that this had on the formative years of the band, claiming that music was all they had to avoid the inevitable boredom they faced and the harshness of their isolated winters.
"the music itself is provocative"
Avalanche Party has released a handful of high octane tracks, the majority of which appear on the self-titled EP released earlier this year. If it is to act as a sign of what is to come for the band, then they can be hopeful for a bright future. Their music conveys real energy, and lends itself to a live rendition. The lyrics are as intelligent as they are rousing, and the music itself is provocative, foot stamping, mosh inducing rock at its finest. The sound is driven by compelling basslines and pounding drums, with overdriven guitars and spat vocals layered on top. The end product is a refreshing synthesis of punk, garage and rock, and one which is likely to break through into certain circles within the near future.
For fans of: Biffy Clyro, Queens of the Stone Age, Nick Cave, Garage Rock and Roll
When to see them: Avalanche Party are playing in Leeds on 10 December
Listen to: ‘Revolution’, ‘Mountains’, ‘Let’s Get Together’
For connoisseurs of post-indie rock music, PLAZA will undoubtedly tempt you into repeated listening. The fact that they have recently supported Gengahr in Leeds and Newcastle is a testament to their recent prominence; their music entirely justifies this kind of exposure on a larger scale. From Hartlepool, PLAZA have been prolific this year, releasing three singles: ‘Totem’ (February), ‘Blood Orange’ (June) and most recently and perhaps most impressively, ‘Youth’ (November). These three releases encapsulate the broad diversity of the band’s sound, sometimes dreamy, others chaotic, and often anthemic. Altogether, the sound is very impressive, encompassing intricate guitar lines and thought-provoking lyrics. Their songs are expertly crafted, building and crashing and rising and falling in perfect proportion, and the impression left is one of maturely depicted youthful angst, portrayed with maturity beyond the band’s teenage years. It is utterly evocative and with the development of their sound, a forthcoming album will be gratefully received. Such is their promise that they have been highly acclaimed by the BBC’s radio stations, including joining Huw Stephen’s Best of BBC Introducing playlist. It is clear that PLAZA are a band with enormous potential to break through into the post-indie scene, and hopefully they can realise this potential with the release of their first LP, which we can only hope will be aired in the coming year.
For fans of: Gengahr, Peace, The Horrors, post-indie rock
When to see them: PLAZA have no upcoming shows
Listen to: ‘Youth’, ‘Totem’, ‘Blood Orange’