Brits & Pieces
The future of music is in safe hands.
That is what you will be assured of after this great new compilation track ‘Brits & Pieces’. The CD Indie compilation released in December 2020 intends to highlight the outstanding quality of music that the UK independent scene has to offer. Inspired by 90s compilation ‘Shine’, Marc Rossiter (founder of Brits & Pieces compilation album) set out to showcase the great new sounds of 2020 that may have otherwise been brushed over by the Spotify algorithm. Speaking on the release, Marc wishes that listeners will “enjoy discovering your new favourite artist” and I know, I have done just that.
Kick-starting the collection of music, we have Glasgow’s finest Spyres with their bold spin on an Indie punk anthem with ‘Other Side’. The track is jam packed with enough energy to thrill as the pummelling drums and huge melodies take over the song to create a beautiful burst of emotion. “I don’t want to be like the other ones” really does sum the attitude of the group up as the unique sounds expressed in just three minutes finds a perfect way to blend a punk attitude and record, with a popular twist.
Following on from this, ‘Electrify’ by The Capollos is next to take its place on the CD. Reminiscent of bands such as Arctic Monkeys and The Blinders, the guitar driven anthemic sound – reinforced by the fierce drums and bass – prove the band truly are destined for greatness and are deserving of a place in your playlist.
‘Victim to the Culture’ is the third track on Brits and Pieces. Coming from their hometown Moray, New Mode formed to stamp their own unique statement onto the world of music. Similar to the likes of Kasabian, the emphatic riffs of the track pour out a ferocious attitude accompanied with a ‘dance-punk’ genre aftertaste.
Columbia are the next band to feature on the album with their track ‘This Life’. The group were formed in 2017 with a shared interest in the 90s indie scene and have shared stages with the likes of The Sherlocks and Kyle Falconer (The View). The track is truly reminiscent of the true ‘Rock N Roll’ band with its melodic solos and chorus’ that cry out toward arenas and stadiums. This is a true example of a great band.
‘Locked Together on The Lines’, by Theatre Royal, is a compelling piece of guitar pop constructed in the Medway Towns. The band takes their main influences from the last 60 years of guitar music and it is not a challenge to hear influences such as Echo and The Bunnymen as well as The Stone Roses in the track.
Wolverhampton’s finest indie band Citylightz enter the compilation with a track from their debut EP titled ‘They Don’t Know Me’. The band have managed to merge the funky melodies of hip hop with the front faced riffs of Arctic Monkeys and their efforts really have paid off. The group embrace lyrical story telling as well as pop hooks and pounding drums in a style they are calling ‘Rock n Road’.
Track 7 is from Aberdeen’s own Monza Express with their single ‘Crying on The Radio’. The guitar driven track explores a breakup of a relationship and that burning inside feeling that just won’t let itself go. Under this storytelling, however, lies the foundations of a great indie rock song with clear influences from classic bands such as The Beatles and Oasis.
The Shed Project are a 5-piece band from Bolton with their track ‘Lucky Number’ featuring on the ‘Brits & Pieces’ compilation. Formed out of a shed, the group explore themes of love and devotion in their song with a dreamy backing track that reminisces of guitar players such as Johnny Marr. The song truly does set the listener back into a land of elegance – this track is truly worth a listen.
At the halfway point of the album, we have Ry Bryan with his track ‘Humans’ which clearly has a range of influences from the 1990s and beyond. The song is a bold number which features some great guitar lines that are reminiscent of classic rock and roll guitar players. The sound created by Bryan on the track is truly unique and proves that he is destined to make it far with his great stamp on song writing.
‘Edinburgh’, by Joshua Grant, is a great pop record created by a good singer/song writer. After starting to release music just over a year ago, Grant has amassed 150,000 streams across all platforms. As well as reaching #1 on the Scottish Charts, he has supported Tom Walker and made appearances on BBC Scotland. His approach to ‘a man and his guitar’ song writing really does open the path for the future for Grant as he continues to make beautiful music.
Track 11 is courtesy of Wigan boys The Stanleys. The lads released their debut single ‘A Better Life’ early on in 2020 resulting in a huge new fanbase forming for their bright melodies and powerful Britpop sound. The song starts with a dreamy guitar line and quickly builds itself up into a beautiful explosion of colour and sound – reminiscent of Oasis and the Smiths. These boys are truly ones to watch.
Backspace… what a group! Their contribution to this outstanding compilation comes in the form of ‘Letting Go’, which perfectly blends pop melodies with a ferocious alt rock attitude. The track is enthused with musical goodness with crunching guitar lines and perfectly crafted hooks to fully engage the audience.
‘Run & Hide’ by The Lutras is the next piece of unsigned gold on the album. The group have really captured the aggression of a true indie rock and roll band with groups such as Oasis enthused through its veins. The indie masterpiece has soothing, but powerful guitars whilst being driven forward by pounding drums and clever lyricisms. I must admit… I really am a fan of this group!
Kid Violet and their single ‘Lights Out’ comes in at track 14 on the album. As with all the groups on this wonderful compilation, it will really shock you how this band are not yet signed. The track clearly draws influences from greats like The Strokes and Joy Division. The energy in this one track is set to truly blow you away as it guides you on a roller coaster journey through indie rock n roll.
Glaswegian’s The Van T’s make their statement with their single ‘Seeing Stars’. The track blends heavier influences such as Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins with an indie twist – creating a beautiful explosion of sound. This was the first time I have been exposed to the wonders of this band, yet it certainly will not be the last.
Glass Violet are another example of a class band from Bristol. Drawing influence from legends such as Oasis, Kasabian and The Killers – the band could be onto great things with their single ‘Over the Moor’, a track which features roaring guitars and catchy melodies. Glass Violet are truly the sort of band which you would be desperate to get tickets for and are worth checking out.
Track 17, the penultimate track on ‘Brits & Pieces’ is courtesy of Joe Astley. As a ‘Wiganer’, he has been showcased on both Radio X and BBC Radio. ‘Anthem for the North’ is a beautiful song which oozes out influences such as Oasis and The Beatles with its drum driven melodies and shining guitars which add an extra degree of spice to the track.
The final track, ‘Don’t Ask Once’ was recorded specifically for the ‘Brits & Pieces’ Compilation album by The Mariners and reaches both back in time and into the future to build itself a modern-day acoustic sound. The track, which appears to be reminiscent of bands such as The La’s, lasts only 1 minute 37 seconds but will manage to truly engage you for every second of it.
‘Brits & Pieces’ is out Friday 11th December 2020… What a great way to find new music going into 2021!
Alex Malpass
