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The Big Takeover Issue #95

Dave Franklin

Dave has pretty much worn all the creative hats there are to wear. Musician, promoter, (small) record label boss, festival co-organiser, journalist, reviewer, publicist and everything in between. He now divides his time between writing about music and any number of other subjects from travel to games to social issues. He runs his own new music website and contributes to a number of UK based printed music magazines and a few smaller websites. He has spent the last ten years writing music columns for his regional newspaper though has recently given this up to spend more time with his record collection.

Ray Duncan - Laundromat (O-V Sonic Recordings)

21 February 2025

Ray Duncan announces her highly anticipated EP Laundromat, set for release on February 21st, 2025. The five-track collection, recorded at Starbird Sound in Antioch, TN8, with producer *Mike Fahey, marks a bold evolution in Duncan’s sound, moving from her folk and theatrical roots toward a muscular indie-rock approach that draws from classic rock, Americana, and R&B.

Mark Vennis & Different Place - Solid Ground (Laundry Records)

21 February 2025

“Solid Ground” is the latest single from the Sunrise EP and is a song about environmental collapse. It comes with three versions – the single, an acoustic version and a remix which was inspired by John Carpenter’s electronic scores from films like “Assault on Precinct 13”. I would say that it is not typical of our sound but I’m not sure what is ….

Eddie Cohn - Wheels Stop (self-released)

21 February 2025

“Wheels Stop” delves into the complexities of relationships and personal growth, capturing the essence of bidding farewell to negative influences and embracing a path toward self-discovery. Eddie Cohn’s introspective journey is reflected in his breakthrough vocal performance, marking a significant milestone in his musical evolution.

Lurcher - Stone Island (Guttersnipe Recordings)

21 February 2025

This debut release from Hartlepool punk band Lurcher is a snarling, hackles-raised rant at the vapidness of consumerism, the lies it promotes & the people who buy into it. Lurcher blend elements of The Fall, The Stooges, Wire, Sonic Youth, Libertines, 60’s Garage Punk & West Coast Psychedelia to create their own glorious racket. Recorded at The Studio – Hartlepool by Mark Folland (All The Nines) ‘Stone Island’ is the first single from the bands upcoming EP with love. Released on the newly formed imprint Guttersnipe Recordings, The Bastard child of Shy Bairn Records.

Mary Strand - Costa Rica ft. Ryan Smith (Hygh Tension Records)

21 February 2025

Mary Strand teams up with Soul Asylum guitarist Ryan Smith for her new single “Costa Rica” that blends garage rock and power pop for an infectious, danceable sound. Inspired by a chaotic family trip to Costa Rica, this track delivers a hopeful message: life gets better when you stop sweating the small stuff.

Harry Kappen - Courage (MTS Records)

20 February 2025

Acclaimed Dutch musician, multi-instrumentalist, and music therapist Harry Kappen is set to release his heartfelt new single, “Courage,” on February 14, 2025. This release serves as the first glimpse into his highly anticipated album, “Four,” which will be available on February 28th.

Bone Wars - Terrible Lizards (self-released)

20 February 2025

Emerging from the eclectic ‘musical ecosystem’ of Birds and Beasts Records we have the latest species evolving into existence, the band Bone Wars and their first single, “Terrible Lizards.” Bone Wars is a fearsome new psych rock quartet from Yorkshire. Taking their name from an obscure chapter in the history of paleontology and writing songs that tap into their shared childhood fascinations with prehistoric creatures, you can expect colossal hooks and extended sonic improvisations over pulsating beats. 

Fendahlene - Do You Remember Anything? (self-released)

20 February 2025

“Do You Remember Anything?” was written as a big, in-your-face ‘wake-the-hell-up’ to everyone who’s been seduced or suckered by the lies, empty promises and bombast of populists and grifters, or those too buried in ideology to recognise that everything’s gone astray. It’s also a reminder to those that still have influence, to hold their ground and not capitulate in the wake of all the bullying, bluster and noise.

Goddamn Wolves - Get Your Coat (self-released)

20 February 2025

Goddamn Wolves is an indie rock trio from Raleigh, NC that formed in 2018. The band’s new release The DOOM EP reflects the band’s classic alt-rock influences (Pixies, The New Pornographers et al.), as well as their enthusiasm for current acts like The Beths and Bully. Male/female vocal harmonies and infectious melodies courtesy of Chris Weilding (gtr/vocals) and Laura McCullough (bass), backed by the rock-solid, inventive drumming and backing vocals of Drew Foglia come together to form what The Big Takeover called “that perfect blend of an almost pop infectiousness and an underground rock sound.”

Launch Control - Hedge Fundamentalism (Snake in the Grass Records)

20 February 2025

‘Hedge Fundamentalism’ is Launch Control’s first single since 2020’s Attention Economy from the EP of the same name. The track is a hard-hitting and energetic swipe at the trappings of our capitalist culture, pairing sharp, politically charged lyrics with crunching guitars and a powerful, in-your-face beat.

Dan Cooney - This Feeling (self-released)

19 February 2025

After being in a number of recurrent alternative rock bands early on, Dan Cooney began releasing his own immersive solo records in early 2019, releasing a 9-track mixtape that blended alternative rock and hip-hop sounds. Later in the year, he teamed up with producers Focus Jordan and Gianni Gambuzza on the singles ‘SAID THAT’ and ‘GARAGE FLOWERS’ respectively, with the latter gaining significant attention after it was featured on 94.3 The Shark’s ‘Fresh Blood Sunday’ block. This was followed by his debut EP ‘LONG ISLAND DOESN’T LOVE U’ in 2021, with a sequel released in 2023.

Pam Ross - Tonight (MTS)

19 February 2025

Known for her genre-blending mix of country, Americana, and rock influences, Pam Ross has continued to captivate audiences with her authentic storytelling and raw emotion. Her career is marked by numerous accolades, including recognition from the Josie Music Awards, the Independent Music Network Awards, and the Who’s Hoo Awards.

The Infinity Process - Hostage (self-released)

19 February 2025

“Hostage,” the latest offering from The Infinity Process, serves as a poignant reflection of the band’s disdain for the current societal landscape. Crafted as a rebellious anthem against the chaos and negativity prevalent in today’s world, the song delves into themes of frustration and disillusionment before transforming into a rallying cry for positive change.

Perro Del Kaos - Poison (self-released)

18 February 2025

Ghost Town Riders blends a vast mix of influences from American music (Country, Rap, Blues, Rock, and Spaghetti Westerns) and a visual aesthetic from the classical cinema of the 1920s (Chaplin, Buster Keaton). The lead single, “Poison”, showcases Perro del Kaos in his best musical form with a long dynamic music video that samples a couple of video sequences from Buster Keaton’s iconic movie The General. Perro del Kaos plans to debut a live show with the album during the spring and fall of 2025.

Blackberry Crush - goodbye (Dream Brother Records)

18 February 2025

Blackberry Crush has recently joined the roster of Denver DIY label Mean World Records, and will be releasing a new EP this spring/summer. The band is beginning to tour and open for more touring acts, and hopes to continue to grow this year.

Jack O' The Clock - Portraits (self-released)

17 February 2025

PORTRAITS is “accessible, smart music” (Pascal Bouquillard, Clair et Obscur) by Jack O’ The Clock, “perhaps the foremost modern dark Americana outfit” (Mike Borella, Avant Music News). It is a re-imagining of an album founding members Emily Packard and Damon Waitkus recorded back in the summer of 2003. The album features the original rhythm and violin tracks, bringing new lyrics, vocals, and an array of other overdubs by present band members Kate McLoughlin and Victor Reynolds.

Yacovelli - Red Eye (YacsTrax)

17 February 2025

Delivering brash “big pick energy,” band YACOVELLI’s debut single “Red Eye” soars with a chunky Neo-Grunge swagger reminiscent of DIY punk predecessors Nirvana and The New York Dolls. An anti-anthem for social media driven travel culture, the song taunts at and celebrates the jet-setting lifestyle and the illusion that the singer’s airbrushed life at 40,000 feet is picture perfect. With stacks of gritty guitars and gritty vocals, produced by frontman and New York underground fixture Alex Yacovelli, the soaring hooks will “take [you] away!”

Zëta Ræ - Stay (self-released)

16 February 2025

Nashville-based alternative pop/rock artist Zëta Ræ, the genre-bending brainchild of Hannah Schmeling, unveils her latest single, “Stay”. A vulnerable track devoted to the feelings of acceptance, insecurity, and the fearless self-expression that comes with falling in love, demonstrated through her introspective lyricism and grunge-inspired vocals.

Johnny Vitulli - Bronx Love (SPS)

16 February 2025

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Johnny Vitulli delivers a heartfelt ode to his roots with his latest single, “Bronx Love.” Blending sentimental yet uplifting indie-pop melodies with evocative storytelling, the track captures the stark contrasts of the Bronx—where struggle and resilience, chaos and inspiration, exist side by side.

MatAre - The Siren (self-released)

16 February 2025

With “The Siren,” MatAre steps away from his usual introspective themes to tell a tale of fascination and danger lurking beneath the waves. The post-punk vibe of the track, infused with elements of new wave and goth rock, showcases MatAre’s versatility as an artist. Recorded in Jacksonville, Florida in 2023 and finalized in December 2024, the recording process itself was a unique experience, with vocals captured on the beach at night to capture the essence of the song. MatAre’s upcoming album promises to further showcase his evolution as an artist, with “The Siren” standing out as a mesmerizing preview of what’s to come.

Tom Tikka & The Missing Hubcaps - The Day I Found You (One Media iP Ltd)

15 February 2025

The former Sony/BMG and WATANABE songwriter Tom Tikka is back with a new offering from his upcoming album, Room Full of Strangers. The new single, titled “The Day I Found You”, will come out on February 7, 2025. The song was written by Tom Tikka and produced by his trusty brother-in-arms, Janne Saksa.

Being Jane Lane - We're Doing Fine (self-released)

15 February 2025

Being Jane Lane is an all-female punk band from Brisbane. Heavy punk power and melodic energy, catchy riffs and vocals that move from majestic anthemic highs through to face tearing.

Nathaniel Paul - The Girl With No Tattoo (Both Records LLC)

15 February 2025

“The Girl with No Tattoo” by Nathaniel Paul is a heartfelt anthem celebrating individuality in a world of ink. Inspired by his wife’s choice to stay tattoo-free, Nathaniel’s soulful single challenges societal norms, resisting homogeny, and embracing the beauty of being unapologetically yourself—tattooed or not. Available now on all streaming platforms!

Eric Schroeder - Don't Wanna Let You Go (Enabler No. 6 Records)

15 February 2025

If Eric Schroeder’s last full-length record, Turned On the Stereo, felt like a jagged collison of heartache, betrayal, existential angst, and nervous energy, Cat’s Game is a full-throttle blast of cleansing, cathartic clarity. This time, Schroeder knows exactly what he wants: all-electric instrumentation, shorter songs, and more robust, unapologetic sounds.

Frogmouth - Identity Thief (self-released)

14 February 2025

Austin, TX quartet Frogmouth has been bringing high-energy, hook-filled alternative rock to the stage since 2022. Set to release their debut full-length LP on March 21st, 2025, Frogmouth is ready to take things to the next level. The maturity in musicianship shows across the nine tracks on their upcoming release, Identity Thief, offering a different brand of alternative rock than what’s currently on the scene.

Miss Georgia Peach - Class Out The Ass (RumBar Records)

14 February 2025

Miss Georgia Peach is back following 2022’s Aloha From Kentucky with sophomore solo country release Class Out The Ass on Rum Bar Records February 14th, 2025 giving 14 tracks to sing, jump, shake and shout along to in classic country tradition covering the 50’s through the 70’s. Recorded and mixed by Brian Pulito at Horse City Hit Club, Lexington KY, Produced and arranged by Travis Ramin, Class Out The Ass features all star players who grew up on country, played in punk and hard rock bands Nashville Pussy and Nine Pound Hammer, and have come back to make their Own Country Music thought that filter.

Julian Shah-Tayler - ForEva (Impossible Things Records)

14 February 2025

It’s been a good few years for: singer/songwriter/producer/remixer Julian Shah-Tayler aka The Singularity. He is currently very proud to be working with the legendary Mike Garson (David Bowie), David J (Bauhaus), Carmine Rojas (Bowie), Alain Whyte (Morrissey) and Robert Margouleff (Stevie Wonder/ Devo) on his next originals album Honne/Tatame. He has just finished executive producing the Aladdin Sane 50th anniversary cover album Forget that I’m 50 with special guests including Gene Loves Jezebel, Human Drama and Beck Black among many others.

Elea Calvet - If You Ever Wonder (Hyssop & Victoria)

14 February 2025

Born in Canada to French parents, Elea lived in Hemmingford until age 5 when her family moved to Dharamsala, India for her father to pursue Tibetan medicine studies. She subsequently spent a few years in the south of France before moving to Bristol, UK at 16 to study music. Releasing a string of singles, “Lust”, “Trigger” and “Sacrifice”, to critical acclaim in her idiosyncratically “towering sound reminiscent of PJ Harvey and Feist”, she was touted as “a millennial Patti Smith”. Albeit being Gen Z, she decided not to correct the journalist for the (hopefully only partly) erroneous compliment.

Sons of Martha - Midnight Deep End (Black Dog)

13 February 2025

Formed in London in 2023, Sons of Martha is an indie rock band channeling notes of R.E.M., The Smiths, and the Go-Betweens, but with a definite hard edge. Featuring Josh Beach on vocals, Tim Buckland on guitar, Stephen Morgan playing wonderful bass lines, King Otto on keys, and Steven Spencer on drums.

PODViG! - Cloud Maze (OMNINORM)

13 February 2025

POVDiG!’s three members met as colleagues in game development offices. Al King, an avid guitarist, journalist, DJ and radio host, marketing specialist, cyclist, and traveler, plays all guitars. Ivan Drybas, a professionally trained conductor, singer, pianist, artist, and sculptor, plays most of the keyboards. Eugene Smozhevsky, songwriter, producer, and artist, plays bass and Chapman stick while operating groove boxes. “Cloud Maze” is the first piece that went the entire route from “a recorded jam session” to “finished track.” It starts slowly but rewards with an ever-growing build-up, culminating in pulsating, powerful peak run with a solo on top.

Transmission Lost - Josephine (self-released)

13 February 2025

New release is the stoner rock take on Napoleon’s obsession with power and Josephine. It bursts with high Punk Rock energy! The song offers a dramatic and almost ironic take on the price of greatness. Fun fact: the producer is a guy from Uzbekistan – pretty unique, right? This song appears to delve into the larger-than-life persona of Napoleon Bonaparte, portraying him as a driven, ruthless, and ambitious figure willing to do anything for his beloved Josephine.

Lomens - Pieces (Of Me) (self-released)

13 February 2025

LOMENS, a band hailing from various parts of West Yorkshire, formed in April 2023. After having spent their first year relentlessly writing, rehearsing, and crafting a sound in their own studio (Green Door Music), LOMENS finally released their first single, “Twisted Alive,” in August 2024 and then followed up with their second single, “The Art of Acceptance” one month later. The band then went on to release their third single “Pieces (Of Me)” to coincide with the announcement of their first headline show at local venue The Parish, Huddersfield in January 2025.

The Tidal Water - Pixelated Perfection (Prorigg)

13 February 2025

Tidal Water is the brainchild of Martin Hovden, a passionate vocalist, songwriter, and producer from Oslo, Norway. Martin, the primary visionary and financial backer, infuses his deep societal concerns and personal experiences into Tidal Water’s music. His background in project management and event production enables him to bring a unique blend of powerful rock music to life, enhanced by the collaboration of talented friends from his musical journey.

Tim Ainslie And The Vibes - Oyster Reach (self-released)

12 February 2025

Tim Ainslie’s latest single, “Oyster Reach”, takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the rich history and folklore of his native Suffolk, UK, drawing inspiration from a riverside pub that has witnessed centuries of change. With evocative storytelling and vivid imagery, Tim captures the essence of a time when oyster beds thrived along the river, celebrating the pub’s origins that date back to 1612.

Barking Poets - The Mess I Made (Engineer Records)

12 February 2025

Grab your trusty mop and bucket, crank up the volume to ten and listen to “The Mess I Made.” London Town’s finest power pop punk alt trio Barking Poets release their first single of 2025. Hot on the heels of previous single “Arizona” Barking Poets are set to release their tasty new number titled “The Mess I Made”.

NUTRI3NT - Cold Outside (self-released)

12 February 2025

“Cold Outside” is a chilled track with emotional vocals and a catchy guitar riff. The track builds and adds soaring strings, sax and synth elements. It is universally loved and had a lot of attention since being selected by BBC Radio.

Mother Coyote - The Tower (self-released)

12 February 2025

Singer-songwriter Andriana Lehr is rebirthing herself with a new moniker – Mother Coyote – and a new set of songs written and informed by the immense personal and collective changes experienced in recent years. Created with jack-of-all-trades producer Andy Thompson (Dessa, Semisonic, Belle and Sebastian, Jeremy Messersmith Taylor Swift and much more, When The War Comes, the first EP bearing the Mother Coyote name, combines Lehr’s detailed eye for universal storytelling with monumental, brooding soundscapes built specifically for these trying times.

Anxiety Attack - Knives (self-released)

12 February 2025

Anxiety Attack, hailing from Tampa, Florida, United States, is a dynamic band heavily influenced by the likes of The Story So Far, Chunk! No Captain Chunk!, Blink 182, Sum 41, and Saosin. Their music captures the raw emotions of youth, drawing from personal experiences of loss and heartbreak, creating a sound that resonates deeply with listeners.

Tiny Tomboy - Psychic Scar (Mean World Records)

12 February 2025

The album is bound by the chemistry of singer/guitarist Eliza Neiman-Golden, drummer Sam Seymour, and bassist Ethan Gould, who recorded the songs live. Their voices weave in and out of each other while their instruments lock tightly together. It’s an album filled equally with angst and hooks, songs that will make you cry and dance.

E.G. Phillips - The Albatross Song (Mellow Like) (self-released)

12 February 2025

This is the first of a half dozen songs this Bay Area based “Bob Dylan with flatted fifths” has recorded with two time Grammy winning producer/arranger Argentine native Nahuel Bronzini (Mixing Engineer, Fantastic Negrito) and his musical counterpart from Chile, Felipe Ubeda (aka Cigarbox Man). After watching Bronzini record a string quartet at an edition of the Music Expo conference, Phillips initially got in touch with him to score a version of his song “Sunday is Made for Loving” that had been covered by alt-pop artist Samantha Margret. But E.G. had always had in mind to do a more in depth project.

SickRichard - God Is In The Machine (self-released)

12 February 2025

SickRichard, hailing from London, England, is a dynamic musical force led by Sam Cuthbertson on lead vocals and guitars, supported by Ed Bernier on bass, live synth, and backing vocals, along with Steve Ramondt on drums and percussion. The band’s formation in 2016/17 through bandmix.com underscores their commitment to crafting a unique sound that draws on influences from iconic bands like Joy Division, The Cure, and Nine Inch Nails.

Rosetta West - Night's Cross (Rosetta West Records)

11 February 2025

Night’s Cross is a fascinating contemplation of death and loss that is neither morbid nor depressing. Instead it uplifts with artistic daring, using a wide range of styles and genres, swirled together, to convey human nobility in the face of mortality and fragility. And it’s good blues/rock/folk.

Thomas Bradley Project - All I Ever Wanted (self-released)

11 February 2025

Liverpool Alt/Rock/Folk band Thomas Bradley Project is a cohort of skilled musicians led by talented young composer and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Bradley. Thomas’ songwriting journey began in 2019. He has remained at the core of the project, working with various talented musicians along the way. However, the current lineup has really brought a level of musicianship to the Project that he has been striving for since the beginning.

Midnight Sky - White Heat (MTS Records)

10 February 2025

Midnight Sky, the chart-topping country/americana group led by Tim Tye, has released their highly anticipated new single, “White Heat” via MTS/Virgin/Universal. Packed with fiery imagery and electrifying energy, the song marks a bold departure from the reflective tone of their earlier hits, showcasing a raw and volatile intensity that’s impossible to ignore.

Ludwig Jonsson - No Angel Is Watching (self-released)

10 February 2025

Ludwig Jonsson is a musician and producer based in southern Sweden. He also plays the guitar in My Dear Addiction

Augmented Hearts - Wicked Game (self-released)

10 February 2025

Augmented Hearts, a dynamic band hailing from St. Louis, United States, is capturing hearts with their unique blend of rock influences. This quartet came together through the unconventional route of Craigslist, culminating in a solid lineup that exudes synergy and passion. Augmented Hearts draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists including Spiritbox, Amira Elfeky, and Sunny Day Real Estate, infusing their music with a fresh, captivating energy that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Andy Smythe - The Drought is Coming (self-released)

10 February 2025

Andy’s new single is a stark warning to the world’s leaders to heed scientific evidence and phase out fossil fuels, before global warming leads to further environmental catastrophic consequences. Those of us that have children are introducing them into a dangerous and uncertain climate, we need to act now! Musically, the release builds upon the critical success of Andy’s album Poetry in Exile in early 2024. It sees him returning to the piano this time and duetting with violinist Beatrice Limonti who has performed extensively with Andy and his band over the past 12 months.

The Scarlet Goodbye - Raylene (self-released)

7 February 2025

The Scarlet Goodbye is the creative lovechild of long-time Minnesota musicians Daniel Murphy and Jeff Arundel. A chance meeting between Dan Murphy, pivotal in the formation and writing of both Soul Asylum and Golden Smog, and mellow singer-songwriter-producer Jeff Arundel, led to an attic studio in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the lads hunkered down and created the LP Hopes Eternal, a unique and original blend of both artists—part Rolling Stones, part Townes Van Zandt. Hopes Eternal went on to be one the best-reviewed records of 2023, released on The Label Group/ Universal, and supported by some great live shows across the Midwest.

Secret Night Gang - How To Love (self-released)

7 February 2025

Manchester’s Secret Night Gang returns with a smooth and soulful new single, “How To Love.” This captivating track blends classic and modern influences, showcasing the band’s unique take on love and connection in the modern age. “How To Love” is a sonic journey that seamlessly weaves together elements of R&B, soul, and jazz, drawing inspiration from icons like Bilal, Prince, and D’Angelo. The song’s lush soundscape is further elevated by the masterful touch of multi-Grammy award-winner Russell Elevado (D’Angelo, Erykah Badu) on mixing and Alex De Turk (D’Angelo, PJ Morton) on mastering.