Advertise with The Big Takeover
The Big Takeover Issue #95
Recordings
Subscribe to The Big Takeover

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Shop our Big Takeover store for back issues, t-shirts & CDs


Follow Big Takeover on Facebook Follow Big Takeover on Bluesky Follow Big Takeover on Instagram

Follow The Big Takeover

Sunstinger - Worthless (self-released)

17 July 2024

Following the release of ‘Endless June’ & ‘Aro’, Scottish Shoegaze/Alternative outfit Sunstinger are set to release their second EP – Worthless. An EP with a dismal overarching theme of searching for more, pushing for something better but it getting anywhere. The feeling of Isolation and being stuck within your city & your life. Written by Taylor Wright (Vocals, Guitar) & Dave McCulloch – a newer addition to Sunstinger.

Guild Theory - Indignant Swines (Guild Theory Records)

17 July 2024

Guild Theory is a British alternative rock band duo consisting of Matt Smith (vocals and lyrics, synths) and Rob Lewis (music, multi-instrumentation).​ Formed in February 2022, Matt and Rob began recording music together remotely after the two met on a music forum. The two musicians have been working together since, creating their unique blend of alternative and progressive rock. Guild Theory self-produced and published their debut album, Streaks Of Light Burn The Sky in May 2023; it is a fusion of musical styles with influences as wide-ranging as The Cooper Temple Clause, Porcupine Tree, A Perfect Circle, Oceansize, and Midlake.

Driftwood Pines - Crimson (Dusk Moon Records)

17 July 2024

This EP may seem on the surface to have a lot in common with the folk genre, but the listener quickly realizes there really is nothing else exactly like it.

Indiana Rich - Gemini (Self-Released)

17 July 2024

In a year where there are a number of emerging names in pop music, Indiana Rich should be placed among them with Gemini as evidence why.

Museums - Sink Your Teeth in My Brain (self-released)

17 July 2024

“Sink Your Teeth in My Brain” is Museums’ debut release. It’s fresh and exciting, with its psychedelic flair, all while evoking a collective and personal nostalgia. Feedback on the music has been incredible, and the band is on the rise, with festival gigs lined up throughout the summer and a Canadian (Ontario) tour planned for the fall of 2024.

WOLVES X Kat Meoz - Empire (WildHRZN)

17 July 2024

“Empire” is the most intoxicating rock song to come out in 2024. Kat Meoz’s smoky and sultry delivery in the beginning, quickly followed by an industrial, almost techno beat that will hook you immediately. The song’s perfect structure and upbeat groove fills the room with an amazing energy. It ticks all the boxes and vocally it’s off the charts.

Bad Mary - Better(er) Days (Dead Pill)

17 July 2024

Long Island-based alternative-punk band Bad Mary releases Better(er) Days EP on July 16, a collection of re-recorded and remixed versions of songs from their first album Better Days, in celebration of its 10th anniversary. They are currently writing and recording new songs for an album of all new material.

The Boundless - As Angels Fly (Silenced Days Recordings)

16 July 2024

Formerly of Short Term Silence and reborn as The Boundless, it signifies new beginnings, new opportunities, new music that trascends all boundaries and limitations previously self-imposed. The Boundless offers diverse music, but is mostly rooted in one genre. Metal, after all, is the best way many people can express themselves: true metal reaches the soul. And with this instrumental approach, the listener can decide for themselves what the song means. The experience is individual, and no one can take that away from you.

TuskHead - Modern Electric Sessions (Sandwick Music)

16 July 2024

Patrick van Zandwijk, musically known as Tuskhead, is a rising star in the European Americana scene, known for his unique sound and heartfelt storytelling. In 2022, he celebrated two top 20 hits in the Gelderland Top 20 in the Netherlands, landed his first official Spotify playlist placement, and became an official artist of the British Vintage guitars brand. For “Modern Electric Sessions,” TuskHead travelled to Nashville to collaborate with singer-songwriter , crafting the captivating songs “Maybe” and “Goodbye, Music City.” He then recorded with producer Joel Raif and members of Modern Electric Sound Recorders in Dallas.

Beggars Whisky - The Edge (self-released)

16 July 2024

Beggars Whisky is a band from Tulsa, Oklahoma, known for their unique blend of hard-hitting rock music and blues. The group was founded by lead singer Mike Daniels after a life-changing automobile accident, and he was later joined by Jeff McCurley, Paul Brown, John Cunnane, and Collin McCawley. Beggars Whisky’s music tells stories of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. With their high-energy performances and dedication to their craft, they are sure to go far and continue to share timeless music with new generations of fans.

Pas Musique - Come Follow Me (Robert L. Pepper)

16 July 2024

Brooklyn-based experimental electronic artist Pas Musique is ready to reveal his new full-length album Come Follow Me, released via NYC-based label Alrealon Musique. Prepare to be led down a shadowy sonic path on this new full-length exploration of electronic dissonance with seven tracks that pays homage to the late Frank Tovey a.k.a. Fad Gadget.

Falconeers - Volume One (Christopher Alan Squier)

15 July 2024

Refugees from the 80’s rock heydays, Falconeers brings a sound that can fill arenas and your favourite coffee mug at the same time. Band members have shared stages with acts such as Jakob Dylan (The Wallflowers), Mike Peters (The Alarm), Brett Michaels (Poison) and many more, and have been nominated for multiple local and regional music awards.

William Parker/Cooper-More/Hamid Drake - Heart Trio/William Parker & Ellen Christi - Cereal Music (AUM Fidelity)

15 July 2024

Bassist/composer William Parker has music oozing from his soul at all times.

Teni Rane - Goldenrod (self-released)

15 July 2024

Teni Rane is a Chattanooga, TN native. She grew up singing in the backseat of the car on the way to Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse. Her lyrics capture common experiences and her vocal performance captivates people in every age range.

Stuart Pearson - American Gothic (Stuart Pearson)

14 July 2024

Long Island-raised, Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist Pearson’s latest LP is the third in a series of “Dark Americana” albums which began with 2020’s Dark Americana: Stories and Songs and continued on 2021’s Mojave.

Broken Castles - The Smell of Victory (Vandalism Begins At Home Records)

14 July 2024

Broken Castles unleash their second EP The Smell Of Victory, a record built from atomic riffs, pummelling drums and savage vocals, featuring the groove-laden ‘It’s A Beautiful Life’, the unrelenting beast ‘Fuzz Brute’ and the epic ‘Deliverance’, plus 2 previously unreleased tracks that’ll set your soul alight.

Mortal Prophets - New Breed (Lux Astralis Music)

14 July 2024

John Beckmann and his evolving band of genre-bending roustabouts dig deep into America’s primal scream. Beckmann channels an apocalyptic vision fueled by the flames of pre-war blues legends such as Robert Johnson, Blind Willie Johnson, Charley Patton, and Son House, which are then radically transmuted via the experimental ethos of German Electronica, groups as diverse as Neu!, Cluster, Harmonia, Eno, Bowie, and Suicide.

Shapes Like People – Fireworks (Single) (Jangleshop)

12 July 2024

There’s magic to be found on Shapes Like People’s debut single, “Fireworks”. Fronted by The Shop Window’s Carl Mann, the new band features wife, Kat Mann, on vocals. Beautiful indie chamber pop vibes ensue.

Brother Thunder - Staring Into The Sun (Hot Dog Records)

12 July 2024

“Staring Into The Sun,” it is about working together to overcome insurmountable obstacles. This song is about dropping this me vs. you mentality to work together and accomplish things that seem impossible. I think it’s saying, “When we fight each other, we lose, but when we work together, the possibilities are endless.” There is a lot of division in the world right now and this is a call for us to stand together for our mutual good.

Tatum Quinn - Back In Time (Tatum Quinn Records)

12 July 2024

Rock and roll isn’t just a genre; it’s a declaration of freedom. Tatum Quinn’s new single, “Back In Time,” captures this spirit with raw power and audacity. A bold call to arms, this track urges listeners to shed toxic pasts and embrace their unbridled strength. With its gritty, hard-hitting sound and themes of liberation, “Back In Time” transports listeners to the glory days of 70s rock.

Dulcie - Stay Away (Hope You're Ok) (self-released)

12 July 2024

2024 sees a bold new era for Dulcie and her sound, after parting ways with a previous alt-rock project, she taps in to these rock and alternative roots with her anthemic single ‘Stay Away (Hope You’re Ok)’. Paying tribute to her Y2K childhood soundtrack with a nostalgic nod to names like Avril Lavinge and No Doubt8 and more modern influences like *Olivia Rodrigo and Pale Waves, she playfully reflects on the confusing nature of break-ups and the frustrating feeling of caring about someone who’s no longer good to have in your life.

Giovanni Guidi - A New Day (ECM)

12 July 2024

While never shy when it comes to spontaneity, Guidi finds a new kick coming from guest James Brandon Lewis.

Redshift Headlights - If You Are Around Still (self-released)

12 July 2024

Redshift Headlights formed in 2015 as a solo looping project of Stephen McCabe8 (singer/guitarist), layering electric guitar, Rhodes piano, synthesizers, drum machines, and live drums, formerly called *Quebecois Wheelchair Assassins then Attack Octopus before settling on Redshift Headlights

Halo Rider - Don't Let It Drag You Down (Markus James LivNat/ASCAP)

11 July 2024

HALO RIDER ranges from acoustic front porch to fuzzed out electric with a strong lyrical dimension, and is becoming known for powerful live performances.

ScreamingMechanicalBrain - Cardboard Hand Me Downs (Vandalism Begins At Home Records)

11 July 2024

Prepare to take an immersive, vivid voyage, upon swathes of brooding atmospherics and cinematic sonics — as unveiled by their epic debut single ‘Cardboard Hand Me Downs’. An unmissable live act; ScreamingMechanicalBrain is a lucid dream of pounding rhythms, cyclonic guitars and soulful vocals, creating a musical journey to lose yourself within.

das Ghoul - More Spectral Manoeuvres in the Dark (self-released)

11 July 2024

Gothic-tinged, horror-stained, punk’n’roll terrorpop from Oxford, UK

Fendahlene - Where I'm Going (self-released)

11 July 2024

“Where I’m Going” is the new single by the expat-Australian indie rock band Fendahlene. Recorded at Urchin Studios, London, with Matt Ingram on drums and Dan Cox behind the desk, whose credits include Laura Marling, Florence and the Machine, and Thurstan Moore, among many others.

Ward White - Here Come the Dowsers! (Think Like a Key)

11 July 2024

The Los Angeleno may draw from tradition, but he doesn’t stick to it – instead he gives his wry tunes an arty spin that far more Sparks than Badfinger, more Bowie than Beatles.

Ratchet Dolls - The Enemy (EarRiot Records)

11 July 2024

“The Enemy” by Ratchet Dolls is a blazing new rock anthem that follows the band’s explosive single “Loud! Loud! Loud!” Prepare for raw energy and rebellious spirit, showcasing Ratchet Dolls’ in-your-face attitude and relentless passion for rock ‘n’ roll. With its electrifying riffs and powerful vocals, “The Enemy” is set to captivate audiences and reaffirm Ratchet Dolls’ place at the forefront of modern rock music. Crank up the volume and embrace the infectious energy of Ratchet Dolls’ latest hit.

Melee Fairy - Stoner Boi (self-released)

10 July 2024

Inspired by iconic bands such as Whitney Houston, Dance Gavin Dance, Weezer, and Nirvana, Melee Fairy8 crafts a sonic experience that is both nostalgic for longtime rock fans but always feels fresh and always ahead of the curve. “Stoner Boi” is driven by the crafty riffs and songwriting of guitarist *Fox, whose riffs, tones, and songwriting create a unique vibe and wall of sound. Fox’s work is rounded out by the powerful vocals of Moxii, whose emotive delivery and persona bring the lyrics to life with compelling intensity.

Tessa And Friends - The Loser Gets Set Free (Forrest Records)

10 July 2024

Tessa and Friends is a solo indie-pop project run by Tessa Forrest. Tessa does all her writing, recording, and production in her home studio. Through music she reflects on ever-lasting friendships, the urge to search for a place to belong, and the longing for freedom. Despite Tessa and Friends being a solo project, its name gives credit to all the people behind it: a group of friends and family who inspire and support Tessa along her way, fellow musicians helping her, supportive fans, and also a Friends TV show reference

Blind Man's Daughter - One Life Down (Blind Man's Daughter LLC)

10 July 2024

Blind Man’s Daughter, the brainchild of Ashley Wolfe, has been carving its path through the musical landscape. With her new album Protect on the horizon, she is undergoing a musical metamorphosis, adding a more pop-focused sound for her upcoming album Protect while maintaining her signature progressive edge for 2nd upcoming album Dissent. The band’s name, derived from a Korean parable, symbolizes sacrifice and love, setting the tone for their deeply resonant music.

Sophia St. Helen - To Where and Where From (TMC Publishing)

10 July 2024

Sophia St. Helen is a singer-songwriter from the San Francisco Bay Area, Ca. Her smooth vocals paired with her 60s/70s inspired songwriting and productions blend her classic influences (Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young) with modern ones (Father John Misty, Adrianne Lenker). As a result, her music aligns with modern indie artists like Julia Jacklin, boygenius, and Marika Hackman.

wht.rbbt.obj - Romeo Bravo Bravo Tango (Clandestine Records)

10 July 2024

Bluesy, smoky, sexy, and raw, wht.rbbt.obj* (“White Rabbit Object”) is a “femme fatale” fronted, guitar driven alternative rock outfit from *Chicago, Illinois. What started as a secret side project for a married couple, Frank & River Rabbitte, wht.rbbt.obj has grown into a four piece musical tour de force.

Dark City Kings - Love Is Punk (self-released)

9 July 2024

Dark City Kings sound as if Debbie Harry was lead singer of The Waterboys. Kevin Moloney, the producer of Sinead O’Connor’s first two albums and engineer for U2’s first five albums, contacted Dark City Kings through social media. Moloney came along to numerous band shows and practices and then Dark City Kings recorded Love Is Punk with Moloney at Studio B at Citizen Vinyl in early 2024. Our music is heartbreaking love songs, rowdy drunk sing-a-longs, and make-out songs for the dark end of the bar. We use traditional instruments like fiddle – but our music references the smart art pop of The Cure, B-52s, Duran Duran, INXS.

Luna Waves - Comedowns (Rob Muir)

9 July 2024

Comedowns contains 12 tracks that Rob Muir has been working on since the Autumn of 2023. It finds him ushering Luna Waves into more nostalgic and heavily 90s Rock/Shoegaze-leaning territory than previous albums. This is reflected in both the lyrical themes of nostalgia, fading memories, lost friendships/lovers, as well as the washed out and sombre tones that drift and float across many of the 12 songs on Comedowns. The album has a distinct mood and was intended to capture the feeling of laying awake late at night, into the early morning haze, ruminating on past lives.

Brandon Grant - Knowing (self-released)

9 July 2024

Brandon Grant is a Cape Town-based singer-songwriter and live looping artist. He values authenticity, relatability and vulnerability over all else. He’s a storyteller who’s goal is creating honest and raw music that resonates with others. Using his trusty acoustic guitar, vocals, bass, and loop pedal setup, Brandon builds his songs from scratch, right in front of the crowd. He has opened for prominent South African artists such as Jeremy Loops, Prime Circle, Matthew Mole. He describes his sound as indie folk blended with a unique contemporary soul edge. His new single ‘Knowing’ Is out now. ‘Knowing’ is the last single and title track of his anticipated debut album coming out towards the end of the year.

The Harbours - So Sweet (OMT Studios)

8 July 2024

The Harbours are a dynamic indie-pop band known for their melodic tunes and heartfelt lyrics. Formed in 2024, the group has quickly gained a loyal following with their unique sound that blends modern indie vibes with classic pop influences. The band consists of lead vocalist Ollie Drakard and lead guitarist Will Massarella-Tyler. Will and Ollie met in their first year at University in 2020.

Harry Stafford & Marco Butcher - We Are The Perilous Men (Black Lagoon Records)

8 July 2024

Harry Stafford is guitarist and singer for post-punk-blues-Gothic-rockers Inca Babies. In 2017, he decided to release untamed solo material that echoed his love of blues pianos and barroom ballads. There were songs about funeral Blues, End of the world piano dub, Bebop mash-ups and punk jazz tales of melodrama and murder. But 30 years with the incas meant it wasn’t going to be as musically simplistic as that. Guitar Shaped Hammers (2017) and Gothic Urban Blues (2020) are the result. After the more experimental album Bone Architecture (2021) with Brazilian punk blues guitarist Marco Butcher, such was the positive feedback that Harry has teamed up with Marco again for the Album We are the Perilous Men (2023). The sound is richer and even allows for more instruments from Marco to complement the lyrical songwriting from Harry.

HATS™ - fear the mourning (Riser)

8 July 2024

HATS™ is a chameleon. Crafting dreamy soundscapes for weary souls. A bittersweet chorus of vocals slice through strange synthy songstories to weave blankets of sound for your soul. Their musical roots go back to their initial band, Vienna Ditto, where they sang bluesy riffs over rockabilly guitar. They’ve grown up now and branched out alone. Inspired by ANOHNI, Radiohead, and Kate Bush, HATS™ is unfurling leaves of musical tenderness, escalating tension and genre shapeshifting.

FiveSidedDice - Silly Songs For Clever Girls (self-released)

8 July 2024

FiveSidedDice is a multi-genre music project from the coast of South Africa which was started in 2008 by Roscoe Nefdt. After eventually attaining an inclusive degree in music and music technology and after having done a year of a general diploma in music at Nelson Mandela University, the journey of FiveSidedDice remains ongoing, and the sound is ever-changing and evolving. With several full-length studio albums, as well as dozens of EP’s and singles, the music of FiveSidedDice and most other affiliated projects/artists is consistently being produced and is available for streaming/download across all major online stores.

TerraTara - Warrior of Love (Tara Shelley)

8 July 2024

Hard to put in a box, blending genres, Terra Tara loves to use different instruments to express her innate creativity! She plays guitar, mandolin, piano and all types of percussion. Having travelled the world with her guitar, she switched to mandolin because it was easier to carry while on the road, busking on the streets with her unique sound. On her travels, she learned many traditional melodies of Eastern European, Middle Eastern, Indian, Irish, Gypsy and Reggae that she implements in her music today.

Bad Guru - Love and Fear Me (self-released)

7 July 2024

Bad Guru is a dynamic genre-spanning rock band known for channelling life’s extremes into a sound that balances chaos and order. Other gurus will tell you to live in moderation. To refrain from forming attachments. To separate oneself from emotional whims. Bad Guru says to live in excess. To love one another and boldly love thyself. To really feel it all, in all its depth and intricacy. To feed the dark alongside the light. You’ll feel the pull of chaos and order, of dark and of light. Life isn’t simple, and their music reflects that.

Starlight Alice - Pieces of My Heart (JB Records)

7 July 2024

Starlight Alice draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of country music history, yet infuses their sound with a modern twist. Their journey began in the UK, where they honed their craft and developed a signature style. As individual artists they have combined Spotify plays of over 30million.

Marky Wildtype - If Destroyed Still True (self-released)

7 July 2024

Marky Wildtype is an Edinburgh-based songwriter/musician/producer who has been plying his trade and honing his craft under various guises for many years. Most recently, he has been providing the buzzsaw guitar backbone of the vibrant heavy-rock-meets-trad instrumental alt-folk band The Jig Show. If Destroyed Still True bold, confident affair. The songwriting has more depth and exploration, as does the instrumentation and production, while still keeping a strong focus on hooks, harmonies and memorable melody. At the same time, the subject matter is often deeply emotional, exploring the consequences of a tumultuous few years.

An Gof - Nullarbor (self-released)

6 July 2024

An Gof are a Penzance post-punk band. They play fiercely independent original music. Uniquely DIY in their ethos and deeply rooted in their sense of place. All the while remaining acutely aware of their own irrelevance.Their sound is heavily subsidised by menial office work and poorly paid labour – playing live shows rarely due to a distinct lack of interest in their art, alongside the cessation of European funding and an aversion to social media platforms.

ZOE from Earth - The Sun EP (becoming music)

6 July 2024

With an aim to create works that are timeless in a new sense, incorporating elements of the contemporary and the modern, and earthy and the electronic, ZOE from Earth has created a world where we are all invited and welcome as our truest self.

FLORIDA - Metal Detector (Florida UK)

5 July 2024

This is an old school rock album. It’s 80’s and 70’s, it’s loud guitar and melody. It’s written about growing up in Florida. How isolated it felt. How hopeless it feels sometimes. It’s about death and hope. It doesn’t really fit in with other music. It wasn’t made to be popular.

Urban Walrus - Not Today (Fabian Körber)

5 July 2024

After an intensive 6-month World Tour through the pubs and shady bars of New York, Amsterdam and Zurich, Urban Walrus found its way back to the recording studio and presents its new masterpiece, which undoubtedly has number-one written all over it.

Leanne Gallati - Party For One (self-released)

5 July 2024

From Nancy Sinatra to Amy Winehouse to Olivia Rodrigo, there’s a long tradition of empowering breakup songs in pop music. With “Party For One,” Long Island-via-Brooklyn singer-songwriter Leanne Gallati once again puts her stamp on the form with an unforgettable sense of flair. Where other artists often focus on the despair and longing that can grip us in the aftermath of a relationship, Gallati is having none of it.