Blue Heron’s debut release, the 2022 double single ‘Black Blood of The Earth’/‘Everything Fades’ introduced a band who really didn’t skimp when it came to a heavy riff. Their sound, a hearty mix of classic doom and sludge, created a monstrous noise; an intensity that made the tracks instant genre classics, despite vocalist Jadd Schickler’s “gargling with concrete” styled approach occasionally making the Blue Heron sound rather more marginal than some of their peers. A swiftly delivered full length release (‘Ephemeral’) really capitalised on their heavy abilities, but also showed off a band who were also capable of a hefty, bluesy swagger, bringing more of a desert rock/stoner quality. Between these bleak moods, Blue Heron appeared to have the full spectrum of heavier stoner vibes covered…and with aplomb.
Author Archives: Real Gone
THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #74
Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the individual tracks that have dropped into our inbox over the previous few weeks. This time around, we bring you some moody singer songwriter pop, a well crafted slice of Americana, something that falls between dance and pop, the return of an underground rock band with an excellent track…and more besides. As always, we hope you find something new to enjoy…
Listen: The Othyrs share new track ‘Nobody Knows’ ahead of album release
On their self titled debut album, The Othyrs – a band featuring members of indie band The Wolfhounds – explored a world of acoustic-based folk and pop music. On stripped down tracks like ‘Money To Burn’, the quieter musical stance provided a superb backdrop for Alice Golding’s pure vocals, whilst busier numbers like ‘Time’s No Martyr’ and ‘Wasps & Nettles’ showcased great harmonies shared between the various band members. With a couple of tracks that sounded very much like a callback to Indigo Girls’ classic self-titled disc, it was a record with an almost timeless sound.
HIKE THE PEAK – Ether EP
Hike The Peak is a punk project helmed by Sheffield based musician Lee Byatt. In his own words, the band was launched “as a result of a mental health crisis during lockdown”, with Lee, wisely, realising he could use his musical talent and a revolving crew of friends to deliver a positive message. Following on from a selection of digital tracks – subsequently compiled as the ‘Only The True Fly Free’ album – this release couples another two absolute bangers in the skate punk mould, sharing a sound that’s guaranteed to take some listeners straight back to the late 90s.
Watch: Las Nubes Live on KEXP
If you’ve been paying attention to the rock underground throughout 2024, you’ll have encountered Las Nubes. The vibrant noise-makers have released a couple of genuinely excellent singles that have showed off the full range of their riff based talents. The music has dropped dream pop and shoegaze inspired riffs against a Melvins-like doominess. At other times, you might have heard them thrashing through a very Stooges-centric garage rock blueprint. No matter where there music has taken them, Las Nubes have never been less than thrilling, and their self proclaimed “fucking loud” second album really helped them to gain a place within the hearts of those seeking out cult sounds.