Free Vibes #10: Everything you need to know

Free Vibes returns next week, with a fantastic bill co-curated by Amazing Radio DJ Shell Zenner. As always, entry is free and the live music comes courtesy of four exciting bands, that have caught ours and Shell’s attention since arriving on the scene. All you need do to get your fill of psych, synth-pop and indie on Thursday 7th June, is sign up via Eventbrite! If you want familiarise yourself with what’s in store, here’s a little introduction to each performing artist. Make sure you tune into Shell’s Amazing Radio show for more from these and other cutting edge indie-rock acts, and catch her spinning tunes on the night!

Hayes & Y

A truly international outfit; Hayes & Y bring together musicians from Bulgaria, Finland and Great Britain. Pulsing electric bass, sparkling ‘80s synths and hearty vocals are pillars of their slique indie-rock sound, which has caught the attention of BBC Introducing in Manchester and taken them to festivals throughout Europe in the past 12 months. If you dig Jaakko Eino Kalevi and appreciate the step Tame Impala took from Lonerism to Currents, then they’re a band for you!

Déjà Vega

If you keep up with psych and garage rock coming out of Greater Manchester, then you’ve more than likely heard a tune from this raw power trio during the past 12 months. They’ve supported Mugstar, been heavily involved in The Charlatans’ ‘ten-day takeover’ in Northwich and had a shed load of praise for their immense single Eyes of Steel – which sports some of the chunkiest of guitar tones you’re ever likely to hear! They’ve a penchant for motorik rhythm, but have a sound more lively, splashy and raucous than original krautrock: think Thee Oh Sees, White Manna and AK/DK and you’re in the right sort of region!

Haarm

Having been recognised as ‘ones to watch’ by The Skinny and Independent last year, the tight indie quartet made a smooth transition into 2018, winning the Hurd vinyl club’s public vote in January. Subscribers picked their single Box of Bones from a five track shortlist, meaning it was pressed to beautiful coloured wax, with an accompanying photographic print! They’ve also receive airplay on BBC Radio One and 6Music from Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq, as well as appearing at Liverpool’s Sound City earlier this month. Chris McIntosh and Jen Davies’ soft, unison vocals recall those of Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim from The XX, while their rich production and the upfront rhythms of brothers Olly and Dylan Gorman on drums and bass, remind us of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Metronomy to name but two. Shell played their fantastic single Box of Bones on Amazing Radio earlier this month and we’re excited to hear it live on stage!

Tonica

Manchester-based electro-pop duo Tonica understand both the nuance and insistence of contemporary pop production and can write a killer hook as well! They released their single California earlier this year and have supported Wyvern Lingo, Y.O.U.N.G and played on BBC Introducing in Manchester.