Ivory Wave have just released the official video for ‘Weigh Me Down’ in the lead up to their debut EP, out this week. ‘Weigh Me Down’ is an instantly contagious and energetic Hacienda-inspired hit that showcases vocalist George Johnson’s confrontational and distinctive sound.

The Birmingham quintet have already established a reputation as local heroes. Their exuberant, party-starting mix of swaggering indie attitude, dancefloor-filling beats and glistening synths inspires chaotic scenes wherever they go. Their songs speak of the experiences of youth across the country, but their gigs offer pure escapism with a sea of fans singing along as smoke-bombs amplify the hedonistic vibe.

“Three years of work have been saturated down into 25 minutes of pure Ivory Wave”, says frontman George Johnson. “It’s time for people to pay attention - this is the best Birmingham has sounded for years. ‘Weigh Me Down’ was written after a period of stagnation in the band. We didn’t seem to be getting any further and people didn’t seem to care about the music we were writing. The song is about standing up for what you believe in and shouting to everyone, look at us.”

The band - completed by Connor McMin (guitar),Luke Morris(bass), Seb Baldwin (drums) and Rob Clarke(synths) - have developed a growing but devoted fanbase with a string of independently released tracks as well as gigs with the likes of the DMA’S and The Twang. It’s a grassroots approach which has further flourished through festivals including the Isle of Wight, Truck and Y Not.

The dates are:

NOVEMBER

15th - Shiiine On Weekender(main stage)

16th - Birmingham, O2 Institute 2(headline show - in association with This Feeling)

21st - Liverpool, Hanger 34 (supportingJAWS)

22nd - Edinburgh, The Mash House(supportingJAWS)

23rd - Newcastle, Riverside (supportingJAWS)

29th - Leeds, The Wardrobe(supporting JAWS)

30th - Coventry, The Empire (supportingJAWS)

Finland’s multi-Platinum cello-rock band Apocalyptica have released the spectacular new music video for ‘Rise’.  Integrated with the achingly beautiful new song from the band’s upcoming studio album Cell-0, due out January 10, on Silver Lining Music, ‘Rise’ is an impressionistic painting come to life, which enacts the humanity that we all share and the power and gravity of one-on-one interactions.

Director/writer, Lisa Mann, who has created several other music videos for Apocalyptica said, “The idea was to make a video that was whimsical and captivating, that would transport the viewer into an alternate dimension that mirrors our society and today's importance of compassion and empathy.  Characters in this world fall and rise again, and ultimately come together to help each other rise.” 

To create the ethereal “other-worldly” look of the ‘Rise’ video, Mann collaborated with cinematographer Jason George who incorporated infrared technology, borrowed from the analogue world and now re-emerging in today's digital sphere. “Apocalyptica's music is timeless, very emotional and cinematic, and we wanted the ‘Rise’ video to reflect that.”

Eicca Toppinen continues, “’Rise’ is a statement of hope, there is always a brighter side, no matter how dark or hopeless things seem to be.  To believe in good and beauty, staying true to yourself and not giving up on that.”

In support of the release of Cell-0, Apocalyptica - cellists Eicca Toppinen, Perttu Kivilaakso and Paavo Lötjönen, and drummer Mikko Sirén - will special guest with Sabaton on a 15-country, 23-date European arenas tour that begins on January 17, in Zurich, Switzerland.

FEBRUARY 8   Wembley Arena, London, UK