Multi/instrumentalist, singer, producer, journeyman Euan Lindsay has released his debut E.P ‘You, Boy’. Hailing from Cork, Lindsay’s music pulls heavily from a wide reach of genres. Elements of disco, house, soul and hip-hop can all be heard throughout the artist’s first work.The E.P was recorded over a 6 month period by the artist through a turbulent time.
‘You, Boy’ combines Euan Lindsay’s earnest lyrics with modern pop production to create a distinctive body of work. From darker evening tunes like ‘Lost my head’ to the Spanish toned ‘Easy’ and R&B hued ‘Sing about me when the craic is done’ each track has a lightness and mellow soundscape. Lindsay embellishes his tracks with tight instrumentation and lush textures transforming songs like ‘Ur Smile’ into a vibrant funk pop song laced in tropical tones and rich rhythms.
The tracks are clean and refined as Lindsay shows off his production prowess. He knows when not to overdo things and keeps the intricacies on guitar and synths within delicate and subtle levels maintaining the easy going atmosphere throughout. Distinctive vocals meander between coos and soulful tones with a Cork twang shining brightly throughout as Lindsay provides a fresh listening experience with a proudly Irish undertone.
Each track grooves and pivots around the meticulously placed guitar melodies. These golden melodies lace the songs in sun-kissed tropical and funk/soul elements creating a balmy hue to indulge in. Although the songs float with a dreamy laid back upbeat vibe, Lindsay discusses themes of loss, illness and self-uncertainty throughout the EP, albeit with a sense of Irish irony and self-mockery
With dazzling electronics and flashing beats on the lofi ‘All I Know’ and the mellow lounge soul elements on closing track ‘I don’t belong’ Lindsay proves his deft ability to create stunning pieces of music while bending genres harmoniously. ‘You, Boy’ is an impressive debut from Euan Lindsay.
Enigmatic rock band Mantis and the Prayer have returned with a double single release. ‘Murder Ballad and the Blue’ features the songs ‘I Know You’ and ‘Go Too Far’ which are written on themes of tragedy and disconnection. Mantis and the Prayer are a three piece rock band from Melbourne Australia. Releasing their first album ‘Butterflies and Demons’ in 2016 they have since gone on to place their music in the soundtrack for independent movie ‘Queen of Hollywood Blvd’ which was featured in the film festival circuit and had a cinematic release in Los Angeles.
‘Murder Ballad and the Blue’ is a dramatic two track concoction which blends fermenting alternative rock with theatrical elements to create a chilling listening experience. The punchy drums, crashing guitars and wailing backing vocals in ‘I Know You’ ooze tension and eerie atmospheres as dark pop elements swirl through a rock backdrop while ‘Go Too Far’ adds a ghostly aspect to the ominous vibe. The track is a goosebump inducing boogie with groove riddled guitar and a 60’s rock n roll shimmy rhythm. With deep vocals echoing through the pop/rock sensibilities and upbeat moments ‘Murder Ballad and the Blue’ is quiet the fun, engaging and catchy two track EP.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sea Girls
Sea Girls have released the stunning animated video for their anthemic fan favourite and new single, ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’, taken from their forthcoming debut album Open Up Your Head – out August 14th on Polydor. The band also embark on a huge headline tour this November, including sold-out dates at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowlands, Manchester Academy and Birmingham’s O2 Institute, as well as the band’s biggest headline line show to date at London’s Brixton Academy.
‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ is an effervescent guzzle of refreshing indie rock. This anthemic track kick starts the frenzy with a cool guitar chime and pulsing beat. The band cruise into the song before erupting into the dynamic chorus which is sure to be epic live. The band spread a bitter/sweet melody over crashing guitars, punchy drums and blazing bass grooves to create an instant shot of adrenaline-fueled indie. Henry Camamile ventures from wistful coos for the verses to passionate exclaims for the chorus building the tracks emotive quality. The intensity builds as the song progresses towards the frantic crescendo. The band have a knack for writing earnest ear-worms with clever lyrical content and ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ follows this trend. Sea Girls’ music is expanding and getting better with each release. Their anthemic musical prowess provides a wholling invigorating sound sure to charm all who hear it.
The animated video was directed by acclaimed Korean-Swedish duo Tjoff Koong Studios (Tezo Kyungdon Lee and Magnus Lenneskog). The video takes the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster. Lead singer Henry Camamile perfectly describes the video, “When I wrote this song I was trying to channel some emotional highs and lows of the likes of Kurt Cobain.” He continues, “Full of visual adrenalin, it builds with rushes of excitement and lack of control. Someone build a rollercoaster through the city and we’ll get on it.”
You can watch the video for ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ below
Upcoming indie-pop band, Lady Landscape released their third EP, ‘3’ on June 26th.Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece ( Jamie Reynolds (Drums), Tiernan Buckley (Bass) and (Lead Guitar)Adam Ollin ), Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals.
‘3’ is a laid back collection of tracks which showcase Lady Landscape’s earnest and melodic musicianship. Previously released singles ‘Versailles’, ‘25’ and ‘Apartment Song’ ease the EP into motion with glistening guitar, supple soundscapes and dreamy tones. The band use soft, delicate melodies with powerful lyrics to express the melancholic and irritating themes of self disappointment and normal life occurrences. With deep baritone vocals cruising through the hazy melodies and buoyant rhythm each track flows fluidly into the next making for a soothing listening experience.
I particularly enjoyed the use of acoustic guitar in tracks ‘Ghost Story’ and ‘WWII’. Theacoustic guitar chugs along sluggishly between the lulling elements with a nonchalant aesthetic. The band seep wispy synths and airy soundscapes into the tracks background making each song drift into the aerosphere allowing the deep vocals, steady beat and striking lyrics ground the track. ’2001’ brings the EP to an end with a bitter sweet melody and continuing the chilled out vibe of the EP.
‘3’ is an EP of moody, glum tones mangled between ethereal and dreamy soundscapes. The band discuss themes of growing older and the mundanity and disappointment of life through hazy calm tunes that drone as well as twinkle beneath the lo fi indie pop canvas. Lady Landscape’s soft and melancholic tones are filled with intricate moments and lush instrumentation. ‘3’ is a fantastic display of this. Lady landscape’s third EP is a smooth and satisfying listening experience.
AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create live streams on the Zoom platform and last night was another outstanding evening of music as they hosted Belfast singer songwriter Brian Houston.
Deciding to play his new unreleased album Brian Houston provided a night of relaxed country rock. His warm, rasped vocals reverb with a velvety soothing quality. He could sing anything and it would comfort and soothe your soul.This glimpse into the new album was a real treat and showcased just how good a singer songwriter Houston is. The lamenting guitar accompaniment in ‘I Let Her Go’, ‘Good News Junkie’ and ‘The Angel On The Corner’ is emotive and powerful yet delicate and tender all at once.
Houston puts on a full and consuming show. His anecdotes and stories between tracks about opening for Elvis Costello, how he wrote his songs and even a rendition on Mandolin of Happy Birthday for one of his friends was a joy to listen to. They provided some light hearted relief from the emotional heavy hitting tracks. Houston has a wonderful ability to break your heart and stir emotion within the listener and the striped back acoustic version of his songs last night cut deep with passion and thrived within the live acoustic setting. Oozing spellbinding and spine-tingling charm Houston sings about religion, love and the people he has met through the years. His witty lyrics and calming tone lulled us into a world of folk/country rock.
For me the bright and charming ‘She Got That From Me’ was a highlight in the set along with Houston’s sweet falsetto in the delicate ballad ‘If’. However it is ‘Spanish’ which is the pinnacle moment of the show. Houston’s harmonica slices through a haze of melancholia while the lyrics depict the lives and sorrow of the people who lived in residential schools in towns such as Spanish, Ontario, Canada. It’s a beautiful, touching and melodically magnificent number which stirs hopelessness, fear and sorrowful remorse in the hearts of anyone who hears this song. The wonderful advantage of these Virtual shows is the audience’s silence. The silence allows songs like ‘Spanish’ to really hit home as you can hear every emotive word with such piercing clarity.
A Q&A follows the show with Houston answering questions about how he writes his songs, what he is doing in lockdown and what a ghillie weeper bird is ( ‘a wee bird that at the end of its life cycle goes round and round in ever decreasing circles until it disappears up its own backside’ ).
Brian Houston performed an outstanding set last night. His clear, deep vocals provide moments of sweet tenderness alongside subtle gravel-hued coos and sweet highs which evoke raw passion and emotion. There is no fuss or extravagance with Houston’s set – its honest, pure good tunes. Last night featured another knockout performance on Virtual. I have to hand it to AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records, these guys are highlighting some serious talent every week.
Craig Cooney is back with a brand new single ‘Young Forever’ which will be released on all streaming platforms on the 17th July. Recorded in Windmill Lane Studios by Engineer and Producer Cormac Kavanagh it will be his first release since he has signed with Fluttertone earlier this year.
‘Young Forever’ is an enjoyable listen as Cooney sprinkles laid back R&B pop over punchy beats, smooth rap vocals and sweet whistle features. Very chill and relaxed the song cruises effortlessly into the catchy chorus. The effervescent backdrop of percussion and warm guitar create a balmy, dreamy haze over the track while the lyrics ponder over fond childhood memories.This breezy nostalgic track flows effortlessly into the ears as Cooney spreads a mellow melody over a sun kissed backdrop to create a charming track to listen to.
About the track Craig Says “Being an Adult with children of my own, I find a lot of people lose touch with their former selves and the memories that made us in to the men and women we are today. I wrote Young Forever for the people who want to reflect on the best years of their lives where we were all care free and truly felt Young Forever, I want people to press play on this song when they want to press pause on life and go on a journey for the 3 minute running time”
BECAH has released her new single ‘Forget’. BECAH is a 25 year old singer/songwriter from Lurgan, Northern Ireland.Having cultivated her art playing the local scene for the last number of years, BECAH is proving herself to be quite the emerging artist of note. Within that time she has secured support slots for renowned acts including that of Aslan, The Four of Us, and Brian Kennedy, and most recently played on the same bill as Brian Houston, Sam Wickens and Amy Montgomery. To date BECAH has recorded an EP ‘At Ease’ (2018) with the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast, along with two singles ‘Butterflies’ (2018), and ‘Yours’ (2019), both recorded by producer Matthew Greene in Greene Noise Audio, Lurgan. Her music releases have led to an array of significant competitive successes behind her – a finalist in both the Panarts Young Songwriter of the Year and the AER Solo Artist Award, as well as finishing 3rd place in the Dawson’s Singer/Songwriter Competition. Her upcoming single release ‘Forget’ was recorded with producer Michael Mormecha.
Stunningly moving and powerful BECAH takes a simple approach with ‘Forget’. With innocent twinkling on piano wandering through a pulsing beat backdrop the track presents an intimate and passionate account of a messy break-up. The song unfolds delicately adding lush backing harmonies and warm glimmers on guitar as it fleshes out its ethereal soundscapes. BECAH has a diverse and talented voice as she drifts into R&B elements at times while her warm rasp and velvety manner captures a pure sense of sorrow. There is a sweet innocence and heartbreaking undertone throughout the song. BECAH has an ability to capture emotions in a time loop allowing the listener to ruminate on her lyrics providing a slow motion impact of bitter/sweet pain. ‘Forget’ is an emotive and heart breaking track that displays BECAH’s rich, vulnerable and compelling musicianship.
About the track BECAH said : “Using my lyrics almost in a diary-like fashion as ever, Forget tells the story of a messy break-up. It reflects on how one person in the relationship can be left still loving the other, whilst having to accept it’s bitter end and making that difficult return back to the strangers you once were. Like all my songs, it speaks of very personal things, and it’s my hope in that brutal honesty with Forget that the listeners find they can relate and recognise they are not alone in these complicated matters we can find ourselves stuck in.”
Bio : Bristol-based, Drowzy Rock and Roll, quartet Hush Mozey have released their new single ‘Sailing (Drenched to the Bone)’.Last year the band released their second EP, “Pretty Little Seance”, with a sold out release show at Rough Trade Bristol, leading to multiple Glastonbury appearances, performing at O2 Academy Bristol and being featured on Steve Lamacq’s “Recommends” show on BBC 6 Music.
Track: Sailing(Drenched to the Bone)
Why We Like It: With warm harmonica, light floaty soundscapes and a buoyant spacious construction, Sailing(Drenched to the Bone) is a charming sun kissed ditty. The track drifts through subtle intricacies as the band weave nimble guitar lines, infectious rhythms and mellow textures to create a soft vibrant listening experience. There is a retro 60’s vibe about the song filtered through the bands own unique engaging indie sound. With vocals that whisper and coo through the carefree backdrop, ‘Sailing(Drenched to the Bone)’ is a thoroughly enjoyable foot tapping gem.
Bio : 2020 is all about brand new music for Demons Of Ruby Mae. Having already released the singles ‘This Is Your Time’ and ‘Live For Today’, the band continue to show an incredible creative output. After releasing their self-titled debut in 2018 and signing to North American and European labels Anti Fragile Records and Long Branch Records respectively in 2019, the Manchester indie duo ended the year on a career high, headlining the prestigious BBC Introducing Festival at De Montfort Hall. Having now consolidated support from early fans across BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio Wales, Manchester, Leicester, Nottingham, East Midlands and Amazing Radio the band are set for new heights in 2020.
Track: Questions
Why We Like It: ‘Questions’ takes the band’s sound to a new ethereal dimension. With airy soundscapes encapsulating twinkling innocent keys, the track drifts with a breezy sense of melancholy. It’s a soft and delicate song that builds becoming more atmospheric as the band create a striking emotive track through fluctuating and malleable musicianship. The pulsing beat and swirling electronics intensify the backdrop while the warm vocals and sweet backing harmonies depict the song’s lyrical theme of acceptance and understanding that something may never be the same. The band provide clear, lonely and breathtaking soundscapes to portray a sombre and relatable theme. ‘Questions’ is an impressive new addition to Demons Of Ruby Mae’s music catalogue.
Bio : Theatrical Rock Band Fable Cry have released the official music video for their newest single, “Here Comes Trouble”, a rambunctious introduction to the antagonist of their upcoming concept rock opera. ‘Here Comes Trouble’ is the official “villain song” in a 1930s-era concept album full of vengeful vamps and vixens.What started in 2010 as a humble duo project between current frontman Zach Ferrin (vocals, guitar) and his sister (former member Kirstie Ferrin) has grown across the decade into a darker, fuller and more mature five-piece outfit showcasing the talents and passions of an eclectic group of musicians – Jo Cleary (violin, vocals), Scott Fernandez (bass), Andrew Core (drums), and Jillian LaFave (vocals, keys) – whose backgrounds range from pirate shanties to the folk sounds of downtown Nashville, from hard rock to heavy metal, and even a touch of modern classical.
Track: Here Comes Trouble
Why We Like It: It’s a dramatic dark thrill of the refined meticulously crafted and invigorating sound Fable Cry do so well. With ominous string, deep bass rumbles and punchy rhythmic pulses the track builds superbly creating cinematic tension throughout. The chorus takes a breather from the sinister with a radiant almost heroic melody as the band tell their story through energetic instrumentation and production. In true Fable Cry manner the track ventures into a heavy soundscape as the song reaches its dynamic crescendo. With expressive vocals, carnival horror theatrics and a full bodied wall of sound, Fable Cry announce their return with another chilling goosebump-inducing gem.
About the track frontman Zach Ferrin said :“In the song, we’re introduced to Harold “The Diamond” Helsinger, who relishes in his dominion over his past partners in crime while dancing his way through celebrations of his own shining ego. They may think he’s been got, but he knows who’s really got who.”
Bio : Fur Echo is the musical project of East London-based singer songwriter Marcus Pike.Though its roots are planted firmly in indie rock, dream pop and post-Britpop, with melody as a guiding force, Fur Echo’s sound draws from an eclectic range of influences, taking the listener on a passionate journey through minimalist delay guitar, shimmering keys, downbeat acoustic refrains and jarring electronic beats.These varying shades of sound are set to be revealed over the course of 2020-21 in the ‘Dark Colours’ series of EPs. ‘Dark Colours’ is based loosely on a condition known as synesthesia, the phenomenon of seeing sound as colour. Each EP will explore a different colour theme, with the music orchestrated to reflect that colour and the mood it evokes
Track: Idle Threats
Why We Like It: It’s a kinetic indie number, rhythmically rich and laced in zesty ethereal guitar lines as Pike utilizes vibrant grooves and smooth melodies to create a lush ear worm. The track builds and unfolds beautifully as twinkling guitars and punchy drums interplay creating airy pockets of spacious scintillation. An indie coating envelopes the snappy drums and radiant bursts on guitar which provide a rich splattering of colour through the tracks elastic dynamics. With a 90’s alternative vibe blended between mellow melodies ‘Idle Threats’ is a well crafted satisfying listening experience.
Bio : Alexandra Savior has released her acoustic cover of ‘But You’, along with a video. Proceeds will go to The Loveland Foundation.The album version of ‘But You’ currently has more than 877K streams on Spotify alone
Track: But You Acoustic
Why We Like It: For this acoustic version, Alexandra Savior reworked the song on guitar with Mel Guerison, who is the violinist and producer. The violin seeps character into the track as it laments between soft melancholic guitar twinkles. Savior’s vocals coo over this airy sparse rendition with a nonchalant lulling quality. The track takes a mellow downcast tone as Savior showcases another superb and haunting way to enjoy this tune.
Since forming in 2015 Liverpool’s POLAR STATES have had strong support from Radio 1 including a feature on the best of BBC introducing playlist, entered Spotify’s Viral 50 Chart, and have played a number of major UK festivals, supporting Wolf Alice, The Japanese House, and Clean Cut Kid. The band have an anthemic sound of vibrant indie rock that is sure to make for an amazing show
Lav has released her new single ‘The Girls Before Me’. The track follows bedroom anthem ‘Wavvy’ and Billie Eilish co-signed lo fi garage-band cut ‘From Me The Moon’.The song is accompanied by a low-fi, 90’s VHS style video by Marielle Boland which captures an avant-garde picnic scene packed full of toys and scandal.
‘The Girls Before Me’ luxuriates in the hazy space between dream and reality as Lav delicately sprawls her soft vocals over a sweet melancholic melody and wispy soundscape. The entire song absorbs you in an endless and vast world of sombre longing as ethereal guitar twinkles through a lo fi soundscape while a pulsing beat grounds the track. The supple percussive taps and twinkles submerge the track in an almost magical innocence yet at the same time lament with a sorrowful undertone. Lav has created an enjoyable track filled with raw and honest vulnerability. ‘The Girls Before Me’ is a fantastic listen.
On the theme of the track Lav notes the song “was written out of a deep insecurity of constantly comparing myself to past loves. Always wondering if when they look at you, they’re recalling just staring into a paper mache they’ve built up of a before lover. Most of the time it’s all in our heads, and in this case it definitely was, however that didn’t make it any less real or painful to feel.”
Lav commented also on the video for the track saying “I love working with Marielle because she really helps my campy visions come to life. The video is a lot less emotional than the mood I got into while writing, and I think that makes the whole image more palatable, but also I loved to dress up and have a picnic with a bear and some snails.”
Watch the video for ‘The Girls Before Me’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
