Category Archives: Indie Pop

Under Starling ‘Trick of the Light’

Off the tail end of their latest EP “Mongrel” Under Starling have released their new single ‘Trick of the Light”. Hailing from the Viking City of Ireland, Under Starling are breathing fresh air into the Irish music scene with their unique brand of alternative rock.“Trick of the Light” is a metaphor for the fantasies of a hopeless romantic. Throughout the song the band tether the line between the dream world and reality. Contrary to the Hollywood trope, the underdog does not get the person of their dreams. The closing message is one of self-growth and learning how to move on.

‘Trick of the Light’ pulses with the enchanting sound of Under Starling. The band take an 80’s pop undertone encased in their signature atmospheric sound to create a compelling tune that is glorious to listen to. With emotive vocals caressing a wonderful melody, the song surges with passion as the band rush flickering synths over reverb tones and propulsive beats to produce suspenseful soundscapes that keep the listener’s heart in a euphoric state. ‘Trick of the Light’ is an utterly time-stopping and beautiful new tune from Under Starling.

Stream ‘Trick of the Light’ below 


Author: Danu

modernlove. ‘Only Ever Only You’

Photo Credit: Daniel Harris

Irish indie band modernlove. have released their new alt-pop banger ‘Only Ever Only You’ ahead of their debut US Tour in March. modernlove.’s previous single ‘Ruin Your Night’ boosted the Irish alt-rock quartet’s growing fame, adding airplay from Gemma Bradley at BBC Radio 1 Introducing and John Kennedy at Radio X to previous support from Jack Saunders BBC Radio 1. 

Boasting a frenetic wall of sound that surges with effervescent synths, bright guitars and pummeling drums ‘Only Ever Only You’ is a vibrant indie, pop-punk track from modernlove. This band are growing their sound superbly while still maintaining the raw indie charm that has always been at the centre of their songs. The lyrics rush with urgency over the bubbling instrumentation while telling the story of realising that “the object of your desire isn’t as infatuated as you are.” The track is an exciting piece of expressive musicianship from the band filled with driving bass lines, pounding rhythms and an irresistible refrain that sparks images of mass sing-alongs at a live show. ‘Only Ever Only You’ is simply glorious.

The band commented, “‘Only Ever Only You’ chronicles the breaking down of communication in a relationship. It’s about being in love when it’s too late and trying to communicate with someone who has moved on and simply isn’t there anymore. It’s probably the most sincere and direct we’ve been as a band in a song and the music speaks to that. We’ve taken from our early inspirations and gone straight up pop punk on this track.”

Stream ‘Only Ever Only You’ below 


Author: Danu

The Neon Cars ‘Hold Onto It’

The Neon Cars have released their new single ‘Hold Onto It’.The Neon Cars are a four-piece Indie Rock band from Cork, Ireland. The band consists of Kevin O’Brien (Lead Vocals), Brendan Mckee (Drums), David Forrester (Bass) and Eric O’Sullivan (Lead Guitar). To date, the group have performed across Ireland and the UK, playing several headline shows and festival appearances, including Indiependence music and arts festival, sold-out shows in Record room Limerick, Fred Zeppelins Cork, Walsh’s Bar Mitchelstown and many more.

Bursting with energy and oodles of indie rock goodness ‘Hold Onto It’ is an infectious new anthem from The Neon Cars. The band take a punchy drum foundation and lathers it in chiming guitars, driving bass lines and warm saxophone blasts. The track travels on a hazy nostalgic melody while the bright instrumentation maintains ethereal tones throughout. With a massive sing-along chorus and a dynamic indie rock wall of sound ‘Hold Onto It’ is a glorious new tune from The Neon Cars. 

 About the track, Kevin said:  “In times like this we don’t know what’s going to happen from one day to the next. It’s a puzzle. You feel like giving up hope sometimes. Why am I doing this? What’s the point? They were the thoughts running around my head. Being in lockdown really made me think and I wasn’t going to let my thoughts get the better of me. I got to hold on to my dreams”.

Stream ‘Hold Onto It’ Below 


Author: Danu

Thrillhouse ‘Fatal Flaw’

Brighton-based alt-indie band, Thrillhouse return with their latest single ‘Fatal Flaw’. A love letter to those that stick with you through the tough times. With their debut album being mixed ‘Fatal Flaw’ will be their last single before beginning the release of the album in early 2023.

Thrillhouse have a knack for creating wonderful textures and nuances within their music. ‘Fatal Flaw’ is a fantastic example of this. The band’s taste for mixing and matching synth elements with chugging bass lines and buoyant beats keeps the tune bright and catchy while the melodies exude sentimental nostalgia throughout. Every track from Thrillhouse is a joy to the ears and with warm vocals, and chiming guitars that ooze charm from every note, ‘Fatal Flaw’ continues this band’s record of heart-racing irresistible gems. 

Stream ‘Fatal Flaw’ below 


Author: Danu

modernlove. ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’

Irish indie band modernlove. have released their new single ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ along with announcing their UK and US Spring 2023 tours. When modernlove. were formed in 2016, they reacted to the lack of opportunities for live music in their hometown of Drogheda by effectively creating their own scene. By organising packed DIY pub gigs and encouraging other local bands to step out, they provided a creative outlet for themselves as well as a vibrant community for young music obsessives in their area. That ethos of making something from nothing still serves them well to the current day. And now their music is being embraced on a much bigger platform – including support from Jack Saunders at Radio 1 for their recent single ‘Take Me Far Away’.

Saturated in earworm melodies modernlove. present an impressive alternative pop track that is simply a joy to listen to. ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ is a fine addition to the young band’s musical repertoire. The tune is an exquisite example of their enviable musical prowess. Sonically the song is a musical gem as with all of the band’s tracks to date. Expressive guitar elements immersed in a soundscape of shimmering synths, dynamic rhythms and edgy riffs create an 80’s post-punk-hued soundscape that reveals much to the listener with each subsequent listen. The soundscape is quite poetic and cinematic at times and is complemented by earnest lyrics that hit hard through a smooth nonchalant vocal delivery. These combined musical aspects are a delight to the senses and easily beckon repeat plays from the listener. Once again modernlove. knock it out of the park with ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’.

About the track modernlove. commented, “until my heart stops beating’ is a song about losing feelings. It chronicles the moments of tension leading up to a breakup. The lyrical narrative of the song explores arrhythmia and cardiac arrest as metaphors for the end of a relationship and invokes that sudden wrenching feeling when something goes terribly wrong. The song is stark, realistic and unromantic. It’s clear that the relationship is beyond hope and beyond saving. The lyricism and sonic composition of the tune are extremely minimalist, almost as if there’s nothing left to say. “

Stream ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ below


Author: Danu

Pauric O’ Meara ‘Lately’

Pauric O’ Meara has released his new single ‘Lately’. Pauric O’ Meara is an independent Pop/Rock singer-songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. Over the last few years, O’ Meara has seen his headline shows sell out all over Ireland, including venues such as The Workmans Club, The Grand Social, Monroes, Dolans and Cyprus Avenue, as well as supporting major acts such as Hermitage Green and Hudson Taylor, and stand out performances at festivals such as Electric Picnic, Sounds of Summer and Kaleidoscope. 

‘Lately’ is a shimmering indie pop tune that boasts Pauric O’ Meara’s catchy and vibrant musicianship. Driven by a bubbling beat, bright funky guitars, and luscious synth embellishments, the track has an expressive soundscape that simmers for the verses before becoming more energetic for the chorus. With soft tropical elements wisping about the radiant instrumentation O’Meara creates an upbeat gem that oozes a sense of euphoria while honest lyrics deal with themes of relationships, friendships and the importance of the time spent and how we spend it. O’ Meara’s music is a joy to listen to and ‘Lately’ is a fine display of how diverse and exciting this artist is.

Stream ‘Lately’ below 


Author: Danu

FYA FOX ‘Like Loving Jesus’

Photo Credit: Lucy Curran

FYA FOX has released her new single ‘Like Loving Jesus’.Following a stellar set of releases, sold out Whelans Dublin headliner (Nov 2021), showcased at Ireland’s leading festival for emerging artists Ireland Music Week and selected to play the BBC Introducing Stage at OutPut & Stendhal Festival, FYA is gearing up to play her 1st ever UK festival Live At Leeds (Oct 15th). Gaining major support across Irish national and regional radio stations along with plays on BBC Radio 1, ‘Track of The Week’ features on RTE 2FM, Spin South West and Today FM, to mention a few. To date FYA has gained over 203K Spotify streams with playlisting on ‘New Music Friday’, ‘New Pop UK’, ‘EASY’, ‘Chilled Pop Hits’, ‘New Pop Revolution’, ‘Fresh Finds’ and ‘Fresh Finds Pop’, along with playlisting on BBC Radio Ulster ‘Where Music Matters’.

‘Like Loving Jesus’ is powerful alternative pop at its finest. FYA presents a soul-filled tune brimming with catchy melodies and R&B tones that is a joy to listen to again and again. Melancholic verses brood atop a lamenting piano and ethereal soundscapes before a vibrant punchy chorus kicks in. The track is an emotive-filled banger from start to finish enhanced by gospel elements and lush textures throughout. Produced to perfection with FYA’s compelling vocals at the helm, ‘Like Loving Jesus’ confirms FYA FOX as a true force to be reckoned with. 

About the track FYA said:  “I wrote this song over zoom with Bill Maybury (Cian Ducrot, Ryan Mac, Lenii & Fia Moon) & Matt Weir during lockdown. I’d been listening to a lot of Noah Cyrus at the time, so I feel like some inspiration for the session came from that”. 

Stream ‘Like Loving Jesus’ below 


Author: Danu

Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets ‘Running Away’

Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets have released their new single ‘Running Away’.In the last year the Indie up-and-comers have amassed over 40,000 streams on Spotify, secured support slots with NewDad and Milk., embarked on their first Irish tour and played a number of sold-out headline shows. The band all met while at college in Limerick, Ireland, and use their music to delve into themes of loss, relationships and mental health. The Indie-Rock outfit have been quickly gaining recognition in the Irish music scene for their energetic live shows, and self-produced releases. Their music has also been heard across major Irish stations such as Today FM, RTE 2XM, and SPIN SW.

Surging with passionate indie rock, ‘Running Away’ is a fantastic new track from Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets. The band take a driving rhythm and wrap it in soaring melodies, dynamic guitars and saxophone embellishments to create a lush and wholesome sound. This upbeat tune is brimming with passion as the band drift a heartfelt melody over the bubbling instrumentation to create a tune that sparks hope and acts like an instant shot of adrenaline. With moving lyrics that discuss themes of love, loss and guilt ‘Running Away’ is a powerful and well-crafted new tune from Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets.

About the track, Dylan Flynn said: “The song’s upbeat feel is contrasted by the lyrics, which I wrote last year while my grandfather was dying. The song covers themes of love and guilt while trying to process losing someone who was so close to me. We wrote, recorded and produced the song from our small studio space in Limerick City, with help from Mike Gavin (Windings). Mike co-produced and mixed the track, while Richard Dowling mastered it.” 

Stream ‘Running Away’ below


Author: Danu

N.O.A.H ‘Stay Here’

N.O.A.H have released their new single ‘Stay Here’.’Stay Here’ was self-produced by the band, with mixing and finessing by Grammy Winning Ruadhri Cushnan. N.O.A.H comprises of three lifelong friends Ryan Hill, Adam Rooney, and Ronan Hynes.  N.O.A.H formed back in January 2020, on the cusp of a global pandemic! (Great timing) After finishing in college (BIMM Dublin and MU) the group decided to reform an old musical endeavour. Obsessed with the idea of creating something new and a relentless desire to be heard, a fresh canvas was needed. Thus the band took inspiration in its naming from the biblical story of ‘Noah and the Ark’, the ultimate new beginnings story. Already N.O.A.H, have garnered thousands of streams, sold out multiple venues, signed with a major UK agency, supported The Coronas in Ulster Hall, played Main Stage at Sea Sessions 2022, and announced for Ireland’s leading festival Electric Picnic.

Draped in shimmering synths with an 80’s pop sheen ‘Stay Here’ is an emotive new single from N.O.A.H as the band delve into a new facet of their catchy indie sound. With a dreamy melody drifting atop glittering guitars, spongy beats and an irresistible bass groove the band have created a tune that boasts their tight musicianship and refined songwriting. It’s a sweet and comforting track with lyrics that offer an unconditional, selfless vow to help a friend in need. Ryan Hill croons,” I’ll take your pain if it means that you would stay here” over a supple warm melody while the bubbling backdrop creates an ethereal atmosphere throughout. Tender and earnest with a lush instrumental backdrop ‘Stay Here’ is a sublime glimpse into the boundless talent of N.O.A.H

Stream ‘Stay Here’ below


Author:Danu

RUE ‘Call on Me’

Upcoming indie/pop singer-songwriter RUE has released her new single ‘Call on Me’. This shimmering pop tune displays the invigorating sound of RUE. The track is an absolute gem to listen to as RUE mixes subtle contrasting elements of electronic beats, swirling synths and dark undertones to create a dynamic wall of sound. RUE’s smooth vocals coo a sweet melody as the song bubbles and builds in the background. With clap-along rhythms, spacious electronics and irresistible pop hooks ‘Call on Me’ is a compelling tune from start to finish. Keep an eye on this exciting artist.

Stream ‘Call on Me’ below 


Author: Danu