Category Archives: Indie Pop

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From whenyoung

London’s (via Limerick) whenyoung have announced they will be releasing their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Reasons to Dream’, through Virgin EMI on the 24th May. In anticipation of the album release the band have released their new single, ‘Future’ which tells the story of a close friend who sadly took their own life, while also striving to find a message of hope in the darkness.

‘Future’ is sweet fizzy indie rock at its most exhilarating and refreshing. whenyoung present a tender wholesome number bursting to the seams with vibrant delicious instrumentation while tackling a striking and emotional theme. Filled with elegance and ethereal innocence, this driving track soars and chimes with glorious guitar moments sparkling gracefully between a peppy beat and passionate vocals. These guys pay attention to detail – from the short clap clap moments to haunting backing vocals, lush harmonies and refined, dignified guitars this track has everything to charm the hearts and minds of the nation. The melody, coated in Aoife Power’s heavenly vocals is infectious and warm. These guys can write a tune that will have you singing along, dancing in seconds and with a strong meaningful lyrical content they are the band to watch.

The video was directed by award winning short film maker Michael Baldwin and stars young actor Badger Skelton, who featured in Tom Beards critically acclaimed ‘Two for Joy.’ It takes inspiration from Wim Wenders’ New German Cinema classic, ‘Wings of Desire’, showing the trials of suburban youth in stark monochrome.

Watch the video for ‘Future’ below


Scro ‘Played’

Los Angeles based music producer, Scro, has released his self-produced music video and single, ‘Played’, featuring Zach Callahan. Native to Sarasota, Florida, electronic producer, Scro, creates a beautiful atmosphere with his selection of classic synth sounds, pushing you back to the 80’s, all while keeping in touch with modern songwriting and production techniques. The track is accompanied by a music video, filmed and animated by himself, catching scenes of Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Universal Studios, and the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame.

‘Played’ floats delicately on Scro’s meticulous production and wonderful electronics. Bubbling through buoyant beats and wispy ethereal soundscapes this track meanders gently through light breezy vibes and melancholic tones seamlessly creating a richly textured and wholly satisfying listening experience. Zach Callahan’s vocals are velvety smooth and emotionally sweet as he emanates so perfectly the gut-wrenching feeling of being “played” by someone who you’ve mistaken for having something special with. The melty sugared melody coats the track in a delicious sweetness that soothes the tender sombre tones while the light electronics add a sun-kissed radiance to the song. The track has a retro chicness and chilled tone to it that is easy on the ears but richly intricate with lyrics that are relatable and catch your attention.

Watch the video for ‘Played’ below



The ÆTHER ‘ÆTHEREAL’ Album

Promising Singer/Songwriter hailing from North East England, The ÆTHER, aka David has released his second studio album ‘ÆTHEREAL’. Written during the British heatwave of 2018,  the album is a collection of optimistic tracks, underscored with hope, resilience and a love of life.

ÆTHEREAL’ is a richly diverse and perfectly blended collection of electronic, dance, indie, funk and pop. The ÆTHER delivers a tasty nine track assortment that is the perfect summer soundtrack. His luscious pop melodies saturate each track in deliciousness while his soulful vocals are full of emotional tenderness that holds everything together. From the electronic ‘Im So Sorry’ and ‘Urgh’ with their chicness and 70’s funk flecked choruses the album is doused in suave romantic tones. Tracks like ‘Miracle’, ‘Deep In Love’ bring that dance laced summer vibe and free “caution to the wind “ atmosphere while packing in deep lyric content between the flashing electronics, swirling dazed soundscapes and funky guitar. The falsetto vocals are particularly sweet and showcase Davids’ warm range. ‘Sun & Moon’, ‘Like No Other Can’ takes us from the dance party to a chilled soul / R&B hued slow mover. It’s a slick romantic number to dim the light to and swoon over. ‘I Can’t Take This Feeling’ is the emotional sorrow filled track of the album that brings stormy clouds and rain filled with turmoil with contrasting electronics and dark beats.  The ÆTHER brings the album to a close with two tender heartfelt numbers ‘I Think Im Falling Going Nowhere’ and ‘Let Me Adorn You’.

‘ÆTHEREAL’ is filled with delicate tones, chilled vibes and oodles of soul which contrast beautifully against the albums dynamic electronics and funky guitar injections. Each song flows into the next with zealous finesse while the smooth vocals caress and glide over the melty melodies. It’s a charming album.

You can catch The ÆTHER live at:

13th April Tynemouth Surfcafe – Newcastle

9th June Chapel Arts Centre – Bath

Stream ‘ÆTHEREAL’ below


Third Smoke ‘We Run In Bare Feet’

Irish Alternative-Indie collective Third Smoke have released their new single ‘We Run In Bare Feet’. The band have been making their mark with wild, energetic performances in national slots supporting Glen Hansard, Le Galaxie and Delorentos as well as their own UK tour and headline appearances at Whelan’s, the Roisin Dubh and the Spirit Store. Last year also saw the collective perform for the first time at Ireland’s leading live music series Other Voices as well as appearing at a range of notable festivals including Longitude, Electric Picnic and Sea Sessions. Their releases have garnered support from Today FM, Spin 103.8, BBC Northern Island, RTE Radio 1 and RTE2FM.

‘We Run In Bare Feet’ is a biting anthemic number that floods with adrenaline and intensity from the get go. These guys kick the emotion lever up to maximum with a pounding drum progression which pulses and throbs a heart racing rush through your veins while jangly guitars soar, sting and shrill through the all consuming soundscape. Not only is this track breathtaking, Hugh Donlon’s vocals pack one hell of a punch. His powerful wails, deep passionate tones and mighty exclaims are filled with such gusto its captivating as he surges emotion into the track leaving you hanging on the edge of your seat. The song is a dance friendly ethereal tune overflowing with energy as airy guitars inject sweet blasts and breezy stings into a razor sharp melody which slices and shreds through the shaky soundscape. Third Smoke have created a powerful melody-driven track that is punchy, crisp and a griping thrill ride.

You can catch Third Smoke live at :

26TH April – The Sound House | Dublin

Stream ‘We Run In Bare Feet’ below


Jack Rua ‘Scarlet A’

Photo credit: PureGrand

Innovative pop artist Jack Rua has released his debut single ‘Scarlet A’ which was produced by fellow BIMM Dublin alumni Tenderhook. and the nationally-lauded Michael Heffernan. Jack Rua has plans already in motion to collaborate with more prominent Irish artists, as well as to release an EP in late 2019/early 2020.

‘Scarlet A’ is a sultry dark concoction of luring entrapment as Jack Rua blends catchy pop elements with mysterious fermenting electronics to create an invigorating dance pop number. With sticky pulsing beat slaps supporting the infectious foot tapping foundation while subtle flashing electronics create an enticing soundscape its a wholly riveting song. This track captivates you within its polished clean production while the enslaving melody shackles this tune into your mind as Jack Rua’s smooth passionate vocals whisper, coo and seduce throughout. It’s a steamy, catchy number with a compelling edge that charms and bewitches with sublime musicianship.

About the track Jack Rua said : “Scarlet A’ unapologetically questions the nature of human attraction and monogamy, whilst simultaneously evoking its listener to contemplate modern fascination with superficial things.”

Watch the video for ‘Scarlet A’ below


The Elephant Room ‘Bad News (For Good People)’

Dublin based The Elephant Room have released their new single ‘Bad News (For Good People)’which was recorded with Joe Mulcahy in Open Door Studios in Limerick city. Formed in 2017, The Elephant Room is a Lo-Fi, Indie-noise band composed of Frank, Shane and Ian. Their DIY approach to their music bleeds through to their art work and videos also, with everything being done in-house to create the bizarre, noir world that is The Elephant Room.

‘Bad News (For Good People)’ is a blissful swirl of melodic, intricate indie pop. With it’s sweet like honey melody floating delicately on an intoxicating bed of crashing sharp guitars and punchy rhythms this track is a tasty delight to tantalize the ears. Smooth vocals caress the melody with a moody laid back tone while the tasty guitars weave and wonder about the verses with a daydream stroll before blasting into the crashing rush of the chorus. The track has a grungy vibe while flurrying gracefully upon a delectable indie backdrop. It’s one for those lazy too hot to move days in the summer. The refined tight rhythms hold this fantastic track together with a binding of meaty grooves and punchy drum whacks as the guitars fester into a wailing wall of distortion. With its addictive melody, tight musicianship and thought provoking lyrical content ‘Bad News (For Good People)’ is another impressive, well crafted track from The Elephant Room.

You can catch The Elephant Room live at :

6th April – Wexford Art Centre, Wexford w/ The Motives

20th April – The Thomas House, Dublin 8 w/ Easy Tide and Father!

26th April – Odd Mollies, Drogheda w/ Hatchlings

Watch the video for ‘Bad News (For Good People)’ below


BELLES ‘Electric’

Brighton based alt-pop quartet BELLES have released their debut single ‘Electric’.The track, which is solely produced by bassist Sam Missing, is the first in a series of nostalgic tinged singles to be released this year. A combination of childhood friends and coincidental meetings, the Brighton newcomers comprised of George Clark (Vocals), James Westerman (Guitar), Sam Missing (Bass) and Alex Mold (Drums) formed at university and have already made a name for themselves along the south coast for their high energy and engaging live performances.

‘Electric’ is a kinetic youthful shot of adrenaline that uncoils it’s tasty indie sound delicately with each rich segment. The verses bounce and springboard with jangly guitars rebounding off punchy drums and an elastic bass feature while the chorus blisters and scorches with crashing guitars against an exhilarating backdrop. It’s upbeat with a melty catchy melody and an ethereal atmosphere laced with hyper energy. With a combination of dreamy love and angst-fueled lyrics that speak of a better time and smooth vibrant vocals this animated vivacious track is an impressive debut from BELLES.

About the track BELLES said: “‘Electric’ is about taking control of your life and allowing yourself to feel like you’re living again. It was the first song that we wrote together professionally and we love how natural it feels to us.”

Stream ‘Electric’ below


Izzy Eze ‘Woman’

London-based singer/songwriter Izzy Eze has released her long awaited first single, titled ‘Woman’. It’s an upbeat catchy track filled with attitude and sass. Izzy’s powerful vocals saturate the song with confidence and soul while the snappy beat and infectious melody glide into your ears with sweetness and pop goodness. With R&B flavours adding a dash of spice through the dynamic soundscapes this anthmic powerful track stomps its way into your head until you are singing along. It’s a richly crafted vibrant declaration of confidence, self-love and authenticity and a sublime debut from Izzy Eze.

About the single Izzy says: “ I wrote Woman mainly because I wanted people, especially women, to know that they are strong, powerful and that they can do anything. As women, we tend to apologise for being who we are but this song does the exact opposite. It says, ‘hey, look at me! I am a woman, I am unapologetic about it and I am ready to conquer the world! Writing this song actually flowed quite naturally. I think I was tired of frequently being asked to get my eyebrows threaded… and then Woman happened.”

Stream ‘Woman’ below


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sea Girls

Sea Girls have released their new single ‘Open Up Your Head’, another glimpse from their highly anticipated debut album, due later this year. The track which was premiered as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record is their first to be released since their BBC Sound of 2019 shortlist nomination at the end of last year.

‘Open Up Your Head’ continues Sea Girls exhilarating sound and passionate youth- filled melody. Shimmering soundscapes create a breathtaking backdrop for the ethereal guitars to soar over while punchy drums create a rhythmic dynamic foundation. Filled with anthemic power and warm emotional vocals teamed with lush backing vocals and a shredding guitar solo – this thumping rush of adrenaline is ready for stadiums and mass sing-alongs. Another compelling track from Sea Girls.

Vocalist Henry Camamile describes the song: ‘Open Up Your Head’ is about being your own worst enemy but having someone believing in you unconditionally. Some people struggle with self-esteem, some people party too hard, and some people feel stuck from making wrong choices. It can be crucial having someone who offers a hand out of those places we don’t want to remain in”


Stream  ‘Open Up Your Head’ below                 


BENJAMYN ‘Every Night’

BENJAMYN has released his new track ‘Every Night’ from his recently released debut EP  ‘TwentyThree’. BENJAMYN is the moniker chosen by Dublin musician Ben Hogan, as a singer/songwriter, guitarist and electronic producer – his style draws from Disco, Funk, Surf-Rock, Jazz, and House music. He calls his sound ‘Surf-House’.

‘Every Night’ is a floating breezy number with sun scorched undertones that drift through the track providing a glorious summer glow. With funky guitar flecks glimmering through a sticky beat, this track is laid back bliss in one mellow disco-speckled tune. Easy going vocals delicately flow over the melting ice cream melody and groove infested foundation.Tasty zest-filled guitar injections add a refreshing dash of vibrancy as BENJAMYN brings the lustrous summer into your ears for those sweet holiday daydreams.

Stream Every Night’ below