Dublin-based singer/songwriter/producer Dunluvly has released his new single, ‘Something On My Mind’.The song is the second release off Dunluvly’s upcoming EP, ‘Plethora’.
Exuding a chilled atmosphere, subtle R&B elements and indie pop melodies, Dunluvly crafts ‘Something On My Mind’ superbly. The multitude of textures created through looped guitar and meticulous attention to detail showcase just how talented Dunluvly is as an artist. Each subsequent listen provides a new treat to the ears as it reveals a new melody, rhythmic pull or electronic twinkle within the song’s rich sonics. With warm indie guitar peering behind a lo-fi beat and agitated percussive progression Dunluvly creates a vibrant backdrop for his smooth vocals and hook filled melody to flourish within. ‘Something On My Mind’ is wonderful track from Dunluvly. Looking forward to hearing more from Dunluvly.
About the track Dunluvly says, “I wrote the track when I was in the decision making process of trying to move out. I was going a bit mad living at home with my family, and feeling mounting frustration at the impossibility of moving out in the county that I grew up in. The song expresses the agitation of wanting to fly the nest but feeling chained. It felt impossible to work to afford a place to live and also have the time to pursue creative endeavours.“The main hook of the track is a looped melody that repeats quite a bit in the song. It mimics being caught in a mental loop and being haunted by the same recurring thoughts.”
Nashville Indie-pop, alternative band Nightly have released their debut album ‘night, love you’. In true Nightly manner ‘night, love you’ overflows with genuine, heartfelt warmth and refined musicianship. These guys write infectious earworms oozing lush intricate arrangements that create wonderfully melodious tunes.
Synths wisp and soar through the tracks creating an ethereal atmosphere which exudes sweet hues and lush textures that flourish through ‘the car’, ‘mess in my head’ and ‘not like you’. Indie jaunty guitar bursts add a dash of vigor through the tracks as the band allow each song show a new facet of their musicianship. The 80’s shimmering disco ball of ‘time online’ is a lonely bop with elements of auto tune on the vocals. The tracks bittersweet infectious melody is an instant hook which entices the listener into submission while a danceable shuffling beat coupled with cinematic production makes ‘time online’ a memorable track on the album.
A number of interludes embellish the album providing a The 1975 vibe for ‘(howitfeels)’ – exuding sparkling synths, bubbling beats and audio clips, this darker number displays a unique facet to the bands sound while the short ‘turnpike’ showcases Nightly’s heavier electronic side as they layer deft beats over an electronic soundscape. ‘whiskey’ displays the light-hearted and fun element of the album while paving the way for the ultimate summer tune, ‘summer’. This upbeat ditty is the gem. Though all the songs warrant a memorable place on the album there’s something special about ‘summer’. Maybe it’s the nostalgic vibe, radiant atmosphere or dreamy melody, the song emcompasses everything youthful and free. The band continue this knockout melodic flow through their slower ballads. ‘older’ which is my favourite track is an earnest account of growing up and the fear and expectation associated with it. A relatable theme set to beautiful music, it’s the most moving track on the album. The song is honest and filled with weaving electronics, soft beats and bubbling soundscapes which caress Jonathan Capeci’s soft coos as he perfectly delivers the lyrics with passion and tenderness. With warm guitar accompanying his voice this emotional tune is a captivating example of how well Nightly capture emotion within their lyrics and music.
The band build on natural emotion, expertly crafting it through this album to provide an incredibly powerful collection of sonic beauties. However they keep the tempo bubbly and bright with ‘so sly’ and ‘lose a friend’ while ‘the movies’ returns the album to that dreamy nostalgic melancholy that could make your heart bleed. The album comes full circle with ‘i got so much to tell you’. A minimalist track with reverb vocals and echoed soundscapes; the song builds tension ever so carefully. Themes of love, confusion and fear all flood through the song’s lyrics while the swirling electronics and lofty soundscapes create space between the clicking and pulsing beats.
There is a magical quality to Nightly’s melodic wizardry. Their ability to pull passion, sadness and love out of every note is masterful. The band have nurtured their sound and allowed it blossom into something beautiful and passionate. Emotion drives this collection of tracks. ‘night, love you’ is a catalogue of life and a journey of the heart set to intricate, cinematic sounds and emotive vocals – a wholesome, wholly consuming listening experience.
Irish Pop Singer/Songwriter Taylor Mas has released his new single ‘Bad News’.Despite ‘Bad News’ being Taylor Mas’s debut single as a solo artist, she has had many years of experience in the music scene in Ireland. Having completed a level 8 Degree in Songwriting at BIMM Dublin she has performed vocals for many different artists and bands across Dublin in multiple different recording studios as well as performing at Electric Picnic, Longitude, Knocken Stocken and many more Irish music events and gigs.
Exuding lyrical depth, ‘Bad News’ isa moving number which displays Taylor Mas’ ability to express emotionally powerful songwriting through beautiful musicianship. The delicate melody gracefully glides through an atmospheric backdrop of elegant keys and wispy synths creating a haunting and time stopping effect within the tune as Mas’ soft vocals give a tender earnest delivery on a heart-wrenching theme. With pop sensibilities weaving into powerful ballad-esque soundscapes Mas announces herself with a meaningful and utterly gripping number sure to pull a tear from your eye.
About the track Taylor Mas said: ‘’Bad News was written at a time in my life where I felt absolutely everything was going wrong for me. My career, my health, my relationships were all treading on thin ice and I was simply waiting for what would happen next to push me over the edge. I saw hope in nothing and felt like everyone was fine except me. I believe there are moments and times like this in every person’s life. I hope many people will relate to the song’s lyrics, especially now with how uncertain the world is. This song really highlights the importance of mental health and I hope people will listen and realise they are not alone in how they feel.’’
British singer-songwriter Conrad Ashton has released his latest single ‘The Longest Night’.Recorded at Blank Studios in Newcastle, the song was originally written in 2016, but was brought back to life in the studio with a little help from his production team, Chris Mcmanus and Mark Johnson. Championing the message of “it’s okay not to be okay” Conrad Ashton is releasing ‘The Longest Night’ in the hopes of helping other people who might be feeling the same way.
‘The Longest Night’ is a slick and upbeat number displaying Conrad Ashton’s emotive musicianship. The track is a dynamic passionate anthem which exudes an intense uplifting atmosphere. Edgy indie weaves between pop elements accompanied by jangly guitars, a buoyant beat and warm vocals with breezy, echoed, backing vocals reinforcing the biting quality of the chorus. With a shredding guitar solo and vibrant instrumental backing ‘The Longest Night’ is an impressive and passionate new single from Conrad Ashton
Soda Blonde have released their live performance film ‘Love Me World’ on YouTube. This is not just a live performance but an epic, cinematic, performance film, the band wanted to raise the bar when it comes to live streaming and created a true masterpiece. Fresh off the back of their 2nd EP release, being named as one of Ireland’s top music acts in The Irish Times, support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, RTE 1, Today FM and 2FM, and with an album on the way, Soda Blonde are one of the fastest rising stars in the Irish music scene.
This performance is a real treat with the band providing both a unique and mesmerising visual as well as a standout performance containing a mix of the bands released and unreleased songs.
About the film the band say….
“For the launch of ‘Love Me World’ we wanted to create a livestream like no other. To do so we took inspiration from Lila Avilés’ ‘The Chambermaid’ and Jonathon Demme’s iconic ‘Stop Making Sense’. In a playful nod to the sterilised times we live in, the show opens with Faye dressed as a hotel cleaning lady. On her hands and knees she sanitises her way across a festooned catwalk to a heightened new world of her imagination. ‘Love Me World’ is about the idea of bending to fit the zeitgeist in the pursuit of acceptance and love. With that in mind we wanted our performance to evolve with each song and eventually lead to a ‘Cinderella’ moment. A huge thank you to Kelly Campbell, Daniel Katz, Eugenia Genucci, David Crean and Ryan Hargadon – without whom none of this would have been possible! – Faye, Adam, Donagh, Dylan“
We had the pleasure of reviewing this amazing live stream back in September and were blow away by the bands ambition and talent.
AJ Wander has released his eagerly awaited debut single ‘Time Out’ following huge signings with the US-based Elevation Group and UK-based BDi Music during the pandemic. Produced by Brad Mair (Dean Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Kygo, Twin Atlantic), ‘Time Out’ is a prime example of London-based AJ Wander’s emotive, substantive pop songwriting. He is one of the British artists to watch in 2021. The song, written soon after an explosive breakup, offers an intimate take on a universally relatable topic – relationships. The catharsis that came from writing “Time Out” inspired Wander to continue down this creative path – resulting in the tracks “Eye to Eye”, “Way We Walk” and “Back to Back” – all recorded and produced in Barcelona by Mair just prior to the lockdown and scheduled to be released in 2021 as a part of Wander’s debut EP.
With emotive melodies, bubbling instrumentation and oodles of passion ‘Time Out’ is a captivating well crafted debut from AJ Wander. The track simmers upon a pulsing beat and progressive cinematic soundscapes as warm guitars, elegant piano twinkles and lush harmonies on backing vocals fill out the song’s dramatic wall of sound.Wander’s smooth emotive vocals glide upon the bitter sweet melody with ease as the lyrics reflect on a breakup. Wander provides an uplifting take on this tender theme. Although the verses bubble and brood with a dark undertone Wander provides relief for the chorus as it carries the track’s anthemic aesthetic. Looking forward to hearing more from AJ Wander.
Bio : Barefoot Magicians formed in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios. The band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a blues groove. Comprised of Dave Greene on harmonica and vocals, Graham Stewart on Guitars, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Paraic Carroll on Bass and Petra žižak on Keys the band has recently enjoyed two live recording sessions in Windmill Lane and Sun Recording Studios with more exciting new material due to be released in the coming months.
Track: Can’t Find Love
Why We Like It: It’s a funky richly arranged number doused in the bluesy sound of Barefoot Magicians. Slick nimble licks on guitar holler between the infectious bass groove and punchy drums making the track instantly catchy and likeable. With warm harmonica blasts weaving between the buoyant foundation and tight percussive shimmy while the catchy melody and shredding solo highlight the tracks hyper infectious aesthetic.
Bio : Lovepet Horror is the Bristol Singer Songwriter Scott Clar. ’Mistic Vistic’ was recorded at Dockside Studios in Bristol, England.The track will be the third release of 2020 and the third from a Debut album that is currently in the works
Track: Mistic Vistic
Why We Like It: It’s an elegant track which flows upon a lamenting violin melody, acoustic guitar chimes and a buoyant percussive shimmy. The track has an eerie cold tone yet Clar builds and surges rich indie elements and subtle pop textures into the track to create a unique melodic tune.
Bio : Wild Tibetan Monks are an indie rock band from Dublin comprised of Sean (bass, vocals), Ringo (guitar), and Liam (drums). They met and banded in college in 2011 and performed together for several years, playing covers as well as original material. In 2018 the band traded Dublin for Perth, Australia for a two-year journey of music and exploration. The band toured around Western Australia, and had a varied lineup over the years, including different singers and a horn section. They also began recording their original music.
Track: Cartoons
Why We Like It: It’s a blistering and emotive whack of indie rock as the band use ambient soundscapes to create a tense and airy atmosphere. A repetitive cold refrain on guitar pulses while a wriggling bass line wanders though the tracks spacious backdrop allowing the drum’s light bounce to maintain the foot tapping beat for the verses. The sublime tension boils over for the chorus as the trio flesh out their blazing rock edge. With emotive rasped vocals, oozing passion from every note ‘Cartoons’ is a sublime new track. The meticulous build and shredding guitar work makes Wild Tibetan Monks a band to keep an eye on.
Bio : Electric Blue is the debut single by UK singer songwriter Charles Darling.The song is about the initial spark of connection you feel with someone when you’re first getting to know them. The song is an autobiographical story written with an air of fantasy around its own events. The accompanying music video visually shares some of the deeper themes in the song such as, predestination and love’s subjectivity.
Track: Electric Blue
Why We Like It: This cinematic rock track rushes with a sense of urgency as vigorous guitars flurry and surge over a bubbling adrenaline-filled drum and bass backdrop. The song builds to its dynamic crescendo filled with energetic bursts and tantalising instrumental heights. With warm vocals, alternative punk rock elements and anthemic chorus the track has everything to get a crowd engaged. ‘Electric Blue’ is a sublime debut from Charles Darling.
Bio : spectre is an emerging producer and artist who cultivates a blend of punk, emo and hip-hop in the creation of their music. Breaking out on to the scene with their debut single “earthquake” featuring talented Irish rapper Uppbeat, spectre offers a single track as a tease of what is just beyond the horizon.
Track: earthquake
Why We Like It: It’s a smooth number saturated in chilled R&B and swirling electronics. Oozing an infectious melody and fluid raps the track has a laid back charm to it. With warm twinkling synths weaving between bubbling soundscapes and a smooth pop melody, earthquake is an all encompassing tune.
I caught up with Evan Walsh from The Zen Arcade to discuss the release of the bands debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’. We talked about their podcast Higher Fidelity, Peter O’Hanlon’s lyrical wizardry and what they have planned for the coming months.
Irish Band VAHN have released their new single ‘Teeth’. This luring number is saturated in dark electronics creating the most tantalizing listening experience. With rhythmic pulses, intense soundscapes of swirling synths and distortion the track is an eerie and frantic tune. ‘Teeth’ is expertly layered and gradually builds, becoming more fuzz filled and frantic as the fizzing electronics and guitars merge into one hypnotic, dazing and psychedelic wall of sound. The haunting whispered vocals coo and lure throughout, allowing the instrumentation draw the listener into the track’s dark abyssal soundscape. With sensual grooves and irresistible melodies ‘Teeth’ ventures between indie, electronic pop and psychedelic with ease. An impressive and satisfying new number from VAHN.
BAD TOUCH / NORFOLK / Shot by Rob Blackham / www.blackhamimages.com
We caught up with Stevie Westwood frontman from classic rock band Bad Touch to talk about the bands fourth album ‘Kiss The Sky’ which was released this year, their writing process and recording in Rockfield Studios
You released your fourth album ‘Kiss The Sky’ this year. It is a powerful, swagger soaked collection of bangers. How do you guys keep your sound fresh four albums in?
We’ve always been and will always be Bad Touch. We play feel-good rock n roll for the soul. Our never ending mission to give you the night you’ll never forget; a break away from the monotony and tyranny of life, and to leave anybody who is awesome enough to come to a gig smiling from ear to ear. That’s our mantra. This album is 110% just that, this is a dancing round your bedroom, annoying your neighbours album; that we hope people will love any bit as much as we do.
Was your music writing process for this album different to the previous albums?
Not much has changed since the early days, we still write and rehearse in the same space we have since day one. We just write about emotions and situations we all feel and have experienced, in a hope that someone else feels the same way and can connect to our music. Our attitude towards writing remains true as well, we’re a melting pot of influences and ideas from every member, not bound by role. Quite often George (drums) will have a vocal line or guitar riff, just as often as I’ll have an idea for a drum beat… it keeps things fresh.
The tracks in the album are full of feel good powerful tunes with shredding guitars, pummeling drums and oodles of soul. Talk us through how you chose the songs for the album?
We took a lot more time, effort, sweat and tears when it came to this album from the get-go. Our attitude to songwriting was a lot more critical. If a song wasn’t cutting-the-mustard, we either changed it until it did, or chucked it in the bin and moved on. No compromises.
Your songs boast some pretty slick riffage. How do you guys come up with these gritty riffs?
When you have two riff-meisters like Rob and Seeks it just comes naturally haha
It’s a swagger drenched album laced in classic rock. I especially like ‘Strut’ it really does fill you with that prancing confidence. Tell us how you wrote and crafted that track?
‘Strut’ was one of the first songs we wrote for ‘Kiss The Sky.’ Seeks (guitar) had that biting riff, and George (drums) had the vocal melody for the chorus, so we took it from there. We always write together and everyone chips in, it’s a real fun way to write.
Do you have a track on the album that you are particularly proud of or enjoyed writing?
Speaking personally, I can hand-on-heart say that I am proud and love every track on ‘Kiss The Sky.’ This album has been the hardest one to write so far, for all the right reasons. We’ve put so much into this as individuals and collectively as a unit, and we’re super proud with the end result. It’s fun, it’s loud, it’s in-your-face, it’s everything that Bad Touch have always been, plus so much more.
You guys got to record the album in Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, It’s where Oasis created their masterpieces, where Bohemian Rhapsody came to life and where Coldplay’s journey into the musical stratosphere took off. A place with such history can do one of two things: fill you with awe and make you strive to bring out the best in your tunes or fill you with shattering expectations and pressure. Did you get an instant shot of inspiration or fear within the studio’s walls?
It was completely jaw-dropping-ly awe-inspiring. We are so privileged as a group of friends to have recorded in a place with such musical gravitas. It really did kick us up a notch as musicians, and just felt so right. Plus I got to sit at Freddie’s piano, the one he wrote ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on, it doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Is it difficult to get the raw energy you guys bring to your live shows into the recording?
For that we owe a special mention to our producer, (who later became our friend), Nick “Brino” Brine… He deserves a serious pat on the back. Through many tireless hours, he’s managed to capture and refine that raw energy that we’ve always had, but always struggled to get down on recordings up until “Kiss The Sky,” so to him we owe tremendous thanks.
You have announced your March/April 2021 UK tour.The 14-date tour includes Norwich, Manchester, London, Cardiff and Glasgow. What have you got planned for the shows?
With the year that 2020 has been, we owe it to our fans and to ourselves to make this the most explosive and fun tour yet, and we plan to do just that. We can’t wait to reconnect with the Bad Touch Family and hopefully make some new friends along the way. (badtouchrocks.co.uk for full tour details)
You guys are known for your energetic and raw live shows. Are you missing the live show energy at the moment?
What a question! It’s like we’ve lost the best part of ourselves, to say we are missing it is a huge understatement. We cannot wait to be back on stage doing what we were born to do, but we won’t until it is safe to do so, for the sake of everyone. Stay safe everybody.
You’ve been doing Facebook videos called “The Isolation Sessions” to stay connected with your fans while everyone is at home.Have you felt pressure to make each one better than the last?
I like to think that some of the beauty of The Isolation Sessions was that it was just me and my guitar playing into my mobile phone. That’s it. It wasn’t about the production or the effects, it’s just me having a go at some songs that have influenced me as a singer. I did one a day for around fifty days, they’re on hiatus at the minute, but who knows, I may dust off the guitar soon!
Have you found time to write and relax during the lull in touring?
We’re still promoting ‘Kiss The Sky’ at the moment, but we’re always writing and looking to the future.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start a band?
Just do it, and don’t give up. If you’ve got a band you love, playing music you love, you can make it work, and everything else will fall in place around it. Trust me.
What have Bad Touch got planned for the rest of the year?
Sadly this year seems to be all but written off, nobody knows what’s around the corner at the minute, but know that we’ll be here to rock your socks off when we come out the other side. Stay safe you beautiful people.
Stream ‘Kiss The Sky’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
