London based indie-alternative outfit, Oli Barton & The Movement have released their new live cover of Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’. The band take the haunting track and put their unique spin on it, twisting and coiling the eerie moments into something just as dark but with a mighty punch behind it (even adding the chorus of Slowthai’s ‘Doorman’ into the track’s mammoth finale). With sharp guitars blazing through pounding drums the band present a blistering assault to the senses while maintaining the mystery and spine chilling momentum of the original. Oli’s vocals are harsh and brazen. He prances through the verses with attitude and sass as he wails, whispers and bellows. Oli Barton & The Movement take the chilling aesthetic of ‘Bad Guy’ and turn it upside down to create a rock-doused, swagger-drenched force to be reckoned with.
Watch ‘Oli Barton & The Movement’ live video for ‘Bad Guys’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From INSIDEAWAVE
Following the release of singles ‘Ivy Honey’ and ‘Bright Windows In The Night’, Dublin five-piece indie rock band, INSIDEAWAVE have released their self titled debut EP with lead single ‘Tour Guides’. To date, the band have amassed over 15,000 streams on Spotify, with ‘Ivy Honey’ having achieved 4,000 streams in 2 months.Their mid-tempo, heartening indie vibes have led them to performing extensively in premier music venues in Ireland such as Whelan’s & The Grand Social, The Bello Bar, Workman’s Club, The Wiley Fox, Bruxelle’s, Tramline, Spirit Store and many more.
‘Tour Guides’ is an intriguing listening experience. Presented within clean production the band create a spacious and airy track with soft falsetto vocal coo’s and dreamy melody. Guitar stings slice through a wispy atmosphere as the band blend dark psychedelic elements with raw indie to create an invigorating soundscape.The rumbling bass entwines the track in an ominous sense of mystery while the rich rhythm and percussion create a bubbling foundation. There is a wonderful contrast between the brooding darker verses and blossoming burst of the chorus as the band slip effortlessly into a brighter luminous soundscape. With haunting vocals wailing as the track fades to its end INSIDEAWAVE keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through. These guys are master musicians.Their ability to compress so much wonderful sounds and elements into one track is impressive. INSIDEAWAVE are a band to keep an eye on.
Chay Snowdon have released their new single ‘What The Kids Want’ taken from from the bands upcoming debut EP ‘Are You Sitting comfortably? (Then we will begin)’, which will be released in the autumn. Chay Snowdon are an Indie Rock four piece who met whilst at University in Bristol. The band joined forces with highly acclaimed music producer John Cornfield (Muse, Supergrass, Razorlight etc.) to record this high tempo track
‘What The Kids Want’ is a blistering display of Chay Snowdon’s swagger drenched rock n roll. With shredding guitars soaring, wailing and searing through a curdling drum rumble and pulsing bass line the band showcase their ability to produce a high powered anthem laced in panache and refined instrumentation. It’s a well paced track which builds and simmers as a gritty riff and bubbling rhythmic section lead the intense verses into the mighty chorus. Dynamic vocals flood the track with attitude as the rock n roll backdrop chugs along behind however voice samples are placed onto the track as the drums gallop into the powerful crescendo. Well crafted with masterful production and musicianship ‘What The Kids Want’ is an energetic new single for this very talented band.
About the track Snowdon explains : “‘What the Kids Want’ is an amalgamation of lots of different stories and experiences as told through one central character. Most of the subject matter in the song derives from things Chay heard, experienced, or witnessed whilst living in Bristol. The story unfolds as if it could be the plot to an old Hollywood Blockbuster.“
Pauric O’Meara has released his latest single ‘Techno or RnB’. Pauric has had a standout year so far, with the ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’, EP gathering 50k streams and being received well with both radio and press.
Another richly melodic tune ‘Techno or RnB’ fleshes out the passionate and charming songwriting of Pauric O’Meara. With a sweet pop melody spread upon a bubbling indie backdrop this catchy number is a fun, infectious ditty reminiscing on the days of love, laughter and the connecting element of Festivals. A sweet radiant guitar glimmers between a steady beat as O’Meara’s emotive vocals coo with a lilt over the hazy melody. ‘Techno or RnB’ displays the emotive and radiant musicianship of Pauric O’Meara as he blends genres to create an engaging and irresistible earworm to listen to.
About the track O’Meara said ”I guess the message of this song is most definitely central to my love for festivals and how when I’m there, I’m not fussy as I’m just consumed by the atmosphere and the buzz from everybody. I also want to get the message across that when things go wrong, just focus on the good around you. In other words, when you get rejected at a festival by the love of your life, just pick yourself up and keep dancing!”
‘Hey Young Soul’ is the latest single to come from Australian singer songwriter Paul Moleta. Growing up in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne, Paul began writing songs at an early age. Blending alternative pop rock melodies with thoughtful and introspective lyrics, Paul Moleta has used his music as a driving force to follow his dreams. Paul relocated to Ireland in 2017. He fulfilled his dream of recording in Windmill Studios where he recorded his recent single ‘Hypnotised’ which has amassed nearly 20,000 streams on Spotify. Whilst living in Ireland he played major Irish festivals such as Electric Picnic, before moving back to Australia to continue pursuing music.
‘Hey Young Soul’ is an upbeat vibrant indie pop track brimming with energetic vibes and passionate songwriting. Inspired by his time spent in a rehabilitation center following lower spinal surgeries, ‘Hey Young Soul’ is laced in positive energy and rich instrumentation. With buoyant beats, jangly warm guitars and that summer-feeling atmosphere it’s a golden ray of sunshine in a song. Moleta’s warm vocals glide over the peppy melody while the sing along catchy chorus and clapping refrain make ‘Hey Young Soul’ quite the cheery anthem ready to brighten your day.
Talking about the song, Paul Moleta explains : “I wrote the song to remind myself and other Rehabilitators and families that love, persistence and a positive mindset will help us conquer the challenges each day presents us with. With its upbeat and summery sound, ‘Hey Young Soul’ marches us towards a stranger and happier mindset, a sentiment that has become increasingly important in our daily lives.”
Mechner has released his new single ‘Working Yourself to Death’. This is part four of his upcoming mini-LP “Club Idem”. Mechner is a new Cork based Artist, completely self-funded and self-produced, Mechner had great success with debut single “Surfacing”, notable for its music video which garnered over 25k views and was included in Indie Cork’s Film Festival to great crowd reaction. The music video of Working yourself to Death is especially notable for it’s lead “Lorcan O’Neill” playing the mysterious owner of “Club Idem” the fictional club which has featured across Mechner’s 2020 releases, as a continuing storyline emerges. O’Neill’s performance is not to be missed, shades of “Heath Ledger’s Joker and Tom Hardy’s Bronson” can be seen in his carefully controlled but explosive acting, he commands the cameras lens, with his background in dance providing his movement with meanacing intent.
‘Working Yourself to Death’ is a dark number as Mechner uses synths and precise soundscapes to create another chilling track. The flashing electronics drive the song while the cinematic production and haunting vocals create an icy atmosphere.The pulsing beat and mysterious melody exude an eerie melancholic tone as the song builds to its hair-raising crescendo. ‘Working Yourself to Death’ is a brooding catchy number which boasts the finesse and masterful musicianship of Mechner. He has a sublime ability to create intoxicating pieces of music which express his lyrical themes and ‘Working Yourself to Death’ is another prime example of this.
About the track Mechner said : “It is decidedly different than the previous singles released this year, acting as a rallying cry for the youth whom are working themselves to death with little hope for a secure future, a generation who can’t save, who will never own a home, because of a poorly regulated system that favours the landlords pockets…”
Watch the video for ‘Working Yourself to Death’ below
Cork-based three-piece The Lost Gecko have released an animated music video for their recent single, “On Sundays.” The song tells the story of two people caught in the waves of life, their lives colliding in uncertain times, with no idea how long it will last.The video was animated by Mark Corrigan, an award winning animator.The Lost Gecko is the brainchild of Malcolm and the tune was inspired by a boat trip that Malcolm took to Sherkin Island in West Cork.The band have released seven EPs, one album, and in the past few months five singles, all accompanying music videos, building up to their next album. Their music has been featured on RTE’s late date with Fiachna O Brainon and Cork’s 96fm Arts House with Pearse McCarthy. They’ve also played festivals in Amsterdam and toured in Finland, have gigged extensively around Ireland, including several festivals and sold-out shows in Cork.
‘On Sundays’ is a soothing acoustic track which showcases The Lost Gecko’s earnest songwriting and expressive musicianship. With warm cello lamenting through a steady beat the band surge rich melodic tones and cosy vibes into the track. The melancholic melody is softly caressed by Malcolm’s heartbreaking emotive vocals. His soothing rasp coos over the building backdrop and harmony on backing vocals while an acoustic guitar steadily keeps pace with the drums. ‘On Sundays’ is a tender and moving number showcasing The Lost Gecko’s masterful skill to tell a story through music.
The video displays the song’s tragic love story, and viewers are left with an open-ended resolution. The ethereal, dream-like animation compliments the acoustic, storytelling elements of the song. The handcrafted video reveals its narrative in small vignettes, where information is revealed and then quickly obscured.
Frontman Malcolm Urquhart says, “It’s about love, loss, mental health and the fallout.”
Dublin four-piece The Riptide Movement are back with their eagerly anticipated new single ‘Fall a Little More in Love’ which was co-produced in Attica Studios with Tommy McLoughlin (Villagers, SOAK).Hailing from Lucan, The Riptide Movement’s music has taken them all over the world from Main Stage at Electric Picnic to Glastonbury and Benicàssim. Their extensive recent ‘Something Special’ tour included a blistering headline performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. From busking on their native Grafton street to playing with the BBC Orchestra, Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, music has taken the band from Lucan to India, America, Russia, Australia and everywhere in between.With six critically-acclaimed studio records to their name – most notably The RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominated, Gold selling, Number 1 Album “Getting Through” – The Riptide Movement are renowned for their energetic live shows and soaring, guitar driven anthems, like “All Works Out”, “You & I” “Elephant in the Room” “Changeling” and “Something Special”. They also released an environmentally conscious web series called “Plastic Oceans” in 2018.
‘Fall a Little More in Love’ is honey to the ears as The Riptide Movement drizzle heart skipping indie-pop over a dreamy infectious melody. Jaunty guitar refrains add a buoyant lift to the track while the snappy beat and synth swirls create an intoxicating soundscape to perfectly accompany the beautiful melody. There is nothing sweeter than a heartfelt ditty and The Riptide Movement know exactly how to write one that is destined for repeat plays.They don’t over do it, adding just enough of each element to create a well blended mix of musical delight. The production on this track is superb as the synths effortlessly slip in between the full band sound to create the perfect harmony while Mal Tuohy’s warm vocals melt upon the catchy melody. With elements of country rock, indie, electronic and pop The Riptide Movement make a triumphant return with ‘Fall a Little More in Love’.
West-London based band Slender Pins have released their new single ‘Apprentice To Life’.This infectious stomping tune blazes in, swagged up and ready to rock. With 70’s punk pounding through a retro rock soundscape, the band present quite the fire cracker. Slinky guitars weave through a shimmy rhythm while the elastic bass line greases the tracks backbone in body moving grooves. The saunter on guitars meander between the heavier moments with elegance and skill while the charismatic vocals wail and flood the track in rebellious character. Experimenting with multi-genres is nothing new to Slender Pins and this carefree track is a fine display of their musical prowess. ‘Apprentice To Life’ is another fantastic and exhilarating track from Slender Pins.
Bio : The ‘getting over your ex’ summer anthem “Someone Else’s Clothes” is the debut single of Co.Down artist Riley Holland. Within her short 18 months in the music industry, she has earned her place as a “one to watch” within the international songwriting market, writing for signed and published artists at camps such as “Out of the Woods” in Norway and “TileYard” in London. Nationally, she reached the All-Ireland final of the StarNation competition representing Ulster, resulting in a sold out headline gig in Whelan’s Dublin, Her first live performance was in the semi-final of the ‘Belfast Nashville Young Songwriter of the Year’ in January 2019, where she went on to play the festival that year and has since flourished in the local music scene.
Track: Someone Else’s Clothes
Why We Like It: It’s a fresh electronic-pop track saturated in cool tones, intricate production and earnest songwriting. The upbeat bubbling backdrop surges with tropical twinkles and sun-kissed vibes while the bittersweet melody holds a contrasting air of joy with melancholic undertones. Holland’s laid back vocals ooze warm tones while the rich rhythm and electronic embellishment adorn the song in refreshing cool tones.With bright synths weaving between infectious hooks the track is a charming pop track that will stick in your head for days.
Bio : Santa Barbara, CA artist SODAPOP has released his new single ‘When I’m With You’.
Track: When I’m With You
Why We Like It: Smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the dreamy melody of this bright indie pop number as SODAPOP spreads tropical electronics over rich danceable beats. ‘When I’m With You’ is sun kissed and vibrant with a joyful buoyant atmosphere. Boasting jaunty guitars, shimmering keys and lush backing vocals teamed with lo fi bedroom pop SODAPOP presents another instantly likeable song. Check it out and enjoy.
About the track SODAPOP said :“I spent the last two years living abroad so I could save money and work on music full time. As much as I loved the nomadic lifestyle, I was pretty happy to come home to Cali. With this song, I tried to capture the essence of a Santa Barbara beach, both sonically and lyrically. That’s actually where the idea for the tune was started, when my buddy Noah showed me this little guitar idea he had. It took me a few months to translate that spark into a full song, but I’m quite happy with how it turned out – I think it’s my favorite song I’ve written.”
Bio :Skyfever has released their new single ‘Is This The End Of The World’. It’s the title track and 5th single from their debut album which is also available now.Initially introduced to audiences by Alice Cooper and DJ’s at Premier League games, they have waited until the right moment to bring out a fresh and fearless new sound.
Track: Is This The End Of The World
Why We Like It: It’s a mighty blast of alternative rock as Skyfever splurge passion and gusto over an anthemic chorus and energetic instrumentation. With intense guitars rushing through pummeling drums and a dramatic wall of sound the band flesh out this invigorating track with elements of Meat Loaf blended within the bands expressive and cinematic sound. Exuding crisp production, impressive layering and potent rock stamina ‘Is This The End Of The World’ is a knock out new track from Skyfever.
Bio : Self-styled Sad-Boy Pop band, Bad Love, have released their new single, ‘A Place For Me’. Combining contemporary, synth pop sounds with earnest, heartfelt lyrics, Bad Love create a hypnotic brand of pop music, as joyful as it is introspective.
Track: ‘A Place For Me’
Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering bittersweet synth pop gem which sparkles with Bad Love’s refined, intricate and sweet musicianship. With light chiming guitars glimmering between a sticky pulsing beat and sugar pop electronics, ‘A Place For Me’ is a fine example of the bands clean, melodic and infectious indie pop. Velvety emotive vocals glide effortlessly over the dreamy melody while delicate soundscapes bubble with ethereal tones. ‘A Place For Me’ is another earnest and well crafted track from Bad Love.
Bio : Austrian producer Filous has teamed up with indie band The Kooks on new single ‘Hey Love’.
Track: Hey Love
Why We Like It: ‘Hey Love’ is a charming romantic gem which glides elegantly upon a sweet guitar refrain and spongy beat. Smooth vocals from Luke Pritchard caress the rose-hued melody while indie folk twangs and soft twinkle on keys shimmer in the background. The production is soft and gentle allowing the song to float into a bouyant soundscape as the charming tempo, delicate summer glow and swoony nostalgic melody ooze tender emotion. Showcasing balmy guitar moments, flurries on strings and an irresistible charm ‘Hey Love’ is quite the soothing romantic delight.
