Cloakroom Q have released their new single ‘Nowhere To Spit’ off their upcoming album ‘Yes Again’. Liberated by an LCD Soundsystem gig in 2016, Cloakroom Q became upstarts with synths, loops and dynamic tension. They mess with the idea of stage performance, with primary colours, smudges of make-up and even mock fights on stage. From the Mournes area of South Down and now based in Belfast, they have experimented with spoken word and confessional themes.
‘Nowhere To Spit’ is a theatrical display from Cloakroom Q. as they use their unique storytelling and quirky melodic hooks to create a refreshing alternative art rock track. With a lush variety of instruments from horns and bells to organs; the band flesh out their sound superbly. The track kicks into motion with a delicate guitar jingle while ominous vocals haunt in the background. ‘Nowhere To Spit’ displays a sublime contrast between soft sweet twinkling moments and mysterious sinister progressions with elements of theatrical bursts throughout. Glittering keys provides a light innocence to the track while strident guitars and punchy drums create glimmers of rock which unfolds with elements of stage performance theatrics. ‘Nowhere To Spit’ is quite an intriguing blend of music which works well within the band’s unique and powerful soundscape.
Bio : Paperflower. is an independent alt pop/ indie rock project formed by Charlie PJ Phillips. Phillips, is 21 year old musician who writes, records and produces all his music in his room. He started writing under the name Paperflowers. recently after starting his BA Hons’ study at Leeds College of Music. Paperflower. has recently released a two track collection ‘I’ll Be Alright / Let Go.’
Track: I’ll Be Alright
Why We Like It: It’s a clean pop number doused in exhilarating soundscapes and sublime production. With twinkling guitar zealously slicing through an eruption on electronics the track has a hyper fun chorus while the verses cool the tone with ethereal moments brooding between sweet melodies and soft vocals. The track has a dreamy atmosphere with soft graceful melodies exuding majestic indie between the steady beat and lush intricacies. ‘I’ll Be Alright’ is a beautiful and comforting piece of bedroom pop from Paperflowers.
About the track Charlie PJ Phillips said : “My latest release titled ‘I’ll Be Alright / Let Go.’ Stems from an event in my life that occurred recently and explores the feelings of losing someone very close,to move on from this I wrote the two songs almost like an explanation to myself.I like to think that people who enjoy my music find comfort and relate to the stories being told.”
Bio : Anna Jane Jackson is a model, actress, and musician based in LA. She was the vocalist in a teen country/Americana band, modelled internationally, and has appeared in many TV shows, commercials, and films. ‘Bittersweet Love’ was written for the soundtrack of the upcoming film Evan Wood featuring Jere Burns (Dead to Me, Breaking Bad), Trevor Stines (Riverdale, Purity Falls), and MacCallister Byrd (NCIS, Strange Angel).
Track: Bittersweet Love
Why We Like It: It’s a catchy number with warm guitar, cinematic soundscapes and emotive vocals. A pulsing beat and dark electronics create the stormy atmosphere of the chorus while the lighter twinkle for the verse provides a sublime contrast. With a raw singer songwriter feel the track is a refreshing number and satisfying listen.
Bio : Up and coming Irish songwriter Owen Rua makes his impressive debut with his new single ‘Do You Ever Think of Me?
Track: Do You Ever Think of Me?
Why We Like It: It’s a powerful indie pop anthem surging with passion while dark soundscapes wisp the backdrop in eerie sultry tones. Jaunty guitars glimmer between thick electronics as Owen Rua injects edgy moments into his indie pop concoction. With an upbeat backdrop of buoyant beats and smooth melody the song has a danceable quality. However there is a darker undertone to the track which oozes from the lyrics and expressed through Rua’s emotive vocals. His vocals caress the velvety melody allowing the bubbling rhythm to create tension in the background. Do You Ever Think of Me? is a bewitching indie pop number and magnificent debut from Owen Rua
Bio : James Jack is a 19 year old musician from Callington, Cornwall, who has been playing guitar for over ten years. Previously he has been the frontman to the Plymouth based band “Echo Chamber” where he has played at festivals such as Boardmasters and Port Eliot festival, as well as playing in front of the likes of Michael Eavis with “The Little Mammoths” at Pilton’s NYE party.He is now working on writing and recording songs for his debut EP, which is planned to come out later this year. Demo tapes from this project, such as “Crush” have been played on local BBC radio. Other works of his, such as “I Should Be In London”, won him The Old Bakery’s Live Lounge Competition recently.
Track: Can We Talk?
Why We Like It: Brimming with shredding indie rock and exhilarating energy ‘Can We Talk?’ is a fantastic debut. A cool laid back vocal display is spread upon a vibrant backdrop of jaunty guitars and punchy drums as the song drives upon a blazing backdrop of alternative rock. With a scorching guitar solo, catchy chorus and swagger dripping from every powerful note ‘Can We Talk?’ displays James Jack’s kinetic songwriting and refined edgy musicianship.
Bio : 23 year old Galway native Brendan Murray is no stranger to the music industry, having been a part of boy band ‘HomeTown’ managed by Louis Walsh, “HomeTown” achieved three chart hits in Ireland, including the number one singles “Where I Belong” in 2014, and “Cry for Help” in 2015. Their debut album, HomeTown, was released in November 2015 and peaked at number four in Ireland. Brendan then went on to represent Ireland at the Eurovision and was one of the finalists in X Factor 2018, mentored by One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. He secured a spot in the semi-final of the series, finishing in 5th place
Track: Let Go
Why We Like It: With infectious melodic hooks, crisp electronics and dance floor summoning soundscapes ‘Let Go’ takes Murray’s sound to an electrifying new level. With heavy beats providing an EDM element the songs rhythmic section pulses through the track with relentless stamina allowing the swirling electronics to build and create tension while the catchy pop melody and soft vocals create that earworm likeability.
Bio : Black Honey have released their new track called ‘Beaches’.The song is the first material to be released from the Brighton outfit since their self-titled debut album, which arrived back in 2018.
Track: Beaches
Why We Like It: This retro tinged indie sizzler struts in on a stomping rhythm while sultry guitar lines provide a desert haze through the bubbling backdrop. It’s a fun summer anthem with jubilous horns adorning the chorus in warmth while Izzy B. Phillips’ sultry coos lull over the blistering backdrop and laid back cheeky, clapping rhythm. With a 60’s vibe spread over a psych hued indie soundscape Black Honey have provided another infectious track sure to get those feet tapping, hips shaking and bodies shimmying.
Following the success of debut release ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ in April, manic Waterford rockers 7Levels return with the explosive ‘Hard Drive’. With ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ receiving support from RTÉ 2fm’s Dan Hegarty, 7Levels have made a very quick impression on the Irish music scene. The band consists of Ger Reid, Mike Fox, Caela Murphy, Cian Dalton, Adam Cullen Stafford and Lou Bennett.
With a bloodthirsty rhythmic backdrop, ‘Hard Drive’ is quite the blazing second single from 7Levels. Guitars rampage through the backdrop with blazing fury and majestic scorches while the rooted demon-summoning bass lines curdle through the tracks underbelly. The jagged stomps, raging drums and spitting punk vocals drive home the songs theme of the dangerous world of online personas while adding a murky dark undertone to the track’s scorching rock coating and mosh pit ready mania. With an all out anarchy drenched crescendo ‘Hard Drive’ displays a wild and raw side to 7Levels powerful and compelling musicianship.
Dublin-based trap-pop singer/songwriter/ producer Mac Rose has released his new single ‘I Need This’. The beat was made by Hill Kidd, with further production, vocal recording, mixing, and mastering by Mac Rose.Born in England and raised in Ireland, Mac Rose spent his teen years listening to grunge, rock, and learning to play a variety of instruments. His releases have amassed over 65k streams on spotify, and he has a growing and loyal social media fan base.
With clean production hazy soundscapes and hip hop flavours ‘I Need This’ displays Mac Rose’s modern pop charm and musical versatility. ‘I Need This’ is a sweet ditty exuding delicate dreamy melodies mixed with smooth R&B to create quite the easy listening experience. Mac Rose tells a story of being vulnerable in love through melancholic beats and superb musicianship. The intricate beats slap between warm bass lines and twinkling guitars. The track travels into an ethereal soundscape while his rasp filled vocals ooze a rock tone and soothing warmth.
Mac Rose is quite the songwriter. The chorus is just immaculate, evoking images of stadium crowds swaying and singing back the lyrics with a watery, cheery glint in their eye. He is building his sound superbly. At present he is walking the intriguing line where hip hop and alternative rock combine and the result is pretty impressive. Mac Rose certainly is an artist to keep an eye on.
About the track Mac Rose said “Hill Kidd sent me the bones of a sombre, hopeful beat. I remember listening to it and replying to him saying “I need this!” and right away started writing lyrics. The song is about relying on someone, needing someone. Even though there’s shit involved and things aren’t always good, you still need everything they give you. At the end of the day it’s worth it, and you would do anything for the other person.”
Danny G & the Major 7ths have released their new single ‘D.A.R.L.I.N.G.’ feat. Tolü Makay & Jamel Franklin with all proceeds on Bandcamp (Pay what you like) going to MASI. This song was written and recorded in isolation.
D.A.R.L.I.N.G. is a smooth slice of R&B soul. Rooted in a deep funky groove this sultry track drifts over a hip tantalizing beat while the elastic bass wriggles in the backdrop with a warm bounce. Tolü Makay’s vocals melt on top the velvety melody with soulful tones while Danny Groenland’s coos float through the slinky chorus. It’s a clean polished and steamy number filled with rich instrumentation. Lyrically the song evokes the complex feelings of love and longing that are both strained and strengthened by distance. Jazz-infused piano sprinkles a classy chilled tone over the sticky R&B pop elements while Jamel Franklin’s fluid raps roll into the tracks crescendo with an effortless ease. The entire track is a mellow night time schmooze presented with chic class and relaxed swagger.
About the track Danny said : “The genesis of this collaboration came from my group playing gigs with both Jamel and Tolü, I was already a huge fan of both artists. I had the song’s chorus and beat – it gave me an early 2000’s Neosoul vibe. Tolü and Jamel wrote their verses, the Major 7ths added their parts and the song came together really organically.”
The music video was recorded by friends of the artists and represents their different reactions on a video call to a loved one in isolation. See if you can spot some familiar faces* among the 50 people (and 1 cat). Stream it below
PhilMi5fit has released his latest single ‘End of the World Song’. PhilMi5fit has been creating music for over 15 years, always searching for something new to push his guitar playing to the next level. Citing Gary Moore, Carlos Santana and Steve Vai as his influences, his music fuses Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and virtuous guitar. Written and produced by himself, PhilMi5fit took the challenge with ‘End of the World Song’ allowing the experience to push himself as an artist. The video is a dreamy nostalgic raw vision of the sensation that the sound is supposed to look like, a visual representation of the tornado of emotions that inspired the creative process for this song.
‘End of the World Song’ is a blistering acute instrumental track bursting with kinetic energy and nimble guitar work. The song ventures from shredding raw riffs to swift, slick licks and gritty solos as PhilMi5fit pivots the track around his guitar prowess. With pummeling drums providing the ground shaking backdrop to the robust instrumentation, ‘End of the World Song’ is an intriguing listen and fantastic display of musicianship from PhilMi5fit.
SODAPOP has released his new single ‘Looking Like That’. SODAPOP is the artist project of Kane Nania, a Santa Barbara, CA native who spent two years abroad working on songwriting and production. He lived in Thailand for 7 months and Serbia for a year in an effort to save money so he could focus solely on music. The first two singles released have picked up traction, landing on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Bedroom Pop playlists,
‘Looking Like That’ is a catchy laid back gem which drifts effortlessly along SODAPOP’s luscious musicianship. His bedroom pop is infectious and upbeat as he lavishly spreads intricate danceable rhythms over sweet melodies while synths and zesty guitar refrains shimmer and sprinkle the track with sun kissed radiance. His smooth vocals are honey to the ears as he coos the catchy melody over a bubbling indie backdrop. ‘Looking Like That’ is meticulously layered and well produced with relatable songwriting. The mellow earworm melodies display just how talented Kane Nania is. ‘Looking Like That’ is a polished lustrous anthem, sure to brighten anyones day.
About the track Kane Nania said : “While I was living in Thailand honing my skills as a writer, I adopted this mindset that I felt a lot of the locals had, perhaps as a result of the Buddhist influence. For me it’s the idea of not letting negative outcomes in your life affect you too much emotionally. After leaving that beautiful country, I felt that mentality start slip away. This song is mostly a reminder to myself to not worry too much about the past (or the future). You hear that all the time, but the catharsis of writing this song helped me really reestablish that frame of mind.”
Stage’ is the latest single to come from Japanese solo project Farnature. Written about the intersection of nature and city life, ‘Stage’ gives the spotlight to the sounds of the natural world, and contrasts this with the bustle of daytime in the city. ‘Farnature’ is a solo project from Japan who co-writes with a UK based writer and collaborates with guest vocalists from around the world. Farnature’s songs are characterised by their 6/8 time signatures and emphasis on the 3rd and 6th beats of the bar.
‘Stage’ is a vibrant and rich hybrid of electronic and world music that creates quite the intense and full sound.The song is meticulously crafted to create layers of rich and unique soundscapes as Farnature experiments with quirky instrumentation to create a sound wholly their own. With flamenco rhythms bustling behind light guitar refrains and swirling synths the track whirls with progressing intensity allowing the rhythms imitate the hectic pace of the city while a sweet melody builds as the track reaches its epic crescendo. With the rooted bass grooves weaving between the songs ethereal electronics and powerful vocals ‘Stage’ is quite the unique and intriguing track.
Benji and the Saltwater Sound System have released their new single ‘Lights and Smoke’. ‘Lights and Smoke’ is the third single to be released from the upcoming Benji and the Saltwater Sound System EP, ‘Ripples of Thunder’. Benji and the Saltwater Sound System draw from Ben Fowler’s recent immersion into islander flavours and fuse these with the jazz, reggae and African roots of its members past musical projects.Benji and the Saltwater Sound System have played acclaimed festivals including Woodford, the National Folk Festival, Mitchell Creek Rock N’ Blues.
Exuding a soft layering of folk, pop and indie ‘Lights and Smoke’ is a lush unfolding of Benji and the Saltwater Sound System’s wonderful musicianship. With guitar twinkling over a rumbling beat the track begins light and radiant before the chorus introduces warm melodies on cello provided by Sivan Agam of the April Maze. ‘Lights and Smoke’ lyrically draws from frontman Ben Fowler’s experience of living in the Solomon Islands.The song oozes passion within its roots as the foot tapping rhythmic pulse surges warmth and cosy vibes while the light guitar and keys lift the track to ethereal heights. ‘Lights and Smoke’ is quite the time stopping number as the listener is lulled by Ben Fowler’s dreamy emotive vocals which gently coo over the songs organically flourishing soundscape. With a sweet melody melting over this softly bubbling backdrop Benji and the Saltwater Sound System present a lush and intricately rippling sound full of rich textures and intriguing musicianship.
The Star Prairie Project has released a 10 song album titled ‘Panacea’. The album follows on from the success of their single ‘Sophia’ which has amassed more than 110,000 streams on Spotify and reached #48 on the DRT Top 50 Adult Contemporary chart. The Star Prairie Project gets its name from the village of Star Prairie outside of Minneapolis and the AlanParsons Project. The Star Prairie Project is made up of Nolen R. Chew Jr. and Rick J. Vogelpohl. Their upcoming album ‘Panacea’ sees them teaming up with more vocalists and musicians as they create a truly collaborative and highly polished album.
‘Panacea’ is a wholesome and accomplished album that ventures from alternative rock to country and folk with some Americana peppering throughout. The album steadily blends heartwarming musicianship with slick instrumentation with ease as The Star Prairie Project present their powerful and refined sound through the rock-filled and mighty opener ‘Do What You Do’. The sultry rock n’ roll of ‘Frantic Mind’ and witty twang of ‘My Dear Lady’ display the bands ability to rein the might of their wild alternative rock and embellish their deft sound with more emotive and cheeky elements. This is shown particularly well in soft romantic ballads such as ‘So Beautiful’.
However it is within the intricacies of the guitar and piano work that this band truly excel. The guitars inject majestic qualities, raw power and sharp vigor into the tracks while the piano provides more haunting tones in tracks such as ‘Nowhere Bound’ with its mysterious soundscape and jazz elements.
‘Panacea’ boasts a sound brimming with catchy melodies and clean production with a healthy dose of rock spread throughout. There are warm Americana elements fused throughout creating a smooth fluid album filled with emotive vocals and passionate musicianship. Each song is structured and well crafted with steady punchy drum progressions and refined guitar lines that add lamenting elements to nostalgic tracks like ‘Bygone Days’ with its sweet dreamy classic rock coating and shredding solo while ‘My Heart Strings’ takes the bands more piano pop persona and flourishes into a disco hued bop.
‘Panacea’ is a satisfying album laced in folk/ country influences and sublime rock elements. The Star Prairie Project have built a strong repertoire of music filled with charisma, cheeky charm and refined intricate musicianship. It’s a solid new album.
Stream ‘Panacea’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
