Category Archives: New Music

Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Owen Denvir Live on Virtual

Last night indie folk pop artist Owen Denvir performed this week’s live stream on Virtual, A series of intimate evenings of exclusive live performances from the best emerging and established artists organised by AER Music, Fluttertone and dootdoot Records. An intriguing thought was implanted into the audience’s heads by Denvir as he wondered if the people with their cameras turned off were on the toilet – with that thought, Denvir began his set.

Another outstanding singer songwriter, Denvir takes the second show of the series in his stride. His passionate warm vocals delight the bopping heads and cheery faces of his audience. Once again we are joined by charismatic fans who clap and engage with warm encouragement as Denvir switches between guitar and piano for his heartfelt tunes. With a wall adorned with a lego image of the Beatles, Denvir confesses he was “debating wearing shorts” as the camera would hide it but thankfully he decided against it as “it’s a paid gig, better put on a shirt”. Denvir’s tunes revolve around his velvety warm vocals ‘This Could Be Love’,’I want You So Bad’ and ‘Stones from Paris’ all frequent the set list while the audience sit in their sitting rooms and kitchens with a cuppa or glass of wine, swaying and singing along. 

The stripped back version of each track is quite refreshing and shows exactly how talented Denvir is as an artist. It’s starting to feel like a weekly gathering as some familiar faces appear on the screen. A little girl lines up lego figurines along her table to join the audience for Denvir as he greets and acknowledges as many of the viewers as he can. Denvir doesn’t clutter his tracks with over production, instead he slowly simmers them with raw emotion and this translates beautifully through the Virtual medium. ‘Stay’ in particular is quite the time stopping piece.The lonely guitar accompaniment laments with a Spanish tone around Denvir’s emotive vocals creating a pinnacle moment. Each track is beautifully created and if you weren’t aware of Denvir’s songwriting; live streams like this are a fantastic way to become totally enamored with an artist’s style. There is majesty and a rich complexity to his songs; the melodies elegantly and sweetly interplay with the soft piano or guitar. It feels like they don’t need anymore production than just this raw live setting to be truly enjoyed. 

It’s an easy going soulful set. Denvir’s quirky banter has a cheesy charm to it. He buys time due to the heat “playing the The Hokey Cokey with my tuning”  however he appears at ease with the peculiarity of the live streams. Small hiccups aside, Denvir presents a lush tapestry of songs, he treads very lightly into soul territory with his indie folk-pop providing a wholesome warmth and earnest quality to his tunes. Denvir is definitely an artist to check out. 

A Q&A with the audience ends Denvir’s breathtaking set. It was a relaxed knockout performance from Denvir showcasing his moving, wonderfully crafted musicianship. Check out Owen Denvir, his emotive wholesome music won’t disappoint. 

Stream Owen Denvir’s latest EP ‘Stones’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Heir ‘Fear of Falling’

80s throwback, groove-pop band, Heir have released their new single ‘Fear of Falling’ which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with producer Ken Scott and is part of a two track collection called ‘Heir At Abbey Road’.

‘Fear of Falling’ is a radiant, catchy and well-executed tune. With bouncy rhythms rebounding with spring-like resilience through the sugar pop shimmers on keys this song is an instant rush of joy. The chiming guitars sprinkle glimmers of scintillation through the elastic bass while the smooth chilled vocals drift upon the dreamy melody creating a relaxed yet intricately weaved track. It’s the rhythm where the band present their musically rich expertise as they entwine a foot tapping effervescent labyrinth of grooves through blistering guitar lines.There is an 80’s pop sheen over the track which adds a dash of glamour and panache especially with the zealous guitar solo however the band rein this in allowing it to only decorate the track and not consume it. Heir have a knack with cheery luscious melodies and the buoyant indie pop production on ‘Fear of Falling’ makes this track quite the golden little gem. 

Stream ‘Fear of Falling’ below

 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – Featuring Clodagh, 1000 Beasts, Idle Noise and Indian Queens

Clodagh

Genre : Soul pop

Bio : Clodagh a singer, from Macroom Co. Cork, has received a lot of praise for her vocal style. In addition to studying at BIMM Dublin, Clodagh has trained under renowned vocal coaches Gemma Sugrue (RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Chic, Billy Ocean, Jerry Fish, Lee Fields) and Chris Johnson (The Naked Vocalist).Last year, she was selected to do a residency at Attica Audio, as part of Donegal Arts Festival, with producers Tommy McLaughlin (Villagers, Soak, In Their Thousands, Ailbhe Reddy) and Rocky O’Reilly (Gary Lightbody, And So I Watch You From Afar, The Wood Burning Savages).She was also chosen for a specialist jazz course in Izola, Slovenia, where she worked with Emilia Martensson, her sister Marina Martensson (from the band Laibach) and Femi Temowo (guitarist for Amy Winehouse)

Track: You Got Me

Why We Like It: This soul number wisps with lush melodies, pulsing beats and darkly coated electronics. Clodagh’s rich and hazy vocals exude passion and emotion without becoming overpowering. Her ability to lull and coo with sultry smoulders between soulful tones and tender elements is impressive.With twinkling keys, R&B elements and ethereal soundscape this track broods and slides effortlessly into the ears. Clodagh has marked herself as one to keep an eye on. 

You can follow Clodagh on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/clodaghosmusic

Stream ‘You Got Me’ below 

1000 Beasts

Genre : Electronic indie

Bio : 1000 Beasts is an electronic producer & musician coming from Cork City. Starting off producing electronic pop songs in 2017, he got a strong press support especially thanks to his frequent plays on radio stations such as TodayFM, 2FM, CoolFM (NI) and even BBC Radio 1, including a RTE Studio 8 live session with Jenny Greene on 2FM.On ‘Le Marais’ 1000 Beasts collaborated with young Dublin born, but London based, artist Kayleigh Noble. The track is the first in a series of collaborations between Noble & 1000 Beasts and sets a precedent for repeated collaborations which are with other artists such as Lenii & Alex Tierney who have featured on 1000 Beasts debut EP.

Track: Le Marais

Why We Like It: It’s a laid back groove-laced number. The sweet hazy vocals caress the dreamy melody with warm tones and soft coos. The intricacies of ‘Le Marais’ are subtly layered within the song while a mellow jazz tone delights the listener with lush embellishments. This easy going gem has pacifying tones and R&B elements blended with electronic indie to create a refreshing and breezy track. 1000 Beasts presents a chill ear worm to immerse yourself in.  

You can follow 1000 Beasts on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/1000Beasts/

Stream ‘Le Marais’ below 

Idle Noise

Genre : Indie Rock

Bio : Idle Noise are an indie rock quartet from Coventry.The last few years have seen them play alongside the likes of The Charlatans and The Wombats with 2 consecutive main stage slots at Coventry’s Godiva Festival, as well as a range of other shows and artists across the UK. More recently, they supported Coventry’s own Tom Clarke (The Enemy) at a sold out hometown show in December 2019, followed by the band’s own sold out headline show at Manchester’s iconic Deaf Institute in January 2020. Since forming, every track the foursome have released has been aired on BBC Introducing radio, with their 2019 singles ‘Rapture’ and ‘Everybody Gets Famous’ also being frequently featured on pre match and half-time playlists at League One and Championship Football clubs Coventry City and Luton Town.

Track: Ghosts

Why We Like It: It’s a powerful and explosive indie anthem.With a sing along arena-ready chorus belting through a crashing wall of sound, Idle Noise pack oodles of passion and gusto into this track. The band melt a heartfelt melody and passionate lyrics over the jaunty backdrop and shredding riffs while the groove infested bass wriggles through the tracks underbelly with relentless stamina. ‘Ghosts’ is quite the compelling tune exuding a catchy mammoth chorus and vigorous instrumentation while the honest songwriting broods with torn, melancholic and nostalgic undertones. Idle Noise mix their heart racing indie with alternative rock to create that arena ready track sure to ignite a live audience.

You can follow Idle Noise on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/idlenoise

Stream ‘Ghosts’ below 

Indian Queens

Genre : Dream pop

Bio : London/Irish dream-pop trio Indian Queens are fronted by sisters Jen and Kat O’Neill and were personally invited by Robert Smith of The Cure to play his Meltdown Festival in 2019. They also have fans in Tim Wheeler of Ash and Theresa Wayman of Warpaint, both of whom have taken the band out as tour support. This track is taken from their debut album ‘God Is A Woman’ which was released on 3rd April via Cool Thing Records.The band have also received radio support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6music, Radio X, 2FM, Today FM

Track: Wanderlust

Why We Like It: Encased in the dreamy enrichment of Indian Queens’ unique musicianship ‘Wanderlust’ is a radiant summer anthem with a refreshing indie bite. The song blossoms and unfolds with lush psychedelic tones of chiming guitars, swirling soundscapes and punchy drums as the band infuse this sun kissed beauty in prismatic colours of euphoric dream pop. The soothing melody is enveloped by sweet vocal coos which saturate the song in passion, decisive attitude and velvety falsetto caresses.With a dark groove rooted bassline fluctuating through the tracks underbelly Indian Queens have created an effervescent, musically rich track perfect for summer chilling. 

You can follow Indian Queens on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/indianqueens

Stream ‘Wanderlust’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spoitfy Here


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Indie Pop, New Music

Butler ‘Colours Of Love’

Dublin based dance/pop artist Butler has released his eagerly awaited second single, ‘Colours Of Love’, with Afro/Irish singer J Bols. Butler is the brainchild of award winning singer/performer Luke Thomas, whose electrifying new project has allowed him to explore his more commercially creative side.

Wrapped in tropical tones, vibrant pop soundscapes and fun Afrobeat elements ‘Colours Of Love’ is a glorious slice of radio ready summer pop. This track is bursting from the seams with feel good tones, lush instrumentation and rich musicianship. It is sure to become a dance floor hit. Rushing with vigor and adrenaline this prismatic track flashes with dazzling scintillation as Butler seamlessly blends groovy elements with dance infused electronics and catchy hooks to make for a satisfying and fun listening experience. The sharp guitar injections add a dash of zest into the fruity sugar-rushing electronics and buoyant rhythmic beat creating a delicious guzzle of summer soaked delight while the smooth vocals and infectious chorus ensure this ear worm will be stuck in your head for days. 

Speaking of “Colours Of Love” Butler said: “This song will instantly make you smile, I think it’s infectious and made for the summertime. I can’t wait for people to hear it.”

Stream ‘Colours Of Love’ below


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Seba Safe ‘Drip’

Photo Credit : Ellen Duffy

Seba Safe has returned with his third Single ‘Drip’. Seba Safe is the brainchild of Galway songwriter Michael D’Alton. Finishing up 2019 with second release ‘Wired’ and a string of sold out Irish support slots with Columbia Mills and Malaki as well as securing the Spotify editorial playlist A Breath Of Fresh Eire. December saw Seba Safe join the crowds and revelers at Other Voices in Dingle, where he made his debut playing the Dingle Gin Music Trail.

Encased in lush soundscapes that blend smooth R&B with dreamy pop and sparkling indie elements, ‘Drip’ showcases Seba Safe’s rich, diverse and wholly consuming musicianship. The dreamy melody drifts sweetly over a dark sticky beat while light twinkles on guitar illuminate the track as the song blossoms into its vivid chorus. With the warm guitar rays playfully weaving between the flourishing electronics, echoed backing vocals and chiming pop surges Seba Safe has developed a tight and engaging sound. His soft velvety vocals melt upon the honeyed melody creating a pacifying and soothing quality within the track while the backdrop draws you into its luxurious pool of intricacies and prismatic elements of folk, dance and indie pop. ‘Drip’ is a sublime and satisfying new single from Seba Safe.

Stream ‘Drip’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Electronic, New Music

Jacob Hagedorn ‘Untitled’ Album

Experimental artist Jacob Hagedorn has released his new album ‘Untitled’. This untitled album is the eighth to come from the young artist, who releases solely on Bandcamp. Having studied music at Berklee College of Music, he utilises his skill in Ableton to connect with people through his music

Creating a labyrinth of electronic swirls and prismatic psychedelic soundscapes Jacob Hagedorn blends Horror movie eeriness with soft tranquilizing elements to build a unique and encapsulating collection of tracks. With delicate strings mangled beneath haunting, screeching and ethereal soundscapes, this album is a distinctive blend of progressive ambience that calms and gives you chills all at once. The album is an untitled collection of seven songs. Written from short bursts of imagination with most songs falling under the minute mark. The album presents an otherworldly soundscape, composed of sullen instruments and stark tones. Almost a fairground of sounds, the ambient and experimental sound of Jacob Hagedorn mystifies and intrigues. There is sense of something quite horrifying within each track as if a creepy clown is lurking within the tunes smoky atmosphere. The distracting sense of peace coupled with ominous goosebump inducing fairground twinkles and fuzzy distortion is creepy and bizarre yet unique and thrilling as well. Jacob Hagedorn’s latest release would make a great horror movie score

You can stream the album on Bandcamp here 

https://rees7.bandcamp.com/releases


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Valhalla ‘Don’t You Ever Say’

Valhalla; Mark Boyle (Vocals & Guitar) Barry Monahan (Bass & Keys) and Luke Alford (Drums). have released their new single ‘Don’t You Ever Say’.Valhalla is an Alternative Rock trio from Dublin. 2019 saw the release of their debut EP “Big Men, They Fall” as well as numerous headline shows across Ireland & the UK. Valhalla is due to release their much-anticipated debut album ‘Primal Features’.

With biting dark undertones and tense soundscapes, ‘Don’t You Ever Say’ showcases Valhalla’s more intimate and icy blast of alternative rock. With eerie chiming guitars and punchy drums adorning the backdrop and ethereal soundscapes through the verses, the band create a tense and haunting atmosphere before erupting into the mighty chorus. In true Valhalla manner the track builds to a blazing dynamic chorus with crashing guitars slicing with relentless stamina through a pummeling bass and drum foundation. This, in turn creates a thrilling mosh ready frenetic atmosphere. The track spirals into an ominous crescendo before its dramatic and abrupt end.

Valhalla display a refined ability to channel both elements of fire and ice within this track as they create breezy cold tones between scorching explosive alternative rock outbursts to create a sublime intoxicating number. These guys are cultivating their sound magnificently, blending wonderful gritty elements seamlessly for a thoroughly satisfying listening experience.

Stream ‘Don’t You Ever Say’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Faded Shades ‘She Left Yesterday’

Alternative rock band Faded Shades have released their latest single ‘She Left Yesterday’. This jangly indie pop track drifts cheerily over a buoyant guitar riff and punchy drum foundation as Faded Shades flesh out their heartfelt indie musicianship. With an upbeat melody, rich percussion and elastic bass groove the track oozes radiance and vigor. The zest laced guitar line saturates the song in glorious sunshine while the laid backed vocals and dreamy melody makes the track flow effortlessly. A heartfelt message of solace regarding a love lost to the allure of travel ‘She Left Yesterday’ is a charming and catchy new track from Faded Shades.

Stream ‘She Left Yesterday’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

FloodHounds ‘Something Primeval’

Photo Credit : Lewis Evans

FloodHounds have released their new single ‘Something Primeval’. The trio have been selling out headlines in London and Sheffield and playing packed support slots with the likes of The Blinders, Calva Louise, BlackWaters Avalanche Party as well as shared festival stages with False Heads, and Demob Happy. Not only that the band have been Championed by BBC Introducing Sheffield, and were winners of a Pirate Studios’ National apply to play competition, and joint winners of Sensoria Festival’s Composition award, presented to the band by Steel City musical icon, Richard Hawley.

Swarming in raw sharp guitar riffs, slinky bass lines and punchy rock n roll swagger, ‘Something Primeval’ is quite the knockout alternative track. FloodHounds have created a tune whose melody strolls in, cool collected and sleek while the blistering instrumental backdrop whirls around in a display of anarchy. It’s a wild and tameless number as pounding drums stomp about sharp gritty guitar lacerations creating a hefty bruising foundation. Majestic moments within the track are created through rough and tumble squeals on guitars coupled with warm harmonica wailing throughout and dynamic vocals cooing over the eerie melody. ‘Something Primeval’ is a thrilling dark track from FloodHounds. 

This band have a wonderful ability to present exhilarating tunes drenched in impressive musicianship. Their tightly honed sound and intoxicating blend of blues, alternative and rock n roll is definitely worthy of attention.

Stream ‘Something Primeval’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, EP Review, New Music

Alex Brenchley ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ Album

Alex Brenchley has released his new album ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’. ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, was the idea of Songbook, a crowdfunding music company. The concept was an EP of The Beach Boys covers, giving Alex Brenchley the opportunity to revel in their songwriting genius. Sparked by Dutch director Arthur Petri requesting a cover by Brenchley of ‘God Only Knows’ as an engagement present, this fun project has resulted in simple indie-pop re-imaginings of the songs. London based artist and musician Alex Brenchley was recently awarded the Mayor of London award for emerging artists after releasing his debut album ‘Daylight Snobbery’ in 2019. He has performed and exhibited at some of London’s finest venues including St Pancras Old Church, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Roundhouse and the Barbican Art Gallery and has worked with artists including Noah and the Whale and Tom Rosenthal.

Alex Brenchley takes some of The Beach Boys classics and puts his own unique twist to them. His smooth vocals and luscious pop persona makes ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ a sweet and radiant EP. Title track ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ takes a more tropical tone than the original with the percussion. However the song is presented instrumentally sparse allowing that catchy melody and a jangly guitar refrain emphasize the songs beauty.

Brenchley presents each track wonderfully; highlighting the melodies and exposing the beautiful vocal and lyrical core. ‘Heroes & Villains’ is a fine example of this. Brenchley strips back the rock ‘n’ roll bop while maintaining The Beach Boys harmonic bridge and building on it – decorating it with soft guitar twinkles and lush vocals while horn melodies glimmer between the lush harmonies and elegant soundscape.

‘I Just Wasn’t Made for These TImes’ is another sweet stripped back rendition of the original. Brenchley chooses ‘Your Summer Dream’ to bring this collection to an end. Taking the dreamy doo-wop track and mellowing it out into a chill-time classic with delicate guitar and easy going soundscapes.

Alex Brenchley provides another insight into the wonderful tunes of The Beach Boys by putting his laid back and melodic stamp on them. Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ is a charming and lush collection of tracks.

Stream ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ below 


Author : Danu