Arthur Valentine ‘Fruit Juice’

Arthur Valentine is delighted to announce the release of his latest single, ‘Fruit Juice’, ‘Fruit Juice’ was born out of quarantine, the making of which has been described as a “cathartic exercise” by Arthur. Recorded over two weeks between tea and basketball breaks in the back garden, Fruit Juice is the brain child of Arthur and fellow Hausu collaborators-turned-roommates Actualacid and Automatic Blue.Despite relative newcomer status, Arthur has already clocked up a lot of ‘gig-miles’ on the Irish circuit including headline slots at the Button Factory’s Crowbar, Cork’s Cyprus Avenue, Bodytonic’s Pot Duggans and a sold out Ruby Sessions show. In addition to this, he has performed numerous times in Cork’s Plugd (The Roundy) and Coughlan’s, as well as an additional performance in Cyprus Avenue supporting Sorcha Richardson.

‘Fruit Juice’ blends Arthur Valentine’s intricate, velvety sound with R&B elements and smooth pop to create a luscious summer track. The melody and sugary production seeps into the ears with ease while the bubbling electronics and jaunty guitar provide zesty bursts of scintillation throughout. A buoyant bass weaves through the tracks elastic backdrop while rich percussive spurts and vibrant beat lay down a hip hop hued foundation for the swirling soundscapes to flourish off.

Arthur Valentine has a wonderful ability to create ear-worm worthy tracks which ooze subtle sonic intricacies and ‘Fruit Juice’ is a perfect example of this. It is a wholly satisfying, irresistible track that is both wonderfully euphoric and masterfully crafted.With elements of Lauv glimmering through the sweet emotion and a Mac Miller sprinkling on top, Arthur Valentine has created a sound that builds on the balmy bliss of lo fi debut single ‘Selfish’ – ‘Fruit Juice’ is a fantastic example of the suave musicianship and precise alternative/pop of Arthur Valentine.

Stream ‘Fruit Juice’ below


Author : Danu

Event News – Vulpynes Takeover

Vulpynes will takeover our Instagram and Facebook for a live stream on Thursday at 7.30 pm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting Irish rock bands in recent years. Since the release of their self titled debut EP and their sophomore EP ‘Dye Me Red’ which was released last year the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.

The duo have a slick, raw and majestic way of presenting their blood thirsty rock and this Thursday they are treating us to a few acoustic versions of their tunes. It is a set not to be missed.

Stream Vulpynes latest single ‘Sister’ below


Author : Danu

A Chat With : Miles Graham

Miles Graham Photo by Colin Gillen

I caught up with Dublin singer songwriter Miles Graham to talk about his new EP ‘All The Right Things’. We discussed how he wrote the EP, his break in 2018 and how much he is missing gigging.

Miles Graham released his new EP ‘All The Right Things’ via Peer Music on the 10th of July.The EP was recorded in London with producer Paul Herman(Emeli Sandé, Dido, Corinne Bailey Rae), with string arrangements from the renowned Sally Herbert(Plan B, Usher, Duffy,Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine).The EP showcases his soul-baring songwriting and top-quality sound: a genre-blurring blend of retro-soul and fresh yet timeless pop.When I spoke to Graham last, he expressed he was nervous for the release and having the EP out there now is still quite a scary thing.

“ yeah it’s still terrifying, since the last time I was talking to you nothing has changed. I’m excited about it. When you release music it can take a while for things to pick up, nothing happens overnight. It’s really busy at the moment with promo and there’s not a lot we can do gigs-wise so I’m still missing that dynamic of going out and getting energy from gigs and connecting with people, so it’s a weird balance. It’s like you’re stood still but kind of promoting this body of work but you’re not getting that energy back at you from the crowd which is a bit strange.It’s just missing something but I think we are all missing something no matter what you are up to theses days.

It’s all very surreal especially in the music industry and in the entertainment industry and any entertainment that gathers crowds it’s just all uncertain.For single people who are meeting up, how does that work now?. It’s just creating a bit of distrust with people and you don’t know their background and where they are coming from or whether they have covid 19 or not and they probably don’t even know themselves. I don’t like the way it creates that distance. Before, people greeted each other with a hug whereas we came from you know a good few years ago it was just a hand shake. You know you’d have no more than a hand shake now and that will be that and then we became more friendly with a hug and we have gone from that to no, you can’t do that.“

‘All The Right Things’ is a soulful EP with deep grooves, intricate soundscapes and mellow guitar lines. Each track warrants its own space on the EP and has a special timeless quality. It’s difficult to pick a favourite and Graham is proud of them all but Sunbeam, the intricately textured and heart-melting tribute to his daughter is a special track for him. 

“ I’m proud of all the tracks on it. It’s very hard to pick one. It’s like if you have young kids you can’t pick your favourite one, they are just all the same, but I suppose I love the groove in ‘Sunbeam’, I love the vibe in ‘Sunbeam’ and there is a nice dynamic there. It has some surprises in it with the vocal dynamic and the guitar solo and stuff. I just love the vibe and the change in melodies as the song progresses, but that’s just me being a music nerd, but then again the single ‘Give It Up Now’ I love the strings that Sally Herbert arranged and I just loved the intimacy of it. I love ballads that reach out to people as well in a different way. But yeah I vibe off ‘Sunbeam’.

When I wrote Sunbeam it was just a moment I had. I was going through a tough time in the form of a break up and my daughter, she was like my sunshine, my sunbeam and helped keep me positive and I just had a moment, I can visualise it now. My daughter hugged me in my living room and there was that Sunday morning sun just coming in the window and the curtains were barely open and you know that kind of dust that settles in the air and that sunbeam through the curtains. It was just a beautiful moment. I suppose the whole kind of vibe in that song is in the verses basically just saying that everything is going to be ok as long as we have that sunshine in our lives. She’s a twin to my son and now he’s a bit jealous. He wants me to write a song about him so I’ll have to get working on that.”

The EP as a whole flows smoothly and is perfect for relaxing to. This wasn’t Graham’s intention but just what appears to happen when he writes

“ I’ve been into that vibe. I’m not sure whether it’s my voice or not, maybe it is. I actually just got an email from a label I was working with in Australia, a dance label and they said we’d love that smooth vibe on this track and I was thinking does everyone just want to fall asleep to my music or what’s the story? It’s all the laid back type of vibe but I think there is a lot of soul in it. When I say soul I mean from the heart. Especially in the EP there is more of a connection, but no I don’t aim to be that way I think that’s probably the way I am.”

The arrangements throughout the EP are simply outstanding; Graham delicately blends bubbling rhythms with subtle explosions of melodic counterpoints to create a cohesive and charming body of work. Graham likes to be precise with his production but still manages to capture emotion within his tracks.

“Thanks very much, that’s a lovely description. I’m not sure whether it was purposely done but I do focus a lot on the dynamic within a song. From its first lyric to bringing people on a journey and in the production of a song and the lyrics and melody.I do focus on that journey and I’m conscious of that when I write, that the first line has to get people interested. It’s like writing a novel or a book, I am conscious of that and also the build up in the production.I would be quite finicky with that kind of stuff you know it has to have the right dynamic and have the feeling and accomplish the hairs on the back of the neck moment. For me that’s what music is about.”

Graham took time out to focus on family in 2018 – which was a brave decision. When you get into something like the music industry it’s easy to develop a mindset that makes you want to keep reminding people you are there for fear of them losing interest.I wondered if he was worried about this when he made his decision to take a break.

“No I didn’t worry about that.It was just something I had to do at the time and I had the right reasons obviously. I had a young family and that’s my priority and music is always second to that.Family is first.That was always the case even when I started out on my music career. I work really hard even when the kids were really young, you know changing nappies at two in the morning and sending emails at three for the next day and that’s just how it works.

It is a different thing when you have a young family and are trying to work a music career. I remember the late Terry Wogan saying that to me. I had some success in the UK in 2015 and he said Miles that’s a tough challenge and I wish you all the best with it. He knew that I had a young family and at the time I thought ‘ah he’s a nice man saying that’ but it was the years that followed that made me realise that he was very right. For me it’s worked. If you’re out touring, if you’re hugely successful and you’re out touring for months it’s different.Whereas I was going out and I was doing, like I did a tour in the UK and it was 2 weeks and I played loads of lovely venues and then I was back home again and that was fine.In 2018 it all just built up to a certain point and I went through a relationship breakup and I just had to re-focus. It’s a huge change in anybody’s life so I just needed time to re-calibrate myself and focus on family.

So I wasn’t worried about what the industry was doing, that didn’t come into my head.It was just focus on the family and then I started writing again after a few months just as therapy and I’ve learnt a lot about myself as well and how music is apart of me no matter what. Even if I don’t release music. I mean I probably have about 3 or 4 albums worth of songs that haven’t been released, that I hope to release someday but I don’t see the point unless there is a reason to put music out. I’m happy to be putting music out now. It feels right.”

Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing.I wondered is all that support a comforting confirmation he was doing something right with his tunes

“ Totally consider myself very fortunate to get any airplay or backing from radio play from Laura Whitmore or people that like the music but it’s a really difficult business.It doesn’t come easy. It comes from hard work.Those radio plays they come from hard work from promoting and even creating the music from scratch. There is so much good music out there as well and even with lockdown, you mentioned BBC Introducing I think had like thirty or forty thousand songs uploaded to their system within lockdown and their policy is they listen to everything and perhaps they might get played on local BBC radio or whatever so you can imagine the influx of that they are getting as well so to get any plays amongst the bunches is definitely great. It is a little bit luck of the draw as well you know. No matter how good you are there is that element of luck there. You always hear musicians saying you know I consider myself very lucky but I know for a fact they work really hard.”

Graham’s plans for the rest of the year are unsure however there is a gig that will hopefully go ahead and some surprises to keep an eye out for.

“EP is out I want to promote it as best I can. There have been really positive vibes back about it so far. It’s hard to plan really but I have one gig booked in London for the 19th November and fingers crossed that will go ahead.It would be great to get out and gig the songs live.Thats the best way to experience them I think.It’s a different experience for people to come and see me live with the band and I’d love to give people that experience.For one thing I’m really tall. I’m like six foot four so that would be the first thing ‘oh he’s really tall’. I love performing so hopeful a few gigs will come about.There are things happening in the background with the music that you might hear very soon.That I just can’t say at the moment.I’m also shooting a music video this weekend in Dublin for the single ‘Give It Up Now’. We are shooting it around Merrion Square so that should be good. “

Miles Graham’s new EP ‘All The Right Things’ is a timeless collection of tracks. His delicate and emotive vocals, lush harmonies and raw tender moments build in to the tracks groove infested underbelly making each song an engaging and spell-binding listening experience. He is a rare talent and the EP is a must listen.

Stream ‘All The Right Things’ below 


Author : Danu

Thrillhouse ‘Wild Child’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Wild Child’. It’s a refreshing slice of indie pop exuding chic infectious musicianship with fluctuating beats and kinetic electronics which adds buoyancy for the suave vocals and chorus to ricochet off. A heavy 80s sound creates an ethereal quality to the track while the sweet melody and smooth guitar injections flesh out the bands panache and “ooh lala” flamboyance.

With elements of The Killers and Talking Heads coursing through the tracks sultry pulse, Thrillhouse have created another sun kissed earworm set to tantalise and seduce the listener.

Stream ‘Wild Child’ below


Author : Danu

Nicha ‘Devices’

Nicha has released her new single ‘Devices’.Nicha is a 22 year old singer/songwriter from Holywood, Northern Ireland. Having grown up listening to Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley her music and writing is heavily influenced by these legends but more recently inspiration stems from hip hop, pop and electronic influences drawing on artists such as Loyle Carner, Jack Johnson, Tash Sultana, Moloko and Bonobo.

‘Devices’ is a vibrant bop, laced in the charming and mellow musicianship of Nicha. The track is sonically laid-back and easy going as Nicha douses a smooth melody over tropical beats and ethereal wisps on electronics with reggae elements and glimpses of R&B flickering throughout. Her warm rasped and soulful vocals melt elegantly upon the tracks bubbling backdrop with a sweet lulling tone as the song drifts between the balmy chorus and dazed verses. There are psychedelic hues rebounding off the warm guitar melodies and fluctuant rhythmic foundation while Nicha lilts through the chorus with a catchy vocal refrain.

The song reflects the feeling and freedom of detaching ourselves from the chaos of social media. Nicha expresses this perfectly through this breezy, pacifying sun kissed gem. A fine debut, ‘Devices’ escapes the tethers of genre as Nicha blends pop, folk, reggae, indie and electronic to create a satisfying and musically rich track. 

Stream ‘Devices’ below


Author : Danu

A Chat With – Alvarez Kings

I had a chat with UK alternative pop 4-piece Alvarez Kings last week about the bands new single ‘Words I Couldn’t Say’, their upcoming album and touring.

Four lads from South Yorkshire, UK who gleefully share their moniker with an infamous old school South American gang, Alvarez Kings summon pop power through timeless analog synth and guitar magic. The quartet—brothers Simon [vocals, guitar] and Paul Thompson [bass, keys, backup vocals], Aidan Thompson [guitar, keys, production], and Richard Walker [drums, samples, pads] have quietly built up an international buzz since their 2012 formation.

You guys have just released a new single titled “Words I Couldn’t Say” tell us about that track and how you wrote it?

“It was a song that as soon as we created the idea of it we knew that we had to finish it. Simon had the initial idea of it when making his spare room into his baby daughters nursery. He said when the room was empty, he found the acoustics awesome and he started firing voice memos over. And yes, the acoustics did sound great! The song is a story of an uncontrollable collision course of self-destruction from drug and alcohol abuse. We like to think of it as the desolation of a failed relationship, and self-blame.”

Your tracks have vibrant and rich soundscapes with synths and luscious rhythmic textures. Did you always plan to bring synths into your sound or was it something you discovered worked when you were experimenting?

“It has been something we have developed over time. We  like to push the boundaries of production and our overall sound. We also try not to do an Oasis and release the same sounding record every time.”

How do you guys tackle the production of your songs do you get a producer in to help or is it something you tackle yourselves?

On our ‘Somewhere Between’ album we worked with producer Carlos de la Garza who was outstanding, however with the new album and us not being able to travel to LA we have kept it all within the band. From writing and recording to mixing and mastering. We had a lot tracks already recorded before COVID hit so luckily we could mix from home. Through lockdown our group chat has constantly been lit up with new mixes and new songs. 

How do you write your songs, do you write elements separately and bring them together to work on or does the magic happen when you guys are all together?

It all happens when inspiration strikes really. When we are on tour we always like to play backstage on new song starts together, be that a guitar riff, melody ideas or some bass lines. Then when we come home, we like to focus and finish writing them up.

Up until 2018, you toured your debut album extensively, playing sold-out headline shows across Europe, UK and the United States along with some of your biggest festival appearances to date including Firefly and Summerfest. How do you find touring ? and how do you deal with the challenges that come from being on the road all the time?

We like to see touring as the success of all the hard work and long hours we put into our music. Its great how we can see how our music effects people lives and we love that we can meet friends and fans along the way. The main challenges are being away from home. You can hear this on a lot of the lyrical content from us. From sending ‘Postcards from Berlin’ to ‘Sleepwalking PT I’

I bet you guys have had some crazy experiences while on tour or onstage what is the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on tour?

One that sticks out the most was in 2018, we were playing a show in Atlanta and a mosh Pitt started. One young guy was being really rowdy and starting fighting with people in the front row and tried to get on stage but got met by the headstock of Pauls bass guitar. Everyone cheered and the bouncers took the guy out.  

You have experienced both performing as a main act and a support act with the likes of Melanie Martinez, PVRIS, and Echosmith – two very different experiences for artists. With a support slot you have to appeal to fans who might not be yours yet and win them over and with a headline slot it’s almost like a party with people who love and appreciate your music. Do you find the support slots daunting?

“Yes you’re right. They are both different. Sometimes we prefer the support slot -mainly away from home as we can go on stage, deliver energy for 30-35 minutes and have time to talk to fans after. If your headlining sometimes it’s hard to make time for that sort of thing. “

Do you get nervous before shows and if so how do you deal with nerves?

We used to in the early days but not so much anymore. We have a beer and do our pre show routine. 

You guys are currently working on your second studio album, which is currently anticipated for a 2020 release. What can we expect from the album?

“You can expect lots of exciting new sounds/songs but still staying loyal with some classic Alvarez Easter eggs. “

Has the writing or forming of these tracks been different to how you created your debut album ‘Somewhere Between’?

With the addition of Aidan we have been doing a lot of writing with him. A lot of the songs on the previous album were written over 5 years ago, so it’s been awesome writing fresh songs but our process has still remained the same. 


How have you guys been keeping busy during this crazy covid- 19 time?

We’ve been busy with a new addition to our Alvarez family – baby Pippa. Also we’ve been writing back and forth through WhatsApp and voice memos. We’ve been doing a lot of live-streams and have some great ones coming up, so keep your eyes peeled for those! 

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a band or career in music?

Practice, play and write as much as you can. 

What’s next for you guys?

We will be back touring and playing shows whenever it is safe to do so. We also have lots of new music coming your way!

Stream ‘Words I Couldn’t Say’ below


Author : Danu

Worth A Listen -Bitch Falcon

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Bitch Falcon

Dublin grunge-rock trio, Bitch Falcon have released their new single ‘Gaslight’ on Small Pond Records.The track premiered on BBC Radio 1 last Sunday and is the band’s debut release of 2020 and their first since signing to Brighton’s Small Pond Records. Formed by front-woman Lizzie Fitzpatrick with her friends in a small kitchen in 2014, the lineup has galvanised around the rhythm section of Barry O’Sullivan on Bass and Nigel Kenny on Drums. To date they have performed several headline and support tours around the UK along with frequent visits to the Benelux countries and North America. From the early days of their first single, Wolfstooth to their most recent release Damp Breath, an evolution in sound can be heard as the group perfect and refine their raw, fuzz-laced offerings over six singles and one EP. 

‘Gaslight’ is Bitch Falcon’s most exciting release to date. The band unleash an alternative rock maelstrom filled with raw guitars, powerful vocals and heavy barbed bass lines. The hefty tight rhythmic foundation anchors the listener through the tracks crazed agitated atmospherics as Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s bewitching vocals haunt over brooding sound rumbles and pummeling drum progressions.

Bitch Falcon have a deft ability to create wonderful calm moments of respite in between their chaotic sound which is a difficult task to achieve and yet they do this with such ease that the listener can not help but be in awe of their musical prowess. They are one of Ireland’s most exciting alternative rock bands at the moment. The refined layering and dark chilling atmospheres created within their tracks is utterly thrilling and a joy to listen to.

With gritty riffs and a dark all consuming soundscape, ‘Gaslight’ is an epic return from Bitch Falcon.

About the trackLizzie Fitzpatrick commented “I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. Gaslight is a song that came together quite fast. Barry started playing his riff and I played along messing rhythmically, just making noise. It sounded so weird and intense so quickly. I remember us all looking at each other and saying this is the one. I think this song was a change in our writing together. We knew we wanted a heavy sound with melodic intricacies.I recorded the vocal layering at home, building up chords with my voice. When we recorded it in the studio, I wasn’t able to sustain my voice for the whole section, Rían (Trench), and I decided to record it in a wave, one-note resting while the other picks up, so it sounds like a living, breathing thing.

I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. The holy grail of public display, and worth to others. Expressing yourself puts you in a vulnerable position, and I think a lot of people embellish the truth. In that way, an unachievable status is shoved down our throats, and we play into the game every day.”

Stream ‘Gaslight’ below


Author : Danu

Somebody’s Child ‘We Could Start A War’

Dublin indie-rock/pop artist Somebody’s Child has released his new single ‘We Could Start A War’, taken from forthcoming debut EP ‘20-something’ out August 7th. ‘We Could Start a War’ is the second single from the Irish newcomers debut EP, it follows the success of first single ‘Hold Me Like You Wanna’, which has been featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday, plus editorial playlists The Indie List, alt-pop and more, steamrolling past 50,000 streams in just 2 weeks. The single has also been supported by BBC Radio 1 (Jack Saunder’s Next Wave Artist), Radio X, RTE Radio 1 (Recommends), RTE 2FM, Today FM and has been added to the A-list on Amazing Radio, amongst other stations.

‘We Could Start A War’ is a passionate and infectious slice of indie pop flavoured with R&B elements against an effervescent 80’s pop backdrop. The track packs in oodles of energy and 80’s rock gusto as a shrilling guitar soars over the swirling fizzing soundscapes.

The track begins brooding and mournful with soft guitar mirroring the melody’s lament before the suave production kicks in giving the track glitzy swagger and a polished sheen. The danceable foot tapping beat and chilled tempo of the track provides an ethereal quality while the rasped vocals venture into a soulful tone as the emotion and intensity of the song builds.

There is a laid back quality about ‘We Could Start A War’ as the 80’s synths flood with nostalgia while the refined blend of catchy sounds and powerful lyrics takes the song to its epic moments. ‘We Could Start A War’ showcases Somebody’s Child is an artist creating dynamic music with real heart and passion at its core. 

Stream ‘We Could Start A War below


Author : Danu

Indie Quick Picks – Featuring Sapphire Blues,Courtney Jacobs, Michael-James and Turfboy

Sapphire Blues

Genre : Post Punk

Bio : Bristol post-punk outfit, Sapphire Blues comprised of Sam Lance Jones (vocals, guitar),Harry Beaver (bass) and Chris Thompson (percussion) have released their new single 119.

Track: 119

Why We Like It: It’s an abrasive dark number that pivots around a rumbling bass and percussion combination. These guys smudge chilling guitar squeals over pounding drums and eerie vocals to create a mysterious and ominous atmosphere between lighter moments of release. The track builds superbly as the guitars swirl with psychedelic tones through the heavy drums while the grimy bass wriggles and squirms in the tracks murky undercurrent. 119 is quite the thrilling roller coaster ride.

You can Follow Sapphire Blues on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sapphirebluesuk/

Stream ‘119’ below

Courtney Jacobs

Genre : Singer songwriter

Bio : Courtney Jacobs is a 21-year old synth-pop singer-songwriter who has recently released her new single ‘Canary’. Courtney plans to release several more singles this year, and her release of ‘Canary’ follows the Valley Days EP with her band, Silver Retriever, of which she is the lead singer. Silver Retriever is based in Charlottesville, VA,

Track: Canary

Why We Like It: It’s a laid back synth pop number that drifts effortlessly upon a driving bass line and pulsing drums while Courtney’s smoky vocals coo over the velvety melody. The track exudes a steamy atmosphere and teasing tone as it glissades effortlessly into the ears with a charming appeal.The lyrics describe a disturbing power dynamic in a relationship marred by control and trust issues as Courtney sings condescendingly at the listener. Well crafted and beautifully presented ‘Canary’ is a mesmerising listen.

You can follow Courtney Jacobs on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/courtneyjacobsmusic/

Stream ‘Canary’ below

Michael-James

Genre : Indie Folk

Bio : Michael-James is an Indie Folk artist from Newtownards, Northern Ireland. A music student who received a scholarship from the same university as George Ezra, James Bay and Tom Odell. Michael James came out of college eager to make his mark in the local music scene. Becoming part of Forestside Shopping Centres, ‘Artist Development Programme,’ Michael got the opportunity to play with and be mentored by Anthony Toner. As well as also play many festivals across the country such as Sunflower, Dalriada, Eastside Arts, Belfast Nashville Songwriters and many more, this lead on to becoming support act for Skinny Living on their UK tour

Track: Solicitous

Why We Like It: This warm comforting number surges with Michael’s soothing musicianship. The lush harmonies add a folky hue to the song while the twinkling guitar provides a simple but effective accompaniment. A track about being at the lowest point of your life and opening your arms for someone to come carry that weight with you, ‘Solicitous’ is a pure and wholesome ray of sunshine delicately presented for easy-listening pleasure. 

You can follow Michael-James on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/michaeljamesofficial/

Stream ‘Solicitous’ below 

Turfboy

Genre : Alternative

Bio : Following the release of the first two in a trilogy of singles “(L)earn” and “Holly Daye”, comes “Attendance”, the final single before the release of Turfboy’s debut album “At Tension”, which will be released on August 8th 2020 through Horn & Hoof Records Manchester. The album was completed late last year with Michael Richards at Trackmix Studio Dublin.

Track: Attendance

Why We Like It: This grunge/alternative track begins with brooding vocals and light guitars before Turfboy explodes into their gritty gnarly chorus. The band present a thrilling blend of polished and edgy rock as they drift mindlessly into the blazing chorus. With intricacies of picked guitar and wandering bass peeking between the mania the band flesh out their all consuming sound with a majestic sense of fuzz-filled chaos. The vocals in particular begin soft and almost lulling to start and venture into a howling scream. With strong strides on guitar slicing relentlessly through a gritty wall of sound this track is a fierce explosion of 90’s alternative rock.

You can follow Turfboy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/yobfrut

Stream ‘Attendance’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Below


Author : Danu

Mechner ‘Wasted’

Mechner has released his new single ‘Wasted’ which is part three of his upcoming mini-LP ‘Club Idem’. Mechner is the latest foray for Cork based artist Jack Ahern, Mechner has supported the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Delerentos and The Coronas amongst many others.  

‘Wasted’ is quite the bewitching tune. Ahern pursues a more mysterious and conflicted form of songwriting with ‘Wasted’ as he drowns his sorrows in cinematic eerie soundscapes while the lyrics express self doubt “It’s easy to see that you’re wasted on me”.

Ahern’s vocals venture between soft whispers and melodic coos before becoming more intense as the song builds. The track swirls almost out of control delving into a dark abyss of coiling, confused emotions expressed through crashing cymbals and pounding drums. The airy rhythmic taps and swirling soundscapes between this emotive frenzy expresses an uncontrollable rush of panic and pain. ‘Wasted’ is a mesmerising piece of work, I can’t wait to hear more from Ahern.

Watch the video for ‘Wasted’ below


Author : Danu

Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.

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