Having amassed more than a million streams from singles ‘Can’t Feel Anything’ and ‘Red Run Cold’ since their release in late 2020, and topping the billing on Spotify’s Pop Rock Shot playlist with ‘Red Run Cold’ fast-rising duo World’s First Cinema look to continue the support for their debut EP with new offering ‘Cold Sets In’. World’s First Cinema is comprised of Fil Thorpe ( Neck Deep ) and John Sinclair ( Saint Claire ).
‘Cold Sets In’ is a tender track which displays the mesmerising music and clean cinematic production of World’s First Cinema. The duo create a soundscape filled with contrasting themes of loneliness and hopefulness as warm cello drifts over elegant piano in a playful yet at times sombre manner. Soft electronics twinkle through the tracks ethereal atmosphere while smooth passionate vocals caress a dreamy easy on the ears melody. Wonderfully evocative; ‘Cold Sets In’ is a moving and well crafted track from World’s First Cinema. Keep an eye on these guys.
Speaking about the track, the band said, “The song continues on to lyrically explore how pain and strife can bring you closer to loved ones. But even when that pain causes you to step away, we learn that starting over can be the most important part of the journey. This track is the first ballad esq offering the band has released and acts as a clear indicator that we can expect a more emotional side of this project in the future.”
Irish indie band Wild Youth kick off 2021 with their new single ‘Champagne Butterflies’.The band’s kaleidoscopic ‘Next to You’ video received key support from WONDERLAND and huge hype across the blogosphere, alongside a performance slot on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show. Racking up over 1.2 million streams on Spotify alone, “Next to You” also received vital playlist additions from Spotify’s New Music Friday UK, The Pop List and New Pop Revolution while also making the cover of New Pop UK and Apple Music’s A-List Pop.
Encased in ethereal synths and funky rhythms, ‘Champagne Butterflies’ is an exhilarating delight from Wild Youth.The track is saturated in chic panache as the band display their musical prowess through the songs lavish attention to detail and crisp 80’s-hued production. David Whelan’s warm vocals slip effortlessly in and out of falsetto while the synth embellishments create a vibrant and colourful backdrop.The track is utterly infectious as Wild Youth use their knack for hook laden melodies to create a prismatic soundscape filled with glistening guitars, funky basslines and lush buoyant beats. Press play, indulge and enjoy.
Dublin band MYTH have released their new single ‘Oh, La’. Enclosed within a powerful alternative rock wrapping ‘Oh, La’ presents the expansive and blossoming sound of MYTH. Exuding innocence and emotion; delicate guitars and fluttering taps on drums expand from the tracks beginning; slowly layering until the expressive chorus kicks in. The chorus gives way to a sinister soundscape of crashing guitars, surging bass lines and rumbling drums briefly broken by a lamenting violin melody. This contrast within the songs rich, ominous and flourishing sound is a marvel to behold and creates biting suspense and a cinematic ambiance that is spine-chilling and simply wonderful. Alex Webb’s powerful vocals add to this effect as she haunts the song’s dark and eerie soundscape. Not overwhelmed by the swirling instrumental backdrop, she holds her own, as if commanding the musical maelstrom to surround her voice in a complimentary display of grandeur. ‘Oh, La’ is a wonderfully expressive and enthralling track from MYTH. There is something bewitching about this band’s sound and ‘Oh, La’ highlights this superbly.
Limerick band Static Vision have recently released their new single ‘Strange Things (ft Covid-19)’. A punchy, catchy track ‘Strange Things (ft Covid-19)’ is doused in Static Vision’s punk flavoured indie rock as the band use an energetic wall of sound to discuss how Covid-19 has changed their lives and the world around them. Utilizing sharp guitar lines which soar and slice through elastic bass grooves and vibrant drums the track has a buoyant and upbeat soundscape while exuding a zesty edge. The band inject lightness into the tune through perky guitars while the expressive vocals and quirky falsetto teamed with backing vocals create an animated sing along infectiousness. The track is well crafted and balances the angst of the band’s punk elements with bright, fun indie flavours to provide a rich and satisfying listening experience destined for live audience sing alongs. ‘Strange Things (ft Covid-19)’ is the perfect example of Static Vision’s full bodied and dynamic sound. Keep an eye on these guys.
Irish Artist Mechner has recently released his new single ‘Silence in my Wake’.2020 was a tough year for everyone worldwide, financially, physically and mentally. On looking back over the years events Mechner decided to mark the end of the year with an ode and tribute to those who have lost anyone.
A tender lo-fi track ‘Silence in my Wake’ displays the emotive and haunting music of Mechner. The complimenting and contrasting elements within this mellow track is both melancholic and soothing all at once. Showcasing stripped back production the song floats upon a folk tone. Acoustic guitar gently accompanies the warmth of Mechner’s vocals while soft glimmers on synths drift through the tracks spacious soundscape and bittersweet melody. As reverb distorts the songs soothing tone the tune ends on a ghostly outro…fading into stillness. ‘Silence in my Wake’ is a wonderful display of emotion and comfort from Mechner and a beautiful addition to his collection of compelling tracks.
Hardcore band Day. Is. Near have released their new album ‘After the End. Desert Train’. Recorded in three different studios over a period of 15 months, this album has touched the walls of the notable Rebel’s Lair Studio in Maidstone, Mustache Ministry in Warsaw and Tall Pine Studios in Gdansk with mastering achieved by Andy Baldwin at Metropolis Studios in London. Day. Is. Near. is completely self-founded and consists of various individuals based between London and Warsaw.
‘After the End. Desert Train’ is a raw and dark collection of tracks from Day. Is. Near. Not for the faint hearted, the album is shrouded in ominous soundscapes while growling vocals create a chilling sinister atmosphere. The band flicker moments of lightness through the thick muggy backdrop with sweet guitar refrains in tracks ‘Horizon Is My Home’ and ‘Just Another Journey’. These lamenting guitar melodies slice through the eerie backdrop adding moments of relief between the thumping beat and haunting backing vocals while also displaying another aspect of the band’s hardcore rock sound. Through the bloodthirsty powerful backdrop Day. Is. Near layer their songs in jabbing riffage and vocal screams which creates a harrowing wall of death effect that is sure to be epic in a mosh pit. Boasting a hardcore rock stance mangled beneath manic outbursts and a relentless rhythmic battering ‘After the End. Desert Train’ is a bewitching thrill ride.
Former Coldplay tribute singer Siimon is finding his own voice with his debut album ‘Cuts & Bruises’. Using the time spent in lockdown to write and record, ‘Cuts and Bruises’ evolved from demos of songs written at various song writing workshops over the years.
‘Cuts & Bruises’ is an enjoyable collection of easy listening rock as Siimon uses his passionate songwriting to create emotive anthemic tunes. His warm vocals caress the delicate sweet melodies radiating tenderness and affection in tracks such as ‘Cuts & Bruises’. This track is a surging display of affection and emotive songwriting filled with elegant keys and ethereal soundscapes. Siimon’s gripping mellow rock encompasses ‘Misread’, ‘Ordinary’ and ‘Last Stop On The Line’; biting guitars flurry across an uplifting and bittersweet wall of sound as soft beats build between icy keys and moving melodies to create a satisfying listening experience. Siimon injects wonderful sparkle into ‘Break Together’. Subtle eruptions on keys flourish through a swirling soundscape of buoyant beats allowing the emotion and sweetness of the melody make your heart skip a beat. Showcasing clean production and rich instrumentation ‘Cuts & Bruises’ is a sublime album from Siimon.
“‘Cuts and Bruises’ became the perfect title for the album as it seemed to encompass many of the unhealed scars, unseen wounds, memories, thoughts, feelings and emotions emanating from the other tracks.” explains Siimon who enlisted Paddy Byrne (Paloma Faith, Tom Grennan, Olly Murs) to produce this project.
Jack West has released his new single ‘A Little Shine’. Showcasing a lighter indie sound and warm glimmers of country the track is an upbeat and charming new single from this young yet mature songwriter. Glistening guitar radiates cosy tones through a buoyant beat injecting a dash of rock edge into the songs building backdrop and ethereal wall of sound. West’s raspy vocals exude passion as the track reaches its heavier crescendo while the effervescent instrumentation fizzes in the background. There is no denying this artists talent. West is developing his sound superbly. His ability to create sweet earworms which soothe the soul is admirable. ‘A Little Shine’ is a well crafted tune displaying tight production and mellow easy going tones sure to add a ray of sunshine to your day.
Dublin based neo-soul group Danny G & the Major 7ths have released their second album ‘The Lookout’. The album features 16 talented musicians and was mixed by Ken McCabe (Wolfhound Sound) as well as mastered for both vinyl & digital by Fergal Davis. The artwork used is from ‘Cityscrape 1’ by Irish artist Conor Gallagher.
Danny G & the Major 7ths’ ‘The Lookout’ is a smooth dose of retro soul, drizzled in R&B hues and lush pop tones. Exuding velvety vocals bathed in silken musicianship, each song is a wonderful easy listening experience to indulge in. Within the album the music is uncluttered and drifts on a light euphoric vibe, with soft embellishments on guitars and keys injecting sass and funk-fuelled moments to keep the album bouncing along.
Oozingstrutting guitar lines, foot tapping rhythms and soul drenched vocals ‘Believing ft. Grainne McCarthy’ showcases the band’s ability to surge swagger and sass into their music. The song is about the renewed optimism and almost spiritual belief in love, life and humanity that a new relationship can bring. With a surprising flute solo adorning the track Danny G & the Major 7ths display their fearless, rich and mature musicianship.
Filled with 70’s hues and R&B influences ‘The Lookout’ boasts a broader musical palette than the band’s debut ‘Love Joints’ and showcases an expansive wall of sound that is ethereal, laid back as well as groove infested. From South American percussive elements and jazz hues on trumpet and saxophone in ‘When It All Runs Out’ to the mood changer ‘Good Things Interlude’ the album is a luscious treat on the ears.
‘Good Things’ is an immaculately blended pop smoothie; sweet and creamy with zesty fruity elements on guitars keeping the track edgy while soft brass and keys melt into the honeyed melody. The track induces within the listener a state of dream-like bliss that is simply wonderful and difficult to shake off. Thick, juicy beats are full of hand clapping energy while the luscious harmonies and falsetto embellishments are the cherry on top of this delightful track – simply divine.
Like an opiate of lush melodies, tracks such as ‘Call Me’ cushions the listener’s ears in mellow supple retro-soul while ‘Little Rose’ skips and bounces with flutters of romance on keys. There is enough diversity on the album to keep you hanging from one song to the next.
One aspect of Danny G & the Major 7ths songcraft which is most intriguing is the deepening groove within each track as strutting rhythms, funky bass and guitar lines mangle beneath earthy flutes and emotive vocals. ‘Time The Healer ft. Fehdah & Zaska’ is a prime example of this and displays the band’s rich music and meticulous attention to detail – with a sun-kissed shredding solo and radiant vibes the track is a soothing yet energising gem.
‘The Lookout’ is an excellent demonstration of Danny G & the Major 7ths’ musical prowess. The album features a diverse range of genre’s which are blended into a tantalising collection of melodic mastery. The many musical nuances and exotic elements keep the listener engaged from start to finish and entice you to press the replay button again and again.
Post-Party have released their hotly anticipated new single ‘Being Honest’.The four piece have played venues such as the Roisin Dubh in Galway, sold out their headline Dublin shows, toured Ireland, performed at Electric Picnic and Indiependence, supported the likes of Miles Kane and The Sherlocks, as well as playing their own headline show at London’s Islington. Post-Party consists of Keelan O’Reilly, Peter Toal, Colin Peppard and Matthew O’Reilly.
‘Being Honest’ is an energetic blitz of indie rock. Doused in buoyant rhythms and vibrant guitar embellishments the track rushes with adrenaline while a bittersweet catchy melody wriggles its way into your head until you are mindlessly bellowing the lyrics back. The track broods through the verses with jagged guitar slicing through a thick humid soundscape before exploding into the expressive chorus and passionate crescendo. Post-Party flesh out their emotive songwriting and showcase their refined knack for melodies as the band load vibrant hooks and intricate instrumental builds into the song to create an upbeat crowd friendly tune. Boasting warm vocals and nostalgic guitar refrains alongside elastic bass grooves and pounding drums, ‘Being Honest’ is that radiant indie number sure to add a spring in your step and brighten your day. Keep an eye on Post-Party.
Stream ‘Being Honest’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
