‘Eden on the Park’ is the brand new album from Australian Alt-rock band Edith Lane. The album is almost a coming of age for Edith Lane, who have been around the local Melbourne scene for the last 8 years, performing with different bands and groups. Inspired by lead singer Victor’s own life experiences, the idea of ‘Eden on the Park’ was largely informed by the poetry of Peter Porter and the works of bands such as Radiohead and Sonic Youth. The album was recorded in a small home studio in Footscray called Love Shack Studios, owned and run by bandmate Jessicca. This isolated setting gave way to intimate performances recorded without any sense of pressure.
‘Eden on the Park’ is a mesmerising and expressive album that broods with emotion and erupts with crashing instrumentation. Throughout the album Edith Lane expertly build and release tension through sublime musicianship. Venturing between soft ethereal moments in tracks ‘B(I’m Glad We Talked’ and ‘32&’ to raw unadulterated grunge rock in ‘A Conversation With The Devil’, the band craft their songs superbly. Of particular interest is the 90’s grunge elements and haunting vocals which exude mournful tones in ‘Quite Observation’ and ‘Frame by Frame’ – tracks such as these are joy to the ears. The band swirl crashing ( and at times psychedelic ) guitar riffs and refrains through dreamy or raw backdrops creating a varied, multi-textured wall of sound. However the fluctuating, ominous bass and drums provide the brawn and foundation for this magnificent guitar work to ricochet off.
There is abyssal darkness within the album. At times, it’s harrowing, painful and heart-rending as a powerful vocal delivery accompanied by emotive piano moments express innocence and vulnerability.
This introspective album takes you on an emotional journey of bittersweetness. ‘Eden on the Park’ is a wonderful display of musical prowess. Edith Lane majestically blend genres to create a wholly consuming album brimming with energy, sulky moments and aggression.
Speaking to the emotional state behind the album, Victor explains “It’s emotional, and there’s a lot of vulnerability in it, but we don’t want to portray it as a sad album, nor do we want to come across as having a sense of self-importance. I guess the feelings would be honest, self-aware, something along those lines.”
Dublin multi-instrumentalist Sam Ludlow is set to release his new single ‘Summertime Somewhere’ on 20th of November. The song was recorded during the Summer with producer/friend, Mateusz (Shaky Shack), and Andrea Louise Jones on sax in a small house outside Dublin.
‘Summertime Somewhere’ is a wonderfully melodic track as Sam Ludlow spreads mellow alt pop over infectious grooves and intricately crafted soundscapes. The track’s soothing atmosphere and relaxed vibes seep into the listeners ears with ease as Sam’s velvety vocals cruise over the laid back melody and bubbling beat. The sunkissed haze on guitar is perhaps the most interesting aspect on the track, it exudes warmth through a soft beat which ventures slightly into reggae territory without fully committing to the genre. Sprinkles of jazz provided by a sultry sax give that final touch to create an all consuming listening experience.
‘Summertime Somewhere’ is a delight to listen to. Sam Ludlow is honing in on his sound and perfecting his craft. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.
‘Summertime Somewhere’ is set for release tomorrow 20th of November for more you can follow Sam Ludlow on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/samludlowartist
Kryan is set to release his new single ‘Scars’ tomorrow November 20th. Kryan is a Dublin based Singer-songwriter who blends intimate and honest lyrics with pop sensibilities. In addition to being featured on Spotify’s ‘Easy’ playlist, previous release ‘I Always Knew’ was praised for Kryan’s mature and developed sound despite being the artists first release under the’ Kryan’ moniker. ‘Scars’ was co-written and produced by David Prendergast (Kodaline, Overheard, The Albatross).
Showcasing earnest songwriting and deftly embellished building soundscapes, ‘Scars’ is a beautiful and emotive track from Kryan. The song takes a retrospective look at the shared victories and losses of a blossoming relationship. Kryan displays this through a progressive instrumental backdrop which exudes a hopeful tone. ‘Scars’ begins with elegant piano and soft guitar accompaniment allowing Kryan’s warm vocals express the passionate, meaningful lyrics through a moving melody. As the track progresses it becomes more uplifting; the guitars and keys intensify and a suspenseful beat rises in the background as the song reaches its cinematic crescendo.
Deeply personal and honest ‘Scars’ is a passionate track from an intriguing artist. Looking forward to hearing more from Kryan.
Discussing his new single Kryan said “I began writing ‘Scars’ at the end of the first lockdown in Ireland. I then brought the track to good friend Dave Prendergast who would later flesh out the track and we would begin the recording process when it was safe to do so in August. After a week or two tidying up lyrics and melodies, Scars found a whole new meaning. As a follow up to ‘I Always Knew’, ‘Scars’ tells the story of the ups and downs that nobody sees.
I caught up with London-based singer songwriter AJ Wander to chat about his debut single ‘Time Out’ and how he managed to turn his life around during the pandemic. We discussed how sometimes the Wi-Fi gods cannot be appeased, the relief that we no longer live in the times of Nokia 3310 and if we did there would be no hope.
‘Time Out’ is a passionate and captivating new single which introduces Wander’s pop songwriting magnificently. However Wander didn’t instantly know when writing the song that it would make for a fantastic debut single
”I didn’t, no. I wrote the song a while ago, maybe three years ago, perhaps. It was after the breakup with my first real love.I had no idea it would be the first song I would release. It was one of those songs that almost wrote itself. It was just there after an hour of sitting at the piano and it was complete.It was a very easy song to write and that probably means that it, you know, it really did come from the heart and it’s honest.”
”So, yeah, in terms of deciding that it should be the song to release, I guess, it was just going through all of my back catalogue of tracks that I had and all the demos. I had a version of that from a few years ago, when we wrote the song and we sort of clicked with it straight away and were like, yeah this is where we need to start”
‘Time out’ has a progressive cinematic soundscape. Warm guitars, elegant piano twinkles and lush harmonies on backing vocals build alongside pulsing beats. In the studio, Wander explains the creative process was an organic experience.
”Yeah, I think it is an in the moment kind of thing. I didn’t know what I was gonna sound like going into the studio and it was an experiment. The song naturally lends itself to a certain sound whether you know or not, and you just have to find what that should be. Again that sound came together pretty quickly and naturally, and it seemed like it wouldn’t be right to fight and that’s just how it happened, It wasn’t premeditated at all. It just happened like the writing of the song did really.”
‘Time Out’ is an emotional song written soon after an explosive breakup and Wander offers an intimate take on a universal topic – relationships. Writing such passionate songs can be therapeutic but I wondered is it difficult for Wander to hear or sing the song now – do all those emotions resurface?
”It’s sort of taken on a new meaning for me I guess. I suppose if I forced myself to get my head back in that space where I was when I wrote it can be painful. But I think you know naturally, we all move on, we all want to move on.”
”For me when I sing, it means something else and it’s more positive, When I wrote it I was trying to be positive and trying to put a spin on this breakup as in, it’s a new beginning…so I think I apply it to just looking onwards and upwards right now and again that meaning will probably change for me, as my frame of mind changes. I’m sure it’ll mean other things to other people too, but I try to make it positive and more uplifting.”
Wander explains to me that he has plenty of songs written and how he plans to vary his songs and genres for his upcoming tracks
”Well, I think I might be covered for the next few, but in about six months time I might be panicking. I’m writing every day, and you naturally go through phases of not being able to write or not having as much to write about but then at times you’ve got too much to write about. So far, I haven’t struggled too much with writer’s block. I’ve managed to find things whether that be in my own life, or the people’s lives around me or just in the world around me and again in the studio.I think you’ll always find it, whether that does come naturally or not.”
” I’ve been writing since I was 14/15. The ones that I wrote between 14 and 18, I’m not going to be playing them. I’ve tried to forget them. But, yes I have definitely kept a hold of all those songs and I still go back and look through them.I don’t necessarily use the whole song…I don’t know how many I’ve got – a fair few, and I dive in and sometimes tune in to a certain part…so it’s nice to have that sort of backlog of material that a lot of people starting out don’t, so I feel pretty lucky to have that for sure.”
”No artist wants to be a one trick pony. But it’s cool to at least stick with a theme for a little while, rather than just dipping your toe in and leaving it there. So at least topically it’s centered around relationships, love and the fallout from breakups etc for these first releases.”
”With respect to the mood of them ..there’s a range.They were written from very different places emotionally, and I hope that comes across in the songs”
The pandemic has been a productive time for Wander, he managed to turn his life around in this crazy time gaining signings with the US-based Elevation Group and UK-based BDi Music during the pandemic. I wondered did he see this time as an opportunity or was it all just a happy coincidence?
”I definitely did lots of drinking wine and eating for sure. But it was a conscious decision in terms of minutes. I’ve always been trying to do it and I’ve always been wanting to do it. Prior to the lockdown I drifted into playing piano bars, and hotels, etc for a living, to pay my rent, and that definitely started getting in the way of me actually throwing everything into my own music, and just being all on the line and saying ‘look, this is what I’m gonna do, I’m either in or I’m out’.”
”Yeah so it was a combination of always having that desire and that dream of doing it, and then lockdown sort of eliminating all the work that I was doing. It just made me reevaluate and reset and say in 10 years, if I look back and I didn’t give it my all then I know I’ll forever regret it.. It forced my hand into going all in and start to release music.”
A lot of artists when they release music they plan how they are going to perform the tracks live and Wander like many artists is craving the live setting. He has been performing for years and to be unable to see people react in real time and connect with his songs is difficult for him.
”It’s sort of craving nothing more than to get out and play the songs live and actually see people’s faces. So, yeah, I think about it all the time.”
”I’ve not done live streams, but I believe that is going to be coming very soon. I just need to get better Wi-Fi in and I’ll be out there live streaming to the world.”
We have all become painfully aware of how one thing can affect work, entertainment and our nerves…. Wi-Fi. Live streams totally depend on this sometimes fickle creature
”I know, and it’s let me down this morning. But, yeah, it’s crazy the amount of time I spent on zoom in writing sessions, what a weird thing that is. I’m just glad that this happened now and not in 2002 when I had a Nokia 3310…Actually no, I didn’t…I was seven years old. What am I talking about, 2005 I got my first phone. Yeah, I think I’d be pretty bored of snake by now.”
Wander has been doing zoom writing sessions. I wondered can the mood and craft of songwriting really be captured in zoom with time lapses and glitches as well as that annoying inaudible moment when two people talk at the same time and they both stop and say nothing due to the awkwardness.
”Yeah, I think it’s very different. It’s less organic. It’s hard to cultivate this electric atmosphere that you often get in a room when you’re writing with people because you have to do your thing, you have to play your idea and then wait a minute, wait for the delay, and then wait to see what they think and then they’ll bounce back with another idea rather than it happening in the moment. So it can be a bit of a barrier for sure, but I guess it’s better than nothing. Some people love it. Some people hate it.I prefer being in person and being in the room, which we can actually do now, so hopefully I don’t have to experience another zoom writing session for a little while.”
Wander’s lyrics are rich and filled with depth and emotion, however the goal of a poetic lyricist is not something he seeks out intentionally.
”Depends on what I am writing about I think.There are some songs where you’re writing about something that isn’t personal to you then, I think it puts more pressure on you to be more poetic and say something in a new way, that hasn’t been said before, because you’re observing something that other people can observe. But if it’s something personal. Then you just say how you feel. If it’s something about you and something you’re actually experiencing then I think there isn’t as much pressure to put a twist on it because I think you want to be honest.”
The music industry is a tricky business to navigate through. It can be difficult to learn your craft and focus on the music with so much going on. The rewards can be little. I asked Wander if he had any advice he would like to give to budding young artists.
”I think just stick it out. It’s a long road.It doesn’t happen overnight and it hasn’t, you know..happened for me yet but I think you will never regret sticking it out and putting your all into it, and it’s easy to get distracted from it, responsibilities of life and living that responsible life but you’d never get more satisfaction than seeing your songs out there, and seeing how people react to them and knowing that you did what you’ve always dreamed of, which is to put the music out there, and give it your all.”
Hearing your song on the radio for the first time is a huge and special experience. I explained to him another artist I was in conversation with, when they were notified their song was going to be played on radio they actually went out and bought a radio for the occasion because they didn’t have one at the time. I was intrigued as to how Wander reacted the first time he heard ‘Time Out’ on the radio.
”I wish I bought a radio, that’s way cooler.I just put it on my phone. I think the first time it got played I was in the studio. Maybe I didn’t give it as much focus. I mean it’s definitely very cool.I think I’m a bit of a pessimist.I always find it hard to be like, oh that’s it, like I’ve done it, which I think is definitely not a good trait, because it is so cool and nice to be excited about achieving something in the moment, but I guess I’m always chasing the next thing. I think I’ve always found it hard to stand back and give myself a pat on the back for seeing something cool that I’ve done.But it was cool to hear it,and maybe I will buy a radio for the next one.”
So what can we expect from AJ Wander in the coming months ?
”Good question.I guess up until January, I’m going to be writing. I’ve got a host of writing sessions booked in, and in between those I’ll be writing by myself and hopefully get back in the studio with the songs that click with me most early next year. I’ve got a bunch of tracks that I recorded at the same time as I did ‘Time Out’, so I’ve got the next three tracks already lined up. Which, I’m actually a bit disappointed about because I love being in the studio and I wish I had a deadline to get something else recorded, because it’s my favorite place to be. But sadly, they’re already recorded. So I’m not sure when I will be back in the studio, hopefully next year and planning for the releases after this EP. But yeah, I think the next song to get released will be in early next year, maybe January/February.”
AJ Wander is a talented musician. His ability to capture emotion within his music is captivating. ‘Time out’ is a solid debut and a special gem to behold. I can not wait to hear more from him. Keep an eye on AJ Wander
Edinburgh singer songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘I Talk Too Much’. Rich percussion and warm guitar create a vibrant atmosphere as Wallace uses fluctuant bass lines to flesh out the track’s backdrop. This charming tune takes a quirky and honest view on a date gone wrong as Wallace admits he talks too much. The song builds superbly as the catchy chorus and instrumentation bounce behind Wallace’s vocals. He layers and builds the track superbly creating tension for the bridge. The playful verses and tight chorus showcase Wallace’s ability to create rich multi textures within his songs while exuding a comical tone of self loathing; camouflaged by the infectious pop melody, funky rhythm and glittering indie soundscape. ‘I Talk Too Much’ is an enjoyable well crafted track from Jonnie Wallace.
Irish artist Christian Cohle has released his new single ‘Drown Me Slow’. Cohle is a singer songwriter, multi instrumentalist and producer, who’s launched on to the Irish music scene this year with breathtaking atmospheric alt pop and stunning music videos by IFTA nominated Irish filmmaker Tristian Heanue. ‘Drown Me Slow’ will be the last single he’ll be releasing before his debut album ‘Holy Trouble’ next year.
‘Drown Me Slow’ is an ethereal, spacious track laced in lofty electronics and building soundscapes as Christian Cohle presents his most suspenseful and graceful tune yet. The track maintains an intense and mysterious nature. 80’s-esque synths create a plucking, rhythmic bounce between rippling electronic pulses while Chole’s soulful vocals ooze emotion through the haunting atmospheric backdrop. ‘Drown Me Slow’ is a hypnotic piece of musicianship from Christian Cohle. Looking forward to his debut album ‘Holy Trouble’ which is out next year.
Irish songwriter, Somebody’s Child, has released his new single ‘Top Drawer Romance’. Cian Godfrey (AKA Somebody’s Child) has fast become one of the hottest prospects in Ireland having accumulated millions of streams and significant support from Spotify as well as BBC Radio 1’s (Jack Saunders ‘Next Wave’ artist), Radio X, Amazing Radio (A-list), RTÉ Radio 1 (Recommends), RTÉ 2FM (Rising 2020), and Today FM. With a Late Late Show performance, Kodaline and Kaiser Chiefs support slots, as well as UK festival appearances on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds, the band’s energetic, loose, and organic live performances continue to evolve into a potent and enlivened experience.New single ‘Top Drawer Romance’ comes in the wake of his acclaimed debut EP ‘20-Something’, released earlier this year and the first of four singles off Somebody’s Child’s upcoming sophomore EP ‘Hope, Amongst Other Things’.
‘Top Drawer Romance’ is a jaunty sun kissed blast of indie as Somebody’s Child surges radiant melodies and youthful adrenaline into his witty songwriting. The track has an instant charm and glow about it as sharp stings on guitars exude a burst of energy through a buoyant rhythm and vibrant wall of sound. With laid-back, rasped vocals, mellow melody and lyrics depicting the precious yet fleeting nature of youthful romance ‘Top Drawer Romance’ is an infectious indie anthem ready for repeat plays.
Speaking about ‘Top Drawer Romance’, Somebody’s Child said: ‘’Top Drawer Romance’ is the song that started this project in my bedroom 3 years ago. The Top Drawer reference is a metaphor to that messy relationship everyone goes to at some point in their life, which reminded me of the state of the top drawer of my bedside table in college at the time.”
Tasmanian rockers Paper Souls have released their debut album ‘The Great and The Grieving’. Paper Souls have reimagined old songs and mixed them in with fresh new material to bring you their debut album. A long way from their early days as an acoustic duo, the five piece band are formed of husband and wife Sarah (vocals and percussion) and Luke (guitar and vocals), and are joined by Josef Bound (drums), Tom Harvey (bass) and Angus Austin (keys).Over the years, the band have featured at most of Tasmania’s biggest festivals, including Party in The Paddock, The Falls Festival (Marion Bay), Festivale and The Taste Of Tasmania and also supported ARIA Award Winners Killing Heidi and COG on their recent Tasmanian tours.
‘The Great and The Grieving’ is a powerful album of alternative rock as Paper Souls lace their tracks in gusto, emotion and 90’s grunge elements. With shredding guitars, anthemic choruses and pummeling drums the album is a dynamic collection or tracks. The band manage to create a sound that blends and twinkles with eerie haunting soundscapes and bashing rock tones. ’Feeling Unknown’, ‘Shapes’ and ‘Put Me To Shame’ all rumble with the raging rhythmic foundation and brawn filled drum progressions of Paper Souls while the intense jabs on guitar and jaunty keys provide a lighter tone and contrasting texture to the darker elements. With a mixture of soft vocals, rasped exclaims and lush harmonies the album is diverse and engaging. The band flesh out their power ballads with 90’s grunge infused passion. The moodier tracks like ‘Reading Minds’ use icy soundscapes to create the lonely alternative rock atmosphere allowing the lamenting keys and guitar distortion build the song’s tension right up to the power rock crescendo of shredding guitars and expressive vocals.
‘The Great and The Grieving’ is a tight cohesive album of mighty alternative rock anthems as Paper Souls use bittersweet melodies, and dynamic instrumentation to create a moving and rich collection of tracks.
Frontman Luke says that whilst he writes a lot about his personal observations and experiences, “the band’s collaboration keeps the listener always discovering something new and dynamic for the ear to digest.”
After his debut release ‘Dive’, Chris Conroy has released his second single ‘Sink Or Swim’. Named after his grandad, who coincidentally was the only other musically orientated member of his family, Chris was destined to pursue a career in music. Discovering a love for guitar and in turn songwriting in his late teens, his life experiences have shaped who he is and how his music sounds today. A constant battle between happiness and heartache, love and loss, Chris expresses a refreshing and honest vulnerability, a defiant and hopeful mindset all in a playful yet serious manner.
‘Sink or Swim’ is a powerful number saturated in intense soundscapes, emotive melodies and Chris Conroy’s heartfelt songwriting. The track surges with tension as rushing electronics create an adrenaline infused soundscape. Conroy’s vocals rasp and passionately drift over the bitter sweet melody as the track builds for the explosive chorus. ‘Sink or Swim’ is a song expressing the conflict between chasing your dreams and staying comfortable in your surroundings. Conroy talks about the uncertainty in moving forward whilst trying to hold onto the past. This twisting and coiling emotion is perfectly expressed within the tracks intricate layers. Simmering electronics pull the listener into the songs abyssal depths while elegant keys create moments of innocence and sweetness that become almost suffocated by the jittering beats. ‘Sink or Swim’ is a dynamic and compelling tune from Chris Conroy.
Justin Jarrell has released his self titled debut album. Justin Jarrell is a singer/songwriter and born entertainer. No stranger to a live show, his commanding stage presence creates a high energy, feel-good atmosphere. Justin Jarrell’s goal is to write songs people can relate to, whilst also getting his audience to let loose and have fun.
Justin Jarrell’s debut album is a collection of passionate tracks which venture from electronic pop to soft rock with some doo-wop and sweet ballads in between. His ability to write catchy hooks with upbeat melodies makes each song a delight as he experiments with auto-tune to create light enjoyable tunes. From the twinkling 50’s-esque soundscapes in ‘Dream’ to the dance infused ‘How Do I Love’ Jarell provides a diverse listening experience. With cinematic soundscapes flooding tracks like ‘Where Does My Heart Beat Now’ and ‘Make My Broken Heart Whole’ the album captures rushing emotions through precise instrumentation, warm guitars and glistening keys.
Justin Jarrell’s self titled album is compact, wholesome and a tale of the heart expressed through emotive musicianship.
Stream Justin Jarrell’s self titled album below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
