HVNTER has released ‘Breathe’, the 3rd single from his upcoming EP ‘You Don’t Know Love’ – Out July 30th. HVNTER is an electronic singer-songwriter from Pontypridd, South Wales who found his love for music uploading self-taught acoustic covers to YouTube at 16, where he began to craft his songwriting skills. He soon found his feet and after just 3 years had surpassed over 250,000 views. His debut track “Blood” quickly racked up over 30,000 plays on Soundcloud within the first few weeks of release. Over the years HVNTER bloomed as a live performer. HVNTER has performed with and supported touring artists Bright Light Bright Light, Into The Ark (BBC The Voice), Let’s Eat Grandma, Gabriel Garzon Montano, Tinchy Stryder and Chris Stark (BBC Radio 1), to name a few alongside landing slots at Young Peoples Village and Truck Festival.
‘Breathe’ is a refreshing guzzle of electronic pop that boasts HVNTER’s emotive and irresistible sound. The artist spreads a bittersweet melody over an effervescent backdrop of fluctuating beats and swirling synths to create a heart-rushing soundscape that is sure to guarantee repeat plays. Soothing vocals glide over the melody with tenderness and emotion as twinkling keys create an element of innocence between biting grooves and heavier electronic moments. HVNTER is an ambitious artist whose deft musical ability creates compelling tunes that are easy on the ears, relatable and exciting to listen to. Oozing an infectious chorus and surging soundscapes, ‘Breath’ is an irresistible and passionate new single from HVNTER.
Fast-rising duo World’s First Cinema return with their new single ‘Supernatural’. World’s First Cinema’s origins begin back in 2019, when Fil Thorpe, a founding member of Neck Deep, the multi-award-winning rock outfit that also cracked the #2 spot on the US album charts, chose to leave his formative outfit in pursuit of a career in production. Having now relocated to Los Angeles he met John Sinclair, alternatively known as Saint Claire, who had previously collaborated with Macklemore on his 2017 single ‘Excavate’.
‘Supernatural’ is a dark and sonically epic new tune from World’s First Cinema. The duo knock it out of the park with this release. Brooding verses creep through crawling bass grooves and light guitar, oozing tension from the outset. As the song progresses, it becomes more dynamic, with the duo unleashing their deft melodic prowess by blending rich textures superbly to create powerful indie-rock soundscapes filled with cinematic production and darkly smothered pop sensibilities. World’s First Cinema don’t do anything by half measures, and ‘Supernatural’ is the perfect example of this. Boasting a dramatic synth build and heavy, almost EDM slapped crescendo, this pulse-racing tune continues World’s First Cinema’s run of massive, passionate and utterly awe-inspiring singles.
About the track, the band said: “‘Supernatural’ is a nod to the cinematic roots where this project first began. We feel that we’ve grown so much since we released our debut EP and we feel our music is reflecting that. Our songs will always have a cinematic element but ‘Supernatural’ really revives the overtly epic tones of our first EP. We wanted this track to be a sign to our fans to always expect those sonics from us as we explore different styles in our writing.”
Soda Blonde have released their debut album ‘Small Talk’ via Velveteen Records, the entirely self-produced album sees the group reflecting on their twenty-something experiences with refreshingly honest transparency. All four band members (Faye O’Rourke, Adam O’Regan, Dylan Lynch and Donagh Seaver-O’Leary) are seasoned musicians, despite their youth. They have been playing together since their early teens, with their previous band – the internationally renowned Little Green Cars, whose seminal debut album skyrocketed to number one on the Irish album charts.
‘Small Talk’ is a collection of musical marvels that showcases the magic and brilliance of Soda Blonde’s artistic musicianship. Filled with cinematic undertones and heart-rushing emotional moments, the four-piece have created a body of work that seems to flow like a soundtrack to a movie. ‘Tiny Darkness’ acts as the prelude to the album. Opulent soundscapes of elegant staccato strings, lush harmonies and lamenting piano introduce the listener to the musical wonder that is Soda Blonde while O’Rourke’s sweet, lulling vocal brings to life the vivid imagery within the lyrics “They said that I could be a star, But I bent out of my shape, I’m like a washed-up tv host, Watching back old tapes”. The track is a fine example of the band’s blossoming sound and poetic lyricism and a fantastic opener for a debut album.
There is an air of mystery and a relatable theme of self-discovery within the tracks on the album, however, hidden beneath the instrumentation is an undercurrent of melancholy. This aspect is deftly expressed throughout the album in different ways for example the spacious brooding atmosphere in ‘The Dark Trapese’ exudes a deep sense of loneliness while dark synths and the eerie, shimmery lustre of ‘In The Heat Of The Night’,and hypnotic guitar refrain within ‘Terrible Hands’ all allude to the element of sadness within the tracks while O’Rourke’s lyrical mastery cuts deep with honest tales of heartbreak and insecurities.
An intriguing aspect of Soda Blonde is O’Rourke’s storytelling ability which takes the listener on a journey through the inner workings of the singer-songwriter’s mind. Through poignant lyrics and effective use of stream of consciousness, the listener begins to truly understand the artist’s thoughts and emotions. This is shown in the utterly magnificent ‘Holy Roses’ – “so many fights, so much nothing in the bed, so many railroads that don’t lead to anything…” and ‘Try’ as O’Rourke aptly describes the complexities of navigating through the constant tasks of modern life – “Gotta get a job, Gotta go to work, Gotta find yourself? Then Meet me afterwards”.
Throughout the album, Soda Blonde display their deft musical prowess. Each track is lavishly adorned in shimmering synths, sensual basslines and virtuoso guitar embellishments that is simply a joy to listen to, however, ‘I Still Have Feelings For You’ highlights the power within the band’s minimalist arrangements. Combined with gentle guitars and a soft beat beneath O’Rourke’s emotive vocals, the song ventures into the band’s more folk-pop sound and is a time-stopping moment on the album that leaves the listener dumb-struck by the tracks lyrical beauty and musical grace.
‘Choices’ brings the album to a close similar to how it started with cinematic, swooping strings and vivid soundscapes that pulse and surge with emotion while a bittersweet melody drives the songs catchy alternative pop sensibilities. The band bring the album full circle, however within the lyrics we get a sense of empowering confidence as the four-piece leave us on a pondering thought that our choices can lead to a sense of liberation. Interestingly, as the last notes of the track fade to silence the album doesn’t feel as if it’s a conclusive end. It resembles more of a cliffhanger which is quite refreshing to experience on an album.
Small Talk is an emotional and beautiful work of art. The band have been honing their craft meticulously, and the result is a breathtaking debut that cements Soda Blonde’s position as one of Ireland’s most exciting bands. Press play and enjoy
Ria Rua has released her new single, ‘Asking For It’.Ria Rua is a modern Irish female electronic art-pop singer, songwriter and producer. After spending years as a professional drummer and touring the world with orchestras, she decided to take a chance on her own material. Her first three releases received national radio play in Ireland and the UK, and she was awarded International Artist of the Year 2020 by Nova Radio in the UK. Ria writes about power, love, obsession and control. Her debut single was about the global response to the coronavirus pandemic and has become a staple on Irish national radio. She has been awarded several Irish Arts bursaries, including the highly coveted Irish Arts Council’s National Music Bursary (2020) and has plans to release more singles in 2021, followed by her debut album.
Shrouded in gripping, nail-biting tension and unnerving electronics ‘Asking For It’ is a thrilling new single from Ria Rua. The track pulses with dark undertones as the artist blends heavy moments of EDM with head-spinning synths and techno flourishes. A dazed backdrop reminiscent of a rave has a muggy, lulling effect on the senses while Ria Rua’s vocals maintain an unimpressed matter of fact tone throughout. The striking lyrical content hits hard with bruising force as the artist pulls no punches, “people used to say to me you don’t walk around in short skirts cause they know what you’re asking for. No, it’s just implied cause you’re asking for it”. Boasting masterful production and thought-provoking lyrics ‘Asking For It’ is a fine example of Ria Rua’s boundless musical talent. Looking forward to hearing much more from Ria Rua.
Irish dance-pop artist Slaney has released her new single ‘All I Want’. Her track ‘Love Is Like A Drug’ was included on Spotify New Music Friday UK and received extensive radio and press support which led to her been snapped up by super live agent Sol Parker at Paradigm ( Billie Eilish / Take That etc ) for worldwide representation. Slaney is also a very talented actress and recently appeared in the BAFTA nominated hit TV show Normal People and a new Apple TV show Foundation.
‘All I Want’ is a shimmering dance-pop tune that continues Slaney’s run of irresistibly infectious tunes. A dreamy light melody is glazed with her smooth vocal coos and drifts sweetly into the ears while a bubbling dance-infused backdrop maintains a tantalising bounce and edge throughout. Slaney’s sweet melodies create a lulling effect on the listener’s senses as she ventures into a 90’s – esque dance soundscape that exudes soft swirling synths and luring electronic pulses. Blending a thumping bassline into the hazy backdrop, Slaney showcases a summer bop that is sure to be stuck in your head for days. Love it.
Arthur Valentine has released his debut EP ‘Splitscreen’.Taking its cues from 90s arcade classics like Daytona USA, a Splitscreen video game was used to create the EP’s artwork, and is available for download to coincide with the EP’s release.
Doused in chilled R&B and speckles of soul, ‘Splitscreen’ is Arthur Valentine’s ambitious debut. The level of production on this EP is masterful and well thought out. From gentle guitar glimmering through lush washes of electronics in ‘Track 3’ to the sun-kissed tones, bubbling percussion and airy synths in ‘Dream About You’, the EP surges with lush arrangements and glorious mellow tones. With each subsequent listen, a new melodic embellishment, guitar flurry or percussive peppering is unveiled as Valentine takes his laid back sound to exciting new heights. Even the brooding ‘CHOKER’ unfolds into a treasure of doo-whop -esque melodies, heavy electronics, and biting voice samples as Valentine showcases his fusion of hip hop hued R&B.
Each track holds its own within the EP with Valentine’s immaculate and smooth vocal delivery tying everything together. His voice croons over velvety melodies in ‘Rainbow Road’ with a soft, soulful tone creating a relaxed evening atmosphere while using autotune backing vocals to add a bite and graceful shift in texture. The subtle contrasts and embellishments within the track are an absolute joy to experience again and again.
‘Splitcreen’ concludes with ‘Ministry Of Happiness’ – the most lush tune on the EP. Valentine infuses sensual jazz elements with R&B before a cinematic crescendo elevates the song enhanced by tropical hues and soft whistle moments of joy. This rosy-hued tune is an absolute delight and a fantastic finale to this special EP.
‘Splitscreen’ is an emotive and utterly compelling body of work. Arthur Valentine is a talented artist and one to keep an eye on.
Alternative pop artist Mustafa Sal has released his new single ‘johnnysixteen’. Under his old pseudonym, Sal the Musician, Mustafa released four singles in 2019/20 to great avail, with the tracks getting plenty of radio play and press buzz. Mustafa also spent the latter half of 2019 playing a number of support shows for touring artists, including Australian alt-rock legends ‘You Am I’. Thus far, he has released two singles in 2021 under his new artist name ‘Mustafa Sal’ and garnered Spotify Editorial playlist support for his most recent track ‘Spaceship Boy’.
‘johnnysixteen’ is a buoyant alternative pop number that showcases the emotive songwriting of Mustafa Sal. This catchy bop rides on a bubbling beat while soft electronics wisp in the backdrop creating a bright soundscape filled with warm guitars and shimmering synths that weave between a catchy chorus and luscious arrangements. Mustafa Sal’s warm vocal coo’s melt into a dreamy melody while his sweet tender lyrics convey emotions of loneliness “we are the stimulation generation. We don’t know how to make real friends, so we fake real friends”. The bittersweet lyrics of isolation are wonderfully contrasted by the energetic instrumentation and crisp production in the track. Mustafa has crafted a meaningful and charming tune ready for repeat plays.
About the track, Mustafa says: “The track itself discusses loneliness in the digital age under this cloud of technology. We are so connected yet so distant from one another- a crippling factor in the development of Generation Z as a whole.”
Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Neil Dexter has launched his solo career and released his debut single, ‘Loving You.’ A founding member of defunct indie-rock quintet Spies, and active contributor to Tandem Felix and Royal Yellow, Dexter’s experiences playing with these acts have broadened his sonic palette and informed his artistry today.
Dexter presents a richly textured prismatic wall of sound within ‘Loving You’ that builds to become one infectious groove-laden bop. The song pivots around an insatiable groove as a pounding beat and bass direct the song’s flow. Dexter layers shimmering synths, clapping rhythms and melodic electronics atop heavy grooves to create a kaleidoscopic 80’s synth-pop backdrop blended with elements of 90s techno-pop. This lush array of textures is a joy to the senses as Dexter’s mesmerising vocal anchors the listener within the song’s ever-growing and immersive soundscape. There is a dark undertone crawling through the track. This is reinforced by Dexter’s deep vocals and haunting wisps on electronics which contrasts the lustrous production and synths, while the lyrics explore the guilt that often comes from not being more present for your partner “I should have spent more time loving you.”
‘Loving You’ is an exciting glimpse into the vast tantalising sound of Neil Dexter, and I, for one, am looking forward to what the artist has in store for us next.
Irish four-piece modernlove. have announced their debut EP ‘monochrome blue’ and share their new single. ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ along with a music video. The EP is due September 1st on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). Each of the 6 radio-ready tracks confronts issues like romance, rejection, 21st-century communication and the daily impact of all three.”lmk (if you wanna see me)” will be the third single on the EP, following on from “Liquorice” and “Bop,” both of which received strong playlist support, landing on NMF UK at Spotify, as well as Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List. Radio has come via 2FM, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line and Radio X.
modernlove. flesh out their sonically lush indie-pop to present a truly mesmerising gem in ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’. Steeped in a pool of synths, the track has a nostalgic and dreamy atmosphere that has a semi-conscious quality to it and creates a slow-motion, out of body effect throughout the verses. The song pivots around this hazy vibe with the mechanical vocal effects inducing a suspenseful tone through the use of soft coo’s. modernlove. have refined and honed their sound to create a tight song laced in interweaved melodies and textures that is simply divine to listen to. The band’s ability to pour emotion into every fibre of a song is masterful. They use a bubbling rhythmic backbone to create an agitated undertone in the soundscape of the track while surges of intense electronics ebb and flow throughout, quickly followed by a brief relief between jittery guitar interludes. The instrumentation is exquisitely designed to mirror the theme of being simultaneously overwhelmed and isolated. This intense instrumentation is greatly enhanced by the eloquent, emotive and well-coined phrases within the track – ”it doesn’t feel like I’m living, it just feels like I’m here” as the band poignantly capture the complexities of the modern lives of twenty-somethings through their earnest and striking lyricism.
‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is an excellent example of fine musicianship. Everything clicks within this song. The production, arrangement, lyrics and vocals all blend together spectacularly. modernlove.’s sound has blossomed wonderfully. The band’s deft musical ability balances insanely catchy indie-pop with emotive and thought-provoking lyrics to create compelling and impressive music. Love it.
About the song, the band say: “‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is about a formative period of your life ending. We wrote it during lockdown which inspired the somber, detached feel of the song.”
To celebrate the EP release, modernlove. will be playing their first London show at The Social on November 12 as well as a Dublin show in The Workman’s Club Cellar on November 5th.
Soda Blonde have released the third single ‘Holy Roses’ from their upcoming album ‘Small Talk’ set for release on July 9th via Velveteen Records.‘Holy Roses’ is a deeply emotive and powerful tune set to a shimmering alternative pop backdrop. Starting with a sombre guitar refrain ‘Holy Roses’ unfolds beautifully. The minimalist instrumentation to begin with, opens up to Faye O’Rourke’s lulling vocals and warm backing harmonies which set the tone of the song through a profoundly honest and hard-hitting lyric “Hold on let me get this straight, you said what you want and now you are done”, soon followed by a pre-chorus that acts like a stream of consciousness as the artist comes to terms with painful past events, “so many fights, so much nothing in the bed, so many railroads that don’t lead to anything…”. The brooding verses swiftly give way to a vibrant chorus filled with radiant synths, rich rhythms and uplifting melodies that sheds light on the song’s shadowy undertone. The track is a marvel of fine musicianship and showcases the powerfully emotive songwriting of Soda Blonde. The four-piece push boundaries to craft compelling artistic tunes that are simply spellbinding and a joy to listen to. ‘Holy Roses’ is a must listen.
About ‘Holy Roses’ Faye says “So many of us use rejection as fuel to justify stagnancy or living in the past. Holy Roses provides me with some closure and I feel it’s one of the most important tracks on the album. I am directly addressing the people in my past who have hurt me in this song. The Rose is symbolic of war and the fleetingness of life and death. It also represents the fall of Christianity, which I compare not only to our country’s dying Catholic status but to the oppression I felt throughout my own personal and work life. Holy Roses is the moment of reckoning for me, in all respects. I’m letting go of the people who have hurt me and my old way of living”
Stream ‘Holy Roses’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
