Tag Archives: Alternative

Bitch Falcon ‘Martyr’

Bitch Falcon have released ‘Martyr’, the 3rd single taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Staring At Clocks’, set for release 6th November 2020. The band have played with Girl Band, Fontaines DC, Torche, Black Peaks and Pussy Riot.

‘Martyr’ is a decisive onslaught of bittersweet chaos as Bitch Falcon take their grunge sound to a thrilling and haunting dimension. From the relentless bass rumble start, the track wriggles its way into your head grasping your mind with strident razor sharp guitar riffs. The track has a residue of Korn as the sweet pines on guitar contrasts the rumbling rhythmic flow. It’s eerie and ominous with lighter elements flickering beneath the asphyxiating bass assault. As the song builds into its tantalizing chorus the track becomes thick and darkly intoxicating as it oozes distortion and punk elements while the rippling bass coils around the rampant drums to create an airtight wall of sound. Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s mesmerising vocals haunt, bellow and scream over this frantic wall of sound. She is by no means drowned beneath the grungy rock mayhem. Holding her own, she exudes an icy, luring tone for the verses before the vocal shrill entraps the listener within the deep weaving instrumental chaos.

Bitch Falon’s skill to both haunt, chill to the core and blister with intense fury is awe inspiring. They posses the rare ability to capture and express beauty within chaotic musical composition. Their sound is glorious and majestic to say the least.

About the track frontwoman Lizzie Fitzpatrick said: “When writing this song, we wanted to achieve a post-punk vibe to it, but with modern influences. Nigel’s drumming reminds me of Warpaint in this, it has such a bounce to it. I tried to span my vocals from soft to cord ripping, a bid to show the aggression in the song.’

Stream ‘Martyr’ below 


Author : Danu

Harley & The Wolf ‘For What It’s Worth’

Harley & The Wolf have recently released their new single ‘For What It’s Worth’. Harley & The Wolf are an alternative rock band from Northern Ireland who create powerful and fiery tunes. With a heartfelt melody encased in a swarming wall of sound Harley & The Wolf present a dynamic new single ready to blast from your speakers. With a raw jagged guitar riff slicing through the pounding bass and explosive drums the track has that instantly kinetic rock anthem gusto. The rasped vocals surge passion into this alternative mammoth, building on the song’s adrenaline and heart racing pulse. Rich melodies weave a thread of earworm delight while the raw and energetic backdrop builds in intensity, ‘For What It’s Worth’ is a fantastic ballsy alternative rock number from Harley & The Wolf.

Stream ‘For What It’s Worth’ below 


Author : Danu

Madison Front ‘Otherside’

Madison Front have released their new single ‘Otherside’. Madison Front are an Indie/Alternative rock band who formed in 2015, with Luke O’Connor on Vocals, Patrick Murphy on Lead Guitar, Gary Murphy on Drums, Jack Shakespeare on Bass, and Conor Cullen on Rhythm Guitar. The group gained some notoriety during their first year, performing at Ireland’s well-renowned Longitude Festival, featuring alongside acts such as Hozier, Alt-J, and The Chemical Brothers. Following this, the band also appeared on Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ. They spent the next couple of years playing in well-known music venues across Dublin, including Whelan’s, The Academy, The Workman’s Club, and The Grand Social, establishing themselves within the local music scene. The band released their debut single, ‘Sleep Off’, and subsequent music video, in February of 2020, in-line with a single-launch gig in the same month in one of Dublin’s fastest growing venues, LoSt LaNe.     

‘Otherside’ is a punchy energetic track dripping in alternative rock prowess and Madison Front’s expressive musicianship. The track chills with an eerie tone and sinister guitar refrain while the pulsing percussion, rumbling drums and creeping verses surround the track in an enticing atmosphere of haunting suspense. With smooth vocals, catchy melody and a building wall of sound, the band cultivate and simmer their sound superbly while embellishing the song with steamy guitar licks, icy refrains and slick licks. ‘Otherside’ is a well crafted new single which boasts the refinement and sublime songwriting of Madison Front. 

Watch the video for ‘Otherside’ below


Author : Danu

Emily 7 ‘Stay’

Dublin band Emily 7 are set to release their debut single ‘Stay’ on October 9th.Hailing from the streets of Tallaght, brothers Kyle and Scott Bellew have been making waves on the Irish music industry as Emily 7 for over 2 years now. While only being 21 and 18 respectively, they have shared the stage with acts like U2, Glen Hansard and Imelda Mayat the Christmas Eve Busk, as well as supporting UK acts like Twisted Wheel in Whelans. Their 90’s image and sound even landed them a brand deal and interview with Fred Perry.The two brothers are also known from a viral video that went around the internet,where they met Liam Gallagher in Dublin, and he brought them to his show in The Olympia. This was one of the moments that influenced them to make the band a full time job.Emily 7 also headline Whelans (upstairs) on April 16th 2021. Tickets are available fromTicketmaster.ie and more info can be found frommcd.ie/artists/emily-7


‘Stay’
is a blazing debut from Emily 7. While telling a story of the trials and tribulations of falling in love, the duo create a ferocious, heavy, rock track swamped in the bands brawny, crashing wall of sound. With just a guitar and drums, the band manage to whack out a full-bodied, and all consuming sound sure to have a live audience moshing in no time.
A guitar blitz soars through a rapid drum onslaught creating a thrilling sound of alternative rock with punk elements. Gravelly vocals contrast heartfelt, emotional lyrics which express sweetness and carry an undertone of vulnerability, displaying the bands ability to create diversity and depth within their tracks. ‘Stay’ is energetic, raw, and infectious – an impressive debut from a promising and talented duo. 

‘Stay’ is set for release on Friday October 9th for more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/officialemily7/?eid=ARCr1_UDI4cRrKgKFutnmAVd_PQfVKJJ03te0IOTp430wuE8Cae8II1qRxaMBgJsZRkru7QfOCUGkQ_e&fref=tag


Author : Danu

Summit ‘Silent Sanity’

New Jersey rockers Summit have released their debut single ‘Silent Sanity’.A family band made up of a father and four sons, Summit used the lockdown period to their advantage, taking the time to practice together and start to write and record their own music. Developing from a covers band to a fully fledged rock band with original material, they draw from a wealth of experience and influences ranging from alternative rock to classical music.

‘Silent Sanity’ is a blazing whack of alternative rock as Summit spread an emotional smooth melody over a bubbling angsty backdrop. The track exudes punchy drums, rumbling bass lines and raw gritty guitar riffage which drives the tracks brisk Blink-182 -esque wall of sound. With a moody vocal melody and tight harmony this track is a refined, full bodied taste of explosive rock which contemplates the intricacies of relationships. 

Stream ‘Silent Sanity’ below 


Author : Danu

 

Orwells ’84 ‘She Is So Sweet’

Orwells ’84 have returned, bringing their familiar sound to the masses with the release of their latest single ‘She Is So Sweet’. The track is the third release from the band’s well received debut EP ‘Truth is the First Victim’.The band recorded most of ‘Truth is the First Victim’ in Sun Studios in Dublin with Pauric McCrum and Peter McCoy of Pillowhead. This is the band’s second venture with the duo; having worked together previously on the single “Cailín”. They’ve performed with talents such as David Keenan, Nix Moon, Myles McCormack from Belfast group Lonesome George and Finnian, among others.

‘She Is So Sweet’ is a light, charming tune as Orwells ’84 spread their uplifting and melodious musicianship over a colourful tapestry of wonderful instrumental embellishments. The band’s hearty sound is wholesome and rich with diversity streaming in through indie elements, folk tones and wonderful melodic progressions. Elegant strings glide through a buoyant rhythmic section while warm guitars adorn the backdrop. With smooth vocals, lush backing vocals and meticulous layering this track has a vibrant and irresistibly ebullient sound that is joyful to the ears. Brimming with radiance, traditional tones and cheery refinement, ‘She Is So Sweet’ is a wonderful new single from Orwells ’84.

Stream ‘She Is So Sweet’ below 


Author : Danu

Kynsy ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’

Rising newcomer Kynsy has released her new single ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’. Kynsy, is the solo project of rising 23 year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Ciara Lindsey.Tipped in 2FM’s Rising 2020 list, Kynsy’s single ‘Cold Blue Light’ picked up plays on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music with Kynsy also featuring on the cover of Spotify playlists including Fresh Finds Rock and An Alternative Eire as well as on the cover of Indie Britain on Tidal. The track was also included in Spotify’s New Music Friday UK, Badass Women, Et Alt and New Alt playlists.

‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ is a sublime example of Kynsy’s tight, refined songcraft as she swaggers her way through sharp guitar and jolting indie rock to create a raw number that is to die for. A catchy guitar riff reminiscent of The Strokes introduces a lonely, almost spaghetti western vibe while the stomping beat and moody delivery sets the tracks gritty undertone.It’s a punchy, matter of fact tune with both sweetness and attitude oozing through Kynsy’s vocals. The zest-stricken sharp guitar refrains and light buoyant rhythmic foundation create a mesmerising contrast while at the same time blending the light indie tones with sulky, moody moments. There’s striking cinematic beauty to ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ as Kynsy paints a mixture of emotions on an almost Tarantino- movie desert backdrop, however she reins it in, not fully committing to the gritty genre and instead introduces and allows the indie pop elements to flourish and thrive. Kynsy is an exciting and talented artist and one to keep an eye on. 

Written and co-produced by Kynsy, she enlisted mixer Claudius Mittendorfer (Interpol / Sorry / Parquet Courts) to buff the finished work. About the track, Kynsy said: “It’s a tug of war between the positive and negative thought processes that occur when a relationship ends. It’s about accepting the fact that sometimes you have to laugh the pain away or look at negativity head on in order to feel positive emotions and have positive thoughts again.” 

The track comes with an accompanying self-directed video, filmed in Dublin by Tim Shearwood and featuring Kynsy and her friends. Talking about the video, she explained “I wanted to try and create the same sort of balance of ideas, it needed to be fun and playful but with moments of emotional vulnerability in there too, a sort of yin and yang of simple fun against complex emotions.”

Watch the video for ‘Happiness Isn’t A Fixed State’ below


Author : Danu

Sage Morei ‘Ivory Black’

Mysterious and moving, ‘Ivory Black’ is the compassionate call to arms from Sage Morei. Inspired by a documentary about the illegal ivory trade and the devastating impact this is having on elephant populations, Sage Morei channels his rage into this thoughtful and powerful track that clearly comes straight from the soul.

‘Ivory Black’ is a dark coiling number as Sage Morei uses smoky electronics and alternative rock to create a striking new song. The sharp guitar distortion smothers in thick asphyxiating synths, creating a tar-like muggy soundscape while Morei’s powerful rock-infused vocals express the songs grittier elements and emotional theme. Elements of Marilyn Manson provide the song with chilling and ominous tones which brood through the rich percussive wall of sound while haunting backing vocals and mysterious instrumental backdrop make this song one heck of a thrilling listening experience. 

Filmed on location in Thailand, the video features stunning locations, ranging from the urban environment of Bangkok City to Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park. Sage Morei and cinematographer Dorian Kissama Merciai spent many days with the majestic elephants themselves, wanting to highlight the real reason behind the video in a truthful and authentic way that avoided exploiting the animals. Working with a top team that includes Lee Avant (FKA twigs), and second cinematographer Nina Hawkins, the entire project has taken years to perfect. Sage Morei has also set up a webshop with an entire collection revolving around the release, all profits from which will go to elephant and rhino conservation charities that work to protect these animals from poaching. This is especially significant now as they have seen a rise in poaching numbers during Covid-19.

Watch the video for ‘Ivory Black’ below


Author : Danu

Brass Phantoms ‘Holding Out For Horrors’ Album

Brass Phantoms have released their eagerly awaited debut album ‘Holding Out For Horrors’. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for energetic and frenzied live shows, the Dublin five-piece landed themselves support slots with Dublin favourites Delorentos and Manchester darlings The Slow Readers Club. Having toured throughout Ireland and the UK, they are tipped as one of the top acts to see at New York’s Global Music Festival and Conference Mondo NYC.  

‘Holding Out For Horrors’ is a magnificent genre-splicing album as Brass Phantoms take their refined musicianship, expressive songwriting and dynamic energy and pour it into an impressive body of work. The album features the band’s singles ‘Hurricane’, ‘City Of Wolves’, ‘Waiting Up’, ‘Indigo’ and recent release ‘What We Leave Behind Us’ which have all been landmarks in the quintets musical growth. Displaying slinky ethereal guitar lines, chiming key progressions, epic melodies and choruses the band present a big lofty sound with weighty lyrics and biting soundscapes. Each track is meticulously layered and deftly crafted to create a thrilling listening experience. With the singles paving the way the band could have slipped in a few weaker and light listens to fill out the track list but that’s not the kind of band Brass Phantoms are. The rest of the album is chock-a-block with big songs of depth and quality. 

The Killers – esque ‘Legal Fiction’ thrives on intoxicating guitar lines and atmospheric synths  that skillfully blend synth-pop with dark gritty rock; it is a magnificent display of compositional prowess. Ryan Cashell’s vocals have become cinematic, deeper and more distinct than ever as he owns his unique vocal range and expressive emotive scope. He can haunt and chill through a song or mysteriously cast a sinister tone that turns the more instrumentally uplifting tracks ( such as ‘Wood Words’ ) into quite an ominous darker tune. To contrast Cashell’s vocals the band showcase a new facet of Brass Phantoms which we haven’t seen before, a duet with the one and only Colleen Heavey. Her sweet innocent coo’s contrast, blend and add a refreshing light to ‘What We Leave Behind Us’. This kinetic and refined track is a pinnacle moment on the album, showcasing the band’s mature musicianship. They create a richly textured sonic wall of sound exuding tantalising bass grooves which drizzle a funk tone onto the dark synth pop backdrop. A punchy drum foundation and woodblock feature entices the listener while sharp guitar lines weave and tease oozing tension and suspense – an utterly thrilling listening experience.The frantic swirl of ‘Disciples’ reminds us just how dazzling and synth heavy Brass Phantoms can be as they press disco shimmering synths over ominous melodies, and shredding guitar riffs that lament, soar and slice through Adam McCabe’s fluctuant, dead-summoning drums.

Brass Phantoms prove they are quite the dream team, not only does the band have a unique, powerful and charismatic frontman (Ryan Cashell). They also have guitar and bass virtuoso’s in Greg Whelan and James Geraghty and voice of an angel and synth wizard in Colleen Heavey. All this talent is nurtured by McCabe’s hefty dynamic drums which allows each instrument ( guitars, synths, and vocals ) to flourish and shine in prismatic glory. McCabes drums also create the elastic flirtations and ballsy backbone which levitates each song to its epic climax

The sustained dark ecstasy of each song expands as the album progresses. The sultry ‘Something Automatic’ and the blustery elation of ‘Indigo’ are brimming with luscious indie pop melodies consumed in a whirlpool of rich ethereal soundscapes, reinforcing the kinetic adrenaline this band have crafted so meticulously. Even the beautiful and short interlude of ‘Max’s Reprise (We Leave Behind)’ and slow burner ‘Reflection’ which exudes lush harmonies, heartfelt melody and passionate instrumentation, winds the album down without loosing the majestic and impactful punch of its predecessors. 

‘Holding Out For Horrors’ is a marvelous, epic collection of synth-rock gems and energetic anthems. For their debut album Brass Phantoms take us on a journey through their own personal experiences while also showcasing their musical growth. Within the album there is enough familiarity and boundary pushing to keep the listener engaged while the darker, thrilling moments keep you hanging on the edge of your seat. Showcasing wonderful blends of synth pop, indie and alternative, ‘Holding Out For Horrors’ is an album to fully indulge in and enjoy over and over again.

Stream ‘Holding Out For Horrors’ below 


Author : Danu

Dunluvly ‘Too Late’

Dublin-based singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Dunluvly has released his new single, ‘Too Late’ today. The single is the first release off of his upcoming EP, ‘Plethora’. Playing all the instruments on the track, the song was written, recorded, and produced by Dunluvly aswell in his home studio. He released his Debut EP in 2018, and became active in the pub circuit. In 2019 Dunluvly became a three piece band, and they played a headline show, released three singles, and gigged around Dublin until Corona season. 

‘Too Late’ is an unfolding, intricately crafted indie gem which displays the unique, deft and mesmerising musicianship of Dunluvly. The nimble plucked guitar weaves and wanders through a flickering dance infused beat creating sublime ripples through the tracks delicate suspenseful atmosphere. The guitar flourishments pierce the darker tone of the track with glimmers of warmth and scintillation. Dunluvly creates fluctuating tension throughout the track while the tight harmonies haunt through the songs cold tone. The sheer attention to detail and lush sonic elements within the track showcase how compelling and masterful Dunluvly is as a songwriter and producer.

About the Song, Dunluvly said: “This track is one that I’ve always gone back to when I’m travelling or roadtripping. I wrote the first half of the song in Vancouver a few years ago, and finished it this past summer. To me, it captures the feeling of this summer, and was a soundtrack to escaping Dublin to go camping for weeks on and off. The song was written in between those trips. It has that nostalgic, roadtrip sound, and is about that feeling of excitement leading up to a journey.” 

Stream ‘Too Late’ below


Author : Danu