Tag Archives: indie pop

Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

modernlove. ‘Oh My Mind’ EP

Following a wave of highly-praised singles over the last few months, including ‘Don’t Wanna’, ‘Us’, ‘Follow You’, ‘Islands’ and ‘Familiar’, Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have now released their eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Oh My Mind’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). modernlove. will also be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. Demand for these shows has been so overwhelming, the band have added a new date at London’s Camden Assembly on the 8th November, with their Manchester performance which was upgraded to YES! (Basement) has now sold out.

‘Oh My Mind’ is a fizzing collection of fantastic indie pop songs full of earnest lyrics, heartfelt melodies and invigorating sonic embellishments. This band craft their songs meticulously and the result is exhilarating musicianship. From the effervescent electronics on ‘Island’, elastic bass grooves in ‘Don’t Wanna’, brooding atmospheres in ‘Familiar’ and rush of instrumentation in ‘Us’, each song possesses glorious musical moments that are a joy to listen to again and again.

However, it is ‘Take My Hand’ and title track ‘Oh My Mind’ that steal the show. Boasting fluttering rhythms, shimmering synths and sun-kissed guitar elements these two tracks highlight just how good modernlove. are as artists. The expressive instrumentation and deft production is a delight to listener’s ears and offer a spine-tingling listening experience to indulge in.

Not only do modernlove. deliver on lush dynamic pop backdrops and intoxicating melodies their lyrics are deep and speak of heavy themes; mental health, loneliness and yearning. Well phrased and evocative songwriting is delivered by Barry Lally’s emotive vocal delivery. He pours tenderness and passion over the poetic lyrics and truly brings the subject matter to life.

“She left his room when he lost his balance and She didn’t move back in again when he found it” – Island, “Babe something feels strange drank wine but then you spilt your cup, had a good time but never carpet is stained, it has to be torn up” -’Us’.

Throughout ‘Oh My Mind’ modernlove.’s honesty, vulnerability and deft musical prowess leaves much to be admired. This heartfelt body of work that is filled with spectacular musicianship, keeps modernlove. on the ones to watch list. 

Speaking about the new single, they said, “Oh my mind explores the modern day neuroses of young people and the mental health challenges brought upon them by pop culture, the internet and most recently, the coronavirus lockdowns. I think we all went a little mad over lockdown and most of this EP was written in that state of social isolation. Without distraction or release from cycles of negative thought you can begin to spiral to the point of derealisation and being in a constant state of panic. But then we kinda juxtaposed that by a brighter and more playful sonic composition. I think as young people, we tend to joke about our mental health as a way of relating to one another and not feeling so alone in all of it. So it felt natural to write a poppy, upbeat song about such dark themes rather than treating them with a forced solemnity and formality.”

modernlove. will be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. See the dates below 

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE / SOLD OUT ***
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar)
  • 8 – London – Camden Assembly ***NEW DATE***
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana – SOLD OUT
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly – SOLD OUT
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

 Stream ‘Oh My Mind’ below 


Author: Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Big Sleep ‘Feel Something Someday’ EP

Irish-Italian outfit Big Sleep have released their debut EP, ‘Feel Something Someday’. The 5 track collection of songs was recorded in the live room of Hell Fire Studios, in the Dublin Mountains over two days in December 2021. James Smith (formerly of Gypsies on the Autobahn, currently J Smith) sound engineered, produced and mixed the tracks. Matteo Poli (drums, percussion), Rónán Connolly (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Aidan Gray (bass guitar), Jacopo Stofler (lead guitar) and Jessie Russell (trumpet, Cooks But We’re Chefs) recorded on EP. Big Sleep is a collaboration between Dubliner Rónán Connolly and Florence-born Matteo Poli. 

‘Feel Something Someday’ is a glorious EP laced with sunkissed instrumentation and dreamy melodies. Throughout the EP luscious guitar lines sparkle alongside supple beats and ethereal soundscapes to create a laid-back listening experience. Each song fluidly flows into the next with ease as tropical carefree melodies blend with intricate rhythms through tracks like ‘Bláthnaid’ while supple horns in ‘In My Head’ and quirky synths in the wonderful ‘Such a Shame’ flesh out the band’s hazy sonic wall of sound.

The EP is an admirable piece of work and gives the listener a fascinating glimpse into Big Sleep as artists. An interesting element within the band’s sound is the interplay between soft dream pop and refreshing indie. This wonderful blend of elements is soothing on the ears and is a joy to experience again and again. ‘Feel Something Someday’ is a musical delight from Big Sleep. The band keep knocking it out of the park with each release and their debut EP is an excellent display of the band’s catchy emotive sound.

Stream ‘Feel Something Someday’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

modernlove. ‘Familiar’

Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. Have released their new single, ‘Familiar’, taken from the band’s eagerly-awaited upcoming EP ‘Oh My Mind’, which arrives on July 29th through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). modernlove. will also be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. Demand for these shows has been so overwhelming, the band have added a new date at London’s Camden Assembly on the 8th November, with their Manchester performance now upgraded to YES! (Basement).

‘Familiar’ boasts an intoxicating 80’s-esque soundscape filled with shimmering indie elements, light synths and lush textures. The song broods through thick electronic pulses while delicate guitar embellishments exude ethereal tones. modernlove.’s ability to create emotive melodies is awe-inspiring. ‘Familiar’ is an exquisite example of this. The track beautifully evolves into a musical delight that – with the help of an irresistible groove-laced bass, ventures into funk territory before its euphoric crescendo. Showcasing earnest lyrics, deft musical prowess and a soft falsetto display ‘Familiar’ is an enjoyable indie-pop tune that beckons repeat plays.

Speaking about the new single, the band said, “Familiar is a song about seeing an ex for the first time after breaking up. It’s about seeing them from across a bar with somebody else, having moved on with their life and the feelings that moment can evoke. It also explores the idea that we long for something familiar and comforting when we’re not in a very good place in our lives and that an ex can provide a temporary, albeit unhealthy, escape from that loneliness and anxiety. We wanted to reflect that emotional depth in the sonics as well, this is the closest we’ve come to RnB chords on the keys for example. But also not lose that modernlove. bounce, it’s a pop song at heart.”

 modernlove. 2022 UK & Ireland Tour Dates:

November

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE*** 
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar) 
  • 8 – London – Camden Assembly ***NEW DATE***
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana 
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly – SOLD OUT
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club 

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

Stream ‘Familiar’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Ham Sandwich ‘Le Soleil’

Ham Sandwich – Studio Sessions – 21st Oct 2021 – ©Glen Bollard / Ham Sandwich

Ham Sandwich have released their new single ‘Le Soleil’. The song is the second single to be taken from the band’s new album due for release at the end of the summer. The song also features a brand new animated video by long-time collaborator Marc Corrigan.

Pulling in elements of pop alongside irresistible tropical undertones, ‘Le Soleil’ is a charming musical delight from Ham Sandwich. Intricate rhythms bubble beneath biting guitars, spiralling synth embellishments and warm acoustic strums to create a hypnotic soundscape that is simply joy to the ears. The band layer the song wonderfully creating moments of psychedelia through subtle rock and indie-pop melodies while a cheery clap-along feature keeps the song in an upbeat tone. Ham Sandwich are constantly evolving their sound and creating new tantalizing tunes for listeners to indulge in and ‘Le Soleil’ is a fine example of this. It’s a well-crafted little ditty filled to the brim with clever musicianship and sublime melodies. Looking forward to the new album.

Watch the video for ‘Le Soleil’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Ailbhe Reddy ‘A Mess’

Ailbhe Reddy returns with her new single ‘A Mess’ via MNRK. The single follows April’s ‘Inhaling’, which marked a comeback for Ailbhe, who’s 2020 debut album ‘Personal History’ was shortlisted for the Choice Music Prize album of the year award. Since then, she has moved to London and signed a record deal with major indie label, MNRK. The single is accompanied by a video made by renowned Irish production company, CLTV, who have been responsible for videos by the likes of Fontaines D.C., Denise Chaila, Pillow Queens, Inhaler and more. Ailbhe Reddy has just played The Great Escape, the UK’s renowned music industry showcase festival. In July, she plays Visions Festival and Latitude, with more festival announcements due over the coming weeks.

‘A Mess’ is an exciting pop-drizzled indie rock track. The song is skillfully produced and superbly layered as Ailbhe Reddy fills an expressive soundscape with rampant bass lines, biting guitars and a sweet pop melody. Reddy is a very talented musician. The artist’s tracks ooze emotive lyrics and evocative musical arrangements that leave much to be admired. ‘A Mess’ is no exception – within the track, thrilling grunge elements and shoegaze flirtations reverb beneath smooth vocals that create dreamy tones throughout the song’s dynamic soundscape. This wonderful combination of elements is eargasmic and beckons repeat plays from the listener. Reddy sets the bar high with this fantastic tune. The track is a joy to listen to and is an enticing display of musicianship from Ailbhe Reddy.

About the track, Ailbhe Reddy says: “‘A Mess’ is about not feeling good enough in a relationship and examining old patterns and habits. It’s about feeling fed up of going around in circles, while focusing on a throw away comment that ‘no wonder it was such a mess’.”

 Watch the video for ‘A Mess’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Moncrieff ‘Ruin’

Photo Credit: Luca Rapisarda

Moncrieff has released his new single ‘Ruin’ via energie. The song comes hot on the heels of his smash single ‘Warm’ which went to the top 10 in Irish Radio and saw the up-and-coming musician perform live on Germany’s ARD Network (“Frühstücksfernsehen”). Following his recent Irish nationwide tour, Moncrieff is set to take to stages across the country this summer including Indiependence Festival, and is appearing as a special guest for Stereophonics at Fairview Park. 

‘Ruin’ showcases the passionate and diverse sound of Moncrieff. The track twist and turns through elegant ballad-esque tones and vibrant indie-pop outbursts to create a wholly immersive listening experience. Moncrieff’s knack with melody is on full display as he drizzles lush tones over a bubbling rhythmic foundation and shimmering synths to create a catchy tune sure to revolve in the listener’s head for days. His powerful vocals soar across the dynamic backdrop and anchor the listener within the track’s expressive soundscape as the song rushes to a cinematic crescendo. Moncrieff is a master of his craft. He captures heart-racing emotion through compelling hooks, evocative lyrics and emotive arrangements that stir the soul, ‘Ruin’ is an excellent example of this.

Stream ‘Ruin’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Pale Waves ‘Reasons To Live’

Photo Credit: Pip

Pale Waves have released their new single ‘Reasons To Live’. Pale Waves have made a name for themselves by inspiring inclusivity and self-discovery and creating an accepting place for their passionate fans looking to find a community. Their new music is tapping into a fresh tone of defiance. The band’s new album ‘Unwanted’ will be out August 12 on Dirty Hit (home to The 1975, beabadoobee, etc.) and features lead single ‘Lies’ which premiered on BBC Radio 1 as Hottest Record In The World. Their 2021 album Who Am I? hit #3 on the UK album charts and received critical acclaim from Pitchfork, Vanity Fair, Billboard, NPR, Wall Street Journal, MTV, Buzzfeed, The FADER, AV Club, Vulture, Consequence, Stereogum, Alternative Press, NYLON, and many more.

‘Reasons To Live’ is a catchy indie-rock anthem that boasts Pale Waves’ tight and exhilarating sound. Atop a sugary pop melody, the band blend kinetic guitars with a pounding drum and bass foundation to create a dynamic wall of sound that leaves listeners craving to hear more. Pale Waves capture a sense of youthful adrenaline within their music and ‘Reasons To Live’ is a euphoric example of this. The track is a fine display of vigorous indie-rock and the band’s refined musicianship. With gritty guitars chugging throughout ( adding an edge to the vibrant wall of sound), ‘Reasons To Live’ is a delight to the ears. 

Stream ‘Reasons To Live’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Big Sleep ‘In My Head’

Big Sleep have released their new single, ‘In My Head’. The song is the second single off Big Sleep’s debut EP, ‘Feel Something Someday’ and details the turbulent times of a relationship that stays the course in the hopes of brighter days on the horizon. The track was recorded in the live room of Hell Fire Studios, in the Dublin Mountains in December 2021. James Smith (formerly of Gypsies on the Autobahn, currently J Smith) sound engineered, produced and mixed the tracks. Matteo Poli (drums, percussion), Rónán Connolly (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Aidan Gray (bass guitar), Jacopo (lead guitar) and Jessie Russell (trumpet, Cooks But We’re Chefs) recorded on the single.

Drifting upon a bed of warm guitar and indie/soul soundscapes, ‘In My Head’ is a lush new single from Big Sleep. The band create a sun-kissed laid back tune that flows effortlessly upon vibrant beats while gentle guitar melodies and hazy trumpet flirtations glisten throughout the track’s dreamy atmosphere. Big Sleep’s sound is a joy to listen to. Each track they release is a musical treat to the listener’s ears and ‘In My Head’ follows this trend superbly. The track is a fine display of the band’s expressive musicianship and compelling sound.

Stream ‘In My Head’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Alexis Kings ‘Sundaze’

Alexis Kings have released their new single, ‘Sundaze’. Playing shows across the country and internationally, Alexis Kings have been making an impact performing sold-out London dates, an impressive set on Gaby Roslin’s BBC London show whilst accumulating over 2 million streams on Spotify. The band consists of frontman Brendan Aherne (Vocals) and Fabio Bocca (Drums) whose varying influences fuse Alexis King’s distinctive and soulful sonic identity.

‘Sundaze’ blends elements of soul, R&B and pop to create a sweet sunkissed tune for listeners to indulge in. The track is an easy on the ears delight as Alexis Kings’ velvety sound surges with emotion and irresistible grooves, enhanced by the track’s smooth delicate melody, elastic bassline and shimmering synths. In true Alexis Kings style the song is quite the earworm; bubbling R&B beats, soft brass elements and chiming keys inject a chic, strut-like quality into the tune that is just irresistible. Filled with warm vocals and polished production, ‘Sundaze’ is a mind soothing musical gem laced with refined musicianship and the charming sound of Alexis Kings. 

Talking about the new track, Alexis Kings share: “The song is about people being locked away in the pandemic away from the opposite sex, lustfully daydreaming. The lyrics tell a story of a guy sitting in a smoky room who scripts his thoughts. At the end of the day we all went through the same thing so we know many people will relate.”

Stream ‘Sundaze’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

modernlove. ‘Islands’

Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have released their new single, ‘Islands’.The Drogheda band have also announced details of their brand new EP, ‘Oh My Mind’ EP which is set for release on July 29th on Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). It follows the recent announcement of their debut UK and Ireland headline tour which will take place in November this year, including dates at London’s Camden Assembly and Dublin’s Button Factory.

Filled with earnest lyrics, effervescent synths, glittering guitars and slick basslines, ‘Islands’ is an invigorating display of indie pop. modernlove. take a sweet melody laced in melancholic tones and surround it with vibrant soundscapes to create an infectious tune for listeners to enjoy. However, the track deals with heavy subject matter as the lyrics depict the conflicting pressures and aching emotions caused by torn relationships “I don’t know what to say when my brother says is it his? is it hers? are we moving house?”. modernlove. are such an exciting band to listen to. They are masterful storytellers whose powerfully emotive songwriting is encased in upbeat vibrant instrumentation. The result is catchy tunes that pack a punch both lyrically and musically.

About the new single, the band said, “Islands is a classic coming of age story. Trying to cope with the fallout of a family coming apart due to divorce and one’s own romantic relationship coming to an end at the same time. It tells the story of both, blurring them into one at times.

“The song is about the distances between people in their relationships and how for some, it seems too impossible a task to even try to bridge those gaps. 

These people are made into “islands” by the oceans they must travel each day to meet and see each other eye to eye.

“The song explores ways people try to deal with this struggle and this loneliness whether it be drink, drugs or sex but in the end it recognises that they are simply in a painful situation that they must accept and let happen as the song ends with the repeated words: “It’s coming apart and I can’t face it, I don’t wanna break down but I can’t take it”.

modernlove. 2022 November UK & Ireland Tour Dates:

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – The Castle Hotel
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar)
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

Stream ‘Islands’ below 


Author: Danu