Tag Archives: New Music

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

7Levels ‘Hard Drive’

Following the success of debut release ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ in April, manic Waterford rockers 7Levels return with the explosive ‘Hard Drive’. With ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ receiving support from RTÉ 2fm’s Dan Hegarty, 7Levels have made a very quick impression on the Irish music scene. The band consists of Ger Reid, Mike Fox, Caela Murphy, Cian Dalton, Adam Cullen Stafford and Lou Bennett.

With a bloodthirsty rhythmic backdrop, ‘Hard Drive’ is quite the blazing second single from 7Levels. Guitars rampage through the backdrop with blazing fury and majestic scorches while the rooted demon-summoning bass lines curdle through the tracks underbelly. The jagged stomps, raging drums and spitting punk vocals drive home the songs theme of the dangerous world of online personas while adding a murky dark undertone to the track’s scorching rock coating and mosh pit ready mania. With an all out anarchy drenched crescendo ‘Hard Drive’ displays a wild and raw side to 7Levels powerful and compelling musicianship. 

Stream ‘Hard Drive’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music

Mac Rose ‘I Need This’

Dublin-based trap-pop singer/songwriter/ producer Mac Rose has released his new single ‘I Need This’. The beat was made by Hill Kidd, with further production, vocal recording, mixing, and mastering by Mac Rose.Born in England and raised in Ireland, Mac Rose spent his teen years listening to grunge, rock, and learning to play a variety of instruments. His releases have amassed over 65k streams on spotify, and he has a growing and loyal social media fan base.

With clean production hazy soundscapes and hip hop flavours ‘I Need This’ displays Mac Rose’s modern pop charm and musical versatility. ‘I Need This’ is a sweet ditty exuding delicate dreamy melodies mixed with smooth R&B to create quite the easy listening experience. Mac Rose tells a story of being vulnerable in love through melancholic beats and superb musicianship. The intricate beats slap between warm bass lines and twinkling guitars. The track travels into an ethereal soundscape while his rasp filled vocals ooze a rock tone and soothing warmth.

Mac Rose is quite the songwriter. The chorus is just immaculate, evoking images of stadium crowds swaying and singing back the lyrics with a watery, cheery glint in their eye. He is building his sound superbly. At present he is walking the intriguing line where hip hop and alternative rock combine and the result is pretty impressive. Mac Rose certainly is an artist to keep an eye on. 

About the track Mac Rose said “Hill Kidd sent me the bones of a sombre, hopeful beat. I remember listening to it and replying to him saying “I need this!” and right away started writing lyrics. The song is about relying on someone, needing someone. Even though there’s shit involved and things aren’t always good, you still need everything they give you. At the end of the day it’s worth it, and you would do anything for the other person.”

Stream ‘I Need This’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Danny G & the Major 7ths ‘D.A.R.L.I.N.G.’

Danny G & the Major 7ths have released their new single ‘D.A.R.L.I.N.G.’ feat. Tolü Makay & Jamel Franklin with all proceeds on Bandcamp (Pay what you like) going to MASI. This song was written and recorded in isolation.

D.A.R.L.I.N.G. is a smooth slice of R&B soul. Rooted in a deep funky groove this sultry track drifts over a hip tantalizing beat while the elastic bass wriggles in the backdrop with a warm bounce. Tolü Makay’s vocals melt on top the velvety melody with soulful tones while Danny Groenland’s coos float through the slinky chorus. It’s a clean polished and steamy number filled with rich instrumentation. Lyrically the song evokes the complex feelings of love and longing that are both strained and strengthened by distance. Jazz-infused piano sprinkles a classy chilled tone over the sticky R&B pop elements while Jamel Franklin’s fluid raps roll into the tracks crescendo with an effortless ease. The entire track is a mellow night time schmooze presented with chic class and relaxed swagger. 

About the track Danny said : “The genesis of this collaboration came from my group playing gigs with both Jamel and Tolü, I was already a huge fan of both artists. I had the song’s chorus and beat – it gave me an early 2000’s Neosoul vibe. Tolü and Jamel wrote their verses, the Major 7ths added their parts and the song came together really organically.”

The music video was recorded by friends of the artists and represents their different reactions on a video call to a loved one in isolation. See if you can spot some familiar faces* among the 50 people (and 1 cat). Stream it below


Author : Danu

New Music

PhilMi5fit ‘End of the World Song’

PhilMi5fit has released his latest single ‘End of the World Song’. PhilMi5fit has been creating music for over 15 years, always searching for something new to push his guitar playing to the next level. Citing Gary Moore, Carlos Santana and Steve Vai as his influences, his music fuses Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and virtuous guitar. Written and produced by himself, PhilMi5fit took the challenge with ‘End of the World Song’ allowing the experience to push himself as an artist. The video is a dreamy nostalgic raw vision of the sensation that the sound is supposed to look like, a visual representation of the tornado of emotions that inspired the creative process for this song.

‘End of the World Song’ is a blistering acute instrumental track bursting with kinetic energy and nimble guitar work. The song ventures from shredding raw riffs to swift, slick licks and gritty solos as PhilMi5fit pivots the track around his guitar prowess. With pummeling drums providing the ground shaking backdrop to the robust instrumentation, ‘End of the World Song’ is an intriguing listen and fantastic display of musicianship from PhilMi5fit.

Stream ‘End of the World Song’ below


Author : Danu

Electronic, New Music

Farnature ‘Stage’

Stage’ is the latest single to come from Japanese solo project Farnature. Written about the intersection of nature and city life, ‘Stage’ gives the spotlight to the sounds of the natural world, and contrasts this with the bustle of daytime in the city. ‘Farnature’ is a solo project from Japan who co-writes with a UK based writer and collaborates with guest vocalists from around the world. Farnature’s songs are characterised by their 6/8 time signatures and emphasis on the 3rd and 6th beats of the bar.

‘Stage’ is a vibrant and rich hybrid of electronic and world music that creates quite the intense and full sound.The song is meticulously crafted to create layers of rich and unique soundscapes as Farnature experiments with quirky instrumentation to create a sound wholly their own. With flamenco rhythms bustling behind light guitar refrains and swirling synths the track whirls with progressing intensity allowing the rhythms imitate the hectic pace of the city while a sweet melody builds as the track reaches its epic crescendo. With the rooted bass grooves weaving between the songs ethereal electronics and powerful vocals ‘Stage’ is quite the unique and intriguing track. 

Stream ‘Stage’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Benji and the Saltwater Sound System ‘Lights and Smoke’

Benji and the Saltwater Sound System have released their new single ‘Lights and Smoke’. ‘Lights and Smoke’ is the third single to be released from the upcoming Benji and the Saltwater Sound System EP, ‘Ripples of Thunder’. Benji and the Saltwater Sound System draw from Ben Fowler’s recent immersion into islander flavours and fuse these with the jazz, reggae and African roots of its members past musical projects.Benji and the Saltwater Sound System have played acclaimed festivals including Woodford, the National Folk Festival, Mitchell Creek Rock N’ Blues.

Exuding a soft layering of folk, pop and indie ‘Lights and Smoke’ is a lush unfolding of Benji and the Saltwater Sound System’s wonderful musicianship. With guitar twinkling over a rumbling beat the track begins light and radiant before the chorus introduces warm melodies on cello provided by Sivan Agam of the April Maze. ‘Lights and Smoke’ lyrically draws from frontman Ben Fowler’s experience of living in the Solomon Islands.The song oozes passion within its roots as the foot tapping rhythmic pulse surges warmth and cosy vibes while the light guitar and keys lift the track to ethereal heights. ‘Lights and Smoke’ is quite the time stopping number as the listener is lulled by Ben Fowler’s dreamy emotive vocals which gently coo over the songs organically flourishing soundscape. With a sweet melody melting over this softly bubbling backdrop Benji and the Saltwater Sound System present a lush and intricately rippling sound full of rich textures and intriguing musicianship.

Stream ‘Lights and Smoke’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Folk, indie rock, New Music

The Star Prairie Project ‘Panacea’ Album

The Star Prairie Project has released a 10 song album titled ‘Panacea’. The album follows on from the success of their single ‘Sophia’ which has amassed more than 110,000 streams on Spotify and reached #48 on the DRT Top 50 Adult Contemporary chart. The Star Prairie Project gets its name from the village of Star Prairie outside of Minneapolis and the AlanParsons Project. The Star Prairie Project is made up of Nolen R. Chew Jr. and Rick J. Vogelpohl. Their upcoming album ‘Panacea’ sees them teaming up with more vocalists and musicians as they create a truly collaborative and highly polished album.

‘Panacea’ is a wholesome and accomplished album that ventures from alternative rock to country and folk with some Americana peppering throughout. The album steadily blends heartwarming musicianship with slick instrumentation with ease as The Star Prairie Project present their powerful and refined sound through the rock-filled and mighty opener ‘Do What You Do’. The sultry rock n’ roll of ‘Frantic Mind’ and witty twang of ‘My Dear Lady’ display the bands ability to rein the might of their wild alternative rock and embellish their deft sound with more emotive and cheeky elements. This is shown particularly well in soft romantic ballads such as ‘So Beautiful’.

However it is within the intricacies of the guitar and piano work that this band truly excel. The guitars inject majestic qualities, raw power and sharp vigor into the tracks while the piano provides more haunting tones in tracks such as ‘Nowhere Bound’ with its mysterious soundscape and jazz elements.

‘Panacea’ boasts a sound brimming with catchy melodies and clean production with a healthy dose of rock spread throughout. There are warm Americana elements fused throughout creating a smooth fluid album filled with emotive vocals and passionate musicianship. Each song is structured and well crafted with steady punchy drum progressions and refined guitar lines that add lamenting elements to nostalgic tracks like ‘Bygone Days’ with its sweet dreamy classic rock coating and shredding solo while ‘My Heart Strings’ takes the bands more piano pop persona and flourishes into a disco hued bop. 

‘Panacea’ is a satisfying album laced in folk/ country influences and sublime rock elements. The Star Prairie Project have built a strong repertoire of music filled with charisma, cheeky charm and refined intricate musicianship. It’s a solid new album.

Stream ‘Panacea’ below 


Author : Danu

electro - rock, Indie, New Music, Synth Rock

Chris Conroy ‘Dive’

Originating from the town of Portlaoise, Chris Conroy has released his debut single ‘Dive’. Conroy presents his passionate and melodically rich musicianship with this single. As a debut it is quite the mature songwriting display. With warm guitar accompaniment the track begins light and breezy as cheery guitar strums bounce behind Conroy’s velvety vocals while wispy soundscapes lead the track into its invigorating chorus. Conroy creates a dynamic pop track with ‘Dive’ which ventures sonically into R&B tones with skittish beats fluttering between strong piano chords and climatic electronics. The song builds in intensity with heavier hip hop elements while the sweet lyrics talk about the excitement and nerves at the start of a relationship. ‘Dive’ is a sublime debut from Chris Conroy.

Stream ‘Dive’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Locklin ‘Setting Sun’

Locklin are set to release their new single ‘Setting Sun’ on 31st July. The band Locklin is the brain child of Barry McLoughlin and hail from Tipperary in Ireland. Mcloughlin, in a previous band called The Rumours had the honour of playing Electric Picnic on two occasions in 2006 and 2007. Under the pseudonym of Locklin, the band released their debut EP in late 2018, entitled “Never Forget”. Locklin was joined by Eoin Ryan (guitar) and Cian Cronin (drums) in the recording and promotion of the EP. The band have performed in Crane Lane in Cork, as well as support slots from the likes of Seskin Lane in Whelans, Dublin and Hermitage Green on their tour in January 2019 at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles.

‘Setting Sun’ is solid classic rock doused in laid back summer vibes and rich instrumentation. Locklin spreads spaghetti western guitar lines over a punchy rhythm and warm soundscape to create a healthy dose of easy listening rock. With a smooth melody gliding over the sharp sting on guitar the band provide a velvety mellow texture between an edged shoegaze hue. It’s very chill and relaxed with luscious musicianship between charming lyrics and warm vocals. The soft keys and elastic bass elements fill out the songs sound creating a tune that is sweet and well crafted with a residue of Oasis glimmering through the track. Locklin are building their sound perfectly and displaying significant musical growth. ‘Setting Sun’ is a well paced 90’s rock gem to indulge in. Enjoy.

‘Setting Sun’ is set for release on 31st July. For more you can follow Locklin on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/locklinmac/


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie Pop, New Music

PureGrand ‘Timeline’

Relaunching for 2020, PureGrand (part time popstar and photographer Luke Faulkner) releases his new single ‘Timeline’.The song was written and produced by Faulkner and is the first single from PureGrand’s debut album which marks a shift in his sound from the synthpop influence of his previous work towards a pop sound with a broader palette of flavours. It is being released alongside a new body of visual work photographed by Faulkner that will tie in with the album campaign as singles are released along with music videos.

‘Timeline’ is a 90’s hued pop number swirling in dark soundscapes and repetitive hooks as PureGrand uses a rich tapestry of electronics and earnest songwriting to create a chilled and haunting track. A blanket of synths cover the backdrop in dark airy tones while the skittish beats and breathy backing vocals fill in the tracks gaps amplifying the unease in the verse. With R&B elements which drift between hip hop rhythms and smooth vocals the track has a clean and polished shell. The lyrics shed light on the frustrations felt by many young millenials about being stuck at a point in your life beyond your control and the pressures and conflict between different generations that come with that. There are elements reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys within the track but PureGrand adds a modern pop shimmer to their sound as he weaves ominous tones and fluctuant, coiling textures through pop melodies and crisp production to create an engaging and passionate number. 

Stream ‘Timeline’ below 


Author : Danu