Monthly Archives: June 2021

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Polly Barrett ‘Thinking About You’

Irish folk-pop artist Polly Barrett has released her new single ‘Thinking About You’. Polly Barrett began her music career 15 years ago, writing songs while training to be an actor in London. Her return to Ireland in 2007 brought Barrett into the bosom of the Irish music scene, seeing her release two albums, ‘Mr. Bookshop’ in 2011 and ‘Probably Me’ in 2014, and tour Ireland and the UK extensively. This included touring with artists like Agnes Obel, Julie Felix, Roddy Woomble, Cara Luft, founding member of the Wailin’ Jennys and Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Wadge who wrote ‘Thinking Out Loud’ with Ed Sheeran.’Thinking About You’ is the first of a series of releases planned for the rest of 2021 as Barrett returns to writing and recording new music from her home on the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork.

‘Thinking About You’ is a wholesome folk-pop tune that oozes the rich, emotive sound of Polly Barrett. Softly plucked guitar and minimalist instrumentation drifts over an earnest, earthy melody to create a soothing and engaging listening experience. As the song ventures from lulling verses to the catchy chorus, delicate harmonies and rhythmic guitar strums inject lush undertones and foot-tapping moments into the mix. Barrett’s vocals hold their own within ‘Thinking About You’. The artist’s voice is simply a joy to listen to. Her delicate lilts and charming folk tones aptly express the emotion within the lyrics “You might not think it but I’m crying on the inside”. ‘Thinking About You’ is a catchy and well-crafted gem from Polly Barrett. Press play and enjoy.

Stream ‘Thinking About You’ below. 


Author : Danu

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

Neil Dexter ‘Loving You’

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.

Stream ‘Loving You’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Murmurs ‘Not My Girl’

Liverpool band Murmurs have released their debut single ‘Not My Girl’. Murmurs came together through a sheer passion for music. The band is composed of lead singer and guitarist Kieran McKenna, drummer Kevin McKay, John Bradley on bass and Josh Ferrigan on lead guitar,

‘Not My Girl’ is a bright slice of indie rock that displays the catchy and tight sound of Murmurs. The band spread lush harmonies and warm vocals over a sweet radiant melody while weaving light indie guitar jingles through a buoyant drum backdrop to create an upbeat, bop-ready wall of sound that is a joy to listen to. This infectious tune is sure to have you singing along in no time with its catchy qualities and sun-kissed charm. Oozing a 90’s rock undertone and boasting a shredding guitar solo, ‘Not My Girl’ is a satisfying listening experience and strong debut single from Murmurs.

Stream ‘Not My Girl’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

modernlove. ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’

Photo Credit: Marc Shelly

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.

Stream ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Late Night Pharmacy ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’

Dublin-based alternative rock band Late Night Pharmacy are set to release their new single, ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ on June 11th. It is the band’s second single of 2021, following April’s ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’. Recording the single was only possible due to the generous financial support of the Department of Culture, who last year announced the creation of a Music Industry Stimulus Package (MISP), intended to help keep the Irish commercial music sector afloat during Covid-19. In November 2020, Late Night Pharmacy were awarded funding under the MISP, and hired Aidan Cunningham (Wheatus, The Scratch, Nealo, Overhead the Albatross) to produce and mix three singles.

Riding on a jagged riff and machine-gun rhythmic jabs ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is a heavy alternative rock tune that packs one heck of a punch. The song is a fantastic, intense, and thrilling sonic assault on the senses filled with crashing guitars and pounding drums that create a dense and mind bombarding soundscape that is simply a joy to listen to. An eerie undertone rumbles underneath the track’s kinetic soundscape and is greatly enhanced by the use of synths, jolting time signature changes and tempo shifts. This choppy effect within the track’s sound is an intriguing display of musical prowess and complements the lyrical theme wonderfully.‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is an excellent display of deft songwriting and impressive musicianship from Late Night Pharmacy.

About the track the band said: “In Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language”, he described how journalists use clichéd, shopworn phrases to write sentences almost unconsciously (“They will construct your sentences for you – even think your thoughts for you”), hence psychologically protecting them from considering the full implications of their opinions. 1984 features a character who speaks so orthodoxically as to resemble an automaton: “It was not the man’s brain that was speaking, it was his larynx.” Today, most communication originates not in the brain, but in the thumbs: social media discourse is an endless deluge of the same handful of clichéd expressions repeated ad nauseum, and conveying no real sentiment other than smug condescension. In this environment, even the crudest artificial intelligence could pass the Turing test with ease. As a commentary on this trend, the lyrics of “Slacktivist (Normalise This)” are entirely made up of overused social media expressions, assembled in no particular order as a series of empty, vapid non sequiturs. “

‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is set for release on the 11th of June for more check out The Late Night Pharmacy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/latenightpharmacyband/


Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Thrillhouse ‘Take Care’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse have released their new single ‘Take Care’. ‘Take Care’ races to glory as Thrillhouse continue their run of anthemic, ethereal indie rock through this majestic tune. With an electronic glitzy soundscape that is broken by shimmering guitars and desert-esque elements, the band create a sun-kissed nostalgic gem that pulses within a heart-pounding backdrop. Rumbling basslines ride along snapping beats and whirring synths to create an all-consuming sound that oozes suspense while showcasing the band’s deft musical prowess. Boasting sleek production and tight musical layering that is teamed with a deep brooding vocal delivery, ‘Take Care’ is a rush of heartfelt indie that leaves you craving to hear more. Thrillhouse are fast becoming known for creating infectious, musically lush bangers and ‘Take Care’ is a sublime example of this.

Stream ‘Take Care’’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Cold Comforts ’Turn Back Time’

Cold Comforts have released the first single,’ Turn Back Time’, from their debut album. In their first two years together, they have already released three singles, gone on a nine-date tour of the UK and been longlisted for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition.

’Turn Back Time’ is a driving 90’s alternative rock anthem that boasts the blistering sound of Cold Comforts. The song rides on dynamic guitar riffs while punchy drums and blazing bass grooves saturate the backdrop in energy and angst. Cold Comforts thrilling wall of sound is instantly vibrant and energetic, evoking images of live crowds jumping and singing along as the band blast out the catchy chorus. Lyrically,’ Turn Back Time’ is an anthem of defiance and never again living in fear of the past or the future. Cold Comforts present this theme through relentless, mighty musicianship and hook-laden soundscapes. Well crafted and drenched in exhilarating instrumentation, Cold Comforts knock it out of the park with this new tune.

Stream ‘Turn Back Time’ below 


Author: Danu

electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

KinetiX ‘White Oil…’

KinetiX have released their new single ‘White Oil…’. The track is the third single released by the Offaly trio (consisting of brothers Arthur, Theodore, and Ademar Stones), ‘White Oil…’ is a drum and bass rallying call by KinetiX for listeners to retake the initiative within their lives.Before KinetiX formed in 2017, the trio started out as traditional musicians to great success, winning 23 All-Ireland at various Fleadh Cheoil na nÉireann competitions, as well as appearing on The Late Late Toy Show in 2010. Prior to KinetiX Arthur would go on to form Ruaile Buaile, which would release two studio albums, extensively tour North America, Europe, the UAE, and New Zealand. As KinetiX, the trio work out of their studio in Offaly, having previously worked in Diffusion Lab Studios alongside producers Chris Bubenzer and Marcin Ciszczon. The trio plan to release up to a dozen singles before the end of 2021, while continuing to perform gigs via live stream, with the aim of returning to physical gigs at the first opportunity ahead of the 2022 festival season.

‘White Oil…’ is a luscious pop anthem doused in the intricate production and sparkling electronic pop of KinetiX. The trio spread a dreamy melody over a driving drum and bass backdrop to create an energetic and irresistible bop for listeners to enjoy. The track oozes feel-good vibes as KinetiX swirl ethereal electronics through the bubbling backdrop to create light and airy elements throughout. With muggy verses that dissolve into the explosive and radiant chorus, ‘White Oil..’ is a well crafted and bright gem, ready for repeat summer plays. 

A by-product of the ongoing pandemic, ‘White Oil…’ lyrically tries to look beyond this unprecedented period and encourages listeners not only to maintain connections with people but to use the easing of lockdown restrictions as a launchpad to start living in a way that makes life worthwhile: “We are trying to convey a simple message in this song…it’s time to open up your arms again and let people in. If you have had any negative thoughts or were being hard on yourself for the last few months, it is time to let that all go and start living your life again…get out there and start living your life for you.”

Stream ‘White Oil…’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Nerves ‘Leigue’

 Photo Credit: Patryk Gizicki 

Irish avant-punk trio Nerves have returned with their new single ‘Leigue’. Having lit up their homeland with four well-received singles to date, the band began to earn a reputation as a must-see live act prior to lockdown with a series of sweaty DIY basement shows, sold-out headline dates and support slots with the likes of HMLTD, Turnstiles and more. Recorded over lockdown at Sonic Studios with Girl Band’s Daniel Fox, “Leigue” is a perfect snapshot of the band’s intense and borderless sound. 

‘Leigue’ frizzles with the passionate and thrilling sound of Nerves. It’s a hard-hitting tune that displays Nerves at their most intense and emotional to date. The song has an asphyxiating and harrowing atmosphere that is greatly enhanced by a muggy panic-stricken soundscape filled with pounding drums, rampant bass wriggles and contorting wails on guitar. ‘Leigue’ is an immersive listening experience – the track broods and simmers with angst throughout as Nerves venture from light shoegaze moments to post-punk anarchy within a few brisk instrumental lacerations. The shoegaze, post-punk, krautrock blend of sounds is an exhilarating assault on the senses as Kyle Thornton’s reverb vocals speak about the dangers of trying to ignore grief and allowing unhealthy coping mechanisms to begin to rule one’s life. As the song reaches its crescendo, the guitars spiral and crash into the aggressive drums, creating an explosive and exhilarating moment for listeners to enjoy. 

Nerves are meticulously crafting their powerful sound, and ‘Leigue’ is an exciting example of this band’s impressive musicianship. 

Speaking about the single, Kyle Thornton says, “We feel as though Leigue was a bit of a turning point for us as a band, towards something more mature and cathartic. It’s paved the way for how our sound and attitude has changed over the course of the last year. It’s still intense and still fun to play, but it means more to us now than I think it ever has.”

Stream ‘Leigue’ below


Author : Danu