Dublin songwriter Rónán Connolly has released his new single ‘Between the Trees’. Rónán Connolly, has spent the last year making a name for himself in the Irish music scene frequenting open mics, doing pub gigs, opening for acts like Oscar Blue, Post Party and SUNDOWN. In the short time that’s he’s been performing he’s played venues across the city including The Workman’s Club, WigWam main room and basement, The Grand Social, and Whelan’s main room and upstairs. He’s also played locations further afield such as The Washerwoman, Killaloe, Co. Clare and two packed out Electric Picnic performances, one set consisting of his originals translated as Gaeilge at the An Puball Gaeilge Stage and one set at the ArtLot stage.
‘Between the Trees’ is a passionate display of Rónán Connolly’s meaningful and wholesome musicianship. The track swoons and cosies up with delicate guitar twinkles and a lulling emotive melody. Becoming more electronic the track veers from a romantic flutter to a rumbling spine tingling expression. With haunting backing vocals, strong beat and mystical guitar elements the song intensifies beautifully and organically to create a time stopping magical moment within the listeners imagination. Connolly’s warm, pure and comforting vocals ooze emotion and tenderness as he takes a wonderful gentle track and allows it to blossom into a powerful commanding number. Carrying both strength and feathery light delicacy with sombre bitter/sweet tones and sublime layering ‘Between the Trees’ is a remarkable single.
Hook have released their debut single ‘I love the world because you’re in it’. Hook are a 3-piece based in Dublin, Ireland made up of Eoin O’Donnell – vocals, guitars; Morgan O’Brien – drums and Danny Spelman – bass, vocals. The single was produced by the band with Colin Reid and recorded in the world-famous Camden Recording Studios, Dublin and in the band’s own studio.
‘I love the world because you’re in it’ is a bright indie track that floats on the warm musicianship of Hook. With a jangly guitar stride the track has an instant uplifting quality while the steady beat creates a buoyant and foot tapping foundation. There is a county hue about the track that adds a twang of wholesomeness while the warm vocals and sweet melody charm their way into your ears. With a glorious guitar instrumental, subtle psychedelic tones and soothing soundscape Hook create a luscious new wave indie track that is a beautiful, dreamy delightful.
Stream ‘I love the world because you’re in it’ below
Birmingham singer-songwriter Thomas Noel is set to release his new single ‘Only Paris’ on November 1st. After starting out as a solo acoustic act, he recently decided it was time to make his sound bigger by having a full band behind him.
‘Only Paris’ is a buoyant energetic indie number as Thomas Noel spreads his passionate musicianship over a vibrant backdrop to create a charming coherent body of work. The warm jangly guitar adds a zesty spring to the track while the steady beat creates a foot tapping foundation. The song is based on two people facing the challenges and obstacles of young love yet finding comfort in the romance of Paris. Noel’s smooth vocals display this comfort as he coo’s and caresses the pop sprinkled melody with effortless charisma. The track drifts easily into the ears with a 60’s -esque Beatles vibe. With a catchy chorus and groove-infested bass ‘Only Paris’ takes Noel’s sound to new exciting heights .
Indie singer/songwriter Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘Every Minute After Midnight’. Hegan has garnered industry interest and plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 (Introducing), BBC Radio 2 and Radio Ulster.
‘Every Minute After Midnight’ is a glistening uplifting track laced in Mark Hegan’s warm and rich musicianship. Vibrant twinkles of guitar flood the track with bright scintillation. A dynamic beat and sparkling soundscape rush adrenaline and heart racing emotion into the song. With lyrics about coming to terms with the self-destructive parts of your personality and learning to live with them, this track is empathetic while also remaining light and catchy. Hegans’ velvety vocals soothe through the soft melody with tender emotion as the vivid soundscapes swirl and rush around. The track follows Mark Hegan’s sublime passionate debut ‘Skyward’ fleshing out the emotive and lush sound that he is building.
In Association with Totally Irish on 98fm, The Sound Training College and The Button Factory.
The first ‘TiLT’ takes place on Tuesday Oct 29th featuring Munky, Bullet Girl, Synk and TOYGIRL. Admission is free and doors are at 7.30pm.
What is ‘TiLT’? Every month 4 acts are invited to perform at the event which takes place in The Button Factory. Each act gets a day of pre-production before the event takes place / a professional video of one of their songs from their performance on the night / a day’s recording in Sun Studios, Temple Bar / a chance to be featured on Totally Irish on 98fm / and, of course, the opportunity to play at The Button Factory.
With Munky, Bullet Girl, Synk and TOYGIRL performing this is going to be one hell of a show.
Why We Like The Lineup
Alternative band Bullet Girl are one exciting band to check out. Not only were they featured on one of our Indie Buddie Introducing articles their groove laced sound and invigorating tunes are sure to ignite the wiggle worms within you.
Check out Bullet Girls’s debut single ‘The Rush’ below
Future Electronic Rock band Synk are one sleek smooth machine. Their live performance is known for being densely textured, and turbulently dynamic in it’s scope.
Check out Synk’s single ‘Out of The Storm’ below
Alternative band TOYGIRL have also been featured on Indie Buddie. These guys present a deep passionate and slinky sound with soul and some wonderful jazz elements. Seeing these guys live will be a special moment
Check out TOYGIRL’s track ‘Reign’ below
Disco grunge band Munky have been regular offenders on Indie Buddie and we just can’t get enough of their shows, They are fun, insane and their tunes utterly outstanding.
Check out Munky’s track ‘Megaton’ below
All round it’s going to be an exciting night filled with dancing, moshing, grooving and lush tunes. A fantastic start to ‘TiLT’ – (Totally Irish Live Tuesdays)
If any acts want to get in touch about performing at future ‘TiLT’s they can email John Barker at john.barker@98fm.com.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson has released his haunting version of the classic American folk song ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down’ along with a cinematic black and white video directed by Tim Mattia. Manson takes this already gloomy track which has previously been recorded by Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley and twists and coils it into a dark shadowy bite of ominous delight. Adding his perilous eerie stamp on the track Manson present’s ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down’ with a clear and honest sense of eventual doom. His vocals whisper and gravelly slither over the smooth melody with a devilish sense of relish with undertones of acceptance and misfortune. The beat thuds with a heaviness of despair while a light guitar twinkles with a lonely lamenting sensation and glimmer of innocence. The track builds to an intense dramatic crescendo as the threatening lyrics are superbly portrayed through Manson’s expressive vocals and the magnificent build in instrumentation. This version doesn’t stray too far from its American folk roots as the twangs and western- esque atmosphere of isolation and desert sweltering heat still manage to rear its head over Manson’s dark, misty tonality.
Watch the video to ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down’ below
THVS formed in 2014 with Michael, Matt and Dave making up the elements of guitar/vocals, drums and bass. The power trio have earned a reputation through their energetic, sweaty and cathartic live shows. The band have now released their new album ‘Fevers’.
‘Fevers’ is a rampant blast of THVS’ heavy pop as they create a collection of brisk raging tracks that are not for the faint-hearted. The rough ear piercing sound kicks off with the first track ‘Rax’ and steamrolls right through to final track ‘Brando’. With pulverising drums screeching guitars and metal influences throughout ‘Rivals’, ‘Brides’ and ‘Circles’ the band create a bloodthirsty album that is relentless in its approach. There is no breath or relief from the onslaught as the rough jagged riffs batter and bruise between a crashing wall of sound while the screaming vocals howl and spit with aggression throughout. The band veer from manic to lunacy as the second half of the album comes into fruition. They summon all out anarchy as the tracks intensify. Slicing sharp guitar solo’s create refined piercing relief in tracks like ‘Wounds’ before the band demolish your ears with their vociferous alternative rock. Lyrically the album deals with numerous heavy themes of loss, regret and self doubt. However they also deal with thought provoking themes as well such as achievement, the connection between people and detachment to the world around you. The band portray this though their shattering wall of sound and heavy pop rock superbly. ‘Distances’ and ‘Brando’ bring the album to its mutilated peak. With heavy riffs, dark foreboding bass and utterly annihilating drums the band end the album with the most spine chilling slaughter.
‘Fevers’ is a raw pure concoction of THVS’ unapologetic sound set to ravage your brain from the inside out. However, with all the frenzied ear bleeding soundscapes the band manage to blend in some really refined and cultivated moments throughout. The album possesses sublime ominous bass grooves and wonderfully precise, shrilling guitar solo’s while the relentless rhythm batters their ferocity into the depths of your soul. The darker chilling moments within the album are beautifully fermented and fester deep within each track’s core to create a deep and volatile album sure to leave your ears ringing for days.
We sat down to have a chat with Jim Higson and Daniel McCarthy from Kawala before their sold out show in The Academy Dublin. We talked about how they craft their tunes, their glorious harmonies, how adding a band has changed their live shows and much more.
Bio: Askies distinct sound bridges the gap between explosive UK alternative rock, whilst backed by surroundings of a reminiscent jangly, indie groove. The quartet have most notably grown a following within their hometown of Leeds, after the gigging and releasing of their first two singles, ‘Mirror’ and ‘Bond’.
Track: Subject To Change
Why We Like It: It’s another ethereal dreamy track from Askies as they create a delicate yet intricate and lush soundscape with ease. The rhythm pulses behind glorious twinkles on guitar as the track swoons into its nostalgic hazy soundscape. Smooth passionate vocals caress the lulling melody while the airy guitars add a biting edge to this yearning number. With a delightful guitar solo and rich musicianship it’s another velvety dazzler from Askies.
Bio : Aged just 18/19-years-old, Kilkenny band The Wha are dual vocalists and guitarists Finn Cusack and Sam Cullen, joined by Marek Lech (bass) and Abe G. Harris (drums). Their debut single ‘Innocents’ won the affection of BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq amongst others. The Wha have also confirmed their first ever London date – on 28 November at The Sebright Arms for Good Karma Club and a headline show in their native Ireland at Whelan’s Upstairs on 13 December.
Track: 40 Odd Years
Why We Like It: It’s a fuzz smushed garage pop number that drifts on a laid back soundscape of 60’s hues and indie sprinklings. Sharp guitars glisten and hazily weave their way between shaky percussion and steady beat as the band venture into their Beatles- esque elements with hues of Oasis adding scintillation to their prismatic sound. The smooth laid back and almost moody vocals glide upon the velvety melody as the band create a biting Californian backdrop, dipped in summer tones. It’s has a bitter/sweet undertone however their swagger and edged guitars put The Wha’s charming stamp on this impressive trippy number.
You can follow The Wha on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thewha17/
Stream ‘40 Odd Years’ below
Nature TV
Genre: Indie
Bio: Forming at Brighton’s acclaimed music college (BIMM) and subsequently honing their craft on the city’s live circuit, the four-piece have since opened for Swimming Tapes and will be hitting the road alongside resident do-woppers Trudy and the Romance on their UK tour throughout October.Their new single ‘She Wants To See You Cry’ is the lead track from the band’s forthcoming EP out late November.
Track: She Wants To See You Cry
Why We Like It: It’s woozy indie pop for a lazy day in the sun. With infectious percussion, 70’s flair and slow, lonely strutting vibe this track is a cruising gem. The track jangles to a brisk start before mellowing out into a slow jam.The guitars unfold with a catchy weaving jingle creating radiance and a subtle psychedelic haze. Dreamy and smooth with a soul pop melody, warm guitar and velvety vocals the band coat your ears in a caressing blanket of comfort. Looking forward to the upcoming EP.
About the track frontman Guy Bangham explained:“I wrote the song quite a while ago when I was going through a classic case of heartbreak. It’s kind of me overthinking things and playing out conversations by myself, running through previous examples and scenaries then feeling paranoid about it all, before trying to rationalise everything”.
Bio: Crash Adams are an indie/pop duo from Toronto Canada. They produce, write, perform, mix and master all of their own music.
Track: Make it Last
Why We Like It: It’s one sublime 80’s banger. With shimmering synths creating a carefree danceable atmosphere and ethereal tone this track is an instant shot of adrenaline. With bold stride on guitar shredding and swirling throughout and an infectious beat and clap along feature – this vibrant, zest-filled number is sure to coax you to the dance floor. With its melty melody, heart-racing intensity and dynamic vocals the track captures a rushing sense of youthful love and excitement.
Bio: ‘Single Young Man’ is the follow up to Sean’s first single ‘Two Last Cans’ The track will feature on the upcoming EP ‘Cigarettes & Perfume’ due for release later this year. Sean has received radio support locally, as well from UK stations across the water, including BBC Radio 6 and RadioX
Track: Single Young Man
Why We Like It: It’s an athemic number built for the live setting. This track has that massive chorus that will never be prized from your head as Sean OB slaps his rapid humorous lyrics upon a buoyant backdrop and jangly relentless guitars. It’s daring punk – fueled elements are dipped generously in an indie pop soundscape. With quirky rap- like and sometimes slurry vocals this track has something for everyone and is sure to charm its way onto repeat. The Jamie T influence is glaringly evident however Sean OB puts his own stamp and charm on this invigorating track.
Talking about the new single Sean explains:“Musically I kept it very simple sticking to the punk ethic of 3 barre chords on guitar, simple bass and heavy drums. Lyrically it’s a mixture of ideas like, looking back on a relationship and dealing with cannabis psychosis and anxiety. It’s also about an old friend and how I wanted them to feel proud of themselves because I admire them. And obviously it’s just about being young and single and in the moment, not caring about all of life’s challenges and struggles ahead which are inevitable.”
The floor was moving under my feet from the crowd’s jumping and dancing. When a band turn the floor of a venue into a bouncing castle you know they are doing something right. It was Kawala’s show in The Academy, Dublin on Saturday night and it was an experience for sure, In fact the live show was something special.
Derry multi-instrumentalist and one woman band ROE aka Róisín Donald sets the night in motion. She stands beneath the blue and red hues of the lighting – modest and timid. There is no introduction she just blasts straight into her innovative electronic pop with sublime and raw alternative embellishments. ROE takes her emotive sound and wraps it in pristine dark synths with a drum machine keeping the heavy beats in place. Her clear crisp and passionate vocals caress the melancholic and eerie melodies with a warm rasp and sweet tone. Donald has no problem multi tasking. She plays guitar between slapping the beat on the drum machine. The crowd loved every moment of her breathtaking set. They begin to cheer her from the first song. They hold up their phones with the flashlight on for ‘Room To Breathe’ swaying them back and forth enhancing the magical atmosphere. The crowd sway and bop for ‘Monster’ and ‘Cheek, Boy’ before all out dancing and whooping for the more lively ‘Hey Thomas’. ROE presents her sound with light indie and jangly guitar elements to create music that is refreshing. The crowd adored her – some of them shouting “ I love you” as she shyly giggles, almost overwhelmed with the response. Once she walks off stage she is thronged with a deluge of fans wanting pictures with her and talk to her. Perhaps unknown to Donald, she put on a star quality show and her genuine authentic presence and killer tunes make her one to keep an eye on. A rare diamond in the rough.
The next set was headline act Kawala. They swarmed in and took the Academy by storm not even they were prepared for the crowds mass screams and cheers. Every word Jim Higson or Daniel McCarthy uttered was met by uncontrollable, high pitched screams the likes of which The Beatles would summon on sight. The band are of course immensely energetic on stage especially Higson who flaunts about the stage causing swoons with every dramatic dance gesture and shirt swoosh. These guys are tight live. Their harmonies are crisp and immaculate in the live setting. The sweet guitar melody of ‘Funky’ kicks in and the band spark a mass sing-along. Their rich rhythms, calypso – esque melodies and intricate lush layers cause the crowd to become feverous with dance tendencies. Their dedicated fans hand them sunglasses and posters while shouting “we love you!”.
They play some new unheard songs from their upcoming EP which goes down well with the crowd. ‘Animals’ in particular is a gem. Intricate rhythms rumble between glistening guitar and the perfect vocals of both McCarthy and Higson. The fans show their appreciation by more screaming and shouting “thank you!” Higson tests his theory that the crowd will scream at anything by saying “blueberries!” and of course they prove him right by screaming their loudest on the night so far. Kawala turns things down a notch with McCarthy taking to acoustic guitar for the pristine and sweet ‘Mighty River’. The duo allow the crowd to finish the track for them as they sing every word back. It’s a special moment to see such new talents have a show that some arena artists would be jealous and envious of. The band are very charming on stage. Higson asks the crowd if they are alright and is answered by more screams’ He replies “It would have been really awkward if you were like .. nah “.
New single ‘Heavy In The Morning” has a commanding presence live. The sweet falsetto coos of the crowd sounded pretty good complementing the bands lush tones. The tracks become more edgy and vibrant within the live setting as the addition of their full band of Ben Batten (Drums), Reeve Coulson (Bass) and Dan Lee (Guitar) weave wonderful golden textures into the soundscape. They are just as popular as McCarthy and Higson with the audience. Sparking cheers from the fans upon their introduction, McCarthy gets them chanting “Gorgeous Ben!, Gorgeous Ben!, Gorgeous Ben!” and “Reeve on bass! Reeve on bass! Reeve on bass!”.
Although showmanship and crowd interaction play an important part in a live setting, the fundamental charm and appeal of this band is their sound. The lush harmonies between Higson and McCarthy are pristine and blend effortlessly – it’s as if they were made to mould into each others warm tones. Their musicianship is mature and crisp with folky hues and pop sprinklings. Kawala are the perfect early morning or late evening band. Their gorgeous and vibrant indie is made to be listened to as the sun rises to glory, while their more mellow and melodic moments were crafted for chilled sunsets and a crisp glass of wine. The lads have those voices that could heal even the harshest of hangovers and mournful hearts while lifting you to blissful euphoric heights.
Kawala put on a vivid, rich and delightful show. Not even guitar technical difficulties stalled their stride. They bantered through it effortlessly. The encore is sparked by fans screaming “one more tune!”. “Olé, Olé, Olé!” and stomping. The band oblige with the upbeat and infectious ‘Runaway’. Kawala leave the stage to Neil Diamond’s ‘’Sweet Caroline’’ playing over the speakers as fans sing along refusing to let the party end.
I’d recommend going to see Kawala live. Kawala keep their shows light, fun and thoroughly enjoyable and why not! Their irresistible tunes warm your soul and fill you with joy – making you smile and dance without resistance.I see great things happening for these guys.
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
