Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their new EP ‘Late Night Pharmacy’. The band has gained some traction since the release of their single “If Not Now Then When” playing shows such as Vantastival festival, opening for Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes at the Tivoli Theatre as well as being part of an all Irish line up at the Button Factory on Halloween night.
‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is Chinese Newspaper’s most defined and exhilarating body of work to date. There are a plethora of shredding refined guitar moments and intense rhythms throughout the EP. The band ferment and harness their wild raucous musicianship to create something that is well-crafted and polished but with a deep rooted sense of anarchy. ‘Are You Bored?’ sets the riot in motion with a sublime rumble on drums creating a fluctuant almost wriggling foundation while the bass swivels between the intoxicating finesse on guitar. It’s a hyper energetic track stamped with all the loud aggression we have come to know Chinese Newspaper for. This band is flourishing. They immerse their sound in rich layers and textures. There is a dash of rock ‘n’ roll swagger in ‘Cola’ as the band smother the track in a bloodthirsty wall of sound. It’s ready for the energy of a live show as the chorus explodes into a massive assault and mosh ready blitz. The moody vocals from Killian Barrett express angst with vigor while his rasp and attitude create that teenage rebellion atmosphere through the stormy instrumental backdrop. There is no denying the rhythm and pounding drums in this track – they are sublime. Nathan Merriman could summon a demon with that ominous drum rumble and Aran McGilick ties the track together with the vibrant, infectious groove of his bass while the guitar lightly ricochets off this backdrop majestically creating an invigorating and danceable listening experience. The band chill the intensity and sweltering heat of the EP with ‘Nothing Comes From Nothing’. A light melodic ditty which swoons over a melancholic sulky melody while a hazy atmosphere ( created by shaky percussion and steady beat ) provides that lazy summer’s day gloom. The light indie-drizzled guitars jangle innocently throughout until the track becomes more expressive and jagged for the crescendo. The nostalgic ‘Sunday’ brings the EP to a close. With thumping drums and a mosh-ready break, its an emotional tantrum backed by fantastic instrumentation which intensifies for the chorus and broods through the verses. These guys have mastered the ability to create emotive music and make the listener feel connected and enthralled by their tunes while also bashing out rich fuzz-filled pop with grunge and rock elements sprinkled on top.
‘Late Night Pharmacy’ is a clear step in the right direction for Chinese Newspaper. They haven’t lost the raw rampage of their 2017 ‘Spotless Mind’ EP. They have refined and cultivated it to create a fine, engaging and deft sound all of their own. With first rate guitar work and ground rumbling rhythm these guys have a sound that is both dreamy and razor sharp.
Galway’s Slyrydes are set to release their new single ‘Dangerous Animals’ on October 25th. The track was recorded by Daniel Doherty (Fontaines DC, Vulpynes, Galants) in Darklands audio Dublin.This is the fourth single from the band who have an album set for release in 2020. The band have been making a name for themselves with their previous tracks gaining radio support from Today fm, 2fm, RTE radio one, Radio Nova, BBC radio Foyle and Radio X in the UK as well as many regional stations.
‘Dangerous Animals’ is a relentless onslaught of bruising, battering punk rock as Slyrydes take their abrasive sound and carve it brutishly into your head with savage force. The piercing shrilling guitars lacerate and gash into the track with menacing rage as the pulverizing drums batter furiously throughout with primal vigor. With a curdling bass line rumbling relentlessly through the frenzy, this track packs one heck of a punch. The delirious swirling on guitars create a sinister, seizure-inducing mania that is both chilling and compelling while the shouted vocals spit and bellow the cutting lyrics. Slyrydes have created one turbulent blitz with their new track ‘Dangerous Animals’. It’s a dark blood thirsty belter brimming with raw unadulterated punk rock.
‘Dangerous Animals’ will be released on the 25th of October for more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/slyrydes/
We sat down to have a chat with Donal Quinn in The Sound House Dublin to talk about his new single ‘Bubble’ and his career in music so far. He also performed a sweet acoustic version of ‘Do You Like Spicy Food’.
Watch the interview and Donal’s acoustic version of ‘Do You Like Spicy Food’ Below
Lifted from their second album ‘Suspended’ which was released earlier this year to critical acclaim, Dublin four piece Gypsies On The Autobahn have just released their single ‘Rubicon’ along with a thought provoking video which is written and directed by front man James Smith. Having supported some huge international and Irish bands such as Bombay Bicycle Club, The Coronas and Little Green Cars, G.O.T.A are currently working on their own UK shows for late 2019/2020.
‘Rubicon’ is an intricate meticulously layered track which almost pauses time with its spacious composition as Gypsies On The Autobahn take their sound to new sophisticated ethereal heights. With a rooted bass groove driving the track and creating a movable backbone between the shaky percussion and beat, the band set the track up with luring seductively dark tones. The smoky guitar laments and pines with a hollow sense of loneliness through the wispy mist – like soundscapes. With passionate vocals caressing the funky bass and dance-able beat this track has sublime contrasts. The bass and guitars create a push pull effect between the overcast backdrop as the track builds to a slightly more vibrant pop sprinkled chorus. Gypsies On The Autobahn have created a catchy, lovable track filled with rich emotionally entangled elements. It is a delight on the ears.
About the song and video the band say: “In the lead up to writing Rubicon Niall and James had come to blows and were not speaking to each other. Eventually Niall came in with this bass line, which was what broke the silence between them. Working in close proximity with each other for so long there is ultimately going to be conflict; luckily this conflict gave us Rubicon. The video is about two people who can’t talk, moving between Reality and the Otherside; a dark and surreal look at relationships and conflict. Written and Directed by frontman, James Smith, shot and edited by Oliver Kelly and Alex Lynch and starring Laura Brady and Tadhg O’Rourke.”
The Pretty Visitors have released their new single ‘High Sailing Blues’. Previously supporting artists such as Circa Waves, Jaws, Billy Lunn (The Subways), The Family Rain and more recently, Sisteray, The Pretty Visitors showcase an energetic, eclectic live sound. In 2019 The Pretty Visitors released their demo ‘Its Not Easy’ and have featured multiple times on BBC Introducing shows.
‘High Sailing Blues’ is a gritty raw rock track as The Pretty Visitors flesh out their swagger-dipped sound. Steamy guitar riffs carve into the pounding drums while a slick bass wiggles and coils throughout. This robust powerhouse is a sleek battering of the band’s energetic sound with a steamy sensual backbone. The raspy vocals add a rough quality while the vaporous guitar licks and sharp flirtations give a refined and majestic element to this hungry mammoth. The Pretty Visitors knock it outta the park with ‘High Sailing Blues’
London/Brighton trio Johnny Kills havereleasedtheir new single ‘Help Me Out’. They have also announced the title of their debut EP: ‘Panic’, which will be released via Killing Moon on November 20th. The bands previous EP single, ‘I Feel Like’, earned fans in BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and with BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. Johnny Kills have supported the likes of Fangclub and Sick Joy whilst playing numerous shows in Brighton, London, Liverpool, York and Birmingham.
‘Help Me Out’ is a breezy, zinging, indie-pop can of soda as Johnny Kills present their fizzing, energetic, bouncy sound in a fruity laid back surf pop flavour. This track is a youthful infectious gem. A punchy beat and relentless bass-groove creates an animated backbone. The fuzz laced guitars add a dash of bite as the track takes a sunny Californian indie rebellion tone. The attitude-soaked, angsty vocals complain over the kinetic backdrop as the band smother the track in their signature infectious pop-sprinkled melody. It’s a tight, light-hearted number with a garage rock chorus that erupts into the ears with tantalizing vigor and blistering instrumentation. There is a 90’s pop rock vibe about this track that makes it intensely nostalgic and sure to charm its way on repeat.
Tim Lloyd-Kinnings describes the themes behind ‘Help Me Out’:“It’s about getting to a stage where you have some big life questions-what career do I want? Where do I want to live? What do I really care about?-to which the answers are all a resounding ‘I don’t have a scooby, mate’. It’s about having a blank slate in front of you and it just freaking you out, and hoping someone else will sort it all out for you.”
It’s no secret that Dublin’s Munky know how to put on a show. Not only do they perform with vigor and energy, they always pull in support acts that equally keep the animated dance vibe going with tasty tunes and wonderful characters on stage. Sunday Night in Lost Lane Dublin was a prime night to see these guys.
Toshín kick started the night. Front woman Tosin Bankole spirals on stage, twirling in her dress as her welcoming smile and cheery dramatic gestures beckon the crowd closer. The band begin their vibrant, rich, soul-infused, pop-funk with gusto changing the atmosphere to one of fun, friendly and groove-filled bliss. Bankole’s vocals kick in and she slaps you in the face with her vocal control, power and sheer soul. With blends of Motown creating a classic chicness to the compelling sass and RnB peppering this band are mesmerising to watch but also their tunes are utterly luscious on the ears. Each track features sublime bass grooves, slick guitar maneuvers, warm Sax blasts and chiming keys as the band build and progressively blend their tracks into a pure rich musical concoction brimming with attitude. The harmonies are crisp and sweet and the vibrant percussion had the crowd bopping and dancing along. Backing vocalist Shannon Doyle is a ray of sunshine. She dances and blends sublimely with Bankole’s vocals while providing another strong and commanding soulful element to the band. Songs about cheating boyfriends and daddy issues has the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands. Not even a broken guitar string stops this band. They laugh off its rude interruption grab another guitar and play on. These guys have it all – showmanship, charismatic persona and proficient musicians to tie it all together in one joyful melodious bow. Toshín are a must see.
The blissfully chilled and charming Shaky Shack follow. Their jazz dipped alternative pop creates a narcotic and soothing groove that submerges the venue in luxurious sounds. Although frontman Alex Winter has the flu it is not noticeable until he apologizes for hoarse tones and the odd cough. They cruise through their set with mellowed-out ease. Mateusz Kosnik swooshes through the slinky, funk-dipped guitar lines – his hair covering his face as he submerges himself in their tunes ethereal vibes. With Andrea Louise Jones on sax the band’s sweet and exquisite sound becomes warm and cosy within the psychedelic haze. Drummer Sam Russell taps and chimes carefully providing the perfect sway-able tempo and intricate beat to the sweet cooing melodies. The crowd engage with Winter’s 1,2 mic check halfway through the set. They shout back 1,2 as he laughs and banters with them. Winter displays his cheeky rebellious side when he points out a guard in the crowd while he hushes the crowd for the sing along “sucking on a blunt with the boys” lyric. The crowd jeer and happily play along. It was a brilliant end to their set list that had the crowd laughing, belting out the lyrics and dancing uncontrollably. Shaky Shack displayed slick proficient musicianship on the night. They were a joy to watch. The band are releasing a new track ‘In Honey’ in November and that is going to be one sweet treat. Make sure to check it out.
The crowd shout “we love you” and cheer as Munky triumphantly take to the stage. Bassist Niall Donnelly shouts “hello we’re called Munky and we play lots of songs and this is one of many of them” before the powerful ‘One In Five’ kicks in. The room erupts immediately as the crowd fall under Munky’s spell. Conor Lawlor’s precise guitar work pierces and pines through the mighty backdrop while the tight groove on bass weaves and wiggles with a dark undertone throughout. Straight away the crowd are moshing, jumping and singing back the lyrics. The band has gone all out. They have a dazzling light display and their tunes sound fresh robust and slick. As always Zachary Stephenson’s rasped, powerful vocals are full of conviction. These guys were born showmen and they pour every fibre of their being into their shows adding humor and fun into everything they do while maintaining a precise and polished display. Lawlor adds little flurries of extra finesse in his guitar work as he strides, poses and flicks his hair in a very suave manner while Donnelly provides the panache-soaked poses on the right of the stage. Their fans are dedicated for sure. They dance the night away grabbing each other to wiggle and group together for moshing mania. One member of the crowd willingly allows the flashing lights to blind him. Even after Stephenson warns him “no no don’t blind yourself” he refuses to move as if the sight of these guys on stage was the perfect last image he ever wanted. Unfazed from his previous stint on drums with Shaky Shack Sam Russell provides the all important rhythmic foundation with ease. Spinning his drumsticks he confidently paves the way for ‘You’ve Got Male’ as the tracks take a more raw, kinetic dimension live. When you think these guys can’t get any better they play new single ‘Megaton’. Lawlor’s guitar squeals between the thick muggy, crashing wall of sound as the eerie lighting gives a breathtaking visual element to the song in a live setting. It’s a well executed set as the band balance their heavy first half with the fun disco second half with the help of Andrea Louise Jones on sax. Munky always have amazing backing vocalists on their live shows and on Sunday that was provided by the incredibly talented Sinead McConville and Lauren Murphy. Crowd favourite ‘Ms Communication’ and ‘Cuck Rock’ spark mass sing-alongs while an emotional rendition of ‘I Can’t Quit’ is performed by Stephenson. Basked in a dim light he sings the track with tender, sweet emotion before the band join him for the blistering crescendo. The crowd knew every word and guitar riff – some did air guitar while others executed an air drum display. The crowd dance non stop for the entire set as shredding guitar solos, intricate infectious bass lines and brawn-filled drumming adorn the venue with the band’s signature funky sound.
Munky put on a frantic, vibrant show filled with fun, dancing and first rate musicianship on Sunday night. They have refined their set to a blast of energetic delicious tunes. It was a charismatic explosive and oh so funky night as Munky brought a sensational set to Lost Lane.
It’s been 6 years since Los Angeles’ Local Natives played Dublin so the crowd that packed into The Academy Dublin were thirsty and long overdue a show from the five piece. The pressure was on for the band to deliver and they didn’t disappoint.
Support came from One True Pairing the alias of former Wild Beasts songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Fleming. Laced in choppy synths with a sticky beat provided by drum machines Fleming lays out his moody passionate tunes as his deep baritone resounds throughout. His stance is simple as his striking jangles on guitar pulsate and jaggedly maneuver throughout. He ventures from wild indie hued electronic with a pinch of country peppering in tracks like ‘I’m not Afraid’ to more beat heavy psychedelic dance – esque tunes like ‘Down At The Factory’ with ease giving the crowd something to dance and mosh to. The shredding guitar solo in ‘Down At The Factory’ is something to be admired and is unforgettable live. He keeps everything simple allowing his tracks talk for themselves. His music is intense and filled with anguish and emotion – intriguing and wholly consuming. An enjoyable start to the night.
Local Natives take to the stage. The crowd cheer as they blast straight into their infectious passionate tunes. These guys are known for their indie rock sound and wonderful harmonies but, on stage they take things to another level. Their tunes become more rich and vibrant as if this is what they were created for – the raw energy of the live scene. The timeless gems from their new album ‘Violet Street’ adorn the set list. The embellishments with vivid beats and blood rushing adrenaline on guitar add to the live experience. Very cool and energetic on stage the band command attention especially Taylor Rice who wiggles and bops continuously. He springs into the crowd for ‘Sun Hands’ jumping among them as they bellow the lyrics “And when I can feel with my sun hands, I promise not to lose her again” while forming a circle around him. The band of multi instrumentalists swap between guitar, bass, keys and vocals regularly keeping the set fresh as they showcase their mesmerising skills and wonderful vocal tones while the crowd cheer for each of them. They don’t waste too much time chatting they try to pack in as much of their tasty luscious tunes as possible. Couples in the crowd sway, embraced in each others arms for ‘You & I’ and twist and mosh through the heavier tunes. The night travels at a fast pace as the time flies with each exhilarating track. It was a smooth and vibrant show with tracks from their back catalog (four album’s long) making a welcome appearance such as ‘Black Balloons’ which Rice explains “ we haven’t played this one in years”.
Rice’s attempt to flatter the crowd with a speech about how much he loves Dublin turns slightly sour as he includes Dublin in “our UK tour” the crowd boo at this statement while, now on guitar Ryan Hahn places his head in his hands. The explanation that he didn’t get to finish his sentence and he was going to say UK and Irish tour didn’t quite sit well with the crowd but a quick save with ‘Megaton Mile‘ won them over. The band play ‘When am I Gonna Lose You’ which calls for celebration as Rice announces his first child is due in one month. The harmonies in this bands tracks are luscious and Kelcey Ayer’s mesmerising vocal range is immaculate as he confidently executes his sweet falsetto on ‘Coins’ and ‘Airplanes’.
Local Natives put on a memorable and fantastic show complete with a stunning and dazzling light display. Their confidence oozed from the stage creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere and their tunes are so groove-filled, crashing, energetic and refined you can’t help but dance along. The band finish their set on a massive high with ‘Who Knows Who Cares’ as the crowd sing the last part for the band. These guys have been around since their debut album ‘Gorilla Manor’ in 2009 yet their sound is so fresh, compelling and enjoyable. I’ll be looking forward to their next show.
Belfast-based punk act Sister Ghost are set to release their new single ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ On October 21st. Sister Ghost, aka Shannon Delores O’Neill, has a background playing in bands from the age of 12. In early 2014, she began writing and demoing – singing and playing everything herself – before enlisting a band to bring Sister Ghost to completion. She has been recognised for mentoring and encouraging other female-identified musicians to perform in the Northern Irish scene, having also set up the Girls Rock! NI chapter in 2016. Sister Ghost has garnered high profile support slots with Shellac, Pussy Riot and Le Butcherettes as well as airplay on BBC 6 Music and a Next Wave Artist slot on BBC Radio 1. As of Spring 2019, O’Neill has teamed up with producer Cahir O’Doherty (Frank Turner, Fighting With Wire, New Pagans) to work on the debut Sister Ghost album, set for release in 2020.
‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a brisk swarm of punk rock as Sister Ghost blast out their blistering high energy wall of sound with ease and vigor. From fiery guitar riffs and rooted rumble on bass to the pulverizing drums the band set down an infectious foundation ready to set a live audience alight. With attitude soaked vocals tight harmonies and dynamic melody this powerful onslaught is a force to be reckoned with. The track takes aim at oppressive systems both in Northern Ireland as well as those abroad as O’Neill spits and bellows the lyrics with intensity creating a hyper active atmosphere as well as making the song relatable beyond the political confines of Belfast. ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a wallop in the face of infectious fierce punk rock at its raw and exhilarating best.
‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is set for release on October 21st for more follow Sister Ghost on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sisterghost
Edinburgh singer songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘Aftershave’. Fleshing out his indie sound Wallace presents a vibrant guitar-driven number. With a nostalgic melody that cruises on 80’s hues through a sprightly backdrop this charming track is an honest, punchy ditty. Wallace’s warm deep vocals coo through the intricate guitar melody and exhilarating soundscape as this track rests easy on the ears and is designed for repeat plays. Those jangly guitar melodies and strides add a zing and bite to this wishful track. Wallace tells a story of youthful nights out, superbly and this golden heartfelt gem is a perfect portrayal of his tight and invigorating musicianship.
Stream ‘Aftershave’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
