All posts by Indie Buddie

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

wojtek the bear ‘slow tv’

Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘slow tv’. As with their last two singles, ‘slow tv’ was once again recorded with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert]. wojtek the bear have been play-listed by Radio X, played live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland, They have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show.

‘slow tv’ is a jangly slice of lo-fi indie as wojtek the bear spread pop sensibilities over a glorious buoyant backdrop to create a sweet juicy number. With a zest stricken C86 influenced guitar line and animated rhythms, this track floats and bounces along in a blissful sun kissed atmosphere. Soft vocals coo over the glucose melody and hazy atmosphere however there is a gloomy almost melancholic undertone in the track which adds a beautiful contrast to the vibrant and rich instrumentation. Superbly layered and meticulously crafted ‘slow tv’ is a dreamy luscious track with a refreshing sting to keep you pressing that repeat button. Another fantastic track from wojtek the bear.

Lead singer, and chief songwriter Tam Killean says about the track, “I guess the track is a rumination on the total opposite ends of the spectrum you can end up at with people you’ve been in relationships with. There are people i’ve been with before who at the time are your entire world, yet now if they got wiped out by the 267 bus to Possilpark I’d probably only find out about it if it was in the Evening Times the next day.” 

Watch the video for ‘slow tv’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Brand New Friend Live Show With Support From Felonies At Whelan’s Dublin

When your ears are ringing after a show it’s either one of two things –  one, your ears hurt from unbearable noise that you wish to forget as soon as your hearing returns, or two, they are buzzing from one intoxicating, loud and invigorating show of fantastic music. Lucky for me I experienced the latter on Wednesday night. Castlerock’s Brand New Friend were headlining Whelan’s upstairs venue with support from Felonies.

Wicklow band Felonies kicked off the night commanding the stage with their blistering alternative punk rock. It’s a band of singers as Aaron Meagher, Andrew Connaughton, Ryan Mortell and Tom Brady all take a turn on vocals. Hair flailing over their faces they blast into ‘Berlin Blues’, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Small Town Syndrome’. They have an intriguing stage presence. Aaron Meagher ventures close to the edge of the stage laughing and engaging with the crowd while Tom Brady thumps his chest vigorously before the band steam roll into ‘S.A.P’. Shrilling guitars pierce through our skulls as the masterful drumming keeps the crowd bouncing. These guys have the crowd in the palm of their hands. Their fun approach radiates charm and swagger-filled persona as they shred through slick guitar solos and mosh smacked wall of sound. Extremely energetic and intricate Felonies meld raw acute punk and infectious indie rock with some pop sensibilities. They perform with magnetic adrenaline that creates frenzy among the audience. These guys are ones to go see live. Their presence alone is pretty mesmerising but those tunes are sure to frazzle your brain and leave you dazed, exhilarated and craving for more.

Brand New Friend take to the stage with a new addition to the band, Lauren and Taylor Johnson’s younger brother Logan Johnson. Overwhelmed with the attendance the band are in good form and ready to rock. They burst straight into their exuberant youthful wall of sound as the crowd joyously bops and bounces along. Lauren and Taylor Johnson’s vocals blend and contrast superbly as they smile at each other. These guys are having fun on stage and that radiates throughout the room. Their humble yet confident stage presence is charming and quite refreshing. Though their sound is tight, refined and professional Brand New Friend are not pompous or arrogant Taylor sweetly and regularly thanks the crowd for their attendance he shouts “This is F*cking mental… genuinely don’t know what to say…thank you so much for being here this is ridiculous.. We didn’t expect this… this is class “. They hop and jump about the stage encouraging the crowd to go wild. Luke Harris’ drumming rumbles through the venue. The floor creaks from people jumping and moshing as Harris’ flexible roll and rumbles pound through their bodies. The band dedicate songs to members of the audience such as ‘Settle Down’ “ this ones for Eoghan ”. The sweet keys jingle and glisten between their vibrant wall of sound creating refreshing little melodies to blissfully lilt along to. Their tunes hold an air of nostalgia with emo hues and punk foundations against an indie rock backdrop. From mass sing-alongs, a lot of excited swearing (from Taylor ) and people from the crowd shouting “we love you!” to a cheeky Blondie intro to the ‘Maria’- esque start of track ‘Girl’ these guys don’t take themselves too seriously and it makes their live shows more enjoyable. Aaron Milligan wrestles those playful guitar lines with a cheeky grin while newest member Logan Johnson fits in perfectly singing every line enthusiastically as he creates that all important bass groove with confidence and prowess. They are a tidy band brimming with fun and exhilarating tunes.The happiness is infectious and the kinetic and elated atmosphere impossible to fight off. Everyone was dancing, moshing and enjoying themselves helping each other so no one hurt themselves throughout the mania. It’s the promotion of fun, the innocence and sheer charm of this band that is utterly compelling and their skill and talent is the icing on the cake. 

Felonies and Brand New Friend are two spirited bands with powerful commanding tunes and both bands are enthralling to watch live. I highly recommend going to their live shows. You won’t regret it.


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sal the Musician ‘Strawberry’

Sal the Musician has released his new single ‘Strawberry’. His third single ‘Strawberry’ revolves around another one of his creations: a man called Greg. Greg lives in the 80’s, works as an accountant, and is a sex addict. Greg is the subject and face of the track. Greg is Sal’s critique of modern society. The song itself talks about the darker side to casual sex,and what it does to us as people.Sal the Musician’s debut EP ‘Art Is Creation’ will be released in early 2020

‘Strawberry’ presents Sal the Musician’s expressive songwriting through vivid, warm instrumentation and fluid melodic progression. With cosy acoustic guitar jingling through rich percussion and luring beat, this track drifts beautifully on a sweet mixture of vibrant, sultry dark tones to create a wholly satisfying listening experience. Sal’s vocals coo and rasp over the smooth smothering melody while jangly keys inject a sense of innocence. The catchy chorus erupts into a radiant jubilant display while the verse coats the track in darker hues. It’s a superb and lustrous track as Sal the Musician creates a mesmerising scene of lust and euphoria through intricate instrumentation and wonderful curdling tones. 

Stream ‘Strawberry’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/salthemusician/strawberry/s-qpaXF


Author : Danu

Album Review, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Jointpop ‘FROM Trinidad …With Love’ Album

Jointpop have released their new album ‘FROM Trinidad …with Love’. Jointpop is a Rock ‘n’ Roll band from Trinidad and Tobago led by Gary Hector. They have had continued support from Tom Robinson (BBC Introducing) and Jim Gellatly (XFM Scotland/ Amazing Radio).

‘FROM Trinidad …with Love’ is a vibrant fun album brimming with Jointpop’s rich and energetic musicianship. ‘The World’s Most Interesting Man’ opens the album with a dramatic showman persona. Bopping percussion keeps the track buoyant and light while the epic guitar blasts and jaunty soundscape keep this charming track running in your head all day. The band venture from gritty powerful rock ‘n’ roll in ‘Amplify’, ‘Give Me Life ( Give Me Love )’ and ‘Rear – View Mirror Love’ to a groove jam in ‘Beauty On A Budget’. There is a bluesy vibe to ‘The Misunderstood’ and sway-able shimmy in ‘Berlin Belle’ all while maintaining a reggae undertone throughout. The jazzy keys, punchy drums and shredding guitars lace each track in swagger and strut quality. The band showcase their ballad – esque side with the warm ‘The Blessed Ones’ as golden guitar laments against a steady beat backdrop.The melodies throughout slide effortlessly into your ears until you are singing uncontrollably along while the raspy vocals coo and swagger adding character and charm. There are wonderful guitar moments in each track. Especially in the jazz flavoured ‘Vienna Moon’ as the guitar weaves steamy melodies through the jazzy keys and steady beat. The track has an epic classic-rock anthemic chorus while the verses have a lounge bar chilled groovy vibe. The band close the album with the acoustic whiskey-drizzled ballad  ‘I Miss Me’. With lush backing vocals and a buoyant guitar strum this track has a sweet bar sing-along vibe that warms the cockles of your heart and fills you with sweet nostalgia.

Jointpop have created a charming album filled with their rich and diverse musicianship that is sure to have something for everyone.

Stream ‘FROM Trinidad …with Love’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music

Runway Lights ‘What Defines A Villain’ EP

Runway Lights have released their debut EP ‘What Defines A Villain’. Runway Lights are an experimental, alternative rock band from Dublin.In their short time together they have already graced the stages of a number of prestigious Dublin venues including The Workman’s Club, Whelan’s and The Button Factory, earning a reputation for their ferocious live sound.

‘What Defines A Villain’ is a compact intoxicating collection of Runway Lights bewitching musicianship. Each track is tightly weaved to form a wonderful tapestry of richly blended shades of light and dark to create an utterly compelling listening experience. ‘Broad Strokes’ kicks of the EP with magical whispered soundscapes flurrying like a gentle almost eerie breeze before the vocals kick in. The percussion taps and dances delicately through the chiming guitar and swirling synths. Almost straight away the band transports you to a world of magic and wonder portrayed through beautiful and mysterious musicianship. The track builds becoming more vibrant as the guitars and beat intensify. Runway Lights’ ability to create ominous tension and recoil back to lulling elegance and delicacy is mystifying. Their tracks are dark, sinister and sweetly soothing all at once. The short earthy instrumental sting of ‘Glass’ and the soothing ‘Sand’ and ‘Wash Away’ continue this perfectly with ethereal synths and airy atmospheres while the sublime guitar work adds a warm golden ray of light through the mystical mist and deft instrumental bursts. Louise O’Hanlon’s vocals are pristine and clear throughout this enchanting EP. She coos and lulls sweetly while flooding each track with emotion and passion. The melodies throughout the EP are luscious and silky with a sweet innocent undertone which contrasts beautifully against the heavier moments. ‘Red Letter’ displays this perfectly as it closes the EP with a melty warm melody filled with strength and passion as the crashing jagged guitars and punchy drums create that mighty punch and emotive backdrop. 

Runway Lights have created an EP that is delicately charming, tranquilizing and heavily dynamic as they blend alternative rock into their soft synth atmosphere. Each track builds and grows wonderfully to create hair raising crescendos and explosive instrumental highs. This crisp and immaculate EP has been brewed and blended to perfection for an utterly tantalizing listening experience.

Stream ‘What Defines A Villain’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Chay Snowdon ‘Men Cry Too!’

Chay Snowdon have released their new single ‘Men Cry Too’. The four-piece Plymouth band have already played 2,000 Trees, Y Not Festival, Dot To Dot, Boardmasters and many more. The band have been selling out their own headline shows time and time again and have supported the likes of The Sherlocks as well as gaining consistent radio support from Steve Lamacq amongst many other of the biggest names in the business. 

With jaunty guitars, a smooth as honey melody and swagger drenched musicianship Chay Snowdon present us with another passionate slick anthem with ‘Men Cry Too’!. With powerful vocals exuding emotion and fiery charisma while the punchy drums create a mosh ready backdrop, this tune packs in oodles of gusto. It’s smooth with zesty guitar injections, wiggle-infused bass line and a cool rock ‘n’ roll persona ready for arena sing-along’s and multiple radio plays. These guys know how to write catchy, tight and heart pounding tracks sure to have you singing for days.  

Stream ‘Men Cry Too!’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Fí ‘Call Me Out’

Photo credit : Ciaran O’Brien.

Fí has released her new single ‘Call Me Out’. Fí is a Dublin based electro-pop artist hailing from Mullingar. She’s a self taught musician who started writing after buying her first guitar in college and has spent the last few years crafting songs from her bedroom. Her second single, ‘Feel Better’ was released to rapturous reviews and radio play and Fí has been honing her skills collaborating, writing and working with different producers in London,Dublin and LA. Fí was selected as a shortlist for ‘Play The Picnic’ by RTE2FM in June 2018. She has done many festivals and acoustic gigs playing Electric Picnic, Vantastival and supporting acts like The Academic and Aine Cahill.

‘Call Me Out’  is a tropical swirl of luscious pop as Fí fleshes out her vibrant and charming musicianship. Wispy electronics whirl around creating an ethereal magical atmosphere while the infectious beat and fruity tropical sounds create a summer sunshine number to brighten any day. Fí’s warm expressive vocals coat the track in cosy tones while the bitter/sweet melody creates that sublime catchy hook. It’s a confident powerful track doused in fun energetic tones and energising electronics.

About the track Fí says  “It’s a straightforward confrontational song about calling out someone who tries to come back in your life. It’s all about female assertion and confidence. “ 

Stream ‘Call Me Out’  below 


Author : Danu

Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Ruborg ‘In It For The Long Haul’ Album

Swedish singer/songwriter Ruborg has released his new album ‘In It For The Long Haul’. This is his first project for 2019, preceded by the promotional singles ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’, released in July and August respectively.

‘In It For The Long Haul’ finely blends tender acoustic ballads and blues rock with Ruborg’s passionate musicianship  to create a wholesome and warm album. ‘Glory Of The Wild Days’ kicks the album into motion with vibrant light guitar, stomping beat and a nostalgic wild melody that is sure to put a smile on your face. ‘Damaged Goods’ is a gritty, adrenaline-pumped track as slicing jagged guitar lacerates through the stomping rhythm while Ruborg swaggers through this slick rock number.  With delicate acoustic guitar gracing and driving tracks like ‘ Traces’  Ruborg creates soft and emotional scenes to sway to as his rich deep vocals caress the tender melodies. The album shifts seamlessly into meatier blues rock with tracks like ‘Road To Exile’  and ‘On The Breadline’  where the punchy drums fill out the backdrop while the guitars flurry through steamy riffs and light mellow jingles in tracks like ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’. There isn’t a shortage of powerful classic rock choruses however ‘Black Dog Calls‘ displays Ruborgs’s versatility perfectly as it  broods to start before belting into a mighty chorus filled with passion and oomph. An enjoyable album from start to finish.

Stream ‘In It For The Long Haul’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Slouch ‘Duplicity’

Glasgow Band Slouch follow up their early 2019 release, ‘In Your Mind’, with brand new single ‘Duplicity’. The single was recorded in summer 2019 in St. Helens with production duo Sugar House. This year has so far seen them included in Fred Perry Subculture’s ‘Big in 2019’ playlist curated by This Feeling, play some of Glasgow’s most famous venues including King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Stereo and Nice N Sleazy and play their first shows outside of their hometown.

‘Duplicity’ is an effervescent glistening delight as Slouch meticulously blend punchy indie rock with ethereal shimmering synths and sublime pop sensibilities. With chiming guitars sparkling through the dynamic euphoric soundscape while a buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo, ‘Duplicity’ has everything to have you singing along and dancing. The melty melody drifts elegantly under the warm vocals as the track builds to its anthemic chorus. With a zesty guitar solo and crisp electronics Slouch have created a hazy dreamy number filled with sublime bubbling instrumentation.

‘Duplicity’ will be celebrated with a gig in Broadcast Glasgow hosted by This Feeling on the 27th September.

Stream ‘Duplicity’ below 


Author : Danu

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

SPRINTS ‘The Cheek’

Dublin’s upcoming alternative rock band SPRINTS have released their sophomore single ‘The Cheek’. Comprised of Karla Chubb, Colm O’Reilly, Sam McCann and Jack Callan, SPRINTS released their debut single ‘Pathetic’ in April to rave reviews, receiving both national and international press coverage. The song was playlist on Irish radio as well as featured in the ‘An Alternative Eire’ official Spotify playlist. 

‘The Cheek’  is a brisk raw blast of SPRINTS punk-whacked alternative rock. With gritty guitar cutting through the jagged tense soundscape the verses crash in ready to rumble. The driving bass travels at floor shaking relentless stamina while Karla Chubb’s powerful vocals add sarcasm and fire into the track. It’s catchy with a manic ferocious chorus that is sure to be epic live. With pummeling drums and a blistering raucous wall of sound ‘The Cheek’ is one frenzied anthem and another smasher from SPRINTS.

About the track the band say : “Whether they think they own the place, or think they own you, we are all too familiar with those dickheads at the bar.  Male or female, I know a lot of friends have shared the same experience. To have your sexuality, or your worth questioned, to be berated or harassed for turning someone so ‘impeccable’ down, is an unfortunately too regular occurrence.”

SPRINTS will celebrate the track’s launch on Saturday September 28th with a show in Bello Bar.

Stream ‘The Cheek’ below 

Author : Danu