All posts by Indie Buddie

Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Young Earth ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP Launch in The Academy 2 Dublin with support from Classic Yellow and Dry Roasted Peanuts

Young Earth held their ‘Frequency Illusion’ EP Launch at The Academy 2 Dublin last Friday night. The four piece pulled a large crowd to the venue as fans eagerly waited to hear the bands instantly hummable, energetic tunes.

Dublin-based alternative rock band Classic Yellow set things in motion with a slick sixties tinged psychedelic rock intro before introducing the vaporous swagger drenched ‘Woolly Mammoth’. Frontman Frank Collins croons over hypnotic instrumentation. It’s a punchy fiery track that balances velvety smoothness almost sleazy psychedelia with grittier brawny rock. “We don’t bite you can come a bit closer we are stronger together” Collins beckons as some audience members hurry to the front. It’s the most effortless attempt I’ve seen to get the audience to engage and the most effective he barely had to try. Now with the crowd in the palm of their hands they croon into ‘Ophelia’, Ciarán Traynor on guitar charming the audience (causing screams every time he approached the front of the stage) with his smiley enthusiasm while fluctuant guitars add a hazy dreamy euphoria to the trippy brooding track. Their set drifting from swoony sways to fuzz filled shimmy ready rock and roll it’s a refreshing listen. ‘Mondays Don’t Mean Anything’ follows featuring an elastic punchy rhythm and energetic bounce mixed with thrilling shrills of guitar distortion. There is something retro and familiar about this four piece. Each track is performed with an effortless classic charm and charisma with a modern twist. They finish their set with ‘Mountain’ featuring a nod to Talking Heads ‘Psycho Killer’ “Fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-far” lyric in the middle. An impressively professional and panache soaked set from the newly formed band.

Cork’s Dry Roasted Peanuts followed. It’s a set bursting with energy, beer spilling, sweat dripping and hair everywhere and that was just on stage. From opener ‘Cherry’ they flood the room with their bright springy brand of indie. Sharp and zealous each tune oozes electric stamina. With an effortless cool stance, they blend dreamy hazy bliss with fiery punchy blasts creating a power-driven set packed with blistering intense energy. “You’re a beautiful crowd……enjoy alcohol responsibly” Marc Ó Cearnaigh declares to the crowd before the infectious riff of ‘Window Licker’ kicks in. It’s a slick track exuding swagger and warm light indie vibes. Their mature suave sound resonates through the “slower” ‘Honey and Lemon’ which will be on their next EP.  Its a jittery smooth operator packed with passionate expressive vocals, moody beat and sublime guitar lines. With a shredding sick guitar solo thrown in for good measure it’s pretty epic. The raw aggressive ‘Tick’ brings a mosh frenzy of delight among the crowd, girls scream as Ó Cearnaigh introduces the rest of the band Robert McDonnell (Guitar/Vocals), Christopher O’Sullivan (Drums) and J.J. Lee (Bass). Not even a mishap with the mic could hinder their stride Ó Cearnaigh laughs it off in true rock and roll manner and carries on. These guys are a confident bunch of lads and they put on a first-rate show for sure.

Jacques Dutronc’s  ‘Les Cactus’  announces Young Earth. They stroll onstage to launch into show opener ‘Frequency Illusion’. Melody and intricate musicianship is certainly this bands strong point and for those of us who would have heard their music before are firmly aware of this, but the live setting drove the message home. Their tunes come to life live. It’s a vibrant jam-packed set ‘She’s Expensive’ is announced to screams and whoops. Three songs in and the band was sweating a member of the audience shouts up to drummer Ben Mulligan “Take your top off” he replies, “I can’t do that my mam is here”. The crowd dance hop and sing along to every word. It’s an intoxicating blast of bubbly indie rock, each track short snappy and delightfully catchy. In truth, the pace was pretty much flawless throughout the entire set, as the four-piece played their delicious menu of tunes, mixing the sweet tender ‘Bloodlove’ and honeyed ‘Let Go’ (which has members of the audience belting out every word they even sing out the intro) with their darker heavier tunes like ‘Undercover’. From there, the energy only rises further. The band throw some new tracks into the set as well keeping the crowd on their toes and giving them some new tunes to sink their teeth into. Mark O’Keeffe’s sweet vocals coo over the blistering instrumentation their live show brings. These guys put on a tight show its no nonsense, slick, bubbly and steamy all at once. The hooks couldn’t be hookier, the guitars thrillingly zealous and sharp and the drums fluctuate between peppy and light to heavy. Girls scream manically through the slick rendition of ‘Got a Secret’ before the room erupts with clapping for the bridge. When was the last time we heard as sweet and engaging a guitar hook as the one that powers closing track ‘Worth It’. The crowd joyously bellow the “oh oh oh oh” lyrics back.

Young Earth are definitely a band to keep you eye on. Their knack for catchy tracks will have you suffering from a serious case of stuck song syndrome until you are blissfully frothing the melodies from the mouth. Their highly energetic shredding live shows firmly place these guys on the ones to watch list.

 

 


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

Edits ‘Don’t Speak’

Edits are a Girl/Boy Duo from Manchester that create “electronic other world-ness”. Sandwiched somewhere between synth pop and post-rock the band consists of members Liv Westhead (Vocals/Synths) and Chris Abbott (Guitars/Programming). Edits take pride in their D.I.Y. aesthetic; producing everything they make themselves, even their music videos. The pair recently self-recorded a video series live to tape called ‘The Tape Sessions’ showcasing their creativity and recording skills. The duo have released their new single ‘Don’t Speak’ which is a synth pop anthem reminiscent of Chvrches, The XX and Everything Everything.

‘Don’t Speak’ is an atmospheric synth pop dazzler oozing anthemic fist pump power teamed with darker indie soundscapes. Flickering synths create a fluctuating bedazzlement while swirling synths and Westhead’s vocals add passion and tension. The sharp guitar and punchy drums build the track up creating a gritty rock heaviness and rough texture to the otherwise sugary pop sound. The verses brood with a darkened undertone while the anthemic chorus bursts with mini instrumental explosions. Its charming and endearing and immensely catchy.

Stream ‘Don’t Speak’ below

 

 


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing: Letters to Lions

Letters to Lions are an indie rock band from Sydney, Australia. The band consists of Curt (drums), Joel (Guitar/vox), Jackson (bass) and Adam (guitar/vox). They recently released their single ‘Come Around’ via Code One Recordings. This sizzling breezy indie track bursts with slick aerial soundscapes and meticulous refined musicianship. It’s tightly crafted with razor sharp guitars piercing throughout and gashes of vibrancy cutting slices through the airy instrumentation. Punchy drums and elastic rumble on bass add a bouncy flexibility to the track while velvety expressive vocals add a slap of passion. The anthemic chorus is expressed by a swarming dynamic explosion of crashing guitars and bruising rhythm. Joel’s vocals maintain a cool laid-back vibe that glides upon the compelling instrumentation, creating a seamless blend of hazy mellowness and stinging splintery indie. It’s well-crafted and expressive yet dreamy and luscious. These guys have developed and layered this track perfectly. Its flawless, dynamic and a breath of fresh air.

The track is taken from their second EP ‘Grays Point’ which is set for release tomorrow 10 November, make sure to check it out.

Stream ‘Come Around’ below


Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Everywhere

Following the success of acclaimed single ‘Man Up’, London Alt Rock band Everywhere have released their new track ‘Moments’ available now in co-operation with ‘BMD w Friends’ and Universal music. Since their Hypemachine charting debut ‘Eddie’, Eveywhere’s music has been streamed millions of times on YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify. They made their first International appearance at the 2013 NME Awards in the UK, playing alongside Django Django and Palma Violets, and later went on to support the Kaiser Chiefs and headline Notting Hill Arts Club in London.

‘Moments’ is a divine soaring infectious indie track. With a kinetic electronic soundscape consumed in a sticky flickering beat and laid back hazy vibes, it’s a dazzling knock out from the five piece. Max Berga’s vocals coo and almost whisper the verses with a compelling allurement building and becoming more dynamic as the track progresses. The song explodes into a dynamite chorus exuding carpe diem vibes and an instant burst of freedom. The production on this track is in the immaculate crisp manner we expect from Everywhere as its oozes oodles of passion. It’s a dreamy laid-back tune that rushes in with floods of adrenaline and a breezy freeing power. The song was originally performed by fellow Swedish Electro crooner ‘Kev’ and was later adapted by ‘Everywhere’ after a chance encounter.

About the track the band said: “We just heard the original and felt that it screamed for a certain kind of arrangement and feel.”

Stream ‘Moments’ below

 


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

Nightshifts ‘Karma’

Toronto based producer Nightshifts has released his new single ‘Karma’. Having had past musical successes in other Toronto bands and produced an official remix of “Michicant” for Bon Iver,  Nightshifts is gearing up to release his debut LP this November. ‘Karma’ is a soulful blast into Nightshifts sonic universe. Its smooth cool and ridiculously groovy. With a finger clicking beat and groovy swagger soaked guitar melodies it’s a silky little number. Velvety vocals coo and charm while sonic flecks dazzle and flicker between shimmering synths. This laid-back track is polished and creamy and effortlessly cool. With a relaxing sway like tempo and clap along feature it an infectious funky pop sprinkled ear worm.

When asked about the track Nightshifts said “Karma was written at a time when all my friends and I were very unsure about what we wanted to do with our lives. I wrote the song to try and calm my own nerves; to say it’s ok not to know, let’s just enjoy the ride. Matthew Vlahovich of Young Empires co-produced this track at his Trinity Bellwoods Studio”

Stream ‘Karma’ below


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

0141 ‘Born To Sing’

Glasgow rock band 0141 have released their new single ‘Born To Sing’ which was produced by Rod Jones of Idlewild. The quartet have played in some of Scotlands most notable venues including King Tut’s, 02 ABC and have previously ventured around Scotland, Manchester, Liverpool and Holland electrifying audiences with their bold, funky and rhythmic sound. They have also made a TV appearance on STV Glasgow in 2015.

‘Born To Sing’ is an infectious smack of indie rock. With an anthemic fist pump ready chorus, battering drums and blistering guitars it’s a feisty unleashed beast disguised in a smooth pop tune. With sharp stings on guitar scorching through the golden inspiring atmosphere it’s an adrenaline surge, highly energetic track that is sure to be epic live. Few bands sound as brazenly ambitious as this four piece, their sound is charming catchy and arena ready. This track is razor sharp and piercing in all the right places while still maintaining a radio friendly smoothness and polished exterior that will have you hooked and singing along from the first note. Keep an eye out for 0141.

The release of ‘Born To Sing’ coincides with their BBC Introducing show at King Tuts on the 9th of November so make sure to check that out if your around.

Stream ‘Born to Sing’ below

 


Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

James Walker ‘English Bones’ Album

English singer-songwriter James Walker is set to release his debut album ‘English Bones’ on Wild Native Records on the 17th November.’English Bones’ was produced by Sam Winfield (Amber Run, Dry the River, Supergrass) and features ten tracks including ‘Lullaby’, ‘Weathered’ and the current single ‘2009’. Available at all the major outlets, the album is a brilliant collection of songs that Walker has created over the past eighteen months and the songs cover issues of identity, nostalgia & celebrity stalkers.Having extensively toured Europe as a pianist, co-writer and collaborator for Adam Barnes, Walker set his sights on creating his own work informed by his experiences of love and heartbreak, to finding identity within the LGBT+ community, to recovery and rehabilitation from a rare heart condition. Inspired by artists such as Conor Oberst, The Weepies and Damien Rice and drawing on the influences of Foxing, Pavement and Tigers Jaw, Walker has performed over 200 shows in the past year over the UK, EU and USA.

‘English Bones’ is the sweetest most beautiful collection of tracks. Walker takes the listener on a tender emotional journey soothed by his luscious melodies and gentle vocals he cushions you for the hard-hitting melancholic tunes like opener ‘Weathered’ and warms your soul with the vibrant peppy tracks such as ‘2009’. Walker touches your soul with his passionate vocals and sparkling soundscapes. ‘Next To Me’ warms the cockles of your heart with tender tones and warm mellow twinkling guitar between a melty sublime melody. His vocals shield you from the sombre tone while lush backing vocals and delicate glowing soundscapes add a laid back hazy vibe. ’Landslide’ is a lushly arranged love song that exudes delicate tones and a nostalgic wispy atmosphere. ‘Lullaby (feat. Judy Blank)’ is a blissful slice of heaven. So quiet and peaceful yet seeped in a luscious melody. This track is simply beautiful and my favourite on the album. Judy Blanks’ vocals harmonise and blend magnificently with Walkers. It glides with a soft feathery grandeur and elegance lulling you into a sway-like dreamy state of bliss. Utterly breath-taking and graceful. The album continues with the wispy, light and airy tender tones of ‘Casanovas’, ‘Waiting’ and ‘Casualty’ while ‘Abyss’ adds a few sonic flecks, jittery sticky beats and an exquisite piano feature into the supple mix. ‘Kreuzberg’ closes the album with soft accompaniment, it’s breezy and a touch eerie to start. Light piano glistens through guitar strums while echoed vocals add a cold icy vibe.

‘English Bones’ is an album that displays Walkers strongly emotive, heart-warmingly tender and passionate musicianship. With mostly warm toasty glowing vibes he injects little mood shifters throughout adding some lively peppy tunes and some chilling breezy tunes in there to keep things refreshing. It’s an emotional journey for sure but a lovely listen. Walker has the ability to grab raw tender emotion and portray it so beautifully and sweetly creating a tear jerking, majestic and ethereal experience.

Walker, who has just completed an extensive two-month tour of Europe with Matt Phillips and Judy Blank, will be heading out once again for dates with Adam Barnes this November. James will also be returning to the USA to tour the East Coast in support of the launch of Matt Phillips new album next Spring.

Stream ‘Lullaby’ (feat. Judy Blank) below

https://soundcloud.com/james_walker_music/lullaby

 


Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kavalier

Kavalier is an alternative four-piece band based in Kilkeel, Co. Down consisting of members Ryan O’ Neill(Guitar/Vocals), Tommy Rice (Guitar), James Burns (Bass) and Mark Mc Donald (Drums). Their formation was brought about in the winter of 2015, evoked by a desire to relieve boredom while simultaneously combating the cold winter climate. The loft space of an old, post-war knitting factory would later become the bands headquarters. Quickly they began to hone in on a sound that concluded the band had potential to develop beyond a means of alleviating winter boredom. As winter turned to spring and into the summer, the band had narrowed down their newly written material to 3 songs. These select tracks would later be recorded and compiled into their debut EP ‘Songs For Walter’. This year the band had the chance to play at Electric Picnic after being chosen as one of eleven acts to play the “Play The Picnic Stage” Courtesy of RTE 2FM.

 ‘Songs For Walter’ is a three track treasure box overflowing with luscious melodies, calming tones and some shredding instrumentation. The delicately beautiful ‘Wake Up’ kicks off the EP with sweet gentle tones ready to lull you into an elegant state of bliss. Warm ethereal guitar melodies jingle across a soft creamy soundscape. The cushioned bounce on drums and bass give a divine feathery light texture to this sublime track. The sharp injections on guitar and shredding solo pierce the calm track with a zesty sting adding acute spurts of brightness. ‘Stop, Rewind’ follows continuing with a supple tone, but this time the four-piece add a little more grit to the creamy flow of the EP. The stop start jumps give a jitter to the track while winding guitar melodies weave playfully throughout. Another delicate mind easing song that is oh so easy and delightful to listen to. ‘Drop 65’, the final track on the EP shows us the heavier gritty side to Kavalier. It’s swagger soaked attitude driven and darker. The guitars take a rough rugged approach with a choppy fuzzed aggressive element. The drums pound while the bass rumbles creating a meatier more rock infused track.

Kavalier ‘Songs For Walter’ EP displays their knack for beautiful organic melodies, slick intricate guitar work and sophisticated musicianship. It’s a tight EP that place’s these guys firmly in the ones to watch list.

Stream ‘Songs For Walter’ below

 


Alt Rock, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Public Access T.V. ‘MetroTech’

The boys are back, rejoice, New York’s finest Public Access T.V. have followed their stunning debut album, ‘Never Enough’, with their new release ‘MetroTech’. It’s the first single from the quartets upcoming sophomore album ‘Street Safari’ which is due for release February 2018. This effortlessly cool track seeps and oozes swagger, drenched in funkadelic bravado. It’s a chilled shuffle and strut of infectious funk. With a running elastic sensual bassline that pulls you to the dance floor and rich jittery rhythm this track cruises with finger clicking panache. So danceable, prance worthy and strut ready it’s the definition of slicked back flaunty flamboyance. Smooth sliding lyrics glide and lure while jagged sharp guitar injects a gritty, warm burst into the steamy track. Dripping in finesse it sizzles and burns hot vapor off every note while glissading on a mellow laid-back coolness. An exciting new track from the four-piece, can’t wait for the album.

 

Stream ‘MetroTech’ below