All posts by Indie Buddie

Alt- Pop, Indie Pop, New Music

Dr Danny ‘Nothing But Love’

Danny Ayala (Of The Lemon Twigs) has announced his debut Solo Project ‘Dr Danny’ and new single ‘Nothing But Love’ which is coming soon. While mastering timeless songwriting is a lifelong pursuit for most, Dr Danny (Danny Ayala) has a clear grasp on the concept at just 19 years old. Born in Long Island, NY, Dr Danny began his musical career at a young age and it quickly progressed into a prodigious talent.Danny’s musical career opened up after crossing paths with fellow wunderkind bothers Brian and Michael D’Addario at an elementary school talent show. Recognizing Danny’s skills they quickly began making music together. For the past 10 years they have been a musical family, with Danny becoming a live member of the largely successful and internationally recognised band, The Lemon Twigs. Although continuing to perform with The Lemon Twigs, Danny has announced his new solo project Dr Danny, with his debut EP ‘Lay It On Me Straight’ due for release this summer. Featuring the lead single ‘Nothing But Love’, all tracks on the EP features performances with the D’Addario brothers, who make up the backing band for Danny’s project.
‘Nothing But Love’ is a sparkling 60’s pop delight complete with an infectious syrupy melody, lush vocals and bright little instrumental bursts that explode with shimmer and glittering scintillation. Showcasing his exceptional songwriting skills and knack for a memorable melody this little gem is instantly likeable and displays a musical knowledge beyond his years. Triumphant chorus and sublime richly textured instrumentation, it’s a juicy rush of dazzling glitz. Full of pizzazz with a refined attention to detail that creates the perfect introduction to the EP.
‘Lay It On Me Straight’ is out later this summer.

You Can Follow Dr Danny on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/askdrdanny/

Stream ‘Nothing But Love’ below


Live Music, Live Music Review

Lisa Loughrey’s single launch at Arthur’s Blues’n’Jazz Club With Support From Ross Breen

We were invited down to Arthur’s Blues’n’Jazz Club on Thursday to Lisa Loughrey’s single launch. Having previously seen Loughrey perform last year at McEvoy’s The Hatch, pub in Celbridge I was curious as to what her single launch would be like. Once again in the company of Ross Breen, it was sure to be enjoyable. There is always something homely and satisfying when these two are playing that you forget the genre and just enjoy the music. All the artists there that night ( Loughrey, her band- Nathan Maher (Lead Guitar), Damien McMahon (Upright Bass), John Linnane (Keys)Jacob Fry (Drums) and Ross Breen) exuded a sophisticated class and musical depth that is quite hard to find. Arthur’s Blues’n’Jazz Club is the perfect place to represent this, its subtle grandeur and charm adding to the warmth and sublime atmosphere created by the music. I can only assume Loughrey has a dedicated and strong following as some of the eager audience were so enthusiastic they showed up for the soundcheck.
Shortly after the soundcheck Ross Breen opened the show, a one man band displaying passionate vocals and heartfelt lyrics all while introducing us to his brand of alternative folk. Multitasking and with slick pedal manoeuvres Breen croons out his original tracks with ease. Even a slight fumble with the harmonica change is effortlessly hummed out until the harmonica is in place. Clearly a comfortable performer, his set is smooth to watch and ridiculously chill yet passionate.

Lisa Loughrey takes the stage with her band. It’s the perfect opportunity to go all out, keys, guitars, drums and an  Upright Bass, why not? a full hearty sound superbly filling the room with beautiful melodies and substantial lyrics and of course a bit of banter. One thing I have come to learn about Loughrey is that when on stage she is up for a good chat. The introductions to songs are thoughtful and honest from “this is dedicated to every a***hole you’ve ever met” to “The Magpie Massacre” which causes the audience to react with gasps over these poor swallows that Loughrey became attached to, who got attacked by a villainous magpie. The peppy track ‘Never Been’ introduces the country twang and foot tapping friendly vibe that keeps her entire set fun and exuberant as she displays her multi instrumental skills with instrument changes from guitar to  bouzouki. With the full band behind her it’s a blast of rich warm toasty sound. Vocal blends and harmonies on point and the bluesy soaked ‘Who Are Ye Leavin’ it’s diverse enough to keep the audience swaying and intrigued. From passing pints to the band while introducing songs, to pulling Breen on stage for a stunning duet and belting out ‘Sonny’s Dream’ on a whim and managing to get the audience to sing along, it’s a show that is enjoyable for everyone. The new single ‘Coming Up’ is one of the last songs played and is flawless . Here we have an artist that gives a solid performance effortlessly while adding a relaxed fun atmosphere to the show and believe me that is not an easy thing to achieve. I’ve said before folk isn’t my usual cup of tea but good music is good music and Lisa Loughrey put on a sublime show.

You can Follow Lisa Loughrey On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/lisaloughreymusic/

You can Follow  Ross Breen On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/rossbreenmusic/

Stream Lisa Loughrey’s  new single ‘Coming Up’ below


doo-Wop, Indie, Indie Dream Rock, New Music, New Whop, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Fontaines

Los Angeles based The Fontaines have released their video for their new track ‘Two Bodies’ due for release on 9th June. Continuing the rich lush sound of their previous releases this year ‘Vacant’ and ‘Evaporate’, ‘Two Bodies’ is a sultry silky track that glides with effortless smooth swagger. The silky melody is melty and creamy while Charlotte Fontaine’s vocals coo with a soft soul tinged entrapment. Smothered in a hazy dreamy vibe, it’s a sticky muggy bubble. The fuzzed sharp guitar injections add a zesty sting and almost tropical flavour to this sensual indulgent track. The elastic spring on bass and soft beat gives the track a limber pliable texture. It glides with a steamy heavenly grace that is simply splendid. The Fontaines never disappoint, their sound is so refined and sublime they really are first rate musicians.

Watch the video for ‘Two Bodies’ below


Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, New Music, psychedelic

Strange Cages ‘The Cracks’

Brighton trio Strange Cages have released their new single ‘The Cracks’ taken from their forthcoming EP ‘The Cracks’ which is out June 16th on Vallance Records .The band have worked with Theo Verney, supported the likes of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Night Beats, and won early support from the likes of NME, Q, Clash, Best Fit, The 405 for their first two singles. They combine elements of krautrock and post-punk with a paranoid, schizophrenic vocal to create a unique sound that is just insane.
‘The Cracks’ is a dark swirling concoction of sinister sweaty psychedelia smothered in a clammy desert western vibe. Driving sharp deliriously wobbly guitar creates a sweltering mirage while punchy drums ground the narcotic tinged hallucinogenic soundscapes. Screamed vocals adds an aggressive wallop to the bruising track. While the swirling distortion creates a deceptive distraction to the massive assault leaving you mind boggled, gloopy and frothing from the mouth.

You can catch Strange Cages live at
23 June – BRIGHTON – Electric
30 June – LONDON – Shacklewell
15 June – PORTSMOUTH – Made Waiven
17 July – BRIGHTON – Hope & Ruin
21 July – OXFORDSHIRE – Truck Festival
Stream ‘The Cracks’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-848745196/01-the-cracks


Live Music, Live Music Review

Stitch Jones at The Thomas House Dublin With Support from Nervvs and Bicurious

It was a night of two piece bands the launch of Stitch Jones new album ‘Echolalia’ at The Thomas House Dublin.
Nervvs kicked things off with a rowdy ruckus of punk rock. Crunching guitar riffs blasted against pummelling brain bleeding drums making for one heavy dose of anarchy splattered rock. Torpedoing through each track on their set list with songs like the psychedelic stained ‘Your Fired’ ( a song about going to work on acid) the duo display their aggressive relentless sound. Teamed with vocal screams and explosive instrumentation these guys are a combustive turbulent force of nature.

Bicurious , an instrumental and experimental duo follow. Cooling down the frenzied atmosphere with slick melodic grooves and delicious sweet guitar. These guys impressively drift between Math-Rock and intensifying ambient soundscapes. Fascinating to watch with unique samples as a lead vocal they lead you into their ever weaving and winding sound without you realising each track is a lengthy 6 minutes or so. Injecting blasts of head-banging beef with an occasional vocal appearance from guests like Donald Trump the duo create a huge sound complete with jazzy chord elements and guitar loops leaving the crowd wanting more as they are encouraged to play extra songs after their set.

Ross and Watchy begin their fierce set with humorous banter and comical stage props these guys are a barrel of laughs and their live approach upholds this. Energetically these guys wallop out their lengthy set list kicking things off with the mighty ‘This Clown As Collateral’. Right from the get go it’s an ear pounding assault of ferocious rock with breakneck rapid tempo fuelled by brisk raging drums and vigorous bass. These guys deliver hard-driving raving rock that screams whiplash while also maintaining a bounce and exuberant flow. From “cheer for weed” to applause props Stitch Jones know how to keep things light and jokey while never failing to blast out some mighty tunes. The bobbing heads of the crowd seemed content to space out in the wild sound while occasionally a brave lone ranger would dart up to the front to jump and dance frantically before returning again to the back. Stitch Jones know how to put on a powerful show, my ears were ringing the next day.
Its was a great night with fantastic live music the only thing missing was the lack of rum at the bar but I think I can cope with that… I suppose vodka is my new drink now.

You can stream ‘Echolalia’ below

 


Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

 Pavey Ark

Genre: Indie-folk

Bio: Since forming in February 2016, Pavey Ark have wasted no time in establishing themselves as one of the best new acts in the UK City of Culture. Led by singer-songwriter Neil Thomas, the band have performed on two Glastonbury stages, blown away audience at Festival 8 and picked up press acclaim from local press. Radio has also been quick to spot their talents, with early airplay from BBC Introducing, BBC Humberside and Amazing Radio cementing their status as ones to watch. Hidden Hills is the lead track from their newly released debut EP Leaf By Leaf.

Track: Hidden Hills

When asked about the track main songwriter Thomas said: , “We are just a brief flicker in comparison to everything around us, It was all here long before we arrived and will be around long after we’re gone. It’s about meeting the person you love, a chance encounter within that huge expanse of time – and how special that is.”

Why We Like It: Its packed with rich ethereal melodies delicately blended with warm nimble interweaving folk-rock guitars and sweet strings that elegantly glide creating a beautiful affluent sound. With stunning percussive drums, adding a chunky yet elastic texture its complex and sublime.

You Can Follow Pavey Ark on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/paveyarkmusic

Watch the video for Hidden Hills below

 The Retrobutes

Promo 4 BW

Genre: indie-rock

Bio: Durham indie-rockers The Retrobutes have released their debut single ‘These Days’.Following in the tradition of spiky, ambitious Northern guitar bands, The Retrobutes have an unshakeable belief in the age-old power of rock n’ roll. With a clutch of new songs fed on a diet of the classics (Beatles, Stones, The Who) and driven by the Weller-esque holler of Johnny Baul, the band unleashed their debut 4 track EP The Show Must Go Wrong on May 26th.

Track: These Days

When asked about the track Baul said: “These Days is about the current state of today’s misguided youth culture. Idolising reality TV morons, offering no love or empathy for one another – just a self-obsessed drive to conform with what is perceived as fitting in. It’s a response to those values and pressures”.

Why we Like It: Its a high powered ball of neck snapping energy. Blasting with with frantic guitars and crashing drums alongside cutting, wry lyrics and a shredding guitar solo, its a rugged kinetic explosion of catchy garage-rock.
You Can Follow The Retrobutes on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TheRetrobutes/

Watch the video for ‘These Days’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Vast Robot Armies

Toronto’s Vast Robot Armies have released their new single ‘Dinner Music’. The four piece Jason Thomson (Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards), John Agee (Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Piano), Joseph Wells (Guitars, Bass) and Chris Metcalf (Drums, Percussion) have created a garage indie rock track oozing with effortless swagger and subtle bursts of anthem like might. Its slick cool and filled with bright exuberant energy.Hazy echoed laid back vocals and shredding guitar riffs fill your veins with a powerful supreme feverous sound. Sharp guitars add a blissful shrill of ecstasy while punchy drums and rich percussion add a meaty elastic texture. It’s a rapturous delight and sweet honey to the ears.
Stream ‘Dinner Music’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, New Music, Punk Rock

Galants ‘Evergreen’

© Dan Butler Photography – All rights are reserved.

Dublin post-punk-pop purveyors Galants have released their new single ‘Evergreen’ taken from their self titled debut 10” EP. Band members David Kennedy (guitar, vocals),James McDonald (drums),Colin O’Dwyer (bass, vocals) and Ruairi Paxton (guitar, keys) slap you in the face with a mighty piercing hurricane of punk. This blistering tune is disguised as a bubbly indie track with warm bright tones and honeyed melody however backed by a powerhouse of relentless drumming and vigorous crashing guitars, it’s a whirlwind of aggressive snappy punk. Breezy vocals and fresh tones create an exhilarating track that is frenzy inducing and i’m sure makes for manic live shows.

Stream ‘Evergreen’ below


Folk, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Lisa Loughrey ‘Coming Up’

Irish Singer Songwriter Lisa Loughrey has released her debut single, ‘Coming Up’ today. Loughrey has previously written songs that have featured in documentaries (RTE Radio1), radio, music blogs (Folk Radio UK, Tradconnect) and local and national press.Up until now, she has been primarily known for her work with Dublin based Alt Folk outfit, The Mariannes. She also won the inaugural Clancy Brothers Award for Songwriting in 2014.The track was recorded in The Nutshed Studios, and was mixed and produced by Nathan Maher and Joe Egan. Performing on the track with Loughrey is multi-instrumentalist Nathan Maher (Buffalo Sunn, Slackers’ Symphony), veteran bassist Damian McMahon (formerly of Tupelo), percussionist/drummer Jacob Fry (BIMM graduate) and Eoghan Keane on trumpet.
‘Coming Up’ is a track that holds the weight of the world on its shoulders but withstands its brutal force. Buoyant light guitar twangs and lush soft lull on backing vocals set the track afloat creating a weightless warm feel while throbbing bass and steady drums add a heavy pulse and thud. Coated in dark tones this track gives a sense of endurance however the elasticity and spring adds hope and strength. Loughrey’s hazy raspy vocals simmer with moving emotion. Simple and smooth the track is foot tapping friendly with an authentic country tone however with striking lyrical depths that hit you hard and cast an eerie shadow. ‘Coming Up’ is richly textured and sophisticated displaying a compelling vocal expression from Loughrey .
When asked about the track Loughrey said “‘Coming Up’ plays like a confessional and deals with the universal themes of disillusionment and remorse, it acknowledges a person’s constant struggle to get ahead in life despite facing withstand from both outside and within. The song itself is also a hat-tip of sorts to the 1970’s folk song ‘Sonny’s Dream’, written by Ron Hynes”
‘Coming Up’ is the first release from Lisa Loughrey’s forthcoming solo album. The single release will be followed by a launch on 8th June at Arthur’s Music Venue, Dublin 8 so make sure to check that out.
Stream ‘Coming Up’ below