Following on from his acclaimed debut single, ‘Loving You’, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neil Dexter returns with his second offering, ‘I’ll Be With You’. This exquisite tune showcases Dexter’s luxuriant flair with textures, space and melodies. He drifts shimmering synths through an expansive soundscape of intricate percussion and soft electronics that exude a 70’s- esque psychedelic undertone throughout. Warm french horn embellishments and biting moments on guitar weave between the catchy melody as Dexter subtly layers the song meticulously to create an immersive, heavenly listening experience for listeners to indulge in.
Aza Brown has released his new single ‘The Way That I Roll’. Despite starting out in seminal northern indie bands, The Chasers and The Dazy Age, it took a 15 year hiatus, and a short stint as an art dealer in Bali before Aza Brown took the plunge and returned to music with a song about self-belief, gratitude and courage.
Saturated in upbeat tones, bright laid back instrumentation and tight production, ‘The Way That I Roll’ is a charming new single from Aza Brown. The track bounces along a cheery beat while warm guitar and feel-good soundscapes create a sun-kissed atmosphere. Brown’s warm vocals drift over the dreamy melody while the catchy chorus and positive lyrics provide a soothing sense of hope and encouragement “ if the sun don’t shine for you today, you could start to make things happen in a million different ways”. ‘The Way That I Roll’ is a heartwarming new single that radiates good vibes throughout.
‘Always Around’ is the brand new single from Portuguese alternative band Dog Bone. First formed in the 90s and after launching several other side and personal projects, founding members Pedro and Paulo have reunited to write new Dog Bone tunes, and revisit the old ones. Their lyrics are characterised by a candid brashness, with both musicians unafraid to express their true thoughts and feelings.
‘Always Around’ blends ballad rock with passionate lyrics to create a moving new single from Dog Bone. A warm acoustic guitar encases a smooth melody while rasped vocals and subtle soundscapes surge with passion. The song builds gently as it moves from a heartfelt gem to a lavish power rock anthem for the crescendo. Filled with strident guitars and a punchy rhythm, Dog Bone have created a dynamic classic rock anthem full of emotion.
Mexican singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julian Lamadrid has released his sophomore album, ‘Rebels of The Neon God’, on Arista Records. ‘Rebels of The Neon God’ serves as the follow up to Julian’s 2019 debut, ‘Mala Noche’. To compliment the album, Julian launched the ‘Rebel Universe,’ a virtual world inspired by the album. Fans can immerse themselves in the world of the Neon God and unlock different rooms by purchasing limited edition NFT keys.
‘Rebels of The Neon God’ is a diverse and enthralling listening experience. The impressive depth of this album is achieved by soft but rich electronics, overlaid by thick beats and the smooth, emotive vocals of Lamadrid. Free from the confines of just one genre, the album meanders between indie, alternative pop and electronic with psychedelic and tropical flirtations displayed throughout previously released singles ‘Teenager’, ‘One More Trip’, ‘Cigarette’, ‘Patience’ and ‘The Neon God’. Lamadrid’s musical prowess is in fine form on the album. Expressive soundscapes filled with bubbling beats, jaunty guitars, sweet steel drums, heavy synth pulses and washes of reverb flesh out his exhilarating treasure trove of songs, with each track’s musical arrangement complementing the overall tonality of the album.
There are many moments of excellence on ‘Rebels of The Neon God’ that display Lamadrid’s artistic talent and masterful songwriting. ’Blue’ is a sublime example of this. Lamadrid sets a dark, harrowing yet grand instrumental backdrop of jarring strings between deep piano thuds, while distressed vocals pine, “I woke up with you on my lips, Harder than a rock, I try my best to cover my ears. But the noises wouldn’t stop”. The coil of tension created for the verses evokes a sharp sense of unease before the track finally loosens for the short chorus. The emotional power ballad ‘Bang’ follows this potent lyrical thread “You’ve got a gun, You took your aim, And that gun went “Bang”, And stole my heart away, And all that I know it’s all that I gave”. Once again, Ladmadrid spreads these striking lyrics over cinematic instrumentation, uplifting brass embellishments and driving pop melodies. Lamadrid manages to whack out some infectious boppers aswell, ’Pressure’ deals with self-doubt against a glittering 80’s synth-infused backdrop that peppers the song in dance vibes, ethereal atmospheres and adrenaline.
‘Rebels of The Neon God’ is richly and carefully constructed to display Lamadrid’s exceptional knack for melody, production and poignant lyrics and the result is a passionate collection of tracks that reveals new exciting sounds, textures and lyrical undertones with each subsequent listen.
About the album, Lamadrid said: “The album is centered around the dichotomy between frustration and dance, vacancy and ecstasy; enlightenment through pain. I have glimpsed into the eyes of The Neon God, pierced through the void and come out the other end, desperate for connection, hungry for the eternal.”
Irish indie-rock outfit modernlove. have released their soaring new single ‘Us’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura).’Us’ follows on from the enormous success of their recently released EP ‘monochrome blue in September this year, which found support across countless tastemakers both here and abroad. Featuring the singles ‘Liquorice’, ‘2 Missed Calls’ and ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’, they received strong playlist support, landing on New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List amongst others on Spotify, as well as New Music Daily, New in Alternative and Breaking Alternative on Apple Music. They have also received strong radio support with 2FM, BBC R1, BBC R6, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line and Radio X giving them regular airtime and live sessions with BBC Introducing and Seconds Away with Gemma Bradley
With its immense euphoric pop soundscapes and irresistible jangly guitar hooks, ‘Us’ triumphantly continues modernlove.’s run of knock-out tracks. This song is shamelessly catchy. With lofty soundscapes expanding the track’s sonic sound while elevated synths weave sugar-coated melodies between hyper beats, the track offers perhaps the greatest endorphin release you’ll find this year. Barry Larry’s expressive vocal flexes from heartfelt suspended notes to warm velvety croons allowing the relatable vulnerability to creep through the lyrics “love, what have we done to us”. Boasting glittering guitar, rushing rhythms and heart-racing melodies ‘Us’ displays modernlove.’s refined musicianship and sleek instrumental prowess in all its glory. This band just get better with each release.
Tipperary artist Culleton has released her debut single ‘Control Freak’. Culleton has created a tight, punchy and immersive tune that showcases her refined and compelling musicianship. She spreads brisk rhymes over dark murky electronics while icy keys haunt in the backdrop. A standout aspect in the track is Culleton’s vocals; her unique voice creates a refreshing listening experience that effortlessly drifts between choir-like tendencies, sweet falsetto and acute raps. ‘Control Freak’ is a joy to listen to and an excellent debut from this intriguing artist.
Savonarola have released their new single ‘Byrds Gone Bad’.Formed in 2017, Savonarola knew that they had found something special from the get-go. Defined by a delicious blend of alternative rock and psychedelia, writing and recording oozed out of them, and they effortlessly created seven songs in less than a year. Since then, they have released their critically-acclaimed single, ‘Might Be Bad’, and 2020 EP, ‘Dischordant’.
‘Byrds Gone Bad’ showcases Savonarola’s swagger driven music as they delve deep into a psychedelic 60’s/70’s -esque sound to create a blistering tune for listeners to enjoy. Driving on a pounding rhythm, resounding bass and scorching guitars the track warps to become a mind-melting psychedelic listening experience. The track oozes a dynamic rock persona while a dark ominous atmosphere seeps in for the instrumental as the band introduce a Danish monologue executed by their bass player. Well crafted and brimming with vigour ‘Byrds Gone Bad’ is an energising new tune from Savonarola.
The Zen Arcade have released their new single ‘Alone in Monochrome’.The Zen Arcade is a garage rock band from Ireland, composed of three ex-members of The Strypes. Their debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’ was the flagship release on their own label Dental Records and gained a number 1 spot on the iTunes Singles Chart on the day of release and entered the National Singles Chart at No.12. Extensive radio support across Ireland, the UK, the USA, and European radio stations followed.
‘Alone in Monochrome’ is a breath of fresh air that presents The Zen Arcade’s exciting sound in all its glory. The track reels the listener in with a deep bass refrain and bright indie backdrop while jagged guitar jabs ricochet off punchy drums before breaking into a tropical pedal steel- esque guitar lament. Melodically the track is a tasty slice of indie rock, full of wonderful dreamy tones and vibrant layers, however, a melancholic uneasy undertone expressed through dark lyrics adds a bitter aftertaste, “I left a world that was technicolour, for a plane of existence that was your shade duller.” With each subsequent listen, the track reveals new, exhilarating sounds and melodies that are simply a joy to discover as the band balance edgy garage rock elements with bittersweet nostalgia and a deep sense of loneliness to create a contrasting jolt between the catchy hooks. ‘Alone in Monochrome’ is an absolute delight to listeners ears. Press play and enjoy.
Fya Fox has released her new single ‘Numb’.Fya Fox is the exciting new prospect from Ireland. A classically trained vocalist straying beyond Ireland’s traditional country/folk scene, Fya’s previous singles ‘Body’, ‘Lies’ and ‘Sunset’ have already been supported by BBC Radio 1, 2fm, Today FM and many more.
Earnest, tender and strikingly emotive, ‘Numb’ is a moving display of alternative pop. An intriguing aspect of Fya’s music is her vocals. Her rich tones have the power to ignite emotion within the listener and create a wonderfully hair-raising listening experience. ‘Numb’ is a fine example of this; Fya displays raw emotion within this powerful tune, her immaculate vocals convey a crippling sense of loss “paralysed now that I’m alone should feel more, but I’m scared I don’t” that is enhanced by a lamenting piano feature. The track is an absolute gem to treasure and a wonderful display of Fya Fox’s eloquent songwriting and exquisite musicianship.
Speaking about her latest track ‘Numb’, Fya said: “I was standing there singing at this funeral watching from the gallery and just couldn’t understand why I was so numb. I kept my composure the entire ceremony but as the coffin was being carried out I suddenly got this feeling, this is it, this is the last time I see you. My Granny who was a major inspiration in my life passed away. A few days later I had a zoom session with an artist in the US who I’d never written with before so didn’t want to cancel. Brompton the legend didn’t know what he had himself in for, we wrote NUMB and 5 days later I went into the studio with the incredible Matt Weir to record a rough demo. NUMB is very different from my previous tracks, it’s the most honest! I really didn’t think I was going to release it but I feel so many people can connect and relate with it especially after the year we’ve had!”
Critically acclaimed American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Ryan Egan has released his new single ‘Alone For the Last Time’.The song is the second single off Ryan Egan’s debut LP Soft Power which is due out April 8, 2022. The song was produced by Egan and Kevin Basko (Foxygen, Rubber Band Gun). This arrives shortly after the album’s debut single ‘Weeknights’ generated immense buzz, with features including Spotify’s New Music Friday.
‘Alone For the Last Time’ is a brooding slow-burner that boasts the silken, chic sound of Eagan. The song builds superbly, its laid back atmosphere and lush swooning soundscapes are filled with saxophone pines, washes of synths and sharp guitars while Eagan’s soft croons create a tender and soothing tone throughout. The track is a joy to listen to and is a fine example of Ryan Egan’s exquisite musicianship. Blending elements of psychedelia with lo-fi indie, dream pop and 70’s embellishments ‘Alone For the Last Time’ is a bittersweet anthem to immerse yourself in and enjoy.
Stream ‘Alone For the Last Time’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
