THUMPER have released their new single ‘The Loser’. This follows the success of the rereleased’ Ad Nauseam’ which picked up support from BBC6, US Radio and playlisting on Spotify and Apple Music. This highly anticipated single is a fresh start, kicking off an extensive UK tour and the build up to their debut album.
‘The Loser‘ is a glorious seizure of alternative rock and THUMPER’s most ambitious display yet. The song’s relentless pace never ceases and is a blazing onslaught of gritty riffs, frantic bass, and mammoth drums from the get-go. This manic blitz maintains a hefty rhythmic foundation throughout as soaring guitars venture from sweet melodies to bloodthirsty gashes of distortion, swirling psychedelia, punk rock tones and fiery instrumentation with ease. Oisín Furlong’s vigorous exclaims anchor the listener within the track’s kinetic soundscape while at the same time evokes images of live crowds mercilessly chanting back the lyrics. The track is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish and a fine example of THUMPER’s powerful musicianship and impressive sound. Turn up the speakers, press play and enjoy.
Lead singer, Oisin, says that: ” ‘The Loser’ is presented as a love song but is howled by an unreliable narrator. A fishing-for-compliments style tirade of non-sequiturs, each verse is bursting at the seams with faux self-depreciation. The song races along at breakneck speed, each section pushing past the crescendo of the last. As the final chorus blasts through your speakers, the saccharine melody reveals a pathetic character that has spent the whole song talking about themselves.”
Bio: Hallie is an Irish multiple award-winning cross-genre singer/songwriter/recording artist. She emerged as ‘Hallie’ in early 2019 with her debut single “Familiar Place” to critical acclaim, with rotation on multiple national/worldwide radio stations. Hallie has made the ‘RTE Recommends Playlist’ with all her singles to date. Hallie is an avid mental health and chronic pain advocate living with chronic illnesses and wants to use her platform to advocate & remind others who’ve struggled that they’re never alone.
Track: Circles
Why We Like It: It’s a heartfelt dance-pop tune laced in pulsing beats, shimmering synths and intricate lush production. Hallie’s beautiful vocals ooze passion and emotion as driving rhythms and intoxicating electronics exude a muggy and dark undertone while the flickering synths and ethereal melody create a breezy and fun atmosphere throughout. ‘Circles’ is a glittering and upbeat anthem ready for repeat plays.
Bio: Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her single, ‘Good Form’.Following ‘Wayside’, ‘Good Form’ is the second single from her sophomore EP entitled ‘Heavy Summer’,The EP was recorded and produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios, Midleton Co. Cork, and mastered by Richard Dowling of Wav Mastering, Limerick. The band line up features Laura Duff (vocals, keys, acoustic guitar), JJ Lee (bass), Christopher O’Sullivan (drums), Finn Fogarty (lead guitar).Laura is a past student of University College Cork’s Music Department, and an award-winning songwriter. She was named the Paul Clancy Songwriter of the Year at 2015’s Irish Youth Music Awards. More recently, she was selected as Circuit Arts Festival Music Project Awardee in April 2021.
Track: Good Form
Why We Like It: It’s a dreamy tune with a rich tapestry of musical embellishments that exudes an indie undertone. As Laura Duff croons the sweet melody in a half-spoken half lulling tone, chiming guitars and steady punchy rhythms adorn the backdrop. The track oozes the luring noir pop we have come to love from Laura Duff while edgy instrumental flirtations venture into psychedelic rock as the music meanders between sweet guitar melodies, heavier distorted intervals and rich percussion moments while the vocal coo’s maintain a supple sense of innocence throughout. The track is well crafted and reveals new and exciting elements and melodies with each subsequent listen.
Bio: SOMEFINN are an alternative rock band whose story begins where that of another band ends. Paul Finn was lead vocalist and songwriter for Irish Choice Music Prize Nominees The Flaws, who called it quits in 2016. Finn then took up an offer from Shane Clarke, to tour as guitarist with his band Elephant, with whom he played shows all over Ireland to rave reviews.The band’s line-up was completed when an accomplished roster of multi-genre veterans came onboard. David Marron (Sanzkrit, Derek Ryan), Paul Markey (Sanzkrit), Paul Carolan (Finnian) and Darren Finn, Paul’s brother, are to be found on guitars, bass, drums and keyboards respectively.
Track: Contact
Why We Like It: Saturated in protrusive rhythms, majestic guitar and dark soundscapes ‘Contact’ is an enticing and utterly magnificent single. From the brooding verse to the catchy chorus and building instrumentation SOMEFINN crafts the song perfectly, making each musical moment ecstasy to the ears. Smooth vocals ooze emotion over a dark pulsing rhythm while subtle electronics and echoing backing vocals intensify as the song reaches its dynamic and thrilling crescendo. ‘Contact’ is an exciting track that showcases SOMEFINN’s eloquent songwriting and masterful musicianship.
Bio: Irish electro-pop artist Slaney has released her new single ‘Heaven’.Slaney’s previous two releases, ‘Love Is Like A Drug” and ‘All I Want’, were included on Spotify New Music Friday, received extensive airplay support and led to her been snapped up by super live agent Sol Parker at Paradigm ( Billie Eilish / Take That etc ) for worldwide representation. Slaney is also a very talented actress and recently appeared in the BAFTA nominated hit TV show Normal People and a new Apple TV show Foundation and has a small role in new RTE drama KIN.
Track: Heaven
Why We Like It: It’s a dance-infused hypnotic tune that boasts the catchy and immersive sound of Slaney. The track is an absolute delight to listen to. Laced in swirling electronics and muggy beats Slaney creates an intoxicating darkly-hued atmosphere that contrasts the breath of fresh air her sweet vocals provide. This glittering electronic pop track shimmers with soft 70’s disco vibes and washes of 90’s dance to create an edgy yet infectious bop sure to revolve in your head for days.
Bio : Dublin artist James Lonergan has released his new single ‘ohno’. Lonergan joined his first band, aged 10; since then, he has steadily fronted bands – most notably as the vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the recently disbanded progressive band, Synk.
Track: ohno
Why We Like It: Beautifully layered with folk hues that weave between psychedelic moments and intricate dance peppered rhythms, Lonergan presents an intriguing tune for listeners to enjoy. The track flows with twinkling mellow guitar and warm vocals that glide over a catchy melody while haunting soundscapes wisp throughout the backdrop creating an expansive and mysterious quality to the song. Lonergan manages to create dance elements in the tune without using electronic instruments boasting his progressive and extraordinary use of instruments. Filled with dark tones that blend between bright glimmers on guitars, smoky bass and driving magnetic beats ‘ohno’ is an utterly magnificent composition from this talented and revolutionary artist.
Nathan Mac has released his new single ‘Deirdre of the Sorrows’. Nathan Mac grew up travelling through the Irish countryside with his family. He lived the stories of Fionn, Medb, & Cu Chulainn, visiting the most famous sites in Irish literature. This personal history combined with his time working as a storyteller for the National Leprechaun Museum has set Nathan up with an intimate relationship to Irish myth and legend. His favourite story? ‘Deirdre of the Sorrows’ of course. The tradition of Irish storytelling, blended with Nathan’s contemporary cinematic pop has created a new link between the past and the present.
‘Deirdre of the Sorrows’ is a beautiful song exuding passion, heartfelt emotion, and Nathan Mac’s outstanding ability to write hair-raising cinematic music. Blending emotive piano with lush building electronics and expressive strings, the track is a magnificent piece of musicianship. Mac’s warm vocals glide across the melancholic melody as he narrates the moving story of Deirdre of the Sorrows’ through eloquent lyrics;“With the heart of a soldier, and the face of a queen, You were kept away from the world as a wife for a jealous king” and refined musicianship. Pulsing beats create suspense throughout while soft piano exudes a sense of innocence as Nathan Mac uses his deft musical ability to create a wonderfully emotive tune that is a joy to listen to again and again. Nathan Mac is an immensely talented artist and one to treasure.
Off the back of a near sold-out Button Factory show and a headliner show in Sin E this October – Aonair has released his penultimate single ‘Think Twice’ taken from upcoming EP ‘Loveheart Birthmark’. ‘Think Twice’ ft. Caoimhe from Wyvern Lingo (vocals) was written, recorded, produced and mixed by Aonair . Aonair has received praise from Ed Smith on Today FM, Totally Irish on 98fm, Across The Line on BBC Across The Line, RTE 2FM, Nova FM, 8Radio, Flirt FM, and so much more.
‘Think Twice’ is a thrilling alternative pop anthem. This shimmering indie-pop gem surges with mouth-watering melodies and is doused in effervescent synths and danceable qualities. Bright guitar lines sprinkle a dash of zest into the track to create a refreshing and vitalising 80’s soundscape as Aonair wraps this passionate, heartfelt tune in strutting instrumentation and disco hues, leaving the listener craving to hear more. His smooth reverb coated vocals blend superbly with Caoimhe’s emotive, soulful tones as the duo harmonise beautifully while a catchy rhythm pulses within the track, radiating passion and youthful adrenaline throughout. Filled with warm saxophone, chiming keys and lush production, ‘Think Twice’ is a knock out bop sure to brighten any day.
Emanating the Irish coastline of Islandmagee Co.Antrim, Electronic Celtic outfit VOKXEN have released their new single ‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’. Describing their new song as “a breath of fresh Eire”, ‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’ commemorates the Islandmagee Witch Trials some 300_ years on. VOKXEN began researching the stories from their own island, uncovering intriguing tales of Irish folklore. The duo have been featured on BBC Two Northern Ireland, and the band’s bassist was featured as Aisling in Channel 4’s Derry Girls. This enigmatic duo is formed by Claire McCartney (Lead Vocals / Harp / Keys) and Beccy Henderson (Backing Vocals / Bass / Synth) and are joined by David McLaughlin (Percussion / Drums) for ‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’.
VOKXEN use their eloquent storytelling and fine musicianship to create a thrilling and wholly consuming tune with ‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’.Blending folk-esque harp with brooding atmospherics and driving percussion, the track exudes suspense and shadowy tones. The rumbling beats ferment and bubble through wispy soundscapes to create an asphyxiating dark undertone, while the haunting harmonies provide an eerie and bewitching quality. Gripping and well-phrased lyrics ooze tension throughout enhanced by the tracks intense soundscapes “With haste, I tremble, winds that scrape, The taste of racing to escape, Body be with me, breath and beat, Steal away, flee and seek”. VOKXEN are proficient storytellers, and their ability to create hair-raising immersive music is quite impressive.
‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’ tells the story of a woman condemned as a Witch. She is caught as she reaches the sanctuary of The Witches Stone, which she clings to tightly as she is grabbed and taken away. Such is her desperation, the marks from her fingers gripping the stone remain present to this day.
FKB have released their new single, ‘Beautiful Fantasy’.FKB is a high-energy, four-piece, alternative rock band based in Edmonton, Alberta, influenced by the mystique, glamour, and excess of the 1960s-1980s entertainment business.
Doused in prismatic shimmers on synths, funky flexes and glorious pop melodies, ‘Beautiful Fantasy’ is an upbeat and fun new single from FKB. The band create a swagger drenched tune that boasts their rich, feel-good sound in all its glory. Filled with groovy guitar embellishment, tight and danceable rhythms the track is a glittering and infectious tune that beckons repeat plays. FKB layer the song superbly to unveil new lush melodies and textures with each subsequent listen while the glam stomping beat, sun-kissed pop melody and suave presentation gives ‘Beautiful Fantasy’ a charm that is difficult to resist.
Pauric O’Meara has released his new single ‘All Alright’ ‘. O’Meara, is an independent Pop/Rock singer-songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. 2020 saw him release his radio popular single, ‘Techno or Rnb’, as well his well-received EP – ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’, which contained the singles ‘Is This Real?’, ‘Wasting Time’ and ‘Beacon Call’, which together gathered over 60 thousand streams on Spotify alone, as well as gaining vast recognition for his cinematic video from ‘Is This Real?’ and lockdown uplifter ‘Beacon Call’. Through the early years of his career, he performed in many top venues around Ireland supporting bands such as Hermitage Green, Hudson Taylor, Billow Wood, Amazing Apples and HAWK but had a breakthrough year in 2019, with 2 successful headline shows of his own in Dublin in The Soundhouse and Workman’s Club, as well as making his Electric Picnic Festival debut.
‘All Alright’ is a vibrant anthem that showcases O’Meara’s passionate songwriting and bright confident musicianship. Boasting adrenaline-fuelled rhythms and driving guitar melodies, O’Meara crafts a tight and expressive soundscape that rushes through the listener’s ears with heartfelt emotion while he croons the catchy euphoric melody and expressive lyrics “When I’m with you I’d walk right through the stormy nights”. Drawing on O’Meara’s ability to blend indie rock with pop sensibilities and electronic flurries this infectious bop is one to turn the volume up for. The track is an absolute delight to listen to again and again.
About the track, O’Meara said: ”I wrote this track about 3 weeks after the pandemic set in. I had never felt so lost in all my life, which is sure to be something the listener can relate to. It was only at this point that I realised how much I really missed my best friend who had moved to Abu Dhabi some years previous. This made me look back on the memories we have together, and how much I cherish our friendship, and how much I needed him to be around to make the pandemic less grim and to make me realise that not all was lost. He is the person who for me, makes everything ‘All Alright’ ”
Dublin Producer, Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist, Cabin has released his new single ‘Dull’. Cabin (aka Adam McCabe) began crafting his songwriting and production skills as part of post-punk outfit Brass Phantoms, and has had his music featured on the likes of BBC Radio 6 with Steve Lamacq, Spotify’s Hot New Bands, and more, along with production credits for the likes of Fangclub.
Filled with lush textures, mouth-watering melodies and masterful instrumentation, ‘Dull’ is bursting from the seams with soul, and rich sonic embellishments as McCabe displays his production wizardry in this dynamic, trippy and consuming tune. Balancing light musical tones with dense undertones and sweet guitar melodies the track swirls through a backdrop of heavy rhythmic thuds and psychedelic rock while lush backing vocals and chiming lo-fi elements mellow out the tracks abrasive indie rock. McCabe’s vocals are on fine display within ‘Dull’. His vocals glide over the melody with ease, ooze passion and a vocal gusto that enhances the song’s dynamic aesthetic. ‘Dull’ is a compelling, impressive new single from Cabin that beckons repeat plays.
On the track, Cabin says; “In my mind, It’s a soaring, forceful, and expansive song, designed precisely for when I had felt the opposite, grounded, timid, and inhibited. I took those feelings, and flipped them.”
Bio : Scattered Ashes come straight out of the Dublin post punk underground that birthed Murder Capital and Fontaines DC. The abrasive four-piece burst on to the scene November 2020 with their debut single ‘Love Is Not An Option’ receiving immediate support and airplay from Steve Lamacq (BBC Radio 6) and KEXP over in the states.
Track: Slow Motion
Why We Like It: This gloomy, brooding tune boasts the expressive, dense and sublime sound of Scattered Ashes. The band combine heavy drums, throbbing basslines and sweet chiming guitars with Rob Dalton’s drawling emotionally tortured vocals to create an intense and heartbreaking tune that is simply outstanding. It’s a musical description of a relationship breakdown through vivid instrumentation and emotive soundscapes. Veering from delicate downtempo moments to an ear-shredding crescendo with breathtaking ease ‘Slow Motion’ is a spectacular and moving new tune from Scattered Ashes.
Bio : Hot on the heels of an RTÉ 2FM Track Of The Week with their previous release ‘Breathe Easy’, Limerick four-piece Raging Sons are keeping the momentum going with their new single ‘Square One’. With their debut album ‘20:20’ set for release on October 22nd, ‘Square One’, mastered by Robin Schmidt (The 1975, Sam Fender, Nothing But Thieves) is their fourth recent single.
Track: Square One
Why We Like It: It’s a powerful anthem that boasts the emotive and spine-tingling sound of Raging Sons. The band’s expansive arena-worthy wall of sound creates a passionate and dynamic listening experience for listeners to immerse themselves in. Throbbing drums create a tense blustery atmosphere while twinkling keys and soaring guitars create an instant rush of adrenaline throughout as the band display their refined and impressive ability to create an expressive soundscape filled with 80’s hued synths and epic rock bravado. Boasting warm vocals, lush harmonies and dark undertones that simmer between cinematic builds ‘Square One’ is a fantastic new single from this very talented band.
Bio : Raw Cuts are a four-piece garage rock band from Greystones. Their debut single ‘Charismatic Automatic’ was released on the 13th of September. The band have just released their sophomore single ‘You’re Absolutely Right Love’.
Track: You’re Absolutely Right Love
Why We Like It: Encased in a sweet nostalgic guitar melody and steady beat ‘You’re Absolutely Right Love’ is a charming and catchy tune that boasts the growing and melodic sound of Raw Cuts. With witty lyrics and warm vocals gliding over an elastic bass, the band create a laid back indie rock song that is easy on the ears. The highlight within the track is the expressive and lush guitar embellishments; from jagged riffs, bittersweet jangles and shredding solos the song pivots around the guitar melodies beautifully. ‘You’re Absolutely Right Love’ strips back the blistering sound we heard from Raw Cuts debut ‘Charismatic Automatic’ to give us an intriguing glimpse into the many facets of this bands exciting sound.
Bio : Deer Anna is an Indie-Folk/Ambient artist based in Hamburg who has released her debut single ‘Dawn’
Track: Dawn
Why We Like It: It’s a beautiful and instrumentally elegant tune that showcases Deer Anna’s vivid songwriting and deft musicianship. Filled with evocative instrumentation, emotive soundscapes and a vibrant backdrop the track is simply a joy to listen to while eloquent poetic lyrics showcase Deer Anna’s enviable talent as a songwriter “And the red and yellow light of the rising sun turns your face into gold, Makes your eyes look like two diamonds reflecting the fire of your soul”. With soft guitar twinkling between wispy soundscapes and warm vocals caressing a dreamy melody ‘Dawn’ is a wholesome and heartfelt tune that marks Deer Anna as an artist to keep an eye on.
Bio : Los Angeles-based artist and songwriter iamnotshane has released a new single titled, ‘Don’t Say That’ via Snafu Records.
Track: Don’t Say That
Why We Like It: This infectious gem is a glittering indie-pop delight saturated in sweet melodies, lush instrumentation and tender lyrics. With shimmering synths creating an 80’s pop backdrop while intricate beats add a shimmy quality, the track is instantly likeable. iamnotshane’s smooth vocals glide through the velvety melody while zesty injections on guitar add a refreshing sting to the songs sugary sweetness. Utterly infectious and glorious to the ears ‘Don’t Say That’ is a magnificent new addition to iamnotshane’s repertoire.
Newcastle based indie duo Drive have released their new single ‘The Rain’. With over 100,000 Spotify streams, BBC Introducing support and an Amazing Radio live session under their belt, Drive are back in the studio recording their debut, and preparing for their return to live shows.
‘The Rain’ is an absolutely glorious gem. Drive create a nostalgic sweet indie number that captures your heart from the very first note. Warm guitars ripple through a sweet ethereal soundscape of shimmering synths while pulsing beats create a sense of suspense throughout. Boasting smooth vocals and a dreamy earworm melody, the duo showcase their musically lush sound within this irresistible sweet tune. There are intricate layers and exciting new instrumental treats hidden throughout the song, from soft twinkles on keys to supple, warm bass grooves and clapping percussion, which open the track up and create an exciting new listening experience with each replay. ‘The Rain’ is a sublime example of Drive’s heartfelt and time stopping musicianship in all its wonderful indie-pop glory.
Stream ‘The Rain’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
