Category Archives: Album Review

Album Review, Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Turfboy ‘At Tension’ Album

After the release of three preceding singles alternative rock band Turfboy have released their debut album ‘At Tension’. The album was released through Horn & Hoof Records Manchester and was recorded with Michael Richards in Trackmix Studio Dublin late last year. Coming from different parts of Ireland; Longford/Roscommon/Mayo-Galway/Wicklow, to be exact; the band is based in Dublin City, and is most often found playing shows there. 

‘At Tension’ is a blazing roar of alternative rock. The album’s moody grunge elements and crashing backdrop boasts a heavy sound that is not for the faint hearted. Turfboy have created a rock-filled album so explosive and powerful it will melt your brain leaving you on the floor twitching and frothing from the mouth.The acute lacerating guitar riffs gash through tracks like ‘Rageahol’ and ‘In Absentia’ with bloodthirsty stamina while being accompanied by an occasional desert-rock squeal and wail. The band use a battering onslaught on drums to pound their tracks forward while shredding guitar solos and scorching licks display the more majestic and refined side to the band’s savage sound.

However it’s not all fury and anarchy, ‘Holly Daye’ reverbs with an infectious punk pop melody over a slick riff while ‘(L)earn’ showcases a grunge Nirvana – esque side to the band. The gem of the album ‘(L)earn’ pivots around a sulky guitar refrain and moody catchy vocal refrain that will revolve in your head for days. The beauty of the angst in this track blended with sulken nonchalance and despair is masterful as the band build a powerful backdrop to encompass the dark emotion and rawness within the track.‘Idiocracy Is Reality’ is another smasher on the album. Doused in gritty jaunty guitar riffs and eerie bass lines this ominous mammoth displays Turfboy’s ability to build and cultivate a track. The soundscapes occasionally jolt into something more sinister and dark as the band allow each verse to raise the tension for the dramatic and crashing chorus release.

Vocally the band venture from all out fury-filled growls and howls to raspy passionate punk/pop bellows allowing the tracks to have their own identity on the album. We see this especially in ‘AttenDANCE’ where the vocals begin soft and almost lulling to start and venture into a howling scream as the song progresses. ‘Not Like You’ is probably as pop punk the band get on the album with a catchy melodic hook and lighter persona while ‘Millie The Jeff and Subh The Snail’ returns the album to a 90’s alternative rock tone for the finale. 

‘At Tension’ is a ballsy gritty album brimming with vigor and massive soundscapes. It is a thrill to listen to. The bands ability to blend anarchy-filled tunes with brooding tones, moody textures and a mosh-worthy sound is glorious and displays strong growth in Turfboy.

Stream ‘At Tension’ below


Author ; Danu

Album Review, Folk, indie rock, New Music

The Star Prairie Project ‘Panacea’ Album

The Star Prairie Project has released a 10 song album titled ‘Panacea’. The album follows on from the success of their single ‘Sophia’ which has amassed more than 110,000 streams on Spotify and reached #48 on the DRT Top 50 Adult Contemporary chart. The Star Prairie Project gets its name from the village of Star Prairie outside of Minneapolis and the AlanParsons Project. The Star Prairie Project is made up of Nolen R. Chew Jr. and Rick J. Vogelpohl. Their upcoming album ‘Panacea’ sees them teaming up with more vocalists and musicians as they create a truly collaborative and highly polished album.

‘Panacea’ is a wholesome and accomplished album that ventures from alternative rock to country and folk with some Americana peppering throughout. The album steadily blends heartwarming musicianship with slick instrumentation with ease as The Star Prairie Project present their powerful and refined sound through the rock-filled and mighty opener ‘Do What You Do’. The sultry rock n’ roll of ‘Frantic Mind’ and witty twang of ‘My Dear Lady’ display the bands ability to rein the might of their wild alternative rock and embellish their deft sound with more emotive and cheeky elements. This is shown particularly well in soft romantic ballads such as ‘So Beautiful’.

However it is within the intricacies of the guitar and piano work that this band truly excel. The guitars inject majestic qualities, raw power and sharp vigor into the tracks while the piano provides more haunting tones in tracks such as ‘Nowhere Bound’ with its mysterious soundscape and jazz elements.

‘Panacea’ boasts a sound brimming with catchy melodies and clean production with a healthy dose of rock spread throughout. There are warm Americana elements fused throughout creating a smooth fluid album filled with emotive vocals and passionate musicianship. Each song is structured and well crafted with steady punchy drum progressions and refined guitar lines that add lamenting elements to nostalgic tracks like ‘Bygone Days’ with its sweet dreamy classic rock coating and shredding solo while ‘My Heart Strings’ takes the bands more piano pop persona and flourishes into a disco hued bop. 

‘Panacea’ is a satisfying album laced in folk/ country influences and sublime rock elements. The Star Prairie Project have built a strong repertoire of music filled with charisma, cheeky charm and refined intricate musicianship. It’s a solid new album.

Stream ‘Panacea’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Release, Album Review, Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Power Pop, Synth-pop

Jack Rua ‘Narcissus’ Album

Photo Credit : PureGrand

Jack Rua, the ambitiously bold and innovative Irish Glam-pop artist, is set to release his debut eight-track mini-album, ‘Narcissus’ on June 26th. ‘Narcissus’ sees Jack Rua team up with producers Porridge, LOGUOS, Mattu, Tenderhook. and Rouleaux. Following the internationally-praised releases of ‘Scarlet A’, ‘Ego’, ‘Rise’, ‘Curious’, and the albums fifth and final single ‘Reflection’ released earlier this month the album charts the singer-songwriter’s journey after he graduated from college, moved away from home to New York City and broke up from a long-term relationship.

‘Narcissus’ wraps, contorts and dazzles as Jack Rua brings a vivid array of influences from glam rock, house and pop to create a full bodied, shimmering and utterly infectious collection of tracks. There is much vibrancy within as Rua entices the listener right into the album’s dark epicentre while keeping the danceable infectiousness alive throughout with wild dance explosions and slick glam rock swagger. It’s quite the enjoyable power pop gem. 

‘Narcissus’ sets the Jack Rua experience in motion. He doesn’t do anything in half measures and his debut album is a sublime example of how Rua has mastered his craft through meticulous attention to detail and layering. Luring dark and eerie, Rua entices with flashing beat pulses before erupting into an implosive, tense EDM soundscape. ‘Narcissus’ is an intriguing start to the album and a fine display of Rua’s musicianship. He superbly teases and builds tension in his tracks, fermenting thrilling electronics to create bubbling coiling soundscapes of fragmented synths and dramatic electronic progressions. The talented Darce joins Rua for the sultry ‘Rise’.Well placed risqué lyrics are cooled by Rua’s soft vocals while the sticky electronics smother the backdrop in a humid haze. Darce’s raps punch through the sensual electronics as the track simmers and smoulders in a bubbling pop vapour. 

Lyrically ‘Narcissus’ is a coming-of-age album which juxtaposes the joys of self-discovery with the personal and global anxieties you feel when you get a bit older.‘Curious’ playfully challenges binary thinking in terms of sexuality, beckoning you to “stop paying so much attention to your labels” and embrace “a new world” while ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’ expresses a newfound appreciation that the artist began to feel for himself. The theatrical finger clicking and sultry ‘Scarlet A’ marks a turning point in the tracklist where Rua dives beneath his ego and explores the deeper and darker parts of himself. All this is set to an invigorating backdrop of dubstep elements, punchy rhythms and intoxicating electronics.

LOGUOS and Rua are quite the musical dream team, creating a shimmering summer pop anthem with crisp, infectious production and the passionate, euphoric musicianship of ‘Ego’ is quite the radio ready summer bop.

The artist’s scramble to be remembered in ‘Forget Me Not’ is deftly expressed through gripping, intense, intricate layering embellished only by the incomparable musical flair of Jack Rua. Each song exudes vibrancy and expressive musicianship to create the ultimate dance pop album ready to tantalize the listeners ears. 

The album takes a turn with the melodious ‘Reckless Abandon’, however rather than brooding through a moody ballad Rua whacks out a dance infused 80’s anthemic number with lamenting guitar strides and power pop gusto. The harsher guitar elements slice through the pop mirages as the song spirals into a disco hued swirl of confusion. There is still composure within the track which is impressive. It’s a song about the despair that can occur in a situation wherein one can suddenly lose complete control. Rua displays passion through the coiling entwinement of this music. His vocals remain emotive yet composed.

The beautiful ‘Reflection’ brings the album to an end. Rua cools the tone for his finale ruminating on who he is and whether or not he likes what he sees in the mirror. With wispy electronics and a heavy thumping beat he closes the album after a whirlwind of acceptance, experimentation and self doubt to almost start it all again. Rua’s vocal delivery is simple with as little fuss as possible allowing the lyrics and his soft tone drift over the ethereal backdrop. It’s a powerful thought-provoking song to close a frantic and colourful album. 

‘Narcissus’ is a fabulously fun and deeply personal album. Jack Rua announces his debut album with musical flair, prowess and compelling dance pop. This talented artist is fearless. He is not afraid to express his vulnerability and that is a quality to be admired. He is certainly an artist to keep an eye on. His tunes are a rebellious, catchy and wholly satisfying listening experience. I’ve witnessed Jack Rua blossom as an artist. Each track he has released to date has grown and built his rich, bold and intriguing sound to create a moving and unique collection of tracks that is polished and refined. He has become quite the dance pop connoisseur. 

‘Narcissus’ will be released on June 26th until then you can stream Jack Rua’s recent single ‘Curious’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Evan Nave ‘Besixdouze Satellite Circumeuntibus’ Album

Evan Nave has released his debut album ‘Besixdouze Satellite Circumeuntibus’. Set in a sonic fantasy universe, ‘Besixdouze Satellite Circumeuntibus’ is the debut album from Brazialian alternative rocker Evan Nave. Recorded over the course of a year, the album includes some songs written with an older band. ‘Click Install’, ‘Eva Aurora’ and ‘At the Tip of the Glow’ were written specifically for this album, and the songs were brought to life with guest vocals and performance from Fabiola Barreto (Neila Alien). Born with synesthesia, Evan Nave uses this condition to create music that explores different musical universes. Evan Nave has been compsosing under different guises for some time, writing for sci-fi film scores and various albums for different bands and currently working with the band Besixdouze to create a retro-futuristic psychedelic fantasy, drawing on elements of Gaucho rock.

Saturated in psychedelia, ‘Besixdouze Satellite Circumeuntibus’ presents Evan Nave’s unique and obscure sonic intricacies through warped soundscapes and sublime guitar work. With lengthy instrumentals blemished with quirky organ refrains and spacey atmospheres the album takes the listener further into Nave’s dazzling musicianship. There are elements of jazz glimmering through tracks ‘Velha Guarda’ while ‘Sombrio Véu’ and ‘De Manhã No Meu Jardim’ take a traditional sound and bring a haunting aspect over the buoyant and sway-like qualities.

Each song is an outcry of Nave’s dedication to psychedelia, the 10 track album explores a variety of themes all set within an eerie and colourful sonic landscape making for quite the intriguing listening experience. The fuzzy psychedelic moments are blended superbly with the sweet melodies and dreamy tones allowing the vocals to hypnotize throughout tracks such as ‘Click In Install’ and ‘Nefilins’. Nave has a captivating ability to create lulling melodies and melt them upon a soothing dreamy backdrop and from here he either startuates the track in a dizzying backdrop of psychedelic experimental pop rock with even some blues hues or broods it through eerie and delicate tones to create a soft narcotic slide into obscurity.

‘Besixdouze Satellite Circumeuntibus’ is an experimental album brimming with unique blends of rich instrumental progressions to create quite the mesmerising psychedelic trip. 

Stream ‘Besixdouze Satellite Circumeuntibus’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Electronic, New Music

Jacob Hagedorn ‘Untitled’ Album

Experimental artist Jacob Hagedorn has released his new album ‘Untitled’. This untitled album is the eighth to come from the young artist, who releases solely on Bandcamp. Having studied music at Berklee College of Music, he utilises his skill in Ableton to connect with people through his music

Creating a labyrinth of electronic swirls and prismatic psychedelic soundscapes Jacob Hagedorn blends Horror movie eeriness with soft tranquilizing elements to build a unique and encapsulating collection of tracks. With delicate strings mangled beneath haunting, screeching and ethereal soundscapes, this album is a distinctive blend of progressive ambience that calms and gives you chills all at once. The album is an untitled collection of seven songs. Written from short bursts of imagination with most songs falling under the minute mark. The album presents an otherworldly soundscape, composed of sullen instruments and stark tones. Almost a fairground of sounds, the ambient and experimental sound of Jacob Hagedorn mystifies and intrigues. There is sense of something quite horrifying within each track as if a creepy clown is lurking within the tunes smoky atmosphere. The distracting sense of peace coupled with ominous goosebump inducing fairground twinkles and fuzzy distortion is creepy and bizarre yet unique and thrilling as well. Jacob Hagedorn’s latest release would make a great horror movie score

You can stream the album on Bandcamp here 

https://rees7.bandcamp.com/releases


Author : Danu

Album Review, EP Review, New Music

Alex Brenchley ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ Album

Alex Brenchley has released his new album ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’. ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, was the idea of Songbook, a crowdfunding music company. The concept was an EP of The Beach Boys covers, giving Alex Brenchley the opportunity to revel in their songwriting genius. Sparked by Dutch director Arthur Petri requesting a cover by Brenchley of ‘God Only Knows’ as an engagement present, this fun project has resulted in simple indie-pop re-imaginings of the songs. London based artist and musician Alex Brenchley was recently awarded the Mayor of London award for emerging artists after releasing his debut album ‘Daylight Snobbery’ in 2019. He has performed and exhibited at some of London’s finest venues including St Pancras Old Church, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Roundhouse and the Barbican Art Gallery and has worked with artists including Noah and the Whale and Tom Rosenthal.

Alex Brenchley takes some of The Beach Boys classics and puts his own unique twist to them. His smooth vocals and luscious pop persona makes ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ a sweet and radiant EP. Title track ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ takes a more tropical tone than the original with the percussion. However the song is presented instrumentally sparse allowing that catchy melody and a jangly guitar refrain emphasize the songs beauty.

Brenchley presents each track wonderfully; highlighting the melodies and exposing the beautiful vocal and lyrical core. ‘Heroes & Villains’ is a fine example of this. Brenchley strips back the rock ‘n’ roll bop while maintaining The Beach Boys harmonic bridge and building on it – decorating it with soft guitar twinkles and lush vocals while horn melodies glimmer between the lush harmonies and elegant soundscape.

‘I Just Wasn’t Made for These TImes’ is another sweet stripped back rendition of the original. Brenchley chooses ‘Your Summer Dream’ to bring this collection to an end. Taking the dreamy doo-wop track and mellowing it out into a chill-time classic with delicate guitar and easy going soundscapes.

Alex Brenchley provides another insight into the wonderful tunes of The Beach Boys by putting his laid back and melodic stamp on them. Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ is a charming and lush collection of tracks.

Stream ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Sotu Self Titled Album

Australian rockers Sotu have released their debut self titled album.The Australian five piece was initially formed in the 90s, and reformed in 2016 with a new drummer, new name, and a new drive for making music.Emerging partly as a lifeline for one of the band’s members as he climbed out of a dark place, Sotu’s debut album is a reflection of the joy of rediscovering music coupled with the intense journey of recovery and thriving in life after bouncing back from the brink of despair. 

With kinetic energy bursting from the seams Sotu provides a powerful rock album filled with infectious grooves and swagger. The band pack oodles of slick guitar and passionate bass lines into their debut album.

‘Killing Me’, ‘Don’t Feel So Bad’ and ‘Cornflakes’  all rush through with adrenaline inducing instrumentation and fluctuant groovy rhythms. It’s not all rock and roll though ‘Eyes To Dry’ and the piano led  ’World Turns’ showcase the bands emotional, more rock ballad – esque persona. There are plenty of visceral jolts throughout the album with melancholic guitar melodies, haunting backing vocals and sombre themes about dealing with cancer, domestic violence and relationships.

‘Gods Of Humility’ and ‘Alive’ are a joy to listen to. The tracks thrive on raw sharp guitars which meander between crashing lacerations, slinky flirtations and soft twinkles while animated drums and bass groove create the songs buoyant backbone.

Sotu present a sound filled with 90’s rock elements with a nod to Foo Fighters at times.The tracks are dripping in passion with shredding solo’s, blistering licks and powerful rasped vocals. Sonically the band weave between scorching alternative rock with some grunge elements and even a glimmer of jazz and funk. It’s within the sublime guitar work and ground shaking bass lines where this band shine at the moment.Gritty tracks such as ‘Neighbours’ and ‘Black Hole Cryptic’ showcase the bands darker side while ‘Timmy’ has a twanging country bounce. However these tracks blend seamlessly with the softer ballads within the album.

Sotu’s self-titled debut album is a thought provoking collection of tracks displaying fine musicianship and artistic promise. Oozing maturity and mosh-ready frenzy swirling beneath infectious grooves and dizzying psychedelia ‘Sotu’ is a well rounded debut album.  

Stream ‘Sotu’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk

ALRIGHT brother ‘REDEEMER’ Album

ALRIGHT brother has released his latest Post Punk Album ‘REDEEMER’.ALRIGHT brother is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and visual artist living in LA. His music comes with short hand drawn animated promos that ALRIGHT brother creates himself. Receiving recognition for a lofi cover of a Kendrick Lamar track, ALRIGHT brother has been steadily building up his portfolio of music, taking inspiration from punk, hardcore and grunge.

Mangled between raw post punk and alternative rock ‘REDEEMER’ displays ALRIGHT brother’s coarse unadulterated musicianship in a unique collection of tracks. ALRIGHT brother smudges pop melodies through a harsh, bombarding backdrop in ‘The Last of the Famous International Dirtbags’ and ‘Redeemer’ to create a full bodied striking sound. This full bodied sound is carried throughout the album with ‘Lounge Act’ taking a more grunge-like stance.

There is a lot going on in each song with entwining key refrains mangled beneath bombarding punk, crashing guitars and drums. These moments provide wonderful embellishments throughout the album. However ALRIGHT brother provides some release from the frenzied onslaughts with the melancholic cool tones of ‘Cold Falls’.

The tracks are well layered as the fuzzed backdrops are embroidered with frenzied and sometimes ethereal synths. ‘REDEEMER’ exposes the paranoia and frustration of the modern condition and ALRIGHT brother conveys this superbly with intense synths and bass moments coiling beneath rowdy explosions.The vocals throughout are very distracting they sort of contrast the sweeter moments with a clamorous outburst while a sublime guitar flourishes beneath. From the sprightly jog of ‘Last Watch’ and sweet lament of ‘The Daily Star Mirror’ there are nimble and glorious guitar elements sprinkled throughout while ‘Random Access Misery’ brings an angsty rap quality to the album with a thrilling rumbling bass line.

‘REDEEMER’ is a tight album and a whirlwind journey through onslaughts of emotion and soundscapes. For me it’s the instrumental arrangements where ALRIGHT brother excels. He ferments harsh post punk with bittersweet grunge stained pop elements and huge, sometimes epic moments of rock to create a striking album which tells short stories with a different perspective on life.

Stream ‘REDEEMER’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, New Music

Dagny side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ Album

Presse bilder til det nye Dagny albumet / januar 2020

Dagny is set to release the first installment of her long-awaited debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’. Released via Universal / Ingrooves the album will be split into two parts, with the first 6 tracks ‘Side A’ available for streaming on May 22nd and the full album (Side B) to arrive in September later this year. Dagny [Norvoll Sandvik] has officially solidified herself in recent years as one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters: yielding over 450 million streams, as well as selling out international headline tours along with critical acclaim from Nylon and Billboard to The Guardian and Harper’s BAZAAR. Debut EP ‘Ultraviolet’ received unanimous praise from critics with features such as Billboard’s 10 Pop Stars To Watch In 2017, and VEVO’s Ones To Watch 2017. 

Coated in vivid and shimmering pop side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ presents Dagny’s sound through lush instrumentation and wonderfully infectious songwriting. Her ability to create sunny pop bangers is wondrous This is shown in tracks ‘Come Over’, ‘Somebody’ and ‘Coulda Shoulda Woulda’ which present buoyant instrumentation over sparkling synths, sticky slapping beats and light guitar strides. With Dagny’s light footed sweet vocals melting atop the smooth melodies she puts a sugary glaze on already shiny pop tunes.There are some sublime funky moments, warm guitar flourishes and twinkling keys adorning the album in rich and vibrant textures.

Through the glossy pop soundscapes and radiant dance hued bops, Dagny wisps delicate slow burners into the mix. The affectionate and dreamy ‘Paris’, honest ‘Let Me Cry’ and the catchy blooping beat of ‘Tension’ highlights Dagny’s ability to swirl delicate emotion and earnest song writing into her tracks. This first half of the album is brimming with exhilarating anticipation and excitement as Dagny playfully expresses themes of meeting someone for the first time and enjoying the exciting beginnings of a relationship. 

Side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a full flavoured richly layered collection of tracks. Dagny has an impressive ability to create sophisticated fun pop which has depth and emotion. Side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is an enjoyable listen.

Side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is set for release on 22nd May for more you can follow Dagny on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dagnymusic/

Album Review, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Hola Chica ‘Marbella’ Album

Barcelona indie pop band Hola Chica have returned with their latest album, ‘Marbella’. The five piece have been on tour since the release of their first album ‘Magnetism’ in 2016. Playing at Taubertal Festival and BIME Festival, as well as all over Spain they have been creating an energetic and psychedelic live show that is communicated through their latest release.

 ‘Marbella’ is a wonderfully colourful display of Hola Chica’s indie psychedelic pop as the band ease you into their smooth sound with intricate musicianship which leads effortlessly into their massive bag of sonic tricks. The band conjure disco funk and snappy beats to create a clean polished sound. With beautifully manicured synths weaving between floaty melodies and zesty radiant guitars, tracks like ‘Asleep’,Off My Mind’ and ‘Feels Like’ rush with a danceable groove that is infectious while velvety vocals coo through prismatic soundscapes and dreamy melodies.

‘Free Your Soul’ wraps layers of shimmering synths over catchy pop melodies while scorching guitars and humid beats intoxicate and smother the buoyant and vibrant background.The band glitter the album in 70’s disco elements and 80’s pop sheens as they inject a hazy shade of hippie splendour and trip hop hues through ‘Same Old Thing’ and ‘Falling Apart’. Hola Chica have managed to create a psych album that is so drifty and light however, they use dazzling soundscapes and adrenaline rushing instrumentation to keep the album rushing along. 

‘Never Gonna See You Again’ slows the pace a little as brooding melodies float over a subtle bubbling soundscape and chiming light atmosphere. The lamenting guitars pine over the dreamy backdrop with a piercing sting while the keys twinkle through a steady beat creating a rich and wistful number brimming with emotive qualities.The detailed production and rich instrumentation throughout the album adds a dash of sunshine in each track. From the soft rock groove and elastic bass line of ‘Make It’, the glistening epic guitar in ‘Your Time’ to the glimmering suave charm of final track ‘Fade Away’, Hola Chica make sure you are bouncing and swirling in their trippy soothing sounds and lush instrumentation all the way through.

‘Marbella’ is a luminous album laced in fresh, sun kissed vibes, good times and utterly mesmerising instrumentation as Hola Chica blend, refine and brew their fruity, floaty psychedelic pop with a dash of indie and a hint of funk to create a euphoric and vibrant listening experience. 

Stream ‘Marbella’ below 


Author : Danu