Multi instrumentalist and singer songwriter Liam Geddes has released his new song ‘Bad Best Friends’. His previous single ‘I’m Her’s’ has passed 230k streams since August completely independently and Geddes has amassed 88k monthly listeners. This will be his 4th single of the year with an EP set for release early 2021.
‘Bad Best Friends’ is an infectious pop number doused in sunkissed soundscapes. The track pivots around a light key and guitar refrain as Geddes builds soaring synths and finger clicking beats around this hypnotic refrain. With a charming whistle feature catchy chorus and effortlessly chill production this fun track is a laid back sun soaked indie pop delight. Zesty bursts on guitar and electronics create a refreshing bite to the song’s rich and full flavoured soundscape while a dreamy melody and shimmering synths add sweetness to the warm soothing tone of Liam Geddes vocals. With relatable lyrics and compelling arrangements ‘Bad Best Friends’ is a well crafted, infectious gem from Liam Geddes.
Thom Southern has released his highly anticipated second single ‘Perfect Someone’. The song was co-produced by the legendary Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, Feeder).After recently bursting onto the scene with the fuzzy debut single ‘Shivers’, the Belfast based artist is already making a powerful and unforgettable first impression.Thom Southern also co-writes and produces for his sister Lucy Gaffney. Following the success of their previous joint ventures Southern and MMODE, the pair are both now simultaneously striking out with exciting solo projects.
‘Perfect Someone’ is a sweet slice of shoegaze. Thom Southern has created a song doused in rich textures and lush tones, he builds the track superbly creating soundscapes so pure and passionate it holds your heart in suspense for each note. With pulsing beats and dreamy melody this chillwave pop tune is saturated in sweet nostalgia. The flashing synths create a mystifying wall of sound as Southern’s velvety vocals coo through the rush of sonic flurries to soothe the scorching backdrop. Exuding tight production and superb musicianship ‘Perfect Someone’ is a beautifully crafted track from Thom Southern.
Thom Southern elaborates on the lyrical sentiment for the new single…“Perfect Someone is a bittersweet story of nostalgia and young love. I wanted to write a song about that moment when out of the blue an old romance pops into your head and takes you straight back to a specific time and place. The lyrics are about finding an old coat that hasn’t been worn in years with a photograph inside one of the pockets. You remember how good that day was but inevitably you know it will never be the same again. I wanted to embody the track with repetitive melodies which create the immediate atmosphere of nostalgia. I used an 808 drum machine to make the track hypnotic to take you through the story in a quick, simple way just like when a memory flashes into your head and then it’s gone.”
Lurgan based Indie – alternative artist BECAH, is back with her second single and has announced her upcoming debut EP ‘Freaks’, due out Nov 20th. With her debut single ‘Forget’ released in July BECAH grabbed the attention of the industry with her heartfelt lyrics and original writing style. Now back with her second single ‘Ghost’ BECAH brings a new energy and shows off her flexibility when it comes to songwriting.
‘Ghost’ displays the limitless scope of BECAH as an artist as she dives into the dark electronic and more dynamic side of her mesmerising musicianship. The bittersweet melody drifts atop an effervescent soundscape of punchy drums, distorted guitar fuzz and biting electronics, creating a sweet, innocent contrast to the sinister explosive atmosphere. With heavy synths and sharp guitar this tune is passionate, tender and powerful – the lyrics hit hard as BECAH’s crisp and wonderfully lush vocals coo with soulful tones while a choppy piano refrain accompanies the verses creating an almost jazzy retro element before the chorus consumes the song in a rage of emotion.
BECAH’s debut ‘Forget’ gave listeners a glimpse of her immense talent and sterling sound. However she has turned up the heat for ‘Ghost’. The maturity displayed in her songwriting, tantalizing musicianship, and precise guitar work is impressive. Keep an eye on BECAH.
About the song, BECAH say :”Ghost was the first song I ever sat down and finished when I began writing. Scrawled out in an old notebook on my bedroom floor with a few rough chords as I was only teaching myself guitar at the time. I’ve always noted it as the foundation for everything that has come after, as it gave me the confidence to continue writing. It speaks of those almost loves – the longing to have a person that can never be yours, and the difficulties that surround those kinds of relationships. The sleepless nights, the hope, the disappointment. Feeling as though that person is almost like a ghost in your life because one moment they’re there and then the next they’re gone.”
Hot off the heels of his atmospheric synth pop single ‘Timeline’, PureGrand (Luke Faulkner) returns with his new single ‘Such A Fright’, accompanied with a self made video which parodies the pressures and hypocrisy of the modern workplace but dresses it up in the stylings of the 1990s.The song was written and produced by Faulkner and is the latest single to be taken from his new body of work which is inspired by social themes felt by young millennials and by Faulkner’s own experiences in the past year and exploring them through the sounds and aesthetics of 90s and millennium pop.
‘Such A Fright’ is an intoxicating slice of electronic pop as PureGrand uses building soundscapes, catchy melodies and earnest songwriting to create a danceable dark tune.The slapping beats scuff the atmosphere in ominous undertones while the coiling electronics shuffle with an 80’s hue and disco vibe. With a bittersweet pop melody and sombre vocal delivery the track is a lonely bop brimming with lush textures and surging electronic pop sensibilities. Lyrically the song illustrates the claustrophobic sensations and the trappings of dealing with anxiety. PureGrand use retro synths and infectious melodies to create an asphyxiating atmosphere showcasing brief moments of innocent release to compliment the tracks lyrical theme. ‘Such A Fright’ is an infectious meaningful number from PureGrand.
Lav has released her new single ‘Reds’ which is the first single from her yet-to-be-titled debut EP due in February 2021 on Color Study.The release follows a succession of buzzy singles, “From Me, The Moon”, “Wavvy” and “The Girls Before Me”, which has positioned the LA based artist as one of this year’s hot tips.
There is a slow groove and dreamy quality to ‘Reds’ as Lav coos over a delicately lush instrumental backdrop. Synths fizzle in and out of swirling soundscapes and jazzy warm keys while rippling beats add an R&B element to the tune. The track is a well crafted expression of adolescent romance. Lavs sultry vocals echo and lull over the nostalgic melody, her sweet vocals seduce and draw the listener further into the songs brooding sense of euphoria. ‘Reds’ is another enchanting track from Lav.
Lav calls the track “a seductive and melancholy tune I whipped up after reflecting on romance in my adolescence. Dreamy and idealistic, without acknowledging the reality of an eventual expiration on the relationship”.
Bristol band HEKA have released their new single ‘Club 1980’. HEKA recently released their debut single ‘Fake Smile’, it reached 20,000 plays on YouTube within the first 3 weeks of release and has been backed by BBC Introducing and BBC Bristol.
Saturated in wonderfully dark and expressive electronic soundscapes, ‘Club 1980’ is a passionate melodically rich number from HEKA. With surging electronics weaving sinister undertones through a sticky beat and consuming soundscape the band build tension from the get go as HEKA blend eerie soundscapes with dark, intoxicating electronics superbly to provide a wholly immersing and rich listening experience.
The listener is treated to a banquet display of musical prowess as HEKA showcase their deft ability to creates pockets of space and brief moments of stillness between the flowing, chiming guitars and synth refrains. These momentary tranquil moments beautifully contrast the fluidity of the track and are a joy to experience.
With lush backing vocal coos and sublime passionate vocals teamed with an infectious bitter sweet melody ‘Club 1980’ is a fine example of why HEKA are an exciting band to keep an eye on. Their ability to blend sinister, brooding electronics, and raw indie with prismatic sparkles of synth pop is masterful.
Irish glam-pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Isolation’. Writing music at the age of 15, first for a rock band and then as a soloist, he renamed himself Jackal in 2013. Backed by an 8 piece band, his theatrical and energetic stage show saw him perform at venues such as Whelans, The Academy, The Mercantile and Vicar Street. Graduating with a BA in Commercial Modern Music from BIMM Dublin, Jack took a hiatus from performing in 2017 and moved to New York City where he immersed himself in the cultural scenes of drag, burlesque and theatre – shaping his sound around these creative concepts.
‘Isolation’ is a glorious display of Jack Rua’s shimmering pop as he takes an emotive theme and shrouds it in infectious glittering electronics and bubbling rhythms.The song is glowing with Rua’s refined musicianship and impressive songwriting prowess as light verses simmer while entwining synths and ethereal elements contrast the thematically darker undertone. The track has invigorating bursts of release between the coiling beats while Rua’s smooth warm vocals ooze swagger and charm.
‘Isolation’ is a richly textured track exuding finger clicking elements and catchy soundscapes. Rua’s ability to provide a danceable catchy tune with relatable lyrics and conflicting sonic twists is masterful. Jack Rua is an artist to keep an eye on.
About the track Jack Rua said : “It was written about how I was separated from my boyfriend for 2 months because of the COVID pandemic. We had only just gotten into a relationship and were enjoying the throws of the infamous honeymoon period, so to be separated from each other for such a period of time for reasons beyond our control was very difficult.I love this song because it really captures what I was experiencing. I was trying to remain positive and remind myself that things were only temporary, but still feeling a sense of hopelessness and a complete lack of control of the situation. I knew what I was doing was right morally in the context of a pandemic, but it felt so incorrect personally and all of these conflicting emotions and ideas were driving me crazy.”
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘If It’s Important’. Laced in the retro charm of Thrillhouse ‘If It’s Important’ is a sweet, airy tune exuding an irresistible concoction of danceable beats and perky guitar lines. The band subtly slip the track into your head with a laid back attitude while the catchy chorus hooks you firmly within the bands grasp. A warm guitar refrain and shimmying rhythm drive the track to its infectious chorus creating a melodic and almost hypnotic breadcrumb trail for the listener to indulge in. With jaunty keys and soft vocals teamed with a building wall of sound, this luscious track is a fine example of the meticulous crafting and attention to detail Thrillhouse possess. ‘If It’s Important’ is a wonder to treasure.
Hailing from Belfast, the now Liverpool based, Irish songwriter Lucy Gaffney has released her new single ‘Send Me Away’,via Frictionless Music. The track was produced by The Coral’s James Skelly and featuring on the track alongside Lucy is Thom Southern (Electric Guitar, Bass) and Jim Sharrock(Drums).Previously, Lucy was part of Marathon signed band Southern, alongside her brother and consistent collaborator Thom. Her short solo career – with just the one single out so far – has already seen acclaim from the iconic Liam Gallagher (who called her music ‘celestial’), a collaboration with DMA’s and tours with Bill Ryder Jones and She Drew The Gun. Big supporters at radio have come in the form of BBC Radio 1, as well as BBC Introducing Merseyside and BBC Introducing Ulster.
‘Send Me Away’ is a dreamyslice of psychedelic shoegaze as Lucy Gaffney’s delicate vocals drift over an expanding swirling soundscape. The effervescent instrumental backdrop fizzes and swells to create an intoxicating wall of sound. With sweet guitar refrains piercing the thick euphoric bass ripples and driving beat, the track instantly lifts you into an ethereal state of bliss. The melody is saturated in irresistible hooks and syrupy textures. As the song progresses distorted guitars superbly build creating pockets of piercing scintillation through the dazing synths while Gaffney innocently coos over the tense edgy soundscape. Lucy Gaffney is a compelling artist and talented songwriter, showing strong personal musical growth from her days in Southern and MMode. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Lucy Gaffney in the future.
About the track Gaffney explains: “For me the track really encapsulates the dreamy element in the idea of love, getting lost in intoxicating moments and the electric excitement of the unknown. With the recording I wanted to capture the garage band rawness from when I wrote it in the rehearsal studio. There’s an honest naivety to it that fizzes with electric quirks and kinks from start to finish, igniting an in the moment carefree edge.”
Norwegian singer Dagny has released the second half of her long-awaited debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’ via Little Daggers Records. The first half of the album was released earlier this year and documented the blossoming early stages of a new love, while the second half examines the fall out of that relationship.
Dagny’s knack with luscious melodies continues into the second half of the album as she creates beautiful earworms that flourish within the clean dynamic production. There is something more tantalizing and darker about the second half as it subtly slips into a more mysterious and brooding aspect of her infectious pop.
‘Moment’ kick-starts the second half of the album with a buoyant disco vibe as Dagny spreads a sweet pop melody over a breezy electronic backdrop while zesty guitar refrains add a dash of bite between the sugar sweet soundscapes. ‘Please Look At Me’ strides on a more enticing electronic wall of sound filled with bouncy beats and rich percussive elements which flesh out the songs charm. Dagny brings the intoxicating synths and energetic soundscapes to a halt for the emotive ‘Bad At Love (Interlude)’ and beautiful ballad ‘Coast To Coast’. These earnest tunes display Dagny’s emotive songwriting, deft musicianship and striking vocal capabilities. Her ability to express heartfelt, heavy-hitting, and emotional lyrics through a delicate musical arrangement is mesmerising.
In this second half Dagny displays the post breakup emotions through an intriguing lens. These infectious pop tunes slip into the head with ease allowing the second half of the album become just as upbeat, catchy and danceable as the first half while her songwriting prowess meanders through the conflicting, complex, and sombre themes. Propelled by jittery percussion, pulsing synths and dreamy melodies, ‘It’s Only A Heartbreak ’and ‘Bye Bye Baby’ display this superbly. The flashing disco synths in ‘Bye Bye Baby’ reinforce the strength of finally leaving the relationship behind.
‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a cohesive album and a journey of the heart, expressed through passionate, bubbling and dynamic musicianship. Dagny is a wonderful songwriter and her ability to provide a completely satisfying, emotional and refined album is impressive. Her smooth unforced tunes have a glitzy swagger and shimmer about them but dig beneath the catchy hooks and danceable beats and there is a pool of depth and poetic prowess within. ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a sublime album of electronic pop and a fantastic display of expressive musicianship from Dagny.
