Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Five Days North ‘Take Me Higher’

Indie-pop band Five Days North are set to release their new single ‘Take Me Higher’ on the 26th June.Having spent the last few years touring festivals such as Dot2Dot and Kendal Calling, as well as venues such as Manchester’s Academy 3 and Gorilla, the nation being in lockdown finally gave Five Days North enough space to craft their new smash single.

‘Take Me Higher’ is a luscious guzzle of the vibrant and refreshing indie pop Five Days North do so well. A rhythmic bounce shuffles through shimmering synths while intricate guitars and a peppy beat keep the song light, fresh and fruity. The deep infectious tones within the bass ground the track while the ethereal breezy electronics add a cool icy feel. Five Days North are known for their rich, expressive and dynamic sound and they have now turned it up a notch, strutting in with this dance-infused sleek number. There are disco tones glimmering between the vibrant indie while the velvety vocals drift and slide over the melty melody with panache and charm. Saturated in summer tones, tasty instrumentation and heart racing musicianship ‘Take Me Higher’ is an exhilarating rush of indie pop at its best. 

Darryl Messer, lead singer of Five Days North, comments: “Take Me Higher is our most collaborative song from a writing perspective as everyone had a tangible impact on the final track. When it’s safe to return to the gig scene, we’re really excited to see hear our fans sing along to what we think is a big step forward for us.’’

‘Take Me Higher’ is set for release on Friday the 26th of June for more follow Five Days North on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/fivedaysnorth


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Heir ‘Fear of Falling’

80s throwback, groove-pop band, Heir have released their new single ‘Fear of Falling’ which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with producer Ken Scott and is part of a two track collection called ‘Heir At Abbey Road’.

‘Fear of Falling’ is a radiant, catchy and well-executed tune. With bouncy rhythms rebounding with spring-like resilience through the sugar pop shimmers on keys this song is an instant rush of joy. The chiming guitars sprinkle glimmers of scintillation through the elastic bass while the smooth chilled vocals drift upon the dreamy melody creating a relaxed yet intricately weaved track. It’s the rhythm where the band present their musically rich expertise as they entwine a foot tapping effervescent labyrinth of grooves through blistering guitar lines.There is an 80’s pop sheen over the track which adds a dash of glamour and panache especially with the zealous guitar solo however the band rein this in allowing it to only decorate the track and not consume it. Heir have a knack with cheery luscious melodies and the buoyant indie pop production on ‘Fear of Falling’ makes this track quite the golden little gem. 

Stream ‘Fear of Falling’ below

 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic

Palmas ‘Bad Dream’

Photo credit: Simon Wernovsky

NYC/Philadelphia-based band, Palmas, comprised of Kurt Cain-Walther (vocals/keys), Matthew Young (guitars), and Andrew Torre (drums, percussion, programming), announce their self-produced, debut album, ‘Endless Season’, with the release of first single, ‘Bad Dream,’ via Lost Colony Music.This new track is the band’s first in two years. It follows their 2016 EP, To The Valley, as well as 2017 single ‘Flowers’ and ‘Floating in the Dark’ and 2018 single, ‘Where Are You Going?’ 

Immersed in chilled funk flavoured grooves, ‘Bad Dream’ announces Palmas’ return with new wave, psychedelic textures and ruminating lyrics. The band pivot the track around a funky bass line and rich percussion while the warm glistening guitars weave threads of sun kissed delight throughout.

Though the lyrics are melancholic the track’s sonics bubble and bounce throughout giving a laid back upbeat atmosphere to the song as the melody drifts freely over the beautifully evolving instrumentation and R&B elements. Kurt Cain-Walther’s passionate vocals saturate ‘Bad Dream’ in sweet, lush and warm tones. His soulful voice suits this track perfectly as his supple falsetto glides seamlessly over the sleek melody. 

The trio take a step away from the retro melodic sound we saw in ‘To The Valley’. They have refined the lush intricacies within their musicianship to create a new wave, indie pop gem coated in sombre R&B hues.This R&B element adds a night-time cool undertone to the song providing a wonderful contrast to the sultry, rich backdrop. There are musical residues of The Weeknd blended through the bands mature cultivated sound and clean production however ‘Bad Dream’ takes the band’s summer sound to a different level with darker undertones and a cooler approach.

Versatility is a key element to success in the music industry. Palmas have demonstrated they are more than adept at adjusting to various genre styles without losing their identity. Palmas keep getting better and better with each new release. Their ability to create rich tantalising music is mesmersing and a joy to listen to.

About the track The band said : “Bad Dream” is about realizing you’re in a place you never should have been. The protagonist is experiencing the same thing over and over again and it’s driving them insane. It could be a long winter, a relationship that has deteriorated, or a job that you hate going to day after day after day. The lyrics and the idea of an “Endless Season” became a focal point for the narrative and eventually went on to become the title of the entire record. At its roots, this track felt like an anthem to a period of depression and the self-realization of needing to confront it.”

Watch the video for ‘Bad Dream’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, Funk, Funk and Soul, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – SG Lewis

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From SG Lewis

Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist SG Lewis has recently released the official video for his brand new single ‘Chemicals’ via PMR/VirginEMI.The psychedelic video was shot at home during lockdown by SG using a green screen and directed by Yousef and produced by Jake Parker for Prettybird. The song has already accumulated over 3 million streams since release and is the first track to be released from SG’s eagerly anticipated debut album, with more details to be announced soon.

Saturated in soaring soundscapes, intricate funk grooves and euphoric melodies, ‘Chemicals’ is a laid back disco hued gem. The track spins into motion with shimmering synths exuding a cool refreshing atmosphere as the zesty guitar flexes and swirling electronics create a chilled sonic drive. With a strutting hook, sweet melody and retro disco underbelly the track wraps your ears in a luscious coating of candy floss bliss while the chic 70’s – esque bubbly foundation keeps your feet tapping. ‘Chemicals’ effortlessly displays SG Lewis’ rich, first rate production and musicianship while his velvety falsetto cools the electric funk humidity of the track. There are elements of Daft Punk and influences of soul glimmering through the track making this relaxed summer-splashed tune an enjoyable listen.

Watch the video for ‘Chemicals’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Hudson Taylor ‘Favourite Song’


Dublin duo Hudson Taylor have released ‘Favourite Song’, the new single from their number one album ‘Loving Everywhere I Go’. Following the chart-topping success of ‘Loving Everywhere I Go’, new single ‘Favourite Song’ takes up the baton from runaway radio smash ‘What Do You Mean?’, which has been an airwaves fixture since January. 

Hudson Taylor delve deep into their catchy pop musicianship with ‘Favourite Song’ creating a bright, bubbly, catchy number. With a pulsing beat and rock n roll bass that has a ‘Stand By Me’ residue, the track exudes foot tapping infectiousness. ‘Favourite Song’ is simple, fun-fair joy filled with shaky percussion, warm jangly guitar and a melty ice cream-sweet melody.

This duo have the deft ability to create pop tunes that are sure to put a spring in your step and a smile on your face. The twinkling guitar melodies chime in the effervescent backdrop creating refreshing bursts of scintillation to rejuvenate the listener. The clever, clean production emphasises velvety melodies teamed with tight harmonies. The track is a joy to listen to, the cheery pick me up we all need. It’s one of the more upbeat and danceable tracks which adds charm and radiance to Hudson Taylor’s rich, refined and beautifully crafted album ‘Loving Everywhere I Go’. Its a sublime choice for a single. 

Hudson Taylor have always had a knack for writing radio ready pop rock with infectious emotive melodies and ‘Favourite Song’ is no different. The heart racing adrenaline portrayed through the ebullient soundscape and glowing twangs provide a light hearted fun atmosphere. Lyrically its simple harkening the listener to memories of care free times but the track has a full bodied sound which oozes character, charm and summer vibes. So I’ll indulge happily, I need some vitamin D. 

About the track Harry and Alfie said:  “Sometimes things don’t need much explanation, ‘Favourite Song’ is simply about loving someone like you love your favourite song.”

Stream ‘Favourite Song’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Travi The Native ‘Heavy Love’

Travi The Native has released his new single ‘Heavy Love’. Travi The Native is the latest alter ego of Belfast born frontman Travis Gilbert. Writing openly about personal struggles, Travi The Native is on his own crusade to shout about mental health, social media and toxic masculinity.

Effortlessly cool and mellow, ‘Heavy Love’ drifts with a chic relaxed persona on Travi The Native’s rich, melodic musicianship. The song is well crafted and tightly weaved. The backdrop is adorned in twinkling soundscapes which float on a slow Hip – hop hued beat while funky warm guitar lines radiate throughout. ‘Heavy love’ has a laid back, dreamy, irresistible charm which is emphasised even further through the rasped warm vocals. The zesty indie guitar adds a bite and refreshing lift to the track while also providing a glowing cosiness. This easy going ditty is a summer evening timeless classic to chill to.

Stream ‘Heavy Love’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Lady Landscape ‘Apartment Song’

After receiving critical acclaim for the singles ‘Versailles,’ and ‘25’ this year, indie quintet, Lady Landscape have released ‘Apartment Song’, their final single before the release of their much anticipated third EP, ‘3’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece Lady Landscape embrace a mellow tone that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals.In late-2019 the band decided to take a break from gigging to finish their highly anticipated third EP, ‘3’, which is due to be released next month.

‘Apartment Song’ continues Lady Ladscape’s lo -fi dreamy brand of indie as they drift a smooth melody over a chiming bouncy backdrop. With shaking percussion injected between soft glistening guitars and a hazy shoegaze-hued soundscape the track is a sun kissed, easy on the ears gem. One instantly recognisable feature of Lady Landscape’s sound is the nonchalant deep vocals that depict the striking and honest lyrics. This band take themes of self disappointment and normal life occurrences and expresses them through wonderfully bitter/sweet musicianship. The guitar in this track is quite beautiful and elegant as it weaves a delicate twinkling melody through the wispy synths and floating soundscapes. ‘Apartment Song’ is a spacy laid back track that has a soft yet glum candy-floss atmosphere created through intricate and refined musicianship.

Stream ‘Apartment Song’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

The Burma ‘Sugar Moonlight’ EP

Photo Credit : Ciara O Toole

Rising Indie Rock band The Burma have just released their new EP ‘Sugar Moonlight’. At various stages over the past year the Irish indie band have holed up in Monique Studios with producer Christian Best (Mick Flannery, O Emperor, Jack O’Rourke, Marlene Enright) writing and recording their latest release. 

‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a tidy collection of tracks exuding passionate pop melodies and blazing alternative rock with a healthy dose of indie rock at its heart. The band go all out with this EP – luscious textures and melodious highs, psychedelic rawness and tender broods create a well rounded enjoyable listening experience.

The jubilous indie guitar jingle of ‘Same Again’ kick starts the EP. It is light and infectious as the ethereal guitars create a wonderful animated bounce. The Burma construct tracks with a rich rhythmic foundation of rippling bass lines and buoyant snappy drums allowing the charming guitar refrains to soar and flourish off this backdrop with majestic tonalities. The band swoon smooth melty melodies into their vibrant indie sound effortlessly. ‘Quicksand’ shows this superbly as the soft bubbly melody wisps delicately through a crashing psychedelic backdrop of airy stings on guitar and rumbling drums.

With a refreshing bite, each track rolls coolly into the next. Whether it’s the icy sting of the melancholic ‘When You’re Gone’ or the darker synth swirling prance of  ‘Phoney Personality’, the band use their ability to intricately weave multi layered synth textures and melodies to create a seamless transition between tracks while still maintaining each songs own identity. Final track ‘Buried Alive’ closes the EP on a high. It’s not a sugar rush but a sweet tender and mesmerising high as The Burma present their most delicious emotive and beautiful melody yet. Caressed with soft tender vocals and slow brooding instrumentation the track flurries on a light airy soundscape of glistening guitar and pulsing beat. Each timeless twinkle and bass wriggle coils and curdles the backdrop in sombre wistful tones. The track builds superbly becoming more dynamic as, in true The Burma fashion the song reaches its hair raising crescendo.

The Burma have a wonderful ability to create rich proficient tunes with first rate instrumentation, exhilarating guitar lines and intricate bass lines that surge with character. Their melodies are irresistible, oozing emotive, dreamy and sweet tones while the lo- fi grooves and heavy rhythmic pulses provide the element that hooks your ears and leaves you craving more. ‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a mature and impressive EP that makes The Burma ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Sugar Moonlight’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Priorland ‘Moving To The Beat

Priorland have released their new single ‘Moving To The Beat’.The track is the prologue to their ‘E.P. One’ which will debut later this year. Priorland is an original Irish band consisting of four members Calvin, Tommy, Davie and Conor. Their style ranges from Rock, Reggae, R&B, Soul, Blues and Pop.

With its funky flex creating a strutting groove ‘Moving To The Beat’ is that infectious tune sure to entice you onto the dance floor. The band douse the track in smooth silky instrumentation while slapping on healthy portions of indie rock on top. A pop, swagger-dipped melody prances about jangly guitar refrains and buoyant foot tapping beat. With smooth velvety vocals teamed with lush backing harmonies and glossy production Priorland have created one infectious bop which showcases their proficient, refined and classy musicianship. ‘Moving To The Beat’ blends chic, soul-hued funk with R&B elements and sprightly indie pop to create a well oiled dance infused gem. 

Stream ‘Moving To The Beat’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

State Lights ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’

Formed three years ago at BIMM College in Dublin State Lights consisting of band members: singer Shobsy, guitarist Joe Regan, drummer Paul Ridgeway and bassist Noel Perry have released their new single ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’. The track follows the double-A from earlier this year featuring the band’s original ‘Let You Go’ and State Lights’s sublime cover of The Blue Nile’s Tinseltown In The Rain.The single was picked up by RTE 2FM’s flagship breakfast show as its single of the week and enjoyed support also from Independent radio including FM104, Spin1038, KCLR and others. In recent times the band has also tallied substantial airplay and support from KROQ Los Angeles, Radio X (UK) and a host of other International radio stations.

Saturated in a shimmering indie pop sheen ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’ is a biting atmospheric track which exudes the exhilarating, bracing and utterly mesmerising musicianship of State Lights. The band swirl sharp ethereal guitars through a buoyant 80’s hued backdrop to create a breezy intoxicating soundscape. The jabbing guitars slice with acute precision through the punchy drums and sublime fluctuant bass.

State Lights lay down a magnificent pulsing rhythmic backbone for the track, which wiggles with relentless intensity throughout, allowing the elevating guitars to lift the track into anthemic heights. It’s arena ready indie pop with clean crisp production and superb songwriting. Shobsy’s sweet falsetto carries the song. His vocals surge with passion and emotion taking the track’s intensity and adrenaline to new heart racing heights as the track reaches its explosive crescendo.

State Lights are a band to keep an eye on. Their ability to cultivate this shimmering pearly track with such precision and refined musicianship is impressive. It’s going to be exciting watching this band flourish. 

Stream ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’ below 


Author : Danu