Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – The Academic

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Academic

The Academic have released their new single ‘Anything Could Happen’.The single is the first new release from the band since signing a global record deal with Capitol Records. The band were hand-picked by Mick Jagger to support The Stones here in Ireland and with a number 1 album to their name and sold out shows all over the country, the band’s music is already finding very willing ears much further afied. They are heavily pencilled for more international tour dates when this lockdown lifts.

‘Anything Could Happen’ is a seamless perky indie-pop hit. The Academic display their knack for infectious melodies with this bright sharp track which is bursting with cool chic energy. With inspirational glimmers of Prince and Thin Lizzy the track ricochets off an elastic bass and irresistible guitar hook.The Academic have created one heck of a joyous bop. It’s cool and crisp with tasty little elements in between to keep it refreshing and intriguing. From sweet guitar licks, lush backing vocal coos, 80’s pop sheen and a driving infectious groove, the band weave wonderful intricate elements to keep this track subtly explosive. It’s a vibrant, upbeat and oh so catchy musical gem of euphoric bliss. 

‘Anything Could Happen’, produced by Nick Hodgson, was released simultaneously with the accompanying video premiere on Youtube. Directed by Ronan Corrigan and Hope Kemp, the video is a real reflection of the current times we’re living in under lockdown, giving a brief insight in the lives of quarantined couples around the world

About the track the band said :.” Anything Could Happen’ is a rallying cry to the people in our lives who find themselves stuck in cycles of mundanity and monotony. We hope it inspires people to be kind to themselves and take control of their futures.”

Watch the video for ‘Anything Could Happen’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music

Kodaline ‘One Day At A Time’

Kodaline have just shared news that their new album ‘One Day At A Time’ will be released on June 12th. Its launch is accompanied by the release of the new single and video ‘Saving Grace.’ Kodaline’s recent tracks ‘Wherever You Are’ and ‘Sometimes’ have shown that the band’s huge following is as strong as ever. The two songs have quickly amassed 15 million streams at Spotify alongside 7.5 million video views at YouTube. ‘One Day At A Time’ is the band’s fourth album, and adds a new chapter to a career that has already encompassed three #1 albums in Ireland, two Top 5 albums in the UK, and more than a billion streams at Spotify.

Once again Kodaline provide a heart warming, catchy and utterly emotive track with ‘Saving Grace’. They wrap us in a cosy melodious blanket of refined musicianship with powerful uplifting harmonies, arena ready sing along choruses and plenty of anthemic gusto. The band have an impressive ability to use warm sweet melodies and twinkling progressive instrumentation to create tracks that warm the cockles of your heart. From the glistening keys, chiming guitars and steady spongy beat the band create a ray of sunlit sweetness and uplifting charisma. Steve Garrigan’s soulful vocals take the helm of this passionate number, surging and exuding emotion throughout. There are impressions of angelic glows within the harmonies and light perfectly placed sprinkling on keys. Within ‘Saving Grace’ Kodaline show the might of optimism with glimmers of vulnerability – an inspiring track to listen to.

About the track Kodaline commented, “‘Saving Grace’ is a song about that special person in your life that is there for you no matter what. It’s a song that means a lot to all of us, as we all rely on people in our personal lives to be there and support us though the high and lows of our career.”

Watch the video for ‘Saving Grace’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music

Props ‘wired’

Props has released his new single ‘wired’ taken for his upcoming EP of the same name. Props is the brainchild of Mark Gilyead, a multi-instrumentalist/producer living in south london, UK.The whole ‘wired’ EP drops on May 15th but until then Gilyead is putting out a song from it each week on Soundcloud. Props has had play on BBC, Amazing Radio and a spot in Tom Robinson’s Fresh Faves

Intricately layered, the chilled complexity of ‘wired’ showcases Props quirky and astute musicianship. The heavy beat burrows deep into the track wriggling a deft groove into its very core while the swirling electronics create an effervescent ethereal atmosphere. The sticky beat provides a gooey slap between the pop punk guitar chords and exhilarating electronic bursts. The track bubbles and ferments for the verses while the smooth lo fi vocals drift with a nonchalant tone over the catchy velvety melody. The song maintains an easygoing pace all the way through as Props builds and embellishes the backdrop in lush textures and prismatic colours of scintillation to create a rich, invigorating, refreshing track.  With rich percussive builds and infectious vocal hooks teamed with intoxicating layering and kinetic production ‘wired’ is one vivacious track wrapped in a breezy laid back psych pop blanket. 

Stream ‘wired’ below 


Author : Danu

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

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

Koala Club ‘City Lights’

Off the back of ‘One Day’ being named BBC Introducing in the south ‘Track of the Day’ and their latest release ‘No Surprise’ gaining them over 1000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Brighton’s indie rock quartet Koala Club have released their newest Single ‘City Lights’. Koala Club have been establishing themselves in their hometown and have started to gain a following across the country with their feel good tracks, ear-catching riffs and singalong choruses.

‘City Lights’ is an adrenaline packed juicy burst of indie rock as Koala Club use biting bright guitar lines and an infectious buoyant backdrop to create a glowing track ready for repeat plays. This vibrant tune drifts joyously on a bubbling rhythmic bed as the band drizzle tasty guitar riffs and dynamic elastic bass over the teasing verses while the chorus eruption rushes with the bands signature vibrancy and indie bite. Well crafted the track builds superbly capturing an atmosphere of  exhilarating youthful indie while the smooth vocals coo over the effervescent backdrop. ‘City Lights’ is another irresistible tasty delight from Koala Club.

About the track frontman James Grimsdale said : ‘‘City Lights is a song about moving away from home to follow a passion but falling short and losing yourself. It focuses on how this can lead to addictions in your life to mask your emotions, leaving you feeling trapped in an endless cycle.’‘

Stream ‘City Lights’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Lady Landscape ’25’

Lady Landscape have released their new single ’25’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece, Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals. Their mid-tempo, spacey anthems have led them to play some of Dublin’s top venues alongside bands: Sprints, Bullet Girl, and Isaac Jones.

’25’ is a light velvety coating of Lady Landscape’s melancholic hued dreamy sound as the band delve into their rich creamy musicianship with a striking lyrical content. It’s a silky, smooth number as airy synths wisp about a spongy supple beat to create a soft mousse-like texture. The lo fi vocals caress the sombre melody with a monotonous tone as the moany lyrics discuss the effects of aging. With zesty stings on guitar the band inject a radiant sweet tone with a biting dash of indie into the lush dream pop soundscape. ‘25’ is another sublime mellow track to indulge in from Lady Landscape.

Stream ‘25’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Trophy Wife ‘Beauty Queen’

Following the success of her first single ‘Birthday’, Trophy Wife has released the second single ‘Beauty Queen’ off her upcoming EP ‘Art’. Trophy Wife (Ruby Smyth) is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Ireland.

 ‘Beauty Queen’ is a sweeping indie pop number that slips into a groovy jazz hued mellowness as Smyth contemplates female beauty standards over a slinky smooth backdrop. Her vocals coo and float atop beds of sparkling guitar flourishes and a soft buoyant rhythm. The track swells gracefully over a lush indie pop soundscape as the subtle intricacies drift between the smooth melody creating a rich laid back chic number. The song has a rhythmic bounce that is infectious without becoming over-powering allowing the chic classy soul pop elements to sparkle and soothe. ‘Beauty Queen’ is a charming, sophisticated, honest listening experience.

Stream ‘Beauty Queen’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop

VELVET ‘Brother’ EP

VELVET are an up and coming five piece indie band from County Durham.The band have just released their debut E.P ‘Brother’. With luscious summer vibes, sweet melodies and intricate instrumentation ‘Brother’ is a compact and delightful EP from VELVET. The  band have managed to capture a laid back summers day vibe in this sublime EP. One particular glorious element throughout each track is the light tasty guitar lines which weave zesty refreshing qualities into the rock n roll swagger of ‘Ride’ and vibrant indie jangle of ‘This Wave’. The mellow tones and soft rasped vocals ooze marshmallow softness into the tracks. With shredding solos, cushioned rich rhythms and sweet melodies, each song is a breezy ethereal delight. The buoyancy of the tracks is infectious as the punchy drums and entwined bass lines create a charming fluctuant foundation.With the golden glow of ‘Happy Place’ and zealous radiance of ‘Brother’ the EP is a sweet concoction of breezy sublime musicianship as VELVET create the perfect collection of tracks to chill and dance to. The band showcase their fine ability to blend some gritty rock elements into their sun kissed psychedelic hued sound to create a satisfying listening experience. 

Stream ‘Brother’ EP below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, Electronic, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music

Something Leather ‘Midnight Reverie’ EP

Photo Credit : Jessie Morgan

Brighton three-piece Something Leather is set to release their debut EP ‘Midnight Reverie’, on 17th April.The trio have already gained a reputation for explosive live shows thanks to a host of support slots with up-and-coming bands including Black Midi, Saint Agnes, Sophie and the Giants, Calva Louise and Phobophobes.A triumphant 2019 saw successful UK and European tours establish an increasing following for the band.The year culminated with latest single ‘Lullaby’ garnering further support from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq.

‘Midnight Reverie’ is a sleek streamlined EP swirled in sultry dark psychedelic tones. Something Leather inject gritty indie rock, opaque pop and ominous atmospheres into ‘Midnight Reverie ‘to create a sublime EP of tremendous magnitude. The production and craftsmanship of this EP is fantastic. The band take their elegant psych rock and mince it into a mirage of dazed pop elements. Each track drags you further into their mesmerising and bewitching sound.

With a sinister flurry of guitars ’Trip To The Sun’ kick starts the EP. Sultry and mind melting the track whirls through dizzying acid dipped electronics while a steady pounding beat and eerie organ – esque elements create that spine chilling backbone. Phillie Etta Jane’s vocals are the sweet hauntingly lulling constant within each track. She creates a soft delicate moment within each song while exuding a sultry panache effortlessly. The dreamy melodies compliment her vocals superbly as they hush and entice you into the harrowing entrapment created by the instrumentation – it’s a bait your ears will willingly take.

The trio write catchy and mystical tunes with a heavy backdrop that is irresistible.’Farewell Fareworse’ has a Sleater-Kinney residue over the distorted electrical mayhem while the prowess on guitars pine and wail with intent over the crashing wall of sound. There is controlled chaos within this EP as the band weave vintage qualities with wild guitars and relentless synths to create their own unique, harrowing yet velvety sleek sound.The noir pop peppered ‘Midnight Dive’ shows a melancholic side to Something Leather. The dreamy whimsical brooding display flows with flashings of black and white west coast images of sulky bliss. This narcotic soothing track drifts with twanging pines on guitar as the track dissolves into multi fragments of laid back moody indie pop. Like all Something Leather songs the track builds to a fizzing crescendo that evaporates your mind. It’s a tragic, beautiful and darkly-shaded pinnacle moment of the EP.

The band return to their seductive and menacing grit for final track ‘Down Another One’. Another stand out number, the drama and intensity of this song is immense. Like daggers, the drums relentlessly pierce and pound while growling backing vocals haunt the backdrop. The jabbing guitars, distorted roars and spine chilling wall of sound create a creepy gut wrenching atmosphere while Phillie Etta Jane’s breathy yet sweet vocals build the tracks momentum. It’s heavy, dark and brilliant. 

‘Midnight Reverie’ is a dark concoction of tracks to bask and submerge yourself in. With such murky and sultry cinematic melancholia steeped in elements of psychedelia, indie rock and electronic pop Something Leather have created one first rate body of work. There are distinct moments of brilliance within ‘Midnight Reverie’ that set the bar high making Something Leather one of the most exciting bands around right now. 

‘Midnight Reverie’ EP will be released on April 17th until then check out the video for the bands recent single ‘Farewell Fareworse’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music

Dagny ‘Come Over’ Acoustic

Photo Credit : Sandrine And Michael

Norwegian cult pop icon Dagny has released a special acoustic version of her track ‘Come Over’. Dagny is one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters with over 450 million streams amassed, sold out tours, and critical acclaim by everyone from Nylon and Billboard to The Guardian and Harpers Bazaar. Among her achievements this year, Dagny also co-wrote Katy Perry’s ‘Never Really Over’ – racking 300 million streams on Spotify alone.

Dagny takes her sparkling pop number and strips it back to create an elegant and wholesome acoustic rendition of ‘Come Over’. Lush harmonies lift the track into an ethereal atmosphere while the twinkling guitar embellishes the backdrop in warm delicate tones. Dagny’s vocals are allowed to shine through this version. She coos with a honeyed tone as her whispered rasp creates a sultry lull that caresses the smooth melody with a soft tenderness and vibrant bounce. This acoustic version is still wonderfully layered and cultivated adding cosy tones on electric guitar with the rich vocal harmonies and beautiful backing vocal coos. Dagny presents a charming and joyful version of ‘Come Over’ that is both clean, crisp, utterly charming and sweet. 

Watch the video for ‘Come Over’ (Acoustic) below.


Author : Danu