Dublin three piece Stolen City are back with their new single ‘The Tower’.The release comes off the back of a whirlwind 2019 that not only saw the band sell out 3 nights at Academy 2, Drop Dead Twice and upstairs in Whelans, but also saw lead singer Sean, at the end of his birthday night out, share the stage with Lewis Capaldi in The Olympia to sing the scot’s hit ‘Bruises’ together. The new single was written as a letter by lead singer Sean to his girlfriend Amy to explain that no matter what she has, or will go through in life, that he will be there to help her through it.
‘The Tower’ is a beautifully crafted emotive pop rock track with heartfelt songwriting and powerful instrumentation. Stolen City build the track superbly creating a gripping and comforting number filled with passion. With ethereal biting guitar melodies venturing between soft laments and strident power chords it’s a strong and potent track. Radio ready and anthemic the band burst into a massive adrenaline inducing chorus that is sure to have a live audience swaying, embracing and fist punching the air to this emotionally mighty track. With punchy drums sturdy bass and dynamic vocals Stolen City present a genuine and tight track filled with oodles of passion and tenderness with their strong sturdy pop rock keeping the energy and kinetic intensity alive.
King Kartel have released their new single ‘Be Mine’.The band have sold out shows across Manchester and Northern Ireland, as well as securing slots at the likes of Isle of Wight, Truck and Y Not Festivals. They have received support from Radio X, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1’s Phil Taggart to name a few, and had tracks featured across TV shows including Hollyoaks, Come Dine With Me and World’s Strongest Man,
‘Be Mine’ trades King Kartel’s riotous indie rock for a swaying sugar sweet doo wop ditty, swooned in 50’s charm. With a bluesy swinging rhythm and soft jaunty guitars the band create a hook laden number that builds sublimely. Oh so catchy and sweet the melody is caressed by tender delicate vocals while the buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo.The band maintain their dynamic punch by progressing into a scorching solo and steamy crescendo as the track broods into a vaporous outburst. It’s extremely sweet with a thrilling backdrop that holds the heavier aspects of King Kartel’s sound without becoming overpowering. A magnificent addition to King Kartel’s catalogue marking them as a diverse and well rounded band to watch out for.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Under Starling
Under Starling are back with their new single ‘Quasar (3C 273)’ Under Starling are an alternative rock band from Waterford formed by brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford, Stephen Keating and Colin Drummey.They released their debut single, Far Be It From Me, in August 2018 which was followed by an independent Irish tour hitting the core Irish music scene and rallying fans across the college demographic.The band have been gigging and releasing music for 5 years under a former title of Cider Wasps – this was changed to Under Starling during summer 2018 as the band entered a new chapter in their lives.The previous project saw 2 EP releases both titled ‘Here’ and ‘Ethereal’ which included singles such as ‘Lunasa’ and ‘Hummingbird’ which were picked up by national radio stations. Their live shows are known to have a popular chaotic energy as they invoke a range of emotions from their fans.
‘Quasar (3C 273)’ is a beautifully crafted emotive display from Under Starling. With grand production and heart gripping tension that builds superbly with every note and expressive progression.The heartfelt vocals are equally powerful and tender. With a chorus destined for arena sing alongs, massive crescendo and utterly gripping space-rock elements Under Starling has created one hair raising rock gem.The swirling ethereal soundscapes rush and flicker between a pulsing beat as the band cultivate this track beautifully with lush harmonies and twinkling guitars.The erupting chorus bursts into a million fragments of scintillation as the rich rhythm, swirling sonics and mesmerising textures create a magical quality that is vibrant, kinetic and so moving you could cry, laugh, sing and dance all at once with this majestic beautiful track.
Outfielder have released their new EP ‘In Play’. Outfielder is an Ottawa based indie rock band with a ’90s flair, featuring members of Galapagos, John Creeden & The Flying Hellfish and Jonathan Becker & The Northfields.
Doused in heartfelt melodies, warm tinges of 90’s alternative rock with a dash of blues and pop peppering ‘In Play’ is a satisfying listen from Outfielder. These guys have a knack for warm honeyed melodies and slick musicianship. The warm twang of ‘Tracks’ and sweet slow burner ‘Saint John’ show the bands emotional tenderness and ability to create passion through sublime guitar work.Sandwiched between these ballad – esque tones and brooding numbers is the blistering 60’s melancholic swagger of ‘Like A Man’ and the jangly nostalgic ‘Past’ – these tracks display scorching guitar lines dripping in sunshine in the former, sweet lamenting guitar in the latter against a pop-filled buoyant beat and vibrant alternative moodiness.
Outfielder has created a lush well crafted melodious EP that hits the spot with refined instrumentation and wonderful songwriting. However for me it’s those sweet golden guitar moments that make each track refreshing and special.
Bio : Glassio is the Queens, NY-based new wave/dream-pop project from Irish-Iranian songwriter-producer Sam R. Glassio started in late 2015 as a duo between Sam R. and his classmate Charles Pinel before it turned into a solo project. In early 2019, Glassio released the sophomore EP Age of Experience. The EP featured the single “Back for More,” which garnered over 2M plays on Spotify and was featured on Alan Ball’s HBO show “Here & Now.” Outside of producing original material and performing, Sam R. is a remixer, producing Glassio re-works for artists like Madge, Argonaut & Wasp, Sulene, and Goldwash.
Track: Are You Having Fun Without Me?
Why We Like It: This lonely disco-hued number weaves sweet melodies into a tight electronic backdrop. The wispy 80’s synths shimmer between soft pulsing beats as Glassio creates a lushly textured indie pop track that broods with tender tones and delicate harmonies. With warm honeyed melodies and dreamy nostalgic atmosphere Glassio’s groove-laced, passionate musicianship is utterly engrossing.
Glassio says this of his single, “Though anything I write is usually an amalgam of multiple experiences, this song was pretty personal and loosely inspired by the upbringing my siblings and I had. We were moved around a lot growing up, and lost touch with friends and family members. I had always wanted to write something that tackled our upbringings, and felt this song was a perfect portal for those sentiments. I wanted to leave it pretty open ended though and hope people can apply their own experiences to the song — whether it be betrayal, a breakup, or not being accepted by someone they love.”
Bio : London alternative pop band Gengahr have released their new single “Icarus” from their album, Sanctuary, released last Friday 31st January. Their track “Heavenly Maybe” playlisted at BBC Radio 1, A-listed at BBC 6 Music and Tune Of The Week on Radio 1’s Greg James’ Breakfast Show
Track: Icarus
Why We Like It: It’s an infectious biting indie pop track layered meticulously as shimmering synths swirl between tight grooves and shaky rhythms. This compact intricate number boasts Gengahr’s mature and dense musicianship as twinkling guitar chimes through a wobble of distortion and zest-filled stings. The mosaic wall of sound is held together by a sweet melody and smooth vocals which sprinkle dreamy speckles of scintillation and magic throughout this shiny indie pop number.
About the song, the band said:“Icarus is a song about growing up and coming to terms with the expectations of our youth. As a child we believe anything is possible but as we get older there is a crushing realisation as we begin to understand that the journey of life has its own uncontrollable trajectory. Dave East, who made the videos for “Heavenly Maybe” and “Everything & More”, created the visuals to go with it. Shot near his home in Cape Town the film depicts a car driving down one mountain at night in search of another to climb – much as in life, as we abandon one weight of expectation in search of a new pinnacle.”
Bio : Liverpool band Circa Waves have arrived at their fourth album. Split into two parts, the first Happy portion was released on January 10th, will combine with the remaining, Sad songs on March 13, as ‘Sad Happy’.
Track: Sad Happy’
Why We Like It: It’s a bubbling euphoric indie number with soft melancholic tones and gloomy daydream melody. With light jingling guitars, vibrant keys and doleful yet buoyant bass the track exudes a cheery yet brooding quality. Its snappy beat and velvety vocals get under your skin – you could dance and bop or lay alone in a dismal sob to this glistening little gem.
Bio : Dublin quartet RUN iN RED have just released their highly anticipated new single ‘I Want It All To Stay’ following a string of summer dates in Ireland, the US and UK which culminated in their biggest headline show to date at Lost Lane in July.The band have received airplay from Today FM, 2FM, FM104 and BBC Radio Foyle.The band supported Pillow Queens at Dublin Quays Festival last year and after that played two special shows in Dublin and Derry; at The Workman’s Club and at Sandinos for the release of ‘A Song For You’ and second EP ‘Undercover, Overthrown’. So far this year the band have supported Makings in Whelans, taken the main stage at The Button Factory, Bello Bar and opened for Jamie Adam in McHughs in Belfast.
Track: I Want It All To Stay
Why We Like It: The band take their vibrant anthemic sound and hone it down into potent musicianship. With bittersweet melodies on guitar RUN iN RED creates a delicate soundscape with sparkling synths wisping around a steady beat and warm pining guitar. The track has a ethereal melancholic tonality. The vocals inject warmth into the song while a gripping crescendo and catchy melody make ‘I Want It All To Stay’ a smooth, moving, cosy delight.
Bio : Southern California indie rock duo Year of the Tiger have just released their new EP, ‘One’ and their latest single from the EP is “Part Time Lover.”
Track: Part Time Lover
Why We Like It: This hook laden number struts in with swagger dipped vocals, a pop peppered melody and vibrant indie exterior. With slinky, funk daubed guitar lines, snappy beat and a sweet sun kissed melody ‘Part Time Lover’ is instantly infectious and fun. A vibrant backdrop boasts panache as the track drifts in on a compelling air of cool chicness for the verses before it erupts into an eargasmic chorus and crescendo.
Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their new single ‘Knock Knock’, taken from their upcoming debut EP ‘Get Your Life’ which is set for release on the 14th of February. Over the last few years, Toshín have played some amazing shows and festivals including Beat Yard festival (2019), Electric Picnic (2019), Body & Soul Mainstage (2019), and Music Makers Festival UK (2019). They have played headline shows in the Workmans for a single launch, Sin E for their 3rd birthday party, alongside Munky in Lost Lane, and alongside Shookrah in the Kino in Cork.
‘Knock Knock’ is a soulful passionate number that boasts the exquisite first rate musicianship of Toshín. This band have a tight, chic and polished sound brimming with emotion and power which translates superbly in this elegant and classy track. The song builds beautifully from a soft emotional and delicate intro to a funky outburst as the band keep the track intriguing throughout. The majestic twinkling guitar weaves gracefully with a lamenting tone while the rich rhythm, brass elements and jazz tonality inject a dash of sass into this tantalizing track. With lush harmonies the band pack oodles of gusto, emotion and instrumental prowess into ‘Knock Knock’. The guitar melodies in particular are outstanding – they flood the track with tender, vaporous and intoxicating characteristics while subtly sweetening each component and melodious fragment at the same time. Tosin Bankole’s vocals rein in the vibrant instrumental backdrop with compelling control. Her vocals display rich depths and warm tones for the powerful chorus while cooing softly and soulfully through the verses. Her vocal control is mesmerising and lifts the track into diva heights. This is one very talented band with music which can ignite the soul. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.
About the track Tosin Bankole said : “Knock Knock for me is about struggling through a bad mental health episode. The song has a darkness to it, not just lyrically but also within the music. It has some more upbeat sections, however, that represent how music got me through those bad times. It’s a really therapeutic song to sing live!”
Toshin will be embarking on an Irish Tour between February and March to promote this new EP. Their tour will culminate in a headline show in Dublin at the Grand Social on March 12th.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Glass Violet
Bristol indie rock band Glass Violet have released their new single ‘Over the Moor’. In March, 2019, the band released demo track ‘North Sentinel Island’ which was followed by self produced debut single ‘Chemicals’ on August 16th. Both tracks have received air play on BBC Radio Bristol and Amazing Radio.
‘Over the Moor’ is an exhilarating rush of indie rock that whirlwinds with relentless stamina. Glass Violet blast their anthemic indie rock with invigorating guitar riffs and pummeling drums to create an ethereal atmosphere filled with adrenaline and vigor. With a driving elastic bass and gripping melody this mammoth track is an indie explosion of dramatic musicianship. The track rushes through with heart-racing intensity as the soaring guitars, twinkling intricacies and meticulous layering make this track a huge fist pump anthem which is sure to be epic live.
About the track the band said : “It’s a song about ends and starts and how different phases of life often pass you by without you noticing it’s happened. Its about the desire for finding a certain fire within new beginnings. “
Following up to their single ‘Ice Cream Sundae’ which hit the music scene in September 2019, Dublin quartet Inhaler have now released their new single ’We Have To Move On’ on Polydor Records. Inhaler have just been announced as fifth place in the BBC Sound Of 2020 and recently completed a UK and European tour that saw them sell over 7,000 tickets and play to frenzied, sold-out crowds. Kasabian recently announced Inhaler as one of the support acts at their upcoming huge hometown show at Leicester’s Victoria Park.
’We Have To Move On’ presents Inhaler’s effervescent sound through a bubbling sonic soundscape and brooding swirling atmosphere. Inhaler tastefully lather their tracks in a driving, rushing pulse of adrenaline and ‘We Have To Move On’ is no different. The track ferments through the rumbling bass which smudges a dark gritty coating over the escaping bite on guitars. Sonic elements flash and flurry through the soundscape reinforcing the bass’ ripple effect while the steady snappy beat on drums skillfully reins in all this palpitating mania. An ethereal melody drips off rasp coated vocals as the track wiggles and weaves with tension building steadily in the backdrop while slinky, raw guitar moments slice through the dark, swagger-filled atmosphere. ‘We Have To Move On’ is an impressive display from Inhaler as the quartet continue their impressive run with an eerie tempting number which adds a dash of maturity to their delicious indie sound.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Alexis Kings
Alexis Kings 031119
Alexis Kings have released their new single ‘Surrender’.The three piece comprising of Brendan Aherne (Vocals), Sam Privett (Lead Guitar) and Fabio Bocca (Drums) have previously received support from Radio X’s John Kennedy and Huw Stevens on Radio 1, and have performed on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and BBC London’s Gaby Roslin show. Alexis Kings debut single ‘Squire’ reached the Top 10 in several Spotify streaming charts and playlists, garnering attention from the heart of Australia’s top radio networks to the Los Angeles music scene. The band have surpassed a million streams on Spotify, with listeners in 77 countries, while their excellent videos for ‘Velvet’ and ‘Addict’ are racking up the numbers on YouTube.
‘Surrender’ is a funky glimpse of Alexis Kings’ uptempo chic musicianship. With slinky guitar lines slithering through a groove entwined bass this track has an instant strut quality. The band trade in their sun soaked sweet melodic guitar for a light classy flirtation while the steady buoyant drums bubble through the foundation. With Aherne’s velvety rasp on vocals and vibrant melty melody Alexis Kings have created a shimmering feel good gem soaked in cool suave tones and rich rhythms.
About the track Brendan Aherne comments: “We wanted to start writing songs that resonated with our electric audiences and live set. This song in particular felt like a good start, the melodies are reminiscent of an old school R&B record and it’s very bass and beat driven. Lyrically, Surrender is a typical subconscious commentary of someone depicting their frustration at ‘late night feelings’ and essentially falling short in their attempt at playing hard to get. We recorded and produced the track by ourselves. We wanted to really distinguish ourselves sonically with the next few singles, and there’s no better way than to take complete control of the process.”
Dublin-based band Arcwords have released their new single ‘Hyperlinking’. It is the second of three singles to come out of an intense three day recording session with producer Joseph Padfield, formerly of Galway alternative rock outfit Race the Flux, and now of Bannered Mare. After meeting as students in BIMM Dublin, Arcwords have spent the last three years drawing upon post-punk and math rock styles to create a guitar-driven, hook filled sound.The 17th of December will see Arcwords bring their energetic, guitar-driven sound to the Sound House, for a headline show in support of the release of ‘Hyperlinking’.
‘Hyperlinking’ is a dreamy indie delight which twinkles and glistens through a sweet fluctuation of delicate yet sharp instrumentation as Arcwords build and cultivate the track into its sublime crescendo. The song gently coos and wisps gracefully on warm glimmering guitar while a steady beat and groove-laced bass create a funk element before the honeyed pop-sprinkled melody absorbs the track in a spongy ethereal cushion of comfort. The track builds sublimely to a more psych filled crashing crescendo that dazzles in dizzying distortion. It’s a fantastic release from the candied aerial progression as the track soars to a dramatic finale. ‘Hyperlinking’ is a wonderful and intricate track from Arcwords.
Stream ‘Hyperlinking’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
