Innovative pop artist Jack Rua has released his debut single ‘Scarlet A’ which was produced by fellow BIMM Dublin alumni Tenderhook. and the nationally-lauded Michael Heffernan. Jack Rua has plans already in motion to collaborate with more prominent Irish artists, as well as to release an EP in late 2019/early 2020.
‘Scarlet A’ is a sultry dark concoction of luring entrapment as Jack Rua blends catchy pop elements with mysterious fermenting electronics to create an invigorating dance pop number. With sticky pulsing beat slaps supporting the infectious foot tapping foundation while subtle flashing electronics create an enticing soundscape its a wholly riveting song. This track captivates you within its polished clean production while the enslaving melody shackles this tune into your mind as Jack Rua’s smooth passionate vocals whisper, coo and seduce throughout. It’s a steamy, catchy number with a compelling edge that charms and bewitches with sublime musicianship.
About the track Jack Rua said : “Scarlet A’ unapologetically questions the nature of human attraction and monogamy, whilst simultaneously evoking its listener to contemplate modern fascination with superficial things.”
London’s Ten Fé have released their sophomore album ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ via Some Kinda Love/PIAS. Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse returned to London from touring Ten Fé’s debut album ‘Hit The Light’ – what had begun as a duo had evolved on the road into a fully formed band with Rob Shipley, Johnny Drain and Alex Hammond completing the line up. Sold-out shows across the US and Europe, along with tens of millions of Spotify streams, had yielded a new-found confidence and a raw, emotional and expansive new sound. Singles ‘Won’t Happen’, ‘Not Tonight’, ‘Coasting’ and ‘Echo Park’ from the album have all been New Music Friday in multiple territories at Spotify and Best Of The Week globally at Apple Music.
‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a dreamy whoosh of refreshing tunes that cruise along at a steady wholesome pace as Ten Fé flesh out their soul fulfilling musicianship through beautiful melodies and soothing instrumentation. There is depth in every track as the band wear their hearts on their sleeves displaying tender moments and delicate vulnerabilities through sweet tones and elegant writing. ‘Won’t Happen’ kicks all this lusciousness off with a melancholic melody floating delicately through warm guitar jingles, soft drums and soothing vocals. Ten Fé’s ability to create wholly satisfying tracks through consoling instrumentation is captivating. Each track is a breath of fresh summer air with campfire evening nights glimmering between joyous, sombre musicianship. Each song is simple and delicate with immense richness and depth driving it right into your heart.Pure and relaxing the tracks lead you further into a sedating and uplifting state of bliss. ‘Isn’t Ever A Day’ ‘No Night Lasts Forever’, ‘Can’t Take You With Me’ and ‘Caught On The Inside’ drift along into your ears. Laid back and effortless the meaningful songwriting is passionate yet calm and fluid. It’s easy to find a place in your heart for all these little gems. They quickly become a part of you and this is the delightful side effect of Ten Fé’s musicianship.
The impeccable vocal contrast of Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse creates a distinct and rich texture to the album. Moorhouse’s deep baritone showcases raw emotion perfectly while Duncan’s sweet and emotional vocals are that comfy blanket that soothes and caresses your ears delicately. This subtle shift in vocals for tracks like ‘Echo Park’ and ‘Coasting’ is what keeps the album refreshing and vibrant. There is a melodic Fleetwood Mac flow to ‘Caught On The Inside’. It’s heartfelt melody and lush harmonies make this sombre tune a treasure while the elegant yet dark piano in ‘To Lie Here Is Enough’ strips everything back leaving just simple emotion and another tender vocal melody to leave you in tears.
Ten Fé’s ability to wrap you up in lavish majestic melodies is sublime. The buoyant cheery ‘Here Again’ and swoony ‘Not Tonight’ display this perfectly. With sweet toned guitar injections and soft percussion these tracks add a dash of zest into the sugary delightful flurry of the album while radiating sun kissed glows throughout. The band choose to bring the album to a close with ‘Superrich’ a stomping number that presents a more swaggering side to the band as the clever lyrics hop through smooth vocals as strong chords on keys add a spring into the tracks step while subtle guitar whines inject a sting to this honest and somewhat lyrically brutal number.
‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a well thought out, mature album that encompasses all the rich depths of Ten Fé‘s musicianship. It’s deeply romantic, melancholic and soothing with luscious melodies, refined instrumentation and wholesome goodness. These guys take us through a varied journey that leaves you feeling regenerated and wiser after.
London-based singer/songwriter Izzy Eze has released her long awaited first single, titled ‘Woman’. It’s an upbeat catchy track filled with attitude and sass. Izzy’s powerful vocals saturate the song with confidence and soul while the snappy beat and infectious melody glide into your ears with sweetness and pop goodness. With R&B flavours adding a dash of spice through the dynamic soundscapes this anthmic powerful track stomps its way into your head until you are singing along. It’s a richly crafted vibrant declaration of confidence, self-love and authenticity and a sublime debut from Izzy Eze.
About the single Izzy says: “ I wrote Woman mainly because I wanted people, especially women, to know that they are strong, powerful and that they can do anything. As women, we tend to apologise for being who we are but this song does the exact opposite. It says, ‘hey, look at me! I am a woman, I am unapologetic about it and I am ready to conquer the world! Writing this song actually flowed quite naturally. I think I was tired of frequently being asked to get my eyebrows threaded… and then Woman happened.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sea Girls
Sea Girls have released their new single ‘Open Up Your Head’, another glimpse from their highly anticipated debut album, due later this year. The track which was premiered as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record is their first to be released since their BBC Sound of 2019 shortlist nomination at the end of last year.
‘Open Up Your Head’ continues Sea Girls exhilarating sound and passionate youth- filled melody. Shimmering soundscapes create a breathtaking backdrop for the ethereal guitars to soar over while punchy drums create a rhythmic dynamic foundation. Filled with anthemic power and warm emotional vocals teamed with lush backing vocals and a shredding guitar solo – this thumping rush of adrenaline is ready for stadiums and mass sing-alongs. Another compelling track from Sea Girls.
Vocalist Henry Camamile describes the song: “‘Open Up Your Head’ is about being your own worst enemy but having someone believing in you unconditionally. Some people struggle with self-esteem, some people party too hard, and some people feel stuck from making wrong choices. It can be crucial having someone who offers a hand out of those places we don’t want to remain in”
BENJAMYN has released his new track ‘Every Night’ from his recently released debut EP ‘TwentyThree’. BENJAMYN is the moniker chosen by Dublin musician Ben Hogan, as a singer/songwriter, guitarist and electronic producer – his style draws from Disco, Funk, Surf-Rock, Jazz, and House music. He calls his sound ‘Surf-House’.
‘Every Night’ is a floating breezy number with sun scorched undertones that drift through the track providing a glorious summer glow. With funky guitar flecks glimmering through a sticky beat, this track is laid back bliss in one mellow disco-speckled tune. Easy going vocals delicately flow over the melting ice cream melody and groove infested foundation.Tasty zest-filled guitar injections add a refreshing dash of vibrancy as BENJAMYN brings the lustrous summer into your ears for those sweet holiday daydreams.
After a big year of extensive touring and the release of their acclaimed singles ‘Berlin’ and ‘Something Like Heaven,’ Brighton-based melancholy pop group Birthday Card are starting their 2019 as they mean to go on with a brand-new release. ‘Shy Away’.Having received heavy support and recognition from The 1975’s manager Jamie Oborne for ‘Shy Away’, the band have been turning heads on a regular basis since forming in 2017.
‘Shy Away’ is a chic 80’s flex of indie pop that bounces on an elastic bass groove. Shimmying beats and sublime retro keyboard jingles as Birthday Card flesh out their charming tasty sound. With sharp stings on guitar weaving between the sweet ethereal soundscape while the smooth honey coated melody glides effortlessly upon the biting vibrant backdrop with elegant finesse and laid back vibe. The auto tune vocals cool the track and provide a compelling and hypnotising listening experience as this danceable track struts and grooves its way into your mind coaxing you to sing and bop along. It’s a polished party pop sprinkled ear worm.
On creating the record, the band said :“Recorded, mixed and mastered by Marcus Yates at Milk Man Studios in Banbury, ‘Shy Away’ is a song about overcoming self-doubt and insecurities. Musically, we wanted to pin down a modern-day pop song that channels the anxiety and tension of its lyrics.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From TWIN XL
TWIN XL have released their new single ‘Friends’. The band are no strangers to musical success. Ex-The Summer Set members and brothers Stephen and John Gomez and Nekokat’s Cameron Walker-Wright comprise this alt-pop trio. Collectively, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and Fox’s Lucifer.The accompanying music video to ‘Friends’ was directed by Jade Ehlers (Panic!, Weezer, MAX), choreographed by Kayla Kalbfleisch (The Ellen Show, Backstreet Boys), and conceptualized by TWIN XL themselves in collaboration with Ehlers.
‘Friends’ is a silky sun kissed delicious can of fruity alternative pop filled with refreshing carbonated synths and an infectious groove. Laid back smooth vocals glissade upon the melty sweet melody while and glucose soaked beat slaps and rolls between the elastic bass and lush backing vocals. It’s a tutti fruity gem swirling beneath a rich effervescent synth progression while zesty sharp guitars sting between the catchy melody. It’s a chic, slick, well crafted song that oozes sunshine from every note while a joyous catchy whistle feature injects a dash of peppy delight through the dance-able rhythms. With touching lyrical depth highlighting emotions of self-doubt, insecurity, and anxiety TWIN XL provide darker flickers of emotion through this tasty track adding a beautiful contrast to their refined, crisp musicianship
TWIN XL says of “Friends,” “We really wanted to find that happy balance between writing a catchy pop song that still had a lot of depth lyrically and also had a dark sonic undertone. The lyrics in the first verse talk about our desire for isolation and the internal conflict of an introvert. As the story progresses, we find sanctuary in the presence of strangers in strange rooms completely outside our comfort zone – here, we are free of judgement and we are free to be whoever we want.”
Manchester indie-rock band, The Covasettes have released their fifth single ‘Like You’.The band enjoyed great success in 2018, achieving over 300,000 Spotify listens and played sold out shows all over the UK, including a performance at Leeds Arena after winning ‘Most Exciting Band’ at the ARIA’s awards.
‘Like You’ is a fresh bright indie track that floats delicately around a sweet melody and biting ethereal instrumentation. With an anthemic chorus and adrenaline inducing guitars entwining through a punchy rhythm, this charming sun kissed song is heartfelt and passionate with the perfect indie backdrop. The zest filled guitar riff radiates vibrancy throughout the track while the smooth vocals and thumping sing along ready crescendo give this track that youthful rush and heart stopping power of first love. With lush harmonies and sweet tones it’s a well crafted passionate gem to transport you to the springtime of your life.
Commenting on the track, vocalist Chris Buxton said: “Like you is different to anything we’ve released before. It sounds bigger than any of our other tracks and it definitely shows a different side to us; a side that we’re more than happy to embrace. It’s a classic love song, but with all the elements we look to add to our music, verses that are easy to settle into, lyrics you can scream and a chorus you can jump around to. We judge our songs on the reaction they get live, and whenever we play Like You, people always seem to get behind it. It packs a real punch and gets the crowds moving, so it feels great to be releasing it to the world”.
London indie three piece Pin Ups have released their new single ‘Lunchtime’.The track which is inspired by Donald Trump’s comments of arming teachers in order to prevent school shootings sees drummer Jesse Baker deliver the lead vocals. This snappy track is a barbed pop sprinkled number doused in light-hearted irony with a catchy chorus and vibrant soundscape.The smooth melody sweetens the bitter sting on guitars as they intricately weave and slice through the punchy drums and swirling synths. It’s dynamic and edgy with a hip – hop element peeping through the indie pop coating. With attitude soaked vocals rapidly rolling over the brisk verses before springing into the anthemic crowd-friendly chorus it’s one sun speckled richly layered tune.. ‘Lunchtime’ is a well developed track that shows just how superbly this band are growing.
Houston, Texas anthemic, grungy indie rock/pop band Dres have released their new EP LYSNE. LYSNE (pronounced “LISTEN”) is an acronym for “Last Year’s Summer Never Ended” and was created straight out of high school.
‘LYSNE’ is a summer soaked EP sparkling with richly hued multi – genre facets and good times. Brimming with zealous guitar riffs buoyant rhythms and pop sprinkled goodness these tunes are instantly likeable. ‘Just a Thought’ kicks off this delightful adrenaline rush with catchy melodies, smooth vocals, glorious guitar lines and a vibrant rhythm. These guys flood every track with kinetic energy and youthful fun. There is a hint of the band Magic! wiggling its way between the indie pop as ‘Wake Up’, ‘Road Trip’ and ‘Oh (Florida) You Got Me’ are criminally catchy and easy on the ears. Glorious guitar lines weave lush zest filled tones throughout the EP carrying that sun kissed ethereal vibe joyously in each track. These songs are not for the cynics or grumpy as their intense jubilant atmosphere can be a little overwhelming. Each song explodes with this inferno of happy feeling and elated instrumentation. Things get slightly more rock and roll with the gritty bass in ‘What I Want’. With swagger dripping off the scorching guitar this anthemic sing along ready number would be great at a pool party. But it is final track ‘Cobain’ that brings a shift in the EP. The verses are more moody and grunge drizzled, however the chorus returns to that vibrant mass sing along.
‘LYSNE’ shows some sublime instrumentation from Dres that brings the summer in one short treasure chest EP. However like pandora’s box, once opened you have to suffer the consequences – you won’t be able to prise the tracks from your head and that youthful sun kissed glow will radiate from every pore in your body.
Stream ‘LYSNE’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
