Category Archives: Alt- Pop

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk

Apella ‘Buried You’

Photo Credit : Ray Keogh

Apella have released a limited edition vinyl and CD of their debut album ‘1963’, alongside the brand new single ‘Buried You’. Since the album was digitally released on January 29th, it has been going from strength to strength with a whopping 500,000 streams racked up to date. Pre-orders for the physical release launched in January via apellamusic.com with 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this album going directly to The Marie Keating Foundation specifically to help fund the outstanding support services they provide to women affected by Breast Cancer.

Bouncing between an effervescent pop chorus and earnest verses, ‘Buried You’ is a fizzing electronic-infused pop-punk/ indie banger from Apella. The band depicts heartbreak through this dynamic tune as brooding verses, that are smeared with dark undertones simmer into a bright pop chorus that is so catchy you will have to prise it from your head. The song displays the expressive songwriting and ever-shifting musicianship of Apella. Venturing into heavy electronics the track whirls and coils around dizzying synths and a hyper wall of sound. As a rampant bassline weaves between punchy drums and effervescent electronics the track spirals into the exhilarating chorus. Apella blend lush textures with rich soundscapes and shake them up to create a fizzing anthem while heart-stopping melodies and meaningful lyrics add weight and depth “I trembled at the thought of moving on, you surrendered all hope before hope was gone”. Dara Quilty’s vocals balance the tender lyrics and explosive soundscapes with ease. His coo’s ebb and flow with the instrumental turmoil providing emotion and anthemic power throughout. The track is such a joy to the senses and a fine display of musicianship from Apella.

‘Buried You’ is accompanied by a vigorously high energy, vivacious music video directed by Ray Keogh. Talking about the video Director Ray Keogh said: “I have been part of the Apella journey since inception and this music video captures everything they represent. Quilty and Nolan are two extraordinarily talented performers. We set it up and executed this video just like we were headlining a music festival! This is Apella. I am incredibly proud of this.”

Speaking of the album Dara Quilty said: “The response to the album on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube has been overwhelming. I still enjoy opening up my phone and simply seeing it exist in the world. As I mentioned before, we’ll be donating 100% of all the physical sales proceeds directly to The Marie Keating Foundation. Up against COVID-19 and BREXIT, I am delighted that production is complete and we can finally release our beautiful Vinyl and CDs! I am eternally grateful to everyone who has pre-ordered and we’ll continue to donate sales after the release date!”

100% of the proceeds from this album bought on apellamusic.com will go directly to The Marie Keating Foundation’s Positive Living support group, Survive and Thrive programme, BRCA awareness and support programme and School’s Cancer Awareness Programme.

Watch the video for ‘Buried You’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Jackson Wang ‘LMLY’

Jackson Wang has released a video for his new single, ‘LMLY’, which stands for ‘Leave Me Loving You’.’ LMLY’ is Wang’s second solo single of 2021, following his Mandarin single ‘Alone’. However, the singer has also released a number of collaborations this year, including ‘Magnetic’ with Rain, ‘So Bad’ with Chinese rapper Vava and ‘M.I.A’ with Indonesian singer Afgan.‘LMLY’ is expected to appear on Wang’s forthcoming album, due for release later this year.

‘LMLY’ is a lush guzzle of synth pop as Wang spreads a bittersweet melody over an intricate 80’s hued backdrop. Saturated in shimmering synths and pulsing beats, the song has a danceable soundscape that is difficult to resist. Melding soft disco tones with crisp sparkling production, Wang adds layers of beautiful luxuriant sounds for the listener to indulge in. The song has a dreamy, melancholic melody that floats upon rich rhythms while ethereal electronics wisp about creating the song’s chilled soundscape. Wang blends nostalgic tones into this synth-pop gem to create a heartfelt tune that is immensely catchy and charming. This earworm sparkles with refined instrumentation and sweet tones while the punchy beat and elastic bass groove anchor the track.

‘LMLY’ is a passionate song exuding dynamic and emotive vocals that venture effortlessly into sweet falsetto heights and warm depths to create a compelling listening experience.

Watch the video for ‘LMLY’ below. 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Funk, Funk and Soul, New Music

Jungle ‘Keep Moving’

Photo Credit : Anna Victoria Best

The producer duo, Jungle, have returned with their new single ‘Keep Moving’. The track is taken from their forthcoming album ‘Loving In Stereo’ due for release in August this year. In their career to date, Jungle have gone from selling-out London’s 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace to filling the Hollywood Palladium some 9,000 kilometres from home. They’ve performed on multiple continents, headlining shows from Sydney to Moscow while also winning new fans at festivals such as Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Their Mercury Prize-nominated, Gold-certified debut and 2018’s follow-up ‘For Ever’ both entered the UK Top 10. Those two records have since amassed 750,000 equivalent album sales and close to a billion streams.

Doused in strutting swagger and disco soul, ‘Keep Moving’ is a magnificent new tune. The track rides on a funky bass groove and rich percussive bounce while shimmering synths and 70’s chic disco elements create an infectious and vibrant soundscape. Jungle experiments with lush sounds to develop their dynamic songs, and ‘Keep Moving’ follows this trend superbly. Tropical steel drum tones exude a sweet sun-kissed radiance between danceable grooves as the duo spread velvety soulful vocals and tight harmonies over a chic melody. With balmy sweet guitar refrains creating an upbeat, positive tone to mirror the song’s uplifting theme of accepting who you are and moving forward positively, the track is a well-produced delight.

‘Keep Moving’ is ambitious, indulgent and above all, fun. Jungle display an exceptional level of attention to detail within the song, subtly swirling and blending new sounds and luxuriant instrumentation into ‘Keep Moving’ to create a fresh and invigorating listening experience.

Watch the video for ‘Keep Moving’ below 



Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Thrillhouse ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse have released their new single ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’.This nostalgic gem flows with the emotive, infectious and masterfully crafted sound we have come to love from Thrillhouse. The band use urging keys and meticulously layered sounds to create a lush and juicy backdrop for their heartfelt melodies. This band’s knack with irresistible melodies is awe-inspiring. Throughout their releases, Thrillhouse always deliver on sweet earworm tunes filled with passion and ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’ follows this trend superbly. The smooth vocals exude rich depths through warm coos while pulsing beats adorn the backdrop creating a heart-racing pace while shimmering synths add psychedelic hues into the mix. With bright guitars injecting zesty stings through the intoxicating soundscape, ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’ is a beautiful and wholly consuming new single from Thrillhouse.

Stream ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Calum Agnew ‘Don’t Think About It’

Calum Agnew has released his new single ‘Don’t Think About It’.Agnew is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Duleek, Co.Meath. Since writing his first song at the age of 9, he has composed hundreds of melodies with lyrics in both the Irish and English languages. Currently a 6th year student in St. Marys Diocesan School, Drogheda, Calum has been tipped by many as a ‘rising star’ on the Irish Music scene after reaching number 1 on the Irish iTunes charts with his debut single “Crazy”. Calum says that his music is Inspired by ‘Soul & Pop’ artists such as Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Jorja Smith and Hozier. Amid the Global Coronavirus pandemic, Calum used this time to craft his art, learning how to record and produce his own music from his bedroom, including his new single release ‘Don’t Think About It’. 

‘Don’t Think About It’ displays the bright and compelling alternative pop of Calum Agnew. With supple melodies wisping through delicate beats and warm guitars, the song has a bubbling and light backdrop. Agnew provides an emotive and intricately weaved song through an array of soft instruments that highlight his confident and impressive songwriting. The verses brood and simmer with folk-esque tones on guitar while a lush pop melody coats the song in sweetness and buoyancy. Agnew sweeps an elegant string arrangement into the song’s vibrant backdrop adding a dash of grandeur and drama while the lush backing vocals and bouncy percussion build to the cinematic and powerful crescendo. ‘Don’t Think About It’ is a catchy and well crafted new single that marks Calum Agnew as an artist to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Don’t Think About It’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Soda Blonde ‘Small Talk

Soda Blonde

Soda Blonde announce their debut album and tour with the release title track ‘Small Talk’. Out July 9th via Velveteen Records, the entirely self-produced album sees the group reflecting on their twenty-something experiences with refreshingly honest transparency. All four band members (Faye O’Rourke, Adam O’Regan, Dylan Lynch and Donagh Seaver-O’Leary) are seasoned musicians, despite their youth. They have been playing together since their early teens, with their previous band – the internationally renowned Little Green Cars, whose seminal debut album skyrocketed to number one on the Irish album charts.

‘Small Talk’ is a brooding new addition to Soda Blonde’s smoky alternative pop sound. The band take shimmering disco elements and light wispy synths and blend them to create an 80’s-esque intoxicating bop. Soda Blonde’s ability to weave rich musical threads throughout their instrumentation is awe-inspiring. Within ‘Small Talk’, the band create a fluid, hazy atmosphere through these mystical threads while injecting a funky bassline and buoyant beat into the track’s foundation which exudes a sultry dark undertone and air of mystery throughout. As the electronics unfold gently, the rhythmic backbone intensifies and bubbles, expanding into the catchy melodies and glittering guitars for the euphoric chorus. O’Rourke’s vocals are mesmerising. Her lush whispers elegantly drift over the dreamy melody exuding tender emotion as she coos, “Do I suppress everything? Am I just too late to admit that I’m Ignoring myself? “. With light twinkles on keys, lush harmonies and earnest lyrics, ‘Small Talk’ is a bewitching alternative pop track that boasts the musical mastery of Soda Blonde.

You Can Catch Soda Blonde Live at: 

August 13 – 15 Wild Roots Festival, Sligo, Ireland
August 27 + 28 SoFFT Nights, Co.Meath, Ireland
September 08 Mike the Pies, Co.Kerry, Ireland
September 09 Cyprus Avenue, Cork, Ireland
September 10 Dolans Warehouse, Co.Limerick, Ireland
September 11 Roisin Dubh, Galway, Ireland
September 12 Whelan’s, Dublin Ireland
September 19 Belfast Empire Music Hall, Belfast, UK
September 21 Broadcast, Glasgow, UK
September 22 YES, Manchester, UK
September 23 Sebright Arms, London, UK
July 17. 2022 Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, Ireland (with Sinead O’Connor)

Tickets will be available from https://www.sodablonde.com/

Stream ‘Small Talk’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Lemonade Shoelace ‘Autopilot Paradise’

Lemonade Shoelace is set to release his new single ‘Autopilot Paradise’. on 24th March. Lemonade Shoelace is the project of 23-year-old Ruairí Richman, a graduate of the BIMM institute in Dublin and a native of Newcastle, Co. Down. All his tracks are written, recorded, and produced entirely in a small home studio.

Throughout ‘Autopilot Paradise,’ Lemonade Shoelace uses prismatic psychedelic tones and lusciously blended sounds to create one refreshing guzzle of alternative pop. The song drifts along with a bubbling beat and elastic bass groove which creates a dance-infused foundation while 80’s-esque synths soar and wisp throughout providing an ethereal sense of euphoria. This juicy burst of electronic pop surges with zesty guitars and rich reverb soundscapes that intensify as the anthemic chorus kicks in. Richmans’ smooth vocals coo over the dreamy melody while the synths shimmer and flicker between the vibrant soundscapes. The track is a feast for the senses and layered perfectly, revealing new luxuriant sounds with each verse and chorus arrangement.

Oozing bright melodies, deep grooves, and ethereal synths, ‘Autopilot Paradise’ is a tantalizing new single that makes Lemonade Shoelace an artist to keep an eye on.

Pre – Save ‘Autopilot Paradise’ here  https://smarturl.it/58mlnj?fbclid=IwAR2DvXP-vl2LQ4ROAQGb14XadMvJBWjP8jzA7bWGB68z5dvtXdtOyLFxZpMhttps://smarturl.it/58mlnj?fbclid=IwAR2DvXP-vl2LQ4ROAQGb14XadMvJBWjP8jzA7bWGB68z5dvtXdtOyLFxZpM


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Wild Youth ‘Can’t Say No’

Irish indie-pop band Wild Youth have released their latest track, ‘Can’t Say No,’ which will be taken from their forthcoming new EP ‘Forever Girl,’ set for release on March 26th. Comprised of lead vocalist David Whelan, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conor O’Donohoe, lead guitarist Ed Porter and drummer Callum McAdam, Wild Youth have collected over 10M streams on Spotify alone, as well as supported the likes of Mumford and Sons, The Script, and Niall Horan on international tours.

‘Can’t Say No’ is a satisfying cinematic collision of disco, funk, and R&B. The track expands on Wild Youth’s irresistible, indie-pop sound to create one explosive bop for the listener to indulge in. The song radiates a tense and dark persona as gravelly backing vocals meander through the verses and haunting spacious soundscapes.

Doused in the stomping swagger of Wild Youth, the chorus boasts the bands lush musicianship in all its grandeur. A rich rhythm bubbles through the chorus with ground-shaking potency while a dark, pulsing bass seduces in the background. With glitzy 80’s hued synth and funky guitar providing an edge to the track, ‘Can’t Say No’ is remarkably infectious. The upbeat synths and funky guitar embellishments contrast the lyrical content within. Lyrically the track calls out an unfaithful partner. There is an ache to Whelan’s resilient, soulful vocals as he sings, “ Saw you delete the message on your phone, Swear I can even smell him on your clothes.”

Versatility is key in the music industry, and Wild Youth have demonstrated that they are more than adept at using various styles. ‘Can’t Say No’ is a genre-blending tune that surges with the earnest and rich musicianship of the band without becoming overpowering. The precise layering, rich percussion, and deft use of instrumentation make the track absolutely thrilling.

Stream ‘Can’t Say No’ below. 


Author : Danu

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

Luke Power ‘Drinks’

Luke Power has released his latest single, ‘Drinks’. After touring with Irish pop and rock band Picture This and performing in venues like The Olympia, Luke Power returns after a three-year hiatus with an arsenal of over 20 tracks ready to go. Born in 1999, Power grew up in Dublin, Ireland, surrounded by music. Both his uncle & grandfather are experienced vocalists and heavily influenced his decision to pursue music. Power started playing the guitar at the age of eight and began learning the basics of production when he was ten. Becoming skilled at Logic X and Pro Tools, he then began to mix and master tracks for various artists in Ireland.

‘Drinks’ is an energetic electronic pop track dripping in the tight musicianship and lush melodic prowess of Luke Power. Spreading swirling synths around bubbling beats and flickering electronics the track has an effervescent soundscape that surges with adrenaline. Throughout this dance floor smasher, Power adds emotional lyrical content to provide a satisfying listening experience. His smooth vocals caress the dreamy melody while the dynamic production flurries with a hurried urgency behind his moving lyrics “ I don’t feel real”.

Power displays his ability to craft an engaging and musically deft tune that exudes heartfelt lyrics and emotion at its core. Keep an eye on Luke Power.

About the track Power said, “It is an ode to the good times pre lockdown, where you can go out to create new memories with friends”.

Stream ‘Drinks’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Liv V ‘Magnetic’

18-year-old, Liv V has released her new single ‘Magnetic’.Teaming up with DJ Wiz, IKA and Jenne Derck for the single Liv V has built a small but supportive team around her, completed by her mum who does all the artwork, hair, video production, editing, filming, and management. With trippy and striking visuals to go along with the release, Liv V is expressing the depths of her creativity on her mission to heal the world through music.

‘Magnetic’ is a powerful alternative pop number brimming with attitude and the lush vocals of Liv V. The track is saturated in smoky tones as a sticky beat pulses between icy keys and swirling electronics creating a dark and engaging tune. Exuding tight production and luring instrumentation the song has an R&B tone as Liv V injects subtle power into the song with her soulful vocals. ‘Magnetic’ urges us to come together and not allow the powers that be divide us. Liv V uses uplifting harmonies and positive melodies to enforce this theme in this well-crafted track.

‘Magnetic’ is a compelling and evocative new single displaying Liv V’s confident songwriting.

Stream ‘Magnetic’ below 


Author : Danu