Category Archives: Alt Rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Savage Hearts ‘Gang War’ 

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Formed in 2022 and headed up by Evan Walsh (former drummer with The Strypes) The Savage Hearts have made several exciting appearances on the Irish scene including sets at Electric Picnic (2022 & 2023), Sea Sessions, Kaleidoscope and others. The band have performed support slots including a notable appearance as special guests of The Boomtown Rats in July 2023 (Evan later joined the Rats onstage for a jam of Mary Of The 4th Form and John Lee Hooker’s Boom Boom). The band have now released their first single ‘Gang War’(co-authored with Ste Kelly of Dublin’s own indie powerhouse Raglans). The track is released in collaboration with Galway-based Blowtorch Records, an Irish indie record label whose previous credits include Adore, Turnstiles, Search Results, TV People and The Swedish Railway Orchestra.

‘Gang War’ is a top-notch record. It is a thrilling concoction of garage rock, psychedelia and gritty rock and is an intriguing glimpse into the exciting potential of this band. The song opens on slinky keys, and sleazy howls on guitar while the drums stomp throughout; laying down a swaggering foundation that complements the 60’s psychedelic element on keys. With blasts of harmonica injecting a warm tone; the band create a prism of sounds that is both dazzling and tantalizing to the ears. ‘Gang War’ is an exciting new release from The Savage Hearts. Keep an eye on these guys. 

Stream ‘Gang War’ below 


Author:Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, New Music

This New Dawn ‘Regret’

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London Rockers, This New Dawn have released their new single ‘Regret’. The single was born from the band’s vocalist who, after a long break from music, returned with a fierce determination to imprint her mark on an industry that she had previously archived. Fate was on This New Dawn’s side as ‘Regret’ originated from a demo used by the band’s other members to audition singers. Their vocalist conceived the song’s concept at home following a continuous listening session to the unpolished demo on loop and perfected the lyrics and melody on the bus ride to the audition! The video mirrors the lyrics of ‘Regret,’ utilising the effects of lighting & differential scenery in symmetry with the lyricism and the polarised emotions of heartbroken anguish with the bittersweet resolution of emancipation.

‘Regret’ is a heavy belter. This haunting, alternative rock tune seamlessly balances earnest lyrics with gutsy rock and metal elements to create a wholly immersive listening experience. Filled with chiming guitars, resounding bass rumbles and pounding drums ‘Regret’ is a compelling new tune. 

Stream ‘Regret’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Mark Daly ‘Nothing to Lose’ EP

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Mark Daly has released his new EP ‘Nothing to Lose’. Cork-based Irish Rock musician Mark Daly’s artistic chops have never been up for debate. After building an impressive following touring with Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche), Candlebox, and more. In the summer of 2021, Mark teamed up with Avantasia guitarist and world-renowned producer Sascha Paeth (Kamelot, Rhapsody of Fire, Angra) to create a hard rock album, Peace in the Panic. The album was recorded in Sascha’s Pathway Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany. Mark performed at the MTV EMA Awards in Belfast with his previous band, The Voodoos, after beating 10,000+ other bands from Europe to the slot. He hit #1 on the Scottish New Music Charts with his Autism Awareness Charity solo single ‘Your World,’ inspired by his son, Noah. Adding to the list is his songwriting work with Geoff Tate-led supergroup, Operation: Mindcrime. He performed on the Monsters of Rock Cruise alongside Alice Cooper, Buckcherry, and more. He began with 2016’s ‘The Heart’s Reminder’ (no. 2 on the Irish Downloads Chart) followed by his debut album When the Stars Align. Mark Daly & The Ravens, the band that plays with him live, includes Mark Daly (rhythm guitar, lead vocals), James Brown (lead guitar, backing vocals), Jack Ross (bass guitar), Alex Hart (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Daniel Laverde (drums).

‘Nothing to Lose’ is a mammoth-sounding EP that roars with blistering rock n roll bravado and shredding riffs. With the swaggering stomp of ‘Nothing To Lose’ and ‘Gotta Run’ the EP oozes grooves that are so catchy you can’t help but dance and mosh along. From resounding drums to rapid bass licks and driving guitar refrains weaved between irresistible melodies, the songs within this EP exude irresistible energy and evoke images of live crowds screaming back the lyrics. ‘Nothing to Lose’ is a cohesive EP that expresses diverse facets to Daly’s sound. ‘Crying Shame’ and ‘Bottled Up’ are fine examples of this. The former boasts a wonderful indie rock edge while the latter takes a ballad-esque and more emotional stance on the EP that subsequently, ever so cleverly, injects a breath of fresh air into the EP’s immersive experience.

‘Nothing to Lose’ EP pulls it out of the bag and delivers a collection of tracks that displays Mark Daly’s expressive musicianship in all its glory. He is developing his sound with each release while also giving us heavy rock heads something tantalizing to mosh to.

Stream ‘Nothing to Lose’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Red Sun Alert ‘Literally’

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Post-hardcore four-piece Red Sun Alert have released the second single ‘Literally’ off their upcoming EP, titled ‘Assume Power’. The Cork-based group recorded at the studio in Munster Technological University, Cork School of Music, where the four members have just graduated. It was recorded and mixed by Eoin Hayes of Rebel Recordings and Drew Linehan of Hausu.

‘Literally’ deftly displays the intricate and enigmatic musicianship of Red Sun Alert. The band place ethereal vocals over a dark backdrop of choppy drum progression and turbulent bass lines while sharp guitars create waves of acute, blustery alternative rock throughout. Well crafted and laced in intricate instrumentation the track is a wholly immersive listening experience. ‘Literally’ is a fantastic new tune from Red Sun Alert. 

Stream ‘Literally’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Savonarola ‘Ash’

 ‘Ash’ is the latest track from Canadian band Savonarola. The title refers to a chapter in Robert Bly’s novel ‘Iron John’ called ‘Road to Ashes Decent and Grief’. Savonarola wanted to pay homage to his philosophy that you must examine your own wounds to discover your gifts. It’s a sentiment that is brought to life by the track and produced/ engineered by Felix Fung at Little Red Sound Studios. ‘Ash’ is also accompanied by a hazy, chaotic and impactful video shot by Chris Catalano in Pandora’s Box Studios. This video, packed with flashing lights, eccentric camera angles, and trippy editing, brings another dimension to the striking emotions in ‘Ash’. The band once again reference another momentous piece of art with scenes of odd crowd behavior; these people move in circles comparable to Gustave Doré’s painting “Prisoners Round”, later reinvented by Vincent Van Gogh.

Saturated in dark indie rock,‘Ash’ is a refined and compelling new single from Savonarola. The track travels on a pulsing bassline, hypnotic guitar refrains, punchy drums and haunting melodies that create an immersive soundscape that is a joy to listen to. With raspy vocals and striking lyrics, “Watch and bare, the night’s despair, Faint of hope, come up for air, Treasons light, is my delight, The span of time, Don’t Shed No Light.” ‘Ash’ is an expressive and moving new single to indulge in.

Stream ‘Ash’ below 

Watch The Video Below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Chalk ‘Velodrome’

Photo Credit: Sienna Lillie Munn

Following their acclaimed debut single, ‘Them’, Irish post-punk/electronic 3-piece Chalk have released their new single, ‘Velodrome’.Recorded with producer Chris W Ryan (Just Mustard, Enola Gay, NewDad), Velodrome is the second track from their upcoming EP. Their debut single, ‘Them,’ won Steve Lamacq’s 6 Music Roundtable Record of the Week in April this year. Already selected as part of the First Fifty for The Great Escape Festival 2023, Chalk has become one to watch within the Irl/UK music scene. 

Gushing with angst and the thrilling musicianship of Chalk, ‘Velodrome’ is a mammoth-sounding blast to the ears. The tune spirals in an intoxicating soundscape of shrilling guitars pummeling drums and acid-baked fury. The expressive soundscape mangled within the anthemic blasts and frenzied techno elements makes for a wholly consuming listening experience. Shredding guitars gnash over mighty drum strikes and groove-infested basslines while Ross Cullen’s primal gritty vocals howl throughout as the band take hypnotic lyrics and wrap them in a manic whirlwind of instrumentation to create a relentless onslaught that is harrowingly frantic yet euphoric at the same time. ‘Velodrome’ is an impressive song that roars with the incomparable talent of Chalk. 

Stream ‘Velodrome’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, New Music

Xcean ‘Final Lullaby’

Xcean has released his new single, ‘Final Lullaby’.Xcean brings his own stylish blend of emo, pop-punk, metal-core and post-hardcore music to the forefront, this sound can be heard on tracks like ‘Late October’, which has amassed over 3 thousand streams on Spotify. The origins of this artist actually began in a wrestling ring, where he worked as a professional ‘death-match’ wrestler named ‘Alex Ocean’. An obviously impactful era of his life, aspects of this scene have even transferred into his music career, with fellow wrestler ‘Top Dollar’ featuring as Fran¢ on his most recent track, titled ‘Daddy Issues’.

Melding alternative rock with metal elements while tender emotion pours from every note ‘Final Lullaby’ is a compelling new tune from Xcean. Icy keys chill between steady beats, dark soundscapes and driving guitars as Xcean creates a dynamic wall of sound while painful lyrics provide substance and deep meaning; “You do not know the tears I’ve cried, I can accept that it’s my time and now it’s time to say goodbye, this is my final lullaby”. Filled with emotive vocals and harrowing growl backing vocals ‘Final Lullaby’ balances dark sinister tones with raw emotion and refined musicianship to create a satisfying listening experience. 

Stream ‘Final Lullaby’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, New Music

Cold Comforts ‘All Wrong’

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Cold Comforts have released their new single, ‘All Wrong’. The song is the second single from the band’s upcoming sophomore album, ‘I Need It’. Cold Comforts are an alternative rock trio. In their three years together, the band have already, Self released their debut album ‘Living in Relative Obscurity’, been on a 9-date tour of the UK, longlisted for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition and played support slots for artists including Thumper and Mother’s Cake.

Riding in on a mammoth assault of razor-sharp guitar and pummeling drums ‘All Wrong’ is a thrilling beast of a tune from Cold Comforts. The band masterfully capture a manic sense of frenzy as they harness the best elements of rock and grunge with subtle pop elements softening the abrasive instrumentation while gravelly vocals scream atop the frenetic soundscape. The track is exhilarating to listen to and one for blasting loud from the speakers. 

Stream ‘All Wrong’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Minus Ten Thousand Hours ‘Could Be Worse’ EP

Photo Credit : Arielle Croitor

Minus Ten Thousand Hours have released their new EP, ‘Could Be Worse’.Minus Ten Thousand Hours are a Dublin-based band. Formed in 2013, MTTH has evolved from a punk/metal band to a hard-hitting, hook-focused alternative rock band. The band have built a reputation as a live force on the Dublin music scene and are starting to show that around the country.

Blazing on a crushing wall of solid no-nonsense riffs and pounding rhythms, ‘Could Be Worse’ is a mammoth EP from Minus Ten Thousand Hours. The band deliver an onslaught of lean mean alternative rock throughout this EP to create a mosh-ready listening experience. Each song exudes attitude and power from roaring angst rock vocals to catchy melodies and blistering crescendos; it’s a mighty collection of tracks. This EP screams with slick guitar work and insatiable bass grooves. With tunes like ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Fear’ full of smouldering emotions, fiery guitars and ravaging drums the band create a full-bodied soundscape that is thrilling and explosive to listen to. 

There is a dark undertone within the tracks especially through ‘Fad Haircut’. The band creep a chilling grunge tone over jagged slicing guitars and pummeling drums while a moody melody haunts throughout. It’s a memorable moment within the album as the crescendo builds becoming more harsh and harrowing with fierce vocals and aggressive riffage. 

Minus Ten Thousand Hours present a rip-roaring EP that is exciting to listen to. These guys are a talented bunch and their gritty alternative rock will thrill you to your core and send shivers down your spine with their dynamic musicianship. Keep an eye on these guys.

Stream ‘Could Be Worse’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Palava ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ EP

East Manchester indie band Palava have released their new EP’ Just Look Into My Eyes’.This swagger-dipped alternative rock EP is filled with gritty riffs, groove-laced rhythms and slick musicianship. Palava create soaring and exhilarating tunes laced with rich sonic embellishments and ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ is the perfect example of this. The EP blends vigorous indie rock with sweet tender moments to create an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. From the sharp rock n roll saunter of title track ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ and the punchy edge of ‘Yesterday Is Calling’ to the pining sharp guitar in ‘Rainy Day’, the band pack emotion and power into each song. Boasting heartfelt melodies, shredding guitar moments and pummeling rhythms the band create an invigorating wall of sound that is a joy to listen to. 

‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ is a satisfying body of work from Palava. The energy, passion and vigour bursting from this EP is admirable. Each track oozes charm and showcases the refined and infectious sound of Palava.

Stream ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ below


Author: Danu