Category Archives: Alt Rock

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kynsy

Kynsy is the solo project of rising 23 year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Ciara Lindsey – who today has released her debut single, ‘Cold Blue Light. Having previously performed on the Other Voices Music Trail and at Ireland Music Week, the Dublin artist kicked off this year with a whole host of 2020 Hot List features.

‘Cold Blue Light’ is a fermenting blitz which evokes a thrilling sense of anticipation while Kynsy carries herself with a vivid coolness through a fizzing raw soundscape. The track is dark with a cold embrace as the song punches with effortless rock stamina through a nonchalant delivery. With sharp guitars saturated in distortion the track ventures into psychedelic territory.There is substance to this track as well, the wry lyrics depict fading chancers and their last grasp at relevance. The soft pop melody has a dreamy delicacy as shimmering synths sweeten the tracks ominous undertone which is provided by the sluggish drum beats and sinister foundation.

‘Cold Blue Light’ exudes a residue of St. Vincent flair albeit with more edgy rock elements as Kynsy builds and creates distinct moments of brilliance within the track which set the bar high. Kynsy is an impressive artist to keep an eye on. 

About the track and video, Kynsy said: ‘’Cold Blue Light’ is about the bullies we all encounter in life and looking for meaning in the darkness they create. I wanted to write a song that held some sort of balance between destruction and hope. It’s based on an encounter I had at a new year’s eve party where there was a guy spouting racist remarks at people and it was quite upsetting and stuck with me. The result was a rowdy pop song truck full of sticky anger and synth pop goo. The video was filmed just with a camera on a tripod in my back garden, I wanted it to be direct and simple so people could focus on the music.”   

Watch the video for ‘Cold Blue Light’ below


Author : Danu

Cloakroom Q. ‘Nowhere To Spit’

Cloakroom Q have released their new single ‘Nowhere To Spit’ off their upcoming album ‘Yes Again’. Liberated by an LCD Soundsystem gig in 2016, Cloakroom Q became upstarts with synths, loops and dynamic tension. They mess with the idea of stage performance, with primary colours, smudges of make-up and even mock fights on stage. From the Mournes area of South Down and now based in Belfast, they have experimented with spoken word and confessional themes. 

‘Nowhere To Spit’ is a theatrical display from Cloakroom Q. as they use their unique storytelling and quirky melodic hooks to create a refreshing alternative art rock track. With a lush variety of instruments from horns and bells to organs; the band flesh out their sound superbly. The track kicks into motion with a delicate guitar jingle while ominous vocals haunt in the background. ‘Nowhere To Spit’ displays a sublime contrast between soft sweet twinkling moments and mysterious sinister progressions with elements of theatrical bursts throughout. Glittering keys provides a light innocence to the track while strident guitars and punchy drums create glimmers of rock which unfolds with elements of stage performance theatrics. ‘Nowhere To Spit’ is quite an intriguing blend of music which works well within the band’s unique and powerful soundscape. 

Stream ‘Nowhere To Spit’ below


Author : Danu

7Levels ‘Hard Drive’

Following the success of debut release ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ in April, manic Waterford rockers 7Levels return with the explosive ‘Hard Drive’. With ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ receiving support from RTÉ 2fm’s Dan Hegarty, 7Levels have made a very quick impression on the Irish music scene. The band consists of Ger Reid, Mike Fox, Caela Murphy, Cian Dalton, Adam Cullen Stafford and Lou Bennett.

With a bloodthirsty rhythmic backdrop, ‘Hard Drive’ is quite the blazing second single from 7Levels. Guitars rampage through the backdrop with blazing fury and majestic scorches while the rooted demon-summoning bass lines curdle through the tracks underbelly. The jagged stomps, raging drums and spitting punk vocals drive home the songs theme of the dangerous world of online personas while adding a murky dark undertone to the track’s scorching rock coating and mosh pit ready mania. With an all out anarchy drenched crescendo ‘Hard Drive’ displays a wild and raw side to 7Levels powerful and compelling musicianship. 

Stream ‘Hard Drive’ below 


Author : Danu

Locklin ‘Setting Sun’

Locklin are set to release their new single ‘Setting Sun’ on 31st July. The band Locklin is the brain child of Barry McLoughlin and hail from Tipperary in Ireland. Mcloughlin, in a previous band called The Rumours had the honour of playing Electric Picnic on two occasions in 2006 and 2007. Under the pseudonym of Locklin, the band released their debut EP in late 2018, entitled “Never Forget”. Locklin was joined by Eoin Ryan (guitar) and Cian Cronin (drums) in the recording and promotion of the EP. The band have performed in Crane Lane in Cork, as well as support slots from the likes of Seskin Lane in Whelans, Dublin and Hermitage Green on their tour in January 2019 at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles.

‘Setting Sun’ is solid classic rock doused in laid back summer vibes and rich instrumentation. Locklin spreads spaghetti western guitar lines over a punchy rhythm and warm soundscape to create a healthy dose of easy listening rock. With a smooth melody gliding over the sharp sting on guitar the band provide a velvety mellow texture between an edged shoegaze hue. It’s very chill and relaxed with luscious musicianship between charming lyrics and warm vocals. The soft keys and elastic bass elements fill out the songs sound creating a tune that is sweet and well crafted with a residue of Oasis glimmering through the track. Locklin are building their sound perfectly and displaying significant musical growth. ‘Setting Sun’ is a well paced 90’s rock gem to indulge in. Enjoy.

‘Setting Sun’ is set for release on 31st July. For more you can follow Locklin on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/locklinmac/


Author : Danu

Ten Hands High ‘6 Weeks’

Leeds indie four piece Ten Hands High have released their new single ‘6 Weeks’.After releasing their debut single in January 2019,Ten Hands High have played several packed out shows in their hometown of Leeds. The band were in creative overdrive, releasing 5 singles in 5 months, selling out their debut London headline at the Hope and Anchor in Islington along the way. Having supported Split Milk Society, The Clause and Luna Bay, Ten Hands High are quickly becoming a live act to be reckoned with. 

Saturated in light guitar lines and summer vibes, ‘6 Weeks’ presents Ten Hands High’s tight indie in all its glowing infectiousness. A buoyant beat bubbles in the backdrop providing sweet punchy rumbles while the intricate bass weaves and wiggles creating a spongy foundation.The band use warm guitar refrains to provide subtle bursts of scintillation as the song progresses to the chorus.With a catchy melody and laid back vocals ‘6 Weeks’ is the perfect sing along indie tune. 

Ten Hands High are cultivating their sound perfectly. Each track they release shows strong musical growth and impressive musicianship. I can not wait to hear more from this band. 

Stream ‘6 Weeks’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/user-523740213/6-weeks


Author : Danu

Jack West ‘Forever’

Jack West has released his new single ‘Forever’. The song was recorded remotely from Virginia, New York, Rochester and Seattle using ProTools and Logic with fellow band members and co-writers keyboardist Abe Nouri and drummer Matt Bent (both graduates of the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Jack’s hometown) – along with Barrett Jones [Nirvana, Foo Fighters], who produced West’s debut album ‘For the Record’.

With a nostalgic 90’s alternative pop melody combined with an indie doused backing ‘Forever’ is a tune to treasure. The song shows natural growth and maturity to West’s sound as he builds the track slowly allowing it to blossom into a sweet indie pop delight. With light twinkling guitar and buoyant beat this track flows smoothly into the ears with subtle bursts of jubilation bubbling beneath a dreamy soundscape. West’s vocals are charming and confident as he warmly coos over the earworm melody. The track maintains a soaring guitar refrain that provides an ethereal quality to the song as West surges adrenaline, emotion and youthful bliss into this exceptionally crafted track.

Jack West is building his sound superbly bending and blending his rock origin into a sound that is truly special and passionate. Keep an eye on this dark horse.

Stream ‘Forever’ below


Author : Danu

Fly the Nest ‘Borrowed Time’

Irish pop/rock singer-songwriter Fly the Nest is set to release his new single, ‘Borrowed Time’ on July 24th.Dublin native Fly the Nest (Stephen Cooper) started playing music at a young age, performing in various bands. Last year he started solo project Fly the Nest, under which he writes and releases his own music. Stephen also writes for sync, and says that writing for film and TV has opened up another facet of his creativity. The name Fly the Nest came from travelling and moving on from a previous musical journey to the one he’s currently on. 

‘Borrowed Time’ is filled with lush instrumental surprises as Fly the Nest crafts an anthemic rock track laced in heartfelt passion. From warm string laments to triumphant brass the song drifts through a majestic arrangement with ease. Cooper allows the track to unfold beautifully. The anthemic rock remains at the forefront creating emotive tones through dusty drum beats and steady guitar strums however its the brass that lifts the song into an adrenaline induced state of jubilation.

The song is a journey through someone’s life and finding their purpose. The lyrics talk about giving life everything you have while you are on this earth, appreciating what you have, and embracing every opportunity. Coopers emotive rasped vocals portray this message perfectly while powerful progressions and a catchy pop-rock melody ensures the track will stay in your head all day. ‘Borrowed Time’ is well paced with Cooper taking his song writing to new heights – looking outside the box to bring a track that is sweet, sincere and bursting with cinematic energy.

‘Borrowed Time’ is set for release tomorrow July 24th you can pre-save the song below https://ffm.to/borrowedtimeflythenest

For more you can follow Fly the Nest on Facebook below https://www.facebook.com/flythenestofficial/


Author : Danu

Event News – Vulpynes Takeover

Vulpynes will takeover our Instagram and Facebook for a live stream on Thursday at 7.30 pm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting Irish rock bands in recent years. Since the release of their self titled debut EP and their sophomore EP ‘Dye Me Red’ which was released last year the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.

The duo have a slick, raw and majestic way of presenting their blood thirsty rock and this Thursday they are treating us to a few acoustic versions of their tunes. It is a set not to be missed.

Stream Vulpynes latest single ‘Sister’ below


Author : Danu

Worth A Listen -Bitch Falcon

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Bitch Falcon

Dublin grunge-rock trio, Bitch Falcon have released their new single ‘Gaslight’ on Small Pond Records.The track premiered on BBC Radio 1 last Sunday and is the band’s debut release of 2020 and their first since signing to Brighton’s Small Pond Records. Formed by front-woman Lizzie Fitzpatrick with her friends in a small kitchen in 2014, the lineup has galvanised around the rhythm section of Barry O’Sullivan on Bass and Nigel Kenny on Drums. To date they have performed several headline and support tours around the UK along with frequent visits to the Benelux countries and North America. From the early days of their first single, Wolfstooth to their most recent release Damp Breath, an evolution in sound can be heard as the group perfect and refine their raw, fuzz-laced offerings over six singles and one EP. 

‘Gaslight’ is Bitch Falcon’s most exciting release to date. The band unleash an alternative rock maelstrom filled with raw guitars, powerful vocals and heavy barbed bass lines. The hefty tight rhythmic foundation anchors the listener through the tracks crazed agitated atmospherics as Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s bewitching vocals haunt over brooding sound rumbles and pummeling drum progressions.

Bitch Falcon have a deft ability to create wonderful calm moments of respite in between their chaotic sound which is a difficult task to achieve and yet they do this with such ease that the listener can not help but be in awe of their musical prowess. They are one of Ireland’s most exciting alternative rock bands at the moment. The refined layering and dark chilling atmospheres created within their tracks is utterly thrilling and a joy to listen to.

With gritty riffs and a dark all consuming soundscape, ‘Gaslight’ is an epic return from Bitch Falcon.

About the trackLizzie Fitzpatrick commented “I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. Gaslight is a song that came together quite fast. Barry started playing his riff and I played along messing rhythmically, just making noise. It sounded so weird and intense so quickly. I remember us all looking at each other and saying this is the one. I think this song was a change in our writing together. We knew we wanted a heavy sound with melodic intricacies.I recorded the vocal layering at home, building up chords with my voice. When we recorded it in the studio, I wasn’t able to sustain my voice for the whole section, Rían (Trench), and I decided to record it in a wave, one-note resting while the other picks up, so it sounds like a living, breathing thing.

I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. The holy grail of public display, and worth to others. Expressing yourself puts you in a vulnerable position, and I think a lot of people embellish the truth. In that way, an unachievable status is shoved down our throats, and we play into the game every day.”

Stream ‘Gaslight’ below


Author : Danu

Mechner ‘Wasted’

Mechner has released his new single ‘Wasted’ which is part three of his upcoming mini-LP ‘Club Idem’. Mechner is the latest foray for Cork based artist Jack Ahern, Mechner has supported the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Delerentos and The Coronas amongst many others.  

‘Wasted’ is quite the bewitching tune. Ahern pursues a more mysterious and conflicted form of songwriting with ‘Wasted’ as he drowns his sorrows in cinematic eerie soundscapes while the lyrics express self doubt “It’s easy to see that you’re wasted on me”.

Ahern’s vocals venture between soft whispers and melodic coos before becoming more intense as the song builds. The track swirls almost out of control delving into a dark abyss of coiling, confused emotions expressed through crashing cymbals and pounding drums. The airy rhythmic taps and swirling soundscapes between this emotive frenzy expresses an uncontrollable rush of panic and pain. ‘Wasted’ is a mesmerising piece of work, I can’t wait to hear more from Ahern.

Watch the video for ‘Wasted’ below


Author : Danu