Category Archives: Alt Rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – THUMPER

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From THUMPER

Dublin noise-pop sextet THUMPER have recently released their brand new single, ‘Topher Grace’. With a raw flaky rhythm battering through distorted guitars the track kicks off with abrasive sonics while THUMPER mangle acute post punk into a psychedelic rock mirage to create a confused and intense atmosphere. Oisín Leahy-Furlong spits a mostly spoken monologue which highlights themes of self-destruction. Sonically the track whirlwinds through the lyrics with manic tendencies while the rampant yet steady bass, drums and guitars hold a constant anchor of sanity throughout the chaos.

The scrupulous layering of this track displays THUMPERS adept ability to create controlled chaos while venturing out of their comfort zone. The usual bubble pop melodic flurries we are used to from THUMPER are absent as the band delve into lyricist territory replacing vocal melody with venom-filled words and yelps in between breathy exclaims. It is only when the song fades at the end that we get a glimmer of a gentle melody as Leahy-Furlong sings a bittersweet lament “I hide in bars. I drown in words. It seems absurd that I’m lonely. Make a safe bet – If I left, this party continues without me”.

What makes THUMPER great is their deep, intelligent grasp of style and genre. ‘Topher Grace’ is an erosive, acid soaked frenzy smushed into a thrilling six and a half minute track. It is a fantastic, bold and daring display of musicianship from the band.

When I spoke to Oisín Leahy-Furlong about the track he said :  “It was written over the course of a couple of months which is sort of different for me, normally these things are written in bursts. I suppose the song makes several allusions to a culture which is fairly present, in Ireland anyway of airing your problems in public with a pint in your hand rather than in a friend’s sitting room. I guess it’s about the idea that maybe you are going through destruction or by unraveling yourself you will find some sort of ultimate truth or something. Which of course is bullshit but I suppose the deeper you are into that lifestyle the easier it is to convince yourself that it’s the way for you.”

You can read the full interview here https://www.indiebuddie.com/a-chat-with-oisin-leahy-furlong-from-thumper/

Stream ‘Topher Grace’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

The Rezner ‘The Jive’

Photo credit: Nick Moodie

The Rezner are set to release their new single ‘The Jive’ on 3rd of July. Conquering just about every corner of the UK, The Rezner have already become stalwarts of the Festival Scene impressing crowds across the nation. Playing the likes of The Isle of Wight, Leopallooza, Port Eliot & Beautiful Days following 2018’s main stage slots at Boardmasters and The Great Estate as well as support slots with VANT, SUM 41 and King Nun.The bands previous releases ‘Micky’ and ‘Wouldn’t You Like To Know?’ have proven popular building up over 10,000 Spotify streams on each track as well as gaining traction from ‘Huw Stephens’ at Radio 1 and Sarah Gosling over at BBC Introducing.

With all its blustery riffs, rock and roll sleekness and adrenaline fueled gusto ‘The Jive’ is a swagger slapped indie anthem that travels full throttle with The Rezner’s explosive sound. Surrounded in a whirring flurry of sharp guitars, dynamic bass and pummeling drums the track erupts into the bands vivid and full bodied sound without any hesitation. The sleek verses buoyantly triumph through an elastic display on bass as the band flesh out their rock n roll panache.The Rezner meander between the polished and the crazed as they blast out a manic raw indie rock track with confident control and maturity. This quarter remain as dedicated as ever in their mission to serve us an earworm of exhilarating musicianship as the kinetic chorus and vibrant instrumentation keep the song traveling at neck snapping speeds. With a ruckus wall of sound, catchy chorus and exuberant vocals, ‘The Jive’ is another smashing indie anthem from The Rezner.

Speaking about the track, frontman for the band ‘Sam Stone’ said :’’We like it because whilst it smacks you in the face from the get go. ‘The Jive’ is also a song that you can dance to. Now that might not sound like much but the thing about dancing is that when you’re doing it, you’re completely in your own little world and right now I think people need that little world. Because right now we are surrounded by so much anxiety and fear, it’s nice to be able to give people at least 2 minutes to forget about that. Maybe have a jive, who knows…”

‘The Jive’ is set for release tomorrow July 3rd for more you can follow The Rezner on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TheRezner/


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

Sylvette ‘Kelpius’

5-piece Art-Rock band Sylvette have released their new single ‘Kelpius’. The band joined forces with New Order guitarist Phil Cunningham and fellow Bad Lieutenant band mate and producer Jake Evans to produce their upcoming album.During their four years as a band they have released a debut album, completed 2 UK tours, had support from BBC introducing, BBC 6, and had live sessions at BBC Bristol and BBC Kent. In 2019 they appeared on the festival circuit playing Dot to Dot and Kendal Calling festival. As warm ups to their new album release the band has released 3 singles over the past few months, Panel of Glass, Surrender and Memories (falling), each track pushing boundaries and creating evocative soundscapes.

‘Kelpius’ continues Sylvette’s organically progressive sound as they create wonderful textures and psychedelic mirages through soft and at times crashing soundscapes to provide a hair-raising and intriguing listening experience.The title of the track comes from the name of a cave in America which the first ever doomsday cult hid in as they awaited the end of the world. 

This song is another mesmerising and evocative track from the five piece. A dark canvas is splattered with sparkling glimmers on synths while bubbling drums slap and spatter through a thick muggy atmosphere of humid electronics. The tribal whines between intimate rhythmic grooves and thrilling pulses ruminate in the background with conflicting emotions and eerie fluctuations while the warm guitar and earthy ambiance creates a sweet innocence within the track.

Vocally the band set themselves apart from their contemporaries. Charlie Sinclair’s unique vocals have a classical tone. His emotive voice not only guides and grounds the listener through Sylvette’s twisting frenetic blend of futuristic electronics and spacey psychedelia but also urges and encourages the track into its epic moments with ease.

Sylvette are masters at creating a labyrinth of texture, melody and sound within their tracks. They allow each element to flourish, blossom and build to the song’s inevitable and thrilling crescendo. Sylvette have created a sublime new track that is both hauntingly mystical and celestial all at once.

Stream ‘Kelpius’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock, Rock

Vulpynes ‘Sister’

Punk rock duo Vulpynes have released their new single ‘Sister’. A week before Covid19 struck, the duo were half way through recording their debut album in Black Mountain Studios with James Darkin. Due to travel restrictions and Ireland being in complete disarray, they were unfortunately unable to finish it. After much consideration, Vulpynes have decided to release the first half of the album as a single sided limited edition 12″. The EP, entitled ‘Us Against Them’ will be released via Ireland’s premier punk rock label F.O.A.D/Advance Records.

 ‘Sister’ is another no nonsense smasher from Vulpynes. It’s a speed battering of the duo’s frantic punk rock at its most potent and all consuming best. The thrashing guitars and rapid pogo slaps on drums create that lean mean sound we have come to love from the band.

Molly’s powerful vocals are the heart of the song. The sheer attitude, ballsy fire and grit in her compelling voice gives her such a dominating presence it leaves much to be admired.

‘Sister’ is quite the razor cut anthem. Kaz’s jackhammer assaults on drums is the most beautiful battering ever to bruise your ears as her fast and poisonous whack creates the track’s all authoritative foundation.

Vulpynes’ music is always a joy to listen to. The duo produce some of the most visceral and kinetic forms of music on the Dublin scene at the moment. They have a slick, raw and majestic way of presenting their blood thirsty rock and ‘Sister’ is a fine new example of this.

Stream ‘Sister’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Mechner ‘Do it Again and Again’

Mechner follows up the exciting first single ‘Do you wanna go?’ from upcoming mini-LP “Club Idem” with ‘Do it Again and Again’ along with the anticipated accompanying music video. The video is a continuation of where “Do you wanna go?” left off, though it’s not immediately apparent how they tie together, maybe some eagle eyed viewers will spot an advert for “Club Idem” and ponder what it all means, the video shows a young couple going through a tough patch, financially speaking, living in relative squaller like much of the youth of today, when one of them discovers an interesting opportunity in a local paper, work at “Club Idem”, will this be the salvation they are looking for?

Laced in passion, blistering soundscapes and epic instrumental blasts, ‘Do it Again and Again’ continues Mechner’s thrilling, lush and rich musicianship. The song warps, wraps and asphyxiates with luring soft verses before a demolishing drone on guitars scorches your ears. Mechner has a beautiful ability to take a sweet nostalgic and longing melody and saturate it with lean mean anthemic rock. A wriggling bass groove weaves through the tracks underbelly with elements of distortion creating a dark undertone. However there is an 80’s power anthem vibe about this song as the explosive chorus and dramatic instrumental wails all ooze charisma and gusto. The smooth vocals caress the verses with a warm country-esque tone while taking on a swagger-dipped persona for the fist pump chorus. Once again Mechner presents a tight passionate and utterly intoxicating tune ready for repeat listens. 

About the track Mechner says:  “The song is relatively old, having been written in 2013, while I was still in college, it started off as a much more “pop” sounding tune, with a faster tempo, in the vein of Thudthumping by Chumbawumba. The original version of the track actually featured in some student film, that I never got to see and know nothing about, but it never officially released.”It wasn’t until last year when I slowed the tempo of the track down considerably, found the right chord arrangement and came up with a much more interesting bass line for the verse, then I started to really see it as something “Mechner” could do. Whilst recording it I kept layering the guitars, I believe there is at least 10 or 15 separate guitar tracks that give it an overwhelming wall of noise when it kicks in.”

Watch the video for ‘Do it Again and Again’ below


Author : Danu

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

Banríon ‘Airport Dads’ EP

Dublin based alt-rock four piece Banríon have released their debut EP ‘Airport Dads’.Following the release of her solo single ‘bins’, songwriter and guitarist Róisín Ní Haicéid recruited drummer Michael Nagle, bassist John Harding and guitarist Ivan Rakhmanin to form Banríon and complete their immediately recognisable alt-rock sound. The jazz backgrounds of Nagle and Harding have allowed Banríon to explore a refreshingly eclectic mix of genres to create a powerful indie sound, already attracted a very loyal fanbase. Banríon has played in venues such as Whelan’s, the Workman’s Club, Bello Bar and the Sound House and their cult following is growing in numbers after every live show. Recorded in Nagle’s home in Connemara, the three-part EP was entirely self- produced.

‘Airport Dads’ provides a short glimpse into Banríon’s alternative indie rock as they create a mature, lush and well balanced EP.  ‘Yesterday’s Paper’ kicks things in motion with jangly indie guitars piercing a thick punchy rhythmic wall of sound. It’s a light, sweet tune that floats delicately over an upbeat backdrop and tight musicianship while lyrics explore the fears of day to day life.

Through sweet and delicate tones and catchy refrains the band express pain, angst and vulnerability. Banríon take tender and raw themes of disability, feelings of uncertainty, emigration and heartbreak and place rich, delicate and compelling musicianship around them to heighten and highlight the emotion one feels during these experiences. A brave undertaking which the four-piece succeed in doing with skill and empathy.

The gliding and elegant flurries of ‘Bunk Beds’ pivot around a rooted guitar jingle and raw rhythmic bounce as the band create an illusive shoegaze soundscape with a more punchy rock foundation. The laid back lull of ‘Ouchie’ brings the EP to a close. The mood is glum as the twinkling on guitar glimmers through the tracks moody melodic flow. Róisín Ní Haicéid’s vocals have a pacifying and soothing tone throughout the EP while delivering coarse and painful lyrics. Her sweet lull and richer depths express emotion effortlessly as she draws you into each song’s enchanting sorrow and diverse emotions. 

‘Airport Dads’ shows Banríon know their sound and what they want to achieve. The band have created a wonderful collection of time stopping and utterly moving tunes with sublime dreamy moments and raw emotive themes to provide an honest, real, and emotional EP.

Stream ‘Airport Dads’ below


Author : Danu

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

Valhalla ‘Don’t You Ever Say’

Valhalla; Mark Boyle (Vocals & Guitar) Barry Monahan (Bass & Keys) and Luke Alford (Drums). have released their new single ‘Don’t You Ever Say’.Valhalla is an Alternative Rock trio from Dublin. 2019 saw the release of their debut EP “Big Men, They Fall” as well as numerous headline shows across Ireland & the UK. Valhalla is due to release their much-anticipated debut album ‘Primal Features’.

With biting dark undertones and tense soundscapes, ‘Don’t You Ever Say’ showcases Valhalla’s more intimate and icy blast of alternative rock. With eerie chiming guitars and punchy drums adorning the backdrop and ethereal soundscapes through the verses, the band create a tense and haunting atmosphere before erupting into the mighty chorus. In true Valhalla manner the track builds to a blazing dynamic chorus with crashing guitars slicing with relentless stamina through a pummeling bass and drum foundation. This, in turn creates a thrilling mosh ready frenetic atmosphere. The track spirals into an ominous crescendo before its dramatic and abrupt end.

Valhalla display a refined ability to channel both elements of fire and ice within this track as they create breezy cold tones between scorching explosive alternative rock outbursts to create a sublime intoxicating number. These guys are cultivating their sound magnificently, blending wonderful gritty elements seamlessly for a thoroughly satisfying listening experience.

Stream ‘Don’t You Ever Say’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Faded Shades ‘She Left Yesterday’

Alternative rock band Faded Shades have released their latest single ‘She Left Yesterday’. This jangly indie pop track drifts cheerily over a buoyant guitar riff and punchy drum foundation as Faded Shades flesh out their heartfelt indie musicianship. With an upbeat melody, rich percussion and elastic bass groove the track oozes radiance and vigor. The zest laced guitar line saturates the song in glorious sunshine while the laid backed vocals and dreamy melody makes the track flow effortlessly. A heartfelt message of solace regarding a love lost to the allure of travel ‘She Left Yesterday’ is a charming and catchy new track from Faded Shades.

Stream ‘She Left Yesterday’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

FloodHounds ‘Something Primeval’

Photo Credit : Lewis Evans

FloodHounds have released their new single ‘Something Primeval’. The trio have been selling out headlines in London and Sheffield and playing packed support slots with the likes of The Blinders, Calva Louise, BlackWaters Avalanche Party as well as shared festival stages with False Heads, and Demob Happy. Not only that the band have been Championed by BBC Introducing Sheffield, and were winners of a Pirate Studios’ National apply to play competition, and joint winners of Sensoria Festival’s Composition award, presented to the band by Steel City musical icon, Richard Hawley.

Swarming in raw sharp guitar riffs, slinky bass lines and punchy rock n roll swagger, ‘Something Primeval’ is quite the knockout alternative track. FloodHounds have created a tune whose melody strolls in, cool collected and sleek while the blistering instrumental backdrop whirls around in a display of anarchy. It’s a wild and tameless number as pounding drums stomp about sharp gritty guitar lacerations creating a hefty bruising foundation. Majestic moments within the track are created through rough and tumble squeals on guitars coupled with warm harmonica wailing throughout and dynamic vocals cooing over the eerie melody. ‘Something Primeval’ is a thrilling dark track from FloodHounds. 

This band have a wonderful ability to present exhilarating tunes drenched in impressive musicianship. Their tightly honed sound and intoxicating blend of blues, alternative and rock n roll is definitely worthy of attention.

Stream ‘Something Primeval’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – The Clockworks

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Clockworks

Photo Credit: Oscar Ryan 

The Clockworks are set to release their new single ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ via the Creation 23 label tomorrow Friday 12th June.Written by The Clockworks, ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ was produced by Michael Rendall and The Clockworks in Willesden, London.

The track has already grabbed the attention of BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac on her “New Names” showcase, as well as legendary Rodney Bingenheimer show in the states on Sirius XM, and even received day time radio play on RTÉ 2FM.

The Clockworks are a four-piece comprising James McGregor on Vocals/Guitar, Sean Connelly on Guitar, Damian Greaney on Drums and Tom Freeman on bass. Relocating to London in 2019, the quartet signed to Alan McGee’s new record label ‘Creation23’ almost overnight. They have since impressed audiences across Europe with live performances at festivals including Eurosonic and Electric Picnic, performing to a huge crowd at Sefton Park in Liverpool in support of Kings of Leon, as well as a head-turning televised appearance on Sky 1’s Soccer AM.

‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ is an accelerated slap of The Clockworks intense post punk in all its exhilarating glory. The band create a hyper sound that pivots around chiming guitar lines and blood pumping drums while a raw gritty bassline rumbles through the foundation. The track has a hypnotic metronomic rhythm that buries into the brain while the sweet guitar laments with a soothing quality. The rapid lyrics are delivered with a relentless stamina as James McGregor sings the catchy chorus and spits the verses with fiery angst. Blurring timelines past, present and yet to be, ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’, sees the band comparing the once optimistic visions of ‘the future’ of generations past, with the bleak reality that we currently live in. The band portray this through a palpitating tune that rushes through to its blistering almost asphyxiating crescendo.The instrumental glitches and itchy texture of the song create quiet the unsettled and almost frantic wall of sound as The Clockworks continue their real, honest and punchy musicianship with another absolutely fantastic tune. 

About the track James McGregor explains:  “This song is about trying to bring together two main ideas: The feeling that everywhere you look things are going wrong, to the point of cynicism, and the way that the idea of the future is better that its reality. Art and articles in the past would talk about 2020 and expect us to be driving flying cars in houses that clean themselves where nobody has to work. In reality we’re driving third hand Fiat Punto’s to 9-5’s that barely pay the rent. I guess the point is that the lifestyle may change but a lot of the problems are the same.”

‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ will be available digitally on 12 June 2020, via the Creation 23 label.

Watch the video for ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ below 


Author : Danu