We sat down to have a spontaneous chat with Claire Miskimmin and Lyndsey McDougall from Belfast band New Pagans before their set supporting Palaye Royale at The Button Factory Dublin. We talked about the band’s sound, their influences and their new single ‘Admire’.
Watch the interview below
Author : Danu
Indie pop quartet modernlove. had their first headline show with Aiken Promotions last Friday with support from TOY GIRL and BRIDGES.The band presented a firecracker of a show filled with synth pop anthems, R&B elements and jazz flavourings.
Dublin based alternative band TOY GIRL kick start the night.Wholly mesmerising this band provides a sound filled with delicate intricacies and rich rhythms that submerge the listener in an endless pool of psychedelic hues and rippling undercurrents.With fragmented guitar pines that venture between crashing moments and funk elements to sweet lush indie tones the band layer their set meticulously, gradually bringing you further into a lulled stage of trance.These guys are fine musicians, the gentle and harsh biting elements are perfectly blended to drift and elegantly slip into each other with a majestic tonality that is utterly compelling. Exuding oodles of passion in each track, Hannah Worrall’s emotive crisp vocals are perhaps the most fascinating constant throughout the set. She lulls and broods with soulful tones as the wispy soundscapes caress and flutter around her immaculate voice. With their extremely tight sound, fine musicianship and calming stage presence TOY GIRL are a must see.
Bridgwater / London band BRIDGES follow. I have a lot of respect for these guys. They provided warm powerful tunes with vigor while battling some frustrating sound issues and rude feedback interruptions coming through the speakers on the night. A set brimming with earnestness and passion the band flood the room with warmth. Ethan Proctor’s vocals glide effortlessly over cosy melodies with a soft rasp and powerful drive as the band flesh out rich bass lines, sweet guitar twinkles and chiming keys between the meaty drum foundation.Members of the crowd dance and request songs as the band play their hearty tunes with charming smiles and a cheerful radiance.With ebullient sing along ready choruses and pretty slick guitar work BRIDGES put on one dynamic and enthusiastic set.
As the crowd rush forward modernlove. take to the stage.This young band is becoming known for their infectious mature indie pop and catchy songs. I wondered how they would hold up in the live setting. As it turns out … pretty damn well. Barry Lally’s vocals never falter through their longest set so far, his vocals manage to become stronger and more potent as the set progresses. The four piece feed off the crowds enthusiasm delivering a vibrant show of bubbling tunes, massive sing along moments and a little banter. ‘Us’ and ‘Bop’ have the audience dancing as the bands illustrious indie pop shimmers and sparkles into the crowd, igniting them almost instantly.The bands sound is at its best live- more edgy and punchy the music surges into the body compelling you to bop along. Cian McCluskey deftly belts those drums like his life depends on it and perhaps he is the puppeteer making us all dance. The wonderful contrast between the fruity sweet guitar jingles and brawny pull on drums creates the perfect fluctuant soundscape to pull anyone up to dance. Their fans are perhaps just as jubilant as the band’s songs pulling strangers from the side of the stage to dance with them as the venue’s floor becomes buoyant and spongy from all the jumping and dancing. The band glance at each other with cheeky smiles confirming the night’s success as Graham Fagan executes glossy guitar riffs and licks with ease while nodding in acknowledgement to members of the crowd shouting his name. Half-way through the set the dancing hasn’t faulted one iota and neither has the singing along. The crowd knew every word, even the rapid tongue twister in ‘Liquorice’ was shouted back to the band with such passion and excitement. Bassist Daniel Rooney lays down that all important fluid elasticity that truly moves the soul with the body. He injects funky elements into their tracks with fruity stings on guitar as the synth elements and honeyed melodies create a candy-floss sweetness that wisps the venue into an ethereal cloud of delight. With each chorus there is an eruption from the audience as their eyes glisten through the glitzy indie pop atmosphere. modernlove. end their set with new single ‘Hard to Tell You’ leaving the crowd shouting for one more tune to which due to curfew the band could not oblige but hey it left us all craving to see another modernlove. show.
For a young band, moderlove. have a compelling stage presence. Their heartfelt, infectious tunes exceed all expectations within the live setting. The Sound House witnessed something special last Friday. These guys have a bright future ahead.
Author ; Danu
Four piece The Rezner have released their new single ‘Wouldn’t You Like To Know’ which has already received radio support from the mighty Rodney Bingenheimer at Sirius XM. He joins the likes of Alan McGee (Creation Records),This Feeling and BBC Introducing to give the band a thumbs up.
‘Wouldn’t You Like To Know’ is a fiery ballsy alternative rock number brimming with mighty punk hype and oodles of adrenaline. With shredding guitars crashing and wiggling through a grooving shimmy bass and punchy drums the track explodes with kinetic vigor. It’s a speedball ablaze with sleek mighty musicianship. With snappy vocals spitting and bellowing over the rock smudged soundscape – ‘Wouldn’t You Like To Know’ is a catchy, powerful anthem and a musical slap in the face of what The Renzer do superbly.
Stream ‘Wouldn’t You Like To Know’ below
Author : Danu
Portsmouth band The Pretty Visitors have released their new single ‘Mystery Woman’. 2019 saw the release of four demos, features on BBC Introducing, and huge headline shows at The Wedgewood Rooms (Portsmouth), The Joiners (Southampton) and Heartbreakers (Southampton).The band kick off 2020 with a live performance on BBC Radio Kent, showcasing six tracks on air, alongside a headline slot at Ice Breaker Festival (Portsmouth), a headline show at Heartbreakers for Independent Venue Week, and shows in London and Manchester.
With delicate guitar work entwining intricate bass lines ‘Mystery Woman’ continues The Pretty Visitors run of rich, mature and compact musicianship. The tense verses chill with a sense of mystery as the band surge the track with moody, luring qualities while the catchy chorus erupts against a vibrant indie soundscape. With punchy drums creating a foot tapping tempo the track coils and twists with a rumbling dark undertone. The band top all this fine musicianship off with a steamy guitar solo soaring above a wonderful meandering bass line before the crescendo. ‘Mystery Woman’ is a sublime, well crafted track from The Pretty Visitors.
Stream ‘Mystery Woman’ below
Author : Danu
Alternative four piece band Bullet Girl have released their new single ‘Whacked’ produced and mixed by Daniel Fox. Late 2019 saw Bullet Girl refine their live sound with gigs such as co-headlining the first ever TILT at the Button Factory in October, hosted by John Barker of Totally Irish 98fm. They’ve also seen success in supporting bands such as FEET at the Sound House in November. On February 16th they played The Workman’s Club in aid of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. ‘Whacked’ is the first of four songs recorded with Daniel Fox of Girl Band, all of which centre around modern Dublin culture.
‘Whacked’ is a berserker of mania slapped into a fury of punk as Bullet Girl flesh out their raw unadulterated musicianship in all its blood thirsty glory. Sharp guitars lacerate and swivel through the track in a swarm of turmoil as they shrill and soar through the crashing soundscapes. The bruising drum pummels and batters with relentless stamina while the majestic bass rumbles throughout. There is a masterful balance between utter anarchy and tense suspense as Bullet Girl bubble and simmer for the verses before erupting into the battering assault that is the sublime chorus.
Like burning acid the track fizzes and seethes behind the bristled vocal yelps and exclaims. ‘Whacked’ is a well crafted, precise yet messy conundrum ready to blast from the speakers. This track is going to be epic live.
Stream ‘Whacked’ below
Author : Danu
East Manchester indie band Palava are set to release their new EP ‘Singles’. The new singles EP will be available on Spotify and Apple Music on February 21st followed by a huge show with RGM Live at The Castle, Manchester.
‘Singles’ is a blistering collection of Palava’s energetic alternative rock. With ‘Blow Us Away’ taking a strong lead into the EP the band waste no time providing raw guitar strides and punchy drum progressions to create a crashing wall of sound sure to be superb live. Peppering their slick soundscapes with striking bass lines and shredding solos the band build each track meticulously to create blazing crescendos and fist pump power throughout. The sweeter more brooding side to Palava comes in the form of the lamentful ‘Believe’ as the band coat tender lyrics in chiming guitars that twinkle through a sulken backdrop while ‘Next Room’ glimmers with dark undertones and nostalgia.‘Under The Waves’ is a sparkling gem within this EP. The vibrant guitar sparkles through a subtle punchy backdrop as the track flows with a majestic and beautiful arrangement that is charming and well presented.
Palava provide a tight EP laced in spirited musicianship with dynamic melodies and soundscapes. With wonderful guitar work and emotive moments between the crashing instrumentation its a well rounded EP. Palava are creating and developing their sound beautifully.
‘Singles’ is released on February 21st for more you can follow Palava on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/palavauk/
Author : Danu
Genre : Indie Pop
Bio : thanks. is Steve Pagano and Mario Borgatta. Combining psychedelic pop, cinematic vibes and electronically influenced beats and melodies, thanks. have succeeded in creating catchy indie pop with an edge. Pagano and Borgatta have seen previous success with numerous TV placements on major networks including MTV, ABC and Netflix, as well as having worked on records from world renown, critically acclaimed artists such as Muse, Death Cab For Cutie, Foster The People, Powers, Mallrat and many more. ‘Busy’ is set for release February 2020.
Track: Busy
Why We Like It: It’s a groovy slick anthem laced in swirling soundscapes and lush sun kissed vibes. With a pulsing funk flexed bass line that wrestles your mind into submission teamed with swagger dipped guitar jangles and a foot tapping catchy beat – this juicy infectious gem is a strut ready glossy delight. The smooth vocals caress the melty melody with panache and sweetness while the indie pop backbone keeps this vibrant number revolving around in your head all day. Utterly chic and oozing confidence ‘Busy’ is one effervescent cool track and swanky display from thanks.
You can follow thanks. On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thanks.theband1
Stream ‘Busy’ Below
Genre : Indie
Bio : Pondarosa are a five-piece based between Manchester and Liverpool.In their two years as a band, they have progressed from garden shed to headline act. Working with top promoters including This Feeling, Scruff of the Neck, DHP Family and SJM Concerts, the band have played to sellout crowds at Jimmy’s, The Star and Garter and Night People in support of hotly tipped bands from Manchester and beyond, such as Honeymoan, Shambolics, Cleargreen and Jekyll. Pondarosa’s first two singles, ‘Crystalline’ and ‘Sooner Or Later,’ have received radio play from local stations in the United Kingdom, and been played further afield courtesy of WDVR 89.7FM in New Jersey, USA and Valley FM 89.5 in Canberra, Australia.
Track: Bright Lights
Why We Like It: It’s a sparky indie track that skims buoyantly on a blistering backdrop of chiming jangly guitars, punchy drums and vibrant bass rumbles. The track travels at a blistering tempo as the band wallop out their catchy and instrumentally deft sound. With swirling guitars creating an ethereal bite the track is driven with intense adrenaline as the tight well layered sound makes Pondarosa stand out as ones to watch.
You can follow Pondarosa on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/pondarosamusic
Stream ‘Bright Lights’ below
Genre : Alternative
Bio : West Marsh, Grimsby Mint have enjoyed UK radio support from Radio 1 and playlisting on Radio X and have performed at all major UK festivals. In mid 2019 they started to realise their sound, an idiosyncratic fusion of indie melodies set to beefier instrumentation. Recently they have begun work with award-winning production team Sugar House and taken on management.
Track: Goodbye Beautiful
Why We Like It: Mint have created a frenzied assault on the senses.This briary punk slapped track stomps in lean mean and utterly ferocious as the dizzying swirl of guitars shrill and screech with unapologetic flamboyance and brazen valour. With sensual rampant bass lines, pulverising drums and screaming vocals- this groove-strutting, raw track, is utterly thrilling. There is no coyness about this band they storm in and batter your brain with their manic whirlwind sound that is catchy as hell and steaming from every brash note. With hues of glam rock glossing over the powerful punk backbone ‘Goodbye Beautiful’ is one heck of a track.
You can follow Mint on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/WeAreJustMint/
Watch the video for ‘Goodbye Beautiful’ below
Genre: Singer/songwriter
Bio: Dublin based singer/songwriter Fi has released her new single ‘Pathetic’.Fi has played many venues around the city including Whelans, The Grand Social, the Academy, and at several of Dublin’s classic sessions such as The Ruby Sessions, Nerano Sessions and Zodiac Sessions as well as performed in international venues including the iconic House of Blues in Chicago, Illinois.
Track: Pathetic
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate tune flooded in dark undertones as thick bubbling electronics wisp and boil behind the moving pop hued melody. With Fi’s powerful emotive vocals leading the track to its mighty and striking crescendo the song ferments and coils with a sticky gloopy beat creating a clammy atmosphere between the pulsing soundscapes. The track has an emotive and heartbreaking tone as Fi’s vocals deliver a strong yet moving performance.
You can follow Fi on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/fitheartist/
Stream ‘Pathetic’ below
Genre: Indie
Bio: Hailing from Kent’s Tunbridge Wells & Maidstone, The Gallerys exploded onto the UK music circuit in 2017 with their unique blend of 60s rock, Britpop and indie sounds which gained them immediate attention from BBC Introducing, Fred Perry Subculture & This Feeling.Having shared the stage with Louis Berry, Madness, The Sherlocks, Scouting For Girls, The Blinders, The King Blues, The Skints, Dr. Feelgood, Space, Alan McGee and embarking on UK tours with both The Rifles and The Bluetones, as well as going on two UK headline tours of their own, they are no stranger to huge crowds and quickly sell out their headline shows.
Track: You’re a Dreamer
Why We Like It: Emotionally tender – this delightful, sweetly melodic, indie pop number boasts The Gallerys vibrant sound at its best. With jangly guitars, buoyant drums and a clamorous yet honeyed wall of sound the band create a tender track that is bitter/sweet yet charming and catchy. Lyrically the song is about feeling helpless about a loved one who is lost in life and finding it difficult to get out of a mental rut of low ambition and self-sabotaging behaviours. The songs narrator can merely sit back and watch the loved one being a ‘dreamer’ for a better life. The band portray this theme through a melancholic soft melody, velvety vocals and punchy instrumentation filled with tones of hope and encouragement. A sublime new track from The Gallerys.
You can Follow The Gallerys on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TheGallerysUK/
Stream ‘You’re a Dreamer’ below
Author : Danu
Under Starling are back with their new single ‘Quasar (3C 273)’ Under Starling are an alternative rock band from Waterford formed by brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford, Stephen Keating and Colin Drummey.They released their debut single, Far Be It From Me, in August 2018 which was followed by an independent Irish tour hitting the core Irish music scene and rallying fans across the college demographic.The band have been gigging and releasing music for 5 years under a former title of Cider Wasps – this was changed to Under Starling during summer 2018 as the band entered a new chapter in their lives.The previous project saw 2 EP releases both titled ‘Here’ and ‘Ethereal’ which included singles such as ‘Lunasa’ and ‘Hummingbird’ which were picked up by national radio stations. Their live shows are known to have a popular chaotic energy as they invoke a range of emotions from their fans.
‘Quasar (3C 273)’ is a beautifully crafted emotive display from Under Starling. With grand production and heart gripping tension that builds superbly with every note and expressive progression.The heartfelt vocals are equally powerful and tender. With a chorus destined for arena sing alongs, massive crescendo and utterly gripping space-rock elements Under Starling has created one hair raising rock gem.The swirling ethereal soundscapes rush and flicker between a pulsing beat as the band cultivate this track beautifully with lush harmonies and twinkling guitars.The erupting chorus bursts into a million fragments of scintillation as the rich rhythm, swirling sonics and mesmerising textures create a magical quality that is vibrant, kinetic and so moving you could cry, laugh, sing and dance all at once with this majestic beautiful track.
Stream ‘Quasar (3C 273)’ below
Author : Danu
Outfielder have released their new EP ‘In Play’. Outfielder is an Ottawa based indie rock band with a ’90s flair, featuring members of Galapagos, John Creeden & The Flying Hellfish and Jonathan Becker & The Northfields.
Doused in heartfelt melodies, warm tinges of 90’s alternative rock with a dash of blues and pop peppering ‘In Play’ is a satisfying listen from Outfielder. These guys have a knack for warm honeyed melodies and slick musicianship. The warm twang of ‘Tracks’ and sweet slow burner ‘Saint John’ show the bands emotional tenderness and ability to create passion through sublime guitar work.Sandwiched between these ballad – esque tones and brooding numbers is the blistering 60’s melancholic swagger of ‘Like A Man’ and the jangly nostalgic ‘Past’ – these tracks display scorching guitar lines dripping in sunshine in the former, sweet lamenting guitar in the latter against a pop-filled buoyant beat and vibrant alternative moodiness.
Outfielder has created a lush well crafted melodious EP that hits the spot with refined instrumentation and wonderful songwriting. However for me it’s those sweet golden guitar moments that make each track refreshing and special.
Stream ‘In Play’ below
Author : Danu
