Category Archives: Alt Rock

Alt Rock, New Music

Munro ‘Demonic Headcase’

Photo Credit: Munro

Metal band Munro have recently released their new single ‘Demonic Headcase’. With throat-ripping howls from Jake Munro kicking the track into motion this searing tune is a roaring delve into the thrilling and menacing sound of Munro. Not for the faint-hearted, the track pivots around heavy electronic beats and mammoth drums while acute guitars lacerate throughout. The verses brood with a wall of thick asphyxiating soundscapes from which there is no escape until the melodic chorus softens the tune by exploring a more punk rock aesthetic. Dripping in eerie, haunting tones the band use a sinister key refrain to create a spine-chilling sense of innocence while drawing on tension from the relentless drum assault and agitated bass. Well crafted and tightly layered, Munro display their powerful, immersive sound in all its glory within ‘Demonic Headcase’ and boy it’s magnificent.

Watch the video for ‘Demonic Headcase’ below 


Author :Danu

Alt Rock, New Music

Crafted In Black ‘Sleeping With Devils’

Metal band Crafted In Black have released their debut single, ‘Sleeping With Devils’. Crafted In Black is the dark electronic metal project of solo artist and producer Marcel Helmar.  With over 20 years of creating music, he uses his knowledge to create unique projects that defy genres. Crafted In Black is his newest endeavour. Recorded in his home studio, Marcel wrote, recorded, mixed and mastered the project’s debut single ‘Sleeping With Devils’.

‘Sleeping With Devils’ is a gloriously chilling listening experience. Filled with jabbing guitars that lacerate between dizzying synths and heavy beat progressions, the song rushes throughout gaining momentum as it progresses. ‘Sleeping With Devils’ explores through the medium of chilling and sinister musicianship, the idea where demons can manifest and haunt their victims in excruciating ways. Marcel Helmar growls and ominously whispers through the electronic soundscape and heavy rhythms as the song unfolds into a dark and blood-curdling onslaught. ‘Sleeping With Devils’ is a thrilling debut from Crafted In Black. 

Stream ‘Sleeping With Devils’ below


Author: Danu

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

Late Night Pharmacy ‘Relapse’ Premiere

Dublin-based alternative rock band Late Night Pharmacy have released their new single ‘Relapse’. ‘Relapse’ is the band’s third single of 2021, following April’s ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ and June’s ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’. Recording the single was only possible after Late Night Pharmacy were one of four Irish bands hand-picked to take part in the 2020 edition of the TiLT Development Deal. As part of this deal, the band received hours of free studio time in Dublin’s renowned Sun Studios (in which artists such as Rihanna, Kanye West and Sinéad O’Connor have recorded over the years). There, the band recorded two songs, ‘Relapse’ is the first to be released.

Saturated in sharp indie rock, ‘Relapse’ is a mighty new single from Late Night Pharmacy. The band present their intricate fizzing indie sound through a catchy summer bop filled with jangly guitars, buoyant drums and light percussion. The track meanders between airy tones and edgy rock as the band drift a laid back melody over jagged riffs and driving bass lines to create a thrilling balance of mosh ready rock and infectious pop. With vivid metaphorical lyrics, “Oh my old friend, you were the scars on my skin. My veins have blown since we packed it in And now I’ve got the shakes, I’m craving my fix”, teamed with acute instrumentation and a shredding guitar solo the band pull out all the stops with this glistening gem. Late Night Pharmacy are blossoming wonderfully as a band. With each release, they delve deeper into their refined and exuberant sound while showcasing their deft lyrical prowess. ‘Relapse’ is a vibrant indie anthem ready for repeat plays. Press play and enjoy.

About the track, the band said: “Relapse” is a song about breaking up with your girlfriend, falling back into bed with her, regretting it, and then the whole cycle starting again. The lyrics compare this to a recovering drug addict repeatedly falling off the wagon, alluding to Oscar Wilde and The Undertones.“

Stream ‘Relapse’ below


Author:Danu

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

ModernWelfare ‘Death Of Me’

Hard-rock band ModernWelfare have released their new single, ‘Death Of Me’. Based in the USA, but with members from around the world, this alternative rock outfit combines the angst and raw power of hard rock, with the immaculate melodies of electronic pop.

‘Death Of Me’ erupts with ModernWelfare’s raw and all-consuming alternative rock. The band create a heavy and mosh ready wall of sound filled with pummeling drums and jagged guitar riffs to accompany the tracks catchy melody. The verses sear with tension and stop-start backdrops while the chorus builds to a dynamic outburst and brawn-filled onslaught of alternative rock. With expressive vocals bellowing emotional lyrics through an instrumental assault, the track runs on a thrilling concoction of adrenaline and emotion. Touching on themes such as mental health and substance abuse, ‘Death Of Me’ is a powerful tune that display’s ModernWelfare’s bracing and compelling sound.

Stream ‘Death Of Me’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

FIGS ‘Just Let Me Be’

‘Just Let Me Be’ is the brand new debut single from four-piece rock band, FIGS. The first release under this name, ‘Just Let Me Be’ was initially written as a joke – until they realised that they might have been onto something big. The new band’s artwork for their debut single is intensely symbolic, with the wasp symbolising the need for growth, and for the old to give way to the new which represents each band member’s journey to becoming FIGS. FIGS are a rock band, formed in London, by Chris Makh, Edward Kaane, Alex Saleh, and Alex Hoff. Chris and Ed are originally from Venezuela. In 2015, they started playing as a two-man band, or sometimes with session musicians as a trio, touring small venues and opening for artists like Adam Wakeman, Rawayana, and The Second Sons. In 2019 Chris and Ed decided to make an album, and in 2020 they met Hoff and Saleh, who were long-time friends and joined the band.

‘Just Let Me Be’ is an upbeat and vibrant tune that boasts the fun and rich sound of FIGS. Blending jazz-infused piano with driving rock n’ roll, the band create a musically lush soundscape sure to have you up and dancing in no time. With jaunty classic rock guitar bouncing between punchy drum progressions, ‘Just Let Me Be’ rides on infectious energy and swagger. The band weave psychedelic moments into the track. It builds to an explosive crescendo filled with twinkling guitars and harmonies, creating a trippy prismatic backdrop before the chorus returns for a final hurrah. With lyricism inspired by their own personal relationships, FIGS present a catchy and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience with ‘Just Let Me Be’.

Stream ‘Just Let Me Be’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jake Carter ‘Sink or Swim’

Jake Carter has just released his self-penned summer anthem ‘Sink or Swim’. The vibrant pop track was produced by Diffusion Lab’s Chris Bubenzer and Marcin Ciszczon, the team behind Jake Carter’s previous singles ‘I Won’t Be Leaving’ and ‘Loving In Darkness’ as well as the producing for the likes of FLYNN, Jafaris, Soule and Rushes among others in recent years. The track was written by Jake Carter along with Irish songwriters Conor McQuaid & Graham McCartin at The Nucleus Studio in Dublin. Carter has over 440k total streams on Spotify as well as 400k+ views on his YouTube channel, with appearances on The Ray D’Arcy Show and The Late Late Show, shows at Vicar Street and Cork Opera House as well as radio slots on Today FM, 2FM, Spin1038 and more.

‘Sink or Swim’ is a shimmering pop tune that boasts Jake Carter’s catchy and vibrant musicianship. Driven by a bubbling beat, bright guitars, and luscious synths, the track has a sun-kissed soundscape that simmers for the verses before becoming more energetic for the chorus. Well-paced and superbly produced, the track evokes images of hot sun and beach, filled with good times. Boasting crisp production, smooth vocals and a catchy melody ‘Sink or Swim’ is a refreshing tune sure to have you singing along in no time.

Speaking on the song’s origins, Jake Carter says: “It was a song we wrote a couple of years ago and it always stuck out as that feel good, Summer Drive-Along song. We changed lyrics, re-wrote melodies and spent hours and hours on making sure we had the track just right. I can imagine myself sitting on a beach and drinking cocktails whilst listening to this song, and that’s the vibe we were all going for. I think we could all do with as much summer vibes as possible this year!”

Stream ‘Sink or Swim’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, New Music

World’s First Cinema ‘Supernatural’

Fast-rising duo World’s First Cinema return with their new single ‘Supernatural’. World’s First Cinema’s origins begin back in 2019, when Fil Thorpe, a founding member of Neck Deep, the multi-award-winning rock outfit that also cracked the #2 spot on the US album charts, chose to leave his formative outfit in pursuit of a career in production. Having now relocated to Los Angeles he met John Sinclair, alternatively known as Saint Claire, who had previously collaborated with Macklemore on his 2017 single ‘Excavate’.

‘Supernatural’ is a dark and sonically epic new tune from World’s First Cinema. The duo knock it out of the park with this release. Brooding verses creep through crawling bass grooves and light guitar, oozing tension from the outset. As the song progresses, it becomes more dynamic, with the duo unleashing their deft melodic prowess by blending rich textures superbly to create powerful indie-rock soundscapes filled with cinematic production and darkly smothered pop sensibilities. World’s First Cinema don’t do anything by half measures, and ‘Supernatural’ is the perfect example of this. Boasting a dramatic synth build and heavy, almost EDM slapped crescendo, this pulse-racing tune continues World’s First Cinema’s run of massive, passionate and utterly awe-inspiring singles. 

About the track, the band said: “‘Supernatural’ is a nod to the cinematic roots where this project first began. We feel that we’ve grown so much since we released our debut EP and we feel our music is reflecting that. Our songs will always have a cinematic element but ‘Supernatural’ really revives the overtly epic tones of our first EP. We wanted this track to be a sign to our fans to always expect those sonics from us as we explore different styles in our writing.”

Stream ‘Supernatural’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jamie Button ‘Strange Saints’

Jamie Button has released his new single ‘Strange Saints’. The song is taken from Button’s forthcoming debut album, which was written in lockdown, and speaks of frustration, inner turmoil and a desire to break free. Hopes are high for Button’s new single after his previous singles ‘Flashbang’ and ‘Told You Things’ peaked at No. 3 and No.2 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts, respectively. ‘Strange Saints’ was recorded in Paisley at Jamie McGrory’s (Bay City Rollers) studio JJ Recordings. ‘Strange Saints’ features Scott Forsyth on drums and guitars whilst Gordon Burn (bass) and Gary Hornsby (lead guitar) complete the record. The song was produced by Glasgow-based Ross Hamilton (Texas, Saint PHNX, Seafret).

Steeped in indie rock energy with an anthemic chorus and Button’s trademark earworm melodies, ‘Strange Saints’ is a stomping new banger. Button crafts a catchy tune laced in blistering guitar hooks and driving rhythms ready to ignite a live audience while the easy on the ears melody ensures this song won’t leave your head anytime soon. His smooth vocals coat the song in emotion while the indie rock soundscape blazes in the background. Boasting a shredding guitar solo and adrenaline-inducing basslines, ‘Strange Saints’ is a fantastic new addition to Button’s knock out repertoire.

Stream ‘Strange Saints’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

TV People ‘Out of the Silence’

Photo Credit: Nicholas O’Donnell

Dublin alternative rock outfit TV People have released their new single ‘Out of the Silence’. Working alongside Dan Doherty at Darklands Audio (Fontaines D.C., Vulpynes), Christian Wright at Abbey Road Studios (Radiohead, Blur, LCD Soundsystem) and Grammy award-winning Caesar Edmunds (QOTSA, St. Vincent, PJ Harvey); ‘Out of the Silence’, is the band’s first new music of 2021.

Within ‘Out of the Silence’ TV People flesh out their dark and brooding sound to create a spacious and intense tune for listeners to indulge in. The band have become known for their meticulously crafted songs and ‘Out of the Silence’ follows this trend superbly. The verse simmers with rooted bass and thudding drums while Paul Donohoe’s rich baritone croons over the dreamy melody with a sense of longing. As the song progresses into the chorus the soundscape becomes lighter as sweet glimmers on guitars fragment the muggy backdrop with subtle yet energetic instrumental bursts. With vivid eloquent lyrics drifting through the building instrumentation, the band showcase their poetic flair and maturing lyrical prowess “I watched the Liffey bleed along the banks of distant quays, and I awaken when the feeling flows from out of the silence”. TV People are an evocative and compelling band to listen to. With each release, the listener gets an exciting glimpse into their vast, rich pool of talent and it’s simply extraordinary.

About the track Paul Donohoe said:  “We wrote ‘Out of the Silence’ at the start of the year when we got back into our rehearsal room in Dublin after months of writing from home. I remember feeling inspired and invigorated by the energy of the city at the time, despite the fact that everything was closed and the weather was dark and grim. I found solace in the fact that the city was indifferent to everything that was going on in the world around it, and started to reflect on the fact that I needed a bit more perseverance in my own life. The tune is a homage to that timeless energy and presence that certain places have and how you can find comfort in the permanence of these places when you’re feeling a bit lost and dejected. For me, it’s an expression of optimism and appreciation for life, despite its faults and imperfections.”

Stream ‘Out of the Silence’ below


Author : Danu

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

Damn Good Liars Self Titled EP

Recorded in the height of the pandemic, Damn Good Liars have released their self-titled EP. A passion project years in the making, Damn Good Liars is the result of guitarist and co-producer Steve Jenner’s enduring ambition, his long-standing friendship with producer and multi-instrumentalist Ian Turner, and their combined efforts to transform their concept into existence. Originally creating instrumental demos, Damn Good Liars was completed by the vocal and lyrical talents of Ellis Turner who joined the band in 2020. Elevated by Ellis’ vocals, Damn Good Liars released their debut single, and opening track from the EP, ‘Station Wagon Motel Chic’ was released in June 2021 and has already received support from BBC Introducing Berkshire.

Damn Good Liars is a brooding and enticing collection of tracks that displays Damn Good Liars intricate musicianship and tantalizing songwriting. Blending haunting melodies with Turner’s smoky vocals, the band create an eerie and mysterious soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. Exuding lulling vaporous tones in ‘Unworthy’ and rock and roll undertones in ‘Station Wagon Motel Chic’, the EP boasts Damn Good Liars engaging and diverse sound. There is oodles of swagger within the EP enhanced by rich mellow refrains on guitar and ethereal synths that create a dreamy narcotic atmosphere throughout. This is best shown in ‘Tobacco Lips’ where a slow 60’s shimmy and panache driven melody slips gently into psychedelic territory while funky guitars and a sensual bass line groove throughout. Damn Good Liars have crafted a satisfying EP that blends edgy alternative rock with smooth psychedelia and grunge elements to create one thrilling, cohesive listening experience. 

Stream ‘Damn Good Liars’ below 


Author : Danu