Emily 7 have announced their new single ‘Somebody’ will be released on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, June 4th. Hot off the heels of a feature in RTE One’s My Tribe, the Dublin Four-piece are delighted to release a fan favourite from live sets as a single.
‘Somebody’ announces itself in a swarm of indie rock glory as Emily 7 drench their hook-laden sound in gritty instrumentation and oodles of swagger. This stomping anthem swirls into a backdrop of scorching guitars and rampant bass grooves while a pounding bloodthirsty drum foundation creates an infectious beat throughout. Warm rasped vocals anchor the listener within the song’s thrilling soundscape while expressing feelings of angst and longing “everybody’s got somebody I need someone… someone like you gonna take my blues away”. The song drifts between punk, blues flirtations and confident rock embellishments with ease as the band display their deft musical prowess and immersive musicianship. Boasting catchy lyrics, riveting instrumentation and Emily 7’s sharp lyrical content, ‘Somebody’ is a blistering new single sure to be stuck in your head for days.
Not a band known for holding back, CHANG are back with their new single, ‘Tinderella.’ Already a massive attack on their listeners’ eardrums, CHANG have previously garnered attention from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music and Radio X, and this next single promises to do the same. With lyricism that tackles feelings of doom and self-loathing, ‘Tinderella’ epitomises the band’s balls-out energy and trademark unpredictability, to paint a picture of romance, debauchery and crisis. Formed back in 2017 by Punk & Gin enthusiasts Alexandra “Geez” Amargianitakis & Arron “Frankie” Lewis, CHANG have since gone on to become a foursome, enlisting the thunderous low-end handy work of Rafael Martins and the tasty drum bashing skills of Jeff “The Jingle” Ingle. They have brought their fierce sounds to audio-based establishments across the UK and Europe, and have most recently rallied together to create the quartet’s forthcoming second album
‘Tinderella’ displays CHANG’s raw and unruly music in all its glory as the band create a raucous wall of sound filled with gritty guitar riffs, coarse bass rumbles and a thunderous assault on drums. A jogging rhythmic foundation commands manic mosh-ready frenzy while a punk slapped melody bellows throughout. With dynamic vocals exclaiming through the frenzied alternative rock instrumental backdrop, CHANG present a tight and fury infested new tune that tantalizes to the core. This consuming track takes no prisoners and is one for blasting through the speakers.‘TInderella’ is a thrilling ride that marks CHANG as a band to keep an eye on.
Following on from the release of their recent single ‘Copy’, the first release for Xtra Mile Recordings, London grunge trio BERRIES, are back with the news of their forthcoming EP, ‘Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios’.and the release of its lead track ‘Dangerous’.BERRIES have been turning heads up and down the country for a number of years; their vast array of singles earning the band crucial support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, as well as online championing from Louder Than War and Fred Perry.
‘Dangerous’ is a dark bass-heavy tune that packs a mighty punch. BERRIES take their gritty grunge and spread it over an eerie backdrop to create on tantalising earworm for listeners to indulge in. Driven by a beefy bass riff, the song entices with an infectious groove while sharp, crisp guitar lines slither throughout, creating a luring web of musical delight. Holly’s smooth vocals caress the soft melody with a sweet coo, while the haunting backing vocals create a sense of danger. With pounding drums forming a magnificent rhythmic foundation this vaporous tune is a brooding and fantastic piece of music.
About the track, the band explain: “Dangerous was written after travelling home late one night from a gig. All of the thoughts and feelings of walking the streets alone at night and the different personalities you meet on the way”.
Inspired by Brexit, loss of family members, bullying, and celebrity ‘wannabe’ culture, Kent based alternative rock band, The Pastel Waves have released their new EP ‘The Influencers’.
‘The Influencers’ is laced in catchy melodies as The Pastel Waves flesh out their driving alternative rock sound. The band create a punchy collection of tracks that surge with 90’s rock bravado and blistering instrumentation. With bright guitar refrains glimmering between a tight, energetic bass and drum interplay, ‘Starts Right Here’ superblysets the EP in motion. There is an instant charm, and nostalgic atmosphere about the EP as the band take sweet buoyant melodies and smooth vocals to create a laid back contrast to the vigorous melodic backdrop. The Pastel Waves keep the glorious tunes flowing throughout the EP with the brisk pace of ‘I Wasn’t Convinced’ jogging through indie moments and ‘Freak Show’ oozing eerie dark musicianship and thrilling rooted bass lines. Each track warrants its place on the EP and showcases the refined and well-crafted sound of The Pastel Waves, with final track ‘Late September’ providing a finale that leaves you craving to hear more. ‘The Influencers’ is a thoroughly enjoyable EP as The Pastel Waves pepper their punchy expressive tunes with soft emotion and wonderfully tight instrumentation to provide a satisfying listening experience.
Dürtbürd have just released a brand new live single/video called ‘gRimjob’. Dürtbürd are a four piece ‘dürtrock’ band based in Leixlip. The band have released six live singles to date along with live videos for each which have together amassed over 200k views on facebook.
‘gRimjob’ is a stirring display of alternative rock. The track has a sleek sound that fluidly flows upon a driving bass and scorching guitar lines that venture between rampant strides and gritty riffs while allowing the punchy drums form the brawny foundation. In true Dürtbürd manner, the song ebbs and flows with genre-bending progressions. From raw metal assaults to moody grunge verses and ballsy rock crescendos ‘gRimjob’ is a thrilling roller coaster ride. These guys present a sound that holds an air of musical majesty while providing that lean mean soundscape that evokes manic moshing. Dürtbürd show their growing talent through this infectious raw new single.
After playing main stage of BARE In the Woods in 2018, supporting Fangclub, and performing sell-out shows in venues such as The Loft & Roisin Dubh in Galway, Waterford based alternative rock group Under Starling have release the first single ‘Icarus’ from their upcoming self-titled album on May 7th, 2021. Under Starling, originating from Dungarvan (Waterford), consists of brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford as well as Colin Drummey and Alex Pollock.
‘Icarus’ is a fine example of the dynamic and passionate musicianship of Under Starling. The band take a heartfelt melody and drizzle it over a bubbling alternative backdrop to create a heart skipping, intense soundscape filled with potent lyrics and immersive musicianship. As the song veers from it’s brooding verses into the anthemic chorus the band flesh out their expressive instrumentation – twinkling guitars expand into the songs ethereal atmosphere becoming more raw while the tight rhythmic foundation raises in magnitude allowing the drums pound through the soundscape with a harsh and vehement force. Under Starling deliver tunes that speak from the heart while exuding cinematic undertones and ‘ICARUS’ follows this trend superbly. The track is masterfully crafted and an exhilarating ear worm to indulge in.
About the track Danny Dunford explains : “The narrative of the song goes back and forth between 2 characters, an optimist wading through life’s oncoming choices, and a pessimist attempting to “clip their wings”, however in the end the optimist would rather crash and burn trying, than to never try at all.”
Steve Wall and Simon O’Reilly have released their brand new single ‘Rise with the Sun’. The two collaborated on the song over WhatsApp and shared files online, with Simon recording the music and mixing the song in his studio near Lahinch and Steve recording vocals and some extra bits in Dublin. Simon O’Reilly is a composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, music video maker and founder of Music Minds festival, he is based in Lahinch in the west of Ireland and owner of Fern Studios. He has worked with many musicians including The Contempo Quartette, Susan O’Neill, Davey Spillane, Twin Headed Wolf, Kila, Luka Bloom and The Monks Of Glenstal amongst others. Steve Wall has penned some of the best-known songs in Irish rock music: “Brewing up a Storm”, “Romeo’s on Fire”, “Half Past Two” and “To the Bright and Shining Sun” to mention just a few. Best known in Ireland as the singer with legendary Irish bands The Walls and The Stunning, he also juggles a successful acting career.
‘Rise with the Sun’ is a refreshing and glorious new tune. The track floats upon an alternative country rock backdrop while pedal steel guitar and reggae hued beats inject balmy tropical tones into the mix. Lyrically the track gives an honest and quirky depiction of a person’s struggle with will power and self-discipline and the challenge to stay focussed. Lyrics ‘I’m a hunter gatherer in my prime, I stocked up on frozen foods and I’m already watching season two, Close the curtains and turn the dimmer down’ express relatable experiences over the past year while lines such as ‘Sometimes I get a little bit lonely but I can never find the right emoji’, – although tongue in cheek, resonate with darker emotional undertones. The refined instrumentation and lyrical content within ‘Rise with the Sun’ displays Steve Wall and Simon O’Reilly’s enjoyable musicianship and deft production skills.
Speaking of the single Steve Wall says: “It’s my first collaboration outside of The Stunning and The Walls and I’m really buzzed about it. It was refreshing for me to get music that someone else had written for a change and to see what kind of song I could make out of it. Simon was great to work with. We both have years of experience so neither of us is precious when it comes to the creative process and we were on the same page the whole time which helped”.
With Simon O’Reilly adding: “Over many long conversations about all things music, I found myself to be in sync with Steve’s musical sensibilities and styles. We have a mutual passion for guitars, gear and everything encompassing the creative process. During the last two months, working on this uplifting song was joyous. I hope the song can do a bit of the same for the listener”
SOMEFINN have released their debut single ‘Starlet’s Dream’. SOMEFINN are an alternative rock band whose story begins where that of another band ends. Paul Finn was lead vocalist and songwriter for Irish Choice Music Prize Nominees The Flaws, who called it quits in 2016. Finn then took up an offer from Shane Clarke, to tour as guitarist with his band Elephant, with whom he played shows all over Ireland to rave reviews. During this two-year period, Finn built a studio in his hometown of Killanny, Monaghan. There, he began writing and recording what would become SOMEFINN’s debut album, ‘…Tsk, Tsk…’. The band’s line-up was completed when an accomplished roster of multi-genre veterans came onboard. David Marron (Sanzkrit, Derek Ryan), Paul Markey (Sanzkrit), Paul Carolan (Finnian) and Darren Finn, Paul’s brother, are to be found on guitars, bass, drums and keyboards respectively.
‘Starlet’s Dream’ is a spectacular display of biting alternative rock. The track pivots around a driving bass line that weaves through an agitated soundscape of jangly guitars, haunting backing vocals and frenetic percussion creating a rich and meticulously layered tune for listeners to indulge in. Lyrically the song explores the paradox of a weakness becoming a strength and is greatly enhanced by the tracks instrumental backdrop, “strength ain’t a weakness of mind, is that a weakness of mine?”. Filled with complex textures and refined instrumentation the track is a fine display of musicianship. ‘Starlet’s Dream’ marks SOMEFINN as a band to keep an eye on
Limerick-based five-piece, Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets are back with their new single, ‘days’. Once again, this track comes self-recorded and produced by the band themselves. The track is released under the Limerick-based collective, BitDepth, of which Flynn is a founding member. Flynn and The Dead Poets have had a busy start to 2021, putting out a single and a collaboration EP with Culla. The band have amassed nearly 10k streams in just 4 months and have more singles to come this summer.
Dripping in passionate melodies and powerful instrumentation, ‘days’ is a blistering, lushly arranged new single from Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets. From the icy synth intro to the soaring chorus, the band layer and craft the song superbly. The song builds emotion right from the get-go while chiming guitars forge an ethereal and lonely soundscape for the verses. However, in true Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets manner, the song unfolds swiftly into an anthemic powerhouse filled with lively guitars, punchy drums and rampant bass lines that exude a mighty alternative rock persona. Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets have a captivating ability to capture emotion through their deft lyrics and sweet melodies, and ‘days’ is a perfect example of this. The lyrics of the song detail the state of the housing crisis in Ireland at the moment, and the band package this raw and powerful theme in expressive, dynamic and catchy musicianship to create a potent and enjoyable song to listen to.
About the track Flynn said – “This song is one I have had for a while now, and I feel it holds a strong message. I have never really written about social issues in my music before, but this track just ended up coming out of me. We are all really proud of this one and feel it’s one of our best productions to date. It’s been over a year since our last gig, so we can’t wait to get out and play this new music for people.”
Brighton duo Royal Blood have released their eagerly anticipated third album, ‘Typhoons’. Their previous two albums both went straight to #1 in the UK, in the process accumulating 2 million global sales. The duo have won the BRIT Award for Best British Group, two NME Awards and a Kerrang! Award. Their debut album was also nominated for the Mercury Prize.Not easy achievements to follow but Royal Blood take the bull by the horns in an attempt to create a body of work like no other.
Royal Blood presents an album dripping in gritty rock hues, psychedelic tones and disco for their third instalment. In true Royal Blood manner, the duo pulls it out of the bag, developing their sound into something exciting while giving us heavy rock heads something tantalizing to mosh to. ‘Typhoons’ announces a different sound for the band that is steeped in swagger and sleekness. Thirst quencher singles ‘Typhoons’, ‘Trouble’s Coming’ and ‘Limbo’ mix funky dance-infused production with gritty, heavy rock to create a resounding and ballsy wall of sound that exudes an air of refinement we haven’t seen before from the band.
As for heavy riffage, there is plenty on this album. Mike Kerr slips those beefy bass riffs into the sweltering blues-tinged ‘Who Needs Friends’ and Josh Homme produced ‘Boilermaker’ with the former taking a euphoric dance stance. The duo blend flamboyant disco elements with sleek rock, funky grooves and raw angst masterfully to create irresistible tunes for listeners to indulge in. However, among this genre fluidity, Ben Thatcher’s tight relentless drumming remains the anchor. He masterfully flexes his thunderous drums through the lighter pop smacked ‘Either You Want It’ and pounds with strutting swagger through the 70’s- esque ‘Mad Visions’. With catchy melodies and mighty instrumental builds, the songs within the album maintain hype and vigour throughout. Even the 80s slapped ‘Million and One’ which boasts flashing synths and a dazzling soundscape doesn’t feel out of place on the album.
‘Typhoons’ is brimming with anthemic chic tunes that display a more confident stance from the band. Kerr pivots the tracks around his lusty bass while his vocals slip into a sweet falsetto between warm coos. This is most apparent in the infectious ‘Hold On’ while his vocal croons lather the beautiful closing track ‘All We Have Is Now’ in tenderness. Luxuriantly adorned in soft echoes and lamenting piano, this song is immaculate. Kerr’s vocals delicately caress a tender, soothing melody that is a welcome emotional calm after the groove-infested storm of its predecessors. This song, for me, is the pinnacle moment within the album. It feels more real, earnest and emotional with less production, fuss and flamboyance, showing another facet to Royal Blood’s ever-evolving sound.
Royal Blood have shown they are not a one-trick pony. Within this catchy, upbeat and infectious album, the band push boundaries and expectations while maintaining their alternative rock edge. The rich and utterly lush production on the tracks is something to be admired and the dynamic energy within each song is irresistible. Each track warrants its place on the album creating a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable body of work.
Stream ‘Typhoons’
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
