Category Archives: Ambient Music

Alt- Pop, Ambient Music, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Fintan McKahey ‘Goodbye’

Following the success of his recent single ‘Platinum’, Irish singer/songwriter Fintan McKahey returns with his new single ‘Goodbye’. The song was written and recorded in McKahey’s home studio in West Cork, where he is continuing the family legacy as the son of Stump drummer, Rob McKahey and the nephew of Cousteau singer, Liam McKahey. Fintan started playing and writing music at a young age, and has been releasing music since 2016. An artist and producer, he is proficient across several instruments. His EP “God Games” received critical acclaim from national radio and press, as did his 2020 single “Platinum.” He has performed in major venues across the country, including support slots for the likes of The Scratch, Junior Brother, and Roisin O. 

‘Goodbye’ is a vaporous lo-fi pop number which smoulders and broods through rich acoustic guitar, laid back beats and hazy mellow elements. McKahey has created a groove-filled number set for candlelit evenings. The track simmers through sultry tones and melancholic moods as the lyrics observe the struggle at the end of a relationship, when both sides are clinging on, in hope of salvation. Light guitars weave a zesty sting between the rich smooth tones while the sticky beat and R&B elements create a humid atmosphere within the track. ‘Goodbye’ douses intoxicating bedroom pop and soft twinkling keys in night-time tones to create a chilled and absorbing gem to listen to. Irish singer Ava Archbold provides a sweet and lush contrast to McKahey’s smoky tone as precise guitar lines ooze heartfelt passion between the tracks rooted groove. ‘Goodbye’ is a wonderful, intimate, ambient track and another sublime example of Fintan McKahey’s deft songwriting ability.

Stream ‘Goodbye’ below


Author : Danu

Ambient Music, EP Review, Indie, New Music

MTN BEATS ‘Infinite’ EP

MTN BEATS has released his second EP, ‘Infinite’.The title ‘Infinite’ reflects the endless, awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. ‘Infinite’, a solo project, was created in a home studio overlooking the mountains of Colorado.Trained as a classical musician, MTN BEATS creates instrumentals that incorporate hip hop drums, chill synths, and electric guitar. His sound combines elements of trap, EDM, and lo-fi into a unique musical blend.  

‘Infinite’ is a chilled three track instrumental EP brimming with ambient and vibrant tones as MTN BEATS displays his musicianship and meticulous attention to detail to create a wholly consuming listening experience. The songs flow effortlessly into one another with twinkling keys, swirling delicate electronics and buoyant groove-infected beats as MTN BEATS fleshes out the dreamy melodies and pacifying soundscapes. Each layer unfolds beautifully from the vibrant and radiant ‘Perspective’ with its 80’s pop tones and chilled synths to the sultry flow of title track ‘Infinite’, and warm golden guitar in ‘Reflection’. It’s a tight and well crafted EP. The sun kissed ethereal textures fuse with hip hop beats and subtle EDM seamlessly to create a spacious rich collection of tracks. MTN BEATS is continuing to define his sound creating wonderful music within a laid back lo fi medium. 

Stream ‘Infinite’ EP below 


Author : Danu

Album Release, Album Review, Ambient Music, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie Electro, New Music

STK Sound ‘Reincarnation’ Album

Electro Pop artist STK Sound has released his debut album ‘Reincarnation’. The creative mind of STK Sound ties together the world of audio with visual representation, and this debut record is the perfect example of how he manages to shape perceptions through his art.

‘Reincarnation’ is an ambient collection of tracks that submerge you completely into the luxurious electronic fusions of STK Sound.Its a mellowed out experience as ‘Intro’ , ‘Awakening’ ‘Only One’ and ‘Death And Reincarnation’ begin the dreamy journey into STK Sound’s world of tranquil magic. The electronic elements are subtle and sweet as they flurry, wisp and twinkle between the sticky fluctuant beats. With warm vocals cooing over this floaty soundscape STK Sound transforms the listening experience with cosy textures. He blends some darker tones into his album with eerie subtly haunting atmospheres through tracks like ‘ Darkness Of The Magic’ without shocking the listener out of their dreamy haze. As the glistening soundscapes dazzle and delicately sparkle the track builds behind creating an ominous atmosphere with deep vocal samples and conflicted electronics, this provides a beautiful contrast through STK Sound’s creations. The raw and at times jittery percussion adds a rich and vibrant texture to the more melancholic tracks like ‘Do You Feel My Love’, the dazzling ‘Never Stop’ and skittish ‘Mirrors’. While ‘Atlas Love’ and ‘Life’ cool the sticky sultry vibes of those tracks with gentle ethereal tones, piano elements, and wispy soundscapes. However these tracks maintain a mystical and almost eerie atmosphere with some fuzzed elements and deep beat thuds. ‘Dark Sun’ brings the album to a close with a surge of peaceful vibes and glorious textures and tones. The sweet electronics flicker between quivering soundscapes and whispered vocals before becoming a little more obscure as gloopy sounds blop through the dreamy electronic whines. It’s a unique and intriguing track to close the album.

STK Sound takes the listener on a mystical journey of rich multi texture sounds through his refined ‘Reincarnation’ album as his blend of relaxing tunes and frazzling electronics both soothe and invigorate the mind.

Stream ‘Reincarnation’ below

https://soundcloud.com/stksound/sets/reincarnation/s-6L5jp


Ambient Music, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Adam Rock ‘Quiet Now’

Dublin songwriter and producer Adam Rock has released his new single ‘Quiet Now’. This twinkling ambient track floats delicately on elegant keys, sun-kissed guitar and velvety vocals. With the lush harmonising vocals melting over a sweet melody this track is ethereal and dreamy. It builds gradually as swirling electronics and rich instrumentation wisp about the song while the guitar becomes more distorted and expressive blasting into a shredding anthemic solo. With layered vocals and its gripping aerial atmosphere ‘Quiet Now’ is a compelling and sublime track from Adam Rock.

Stream ‘Quiet Now’ below


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

Alta Cura ‘Storm’ EP

Dublin’s quintet, Alta Cura are set to release their new EP ‘Storm’ on the 19th of April. The overall theme of the EP explores the idea of inter-personal relationships. Alta Cura seamlessly blend a variety of  genres wrapping jazz elements, R&B, rock, metal and blues rock in a lustrous alternative coating.

Title track ‘Storm’ kicks off the EP’s relationship themes, the lyrics are about “the facade someone has before becoming more a part of their life, and how your opinions shift as that facade comes down”. The five piece translate this sublimely through gritty riffs slicing through pulverising drums and turbulent rhythms while the expressive vocals exclaim over this mosh-ready, hefty backdrop. With some funky elements glimmering through the guitars and bass groove this track sets the EP alight showcasing the tight sound of Alta Cura. The swagger drenched ‘Burn’ follows with infectious riffs darkly coating the track in a luring hip grooving movement while the jazz sprinkled guitars playfully meander through the heavy backdrop.The catchy melody and mammoth chorus continue the bands arena ready rock with a sublime twist. ‘Brisbane’ is the passionate ballad that grips your heart with tender sway-like versus. Dan Cusack’s vocals emotionally coo and pine however, in true alternative rock manner the band belt into a passionate wailing chorus with powerful instrumentation as Cusack pines, wails and bellows over the gritty crashing guitars and pummeling drums. ‘A Vision in Green’ is a dream-like ballad dealing with themes such as jealousy and loss. Quite the come down from its explosive predecessor, this track chimes along with a bluesy hue over a steady beat and warm guitar strides. The track naturally flows into a mighty chorus with shredding guitar slivers zealously striking through the buoyant rhythms before bursting into one hell of a guitar solo.There is a graceful melodic flow through ‘Djuarachi’ as the band triumphantly blend some metal heftiness through their alternative rock while ‘Low Tide’ contrasts this frenzy – emotionally and tenderly dealing with the theme of loss.Elegantly the band create a sweet floaty backdrop for this gripping tune.The melancholic guitar softly laments behind the steady beat, graceful strings and mournful vocals.It’s a beautiful and passionate display from Alta Cura as they build the track to a powerful and hair-raising crescendo. ‘Dusk’ brings a haunting end to the EP. This ambient number wisps with suspended vocals lushly harmonising through a tranquil forest of twinkling guitars and earthy soundscapes. It’s a refreshing and utterly surprising end to the EP.

Alta Cura present a rich and diverse EP that showcases the bands fine and sophisticated musicianship with luscious instrumental embroidery and grand displays that make this band worthy of arenas.

You can catch Alta Cura live at :

EP Launch- Grand Social April 20th

Triple Headline- Whelan’s. June 27th ( not announced )

Stream ‘Brisbane’ below


Album Review, Alt- Pop, Ambient Music, Indie, New Music

Ten Fé ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ Album

London’s Ten Fé have released their sophomore album ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’  via Some Kinda Love/PIAS. Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse returned to London from touring Ten Fé’s debut album ‘Hit The Light’ – what had begun as a duo had evolved on the road into a fully formed band with Rob Shipley, Johnny Drain and Alex Hammond completing the line up. Sold-out shows across the US and Europe, along with tens of millions of Spotify streams, had yielded a new-found confidence and a raw, emotional and expansive new sound. Singles ‘Won’t Happen’, ‘Not Tonight’, ‘Coasting’ and ‘Echo Park’ from the album have all been New Music Friday in multiple territories at Spotify and Best Of The Week globally at Apple Music.

‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a dreamy whoosh of refreshing tunes that cruise along at a steady wholesome pace as Ten Fé flesh out their soul fulfilling musicianship through beautiful melodies and soothing instrumentation. There is depth in every track as the band wear their hearts on their sleeves displaying tender moments and delicate vulnerabilities through sweet tones and elegant writing. ‘Won’t Happen’ kicks all this lusciousness off with a melancholic melody floating delicately through warm guitar jingles, soft drums and soothing vocals. Ten Fé’s ability to create wholly satisfying tracks through consoling instrumentation is captivating. Each track is a breath of fresh summer air with campfire evening nights glimmering between joyous, sombre musicianship. Each song is simple and delicate with immense richness and depth driving it right into your heart.Pure and relaxing the tracks lead you further into a sedating and uplifting state of bliss. ‘Isn’t Ever A Day’ ‘No Night Lasts Forever’, ‘Can’t Take You With Me’ and ‘Caught On The Inside’ drift along into your ears. Laid back and effortless the meaningful songwriting is passionate yet calm and fluid. It’s easy to find a place in your heart for all these little gems. They quickly become a part of you and this is the delightful side effect of Ten Fé’s musicianship.

The impeccable vocal contrast of Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse creates a distinct and rich texture to the album.  Moorhouse’s deep baritone showcases raw emotion perfectly while Duncan’s sweet and emotional vocals are that comfy blanket that soothes and caresses your ears delicately. This subtle shift in vocals for tracks like ‘Echo Park’ and ‘Coasting’ is what keeps the album refreshing and vibrant. There is a melodic Fleetwood Mac flow to ‘Caught On The Inside’. It’s heartfelt melody and lush harmonies make this sombre tune a treasure while the elegant yet dark piano in ‘To Lie Here Is Enough’ strips everything back leaving just simple emotion and another tender vocal melody to leave you in tears.

Ten Fé’s ability to wrap you up in lavish majestic melodies is sublime. The buoyant cheery ‘Here Again’ and swoony ‘Not Tonight’ display this perfectly. With sweet toned guitar injections and soft percussion these tracks add a dash of zest into the sugary delightful flurry of the album while radiating sun kissed glows throughout. The band choose to bring the album to a close with ‘Superrich’ a stomping number that presents a more swaggering side to the band as the clever lyrics hop through smooth vocals as strong chords on keys add a spring into the tracks step while subtle guitar whines inject a sting to this honest and somewhat lyrically brutal number.

‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a well thought out, mature album that encompasses all the rich depths of Ten Fé‘s musicianship. It’s deeply romantic, melancholic and soothing with luscious melodies, refined instrumentation and wholesome goodness. These guys take us through a varied journey that leaves you feeling regenerated and wiser after.

Stream ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ below


Alt Rock, Ambient Music, Atmospheric Music, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Manyana ‘1ofmy’

Dublin based art rock duo Manyana have released their debut single ‘1ofmy’. Comprised of Aran Sheehy and David O’Rourke the duo are leading the way for an album they have planned for release this year.

This absorbing number immerses you in a deeply ambient electronic soundscape filled with passionate rich tones and an extremely mesmerising and tangible sound. Every electronic flicker, pulse beat and lush melody slowly seeps into you, making the track a full sensory experience. Immense care has been taken with this track- each fragment is tailored precisely.From the fluctuant slapping beat shuffling through ethereal soundscapes to the strong piano chords, this composition is organic, rich and compelling. The elegant piano is the strength of the track between the breezy atmosphere and chilling soundscape. The piano grows slowly building to a sweet yet sharp melody that twinkles and wanders between a warm vocal harmony and jittery beat. There is great beauty and grandeur in this track. Its simplistic approach draws you into the inner working of this intriguing gem as Manyana dilute certain parts while highlighting and enriching others to create a textured fascinating listen. It’s catchy, melancholic and biting while warm vocals soothe and coo over a drifting sombre soundscape that feels barren yet filled with loneliness and tender instrumentation. ‘1ofmy’ is utterly consuming.

Stream ‘1ofmy’ below


Alt- Pop, Ambient Music, Indie, New Music, Synth-pop

Lycio ‘Young Ties’

Birmingham band  Lycio have released their new single ‘Young Ties’. This latest cut is one of the bands oldest compositions, and sees a return to their darker side. The track was mastered at Metropolis Studios by Stuart Hawkes (Jack Garratt, Rae Morris, Lorde, Fickle Friends, Rudimental, Mura Masa).

‘Young Ties’ is a wispy ethereal slice of atmospheric indie wrapped in swirling, fluctuant synths while an elegant piano and flashing drum arrangement provide a gripping and meaty backdrop to this airy number. Mendez’ passionate vocals powerfully plough through the chorus with oodles of expression while gently cooing through the delicate brooding verses. The track is doused in sweet melancholy as swoony dreamy soundscapes flurry and delicately rebound off the luscious melody and sway-able synths. Richly layered, each gripping note is laced in emotion as the track gracefully and beautifully dances with its darker tones creating an ambient full-bodied sound. Another majestic track from Lycio.

Of the track, frontwoman Genie Mendez explains – “Young Ties is about mental health. Trying to understand how my head works, whether it’s a gift or a curse (‘the beauty that’s inside my mind’), and then trying to accept it (‘I’ll go where you are taking me’). Then of course everyone’s getting on with their daily routine not knowing the struggle of those around them (‘all the young men in long ties…’). And of course ‘can you bring me home/can you take control’ is a question for my own head. I’m asking my mind if it can really handle this, if we can bounce back from it.”

Stream ‘Young Ties’ below

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Alt Rock, Ambient Music, Atmospheric Music, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Pale Rivers

Pale Rivers have released their new single ‘Icefield’, ahead of their forthcoming debut EP. Produced by Owen Lewis and Steven Mullan, ‘Icefield’ was recorded at Herbert Place Studio’s, Dublin. Based out of Cork and Tipperary, Ireland, the band began playing their first shows around the country including slots at Hard Working Class Heroes, Whelans One’s To Watch and Electric Picnic, as well as some high profile supports for acts such as Teleman, British Sea Power and The Wedding Present.

‘Icefield’ is a deeply moving number bleeding haunting tones of yearning  through ethereal rushes of breezy synths over textured guitar whines and passionate heart gripping vocals. This is a special track that grips the listener with every flickering note. This band keep you on the edge of your seat – the delicate sweet and tender moments are perfect, immaculate and pristine as elegant keys twinkle and glisten between subtle synth wisps as the warm emotional vocals caress the darkly hued haunting melody. Intimacy is key to this track and this is created by those dynamic tender vocal tones which are embellished by soaring, undulating waves of guitar and weaving synths. The track builds becoming more intense and expressive carrying and elevating our hearts and emotions with it as the synths become frenzied and choppy and rush over the tumbling guitar and rippling drum/bass rumbles. This track swoons with deeply moving and atmospheric tones while a rich snappy rhythm holds all the vaporous floaty soundscapes together with a gloopy-like glue texture. It’s a sublime riveting listen and a well crafted gem to hold dear.

Talking about ‘Icefield’, the band explain – “recording this song was very much a case of going with gut feeling rather than planning it out and ticking boxes. Going in to do it we just had a skeleton track and from there, it was very much a case of experimenting and improvising on different instruments, many of which we hadn’t used before. Recording this definitely felt like a journey from start to finish, and in many way’s one of the most fun/difficult but rewarding experiences we’ve had in a studio…”

You Can Catch Pale Rivers live at :

August 5th – Indiependence

August 24th – The Roundy – Cork

 

Stream  ‘Icefield’ below

 


Ambient Music, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Transmission Club ‘The Hour of the Wolf’ EP

Cork-based alt-rock outfit Transmission Club will release their second EP, ‘The Hour of the Wolf’, on Friday, July 13th. Recorded and produced by Chris Somers at One Chance Out Studios, the band’s sophomore release takes the listener on a musical trajectory from the intimate to the anthemic within three tracks. The E.P was mastered by Pete Maher (The Pixies, Jack White, Goldfrapp) in his London studio. Titled after the surrealist horror film by Ingmar Bergman, ‘The Hour of the Wolf‘ delves into themes of isolation and fear of the subconscious, explored through a compelling blend of folk-rock and electronic soundscapes. Formed in 2014 as the bedroom recording project of Michael Prendiville, Transmission Club is quickly becoming one of the most unique acts in the Irish music scene. The band’s diverse sonic palette combines elements of indie, folk and grunge, textured with harmonium, violin, keyboards, guitars, drum machines and loops. Recording takes place in bedrooms and living rooms in Cork, giving the music a raw, untrammelled feel. Transmission Club’s first EP, Salt, was released in November 2015, gaining airplay on The Alternative with Dan Hegarty (2fm), The Paul McLoone Show (Today FM) and on 8Radio. Transmission Club also recorded a live session for The Paul McLoone Show in January 2016. Salt was voted No.1 in The Last Mixed Tape’s Reader’s E.P of the Year 2015 Poll. The video for “Taking Off (Blackhole)” was nominated for a Pure M award for Best Music Video in 2017.

‘The Hour of the Wolf’ is a spellbinding three track combo that enthralls and captivates the listener in its luscious deeply moving soundscapes. From the atmospheric and delicately moving ‘This War’  with its elegance and tender tones nudged by warm guitar twinkles, soft percussion and sweet string strides, this bands sophisticated and deeply poignant musicianship becomes apparent. The band build the track meticulously, slowly brooding as if every breath, every note takes its own pace, gently conveying the heart breaking theme. The track builds to a distorted explosive crescendo which sends shivers down your spine. They write tunes that make you listen, grab your attention and tear your heart out. They do this not only through sweet tenderness but through gritty dark instrumentation too. ‘Taking Off (Blackhole)’ is simply magnificent. Eerie vocals coo over lamenting strings and a dark murky guitar riff. Once again distortion is placed perfectly to add urgency and a sense of dizzying panic through this sublime gripping experience. The elegance of the strings is the perfect contrast to the psychedelic haunting soundscapes. This bands ability to creating wholly enthralling tunes that fill you with emotion from melancholic and sweet to haunting and chilling is fantastic. They execute their instruments with a fine tuned precision that is masterful. ‘The Porcupine Dilemma’ brings us to the end of our mesmerising journey with Transmission Club. It’s a soft little gem that features glistening guitar between emotional, warm vocals while lush backing vocals, a thumping beat and graceful strings  fill out the sound. It’s deeply moving and passionate as the divine melody fluidly flows over the tapping rhythm and delicate instrumentation. ‘The Hour of the Wolf’ EP is a thought provoking well structured treasure trove that fills you with vivid instrumentation, oodles of passion with wholesome melodies running throughout. It’s a thoroughly satisfying and rich experience.

‘The Hour of the Wolf’ will be available from July 13th on Bandcamp, iTunes and Spotify. A limited CD run of the E.P will be available also.

You can follow Transmission Club on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/transmissionclubmusic