Category Archives: Americana

Bright Falls ‘The Widows Homes’

Bright Falls has released his new single ‘The Widows Homes’. Bright Falls is the project of Thurles, Co. Tipperary, singer-songwriter Eddie McCormack, who blends Americana with alternative rock, while taking a narrative approach to songwriting. Bright Falls debut E.P ‘Logging’ which was produced by Martin Quinn (Aine Cahill, The Strypes), was released in July 2019 . After the release of ‘Logging’, Bright Falls, with a full band, was asked to open Féile ’19, in Semple Stadium alongside acts such as Sinead O’Connor and The Stunning. Bright Falls have also supported artists The Frank & Walters, Ryan Sheridan and David Keenan.

Oozing Americana tones and icy synth progressions, ‘The Widows Homes’ is a lush and passionate song from Bright Falls. Bittersweet melodies drift over a warm alternative backdrop accompanied by a chiming guitar which weaves through 80’s-esque shimmering synths.The production is clean and precise resulting in a solid heartfelt tune which displays Bright Falls beautiful earnest songwriting. With a soothing vocal delivery, McCormack effortlessly coos over the simmering backdrop and lush arrangements while a chugging beat maintains the track’s relentless drive.The song recounts the aftermath of a love lost, building up to the chorus which sees the protagonist long for reconciliation of the relationship which they know will never return. As the track builds the synths flourish and blend into the songs emotive Americana tones to create a touching and wholly soothing listening experience. Boasting tight animated instrumentation ‘The Widows Homes’ is an impressive and extremely compelling track from Bright Falls.

Stream ‘The Widows Homes’ below

https://open.spotify.com/track/6244M2hrSS4mm2IZjiAEZJ?si=CpjOISeUQHCHjHnz2NVseQ


Author : Danu

The Star Prairie Project’ Steady As She Goes’

The Star Prairie Project have released their new single ‘Steady As She Goes’ which follows on from the success of their last single ‘Sophia’ which has amassed more than 110,000 streams on Spotify and reached #48 on the DRT Top 50 Adult Contemporary chart. The Star Prairie Project gets its name from the village of Star Prairie outside of Minneapolis and the AlanParsons Project. The Star Prairie Project is made up of Nolen R. Chew Jr. and Rick J. Vogelpohl. Their upcoming album ‘Panacea’ will see them teaming up with more vocalists and musicians as they create a truly collaborative and highly polished album.

‘Steady As She Goes’ is a warm upbeat Americana number as The Star Prairie Project create a smooth flowing track that is sweet and melodic. This charming ditty drifts effortlessly into the ears as the tender vocals and lush harmonies warm the cockles of your heart. With cruising guitar strums and mellow twangs along with soft keys and spongy beat its a velvety cosy track for easy listening. 

About the track Nolen recalls “the lyrics to the song came unusually fast” with the main idea of the song being written in under 20 minutes! “Steady As She Goes’ brings the best of Americana with its infectious melody and rhythm. Teaming up with vocalist, session musician and producer Rudiger (All American Rejects, Foghat) who delivers the smooth top vocal line, ‘Steady As She Goes’ invites listeners with its slick instrumentation and lyrical story.”

Stream ‘Steady As She Goes’ below 


Author : Danu

Jester ‘Summertime’

Thurles band Jester have released their new single ‘Summertime’. Jester are Colly Dempsey, Mark O’ Dwyer, Tomas Maher, Niall O’ Shaughnessy and David Fitzpatrick. In 2018 they signed a publishing deal with UK based independent record label Velvet Moron Records, the brainchild of Dave White (Biffy Clyro, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kasabian, etc.). Their debut album ‘’Shadows Need A Light’’ was released in March 2019 on the label. The release coincided with an Irish tour culminating in a sold out show in their home town of Thurles at the Source Arts Centre in mid-March.The band formed over ten years ago in county Tipperary, Ireland and have had a lot of success over the years playing festivals and club gigs the length and breadth of the country and beyond, sharing the stage with some of the biggest acts in the country and beyond including The Fun Lovin Criminals, The Blizzards and Paul Weller amongst others.

‘Summertime’ drifts in on balmy guitar twangs and a sway- like tempo as Jester venture into their sweet sentimental side. Wrapped in romantic tones this delicate number floats on acoustic guitar and radiant hazy electric guitar pines. The track builds and unfolds beautifully into a classic rock crescendo as the guitars develop becoming more sharp and expressive while the drum kicks in. There is a sublime instrumental break which will have live audiences punching the air in dramatic passion as they lilt that shredding lamenting guitar solo with oodles of gusto. It’s a compelling track filled with cosy Bon Jovi – esque tones as the band take their catchy rock sound and strip it back into a snug charming number. 

The band are currently back rehearsing their set list for a string of dates around the country over the coming months in support of their upcoming single ‘’Summertime’’. 

You can catch Jester Live at:

De Barra’a Clonakilty . Cork July 27th

Feile Beag, Thurles Aug 4th

Tipp Classical , Semple Stadium, Thurles September 21st

Stream ‘Summertime’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/jester_irl/summertime-album-version


Sunjay ‘Devil Came Calling’ Album

Contemporary Folk artist Sunjay has released his latest album ‘Devil Came Calling’. Sunjay hails from the UK where he has been quickly coined a rising star. In 2012 he was nominated for BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award as well as being crowned Wath Festival Young Performers Award Winner.

‘Devil Came Calling’ is a twanging quirky album that bounces along peppy folk tones with humour glimmering through Sunjay’s lyrics. Warm guitars lift each track into an uplifting atmosphere while the infectious buoyant beat keeps tracks like ‘Ghost Train’, ‘Mean & Ugly’, ‘Too Close To The Sun’ and ‘King Of My Own Country’ tipping away in your mind. The country influences add that sing along sprightly feel while the blues hues in ‘Big Road’, and the Robert Johnson -esque ‘Mississippi Blues’ adds a lonesome purity to the album as well as showcasing Sunjay’s guitar prowess.‘Johnny & The Devil’ chugs along with an entertaining narrative through the lyrics while the vocals tell the tale with warmth and charm. The album winds out with the radiant ‘Faith Healer’ followed by the rock n’ roll doused ‘Tell Me’ which swaggers its way to the final slow burner ‘The Truth’

‘Devil Came Calling’ displays Sunjay’s diverse musicianship with warm country twangs, blues hues and some strut ready rock n’ roll peppering to keep the album spicy and fresh. Filled with rich rhythms sublime guitar work and string element sprinklings, Sunjay has created an easy on the ears album for the indie folk lovers out there.

Stream ‘Devil Came Calling’ below


Paula Standing ‘Truth and Trickery’ EP

Modern Americana talent, Paula Standing has released her latest EP, ‘Truth and Trickery’. Songwriter and performer, Paula Standing hails originally from North Queensland but now resides in Southern Australia where she spends time perfecting her written craft and building upon her roster of original music.

‘Truth and Trickery’ is a wholesome Americana collection with hues of county rock as Paula Standing fleshes out her musicianship and rich sound.This six track collection shines a light on the modern phenomenon of fake news. ‘A Good Day’ kicks the EP off with sway like tones as a warm guitar creates a sweet waltz-like tempo. With elegant piano and lush backing vocals complementing Standing’s sweet strong vocals its an easy listening ditty. Standing plays about with instruments and genres  throughout the EP as ‘All Over By Christmas’ introduces a steamy string melody while the country twang of ‘ Heartaches’ Coming Around’ ,‘Oh Baby (Why Am I Thinking of You)’ and ‘The War Ain’t Over Remix’ adds warmth and depth. There are some sublime guitar melodies sprinkling lush qualities and sun kissed vibes into each track while the passionate vocals coo and caress the catchy melodies. ‘Beautiful Remix’ brings the album to a sweet and delicate end as a soft beat bounces behind twinkling guitar. Standing’s vocals are the main striking point throughout the EP however the injections of strings and luscious guitar melodies are what makes these track stand out. Not my usual cup of tea but ‘Truth and Trickery’ is a charming sweet EP filled with sophisticated laid back tunes.

Stream ‘Truth and Trickery’ below


Ten Fé ‘Coasting’

Ten Fé have released their new single ‘Coasting’ taken from their upcoming sophomore record ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ due for release March 8th via Some Kinda Love/PIAS. This beautiful number drifts along a majestic charming melody while elegant keys flutter between a steady peppy beat and warm toned guitars. Ten Fé write music for the soul each note floods with richness and heartwarming cosiness as they blend cold fresh tones with warm glows and exquisite melodies. A little woozy, tender and dreamy -this crisp number is tight, rhythmically rich and fluid as it cruises in sweet tones and earthy flutters reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac with the glorious Ten Fé stamp driving it into its most graceful and lovable state – another heavenly track from Ten Fé.

The band have just announced their biggest-yet tour of the UK, Europe & US in Spring 2019 to promote ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ check out the dates here https://www.tenfemusic.co.uk/

Stream ‘Coasting’ below


Little Red ‘Draw Blood’ Album

Oxford and Reading’s Indie-folk outfit, Little Red have released their new album ‘Draw Blood’.Featuring the singles ‘Siren Song’, ‘Diamond Back’ and ‘Woebegone’, Draw Blood features nine tracks, written and recorded by the band. A fuller and more realised document of their sound than 2014’s well-received ‘Sticks and Stones’, Draw Blood features eight full-band tracks and one intimate trio recording, ‘Lay’. New member Marc Challans (formerly of AMP) has made a big impact on the band’s new sound, not only by adding heavier drums and percussion to the record, but also by sharing co-producer roles with Ben Gosling and Tom Hodges (Club Soda). Three of the tracks, ‘Black Dog’, ‘Chapters’ and ‘Huntsmen’, have been re-recorded with the new live line-up, to bring listeners up-to-date with where Little Red are now. Influenced by artists such as Colter Wall, Tom Mcrae and Tom Waits, the band has embraced Folk, Southern Gothic and Americana to help create this record.

The album gravitates around a folk sound with rich rhythmic slaps and pulses bringing a grittier more punchy texture to each of the tracks. It’s easy to listen to as each track flows fluidly into one another with subtle genre shifts weaving between their indie folk outfit.Siren Song introduces their sound with eerie dark guitar strides between a trudging drum beat and sweet luscious vocals from Hayley Bell. The vocal rounds make for a truly engaging listen and the blend of male and female vocals is refreshing and sublime. I quite like the ghostly mysteries of this track as it’s crafted simply with each component piece carefully placed for maximum spine chilling effect while the soothing vocals ease your mind from the creeping guitar line.Black Dog’ and  ‘Chapters’  takes on their buoyant Americana hued style as twangy guitars bounce along the rich sprightly rhythm while the glorious vocals coo and vibrantly harmonise through the punchy tracks with the latter having a organ-like element throughout the chorus. Diamond Back’ brings us a nice clap along feature while ‘The Quiet Ones’ returns to that dark tone with a western-esque stand off at sun down lonesome vibe. These guys know how to tell a story and they portray the emotion and imagery perfectly through their music and this track and ‘The River’ is a prime example of that. ‘The Huntsmen’ follows their immaculate storytelling with the delicate instrumentation of acoustic guitar and soft drums before it bursts into a swayable blissfully folky instrumental that is perfect for old medieval grand halls and large crowds dancing with tankards of beer. ‘Lay’ is the only acoustic track on the album. Bell’s vocals sweetly coo over warm guitar twinkles. It’s a delicate number filled with emotion and tender tones.Very mellow and calming it’s the most soothing track on the album.The lusciously rhythmic ‘Woebegone’ closes the album with vibrant tones and marvelous harmonies. This track rhythmically is my favourite as it is rich rumbly and dynamically elevating. It’s one to get your blood pumping and your feet tapping.

‘Draw Blood’ is a tight album that showcase’s Little Red’s intricate musicianship and compact layering to create a satisfying hair raising collecting of tracks.

 

Stream ‘Draw Blood’ below


Jack Biilmann ‘The Hills Have Eyes’

One of Australia’s rising blues and roots musicians Jack Biilmann has released his new single ‘The Hills Have Eyes’. The Canberra based songwriter has established a formidable reputation for himself amongst local and national touring circles, having shared stages with the likes of Tash Sultana, Bobby Alu, Ian Moss, Bootleg Rascal and more over the last few years. A tenacious guitarist with a charming performance style to boot, Biilmann has struck a positive chord within the scene.

‘The Hills Have Eyes’ is a golden, passionate display that blends alternative indie with some warm country twangs. Biilmann nails balance in this track as it cruises in, coming across as unhurried and cool-headed with a peppy spring in each step to deflect any notion of the track succumbing to monotony.His buttery-smooth vocal delivery and velvety melody will ease your blood pressure and radiate sun kissed glows into your day. With energetic twangs, a steady beat and glorious guitar feature this track is an instant pick me up shot. The wispy background vocals trailing in the distance create an airy atmosphere to this glorious satisfying track. From the get go this song enters like a sublime sprightly breeze to refresh your cluttered mind. It’s a beautiful listen spiked with muted touches of bluesy rock, country and pop elements to make for a wholesome absorbing experience.

About the track Biilmann said : “The Hills Have Eyes is a kick in a new direction from me, I wanted to do something that had the elements with what make me who I am as an artist with a new twist. It’s sure to come as a bit of a surprise, but is still a very ‘Jack Biilmann’ sounding song. The production from Kojo Ansah has really given this song exactly what I am after and I am so excited to release it and see its response..”

Stream ‘The Hills Have Eyes’ below

 


Bane Riff ‘Less Than Enough’

Pop rock artist Bane Riff has released his debut single ‘Less Than Enough’, a catchy rock track written to inspire his listeners to pursue those unforgettable moments that we sometimes forget about in the madness of every day life. Fairly new to the industry, Bane Riff came from a background in finance industry. Although running his own successful insurance business, Riff realised that he wasn’t happy and felt that something was missing in his life, from then he decided to act quickly and pursue his true passion. ‘Less Than Enough’ was written over a couple of hours by Riff himself, and recorded in studio with producer Martin Daus, guitarist in several popular Danish pop rock bands. Inspired by a hilarious moment experienced in a restaurant with the restaurant owner and his wife, the track reminds us that life comes down to the moments that you won’t forget. For him, the song is an awakening.

‘Less Than Enough’ is a swagger soaked country drizzled rock track. Riff’s raspy vocals flood warmth into the song while a punchy drum beat, and golden guitar lines add a whack of rock and roll strutting grit. It’s a charming number with a sing along ready Bon Jovi- esque chorus that will have a live crowd bellowing from the top of their lungs. This bright peppy tune will fill you with that get up and go stamina as it exudes good heart warming vibes while packing in some mighty brawn to have you tapping your foot and dancing carelessly in no time. With an irresistible melody and tight production it’s infectious for sure.

Stream ‘Less Than Enough’ below


Vickers Vimy ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’

Vickers Vimy have released their new single ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’, the second single off ‘Atlas Of Hearts’ album and follows hot on the heels of RTE Radio 1 playlisted single ‘Keep Your Eye On The Road’. Hailing from Mayo, Vickers Vimy craft songs that dwell on the borders of folk and Americana. Rich eclectic sounds anchor lyrical themes of scratched vinyl nights and hazy Sunday mornings. Vickers Vimy have collaborated with Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames & Swell Season) and had the pleasure of recording in the studio of Nick Seymour (Crowded House). They had the amazing fortune to support the late John Martyn and have also supported the Hothouse Flowers, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Mundy. They have shared the RTE Music Train with Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Kodaline, Lisa O’Neill and Jack L.

‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’ sweeps in with golden warm tones and delightful melodies. It’s a wholesome little ditty – pure, honest and true with luscious pop elements richly blended into Americana-esque hues. The buoyant rhythm bounces along at a sprightly peppy pace while bright saxophone blasts and organ jingles fill the track with a warm-hearted goodness that is just sublime. Vickers Vimy swirl some psych-ish features in there too,  as winding keys add a dash of obscurity between the opulent twangs and Celtic glimmers. These guys flesh out their sound beautifully with a meticulously crafted layering of each melody, instrument and genre-  taking their time, building it sweetly and delicately to create the most beautiful honey drizzled balmy number. The smooth vocals glide upon the catchy sway-able melody elegantly. It’s a laid back vibrant gem that holds a steady positive pace which is so infectious you almost crave to hear the song again. The jazz feel is the icing on the cake and really displays the subtle splendour of this band. It’s a charming track that warms and nourishes your soul.

You can catch Vickers Vimy live at:

June 2nd House Concert, Limerick
July 6th Roisin Dubh, Galway
July 13th McCarthys, Dingle

Watch the video for ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’ below