Barefoot Magicians have released their new single ‘Another Year’. Formed in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios, the band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a blues groove. Comprised of Dave Greene on harmonica and vocals, Graham Stewart on Guitars, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Paraic Carroll on Bass and Petra žižak on Keys the band has recently enjoyed two live recording sessions in Windmill Lane and Sun Recording Studios.
A funk-peppered blues rock number, ‘Another Year’ is Barefoot Magicians swagger soaked latest release for 2020. Slick guitar lines flood the track in rock n roll panache while a groove rooted bass line exudes hip moving fluctuations against the punchy drum foundation to create an infectious 70’s undertone. However Barefoot Magicians contrast this chic soundscape wonderfully through pining harmonica twangs and lyrics riddled with uncertainty. Lyrically the band say track wrestles with “being trapped in a certain life, a life you are not fully fulfilled in, with decisions you wish you could change, but there is still hope burning inside you to take a leap of faith and dive into something new but every year time is running away from you.”
Exuding rich musical prowess, emotion and refined instrumentation ‘Another Year’ is a strut worthy, foot tapping new single from Barefoot Magicians
Blues singer Dubh Lee has released her latest single ‘Carousel’. The track was recorded in The Meadow recording studio in Co. Wicklow and the singer enlisted the help of David Griffin from New Secret Weapon to record the bass and drums for the track.In the past Dubh Lee has performed at events all over Ireland such as Electric Picnic and the Ruby Sessions, along with more intimate shows opening for acts such as Jack Lukeman and Bagatelle, and she supported jazz band Jimmy’s Cousin on their Irish tour in 2019. From folk beginnings she has transitioned from performing solo with an acoustic guitar to performing heavier material with a bassist and a drummer in 2020, now playing energetic live sets as a power trio featuring songs with blues and garage rock influences.
Raw relentless riffs and brawn laced bass lines adorn ‘Carousel’ in a lean mean wall of sound as Dubh Lee displays the power of her uncompromising blues rock. The track is well crafted and instrumentally deft as shredding guitar lines swelter and simmer though the groove infused backbone. Dubh Lee doesn’t overpower with this track instead she allows the instrumentation to hypnotically smoulder around her striking vocal delivery as the track straddles a fine line between folk and boisterous blues. The song, which lyrically deals with using partying as a coping mechanism is a tight number that builds superbly becoming more dynamic as it reaches its blazing crescendo. ‘Carousel’ is a raw cut and glimpse into the compelling sound of Dubh Lee.
Greg Davies has released his latest album ‘Greg Davies Isolated’.Greg Davies saw the perfect opportunity to use his lockdown to create the album he has always wanted to release. The idea formed from a need to invite the best musicians associated with Greg himself and join him on a guitar driven, instrumental ride.Greg Davies is a rock musician based outside of Manchester UK. Greg has been playing the guitar since the age of 12 and has been performing on the UK music scene for over 20 years. Having played in a series of bands as well as doing regular session work across the UK and Europe, Greg Davies recently released an EP ‘A Different Order’ with the band ‘Elements’ which has been successful on UK rock charts. In the last 10 years Greg Davies has performed alongside some of the best guitarists & musicians the UK has to offer including Guthrie Govan, Andy James and Alex Hutchings. As well as his work as a recording artist and performer Greg Davies is a well respected music teacher and music therapist who runs a business called ‘Access Music’.
‘Greg Davies Isolated’ is a shredding guitar driven instrumental album which showcases the slick, nimble and bewitching guitar prowess of Greg Davies. Seamlessly slipping from gritty blues to funk, rock, country and even metal the album exudes swagger and energy. Pulling in some collaborators along the way it’s quite the thrill ride. The more country tangs of ‘The Birds’ Morning Sunrise’ adds a laid back smooth quality to the album while the blistering rock and blues tracks show how much of a guitar virtuoso Davies is. There is something for everyone here from the heavier metal hues between country rock twangs on ‘A Shackled Mind’, chilled atmospheric ‘Stillness’ and blazing blues between jazzy keys on ‘Get Me Out (Lockdown Blues)’ Davies provides a tantalizing, meaty album full of instrumental goodness.
Fluttertone and dootdoot Records have come together to create an online live music venue, called Virtual using the Zoom platform to host a series of intimate evenings of exclusively live and interactive performances and this week’s Virtual saw Tony Villiers take to the platform for an exclusive performance.
Together with his band ‘The Villains’, Tony Villiers has released three studio albums, receiving ‘Honourable Mentions’ in The International Song Writing Competition, judged by Tom Waits, Robert Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis and Black Francis amongst others as well as a ‘Daily Discovery’ feature by American Songwriter Magazine. On the road with ‘The Villains’ he has played many festivals in Ireland including Kilkenny Roots, Electric Picnic and Stendhal as well as radio plays by Ricky Ross on BBC Radio Scotland, Fiachna Ó Braonáin on RTE Radio and BBC Radio Ulster with Ralph McLean. With an artist like Villier this week’s Virtual was sure to be one heck of a show.
Villiers’ soothing vocals delight the swaying viewers as his warm croons drift through enigmatic tracks like ‘Mexico’. He dedicates songs to friends as he banters about The “Old” American Bar in Belfast, reminiscing on a time someone bravely danced barefoot there as well as discussing the memories he has of jamming with his band.
Accompanied by his trusty old Spanish guitar ( which was made in 1983 and Villiers claims is “temperamental, doesn’t like the Irish weather” ) teamed with his busted harmonica the show is relaxed and effortlessly fun. Villiers is a passionate and professional performer. His buoyant blues-hued folk songs will charm your foot to tap along or entice you to get up and sway around the room. He bewitches with his smooth melodies, witty lyrics and majestic musical display. Once Villiers begins to play, a cloak of good times nostalgia hides and covers everything hectic that could have happened that day and leaves you in a state of elated jubilation.
With blues elements coupled with indie folk undertones and country twangs along with glorious blasts on harmonica he provides a wonderful and relaxed atmosphere. There is something enthralling about his performance style; maybe it’s the uplifting cruising tunes or the laid back soundscapes of his acoustic set up but Villiers set was a special moment for sure.
He occasionally sips red wine as he greets and gives shout-outs to the viewers while playing recently written tracks such as ‘The End of The World Blues’ and old favourites ‘Rock Salt’ as well as a smashing rendition of Bob Dylans ‘Dream’.
Villiers has a knack for presenting relatable themes through his charming songwriting however it’s his likable character and effortless persona which ignites his tracks and makes them so enjoyable. The new music he is jamming and working on at the moment is an exciting glimpse of what is next from Tony Villiers.
An intimate Q&A follows the performance with Villiers talking about his biggest obstacles, his new album and how he got through lockdown as well as some wonderful anecdotes about his life. This is an invaluable aspect of Virtual, for fans to get to talk to the artist and have a personal chat in a relaxed environment. Virtual is proving to be an excellent opportunity for both fans and artists alike.
After Three extremely successful single launches, Finnian has released his new single ‘Fly’ taken off his debut album ‘Under The Influence’ which will be released on July 24th. Growing up in Dundalk, Ireland, Finnian has carefully nurtured his songwriting to the point where he is now being lauded by his peers as one of the most exciting talents in the country.
Saturated in bluesy swag and jazz elements ‘Fly’ is a bright number steeped in the sleek and engaging songwriting of Finnian. The song is anchored by the jazz piano refrains while elements of blues rock and retro soul adorn the track in lush tones. With banjo twangs between a foot moving rhythm, jaunty organ and warm guitar the track has a strutting sass all of its own. Finnian’s clever turn of phrase and passionate songwriting are at the forefront of his powerful, intricate musicianship. This is best shown when the listener admires the song as a whole – the instrumental backdrop flourishes behind Finnian’s rasped vocals giving the track a fluctuant and kinetic texture that is vibrant and uplifting without becoming overpowering.His beginnings as a folk based songwriter have now truly evolved and this song is a fine display of Finnian mastering his craft.
Ben Railway Robey has released his latest single ‘The Glory’s Mine’. Ben Railway Robey delivers a polished and authentic blues rock sound with his nuanced guitar playing and husky vocals. With his modern blues he brings together old and new styles to express his own personal experiences. Having toured across the UK and Europe, he made his live debut in Chicago Illinois in 2019.
Laced in raw blues tones ‘The Glory’s Mine’ showcases Ben Railway Robey’s honest and gritty songwriting. His raspy vocals blend and harmonise superbly with the soulful backing vocals as the track glimmers with gospel hues. Inspired by the connection he feels between him and his guitar, and the difficulties he has faced as a musician in his hometown, the song celebrates his success in spite of adversity. As the strong riffs and light ornamentation on guitar flourish the track holds a sense of strength and resilience. Ben Railway Robey set out to be an example to those who are considered outcasts that if you believe in what you’re doing it will prevail in the end and ‘The Glory’s Mine’ is a compelling number to represent this.
Barefoot Magicians have released their new EP ‘Hangin’ On’.The band comprised of Dave Greene on harmonica and vocals, Graham Stewart on Guitars, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Paraic Carroll on Bass and Petra žižak on Keys & Mandolin formed in early 2017 after a recording session in Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios.
Barefoot Magicians throws the listener a curve ball with ‘Hangin’ On’ as the EP takes everything we know from the band so far and turns it up a notch, augmenting the bands bluesy sound with new stylistic twitches. Doused in the groove rooted bluesy tonality this band does so well title track ‘Hangin’ On’ introduces the EP. The band present moany lyrical content with suave instrumentation and slinky arrangement to create a get up and dance catchy number. Punchy drums and groovy bass adorn the backdrop while the sleek guitars, warm harmonica blast and rich percussion adds a swanky flamboyance and irresistible upbeat vibe to the track. ‘We Can’t Give It Up’ is where the band showcase their versatility and genre bending sound. The heavier alternative rock backdrop and synth elements creates a dark, wispy and haunting atmosphere as Dave Greene lets loose over a lamentful melody. Here, he takes his usually powerful tone and smoothes it to intensify the spine chilling eerie soundscape. The heavy rawness of the guitars crash and jaggedly slice through the track with rough relentless stamina while the pining melody on harmonica sweetly contrasts the beefy backdrop with a light and almost innocent melodious refrain. ‘Get What You Want’ brings the EP to a close with a nimble and bombastic bass announcing the bands triumphant finale. Barefoot Magician’s ability to create a tight robust rhythmic backbone is impressive and is the perfect recipe to get a crowd up and dancing. Those thundering drum whacks, resounding bass and itchy percussion is the ignition to this band’s sound. They team this with shredding guitar flourishments, sultry licks, scorching solos, sweet harmonica and warm mandolin melodies to provide a rich tasty collection of tracks.
Barefoot Magicians pack a lot of power into this well balanced three track EP. This band’s modern blues rock has charm, character and oodles of wonderful melodies and embellishments. They are building their sound superbly bringing what they achieved with their ‘The Awakening’ EP and fleshing it out, carving their own sound and brand meticulously to create something quite invigorating.
King Kartel have released their new single ‘Be Mine’.The band have sold out shows across Manchester and Northern Ireland, as well as securing slots at the likes of Isle of Wight, Truck and Y Not Festivals. They have received support from Radio X, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1’s Phil Taggart to name a few, and had tracks featured across TV shows including Hollyoaks, Come Dine With Me and World’s Strongest Man,
‘Be Mine’ trades King Kartel’s riotous indie rock for a swaying sugar sweet doo wop ditty, swooned in 50’s charm. With a bluesy swinging rhythm and soft jaunty guitars the band create a hook laden number that builds sublimely. Oh so catchy and sweet the melody is caressed by tender delicate vocals while the buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo.The band maintain their dynamic punch by progressing into a scorching solo and steamy crescendo as the track broods into a vaporous outburst. It’s extremely sweet with a thrilling backdrop that holds the heavier aspects of King Kartel’s sound without becoming overpowering. A magnificent addition to King Kartel’s catalogue marking them as a diverse and well rounded band to watch out for.
The Pretty Visitors have released their new single ‘High Sailing Blues’. Previously supporting artists such as Circa Waves, Jaws, Billy Lunn (The Subways), The Family Rain and more recently, Sisteray, The Pretty Visitors showcase an energetic, eclectic live sound. In 2019 The Pretty Visitors released their demo ‘Its Not Easy’ and have featured multiple times on BBC Introducing shows.
‘High Sailing Blues’ is a gritty raw rock track as The Pretty Visitors flesh out their swagger-dipped sound. Steamy guitar riffs carve into the pounding drums while a slick bass wiggles and coils throughout. This robust powerhouse is a sleek battering of the band’s energetic sound with a steamy sensual backbone. The raspy vocals add a rough quality while the vaporous guitar licks and sharp flirtations give a refined and majestic element to this hungry mammoth. The Pretty Visitors knock it outta the park with ‘High Sailing Blues’
Cork singer songwriter Eoin is set to release his new album ‘Reverie’ on 19th July. ‘Reverie’ examines the descent into anger and depression coupled with the transition from a lighter, acoustic driven folk sound to a heavier, grunge infused one. This compact album showcases Eoin’s rich, warm and emotive musicianship as he ventures from tender ballad- esque to expressive indie rock tracks effortlessly. Each track is just as compelling as the next from the warm folky stomp of opening song ‘Anthony’s Got Mono’ to the guitar swaggering ‘Mask Your Lines’ and the dark rugged ‘The Eleventh Hour’.Eoin caresses each number with his velvety, lightly rasped vocals as the melodies drift easily into the ears with a honeyed texture however, he’s not afraid to let go as we hear through his vocal wails in ‘The Eleventh Hour’. The delicate and more tender tracks such as ‘Infinite’, the numbing twinkling ‘Instrumental’ and grunge hued dark ‘Reverie’ croon and elegantly drift you into a lulled stupor as the soft guitar and steady beat create a calming effect. Eoin builds these tracks superbly, some becoming more intense as the instruments progress. His vocals haunt and wail in ‘Infinite’ and add a steamy tantalizing dash of spice through the falsetto in ‘A Blues Song’. This hair raising progression is why Eoin is an artist to keep an eye on. He surges his tracks with emotion and passion while reinforcing his moving themes and lyrical content with mesmerising and thrilling instrumentation to make you feel each pulse, guitar strike and drum beat. ‘Snow Angels’ is a charming ditty. Simple in its approach the acoustic gem has a cheery twist as Eoin coos and whispers the quirky lyrics through a chirpy guitar feature. The smoky ‘Chalk & Cheese’ provides the steamy bluesy side to the album as the verses tease and entice with soul infused vocals and light flirtations on guitar before blasting into the brawny chorus. There is sublime guitar moments in this track as it builds to its massive crescendo. We see the frenzied rock n’ roll facet of the album through ‘A.C.I.D.’ and boy it is a thrilling whoosh that takes you by surprise. Crashing and dizzying soundscapes whirl around while a gritty guitar riff and dynamic bass relentlessly pummels through the pounding drums. An absolutely magnificent and swagger steeped number that I’m sure is going to be insane live. The grunge filled angsty track ‘Blurb’ follows the frenzy with moody tones, light lamenting guitar and steady beat. This is another superb track. The perfect build from eerie numb and glum verses to crashing guitars, dynamic drum blasts and all out explosive nature of the chorus is erratic and perfectly crafted. Another track that is sure to be outstanding live and will strike a chord with listeners.
‘Reverie’ takes Eoin from a simple singer songwriter to a passionate diverse artist with a bright future ahead. Sure he can produce light, little, sweet ditty’s that make your feet tap and warm the cockles of your heart but the album takes you down into the depths of his musicianship with eerie haunting twists, flickers of anger, turmoil and depression through dynamic chilling and sometimes erratic instrumentation. He’s not afraid to lay everything out and showcase his versatility as an artist and boy has he made one mesmerising and outstanding album.
You can catch Eoin live at :
‘Reverie’ album launch night on 19th July in DeBarra’s Folk Club
