Category Archives: EP Review

EP Review, Indie, New Music

Runway Lights ‘What Defines A Villain’ EP

Runway Lights have released their debut EP ‘What Defines A Villain’. Runway Lights are an experimental, alternative rock band from Dublin.In their short time together they have already graced the stages of a number of prestigious Dublin venues including The Workman’s Club, Whelan’s and The Button Factory, earning a reputation for their ferocious live sound.

‘What Defines A Villain’ is a compact intoxicating collection of Runway Lights bewitching musicianship. Each track is tightly weaved to form a wonderful tapestry of richly blended shades of light and dark to create an utterly compelling listening experience. ‘Broad Strokes’ kicks of the EP with magical whispered soundscapes flurrying like a gentle almost eerie breeze before the vocals kick in. The percussion taps and dances delicately through the chiming guitar and swirling synths. Almost straight away the band transports you to a world of magic and wonder portrayed through beautiful and mysterious musicianship. The track builds becoming more vibrant as the guitars and beat intensify. Runway Lights’ ability to create ominous tension and recoil back to lulling elegance and delicacy is mystifying. Their tracks are dark, sinister and sweetly soothing all at once. The short earthy instrumental sting of ‘Glass’ and the soothing ‘Sand’ and ‘Wash Away’ continue this perfectly with ethereal synths and airy atmospheres while the sublime guitar work adds a warm golden ray of light through the mystical mist and deft instrumental bursts. Louise O’Hanlon’s vocals are pristine and clear throughout this enchanting EP. She coos and lulls sweetly while flooding each track with emotion and passion. The melodies throughout the EP are luscious and silky with a sweet innocent undertone which contrasts beautifully against the heavier moments. ‘Red Letter’ displays this perfectly as it closes the EP with a melty warm melody filled with strength and passion as the crashing jagged guitars and punchy drums create that mighty punch and emotive backdrop. 

Runway Lights have created an EP that is delicately charming, tranquilizing and heavily dynamic as they blend alternative rock into their soft synth atmosphere. Each track builds and grows wonderfully to create hair raising crescendos and explosive instrumental highs. This crisp and immaculate EP has been brewed and blended to perfection for an utterly tantalizing listening experience.

Stream ‘What Defines A Villain’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Bugles ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ EP

The Bugles have released their new EP ‘What A Time To Be Alive’. The Bugles are a funk punk band consisting of Blade brothers; Jack and Tom, Matt Newell, Mohsin Abbas and Siony Williams.

‘What A Time To Be Alive’ EP present The Bugles’ jubilantly cheeky sound in all its infectious and juicy glory. These guys write tunes to keep you singing and dancing for days as their explosive vibrant energy and enthusiasm radiates from every track on the EP. The listener is hooked from opening track ‘Give up’ with its instant buoyancy, wiggle-ready bass line and jaunty guitar. There is no shortage of refined guitar lines or sprightly bass and rhythm as the band flesh out their fun sound with each engaging, invigorating tune. Title track ‘What a Time to Be Alive’ encapsulates the vibrancy of this band perfectly from slinky guitar flirtations to the party ready sing along chorus the band lay down the track perfectly to keep you bopping and dancing all the way through. Though the bands songs are fun and playful they showcase refined and sophisticated musicianship and instrumental prowess. ‘Fat Cats’ thrives wonderfully on vibrant and zesty guitar flourishes while the lyrical content adds depth and social commentary to their infectious sun sprinkled sound. There is reggae peppering all over the EP through the bass line and drums while the guitar weaves a tropical, indie blend into the mix creating a glorious refreshing sound. ‘Kings and Queens’ bring us to the end of the EP, slowing the tone as The Bugles try their hand at a ballad- esque slow jam. It’s a slow shuffle to start with a sweet pop sprinkled melody and harmony before the band begin the second verse introducing their signature guitar and jaunty rhythm. 

‘What A Time To Be Alive’ is a flavoursome EP brimming with danceable party tones, rich rhythms and sublime guitar work as The Bugles blend their luscious indie pop with punk elements to create a punchy, thoughtful and enjoyable collection of songs. 

Stream ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ EP below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Shoegaze

Goldkey ‘Background’ EP

Goldkey has released his first full length EP ‘Background’. Goldkey is the musical alias of New York artist Mike Horn.Working with producer Ben Rice (Norah Jones, The Candles, Queue, Daughter) at Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, Goldkey has crafted tunes that are one part indie pop, one part indie folk. His first single ‘Mountain’ was featured on Spotify playlists Tune Core The New, Indie Mono Indie Folk. Goldkey followed this release with the driving psychedelia of ‘What Am I Supposed To Do?’, which led to dates supporting artists Eighty Ninety, Elliot & the Ghost and a headline appearance at the 2017 Official Jeff Buckley tribute concert.

‘Background’ is a chilled collection of tracks that flow beautifully between elements of indie, surf, garage and shoegaze to create a complete and wholesome EP. From the opening guitar jangle of ‘In The Background’ Horn places you into a peaceful and mellowed world of his creation as the hazy soundscape of soft beats and steady delicate guitar work flood you with pacifying lo-fi tones of bliss. The zesty guitar elements in ‘Rabbit Hole’ and  ‘Afraid Of Love’  add a refreshing zest to the tracks while the sweet as honey melodies soothe the ears in a warm coating of euphoria. Horn’s laid back vocals caress each track with delicate tenderness as each easygoing gem drifts along creating a lazy summer’s day atmosphere. ‘Galaxy’ is a lonely delight that sits almost solitary in the middle of the EP. Horn’s tender vocals coo with sweet emotion while soft instrumentation grace the background, broken at times by a lamenting guitar melody that has a lone ranger feel. Incredibly melancholic and heartbreaking the track builds becoming more heavy as a gentle piano twinkle is introduced creating a bittersweet innocence and elegant air to the song.Filled with soft tones and supple, refined musicianship ‘Prominent Moon’ brings the EP to a delicate and wholesome conclusion as warm guitar injections add speckles of scintillation through the sombre sweet tones and tender melody. 

With its lo-fi approach and soothing instrumentation Goldkey’s ‘Background’ EP is a marshmallow of comfort and delicacy with glorious and intricate instrumentation glistening throughout.

Stream ‘Background’ below


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

Dantevilles ‘Welcome To The Theatre’ EP

Manchester’s Dantevilles are set to release their new EP ‘Welcome to the Theatre’ on the 30th August. 2019 has seen Dantevilles complete a successful U.K tour with DHP, Huw Stephens championing their latest 2 singles on Radio 1, as well as a 350 capacity sold out hometown show under their belt.

‘Welcome To The Theatre’ is a coherent three track EP that grooves, weaves and soars with Dantevilles rich musicianship as they meander their way into a darker more refined sound. ‘Soundscape’ begins the sinister tone with eerie twinkling guitars glistening through a heavy backdrop of punchy drums and tight bass line while the moody melody creeps into your brain effortlessly. With an ominous backdrop and dramatic vocals the track drifts in like a fog on a dark damp night before exploding into a danceable frantic chorus. ‘Save Me A Dance’ adds a tropical tone to the EP with jangly guitars and infectious samba style rhythms while the warm vocals melt upon the glorious ear-worm melody. It’s a vibrant and vivid middle track that ties the darker tone together with brightness and luminosity however this track breaks the cheeriness with a shadowy bridge before the fantastic crescendo. ‘Confession’ returns to the more cloudy atmosphere. With an ethereal guitar display between a murky backdrop of eerie gloom the track flickers between an 80’s- esque atmospheric sheen and dark melodic indie to create something truly satisfying and catchy.

As a whole ‘Welcome to the Theatre’ packs in some superb guitar work intricately entwined between a cinematic and dramatic backdrop of indie pop, and darkly smothering atmospheres as Dantevilles flesh out their meaty and  compelling sound.

‘Welcome to the Theatre’ is released on the 30th August until then you can stream ‘Confession’ below


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

Watchy ‘Double Retired’ EP

Photo Credit : Stuart Hayes Photography

Dublin artist Watchy has released his debut solo EP ‘Double Retired’. This four track surge of blustery alternative rock ignites with title track ‘Double Retired’. Doused in gritty coarse bass lines pulverising drums and gravelly vocals this brisk frenzied track announces the EP with punk/rock stained tones and aggressive instrumentation. The track builds to its frenetic crescendo with kick ass rock swaggered guitar and meaty foundation. The triumphant  ‘Queening Death’ follows. Here Watchy takes Queens’  ‘I Want to Break Free’ throws it into a mincer of rock mania before peppering it with metal hues and aggression to create a milk curdling assault on the senses. Watchy screams the lyrics over a bruising backdrop of shredding epic guitars and pounding drums taking this classic and spinning it into a more ominous heavy exclamation of desperation. With a frantic crescendo featuring shouted “die die” lyrics it’s ready for the blood thirsty mosh pit. Debut single ‘Shelved’ cools the tone of the EP as we see Watchy venture into his electronic aesthetic. This instrumental track builds and ferments carefully, showcasing his ability to richly layer and brood his tracks into ballsy refined tunes. Beginning as a synth jam the track progresses into an all out manic alternative number as the bass flourishes becoming more aggressive and powerful while the drums go berserk. ‘Temporary Satisfaction (I Can’t Get No)’ brings the album to a powerful end with 80’s rock flavoured guitar and buoyant rhythms. The gritty bass lines saturate the track in panache while Watchy wails and screams over the blistering backdrop. 

‘Double Retired’ isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a raw EP filled with heavy crashing instrumentation, sharp bass and floor-moving drums. Watchy has developed and fleshed out his rough and tumble alternative rock and I dare say its pretty impressive.

About the EP Watchy said :” I wanted to see if I could do something on my own, playing  and hanging with my friend Dara from Chancer (who I convinced to drum on these tracks) really inspired me to write on my own and work on songs from the ground up, I treated it like a job and went in on my own to rehearse ideas, come up with melodies take a lunch break then go back to them and finish at a reasonable time then come back to them a day later. The results have been so amazing and I’m really proud of what I came up with.”

Stream ‘Double Retired’ below 


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Harper James AKA Middle Youth ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ EP

Middle Youth is the project of Harper James. He has released his Lo Fi solo EP ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’. Harper James is a producer, mixer and writer working out of Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, NY. He and his brother Abner James front the band Eighty Ninety. Harper’s productions, mixes and songs have over 20 million streams on Spotify and have been featured on numerous Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, Pop Rising, Fresh Finds to name a few.

‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ EP is a luscious can of indie pop laced in sweet electronics, delicious melodies and Harper James’ emotive songwriting. James achieves an easy listening experience with some effervescent bits throughout with his diverse and rich musicianship. Opening track ‘Black Square’ is a delicate ditty that floats around brooding guitar accompaniment and whispered vocals. It’s a twinkling intro that begins the EP in a low key ethereal tone and an air of mystery. The hushed beginning swiftly changes as the electronic soaked 80’s synth pop number ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ kicks in. With glistening electronics, foot tapping beat and candied 80’s sheen it’s instantly likable and fresh. With striking honest lyrics and a dazzling soundscape James uses the sparkling pop backdrop and darker lyrics to create a sublime contrast and give depth to this tune. It’s buoyant and vibrant with intricate weaving soundscapes and glittering guitar while the smooth vocals coo over the melty melody. This EP presents us with sublime melodies from the peppy  title track to the more melancholic ‘ Open Your Eyes’ and ‘Sublight’ . With gritty guitar moments and a thudding beat in the former and stripped back acoustic accompaniment for ‘Sublight’ James sets a sombre lamenting tone. ‘Wanna Be True’ is the tender ballad-esque tune that warms the cockles of your heart with its sweet lyrics and warm guitar accompaniment. ‘My Phone’ brings the EP to a close with a biting ethereal atmosphere sticky beat and lonely lyrical content. 

Throughout the EP Harper James showcases his ability to create sublime stripped back tracks, lo -fi tunes drizzled in wispy soundscapes as well as a full throttle electronic number. With modern themes of technology, loneliness and love it is a relatable and chilled EP. 

About the EP Harper James said : “These are songs about growing up, trying to be true to the people you love, becoming disenchanted with some things you used to believe in, and seeing the magic in other things; feeling old, hating my phone, getting it wrong, getting it right, becoming acquainted with mortality and experiencing love in many forms. The project is called @middle.youth — I realize my friends and artists I’ve worked with have maybe heard my music in other contexts but never as a platform for me to say my thing.”

Stream  ‘Heaven Is a Feeling’ below 


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

MAUVE ‘Bouquet’ EP

London based three piece MAUVE have released their second E.P ‘Bouquet’. Despite the husky highland vocals of their Scots frontman, MAUVE hail from London and Cambridge. Formed in early 2017, MAUVE comprise of Steve (Vox/Guitar), Ben (drums) and Ieuan ( bassist). Their debut 6-track E.P titled “Pulled apart” was recorded at Valhalla Studios with local award-winning producer Dan Lambert and has already been well received and described as ‘anthemic and accomplished’ by Tom Simkins, BBC Introducing in Cambridgeshire.

‘Bouquet’ is a palpitating three track knock out as MAUVE distill their alternative rock into a pure concoction of adrenaline and hyperactive melodies. These guys layer their sound superbly adding fiery manic soundscapes on top of neatly weaved guitar and bass combos to create a pretty triumphant EP. ‘Remember’ is a nostalgic, bitter sweet delight as the band blend soft verses with epic chorus blasts that venture into heroic territory. With jagged guitar, punchy drums and an infectious passion-filled melody, it’s ready for the mania of the live shows. With powerful vocals and a dynamic wall of sound these tracks blossom beautifully. ‘Shoreline’ follows the bombastic ‘Remember’. It’s the perfect middle track with emotion and tender moments blended between the robust instrumentation delivering a divine and frenzied experience. ‘Brittle’ is the more vulnerable facet in the band’s sound. Equally powerful and expressive this track cools the tone at the start before building gradually. There is substance and sophistication to MAUVE’s musicianship and the band display it perfectly through this EP. Intricate guitar moments and gentle sweet undertones trickle throughout each rowdy number creating wonderful multi textures and a rich contrast in each song making this EP something truly special. 

‘Bouquet’ is a powerful EP- earnest, heartwarming and filled with sublime passionate musicianship.

Stream ‘Bouquet’ below 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Covasettes ‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’ EP

The Covasettes have released their debut EP ‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’. Catching the summer sun and bottling it in this glorious four track EP The Covasettes have captured summer and made it bite-size and ready to unleash anytime of the year for nostalgic daydreaming or for enjoying as you create those summer memories. Brimming with zesty radiant guitar and catchy melodies each track is a lustrous gem. From the energetic  ‘Twit Twoo’ with its rooted groove, jagged guitar and carefree atmosphere to ‘You & I’ an energetic love smothered sprightly number,this four piece present us with a youthful burst of exhilarating indie. They layer their tracks superbly with a heavier crashing instrumental backdrop for the crescendos while remaining buoyant and sun kissed. Each track is a delight on the ears. Delicious melodies grace the jaunty backdrop for the sing along friendly ‘Let’s Go’ while the warm and easy on the ears vocals from Chris Buxton adds a charming quality to the songs. With elastic bass lines running riot around the punchy buoyant drums, these guys set a strong, dance floor coaxing foundation to their sound. The EP’s  beach time, adrenaline inducing pace is relentless right up to the final track ‘Fine Lines’. Golden guitar jingles flood the track with glimmers of scintillation while the breezy jaunty backdrop keeps you craving more. 

‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’ encapsulates summer as The Covasettes flesh out their tight fun indie pop through glorious infectious melodies, big choruses and sublime instrumentation. A fantastic feel good debut EP from this young four piece. 

Commenting on the EP , frontman Chris Buxton said: “To me, it’s the best piece of work we’ve ever done, each track gives you something different from the last, but they all come together to paint part of a bigger picture. It’s something we were really keen to achieve, we didn’t want to put four ‘random’ songs together and call it an EP, we wanted to create a journey that people can jump into and I really do feel we’ve achieved that. We’ve been consumed by this EP for the last 6 months, and we’ve been speaking about it for 6 months before that, so it feels so good to be finally putting it out. Every time we’ve had a spare few minutes we’ve been sat recording, tweaking and slaving over this EP and we couldn’t be more proud of it. It really feels like the next chapter for us, we’ve had an incredible start to 2019 and now we have this to propel us to the next level; I just can’t wait to see what everyone thinks to it… I’d be telling a lie if I said we weren’t all a little bit nervous.”

Stream ‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’ below 


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Gin Palace Self -Titled EP

Northern Irish band Gin Palace have released their debut self-titled EP. The band have created a three track EP brimming with sun sprinkled indie and sublime melodies. With intricate jangly guitar weaving beautiful zest drizzled melodies throughout each track the EP is a delight and easy on the ears. ‘Sophia Loren’ sets the EP in motion allowing the wonderful guitar lines to flourish through a buoyant rhythm and groove infested bass. ‘Passing By’ follows with evening sun set tones and sombre hues while ‘Mondegreen’ closes the EP with a slow dance croon. Delicate and moonlit the track drifts on a steady beat and passionate melody while the brass element pines and laments through the swoony soundscape.

Gin Palace take us from scorching summers days to chill evenings with this sublime three track EP. Their use of brass floods each track with warmth and rich textures however its those golden intricate guitar melodies that lifts the tracks and makes them so charming and captivating. It’s a sublime debut EP from Gin Palace as they showcase their precise and compelling musicianship.

Stream ‘Gin Palace’ below 


EP Review, Folk, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Bland Orlando ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’ EP

Cork Indie Pop/Folk artist Bland Orlando has released his new EP ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’. This three track collection floats and swoons in Bland Orlando’s delicate and emotive musicianship. From the brooding fluid groove of opening track ‘Blue’ the EP sets up a tranquil scene with relaxing vibes and sweet lush melodies. With soft warm guitar accompaniment and a steady beat slap this track allows  Bland Orlando’s vocals to become the main focus point as he coos with raspy tones over the delicate tender melody. ’Hold’ has a lighter more buoyant quality as the twinkling soundscapes flutter about the rich rhythm and infectious melody. It’s charming and a joy to listen to. There are intricate subtle melodies through out that create a mesmerising and peaceful tone to the track making it perfect for evening listening. This EP in brimming with passion and luscious melodies. Bland Orlando’s simplistic approach gives a special and magical effect to his tracks. ‘Wasted’ closes the EP. Haunting backing vocals lull and whine behind Orlando’s deep vocals. Passion and emotion radiates through out the track – building becoming more jittery until it transforms into a tropical- esque delight. The guitars add a dash of zest and sun-speckled scintillation as the rhythm becomes more shaky and vibrant. It’s a chilled cruising track to bring the EP to a mellowed out hazy summer end. 

 Bland Orlando has created an emotive EP that is set to ease the mind and relax the soul with his superb musicianship. 

Stream ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’ below