Category Archives: EP Review

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Moncrieff ‘Warm’ EP

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Photo Credit: Luca Rapisarda

Having performed with Adele and impressed greats like Elton John and Avicii with his songwriting, singer-songwriter, Moncrieff has now released his new EP ‘Warm’ via German label energie. The EP follows the successful release of the title single ‘Warm’ which was an instant hit that went top-10 on Irish Radio and was performed live on Germany’s ARD Network (“Frühstücksfernsehen”).

Throughout ‘Warm’ EP Moncrieff unleashes a tidal wave of emotion while fleshing out his eloquent songwriting and expressive sound. ‘Warm’, ‘Rewind’ and ‘Ruin’ exude anthemic soundscapes and rich instrumental flourishes that make for an immersive and exciting display of musicianship from the artist. 

There is no denying Moncrieff’s magical songwriting ability. The artist delves deep into his innermost emotions and deepest thoughts and expresses them through wonderfully poetic lyrics. Each lyric has movement and depth adding an exciting dynamic to the EP. ‘Talk’ is a sublime example of this. In this raw heartbreaking ballad, Moncrieff recounts the first time he opened up about having suicidal thoughts. His soulful vocals sincerely pour out lyrics of pain, “If I don’t believe in God who can I call? Maybe it’s easier to end it all” while pulsing beats, a choir on backing vocals and ethereal soundscapes rush with emotion. Though the subject matter is heavy and dark, in true Moncreiff manner the gripping lyrics are presented with a ray of hope. The lyrics look back at a dark time in his life while the uplifting music becomes the light at the end of the tunnel and depicts a sense of inner strength and new-found empowerment.

Although ‘Talk’ is a powerful and stand-out gem on the EP, each track in its own right has something special that allows it to shine just as brightly. Throughout the EP, feel-good moments ( alongside heavy subject matter), expressive instrumentation and poignant songwriting abound as ‘Warm’ stirs the listener’s soul on a deep level making for an exquisite listening experience. 

There is something for everyone in this EP. Moncrieff lays bare themes of loss and loneliness while maintaining an air of hope and comfort throughout. Moncrieff is a rare talent and ‘Warm’ is just a glimpse at this artist’s ability. 

Stream ‘Warm’ below


Author: Danu

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

Minus Ten Thousand Hours ‘Could Be Worse’ EP

Photo Credit : Arielle Croitor

Minus Ten Thousand Hours have released their new EP, ‘Could Be Worse’.Minus Ten Thousand Hours are a Dublin-based band. Formed in 2013, MTTH has evolved from a punk/metal band to a hard-hitting, hook-focused alternative rock band. The band have built a reputation as a live force on the Dublin music scene and are starting to show that around the country.

Blazing on a crushing wall of solid no-nonsense riffs and pounding rhythms, ‘Could Be Worse’ is a mammoth EP from Minus Ten Thousand Hours. The band deliver an onslaught of lean mean alternative rock throughout this EP to create a mosh-ready listening experience. Each song exudes attitude and power from roaring angst rock vocals to catchy melodies and blistering crescendos; it’s a mighty collection of tracks. This EP screams with slick guitar work and insatiable bass grooves. With tunes like ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Fear’ full of smouldering emotions, fiery guitars and ravaging drums the band create a full-bodied soundscape that is thrilling and explosive to listen to. 

There is a dark undertone within the tracks especially through ‘Fad Haircut’. The band creep a chilling grunge tone over jagged slicing guitars and pummeling drums while a moody melody haunts throughout. It’s a memorable moment within the album as the crescendo builds becoming more harsh and harrowing with fierce vocals and aggressive riffage. 

Minus Ten Thousand Hours present a rip-roaring EP that is exciting to listen to. These guys are a talented bunch and their gritty alternative rock will thrill you to your core and send shivers down your spine with their dynamic musicianship. Keep an eye on these guys.

Stream ‘Could Be Worse’ below 


Author: Danu

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

modernlove. ‘Oh My Mind’ EP

Following a wave of highly-praised singles over the last few months, including ‘Don’t Wanna’, ‘Us’, ‘Follow You’, ‘Islands’ and ‘Familiar’, Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have now released their eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Oh My Mind’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). modernlove. will also be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. Demand for these shows has been so overwhelming, the band have added a new date at London’s Camden Assembly on the 8th November, with their Manchester performance which was upgraded to YES! (Basement) has now sold out.

‘Oh My Mind’ is a fizzing collection of fantastic indie pop songs full of earnest lyrics, heartfelt melodies and invigorating sonic embellishments. This band craft their songs meticulously and the result is exhilarating musicianship. From the effervescent electronics on ‘Island’, elastic bass grooves in ‘Don’t Wanna’, brooding atmospheres in ‘Familiar’ and rush of instrumentation in ‘Us’, each song possesses glorious musical moments that are a joy to listen to again and again.

However, it is ‘Take My Hand’ and title track ‘Oh My Mind’ that steal the show. Boasting fluttering rhythms, shimmering synths and sun-kissed guitar elements these two tracks highlight just how good modernlove. are as artists. The expressive instrumentation and deft production is a delight to listener’s ears and offer a spine-tingling listening experience to indulge in.

Not only do modernlove. deliver on lush dynamic pop backdrops and intoxicating melodies their lyrics are deep and speak of heavy themes; mental health, loneliness and yearning. Well phrased and evocative songwriting is delivered by Barry Lally’s emotive vocal delivery. He pours tenderness and passion over the poetic lyrics and truly brings the subject matter to life.

“She left his room when he lost his balance and She didn’t move back in again when he found it” – Island, “Babe something feels strange drank wine but then you spilt your cup, had a good time but never carpet is stained, it has to be torn up” -’Us’.

Throughout ‘Oh My Mind’ modernlove.’s honesty, vulnerability and deft musical prowess leaves much to be admired. This heartfelt body of work that is filled with spectacular musicianship, keeps modernlove. on the ones to watch list. 

Speaking about the new single, they said, “Oh my mind explores the modern day neuroses of young people and the mental health challenges brought upon them by pop culture, the internet and most recently, the coronavirus lockdowns. I think we all went a little mad over lockdown and most of this EP was written in that state of social isolation. Without distraction or release from cycles of negative thought you can begin to spiral to the point of derealisation and being in a constant state of panic. But then we kinda juxtaposed that by a brighter and more playful sonic composition. I think as young people, we tend to joke about our mental health as a way of relating to one another and not feeling so alone in all of it. So it felt natural to write a poppy, upbeat song about such dark themes rather than treating them with a forced solemnity and formality.”

modernlove. will be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. See the dates below 

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE / SOLD OUT ***
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar)
  • 8 – London – Camden Assembly ***NEW DATE***
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana – SOLD OUT
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly – SOLD OUT
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

 Stream ‘Oh My Mind’ below 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1lQ44YDcd9JrYFKWgfrwAG?si=ataKIcn_TJSuoCzc-4ZyDA


Author: Danu

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

Palava ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ EP

East Manchester indie band Palava have released their new EP’ Just Look Into My Eyes’.This swagger-dipped alternative rock EP is filled with gritty riffs, groove-laced rhythms and slick musicianship. Palava create soaring and exhilarating tunes laced with rich sonic embellishments and ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ is the perfect example of this. The EP blends vigorous indie rock with sweet tender moments to create an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. From the sharp rock n roll saunter of title track ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ and the punchy edge of ‘Yesterday Is Calling’ to the pining sharp guitar in ‘Rainy Day’, the band pack emotion and power into each song. Boasting heartfelt melodies, shredding guitar moments and pummeling rhythms the band create an invigorating wall of sound that is a joy to listen to. 

‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ is a satisfying body of work from Palava. The energy, passion and vigour bursting from this EP is admirable. Each track oozes charm and showcases the refined and infectious sound of Palava.

Stream ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ below


Author: Danu

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

Ria Rua ‘chaos/control’ EP

Ria Rua has released her new EP ‘chaos/control’ on the German indie label MPM. Ria Rua is a modern Irish female hyper pop singer, songwriter and producer.

‘chaos/control’ is a fantastic display of Ria Rua’s irresistible electronic pop. Showcasing slick production, attitude-saturated lyrics and intoxicating soundscapes the EP is a knockout that is a joy to listen to again and again. ‘Boss’ and ‘Breathe’  ooze attitude through dense soundscapes with the electronic beats venturing at times into EDM territory. However, it’s ‘I Don’t Care’ that is the holy grail of the EP.

The lyrics create a dark tone over a building cinematic backdrop, as Ria whispers ” I can feel your hands around my neck. Squeezing tightly. I hate it”. Sultry and at times sinister the song is an evocative number that is simply goosebump-inducing and a fine example of Ria Rua’s mesmerising musicianship.

Ria’s sound is truly thrilling. Within her music the tight brisk rhythms are executed with such skilful precision it is awe-inspiring. Ria Rua is a force to be reckoned with and ‘chaos/control’ is an exciting keyhole glimpse into this artist’s talents. 

Stream ‘chaos/control’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Under Starling ‘Mongrel’ EP

Alternative rock band Under Starling have released their new EP ‘Mongrel’.The EP was recorded and produced with Graham Byrne & Christian Best. The band are having a launch party for the EP upstairs in Whelans on July 16th. The band has played support to many famous acts throughout the years such as Walking on Cars, Fangclub, and Bitch Falcon to name a few. Their own tours have seen packed-out shows in the likes of Fred Zeppelins, Dolans, Roisín Dubh, and Whelans.

In true Under Starling manner, ‘Mongrel’ overflows with passionate melodies, sincerity and refined musicianship. The band has a knack for creating compelling, infectious earworms that ooze cinematic arrangements and ‘Mongrel’ is a glorious collection of these powerful soul-igniting tunes. Throughout the EP we see the band showcase their sound in all it’s glory – an eclectic blend of indie and alternative rock with filtrations of R&B and intriguing pop undertones.

Boasting chiming guitars, ethereal synths, big choruses and buoyant beats,  ‘Icarus’ and ‘Big Fish’ capture a heart-fluttering rush of emotion through eloquent musicianship. The band craft each song wonderfully, allowing each element to flourish within the track’s expressive soundscape. Whether it is a bubbling beat progressing into a thunderous outburst within ‘Arrows’ or gritty guitars building into mosh-ready riffs in ‘Mongrel’; the band don’t rush the instrumentation. Instead, they carefully craft each component to create a cohesive and thrilling listening experience.

With themes of love, heartbreak, adversity, and perseverance, Under Starling build on natural emotion and past experiences to create a collection of tracks that ooze passion, sadness and love from every note. Each song on the EP discusses the emotions of adolescence and is inspired by life events the band experienced while growing up.

‘Mongrel’ is an exquisite EP from the heart set to intricate, cinematic arrangements and emotive vocals. Under Starling have nurtured their sound and allowed it to blossom into something beautiful.

Stream ‘Mongrel’ below 


Author: Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music

Jimbo Wimon ‘In the Seam’ EP

Jimbo Wimon has released their debut EP ‘In the Seam’. Jimbo Wimon was established from the creative mind of singer Théo Simon who collated a quintuple of talented musicians – attendees of the ‘American School of Modern Music’ in Paris in 2018. The name was creatively coined by combining the names of two of the band’s favourite artists – Jim Morrison and David Bowie – with ‘Wimon’ relating to Théo’s surname ‘Simon.’ The band onsists of guitarist Romain Bridot, bassist Pierre Quesnel, pianist Renan Bridot, drummer Baptiste Masson and the previously mentioned singer Théo Simon.

‘In the Seam’ is a blistering EP laced in alternative rock bravado and shredding instrumentation. Jimbo Wimon infuse ‘I Need To Sleep’ and ‘Spell Of Mine’ with blazing guitar refrains, pummeling drums and resounding bass grooves to create a tight and mighty wall of sound ready for the live mosh pits. This EP showcases the frenetic rock of Jimbo Wimon in all its might while tracks ‘In The Seam’ and the 60’s speckled psychedelia of ‘Opium’ take a melodic and more gentle stance on the band’s hefty sound. This subtle facet to the band’s sound is especially evident within ‘Crowstown’. With chiming guitars, eerie vocals, ethereal piano and at times sweet melodies; the band’s raw emotional side roars between intense grunge-esque moments and interspersed frenzied outbursts throughout.

Blending sweet refrains and slick guitar melodies between diverse and powerful musicianship ‘In the Seam’ is a dynamic new EP from Jimbo Wimon.

Stream ‘In The Seam’ below 


Author:Danu

EP Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Peter Dulborough ‘The Fixer’ EP

Florence-based songwriter Peter Dulborough has released his new EP ‘The Fixer’.Written as a reflection of the lessons learnt during the journey of life, ‘The Fixer’ is an introspective look inside each of us as we look to mend our broken world. The EP was recorded in live sessions at Blue Moon Recording Studios with Samuele Cangi (Guitars) and Tommaso Giuliani (Drums) and features beautiful guest vocals from Marie Delfino.

Filled with beautifully expressive rhythms, ‘The Fixer’ is a warm piano-driven EP that boasts Peter Dulborough’s unique brew of classic/contemporary musicianship. Each song surges with heartfelt melodies and elements of jazz that glimmer through the piano on tracks like ‘Heading for the Shore’ while sweet ballads ‘Shooting Star’ and ‘As the Sun sets now’ ooze classic undertones throughout between indie bops ‘The Fixer’ and ‘Pressure Cooker’. The EP is a musical delight and a compelling listen. 

About the EP Dulborough explains: “‘The Fixer’ is an archetypal character inside us who tries to change themselves and put the happiness of others above their own – at a price. Their obsession keeps them enslaved to pleasing others,” 

Stream ‘The Fixer’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Big Sleep ‘Feel Something Someday’ EP

Irish-Italian outfit Big Sleep have released their debut EP, ‘Feel Something Someday’. The 5 track collection of songs was recorded in the live room of Hell Fire Studios, in the Dublin Mountains over two days in December 2021. James Smith (formerly of Gypsies on the Autobahn, currently J Smith) sound engineered, produced and mixed the tracks. Matteo Poli (drums, percussion), Rónán Connolly (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Aidan Gray (bass guitar), Jacopo Stofler (lead guitar) and Jessie Russell (trumpet, Cooks But We’re Chefs) recorded on EP. Big Sleep is a collaboration between Dubliner Rónán Connolly and Florence-born Matteo Poli. 

‘Feel Something Someday’ is a glorious EP laced with sunkissed instrumentation and dreamy melodies. Throughout the EP luscious guitar lines sparkle alongside supple beats and ethereal soundscapes to create a laid-back listening experience. Each song fluidly flows into the next with ease as tropical carefree melodies blend with intricate rhythms through tracks like ‘Bláthnaid’ while supple horns in ‘In My Head’ and quirky synths in the wonderful ‘Such a Shame’ flesh out the band’s hazy sonic wall of sound.

The EP is an admirable piece of work and gives the listener a fascinating glimpse into Big Sleep as artists. An interesting element within the band’s sound is the interplay between soft dream pop and refreshing indie. This wonderful blend of elements is soothing on the ears and is a joy to experience again and again. ‘Feel Something Someday’ is a musical delight from Big Sleep. The band keep knocking it out of the park with each release and their debut EP is an excellent display of the band’s catchy emotive sound.

Stream ‘Feel Something Someday’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, New Music

SamSeb Kierkegaard ‘Luna: Fantasy Named Happiness’ EP

SamSeb Kierkegaard has released his new EP ‘Luna: Fantasy Named Happiness’ which tells a whirlwind story of a boy from the city of Reality, Luna Moonlight the heroine, and Uncertainty the Monster. South Korean Alt-Rock artist SamSeb Kierkegaard is an exceptionally exciting creator, who explores the polarities of life through his incredibly intricate songwriting talents.

‘Luna: Fantasy Named Happiness‘ is a passionate collection of alternative rock tunes that boasts the atmospheric and mighty sound of SamSeb Kierkegaard. The EP ventures between exhilarating anthems like ‘Luna: The Invisible Irony’ to darker tracks such as ‘Luna: Luna Moonlight’ which is reminiscent of 90’s rock with metal flirtations. The EP is well crafted and cohesive as Kierkegaard takes the listener on a rollercoaster journey of emotions through expressive musicianship. His sound is theatrical and explosive with shredding guitar lines that move between warm chimes and soaring refrains while pounding drums and ethereal melodies keep the listener hooked on every note. With moments of jaunty rhythms flickering between eerie tones in ‘Luna Dependent Personality Disorder’ and light shoegaze psychedelia in ‘Luna: The Myth of Sisyphus,’ this genre-blending anthemic EP is a satisfying listen and a glimpse into the thrilling sound of SamSeb Kierkegaard.

Stream ‘Luna: Fantasy Named Happiness’ below 


Author: Danu