Category Archives: EP Review

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

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

Banríon ‘Airport Dads’ EP

Dublin based alt-rock four piece Banríon have released their debut EP ‘Airport Dads’.Following the release of her solo single ‘bins’, songwriter and guitarist Róisín Ní Haicéid recruited drummer Michael Nagle, bassist John Harding and guitarist Ivan Rakhmanin to form Banríon and complete their immediately recognisable alt-rock sound. The jazz backgrounds of Nagle and Harding have allowed Banríon to explore a refreshingly eclectic mix of genres to create a powerful indie sound, already attracted a very loyal fanbase. Banríon has played in venues such as Whelan’s, the Workman’s Club, Bello Bar and the Sound House and their cult following is growing in numbers after every live show. Recorded in Nagle’s home in Connemara, the three-part EP was entirely self- produced.

‘Airport Dads’ provides a short glimpse into Banríon’s alternative indie rock as they create a mature, lush and well balanced EP.  ‘Yesterday’s Paper’ kicks things in motion with jangly indie guitars piercing a thick punchy rhythmic wall of sound. It’s a light, sweet tune that floats delicately over an upbeat backdrop and tight musicianship while lyrics explore the fears of day to day life.

Through sweet and delicate tones and catchy refrains the band express pain, angst and vulnerability. Banríon take tender and raw themes of disability, feelings of uncertainty, emigration and heartbreak and place rich, delicate and compelling musicianship around them to heighten and highlight the emotion one feels during these experiences. A brave undertaking which the four-piece succeed in doing with skill and empathy.

The gliding and elegant flurries of ‘Bunk Beds’ pivot around a rooted guitar jingle and raw rhythmic bounce as the band create an illusive shoegaze soundscape with a more punchy rock foundation. The laid back lull of ‘Ouchie’ brings the EP to a close. The mood is glum as the twinkling on guitar glimmers through the tracks moody melodic flow. Róisín Ní Haicéid’s vocals have a pacifying and soothing tone throughout the EP while delivering coarse and painful lyrics. Her sweet lull and richer depths express emotion effortlessly as she draws you into each song’s enchanting sorrow and diverse emotions. 

‘Airport Dads’ shows Banríon know their sound and what they want to achieve. The band have created a wonderful collection of time stopping and utterly moving tunes with sublime dreamy moments and raw emotive themes to provide an honest, real, and emotional EP.

Stream ‘Airport Dads’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, EP Review, New Music

Alex Brenchley ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ Album

Alex Brenchley has released his new album ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’. ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’, was the idea of Songbook, a crowdfunding music company. The concept was an EP of The Beach Boys covers, giving Alex Brenchley the opportunity to revel in their songwriting genius. Sparked by Dutch director Arthur Petri requesting a cover by Brenchley of ‘God Only Knows’ as an engagement present, this fun project has resulted in simple indie-pop re-imaginings of the songs. London based artist and musician Alex Brenchley was recently awarded the Mayor of London award for emerging artists after releasing his debut album ‘Daylight Snobbery’ in 2019. He has performed and exhibited at some of London’s finest venues including St Pancras Old Church, the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Roundhouse and the Barbican Art Gallery and has worked with artists including Noah and the Whale and Tom Rosenthal.

Alex Brenchley takes some of The Beach Boys classics and puts his own unique twist to them. His smooth vocals and luscious pop persona makes ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ a sweet and radiant EP. Title track ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ takes a more tropical tone than the original with the percussion. However the song is presented instrumentally sparse allowing that catchy melody and a jangly guitar refrain emphasize the songs beauty.

Brenchley presents each track wonderfully; highlighting the melodies and exposing the beautiful vocal and lyrical core. ‘Heroes & Villains’ is a fine example of this. Brenchley strips back the rock ‘n’ roll bop while maintaining The Beach Boys harmonic bridge and building on it – decorating it with soft guitar twinkles and lush vocals while horn melodies glimmer between the lush harmonies and elegant soundscape.

‘I Just Wasn’t Made for These TImes’ is another sweet stripped back rendition of the original. Brenchley chooses ‘Your Summer Dream’ to bring this collection to an end. Taking the dreamy doo-wop track and mellowing it out into a chill-time classic with delicate guitar and easy going soundscapes.

Alex Brenchley provides another insight into the wonderful tunes of The Beach Boys by putting his laid back and melodic stamp on them. Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ is a charming and lush collection of tracks.

Stream ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, New Music

Steve Bonham and the Long Road ‘Moonshine Elegy’ EP

Americana band Steve Bonham and the Long Road have released their latest EP ‘Moonshine Elegy’. ‘Moonshine Elegy’ is the second EP of a series of four to be released by renegade Americana band Steve Bonham and the Long Road. Steve Bonham and the Long Road consists of three musicians who blend a swampy brew of styles mixed from both sides of the ocean, taking inspiration from Americana, Folk, Country Blues, the spirit of the trail, hobos and the outlaw. Releasing music to critical acclaim in 2019, Steve Bonham and the Long Road’s last single was song of the year for National Indie Radio and was number one on UK Country Radio for two months.

‘Moonshine Elegy’ blends country elements with vibrant America and slivers of indie to create a well rounded collection of tracks. ‘Moonshine Running’ and ‘Ballad of Duane and Billy Marie’ display Steve Bonham and the Long Road’s deft musicianship. Warm guitars twang against twinkling keys and buoyant rhythms while animated vocals and lush harmonies chime in the backdrop. Swirling in a sultry mysterious atmosphere ‘Canyons in the Desert’ showcases the bands diverse and unique sound. A rumbling beat and eerie vocals entice the listener while majestic guitar work teases with the aid of chic piano embellishments. The New Orleans style ‘Silver Moon, Silver Girl’ brings the EP to a groove infested finale. With shimmy percussion, jazz hued piano and quirky vocals the band end the album on a teasing note. 

‘Moonshine Elegy’ EP is retro rich and filled with wonderful jazz and country rock elements. If a classy bit of clean fun is your thing then you will love this EP.

Stream ‘Moonshine Elegy’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Deadbog Self Titled EP

Cork based noise pop outfit Deadbog have released their new self titled EP.  The band formed in summer 2018 by friends Danny O’Shea (guitars and vocals) and Luke Daly (drums). After a number of gigs as a two piece, Rory Burke (guitar) and JJ Lee (bass) completed the line up. 

Drenched in reverb with shoegaze elements swirling into a deep psychedelic pool of distortion, Deadbog’s EP is a richly blended four track concoction with equal measures of sweet and sour. The band melt soft dreamy melodies on top of acid soaked guitar and rich intricate rhythmic progressions to create intense moments of raw psych-tinged alternative rock through ‘Morning Swimmer’ and ‘Vending Machine’.With heavy instrumental crashes the tracks build becoming ominous and shrilling as light flickers on guitar progress to coarse pines soaring over thick heavy drum pounds and perilous rapid soundscapes. It’s a hard hitting collection of tracks however, amidst this onslaught of controlled chaos the band show glimpses of sweet delicacy and innocence.

There are very little vocals on the EP. When the vocals do appear it is through a wave of harmonies and expressions. In ’Behold the Coagula’ it’s the vocals and wistful melody that cool the tracks scorching intensity. Deadbog lay this melancholic melody and cooing vocals over a bubbling harsh backdrop of pounding drums and meandering guitars creating a wonderful contrast.‘Gurus’ begins with the most beautiful sweet guitar lament backed by a throbbing beat. The first half of this track ripples with clear and pristine clarity creating a time stopping moment within the EP before the band enhance the song building to its epic and hair raising crescendo. 

Deadbog have created an EP that is rich in its intricacies with sweet melancholic and dreamy moments flickering between the band’s blast of controlled chaos. The intense and blistering instrumentation is created with such precision, as the band carefully allows the softer tender moments to flourish, almost untouched, in this frenzied atmosphere.It’s an impressive balancing act.  

Stream ‘Deadbog’ EP below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

The Burma ‘Sugar Moonlight’ EP

Photo Credit : Ciara O Toole

Rising Indie Rock band The Burma have just released their new EP ‘Sugar Moonlight’. At various stages over the past year the Irish indie band have holed up in Monique Studios with producer Christian Best (Mick Flannery, O Emperor, Jack O’Rourke, Marlene Enright) writing and recording their latest release. 

‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a tidy collection of tracks exuding passionate pop melodies and blazing alternative rock with a healthy dose of indie rock at its heart. The band go all out with this EP – luscious textures and melodious highs, psychedelic rawness and tender broods create a well rounded enjoyable listening experience.

The jubilous indie guitar jingle of ‘Same Again’ kick starts the EP. It is light and infectious as the ethereal guitars create a wonderful animated bounce. The Burma construct tracks with a rich rhythmic foundation of rippling bass lines and buoyant snappy drums allowing the charming guitar refrains to soar and flourish off this backdrop with majestic tonalities. The band swoon smooth melty melodies into their vibrant indie sound effortlessly. ‘Quicksand’ shows this superbly as the soft bubbly melody wisps delicately through a crashing psychedelic backdrop of airy stings on guitar and rumbling drums.

With a refreshing bite, each track rolls coolly into the next. Whether it’s the icy sting of the melancholic ‘When You’re Gone’ or the darker synth swirling prance of  ‘Phoney Personality’, the band use their ability to intricately weave multi layered synth textures and melodies to create a seamless transition between tracks while still maintaining each songs own identity. Final track ‘Buried Alive’ closes the EP on a high. It’s not a sugar rush but a sweet tender and mesmerising high as The Burma present their most delicious emotive and beautiful melody yet. Caressed with soft tender vocals and slow brooding instrumentation the track flurries on a light airy soundscape of glistening guitar and pulsing beat. Each timeless twinkle and bass wriggle coils and curdles the backdrop in sombre wistful tones. The track builds superbly becoming more dynamic as, in true The Burma fashion the song reaches its hair raising crescendo.

The Burma have a wonderful ability to create rich proficient tunes with first rate instrumentation, exhilarating guitar lines and intricate bass lines that surge with character. Their melodies are irresistible, oozing emotive, dreamy and sweet tones while the lo- fi grooves and heavy rhythmic pulses provide the element that hooks your ears and leaves you craving more. ‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a mature and impressive EP that makes The Burma ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Sugar Moonlight’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, Bluesy Americana rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Barefoot Magicians ‘Hangin’ On’ EP

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. 

Stream ‘Hangin’ On’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ EP

Sun Mahshene, Ireland’s premier shoegaze / noise-rock band have released a new digital EP , ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. Coming off the back of a successful 2019, the EP contains two previously unreleased Sun Mahshene tracks along with their three critically acclaimed singles, Tales of Fiction, Leave This City and This Girl I Know. All tracks were recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty (Fontaines DC, Vulpynes, Slyrydes, Damien Dempsey, Sombodys Child).

With psychedelic adrenaline-filled highs and fuzz fueled intensity smudged into sweet melodies and a thrilling wall of sound ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is laced in Sun Mahshene’s first rate and exhilarating musicianship. The EP is the prismatic swirling home of ‘Tales of Fiction’, ‘Leave This City’ and ‘This Girl I Know’ – three sublime singles previously featured on Indie Buddie. The composition within these tracks are rich and thoughtful as dreamy melodies drift above a fizzing underbelly of dynamic, crashing and frenetic instrumentation.  It is easy to get lost in the layers of intricate wobbly guitars lines, rooted bass grooves and punchy drums as acid soaked distortion swirls prismatic facets of blinding scintillation between the effortless cool vocal delivery by Nathan Henderson.

The band warp, dazzle and bend genres with tracks like ‘Ride The Wave’. Opulent textures create a psych pop mirage through a heavy alternative sonic sheen while a moody grunge – esque melody floats lucidly over this dazing harsh backdrop as if aloof to the bubbling mania beneath. ‘Demons Gold’ closes the EP on a high. The band craft wonderful component parts to produce a mellowed gem brimming with intricacies. From the lamenting guitars weaving elegantly between thumping drums and shimmering keys the track maintains the band’s majestic intense sound with a level of grace and prowess only Sun Mahshene can do.

‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is an impressive display of musicianship from Sun Mahshene.Their ability to create implosive epic tunes which exude exquisite production is mesmerising.

Stream ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Jack West ‘Jack West Live At Easy Street’ EP

With a sound that’s mature beyond his years, 15 year old Jack West is gearing up to release a live EP on 17th April. The EP was recorded at Easy Street Records in West Seattle. Recorded live and mixed by renowned producer Barrett Jones, the EP includes polished covers of ‘Sick Love’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and ‘Like a Stone’ by Audioslave as a tribute to the late Chris Cornell. He has amassed over 10,000 streams on his debut single, and joined Eddie Vedder on stage to perform to 30,000 in Nashville.

‘Jack West Live At Easy Street’ boasts West’s raw and energetic sound. It’s an EP brimming with swagger-drenched rock n roll, solid tunes and refined musicianship. West shows maturity through this EP while giving a glimpse into all the vigor his live shows behold. His cover of ‘Sick Love’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and ‘Like a Stone’ by Audioslave sit snugly on the EP blending with the tonality of his own tunes while adding a dash of finesse and slick textures into the mix.

There is a blues tone to West’s tracks within the vocal melodies especially in the twanging smooth power ballad – esque ‘Look Out Below’.The rich band sound translates well and compliments his vocals. West uses pummeling drums with sweltering guitar lines and groove infested bass to ignite the rock n’ roll charm of his latest single ‘Bring The Records Back’ and the desert lonely ‘Leave Us Behind’ while ‘Revival’ provides a laid back Californian sun kissed euphoria beneath the energetic instrumental burst. West’s vocals are quite impressive, his rasp hued whisper warms the tracks with a gentle caress while his dynamic vocal eruptions for the chorus exude swagger and panache. 

‘Jack West Live At Easy Street’ shows West’s capability as a performer. He reins in his wild and energetic set with his calm presence while scorching instrumentation and a rich wall of sound rages behind him. 

‘Jack West Live At Easy Street’ will be released this Friday April 17th 

For more you can follow Jack West on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Jackwest32/


Author : Danu

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

Hook Self Titled EP

New wave indie band Hook have released their self titled debut EP. Hook are a three piece band from Dublin, Ireland comprised of Eoin O’Donnell (vox, guitars) Danny Spelman (bass) Morgan O’Brien (drums).Formed in early 2019 Hook spent the year writing and recording. The EP is just some of the songs created in that time. The EP was mixed and mastered by Grammy award winner Ciaran Byrne and produced by the band.

With jaunty catchy tunes swirled in an edgy indie coating Hook’s self titled EP is a short snappy enjoyable collection of tracks.The band inject perky light guitar lines into their music which creates wonderful, ethereal and zest stricken qualities in tracks ’The Light’ and ‘Fancy Dress’ as the punchy drums and intricate bass groove lay down the tight foundation. There is a messy fun atmosphere and sun kissed glow about each track that is quite infectious while the dreamy sweet melodies charm their way onto repeat. This trio blend in some grunge and gritty elements into the EP as well. ‘Spoiler Alert’ hints at the bands darker side. With jagged sharp guitars slicing through a rough bass line and relentless drums the band smother darker elements into their sound. Hook’s ability to create acute raw riffs and melodies with majestic flurries on guitar is impressive and they display these wonderfully throughout the EP. ‘I love the world because you’re in it’ brings the EP to a sweet upbeat end. With a warm wholesome melody and country hue this vibrant indie ditty is a charming finale.

Hook have presented a fine well rounded EP brimming with proficient musicianship and delightful catchy melodies. With tight layering, intricate instrumentation and witty lyrical content Hook have created a strong collection of tracks.

You can stream the EP below 


Author : Danu