Category Archives: Funk and Soul

Blues Rock, Funk, Funk and Soul, New Music

Barefoot Magicians ‘The Anthem’ GRIZ Cover

Barefoot Magicians have released their new single ‘The Anthem’. 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.

Barefoot Magicians take the funky swagger of GRIZ’s ‘The Anthem’ and add their own bluesy peppering to create a magnificent rendition. There is no shortage of energy within this track and Barefoot Magicians deliver on the song’s vigor as shredding guitars, resounding bass grooves and warm horns prance throughout displaying the refined and slick instrumental prowess of Barefoot Magicians. The band take the strutting guitar riff in the original and highlight it creating a clear hook throughout while at the same time adding a bite and edge to the song. Featuring organ-esque keys meandering through a lush bass and guitar jam, Barefoot Magicians provide a powerful tune that exudes the energy and swagger we have come to love the band for.

Watch the video for Barefoot Magicians’ cover of  ‘The Anthem’ by GRIZ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Funk, Funk and Soul, New Music

Jungle ‘Keep Moving’

Photo Credit : Anna Victoria Best

The producer duo, Jungle, have returned with their new single ‘Keep Moving’. The track is taken from their forthcoming album ‘Loving In Stereo’ due for release in August this year. In their career to date, Jungle have gone from selling-out London’s 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace to filling the Hollywood Palladium some 9,000 kilometres from home. They’ve performed on multiple continents, headlining shows from Sydney to Moscow while also winning new fans at festivals such as Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Their Mercury Prize-nominated, Gold-certified debut and 2018’s follow-up ‘For Ever’ both entered the UK Top 10. Those two records have since amassed 750,000 equivalent album sales and close to a billion streams.

Doused in strutting swagger and disco soul, ‘Keep Moving’ is a magnificent new tune. The track rides on a funky bass groove and rich percussive bounce while shimmering synths and 70’s chic disco elements create an infectious and vibrant soundscape. Jungle experiments with lush sounds to develop their dynamic songs, and ‘Keep Moving’ follows this trend superbly. Tropical steel drum tones exude a sweet sun-kissed radiance between danceable grooves as the duo spread velvety soulful vocals and tight harmonies over a chic melody. With balmy sweet guitar refrains creating an upbeat, positive tone to mirror the song’s uplifting theme of accepting who you are and moving forward positively, the track is a well-produced delight.

‘Keep Moving’ is ambitious, indulgent and above all, fun. Jungle display an exceptional level of attention to detail within the song, subtly swirling and blending new sounds and luxuriant instrumentation into ‘Keep Moving’ to create a fresh and invigorating listening experience.

Watch the video for ‘Keep Moving’ below 



Author : Danu

Album Review, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, New Music, Soul

Danny G & the Major 7ths ‘The Lookout’

Photo Credit : Kristy Hal

Dublin based neo-soul group Danny G & the Major 7ths have released their second album ‘The Lookout’. The album features 16 talented musicians and was mixed by Ken McCabe (Wolfhound Sound) as well as mastered for both vinyl & digital by Fergal Davis. The artwork used is from ‘Cityscrape 1’ by Irish artist Conor Gallagher. 

Danny G & the Major 7ths’ ‘The Lookout’ is a smooth dose of retro soul, drizzled in R&B hues and lush pop tones. Exuding velvety vocals bathed in silken musicianship, each song is a wonderful easy listening experience to indulge in. Within the album the music is uncluttered and drifts on a light euphoric vibe, with soft embellishments on guitars and keys injecting sass and funk-fuelled moments to keep the album bouncing along.

Oozing strutting guitar lines, foot tapping rhythms and soul drenched vocals ‘Believing ft. Grainne McCarthy’ showcases the band’s ability to surge swagger and sass into their music. The song is about the renewed optimism and almost spiritual belief in love, life and humanity that a new relationship can bring. With a surprising flute solo adorning the track Danny G & the Major 7ths display their fearless, rich and mature musicianship.

Filled with 70’s hues and R&B influences ‘The Lookout’ boasts a broader musical palette than the band’s debut ‘Love Joints’ and showcases an expansive wall of sound that is ethereal, laid back as well as groove infested. From South American percussive elements and jazz hues on trumpet and saxophone in ‘When It All Runs Out’  to the mood changer ‘Good Things Interlude’ the album is a luscious treat on the ears.

‘Good Things’ is an immaculately blended pop smoothie; sweet and creamy with zesty fruity elements on guitars keeping the track edgy while soft brass and keys melt into the honeyed melody. The track induces within the listener a state of dream-like bliss that is simply wonderful and difficult to shake off. Thick, juicy beats are full of hand clapping energy while the luscious harmonies and falsetto embellishments are the cherry on top of this delightful track – simply divine.

Like an opiate of lush melodies, tracks such as ‘Call Me’ cushions the listener’s ears in mellow supple retro-soul while ‘Little Rose’ skips and bounces with flutters of romance on keys. There is enough diversity on the album to keep you hanging from one song to the next.

One aspect of Danny G & the Major 7ths songcraft which is most intriguing is the deepening groove within each track as strutting rhythms, funky bass and guitar lines mangle beneath earthy flutes and emotive vocals. ‘Time The Healer ft. Fehdah & Zaska’ is a prime example of this and displays the band’s rich music and meticulous attention to detail – with a sun-kissed shredding solo and radiant vibes the track is a soothing yet energising gem. 

‘The Lookout’ is an excellent demonstration of Danny G & the Major 7ths’ musical prowess. The album features a diverse range of genre’s which are blended into a tantalising collection of melodic mastery. The many musical nuances and exotic elements keep the listener engaged from start to finish and entice you to press the replay button again and again.

Stream ‘The Lookout’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, Funk, Funk and Soul, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – SG Lewis

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From SG Lewis

Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist SG Lewis has recently released the official video for his brand new single ‘Chemicals’ via PMR/VirginEMI.The psychedelic video was shot at home during lockdown by SG using a green screen and directed by Yousef and produced by Jake Parker for Prettybird. The song has already accumulated over 3 million streams since release and is the first track to be released from SG’s eagerly anticipated debut album, with more details to be announced soon.

Saturated in soaring soundscapes, intricate funk grooves and euphoric melodies, ‘Chemicals’ is a laid back disco hued gem. The track spins into motion with shimmering synths exuding a cool refreshing atmosphere as the zesty guitar flexes and swirling electronics create a chilled sonic drive. With a strutting hook, sweet melody and retro disco underbelly the track wraps your ears in a luscious coating of candy floss bliss while the chic 70’s – esque bubbly foundation keeps your feet tapping. ‘Chemicals’ effortlessly displays SG Lewis’ rich, first rate production and musicianship while his velvety falsetto cools the electric funk humidity of the track. There are elements of Daft Punk and influences of soul glimmering through the track making this relaxed summer-splashed tune an enjoyable listen.

Watch the video for ‘Chemicals’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Priorland ‘Moving To The Beat

Priorland have released their new single ‘Moving To The Beat’.The track is the prologue to their ‘E.P. One’ which will debut later this year. Priorland is an original Irish band consisting of four members Calvin, Tommy, Davie and Conor. Their style ranges from Rock, Reggae, R&B, Soul, Blues and Pop.

With its funky flex creating a strutting groove ‘Moving To The Beat’ is that infectious tune sure to entice you onto the dance floor. The band douse the track in smooth silky instrumentation while slapping on healthy portions of indie rock on top. A pop, swagger-dipped melody prances about jangly guitar refrains and buoyant foot tapping beat. With smooth velvety vocals teamed with lush backing harmonies and glossy production Priorland have created one infectious bop which showcases their proficient, refined and classy musicianship. ‘Moving To The Beat’ blends chic, soul-hued funk with R&B elements and sprightly indie pop to create a well oiled dance infused gem. 

Stream ‘Moving To The Beat’ below 


Author : Danu

Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Munky ‘Closed Door Policy’

Artwork Credit :  Barra Carlin

Dublin’s disco-punks Munky have released their new single ‘Closed Door Policy’. For this new single the quartet teamed up once again with producer Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C., Damien Dempsey, Somebody’s Child).2019 saw the band release their debut EP, tour Europe with the legendary Meat Puppets and release post-apocalyptic single Megaton.

Saturating their sound in a cool hazy shoegaze coating ‘Closed Door Policy’ shows strong growth in Munky. The quartet create a new dreamy and mellow texture within their sound as they brood and cultivate the track meticulously with funk flavoured bass lines and distilled shuffling drums which provides a slinky elastic texture that wobbles and warps the track’s underbelly.

Beautiful melodious guitars weave and twinkle while coiling around the infectious rhythmic bounce creating a wonderful sense of subtle tension within the ethereal airy soundscape. The band allow the guitars to elevate off the fluctuant bass and drum foundation before returning for the dynamic crescendo while Zac Stephenson’s soulful vocals caress the lamenting melody with a velvety croon, adding to the marshmallow bounce of the track. As the song progresses the sublime Toisín and Sinead McConville take to backing vocals to drive the track home. The massive crescendo packs oodles of punch as here we finally see the heavy vigor we know Munky for. The band have layered this track sublimely teasing and foreshadowing their powerful crescendo through light sprinklings and darker undertones to create a full bodied and utterly thrilling listening experience. 

About the track the band said:: ”The song was written about isolating oneself from others, for fear of overexposing yourself, for fear of growing stale”

Stream ‘Closed Door Policy’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Art Funk, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, New Music, Soul

Toshín ‘Knock Knock’

Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their new single ‘Knock Knock’, taken from their upcoming debut EP ‘Get Your Life’ which is set for release on the 14th of February. Over the last few years, Toshín have played some amazing shows and festivals including Beat Yard festival (2019), Electric Picnic (2019), Body & Soul Mainstage (2019), and Music Makers Festival UK (2019). They have played headline shows in the Workmans for a single launch, Sin E for their 3rd birthday party, alongside Munky in Lost Lane, and alongside Shookrah in the Kino in Cork.

‘Knock Knock’ is a soulful passionate number that boasts the exquisite first rate musicianship of Toshín. This band have a tight, chic and polished sound brimming with emotion and power which translates superbly in this elegant and classy track. The song builds beautifully from a soft emotional and delicate intro to a funky outburst as the band keep the track intriguing throughout. The majestic twinkling guitar weaves gracefully with a lamenting tone while the rich rhythm, brass elements and jazz tonality inject a dash of sass into this tantalizing track. With lush harmonies the band pack oodles of gusto, emotion and instrumental prowess into ‘Knock Knock’. The guitar melodies in particular are outstanding – they flood the track with tender, vaporous and intoxicating characteristics while subtly sweetening each component and melodious fragment at the same time. Tosin Bankole’s vocals rein in the vibrant instrumental backdrop with compelling control. Her vocals display rich depths and warm tones for the powerful chorus while cooing softly and soulfully through the verses. Her vocal control is mesmerising and lifts the track into diva heights. This is one very talented band with music which can ignite the soul. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.

About the track Tosin Bankole said : “Knock Knock  for me is about struggling through a bad mental health episode. The song has a darkness to it, not just lyrically but also within the music. It has some more upbeat sections, however, that represent how music got me through those bad times. It’s a really therapeutic song to sing live!”

Toshin will be embarking on an Irish Tour between February and March to promote this new EP. Their tour will culminate in a headline show in Dublin at the Grand Social on March 12th.

Toshin Tour dates:

20/02: Spirit Store, Dundalk

22/02: Crane Lane, Cork

27/02: Roisin Dubh, Galway

29/02: Smiddy’s, Mullingar

01/03: The Nail Bar, Trim

05/03: Empire, Belfast

12/03: The Grand Social, Dublin

Stream ‘Knock Knock’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Dürtbürd ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’

Dürtbürd have released their new single ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’. Dürtbürd are a 4 piece ‘dürtrock’ band based in Leixlip. ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’ which was filmed, recorded and produced by Dürtbürd is a funk flavoured number smacked in gritty dirt rock elements with a hint of soul peppering on top. Slick guitar lines meander between heavy riffs and suave licks with ease as the band showcase their nimble vaporous wall of sound with a brawny punchy quality. The battering drums create a steady, strong foundation while the agile bass rambles about the track exuding strutting panache and buoyant flexibility. The track builds superbly becoming more heavy as Dürtbürd cultivate their sound meticulously to create something truly intricate and refined. With rasp-filled vocals drifting between velvety soul and growl-like howls, the band have created a genre bending number filled with lush instrumentation and exhilarating melodies. ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’ is a gem for all tastes.

Watch the video for ‘Mongan’s Discotheque’ below 


Author : Danu

Blues, Blues Rock, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, Indie Blues, indie rock, New Music

Barefoot Magicians ‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’

Barefoot Magicians have released two new juicy singles ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ which were recorded in Hellfire studios. Forming in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios Barefoot Magicians comprise of Dave Greene (Vox/ Harmonica), Graham Stewart (Guitar), Fergal Mulligan (Bass), Brian Steemers (Drums/Percussion) and Hugh Caren (Piano/keys. The band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a high energy blues funk groove, or as producer Alwyn Walker formerly of Westland Studios called it, “A Post Blues Groove”.

‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’ are a dynamic funk/blues slapped duo made for wiggling and dancing to. These guys are instrumental pros as they blend out their delicious sounds to create a rich wholly satisfying listening experience

‘I’m Hooked’ brings a 70’s disco flavour to the bands groovy sound as the elastic bass wiggles and weaves its way through a feet shuffling foundation while jazz sprinkled piano and suave guitars slide and playfully dance between the strutting beat and swanky soundscape.It’s an animated rich track that showcase’s the meticulous instrumental refinement that goes into this bands tunes. This infectious track cools for a sultry guitar solo that builds the tempo for the hyper crescendo. With glorious harmonica injections and raspy vocals it’s one panache soaked, sing along ready tune.

‘It’s All Take’ is another groove infested number that bounces along sweet guitar melodies, rooted bass lines and an energetic rhythm. Catchy with a vibrant instrumental backdrop – this track travels with an energetic tempo. With elegant piano, delightful blasts of harmonica and expressive vocals it’s another swagger soaked track that is sure to have you strutting around like a dizzy peacock.

There are sublime guitar moments that weave an enticing golden thread of sweet delight through these tracks and that is the bait that gets you hooked on Barefoot Magicians tasty home brewed sound.

The band are set to release their new singles in Sin É on March 8th make sure to check them out

Stream ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ below


Alt- Pop, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, New Music, Soul

Gold Complex ‘Driver’

Toronto’s dynamic 8-piece band Gold Complex have released their new single ‘Driver’.Having regularly sold out renowned venues such as Lee’s Palace, The Horseshoe Tavern and the MOD Club as well as having back-to-back sold out showcases at Canadian Music Week, Gold Complex is grounded in their love for energetic live performance. Following the release of their self-titled EP (currently available worldwide), Gold Complex performed on camera and had their music licensed on the television series Open Heart, currently on Netflix. They have been in regular rotation on CBC Radio One, CUIT FM and college/community radio nationwide. The band is set to release their debut full-length album ‘New Soul’ on February 22nd.

‘Driver’ is a slinky slice of funk flavoured pop rock. Richly garnished this spicy number groves and glides with swagger swept through a three-piece horn section and smooth vocal harmonies. Very classy and chic these guys roll out a velvet carpet of suave instrumentation with a delicate melty melody caressed with soft passionate vocals and a steady beat. The steamy romantic horn section lifts and adds a vaporous quality to the tropical shuffling rhythm while the vibrant chorus twinkles with panache and vibrancy. With funky elements weaving between smooth sultry tones this full bodied number charms and teases its way through a sweet blend of genres. It’s modern, crisp and refined as Gold Complex pack this track to the brim with soul and zest.

Stream ‘Driver’ below