Post-punk band, Chalk have released their debut single ‘Them’. Chalk is an Irish band based in Belfast. After meeting at film school, the band was quickly established during the summer of 2019. Chalk’s songwriting is image-driven, influenced by their filmmaking roots. Their visual style (as seen in their self-made music videos) interweaves with their sound in an evocative fashion. Their debut single, ‘Them’, was recorded with producer Chris Ryan (SORBET, Robocobra Quartet), known for his work with Irish acts Just Mustard and NewDad.
‘Them’ is a beast of a track that showcases the raucous and enthralling sound of Chalk. Filled with dance beats and catchy bass hooks the verses brood within dark eerie soundscapes before erupting into a battering instrumental assault for the chorus while spoken word vocals spit enigmatic lyrics with sinister venom; “Your shape cries and bends through me “. The vocals venture from whispered nonchalant tones to fierce wails and exclaims as the song builds to its manic rave-like crescendo. ‘Them’ is an utterly thrilling experience, the listener is treated to many musical gems on each subsequent listen from deft production to lush textures and evocative lyrics. Chalk are an exciting new addition to the post-punk scene. Keep an eye on this band.
Dublin band N.O.A.H have released their debut single ‘Shine’ today. N.O.A.H is comprised of three lifelong friends, Ryan Hill: Lead Vocalists/Guitarist, Adam Rooney: Bass Guitarist and Ronan Hynes: Drummer. Immersing themselves in Music – all members have been formally educated through third level in several music related degrees, some of which include BIMM Dublin, the band was formed in January 2020, after the band decided to reform a previous musical endeavour. They have taken inspiration in its naming, from the biblical story of ‘Noah and the Ark’ , which is centralised around the theme of new beginnings.This idea is fundamental to the band’s vision and core values.
‘Shine’ is a powerful and heart-palpitating anthem as N.O.A.H surge oodles of adrenaline inducing indie rock into one dynamic tune. With biting guitars soaring over punchy drums and suspenseful tones the band use gripping chimes and swirling soundscapes to create a passionate track that is catchy as hell. The song travels from high to high providing an uplifting rush of energy enhanced by powerful vocals, driving rhythms and galloping percussive elements. With a cinematic build to the mighty crescendo teamed with a stadium-bellowing chorus N.O.A.H have created a fantastic new tune to soothe the soul and ignite passion in us all. It’s a compelling piece of music.
Thom Southern, a Belfast based singer, songwriter and producer, has released his debut single ‘Shivers’. Recorded in Southern’s Belfast based home studio, ‘Shivers’ has been co-produced by iconic producer and 2 time Grammy Award winner Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, Feeder). Thom Southern started his musical career busking in Belfast aged 16. After winning a national competition he was awarded a trip to Nashville and some recording time in a studio. The resulting material saw him awarded ‘Songwriter of the Year’ by Belfast City Council. He teamed up with his sister Lucy to form the band Southern. In 2012 they signed to Marathon Artists.Within 18 months they had toured with the likes of Jake Bugg, Bastille, Hudson Taylor, Catfish & The Bottlemen and The Kooks, saw their work used in international campaigns by ESPN, Netflix and Channel 4 and performed events around the world for brands such as for Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry. In 2016 the duo took some time off to launch another project – a self recorded psych-rock project called MMODE – before Thom made the decision to move back towards recording his own work.
Encased in a 90’s haze of sun kissed alternative grunge and the beautiful songwriting of Thom Southern, ‘Shivers’ is a captivating debut. With dizzying distortion on guitars swirling around ethereal sonic flourishes the track maintains a buzz of heightened emotion. Southern’s velvety vocals coo with reverb whispers over the dreamy melody while the steady drums and psychedelic embellishments create a colourful prismatic wall of sound. The song rushes with intensity as the blazing backdrop and impenetrable guitar onslaught provides a raw, alternative grunge edge to this gem. The pulsing bass gently protrudes though the hazy melody as Southern displays his flair for melodious, breezy, memorable compositions. ‘Shivers’ is a solid debut from Thom Southern.
About the track Thom Southern said : “Shivers is the concept of love feeling like a drug, a sensation of being outside one’s own body, floating and observing oneself from a different perspective. I wanted to embody this meaning within a dense sounding track, to mainly focus on one swollen guitar sound which never stops throughout and accompany that with repetitive beatnotic drums”
Kynsy is the solo project of rising 23 year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Ciara Lindsey – who today has released her debut single, ‘Cold Blue Light. Having previously performed on the Other Voices Music Trail and at Ireland Music Week, the Dublin artist kicked off this year with a whole host of 2020 Hot List features.
‘Cold Blue Light’ is a fermenting blitz which evokes a thrilling sense of anticipation while Kynsy carries herself with a vivid coolness through a fizzing raw soundscape. The track is dark with a cold embrace as the song punches with effortless rock stamina through a nonchalant delivery. With sharp guitars saturated in distortion the track ventures into psychedelic territory.There is substance to this track as well, the wry lyrics depict fading chancers and their last grasp at relevance. The soft pop melody has a dreamy delicacy as shimmering synths sweeten the tracks ominous undertone which is provided by the sluggish drum beats and sinister foundation.
‘Cold Blue Light’ exudes a residue of St. Vincent flair albeit with more edgy rock elements as Kynsy builds and creates distinct moments of brilliance within the track which set the bar high. Kynsy is an impressive artist to keep an eye on.
About the track and video, Kynsy said: ‘’Cold Blue Light’ is about the bullies we all encounter in life and looking for meaning in the darkness they create. I wanted to write a song that held some sort of balance between destruction and hope. It’s based on an encounter I had at a new year’s eve party where there was a guy spouting racist remarks at people and it was quite upsetting and stuck with me. The result was a rowdy pop song truck full of sticky anger and synth pop goo. The video was filmed just with a camera on a tripod in my back garden, I wanted it to be direct and simple so people could focus on the music.”
Electric Skyline have released their new single ‘Hit Play’ which is part of their two track EP entitled ‘A Side / B Side’.Electric Skyline started putting out songs on their own in Spring of 2020. Long-time friends, Robby Walton and Blake Brock -both indie artists from the same town- joined forces with Nashville guitar player Jesse Walpole to form a band that knew what they were going for. The band’s process is a self-sustainable machine. Everything you see and hear was created by the band; no label or management. They’ve written, recorded and produced all of the material that’s been put out in 2020 as well as all of the business details that come with releasing music as an artist.It’s a very communicative process and with the members living in different cities, (Robby and Jesse in Nashville and Blake in Birmingham).All of the band’s songs could be considered, “recently released,” the most so being their fourth publication and first EP, “A Side / B Side,” that is a two-song, modern day representation of a cassette tape with a single song on each side. “Hit Play” was a song that Blake had half- written and “No Phones,” the same of one of Robby’s. Both songs were eventually co-written and feature both of the vocalists in the tracks.
‘Hit Play’ is a dreamy electro-pop number as Electric Skyline entwine laid back melodies with luscious production and synths to create a mellow sweet gem. The gentle lilt of the vocals warmly hugs the soft synth-pop melodies while the track grooves through the backdrop with danceable rich rhythms and infectious diso hued grooves. There is a cool vibe drifting over the song as the delicate key twinkles float wistfully through the buoyant beats and infectious funk peppering provided by the guitars.With a nostalgic tone of longing, rippling undercurrents and laid back persona, the electro pop sound Electric Skyline embrace is magnetic. The trio’s sound reminds me of Troye Sivan’s debut ‘Blue Neighbourhood’ however their disco elements, funk zest and rich composition puts Electric Skyline’s stamp and unique twist on the electronic pop genre. Their tunes are enthralling, satisfying and sweet as honey to the ears.
Indie Rock band Killing Roy have released their new single ‘Applier’. Coming from different parts of England, Kel Bennett (Vocals), George Woodford (Guitar), Adam Mason (Bass) and Louis Cowling (Drums) met together at university.Last year Killing Roy played across multiple venues in London such as Half Moon Putney, Hope and Anchor, Dublin Castle and made their first steps in playing for bigger audiences performing on a festival stage at 2000Trees Festival.
Slicing through with kinetic riffs and a vigorous rhythm ‘Applier’ is a frazzling display of Killing Roy’s intense scorching sound. The intricate sting on guitar pierces with a lamenting, yet, biting intensity while the muggy heated backdrop of smouldering bass lines and pummeling drums ignites the track. Dynamic warm vocals glide over the catchy melody creating a smoothness within the blistering mania. With a shredding solo and gripping indie rock backdrop ‘Applier’ keeps you in a thrilling sense of suspense throughout. Well crafted and bursting from the seams with passion and sharp sultry instrumentation this utterly consuming track is a fine piece of musicianship from Killing Roy
Independent, Reading based four piece roves have released their new single ‘i’m on your side’.The track is the first single from their upcoming EP ‘they fall down to earth’ due for release summer 2020.The band comprised of Ethan Morgan (Vocals/Guitar), Connor Coutts (Guitar), Ellis Morgan (Bass/Vocals) and Matt Jamieson (Drums) have enjoyed many opportunities since releasing their debut single ‘Always’ in February 2018, from packed headline BBC Introducing gigs at the Purple Turtle in Reading and Guildford’s Boileroom with bands such as VALERAS, Ivory Wave, China Bears and The Tin Pigeons in cities including London, Oxford and Cardiff. The band had their first festival slot this summer at 110 Above in Leicestershire. roves have also been featured on BBC Radio 6 and had consistent radio play across their local BBC Introducing, recently recording a live session at the legendary Maida Vale studios.
‘i’m on your side’ is a glistening sweet indie pop delight as roves coat their lush laid back sound in dreamy nostalgic tones and progressive passion-filled instrumentation. With a soft melty melody caressed by soothing velvety vocals, this track is a cosy heartwarming indie ditty that provides a breath and space to relax and daydream in. The track holds a dreamy, beach-style, summer sunset vibe with effortless charm as warm twinkling guitar weaves golden threads of scintillation throughout while the buoyant beat and absorbing bass create a dance-able, rhythmic bounce. With it’s upbeat laid back presentation and subtly rich, intricate backdrop – rove have created a wonderful listening experience with ‘i’m on your side’.
Bio: Garçons is comprised of singer/songwriter Deelo (who has also been featured on a couple Keynes Woods tracks) and producer/director Julian Strangelove. Their 2018 debut EP “Body Language” was the result of a month-long writing session in Strangelove’s Ottawa apartment.
Track: Froggin
Why We Like It: It’s a jubilant danceable delight as funky elements glide and strut through R&B glimmers and disco flamboyance while the Afro-beat rhythms create that shimmy ready foundation and infectious groove. With jangly keys and effervescent bass line this track prances in, swagger soaked and ready to fill the dancefloor. With a suave melody soulful vocals and hyper tempo its one infectious hook riddled ditty.
Bio: Color Palette (comprised of Jay Nemeyer, Joshua Hunter, Matt Hartenau, Rogerio Naressi, and Maryjo Mattea) is an Indie/Electro/Rock band from Washington, DC. The band released their debut full-length album, ‘Vaporwave’, in May 2016. They have shared bills with the following notable artists: Charli XCX, The Naked and Famous, Mother Mother, Day Wave, Yumi Zouma, Mr Little Jeans, The Kickback, Spirit Animal, and VanLadyLove.
Track: Marrakech to Bombay
Why We Like It: It’s a wispy synth driven track that flutters through pulsing beats, ethereal synths and floaty electronics. The reverb laden vocals coo the sweet melody as the band take their sound to a very Tame Impala -esque quality. The soft guitars chime and grace the background with innocence before the song builds becoming more psychedelic and heavy as it reaches its outro. With the exhilarating crisp soundscape swooshing through the sweet melody and intricately layered instrumentation it’s a polished and well crafted track.
Bio: Nashville-based alt/blues rocker, Jack Berry has gained the praise of critics throughout Nashville and beyond, earning him spots at well-known festivals, including CMA Fest, North by Northeast in Toronto, New York City’s CMJ Music Marathon, SXSW’s Red Gorilla Festival and Hard Rock Cafe’s North American battle of the bands winner.
Track: Mad Behavior
Why We Like It: It’s a slick swagger-dipped, blues/rock number that strolls in mean as hell ready to toss your hair and slap you in the face with Berry’s cool rock ‘n’ roll. The slinky raw guitar jangly slices through punchy drums while Berry’s powerful vocals exclaim passionate wails and growls. Instantly danceable this track will play around in your head for days. The haunting dark backdrop and ghostly backing vocals create a spine chilling effect while the stinging prance on guitars and foot tapping rhythms guarantees repeat listens.
North Dublin alternative four piece Bullet Girl have released their new single ‘The Rush’ which was produced and mixed by Graham Byrne. In 2019, Bullet Girl have gone from strength to strength bringing their unique blend of alternative rock and post-punk across major venues in Dublin, culminating in two packed out headline gigs in Whelan’s (Upstairs) on June 15th and at The Workman’s Club on July 12th for Oslo Dublin.
Swirled in a surge of energetic alternative rock with a swanky strut quality ‘The Rush’ announces itself with swagger, adrenaline and sublime instrumentation. With a groove ravaged back bone, the track shuffles in, ready to dominate your mind. The sun speckled guitar, strums little golden bursts of euphoria through the buoyant backdrop while confident vocals charm their way through the catchy melody. This track is saturated in panache displayed by a steamy guitar solo, infectious chorus and intense dynamic musicianship. This is a band you need to hear. Keep an eye out for these guys.
Limerick alternative indie band Pity of the Sea have released their new single ‘Headscarf’ which was mastered by Richard Dowling. The track was inspired by EVA 2018 International Artist, Mina Talaee. Mina’s sculpture Rapunzel & Roudabeh is featured on the cover of the single.
‘Headscarf’ is a whirring blast of tight alternative indie twisted through synths and mangled beneath a psychedelic hue to create the most thrilling and exhilarating listening experience. Pity of the Sea meticulously layer and build the track into a mind frazzling trip of euphoria from a simple synth loop with the entwining synth creating a hypnotic constant while the steady beat slaps and grooves through the spiraling soundscape. The track builds becoming more intense and epic as its progresses introducing sweet melodies between dazzling distortion and crashing instrumentation and that is all before the vocals kick in. With almost spoken vocals and sweet harmony on backing vocals the song increases in intensity as it leads you down its golden path to an epic crescendo. Clearly a lot of time was spent developing this track as each new section of the song introduces a new dimension and texture while still maintaining that simple loop throughout. The band tease and slip the synth melody through rich soundscapes and wonderful guitar and bass elements creating a very diverse and tantalizing listening experience. Keep an eye on these guys.
Stream ‘Headscarf’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
