Category Archives: Indie Electro

Van Panther ‘Overcast’ EP

Limerick based experimental post punk band Van Panther have released their new EP ‘Overcast’. Formed in 2015 Van Panther have supported the likes of noise-rock giants Holy Fuck on their Irish tour dates in Cork (Cyprus Avenue) & Limerick (Dolan’s Warehouse), and have played alongside up-and-coming Irish acts such as The Murder Capital, SENU, Kodu, Cruiser, Anna’s Anchor, and many more.The band have also played at Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2018 Festival and The Midnight Hour (Whelans, Dublin), and have performed at the Electro-City Synth Festival in Sin É (Dublin). 

‘Overcast‘ is a vivacious EP overflowing with intricate rich sounds and the refined and exhilarating genre blending Van Panther do so well. With electronics swirling around sweet guitar moments and heavy alternative rock elements the band create a unique and intriguing collection of tracks that has something for everyone. The main backbone to the EP is the lush grooves that saturate each track in hip wiggling elastic beats and bass lines. Title track ‘Overcast’ begins the compelling journey into the EP with quirky electronic bloops and squirms with delightful pop flutters and a buoyant indie groove. Each track is tied together by dreamy candied melodies that melt into the ears. Even the swagger dipped strut of ‘No Seasons’ with its quirky keys and Beck – esque prance and sass features an irresistible melody along with some slinky guitar lines against a funky rhythmic backdrop.

There is a summery vibe to all the tracks that is glorious to hear however ‘Moon Eyes’ is the most experimental. This track takes a heavier distorted stance on the EP with its stomping beat and sharp intro but once the vocals kick in, the band glide into a laid back shoegaze aesthetic. The chorus becomes dizzy and the guitars jaggedly crash through a chopping wall of sound and grittier fuzzed hue of electronics. ‘Moon Eyes’ is a fantastic alternative rock track with sweet surf elements pushing through. It feels like a fight to see which sound wins – the sweet dreamy surf or the blasting heavy alternative. ‘The Cutters’ brings the EP to a close with space-like sounds creating an eerie chilling atmosphere before the track develops into a 60’s hued guitar jangled shimmy.

Van Panther build and develop their tracks superbly to create a jarring exhilarating listening experience full of infectious grooves and delicious melodies that you can’t help but love. There is something special about this band. The vibrant unique instrumental brakes and perfect blends of electronic, alternative, pop and indie will leave you gobsmacked. I especially love the dizzying instrumental break in ‘The Cutters’, it creates a flashing house infused little pocket between a surf rock / indie track that is a surprising and refreshing feature.

‘Overcast’ is a well crafted, fun and perfectly produced body of work that contains something for everyone in a tight package of delight. A must listen.

Stream ‘Overcast’ below 


Author : Danu

Jack Rua ‘Rise’ featuring Darce

Photo Credit : PureGrand (Luke Faulkner)

Dublin based innovative pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Rise’ featuring Irish hip-hop artist Darce. Jack has so far released two singles; ‘Scarlet A’ and ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’. Both have collectively amassed over 50,000 streams on Spotify and received frequent airplay both at home and internationally. ‘Scarlet A’ lead Jack to being named Spin 1038’s “One To Watch”, and ‘Ego’ was played on RTE 2FM, Spin 1038, KCLR and BBC Introducing to name a few. Following the success of ‘Ego’, Jack and LOGUOS were invited by Tara Stewart to perform a live session in RTE 2FM’s iconic Studio 8.  ‘Rise’ is the third instalment from a mini album which is scheduled for release in early 2020 and explores themes of self-love and sexual liberation. The song will be accompanied by an artistic and stylised music video directed by PureGrand that blurs the lines between gender, sexuality and spirituality.

‘Rise’ is a bubbling dance anthem brimming with Jack Rua’s glossy intense musicianship. The track fizzes and ferments as pulsing beats and accelerating electronics create a heart-racing soundscape. With an infectious pop drenched melody the track seduces its way into your ears while Jack’s vocals coo and entice beneath a building backdrop. With racy lyrics fleshing out this lusty steamy dance infused number, Jack leaves very little to the imagination. Hip hop artist Darce injects a dash of grit as he rapidly raps over the swirling electronics with a punchy quality providing some relief from the sultry suffocating backdrop. Jack blends the sensual flamboyance of Prince with a sassy Madonna- esque boldness while still creating something that summons your soul to the dancefloor with his infectious and lovable tones, beats and melodies.  It’s a song that celebrates the healing powers of sex and love and both Jack and Darce infuse sensual swagger into this grooving chic and dazzling gem effortlessly. With crisp production, ‘Rise’ is a cool, confident display from Jack Rua. Keep an eye on him – Jack Rua is a dark horse for sure.

Stream ‘Rise’ below 


Author : Danu

Synk ‘Make it Swim’

Dublin five-piece Electronic Rock band Synk have released a live video of their song ‘Make it Swim’ When we asked the band about the video James Lonergan told us : “We shot the video in our rehearsal room in North Strand which is literally a railway arch beneath the Dublin – Sligo line. The train passes overhead every 10/15 minutes. While mixing the audio for the video we noticed that it can be heard faintly during the first crescendo. Our dear friend Jason Brennan shot the video a week before moving to Texas and did the edit in a trailer out somebody’s back garden in Austin. The audio was mixed by our own Daniel Smith & Evan Kennedy.”

‘Make it Swim’ is a dark, lulling and sometimes turbulent musical labyrinth as Synk entwine the mind in themes of fear and loss through deep passionate musicianship. A sombre melody is emotionally caressed and tenderly expressed through touching soulful vocals with a rock -esque rasp that floods the track in powerful outbursts. The band create a chilling shadowy atmosphere with pulsing thuds on drums while glistening melodies on guitar meander with a majestic delicate innocence and poignant pines. ‘Make it Swim’ takes you on an emotional journey as the band weave psychedelic tones masterfully with rock, electronic and indie elements to create something utterly compelling. The track takes on many forms, from a heavy crashing wall of sound drowning in pain and bitterness to lulling sweet calms of dreamy numbness to create a vivid listening experience which is rich in depth and refined intricacies. There is something truly compelling about this band’s tunes and ‘Make It Swim’ submerges you in the intense and broad spectrum that is Synk’s wonderful sound.

Watch the video for ‘Make it Swim’ below


Author : Danu

Lord Baltimore ‘Camille’

New York City-based bassist Lord Baltimore (Jack Doyle)  has released his new single ‘Camille’. This dramatic and consuming experimental dance number showcases Lord Baltimore’s intense and riveting musicianship. He exquisitely weaves elegant tones and a flighty sense of innocence through gritty, dazzling and heavy electronics. A pulsing beat creates a fluctuant and bubbling foundation while the pining almost eerie guitar entwines the track in a dangerous, sinister and almost sultry tone. The magnificent electronics flash and create a coiling, ominous soundscape as the track rushes and flutters between fuzzy distortion and sweet danceable sways of grandeur. It’s a magnificent, compelling piece of work as the catchy melody glides effortlessly into your mind while Jacks vocals  seamlessly meander from sweet lulls to growls of aggression. Spine chilling and utterly mesmerising Lord Baltimore creates tracks to entice, satisfy and engage all your senses while packing a meaty narrative through his lyrics. 

About the track Lord Baltimore said: “Camille is a song about Camille Claudel, muse to famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin.She was the victim of a pervasive anti-woman sentiment in the arts that hasn’t yet totally faded.  This song was our bid to tell the tale of her life, work and tragedy. We chose to further venerate her legacy with a music video that involves breaking into an abandoned warehouse, staging a ballet, shaving the lead actress’ head and smashing a chandelier with a plank of wood. You know, normal stuff.”

Watch the video for ‘Camille’ below 


STK Sound ‘Reincarnation’ Album

Electro Pop artist STK Sound has released his debut album ‘Reincarnation’. The creative mind of STK Sound ties together the world of audio with visual representation, and this debut record is the perfect example of how he manages to shape perceptions through his art.

‘Reincarnation’ is an ambient collection of tracks that submerge you completely into the luxurious electronic fusions of STK Sound.Its a mellowed out experience as ‘Intro’ , ‘Awakening’ ‘Only One’ and ‘Death And Reincarnation’ begin the dreamy journey into STK Sound’s world of tranquil magic. The electronic elements are subtle and sweet as they flurry, wisp and twinkle between the sticky fluctuant beats. With warm vocals cooing over this floaty soundscape STK Sound transforms the listening experience with cosy textures. He blends some darker tones into his album with eerie subtly haunting atmospheres through tracks like ‘ Darkness Of The Magic’ without shocking the listener out of their dreamy haze. As the glistening soundscapes dazzle and delicately sparkle the track builds behind creating an ominous atmosphere with deep vocal samples and conflicted electronics, this provides a beautiful contrast through STK Sound’s creations. The raw and at times jittery percussion adds a rich and vibrant texture to the more melancholic tracks like ‘Do You Feel My Love’, the dazzling ‘Never Stop’ and skittish ‘Mirrors’. While ‘Atlas Love’ and ‘Life’ cool the sticky sultry vibes of those tracks with gentle ethereal tones, piano elements, and wispy soundscapes. However these tracks maintain a mystical and almost eerie atmosphere with some fuzzed elements and deep beat thuds. ‘Dark Sun’ brings the album to a close with a surge of peaceful vibes and glorious textures and tones. The sweet electronics flicker between quivering soundscapes and whispered vocals before becoming a little more obscure as gloopy sounds blop through the dreamy electronic whines. It’s a unique and intriguing track to close the album.

STK Sound takes the listener on a mystical journey of rich multi texture sounds through his refined ‘Reincarnation’ album as his blend of relaxing tunes and frazzling electronics both soothe and invigorate the mind.

Stream ‘Reincarnation’ below

https://soundcloud.com/stksound/sets/reincarnation/s-6L5jp


James Burke ‘Less Than Binding’

Boston self produced indie artist James Burke has released his new single ‘Less Than Binding’ from his upcoming album ‘Future Eye’. He creates interesting, adhesive tracks that submerge you entirely in a unique and tantalizing world created by Burke. ‘Less Than Binding’ fleshes out his sound with its beautiful and elegant composition, precise spacing and luscious electronics. It’s an experience through beat taps, organ- esque keys and reverb. There is an R&B feel to the track with a pop drizzled melody as the laid back vocals drown you in the chilled vibe of this dreamy song. With its aerial approach and ethereal crisp production  ‘Less Than Binding’ builds…broods and bubbles into a moody mesmerising beauty.

Stream ‘Less Than Binding’ below


The ÆTHER ‘ÆTHEREAL’ Album

Promising Singer/Songwriter hailing from North East England, The ÆTHER, aka David has released his second studio album ‘ÆTHEREAL’. Written during the British heatwave of 2018,  the album is a collection of optimistic tracks, underscored with hope, resilience and a love of life.

ÆTHEREAL’ is a richly diverse and perfectly blended collection of electronic, dance, indie, funk and pop. The ÆTHER delivers a tasty nine track assortment that is the perfect summer soundtrack. His luscious pop melodies saturate each track in deliciousness while his soulful vocals are full of emotional tenderness that holds everything together. From the electronic ‘Im So Sorry’ and ‘Urgh’ with their chicness and 70’s funk flecked choruses the album is doused in suave romantic tones. Tracks like ‘Miracle’, ‘Deep In Love’ bring that dance laced summer vibe and free “caution to the wind “ atmosphere while packing in deep lyric content between the flashing electronics, swirling dazed soundscapes and funky guitar. The falsetto vocals are particularly sweet and showcase Davids’ warm range. ‘Sun & Moon’, ‘Like No Other Can’ takes us from the dance party to a chilled soul / R&B hued slow mover. It’s a slick romantic number to dim the light to and swoon over. ‘I Can’t Take This Feeling’ is the emotional sorrow filled track of the album that brings stormy clouds and rain filled with turmoil with contrasting electronics and dark beats.  The ÆTHER brings the album to a close with two tender heartfelt numbers ‘I Think Im Falling Going Nowhere’ and ‘Let Me Adorn You’.

‘ÆTHEREAL’ is filled with delicate tones, chilled vibes and oodles of soul which contrast beautifully against the albums dynamic electronics and funky guitar injections. Each song flows into the next with zealous finesse while the smooth vocals caress and glide over the melty melodies. It’s a charming album.

You can catch The ÆTHER live at:

13th April Tynemouth Surfcafe – Newcastle

9th June Chapel Arts Centre – Bath

Stream ‘ÆTHEREAL’ below


RAFFER ‘The Media’

RAFFER has released the first single from his upcoming self-titled EP ‘The Media’. This self-produced piece lyrically explores the falsehood today’s media sell to the general public. RAFFER – aka. Callum Rafferty  is the DIY indie-pop artist/producer from Kent who has spent the past year supporting some household indie names including King No-One, The Academic and Airways.

‘The Media’ is a fizzy mix of sun-blasted synths,zingy guitars and delicious pop smacked melodies. Brimming with infectious guitar hooks this vibrant delight, toe taps its way through buoyant bass lines, rich rhythms and sparkling electronics. Snappy and sprightly it frolics its way around you brain seeping that honey drizzled melody into your easy until you are dancing and singing along. Not only is this track saturated in sun soaked vibes RAFFER blasts a scorching guitar solo in for good measure to firmly press that sun tan glow into your skin.

You can catch RAFFER live at

25th Jan – Guildford Electric Theatre
9th Mar – Edinburgh Sneaky Pete’s
10th Mar – Glasgow Broadcast
30th Mar – Sheffield Café Totem
31st Mar – Nottingham TBC
+ Many more dates to be announced.

Stream ‘The Media’ below

https://soundcloud.com/raffermusic/the-media-master-1


Kohla ‘S/he’

Edinburgh Electronic/Alt. R&B artist Rachel Johnson has released her debut single  ‘S/he’ under the moniker Kohla . A fine arts graduate Kohla was writing rock music until last year where she suffered a vocal injury and in turn listened to a lot of hip hop, alt R&B and rap while she was recovering. ‘Kohla’ is a debut of alternative R&B, influenced by Banks, FKA Twigs and James Blake among others, with ‘S/he’ being thematically about jealously, disdain and pride. The artwork was also drawn by Kohla.

‘S/he’ is a molten R&B hued number laced with tension as Kohla unfolds her carefully crafted fierce yet vulnerable sound over a gripping backdrop. Her gentle voice coos through the soft melody with her warm lower range or sweet frail and breathy falsetto creating a delicate easy on the ears seduction . The steady sticky beat is constant through the fluid haunting backing vocals and all round eerie dreamy atmosphere. It’s elegant, sassy and filled with refined class as Kohla announces herself with this steamy darkly coated track.

Stream S/he’ below


All Tvvins ‘Infinite Swim’

Electronic duo All Tvvins have released their new single ‘Infinite Swim’ from their second album ‘Just To Exist’ which is due for release early 2019 and produced by James Vincent McMorrow. All Tvvins enjoyed a phenomenal start to their career. Their debut album ‘IIVV’ shot into the Irish charts at #2, earned a Choice Music Prize nomination for Irish Album of the Year and smashed the 15 million streams landmark. Meanwhile, gigs in the UK and Ireland included a life-affirming sold-out show at Dublin’s historic Olympia Theatre as well as a tour as guests to Metric. All Tvvins, who consist of Conor Adams (The Cast Of Cheers) and Lar Kaye (Adebisi Shank) spent January and February of this year recording the new album and the album’s title ‘Just To Exist’ comes from a line in their new single ‘Infinite Swim’.

‘Infinite Swim’ is a funky flex of rich textures weaved through luscious melodies and pristine production. It’s swagger soaked panache strides and glides upon slinky guitars, groove infested bass and dazzling electronic whirls while it’s chic exterior smoothly drifts along with an effortless chilled tone and laid back vibe. The sweet creamy vocals caress and float upon the infectious velvety melody as it magnificently swoons it way comfortably into your mind.The track is rooted with a meaty funk foundation that adds a strut ready danceable shuffle while the electronics slide and glissade with an ethereal soul tinged elegance. A vapourous guitar solo brings this 80’s disco tinged  track to slick glorious heights, All Tvvins present us with a first rate glossy number to sink our teeth into.

To celebrate the album’s release, the duo have announced their biggest Dublin headline show to date at The National Stadium on April 13th 2019.

Stream  ‘Infinite Swim’ below