FKB have released their new single, ‘Beautiful Fantasy’.FKB is a high-energy, four-piece, alternative rock band based in Edmonton, Alberta, influenced by the mystique, glamour, and excess of the 1960s-1980s entertainment business.
Doused in prismatic shimmers on synths, funky flexes and glorious pop melodies, ‘Beautiful Fantasy’ is an upbeat and fun new single from FKB. The band create a swagger drenched tune that boasts their rich, feel-good sound in all its glory. Filled with groovy guitar embellishment, tight and danceable rhythms the track is a glittering and infectious tune that beckons repeat plays. FKB layer the song superbly to unveil new lush melodies and textures with each subsequent listen while the glam stomping beat, sun-kissed pop melody and suave presentation gives ‘Beautiful Fantasy’ a charm that is difficult to resist.
Newcastle based indie duo Drive have released their new single ‘The Rain’. With over 100,000 Spotify streams, BBC Introducing support and an Amazing Radio live session under their belt, Drive are back in the studio recording their debut, and preparing for their return to live shows.
‘The Rain’ is an absolutely glorious gem. Drive create a nostalgic sweet indie number that captures your heart from the very first note. Warm guitars ripple through a sweet ethereal soundscape of shimmering synths while pulsing beats create a sense of suspense throughout. Boasting smooth vocals and a dreamy earworm melody, the duo showcase their musically lush sound within this irresistible sweet tune. There are intricate layers and exciting new instrumental treats hidden throughout the song, from soft twinkles on keys to supple, warm bass grooves and clapping percussion, which open the track up and create an exciting new listening experience with each replay. ‘The Rain’ is a sublime example of Drive’s heartfelt and time stopping musicianship in all its wonderful indie-pop glory.
Kynsy has released her new single ‘Mr Nice Guy’. Kynsy is the solo project of 23 year-old Irish multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Ciara Lindsey. The song is co-produced by Kynsy and James Dring (Gorillaz / Jamie T / Sorry).”Mr Nice Guy” is the first new single from Kynsy since the release of her critically acclaimed debut EP, Things That Don’t Exist released in January of this year.
Surging with tightly weaved instrumentation ‘Mr Nice Guy’ is an irresistible indie-pop tune that boasts the ever-evolving sound of Kynsy. Within ‘Mr. Nice Guy’ we see Kynsy smother a groovy indie foundation with lashings of synths and pop- esque melodies to create a tantalizing tune brimming with sass and vigour.
Skillfully produced the song’s sonic wall of sound expands with zesty stings on guitar and sweet key refrains while drum grooves and pulsing bass lines flutter throughout. The upbeat nature of the instrumentation contrasts Kynsy’s nonchalant vocals as the artist croons out some pretty hard-hitting lyrics “Hey there Mr. nice guy, f*cking with your stuck fly. Have you got no class at all”. Kynsy is an immensely talented musician who is creating an impeccable track record of invigorating tunes for listeners to enjoy. The artist possesses an unnatural and enviable gift for creating catchy earworm melodies filled with sharp witty lyrics and jubilant instrumentation; the result is a sublime display of musicianship that leaves much to be admired. ‘Mr Nice Guy’’ is a spectacular example of this.
Talking about the new song and video, Kynsy says: “It’s a song about money and working and having one of those horrible bosses who tells you he’s trying to be ‘the nice guy’ while he goes through you outside on the street. It’s mostly based on an encounter I had in a waitressing job. I suppose there is a message in there about the power of empathy and kindness in how you deal with people. The video echoes a lot of the themes in the song just pushed to an extreme level. Working with Dave and Conor we created a surreal world that’s really colourful but eerie at the same time. The master [me!] is on a constant power trip and forces her minions to endure some pretty awful treatment for her own gratification. To honour the positive message in the song we get to see how treating people like this will come back to bite you one way or another. “
Kynsy has also announced a series of tour dates taking place this December with shows at Upstairs Whelan’s, Dublin on 9th December, Kasbah Social Club, Limerick on 10th December and Connolly’s of Leap, Cork on 11th December.
She will perform her debut international live shows this November, with dates at the inaugural Pitchfork Music Festival London at The Roundhouse on Sunday 14th November and Pitchfork Festival Paris on 19th November.
Dublin-based, The Crayon Set have released their new album ‘Downer Disco’.The album was recorded with producer Stephen Shannon at Experimental Audio in Dublin in 2019. The release was put on hold due to Covid ’19.To celebrate the launch of ‘Downer Disco’ The Crayon Set will play their first headline show in over 2 years at The Grand Social, Dublin on 7th October. Tickets are €9 (Students: €7) and are available at www.ticketmaster.ie
‘Downer Disco’ is a glorious collection of alternative pop gems that ripple with shimmering synths, rich percussion and the irresistible musicianship of The Crayon Set. This band’s ability to whack out diverse earworms while creating a cohesive body of work is simply impressive. They pour sweet melodies and bright instrumentation into opening tracks ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ and ‘Summer Song’ before stirring darker tones and brooding melodies through ‘Out Of Your Mind’ to showcase the versatility and freshness within their sound.
The band exude swagger within this album as they confidently sashay through the sassy indie drenched ‘Rock Star// Dream Girl’ and country hued ‘Flames’ before using brooding guitar melodies, jazz peppered keys, punchy drums and a sultry soundscape to create a sense of mystery that keeps the listener hooked throughout. The lush musicianship within ‘Downer Disco’ is compelling. The band effortlessly balance light and sweet tunes such as ‘Boring’, ( with its lush harmonies, ethereal twinkles on keys and warm guitar ) with the more dark, obscure and electronic heavy ‘Not the End of the World’; the latter boasts choppy rhythms, spiralling electronics and distorted guitars that creates an intoxicating and luring psychedelic-hued backdrop for listeners to indulge in.
Alongside oodles of rich, tantalizing instrumentation The Crayon Set display emotive lyrical content throughout the album that depicts themes such as mental health, love and loss to name a few. The lyrics are powerful and evocative on their own however they are greatly enhanced by the band’s artful use of instrumentation; beautiful, poetic and aptly placed turns of phrase are wrapped within bittersweet or brooding melodies, “skimming stones cause ripples that go on”– ‘Miss You in my Dreams’. The Crayon Set have a wonderful ability to touch the soul with their lyrics, while soothing and comforting with their musicianship at the same time and these moments within the album are a joy to experience again and again.
A real treat to the ears ‘Downer Disco’ is an immersive gem of sweet alternative pop filled with beautiful melodies, opulent instrumentation and utterly compelling soundscapes. The Crayon Set are refining what they do best, providing eargasmic refreshing tunes that beckon repeat plays.
Four-piece LA-based Indie pop band, The Last Chaperones have released their new single ‘Sidewinder’.Originally founded by Wes Cole (lead singer/bassist) and Ben Killops (guitar/singer), they were joined by Sophia Trevor (synths) and Hush Paz (Drums).
‘Sidewinder’ is a radiant indie-pop gem that boasts The Last Chaperones’ catchy and infectious sound. With jaunty guitars weaving between a buoyant beat, the track has a refreshing and uplifting soundscape. The band creates a freeing summer atmosphere with a dreamy melody, while smooth vocals ( teamed with infectious pop hooks and a light spritz of indie ) provide an upbeat and infectious glow throughout. It’s a witty tune brimming to the seams with charming instrumentation as the band use clever lyrics to hint at the animalistic nature of a relationship within a glorious indie-pop backdrop. Press play and enjoy.
Irish four-piece modernlove. have released their new EP ‘monochrome blue’ on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). To celebrate the EP release, the band will be playing a Dublin headline show on November 6th in the Workman’s Club and their first London show at The Social on November 12th.
‘monochrome blue’ is creative, alluring and an utterly intoxicating EP that solidifies modernlove.’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting indie-pop bands. The four-piece are known for creating eargasmic tunes brimming with sugar-sweet melodies that hook the listener instantly and ‘monochrome blue’ follows this trend perfectly.
From the explosive rush of opener ‘2 Missed Calls’, the band flesh out their lustrous wall of sound with rich percussion, gleaming guitars and irresistible bass grooves that lure and entice from the start. Dealing with some heavy and intriguing lyrical content that details with the complexities of a love triangle the track is an excellent start to the EP.
The production throughout the EP is immaculate. The band venture between indie-pop bangers and synth-pop gems to create a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.‘Liquorice’ sounds fresh on the EP. This shimmering track with its glittering synths, punchy drums and rumble on bass sits comfortably on the EP and is a fantastic lead into the latter half of ‘monochrome blue’. Each song floods with adrenaline and youthful vigour. ‘come over x’ is a fine example of this where lush sonics, vibrant 80’s pop elements, and soaring melodies create that heart-racing effect and keeps the listener hanging on to every note.
An exciting element of the EP is the hypnotic vocal aspect of each track. Barry Lally’s smooth vocals drift across bittersweet melodies effortlessly while conveying oodles of passion. He spits out brisk lyrical flows in ‘Bop’ while crooning with emotion through the cinematic ‘I know it’s tearing you apart’. The latter track is filled with chiming guitars, a tight rhythm section, soaring chorus and epic crescendo and is the pinnacle moment on the EP. Within this track modernlove. excel both musically and lyrically – from evocative turns of phrase to richly textured soundscapes and heart rushing melodies, the tune showcases the band’s boundless musical talent in glorious detail.
‘monochrome blue’ is a sublime collection of tracks that displays the blossoming sound of modernlove. Each track is a gem to treasure and beckons repeat plays. The band’s approach to songwriting, production and sound is a breath of fresh air and leaves much to be admired. Press play and enjoy.
Returning from a slight breather after the recent release ‘Sunset’, FYA FOX is back with her new single ‘Need It’. FOX’s previous two singles ‘Body’ and ‘White Lies’ have already been supported by 2fm, Today FM and many more. ‘Body’ was added to the BBC Radio Ulster ‘Where Music Matters’ playlist which features ten new tracks across the BBC Radio Ulster playlist each month and her debut, ‘White Lies’ received its world exclusive with Radio 1’s Gemma Bradley on BBC Across The Line. As well as being added by Hattie Pearson to the influential Co-op Edit UK playlist, her music has featured on a number of prestigious Spotify playlists including ‘Fresh Finds’ (750K followers).
‘Need It’ is an impressive tune that pulsates with FYA FOX’s unmistakable alternative pop sound. The song simmers with tense electronics and sultry bass lines as FOX coos over the infectious melody creating an intoxicating heart rushing soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. With soft keys chiming between dense electronic palpitations and sticky beats ‘Need It’ blossoms to become a power-pop anthem brimming with vigour. FOX creates expressive tunes that boast irresistible hooks and crisp production. She is an immensely talented artist, and ‘Need It’ perfectly displays her infectious musicianship and deft musical prowess. Press play and enjoy.
New wave pop artist Bobbi Arlo has released her new single ‘Fever Thoughts’. 2021 started off with a bang for the artist with the announcement that RTÉ 2FM selected her as one of their ‘Rising Acts’ for 2021 and the release of her previous radio smash tune ‘Feel It’.
‘Fever Thoughts’ is a fizzing example of Arlo’s irresistible sound as she spreads an earworm melody over an intense backdrop of electronic pop to create a refined and effervescent bop for listeners to enjoy. The intoxicating soundscape mirrors the excitement within the lyrics which discuss a night out in the city. The songs heart-racing effect is aptly expressed through the tracks pulsing beats that ripple through a flurry of synths and swirling electronics creating a dance-infused and muggy backdrop for Arlo’s sweet reverb laced vocals to drift over. Arlo is always pushing her sound to the next level, and ‘Fever Thoughts’ is a spectacular example of this.
Filled with intense muggy rhythms, futuristic electronic embellishments and an exhilarating wall of sound, ‘Fever Thoughts’ is a fantastic new single from Bobbi Arlo.
Speaking about the song, Bobbi Arlo says “Fever Thoughts is the product of me craving those special nights out. I wrote the song after reminiscing about my first night in the big City and how mesmerising and fun the whole experience was. I really wanted to captivate the energy and excitement I felt that night and put it into a song”
Candy’s Guilt have released their new single ‘blue ivory’. Candy’s Guilt is a four-piece band from North Dublin. The band was founded by Sean Walsh (guitar) and John Kennedy (vocals) when they met in secondary school. The band also consists of Oscar Geraghty on drums and percussion and Pearce Fitzpatrick O’Donovan on bass.
‘blue ivory’ is a melodically lush tune from Candy’s Guilt. The band craft the song around mellow twinkles on guitar and soft percussion while supple soundscapes exude a majestic sense of euphoria throughout. The song has a retro 50’s-esque quality within the melody as Candy’s Guilt take a minimalist approach to the song to create a dreamy and pacifying listening experience for listeners to indulge in. ‘blue ivory’ is an intriguing and enjoyable display of musicianship from Candy’s Guilt. Looking forward to hearing more from the four-piece.
Dublin Producer, Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist, Cabin has released his new single ‘Evil Directions’.The song is the follow-up single to Cabin’s debut, ‘The Parasocialite’. Cabin (aka Adam McCabe) began crafting his songwriting and production skills as part of post-punk outfit Brass Phantoms, and has had his music featured on the likes of BBC Radio 6 with Steve Lamacq, Spotify’s Hot New Bands, and more, along with production credits for the likes of Fangclub.
‘Evil Directions’ is an intricate tapestry of psychedelic pop weaved together with lush melodies and rich textures throughout. Cabin presents a laid back tune that boasts elegant key refrains, swaying rhythms and mosaic guitar chimes to create a vibrant backdrop for listeners to indulge in. The artists’ knack with earworm melodies shines brightly in this song as he spreads a dreamy melody over the prismatic soundscapes to create a soothing yet enjoyable listening experience. There is a darker undertone within the track represented on keys, however, Cabin maintains a bright and bubbly retro tone throughout. ‘Evil Directions’ is a fantastic and tantalizing new tune that marks Cabin as an artist to keep an eye on.
On the track, Cabin says, “I’ve always adored the sounds and styles that this track draws from, but often found that those bright melodies hid darker sentiments. I see this track as my homage to that classic style of pop writing”
Stream ‘Evil Directions’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
