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.
Wolverhampton based Punk Rock Duo Broozer have released their debut EP ‘Are We Dead Yet’. Since their formation they have played at iconic venues in Birmingham and the West Midlands and were picked up by Wyatt Wendall of Planet Rock and featured on his New Rock Show several times. They have been supported by Tim Senna of Switch Radio/BBC WM Introducing and have also received airtime on Brum Radio, including their EP ‘Are We Dead Yet’ which has been added to their A-List, prior to its release.
‘Are We Dead Yet’ presents Broozer’s raw untainted punk rock in four brisk bruising tracks. Surrounded in a relentless swarm of demolishing energy ‘Thank You Baby’ and ‘Give Um Hell’ sets the madness in motion as the duo batter your skull with crushing drums and harsh riffs. The band waste no time spring-boarding into their adrenaline-inducing sound while the fierce vocals howl over the shattering instrumental backdrop. However the duo are not all about rapid punk-fueled sprints. They can refine and cultivate their sound too and ‘Hero’ showcases this sublimely. It is a creeping, chilling, sexy number. Dark soundscapes smother ominous grainy guitar riffs while groove-rooted drums take on a sensual quality. With sinister vocals, sharp whines on guitar and a horror movie frenzied soundscape its quite the impressive number that shows there is substance to this band. ‘I’m Ok’ brings the EP to a delirious mind bulldozing end – it’s a pure concoction of mania. With screaming vocals clamorous instrumentation and barbed atmosphere it is not for the faint-hearted.
Broozer have created an EP laced in acid dipped guitar and pulverising drums to create a rapid assault on the senses. Exuding explosive energy and anarchy from its core – its an EP sure to ignite the mosh pit of a live show.
Galway’s Slyrydes are set to release their new single ‘Dangerous Animals’ on October 25th. The track was recorded by Daniel Doherty (Fontaines DC, Vulpynes, Galants) in Darklands audio Dublin.This is the fourth single from the band who have an album set for release in 2020. The band have been making a name for themselves with their previous tracks gaining radio support from Today fm, 2fm, RTE radio one, Radio Nova, BBC radio Foyle and Radio X in the UK as well as many regional stations.
‘Dangerous Animals’ is a relentless onslaught of bruising, battering punk rock as Slyrydes take their abrasive sound and carve it brutishly into your head with savage force. The piercing shrilling guitars lacerate and gash into the track with menacing rage as the pulverizing drums batter furiously throughout with primal vigor. With a curdling bass line rumbling relentlessly through the frenzy, this track packs one heck of a punch. The delirious swirling on guitars create a sinister, seizure-inducing mania that is both chilling and compelling while the shouted vocals spit and bellow the cutting lyrics. Slyrydes have created one turbulent blitz with their new track ‘Dangerous Animals’. It’s a dark blood thirsty belter brimming with raw unadulterated punk rock.
‘Dangerous Animals’ will be released on the 25th of October for more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/slyrydes/
Belfast-based punk act Sister Ghost are set to release their new single ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ On October 21st. Sister Ghost, aka Shannon Delores O’Neill, has a background playing in bands from the age of 12. In early 2014, she began writing and demoing – singing and playing everything herself – before enlisting a band to bring Sister Ghost to completion. She has been recognised for mentoring and encouraging other female-identified musicians to perform in the Northern Irish scene, having also set up the Girls Rock! NI chapter in 2016. Sister Ghost has garnered high profile support slots with Shellac, Pussy Riot and Le Butcherettes as well as airplay on BBC 6 Music and a Next Wave Artist slot on BBC Radio 1. As of Spring 2019, O’Neill has teamed up with producer Cahir O’Doherty (Frank Turner, Fighting With Wire, New Pagans) to work on the debut Sister Ghost album, set for release in 2020.
‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a brisk swarm of punk rock as Sister Ghost blast out their blistering high energy wall of sound with ease and vigor. From fiery guitar riffs and rooted rumble on bass to the pulverizing drums the band set down an infectious foundation ready to set a live audience alight. With attitude soaked vocals tight harmonies and dynamic melody this powerful onslaught is a force to be reckoned with. The track takes aim at oppressive systems both in Northern Ireland as well as those abroad as O’Neill spits and bellows the lyrics with intensity creating a hyper active atmosphere as well as making the song relatable beyond the political confines of Belfast. ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a wallop in the face of infectious fierce punk rock at its raw and exhilarating best.
‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is set for release on October 21st for more follow Sister Ghost on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sisterghost
Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting new Irish rock bands in recent years. They have released their second EP ‘Dye Me Red’. Vulpynes’ self titled debut EP was released on UK indie label Headcheck Records last year. Since then, the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.
‘Dye Me Red’ is Vulpynes most thrilling EP to date. The duo have refined their battering rock with acid garage elements and punk persona with such precise detail its awe inspiring. The ferocity and explosive energy shoot like acid soaked missiles from each track as the dark and foreboding wall of sound consumes you and traps you in their brand of alternative rock. ‘I Can’t Sit Still’ kicks off the EP. The gritty riffs suffocate and scorch the track in a humid harsh atmosphere while the bruising assault on drums creates a flexible and powerful foundation. Molly’s vocals are commanding throughout and possibly the most compellingly forceful female punk vocals on the Dublin scene at the moment. She has depth and subtlety in her voice that adds genuine weight to the punk rock anthems, The razor cut guitar chords in ‘Bitches Are Like Waves’ lacerate with a majestic quality while Kaz on drums keeps the rhythm fast and furious. The high intensity of their tracks make them flow together seamlessly as Vulpynes present this four track EP in a quick poisonous dose. The duo have always moved through their tracks with relentless stamina, bashing their thunderous sound through each release. However this EP showcases a shift in perception, they maintain their raucous style from previous singles like ‘OCD’ and ‘’Silica’ but now they have polished and sharpened their sound to create something more intoxicating. The second half of the EP shows this superbly. ’It Washes Out’ crawls under your skin with distortion-filled verses before the chorus strikes you into submission. There is equal measure of rough punk and smooth slinky rock to create a fierce wall of sound that encompasses Marilyn Manson with some Jack White glittering throughout. ‘The Hunt’ brings the album to a frantic close. I have never heard this band exude more swagger and brutality before. There is a hint of The Prodigy in this savage number as the drums pulverize between the dizzying guitar lines to create a brain frothing sinister number. It’s absolutely outstanding.
Vulpynes have come a long way since their early days. They display their most intense gnawing sound yet in ‘Dye Me Red’. It’s a spitting,lacerating, compelling and utterly enjoyable EP.
Bio: Brian Rudkins (lead guitar, vocals), Cian Ferguson (bass,keyboard) and Keelan Gannon (guitar, vocal) are Neverwait – a three piece alternative rock band based in Ireland. The band have released their debut album ‘Blind’ which was recorded and produced by the band themselves.
Track: Blind
Why We Like It: This tight mirage of electronic alternative rock wiggles and creeps with lo-fi tones and hip hop beats to create something organic and truly engaging. The verses tease and slowly seep through creating tension while the taping beat remains the constant behind the vaporous melody and quivering reverb vocals. The track builds superbly to its expressive chorus and dramatic crescendo with horn elements adding a dash of soul. The psychedelic hues flirtatiously meander through the thick electronics adding a dark smudge over this tantalizing number. Well crafted and fantastically layered ‘Blind’ is an utterly captivating and emotive track presented beautifully and majestically by Neverwait.
Bio: Red Sun Alert are an up and coming band from Cork City, Ireland. Since forming in late 2017, the band have been busy making a name for themselves around the country. They have supported artists such as The Altered Hours, Making Monsters, Cherym and many more.
Track: Live Laugh Love
Why We Like It: It’s a gritty riff heavy mammoth that stomps and rampages through with raw jagged guitars and punchy assault on drums. With a rugged bass weaving between the harsh head-bang ready bursts and brisk guitar runs, the track fluctuates between the fluid elasticity of the verses and heavy throbbing chorus. With coarse growl- ish vocals, a scream here and there and a mosh-ready bridge laced in frantic guitar lines this brutish battering assault on the senses is one hell of a track. Don’t let the acute rough lacerations fool you though. There is refinement and swagger within ‘Live Laugh Love’ especially in the suave and precise guitar work. The band’s upcoming EP ‘Red Sun Alert’ is set for release October 3rd – looking forward to it.
When asked about the track Julia Pawlak said:“ While writing the lyrics to this song I was feeling extremely overwhelmed by how it seems that women are still seen as lesser in the music scene. There’s so many wonderful girls in the creative community and simply they’re not getting the notice that they deserve. This song is about acceptance of my gender and what it means. I don’t want to spend my time here complaining and wishing I would get the same treatment as my male friends in bands. I’m going to fight for it and do everything I can to create that space of non-judgement and equal treatment.”
Bio: Mayo born singer songwriter,Tracy Gallagher is one of Ireland’s finest emerging indie folk artists. Tracy is set to release her debut EP ‘The Fallen’ later this year. Her debut single ‘Sit With Me’ received national airplay and praise from well-known Irish radio personalities. Tracy is soon to announce a national tour to coincide with the release of her EP.
Track: The Fallen
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate warm track that flows beautifully into the ears with a melancholic sense of ease as Tracy Gallagher’s emotive and pristine vocals coo over the tender melody. With sultry guitar injections, the song drifts innocently over a sense of mystery. The catchy chorus is sweet as taffy as the steady beat creates the soft backdrop. There is oodles of character portrayed through the delicate jangle and deep rumble on guitar adding a conflicting twist and sublime contrast to Gallagher’s expressive crisp vocals. Wonderful and emotional ‘The Fallen’ is a superb piece of musicianship.
Bio: Kilkenny band The Wha have released the video for their debut single ‘Innocents’ – out via Chess Club. The band have also announced they will play a string of shows in September with Two Door Cinema Club in Dublin and Belfast. ‘Innocents’ has already attracted the attention of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, Radio X’s Gordon Smart and Felix White and a host of press tastemakers. All aged just 18-years-old The Wha are dual vocalists and guitarists Finn Cusack and Sam Cullen, joined by Marek Lech (bass) and Abe G. Harris (drums). The video for ‘Innocents’ was shot in Kilkenny by director Conor Dockery at Dock Visual
Track: ‘Innocents’
Why We Like It: It’s a fantastic debut track which thrives on an exhilarating bass while piercing guitars slice and jangle through a punchy beat and carefree punk-hued attitude. With an ethereal catchy melody and vibrant vocals this invigorating number boasts impressive laid back swagger. There is a retro rock ‘n’ roll vibe about this track as the band take their blistering guitar-driven sound, coat it in an infectious melody, slap on a dash of indie and pepper it with a Brit-pop seasoning, and the result is something to shout about. This is a band that you need to know and listen to now.
Bio: LEWIN is an Alternative\Indie music project by Mitchell Lewin. His newly released single ‘Learn To Love/Love To Live’ has been received greatly having multi air-times on worldwide radio stations and local stations such as BBC Introducing in Shropshire.
Track: Learn to Love/Love to Live
Why We Like It: This breezy indie track sails gracefully upon a buoyant vibrant foundation while Lewins’ warm vocals exude emotion and tender tones.It’s a cosy song with luminous guitars glistening with glorious scintillation while the smooth melody coats the track in cosy tones.With a heart-pounding bridge and sing along ready chorus this indie dazzler is ready to warm the soul and comfort the ears. Its catchy and uplifting as Lewin crafts his sound with sweetness, passion and sublime instrumentation.
Dublin Disco-punks Munky have returned with their new single ‘Megaton’ produced by Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C, Somebody’s Child), and boy it is a doozy.Following quick on the heels of their debut EP, released in April, which saw them tour Europe with the Meat Puppets the band present a shiny new tantalizing alternative rock track to sink our teeth into.
Wrapping eerie, chilling guitar squeals in groove-rooted, dark menacing soundscapes ‘Megaton’ haunts, creeps and coils with spine chilling ferocity. Zachary Stephenson’s agonising vocals reel and writhe through the gritty backdrop as he spits out the lyrics in an almost rap-like manner. Dizzying, delusion-filled distortion saturates the track in deep thick tones of despair and manic psychedelia. The whining guitar is like something out of a chilling horror movie as it stings and pierces through the ominous atmosphere while the rooted bass-groove fluctuates and festers beneath like a dangerous steamy vapour that evaporates off the smashing and at times frenetic drums.The track builds superbly into an intense clamorous crescendo as Munky creates and ferments one immense, thrilling and irresistible track.‘Megaton’ is a dark concoction formed out of curdling rancid emotions however, it is how these fine musicians portray these emotions that is mesmerising and outstanding.
The band has this to say about the track: “We really embraced the studio on this track. After our first release this year we were excited to get back in and further carve out our sound to tape. This track was built off the drum and bass groove. We threw any semblance of music theory out the window, and just wrote what felt right. The lyrics came from the music, I was singing a lot of non-sequiturs when we’d jam, and certain themes emerged. Sam says it sounds like earth but not earth. Like we teleported into the future and found the remnants of a world that looks like earth but dead. Conor started throwing down some wild ‘far out maaaaaan’ sounds from his guitar which perfectly fit the mood. Don’t ask us how he made the airplane sound at the end of the track. To be honest I think it sounds like My Chemical Romance did a song with Dr Dre”
Stream ‘Megaton’ below
Munky recorded a live session at Ravensdale Lane Studios which includes a live rendition of ‘Megaton’ check that out below
Dublin multi-instrumentalist Jake Regan has released a new double single ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’. Jake Regan used to be the frontman of the band Segrasso. Early last year he decided to end the band and start making music on his own. Regan has been playing gigs with a band under the name Jake Regan and the Loverboys, but when he records music, he plays all the instruments himself.
‘Unfair’ is a sulky whack of abrasive alternative punk as Jake Regan fleshes out his unique songwriting in a pop smacked yet raw track. The wailing, stinging guitar cuts into the pulverising drums and grit smudged wall of sound. Moaning, gloomy vocals murmur through the verses while a stomping beat reinforces the anguish and fury however the depressed tantrum-soaked chorus is superbly contrasted with a breezy infectious melody and lighter tone. With its 70’s-esque Brit punk hues and shredding musicianship Regan displays his frustration at the “sell out “ copycat bands with a hint of comical irony.
‘Stay’ dollops on some shoegaze into Regan’s sound. Hazy and wrapped in a bitter sweet hue of nostalgia this lo-fi ditty broods in a wistful melody as Regan’s reverb lace vocals pine and coo in a blanket of sorrow. Doused in psychedelic tones the guitar-stings pierce throughout while the punchy drums batter in the background. This raw, heart-bleeding track grooves with a grunge backdrop against mopey pop elements. The soft melody wisps about the track melting into the downcast atmosphere.The warm biting guitar jingles and glimmers – lighting the chorus with its spark of luminosity through the mist. Utterly mesmerising and compelling this track hits you in the chest with passion and longing while also packing in some sublime and refined instrumentation.
Both ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ showcase how mature, passionate and exquisite Jake Regan is as an artist. He blends genres beautifully creating tracks that majestically blossom into a fine body of work.
Dublin’s upcoming alternative rock band SPRINTS have released their sophomore single ‘The Cheek’. Comprised of Karla Chubb, Colm O’Reilly, Sam McCann and Jack Callan, SPRINTS released their debut single ‘Pathetic’ in April to rave reviews, receiving both national and international press coverage. The song was playlist on Irish radio as well as featured in the ‘An Alternative Eire’ official Spotify playlist.
‘The Cheek’ is a brisk raw blast of SPRINTS punk-whacked alternative rock. With gritty guitar cutting through the jagged tense soundscape the verses crash in ready to rumble. The driving bass travels at floor shaking relentless stamina while Karla Chubb’s powerful vocals add sarcasm and fire into the track. It’s catchy with a manic ferocious chorus that is sure to be epic live. With pummeling drums and a blistering raucous wall of sound ‘The Cheek’ is one frenzied anthem and another smasher from SPRINTS.
About the track the band say : “Whether they think they own the place, or think they own you, we are all too familiar with those dickheads at the bar. Male or female, I know a lot of friends have shared the same experience. To have your sexuality, or your worth questioned, to be berated or harassed for turning someone so ‘impeccable’ down, is an unfortunately too regular occurrence.”
SPRINTS will celebrate the track’s launch on Saturday September 28th with a show in Bello Bar.
Galway band Slyrydes have released their new single ‘Out Patience’. The band comprised of Marc Raftery (Vocals), Mark Comer (Guitar), Fuz Reilly (Bass Guitar), Paul Clarke (Drums) have had support slots with Fight Like Apes, Palma Violets and PEACE, on top of festival appearances and regular headline shows around Ireland. The band have also been played frequently on Today fm, 2fm, RTE radio one, Radio Nova, BBC radio Foyle and Radio X in the UK as well as many regional stations.
With shrilling distortion and a thumping beat pounding adrenaline into your veins ‘Out Patience’ displays Slyrydes commanding robust sound in all its powerful might. Gritty, sharp and laced in acid soaked guitar lines this corrosive blast of raw punk rock hits hard and bulldozes into your brain. The guitars weave from rough acute lacerations to refined wails while the rooted bass groove rumbles beneath creating a fluctuant foundation between the pulverising drums. With screaming vocals and an all round dark eerie atmosphere it’s one hell-raising belter. There is refined guitar moments within this track as they slink, slither and weave between the verses and sleek solo before the track breaks into all out anarchy. ‘Out Patience’ is one exhilarating whirlwind from Slyrydes.
Watch the video for ‘Out Patience’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
