Category Archives: indie rock

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock

The New Twentys ‘Power’

Photo Credit: Mady Mae

London up and coming three-piece The New Twentys have released their new EP, ‘Power’. After racking up support on their singles from Chris Hawkins, at BBC 6 Music, Radio X’s John Kennedy, Jake Peach at BBC Intro Essex, Melita Dennett BBC The South and XS Manchester, few can lay claim to having such an instant global impact, yet The New Twentys are being heard on a global scale, including heavy rotation at LA’s Idobi Radio, Sirius XM with the Rodney Bingenheimer show and Australia’s Triple J & Banks Radio too. The indie-pop rockers have opened the stage this summer for the likes of Primal Scream, Fat White Family, Scouting for Girls and McFly. They have also just sold out their debut London headline show. 

‘Power’ is a vibrant collection of catchy tunes that boasts The New Twentys exuberant and charming musicianship. From the jangly guitar riffs, sunkissed atmosphere and quirky backing vocals of title track ‘Power’ to the bass-driven rush of ‘The Way’, the band pack this EP to the brim with sunkissed radiant tunes. The trio display a knack for melody and rhythms as they entwine intricate grooves between a light guitar display in the carefree, ‘Dancing On A Sunday’ while breezy keys glide through the funk hued ‘Brazilianaire’. Each song surges with earworm melodies that beckon repeat plays (Brazilianaire is a fine example of this). 

‘Power’ is a carfree, fun EP that exudes sun-kissed vibes and tight musicianship. The New Twentys’ catchy tunes and dynamic sound is impressive and marks them as a band to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Power’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Stephen (Ste) Kelly ‘SIMPATICO’

Ste Kelly is set to release his new single, ‘SIMPATICO’. The track will be on Spotify on November 20th preceded by a live-action lyric video available now. ‘SIMPATICO’ is the latest track from Kelly’s new album ‘Bad News Best Forgotten’ which is set for release in March 2022. Ste Kelly is an IMRO award-nominated songwriter hailing from Dublin, Ireland – known for his previous work as founder and lead vocalist of Irish Indie Rock favourites RAGLANS whose self-titled album debuted at no. 5 on the Irish album charts. Stephen has toured alongside; The Libertines, Haim, The Fray and Twin Atlantic and The Pogues, to name a few. Ste’s songs have been used in partnership with major brands including Mitsubishi, Coors Light, BBC, Subotica Entertainment and Irish Ferries.

‘SIMPATICO’ showcases Kelly’s dynamic brand of indie rock in all its glory. With his notoriously catchy melodies in tow, Kelly presents a swaggered new single laced in tight grooves and rich instrumentation. The track glides upon intricate guitar lines and punchy drums that create a vibrant foundation for Kelly’s expressive vocals to bounce off. His fast delivery of the lyrics creates a sense of suspense and intrigue and complements the undertones within the lyrics perfectly, “been robbed by omnipotent’s, sullied by rings of power in the midst of enlightenment. Why do new things frighten us”. Boasting tight production and expressive musicianship ‘SIMPATICO’ is a proper bop to indulge in.

Watch the lyric video for ‘SIMPATICO’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk

Bullet Girl ‘The Hunt’

Bullet Girl have released their new single ‘The Hunt’ ahead of their debut EP which is due for release in 2022. ‘The Hunt’ is the lead single from North Dublin post-punk outfit Bullet Girl. The band will embark on a nationwide tour of the UK from November 14 – 22 with dates in London, Glasgow, Sheffield and Manchester. 

Driving on a dynamic sound that pivots around sharp guitars, pounding drums and a bloodthirsty bass, ‘The Hunt’ is an impressive display of Bullet Girl’s intense and exhilarating post-punk sound. The track has a hypnotic rhythm that is enhanced by acute guitar shrills, distressed vocal exclaims and yelps. Bullet Girl are known for their abrasive, raw sound that evokes a sense of controlled chaos, and ‘The Hunt’ is a glorious example of this. The band use the relentless bass to loosely rein in the track’s ferocity while Aaron Doyle spits out the lyrics ( which tackles the housing crisis in Ireland ) with fiery angst. The instrumental glitches, dissonant piano and unsettled texture of the song creates a frantic wall of sound that is a joy to listen to and is a wonderful assault on the senses. ‘The Hunt’ is an absolutely fantastic tune from Bullet Girl.

Stream ‘The Hunt’ below  


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

modernlove. ‘Us’

Photo Credit: modernlove.

Irish indie-rock outfit modernlove. have released their soaring new single ‘Us’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura).’Us’ follows on from the enormous success of their recently released EP ‘monochrome blue in September this year, which found support across countless tastemakers both here and abroad. Featuring the singles ‘Liquorice’, ‘2 Missed Calls’ and ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’, they received strong playlist support, landing on New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List amongst others on Spotify, as well as New Music Daily, New in Alternative and Breaking Alternative on Apple Music. They have also received strong radio support with 2FM, BBC R1, BBC R6, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line and Radio X giving them regular airtime and live sessions with BBC Introducing and Seconds Away with Gemma Bradley

With its immense euphoric pop soundscapes and irresistible jangly guitar hooks, ‘Us’ triumphantly continues modernlove.’s run of knock-out tracks. This song is shamelessly catchy. With lofty soundscapes expanding the track’s sonic sound while elevated synths weave sugar-coated melodies between hyper beats, the track offers perhaps the greatest endorphin release you’ll find this year. Barry Larry’s expressive vocal flexes from heartfelt suspended notes to warm velvety croons allowing the relatable vulnerability to creep through the lyrics “love, what have we done to us”. Boasting glittering guitar, rushing rhythms and heart-racing melodies ‘Us’ displays modernlove.’s refined musicianship and sleek instrumental prowess in all its glory. This band just get better with each release. 

Stream ‘Us’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Savonarola ‘Byrds Gone Bad’

Savonarola have released their new single ‘Byrds Gone Bad’.Formed in 2017, Savonarola knew that they had found something special from the get-go. Defined by a delicious blend of alternative rock and psychedelia, writing and recording oozed out of them, and they effortlessly created seven songs in less than a year. Since then, they have released their critically-acclaimed single, ‘Might Be Bad’, and 2020 EP, ‘Dischordant’.

‘Byrds Gone Bad’ showcases Savonarola’s swagger driven music as they delve deep into a psychedelic 60’s/70’s -esque sound to create a blistering tune for listeners to enjoy. Driving on a pounding rhythm, resounding bass and scorching guitars the track warps to become a mind-melting psychedelic listening experience. The track oozes a dynamic rock persona while a dark ominous atmosphere seeps in for the instrumental as the band introduce a Danish monologue executed by their bass player. Well crafted and brimming with vigour ‘Byrds Gone Bad’ is an energising new tune from Savonarola.

Stream ‘Byrds Gone Bad’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Zen Arcade ‘Alone in Monochrome’

The Zen Arcade have released their new single ‘Alone in Monochrome’.The Zen Arcade is a garage rock band from Ireland, composed of three ex-members of The Strypes. Their debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’ was the flagship release on their own label Dental Records and gained a number 1 spot on the iTunes Singles Chart on the day of release and entered the National Singles Chart at No.12. Extensive radio support across Ireland, the UK, the USA, and European radio stations followed.

‘Alone in Monochrome’ is a breath of fresh air that presents The Zen Arcade’s exciting sound in all its glory. The track reels the listener in with a deep bass refrain and bright indie backdrop while jagged guitar jabs ricochet off punchy drums before breaking into a tropical pedal steel- esque guitar lament. Melodically the track is a tasty slice of indie rock, full of wonderful dreamy tones and vibrant layers, however, a melancholic uneasy undertone expressed through dark lyrics adds a bitter aftertaste, “I left a world that was technicolour, for a plane of existence that was your shade duller.” With each subsequent listen, the track reveals new, exhilarating sounds and melodies that are simply a joy to discover as the band balance edgy garage rock elements with bittersweet nostalgia and a deep sense of loneliness to create a contrasting jolt between the catchy hooks. ‘Alone in Monochrome’ is an absolute delight to listeners ears. Press play and enjoy.

Stream ‘Alone in Monochrome’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Thrillhouse ‘It’ll All Be Alright In The End’

Indie group Thrillhouse have released their new single, ‘It’ll All Be Alright In The End’, ahead of their upcoming EP ‘Wedding Disco’.Thrillhouse are a Brighton based alt-indie band. Sam Strawberry and Jackie B Nielsen met in 2018 and quickly formed a friendship based on coffee and mutual failure. Naturally, talk led to the formation of yet another band. In walks Tash and Alistair, and thus, Thrillhouse was born.

‘It’ll All Be Alright In The End’ is a soothing nostalgic tune that pivots around hypnotic guitar, synths, bubbling beats and 80’s pop hues to create a sweet and engaging listening experience. A deep vocal delivery anchors the listener within the track’s immersive sound as the song gradually builds becoming more uplifting and radiant with each note. Thrillhouse are masters of their craft. Their music is engaging, emotive and oozes passion from every note. ‘It’ll All Be Alright In The End’ is an excellent example of this.  

About the lead single, lead singer Sam said,“’It’ll All Be Alright In The End’ is me looking back at all the rubbish choices I’ve made in the past and then singing about them publicly. Kinda regret that now. In fact, that could be considered my most recent rubbish choice. All my fears and anxieties come out in the shower for some reason, which is very annoying because I like showering. I usually end one of these showers by comforting myself saying ‘It’ll All Be Alright In The End’. I’m not entirely sure what I mean when I say it but it seems to make me feel better.”

Stream ‘It’ll All Be Alright In The End’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Stetsons Electric ‘Nana’s Boy’

Coming through with their signature brand of rock, The Stetsons Electric are back with their new single ‘Nana’s Boy’. Written about avoiding your girlfriend by always going round to your nans, this is a new take on the momma’s boy phenomenon, and shows off the band’s playful side with huge riffs and witty lyricism. A collaboration between all band members, ‘Nana’s Boy’ also sees The Stetsons Electric welcome guitarist and sound engineer Gareth Nuttall AKA The Wizard as an honorary member of the band. Rock n Roll from the heart of the Wild Northwest, The Stetsons Electric is made up of Tommy Hewitt (Vocals and Guitar), Tommy Jones (Bass) and Arnold Foster AKA The Prospector (Drums).

‘Nana’s Boy’ is a dynamic classic rock track that boasts the gritty infectious, and energetic sound of The Stetsons Electric. Scorching guitar riffs, pummeling drums and rampant basslines ooze passion and gusto while rasped, swagger-dipped vocals and a smooth, catchy melody make for a charming listening experience. The band blend elements of pop-punk with classic rock to create a song that is bursting with energy making ‘Nana’s Boy’ quite the fiery belter to indulge in.

Stream ‘Nana’s Boy’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Bayonets ‘Cheap Cravat’

Bayonets has released his new single ‘Cheap Cravat’.Bayonets is a solo project created by the Irish Co. Kerry musician and songwriter Vinnie Flynn. His distinctive style is a mix of alternative rock,indie, blues and folk. In addition to writing and performing live, Vinnie also works with several publishing companies based in the US who pitch his compositions to prime time TV shows and movies. Vinnie has performed at some of the biggest and best Irish music festivals including Electric Picnic, Vantastival and K-Fest. Vinnie will be playing a string of gigs and festivals in 2022, having just relocated to Barcelona Spain. His new single ”Cheap Cravat’ was recorded by a new upcoming Barcelona based producer ”Castell” the release gig will be held in Barcelona, Spain on November 13th 2021.

Blistering through a tantalising backdrop of stomping rhythms and desert-scorched guitar ‘Cheap Cravat’ is a dark and invigorating new tune from Bayonets. The song balances smooth, sensual tones with gritty textures to create a dynamic tune for listeners to indulge in. A luring melody creates a haunting yet lulling quality while Vinnie’s vocals rasp and croon throughout; whispering in parts to enhance the eerie undertone within the vibrant soundscape. The song is a sleek, well-crafted tune and exudes an irresistible charm that leaves the listener craving to hear more.

Stream ‘Cheap Cravat’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Stephen Kelly ‘All The Trouble I’ve Caused’

Stephen Kelly returns with his new single, ‘All The Trouble I’ve Caused’.The track was written, produced and performed by Stephen himself in his own studio, it is the first of multiple singles intended for release in advance of his debut solo record ‘Bad News Best Forgotten’ coming in early 2022 via Gentleman Recordings. Stephen Kelly is an IMRO award-nominated songwriter known for his work as founder of notorious Irish indie rock favourites RAGLANS – who have toured and released Kelly’s songs to much acclaim at home and abroad appearing on some of the worlds biggest stages.

‘All The Trouble I’ve Caused’ is vibrant in sound, buoyant in spirit and beaming with Kelly’s melodious hearty musicianship. With an ear-grabbing intro of swelling drums and jangly guitar, the song radiates feel-good vibes from the get-go. A catchy uplifting and anthemic chorus evokes images of a live audience bellowing back the lyrics while the verses lyrically express earnest and candid reflection, “Wondering if I should tell them I’m hopeless”. The track is an absolute joy to listen to; the balance of deft songwriting and rich musicianship makes ‘All The Trouble I’ve Caused’ an impressive and compelling tune to listen to again and again.

Stream ‘All The Trouble I’ve Caused’ below 


Author: Danu