Category Archives: indie rock

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

THUMPER ‘The Loser’


THUMPER have released their new single ‘The Loser’. This follows the success of the rereleased’ Ad Nauseam’ which picked up support from BBC6, US Radio and playlisting on Spotify and Apple Music. This highly anticipated single is a fresh start, kicking off an extensive UK tour and the build up to their debut album.

‘The Loser‘ is a glorious seizure of alternative rock and THUMPER’s most ambitious display yet. The song’s relentless pace never ceases and is a blazing onslaught of gritty riffs, frantic bass, and mammoth drums from the get-go. This manic blitz maintains a hefty rhythmic foundation throughout as soaring guitars venture from sweet melodies to bloodthirsty gashes of distortion, swirling psychedelia, punk rock tones and fiery instrumentation with ease. Oisín Furlong’s vigorous exclaims anchor the listener within the track’s kinetic soundscape while at the same time evokes images of live crowds mercilessly chanting back the lyrics. The track is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish and a fine example of THUMPER’s powerful musicianship and impressive sound. Turn up the speakers, press play and enjoy.

Lead singer, Oisin, says that: ” ‘The Loser’ is presented as a love song but is howled by an unreliable narrator. A fishing-for-compliments style tirade of non-sequiturs, each verse is bursting at the seams with faux self-depreciation. The song races along at breakneck speed, each section pushing past the crescendo of the last. As the final chorus blasts through your speakers, the saccharine melody reveals a pathetic character that has spent the whole song talking about themselves.”

Stream ‘The Loser’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Cabin ‘Dull’

Dublin Producer, Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist, Cabin has released his new single ‘Dull’. 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.

Filled with lush textures, mouth-watering melodies and masterful instrumentation, ‘Dull’ is bursting from the seams with soul, and rich sonic embellishments as McCabe displays his production wizardry in this dynamic, trippy and consuming tune. Balancing light musical tones with dense undertones and sweet guitar melodies the track swirls through a backdrop of heavy rhythmic thuds and psychedelic rock while lush backing vocals and chiming lo-fi elements mellow out the tracks abrasive indie rock. McCabe’s vocals are on fine display within ‘Dull’. His vocals glide over the melody with ease, ooze passion and a vocal gusto that enhances the song’s dynamic aesthetic. ‘Dull’ is a compelling, impressive new single from Cabin that beckons repeat plays.

On the track, Cabin says; “In my mind, It’s a soaring, forceful, and expansive song, designed precisely for when I had felt the opposite, grounded, timid, and inhibited. I took those feelings, and flipped them.”

Stream ‘Dull’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Doctor Payne ‘Guilt’

Doctor Payne has released ‘Guilt’, the first single from his upcoming album. Emphatic rock outfit Doctor Payne pulls listeners to the far reaches of musical emersion. Formed by Brighton based musician and producer Marlon Payne, the project targets the theme of mental peace in a chaotic world.

‘Guilt’ is a swagger soaked rock tune that drives on punctuated rhythms, shredding guitars and refreshing piano embellishments expressing the diverse and tantalising sound of Doctor Payne. Boasting a catchy clap along feature against a full-bodied rock backdrop of buoyant chords and shredding guitar solo’s, Payne creates a ballsy anthem for listeners to enjoy while his smooth vocals depict lyrics that explore emotions of guilt and obsession “god I’m a sinner I don’t know what I’m meant to do. Oh the sickness addicts me, no one can fix me but you”. ‘Guilt’ is a whopper of a tune and one to blast out while you dance around the room. Enjoy.

Stream ‘Guilt’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

HAWKE THE BAND ‘Limo’

Photo Credit: Grace Philips

Dublin duo HAWKE THE BAND are set to release their brand new single ‘Limo’ today. The track is due to go live at 7 pm. Formed by best friends Richie Power (vocals/keyboards) and Eoghan Mac Mahon (vocals/guitar) in the shadow of Dublin’s world-famous Guinness Brewery. ‘Limo’ was recorded in London and Dublin and produced by Conor McLaughlin (of Sick Love), assisted by the highly-regarded D. Cullen (Boo Hewerdine (The Bible). HAWKE THE BAND are currently finalising a very special Dublin hometown gig (more details soon), but are very pleased to confirm a handful of new UK live dates for late 2021, including a new London show as special guests of Bedford born indie-rocker Elijah Miller.

‘Limo’ is a sleek single that boasts the arena-worthy sound of HAWKE THE BAND. Saturated in chiming melodies, lurching rhythms and soaring guitars, the track surges with adrenaline as the band layer the song meticulously to create an ethereal fist-pumping rock tune. The track skyrockets into massive choruses and an even bigger crescendo of crashing guitars, rampant basslines and swelling synth embellishments while the brooding verses create tension throughout. HAWKE THE BAND pack in clever, catchy lyrical content as Eoghan Mac Mahon bellows out the sure to epic live pre-chorus “ Don’t call my name, don’t fall for shame “. It’s a song destined for manic live shows as the shredding solo, echoed vocals and driving drum pounds evoke images of arena and festival sing-alongs. HAWKE THE BAND have a hefty and powerful sound. Their dedication to creating passionate, musically rich anthems is admirable and the impressive ‘Limo’ is a fine example of this.

You Can Catch HAWKE THE BAND live at

  • 26 September Hull O’Riley’s (18+)
  • 15 October Newcastle Surf Café (14+)
  • 16 October Manchester Tribeca (14+)
  • 21 October London Luna Lounge (18+)
  • 10 December London – The Grace (with Elijah Miller)

Tickets on-sale now via https://www.hawketheband.com/tickets

For more follow HAWKE THE BAND on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/hawketheband


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Late Night Pharmacy ‘Grass-Eating Boys’

Dublin, Ireland-based alternative rock band Late Night Pharmacy have released their new single ‘Grass-Eating Boys’. The single is the band’s fourth single of 2021, following April’s “Too Late for the Rickshaws”, June’s “Slacktivist (Normalise This)” and July’s “Relapse”. Recording the single was only possible after Late Night Pharmacy were one of four Irish bands hand-picked to take part in the 2020 edition of the TiLT Development Deal. As part of this deal, the band received hours of free studio time in Dublin’s legendary Sun Studios (in which artists such as Rihanna, Kanye West and Sinéad O’Connor have recorded over the years). There, the band recorded two songs, of which “Grass-Eating Boys” is the second to be released.

Laced in biting guitars and swirling soundscapes, ‘Grass-Eating Boys’ is a thrilling new single from Late Night Pharmacy. The band create a tightly-knit wall of sound through soaring guitar embellishments and sharp riffs while a buoyant beat maintains a strong and flexible foundation throughout. Late Night Pharmacy layer and craft the song meticulously; a constant instrumental onslaught of propulsive rhythms and blitz on synths is deftly combined with sweet melodies and slight tempo changes to create spacious moments within the frantic soundscape and contrast the post-hardcore rock moments. This wonderful combination of elements is a joy to listen to and showcases how talented this band is. ‘Grass-Eating Boys’ is an exciting tune that boasts Late Night Pharmacy’s refined and powerful musicianship.

About the track, the band said: “Our lead guitarist read the article “The Sex Recession” in The Atlantic, in which he encountered the Japanese terms “sōshoku(-kei) danshi” (grass-eating boys) and “hikikomori” (pulling inwards): Japanese men who express no interest in pursuing careers, financial independence or romantic relationships, and who live the life of a modern hermit. The song was inspired by this phenomenon, which is quickly becoming as visible in the West as it is in Japan.”

Stream ‘Grass-Eating Boys’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

InRetrospect ‘Open Eyes’

UK band InRetrospect have released their new single ‘Open Eyes’. Since late 2018, InRetrospect have grounded their footing in the music scene, playing shows throughout the UK. Releasing a small collective of singles from 2020 to date has earned the band radio play from BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Distortion Radio, ARFM, Kerrang Radio and more, and gained the band DSP playlisting with Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Pandora and Apple music, surpassing 120,000+ streams on Spotify alone.

‘Open Eyes’ roars with the blistering and manic sound of InRetrospect. The band create a battering tune laced in hefty drums and bloodthirsty riffs while a robust bass line carves an enticing groove throughout. The song balances sweet melodies with raw unbridled angst perfectly to create a heavy mosh-ready song that you can belt at the top of your lungs. Boasting an arena-worthy soundscape, the band pack in oodles of deft instrumentation, massive headbang moments, and lacerating guitars to create a tantalising and mind-crushing song of epic proportions with earnest lyrical content to boot “Realise you’re not the only one struggling with pain in your life So open your eyes. And take that step towards bettering yourself in time”. ‘Open Eyes’ is a powerful tune oozing a blood-curdling intensity that marks InRetrospect as a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Open Eyes’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

THUMPER ‘Ad Nauseum’

THUMPER have released a remix of their blistering single ‘Ad Nauseum’. When the original single version of ‘Ad Nauseam’ dropped in early 2020 THUMPER embarked on an extensive UK and EU tour in support of the song. As it began to get extensive playlisting on Spotify, Apple Music, Kerrang, and BBC6, this was to be followed up by months of festival appearances and shows in Iceland, North America, and more. Two weeks in, and this breakneck schedule was cut short by Covid, and all plans, touring and otherwise, were axed. Once the PAUSE button was well and truly pressed on the year they were about to have, THUMPER began channelling their energy into a different type of year. Behind the scenes, their debut album started to take shape, with the band holed up in their home studio for months on end. Now THUMPER is taking up where they left off with a raft of shows including festival slots at Iceland Airwaves, Reeperbahn, a huge UK tour, and ‘Ad Nauseum (2021 mix)’  released today.

‘Ad Nauseum (2021 mix)’ is a refined remix of the explosive original single as THUMPER put a more focused lens on their abrasive sound to create a sharper and more whiplashing rendition of this exhilarating tune. ‘Ad Nauseum’ is one of THUMPER’s most epic releases to date and the sheer tension, scuzzy bombardment and adrenaline surging through this song is awe-inspiring. This retouched, remixed, and remastered version will have you frothing at the mouth ready for the mania of their live shows to follow.

THUMPER are a band not to miss. In a live setting, this band’s talent truly shines. Catch them live at the dates below, and trust me you won’t be disappointed.

 TOUR DATES: 

  • Thursday/Friday 23/24 September -Reeperbahn, Hamburg 
  • Wednesday October 6th – Jimmy’s Liverpool
  • Friday October 8th – Focus Wales
  • Saturday October 9th – Bootleg Social, Blackpool
  • Sunday October 10th – Yes, Manchester
  • Tuesday October 12th – Sneaky Petes, Edinburgh
  • Wednesday October 13th – The Hug & Pink, Glasgow
  • Friday October 15th – Head of Steam, Newcastle
  • Saturday October 16th – Live at Leeds Festival
  • Tuesday October 19th – Fulford Arms, York
  • Wednesday October 20th – The Adelphi, Hull
  • Thursday October 21st – Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield
  • Friday October 22nd – Firebug, Leicester
  • Saturday October 23rd – The Crofters Rights, Bristol
  • Sunday October 24th – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
  • Wednesday October 27th – The Prince Albert, Brighton
  • Thursday October 28th – The Windmill, London
  • Friday October 29th – Voodoo Daddys, Norwich
  • Saturday October 30th – The Crauford Arms, Milton Keynes

Stream ‘Ad Nauseum (2021 mix)’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Kill ‘Em Charlie ’Hazey’

Kill ’em Charlie – Photo by @DanBrohan

Tipperary indie rock five-piece, Kill ‘Em Charlie have released their new single ’Hazey’. ‘Hazey’ is a blistering single that boasts the energetic sound of Kill ‘Em Charlie. The band swarm magnificent guitar lines through a tight rhythmic foundation to create an adrenaline-inducing listening experience. The track evokes images of manic live shows filled with rampant basslines and sing-along choruses while the sharp guitar riff resounds throughout like a thrilling siren. It’s a compact and cohesive tune brimming from the seams with indie rock bravado and tantalizing instrumental embellishments. Kill ‘Em Charlie are fleshing out their sound superbly, creating fun, youthful tunes that ooze energy and charm. ’Hazey’ is a fine example of this and the track is an absolute joy to listen to. Kill ‘Em Charlie are a talented band to get very excited about.

Stream ‘Hazey’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Mellor ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ EP

Following on from the fantastic success of their previously shared singles ‘Lost In This World’ and ‘Vacant Stare’, which dropped earlier this year, Reading-based indie-rockers Mellor have returned with their new EP ‘Fragment Of Imagination’. Despite the current global pandemic, Mellor maintained their momentum in 2020, releasing single ‘Heaven isn’t Yours to Give’ and signing a management deal with Eighty4 Music.

Taking their sound to soaring new heights, ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ is a mighty roar from Mellor. Blistering guitars ricochet off a battering drum assault as the band announce the EP with the explosive indie rock bravado of ‘Cool, Calm, Deranged’. This track is utterly thrilling as a sharp guitar refrain shrills throughout a muggy angst-riddled backdrop – a pretty exciting start to an EP.

Mellor have become known for their tight, energetic guitar melodies and solos, and within ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ they deliver on these exhilarating air guitar worthy moments without fail. The guitar travels from epic solos to majestic embellishments, and everything between to give the listener a shot of adrenaline throughout the EP.

‘Version Of A Life’ and ‘Vacant Stare’ pulse with desert rock guitars and a 60’s – esque rock n’ roll swagger however it is the galloping ‘Shame’ that is the perfect example of the band’s deft guitar prowess. Mellor weave a raw guitar melody through a dense onslaught of drums and bass, creating an intoxicating wall of sound that is ecstasy to the ears and equally spectacular with each subsequent listen.

Gary Kingham’s vocals hold all the instrumental chaos together. His effortless warm tone drifts over the songs earworm melodies with ease and showcases the band’s expressive lyrical ability “So start a fire, When I’m not there, Put it out with her vacant stare”

Mellor are constantly evolving their sound, and ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ is a fine example of this. The energy, passion and vigor bursting from this EP is admirable, while the awe-inspiring display of refined musicianship within makes Mellor one of the most exciting bands out there at the moment. 

Stream ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ below 


Author: Danu

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

TV People ‘Nothing More’ EP

Photo Credit: Nicholas O’Donnell

Dublin alternative-rock newcomers TV People have released their debut EP, ‘Nothing More’, via Blowtorch Records. The band worked alongside an all-star team including Dan Doherty at Darklands Audio (Fontaines D.C., Vulpynes), Christian Wright at Abbey Road Studios (Radiohead, Blur, LCD Soundsystem) and Grammy award-winning Caesar Edmunds (QOTSA, St. Vincent, PJ Harvey).

‘Nothing More’ is an intriguing EP that displays TV People’s intricate and brooding sound in all its dark, gritty glory. The band blend magnificent guitar refrains with moody melodies and tight rhythmic elements to create a cohesive and utterly thrilling wall of sound. From the aching of ‘Shallow Minds’ ( which blossoms into a wonderful explosion of angst-filled frustration enhanced by crashing guitars and raw bass rumbles ) through to the intense and evocative ‘Out of the Silence’; TV People’s sound flows with immersive atmospherics and deft musicianship.

Within each track, the light and dark elements balance to create awe-inspiring soundscapes that draw the listener in with each hypnotic note. Fine examples of this are ‘Nothing More’ and ‘String’. Both tracks pulse around a deep seducing bass and rhythmic pound on drums to create a dark and eerie grunge-laced backdrop for the sweet, elegant guitar melodies to elevate off. The unique blend of instrumentation within each track entices the listener and is quite the treasure on the ears.

TV People certainly have a way with words. Wrapped in the allure of first-rate poetry their masterful storytelling is powerfully evocative and the band use the spacious elements within each tracks instrumentation to great effect to enhance their poignant lyrical content. Each vocal pause, soft guitar refrain and instrumental build is deliberate and mirrors certain undertones within the lyrics while Donohoe’s sombre vocals narrate feelings of disconnection, angst and existential anxiety with a captivating nonchalance “I watched the Liffey bleed along the banks of distant quays, and I awaken when the feeling flows from out of the silence”. This wonderful blend of musicianship and eloquent lyrical content is a sublime example of the rich and consuming effect of TV People’s sound.


‘Nothing More’ is a sublime debut EP from a very talented band. There are moments of hope, despair and numbness beautifully presented through this five-track masterpiece showcasing a band in constant motion who create meaningful and thought-provoking tunes that reveal more with each subsequent listen. Press play and enjoy.

Stream ‘Nothing More’ below 


Author: Danu