Post-hardcore four-piece Red Sun Alert have released the second single ‘Literally’ off their upcoming EP, titled ‘Assume Power’. The Cork-based group recorded at the studio in Munster Technological University, Cork School of Music, where the four members have just graduated. It was recorded and mixed by Eoin Hayes of Rebel Recordings and Drew Linehan of Hausu.
‘Literally’ deftly displays the intricate and enigmatic musicianship of Red Sun Alert. The band place ethereal vocals over a dark backdrop of choppy drum progression and turbulent bass lines while sharp guitars create waves of acute, blustery alternative rock throughout. Well crafted and laced in intricate instrumentation the track is a wholly immersive listening experience. ‘Literally’ is a fantastic new tune from Red Sun Alert.
Binmen have released their second single ‘Death by the River.’ The Wicklow outfit have been steadily building a loyal fanbase following a string of gigs across the country and the release of their debut single ‘Backhammer and Tongs. Binmen were born for sweatbox venues and musical escapism. Their debut single ‘Backhammer and Tongs’ was released in August 2022 to support a relentless gig schedule. Having played shows all across Dublin, Cork, Wexford and London over the past few months, alongside the likes of Big Sleep and Last Apollo, finding time to record has been a challenge. Nevertheless, Binmen are expecting to release their debut EP in early 2023.
‘Death by the River’ creeps in on haunting soundscapes, poetic lyrical content and compelling music. The track is a joy to listen to with a dark narrative that is enhanced by sprawling guitars and steady rhythms that create a sense of loneliness between harsh bursts of alternative rock while deep vocals croon expressive lyrics “Waits the wife and the lovely child / By the river, they light no fire / May they rest, may they rest in time.” ‘Death by the River’ is a well-crafted tune that marks Binmen as a band to keep an eye on.
Fresh from the release of his latest single ‘Lonely Street’, Blood Donor (the solo project of ex-Otherkin frontman Luke Reilly) returns with his new single ‘Man, What Have You Done?’.Blood Donor’s debut album is due to be announced very soon and is slated for release in the Summer of 2023. His releases to date have drawn press acclaim and enjoyed considerable airtime on radio stations in both Ireland and the UK, having been named a ‘Future Artist’ by BBC Radio One’s Jack Saunders and having received healthy rotation on RTÉ 2FM, Today FM and FM104. Known for his magnetism and presence as a frontman during his Otherkin years, he is now touring with a 5-piece band featuring some of Ireland’s finest live musicians. You can catch them live at Other Voices on the 2nd-4th of December.
‘Man, What Have You Done?’ is an irresistible musical delight that displays Blood Donor’s deft ability to create truly compelling music. With warm jazz-speckled keys fluttering between edgy guitars, psychedelic moments and pounding drums; the track moves with ease between light mellow tones and sunkissed indie rock bravado. Reilly slips into his sweet falsetto for the bright chorus that is relaxed, and peppy with a hint of indie grit while the airy melody is so sweet you can’t help but crave to hear more. Lyrically Reilly takes a deep dive into his musings on friendships that come and go and wonderfully expresses these thoughts through illustrious instrumentation, lush harmonies and upbeat soundscapes. ‘Man, What Have You Done?’ is a radiant bop that is a joy to listen to and beckons repeat plays.
Last night three up-and-coming indie bands SweetCake, Reserved for Rehab and Sean Looney electrified Fred Zeppelins in Cork.
Sean Looney kicked the night off. His tunes exuded good old-fashioned danceability with funk hues blended between indie and jazz tones. With his musically tight band behind him, the room bounced with vigour as Looney crooned over slick key refrains and smooth melodic flows. These guys are naturals on stage and their organic knack for sweet-toned riffs, rhythmic drums and catchy melodies left no doubt they are a talented band with a lot of potential.
Reserved for Rehab followed. A heavier band in sound, they knocked our socks off with lush grunge tones, dense riffage and pummeling drums that reverberated through the venue. These guys have something, an exciting Je ne sais quoi that I can’t put my finger on. Perhaps its the expressive sinister tone of their unreleased tune ‘Ivory’ ( though unreleased, the song had the crowd singing as if it was a fan favourite of a well-known indie band) or the well-paced track list that showcased very sleek instrumentation and musical prowess but there is a sense that with a bit more time this band could move on to bigger things. Consider me intrigued.
Just as the name suggests, SweetCake brought the night to a close with some very sweet and lush tunes. These guys are impressive in the live setting. The band exuded charisma with a hint of suave nonchalance onstage however the set list was fun, funky and kept the crowd lively and dancing throughout. Musically their sound is very expressive: guitars effortlessly glide from catchy heavy riffs to debonair licks with ease while grooving basslines stylishly complement rhythmic drums and warm vocals. Unfortunately, I had to rush off before their set finished but keep an eye on these guys.
It’s always refreshing to see the immense talent of upcoming bands displaying their raw talent without fluff or rehearsed bravado and just performing off the natural buzz on stage and feeding off the crowd. It’s a difficult thing to do but SweetCake, Reserved for Rehab and Sean Looney put on a fantastic show.
Brighton-based alt-indie band, Thrillhouse return with their latest single ‘Fatal Flaw’. A love letter to those that stick with you through the tough times. With their debut album being mixed ‘Fatal Flaw’ will be their last single before beginning the release of the album in early 2023.
Thrillhouse have a knack for creating wonderful textures and nuances within their music. ‘Fatal Flaw’ is a fantastic example of this. The band’s taste for mixing and matching synth elements with chugging bass lines and buoyant beats keeps the tune bright and catchy while the melodies exude sentimental nostalgia throughout. Every track from Thrillhouse is a joy to the ears and with warm vocals, and chiming guitars that ooze charm from every note, ‘Fatal Flaw’ continues this band’s record of heart-racing irresistible gems.
Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets have released their new single ‘Life’.Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets make music for twenty-somethings living in a country that completely ignores them. The indie up-and-comers have amassed over 170,000 streams on Spotify, secured support slots with fellow Irish acts NewDad and Milk as well as embarking on their first Irish tour playing a number of sold-out headline shows. A recent clip of their last single ‘Running Away’ hit almost half a million views on TikTok.
‘Life’ displays Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets’ mesmerising creative musicianship in all its glory. The band create a distinctive blend of Americana with modern pop/rock nuances to create a sound that is natural, relaxed and a joy to listen to. Filled with emotive melodies, bubbling beats and chiming guitars the track’s bright instrumentation excites the imagination while at the same time cushioning the listener from the sombre lyrics. Boasting lush harmonies and the right amount of guitar gusto to give it that powerful edge; ‘Life’ is a charming ditty from start to finish.
‘Ash’ is the latest track from Canadian band Savonarola. The title refers to a chapter in Robert Bly’s novel ‘Iron John’ called ‘Road to Ashes Decent and Grief’. Savonarola wanted to pay homage to his philosophy that you must examine your own wounds to discover your gifts. It’s a sentiment that is brought to life by the track and produced/ engineered by Felix Fung at Little Red Sound Studios. ‘Ash’ is also accompanied by a hazy, chaotic and impactful video shot by Chris Catalano in Pandora’s Box Studios. This video, packed with flashing lights, eccentric camera angles, and trippy editing, brings another dimension to the striking emotions in ‘Ash’. The band once again reference another momentous piece of art with scenes of odd crowd behavior; these people move in circles comparable to Gustave Doré’s painting “Prisoners Round”, later reinvented by Vincent Van Gogh.
Saturated in dark indie rock,‘Ash’ is a refined and compelling new single from Savonarola. The track travels on a pulsing bassline, hypnotic guitar refrains, punchy drums and haunting melodies that create an immersive soundscape that is a joy to listen to. With raspy vocals and striking lyrics, “Watch and bare, the night’s despair, Faint of hope, come up for air, Treasons light, is my delight, The span of time, Don’t Shed No Light.” ‘Ash’ is an expressive and moving new single to indulge in.
Following their acclaimed debut single, ‘Them’, Irish post-punk/electronic 3-piece Chalk have released their new single, ‘Velodrome’.Recorded with producer Chris W Ryan (Just Mustard, Enola Gay, NewDad), Velodrome is the second track from their upcoming EP. Their debut single, ‘Them,’ won Steve Lamacq’s 6 Music Roundtable Record of the Week in April this year. Already selected as part of the First Fifty for The Great Escape Festival 2023, Chalk has become one to watch within the Irl/UK music scene.
Gushing with angst and the thrilling musicianship of Chalk, ‘Velodrome’ is a mammoth-sounding blast to the ears. The tune spirals in an intoxicating soundscape of shrilling guitars pummeling drums and acid-baked fury. The expressive soundscape mangled within the anthemic blasts and frenzied techno elements makes for a wholly consuming listening experience. Shredding guitars gnash over mighty drum strikes and groove-infested basslines while Ross Cullen’s primal gritty vocals howl throughout as the band take hypnotic lyrics and wrap them in a manic whirlwind of instrumentation to create a relentless onslaught that is harrowingly frantic yet euphoric at the same time. ‘Velodrome’ is an impressive song that roars with the incomparable talent of Chalk.
Berlin-based Irish singer-songwriter Danny O Connor is set to release his new album, ‘WISDOM & GRAFT’ on September 30th. Like most musicians around the globe, Berlin-based Irish singer-songwriter Danny O Connor found himself at home with no live gigs to play in the foreseeable future with Murphy’s Law, his beloved and normally busy Irish Folk Band, in March 2020. Between making a living as a Graphic Designer and keeping then three-year-old daughter Roxy entertained, he took to the guitar and a notebook. O Connor used the involuntary break from live music during the Covid-pandemic well: Together with long-term friend, producer and musical collaborator Moe Jaksch, he spent many studio sessions writing, arranging and recording new songs, resulting in the album WISDOM & GRAFT
Awash with wholesome melodies, country twangs and a plethora of energetic instrumentation ‘WISDOM & GRAFT’ is an impressive and compelling collection of tracks. ‘New Life’, ‘Closed Doors’ and ‘Empty’ all surge with hearty anthemic musicianship that captures a sense of adrenaline while O Connor showcases his diversity by blending indie elements, folk tones and wonderful melodic progressions together to create unique soundscapes throughout.
Within ‘‘WISDOM & GRAFT’ each song flows into the next with ease, subtly revealing different aspects of O’Connor’s musicianship making for a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. This is best shown within swooning slow burners ‘Rain Maker’, ‘The Winner’ and ‘The Lullaby’ which drift along sweet infectious melodies while ‘Northern Lights’, which features Berlin-based gospel/soul legends Ingrid Arthur and Tracey Duncan on backing vocals melds indie rock swagger with elements of gospel power.
Brimming with radiance, traditional tones and musical refinement, ‘WISDOM & GRAFT’ is a wonderful new album from O Connor and marks him as an artist to keep an eye on.
Blood Donor has released his new single ‘Lonely Street’. Blood Donor is an alt-pop artist based out of Dublin, Ireland. The solo project of ex-Otherkin frontman Luke Reilly, he has released two singles thus far (the euphoric pop belters ‘Bienvenue’ and ‘Under the Sun’) and is now on the cusp of releasing his debut album (due summer 2023). Blood Donor will debut his new material alongside ‘Lonely Street’ with a 5-piece band in the Workman’s Cellar in Dublin on October 29th and plans on releasing a new single every couple of months in the lead-up to his debut album.
Saturated in hazy nostalgia, ethereal pines on guitar and delicate shimmers on synths, ‘Lonely Street’ is a compelling new tune from Blood Donor. Reilly’s warm vocals soothe atop a country – esque melody while buoyant beats create a soft cushion from the sombre lyrics “A sad sad song, a sad sad scene We waste our time with fever dreams”. The song is a well-crafted tune that reveals many instrumental gems with each subsequent listen; ethereal keys, western-toned guitar and glorious musical embellishments to name a few. The track subtly builds becoming more cinematic as a shredding classic guitar solo leads the song to its lingering fade out. With ripples of delicate ambient soundscapes and rich instrumental moments; ‘Lonely Street’ is a fine display of Blood Donor’s emotive musicianship and deft musical prowess.
About the upcoming album Blood Donor said: ‘’The album has been a long time coming. It was supposed to be out in 2020 but when COVID kicked off I went back to working in medicine. It was a very intense time in my life to be honest, and for the guts of a year and a half I lost all contact with music-making. It was only when I played a gig with some friends in March 2022 that I realised the extent of the void in my life. It was an Indie Covers night with James Vincent McMorrow and other Irish musicians, and it such a cathartic and life-affirming experience for everyone involved. I resolved myself to get the album finished and get back to playing live.’’
Stream ‘Lonely Street’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
