Category Archives: indie rock

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

Palava ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ EP

East Manchester indie band Palava have released their new EP’ Just Look Into My Eyes’.This swagger-dipped alternative rock EP is filled with gritty riffs, groove-laced rhythms and slick musicianship. Palava create soaring and exhilarating tunes laced with rich sonic embellishments and ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ is the perfect example of this. The EP blends vigorous indie rock with sweet tender moments to create an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. From the sharp rock n roll saunter of title track ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ and the punchy edge of ‘Yesterday Is Calling’ to the pining sharp guitar in ‘Rainy Day’, the band pack emotion and power into each song. Boasting heartfelt melodies, shredding guitar moments and pummeling rhythms the band create an invigorating wall of sound that is a joy to listen to. 

‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ is a satisfying body of work from Palava. The energy, passion and vigour bursting from this EP is admirable. Each track oozes charm and showcases the refined and infectious sound of Palava.

Stream ‘Just Look Into My Eyes’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Lewis Tivey ‘Seed You’  

Lewis Tivey has released a music video for his new tune ‘Seed You’ which is taken from his debut EP ‘Bittersweet’ which was released earlier this year. Aiming to recreate the energy of late 70s/early 90s punk, the video is set in an abandoned warehouse and stars a guitar destined to an early doom. First picking up the guitar aged 16, Lewis Tivey cut his chops gigging with a local band. Tivey released his first album with this band, a completely DIY project that enjoyed some success. Whilst the band parted ways, Tivey never lost his creative spark. Styling himself as an alternative DIY Rock, Tivey is on a mission to prove that you don’t need a fancy studio to make it.

‘Seed You’  is a coarse, adrenaline fulled tune that rushes with angsty punk and thrilling grunge-smeared sonics. It’s a high-energy song that builds becoming more fierce with each verse. Biting guitars spiral over a rampant bass and drum foundation to create an edgy and manic wall of sound before chilled vocals nonchalantly croon the grunge-hued melody. Featuring shrilling vocal screams and distorted guitar wails between a thumping drum progression and immersive dark soundscape ‘Seed You’ is a thrilling and equally chilling track. 

Watch the video for ‘Seed You’ below


Author: Danu

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

Under Starling ‘Mongrel’ EP

Alternative rock band Under Starling have released their new EP ‘Mongrel’.The EP was recorded and produced with Graham Byrne & Christian Best. The band are having a launch party for the EP upstairs in Whelans on July 16th. The band has played support to many famous acts throughout the years such as Walking on Cars, Fangclub, and Bitch Falcon to name a few. Their own tours have seen packed-out shows in the likes of Fred Zeppelins, Dolans, Roisín Dubh, and Whelans.

In true Under Starling manner, ‘Mongrel’ overflows with passionate melodies, sincerity and refined musicianship. The band has a knack for creating compelling, infectious earworms that ooze cinematic arrangements and ‘Mongrel’ is a glorious collection of these powerful soul-igniting tunes. Throughout the EP we see the band showcase their sound in all it’s glory – an eclectic blend of indie and alternative rock with filtrations of R&B and intriguing pop undertones.

Boasting chiming guitars, ethereal synths, big choruses and buoyant beats,  ‘Icarus’ and ‘Big Fish’ capture a heart-fluttering rush of emotion through eloquent musicianship. The band craft each song wonderfully, allowing each element to flourish within the track’s expressive soundscape. Whether it is a bubbling beat progressing into a thunderous outburst within ‘Arrows’ or gritty guitars building into mosh-ready riffs in ‘Mongrel’; the band don’t rush the instrumentation. Instead, they carefully craft each component to create a cohesive and thrilling listening experience.

With themes of love, heartbreak, adversity, and perseverance, Under Starling build on natural emotion and past experiences to create a collection of tracks that ooze passion, sadness and love from every note. Each song on the EP discusses the emotions of adolescence and is inspired by life events the band experienced while growing up.

‘Mongrel’ is an exquisite EP from the heart set to intricate, cinematic arrangements and emotive vocals. Under Starling have nurtured their sound and allowed it to blossom into something beautiful.

Stream ‘Mongrel’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Plastic Cowboys ‘Mundane Ecstasy’

Plastic Cowboys are back with their new single ‘Mundane Ecstasy’. The band used the lockdowns to release their debut EP ‘Splinter’ and their singles ‘Clichéd Ciggy Smoker’ and ‘Time is Feeling Inadequate’.The Dublin-based 4-piece get ready to build on the successes of previous releases. They have garnered over 100k streams on Spotify, placed on several editorial playlists, and are set to release their new EP in early September 2022.

‘Mundane Ecstasy’ is an indie-rock tune that boasts the tight and impressive sound of Plastic Cowboys. The track is a joy to listen to and wonderfully expressive with dark sullen verses that brood before the brighter chorus. This aspect of the song is enhanced by an immersive soundscape filled with moody guitar, sultry bass grooves and elements of indie punk. With an exquisite blend of heavy gritty moments and dreamy elements throughout, Plastic Cowboys present their mature and blossoming sound in all its glory. 

Stream ‘Mundane Ecstasy’ below 


Author: Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Big Sleep ‘Feel Something Someday’ EP

Irish-Italian outfit Big Sleep have released their debut EP, ‘Feel Something Someday’. The 5 track collection of songs was recorded in the live room of Hell Fire Studios, in the Dublin Mountains over two days in December 2021. James Smith (formerly of Gypsies on the Autobahn, currently J Smith) sound engineered, produced and mixed the tracks. Matteo Poli (drums, percussion), Rónán Connolly (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Aidan Gray (bass guitar), Jacopo Stofler (lead guitar) and Jessie Russell (trumpet, Cooks But We’re Chefs) recorded on EP. Big Sleep is a collaboration between Dubliner Rónán Connolly and Florence-born Matteo Poli. 

‘Feel Something Someday’ is a glorious EP laced with sunkissed instrumentation and dreamy melodies. Throughout the EP luscious guitar lines sparkle alongside supple beats and ethereal soundscapes to create a laid-back listening experience. Each song fluidly flows into the next with ease as tropical carefree melodies blend with intricate rhythms through tracks like ‘Bláthnaid’ while supple horns in ‘In My Head’ and quirky synths in the wonderful ‘Such a Shame’ flesh out the band’s hazy sonic wall of sound.

The EP is an admirable piece of work and gives the listener a fascinating glimpse into Big Sleep as artists. An interesting element within the band’s sound is the interplay between soft dream pop and refreshing indie. This wonderful blend of elements is soothing on the ears and is a joy to experience again and again. ‘Feel Something Someday’ is a musical delight from Big Sleep. The band keep knocking it out of the park with each release and their debut EP is an excellent display of the band’s catchy emotive sound.

Stream ‘Feel Something Someday’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Jim McHugh ‘On My Life’

Jim McHugh is set to release his new single ‘On My Life’ on July 1st. The track is the first single from Jim’s upcoming fourth album ‘I Whisper to the Dawn’. ‘On My Life’ was recorded, produced and mixed by Alex Borwick (Niamh Reagan, James Vincent McMorrow) at Transmission Rooms Studios, Drumlish, Longford and The Stables Studio, Castleblayney, Monaghan. It was mastered by Fergal Davis (Sinéad O’Connor/Muse).

Jim McHugh delivers a tender and emotive display with ‘On My Life’. He gracefully blends soulful tones with indie rock to create a compelling soundscape filled with gentle guitar melodies and a beautifully cinematic crescendo. McHugh is an enchanting artist, each note and musical element within his music adds character and richness to each arrangement creating spectacularly emotive songs for listeners to enjoy again and again. ‘On My Life’ is a fine example of this and a mesmerising display of musicianship from Jim McHugh.

‘On My Life’ is set for release on 1st July. For more follow Jim McHugh on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/jimmchughmusic/


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

modernlove. ‘Familiar’

Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. Have released their new single, ‘Familiar’, taken from the band’s eagerly-awaited upcoming EP ‘Oh My Mind’, which arrives on July 29th through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). modernlove. will also be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. Demand for these shows has been so overwhelming, the band have added a new date at London’s Camden Assembly on the 8th November, with their Manchester performance now upgraded to YES! (Basement).

‘Familiar’ boasts an intoxicating 80’s-esque soundscape filled with shimmering indie elements, light synths and lush textures. The song broods through thick electronic pulses while delicate guitar embellishments exude ethereal tones. modernlove.’s ability to create emotive melodies is awe-inspiring. ‘Familiar’ is an exquisite example of this. The track beautifully evolves into a musical delight that – with the help of an irresistible groove-laced bass, ventures into funk territory before its euphoric crescendo. Showcasing earnest lyrics, deft musical prowess and a soft falsetto display ‘Familiar’ is an enjoyable indie-pop tune that beckons repeat plays.

Speaking about the new single, the band said, “Familiar is a song about seeing an ex for the first time after breaking up. It’s about seeing them from across a bar with somebody else, having moved on with their life and the feelings that moment can evoke. It also explores the idea that we long for something familiar and comforting when we’re not in a very good place in our lives and that an ex can provide a temporary, albeit unhealthy, escape from that loneliness and anxiety. We wanted to reflect that emotional depth in the sonics as well, this is the closest we’ve come to RnB chords on the keys for example. But also not lose that modernlove. bounce, it’s a pop song at heart.”

 modernlove. 2022 UK & Ireland Tour Dates:

November

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE*** 
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar) 
  • 8 – London – Camden Assembly ***NEW DATE***
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana 
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly – SOLD OUT
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club 

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

Stream ‘Familiar’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

N.O.A.H ‘The Wrong Side Of Town’

Irish indie rock band N.O.A.H have released their new single, ‘The Wrong Side Of Town’. N.O.A.H comprises three lifelong friends Ryan Hill, Adam Rooney, and Ronan Hynes. The band formed in January 2020. After spending months writing, recording and developing as a band, N.O.A.H finally released their debut single ‘Shine’ in September 2020. The track picked up a lot of press, N.O.A.H even recorded an exclusive acoustic rendition of ‘Shine’ for radio presenter Laura Whitmore on BBC5 Live in the UK. Further interest was shown from stations such as RTE2 FM, Spin 1038 and Corks Red Fm achieving play-listings and earning various spots as ‘Track of The Week’. With word spreading fast and the ever-growing press, N.O.A.H signed with Natasha Bents’s newly founded Mother Artists Live Agency (Foster The People, Idles, CMAT). The band even made their first TV appearance on RTÉ Six One News to talk about their good news story and journey to date.

‘The Wrong Side of Town’ is a passionate indie rock track. N.O.A.H take a dazzling array of sonic textures and perfectly blends them with intricate, dynamic instrumentation to create a euphoric sound for listeners to immerse themselves in. There is much beauty to appreciate in N.O.A.H’s musicianship and ‘The Wrong Side of Town’ is a fine example of this; the band capture a sense of urgency through the use of driving basslines and dynamic synths while throughout the track smooth emotive vocals croon moving lyrics atop heart-stopping instrumentation. N.O.A.H’s instrumental prowess is becoming more refined and exciting with each release. These guys are ones to keep an eye on, each track they release is unforgettable and a wonderful hair-raising listening experience.

Stream ‘The Wrong Side of Town’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

KLDD ‘Tastes Like Tragedy’

Dublin band KLDD have released their new single,‘Tastes Like Tragedy’.KLDD wrote the song during the lockdown of 2021, born from a spontaneous jam session and recorded at Bluebird Studios in January 2022, the track was produced and engineered by frequent collaborator Declan Lonergan. KLDD will play their debut headline show on July 10th at The Grand Social Dublin, alongside Cork band The Drive on support duties.

‘Tastes Like Tragedy’ displays KLDD’s mature and tight sound through an impressive blend of spacious musicianship and a taut vocal delivery. The song pivots around this laid-back and at times nonchalant vocal delivery however, it’s the sweet meanderings on guitar that ignite passion and emotion within the song. The guitar boasts expressive soaring melodies between rumbling bass embellishments creating a soft tone and a sense of innocence throughout. ‘Tastes Like Tragedy’ is a joy to listen to. KLDD’s ability to slowly unleash their indie-rock vigour without overpowering the track’s airy vibe is impressive and showcases the talent of this band. Throughout the song the listener is treated to wonderful textures, emotive undertones and deft musicianship – the result is a sound that is both exhilarating and timeless. 

Stream ‘Tastes Like Tragedy’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Black Cats and Magpies ‘I’ve Got Nothing to Live For’


Midlands-based band, Black Cats and Magpies are back with their new single ‘I’ve Got Nothing to Live For’. Written in 2019 and recorded in 2020, the track speaks of coming to terms with unexpected changes and trying to become a better person as a result of them. 

‘I’ve Got Nothing to Live For’ is an ethereal indie tune that displays the charming sound of Black Cats and Magpies. The band create a subtle and riveting push-pull effect through the use of buoyant guitar which adds an airy tone while punchy drums and driving basslines ground the track. The song is a cohesive and passionate display of musicianship and boasts emotive vocals, a bittersweet melody and exquisite moments of movement throughout. Filled with upbeat vibes and a wonderfully bright indie aesthetic ‘I’ve Got Nothing to Live For’ is an easy-on-the-ears gem from Black Cats and Magpies.

Stream ‘I’ve Got Nothing to Live For’ below 


Author: Danu