Category Archives: indie rock

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Ham Sandwich ‘Le Soleil’

Ham Sandwich – Studio Sessions – 21st Oct 2021 – ©Glen Bollard / Ham Sandwich

Ham Sandwich have released their new single ‘Le Soleil’. The song is the second single to be taken from the band’s new album due for release at the end of the summer. The song also features a brand new animated video by long-time collaborator Marc Corrigan.

Pulling in elements of pop alongside irresistible tropical undertones, ‘Le Soleil’ is a charming musical delight from Ham Sandwich. Intricate rhythms bubble beneath biting guitars, spiralling synth embellishments and warm acoustic strums to create a hypnotic soundscape that is simply joy to the ears. The band layer the song wonderfully creating moments of psychedelia through subtle rock and indie-pop melodies while a cheery clap-along feature keeps the song in an upbeat tone. Ham Sandwich are constantly evolving their sound and creating new tantalizing tunes for listeners to indulge in and ‘Le Soleil’ is a fine example of this. It’s a well-crafted little ditty filled to the brim with clever musicianship and sublime melodies. Looking forward to the new album.

Watch the video for ‘Le Soleil’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Ailbhe Reddy ‘A Mess’

Ailbhe Reddy returns with her new single ‘A Mess’ via MNRK. The single follows April’s ‘Inhaling’, which marked a comeback for Ailbhe, who’s 2020 debut album ‘Personal History’ was shortlisted for the Choice Music Prize album of the year award. Since then, she has moved to London and signed a record deal with major indie label, MNRK. The single is accompanied by a video made by renowned Irish production company, CLTV, who have been responsible for videos by the likes of Fontaines D.C., Denise Chaila, Pillow Queens, Inhaler and more. Ailbhe Reddy has just played The Great Escape, the UK’s renowned music industry showcase festival. In July, she plays Visions Festival and Latitude, with more festival announcements due over the coming weeks.

‘A Mess’ is an exciting pop-drizzled indie rock track. The song is skillfully produced and superbly layered as Ailbhe Reddy fills an expressive soundscape with rampant bass lines, biting guitars and a sweet pop melody. Reddy is a very talented musician. The artist’s tracks ooze emotive lyrics and evocative musical arrangements that leave much to be admired. ‘A Mess’ is no exception – within the track, thrilling grunge elements and shoegaze flirtations reverb beneath smooth vocals that create dreamy tones throughout the song’s dynamic soundscape. This wonderful combination of elements is eargasmic and beckons repeat plays from the listener. Reddy sets the bar high with this fantastic tune. The track is a joy to listen to and is an enticing display of musicianship from Ailbhe Reddy.

About the track, Ailbhe Reddy says: “‘A Mess’ is about not feeling good enough in a relationship and examining old patterns and habits. It’s about feeling fed up of going around in circles, while focusing on a throw away comment that ‘no wonder it was such a mess’.”

 Watch the video for ‘A Mess’ below 


Author: Danu

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Kill ‘Em Charlie ‘Live at Rebel Recordings’ EP

Tipperary band Kill ‘Em Charlie have released their new live EP ‘Live at Rebel Recordings’.Kill ‘Em Charlie are a 5-piece indie rock outfit. They released their debut EP, “I Hope This Works for You (‘Cause it Does for Me)”, in late 2020.  

‘Live at Rebel Recordings’ is a riveting display of musicianship from Kill ‘Em Charlie. Throughout the EP the band utilize the raw aesthetic of a live show to present a tight and energetic group of songs for listeners to enjoy. Each song ignites with pounding drums, glorious melodic hooks and driving basslines. The EP is a fine example of the band’s diverse sound as they venture into heavier alternative tones for tracks like ‘Beamish’ and indie vibes for ‘Mama Jive’. From the light twinkle and buoyant indie of ‘One Thing to Say’ to the heart-racing punk-filled ‘Out Of The Blue’; ‘Live at Rebel Recordings’ showcases the band’s blossoming musical talent. The melodies within this EP are catchy and powerful and the band carefully create a wonderful soundscape that ventures between vigorous fun atmospherics and deft instrumentation to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. 

Stream ‘Live at Rebel Recordings’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Inhaler ‘These Are The Days’

Photo Credit : Lewis Evans

Inhaler have released their new single, ‘These Are The Days’.The song is the quartet’s first new music since the release of their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This in July 2021, a record that went to the top of the charts in both the UK and Ireland. The group have a huge summer of festival dates lined up, including their first Glastonbury performance on the John Peel stage during Friday’s line-up plus appearances at Pinkpop, Nos Alive, BBK Live, Truck, Tramlines, Lollapalooza Chicago, Summer Sonic and a 5000 capacity headline show in Dublin. During the tour to support It Won’t Always Be Like This, Inhaler played to over 40,000 fans during US and European tours. The band will also support Arctic Monkeys across mainland Europe on the Sheffield group’s first live shows in three years. Inhaler have now racked up over 140 million combined streams globally and their debut was a certified Brit Breakthrough that sold over 120,000 across the world. These Are The Days is the first track to emerge from sessions for Inhaler’s forthcoming second album.

‘These Are The Days’ is an invigorating rush of adrenaline as Inhaler travel full steam ahead with their airtight indie rock. With a whirlwind of scorching instrumentation and infectious hooks at the helm, ‘These Are The Days’ is quite the irresistible ditty. In true Inhaler manner, the song is backed by a buoyant drum foundation and lathered in sleek guitar moments from delicate strums to thrashing riffs. Though the backdrop surges with dynamic instrumentation, the band manage to maintain a laid-back tone throughout that is enhanced by a smooth vocal delivery. The track is a joy to listen to and wonderfully captures a sense of youthful fun and vigour through swagger-filled bass and synths. ‘These Are The Days’ is a fun, magnetic new tune from Inhaler. 

Stream ‘These Are The Days’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Afterbliss ‘Shout It Out’

Indie Rock band Afterbliss have released their new single, ‘Shout It Out’.The indie rock band formed in June 2019. The group is made up of Evan Cassidy on lead vocals, Alex Burcea on lead guitar, synths and backing vocals, Ally Pender on drums, James O’Gorman on rhythm guitar, and Shane Waldron on bass. After 18 months of writing songs, November 2020 saw them release their debut single, “Until Sunrise”, which received acclaim on local and national Irish radio play. ‘Shout It Out’ will be supported by a headline show in The Sound House Dublin on Saturday 11th June. 

‘Shout It Out’ is a thrilling new single that provides a glimpse into a darker facet to Afterbliss’ sound. The band create an intense atmosphere throughout the verses as the synths brood beneath rasped vocals before the song erupts for the anthemic chorus. Shrouded in 80’s-esque soundscapes ‘Shout It Out’ boasts a massive sonic soundscape filled with intricate melodies and soaring/sinister guitar moments to create a suspenseful listening experience that beckons repeat plays.

Stream ‘Shout It Out’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Pale Waves ‘Reasons To Live’

Photo Credit: Pip

Pale Waves have released their new single ‘Reasons To Live’. Pale Waves have made a name for themselves by inspiring inclusivity and self-discovery and creating an accepting place for their passionate fans looking to find a community. Their new music is tapping into a fresh tone of defiance. The band’s new album ‘Unwanted’ will be out August 12 on Dirty Hit (home to The 1975, beabadoobee, etc.) and features lead single ‘Lies’ which premiered on BBC Radio 1 as Hottest Record In The World. Their 2021 album Who Am I? hit #3 on the UK album charts and received critical acclaim from Pitchfork, Vanity Fair, Billboard, NPR, Wall Street Journal, MTV, Buzzfeed, The FADER, AV Club, Vulture, Consequence, Stereogum, Alternative Press, NYLON, and many more.

‘Reasons To Live’ is a catchy indie-rock anthem that boasts Pale Waves’ tight and exhilarating sound. Atop a sugary pop melody, the band blend kinetic guitars with a pounding drum and bass foundation to create a dynamic wall of sound that leaves listeners craving to hear more. Pale Waves capture a sense of youthful adrenaline within their music and ‘Reasons To Live’ is a euphoric example of this. The track is a fine display of vigorous indie-rock and the band’s refined musicianship. With gritty guitars chugging throughout ( adding an edge to the vibrant wall of sound), ‘Reasons To Live’ is a delight to the ears. 

Stream ‘Reasons To Live’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Crosslight ‘Influenzers’

Crosslight have released their new single ‘Influenzers’. Dropping a new EP and coming off a UK tour, Crosslight will be lighting up multiple festivals this summer such as the Mangata Festival. After releasing their debut album, EP and supporting bands such as Scarlett Riot and The City Is Ours, Crosslight have prepared to take 2022 by storm with multiple releases ready to go.

‘Influenzers’ is a mighty alternative rock banger from Crosslight. The band create a catchy fierce tune that boasts gritty riffs, pounding drums and dark soundscapes. Heavy alternative rock elements blend with metal moments and electronic embellishments as the band create a thrilling wall of sound filled with angst. Crosslight display their refined and expressive musicianship throughout as mammoth outbursts and growl-filled screamer vocals inject ferocity between the smoother vocal elements and pop flirtations on melody. ‘Influenzers’ is an invigoration listening experience.

Stream ‘Influenzers’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Ste Kelly ‘(Oh To Be A) Butterfly’

Ste Kelly has released his new single ‘(Oh To Be A) Butterfly’, featuring Sean OB. Ste Kelly and Sean OB, former bandmates in RAGLANS reunite for the first time since collaborating on the hugely successful album ‘RAGLANS’ released in 2014 which charted at no.5 in Irish album charts as well as cracking the top 100 album chart in Germany. This debut album saw the two songwriters and performers travel the entire world performing at the most prominent arenas and festivals while amassing a legion of dedicated followers. Now embarking on separate solo careers, the two songwriting juggernauts have realigned for their new single ‘(Oh To Be A) Butterfly’ released via Maybe Vagrant Records.Recorded and produced by Ste and Sean in their respective home studios. The track will be part of Ste Kellys forthcoming second studio album ‘Nostalgia Almanac’ which will be made up of collaborations with artists Ste has connected with in his storied journey in the music world and is expected later in 2022.

‘(Oh To Be A) Butterfly’ is an absolutely glorious tune. This catchy ditty is laced in infectious melodies, and vibrant instrumentation as Ste Kelly and Sean OB create a pop speckled indie banger sure to charm its way on repeat.

The track is fast-paced ( enhanced by a pounding foot-tapping beat ) and oozes a fun atmosphere filled with ebullient indie-rock soundscapes and witty lyrics that reference Shakespeare and W.B Yeats, “Idealist Romeo. Spendthrift Bassanio. Juliets and Portias out of reach. Find comic relief yeah on the edge of your seat. Crying as you laugh through gritted teeth”.

‘(Oh To Be A) Butterfly’ is a light-hearted song that boasts the clever songwriting and magnetic sound of Ste Kelly and Sean OB. 

Stream ‘(Oh To Be A) Butterfly’ Here https://maybevagrant.bandcamp.com/track/oh-to-be-a-butterfly


Author: Danu

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

Eyes of Caelum ‘Laced in Gold’ EP

Eyes of Caelum have released their debut 6 track EP, ‘Laced in Gold’. Eyes of Caelum are a five-piece Indie Rock band from the UK, and winners of ‘Upload of the Week’ for BBC Introducing South West with their single release, ‘Human Touch’, also available on their new EP. Hailing from the South West, the band started writing during the long UK lockdown, and have since recorded with some of the best producers in the UK, to establish their sound.

‘Laced in Gold’ is an impressive indie-rock EP that showcases the catchy, passionate tunes of Eyes of Caelum. The band blend heartfelt melodies with shredding guitar riffs, soaring melodies and pummeling rhythms to create a stadium-ready wall of sound that is a joy to listen to. ‘Human Touch’, ‘Winter Sun’ and the swaggered blues dipped ‘Red Band Cigarettes’ all pound through the ears at a relentless pace evoking images of crowds at gigs bellowing back the lyrics. The band capture a sense of freedom and adrenaline within these tracks through ethereal guitar pines and well-placed bass grooves that are a goosebump-inducing delight.

The brisk pace of the EP makes for an invigorating listening experience and there are many memorable moments throughout. A fine example of such memorable moments is the beautifully expressive bittersweet guitar melodies. Whether it’s a majestic, desert- esque guitar display in ‘Laced In Gold’ or a cinematic embellishment in the brooding ‘This Town’, the guitar gives a euphoric irresistible quality to the songs.

‘Laced in Gold’ is a satisfying and cohesive body of work from Eyes of Caelum. The energy, passion and vigour bursting from this EP is admirable. Each track is ecstasy to the ears and equally spectacular with each subsequent listen.

Stream ‘Laced in Gold’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Cory Pensa ‘Night Light’ Album

Cory Pensa has released his debut album ‘Night Light’. An album which has taken 3 years in the making to be released, Cory created the entire album himself, playing each instrument and mixing the album afterwards. Using his own home studio in Northern NJ, Cory has been able to build his album from the comfort of his own home.

‘Night Light’ is a blazing album of alternative rock that boasts the tight, cohesive and mighty sound of Cory Pensa. Pensa takes catchy melodies and backs them with shredding guitar hooks, pounding drums and vibrant bass grooves to create an album that explodes with an array of pop-punk anthems, rock smashers and dark brooding grunge moments. The album flows seamlessly to create a satisfying listening experience. From the heavy onslaught of thrashing drums and soaring guitars in ‘Satisfied’ to the gritty rush of  ‘Afraid Of The Dark’, the album surges with adrenaline and vigour. As ‘Night Light’ rolls through themes of resilience, youthful fun and hope the instrumentation remains tight throughout and with heavy outbursts and little anthemic gems such as ‘Bonfires’ keeping a sing-along vibrance. It’s a thrilling album to listen to.

Cory Pensa has created an impressive mosh ready album brimming to the seams with rich, dynamic musicianship.

Stream ‘Night Light’ below


Author: Danu