Northern Irish alternative indie artist BECAH has released her highly-anticipated debut EP ‘Freak’. BECAH has supported notable acts such as Aslan, The Four of Us, and Brian Kennedy. Her music has received critical acclaim. Collaborating with renowned producer Michael Mormecha on her latest project, BECAH’s single ‘Freak’ is an extraordinary and deeply personal introspective piece that delves into the feeling of being different and questioning one’s worth. The accompanying music video is a compelling visual representation of the song’s powerful message adding an extra layer of emotion to the already gripping track.
‘Freak’ is a mesmerising display of BECAH’s earnest songwriting and wonderfully emotive musicianship. From soulful R&B tones mixed with an indie edge in ‘Ghost’ and the heavy fuzz-filled indie rock of the title track ‘Freak’ to the pop ballad-esque ‘Fool’, Freak is a unique and memorable EP.
BECAH’s vocals are an utter treasure. Her ability to convey so much emotion from many of the heartbreaking lyrics within the EP is simply breathtaking. ‘Reminders’ is a beautiful example of this. Her sweet delicate tone floods with emotion as sparse ethereal soundscapes move between a heartbreaking bittersweet melody. The track is a delight to listen to and a wonderful moment within the EP.
An exciting aspect of BECAH’s musicianship is her ability to convey emotion, not just through her voice but also her music. She trickles soft piano and gentle guitar into tender ballads like ‘Lost’ and jazzy elements with R&B beats in ‘Ghost’ to create surges of emotional movement making each song captivating and magical in its own way.
‘Freak’ is a deeply personal EP filled with raw lyrical content and immersive soundscapes. The EP is a glorious collection of refined musicianship and moving songs that marks BECAH as not only an artist to keep an eye on but one to treasure.
About ‘Freak’ BECAH says,
“I think we all can feel sometimes as though we’re not quite “normal”. The people that surround us can make us question ourselves and our worth. ‘Freak’ is about my battle with that. It speaks of a time my mind was busy with self-deprecation and a submission to the belief that I was just a ‘freak’, different from everyone around me and struggling with the noise inside my head.”
Irish Pop Rock artist Isaac Butler has released his new single ‘Just One Night’, following a sold-out Whelan’s main room headline show. Butler is no stranger to the stage or the airwaves amassing over 2.5 million Spotify streams and selling out shows in ‘The Grand Social’ , ‘The Soundhouse’ and ‘Whelan’s’ while also playing various festivals such as Electric Picnic around the country. He has just sold out his first headline show in Whelan’s main room and is all set for a summer of festival slots.
‘Just One Night’ bursts with youthful energy and the wonderful songwriting of Isaac Butler. Teaming jangly guitar hooks with shimmering synths bubbling beats and an utterly compelling melody the track is a glorious earworm. An exciting aspect of Butler’s musicianship is the artist’s uncanny ability to create wonderfully expressive soundscapes to accompany his relatable, poetic lyrics and emotive vocals. A fine example of this is ‘Just One Night’; filled with catchy lyrics, luscious euphoric soundscapes and an irresistible vocal delivery this song leaves you craving to hear it again and again. ‘Just One Night’ is a vibrant new bop that is sure to be epic at his live shows.
Blood Donor (the solo project of ex-Otherkin frontman Luke Reilly) returns with his debut four-track EP named after his new single, ‘Baby No More’. ‘Baby No More’ EP includes previous singles ‘Lonely Street’ and ‘Man, What Have You Done?’.His releases to date have drawn press acclaim and enjoyed considerable radio play, having been named a ‘Future Artist’ by BBC Radio One’s Jack Saunders and received rotation on RTÉ 2FM, Today FM and FM104.
‘Baby No More’ is an exciting blend of lush melodies and exquisite songwriting from Blood Donor. Wrapped in warm shoegaze melodies, balmy guitar and driving rhythms this EP is a consuming listening experience from start to finish.
‘Baby No More’ sets the EP in motion with sunkissed tones and irresistible soundscapes. The track plays like a daydream enhanced by shimmering synths, soft guitar twinkles and a sweet melody while Reilly’s vocals venture between warm rasps and falsetto coos. The song is a wonderful piece of music and perfectly sets the scene for the western-esque tones of ‘Lonely Street’ and woozy vibes of ‘Waking Up In The Emergency Room’ that follow.
An exciting musical element within this EP is Reilly’s use of synths. The artist’s ability to create expressive and evocative moments is admirable and the addition of synth elements wonderfully lifts the soundscapes to exciting heights. The EP is not the banging indie rock sound fans might have expected from the artist instead Reilly gives us expressive soundscapes filled with emotion, texture and movement that exude a timeless quality within. Sure, it’s filled with fiery guitar moments, pounding drums and beautiful psychedelic moments but these are balanced with elements of jazz and do-wop tones, glittering synth embellishment and sweet as-taffy melodies.
‘Baby No More’ is an absolute treat to listener’s ears.
Dublin-based band, KLDD, are set to release their new single ‘Little Help (Today)’ on March 24th. The song is an ode to the iconic sounds of Manchester and a tribute to bands like Happy Mondays and The Stone Roses. Comprised of Kilian Callegari on bass, Liam Bennati on drums, David Bradford on lead guitar, and Davy O’Toole on vocals and rhythm guitar, KLDD was originally formed by schoolmates over a shared love of dirty riffs, thumping bass lines, and soaring melodies.
Encased in a slick bassline and chiming guitar interludes ‘Little Help (Today)’ is a tight and impressive tune from KLDD. The band continue their run of mature and infectious releases with this atmospheric indie rock number. Venturing into hazy psychedelia at times, the band create a laid-back tune brimming with lush melodies and expressive instrumental refrains to create a sound that is nostalgic while still showcasing an indie edge. ‘Little Help (Today)’ is a fine display of musicianship from KLDD.
Off the tail end of their latest EP “Mongrel” Under Starling have released their new single ‘Trick of the Light”. Hailing from the Viking City of Ireland, Under Starling are breathing fresh air into the Irish music scene with their unique brand of alternative rock.“Trick of the Light” is a metaphor for the fantasies of a hopeless romantic. Throughout the song the band tether the line between the dream world and reality. Contrary to the Hollywood trope, the underdog does not get the person of their dreams. The closing message is one of self-growth and learning how to move on.
‘Trick of the Light’ pulses with the enchanting sound of Under Starling. The band take an 80’s pop undertone encased in their signature atmospheric sound to create a compelling tune that is glorious to listen to. With emotive vocals caressing a wonderful melody, the song surges with passion as the band rush flickering synths over reverb tones and propulsive beats to produce suspenseful soundscapes that keep the listener’s heart in a euphoric state. ‘Trick of the Light’ is an utterly time-stopping and beautiful new tune from Under Starling.
Irish singer-songwriter (currently in Qatar), Faraway Martin has released his new single, ‘I Got Fire’. The track featured in a Hyundai Commercial for their FIFA World Cup Ad which gathered a lot of attention for the Irishman abroad. Following this, he headlined the opening night of the FIFA Fan Festival to 40k people where artists such as Calvin Harris, Sean Paul, Paul van Dyk and Irish throwback Boyzlife performed during the World Cup.Faraway Martin has played some massive shows abroad including Qatar’s Formula 1 Grand Prix and The Qatar MotoGP. Last year he performed at Sea Sessions, Claremorris Folk Festival and various local festivals in Ireland. He has also played Electric Picnic and opened for Toploader, Aslan, Mick Flannery, Mundy, The Blizzards and Hermitage Green.
‘I Got Fire’ is a dynamic tune that boasts the powerful and catchy sound of Faraway Martin. The track travels at pulse-racing speed and showcases infectious dance elements and driving keys as the artist presents a passionate tune full of rich instrumentation. The song builds in intensity as Faraway Martin’s smooth vocals ooze emotion and kinetic energy. Filled with expressive soundscapes and soft bass embellishments ‘I Got Fire’ is one mighty tune from Faraway Martin.
Binmen have released their new single ‘Abe’. The song is the first single off their debut EP ‘Hunger Hill’ which will be released in the Summer of 2023. ‘Abe’ uses the biblical story of Cain and Abel to explore themes of bullying, betrayal and anger.
‘Abe’ broods atop majestic instrumentation and moody tones as Binmen present their expressive sound in all its glory. The track is an intense rock ballad filled with wonderful atmospherics, mellow guitar work and punchy drums. ‘Abe’ is a delight to listen to. The song is a fine display of eloquent lyrics and refined musicianship that reveals new and exciting facets of Binmen’s sound.
Queens of The Stone Age Bass Player and Mini Mansions Frontman Michael Shuman has released his new EP ‘MY DEMONS’ under the moniker GLU. I caught up with Shuman to discuss his new project, the EP and his plans for world domination.
‘MY DEMONS’ is an intriguing glimpse into Shuman as an artist. The EP is different and more hip-hop-esque than people might expect from him while still maintaining an alternative edge. I wondered if he was worried or wondered what fans would make of this broadening of his sound.
“Yeah, I definitely wondered if it would work for the fans I already have. But I also think that most of my fans are pretty open-minded and could see the influence from all the bands and projects I’ve done before this. At the same time, I did this wanting to attract new fans that have no idea about my past, and just like this music for what it is.”
We discussed if there was a particular event that made him decide to become GLU or choose to do this solo project. And if he found it difficult to pick the songs for the EP?
“After decades of being in bands, where you are tied to other people’s wants and schedules, I finally thought it would be good to have something where I could do it when I wanted to. On my time. The pandemic accidentally gave me that chance.”
“I did have more songs to choose from, but these were the first ones I created for GLU, and probably because of that they all tie together and live within the same thematic world.”
Shuman showcases a plethora of musical delights within this EP. From jazzy keys to slick lo-fi- hip-hop alongside pop-hued melodies. I asked if he was just pottering about with different sounds or if it was a deliberate imagination of genres and sounds.
“I don’t think you can ever take yourself out of what you do. All the influences, experiences, and tid bits you’ve picked up along the way. So they are definitely all there. But yes, I wanted to make sure it felt somewhat like something you hadn’t heard before. There’s no reason this song shouldn’t have slide guitar solos, harmonies, hip hop beats, and rapping.”
We see Shuman rap on this EP in the title track ‘My Demons’.
“I always wondered if it was in me. But of course there’s always the fear of judgment. I think because I was locked down and nobody was watching, I was privileged with the time to experiment with it and the delivery that felt authentic to me.”
Shuman collaborated with Phantogram’s Sarah Barthel on ‘My Demons’. We discussed how that collaboration come about and if that piece was written with her in mind.
“We have just been friends for a while and I wanted someone to counter the masculine undertones throughout the song. And also having someone that is a bonafide badass pop singer. She delivered the fuck out of it.”
“Not at first, no. But she was the first thought I had when wanting someone to collaborate with.”
Shuman recently released a coinciding video with a sultry, latex-laden Barthel symbolizing the demons that dominate GLU’s thoughts as he satirically raps through a leather ball gag.
“Honestly I just always saw some kind of vision of being tied up for this song. I think because of the sexual, yet traumatic undertones, it felt like the right concept to match the lyrics.”
“Yes, it was uncomfortable and I’m pretty sure I got some kind of mouth injury from it that has lingered to this day. No pain, no gain. “
Another great track on the EP is ‘Cold Sweat’. The song is a chilled tune that displays the swagger and musical wizardry people might know Shuman for from previous projects such as Mini Mansions.
“I started with that simple groove and chord progression. Thought it maybe could just be an instrumental track. Kinda like Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain”, where it’s just one long guitar solo. But then that chorus melody popped in my head and it start to develop into what it is now. Yet, I wanted to keep it very simple. Verse chorus, verse chorus, out. Less about the lyrics and melody and more about the groove.”
Within this EP Shuman provides some meaningful lyrical content. ‘Night Shif’, discusses the impending doom we feel, generated by the current state of our world while ‘My Demons’ explores how childhood traumas continue to seep into adult life. Both are relatable themes that are well presented through sharp phrases; “ I’m so fucking chill, but I’m quite erratic, emphatic and somewhat problematic”.
“I did take a lot of time crafting these, as lyrics are not my favorite part of writing songs. That being said, a lot of those lyrics come together pretty quickly when you decide on a theme and you roll with it. Also, using lines that are happening in real time. Sometimes I wish I was recording all my conversations with friends. I think there would a lot of gold in there.”
“MOONWALKIN’ is probably my favourite track on the EP. It oozes effortless swagger. Shuman told me which of the songs on the EP he is most proud of.
“Moonwalkin’ is an inside joke I have with my friend, which I won’t get into. But it started with that chorus melody I wrote on piano. It was the start of a different kind of song I was writing, but then realized it slotted in perfectly with the verse groove and melody I had. This track was a bit of that. A patchwork with elements that all worked perfectly together.”
“I think My Demons I’m most proud of, only because it was the first GLU song I wrote. It inspired what is GLU and got me out of my comfort zone.”
Finally, I asked Shuman what he has planned for the rest of the year and if he has plans for a GLU world domination.
“World domination? Yes. Expectations? No. Just chip away everyday and enjoy whatever comes of it.”
Filled with lush textures, eloquent lyricism and expressive soundscapes ‘MY DEMONS’ is a fascinating keyhole glimpse into the many facets of Shuman as an artist. The EP is an immersive experience from start to finish that beckons repeat plays and is simply a must-listen.
Last Saturday was a night to remember in The Workman’s Cellar, Dublin. Headlining the venue and accompanied by Geoff Warner- Clayton on piano was duo Emily Aylmer and Kieran McGuinness under their new musical project moniker Driven Snow.
The duo have done limited shows to date ( Driven Snow is still relatively new, McGuiness calls it ” a baby band ” ) and I was absolutely thrilled at the chance to see them perform live having fallen in love with their recently released tracks ‘Trying’ and ‘Sunlight’.
I was not the only one who jumped at the chance to see the duo live. As I made my way through the packed venue towards the stage I overheard fans ( some stood in groups while others sat on the ground in circles ) talking excitedly amongst themselves about Driven Snow’s sound and wonderful harmonies. It was clear from the atmosphere in the venue that everyone was looking forward to a great night filled with wonderful music.
Driven Snow walked on stage to rapturous applause. Both Aylmer and McGuiness seemed taken aback by the crowd’s enthusiasm before even having begun their set. Their faces beaming with delight they set the music of the night in motion with ‘Trying’. The crowd instantly fell silent as glorious vocal harmonies from both Emily and Kieran resounded throughout the venue, beautifully complemented by gentle keys and soothing tones on guitar. ‘Nothing As Hard As Love’ set the calming tone for the night and the crowd loved every minute of it. ‘Moonlight’ also went down a treat with fans as some swayed while others embraced as they enjoyed Driven Snow’s beautiful sound, poetic lyrics and expressive vocal harmonies.
The duo put on a magical and compelling performance. They instantly connected with the audience as they gave comical anecdotes to their songs which kept fans laughing and engaged throughout their set while two Delorentos covers went down a treat with the crowd.
Driven Snow are a joy to listen to. Their wonderful vocal harmonies and evocative musicianship is a must listen and if you ever get the chance to experience the band live you won’t be disappointed.
INHALER have released their eagerly awaited second album ‘Cuts & Bruises’ on Polydor Records. Produced by Inhaler’s long-term collaborator Antony Genn, ‘Cuts & Bruises’ features 11 tracks including recent single ‘If You’re Gonna Break My Heart’ as well as the uplifting ‘Love Will Get You There’ and last summer’s euphoric anthem ‘These Are The Days’. Following a prolonged period of touring, INHALER’s sophomore album began to take shape over Christmas 2021 in The Nunnery, their rehearsal space in hometown Dublin, with the four band members – vocalist and guitarist Elijah Hewson, bassist Robert Keating, guitarist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon – writing and rehearsing a clutch of new songs.’Cuts & Bruises’ is the follow-up to Inhaler’s debut album ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ which debuted at no.1 in both the UK & Irish Official Charts. Released in July 2021, ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ became the fastest-selling debut album on vinyl by any band this century and saw Inhaler become the first Irish group to top the Album Charts with a debut in 13 years.
Tastefully blended with various genres and musical elements ‘Cuts & Bruises’ is a treasure trove of engaging indie tracks. This album is the product of a band acutely aware of their place in the music scene. It is clear that with ‘Cuts & Bruises’, INHALER are confident to display their musical growth while staying true to themselves and they achieve this perfectly.
Filled with sharp guitar licks, driving rhythms and baselines each track rushes with the irresistible sound INHALER have become known for. From the get-go the band grab the listener’s attention with a catchy guitar hook, and hazy melody from ‘Just To Keep You Satisfied’. The track is an impressive start and beckons repeat plays before moving through the rest of the album. As the album progresses INHALER flesh out their sound and showcase other facets of their musicianship. ‘Love Will Get You There’ chugs with a western-esque undertone while ‘These Are The Days’ boasts raw indie rock swagger.
Amongst the fresh stadium bangers, the band sprinkle a healthy serving of brooding ballads throughout the album. A fine example of this is ‘If You’re Gonna Break My Heart’. The track contains wonderfully expressive jazzy keys that chime behind Hewson’s velvety vocals as he croons, “if your gonna break my heart smash it to pieces, ’cause I’m not gonna need it, as much as I do right now”. Another noteworthy ballad is the melancholic ‘Valentine’. This beautiful song surges with heartfelt yearning while a bubbling beat and chiming guitars complement an acoustic refrain and Hewson’s tender coo’s.
The slower more gentle tunes on the album are welcome interludes between the band’s more anthemic work, simply because we get to truly appreciate another aspect of this young band’s music; the lyrics and the emotive musical accompaniment each four members use to enhance the poetic elements to their sound. It’s an exciting experience to hear this part of the band’s music come to the fore through tracks such as ‘Valentine’ that display the meticulous amount of effort the four-piece put into this facet of their musicianship.
‘Cuts & Bruises’ presents a band who’ve grown exponentially in the last two years, both musically and lyrically, but still boasts plenty of pit-opening choruses, refined musicianship and oodles of youthful adrenaline.
About the album the band said: “It was just the four of us jamming in the live room and trying to come up with ideas on the spot,” says Keating. “Playing live for a few months beforehand really helped shape what kind of direction we wanted to take it in.”
“The subject matters of the songs are still all about coming-of-age stuff – the standard stuff you write when you’re a teenager,” adds Hewson, the band’s principal lyricist. “But it also became a little bit more about being in a band. These songs are less about the world around us, and more about what’s going on inside Inhaler.”
Stream ‘Cuts & Bruises’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
