Category Archives: New Music

Alt- Pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Ria Rua ‘chaos/control’ EP

Ria Rua has released her new EP ‘chaos/control’ on the German indie label MPM. Ria Rua is a modern Irish female hyper pop singer, songwriter and producer.

‘chaos/control’ is a fantastic display of Ria Rua’s irresistible electronic pop. Showcasing slick production, attitude-saturated lyrics and intoxicating soundscapes the EP is a knockout that is a joy to listen to again and again. ‘Boss’ and ‘Breathe’  ooze attitude through dense soundscapes with the electronic beats venturing at times into EDM territory. However, it’s ‘I Don’t Care’ that is the holy grail of the EP.

The lyrics create a dark tone over a building cinematic backdrop, as Ria whispers ” I can feel your hands around my neck. Squeezing tightly. I hate it”. Sultry and at times sinister the song is an evocative number that is simply goosebump-inducing and a fine example of Ria Rua’s mesmerising musicianship.

Ria’s sound is truly thrilling. Within her music the tight brisk rhythms are executed with such skilful precision it is awe-inspiring. Ria Rua is a force to be reckoned with and ‘chaos/control’ is an exciting keyhole glimpse into this artist’s talents. 

Stream ‘chaos/control’ 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

EP Review, Indie, New Music

Jimbo Wimon ‘In the Seam’ EP

Jimbo Wimon has released their debut EP ‘In the Seam’. Jimbo Wimon was established from the creative mind of singer Théo Simon who collated a quintuple of talented musicians – attendees of the ‘American School of Modern Music’ in Paris in 2018. The name was creatively coined by combining the names of two of the band’s favourite artists – Jim Morrison and David Bowie – with ‘Wimon’ relating to Théo’s surname ‘Simon.’ The band onsists of guitarist Romain Bridot, bassist Pierre Quesnel, pianist Renan Bridot, drummer Baptiste Masson and the previously mentioned singer Théo Simon.

‘In the Seam’ is a blistering EP laced in alternative rock bravado and shredding instrumentation. Jimbo Wimon infuse ‘I Need To Sleep’ and ‘Spell Of Mine’ with blazing guitar refrains, pummeling drums and resounding bass grooves to create a tight and mighty wall of sound ready for the live mosh pits. This EP showcases the frenetic rock of Jimbo Wimon in all its might while tracks ‘In The Seam’ and the 60’s speckled psychedelia of ‘Opium’ take a melodic and more gentle stance on the band’s hefty sound. This subtle facet to the band’s sound is especially evident within ‘Crowstown’. With chiming guitars, eerie vocals, ethereal piano and at times sweet melodies; the band’s raw emotional side roars between intense grunge-esque moments and interspersed frenzied outbursts throughout.

Blending sweet refrains and slick guitar melodies between diverse and powerful musicianship ‘In the Seam’ is a dynamic new EP from Jimbo Wimon.

Stream ‘In The Seam’ 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

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Conor Hamilton-Long ‘In My Feelings’

Dublin-based and Australian-born Singer/Songwriter, Conor Hamilton-Long, is back from a long phase of writing and recording for his EP with his new single ‘In My Feelings’. Conor has spent the last year collaborating with producer and close friend Paul Jarvis .

‘In My Feelings’ is an R&B-infused tune that showcases Conor Hamilton-Long’s refined musicianship and honest songwriting. With velvety vocals and mellow guitar oozing warm tones atop a soft bed of punctuated beats, the song exudes a chilled and effortless charm throughout. Within the track, Hamilton-Long discusses the warmth a love interest or significant other can provide when feeling emotionally vulnerable. Through the lyrics he highlights how having someone around when your mental health is low can uplift that struggle and make you feel more present in the moment, forgetting about your worries and looking less inside yourself. ‘In My Feelings’ is an utterly irresistible earworm from Conor Hamilton-Long.

About the track Hamilton-Long said: “I hope people find some solace in the song, similar to how I felt when writing it. Whilst you can feel detached and separated when going through a mental struggle, you’re never alone.”

Stream ‘In My Feelings’ below 


Author: Danu

New Music

Bird Machine ‘Our Kind’

Bird Machine have released their new single ‘Our Kind’.Bird Machine are Luke and Jenna Grbin, a pair of lovers from Geelong, Australia, and Hamilton, New Zealand. Their songs are written, performed, recorded, and produced by the two in a little bedroom in the New Zealand suburbs. With an array of written songs up their sleeves, the duo plan to release their debut EP or album in the summer of 2022/23. Writing both music and lyrics together, Bird Machine songs are characterized by lyrics that are both introspective, but also a product of the world around them.

Bird Machine blend elements of folk, pop and indie to create a euphoric soundscape within ‘Our Kind’. The track has an uplifting and soothing tone throughout that is enhanced by warm guitars, spongy beats, vibrant percussion and lush harmonies. With lyrics that comment on new media and algorithms designed to keep our attention the track is a thought-provoking listening experience. Filled with beautiful harmonies, sweet melodies and intricate guitar embellishments ‘Our Kind’ is a passionate display of musicianship from Bird Machine. 

Stream ‘Our Kind’ below 


Author: Danu

EP Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Peter Dulborough ‘The Fixer’ EP

Florence-based songwriter Peter Dulborough has released his new EP ‘The Fixer’.Written as a reflection of the lessons learnt during the journey of life, ‘The Fixer’ is an introspective look inside each of us as we look to mend our broken world. The EP was recorded in live sessions at Blue Moon Recording Studios with Samuele Cangi (Guitars) and Tommaso Giuliani (Drums) and features beautiful guest vocals from Marie Delfino.

Filled with beautifully expressive rhythms, ‘The Fixer’ is a warm piano-driven EP that boasts Peter Dulborough’s unique brew of classic/contemporary musicianship. Each song surges with heartfelt melodies and elements of jazz that glimmer through the piano on tracks like ‘Heading for the Shore’ while sweet ballads ‘Shooting Star’ and ‘As the Sun sets now’ ooze classic undertones throughout between indie bops ‘The Fixer’ and ‘Pressure Cooker’. The EP is a musical delight and a compelling listen. 

About the EP Dulborough explains: “‘The Fixer’ is an archetypal character inside us who tries to change themselves and put the happiness of others above their own – at a price. Their obsession keeps them enslaved to pleasing others,” 

Stream ‘The Fixer’ 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, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Pa Sheehy ‘Surrender’ feat. Sinead White

Pa Sheehy has released his new single ‘Surrender’ feat. Sinead White. Pa Sheehy paved the way for his debut solo EP ‘The Art of Disappearing’ with the radio hit ‘Róisín’, which received widespread acclaim, and on release, the EP shot to Independent Number 1 in the Irish album charts. To celebrate the release he also took to the road for a sold-out nationwide Irish Tour. Sheehy’s upcoming live dates include Indiependence Festival, Cork on the 29 July as well as a host of European Tour dates.

Featuring cinematic soundscapes and sweet harmonies from Sinead White, ‘Surrender’ is a compelling new tune from Pa Sheehy. Sheehy has a knack for narrating relatable stories through vivid songwriting and emotive musicianship and ‘Surrender’ is a sublime example of this. His warm vocals croon evocative lyrics that ignite the senses and engage the listener’s imagination “now I wait for you with the coffee getting cold” while warm guitars twinkle behind the bittersweet melody before string elements and a gentle piano elevate the track to its hair-raising chorus. ‘Surrender’ is an absolute musical delight from Pa Sheehy. The track is a joy to listen to and beckons repeat plays.

Speaking about the single Pa Sheehy said: ‘This song swivels through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Contrasting imagery that creates a longing for what was and a sadness for what is. It was written in the middle of nowhere with a few friends this time last year. Some songs are hard to write and some songs just fall on your lap. This song was written so easily. I hope people can connect with it the same way I do.’

You can catch Pa Sheehy Live at Indiependence Festival, Cork on the 29 July as well as a host of European Tour dates.

EU Tour Dates

  • 10.10 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • 11.10 – Maschinenhaus, Berlin, Germany
  • 12.10 – Artheater, Cologne, Germany 
  • 18.10 – Academy, Dublin, Ireland 
  • 19.10 – Dolans, Limerick, Ireland 
  • 20.10 – Limelight 2, Belfast, Ireland 
  • 22.10 – Omeara, London, UK 

Stream ‘Surrender’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Emma Hynes ‘The Space Between’

Emma Hynes has released her new single, ‘The Space Between’.The song is the third and final release in a trilogy of songs written by Emma and recorded at JAM Studios in Kells, Co. Meath. The track was produced by Martin Quinn who also performs on it together with Emma, and Andrew Quin To celebrate the release of all three singles, Emma will host an intimate night in Vintage Room at The Workmans Club on Thursday 28 July at 8.30pm. She will be joined across the evening by three very special guests; Dublin-based psychedelic dream pop artist Keeley; Ray Gilligan, lead singer and songwriter from Dublin power-pop band StereoType; and, Brew, frontman and songwriter from garage rock stalwarts Blue Sun. Tickets are €6 and available on Eventbrite

‘The Space Between’ is an enticing tune that displays the expressive songwriting of Emma Hynes. With warm country tones and indie embellishments wrapped around a smooth melody and gripping storytelling, Hynes creates an intriguing tune that keeps you on the edge of your seat, hanging onto every suspenseful note. Through eloquent lyrics, she narrates a story of frustration and desire “his passion is a battle cry but I can’t win” while the backdrop subtly builds to create an immersive and thrilling listening experience. ‘The Space Between’ highlights Hynes’ profound and thrilling songwriting through poignant musicianship. The track is a fine addition to her catalogue of magnificent tunes. 

Stream ‘The Space Between’ below 


Author: Danu