Edinburgh singer songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘You’. This romantic sweet track is a stripped back ditty that floats along soft acoustic guitar accompaniment with soft piano injections. Its an elegant passionate track that allows Wallace’s warm vocals to shine as he coos the emotional heart warming lyrics. A lush backing vocal hums within an ethereal soundscape as velvety strings sprinkle the track with wholesome romantic tones. The track builds slowly into a powerful crescendo brimming with passion as the electric guitar enters with a vibrant zesty solo. Its an elegant sweep you off your feet gem that will swoon you into a stupor.
Cork singer songwriter Eoin has released his new single ‘Chalk & Cheese’.The track is the first single off his upcoming album, ‘Reverie’.He has played headline slots in venues like DeBarra’s Folk Club and The Poor Relation as well as support slots in the Crane Lane and Roisin Dubh.
‘Chalk & Cheese’ is a smoky glide of blues rock that boasts the slick clean musicianship of Eoin. The verses smoulder with simmering twinkles on guitar and a foot tapping beat while Eoin’s raspy warm vocals exude passion and soul in every note. The track erupts into the fiery chorus which sees the guitars become more dominant and sharp as the drums pummel and pound. Eoin builds this track perfectly as he teases through the verses creating intensity with each section before the massive crescendo. It’s a refined, thrilling number that scalds and burns with exhilarating passion and charm.
We sat down to have a chat with Brendan Aherne, Sam Privett, Fabio Bocca and Kalyan Rogers from Alexis Kings before their Show in The Workman’s Club Dublin. We talked about how they create their delicious summer soaked tunes, their laid back persona’s and a bizarre incident that happened to them in China.
London’s Ten Fé have released their sophomore album ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ via Some Kinda Love/PIAS. Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse returned to London from touring Ten Fé’s debut album ‘Hit The Light’ – what had begun as a duo had evolved on the road into a fully formed band with Rob Shipley, Johnny Drain and Alex Hammond completing the line up. Sold-out shows across the US and Europe, along with tens of millions of Spotify streams, had yielded a new-found confidence and a raw, emotional and expansive new sound. Singles ‘Won’t Happen’, ‘Not Tonight’, ‘Coasting’ and ‘Echo Park’ from the album have all been New Music Friday in multiple territories at Spotify and Best Of The Week globally at Apple Music.
‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a dreamy whoosh of refreshing tunes that cruise along at a steady wholesome pace as Ten Fé flesh out their soul fulfilling musicianship through beautiful melodies and soothing instrumentation. There is depth in every track as the band wear their hearts on their sleeves displaying tender moments and delicate vulnerabilities through sweet tones and elegant writing. ‘Won’t Happen’ kicks all this lusciousness off with a melancholic melody floating delicately through warm guitar jingles, soft drums and soothing vocals. Ten Fé’s ability to create wholly satisfying tracks through consoling instrumentation is captivating. Each track is a breath of fresh summer air with campfire evening nights glimmering between joyous, sombre musicianship. Each song is simple and delicate with immense richness and depth driving it right into your heart.Pure and relaxing the tracks lead you further into a sedating and uplifting state of bliss. ‘Isn’t Ever A Day’ ‘No Night Lasts Forever’, ‘Can’t Take You With Me’ and ‘Caught On The Inside’ drift along into your ears. Laid back and effortless the meaningful songwriting is passionate yet calm and fluid. It’s easy to find a place in your heart for all these little gems. They quickly become a part of you and this is the delightful side effect of Ten Fé’s musicianship.
The impeccable vocal contrast of Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse creates a distinct and rich texture to the album. Moorhouse’s deep baritone showcases raw emotion perfectly while Duncan’s sweet and emotional vocals are that comfy blanket that soothes and caresses your ears delicately. This subtle shift in vocals for tracks like ‘Echo Park’ and ‘Coasting’ is what keeps the album refreshing and vibrant. There is a melodic Fleetwood Mac flow to ‘Caught On The Inside’. It’s heartfelt melody and lush harmonies make this sombre tune a treasure while the elegant yet dark piano in ‘To Lie Here Is Enough’ strips everything back leaving just simple emotion and another tender vocal melody to leave you in tears.
Ten Fé’s ability to wrap you up in lavish majestic melodies is sublime. The buoyant cheery ‘Here Again’ and swoony ‘Not Tonight’ display this perfectly. With sweet toned guitar injections and soft percussion these tracks add a dash of zest into the sugary delightful flurry of the album while radiating sun kissed glows throughout. The band choose to bring the album to a close with ‘Superrich’ a stomping number that presents a more swaggering side to the band as the clever lyrics hop through smooth vocals as strong chords on keys add a spring into the tracks step while subtle guitar whines inject a sting to this honest and somewhat lyrically brutal number.
‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a well thought out, mature album that encompasses all the rich depths of Ten Fé‘s musicianship. It’s deeply romantic, melancholic and soothing with luscious melodies, refined instrumentation and wholesome goodness. These guys take us through a varied journey that leaves you feeling regenerated and wiser after.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Black Keys
The Black Keys are back with their new single ‘Lo/Hi’. This bluesy garage rock number continues the duo’s infectious thumping sound in all its glory. Dripping in swagger and strut ready quality the track kicks off with a joyous wail from Dan Auerbach as he slices through with slick fuzz filled guitar lines while Patrick Carney sets that oh so groovy stomping foundation. The verses sizzle and bubble fermenting through the grit smacked guitar and shimmy ready beat while the chorus explodes with The Black Keys blistering anthemic might. Auerbach’s vocals coo and glide effortlessly over the infectious chilled melody while the soulful female backing vocals add a dash of spice and richness to the track. Pounding drums slap, whack and stride through the thrilling guitar whines and scorching solo. Brimming with glossy panache and sweltering musicianship and a trippy 60’s vibe, it’s a fantastic return. The drought is finally over.
London band Alexis Kings were playing their first ever Dublin show last night.This was a show I couldn’t miss. The blustery weather, traffic nor an old woman slowly crossing the street could stop me from getting to The Workmans Club ( I did wait patiently for her to cross though ). Walking through the venue I could hear the blistering melodic sound of the end of Galway band D – Day’s set. These guys are spectacular live. I only caught the last two songs but Darragh Whyte’s vocals are pretty impressive and this stylish four piece sure can write and perform some slick tunes.
Alexis Kings take to the stage. They waste no time in getting straight into their sweet tunes. Brendan Aherne has become quite the frontman. Mesmerising to watch he struts about the stage spinning the mic around his waist and into the air. ‘The Enemy’ starts their set. Once the drum kicks in and the track begins the entire atmosphere blossoms into a mellow balmy haze of delight. These guys are professional on stage and their love for performing radiates profusely. Sam Privett’s honey dripped guitar lines are even more delicious within the live setting. While drummer Fabio Bocca and bassist Kalyan Rogers allow their groove infested sound, pound through your body coaxing and enticing you to dance. There is power behind these tracks as Alexis Kings weave their bewitching enticing tunes into our very souls.
Live, the tunes take on a heavier sound giving a meatier grit to their nectarous sun kissed tunes. ‘Addict’ in particular translates superbly live with the rumble on drums and weaving guitar echoing through a darkly coated atmosphere. The shrilling psychedelic guitar is mesmerising. We get an exciting glimpse of some new tunes ‘Johnny True Love’ has a reggae feel to it as a sultry groove rebounds and slaps off the steamy guitar whines while ‘Spaceships’ brings that exhilarating rush of indie, injecting youthful adrenaline into your veins. Aherne’s vocals are filled with passion which smoothly caress the velvety melodies with hints of soulful tenderness.
‘Squire’ was received by tremendous applause. A melodic luscious rendition of this beautiful track has the crowd swaying bopping and singing along as Aherne reaches out as close to them as he can. Who can resist the divine guitar melody in ‘Squire’ it’s as close to God as most of us will ever get. I for one was eagerly awaiting ‘Velvet’ and boy it didn’t disappoint. The London boys play this track with a particular air of class and chicness as Aherne flaunts about the stage while the crowd sing along to the infectious chorus. It’s the perfect show closer. The crowd had other ideas though, they demanded ‘Brothers’ as they shouted the lyrics “get in your taxi”. It was quickly apparent the band would not get away without whacking out the fiery track. So, in true rock and roll manner the band belt out this boisterous track with slick precision and swagger-drenched attitude as the audience bellowed the lyrics back joyously.
It was a fantastic night of live music. If you haven’t seen Alexis Kings perform live I highly recommend it. They radiate an effortless aura of relaxed charisma while executing slick, polished and absolutely thrilling tunes.
Photo credit : Janson Bulpin, his instagram is beyondthenoise
Dublin’s grunge disco band Munky have released their new single ‘One in Five’ today. The track which was recorded and produced by Dan Doherty in Darklands Studios “is about victim blaming culture, and how ridiculous it is” and 100% of the proceeds of this song, songwriting royalties, sales, live performance royalties etc will be going to the DRCC (Dublin Rape Crisis Centre).
The new single is taken off the bands debut EP ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’ which is being launched with a headline show in the Grand Social, Dublin on the 12th of April.
‘One in Five’ is a shrilling number. Acute and harsh with pain stricken vocals, punchy drums and stinging raw guitars – this dark track coils, ferments and spirals down into the depths of turmoil and distress. Zachary Stephenson’s vocals whirlwind from a disgusted factual tone to a heart wrenching exclaim of distress as he emotionally depicts the turmoil within the narration. The sweet guitars lament, pine and ache behind Stephenson’s agonizing vocals with a delicate air of innocence as the pounding aggressive rhythm bubbles and batters. It’s a heartbreaking, gripping track from Munky and one I highly applaud. The emotion displayed through refined, crisp and raw musicianship is compelling and deeply moving.
Bristol based three-piece Air Miles have released their new single ‘Friends’. This gritty cocktail blends alternative rock with hip hop influences and anthemic vibes to create a wholly satisfying listen. Jagged guitars slice and carve their way through the flashing beat heavy soundscape with slick precision while the smooth raspy vocals coo over the catchy melody and lush harmonies. Perfectly layered the sharp fuzzed guitars meander and shift between grainy, rough to light and ethereal seamlessly creating rich textures while the hip hop influences gives a refreshing flavour and dance-able groove to this sublime new track from Air Miles.
“I’ve just got out of hospital after having an operation, had a bad accident on Saturday so I’m pretty high on morphine…. so it’s all good times” Dave Greene announces before thanking the crowd for their attendance at Barefoot Magicians’ ‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘ It’s All Take’ singles launch in Sin E, Dublin on Friday night. But he needn’t have apologized. Except for a vocal break in ‘The Awakening’ the band sounded on point with lush grooves, tasty guitar lines and blues tones filling the room with the most delectable dance-able aroma. What Greene may have lacked in physical energetic display ( understandably ) they made up for with their proficient delivery of their groovy tunes.
The crowd pack to the floor to wiggle to ‘Shakey Ground’ “we’re here till after midnight so come and go as you please” Greene assures. There is definitely that vibe about their set- as if we are here not exactly to see them. They are the perks, those melting melodies, shrilling thrills of guitar and jazz infused piano jingles are the delightful soundtrack to a night of friendly chatter, drinking and spontaneous dancing as the crowd wander in and out as they please. A set filled with mostly original music goes down well with the crowd and the sweet twang of harmonica sounds are enchanting within the live setting. The band regularly blast into heart-pounding blues instrumentals that linger with slick guitar solos, dramatic drum pops and animated keys playfully meandering through the elastic bass grooves while the harmonica whacks out riff worthy refrains. This is where the band showcases their prowess.
A sweet cover of Cage The Elephant’s ‘Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked’ sparked the audience to get up and dance as Barefoot Magicians cruise through a swagger drenched rendition of the steamy track loosening up the crowds hips. This cleverly placed track and a cover of Fatboy Slim’s ‘Praise You’ (which was dedicated to the women for International Women’s Day) are the final ice breakers that pulled the crowd to the dance floor. New single ‘I’m Hooked’ translates superbly live. The band themselves become more playful and energetic for their shiny new single and that vaporous break in the track causes the perfect shift for those getting close on the dance floor. Greene wiggles back and forth to each track. He is the bands metronome ticking left to right- keeping their groove filled time in check as Graham Stewart on Guitar, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Fergal Mulligan on bass and Hugh Caren on keys remain immersed in their performance. Another play of ‘I’m Hooked’ provokes twerking, thrusting, bopping and feet shuffling as audience members swarm from all corners of the venue to join the mass dancing. Those hiding in the corners, among the shadows and hovering around the bar are coaxed to the dance floor as the band play the sought after one more tune…. a shredding cover of Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode.
It was an energetic, professional show from Barefoot Magicians. They are growing nicely and have ace tunes that hook you into their infectious sound. The only downside was ‘Cruel Mistress’ didn’t make the set list … i’m gutted.
Cork based indie/ post punk rogues Pretty Happy have released their new single ‘Mr. Crabs’ from their upcoming EP. This raw track is a groove slapped number that throws unruly punk rock into your face while coarse guitars shred and saw through gravel coated vocals and buoyant rhythms. It’s unique presentation and catchy quirkiness with witty lyrics make this track one entertaining tune. With a punchy backdrop and rowdy soundscape battered through screams and slick instrumentation this trio present a theatrically ominous track that wails with obscure harmonies and a stomping beat.Its pretty thrilling.
