Category Archives: New Music

The Barmines ‘Sky’s The Limit’

The Barmines are an Indie Rock band from Leeds. Band members Rob Burton (Singer/Guitarist), Liam Lockey (Drums/Backing Vocals), Leam Hayes (Guitarist) and James May (Bassist) are creating a stir with their energetic explosive sound and fantastic live shows. The release of their début EP “There’s Never Any Romance” was played in front of a sold out crowd at The Wardrobe in Leeds to just over 300 people. Since then they have played the O2 Academy in Sheffield, The Cockpit and The Wardrobe plus slots at Strawberry Fields Festival and Bingley Festival playing alongside some top bands like Catfish and the Bottlemen and Reverand and The Makers.
Their single ‘Sky’s The Limit’ is a dynamic spirited track with a full robust sound. With vigorous guitars and hefty drums this song packs a punch. The sturdy bass line runs throughout the song especially in the verse giving a potent foundation to the track. The song features an infectious chorus with a booming sound behind driving this song to victory. The track begins on a soft start and builds both in energy and dynamics as the song progresses. The strong confidant vocals are emotion filled and intense which is particularly effective in the chorus. The bridge breaks to a lighter tone with slick guitar and then blasts us into the powerful sound that has a mosh effect. This song I can imagine is fantastic live as it is full of charisma and energy.
The Barmines have already confirmed some awesome festivals for 2016 including Isle Of Wight and Down To The Woods, Party In The Pines and Blackthorn Festival with a few more to be announced. If you are around definitely go see these guys!
Stream ‘Sky’s The Limit’ below

A Chat With: Charlyn

Charlyn

We caught up with Charlyn after our feature on their new single  ‘Marylise’ last week to get to know them a little better.

 Tell us a bit about Charlyn ?

Charlyn is a Swiss singer/songwriter, born on 26th December 1991. She grew up in the French speaking part of Switzerland and had always been surrounded by music and musicians. She played the piano for seven years and then started singing lessons. In 2012 she decided to study music and moved to London to achieve her goal. She met her band members in London and found her style of music. She started to write a collection of demos and learnt the songs with the band since 2015. The sound of the band is Pop-Rock-Electronic with some 80s sounds influence.

When did you decide on the members of your band and how did you meet them?

Everything kind of happened gradually. I had to perform my songs within a band for university, therefore I had to find people to play with me. I have asked Robin Wheeler (drummer/producer) who was my flatmate at the time, to play the guitar for me, which he did.
My brother, Loric Mathez, who was studying drums one year above me became the drummer and for the rest of the musicians it varied according to people’s availabilities. In 2015 I had to find a new bass player, as the one I was playing with was too busy and wasn’t really involved in the band anyway. Therefore I looked for a bass player who would be into the same kind of music as me. I found George Price through friends and Facebook, he loved the project and was in.
Summer 2015 Loric decides to leave the band to focus on his advanced studies. Therefore we had to find a new drummer. We auditioned quite a few drummers but couldn’t find any one who was able keep up with a simple groove. Robin then decided to swap his guitar for the drum kit, which is his first instrument and we then looked for a new guitarist. I posted an ad on Facebook and Thomas Clutterbuck replied. We auditioned him and since that day he is our guitar player.
If I had to describe the band I would say we are like a family as we don’t only rehearse and play live but we meet up outside of the music world and therefore became close friends. I love my band 🙂

 What inspired you to make music?

I’ve always been into music since I can remember. I would say my dad, who is an autodidact has inspired me. He was writing his own songs as well and I grew up playing or singing with him. Then around 12 I started to write my first songs. In 2011 when my brother left for London I had just finished my apprentice time in a job I didn’t like. I came to visit him in London and I didn’t know what to do at the time with my life. He said to me ‘What do you really want to do? What is your heart burning for?’ I said ‘I want to sing’ and he replied ‘Then that’s what you got to do!’. Because of that discussion music is now not only a passion but it’s my profession and I’m so glad I made that decision back then.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

I’m someone who loves positivity. It’s something that I use on an everyday basis within my life, my health, my studies, etc. I often look at the world or listen to radios etc and I realise that most of what we are listening and exposed to talks about depression, death, heart breaking, or some stupidity which we don’t really care about. In my songs I like to use this positivity as well as bringing hope and happiness to people. Not all of my lyrics are always happy but the message behind them goes in that sense. I had a few people that said to me that my music makes them feel happy and motivated for their day and that is what I want to achieve.
Otherwise I also like to make stories up based on different situations I or other people have been through. I like to write songs about ordinary people’s stories because I know a lot of people can identify themselves to them.

Could you briefly describe your music making process?

I normally sit down on the piano and play around with chords, then find a melody and sing random lyrics just making sounds; I call it the ‘yoghurt singing’. Once I’m happy with my song and melody I write the lyrics with similar sounds to the ones I was using before. I then go on Logic Pro or Abletone and make my demos.
For the songs that are on the upcoming EP I brought most of them as piano and voice ideas to my drummer/producer Robin and he made them sound amazing. I like his ideas and the way he works, he always surprises me with really cool touches and colour to the songs and production.

Tell us a bit about your new single Marylise.

I wrote Marylise in my room in London like most of my other songs. I wanted to write a song after a subject that got to me. I remembered watching some models interviews on Youtube and they were saying how their life is sometimes very depressing, how they have to look pretty all the time, how they have extremely strict diets and how some of them would like to live the life of every day people. I thought that was a very interesting topic to write about. It also made me think about those extremely talented kids we see on TV or Internet, some of them are so young and already superstars. I wonder if this is really want they want to do or if it is what their parents want them to do. That was my lyrics topic for this song.
I would say the song is really summery and catchy and I like the 80s kind of vibe that Robin used for it. It goes well with the song in general and makes it fresh in a way.
I’m happy with how the song turned out I could not imagine it to be different now.

Does the theme behind the single mirror a personal experience?

No, it doesn’t. I actually had the chance to have supportive parents, that always encouraged my brother and I to follow our dreams. They may have oriented us in some ways but never forced us to do something we didn’t want to do.

What was your favourite and most difficult part to record your new single?

I would say my favourite part is the chorus because we’ve put loads of different harmonies, that make it sound fuller. The most difficult part was probably the articulation and accent. Being Swiss English is obviously not my first language therefore I do have a bit of a French accent when I speak and sing. Robin made me sing the lines over and over to get a better accent and say the words in a more correct way. This was extremely tiring but really did help me to get better with how I sound, sing and say things.

 Any plans to come to Ireland in the future?

Yes, I would really like to organise a UK tour with the band and of course we would come and play there, However nothing is planned yet but it’s on the list.
I would love to discover this wonderful country and sceneries as I’ve heard great stories about it.

 What advice do you have for people who want to start their career in music?

I would say try to do as much as you can yourself but also be realistic and if you are not good enough in certain areas then work with people that are and can help you. Also having personal saving does really help as music is a very expensive area and without a part time job or good saving it is hard to move further away from Thursday Jam nights. I would also advise to be nice and respectful towards other people you will work with. Unfortunately they are a lot of big headed and rude people in this industry and it isn’t nice to work with such people so don’t become one of them. Being nice and honest is the way to go you want friends in this industry same thing as every day’s life.

What’s next for Charlyn?

We are lucky to go and play quite a few gigs in Switzerland over this summer and we are looking forward to it. We will also be playing in London on 7th, 8th and 15th June at the Half Moon, Putney. We are playing at the BIMM End of Term Graduation at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town on 17th June and at the Good Ship, Killburn on 14th August. More gigs still have to be confirmed.
We are also filming the video for Marylise on 26th and 27th May and the video should be out end of June, which is very exiting.
The EP is coming out mid June as well and we can’t wait to hear back from fans and audience about it.

We are looking forward to the EP as well if ‘Marylise’ is anything to go by its going to be added to a lot of summer playlists out there

Stream  ‘Marylise’ below

https://soundcloud.com/charlynmusic/marylise-charlyn

West Of The Sun ‘Siberian Hysteria’.

West Of The Sun are a five piece psychedelic rock and roll band from North London. Band members Luke Ward, Joe Stratton, Michael Howes, Kieran Callinan and Stevie Durkin have recently released their new single ‘Siberian Hysteria’. The five piece self-produced the song alongside engineer Shuta Shinoda (Primal Scream, Spiritualised, The Horrors) at Hackney Road Studios in East London.
‘Siberian Hysteria’ is a dreamy, warm psychedelic track with a hazy desert vibe. The track begins with fast passed striking guitars and a rapid steady beat. It then breaks and becomes a smooth astral psychedelic journey with an Arabian feel. With wah wah psych-guitar jangles and prominent percussion giving a sand like image to the track. The almost spoken main vocals with the soft lull of the backing vocals puts you at ease and sits contently in the back of your mind creating a trance feel. The slick guitar riff adds an intense sun rays feel that you can almost feel burn you. The atmosphere of sweltering heat and exhaustion is created through the loop and repetition as the song spirals to a delirious end.
This is a brilliantly written song that plants a visual image in your mind and takes you on a journey. West Of The Sun are set to release their début album later this year and if ‘Siberian Hysteria’ is anything to go by its going to be fantastic!
You can catch West Of The Sun live at
18 Jun The Soundhouse Leicester
02 Jul The Borderline London
18 Sep The Amersham Arms London

Stream ‘Siberian Hysteria’ below

The Flux Machine ‘Louder!’

The Flux Machine is Luis Accorsi and Raphael Sepulveda. They are a New York City based alternative indie rock band with an edgy hard rock sound. Their new album ‘Louder!’ was released earlier this year and it’s a tornado of hardcore rock music with some sneaky melodic pop and country aspects thrown in which make this album contagious and appealing to all.
The first track on the album is ‘Run Away’. From the start they blast you into a storm of pounding drums with a deep rooted bass that pulses through your soul. This track is full of energy with a catchy anthem like chorus that compels your body to jump and dance. With simple lyrics and “na na na” feature it’s hard to stop yourself from singing along.
‘Square Up’ follows in a grungy eerie seductive manner. The verses are full of gritty deep bewitching vocals with luring bass line and tempting drums. The track bursts into another massive energetic rock pop chorus. The contrast between the dark verses to the lighter chorus is effective and innovative.
The title track ‘Louder!’ is a manic mosh pit of frenzy. It’s rapid tempo and grinding guitar with thunderous drums makes this song the power rock track that lives up to its name. You can just imagine a live crowd going wild to this track. Turn it up and go crazy!
‘Toxic Love’ has a “The Strokes” feel. With distorted vocals and prominent strong drums. Again filled with infectious melodies and catchy easy to sing along chorus. The sweet backing vocals and slick guitar solo add a refreshing change to the tone of the track and breaks up the intense energetic vibe.
‘How It’s Gonna Be’ and ‘Mess you up’ follow with the same high powered energy with ‘Mess You Up’ becoming more grunge and intense. With heavy sound and screaming growl vocals that add an eerie quality and give a wall of death feel.
‘Believe’ is a dramatic change from the intensity of its predecessor, it lightens the mood and slows down the tone giving us a chance to calm down and slow our racing heart beats. It is a melodic softer track that is full of emotion with an airy bright feel. It completely takes you by surprise but shows a delicate side to the band. With cool sunny vocals and bouncy beats. The backing vocals add a psychedelic 70s vibe in places. It is a proper tender hazy sunshine track.
‘Love And Affection’ continues to surprise us as it is also bright and more pop infused only with a hint of country added to the mix. The light bopping beats really lift this song while the guitars give us a taste of that rock sound we are used to. The soft vocal in the chorus give a gentle feel to the song. It’s definitely a surprise but a beautiful song all the same.
‘Wheels Of Love’ eases us back into their heavier sound with a slick blues bass riff that coaxes your hips to sway and move. We welcome the heavier rock sounding drums back with gritter vocals and a scream in places. A confident filled, seductive track that exudes swagger and is extremely strut worthy.
‘Jack, Jim And Johnny’ brings us back to a blues country style. With twanging guitars and a soft bouncy beat that builds as the tempo becomes more rapid until we are presented with a country rock track. This track is full of middle finger attitude. It is a great song to get you pumped.
‘Crash Down’ brings us back to a fast tempo high energy rock track. With a call and response chorus that is infectious. It shows us a fun side to the band with stunning guitar and strong drums that bury and bend deep inside you and pound through your body making you get up and dance.
The album finishes with ‘Hate Love’ which is full of “oomph” and energy and is a fiery strong song to end on. The dynamic guitars and spirited drums make this track lively and infectious. With its humorous lyrics and aggressive spirited sound this track will leave you wanting more.
The Flux Machine have created 12, non-stop, power songs that are infectious and memorable and extremely likeable and innovative. They have something for everyone ‘Louder!’ is definitely a fantastic listen.
Stream ‘Louder!’ below

A Chat With: Gideon’s Army

With the release of Gideon’s Army’s new album  ‘King of the League’ today we decided to have a chat with Robert Bray to get to know him and his band better.

 When did you form your band?

It’s come together over time, but we started gigging in 2014. Our first gig was in March 2014 at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, NJ.

 How did you decide what style/ Genre of music you wanted to do?

The songs come from my guitar or when I’m singing on my own or when I’m jamming with bandmates. Certain sounds will inspire me to sing, and once in a while it hits a deep nerve  and the music wants to travel. And then a song appears.

What inspired you to make music? 

The singers and songwriters of my youth that moved me in a profound way. Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, Scott Weiland, Mick Jagger, Elvis, the Beatles, Johnny Cash, Kings of Leon, Tom Petty, the Black Crowes… Those are my biggest influences , but I’ve taken inspiration from many people across all genres of music. I fell in love with the guitar sounds on those records too. 

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

My love relationships show up again and again in my songwriting. My songs are also filled with my love of music, and my professional, artistic, social, and financial struggles. I tend to write about my most noble of emotions, my greatest joys, and my deepest pain.

Could you briefly describe you music-making process?

Most of the time my guitar playing will inspire the song. I’ll catch something that makes me want to sing. And like I mentioned before every once in a while you hit something deep, and you get possessed with a desire to express yourself. To articulate a profound sentiment in songful verse. It’s unexplainable, but once you’re possessed you have to write that song. Sometimes the song starts from something I’m singing to myself and then I go sit down with my guitar and find the groove. And sometimes it comes from singing along to something that one of my bandmates is playing when we get together to rehearse or jam. 

What has been your biggest challenge as a band and have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Thanks to the marvels of the internet we’ve been able to attract devoted fans all over the world, but it’s been a challenge to get the word out in our own home city, although it is still the city where we have the largest following. It’s been a challenge and it’s still a challenge to fill out a sizable venue. Our fans are scattered around the world and not concentrated in select cities or regions. Although we do know we have the most fans in NYC and Brazil.

What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?

That changes based on my and our mood, but In the Summertime or One Kiss are always fun to play.

 Whats your favourite venue that you have played at so far?

I’m tremendously excited about our June 1st album release show at the Cutting Room in New York City. It is one of the best sounding rooms in the city, and it’s got a real rock ‘n roll vibe. I also love playing at Mexicali Live in New Jersey. it’s not far from where I grew up and it’s close to my family and some of our biggest fans.

 What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?

Strings pop sometimes mid song, and you’ve got to change up your chord shapes to keep the song going and avoid sounding out of tune.

Who has been your favourite support act so far?

I’m psyched to share a bill with Marco With Love at the Cutting Room on June 1st, they’re an exciting NYC based rock ‘n roll band.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spend time with my girlfriend, close friends and family. I like to take in live music, go to the movies and the theatre, and I love to travel and discover great tastes and sights.

Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?

I have been to Ireland, Dublin and Belfast, and I love it. I cannot wait to go back. My last name Bray, is a town in Ireland, and it’s the ancestral homeland of my father’s side of the family. Would be a dream to go back and play the great venues there.

 What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

Don’t just form a group with any bunch of assholes who want to form a band. Work on your craft, work on your instrument, work on your song writing, wait until you can legitimately attract others of top quality. You can flounder for years in a project that is going nowhere. Better to take your time, have patience and then hit it hard with the best musicians in town.

Strong honest advise to end on, lets hope Gideon’s Army return to Ireland soon!

 

Gideon’s Army

Gideon’s Army is a southern infused Rock ‘N Roll band from New York City they have released a new album, ‘King of the League’, today. The band was formed in 2014 by Robert Bray, the frontman and guitarist of the band who wrote and recorded the first tracks as a solo project. Bray has since taken his act to some of New York’s most well‐known stages, including Pianos, Leftfield and The Bitter End, filling out the group’s line‐up with an array of guest musicians along the way.
The new album, ‘King of League’, was recorded at Virtue and Vice studio in Brooklyn by Anthony Gallo (Bon Jovi, John Legend, and Norah Jones) and is full of classic American Rock tunes. ‘Red Lips’ is a melodic whisky drowned ballad full of nostalgic longing tones. With its simple beat and twanging guitar features it gives a sombre sorrowful vibe, as Bray’s vocals have a dry mournful depressed tone. The guitar piece in the bridge gives a contrasting bright tone to the song which is refreshing to hear.
‘Devil Of Ramadi’ is a smooth track with steady beats and sweet guitar twangs throughout the track. It has a sway like quality with a catchy chorus. The vocals are deep and strong without being loud. There is a sense of emotional strength portrayed through the vocals with the sweet guitars gently lilting in the background adding an effective contrast. It has a Bruce Springsteen feel while still remaining original.
‘Don’t Mind’ is an upbeat energetic rock track with an anthem like chorus and slick guitar solos. Bray shows us a grittier more dynamic side to his voice in this track. With light bouncy drums and slick lustrous guitars this song is sure to get everyone up and dancing in no time.
The band is poised to hit the road again in support of ‘King of the League’ and will look to return to the studio for the album’s follow-up in late 2016! this guy means business!
Stream ,’Devil Of Ramadi’ , and ‘Don’t Mind’ below

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen track this week is ‘Ride On’ from Cherryshoes

Cherryshoes is a Psycho-pop band Fronted by the mesmerising El-Jay. They portray a hypnotic blend of dark pop that is captivating. Their single ‘Ride On’ is a well crafted psychedelic rock-pop track that consumes you in a bewitching wave of psychedelia. El- Jay’s soft vocals adds an alluring hypnotic quality to the track that could lead you down a trippy garden path. The soft instrumentation has a relaxing hex effect that places you at ease and perfectly content in this spell – like enrapture. The steady beat gives an eerie seductive tone to the track this is reinforced by the echo backing vocals. It reminds me of a succubus, a highly attractive seductress or enchantressalluring but dangerous.
Cherryshoes recently performed two sets at latitude festival and are currently recording their first album. Can’t wait to hear more from these guys.
Stream ‘Ride On’ below

Charlyn ‘Marylise’

 

‘Marylise’ is Charlyn’s promising first single from her upcoming début EP. The Swiss singer/songwriter who is now based in London portrays an electric mix of Indie Pop and 80’s elements blended together. Charlyn perfectly complements the rising popularity of female electro-pop vocals, in a similar vein to Chvrches or Brighton’s Fickle Friends.
‘Marylise’ is a bright upbeat electro – pop track with sugar coated synths and a soft bop beat. This smooth track is full of lush harmonies and shimmering electric guitars that add a little bite to this sweet creamy luminous track. Charlyn’s vocals are flawlessly radiant and syrupy and so easy to listen to. This song is full of cool tones with the added sparkling sunny vibes portrayed by the guitars and the rhythmic, spacious 80s-pop beats. .Although the lyrics are somewhat melancholy and sad the tone of the song remains upbeat and hopeful which is refreshingly effective. Its definitely one to add to your summer playlist!
Charlyn has graced the stages of renowned London venues such as Bush Hall, Under the Bridge and 02 Academy Islington, as well as playing shows in Paris and Switzerland, Charlyn is now set to take Western Europe by storm over the summer with four performances in London and appearances in Switzerland already confirmed!
We are looking forward to hearing Charlyn’s EP which will be released this June. The EP release show will take place on the 15th of June at The Half Moon in Putney, London – 8pm if your around make sure you head down.
Stream ‘Marylise’ below

https://soundcloud.com/charlynmusic/marylise-charlyn

A Chat With : 5 Dollar Shakes

5 Dollar Shakes are an alternative rock band from Gorey, Co. Wexford. The band consists of Jack McEvoy (Vocals), Colin Doran (Lead guitar), Caleb Dowdall (Rhythm guitar), Richard Deering (Bass guitar) and Ciaran O’Doherty (Drums). They have released their new single ‘Auxiliary Love’ ‘from their recently released second EP ‘Come and See Enough To Stay’ . We did a feature on ‘Auxillary love’ earlier this month and caught up with the band to get to know them a little better.

When did you form your band?
We formed the band in 2012, after auditioning for a school talent show. A few members came and left during that first year but by 2013 we had the line up that we were happy with! We’ve remained the same since!

How did you decide what Style/ Genre of music you wanted to do?
We have a quite a diverse approach to our music. We all have different musical interests and try to incorporate as many different influences into our songs as possible. As such, we’re a bit of a Jack of all trades type of band! If you had to label us under a genre though, it would probably be indie rock.

What inspired you to make music?
We’re inspired to make our music as it is a unique outlet for expressing ourselves. We’re musicians and we love what we do, and playing in a group as opposed to on your own is an incredible way to tell our stories.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
We’re all still very young, so our songs tend to convey a coming of age of sorts. We make mistakes, and have regrets, and these usually translate into great themes for our songs.

Could you briefly describe your music-making process?
It’s loose. Our creative process is a bit of a chaotic mish mash. We like to just get together and start jamming until the bones of a song starts to develop. Then Jack will take the music and throw a draft of lyrics on top. We spend a while refining the song after that until it becomes something we’re happy with. We never try force it though, if a song isn’t working we scrap it.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Financial issues have been our biggest challenge. Unfortunately there’s not a lot of money in the industry for young, independent bands. As a result, there have been gigs that we’d love to do that we simply couldn’t, due to not being able to take time of work and such. A lot of money also goes into making a record, between paying for the studio time, artwork ect. It can be tough but we’re getting to a stage now where we’re starting to see a return on our investment. The goal is to make a full time living from doing what we love, so fingers crossed we’ll make it there.

What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
Our favourite song to preform live is definitely ‘Arthouse’. It’s a bit of a crowd favourite, and there’s no better feeling than seeing a crowd chant back lyrics that you’ve written. It’s very humbling and it justifies all the sacrifices and dedication we’ve put into our music.

So far what are your favourite and least favourite venues that you have played ?
Our favourite venue is the RDS. We played the BT Young Scientist Exhibition there and playing in such a large room to so many people was simply incredible. Our least favourite is a tough one, we enjoy all our gigs! But we did play at the Golden Shears Sheep Shearing competition and got shut down for being too loud! So I suppose that would probably be our least favourite.

What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
We were playing a festival last year but had to stop after only 5 minutes as a storm started to literally take the stage apart! It was a shame as it was a gig we were really looking forward to, but these things happen!

Who has been your favourite support act so far?
We got the fantastic Sam Ali to support us for our EP launch in the Opium Rooms. He’s been our favourite. He’s incredible and you should definitely check him out.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Drinking, FIFA, chicken wings.

What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Our advice would be don’t do it. There’s enough bands out there for us to be competing against…. Only kidding, yeah if you want to start a band make sure it’s with people you really enjoy playing with. If it’s not fun there’s not much point and you’ll more than likely break up very quickly.

Whats Next for 5 Dollar Shakes?
We’d love to start playing outside of Ireland, so we’re hoping to play some gigs in and around Europe during the coming year! Other than that, we’re gonna keep writing and playing, getting our name out there as much as possible!
No doubt 5 Dollar Shakes will be playing festivals and shows all round Europe soon if their EP ‘Come and See Enough to stay’ is anything to go by. If you haven’t heard the EP stream it below, trust me you are going to want to hear it!