Category Archives: Shoegaze

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

JEKYLL ‘The Whispering Gallery’ EP

Blackpool alternative rock band JEKYLL have released their new EP ‘The Whispering Gallery’.The band consists of Joel Foster (vocals / guitar), Lewis Armistead (bass), Liam Singleton (drums) and Mike Spence (guitar). Jekyll hooked up with fierce panda at The Great Escape in 2018 in time for the lively, driving debut ‘Jekyll’ EP. Much of that release, as well as the ‘The Whispering Gallery’ singles, have been championed by Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, while their summertime BBC Maida Vale session for Radio 1 was played out on the Huw, Jack Saunders and Daniel P Carter shows.

‘The Whispering Gallery’ is an ambitious collection of tracks as JEKYLL present their wonderfully embellished musicianship through a dramatic ethereal wall of sound. The band magnify their hyper alternative rock through a prism of implosive guitars, relentless bass lines and pounding drums. ‘The Whispering Gallery’ streams energetic alternative rock into a distortion filtered kaleidoscope to create sublime facets of shoegaze hues and indie pop undertones. The invigorating rush of ‘The Escapist’ kick starts the EP with a flurry of guitars ricocheting off the punchy drums as the band build a haunting crashing sound tightly entwined in an exhilarating sense of tension and mystery. With crisp vocals and climactic progression there is a Muse – esque vibe about the track. The constant jogging rhythms and western – like tonality mangled between an epic arrangement displays maturity and growth in the band. ‘I Do What I Can’ and ‘Marionette’ follow the intensity, splurging a spine chilling bass rumble over the bands bracing melodic foundation. The eerie crawling melodies and equally implosive and explosive soundscapes make each track thrilling and tantalizing to the ears as the band flesh out sublime songwriting and lushly textured songs. With shredding solos, sharp falsettos and bitter sweet tones between blistering instrumentation each track is one energetic bursting eruption after another. JEKYLL display their shoegaze swagger through  ‘Echoes (Uncut)’ with crashing razor sharp guitar lacerating through a buoyant backdrop while a sweet laid back melody grooves throughout as if innocently oblivious to the perilous heavy background. The verses drift beautifully into the mighty chorus with ease allowing each blossoming instrumental burst to flourish wonderfully for the psychedelic tinged crescendo. It’s a doozy of a track that is both charming, sweet and epic all at once. The band close the EP with a sweet little gem ‘Midnight Swim’. The calmest and most delicate number on the EP. This track, sways with soft piano and subtle twinkling soundscapes. As the song unfolds the piano wisps you away in an elegant arrangement while soft tender vocals coo with passionate and supple emotion. It’s a calming and utterly time stopping piece to bring the EP to a superb and mature finale.

 JEKYLL show maturity beyond their years with ‘The Whispering Gallery’. They present a sound rich with lush textures, masterful intricacies and refined majestic musicianship that is sure to revolve in your head all day and leave you in awe of their grand and dignified arrangements.

About the EP Joel Foster said:  “I first got the idea for the name of the EP from a poem by Thomas Hardy called ‘In A Whispering Gallery. The poem, as I understand it, is all about whispers from an unknown source reaching you and making you believe in transcendental and / or spiritual communication. A Whispering Gallery is also what the inside of domes in cathedrals are usually called, because if you stand in them whispers carry as loud as any other sound and are clearly audible. One of the main themes of the EP is based around the idea that the relationship between people and the stars is similar to that of a whispering gallery. Many of the songs on the EP reference stars and astral nobodies: ‘Echoes’ is all about stars; ‘The Escapist’ talks about the stars watching you self-destruct and longing to save you from harm; and ‘Midnight Swim’ also references going for a swim in the moonlight – ‘where trinket stars hang upon bloated skies’ – to cleanse yourself of life’s chaos. It just felt like the most fitting title and it fits the sentimental and spiritual themes perfectly.”

Stream ‘The Whispering Gallery’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Zeros & Ones ’15 to 1 (feat. Tiny Murder)’

Galway alternative rock band Zeros & Ones have released their new single 15 to 1 (feat. Tiny Murder). The release of 15 to 1 will be accompanied with a music video and the band will play a series of live shows to support the launch.The song was recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Roger Kelly at Galway Rehearsal Studio. Zeros & Ones have played countless shows around Ireland to date, highlights include two EP launches on the main stage of Galway’s famed Róisín Dubh and an appearance at Whelan’s annual Ones to Watch showcase to name a few.

‘15 to 1’ is a breezy shoegaze number as Zeros & Ones layer intricacies within a laid back fuzzy backdrop. With sweet twinklings on guitar and an energetic buoyant beat that becomes almost drowned in mellowed hazy melodies, the band create a wonderful prism of sun kissed indie pop.Zeros & Ones deeply immerse the track in an effortless soundscape as the guitars clang and rattle with a honeyed tonality building the joyously effervescent noise pop layering. The brilliant vocal interplay between David McDonagh and Tiny Murder creates a wonderful and delicate element to the track, as their voices coo against the guitar noise while complementing each other perfectly. ‘15 to 1’ is a sublime return from Zeros & Ones.

Stream ‘15 to 1’below 


Author : Danu

Brit Punk, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Jake Regan ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’

Photo Credit : Liam Farrell.

Dublin multi-instrumentalist Jake Regan has released a new double single ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’. Jake Regan used to be the frontman of the band Segrasso. Early last year he decided to end the band and start making music on his own. Regan has been playing gigs with a band under the name Jake Regan and the Loverboys, but when he records music, he plays all the instruments himself.

‘Unfair’ is a sulky whack of abrasive alternative punk as Jake Regan fleshes out his unique songwriting in a pop smacked yet raw track. The wailing, stinging guitar cuts into the pulverising drums and grit smudged wall of sound. Moaning, gloomy vocals murmur through the verses while a stomping beat reinforces the anguish and fury however the depressed tantrum-soaked chorus is superbly contrasted with a breezy infectious melody and lighter tone. With its 70’s-esque Brit punk hues and shredding musicianship Regan displays his frustration at the “sell out “ copycat bands with a hint of comical irony.

‘Stay’ dollops on some shoegaze into Regan’s sound. Hazy and wrapped in a bitter sweet hue of nostalgia this lo-fi ditty broods in a wistful melody as Regan’s reverb lace vocals pine and coo in a blanket of sorrow. Doused in psychedelic tones the guitar-stings pierce throughout while the punchy drums batter in the background. This raw, heart-bleeding track grooves with a grunge backdrop against mopey pop elements. The soft melody wisps about the track melting into the downcast atmosphere.The warm biting guitar jingles and glimmers – lighting the chorus with its spark of luminosity through the mist. Utterly mesmerising and compelling this track hits you in the chest with passion and longing while also packing in some sublime and refined instrumentation.

Both ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ showcase how mature, passionate and exquisite Jake Regan is as an artist. He blends genres beautifully creating tracks that majestically blossom into a fine body of work.

Stream ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Shoegaze

Goldkey ‘Background’ EP

Goldkey has released his first full length EP ‘Background’. Goldkey is the musical alias of New York artist Mike Horn.Working with producer Ben Rice (Norah Jones, The Candles, Queue, Daughter) at Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, Goldkey has crafted tunes that are one part indie pop, one part indie folk. His first single ‘Mountain’ was featured on Spotify playlists Tune Core The New, Indie Mono Indie Folk. Goldkey followed this release with the driving psychedelia of ‘What Am I Supposed To Do?’, which led to dates supporting artists Eighty Ninety, Elliot & the Ghost and a headline appearance at the 2017 Official Jeff Buckley tribute concert.

‘Background’ is a chilled collection of tracks that flow beautifully between elements of indie, surf, garage and shoegaze to create a complete and wholesome EP. From the opening guitar jangle of ‘In The Background’ Horn places you into a peaceful and mellowed world of his creation as the hazy soundscape of soft beats and steady delicate guitar work flood you with pacifying lo-fi tones of bliss. The zesty guitar elements in ‘Rabbit Hole’ and  ‘Afraid Of Love’  add a refreshing zest to the tracks while the sweet as honey melodies soothe the ears in a warm coating of euphoria. Horn’s laid back vocals caress each track with delicate tenderness as each easygoing gem drifts along creating a lazy summer’s day atmosphere. ‘Galaxy’ is a lonely delight that sits almost solitary in the middle of the EP. Horn’s tender vocals coo with sweet emotion while soft instrumentation grace the background, broken at times by a lamenting guitar melody that has a lone ranger feel. Incredibly melancholic and heartbreaking the track builds becoming more heavy as a gentle piano twinkle is introduced creating a bittersweet innocence and elegant air to the song.Filled with soft tones and supple, refined musicianship ‘Prominent Moon’ brings the EP to a delicate and wholesome conclusion as warm guitar injections add speckles of scintillation through the sombre sweet tones and tender melody. 

With its lo-fi approach and soothing instrumentation Goldkey’s ‘Background’ EP is a marshmallow of comfort and delicacy with glorious and intricate instrumentation glistening throughout.

Stream ‘Background’ below


Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Shoegaze

doops ‘The Lost’

Reading based alternative three piece doops have released their new single ‘The Lost’. This intense luring track weaves and wriggles around a spacious creeping atmosphere and rich intricacies creating a psychedelic labyrinth of melodies and soundscapes. Twinkling guitars entwine the track in an eerie yet sweet melody that meanders throughout the spine chilling backdrop. The sinister vocals whisper while the steady beat creates a constant to hold on to as the song spirals into a shoegaze hued psych trip. Laced in wispy ethereal vibes doops create a bottomless abyss as they lead you into this mesmerising track with light airy tones meaty rhythms and haunting reverb. The track builds becoming more perilous as the instrumentation and vocals intensify for the crashing crescendo. Well crafted and superbly fermented this track carefully coils and simmers for an almost claustrophobic effect as each component part wraps you more tightly in its entrapment and darkly smothered depths. A magnificent and chilling track from doops. 

Stream ‘The Lost’ below 


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘This Girl I Know’

After the success of their last single ‘Leave This City’, and a busy summer of festival appearances ahead. Dublin’s Sun Mahshene have released their powerful and poignant new single ‘This Girl I Know’. This is the band’s third single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. It was recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty.

‘This Girl I Know’ wraps your ears in Sun Mahshene’s melodically rich musicianship. A psych hued shoegaze wall of sound delicately caresses the soft verses while Nathan Henderson’s vocals melt upon the sweet nostalgic melody. This track seeps deep into the brain with a fuzzy dreamy atmosphere as ethereal guitar distortion and soft rhythms whirl with heart stopping vigor while creating a marshmallow comforting effect. The melancholic tone sweetly wisps about the track as Sun Mahshene display their musical finesse effortlessly. These guys have some serious talent. Their ability to create a wholly invigorating track while showcasing tender emotion as well as  building and layering their music in intricate instrumentation is mesmerising and oh so lush on the ears. The shrills and pines on guitar are majestic as graceful keys, warm bass and subtle percussion jingles all create the intricate and utterly profound sound that is the glorious delight of Sun Mahshene’s tunes.

Stream ‘This Girl I Know’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Jake Regan ‘Over It’

Dublin singer songwriter Jake Regan has released his debut single ‘Over It’. Regan who was previously in the band Segrasso has now gone out on his own and is recording his debut album where he plays all the instruments on the recording.

‘Over It’ is the first taste of Regan’s solo work. With nonchalant vocals breezing over a crashing backdrop of grungy shoegaze this track is a charming biter. He blends the laid back hazy vibes of the verses perfectly with the shredding chorus. Blistering guitars lacerate through the punchy drums with knife edged precision while Regan sweetly broods over this raw backdrop. There are some refined moments as the track takes a unique sweet turn half way through. The guitars spiral into a luscious melodic motif that features sublime guitar work from Regan as he meanders through a tight piece of musicianship filled with honeyed tones and gritty elements. This is meticulously blended to create a mind melting listening experience. This track frizzles and distorts while soothing with its sweetly melodic moments and moody tones. It’s quite the roller coaster.

Stream ‘Over It’ below


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Shoegaze, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sun Mahshene

Dublin’s “Psychgazers”, Sun Mahshene, are set to release their fizzing new single  ‘Come Alive (Leave This City)’ tomorrow the 11th January. This is the second single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. It was recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty.

‘Come Alive (Leave This City)’ coolly whacks out that shivering dark and wild side to Sun Mahshene’s psychedelic shoegaze. These guys have never been shy at throwing everything they have into their tracks and this new single is no different. Brimming from the start with shrilling guitars blistering through a hyper drum pound, charging bass and scalding raw electronics, this lean mean psych spun number is saturated in mind frazzling soundscapes and adrenaline inducing energy. The catchy melody drips nectar coated bliss onto the effervescent backdrop as Nathan Henderson’s deep vocals rumble the verses through the snappy drum whack and flexible bass blitz. Filled with ominous spine chilling distortion, pristine production and breathtaking musicianship- this is another killer track from Sun Mahshene.

Stream ‘Come Alive (Leave This City)’ below

https://soundcloud.com/sun-mahshene/come-alive-leave-this-city-1


Alt Rock, Atmospheric Music, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Oceans Over Alderaan ‘Sevenfour’

Oceans Over Alderaan are set to release their debut single ‘Sevenfour’ on January 11th on The Recording Industry Is Dead, Records.Starting off as an instrumental band Oceans Over Alderaan gradually evolved to include vocals. The first gig they ever played was in October 2017 at Preston Guild Hall supporting The Big Moon and Porter & May. The quartet are an atmospheric doom-pop band from Blackpool UK who combine shoegaze and post-rock elements to make a wholly fresh sound. Made from former members of Goonies Never Say Die, Escape Artist, Dinosaurs Are Shit Dragons the band have been together since Summer 2017 with Alice Deacon joining in February 2018

‘Sevenfour’ displays Oceans Over Alderaan’s heavy-duty sound in an atmospheric implosive manner. The verses creep and lightly flutter into your ears with sweet euphoric bursts while the meaty chorus packs the bands hefty wall of sound in your head firmly. With a dreamy melancholic melody haunting through punchy drums, jabbing bass and crashing guitar -these guys create a wholly enthralling listening experience.There is a rushing sense of urgency through the track like a doomsday gloom nagging over the whimsical flutters of majesty – adding a rich and diversely contrasting atmosphere throughout the track. Its intense moments are climactic and adrenaline-filled as they blast through with mosh frenzy while the sweet flickering moments are delicate and soft with gentle guitar glimmers and breezy soundscapes. Perfectly crafted and crisply produced ‘Sevenfour’ is a sublime debut from Oceans Over Alderaan.

Stream ‘Sevenfour’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Galants ‘Follow’

Dublin indiegazers, Galants have released, ‘Follow’, the second single to be taken from their forthcoming sophomore EP via Zen Ten Records. ‘Follow’ heralds a change of pace from the band’s previous offering ‘In Vain’ and is prefaced with thundering drums and a sense of melodic urgency that is unrelenting throughout. Reflecting on the psyche of the crowd and pressure to use the decisions of others as a mental shortcut to navigate life, the track represents the race towards escapism. Gritty guitar riffs slice their way through the  relentless drum rumble as laid back reverb laden vocals soothe the blistering instrumental backdrop with a dreamy haze and lush melodic refrain. This fiery track rushes through with high voltage adrenaline as a powerful chorus erupts with pop – esque infectiousness-  richly flooding your ears with delicious bliss while a riotous backdrop keeps the edgy mosh ready inferno ablaze. 

Stream ‘Follow’ below