Belfast-born Liverpool-based songwriter Thom Southern has released his new single ‘Soul Singer,’ which was produced in collaboration with Peter Kember, a.k.a Sonic Boom.
‘Soul Singer’ is a luscious burst of fuzz-pop from Thom Southern. With the aid of Peter Kember, Southern creates a refreshing and vibrant new track laced in rich melodies and refined musicianship. He takes a delicate 60’s-esque pop melody and merges it into a vibrant psychedelic backdrop of bubbling electronics and rich rhythms to create a song full of life and energy. Skillfully produced the song’s sonic wall expands with intricate guitar embellishments and sweet key refrains while the drum grooves and pulsing bass lines, flutter throughout.
Southern’s velvety vocals croon and whisper over the melody creating a dreamy haze throughout. The verses fizz and simmer under his warm coos before the vibrant chorus erupts with clapping rhythms, lush melodies, and uplifting tones as Southern sings, “where ever you go I’ll go there too.”
Thom Southern is crafting his sound meticulously, creating heartfelt vibrant tunes that get better with each new release and ‘Soul Singer’ follows this trend spectacularly.
Laura Elizabeth Hughes has released her highly anticipated EP ‘We, Myself, I’. Hughes hones in on her poetic songwriting to create an EP that is simply divine and a triumph for Irish music. The previously featured on Indie Buddie ‘Days’ kick starts the EP. Warm guitar meanders through delicate poetic lyrics and beautiful melodies as Hughes discusses the nothingness and mundane moments when she was out of work. Emotion is expressed through bright glimmers on guitar and lush backing vocals that seem to coo and rotate through the track as if on a wheel of bittersweet monotony. The track is an absolute gem.
However, ‘Days’ is not the only stand out track on the EP. Evoking a sense of vulnerability throughout, ‘Two’, is hair-raising, captivating and utterly heartbreaking. A piano twinkles innocently within a bare and spacious soundscape while chilling loneliness is expressed through the lyrics as Hughes asks, “tell me how you keep it all together now”. This solitary number is stunningly expressive without being overpowering and showcases Hughes’ powerful songwriting ability.
Hughes’ knack with enchanting melodies shines wonderfully bright throughout this EP. Her melodic prowess is best displayed in the bewitching title track ‘We, Myself, I’. A dark guitar tone resounds between delicate plucked melodies as Hughes creates an atmosphere riddled and torn with conflicting emotions. Hughes ruminates “Saving all my hours for you, cramming them in boxes till they all turn black and blue”. Her timeless songwriting and deft lyrical delivery is deeply moving and powerfully emotive while embellished with an artistic flair and finesse well beyond her years “cheap wine chased by time cos I’ve got nothing else to loose”. She provides a perspective everyone has felt this past year, crystallised in mature earnest lyrics and cosy breathtaking arrangements.
Hughes’ music has always been rich in substance and deeply thought-provoking. However within ‘We, Myself, I’ EP Laura Elizabeth Hughes has shown strong musical growth – her sound exudes a cinematic undertone as she weaves evocative silence between ribbons of rapturous melody and warm delicate instrumentation. ‘We, Myself, I’ is a delight to listen to and a glorious display of musicianship from Laura Elizabeth Hughes.
Speaking about the EP Hughes explains; “We, Myself, I” was a little challenge I set myself. To try and navigate the thought paths that solitude was thrusting me down and make something of them. I wanted to try and replicate the advice I was being given in trying to get through a multitude of feelings and anxieties, I was told to keep it simple. To keep life simple. To not get hung up on details and bells and whistles and just focus on breathing through another day. The tracks are trying to navigate feelings of grief, of unjust theft of time and potential, of curiosity as to how other people were seemingly rowing through the sh!t that was 2020 with much more ease than I was. They’re rough around the edges, much like my mind, but they’re soft like I have tried to keep my heart. They’re cut from the same cloth, just like every day seemed to be, but each is coloured differently like I have tried to be mindful of and noticing.”
22-year old Dublin singer/songwriter Peter Richardson has released his new single, ‘Please Don’t Believe Me.’ This emotive heartwarming track boasts Richardson’s beautiful songwriting and gripping musicianship. The track oozes passion, compelling melodies, and cinematic appeal. Richardson’s majestic arrangement creates tension and exudes melancholic soothing tones all at once while hair-raising backing vocal coos create an arena-worthy sing-along refrain – it is a wonderful feast for the senses.
Richardson croons the tender, honest lyrics, “you see, I can’t love at all if only you saw that I’m bruised”, over a sombre melody and building vocal harmony. As the song progresses, Richardson introduces warm guitar, dynamic rumbles on drums, and elegant laments on piano to bring the track to its hair-raising crescendo.
Brimming with tight instrumentation and clean production, ‘Please Don’t Believe Me’ is a refined display of contemporary pop marking Peter Richardson an artist to keep an eye on.
Irish, Cork-based progressive art rock artist Shane O Leary, also known as Harlow Lake has released his new single ‘Bell and Jewel’. No stranger to the stage, O Leary has toured extensively throughout Ireland over the last 15 years, as well as the UK and Sicily, with prog-rock outfits, Jezery and Lamp. Supporting such acts as Three Trapped Tigers, Adebisi Shank, Diane And The Shell and Ten Past Seven.
‘Bell and Jewel’ is an intricately weaved psychedelic-hued progressive rock track that displays the refined and deft musicianship of Harlow Lake. The track takes you down a meandering traditional folk rabbit hole of obscurity as mystical guitars merge into a backdrop of rhythmic pulses and slaps that unfold into a sinister melodic soundscape. O Leary builds and crafts the track meticulously adding textured beats and infectious bass grooves to lure you further into his enthralling sound. Blending bright guitars and pop sensibilities into darker tones, the song ventures into psychedelic territory with Celtic folk embellishments before bursting with alternative pop/R&B flirtations.
Utilising rich and varied sounds from percussive shakes to chimes and drum machines ‘Bell and Jewel’ is a vibrant new single from Harlow Lake.
About the track O Leary said, “I wrote this during a time I was doing a lot of intensive meditation practices, and having very intense weird experiences throughout my normal day as a result of it. The chorus part’s a funny one, because I originally wrote it about someone I felt was such a prick, yet cunning, that they’d be the type to get away with murder. And even though I didn’t end up writing the rest of the song about this person I decided to keep this section in, cause I felt what I saw in them must also be in me too. If you spot it you got it kind of thing. The shadow side of myself. So in a nutshell the song’s about learning to be aware of the all the different parts of myself. The good, the bad and the ugly.”
‘He Knows’ is the debut single from Kilkenny-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Ali Comerford. Having toured the world performing viola in classical ensembles for 14 years, Ali moved back to Kilkenny in 2020 and has recorded her debut album of original folk-based but classical influenced songs.
‘He Knows’ is a luscious piece of rich musicianship as Ali Comerford creates a delicate tune wrapped in intricate instrumentation and sweet tones. Comerford’s lulling vocal caress a dreamy melody while a blossoming string arrangement, provides a pristine and innocent atmosphere. As the instrumentation grows in volume, the song becomes more vulnerable and expressive.
Lyrically the track oozes sincerity and heartfelt emotion “Oh but there must be a way out, Of this maize that I’ve been working on, But I’ve built the walls so high with doubt, Do I keep on building ’till he’s gone”. ‘He Knows’ is a stunning listening experience. Filled with intriguing folk tones and pop appeal. Comerford’s compelling musicianship and deft lyrical ability is impressive and a joy to listen to.
About the song Ali says “He knows’ is a lilting song about leaving an unfulfilling relationship, the ups and downs of seeking support elsewhere and the resignation that the truth will always come out.”
‘The Moon and the Sea’ is the new romantic ballad from Italian/Australian singer songwriter Carmine Torricella.Italian born Carmine Torricella has long had a love for music and singing. Drawing his influence from traditional Italian love songs,Carmine Torricella shares his music as a way of connecting with others whilst travelling around the Australian outback.
Within ‘The Moon and the Sea‘ Carmine Torricella spreads romantic soundscapes over a delicate instrumental backdrop. This easy listening serenade is brimming with heartfelt tones and melodies as warm plucked guitar creates a balmy glow between rich rhythms and lush swoon on strings. With smooth vocals and uplifting tones, ‘The Moon and the Sea’ is a satisfying and emotive listening experience from Carmine Torricella.
Having cut his teeth in one of the most well-loved live bands of their time on our festival circuits and live scene, former Hot Sprockets frontman Wayne Soper is no stranger to the Irish music scene. Now focusing on his solo artist project, Midnight Wayne, Soper returns with ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’.
‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ boasts the impressive genre-blending musicianship of Midnight Wayne. Melding 80’s synth-pop with crisp sparkling production, Soper adds layer upon layer of beautiful luxuriant sounds for the listener to indulge in.
The song flows upon a kinetic groove and pulsing bass while sweet synths chime throughout. Soper uses a tight beat to pull against a funky flex on guitar, and loose electronics to create a tantalizing, irresistible sound to tease and entice the listener with. The result is a mesmerising display of musical prowess and an enjoyable listening experience.
From panache-soaked breathy whispers to velvety croons, Soper’s vocals ooze a charming tone while delivering the uplifting lyrics “seek the fire that you’ve lost inside”. The upbeat lyrics are highlighted further by the tracks infectiousjangly guitars and rhythmic bounce.
‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ is a gem to treasure. Midnight Wayne is refining his sound into something special and something to get excited about. Looking forward to hearing more from Midnight Wayne.
Conor Scott has released his highly anticipated new single ‘Life Now’. Fresh from returning to Belfast after a period of time spent forging a music career in London, Conor Scott is back with a large online following, and recent support and praise shown by Mahogany Sessions.
Conor Scott displays his bright indie folk-rock and compelling songwriting with new release ‘Life Now’. The track exudes an energetic aura as Scott creates a vibrant soundscape filled with chiming guitars, lush chanting backing vocals and ethereal keys while an elastic bass weaves between a punchy drum foundation.
Scott’s warm vocals coo with a cosy, soothing quality over the infectious melody injecting a folk-rock tone into the radiant indie rock aesthetic. His voice smoothly bounces over the honest lyrics as he puts a positive spin on some of his realisations over the past year.
“Hitting twenty-six, it hit me like a ton of bricks maybe I should roll with it”
‘Life Now’ superbly displays the talent and earnest beauty within Scott’s songwriting. Boasting lush harmonies and a tight rhythmic pull, Scott has created a wholesome and passionate tune brimming with first-rate musicianship. His ability to richly blend textures and tones to create heart-stopping music is mesmerising and a joy to listen to.
Speaking of the track, Scott says: “This is the first song I’ve written that is mainly stemming from an objective view of the world, and not so much based on relationships. I wrote it right in the middle of the first lockdown so it was hard not to look at all the things that were happening. That said, I didn’t want to have something totally doom and gloom, and I think you can take quite a few positive affirmations out of the song also. Hope, I suppose”
Arthur Valentine has released his latest single, ‘Dream About You’, the lead single from his forthcoming debut EP, ‘Splitscreen’.
‘Dream About You’ blends Arthur Valentine’s luscious alternative pop with bubbling R&B and hip hop elements to create a cohesive, mellow, and infectious number for listeners to indulge in. The song maintains a sunkissed dreamy soundscape throughout filled with woozy synths and bright glistening indie guitar. As the track progresses sticky beats are added into the mix to flesh out the song’s expansive sonic sound.
Valentine layers the backdrop in thick hip hop beats and rippling bass and contrasts this with a wistful melody. The wispy, light texture of the melody immerses the song in a carefree, laid-back tone as Valentine displays his tight and ambitious production skills. Valentine’s soulful vocals ooze tenderness throughout as his laid back tone and the care-free instrumental backdrop gently paces the listener into the songs hypnotic crescendo.
‘Dream About You’ is an irresistible gem and a fine display of Valentine’s cool musicianship. His alternative pop aches with sincerity over sugary arrangements and deft production. There is a compelling and soothing effect to Valentine’s songs and ‘Dream About You’ follows this trend superbly. Arthur Valentine is an artist to treasure.
Almost a year after the release of his debut single ‘My Father’s Clouds’, Tadhg Williams returns with his second release ‘The Hope Song’ – a reflection on a trans-Atlantic relationship he experienced as he began to experiment with writing songs.
‘The Hope Song’ is a heartwarming number as Tadhg Williams displays his poetic and reflective lyrics over a beautiful melody and elegant instrumentation. The track floats upon a warm indie folk tone as soothing guitars, steady rhythms, and icy keys create a richly textured foundation. Williams fleshes out his honest songwriting by utilising poetic lyrics to create beautiful imagery and a sweet sense of nostalgia and innocence “these droplets of moments better not melt too fast.”
‘The Hope Song’ is a wonderful example of Williams’ compelling musicianship and sublime songwriting. Exuding supple cinematic builds through catchy melodies and heart-stopping arrangements ‘The Hope Song’ is an earnest, and tender new single from Tadhg Williams.
Stream ‘The Hope Song’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
