Category Archives: Worth A Listen

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Sylvan Esso

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso have released ‘Frequency’ the third single from their eagerly anticipated new album ‘Free Love’, which is set for release September 25th on Loma Vista Recordings.  The song is accompanied by a new video directed and styled by Moses Sumney. ’Frequency’ follows two other singles from ‘Free Love’ – ‘Ferris Wheel’ and ‘Rooftop Dancing’ and is the latest proof that, even with the challenges the year has brought, Sylvan Esso are finding ways to creatively thrive like never before. Just last week they released a new version of the ‘Ferris Wheel’ video created entirely in Animal Crossing, prompting the Verge to proclaim “Game of the summer, meet song of the summer.”  Sylvan Esso also recently performed ‘Ferris Wheel’ from a flatbed truck for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. The ‘Rooftop Dancing’ video, released earlier last month, is a freewheeling ode to NYC shot by acclaimed street photographer Cheryl Dunn.

‘Frequency’ is a enjoyable new tune from Sylvan Esso. Light pulsing synths gradually build to create the tracks airy soundscapes; they delicately push and pull in a jittery motion providing a rhythmic throb while Amelia Meath’s sweet warm vocals, coo on a supple dreamy melody. With tight harmony interjecting between the songs synthy bounce Sylvan Esso takes a minimalists approach to this song while still managing to create a wholling engaging and rich number. The light production and sparse use of instrumentation ( there is not any drums) allows the track to maintain an ethereal wispy texture that gracefully enters the listeners ears with a soft and infectiously soothing whisper. ‘Frequency’ is a sweet and uplifting delight from Sylvan Esso.

Shot in an anonymous suburban idyll with choreography by North Carolina-based Stewart/Owen Dance, the ‘Frequency’ video explores the inescapable pull – emotional, physical, and literal – of attraction over a pulsing, phantom beat.

About the video Sylvan Esso said : “We had a fantastic and rewarding time collaborating with our friend and fellow North Carolinian, Moses Sumney, on building a visual world for Frequency. He had such a beautiful vision for the project, one that ran parallel to the song’s initial source in a way that showed us new spaces it could inhabit. It’s a beautiful exploration of being together and apart at the same time – we feel it rings clearly in this moment. “

Watch the video for ‘Frequency’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen -INSIDEAWAVE

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From INSIDEAWAVE

Following the release of singles ‘Ivy Honey’ and ‘Bright Windows In The Night’, Dublin five-piece indie rock band, INSIDEAWAVE have released their self titled debut EP with lead single ‘Tour Guides’. To date, the band have amassed over 15,000 streams on Spotify, with ‘Ivy Honey’ having achieved 4,000 streams in 2 months.Their mid-tempo, heartening indie vibes have led them to performing extensively in premier music venues in Ireland such as Whelan’s & The Grand Social, The Bello Bar, Workman’s Club, The Wiley Fox, Bruxelle’s, Tramline, Spirit Store and many more. 

‘Tour Guides’ is an intriguing listening experience. Presented within clean production the band create a spacious and airy track with soft falsetto vocal coo’s and dreamy melody. Guitar stings slice through a wispy atmosphere as the band blend dark psychedelic elements with raw indie to create an invigorating soundscape.The rumbling bass entwines the track in an ominous sense of mystery while the rich rhythm and percussion create a bubbling foundation. There is a wonderful contrast between the brooding darker verses and blossoming burst of the chorus as the band slip effortlessly into a brighter luminous soundscape. With haunting vocals wailing as the track fades to its end INSIDEAWAVE keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through. These guys are master musicians.Their ability to compress so much wonderful sounds and elements into one track is impressive. INSIDEAWAVE are a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Tour Guides’ below


Author : Danu

New Music, Singer/Songwriter, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Moncrieff

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Moncrieff

Having kicked off this year featuring on a host of 2020 hot lists, Moncrieff has released his new single ‘PLAYLOUD’ today. His debut body of work ‘The Early Hurts’ EP featured lead track ‘Like I Do’, this debut radio single (released in Sept 2019) received extensive airplay across national radio racking up nearly 12 million audience impressions and 5 million streams. The success of the single and EP led to Moncrieff selling out his first headline show in Dublin in less than 3 hours. Moncrieff’s growing reputation also landed support slots touring with headline Irish acts Picture This and Walking on Cars. With the current state of world affairs in turmoil, this new chapter sees Moncrieff explore his role and place as a young person transitioning into adulthood in a world that seems to be getting crazier by the day, the first chapter in this new story is ‘PLAYLOUD’.

A fun, free and anthemic expression of youth, ‘PLAYLOUD’ announces Moncrieff’s triumphant return. With crisp production and electronic soundscapes blended beneath R&B and pop elements, this buoyant slice of rebellion is a refreshing boundary breaking new tune. Moncreiff’s unique vocals drift over the melty melody with dark humour and honesty alongside lush textures which weave between skittish beats, chimes on guitar and synths.

A choir of kids tease though the backing vocal while Moncrieff delivers an exhilarating middle finger to those in power failing to support society but instead aiding to oppress with their opinions and decisions “We chase our dreams while you spread your lies, Build castles in the sky, Heaven knows we’re all gonna die”. Moncrieff is an intriguing artist who posesses an uncanny skill to bend and warp genres – ‘PLAYLOUD’ is a superb example of this. His ability to inject humour into his lyrics while still getting straight to the point with a few brief words “I’m a fucking unicorn if I say so” is admirable.

‘PLAYLOUD’ is an empowering delight and that chorus is so infectious. There is something utterly freeing about this track as Moncrieff uses his earnest and powerful songwriting to create an upbeat song with heart and passion at its very core.

Speaking about the song, Moncrieff says: “PLAYLOUD was written as a reaction to a world that seems to be getting more messed up each day.  It was written as a call to arms to young people and any one who feels frustrated and alienated by the world they live in. A world where greed, consumption and the desire to make money trumps over all.  With Global leaders not doing enough to tackle (and some outright denying) the threats of climate change, and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. Since it was written in January we’ve seen how the world’s two biggest leaders fumble through a world pandemic, with countless thousands of lives needlessly lost as well as the continued systemic racism and police brutality inflicted upon the black community in the states and the UK.PLAYLOUD stands as an act of defiance and social disobedience by the youth to not allow the failings of those in power to stand in the way of their pursuit of happiness and self expression. Life is too short to waste time being concerned with other people’s opinions, and the youth want to be free to determine their own destiny as individuals. To live life to the fullest as the truest and most unapologetic version of yourself you can be no matter if the world feels like it could end tomorrow” 

Stream ‘PLAYLOUD’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen -Bitch Falcon

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Bitch Falcon

Dublin grunge-rock trio, Bitch Falcon have released their new single ‘Gaslight’ on Small Pond Records.The track premiered on BBC Radio 1 last Sunday and is the band’s debut release of 2020 and their first since signing to Brighton’s Small Pond Records. Formed by front-woman Lizzie Fitzpatrick with her friends in a small kitchen in 2014, the lineup has galvanised around the rhythm section of Barry O’Sullivan on Bass and Nigel Kenny on Drums. To date they have performed several headline and support tours around the UK along with frequent visits to the Benelux countries and North America. From the early days of their first single, Wolfstooth to their most recent release Damp Breath, an evolution in sound can be heard as the group perfect and refine their raw, fuzz-laced offerings over six singles and one EP. 

‘Gaslight’ is Bitch Falcon’s most exciting release to date. The band unleash an alternative rock maelstrom filled with raw guitars, powerful vocals and heavy barbed bass lines. The hefty tight rhythmic foundation anchors the listener through the tracks crazed agitated atmospherics as Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s bewitching vocals haunt over brooding sound rumbles and pummeling drum progressions.

Bitch Falcon have a deft ability to create wonderful calm moments of respite in between their chaotic sound which is a difficult task to achieve and yet they do this with such ease that the listener can not help but be in awe of their musical prowess. They are one of Ireland’s most exciting alternative rock bands at the moment. The refined layering and dark chilling atmospheres created within their tracks is utterly thrilling and a joy to listen to.

With gritty riffs and a dark all consuming soundscape, ‘Gaslight’ is an epic return from Bitch Falcon.

About the trackLizzie Fitzpatrick commented “I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. Gaslight is a song that came together quite fast. Barry started playing his riff and I played along messing rhythmically, just making noise. It sounded so weird and intense so quickly. I remember us all looking at each other and saying this is the one. I think this song was a change in our writing together. We knew we wanted a heavy sound with melodic intricacies.I recorded the vocal layering at home, building up chords with my voice. When we recorded it in the studio, I wasn’t able to sustain my voice for the whole section, Rían (Trench), and I decided to record it in a wave, one-note resting while the other picks up, so it sounds like a living, breathing thing.

I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. The holy grail of public display, and worth to others. Expressing yourself puts you in a vulnerable position, and I think a lot of people embellish the truth. In that way, an unachievable status is shoved down our throats, and we play into the game every day.”

Stream ‘Gaslight’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Sea Girls

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sea Girls

Sea Girls have released the stunning animated video for their anthemic fan favourite and new single, ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’, taken from their forthcoming debut album Open Up Your Head – out August 14th on Polydor. The band also embark on a huge headline tour this November, including sold-out dates at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowlands, Manchester Academy and Birmingham’s O2 Institute, as well as the band’s biggest headline line show to date at London’s Brixton Academy.

‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ is an effervescent guzzle of refreshing indie rock. This anthemic track kick starts the frenzy with a cool guitar chime and pulsing beat. The band cruise into the song before erupting into the dynamic chorus which is sure to be epic live. The band spread a bitter/sweet melody over crashing guitars, punchy drums and blazing bass grooves to create an instant shot of adrenaline-fueled indie. Henry Camamile ventures from wistful coos for the verses to passionate exclaims for the chorus building the tracks emotive quality. The intensity builds as the song progresses towards the frantic crescendo. The band have a knack for writing earnest ear-worms with clever lyrical content and ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ follows this trend. Sea Girls’ music is expanding and getting better with each release. Their anthemic musical prowess provides a wholling invigorating sound sure to charm all who hear it.

The animated video was directed by acclaimed Korean-Swedish duo Tjoff Koong Studios (Tezo Kyungdon Lee and Magnus Lenneskog). The video takes the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster. Lead singer Henry Camamile perfectly describes the video, “When I wrote this song I was trying to channel some emotional highs and lows of the likes of Kurt Cobain.” He continues, “Full of visual adrenalin, it builds with rushes of excitement and lack of control. Someone build a rollercoaster through the city and we’ll get on it.”

You can watch the video for ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – THUMPER

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From THUMPER

Dublin noise-pop sextet THUMPER have recently released their brand new single, ‘Topher Grace’. With a raw flaky rhythm battering through distorted guitars the track kicks off with abrasive sonics while THUMPER mangle acute post punk into a psychedelic rock mirage to create a confused and intense atmosphere. Oisín Leahy-Furlong spits a mostly spoken monologue which highlights themes of self-destruction. Sonically the track whirlwinds through the lyrics with manic tendencies while the rampant yet steady bass, drums and guitars hold a constant anchor of sanity throughout the chaos.

The scrupulous layering of this track displays THUMPERS adept ability to create controlled chaos while venturing out of their comfort zone. The usual bubble pop melodic flurries we are used to from THUMPER are absent as the band delve into lyricist territory replacing vocal melody with venom-filled words and yelps in between breathy exclaims. It is only when the song fades at the end that we get a glimmer of a gentle melody as Leahy-Furlong sings a bittersweet lament “I hide in bars. I drown in words. It seems absurd that I’m lonely. Make a safe bet – If I left, this party continues without me”.

What makes THUMPER great is their deep, intelligent grasp of style and genre. ‘Topher Grace’ is an erosive, acid soaked frenzy smushed into a thrilling six and a half minute track. It is a fantastic, bold and daring display of musicianship from the band.

When I spoke to Oisín Leahy-Furlong about the track he said :  “It was written over the course of a couple of months which is sort of different for me, normally these things are written in bursts. I suppose the song makes several allusions to a culture which is fairly present, in Ireland anyway of airing your problems in public with a pint in your hand rather than in a friend’s sitting room. I guess it’s about the idea that maybe you are going through destruction or by unraveling yourself you will find some sort of ultimate truth or something. Which of course is bullshit but I suppose the deeper you are into that lifestyle the easier it is to convince yourself that it’s the way for you.”

You can read the full interview here https://www.indiebuddie.com/a-chat-with-oisin-leahy-furlong-from-thumper/

Stream ‘Topher Grace’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen -modernlove.

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From modernlove.

Photo Credit : David McGeary

Ireland’s rising Indie Pop act modernlove. have released their new single ‘If You Wanna See Me’. The band have rapidly become one of indie-pop’s brightest and most talked about new bands. 2019 saw the release of singles ‘Bop’ and ‘Liquorice’ and the bands streaming figures are at nearly half a million on Spotify.’Bop’ was also featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’  and earlier this year the band performed a SOLD OUT Dublin headline show in The Sound House in February.All of modernlove’s singles to date have picked up national radio support in the UK and Ireland including ‘Play Irish Artist of The Week’ by Ed Smith on Today FM, Track Of The Week on XS Manchester, radio premieres on 2FM and spins on BBC Ulster, Across The Line and Radio X

‘If You Wanna See Me’ is a cohesive ethereal electronic number that sparkles with light indie and rich rhythmic fluctuations as modernlove. provide a glimpse into their spacious, ambient and mood shaping musicianship. This track holds the vibrance and clarity of its predecessors however, ‘If You Wanna See Me’ exudes cooler tones and lo-fi textures. The track radiates ambition and tactile energy as the labyrinthine synths shimmer through the buoyant cushioning beat. As the track progresses it blossoms becoming more lush and expressive.

I have to hand it to these guys ‘If You Wanna See Me’ has beauty even within its harsher psych infused moments as well as in the shimmering lo – fi pop coating. The track is a fine example of mature, rich songwriting and immaculate production. The expanding soundscapes masterfully unfold with each musical progression teasing and seducing the listener while soft vocals caress a dreamy melody which twinkles with elements of distortion on guitars and bass.

A sublime new single from modernlove. They are a band worth keeping an eye on.

You can catch modernlove. perform their headline show in The Grand Social, Dublin on Oct 31st as part of the rescheduled Eastbound Festival.

Stream ‘If You Wanna See Me’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – The Clockworks

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Clockworks

Photo Credit: Oscar Ryan 

The Clockworks are set to release their new single ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ via the Creation 23 label tomorrow Friday 12th June.Written by The Clockworks, ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ was produced by Michael Rendall and The Clockworks in Willesden, London.

The track has already grabbed the attention of BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac on her “New Names” showcase, as well as legendary Rodney Bingenheimer show in the states on Sirius XM, and even received day time radio play on RTÉ 2FM.

The Clockworks are a four-piece comprising James McGregor on Vocals/Guitar, Sean Connelly on Guitar, Damian Greaney on Drums and Tom Freeman on bass. Relocating to London in 2019, the quartet signed to Alan McGee’s new record label ‘Creation23’ almost overnight. They have since impressed audiences across Europe with live performances at festivals including Eurosonic and Electric Picnic, performing to a huge crowd at Sefton Park in Liverpool in support of Kings of Leon, as well as a head-turning televised appearance on Sky 1’s Soccer AM.

‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ is an accelerated slap of The Clockworks intense post punk in all its exhilarating glory. The band create a hyper sound that pivots around chiming guitar lines and blood pumping drums while a raw gritty bassline rumbles through the foundation. The track has a hypnotic metronomic rhythm that buries into the brain while the sweet guitar laments with a soothing quality. The rapid lyrics are delivered with a relentless stamina as James McGregor sings the catchy chorus and spits the verses with fiery angst. Blurring timelines past, present and yet to be, ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’, sees the band comparing the once optimistic visions of ‘the future’ of generations past, with the bleak reality that we currently live in. The band portray this through a palpitating tune that rushes through to its blistering almost asphyxiating crescendo.The instrumental glitches and itchy texture of the song create quiet the unsettled and almost frantic wall of sound as The Clockworks continue their real, honest and punchy musicianship with another absolutely fantastic tune. 

About the track James McGregor explains:  “This song is about trying to bring together two main ideas: The feeling that everywhere you look things are going wrong, to the point of cynicism, and the way that the idea of the future is better that its reality. Art and articles in the past would talk about 2020 and expect us to be driving flying cars in houses that clean themselves where nobody has to work. In reality we’re driving third hand Fiat Punto’s to 9-5’s that barely pay the rent. I guess the point is that the lifestyle may change but a lot of the problems are the same.”

‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ will be available digitally on 12 June 2020, via the Creation 23 label.

Watch the video for ‘The Future Is Not What It Was’ below 


Author : Danu

electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – The Post Romantics

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Post Romantics

The Post Romantics have released their new single ‘bad friend’ via DEADBOY$CLUB. Self-produced under lockdown at the band’s home in Liverpool, the track showcases the band in their purest form. The Post Romantics is formed of brothers Connor Cockbain, Cameron Cockbain and Liam Cockbain along with their childhood friend, Sam Barton. Championed by BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Introducing, last year saw the band cut their teeth supporting the likes of Wolf Alice and Larkins, selling out headline shows in Liverpool and London. 2020 sees the band follow up this release, embark on their now rescheduled UK tour and perform at Liverpool Sound City and Hit The North Festival.

Warped in a deadly concoction of haunting electronics and mysterious production, ‘bad friend’ sees The Post Romantics continue their sublime dark aesthetic where contemporary R&B rubs elbows with moody twisted emo pop. The track is an anti-love letter to the liars, users and other fake friends. Following the tale of two people who got too close for their own good, ‘Bad Friend’ offers an honest insight into the world of toxic relationships.

With heavy sticky beats slapping between an asphyxiating soundscape the track swirls in a mysterious and ominous atmosphere while the emotive smooth vocals melt over the punchy bubbling backdrop and vaporous electronics. The reverb laced backing vocals create an ethereal breezy tone to the track that provides a breath of air between the tracks muggy compression. With elements of The Weeknd within the songs production ‘bad friend’ has a crisp and polished coating with coiling and twisting undertones creating the tracks underbelly.

With labyrinthine hooks nourished between sultry production and gritty heavy beats, The Post Romantics are harnessing their sound, becoming bigger and better with each release.

About the track lead singer, Connor says :  “I wrote this song after I realised that people are snakes.Relationships are complicated and people catch feelings and shit, I get it, but, be honest about it at least. Don’t play games.  People say one thing but mean another and, eventually, when they don’t get what they want, they’ll turn around and bite you. Maybe I’m just a sucker for people who want to f*ck my life up…”

Stream ‘bad friend’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, Funk, Funk and Soul, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – SG Lewis

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From SG Lewis

Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist SG Lewis has recently released the official video for his brand new single ‘Chemicals’ via PMR/VirginEMI.The psychedelic video was shot at home during lockdown by SG using a green screen and directed by Yousef and produced by Jake Parker for Prettybird. The song has already accumulated over 3 million streams since release and is the first track to be released from SG’s eagerly anticipated debut album, with more details to be announced soon.

Saturated in soaring soundscapes, intricate funk grooves and euphoric melodies, ‘Chemicals’ is a laid back disco hued gem. The track spins into motion with shimmering synths exuding a cool refreshing atmosphere as the zesty guitar flexes and swirling electronics create a chilled sonic drive. With a strutting hook, sweet melody and retro disco underbelly the track wraps your ears in a luscious coating of candy floss bliss while the chic 70’s – esque bubbly foundation keeps your feet tapping. ‘Chemicals’ effortlessly displays SG Lewis’ rich, first rate production and musicianship while his velvety falsetto cools the electric funk humidity of the track. There are elements of Daft Punk and influences of soul glimmering through the track making this relaxed summer-splashed tune an enjoyable listen.

Watch the video for ‘Chemicals’ below


Author : Danu