King Kartel have released their new single ‘Be Mine’.The band have sold out shows across Manchester and Northern Ireland, as well as securing slots at the likes of Isle of Wight, Truck and Y Not Festivals. They have received support from Radio X, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1’s Phil Taggart to name a few, and had tracks featured across TV shows including Hollyoaks, Come Dine With Me and World’s Strongest Man,
‘Be Mine’ trades King Kartel’s riotous indie rock for a swaying sugar sweet doo wop ditty, swooned in 50’s charm. With a bluesy swinging rhythm and soft jaunty guitars the band create a hook laden number that builds sublimely. Oh so catchy and sweet the melody is caressed by tender delicate vocals while the buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo.The band maintain their dynamic punch by progressing into a scorching solo and steamy crescendo as the track broods into a vaporous outburst. It’s extremely sweet with a thrilling backdrop that holds the heavier aspects of King Kartel’s sound without becoming overpowering. A magnificent addition to King Kartel’s catalogue marking them as a diverse and well rounded band to watch out for.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Under Starling
Under Starling are back with their new single ‘Quasar (3C 273)’ Under Starling are an alternative rock band from Waterford formed by brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford, Stephen Keating and Colin Drummey.They released their debut single, Far Be It From Me, in August 2018 which was followed by an independent Irish tour hitting the core Irish music scene and rallying fans across the college demographic.The band have been gigging and releasing music for 5 years under a former title of Cider Wasps – this was changed to Under Starling during summer 2018 as the band entered a new chapter in their lives.The previous project saw 2 EP releases both titled ‘Here’ and ‘Ethereal’ which included singles such as ‘Lunasa’ and ‘Hummingbird’ which were picked up by national radio stations. Their live shows are known to have a popular chaotic energy as they invoke a range of emotions from their fans.
‘Quasar (3C 273)’ is a beautifully crafted emotive display from Under Starling. With grand production and heart gripping tension that builds superbly with every note and expressive progression.The heartfelt vocals are equally powerful and tender. With a chorus destined for arena sing alongs, massive crescendo and utterly gripping space-rock elements Under Starling has created one hair raising rock gem.The swirling ethereal soundscapes rush and flicker between a pulsing beat as the band cultivate this track beautifully with lush harmonies and twinkling guitars.The erupting chorus bursts into a million fragments of scintillation as the rich rhythm, swirling sonics and mesmerising textures create a magical quality that is vibrant, kinetic and so moving you could cry, laugh, sing and dance all at once with this majestic beautiful track.
Isreali Singer/songwriter Guy has released his debut single ‘Breaking Down’. Also a successful entrepreneur, Guy has been featured in Inc Magazine, Forbes and USA Today with his high profile SEO company. ‘Breaking Down’ is his first foray in to music, leading the charge with the triumphant ‘Breaking Down’ which will be followed by two more singles in February ahead of the debut album later this year.The new release is heralded by a highly produced music video, underlining the dark undercurrent of ‘Breaking Down’.
‘Breaking Down’ is a raw love ballad. Guy builds emotion through anthemic rock elements and dramatic electronics. With brooding verses building into dynamic instrumental breaks and powerful choruses- it’s a powerful debut. The track has a massive 80’s rock vibe with tender breaks and melancholic key injections as soaring guitar solos glissade across a punchy foundation and flashing dark electronics.This contrasting sweetness and bitter harsh soundscapes create a wonderful turmoil and tearing effect that is quite compelling. Guy went all in for his expressive debut.
Outfielder have released their new EP ‘In Play’. Outfielder is an Ottawa based indie rock band with a ’90s flair, featuring members of Galapagos, John Creeden & The Flying Hellfish and Jonathan Becker & The Northfields.
Doused in heartfelt melodies, warm tinges of 90’s alternative rock with a dash of blues and pop peppering ‘In Play’ is a satisfying listen from Outfielder. These guys have a knack for warm honeyed melodies and slick musicianship. The warm twang of ‘Tracks’ and sweet slow burner ‘Saint John’ show the bands emotional tenderness and ability to create passion through sublime guitar work.Sandwiched between these ballad – esque tones and brooding numbers is the blistering 60’s melancholic swagger of ‘Like A Man’ and the jangly nostalgic ‘Past’ – these tracks display scorching guitar lines dripping in sunshine in the former, sweet lamenting guitar in the latter against a pop-filled buoyant beat and vibrant alternative moodiness.
Outfielder has created a lush well crafted melodious EP that hits the spot with refined instrumentation and wonderful songwriting. However for me it’s those sweet golden guitar moments that make each track refreshing and special.
Freak Control are a fresh Dublin based dance rock duo consisting of Paulus Maximus on Bass VI / Vocals / Synth Pedals & Dietrich Blitzer on Drums.Influenced by the likes of The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy, 70’s Funk & 60’s Psychedelia, Freak Control have their own original style and flavour which they add to the mix as only they can do.
This band has a raw, gritty sound that invades your brain and runs rampant like a crazed maniac until you succumb to the frenzy. Robust and whiplash-inducing – their acid soaked sound is pretty infectious and not for the faint-hearted but is sure to guarantee one heck of a live show.
Freak Control have just released their new video for upcoming single ‘Alien Fear’ check it out below
Indie/Alternative rock band Madison Front have released their new single ‘Sleep Off’.The band comprised of Luke O’Connor on Vocals, Patrick Murphy on Lead Guitar, Gary Murphy on Drums, Jack Shakespeare on Bass and Conor Cullen on Rhythm Guitar gained some notoriety during their first year, performing at Ireland’s well-renowned Longitude Music Festival, featuring alongside acts such as Hozier, Alt-J and The Chemical Brothers. Following this, the band made an appearance on Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ. They spent the next couple of years playing in popular music venues across Dublin, including Whelan’s, The Academy, The Workman’s Club and The Grand Social, establishing themselves within the local music scene.
‘Sleep Off’ glazes Madison Front’s sound with bubbling indie soundscapes as they burnish their buoyant backdrop with slinky zealous guitar and ethereal qualities. The band polish and rein in the meaty rhythm to create enough explosion without becoming overpowering. There are sublime radiant guitar riffs and licks throughout the track that provide a sun kissed lightness and prismatic quality while the strong backdrop maintains the bands sturdy punch. With a steamy solo and expressive accented vocals ‘Sleep Off’ is a tight number from Madison Front.
Madison Front will play their single launch for ‘Sleep Off’ on February 15th in the brand new Lost Lane venue.
Bio : Glassio is the Queens, NY-based new wave/dream-pop project from Irish-Iranian songwriter-producer Sam R. Glassio started in late 2015 as a duo between Sam R. and his classmate Charles Pinel before it turned into a solo project. In early 2019, Glassio released the sophomore EP Age of Experience. The EP featured the single “Back for More,” which garnered over 2M plays on Spotify and was featured on Alan Ball’s HBO show “Here & Now.” Outside of producing original material and performing, Sam R. is a remixer, producing Glassio re-works for artists like Madge, Argonaut & Wasp, Sulene, and Goldwash.
Track: Are You Having Fun Without Me?
Why We Like It: This lonely disco-hued number weaves sweet melodies into a tight electronic backdrop. The wispy 80’s synths shimmer between soft pulsing beats as Glassio creates a lushly textured indie pop track that broods with tender tones and delicate harmonies. With warm honeyed melodies and dreamy nostalgic atmosphere Glassio’s groove-laced, passionate musicianship is utterly engrossing.
Glassio says this of his single, “Though anything I write is usually an amalgam of multiple experiences, this song was pretty personal and loosely inspired by the upbringing my siblings and I had. We were moved around a lot growing up, and lost touch with friends and family members. I had always wanted to write something that tackled our upbringings, and felt this song was a perfect portal for those sentiments. I wanted to leave it pretty open ended though and hope people can apply their own experiences to the song — whether it be betrayal, a breakup, or not being accepted by someone they love.”
Bio : London alternative pop band Gengahr have released their new single “Icarus” from their album, Sanctuary, released last Friday 31st January. Their track “Heavenly Maybe” playlisted at BBC Radio 1, A-listed at BBC 6 Music and Tune Of The Week on Radio 1’s Greg James’ Breakfast Show
Track: Icarus
Why We Like It: It’s an infectious biting indie pop track layered meticulously as shimmering synths swirl between tight grooves and shaky rhythms. This compact intricate number boasts Gengahr’s mature and dense musicianship as twinkling guitar chimes through a wobble of distortion and zest-filled stings. The mosaic wall of sound is held together by a sweet melody and smooth vocals which sprinkle dreamy speckles of scintillation and magic throughout this shiny indie pop number.
About the song, the band said:“Icarus is a song about growing up and coming to terms with the expectations of our youth. As a child we believe anything is possible but as we get older there is a crushing realisation as we begin to understand that the journey of life has its own uncontrollable trajectory. Dave East, who made the videos for “Heavenly Maybe” and “Everything & More”, created the visuals to go with it. Shot near his home in Cape Town the film depicts a car driving down one mountain at night in search of another to climb – much as in life, as we abandon one weight of expectation in search of a new pinnacle.”
Bio : Liverpool band Circa Waves have arrived at their fourth album. Split into two parts, the first Happy portion was released on January 10th, will combine with the remaining, Sad songs on March 13, as ‘Sad Happy’.
Track: Sad Happy’
Why We Like It: It’s a bubbling euphoric indie number with soft melancholic tones and gloomy daydream melody. With light jingling guitars, vibrant keys and doleful yet buoyant bass the track exudes a cheery yet brooding quality. Its snappy beat and velvety vocals get under your skin – you could dance and bop or lay alone in a dismal sob to this glistening little gem.
Bio : Dublin quartet RUN iN RED have just released their highly anticipated new single ‘I Want It All To Stay’ following a string of summer dates in Ireland, the US and UK which culminated in their biggest headline show to date at Lost Lane in July.The band have received airplay from Today FM, 2FM, FM104 and BBC Radio Foyle.The band supported Pillow Queens at Dublin Quays Festival last year and after that played two special shows in Dublin and Derry; at The Workman’s Club and at Sandinos for the release of ‘A Song For You’ and second EP ‘Undercover, Overthrown’. So far this year the band have supported Makings in Whelans, taken the main stage at The Button Factory, Bello Bar and opened for Jamie Adam in McHughs in Belfast.
Track: I Want It All To Stay
Why We Like It: The band take their vibrant anthemic sound and hone it down into potent musicianship. With bittersweet melodies on guitar RUN iN RED creates a delicate soundscape with sparkling synths wisping around a steady beat and warm pining guitar. The track has a ethereal melancholic tonality. The vocals inject warmth into the song while a gripping crescendo and catchy melody make ‘I Want It All To Stay’ a smooth, moving, cosy delight.
Bio : Southern California indie rock duo Year of the Tiger have just released their new EP, ‘One’ and their latest single from the EP is “Part Time Lover.”
Track: Part Time Lover
Why We Like It: This hook laden number struts in with swagger dipped vocals, a pop peppered melody and vibrant indie exterior. With slinky, funk daubed guitar lines, snappy beat and a sweet sun kissed melody ‘Part Time Lover’ is instantly infectious and fun. A vibrant backdrop boasts panache as the track drifts in on a compelling air of cool chicness for the verses before it erupts into an eargasmic chorus and crescendo.
Irish indie band COLUMBIA MILLS have released their new single ‘Understand’. 2019 saw the band release two singles from their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘CCTV’ which is due for release later this Spring. ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ garnered huge radio support here and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, RTE Radio 1, Ed Smith (Today FM) choosing COLUMBIA MILLS as his Play Irish Artist of the week and ‘Recent and Decent’ on Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week, and heavy rotation on Paul Mc Loones Today FM show, as well as heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. COLUMBIA MILLS are about to release ‘UNDERSTAND’ (31/01/20), the third single from ‘CCTV’. After selling out their Dublin headline show in Bloody Marys last November, this release comes ahead of COLUMBIA MILLS headline show in the Button Factory on April 24th
With gripping electronics whirling through a suspenseful indie soundscape ‘Understand’ is a breathtaking and emotional new addition to COLUMBIA MILLS’ passionate repertoire. The lamenting chime on guitar adds a bittersweet tenderness to the track as its moving melody is isolated within the flickering soundscapes.The pulsing beat pounds like an increased heartbeat as the rasp-filled warm vocals coo and caress the melancholic melody. The track erupts into a flurry of kinetic motion as COLUMBIA MILLS’ sublime songwriting holds the listeners hearts in their hands through striking and emotive musicianship and hair-raising instrumentation.Their ability to blend and swirl flickering dance infused electronics into a darkened concoction of melancholy, nostalgia and punchy indie is first rate.’Understand’ is pretty potent stuff.
About the track Fiachra Treacy says : ‘’Understand’ is a song about coming to terms with watching a friend self-destruct. The frustration of realising the warning signs were there when given the benefit of hindsight. Could I have done more or is it possible to save somebody when they fall into this mode?”
Garage/indie-rock newcomers TV People have released their new single ‘Kitchen Sinking’. Formed in early 2019, the Dublin-based four-piece have concocted an indie-tinged sound that combines sleek dynamism with infectious punk-infused undercurrents.Rooted in 00s garage rock, “Kitchen Sinking” is a fiery, rousing single discussing the tensions caused by conflicting societal views.
‘Kitchen Sinking’ maneuvers shrewdly through indie rock elements and garage rock grit as TV People flesh out their feverous musicianship and mature lyricism. With sharp guitar riffs jabbing between sweet guitar melodies and slinky licks the track creates a dreamy hazy atmosphere entangled in beefy blasts.There is a mellowed shoegaze- esque quality to the track that is almost lethargic. However the band blend this meticulously with their meaty garage rock to add a bite and punch to the track against jarring bass rumbles and hefty drums while the majestic guitar ricochet and soar with an ethereal quality. The laid back melody and moody vocals weave between tones of nonchalance and angst as the track builds to its thrilling crescendo. A sublime piece of musicianship.
Explaining the single further, the band says:“The song is about the extremist nature of disagreement in the world at the moment and the inability for people with different views to find common ground or mutual understanding. Kitchen Sinking is a term used in an abusive relationship for when people continuously barrage their partner with negative comments one after the other to break them down psychologically. We felt that this was a fitting description of what’s going on in the world at the moment on a universal level.”
Irish Alternative Rock band Paradox return with a guitar heavy sound and plenty of sarcasm for their new single ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’. Recorded by Brian Casey at Wavefield Recording Studios, West Cork the single sees Paradox returning to a more old school heavier sound than the bands previous single ‘All Life Matters’ which was also recorded at Wavefield Recording Studios. Jota Gambuzino is behind the artwork of the new single.
‘Welcome to the Happy Place‘ is a feisty grunge fist-pumper as Paradox create sweet moody moments between their signature explosive heavy sound. The band’s ability to blend sweet pockets of melancholia amidst raw blasts of rock reminiscent of Nirvana is impressive. Sulken verses of soft, whispered vocals and twinkling guitar coo before erupting into a mighty bulky chorus of crashing guitars, pulverising drums and powerful vocals.There is plenty of moshing moments within this track as the band take their edged sound and add gravel and grit to it when the track reaches its expressive manic crescendo. With it’s ominous dark atmosphere filled with delicate tonalities and a potent wall of sound ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’ is quite the hard hitting, gloomy anthem.A must listen.
About the track the band said : “The single itself takes a sarcastic view on today’s buy happy 9 to 5 society. The idea of the single artwork was to mimic a fast food restaurant with a familiar yet unfamiliar clown who’s sales pitch is Happy.”
Stream ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
