Isaac Butler has just released his eagerly anticipated new single ‘Young Forever’ – produced by Philip Magee (Kodaline, The Script, The Academic). It follows previous singles ‘Moon Song’ and ‘Rescue Me’ which have racked up 1 million streams on Spotify. ‘Young Forever’ follows a jam-packed 2019 which saw Isaac Butler play a sold out headline show in Whelan’s and a host of festival dates around the country including Electric Picnic and Kaleidoscope.As well as gearing up to head back into the studio, Isaac Butler is set to take to the stage for his second headline show at The Sound House, Dublin on Friday 3rd April having sold his debut headline show in Whelan’s last November.
‘Young Forever’ boasts Isaac Butler’s heartfelt songwriting as he drenches a climactic sing-along chorus in anthemic soundscapes. With a pulsing beat driving the adrenaline-filled tension the track builds beautifully into its wholesome chorus. It’s a cinematic burst of musicianship that is sure to spark careless indulgence in all who hear it while creating a freeing sense of euphoria. With ethereal guitars and exhilarating backing vocals ‘Young Forever’ is quite the catchy radio-ready gem.
Speaking of ‘Young Forever’ Isaac Butler said: “I was delighted to get the opportunity to work with the incredibly talented Irish producer Philip Magee on ‘Young Forever’. To me the song is about a time in my life with no worries and no responsibilities and I really feel we captured that sense of freedom.”
Raglans are back with the release of their highly anticipated new single ‘One More Drop’.The track is the first release from Raglans’ upcoming album ‘Heavy Medicine’. More brand new material will follow before the album drops later in 2020, with Raglans also set to bring their phenomenal and high octane live show around the globe once more.The past few years have seen the band blaze a trail to cult status. Highlights include releasing their self titled Top 5 charting debut album – which to date has over 5 million plays on Spotify – their single ‘Who Knows’ being nominated for RTÉ Choice Music Prize ‘Irish Song of the Year’ and a host of European tour appearances with acts including The Fray, The Libertines, Lifehouse as well as performing at festivals including Electric Picnic, Soundwave Australia, British Summer Festival and Rock am Ring Germany.
‘One More Drop‘ is a lively infectious anthem exuding exhilarating guitars, heart pounding drums and the bracing musicianship Raglans do superbly. With it’s instant rush of adrenaline pulsing through every guitar strut and invigorating bass line the track surges with intense,hyper emotion. The explosive chorus is destined for mass sing-alongs while the soaring stings and wails on guitar add a spicy zest and zealous quality. The rhythm pounds and drives with relentless stamina as the drums command the listeners body to dance and jump while the warm vocals coo the sweet infectious melody. With a shredding solo, buoyant bridge and vibrant instrumentation ‘One More Drop’ is a jubilant return by Raglans.
Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their new single ‘Knock Knock’, taken from their upcoming debut EP ‘Get Your Life’ which is set for release on the 14th of February. Over the last few years, Toshín have played some amazing shows and festivals including Beat Yard festival (2019), Electric Picnic (2019), Body & Soul Mainstage (2019), and Music Makers Festival UK (2019). They have played headline shows in the Workmans for a single launch, Sin E for their 3rd birthday party, alongside Munky in Lost Lane, and alongside Shookrah in the Kino in Cork.
‘Knock Knock’ is a soulful passionate number that boasts the exquisite first rate musicianship of Toshín. This band have a tight, chic and polished sound brimming with emotion and power which translates superbly in this elegant and classy track. The song builds beautifully from a soft emotional and delicate intro to a funky outburst as the band keep the track intriguing throughout. The majestic twinkling guitar weaves gracefully with a lamenting tone while the rich rhythm, brass elements and jazz tonality inject a dash of sass into this tantalizing track. With lush harmonies the band pack oodles of gusto, emotion and instrumental prowess into ‘Knock Knock’. The guitar melodies in particular are outstanding – they flood the track with tender, vaporous and intoxicating characteristics while subtly sweetening each component and melodious fragment at the same time. Tosin Bankole’s vocals rein in the vibrant instrumental backdrop with compelling control. Her vocals display rich depths and warm tones for the powerful chorus while cooing softly and soulfully through the verses. Her vocal control is mesmerising and lifts the track into diva heights. This is one very talented band with music which can ignite the soul. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.
About the track Tosin Bankole said : “Knock Knock for me is about struggling through a bad mental health episode. The song has a darkness to it, not just lyrically but also within the music. It has some more upbeat sections, however, that represent how music got me through those bad times. It’s a really therapeutic song to sing live!”
Toshin will be embarking on an Irish Tour between February and March to promote this new EP. Their tour will culminate in a headline show in Dublin at the Grand Social on March 12th.
We sat down to have a chat with singer songwriter Laura Elizabeth Hughes before her show at TRADFEST 2020 in Lost Lane Dublin. We talked about her emotional and majestic songs and how she crafts them as well as her plans for her next release.
Alexis Kings are a three piece comprising of Brendan Aherne (Vocals), Sam Privett (Lead Guitar) and Fabio Bocca (Drums). The band have previously received support from Radio X’s John Kennedy and Huw Stevens on Radio 1, and have performed on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and BBC London’s Gaby Roslin show. Alexis Kings debut single ‘Squire’ reached the Top 10 in several Spotify streaming charts and playlists, garnering attention from the heart of Australia’s top radio networks to the Los Angeles music scene. The band have surpassed a million streams on Spotify, with listeners in 77 countries, while their excellent videos for ‘Velvet’ and ‘Addict’ are racking up the numbers on YouTube.
These guys have some tasty tunes, slick guitar melodies and a charismatic stage presence that is sure to have you up dancing. Live these guys add a dash of punch and gritty peppering to their sun kissed infectious tunes. A show not to be missed.
East Yorkshire Indie rock band, The New Republic have released their new EP ‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco’.The New Republic are a rock/indie band with an infectious energy and charisma about them. With highlights such as playing at the Multiple O2 venues across the country, playing on the main-stage at multiple festivals as well as smaller stages, the band are looking to share their funky, hypnotic sound with people who love to dance.
‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco‘ is a groove rooted collection of tasty tracks as The New Republic flesh out their catchy dance-able musicianship with a driving punchy backbone. From the swanky wiggly bass and dynamic riffs of ‘Roller Disco’, ‘Concepts’ and bluesy stomp of ‘Man of Mystery’ the band create a fun and vibrant atmosphere. There is plenty of slinky guitar moments, sing-along choruses and light-hearted fun throughout the EP as the band blend and ferment their crashing exhilarating wall of sound. The EP slows for the tender ‘Walk Away’ which contains wobbly dreamy guitar elements and soft instrumental backing as the band display their emotional songwriting. ’Wonderland’ and the swagger soaked ‘Raindance’ bring the EP to a strong, guitar heavy close. With gritty riffs slicing through the thick drum pounds and dynamic vocals the band maintain a raw and acute approach to their tracks.
‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco is a solid second EP from The New Republic with some beautifully refined and sublime guitar moments. The band’s influences glare throughout as they blend some subtle Foals elements with a decent dose of Red Hot Chili Peppers into their indie sound. They are a talented band crafting their brand of indie and creating punchy joyous tunes as they do so.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Glass Violet
Bristol indie rock band Glass Violet have released their new single ‘Over the Moor’. In March, 2019, the band released demo track ‘North Sentinel Island’ which was followed by self produced debut single ‘Chemicals’ on August 16th. Both tracks have received air play on BBC Radio Bristol and Amazing Radio.
‘Over the Moor’ is an exhilarating rush of indie rock that whirlwinds with relentless stamina. Glass Violet blast their anthemic indie rock with invigorating guitar riffs and pummeling drums to create an ethereal atmosphere filled with adrenaline and vigor. With a driving elastic bass and gripping melody this mammoth track is an indie explosion of dramatic musicianship. The track rushes through with heart-racing intensity as the soaring guitars, twinkling intricacies and meticulous layering make this track a huge fist pump anthem which is sure to be epic live.
About the track the band said : “It’s a song about ends and starts and how different phases of life often pass you by without you noticing it’s happened. Its about the desire for finding a certain fire within new beginnings. “
Bio : Birmingham alternative rock band Y!KES have released their new single ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’, taken from their upcoming EP ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’. The band have received support from Camden Rocks, BBC Introducing, Kerrang! and EGH Radio to name a few and have performed live slots with Vukovi, Mallory Knox, Led By Lanterns and Earls,
Track: ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’
Why We Like It: It’s a moody grunge drenched number brimming with sharp guitar riffs, gritty vocals and pounding drums as Y!KES present a melodic Californian punk side to their mammoth sound. Slinky guitar moments weave between a sweet melody and gripping undertone to create a moving and hopeful atmosphere immersed in old school rock charm. Y!KES are maturing wonderfully. Their deep lyrical content gives the listener a glimpse into the bands emotional and melodic side which blazes through a heartfelt powerful backdrop and scorching guitar solo. ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’ is a marvelous display of musicianship from Y!KES
Bio:Crash Adams are an indie/pop duo from Toronto Canada. They produce, write, perform, mix and master all of their own music.
Track: Ooh!
Why We Like It: It’s a suave flaunty number that glides effortlessly on cool funky tones, jangly guitar riffs and 80’s shimmers. With a strutting backdrop, chiming keys and groovy bass this track wiggles and shimmies into your head with confidence boosting charm and infectious radiance. The smooth vocals coo the catchy lyrics before the spoken verses seep swagger into this glossy pop glistening number. With tasty synths and panache dripping from every note ‘Ooh!’ is a feel good song sure to have you dancing and strutting your stuff for days.
Bio: Following on from the warmly received ‘The Letter A’ released last Autumn, the Northern Irish indie-pop quintet make a fresh-faced return with their new single and confirmation of a 7 track EP: ‘A Cure For Living’, to be released via Xtra Mile Recordings on 14 February 2020. Brand New Friend’s debut album ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’, was released through Xtra Mile Recordings (Skinny Lister, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.) in 2018. The album spawned several singles including ‘Girl’, ‘I Was An Astronaut’ and the title track, all of which garnered plays on the likes of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart shows on Radio 1, John Kennedy on Radio X and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq. Brand New Friend have also embarked on numerous headline tours both in the UK and Ireland, whilst also being invited to share stages with big-hitters the likes of Snow Patrol, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive-In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY, Feeder and Xtra Mile Recordings label mate Seán McGowan.
Track: Nothing Stays The Same
Why We Like It: This buoyant track swirls with Brand New Friend’s youthful indie musicianship. The band lather jangly guitar strides into a punchy drum and bass tag team while the harmonies between brother/ sister duo Taylor and Lauren Johnson sweeten the powerful sting. With a smooth catchy melody and lamenting guitar injection ‘Nothing Stays The Same’ is a vibrant nostalgic ditty sure to have any live crowd going wild.
Inspired by characters imagined by 80s indie veteran Lloyd Cole in his timeless ‘Jennifer She Said’ track, Brand New Friend’s ‘Nothing Stays The Same’ finds the band musing on just what may have happened next for its lovelorn protagonist… As the band explain: “‘Nothing Stays The Same’ is a love song constantly shifting perspective between two people. It’s the sound of two people who love each other deeply but who know they’re running out of distance. It’s framed in the Botanic area of Belfast, in the old Botanical gardens near Queens University. In the rain, of course. I was heavily inspired by Lloyd Cole on this track, I love the way he colours his world so you can see who he’s singing about when you close your eyes. The girl in this song is Jennifer, from ‘Jennifer She Said’. Hopefully it all works out for her…”
Watch the video for ‘Nothing Stays The Same’ below
Hook
Genre : New wave indie rock
Bio: Hook are a three-piece new wave indie rock band based in Dublin, made up of Eoin O’Donnell on vocals, guitars; Morgan O’Brien on drums and Danny Spelman on bass, vocals.
Track: Spoiler Alert
Why We Like It: It’s a jaunty stab of slick indie rock with tantalizing guitar teases, elastic steamy bass and beefy whack on drums. The band blend their ferocious rock with sensual enticement to lure you into their brawny sound. With raspy vocals resounding through the kinetic backdrop and witty lyrics, this groove-filled number blisters and boils with red hot, intense swagger as Hook flesh out their intoxicating sound.
Bio: The Burma are an Indie rock’n’roll band based in Cork City, Ireland. The band draw inspiration from the American Indie scene of the early 2000’s and British guitar bands of the 80s and 90s, The line-up consists of long-time friends Tony O’Donovan and Peter Piggott along drummer Cian Doherty whom they in 2012. The band is named after The Burma steps in Cobh, Co. Cork. 2019 saw The Burma have their busiest year yet with continuous nation wide festival and tour dates throughout the year following the release of their most recent single “Phoney Personality”. The first single off of their upcoming 5 track EP “Sugar Moonlight”, due for release in March 2020. In the past The Burma have landed support slots for acts such as The Academic, The Strypes, Delorentos, The Blizzards, Brian Deady, The Frank and Walters and more.
Track: When You’re Gone
Why We Like It: This ethereal gem glistens with airy spacious tones. The twinkling guitar majestically creates little melancholic sparkles of scintillation through the icy soundscape as the flickering electronics and snappy beat create a biting breezy quality. The track builds to a tense crescendo that becomes more gritty with distortion and psychedelic hues. A smooth sombre melody weaves throughout creating a mysterious, almost magical effect as the band create a swirling track that totally immerses you in their richly layered musicianship.
Bio: Seventeen year old Gabe Beckles has released his new single ‘Day waste’ under the name Floral Sounds.
Track: Day waste
Why We Like It: It’s a hazy daydream that wisps through a whimsical vapour of jangly guitar and hypnotic bass lines. With sulky deep vocals echoing through the buoyant riff and steady beat the track drifts into a sweet state of euphoria with a darker undertone. There is something quite mesmerising and intriguing about this track as it weaves and entwines around your mind with a soothing quality and light dewy texture.
London four piece alternative band Indigo have released their new single ‘Fly Away’.The band consists of Arran Birks, Matt Dell’Unto, Tom Horton and Johann Meux. ‘Fly Away’ builds on Indigo’s rich, melodic and dreamy musicianship. The track is a psychedelic prismatic number smushed in a spongy textured sugarplum soundscape.With chiming jingle on guitar the four piece weave coil, embellish and layer the melody superbly with gentle intricate guitar flourishes while a soft beat and subtle bass define an elastic foundation.The lush harmonies, chiming guitars and a timeless 50’s Doo-wop element create a sweet marshmallowed delight to indulge in. With a hazy ethereal quality and soothing melody Indigo present a soothing, elegant and majestic track that lifts you into a euphoric state of bliss.‘Fly Away’ is another freeing nostalgic gem from Indigo.
Sion Hill has just released the eagerly awaited ‘Last Minute’, his second single on Warner Music Germany following “Fuel Kids” earlier this year. Hailing from Ireland, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer (real name Nathan Johnston) currently lives in London. His debut album “Elephant” was released in 2017 via Clouds Hill Records. ’Last Minute’ is about when Johnston missed his train from London to Liverpool for a writing session with his producer, Rich Turvey (Blossoms, The Choral). Johnston and Turvey decided to build this experience into a portrayal of a budding relationship that is overshadowed or propelled by his latecomer streak.
‘Last Minute’ is a smooth, groove-drenched number as Johnston dips slinky 60’s -esque swagger into a fizzy pop sprinkled coating to create something truly infectious and chic. Its glossy exterior has a suave and endearing charm as Johnston’s rasped warm vocals coo with a soulful tone while the honeyed melody seeps effortlessly into the ears. Sprinkled with a catchy hook, vibrant guitar, bubbling beat and sensual bass – the track is steeped in panache and charisma with tropical sensibilities. It’s an exceptionally sleek song, well crafted and refined as Johnston fleshes out his infectious pop musicianship with intricate and refreshing twists of zest and timeless qualities.
About the track Johnston said : “It’s not so much an apology to one person for not showing up on time, but more of a general statement that sometimes things can be more interesting when they are spontaneous, I don’t like letting people down, so I’m trying to get better with my timing, but at the same time, I leave a lot of things to the last minute. There’s something slightly freeing about not having plans and I love those evenings when I go out with no real plan and just see where the night takes us. I love surprises and being spontaneous always keeps me on my toes. It has allowed me to meet so many interesting people and have so many crazy and amazing experiences.”
Watch the video for ‘Last Minute’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
