Tag Archives: Album Release

Album Release, Album Review, Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Power Pop, Synth-pop

Jack Rua ‘Narcissus’ Album

Photo Credit : PureGrand

Jack Rua, the ambitiously bold and innovative Irish Glam-pop artist, is set to release his debut eight-track mini-album, ‘Narcissus’ on June 26th. ‘Narcissus’ sees Jack Rua team up with producers Porridge, LOGUOS, Mattu, Tenderhook. and Rouleaux. Following the internationally-praised releases of ‘Scarlet A’, ‘Ego’, ‘Rise’, ‘Curious’, and the albums fifth and final single ‘Reflection’ released earlier this month the album charts the singer-songwriter’s journey after he graduated from college, moved away from home to New York City and broke up from a long-term relationship.

‘Narcissus’ wraps, contorts and dazzles as Jack Rua brings a vivid array of influences from glam rock, house and pop to create a full bodied, shimmering and utterly infectious collection of tracks. There is much vibrancy within as Rua entices the listener right into the album’s dark epicentre while keeping the danceable infectiousness alive throughout with wild dance explosions and slick glam rock swagger. It’s quite the enjoyable power pop gem. 

‘Narcissus’ sets the Jack Rua experience in motion. He doesn’t do anything in half measures and his debut album is a sublime example of how Rua has mastered his craft through meticulous attention to detail and layering. Luring dark and eerie, Rua entices with flashing beat pulses before erupting into an implosive, tense EDM soundscape. ‘Narcissus’ is an intriguing start to the album and a fine display of Rua’s musicianship. He superbly teases and builds tension in his tracks, fermenting thrilling electronics to create bubbling coiling soundscapes of fragmented synths and dramatic electronic progressions. The talented Darce joins Rua for the sultry ‘Rise’.Well placed risqué lyrics are cooled by Rua’s soft vocals while the sticky electronics smother the backdrop in a humid haze. Darce’s raps punch through the sensual electronics as the track simmers and smoulders in a bubbling pop vapour. 

Lyrically ‘Narcissus’ is a coming-of-age album which juxtaposes the joys of self-discovery with the personal and global anxieties you feel when you get a bit older.‘Curious’ playfully challenges binary thinking in terms of sexuality, beckoning you to “stop paying so much attention to your labels” and embrace “a new world” while ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’ expresses a newfound appreciation that the artist began to feel for himself. The theatrical finger clicking and sultry ‘Scarlet A’ marks a turning point in the tracklist where Rua dives beneath his ego and explores the deeper and darker parts of himself. All this is set to an invigorating backdrop of dubstep elements, punchy rhythms and intoxicating electronics.

LOGUOS and Rua are quite the musical dream team, creating a shimmering summer pop anthem with crisp, infectious production and the passionate, euphoric musicianship of ‘Ego’ is quite the radio ready summer bop.

The artist’s scramble to be remembered in ‘Forget Me Not’ is deftly expressed through gripping, intense, intricate layering embellished only by the incomparable musical flair of Jack Rua. Each song exudes vibrancy and expressive musicianship to create the ultimate dance pop album ready to tantalize the listeners ears. 

The album takes a turn with the melodious ‘Reckless Abandon’, however rather than brooding through a moody ballad Rua whacks out a dance infused 80’s anthemic number with lamenting guitar strides and power pop gusto. The harsher guitar elements slice through the pop mirages as the song spirals into a disco hued swirl of confusion. There is still composure within the track which is impressive. It’s a song about the despair that can occur in a situation wherein one can suddenly lose complete control. Rua displays passion through the coiling entwinement of this music. His vocals remain emotive yet composed.

The beautiful ‘Reflection’ brings the album to an end. Rua cools the tone for his finale ruminating on who he is and whether or not he likes what he sees in the mirror. With wispy electronics and a heavy thumping beat he closes the album after a whirlwind of acceptance, experimentation and self doubt to almost start it all again. Rua’s vocal delivery is simple with as little fuss as possible allowing the lyrics and his soft tone drift over the ethereal backdrop. It’s a powerful thought-provoking song to close a frantic and colourful album. 

‘Narcissus’ is a fabulously fun and deeply personal album. Jack Rua announces his debut album with musical flair, prowess and compelling dance pop. This talented artist is fearless. He is not afraid to express his vulnerability and that is a quality to be admired. He is certainly an artist to keep an eye on. His tunes are a rebellious, catchy and wholly satisfying listening experience. I’ve witnessed Jack Rua blossom as an artist. Each track he has released to date has grown and built his rich, bold and intriguing sound to create a moving and unique collection of tracks that is polished and refined. He has become quite the dance pop connoisseur. 

‘Narcissus’ will be released on June 26th until then you can stream Jack Rua’s recent single ‘Curious’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, New Music

Dagny side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ Album

Presse bilder til det nye Dagny albumet / januar 2020

Dagny is set to release the first installment of her long-awaited debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’. Released via Universal / Ingrooves the album will be split into two parts, with the first 6 tracks ‘Side A’ available for streaming on May 22nd and the full album (Side B) to arrive in September later this year. Dagny [Norvoll Sandvik] has officially solidified herself in recent years as one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters: yielding over 450 million streams, as well as selling out international headline tours along with critical acclaim from Nylon and Billboard to The Guardian and Harper’s BAZAAR. Debut EP ‘Ultraviolet’ received unanimous praise from critics with features such as Billboard’s 10 Pop Stars To Watch In 2017, and VEVO’s Ones To Watch 2017. 

Coated in vivid and shimmering pop side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ presents Dagny’s sound through lush instrumentation and wonderfully infectious songwriting. Her ability to create sunny pop bangers is wondrous This is shown in tracks ‘Come Over’, ‘Somebody’ and ‘Coulda Shoulda Woulda’ which present buoyant instrumentation over sparkling synths, sticky slapping beats and light guitar strides. With Dagny’s light footed sweet vocals melting atop the smooth melodies she puts a sugary glaze on already shiny pop tunes.There are some sublime funky moments, warm guitar flourishes and twinkling keys adorning the album in rich and vibrant textures.

Through the glossy pop soundscapes and radiant dance hued bops, Dagny wisps delicate slow burners into the mix. The affectionate and dreamy ‘Paris’, honest ‘Let Me Cry’ and the catchy blooping beat of ‘Tension’ highlights Dagny’s ability to swirl delicate emotion and earnest song writing into her tracks. This first half of the album is brimming with exhilarating anticipation and excitement as Dagny playfully expresses themes of meeting someone for the first time and enjoying the exciting beginnings of a relationship. 

Side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a full flavoured richly layered collection of tracks. Dagny has an impressive ability to create sophisticated fun pop which has depth and emotion. Side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is an enjoyable listen.

Side A of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is set for release on 22nd May for more you can follow Dagny on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/dagnymusic/

Album Release, Album Review, Indie, New Music

David Keenan ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ Album

David Keenan is set to release his debut album ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ tomorrow, Friday 10th January. Keenan has self-released several EPs and singles, opened for Hozier all over the UK and Europe and had a week-long residency at The Irish Arts Center in New York. ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ was recorded in a week of live-in-room spontaneity at the Hellfire Studios in the Dublin Mountains overlooking the city. Known for his intensity, lyrically rich and powerful tracks Keenan delivers a debut album like no other. 

‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ dives deep into conflicting emotions with relentless stamina while it’s tender moments and witty quips soothe and brings joy in the most unusual ways. Keenan’s sublime melodies and intriguing instrumental arrangements allow all to enjoy his rich musicianship. ‘James Dean’ kick starts the experience. The Sean-nós style vocals maintains Keenan’s unique appeal as he ornaments his melodies and holds his own with little accompaniment. ‘Unholy Ghosts’ is a refreshing vibrant ditty filled with lively instrumentation as the animated sway and catchy chorus boasts traditional Irish charm with a contemporary twist. ‘Alter Wine’ is the pinnacle moment of the album. Intense, fermenting and luring with a hint of innocence throughout – it’s exceptionally crafted and masterfully written. That sublime string melody both builds tension and laments with a sweet weeping quality through the sticky beat, delicate keys and pining guitar. The vocals articulate disdain, lust, passion and anger all while delivering the most striking and epic expression in the album with confidence and poetic depth. ‘Love In A Snug’ has the task of following its powerful emotive predecessor. Taking this duty in its stride the song tenderly broods to start with simple accompaniment before building superbly into a sing-along anthem. 

The characters within his tracks have been everyone at one time or another as Keenan narrates his stories with flawless commitment. The piano accompanied ‘Tin Pan Alley’ portrays this superbly. The piano twinkles and elegantly laments with warmer tones flickering throughout. Each track is just as lulling as it is powerful, the soft brooding intros lead the way to compelling choruses.Every track on the album takes its time, some gliding past the 6 minute mark. Keenan allows them to flourish as they wish. ‘Eastern Nights’ stripped back presentation is a time stopping moment within the album as the guitar backing delicately glimmers behind Keenan’s striking vocals. ’Origin Of The World’ is a slow burner with a sparse almost haunting backdrop as it builds to its vibrant crescendo. The enigmatic thud of ‘Good Old Days’ swirls with themes of reality and poverty. Mourning strings layer the track in a nostalgic tone as Keenan’s poetic view looks at the past with a modern perspective . 

Keenan fleshes out his emotive songwriting with ‘The Healing’ – a sprightly number which is twisted within its seams as Keenan weaves compelling arrangements with dramatic strings. It’s a joy to listen to. The potent ‘Subliminal Dublinia’ brings the album to a close. Starting at a strolling pace the track flickers with warm guitar as strings and piano are added into the mix. Keenan’s expressive vocal delivery is powerful within this track with the resounding line “occupy the city with original ideas” echoing the tracks end leaving a thought provoking impression. 

‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ is a powerful thought provoking album. Keenan looks at the world through the eyes of his characters creating songs of nostalgia with honest moments and emotive chills as he builds and crafts his music with a maturity and majestic quality that is to be admired. 

‘A Beginner’s Guide To Bravery’ is out tomorrow Friday 10th January

Watch the video for ‘Altar Wine’ below


Author : Danu

A Chat With, Album Release, Indie, Interviews, New Music, Video Interviews

A Chat With : HAVVK

We sat down to have a chat with Julie Hough, Matthew Harris and Sam Campbell from HAVVK in Bello Bar Dublin before their Cause & Effect album launch. With the Christmas atmosphere in tow, hot whiskeys in hand and a brief intermission for a beer mat game the band discuss how they form their magnificent and rich music, Julie’s amazing voice and VETA, the artist-led music group the band set up to help artists.

Watch the interview below

Stream ‘Cause & Effect’ below


Author : Danu

Album Release, Album Review, Folk, Indie Folk, New Music

Zebra Trees Self- Titled Album

Country Rock band Zebra Trees have released their self-titled debut album. This follows on from their first single ‘Happy Birthday’, released in February. Zebra Trees consists of songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jim McFarnell and vocalist Andrea French.

Zebra Trees present their wholesome country rock with sweet pop elements and warm instrumental lilts through their self titled album. From the cosy bright jingle of ‘Wild In The Country’, the balmy ‘Wanted Poster’ and uplifting ‘ Just To Let You Know’  through to the more ballad- eque tracks like ‘Nightmare’ and ‘The Busker’ we see the vibrant and well crafted musicianship of Zebra Trees. The band flesh out their sublime storytelling through lush catchy melodies and rich instrumentation. French’s vocals exude emotion and passion throughout with lush harmonies creating a beautiful texture within the album. There are wonderful guitar moments throughout from sweet jingles to infectious slinky guitar licks and sweltering western twangs. The band use the guitars to add rich and vibrant embellishments in the songs. The buoyant and infectious foot-tapping beat in tracks like The Corrs – esque ‘Summer Angel’ create a pure and radiant atmosphere and gives something to bounce and dance along to while the beautiful vocals melt upon the delightful melody. Warm, cosy and heartfelt tones are abundant as Zebra Trees blend folk and country with a peppering of rock to add an edge. ‘Broken’ and ‘Good Times Past And Gone’ bring the album to an end with the latter fully embracing the country elements of the bands style with strong guitar twangs and powerful vocals. 

If country folk rock is your thing then Zebra Trees have everything you would want with peppy catchy melodies, loving, yearning tones and a strong southern edge, it’s a humdinger sure to have your feet tapping. 

Stream Zebra Trees album below 


Author : Danu

Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Ruborg ‘In It For The Long Haul’ Album

Swedish singer/songwriter Ruborg has released his new album ‘In It For The Long Haul’. This is his first project for 2019, preceded by the promotional singles ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’, released in July and August respectively.

‘In It For The Long Haul’ finely blends tender acoustic ballads and blues rock with Ruborg’s passionate musicianship  to create a wholesome and warm album. ‘Glory Of The Wild Days’ kicks the album into motion with vibrant light guitar, stomping beat and a nostalgic wild melody that is sure to put a smile on your face. ‘Damaged Goods’ is a gritty, adrenaline-pumped track as slicing jagged guitar lacerates through the stomping rhythm while Ruborg swaggers through this slick rock number.  With delicate acoustic guitar gracing and driving tracks like ‘ Traces’  Ruborg creates soft and emotional scenes to sway to as his rich deep vocals caress the tender melodies. The album shifts seamlessly into meatier blues rock with tracks like ‘Road To Exile’  and ‘On The Breadline’  where the punchy drums fill out the backdrop while the guitars flurry through steamy riffs and light mellow jingles in tracks like ‘Straight Through The Dark’ and ‘Hold Up’. There isn’t a shortage of powerful classic rock choruses however ‘Black Dog Calls‘ displays Ruborgs’s versatility perfectly as it  broods to start before belting into a mighty chorus filled with passion and oomph. An enjoyable album from start to finish.

Stream ‘In It For The Long Haul’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Release, Album Review, Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Sleater-Kinney ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ Album

Sleater-Kinney are set to release their tenth album, ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ on 16th August. The iconic trio is comprised of Carrie Brownstein (guitar/vocals), Corin Tucker (guitar/vocals) and, now former drummer, Janet Weiss (drums). The album was produced by St. Vincent and is released through Mom + Pop. Tickets are on sale to the general public for the band’s extensive North American tour kicking off in Spokane, WA on the 9th October with a full run of European dates announced for next year including a show at Dublin’s Vicar Street on March 1st.

‘The Center Won’t Hold’ shows a sparkling deeply smoldering new facet to Sleater-Kinney’s sound as they swirl and layer sultry synths and slinky guitar lines into their indie aesthetic. It’s a lush album – rich in sound, vibrant in its construction and smoking hot all the way to its core. From the enticing build of title track ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ right through to the fleshy raw ‘Ruins’ and steamy dance infested ‘Hurry On Home’,  Sleater-Kinney present their unique sound blending boisterous noise- rock mania with brooding thuds, experimental moments, electronic swirls and all out smothering indie. ‘Reach Out’ is one sublime indie track with mesmerising guitar moments and infectious emotive melodies while ‘Can I Go On’ swirls a quirky quality into the mix as Sleater-Kinney flesh out their infectious melodies coating them with a sweet candied tone and sun kissed vibe. This album is full to brim with pulsing synths and sensual wobbly guitar, psychedelic soundscapes and powerful vocals. The synths and electronics ooze and seep from the tracks like liquid nitrogen creating a smokey haunting atmosphere of euphoria and mystery while the catchy melty melodies tease and entice. There is a Fleetwood Mac hue lingering over ‘A Restless Life’ and the darkly coated ‘The Future Is Here’ as the guitar jingles and strides with a laid back tone allowing the warm honest vocals take the attention. 

‘Love’  bounces with an 80’s slapped pop melody and infectious groove while the adrenaline rush on guitars are reinforced by the lush harmonies and vibrant atmosphere. The rock ‘n’ roll foot shuffling ‘Bad Dance’ drips swagger into the album with every slinky guitar line, panache-saturated vocal and drum thud. Sleater-Kinney display their emotional power ballad-esque style with ‘The Dog The Body’. With lamenting sting on guitar, anthemic chorus, punchy drums and compelling vocals its one for fist pumping the air to. ‘Broken’ brings a graceful close to the album. Elegant piano accompaniment and emotional vocals serenade distant guitar pines in the background creating the most moving and heartbreaking listening experience. 

‘The Center Won’t Hold’ is a thrilling album that walks a fine line between sensual electronic and indie rock. Sleater-Kinney blend all these elements superbly to create a impressive body of work that you can dance, sing and rock out to. Its quirky, crazy and absolutely brilliant. 

About the album  Brownstein explains, “We’re always mixing the personal and the political but on this record, despite obviously thinking so much about politics, we were really thinking about the person — ourselves or versions of ourselves…. — in the middle of the chaos.”   Weiss adds, “I think for Carrie and Corin it was liberating to explore a different sound palette. Annie (St. Vincent) has a lot of experience building her own music with keyboards and synthesizers so she could be our guide to help us make sense of this new landscape and still sound like us.” Tucker says, “The Center Won’t Hold drops you into the world of catastrophe that touches on the election. And almost like a mission statement, at the end of that song, it’s like the band is finding its way out of that space by becoming a rock band.” 

‘The Center Won’t Hold’ will be released on 16th August 

Until then you can stream the title track ‘The Center Won’t Hold’ below :


Album Release, Album Review, Blues, Grunge, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Eoin ‘Reverie’ Album

Cork singer songwriter Eoin is set to release his new album ‘Reverie’ on 19th July. ‘Reverie’ examines the descent into anger and depression coupled with the transition from a lighter, acoustic driven folk sound to a heavier, grunge infused one. This compact album showcases Eoin’s rich, warm and emotive musicianship as he ventures from tender ballad- esque to expressive indie rock tracks effortlessly. Each track is just as compelling as the next from the warm folky stomp of opening song ‘Anthony’s Got Mono’ to the guitar swaggering ‘Mask Your Lines’ and the dark rugged ‘The Eleventh Hour’.Eoin caresses each number with his velvety, lightly rasped vocals as the melodies drift easily into the ears with a honeyed texture however, he’s not afraid to let go as we hear through his vocal wails in ‘The Eleventh Hour’. The delicate and more tender tracks such as ‘Infinite’, the numbing twinkling ‘Instrumental’ and grunge hued dark ‘Reverie’ croon and elegantly drift you into a lulled stupor as the soft guitar and steady beat create a calming effect. Eoin builds these tracks superbly, some becoming more intense as the instruments progress. His vocals haunt and wail in ‘Infinite’ and add a steamy tantalizing dash of spice through the falsetto in ‘A Blues Song’. This hair raising progression is why Eoin is an artist to keep an eye on. He surges his tracks with emotion and passion while reinforcing his moving themes and lyrical content with mesmerising and thrilling instrumentation to make you feel each pulse, guitar strike and drum beat. ‘Snow Angels’ is a charming ditty. Simple in its approach the acoustic gem has a cheery twist as Eoin coos and whispers the quirky lyrics through a chirpy guitar feature. The smoky ‘Chalk & Cheese’ provides the steamy bluesy side to the album as the verses tease and entice with soul infused vocals and light flirtations on guitar before blasting into the brawny chorus. There is sublime guitar moments in this track as it builds to its massive crescendo. We see the frenzied rock n’ roll facet of the album through ‘A.C.I.D.’ and boy it is a thrilling whoosh that takes you by surprise. Crashing and dizzying soundscapes whirl around while a gritty guitar riff and dynamic bass relentlessly pummels through the pounding drums. An absolutely magnificent and swagger steeped number that I’m sure is going to be insane live. The grunge filled angsty track ‘Blurb’ follows the frenzy with moody tones, light lamenting guitar and steady beat. This is another superb track. The perfect build from eerie numb and glum verses to crashing guitars, dynamic drum blasts and all out explosive nature of the chorus is erratic and perfectly crafted. Another track that is sure to be outstanding live and will strike a chord with listeners.

‘Reverie’ takes Eoin from a simple singer songwriter to a passionate diverse artist with a bright future ahead. Sure he can produce light, little, sweet ditty’s that make your feet tap and warm the cockles of your heart but the album takes you down into the depths of his musicianship with eerie haunting twists, flickers of anger, turmoil and depression through dynamic chilling and sometimes erratic instrumentation. He’s not afraid to lay everything out and showcase his versatility as an artist and boy has he made one mesmerising and outstanding album. 

You can catch Eoin live at : 

 ‘Reverie’ album launch night on 19th July in DeBarra’s Folk Club 

You can follow Eoin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/justeoin/


A Chat With, Album Release, Interviews, New Music, Video Interviews

A Chat With : Fangclub

We sat down to have a chat with Steven King from Fangclub to discuss what we can expect from the bands new album ‘Vulture Culture’ which was released today. We discussed the themes running through the album and the emotional and intricate aspects of ‘Vulture Culture’ as well as what it was like to support The Smashing Pumpkins and Metallica.

Watch the interview below


Album Release, Album Review, Indie Pop, New Music

Maxime DEBUT ALBUM ‘The Honest Me Pt 1’

Singer Songwriter, Maxime has just released his debut album ‘The Honest Me Pt 1’. Maxime hails from France where his passion for songwriting began but he now resides in the vibrant city of LA where he continues to bring his words to life. Alongside the release of ‘The Honest Me Pt 1’, Maxime dropped a string of material which has already garnered huge interest with the leading single, ‘Is this Love’, already boasting over 20k streams on YouTube alone

‘The Honest Me Pt 1’ is a charming melodic album that drifts, swoons and surges with Maxime’s sublime cinematic musicianship. With vibrant, strong strides on strings throughout open track ‘Is This Love?’  the album begins elegant, graceful and compelling as warm guitar weaves between the raspy vocals, caressing the catchy melody. Each track exudes rich emotion and the instant rush of one’s first kiss as Maxime’s lyrics and expressive instrumentation flood with adrenaline and passion. From the more delicate ‘WTTW (Welcome To The World) Feat. Naby’ and heart breaking  ‘Look At Me Now (Feat. Sheryl) ‘, ‘Little Words’ to the motivational and powerful  ‘Damned’, ‘Tonight’   the tracks create dreamy soundscapes and instant cosy tenderness . The lyrical content feels sweet like a Disney movie but with more honesty. Each track is filled with romanticism and yet has realistic outlook. This is displayed by the swoosh and glide of dramatic heart racing instrumentation and powerful rhythms. There are beautiful powerful piano moments throughout the album and sublime pop flourishments with electronic peppering to keep a raw and rich texture throughout each song.The particularly gripping ’Apologies’ brings the album to a close with emotional and honest lyrics and vibrant instrumental content. The soft verses build to a heart racing chorus. This rush of emotions appears to be what Maxime does best, he has a sublime ability to make you feel every note, every pulse and quiver throughout each track making this album a very sweet and beautiful treasure to listen to. 

Stream ‘The Honest Me Pt 1’  below 

https://soundcloud.com/user-915645292/sets/the-honest-me-p1