Tag Archives: Album Review

Album Review, Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

Soda Blonde ‘Small Talk’ Album

Soda Blonde have released their debut album ‘Small Talk’ via Velveteen Records, the entirely self-produced album sees the group reflecting on their twenty-something experiences with refreshingly honest transparency. All four band members (Faye O’Rourke, Adam O’Regan, Dylan Lynch and Donagh Seaver-O’Leary) are seasoned musicians, despite their youth. They have been playing together since their early teens, with their previous band – the internationally renowned Little Green Cars, whose seminal debut album skyrocketed to number one on the Irish album charts.

‘Small Talk’ is a collection of musical marvels that showcases the magic and brilliance of Soda Blonde’s artistic musicianship. Filled with cinematic undertones and heart-rushing emotional moments, the four-piece have created a body of work that seems to flow like a soundtrack to a movie. ‘Tiny Darkness’ acts as the prelude to the album. Opulent soundscapes of elegant staccato strings, lush harmonies and lamenting piano introduce the listener to the musical wonder that is Soda Blonde while O’Rourke’s sweet, lulling vocal brings to life the vivid imagery within the lyrics “They said that I could be a star, But I bent out of my shape, I’m like a washed-up tv host, Watching back old tapes”. The track is a fine example of the band’s blossoming sound and poetic lyricism and a fantastic opener for a debut album.

There is an air of mystery and a relatable theme of self-discovery within the tracks on the album, however, hidden beneath the instrumentation is an undercurrent of melancholy. This aspect is deftly expressed throughout the album in different ways for example the spacious brooding atmosphere in ‘The Dark Trapese’ exudes a deep sense of loneliness while dark synths and the eerie, shimmery lustre of ‘In The Heat Of The Night’, and hypnotic guitar refrain within ‘Terrible Hands’ all allude to the element of sadness within the tracks while O’Rourke’s lyrical mastery cuts deep with honest tales of heartbreak and insecurities. 

An intriguing aspect of Soda Blonde is O’Rourke’s storytelling ability which takes the listener on a journey through the inner workings of the singer-songwriter’s mind. Through poignant lyrics and effective use of stream of consciousness, the listener begins to truly understand the artist’s thoughts and emotions. This is shown in the utterly magnificent ‘Holy Roses’ – “so many fights, so much nothing in the bed, so many railroads that don’t lead to anything…” and ‘Try’ as O’Rourke aptly describes the complexities of navigating through the constant tasks of modern life – “Gotta get a job, Gotta go to work, Gotta find yourself? Then Meet me afterwards”.

Throughout the album, Soda Blonde display their deft musical prowess. Each track is lavishly adorned in shimmering synths, sensual basslines and virtuoso guitar embellishments that is simply a joy to listen to, however, ‘I Still Have Feelings For You’ highlights the power within the band’s minimalist arrangements. Combined with gentle guitars and a soft beat beneath O’Rourke’s emotive vocals, the song ventures into the band’s more folk-pop sound and is a time-stopping moment on the album that leaves the listener dumb-struck by the tracks lyrical beauty and musical grace.


‘Choices’ brings the album to a close similar to how it started with cinematic, swooping strings and vivid soundscapes that pulse and surge with emotion while a bittersweet melody drives the songs catchy alternative pop sensibilities. The band bring the album full circle, however within the lyrics we get a sense of empowering confidence as the four-piece leave us on a pondering thought that our choices can lead to a sense of liberation. Interestingly, as the last notes of the track fade to silence the album doesn’t feel as if it’s a conclusive end. It resembles more of a cliffhanger which is quite refreshing to experience on an album.


Small Talk is an emotional and beautiful work of art. The band have been honing their craft meticulously, and the result is a breathtaking debut that cements Soda Blonde’s position as one of Ireland’s most exciting bands. Press play and enjoy

Stream ‘Small Talk’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Giant Sky ‘Not Today’ Album

Born out of the existential crisis that has been Covid, and a general feeling of global turmoil, ‘Not Today’ is the massive debut album to come from UK rock band Giant Sky. Finding themselves ready to record in March 2020, the pandemic restrictions meant that they were stopped in their tracks. Still desperate to focus on their music, the band put together crude demos, which soon turned into an EP. Gradually finding their style changing and seeing that there was no end to restrictions in sight, Giant Sky headed to a studio to record this full-length album, wearing masks and testing daily to get the album completed. Formed of Olivia Bond, Toby Mcfee, Jay Amesbury and Jon Hatch, Giant Sky was born after meeting Olivia in 2019. Having been in bands together since their teens, the boys have played music together for years, with Olivia’s vocals and lyricism completing the picture. 

‘Not Today’ is a powerful alternative rock album surging with Giant Sky’s sonic onslaught of heavy riffs, crashing drums and dark melodies. The band create tense tunes that brood with moody grunge verses and anthemic choruses. From the cinematic and robust ‘Rust’ to the triumphant raw smack of ‘Elephant, the band take a resounding foundation of roaring bass and pummeling drums and scatter coarse guitar embellishments into the mix to create a lean, mean and musically tantalizing wall of sound. The songs travel at a brisk neck-snapping pace as Giant Sky layer acute instrumentation atop a jagged rhythmic pulse within tracks such as ‘Change’ to create a manic mosh ready soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. The blazing instrumental backdrops within the album creates an exhilarating contrast to the melodies’ hazy effect, which, teamed with Olivia Bond’s delicate coos, adds a softer element to the songs. We see this particularly within ‘Heroin’. The coarse sawing bass and sharp guitar refrains lacerate with aggressive force, which Bond cushions with her soothing vocal delivery.

‘Not Today’ is a fine display of the band’s musical prowess, ‘Wolf’ and ‘Elephant’ in particular are prime examples of Giant Sky’s endless talent where we see the band sprinkle moments of guitar delight throughout. However, it’s the bittersweet ‘Home’ that sits as the pinnacle moment within the album. Boasting ethereal guitar, a bright atmosphere and Bond’s pristine vocals the song builds to a hair raising cinematic crescendo filled with expressive drums, lush backing vocals and soft keys. The track is a captivating gem and a wonderful assault on the senses.

Giant Sky have poured themselves into this fantastic album to create a mature, refined and thrilling collection of tracks ready for repeat plays.

Stream ‘Not Today’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jim McHugh ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ Album

Monaghan singer-songwriter Jim McHugh has released his third album ‘Pretending To Wake Up’. McHugh’s previous releases have been added to RTE 1’s Recommends list, been Album of The Week at KCLR, been All Out Local Song Choice at LMFM and had extensive regional, national and international airplay.

‘Pretending To Wake Up’ is a fascinating collection that showcases McHugh’s most compelling work to date. The gobsmacking singles ‘Dave’ and ‘Hey Jimbo’ only give a glimpse of the treasure that ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ has to offer. Gems like the emotive ‘Her Love’ is a joy to the ears and boasts the artist’s fine musical prowess – the track’s dark tribal beat exudes hypnotic qualities that brood and simmer beneath McHugh’s deep vocals. This mysterious tune glimmers with a sense of innocence as McHugh slips into his falsetto while a supple twinkle on guitar adorns the backdrop in a tender lament. It’s within the deep yearning and minimalist instrumentation that we see the true beauty of the song before it erupts into a cinematic and passionate crescendo. The track is simply divine and quite the emotive masterpiece.

McHugh’s artistic talent is on full display within ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ as he takes us from the lush ‘Her Love’ to the gritty, dark ‘Virtual Bomb Drop’, an alternative rock smasher. This riff-heavy banger drives along a foundation of pounding drums, slithering grooves on bass and angular guitars that ooze swagger and gusto throughout. The track is a wonderful contrast to ‘Her Love’ that pulls the listener further into McHugh’s vibrant musicianship.

All over the album, we see McHugh blending musical genres – something the artist does with deft skill and enviable ease. From the panache dipped rock n’ roll of ‘Dave’ and ‘ Hey Jimbo’ to the jazz hues within ‘Shut Your Mouth’ and reggae rhythmic elements in ‘Mo Stór ’, McHugh invites listeners to indulge in the myriad of unique sounds within each satisfying and richly textured track. McHugh knows when to blast his tunes with ballsy rock and heavy instrumentation and when to tease, lure and create brooding tension within his music. This skill provides refreshing jolts throughout the album, with raw crescendo’s erupting from seemingly tender and pining tunes. This is aptly shown in ‘Mo Stór ’ which sees McHugh movingly lay his heart on his sleeve “I was born to be alive, with you” over a buoyant guitar, and soft instrumentation that becomes more expressive with indie rock elements for the crescendo.

Lyrical honesty and storytelling is something McHugh has become known for. Most notably in ‘Such A Cow’. McHugh exclaims “you’re such a cow” over jagged guitar and punchy drums. He’s not one to mince his word. However, there is plenty of witty insights and thought-provoking idioms within his lyrics that leaves much to be admired about the artist’s talent as a songwriter.

‘Pretending To Wake Up’ is a fantastic and cohesive collection of tracks that marks McHugh as an artist to keep an eye on. The diverse blend of instrumentation teamed with catchy sweeping melodies and lyrical content makes ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ an exciting record ready for repeat plays.

Stream ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

The Seawolf ‘Niflheim’ Album

Combining environmental Nordic soundscapes with lo-fi Hip-hop beats, The Seawolf has released his new album, ‘Niflheim’. Based in Los Angeles, The Seawolf worked with an array of contributors who helped produce this album to an extraordinary standard.Connecting with his Scandanavian heritage, ‘Niflheim’ is the 1st of the Nine Worlds of Norse, and The Seawolf is set to create 8 more after this has been released. Naming each song after one of the rivers of this Norse mythology, The Seawolf takes the listener on an ambient journey through this high concept album, in which he utilises the skills he has acquired by working in Hollywood’s TV and film, editing and crafting audio.

Filled with ambient soundscapes ‘Niflheim’ is an atmospheric and compelling body of work. Throughout the album The Seawolf explores hip hop, alternative and electronic lofi to create an engaging listening experience. From spacious synths and pulsing rhythms to echoed vocals and soft chants each song flows fluidly into the next while dark and heavy tones in tracks such as ‘Sylgr’ contrast lighter breezy elements in tracks such as ’Fimbulpul’. These contrasting elements within the album allows The Seawolf to evoke a push-pull of emotion within the listener while showcasing his ability to blend different genres with lush sounds and intricate instrumentation.

Stream ‘Niflheim’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Owen Denvir ‘Sticks, Stones & Bones’ Album

Owen Denvir‘s imaginative and brilliant EP trilogy/album idea is coming to a close with the final EP “Bones” released today, that will then create the ‘Sticks, Stones & Bones’ album. The first EP, ‘Sticks’ was released in 2019, ‘Stones’ in 2020 and now ‘Bones’.With over 200,000 streams on Spotify, combined video views of over 2 million, music shared by Coldplay and supporting the legend Dodie.Belfast born, Owen Denvir at only 30 has asserted himself as one of the finest singer songwriters around.

‘Sticks, Stones & Bones’ is a wonderfully crafted record filled to the brim with beautiful melodies, immersive musicianship and the passionate songwriting of Denvir. The artist confirms his status as a pure, emotive and heart-felt storyteller. He floods tracks ‘Ghost’ and ‘The Lighthouse’ with eloquent and vivid narrations of loss and loneliness. The latter is perhaps Denvir’s most moving tale of all. This heart-breaking story is riddled with emotional vulnerability expressed beautifully through terse and cruelly honest lyrics “And he awoke to find that he was on his own And he was nothing without anyone. His little head he sank into his little hands, And he said “Why oh tell me why am I alone”. 

Denvir is a diverse musician who has a knack for creating catchy tunes. From the cinematic pop production of ‘This Could Be Love’ to the sweet guitar plucked ‘Stones From Paris’ and anthemic ‘Loud & Clear’, Denvir pours every fibre of his being into the songs to create a tight and passionate collection of tunes that exude his musical wizardry. Highlights from the full collection of work are ‘Stay’ and ‘I Want You So Bad’. Both these tracks are simply outstanding and lushly arranged. In these songs we see Denvir’s majestic and tightly weaved instrumentation in all its glory. Intricate melodies and delicate sonic flourishments interplay and entwine as he masterfully builds each song lovingly to express emotion and stir empathy within the listener.

Denvir’s soulful vocals tie each song together. His smooth but supple vocal delivery invites listeners into his world as he ventures between warm croons, sweet falsettos and velvety tones while his lyrics carry the listener through the vast spectrum of human emotion and complex themes of love, loss and excitement. ‘Sticks, Stones & Bones’ is a magnificent collection of tracks and a fantastic display of poetic musicianship from Owen Denvir.

About the album, Owen says...”The album and EP trilogy idea is based on Sigmund Freud’s theory that personality is a sum of 3 parts: the Id (acting on raw impulse), the Ego (being terrified of consequences) and the Superego (the balance between the two). The first EP (“Sticks”) deals with loss and delusion and the impulsive decisions we make while in the spell of ‘love’. The second (“Stones”) being a more confident but brash take on love, and finally the last EP (“Bones”) is when you have the balance between the two, which mostly leads to more healthy relationships.”

Stream ‘Sticks, Stones & Bones’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Electronic, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Twonique ‘Factory Seconds’ Album

German native Twonique has released his latest album ‘Factory Seconds’ which was written, recorded and produced entirely in his bedroom.Twonique has the listener at heart; his instrumentals are created entirely for his audience, with the intention of provoking emotion so that listeners can relate their own story to his soundscapes.

‘Factory Seconds’ is an electronic driven collection of tunes filled with 80’s fusions that showcase the growing musicianship of Twonique. Oozing indie pop melodies and buoyant rhythmic pulses in ‘Too Late’ and ‘Moving On’ while ‘Climb’ broods in intricate guitar lines, layered vocals and trotting beats this album displays the versatility within Twonique’s sound. Throughout ‘Factory Seconds’ the artist blends lofi bedroom pop tones with electronic flourishes and synth embellishments to create an engaging listening experience. The album is brimming with vibrant tracks however it is the emotional ‘Lost My Face’ that is the pinnacle moment within the album. Twonique coos over soft guitar strums and an echoed whistle refrain while allowing the bittersweet melody become the highlight of the track. ‘Factory Seconds’ unveils Twonique’s strong musical growth since his previous releases such as ‘Amity’ while also displaying the artists’ intriguing, immersive sound.

Stream ‘Factory Seconds’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Royal Blood ‘Typhoons’ Album

Brighton duo Royal Blood have released their eagerly anticipated third album, ‘Typhoons’. Their previous two albums both went straight to #1 in the UK, in the process accumulating 2 million global sales. The duo have won the BRIT Award for Best British Group, two NME Awards and a Kerrang! Award. Their debut album was also nominated for the Mercury Prize.Not easy achievements to follow but Royal Blood take the bull by the horns in an attempt to create a body of work like no other.

Royal Blood presents an album dripping in gritty rock hues, psychedelic tones and disco for their third instalment. In true Royal Blood manner, the duo pulls it out of the bag, developing their sound into something exciting while giving us heavy rock heads something tantalizing to mosh to. ‘Typhoons’ announces a different sound for the band that is steeped in swagger and sleekness. Thirst quencher singles ‘Typhoons’, ‘Trouble’s Coming’ and ‘Limbo’ mix funky dance-infused production with gritty, heavy rock to create a resounding and ballsy wall of sound that exudes an air of refinement we haven’t seen before from the band.

As for heavy riffage, there is plenty on this album. Mike Kerr slips those beefy bass riffs into the sweltering blues-tinged ‘Who Needs Friends’ and Josh Homme produced ‘Boilermaker’ with the former taking a euphoric dance stance. The duo blend flamboyant disco elements with sleek rock, funky grooves and raw angst masterfully to create irresistible tunes for listeners to indulge in. However, among this genre fluidity, Ben Thatcher’s tight relentless drumming remains the anchor. He masterfully flexes his thunderous drums through the lighter pop smacked ‘Either You Want It’ and pounds with strutting swagger through the 70’s- esque ‘Mad Visions’. With catchy melodies and mighty instrumental builds, the songs within the album maintain hype and vigour throughout. Even the 80s slapped ‘Million and One’ which boasts flashing synths and a dazzling soundscape doesn’t feel out of place on the album.

‘Typhoons’ is brimming with anthemic chic tunes that display a more confident stance from the band. Kerr pivots the tracks around his lusty bass while his vocals slip into a sweet falsetto between warm coos. This is most apparent in the infectious ‘Hold On’ while his vocal croons lather the beautiful closing track ‘All We Have Is Now’ in tenderness. Luxuriantly adorned in soft echoes and lamenting piano, this song is immaculate. Kerr’s vocals delicately caress a tender, soothing melody that is a welcome emotional calm after the groove-infested storm of its predecessors. This song, for me, is the pinnacle moment within the album. It feels more real, earnest and emotional with less production, fuss and flamboyance, showing another facet to Royal Blood’s ever-evolving sound.

Royal Blood have shown they are not a one-trick pony. Within this catchy, upbeat and infectious album, the band push boundaries and expectations while maintaining their alternative rock edge. The rich and utterly lush production on the tracks is something to be admired and the dynamic energy within each song is irresistible. Each track warrants its place on the album creating a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable body of work.

Stream ‘Typhoons’


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

TasteFull ‘Radha’ Album

‘Radha’ is the hotly anticipated debut album from Ohio’s own eclectic rock band TasteFull. Starting their journey at a jam house party hosted by Sam Smith (Lead Guitarist / Lead Vocalist), the members of TasteFull were struck by their instant chemistry and shared passion for rock classics. Naming themselves TasteFull ahead of a Battle of the Bands, TasteFull went on to embark on the formative journey that would imprint them into the Cincinnati music scene, bringing them together with some of the best artists among their peers.Their debut single ‘Oxygen’ was met with success, finding the ears of multiple radio DJ’s at prominent stations including WEBN, 106.3 The Project, and 96 Rock.

Rooted in intricate grooves, sleek instrumentation and refined songwriting, ‘Radha’ is a well crafted alternative rock album. The band use raw fuzzed guitar to create a psychedelic haze around the songs, while elastic driving bass grooves and pounding drum progression create a beefy and powerful foundation. This is most apparent within ‘Oxygen’ and ‘Flight of the Sparrow’. With desert rock elements glimmering through guitar on ‘Deep in the Lines’ and ‘Paint a Picture’, the band create a diverse and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. As the album progresses, the band display their musical prowess and ability to blend genres with elements of grunge and psychedelia weaving through the underbelly of classic rock tunes such as ‘Running in Circles’.

TasteFull have created an exhilarating collection of tunes that showcase the band’s deft musical ability and vigour. Each track runs at a brisk, fluid pace, with the raspy emotive vocals from Sam Smith tying the songs together. TasteFull maintains the high and dynamic soundscape throughout the album, with ‘La Llorona’ becoming the pinnacle moment within the record – showcasing elements of Spanish guitar and filled with oodles of vibrancy, this infectious ditty is a real treat.

Featuring shredding solo’s and masterful bass grooves intertwined between majestic songwriting and blazing soundscapes, ‘Radha’ is an intoxicating new album from TasteFull.

Stream ‘Radha’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Maxwell-Thomas ‘Daisuki Baby’ Album

‘Daisuki Baby’ is the brand new 10-track album from Chicago based alternative rocker Maxwell-Thomas. Featuring the new single ‘Gaslighter’, this album sees Maxwell-Thomas teaming up with drummer James Mozina.

‘Daisuki Baby’ is a melodic collection of alternative rock that displays Maxwell-Thomas’ emotive and vibrant musicianship. This lush album is drenched in sun-soaked tones with bright guitars and buoyant rhythmic sections making each song a joy to the ears. The album is balanced superbly to create a collection that is stunning and musically rich. It’s clear ‘Daisuki Baby’ is designed to be enjoyed as a whole body of work as each song flows beautifully into the next. Blending dynamic alternative rock soundscapes with lush pop melodies and driving percussion, ‘Black’, ‘Gaslighter’ and ‘Collateral’ showcases Maxwell-Thomas’ tight and refined sound.

The phenomenal drumming of James Mozina holds the tracks together. He creates that brawn and power through the songs forming that sturdy lean mean backbone that is sure to ignite a live audience as well as cushioning the more tender moments within songs like ‘Closer. Here the steady drums contain the tender emotion and subtly lift the song to create an anthemic power rock ballad.

‘Daisuki Baby’ exudes energy throughout as Maxwell-Thomas fuses hook-filled sentiments of pop music with punk rock elements throughout the fiery ‘Hollywood’ while ‘Scattered’ ventures into a more grunge style. With dreamy melodies and smooth expressive vocals, Maxwell-Thomas creates a satisfying listening experience with ‘Daisuki Baby’.

Even the brooding ballads create a cinematic chill of goosebumps. The smoky melancholic ‘Goodbye, Goodnight’ is perhaps the most captivating example of this. Maxwell-Thomas builds the somber melody and lamenting backdrop of pining guitars and punchy drums to create an emotional tune that intensifies to a teary-eyed movie scene crescendo filled with oodles of emotion.

‘Daisuki Baby’ is a beautifully crafted album that showcases the deft songwriting and diverse musicianship of Maxwell-Thomas.

Stream ‘Daisuki Baby’ below 

https://open.spotify.com/album/2QglJNfaD4YHm7FbALwoXN?si=UQCqfE6mT_aRkFSK4yqVuA


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Bluenose B ‘Harrowby Road’ Album

A semi-autobiographical depiction of his youth, ‘Harrowby Road’ is the debut album from Liverpool singer-songwriter Stephen Lawson, artistically known as Bluenose B. Written after his mother’s terminal illness diagnosis, ‘Harrowby Road’ sees Bluenose B making a return to his happy family home, looking out over Crosby Beach and Antony Gormley’s art installation. 

‘Harrowby Road’ is a warm and wholesome collection of indie rock tracks with electronic elements and country tones glimmering throughout. Lawson fills the songs with uplifting tones as he meanders between funky guitar refrains and light, nimble solos to create an upbeat listening experience. The album is well balanced with infectious bangers evenly spread between the soft lamenting ballads such as ‘Dark Inside’ where Lawson gives us a glimpse into his pain and anguish “the reason that I love myself because I know there’s no one else”. 

Throughout the album, Lawson expresses his pain through country-rock tunes accompanied by icy piano elements and deft clean production. From the sweet guitar pines and lonely tones in ‘Rodeo Clown’ to the infectious electronic hued disco stomp of ‘Where The Rubbish Collects’, the album is laced in dynamic and expressive tunes that discuss the themes of loss, love, and mental health. 

However, the sultry ‘Freak’ marks a shift in the album’s tone. A shadowy enticing guitar line glimmers between intricate rhythms and wild, darker soundscapes, allowing Lawson to explore a mysterious and wilder side to his sound.

‘Harrowby Road’ is a refined collection of tracks that displays Lawson’s earnest and powerfully emotive songwriting.

Stream ‘Harrowby Road’ below


Author : Danu