Tag Archives: Album Review

Album Review, Brit Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Loft Club ‘Dreaming The Impossible’ Album

U.K. indie band The Loft Club have released their full-length debut ‘Dreaming The Impossible’, released by Lightyear Entertainment, through Caroline/UMG, in association with UK label So Let’s Talk. The Exeter-based quintet consists of Daniel Schamroth (guitar/vocals), Jamie Whyte (bass/vocals), Kieran Chalmers (drums), Josie Stoneman (vocals) and Sam Piper (lead guitar). Schamroth wrote the first 11 songs on Dreaming The Impossible and co-wrote the album closer, “Flicker,” with Lisa Loeb and the album was produced by James Bragg (Jack Steadman, The Skints).

Melding and weaving indie rock with warm folk hues and flashes of psychedelia, ‘Dreaming The Impossible’ is a compelling collection of tracks.The tunes are hearty and powerful with a driving rhythmic section, jangly guitars and irresistible vocal hooks adorning each song, especially in the dynamic opener and title track ‘Dreaming The Impossible’. There is no shortage of energetic bangers on this album as each track infuses the bands alternative pop sensibilities with their rich wall of sound and instrumental prowess. With elements of Oasis Brit pop, the band surge sweet melodies and lush harmonies into ‘Heard Her Say’ and ‘True Love’. There are sublime bass grooves throughout the album ‘I’m Just A Man’’ displays a nimble and mysterious bass with a shimmying beat, dousing the song in finesse.

Each track is diverse and unique in its own right, flowing effortlessly into the next to create a cohesive listening experience. From the country twang of ‘Baby You’ll Be Fine’ to the soothing laid back psychedelic tones in ‘Waves’, the band blend genres superbly. With tight harmonies, melty melodies and euphoric atmospheres in tracks like ‘You Are The Sun’ teamed with shredding guitar lines and punchy drums there is something for everyone to enjoy within this album. The Loft Club balance their mellow tracks with more vibrant anthems allowing songs such as the dreamy ‘Made In England’ and ‘Flat Broke’ sit next to the brisk uplifting ‘Flicker’ which features sweet vocals from Lisa Loeb.

‘Dreaming The Impossible’ defies your average indie rock band cliché as The Loft Club explore and expand their music and intricate genre knowledge to create a light, heartfelt and enjoyable album which showcases their promise and talent. 

Stream ‘Dreaming The Impossible’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Dagny ‘Strangers / Lovers’ Album

Norwegian singer Dagny has released the second half of her long-awaited debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’ via Little Daggers Records. The first half of the album was released earlier this year and documented the blossoming early stages of a new love, while the second half examines the fall out of that relationship.

Dagny’s knack with luscious melodies continues into the second half of the album as she creates beautiful earworms that flourish within the clean dynamic production. There is something more tantalizing and darker about the second half as it subtly slips into a more mysterious and brooding aspect of her infectious pop.

‘Moment’ kick-starts the second half of the album with a buoyant disco vibe as Dagny spreads a sweet pop melody over a breezy electronic backdrop while zesty guitar refrains add a dash of bite between the sugar sweet soundscapes. ‘Please Look At Me’ strides on a more enticing electronic wall of sound filled with bouncy beats and rich percussive elements which flesh out the songs charm. Dagny brings the intoxicating synths and energetic soundscapes to a halt for the emotive ‘Bad At Love (Interlude)’ and beautiful ballad ‘Coast To Coast’. These earnest tunes display Dagny’s emotive songwriting, deft musicianship and striking vocal capabilities. Her ability to express heartfelt, heavy-hitting, and emotional lyrics through a delicate musical arrangement is mesmerising.

In this second half Dagny displays the post breakup emotions through an intriguing lens. These infectious pop tunes slip into the head with ease allowing the second half of the album become just as upbeat, catchy and danceable as the first half while her songwriting prowess meanders through the conflicting, complex, and sombre themes. Propelled by jittery percussion, pulsing synths and dreamy melodies, ‘It’s Only A Heartbreak ’and ‘Bye Bye Baby’ display this superbly. The flashing disco synths in ‘Bye Bye Baby’ reinforce the strength of finally leaving the relationship behind.

‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a cohesive album and a journey of the heart, expressed through passionate, bubbling and dynamic musicianship. Dagny is a wonderful songwriter and her ability to provide a completely satisfying, emotional and refined album is impressive. Her smooth unforced tunes have a glitzy swagger and shimmer about them but dig beneath the catchy hooks and danceable beats and there is a pool of depth and poetic prowess within. ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a sublime album of electronic pop and a fantastic display of expressive musicianship from Dagny.

You can check out our review of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ part one here https://www.indiebuddie.com/dagny-side-a-of-strangers-lovers-album/

Stream ‘Strangers / Lovers’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Brass Phantoms ‘Holding Out For Horrors’ Album

Brass Phantoms have released their eagerly awaited debut album ‘Holding Out For Horrors’. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for energetic and frenzied live shows, the Dublin five-piece landed themselves support slots with Dublin favourites Delorentos and Manchester darlings The Slow Readers Club. Having toured throughout Ireland and the UK, they are tipped as one of the top acts to see at New York’s Global Music Festival and Conference Mondo NYC.  

‘Holding Out For Horrors’ is a magnificent genre-splicing album as Brass Phantoms take their refined musicianship, expressive songwriting and dynamic energy and pour it into an impressive body of work. The album features the band’s singles ‘Hurricane’, ‘City Of Wolves’, ‘Waiting Up’, ‘Indigo’ and recent release ‘What We Leave Behind Us’ which have all been landmarks in the quintets musical growth. Displaying slinky ethereal guitar lines, chiming key progressions, epic melodies and choruses the band present a big lofty sound with weighty lyrics and biting soundscapes. Each track is meticulously layered and deftly crafted to create a thrilling listening experience. With the singles paving the way the band could have slipped in a few weaker and light listens to fill out the track list but that’s not the kind of band Brass Phantoms are. The rest of the album is chock-a-block with big songs of depth and quality. 

The Killers – esque ‘Legal Fiction’ thrives on intoxicating guitar lines and atmospheric synths  that skillfully blend synth-pop with dark gritty rock; it is a magnificent display of compositional prowess. Ryan Cashell’s vocals have become cinematic, deeper and more distinct than ever as he owns his unique vocal range and expressive emotive scope. He can haunt and chill through a song or mysteriously cast a sinister tone that turns the more instrumentally uplifting tracks ( such as ‘Wood Words’ ) into quite an ominous darker tune. To contrast Cashell’s vocals the band showcase a new facet of Brass Phantoms which we haven’t seen before, a duet with the one and only Colleen Heavey. Her sweet innocent coo’s contrast, blend and add a refreshing light to ‘What We Leave Behind Us’. This kinetic and refined track is a pinnacle moment on the album, showcasing the band’s mature musicianship. They create a richly textured sonic wall of sound exuding tantalising bass grooves which drizzle a funk tone onto the dark synth pop backdrop. A punchy drum foundation and woodblock feature entices the listener while sharp guitar lines weave and tease oozing tension and suspense – an utterly thrilling listening experience.The frantic swirl of ‘Disciples’ reminds us just how dazzling and synth heavy Brass Phantoms can be as they press disco shimmering synths over ominous melodies, and shredding guitar riffs that lament, soar and slice through Adam McCabe’s fluctuant, dead-summoning drums.

Brass Phantoms prove they are quite the dream team, not only does the band have a unique, powerful and charismatic frontman (Ryan Cashell). They also have guitar and bass virtuoso’s in Greg Whelan and James Geraghty and voice of an angel and synth wizard in Colleen Heavey. All this talent is nurtured by McCabe’s hefty dynamic drums which allows each instrument ( guitars, synths, and vocals ) to flourish and shine in prismatic glory. McCabes drums also create the elastic flirtations and ballsy backbone which levitates each song to its epic climax

The sustained dark ecstasy of each song expands as the album progresses. The sultry ‘Something Automatic’ and the blustery elation of ‘Indigo’ are brimming with luscious indie pop melodies consumed in a whirlpool of rich ethereal soundscapes, reinforcing the kinetic adrenaline this band have crafted so meticulously. Even the beautiful and short interlude of ‘Max’s Reprise (We Leave Behind)’ and slow burner ‘Reflection’ which exudes lush harmonies, heartfelt melody and passionate instrumentation, winds the album down without loosing the majestic and impactful punch of its predecessors. 

‘Holding Out For Horrors’ is a marvelous, epic collection of synth-rock gems and energetic anthems. For their debut album Brass Phantoms take us on a journey through their own personal experiences while also showcasing their musical growth. Within the album there is enough familiarity and boundary pushing to keep the listener engaged while the darker, thrilling moments keep you hanging on the edge of your seat. Showcasing wonderful blends of synth pop, indie and alternative, ‘Holding Out For Horrors’ is an album to fully indulge in and enjoy over and over again.

Stream ‘Holding Out For Horrors’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Neil Armstrong ‘Nearly Life’ Below

Written against the backdrop of the CoronaVirus catastrophe, ‘Nearly Life’ is the latest album to come from Neil Armstrong. Teaming up with lyricist David Will Mitchell and the legendary Jose Maria Sagrista (Triana), the album was initially sparked in January of this year and finished within six months despite recording grinding to a halt mid-way through due to Spain’s lockdown measures. Scottish born multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Neil Armstrong has recently welcomed music back into his life. With two albums and a rock musical already to his name, he now lives in Spain with his family. ‘Nearly Life’ is the debut of Neil’s creative partnership with British lyricist David Will Mitchell. 

‘Nearly Life’ is a thoughtful, emotive album as Neil Armstrong spreads his passionate heartwarming musicianship over moving pop rock tunes. Using his warm vocals Armstrong floods each track with tenderness while sharp country-esque guitar, pines and laments through subtle keys, harmonica moments and steady rhythmic flows. Through tracks like ‘Paradise Lost’, ‘Rhythm Of Destiny’ and ‘Rock Me Sweet’ Armstrong displays themes of descent and redemption; falling from grace, financial loss, physical falls, societal descents and environmental decline to name a few. Taking inspiration from poet W.B. Yeats, author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and from pivotal societal moments such as the Covid pandemic, the 9/11 tragedy and climate change, at its core the songs touch on thought provoking issues and display emotive moments through elegant arrangements. Each song brings a new aspect and blended genre to the album to delight listeners ears for example ‘Nearly Life’ is a theatrical piano led number filled with subtle jazz elements while ‘The Gambler’ smudges some steamy blues on top. 

‘Nearly Life’ is a rich collection of tracks that create an easy listening experience while dealing with strong themes expressed through wonderful musicianship and sweet melodies.

Stream ‘Nearly Life’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Electronic, New Music

Rivilin ‘Becoming The Static In Between’ Album

Tackling some intense themes, Rivilin lays everything bare in his latest album release ‘Becoming The Static In Between’. Self produced and engineered, Rivilin had four guest features on this album from friends in his music scene including Sepha, $lothboi, Vishisdead and RipThePetals. His name is a play on Ritalin, a form of medication. Rivilin has been in and out of bands since the age of 15. Recording and releasing under Rivilin, he has released a total of 122 songs, garnering him an impressive following across social media and streaming platforms. An interesting mix of alternative rock and hardcore, Rivilin draws from emo rap, hiphop and trap style music to create his signature sound.

‘Becoming The Static In Between’ is a darkly-themed album laced in biting electronics, hip hop embellishments and raw acid spills of emo rap. Rivilin’s gripping music reveals and immerses the listener in the mangled and depressive thoughts which infiltrated his mind during a difficult period in life and he examines and reflects on his emotions and past situations throughout the album.

Rivilin broods and wallows in haunting electronic soundscapes with light innocent twinkles on keys which provides an icy undertone in ‘I Hate How I See You In My Dreams’. A lamenting guitar adds a melancholic atmosphere to ‘Neverlove’ while the heavier trap style ‘Poison’ and ‘Ash Teeth’ allow Rivilin to sing-rap and wail over chilling keys and sticky beat slaps. With agile production and well matched collaborations with Sepha. $LOTHBOI,  Vishisdead and RipThePetals each song flows fluidy into the next creating a cohesive collection of tracks. The themes expressed within the album are heavy hitting and include ex-lovers, drug abuse and mental health issues. ‘Becoming The Space In Between’ aptly portrays the feeling of being used and the overwhelming sensation of panic attacks through jittery beats, intense soundscapes and swirling electronics while the smooth melodies and subtle R&B elements soften the heavier aspects. 

Within ‘Becoming The Static In Between’ Rivilin creates a sonic palette which delves deep into his angst-filled, melancholic mind. It’s a powerful display of raw, striking poetry that beholds all the beauty, poise and darkly sombre elegance of Rivilin’s passionate and evocative musicianship.

Stream ‘Becoming The Static In Between’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, Experimental Rock, New Music

Cloakroom Q ‘Yes Again’ Album

Belfast band Cloakroom Q have released their new album ‘Yes Again’. ‘Yes Again’ is a piece of wonderfully unique and at times obscure art which showcases a band unafraid to express their darker innermost thoughts through music. Laced in dark theatrics, frantic instrumentation and quirky lyrical outbursts Cloakroom Q’s album is not for the faint-hearted. With crashing guitars, ground shaking bass grooves and manic drums ‘Leave Me At Lusk’ and ‘Zhia’ start the album with brain melting distortion and gritty alternative rock.The band meld The Prodigy – esque sounds into their continuous onslaught to provide a crazed and barbed wall of sound. ‘Yes Again’ travels full throttle until the listener reaches ‘Here Everything Is Still Floating’. With delicate twinkling guitar radiating through an ethereal atmosphere the track provides a brief release from the heavy sound of previous tracks. However the band still manages to seep psychedelic undertones into the song through the punchy drums and melancholic melody.

The vocals throughout the album are filled with angst and despair as the lyrics are spit, exclaimed and shouted with such intensity it’s almost like a glorious performance of dramatic poetry. Placing their unique vocal delivery against a prismatic, image-evoking and dramatic backdrop is what Cloakroom Q do masterfully. Their ability to create ominous, chilling and explosive soundscapes which exudes raw vigor is mesmerising.

With tracks like ‘Capra Takes Off! (Hand Me My Jetpack I)’ and ‘Capra Comes Down (Hand Me My Jetpack II)’ the band take the listener on an intimate trip into gnarly alternative rock one minute and floaty hippy-esque pop another and lets not forget a cheeky little stop off at indie rock lane with ‘Nowhere To Spit’ which chimes with warm jingles on guitar and soft twinkles on keys. The band also venture into jazz, art rock and beyond with this album, using genre as a springboard for their expressive songwriting rather than adhering to its confinements. With elements of Talking Heads peeping up here and there and a faint REM residue, Cloakroom Q create their own unique sound filled with jaunty riffs and quirky melodic hooks which is best portrayed in the crazed ‘KFHC’ and emotive ‘Barely A Shadow’.

Cloakroom Q have created a refreshing alternative art rock album filled with a lush variety of instruments which include horns, bells, organs as well as your usual guitar band set up, however through all the madness there are some surprises within the album. As in all good albums there lies a hidden gem to discover, the sweet doo wop ditty ‘The Door’. A 50’s-esque honeyed melody drifts upon a slow shuffle tempo, seductive bass groove and light guitar while soft vocals coo ( that’s right I said coo, not screams or wails…well until the end) over the dreamy soundscape. It’s a charming little number which shows the band at their most pop.The song ventures into a meatier funky crescendo and it does go a little obscure and dark but not enough to change the sweetness of this brilliant track.

‘Yes Again’ is a story and journey and it plays through like one. The entanglements and frustrations the band express at the beginning seem to work themselves out as the album eases into the more mellowed end. Cloakroom Q have an impressive knack with dramatics and their talent is just as apparent in both the manic, expressive alternative tracks as it is in the more melodic tunes. The lyrics are honest, sometimes paranoid and aggressive and the band mirror this with intense instrumentation.

‘Yes Again’ is a unique and intriguing journey into Cloakroom Q’s unconscious. Their use of vivid witty songwriting and the bands unmistakable musical prowess has created an album like no other. 

Stream ‘Yes Again’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, New Music

NTHN ‘Delta’ Album

NTHN is set to release his debut album ‘Delta’ on September 14th. Artist and producer from the North West, England, NTHN draws from hip hop and emo rap. Composing and sampling dark and ambient atmospheric sounds inspired by metal and emo genres, NTHN is inspired by his immediate surroundings and is using his music to break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and displays of vulnerability. A self-taught producer, he started out as purely instrumental but has begun to bring in his own vocals as he becomes more confident in his sound. 

Using atmospheric soundscapes, emotive lyrics and a skillful blend of genres, ‘Delta’ displays NTHN’s intricate and emotive songwriting. The album is a candid and therapeutic exploration into the artist’s own journey with mental health expressed through swirling electronics, heavy beats and cinematic soundscapes. Strong synths create a seamless pulsing current between each track, this is most evident between the icy ‘Alone’ and ethereal ‘Enough’.

NTHN ventures from auto tune to smooth vocal lines with sombre-toned melodies throughout. ‘Conflicted’ is the most heavy and R&B focused track on the album with pining stings haunting the background of this dark, smothered, claustrophobic track while the R&B embellished ‘Sustained’ takes the role of the most pop track on the album. 

NTHN’s tender songwriting and ability to compose smooth melodies blended with airy electronics and ethereal soundscapes creates a well crafted, engaging listening experience.

Written, recorded and produced by himself, NTHN explains the process as cathartic, allowing him to accept the many facets of his identity. Wanting to break the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly men’s mental health, ‘Delta’ is structured in three distinct phases; awareness, acceptance and action. The album varies in genre, with each track addressing a different aspect of his struggle with mental health. ‘Delta’ is a sublime, expressive album from NTHN and an intriguing display of musical prowess.

‘Delta’ is set for release on September 14th. You can pre save ‘Delta’ here https://push.fm/ps/NTHN-Delta


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, New Music

Greg Davies ‘Greg Davies Isolated’ Album

Greg Davies has released his latest album ‘Greg Davies Isolated’.Greg Davies saw the perfect opportunity to use his lockdown to create the album he has always wanted to release. The idea formed from a need to invite the best musicians associated with Greg himself and join him on a guitar driven, instrumental ride.Greg Davies is a rock musician based outside of Manchester UK. Greg has been playing the guitar since the age of 12 and has been performing on the UK music scene for over 20 years. Having played in a series of bands as well as doing regular session work across the UK and Europe, Greg Davies recently released an EP ‘A Different Order’ with the band ‘Elements’ which has been successful on UK rock charts. In the last 10 years Greg Davies has performed alongside some of the best guitarists & musicians the UK has to offer including Guthrie Govan, Andy James and Alex Hutchings. As well as his work as a recording artist and performer Greg Davies is a well respected music teacher and music therapist who runs a business called ‘Access Music’.

‘Greg Davies Isolated’ is a shredding guitar driven instrumental album which showcases the slick, nimble and bewitching guitar prowess of Greg Davies. Seamlessly slipping from gritty blues to funk, rock, country and even metal the album exudes swagger and energy. Pulling in some collaborators along the way it’s quite the thrill ride. The more country tangs of ‘The Birds’ Morning Sunrise’ adds a laid back smooth quality to the album while the blistering rock and blues tracks show how much of a guitar virtuoso Davies is. There is something for everyone here from the heavier metal hues between country rock twangs on ‘A Shackled Mind’, chilled atmospheric ‘Stillness’ and blazing blues between jazzy keys on ‘Get Me Out (Lockdown Blues)’ Davies provides a tantalizing, meaty album full of instrumental goodness. 

Stream ‘Greg Davies Isolated’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Release, Indie, New Music

Amahlie ‘Sentimental Animals’

Amahlie have released their debut album ‘Sentimental Animals’. Amahlie is a collaborative indie folk project brought to us by songwriter ‘Lucca Cardoso’, and an all-star cast of global musicians to bring his vision to life. While Amahlie is centered around Lucca’s intimate songwriting, his international bandmates provide orchestral flourishes and imaginative arrangements to give each song a sense of wonder and purpose.

‘Sentimental Animals’ is a mellow ambient album chiming with the sweet supple musicianship of Amahlie. Soft melodies drift upon intimate wispy soundscapes allowing each track to effortlessly flow into the next creating the ultimate easy listening experience. The album has a soothing quality as each song tells the story of a person who falls in love but is destroyed by their own anxieties. From the honest account in the elegant piano ballad ‘Avalanche’ through to the lush twinking guitar and innocent melody in ‘The Abyss’ Amahlie lays bare all the emotional twists and turns in a relationship.

The songs lift the listener up in a wave of passion and moving emotion through expressive and refined musicianship. Through meaningful songwriting, warm guitar moments, intricate bass and immaculate keys the songs address the complexities of life in an atmospheric and ethereal manner. The arrangements are airy and light while packing in oodles of emotion and tenderness causing a soothing cushion for the mind.

With folk elements glimmering through the plucked delicacy of ‘Two in the Morning’ Amahlie showcase another graceful aspect of their angelic indie soundscape. From the start right through to the last track ‘Wake-Up Call’ ( with its cosy glow on guitar and simplistic arrangement ) Amahlie take us on a journey of incredible happenings and intense realisations through the medium of evocative and magical musicianship. ‘Sentimental Animals’ is a wonderful album to treasure. 

Stream ‘Sentimental Animals’ here https://linktr.ee/amahlie


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, New Music

Dave Quackenbush ‘ICE’

Written over a number of years, ‘ICE’ is the debut album to come from indie singer songwriter Dave Quackenbush. Growing up Mormon, Dave Quackenbush developed his love of singing in church and continued his love of music discovering New Wave with his siblings. After a life changing trip to Japan as part of a Mormon Mission, Dave Quackenbush reclaimed his life and his music, devoting it to writing his experience into memorable and catchy music.

‘ICE‘ is an upbeat and uplifting album which oozes character and radiance. Through bubbly indie pop Dave Quackenbush displays his ability to produce bright heartfelt tunes. With jangly guitar refrains, buoyant drums and catchy choruses each track is a delight to listen to. Quackenbush has a knack with infectious melodies. Through ‘The Hustle’ he spreads an earworm melody over a country-esque backdrop while sprinkling elements of swagger and joy between sassy soundscapes to create a zealous start to the album. The more indie pop element to his sound kicks in for ‘Rock Room’ which takes a sweet delicate melody and melts it upon a rich rhythmic backdrop and jaunty indie pop guitar. Writing on themes of love, friendship and loyalty, Quackenbush presents a sweet and positive soundscape that will brighten your day.

‘Move Along’ with its reggae rhythmic bounce is quite the power pop song as Quackenbush’s vocals ooze passion and emotion while ‘Another One’ shows a more sultry and dark side to his songwriting. Filled with mystery and a more edgy indie sound the track adds a refreshing enigmatic tone to the album. ‘Go Away’ closes the album on a chilled pop backdrop with elements of R&B/Soul flickering through an elastic bass groove, lush backing vocals and sultry beats. 

‘ICE’ is a well rounded collection of vibrant indie pop. Each track is hook-filled with melodies that stick in your head all day and Quackenbush’s warm confident and dynamic vocals ignite the passion within each song. ’ICE’ is a superb introduction to Dave Quackenbush.

Stream ‘ICE’ below


Author : Danu