Tag Archives: Alternative Pop

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

modernlove. ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’

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Irish indie band modernlove. have released their new single ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ along with announcing their UK and US Spring 2023 tours. When modernlove. were formed in 2016, they reacted to the lack of opportunities for live music in their hometown of Drogheda by effectively creating their own scene. By organising packed DIY pub gigs and encouraging other local bands to step out, they provided a creative outlet for themselves as well as a vibrant community for young music obsessives in their area. That ethos of making something from nothing still serves them well to the current day. And now their music is being embraced on a much bigger platform – including support from Jack Saunders at Radio 1 for their recent single ‘Take Me Far Away’.

Saturated in earworm melodies modernlove. present an impressive alternative pop track that is simply a joy to listen to. ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ is a fine addition to the young band’s musical repertoire. The tune is an exquisite example of their enviable musical prowess. Sonically the song is a musical gem as with all of the band’s tracks to date. Expressive guitar elements immersed in a soundscape of shimmering synths, dynamic rhythms and edgy riffs create an 80’s post-punk-hued soundscape that reveals much to the listener with each subsequent listen. The soundscape is quite poetic and cinematic at times and is complemented by earnest lyrics that hit hard through a smooth nonchalant vocal delivery. These combined musical aspects are a delight to the senses and easily beckon repeat plays from the listener. Once again modernlove. knock it out of the park with ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’.

About the track modernlove. commented, “until my heart stops beating’ is a song about losing feelings. It chronicles the moments of tension leading up to a breakup. The lyrical narrative of the song explores arrhythmia and cardiac arrest as metaphors for the end of a relationship and invokes that sudden wrenching feeling when something goes terribly wrong. The song is stark, realistic and unromantic. It’s clear that the relationship is beyond hope and beyond saving. The lyricism and sonic composition of the tune are extremely minimalist, almost as if there’s nothing left to say. “

Stream ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ below


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

FYA FOX ‘Like Loving Jesus’

Photo Credit: Lucy Curran

FYA FOX has released her new single ‘Like Loving Jesus’.Following a stellar set of releases, sold out Whelans Dublin headliner (Nov 2021), showcased at Ireland’s leading festival for emerging artists Ireland Music Week and selected to play the BBC Introducing Stage at OutPut & Stendhal Festival, FYA is gearing up to play her 1st ever UK festival Live At Leeds (Oct 15th). Gaining major support across Irish national and regional radio stations along with plays on BBC Radio 1, ‘Track of The Week’ features on RTE 2FM, Spin South West and Today FM, to mention a few. To date FYA has gained over 203K Spotify streams with playlisting on ‘New Music Friday’, ‘New Pop UK’, ‘EASY’, ‘Chilled Pop Hits’, ‘New Pop Revolution’, ‘Fresh Finds’ and ‘Fresh Finds Pop’, along with playlisting on BBC Radio Ulster ‘Where Music Matters’.

‘Like Loving Jesus’ is powerful alternative pop at its finest. FYA presents a soul-filled tune brimming with catchy melodies and R&B tones that is a joy to listen to again and again. Melancholic verses brood atop a lamenting piano and ethereal soundscapes before a vibrant punchy chorus kicks in. The track is an emotive-filled banger from start to finish enhanced by gospel elements and lush textures throughout. Produced to perfection with FYA’s compelling vocals at the helm, ‘Like Loving Jesus’ confirms FYA FOX as a true force to be reckoned with. 

About the track FYA said:  “I wrote this song over zoom with Bill Maybury (Cian Ducrot, Ryan Mac, Lenii & Fia Moon) & Matt Weir during lockdown. I’d been listening to a lot of Noah Cyrus at the time, so I feel like some inspiration for the session came from that”. 

Stream ‘Like Loving Jesus’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

Amoodi ‘Give You My Love’

Amoodi has released his debut single ‘Give You My Love’.Amoodi is the new solo project by Irish singer, songwriter and producer Michael Hopkins. Hopkins has spent 20 years writing music and playing in bands including Planet Parade, Too Fools and Tropolis. More recently he has been focusing on writing and producing for fellow Irish singer and actor Slaney. He has spent the last few years hibernating in his home studio working long hours everyday to improve his songwriting and production skills. He has built up a massive collection of work that is now ready to be released.

‘Give You My Love’ is a glorious sultry tune. Hopkins blends bubbling rhythms with dreamy melodies and lush soft vocals to create an easy-listening musical delight. Vapourous electronics wisp atop layered rhythms, R&B tones and indie flirtations while cooing backing vocals chime throughout. ‘Give You My Love’ is a joy to listen to and an exciting glimpse into the musical world of Hopkins. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.

About the track, Hopkins says: ” I’ve written so much music over the years that I haven’t released and thought it would be such a shame to just leave all these songs on a dusty hardrive forever, so I decided to set up Amoodi and finally get them out to the world. Revisiting these songs has inspired me to rewrite and produce them to a whole new level I never thought possible at the time”

Stream ‘Give You My Love’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

modernlove. ‘Oh My Mind’ EP

Following a wave of highly-praised singles over the last few months, including ‘Don’t Wanna’, ‘Us’, ‘Follow You’, ‘Islands’ and ‘Familiar’, Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have now released their eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Oh My Mind’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). modernlove. will also be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. Demand for these shows has been so overwhelming, the band have added a new date at London’s Camden Assembly on the 8th November, with their Manchester performance which was upgraded to YES! (Basement) has now sold out.

‘Oh My Mind’ is a fizzing collection of fantastic indie pop songs full of earnest lyrics, heartfelt melodies and invigorating sonic embellishments. This band craft their songs meticulously and the result is exhilarating musicianship. From the effervescent electronics on ‘Island’, elastic bass grooves in ‘Don’t Wanna’, brooding atmospheres in ‘Familiar’ and rush of instrumentation in ‘Us’, each song possesses glorious musical moments that are a joy to listen to again and again.

However, it is ‘Take My Hand’ and title track ‘Oh My Mind’ that steal the show. Boasting fluttering rhythms, shimmering synths and sun-kissed guitar elements these two tracks highlight just how good modernlove. are as artists. The expressive instrumentation and deft production is a delight to listener’s ears and offer a spine-tingling listening experience to indulge in.

Not only do modernlove. deliver on lush dynamic pop backdrops and intoxicating melodies their lyrics are deep and speak of heavy themes; mental health, loneliness and yearning. Well phrased and evocative songwriting is delivered by Barry Lally’s emotive vocal delivery. He pours tenderness and passion over the poetic lyrics and truly brings the subject matter to life.

“She left his room when he lost his balance and She didn’t move back in again when he found it” – Island, “Babe something feels strange drank wine but then you spilt your cup, had a good time but never carpet is stained, it has to be torn up” -’Us’.

Throughout ‘Oh My Mind’ modernlove.’s honesty, vulnerability and deft musical prowess leaves much to be admired. This heartfelt body of work that is filled with spectacular musicianship, keeps modernlove. on the ones to watch list. 

Speaking about the new single, they said, “Oh my mind explores the modern day neuroses of young people and the mental health challenges brought upon them by pop culture, the internet and most recently, the coronavirus lockdowns. I think we all went a little mad over lockdown and most of this EP was written in that state of social isolation. Without distraction or release from cycles of negative thought you can begin to spiral to the point of derealisation and being in a constant state of panic. But then we kinda juxtaposed that by a brighter and more playful sonic composition. I think as young people, we tend to joke about our mental health as a way of relating to one another and not feeling so alone in all of it. So it felt natural to write a poppy, upbeat song about such dark themes rather than treating them with a forced solemnity and formality.”

modernlove. will be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. See the dates below 

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE / SOLD OUT ***
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar)
  • 8 – London – Camden Assembly ***NEW DATE***
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana – SOLD OUT
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly – SOLD OUT
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

 Stream ‘Oh My Mind’ below 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1lQ44YDcd9JrYFKWgfrwAG?si=ataKIcn_TJSuoCzc-4ZyDA


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

JNR ‘Fallin’

Renowned session musician Jake Richardson, who has worked with Dermot Kennedy, Lyra, Mark Feehily, Robert Grace, Ryan Mack, and Tim Chadwick, has released his original Project “JNR” with his new single ‘Fallin’.

‘Fallin’ is a slick alternative pop tune that glissades along infectious grooves and wonderous melodies. The track is a fine display of Richardson’s fresh, immersive sound and is a joy to listen to. Smooth vocals coo between warm guitar lines, a buoyant bass and punctuated beats to create a laid-back, easy listening experience for listeners to indulge in. Boasting soft R&B tones and groovy jazz embellishments ‘Fallin’ is a musical gem that showcases Richardson’s exciting musicianship in all its glory.

Richardson states the track is “…about investing too much of yourself in someone too early when you’re not sure if the feeling is mutual”

Stream ‘Fallin’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, New Music

Ria Rua ‘chaos/control’ EP

Ria Rua has released her new EP ‘chaos/control’ on the German indie label MPM. Ria Rua is a modern Irish female hyper pop singer, songwriter and producer.

‘chaos/control’ is a fantastic display of Ria Rua’s irresistible electronic pop. Showcasing slick production, attitude-saturated lyrics and intoxicating soundscapes the EP is a knockout that is a joy to listen to again and again. ‘Boss’ and ‘Breathe’  ooze attitude through dense soundscapes with the electronic beats venturing at times into EDM territory. However, it’s ‘I Don’t Care’ that is the holy grail of the EP.

The lyrics create a dark tone over a building cinematic backdrop, as Ria whispers ” I can feel your hands around my neck. Squeezing tightly. I hate it”. Sultry and at times sinister the song is an evocative number that is simply goosebump-inducing and a fine example of Ria Rua’s mesmerising musicianship.

Ria’s sound is truly thrilling. Within her music the tight brisk rhythms are executed with such skilful precision it is awe-inspiring. Ria Rua is a force to be reckoned with and ‘chaos/control’ is an exciting keyhole glimpse into this artist’s talents. 

Stream ‘chaos/control’ below 


Author: Danu

Electronic, Indie, New Music

Columbia Mills ‘Nevada’

Following the release of their title track ‘Heart Of A Nation’ and ‘Addiction’, Columbia Mills return with their new single ‘Nevada’. On the band’s previous tracks ‘Heart Of A Nation’ and ‘Addiction’ they have garnered huge support from the UK and Irish radio such as BBC Radio 6, Radio X, Amazing Radio, Radio Nova, 8 Radio, Indie Rocks, RTÉ 2FM, Today FM and RTÉ 2XM. Columbia Mills are regulars at festivals such as Indiependence, Longitude, and Electric Picnic and have supported world-class acts like Ride, Public Service Broadcasting, and Palace. On top of this, they have also toured Ireland & the UK with a string of headline shows at venues such as Whelans, King Tuts, and Sebright Arms.

‘Nevada’ is a masterful display of musicianship from Columbia Mills. The song packs one heck of a punch both thematically and sonically; a shimmering synth-speckled soundscape exudes dark undertones and melancholy while chiming guitars and rich rhythms dance atop hypnotic bass grooves and sincere, hard-hitting lyrics “staring at the sea with your life packed into a bag….. you try to find a friend but there’s nobody left”. Columbia Mills are a musical marvel. Their skillfully created soundscapes are a joy to listen to and capture the listener’s imagination in such a way that each subsequent listen feels like a fresh and new experience. With each release, Columbia Mills tantalize listener’s ears with lush sonic embellishments, dark textures and expressive instrumentation and ‘Nevada’ is a mesmerising example of this. I’m looking forward to what their future releases have in store.

Speaking about the track, ‘Nevada’, Fiachra Treacy said: “While I was in Guadalajara in Mexico I met a man who was traveling on his own from Guatemala.  He was traveling on the top of a massive train across the country and had to deal with unthinkable danger.  He had left his wife and son behind in order to build a better life for them, not knowing if or when he would see them again. He was trying to get to Nevada where he had a cousin who could help him get work.  The song is about him and the countless people making that journey every day.”

Stream ‘Nevada’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Electronic, Indie, New Music

RIA RUA ‘Breathe’

RIA RUA has released her new single ‘Breathe’. RIA RUA is a modern Irish female hyperpop singer, songwriter and producer. RIA writes about power, love, obsession and control and she will be playing gigs in Ireland, Germany and Switzerland in 2022-23.

‘Breathe’ is a dark electronic powerhouse that rushes with the irresistible and wholly immersive sound of RIA RUA. Filled with swagger and attitude the track’s pounding beats pulse through thick asphyxiating soundscapes to create a luring and bewitching listening experience. The chorus exudes anthemic power enhanced by a catchy melody and EDM embellishments while the verses maintain a haunting and eerie quality.  ‘Breathe’ delves deep into RIA’s production wizardry – the result is a sonically rich and intriguing tune ready to enthral the listener.

Stream ‘Breathe’ below 


Author:Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

modernlove. ‘Islands’

Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have released their new single, ‘Islands’.The Drogheda band have also announced details of their brand new EP, ‘Oh My Mind’ EP which is set for release on July 29th on Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). It follows the recent announcement of their debut UK and Ireland headline tour which will take place in November this year, including dates at London’s Camden Assembly and Dublin’s Button Factory.

Filled with earnest lyrics, effervescent synths, glittering guitars and slick basslines, ‘Islands’ is an invigorating display of indie pop. modernlove. take a sweet melody laced in melancholic tones and surround it with vibrant soundscapes to create an infectious tune for listeners to enjoy. However, the track deals with heavy subject matter as the lyrics depict the conflicting pressures and aching emotions caused by torn relationships “I don’t know what to say when my brother says is it his? is it hers? are we moving house?”. modernlove. are such an exciting band to listen to. They are masterful storytellers whose powerfully emotive songwriting is encased in upbeat vibrant instrumentation. The result is catchy tunes that pack a punch both lyrically and musically.

About the new single, the band said, “Islands is a classic coming of age story. Trying to cope with the fallout of a family coming apart due to divorce and one’s own romantic relationship coming to an end at the same time. It tells the story of both, blurring them into one at times.

“The song is about the distances between people in their relationships and how for some, it seems too impossible a task to even try to bridge those gaps. 

These people are made into “islands” by the oceans they must travel each day to meet and see each other eye to eye.

“The song explores ways people try to deal with this struggle and this loneliness whether it be drink, drugs or sex but in the end it recognises that they are simply in a painful situation that they must accept and let happen as the song ends with the repeated words: “It’s coming apart and I can’t face it, I don’t wanna break down but I can’t take it”.

modernlove. 2022 November UK & Ireland Tour Dates:

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – The Castle Hotel
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar)
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

Stream ‘Islands’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

SAL ‘Bullet in the Heart’

Cork-based singer-songwriter SAL has released her new single, ‘Bullet in the Heart’.‘Bullet in the Heart’ was co-written by SAL with the late Scott English (writer of ‘Mandy’). It is the first release under the SAL pseudonym, as well as the first release since SAL signed a publishing deal with prestigious West Cork-based publishing company, AtSongs, and a management deal with London-based Charlie B Management. Having unveiled a host of new material at Liverpool Irish Festival in 2021, SAL is ready to perform her new songs, with live shows in Ireland (Whelan’s, Dublin 5th May; and Cyprus Avenue, Cork 2nd June) as well as opening for Mica Paris at Woolwich Works, London on 23rd April, and a 12-date tour of Germany through May.

‘Bullet in the Heart’ is a sweet 80’s infused alternative pop tune that surges with rich musicianship and irresistible melodies. SAL drifts her supple vocals over a dreamy melody while punctuated beats and shimmering synths flesh out the glittering backdrop. There is a soft sun-kissed atmosphere within the track as SAL uses rich electronic textures, warm guitar embellishments and R&B tones throughout – highlighting SAL’s deft musical prowess and emotive songwriting. Boasting glorious soundscapes ‘Bullet in the Heart’ is a joy to listen to and a sublime new single from SAL. 

About the track, SAL said: “It’s a song about resilience in the face of loneliness and being in love…while still being fearless of all that life throws at you in the midst of chaos”. 

Stream ‘Bullet in the Heart’ below 


Author: Danu