Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Wild Child’. It’s a refreshing slice of indie pop exuding chic infectious musicianship with fluctuating beats and kinetic electronics which adds buoyancy for the suave vocals and chorus to ricochet off. A heavy 80s sound creates an ethereal quality to the track while the sweet melody and smooth guitar injections flesh out the bands panache and “ooh lala” flamboyance.
With elements of The Killers and Talking Heads coursing through the tracks sultry pulse, Thrillhouse have created another sun kissed earworm set to tantalise and seduce the listener.
Nicha has released her new single ‘Devices’.Nicha is a 22 year old singer/songwriter from Holywood, Northern Ireland. Having grown up listening to Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley her music and writing is heavily influenced by these legends but more recently inspiration stems from hip hop, pop and electronic influences drawing on artists such as Loyle Carner, Jack Johnson, Tash Sultana, Moloko and Bonobo.
‘Devices’ is a vibrant bop, laced in the charming and mellow musicianship of Nicha. The track is sonically laid-back and easy going as Nicha douses a smooth melody over tropical beats and ethereal wisps on electronics with reggae elements and glimpses of R&B flickering throughout. Her warm rasped and soulful vocals melt elegantly upon the tracks bubbling backdrop with a sweet lulling tone as the song drifts between the balmy chorus and dazed verses. There are psychedelic hues rebounding off the warm guitar melodies and fluctuant rhythmic foundation while Nicha lilts through the chorus with a catchy vocal refrain.
The song reflects the feeling and freedom of detaching ourselves from the chaos of social media. Nicha expresses this perfectly through this breezy, pacifying sun kissed gem. A fine debut, ‘Devices’ escapes the tethers of genre as Nicha blends pop, folk, reggae, indie and electronic to create a satisfying and musically rich track.
Lav has released her new single ‘The Girls Before Me’. The track follows bedroom anthem ‘Wavvy’ and Billie Eilish co-signed lo fi garage-band cut ‘From Me The Moon’.The song is accompanied by a low-fi, 90’s VHS style video by Marielle Boland which captures an avant-garde picnic scene packed full of toys and scandal.
‘The Girls Before Me’ luxuriates in the hazy space between dream and reality as Lav delicately sprawls her soft vocals over a sweet melancholic melody and wispy soundscape. The entire song absorbs you in an endless and vast world of sombre longing as ethereal guitar twinkles through a lo fi soundscape while a pulsing beat grounds the track. The supple percussive taps and twinkles submerge the track in an almost magical innocence yet at the same time lament with a sorrowful undertone. Lav has created an enjoyable track filled with raw and honest vulnerability. ‘The Girls Before Me’ is a fantastic listen.
On the theme of the track Lav notes the song “was written out of a deep insecurity of constantly comparing myself to past loves. Always wondering if when they look at you, they’re recalling just staring into a paper mache they’ve built up of a before lover. Most of the time it’s all in our heads, and in this case it definitely was, however that didn’t make it any less real or painful to feel.”
Lav commented also on the video for the track saying “I love working with Marielle because she really helps my campy visions come to life. The video is a lot less emotional than the mood I got into while writing, and I think that makes the whole image more palatable, but also I loved to dress up and have a picnic with a bear and some snails.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From modernlove.
Photo Credit : David McGeary
Ireland’s rising Indie Pop act modernlove. have released their new single ‘If You Wanna See Me’. The band have rapidly become one of indie-pop’s brightest and most talked about new bands. 2019 saw the release of singles ‘Bop’ and ‘Liquorice’ and the bands streaming figures are at nearly half a million on Spotify.’Bop’ was also featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’ and earlier this year the band performed a SOLD OUT Dublin headline show in The Sound House in February.All of modernlove’s singles to date have picked up national radio support in the UK and Ireland including ‘Play Irish Artist of The Week’ by Ed Smith on Today FM, Track Of The Week on XS Manchester, radio premieres on 2FM and spins on BBC Ulster, Across The Line and Radio X
‘If You Wanna See Me’ is a cohesive ethereal electronic number that sparkles with light indie and rich rhythmic fluctuations as modernlove. provide a glimpse into their spacious, ambient and mood shaping musicianship. This track holds the vibrance and clarity of its predecessors however, ‘If You Wanna See Me’ exudes cooler tones and lo-fi textures. The track radiates ambition and tactile energy as the labyrinthine synths shimmer through the buoyant cushioning beat. As the track progresses it blossoms becoming more lush and expressive.
I have to hand it to these guys ‘If You Wanna See Me’ has beauty even within its harsher psych infused moments as well as in the shimmering lo – fi pop coating. The track is a fine example of mature, rich songwriting and immaculate production. The expanding soundscapes masterfully unfold with each musical progression teasing and seducing the listener while soft vocals caress a dreamy melody which twinkles with elements of distortion on guitars and bass.
A sublime new single from modernlove. They are a band worth keeping an eye on.
You can catch modernlove. perform their headline show in The Grand Social, Dublin on Oct 31st as part of the rescheduled Eastbound Festival.
Props has released his new single ‘You & Me’. Props’debut ‘wired EP’ seeped into the world last month with nice words across the blogosphere, radio play from BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio and a spot on Tom Robinson’s Fresh Faves.
‘You & Me’ infuses smooth indie and intricate electronic beats with eclectic textures and psychedelic distortion to create a wonderful pop tune. Hyperactive keys jingle through a beat heavy flutter as Props throws sweet pop melodies over a vibrant explosive sound. The bursts of synths create a juicy, radiant atmosphere in the track as Props uses lo-fi and a rich, intricate electronic backdrop to create a dazzling and lush listening experience. The tracks’ cynical lyrics contrast the cheery bouncy soundscapes superbly which adds to the songs appeal. With a deft beat drop creating harsh edgy elements between the sun kissed sugar pop melody ‘You & Me’ is an upbeat and fun track from Props.
About the song Props said : “You & Me is an observation of human beings clearly sleep walking to self destruction. Not particularly cheerful,but hopefully the music makes up for that…’”
Santa Barbara, CA artist SODAPOP has released his second single ‘Watered Down’. Presenting a laid back upbeat indie/bedroom pop sound ‘Watered Down’ shows just how infectious SODAPOP’s sound is. From the jaunty guitar melody, buoyant beat and twinkling elements this infectious tune is a summer dream. Locked and loaded with a sweet melody and sunny atmosphere teamed with smooth vocals and richly intricate rhythm, this instantly charming track has everything to get you up and bopping all day long. ‘Watered Down’ is a wonderful display of indie-pop gold.
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
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From SG Lewis
Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist SG Lewis has recently released the official video for his brand new single ‘Chemicals’ via PMR/VirginEMI.The psychedelic video was shot at home during lockdown by SG using a green screen and directed by Yousef and produced by Jake Parker for Prettybird. The song has already accumulated over 3 million streams since release and is the first track to be released from SG’s eagerly anticipated debut album, with more details to be announced soon.
Saturated in soaring soundscapes, intricate funk grooves and euphoric melodies, ‘Chemicals’ is a laid back disco hued gem. The track spins into motion with shimmering synths exuding a cool refreshing atmosphere as the zesty guitar flexes and swirling electronics create a chilled sonic drive. With a strutting hook, sweet melody and retro disco underbelly the track wraps your ears in a luscious coating of candy floss bliss while the chic 70’s – esque bubbly foundation keeps your feet tapping. ‘Chemicals’ effortlessly displays SG Lewis’ rich, first rate production and musicianship while his velvety falsetto cools the electric funk humidity of the track. There are elements of Daft Punk and influences of soul glimmering through the track making this relaxed summer-splashed tune an enjoyable listen.
Priorland have released their new single ‘Moving To The Beat’.The track is the prologue to their ‘E.P. One’ which will debut later this year. Priorland is an original Irish band consisting of four members Calvin, Tommy, Davie and Conor. Their style ranges from Rock, Reggae, R&B, Soul, Blues and Pop.
With its funky flex creating a strutting groove ‘Moving To The Beat’ is that infectious tune sure to entice you onto the dance floor. The band douse the track in smooth silky instrumentation while slapping on healthy portions of indie rock on top. A pop, swagger-dipped melody prances about jangly guitar refrains and buoyant foot tapping beat. With smooth velvety vocals teamed with lush backing harmonies and glossy production Priorland have created one infectious bop which showcases their proficient, refined and classy musicianship. ‘Moving To The Beat’ blends chic, soul-hued funk with R&B elements and sprightly indie pop to create a well oiled dance infused gem.
Formed three years ago at BIMM College in Dublin State Lights consisting of band members: singer Shobsy, guitarist Joe Regan, drummer Paul Ridgeway and bassist Noel Perry have released their new single ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’. The track follows the double-A from earlier this year featuring the band’s original ‘Let You Go’ and State Lights’s sublime cover of The Blue Nile’s Tinseltown In The Rain.The single was picked up by RTE 2FM’s flagship breakfast show as its single of the week and enjoyed support also from Independent radio including FM104, Spin1038, KCLR and others. In recent times the band has also tallied substantial airplay and support from KROQ Los Angeles, Radio X (UK) and a host of other International radio stations.
Saturated in a shimmering indie pop sheen ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’ is a biting atmospheric track which exudes the exhilarating, bracing and utterly mesmerising musicianship of State Lights. The band swirl sharp ethereal guitars through a buoyant 80’s hued backdrop to create a breezy intoxicating soundscape. The jabbing guitars slice with acute precision through the punchy drums and sublime fluctuant bass.
State Lights lay down a magnificent pulsing rhythmic backbone for the track, which wiggles with relentless intensity throughout, allowing the elevating guitars to lift the track into anthemic heights. It’s arena ready indie pop with clean crisp production and superb songwriting. Shobsy’s sweet falsetto carries the song. His vocals surge with passion and emotion taking the track’s intensity and adrenaline to new heart racing heights as the track reaches its explosive crescendo.
State Lights are a band to keep an eye on. Their ability to cultivate this shimmering pearly track with such precision and refined musicianship is impressive. It’s going to be exciting watching this band flourish.
Stream ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
