SAD FUNERAL is set to release their debut single ‘Gone’ on June 7th.This psychedelic number flows like liquid gold bliss into the ears with a velvety dreamy texture as chiming guitars wobble through the prismatic floaty soundscape.With lush vocals cooing and caressing the melty smooth melody this kaleidoscopic daydream is a tight trippy bubble of delight. A soft beat taps and bounces behind a mesmerising bass line which delicately rumbles creating a hypnotic atmosphere for the wispy soundscapes to drift beautifully around. Well crafted and sublimely chill ‘Gone’ is a lava lamp of captivating psych pop.
Freeda have released their new single ‘Replay’ the second single taken from their forthcoming EP set to be released towards the end of this year. Freeda are a five piece Indie Rock band from Manchester. Forming in early 2017, the band spent their first year establishing themselves in their hometown, selling out headline shows along the way and progressing to 1000+ capacity venues. In 2018 the band played shows from Manchester to Paris at iconic venues such as the O2 Ritz, Le Truskel and more, including performances at Dot 2 Dot and Cotton Clouds festivals. Working with highly acclaimed production duo Sugar House, they released their first two singles ‘Plug It In’ and ‘Go Home’ which received airplay on Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing.
Shaking up their fizzing can of luscious indie pop ‘Replay’ is an energetic blast of indie goodness by Freeda. With a buoyant rhythm, infectious bass groove and glorious guitar melodies this track spring boards in displaying the bands passionate, vibrant musicianship in all its glory. The peppy and energetic instrumentation contrasts superbly with the lyrical content which reflects on some of the difficult aspects of life. ’Replay’ is catchy and upbeat as the zest filled guitars weave and ricochet off the meaty backdrop with an elegant, light radiance while the smooth vocals surge passion and warmth into the track. It’s instantly likeable and ready for the frantic mania of a live show. Freeda have whacked out another magnificent indie banger.
Meath-based five-piece, Lady Landscape have released their new EP ‘2’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and smooth baritone vocals. Upon forming, the then two piece band released their first EP ‘1’ in 2018, before taking a short hiatus, whilst Harrison spent some time in Vancouver, Canada to work on new demos. McDonnell and Harrison then returned to work in their makeshift bedroom studios to craft and shape their second release ‘2’. Constantly developing their sound with each release, Lady Landscape became a five-piece in 2019, incorporating friends of the group: Jamie Reynolds (Drums), Tiernan Buckley (Bass) and Adam Ollin (Lead Guitar), for a series of live shows in Dublin.
‘2’ is a four track treasure of laid back dreamy tunes that melt into your brain with euphoric delight. The bands simplistic approach creates tracks that are easy on the ears as they fill the songs with mellow tones and luscious textures. ‘Nanaimo’ kick starts their sun kissed sound with an angel delight-dipped melody, nonchalant vocals and twinkling instrumentation. With glistening guitars flickering between the hazy soundscape while a buoyant beat keeps the track peppy and light, ‘Nanaimo’ flurries by with effortless charm and soothing tones. The band blend rich and rejuvenating musicianship with calm, soft lo-fi pop soundscapes and shimmering synths seamlessly. A good example of this is the ethereal ‘Kitsilano’ which was previously featured on Indie Buddie. With their tight musicianship and indie pop sprinkles, Lady Landscape create an EP that is delicious and refreshing. The tranquilizing tones continue with ‘Jericho’ , a sweet ditty with a mesmerising guitar melody and majestic synths. These guys have a knack for honeyed, velvety melodies and ‘Jericho’ takes that skill and turns it up a notch as they subtly surge the track with a 60’s flower power vibe all while layering the track in rich rhythms and glorious sun kissed textures. Final track ‘Varanasi’ brings the EP to a gentle and peaceful end as the tender melody drifts upon a glistening soundscape of soft guitar, and spacey synth elements while the baritone vocals coo the sweet lullaby- esque lyrics. This psychedelic hue closes out the EP allowing you to sail away into a delicate dreamland gracefully.
‘2’ is a wholly satisfying EP as Lady Landscape’s mature, beautiful sound gently blossoms with refinement and grace – it’s captivating and unique.
Cleveland-based Indie/Alternative artist Holden Laurence has released his Sophomore album ‘Rewire’ and will celebrate with a release show at Mahall’s on May 17th alongside Niights and Punch Drunk Tagalongs. Like his previous release ‘Wild Empty Promises’, Laurence once again recruited drummer Michael O’Brien of The Modern Electric to provide the pulse of Rewire. The Rewire sessions were recorded at Fe True Productions(Cleveland) and Bobby Peru Recording Studios (Milwaukee), and were engineered, mixed, and mastered by Shane Olivo, in partnership with executive producer Dr. Michael Bell.In addition to self-producing for the second time, all instruments and vocals, with the exception of drums and percussion, were performed by Holden Laurence
‘Rewire’ is a luscious and compelling collection of alternative 80’s pop submerged in beautiful vivid musicianship as Laurence wraps each track in glorious sugary synths that flash and seep their glucose sweetness through tracks like ‘Shadows of Old Love’, ‘Friendship and The Fever’ and ‘Speaking in Tongues’ .The emotional melodies melt into the tracks effortlessly and rest easily on the ear with bittersweet nostalgia blending with melancholic tones. The velvety vocals exude passion as the glistening sharp guitars weave zesty melodies throughout. The tracks whirl and glissade smoothly from vivid bass grooves and meaty drum progressions to ethereal dreamy tones seamlessly creating a vibrant and texture throughout the album. The emotional tender tracks like ‘Lightning Strikes’, ‘Rewire’,‘Desire’ and ‘Roses and a Romeo Mask’ are beautifully presented with delicate passion and gripping soundscapes while the more upbeat, indie speckled, sun kissed gems like ‘We’ll Always Have the Radio’ illuminate the album with a euphoric laid back tone of delight. Laurence brings us down a sultry nostalgic road of longing with ‘Mary Magdalene’ with its wistful, heart stopping melody and gripping soundscapes that is sure to rest charmingly in the heart of any one who listens to it. The album comes to a beautiful and delicate end with the track ‘The Southern Wind’ as warm guitar twinkles about a soft melody and lush harmony. It’s a charming number that builds becoming more dynamic as it blossoms into a heart warming ditty with honest lyrical content and pure emotional tones.
‘Rewire’ is a richly satisfying album that boasts Holden Laurence’s immaculate, passionate and rich musicianship.
South-East London artist Lonnie Storey has released his new single ‘Silver and Glass’. This dreamy sun specked number floats upon a melted ice cream sundae melody while a sweet vaporous indie soundscape jingles and glimmers in the background. The track glides and sluggishly droops between energetic bursts and laid back breezy vibes with zest-stricken guitar melodies, elastic bass grooves and a danceable beat. It’s infectious, vibrant and quirky with nonchalant vocals cooing through the verses before becoming more dynamic for the catchy chorus. Filled with swagger and effortless suaveness this glossy, fizzing pop gem builds to a psych hued crescendo that is simply divine.
On ‘Silver and Glass’ Lonnie shares: ‘Silver and Glass is all about becoming a hot vapid mess,being so obsessed with image and presentation, hoping it will cover the cracks in a fragile, unhinged personality, whose self esteem leaked out of them overnight.”
London’s (via Limerick) whenyoung have announced they will be releasing their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Reasons to Dream’, through Virgin EMI on the 24th May. In anticipation of the album release the band have released their new single, ‘Future’ which tells the story of a close friend who sadly took their own life, while also striving to find a message of hope in the darkness.
‘Future’ is sweet fizzy indie rock at its most exhilarating and refreshing. whenyoung present a tender wholesome number bursting to the seams with vibrant delicious instrumentation while tackling a striking and emotional theme. Filled with elegance and ethereal innocence, this driving track soars and chimes with glorious guitar moments sparkling gracefully between a peppy beat and passionate vocals. These guys pay attention to detail – from the short clap clap moments to haunting backing vocals, lush harmonies and refined, dignified guitars this track has everything to charm the hearts and minds of the nation. The melody, coated in Aoife Power’s heavenly vocals is infectious and warm. These guys can write a tune that will have you singing along, dancing in seconds and with a strong meaningful lyrical content they are the band to watch.
The video was directed by award winning short film maker Michael Baldwin and stars young actor Badger Skelton, who featured in Tom Beards critically acclaimed ‘Two for Joy.’ It takes inspiration from Wim Wenders’ New German Cinema classic, ‘Wings of Desire’, showing the trials of suburban youth in stark monochrome.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Extons
Four piece Indie rock band The Extons have released their new single ‘No Hope’. Based in Kings Lynn the band is comprised of Adam Garwood ( Lead Guitar), Will barnes (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar) Peter Catlin (Drums) and Ciaran Liam (bass)
‘No Hope’ is a shimmering blast of indie bliss. With glistening zesty guitars spinning ethereal whirs of delight over the punchy backdrop The Extons capture youthful adrenaline through this dynamic track. Smooth vocals melt over the sweet passionate melody while the snappy drums bounce through the rooted bass groove. It’s a heart gripping energising number that showcases this bands refined spirited musicianship. Warm rapid verses lead effortlessly into a crowd ready sing along chorus filled with explosive vigor and dynamism creating the perfect summer anthemic tune. The guitars shrill and pierce through this bubbly indie gem with finesse and grandeur making it one instant rush to the head. Keep an eye on these guys.
Innovative pop artist Jack Rua has released his debut single ‘Scarlet A’ which was produced by fellow BIMM Dublin alumni Tenderhook. and the nationally-lauded Michael Heffernan. Jack Rua has plans already in motion to collaborate with more prominent Irish artists, as well as to release an EP in late 2019/early 2020.
‘Scarlet A’ is a sultry dark concoction of luring entrapment as Jack Rua blends catchy pop elements with mysterious fermenting electronics to create an invigorating dance pop number. With sticky pulsing beat slaps supporting the infectious foot tapping foundation while subtle flashing electronics create an enticing soundscape its a wholly riveting song. This track captivates you within its polished clean production while the enslaving melody shackles this tune into your mind as Jack Rua’s smooth passionate vocals whisper, coo and seduce throughout. It’s a steamy, catchy number with a compelling edge that charms and bewitches with sublime musicianship.
About the track Jack Rua said : “Scarlet A’ unapologetically questions the nature of human attraction and monogamy, whilst simultaneously evoking its listener to contemplate modern fascination with superficial things.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sea Girls
Sea Girls have released their new single ‘Open Up Your Head’, another glimpse from their highly anticipated debut album, due later this year. The track which was premiered as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record is their first to be released since their BBC Sound of 2019 shortlist nomination at the end of last year.
‘Open Up Your Head’ continues Sea Girls exhilarating sound and passionate youth- filled melody. Shimmering soundscapes create a breathtaking backdrop for the ethereal guitars to soar over while punchy drums create a rhythmic dynamic foundation. Filled with anthemic power and warm emotional vocals teamed with lush backing vocals and a shredding guitar solo – this thumping rush of adrenaline is ready for stadiums and mass sing-alongs. Another compelling track from Sea Girls.
Vocalist Henry Camamile describes the song: “‘Open Up Your Head’ is about being your own worst enemy but having someone believing in you unconditionally. Some people struggle with self-esteem, some people party too hard, and some people feel stuck from making wrong choices. It can be crucial having someone who offers a hand out of those places we don’t want to remain in”
BENJAMYN has released his new track ‘Every Night’ from his recently released debut EP ‘TwentyThree’. BENJAMYN is the moniker chosen by Dublin musician Ben Hogan, as a singer/songwriter, guitarist and electronic producer – his style draws from Disco, Funk, Surf-Rock, Jazz, and House music. He calls his sound ‘Surf-House’.
‘Every Night’ is a floating breezy number with sun scorched undertones that drift through the track providing a glorious summer glow. With funky guitar flecks glimmering through a sticky beat, this track is laid back bliss in one mellow disco-speckled tune. Easy going vocals delicately flow over the melting ice cream melody and groove infested foundation.Tasty zest-filled guitar injections add a refreshing dash of vibrancy as BENJAMYN brings the lustrous summer into your ears for those sweet holiday daydreams.
Stream Every Night’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
