Tag Archives: Alternative Pop

Jungle ‘Keep Moving’

Photo Credit : Anna Victoria Best

The producer duo, Jungle, have returned with their new single ‘Keep Moving’. The track is taken from their forthcoming album ‘Loving In Stereo’ due for release in August this year. In their career to date, Jungle have gone from selling-out London’s 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace to filling the Hollywood Palladium some 9,000 kilometres from home. They’ve performed on multiple continents, headlining shows from Sydney to Moscow while also winning new fans at festivals such as Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Their Mercury Prize-nominated, Gold-certified debut and 2018’s follow-up ‘For Ever’ both entered the UK Top 10. Those two records have since amassed 750,000 equivalent album sales and close to a billion streams.

Doused in strutting swagger and disco soul, ‘Keep Moving’ is a magnificent new tune. The track rides on a funky bass groove and rich percussive bounce while shimmering synths and 70’s chic disco elements create an infectious and vibrant soundscape. Jungle experiments with lush sounds to develop their dynamic songs, and ‘Keep Moving’ follows this trend superbly. Tropical steel drum tones exude a sweet sun-kissed radiance between danceable grooves as the duo spread velvety soulful vocals and tight harmonies over a chic melody. With balmy sweet guitar refrains creating an upbeat, positive tone to mirror the song’s uplifting theme of accepting who you are and moving forward positively, the track is a well-produced delight.

‘Keep Moving’ is ambitious, indulgent and above all, fun. Jungle display an exceptional level of attention to detail within the song, subtly swirling and blending new sounds and luxuriant instrumentation into ‘Keep Moving’ to create a fresh and invigorating listening experience.

Watch the video for ‘Keep Moving’ below 



Author : Danu

Thrillhouse ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse have released their new single ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’.This nostalgic gem flows with the emotive, infectious and masterfully crafted sound we have come to love from Thrillhouse. The band use urging keys and meticulously layered sounds to create a lush and juicy backdrop for their heartfelt melodies. This band’s knack with irresistible melodies is awe-inspiring. Throughout their releases, Thrillhouse always deliver on sweet earworm tunes filled with passion and ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’ follows this trend superbly. The smooth vocals exude rich depths through warm coos while pulsing beats adorn the backdrop creating a heart-racing pace while shimmering synths add psychedelic hues into the mix. With bright guitars injecting zesty stings through the intoxicating soundscape, ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’ is a beautiful and wholly consuming new single from Thrillhouse.

Stream ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’ below 


Author : Danu

Calum Agnew ‘Don’t Think About It’

Calum Agnew has released his new single ‘Don’t Think About It’.Agnew is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Duleek, Co.Meath. Since writing his first song at the age of 9, he has composed hundreds of melodies with lyrics in both the Irish and English languages. Currently a 6th year student in St. Marys Diocesan School, Drogheda, Calum has been tipped by many as a ‘rising star’ on the Irish Music scene after reaching number 1 on the Irish iTunes charts with his debut single “Crazy”. Calum says that his music is Inspired by ‘Soul & Pop’ artists such as Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, Jorja Smith and Hozier. Amid the Global Coronavirus pandemic, Calum used this time to craft his art, learning how to record and produce his own music from his bedroom, including his new single release ‘Don’t Think About It’. 

‘Don’t Think About It’ displays the bright and compelling alternative pop of Calum Agnew. With supple melodies wisping through delicate beats and warm guitars, the song has a bubbling and light backdrop. Agnew provides an emotive and intricately weaved song through an array of soft instruments that highlight his confident and impressive songwriting. The verses brood and simmer with folk-esque tones on guitar while a lush pop melody coats the song in sweetness and buoyancy. Agnew sweeps an elegant string arrangement into the song’s vibrant backdrop adding a dash of grandeur and drama while the lush backing vocals and bouncy percussion build to the cinematic and powerful crescendo. ‘Don’t Think About It’ is a catchy and well crafted new single that marks Calum Agnew as an artist to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Don’t Think About It’ below 


Author : Danu

Soda Blonde ‘Small Talk

Soda Blonde

Soda Blonde announce their debut album and tour with the release title track ‘Small Talk’. Out July 9th 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 brooding new addition to Soda Blonde’s smoky alternative pop sound. The band take shimmering disco elements and light wispy synths and blend them to create an 80’s-esque intoxicating bop. Soda Blonde’s ability to weave rich musical threads throughout their instrumentation is awe-inspiring. Within ‘Small Talk’, the band create a fluid, hazy atmosphere through these mystical threads while injecting a funky bassline and buoyant beat into the track’s foundation which exudes a sultry dark undertone and air of mystery throughout. As the electronics unfold gently, the rhythmic backbone intensifies and bubbles, expanding into the catchy melodies and glittering guitars for the euphoric chorus. O’Rourke’s vocals are mesmerising. Her lush whispers elegantly drift over the dreamy melody exuding tender emotion as she coos, “Do I suppress everything? Am I just too late to admit that I’m Ignoring myself? “. With light twinkles on keys, lush harmonies and earnest lyrics, ‘Small Talk’ is a bewitching alternative pop track that boasts the musical mastery of Soda Blonde.

You Can Catch Soda Blonde Live at: 

August 13 – 15 Wild Roots Festival, Sligo, Ireland
August 27 + 28 SoFFT Nights, Co.Meath, Ireland
September 08 Mike the Pies, Co.Kerry, Ireland
September 09 Cyprus Avenue, Cork, Ireland
September 10 Dolans Warehouse, Co.Limerick, Ireland
September 11 Roisin Dubh, Galway, Ireland
September 12 Whelan’s, Dublin Ireland
September 19 Belfast Empire Music Hall, Belfast, UK
September 21 Broadcast, Glasgow, UK
September 22 YES, Manchester, UK
September 23 Sebright Arms, London, UK
July 17. 2022 Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, Ireland (with Sinead O’Connor)

Tickets will be available from https://www.sodablonde.com/

Stream ‘Small Talk’ below 


Author : Danu

Lemonade Shoelace ‘Autopilot Paradise’

Lemonade Shoelace is set to release his new single ‘Autopilot Paradise’. on 24th March. Lemonade Shoelace is the project of 23-year-old Ruairí Richman, a graduate of the BIMM institute in Dublin and a native of Newcastle, Co. Down. All his tracks are written, recorded, and produced entirely in a small home studio.

Throughout ‘Autopilot Paradise,’ Lemonade Shoelace uses prismatic psychedelic tones and lusciously blended sounds to create one refreshing guzzle of alternative pop. The song drifts along with a bubbling beat and elastic bass groove which creates a dance-infused foundation while 80’s-esque synths soar and wisp throughout providing an ethereal sense of euphoria. This juicy burst of electronic pop surges with zesty guitars and rich reverb soundscapes that intensify as the anthemic chorus kicks in. Richmans’ smooth vocals coo over the dreamy melody while the synths shimmer and flicker between the vibrant soundscapes. The track is a feast for the senses and layered perfectly, revealing new luxuriant sounds with each verse and chorus arrangement.

Oozing bright melodies, deep grooves, and ethereal synths, ‘Autopilot Paradise’ is a tantalizing new single that makes Lemonade Shoelace an artist to keep an eye on.

Pre – Save ‘Autopilot Paradise’ here  https://smarturl.it/58mlnj?fbclid=IwAR2DvXP-vl2LQ4ROAQGb14XadMvJBWjP8jzA7bWGB68z5dvtXdtOyLFxZpMhttps://smarturl.it/58mlnj?fbclid=IwAR2DvXP-vl2LQ4ROAQGb14XadMvJBWjP8jzA7bWGB68z5dvtXdtOyLFxZpM


Author : Danu

Wild Youth ‘Can’t Say No’

Irish indie-pop band Wild Youth have released their latest track, ‘Can’t Say No,’ which will be taken from their forthcoming new EP ‘Forever Girl,’ set for release on March 26th. Comprised of lead vocalist David Whelan, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conor O’Donohoe, lead guitarist Ed Porter and drummer Callum McAdam, Wild Youth have collected over 10M streams on Spotify alone, as well as supported the likes of Mumford and Sons, The Script, and Niall Horan on international tours.

‘Can’t Say No’ is a satisfying cinematic collision of disco, funk, and R&B. The track expands on Wild Youth’s irresistible, indie-pop sound to create one explosive bop for the listener to indulge in. The song radiates a tense and dark persona as gravelly backing vocals meander through the verses and haunting spacious soundscapes.

Doused in the stomping swagger of Wild Youth, the chorus boasts the bands lush musicianship in all its grandeur. A rich rhythm bubbles through the chorus with ground-shaking potency while a dark, pulsing bass seduces in the background. With glitzy 80’s hued synth and funky guitar providing an edge to the track, ‘Can’t Say No’ is remarkably infectious. The upbeat synths and funky guitar embellishments contrast the lyrical content within. Lyrically the track calls out an unfaithful partner. There is an ache to Whelan’s resilient, soulful vocals as he sings, “ Saw you delete the message on your phone, Swear I can even smell him on your clothes.”

Versatility is key in the music industry, and Wild Youth have demonstrated that they are more than adept at using various styles. ‘Can’t Say No’ is a genre-blending tune that surges with the earnest and rich musicianship of the band without becoming overpowering. The precise layering, rich percussion, and deft use of instrumentation make the track absolutely thrilling.

Stream ‘Can’t Say No’ below. 


Author : Danu

Liv V ‘Magnetic’

18-year-old, Liv V has released her new single ‘Magnetic’.Teaming up with DJ Wiz, IKA and Jenne Derck for the single Liv V has built a small but supportive team around her, completed by her mum who does all the artwork, hair, video production, editing, filming, and management. With trippy and striking visuals to go along with the release, Liv V is expressing the depths of her creativity on her mission to heal the world through music.

‘Magnetic’ is a powerful alternative pop number brimming with attitude and the lush vocals of Liv V. The track is saturated in smoky tones as a sticky beat pulses between icy keys and swirling electronics creating a dark and engaging tune. Exuding tight production and luring instrumentation the song has an R&B tone as Liv V injects subtle power into the song with her soulful vocals. ‘Magnetic’ urges us to come together and not allow the powers that be divide us. Liv V uses uplifting harmonies and positive melodies to enforce this theme in this well-crafted track.

‘Magnetic’ is a compelling and evocative new single displaying Liv V’s confident songwriting.

Stream ‘Magnetic’ below 


Author : Danu

Midnight Wayne ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’

Having cut his teeth in one of the most well-loved live bands of their time on our festival circuits and live scene, former Hot Sprockets frontman Wayne Soper is no stranger to the Irish music scene. Now focusing on his solo artist project, Midnight Wayne, Soper returns with ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’.

‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ boasts the impressive genre-blending musicianship of Midnight Wayne. Melding 80’s synth-pop with crisp sparkling production, Soper adds layer upon layer of beautiful luxuriant sounds for the listener to indulge in.

The song flows upon a kinetic groove and pulsing bass while sweet synths chime throughout. Soper uses a tight beat to pull against a funky flex on guitar, and loose electronics to create a tantalizing, irresistible sound to tease and entice the listener with. The result is a mesmerising display of musical prowess and an enjoyable listening experience.

From panache-soaked breathy whispers to velvety croons, Soper’s vocals ooze a charming tone while delivering the uplifting lyrics “seek the fire that you’ve lost inside”. The upbeat lyrics are highlighted further by the tracks infectious jangly guitars and rhythmic bounce.

‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ is a gem to treasure. Midnight Wayne is refining his sound into something special and something to get excited about. Looking forward to hearing more from Midnight Wayne.

Stream ‘It’s Alright Hold on Tight’ below 


Author : Danu

FYA FOX ‘Body

Irish Act FYA FOX has released her new single ‘Body’. Inspired by sparse electronic pop with emotive lyrical themes ’FYA FOX is a new exciting artist from Ireland. Her successful debut release of ‘White Lies ‘received radio play across Ireland and the UK with a world exclusive play on BBC Across The Line by Gemma Bradley (BBC Radio 1).

Masterfully crafted and shrouded in dazing psychedelia, ‘Body’ showcases the mesmerising alternative pop of FYA FOX. Blending layered vocals with intoxicating electronic soundscapes, the song builds superbly. Delicate synths ripple between pulsing beats as the track unfolds into a gloriously dark and luring tune. FYA FOX’s sweet vocals coo and whisper with a velvety texture while her sharp yet pristine falsetto echoes through the enticing soundscape.‘Body’ is an enthralling and wholly consuming new single from FYA FOX. Her magnetic sound and compelling musicianship mark her as an alternative pop starlet to keep an eye on. Love it.

Stream ‘Body’ below 


Author : Danu

Fast Trains ‘I Work In Lies’

Fast Trains is back with new single ‘I Work In Lies’ from the forthcoming EP ‘ourWorld Volume 1′.The song is an attack on the British tabloid newspapers, in particular those involved in the News International phone hacking scandal and their abuse of human rights. Fast Trains is the solo project of songwriter and producer Tom Wells. Combining inventive alternative pop with a cryptic visual space known as ourWorld, the project has received backing from BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music, and its videos have been shown at film festivals all over the world.

Shrouded in ominous tones and alternative pop soundscapes ‘I Work In Lies’ boasts the expressive and luring sound of Fast Trains. The lyrics with the aid of a precise and refined instrumental backdrop tell the story of a newspaper journalist writing fictitious articles to sell more papers “spread our editor’s agendas”. Driving on a pulsing beat and hypnotic whines on guitar the track exudes a mysterious persona while swirling electronics create a muggy soundscape between the soaring guitar moans and constant plucking groove. The song creeps for the verses accompanied by Well’s vocals which sweetly coo the delicate melody. As the track progresses the song becomes more animated and heavy for the chorus. Oozing dynamic instrumentation from every note ‘I Work In Lies’ is an engaging new single from Fast Trains. 

Stream ‘I Work In Lies’ below 


Author : Danu