Tag Archives: alternative rock

Album Review, Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Turfboy ‘At Tension’ Album

After the release of three preceding singles alternative rock band Turfboy have released their debut album ‘At Tension’. The album was released through Horn & Hoof Records Manchester and was recorded with Michael Richards in Trackmix Studio Dublin late last year. Coming from different parts of Ireland; Longford/Roscommon/Mayo-Galway/Wicklow, to be exact; the band is based in Dublin City, and is most often found playing shows there. 

‘At Tension’ is a blazing roar of alternative rock. The album’s moody grunge elements and crashing backdrop boasts a heavy sound that is not for the faint hearted. Turfboy have created a rock-filled album so explosive and powerful it will melt your brain leaving you on the floor twitching and frothing from the mouth.The acute lacerating guitar riffs gash through tracks like ‘Rageahol’ and ‘In Absentia’ with bloodthirsty stamina while being accompanied by an occasional desert-rock squeal and wail. The band use a battering onslaught on drums to pound their tracks forward while shredding guitar solos and scorching licks display the more majestic and refined side to the band’s savage sound.

However it’s not all fury and anarchy, ‘Holly Daye’ reverbs with an infectious punk pop melody over a slick riff while ‘(L)earn’ showcases a grunge Nirvana – esque side to the band. The gem of the album ‘(L)earn’ pivots around a sulky guitar refrain and moody catchy vocal refrain that will revolve in your head for days. The beauty of the angst in this track blended with sulken nonchalance and despair is masterful as the band build a powerful backdrop to encompass the dark emotion and rawness within the track.‘Idiocracy Is Reality’ is another smasher on the album. Doused in gritty jaunty guitar riffs and eerie bass lines this ominous mammoth displays Turfboy’s ability to build and cultivate a track. The soundscapes occasionally jolt into something more sinister and dark as the band allow each verse to raise the tension for the dramatic and crashing chorus release.

Vocally the band venture from all out fury-filled growls and howls to raspy passionate punk/pop bellows allowing the tracks to have their own identity on the album. We see this especially in ‘AttenDANCE’ where the vocals begin soft and almost lulling to start and venture into a howling scream as the song progresses. ‘Not Like You’ is probably as pop punk the band get on the album with a catchy melodic hook and lighter persona while ‘Millie The Jeff and Subh The Snail’ returns the album to a 90’s alternative rock tone for the finale. 

‘At Tension’ is a ballsy gritty album brimming with vigor and massive soundscapes. It is a thrill to listen to. The bands ability to blend anarchy-filled tunes with brooding tones, moody textures and a mosh-worthy sound is glorious and displays strong growth in Turfboy.

Stream ‘At Tension’ below


Author ; Danu

Alt Rock, New Music, Theatrical

Cloakroom Q. ‘Nowhere To Spit’

Cloakroom Q have released their new single ‘Nowhere To Spit’ off their upcoming album ‘Yes Again’. Liberated by an LCD Soundsystem gig in 2016, Cloakroom Q became upstarts with synths, loops and dynamic tension. They mess with the idea of stage performance, with primary colours, smudges of make-up and even mock fights on stage. From the Mournes area of South Down and now based in Belfast, they have experimented with spoken word and confessional themes. 

‘Nowhere To Spit’ is a theatrical display from Cloakroom Q. as they use their unique storytelling and quirky melodic hooks to create a refreshing alternative art rock track. With a lush variety of instruments from horns and bells to organs; the band flesh out their sound superbly. The track kicks into motion with a delicate guitar jingle while ominous vocals haunt in the background. ‘Nowhere To Spit’ displays a sublime contrast between soft sweet twinkling moments and mysterious sinister progressions with elements of theatrical bursts throughout. Glittering keys provides a light innocence to the track while strident guitars and punchy drums create glimmers of rock which unfolds with elements of stage performance theatrics. ‘Nowhere To Spit’ is quite an intriguing blend of music which works well within the band’s unique and powerful soundscape. 

Stream ‘Nowhere To Spit’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

7Levels ‘Hard Drive’

Following the success of debut release ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ in April, manic Waterford rockers 7Levels return with the explosive ‘Hard Drive’. With ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ receiving support from RTÉ 2fm’s Dan Hegarty, 7Levels have made a very quick impression on the Irish music scene. The band consists of Ger Reid, Mike Fox, Caela Murphy, Cian Dalton, Adam Cullen Stafford and Lou Bennett.

With a bloodthirsty rhythmic backdrop, ‘Hard Drive’ is quite the blazing second single from 7Levels. Guitars rampage through the backdrop with blazing fury and majestic scorches while the rooted demon-summoning bass lines curdle through the tracks underbelly. The jagged stomps, raging drums and spitting punk vocals drive home the songs theme of the dangerous world of online personas while adding a murky dark undertone to the track’s scorching rock coating and mosh pit ready mania. With an all out anarchy drenched crescendo ‘Hard Drive’ displays a wild and raw side to 7Levels powerful and compelling musicianship. 

Stream ‘Hard Drive’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Locklin ‘Setting Sun’

Locklin are set to release their new single ‘Setting Sun’ on 31st July. The band Locklin is the brain child of Barry McLoughlin and hail from Tipperary in Ireland. Mcloughlin, in a previous band called The Rumours had the honour of playing Electric Picnic on two occasions in 2006 and 2007. Under the pseudonym of Locklin, the band released their debut EP in late 2018, entitled “Never Forget”. Locklin was joined by Eoin Ryan (guitar) and Cian Cronin (drums) in the recording and promotion of the EP. The band have performed in Crane Lane in Cork, as well as support slots from the likes of Seskin Lane in Whelans, Dublin and Hermitage Green on their tour in January 2019 at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles.

‘Setting Sun’ is solid classic rock doused in laid back summer vibes and rich instrumentation. Locklin spreads spaghetti western guitar lines over a punchy rhythm and warm soundscape to create a healthy dose of easy listening rock. With a smooth melody gliding over the sharp sting on guitar the band provide a velvety mellow texture between an edged shoegaze hue. It’s very chill and relaxed with luscious musicianship between charming lyrics and warm vocals. The soft keys and elastic bass elements fill out the songs sound creating a tune that is sweet and well crafted with a residue of Oasis glimmering through the track. Locklin are building their sound perfectly and displaying significant musical growth. ‘Setting Sun’ is a well paced 90’s rock gem to indulge in. Enjoy.

‘Setting Sun’ is set for release on 31st July. For more you can follow Locklin on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/locklinmac/


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Fly the Nest ‘Borrowed Time’

Irish pop/rock singer-songwriter Fly the Nest is set to release his new single, ‘Borrowed Time’ on July 24th.Dublin native Fly the Nest (Stephen Cooper) started playing music at a young age, performing in various bands. Last year he started solo project Fly the Nest, under which he writes and releases his own music. Stephen also writes for sync, and says that writing for film and TV has opened up another facet of his creativity. The name Fly the Nest came from travelling and moving on from a previous musical journey to the one he’s currently on. 

‘Borrowed Time’ is filled with lush instrumental surprises as Fly the Nest crafts an anthemic rock track laced in heartfelt passion. From warm string laments to triumphant brass the song drifts through a majestic arrangement with ease. Cooper allows the track to unfold beautifully. The anthemic rock remains at the forefront creating emotive tones through dusty drum beats and steady guitar strums however its the brass that lifts the song into an adrenaline induced state of jubilation.

The song is a journey through someone’s life and finding their purpose. The lyrics talk about giving life everything you have while you are on this earth, appreciating what you have, and embracing every opportunity. Coopers emotive rasped vocals portray this message perfectly while powerful progressions and a catchy pop-rock melody ensures the track will stay in your head all day. ‘Borrowed Time’ is well paced with Cooper taking his song writing to new heights – looking outside the box to bring a track that is sweet, sincere and bursting with cinematic energy.

‘Borrowed Time’ is set for release tomorrow July 24th you can pre-save the song below https://ffm.to/borrowedtimeflythenest

For more you can follow Fly the Nest on Facebook below https://www.facebook.com/flythenestofficial/


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Event News, Indie, indie rock, Live Music, New Music, Takeover

Event News – Vulpynes Takeover

Vulpynes will takeover our Instagram and Facebook for a live stream on Thursday at 7.30 pm

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/indie_buddie/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/indiebuddie/

Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting Irish rock bands in recent years. Since the release of their self titled debut EP and their sophomore EP ‘Dye Me Red’ which was released last year the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.

The duo have a slick, raw and majestic way of presenting their blood thirsty rock and this Thursday they are treating us to a few acoustic versions of their tunes. It is a set not to be missed.

Stream Vulpynes latest single ‘Sister’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen -Bitch Falcon

Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Bitch Falcon

Dublin grunge-rock trio, Bitch Falcon have released their new single ‘Gaslight’ on Small Pond Records.The track premiered on BBC Radio 1 last Sunday and is the band’s debut release of 2020 and their first since signing to Brighton’s Small Pond Records. Formed by front-woman Lizzie Fitzpatrick with her friends in a small kitchen in 2014, the lineup has galvanised around the rhythm section of Barry O’Sullivan on Bass and Nigel Kenny on Drums. To date they have performed several headline and support tours around the UK along with frequent visits to the Benelux countries and North America. From the early days of their first single, Wolfstooth to their most recent release Damp Breath, an evolution in sound can be heard as the group perfect and refine their raw, fuzz-laced offerings over six singles and one EP. 

‘Gaslight’ is Bitch Falcon’s most exciting release to date. The band unleash an alternative rock maelstrom filled with raw guitars, powerful vocals and heavy barbed bass lines. The hefty tight rhythmic foundation anchors the listener through the tracks crazed agitated atmospherics as Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s bewitching vocals haunt over brooding sound rumbles and pummeling drum progressions.

Bitch Falcon have a deft ability to create wonderful calm moments of respite in between their chaotic sound which is a difficult task to achieve and yet they do this with such ease that the listener can not help but be in awe of their musical prowess. They are one of Ireland’s most exciting alternative rock bands at the moment. The refined layering and dark chilling atmospheres created within their tracks is utterly thrilling and a joy to listen to.

With gritty riffs and a dark all consuming soundscape, ‘Gaslight’ is an epic return from Bitch Falcon.

About the trackLizzie Fitzpatrick commented “I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. Gaslight is a song that came together quite fast. Barry started playing his riff and I played along messing rhythmically, just making noise. It sounded so weird and intense so quickly. I remember us all looking at each other and saying this is the one. I think this song was a change in our writing together. We knew we wanted a heavy sound with melodic intricacies.I recorded the vocal layering at home, building up chords with my voice. When we recorded it in the studio, I wasn’t able to sustain my voice for the whole section, Rían (Trench), and I decided to record it in a wave, one-note resting while the other picks up, so it sounds like a living, breathing thing.

I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. The holy grail of public display, and worth to others. Expressing yourself puts you in a vulnerable position, and I think a lot of people embellish the truth. In that way, an unachievable status is shoved down our throats, and we play into the game every day.”

Stream ‘Gaslight’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – THUMPER

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From THUMPER

Dublin noise-pop sextet THUMPER have recently released their brand new single, ‘Topher Grace’. With a raw flaky rhythm battering through distorted guitars the track kicks off with abrasive sonics while THUMPER mangle acute post punk into a psychedelic rock mirage to create a confused and intense atmosphere. Oisín Leahy-Furlong spits a mostly spoken monologue which highlights themes of self-destruction. Sonically the track whirlwinds through the lyrics with manic tendencies while the rampant yet steady bass, drums and guitars hold a constant anchor of sanity throughout the chaos.

The scrupulous layering of this track displays THUMPERS adept ability to create controlled chaos while venturing out of their comfort zone. The usual bubble pop melodic flurries we are used to from THUMPER are absent as the band delve into lyricist territory replacing vocal melody with venom-filled words and yelps in between breathy exclaims. It is only when the song fades at the end that we get a glimmer of a gentle melody as Leahy-Furlong sings a bittersweet lament “I hide in bars. I drown in words. It seems absurd that I’m lonely. Make a safe bet – If I left, this party continues without me”.

What makes THUMPER great is their deep, intelligent grasp of style and genre. ‘Topher Grace’ is an erosive, acid soaked frenzy smushed into a thrilling six and a half minute track. It is a fantastic, bold and daring display of musicianship from the band.

When I spoke to Oisín Leahy-Furlong about the track he said :  “It was written over the course of a couple of months which is sort of different for me, normally these things are written in bursts. I suppose the song makes several allusions to a culture which is fairly present, in Ireland anyway of airing your problems in public with a pint in your hand rather than in a friend’s sitting room. I guess it’s about the idea that maybe you are going through destruction or by unraveling yourself you will find some sort of ultimate truth or something. Which of course is bullshit but I suppose the deeper you are into that lifestyle the easier it is to convince yourself that it’s the way for you.”

You can read the full interview here https://www.indiebuddie.com/a-chat-with-oisin-leahy-furlong-from-thumper/

Stream ‘Topher Grace’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock, Rock

Vulpynes ‘Sister’

Punk rock duo Vulpynes have released their new single ‘Sister’. A week before Covid19 struck, the duo were half way through recording their debut album in Black Mountain Studios with James Darkin. Due to travel restrictions and Ireland being in complete disarray, they were unfortunately unable to finish it. After much consideration, Vulpynes have decided to release the first half of the album as a single sided limited edition 12″. The EP, entitled ‘Us Against Them’ will be released via Ireland’s premier punk rock label F.O.A.D/Advance Records.

 ‘Sister’ is another no nonsense smasher from Vulpynes. It’s a speed battering of the duo’s frantic punk rock at its most potent and all consuming best. The thrashing guitars and rapid pogo slaps on drums create that lean mean sound we have come to love from the band.

Molly’s powerful vocals are the heart of the song. The sheer attitude, ballsy fire and grit in her compelling voice gives her such a dominating presence it leaves much to be admired.

‘Sister’ is quite the razor cut anthem. Kaz’s jackhammer assaults on drums is the most beautiful battering ever to bruise your ears as her fast and poisonous whack creates the track’s all authoritative foundation.

Vulpynes’ music is always a joy to listen to. The duo produce some of the most visceral and kinetic forms of music on the Dublin scene at the moment. They have a slick, raw and majestic way of presenting their blood thirsty rock and ‘Sister’ is a fine new example of this.

Stream ‘Sister’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Banríon ‘Airport Dads’ EP

Dublin based alt-rock four piece Banríon have released their debut EP ‘Airport Dads’.Following the release of her solo single ‘bins’, songwriter and guitarist Róisín Ní Haicéid recruited drummer Michael Nagle, bassist John Harding and guitarist Ivan Rakhmanin to form Banríon and complete their immediately recognisable alt-rock sound. The jazz backgrounds of Nagle and Harding have allowed Banríon to explore a refreshingly eclectic mix of genres to create a powerful indie sound, already attracted a very loyal fanbase. Banríon has played in venues such as Whelan’s, the Workman’s Club, Bello Bar and the Sound House and their cult following is growing in numbers after every live show. Recorded in Nagle’s home in Connemara, the three-part EP was entirely self- produced.

‘Airport Dads’ provides a short glimpse into Banríon’s alternative indie rock as they create a mature, lush and well balanced EP.  ‘Yesterday’s Paper’ kicks things in motion with jangly indie guitars piercing a thick punchy rhythmic wall of sound. It’s a light, sweet tune that floats delicately over an upbeat backdrop and tight musicianship while lyrics explore the fears of day to day life.

Through sweet and delicate tones and catchy refrains the band express pain, angst and vulnerability. Banríon take tender and raw themes of disability, feelings of uncertainty, emigration and heartbreak and place rich, delicate and compelling musicianship around them to heighten and highlight the emotion one feels during these experiences. A brave undertaking which the four-piece succeed in doing with skill and empathy.

The gliding and elegant flurries of ‘Bunk Beds’ pivot around a rooted guitar jingle and raw rhythmic bounce as the band create an illusive shoegaze soundscape with a more punchy rock foundation. The laid back lull of ‘Ouchie’ brings the EP to a close. The mood is glum as the twinkling on guitar glimmers through the tracks moody melodic flow. Róisín Ní Haicéid’s vocals have a pacifying and soothing tone throughout the EP while delivering coarse and painful lyrics. Her sweet lull and richer depths express emotion effortlessly as she draws you into each song’s enchanting sorrow and diverse emotions. 

‘Airport Dads’ shows Banríon know their sound and what they want to achieve. The band have created a wonderful collection of time stopping and utterly moving tunes with sublime dreamy moments and raw emotive themes to provide an honest, real, and emotional EP.

Stream ‘Airport Dads’ below


Author : Danu