Boston and Long Island based pop punk duo Quiet Like A Thief have released the video for their latest single ‘LAK’.An incredible tribute to lead singer Alex Kouvaris’ father who passed away from Covid-19 this year, the single and video feature heartfelt lyrics and an incredibly impassioned performance.
‘LAK’ is a passionate alternative rock number saturated in crashing instrumentation and Quiet Like A Thief’s emotive musicianship. The track pulses with pummeling drums and a buoyant rhythmic foundation while the majestic, coarse guitars batter and clash into the blazing alternative rock backdrop. The band douse the melancholic melody in uplifting tones while the emotive vocals express the longing and shattering impact of loss within the lyrics. Quiet Like A Thief display their powerful pop punk through heartfelt lyrics and surging emotion to create a dynamic and wholly consuming track.
“Due to COVID-19, my father was unable to have a proper wake or funeral. We were forced to host a service via Zoom, and there was absolutely no closure. I wrote this song for him, and my band has shot an incredible music video as a tribute to honor the kind of man he was.” explains Alex. “Ryan and I found beauty in this disaster, taking advantage of our time during COVID to create a positive outlet and to finally write music together again. It’s a tribute my father deserves.”
Following the success of their 2 last singles ‘Moonlight’ and ‘I Had A Dream’, and after a mini tour in Ireland, UK, Toronto and New York up until lockdown, Rowan have released their debut EP ‘No One Is Safe Here’.Rowan bursted onto the Irish and UK music scene with their first release ‘Finish Line’ being featured on titan Spotify playlists such as New Music Friday UK, Your Kitchen Stereo, The Indie List and many others. Since then, they have accumulated over 200k plays in total. The indie trio are currently commanding a great deal of attention for their symphonic indie-anthems, particularly in Ireland, the UK, Germany and Canada. The band have supported internationally renowned artists such as Badly Drawn Boy, The Walls, Duke Special, Brian Deady, Hamsandwich and many more and have earned international recognition as they were nominated for an IMA, judged by Robert Smith, Tom Waits, Roberta Flack and many others, with their song ‘Big Wave’. The band have also been awarded the ‘Colin Vearncombe’ Songwriting award.
Well crafted, and doused in emotion ‘No One Is Safe Here’ is a smashing debut EP from Rowan. The band use their musical prowess to pull out all the stops with this wonderfully rich collection of tracks. From dynamic anthems to moving ballads the EP flows with tantalizing arrangements and deft embellishments. Blending sharp zest stricken indie elements in warm undertones of folk, sweet surges of pop and edged rock the EP is a joy ride of lush soundscapes.
Rowan weave the EP’s soundscapes superbly, utilising jangly indie guitar, buoyant drums and resounding bass rumbles to inject ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Big Wave’ with vigor. Creating a full bodied wall of sound they provide meaty choruses and soaring sing along melodies to provide that passion igniting explosions of the soul worthy of arenas.
Rowan cool things down with some heartfelt and beautifully crafted slow burners ‘Love Gets In The Way’ and ‘I Had A Dream’. Exuding cinematic arrangements, lush strings, powerful crescendos and earnest songwriting these tracks showcase the band’s maturity and heartfelt musicianship as they discuss longing for perfect love, and the loss of love.
‘No One Is Safe Here’ comes to a close with the animated piano led ‘You’re Not The One’. Doused in sombre tones while a building vibrant backdrop of strident strings and raw guitars ricochet off a tight percussive wall of sound – this blistering song is joy to the ears. The dramatic builds and grateful drops in tone on the track is masterful and showcases the versatility and mesmerising talent of Rowan
Rowan has created an exhilarating EP showcasing first rate musicianship. These guys aren’t just crafting their sound, they are thriving, pushing boundaries, exceeding expectations and releasing tunes of the highest quality.
Dukkha have released their third single ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ from their upcoming album. Dukkha are a grunge and alt-rock band featuring Eoin O’Neill (vocals & guitar), Brian Casey (lead guitar, keys), Peter O’Sullivan (drums) and a shape-shifting bassist.
Lathered in dark smothering grunge, ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ is an utterly thrilling and sinister new single from Dukkha. The song haunts through the verses with subdued instrumentation allowing O’Neill’s creeping vocals murmur between light strokes and creaking chills on guitar. The track explodes into its alternative rock chorus as crashing guitars collide with pummeling drums and raw unbridled bass attacks. Wonderfully eerie and expressive, the vocals wail and whisper with intensity, it’s difficult not to become completely entranced by the dark atmosphere and exceptional delivery by the band. Sonically the track is tight and impressive as the band ferment and curdle their sound while displaying refined musical prowess through scorching slick solos, precise jabs of distortion and glimpses of rock swagger beneath the brooding moody aesthetic. What a track.
Inspired by conspiracy theories and those that relish in spreading them comes the new single from UK pop punk artist Matt Warren. Tongue-in cheek ‘Bill’s A Fool’ takes on the character that we all see on social media with an opinion about everything. Cheshire based Matt Warren has carved out his own path in music, pushing the boundaries of hair metal and punk music. He played in bands throughout his teens, even getting scouted by a number of top-class labels and management companies that worked with artists like Deus and Space. His early band Smackwater Jack was formed in the 90’s and gained much critical acclaim before coming to a halt in the mid 2000’s. During the Covid-19 outbreak, Matt Warren once again picked up his guitar and returned to writing. This recent project has resulted in a debut solo album, made up from two months of rigorous writing and some 30 songs.
‘Bill’s A Fool’ is a sun soaked alternative pop/rock track oozing a glorious melody spread upon Matt Warren’s witty songwriting and hook-laced backdrop. With jangly guitars executing sharp riffs through a buoyant beat the track is an upbeat fun tune. Showcasing smooth vocals and lush harmonies, Warren pokes fun at society while providing an energetic catchy gem that is sure to make you smile.
Vulpynes are back with their latest EP ‘Us Against Them’ on FOAD/Advance Records.The four blistering tracks were initially penned as part of their debut album, however when Covid hit they decided to release the four tracks as an EP.
‘Us Against Them’ is a fantastic display of raw untainted alternative rock. Vulpynes lean heavily on a punk, abrasive attitude to create a knockout four track EP boasting some seriously heavy riffage. With fuzz-laced guitar riffs and pummelling drums ‘One Horse Mind’ is the perfect album opener. This adrenaline-fuelled song is sure to have you moshing within seconds.
Vulpynes douse their sound in sinister undertones, catchy melodies and vigorous hooks to make ‘Sister’ one of the pinnacle moments on the EP. This track is an invigorating blast of alternative rock which leaves the listener feeling pumped and craving for more.
However the frantic gallop of ‘This Motor Is Me’ and the dark, fuzz-saturated ‘Control Is Not What I Need’ deserve special attention. These two glorious tracks display the talent and musical growth of this duo, showing Vulpynes’ sound has fermented and curdled into something truely thrilling. The tight brisk riffs are executed with such precision and brawn it’s awe-inspiring while the groove presented on drums by Kaz is an otherworldly rampage of terror and delight as she shifts nimbly between raw rumbles, mighty thumps and thunderous bashes. Maeve Molly’s distinctive, raspy vocals anchor the listener within the musical maelstrom. She spits and bellows out the lyrics matching the all consuming wall of sound with her enticing tone.
Exuding a heavy dollop of riot attitude, Vulpynes have created a fiery alternative rock EP in ‘Us Against Them’. With tunes full of catchy melodies and addictive riffs Vulpynes are a force to be reckoned with.
Bright Falls has released his new single ‘The Widows Homes’. Bright Falls is the project of Thurles, Co. Tipperary, singer-songwriter Eddie McCormack, who blends Americana with alternative rock, while taking a narrative approach to songwriting. Bright Falls debut E.P ‘Logging’ which was produced by Martin Quinn (Aine Cahill, The Strypes), was released in July 2019 . After the release of ‘Logging’, Bright Falls, with a full band, was asked to open Féile ’19, in Semple Stadium alongside acts such as Sinead O’Connor and The Stunning. Bright Falls have also supported artists The Frank & Walters, Ryan Sheridan and David Keenan.
Oozing Americana tones and icy synth progressions, ‘The Widows Homes’ is a lush and passionate song from Bright Falls. Bittersweet melodies drift over a warm alternative backdrop accompanied by a chiming guitar which weaves through 80’s-esque shimmering synths.The production is clean and precise resulting in a solid heartfelt tune which displays Bright Falls beautiful earnest songwriting. With a soothing vocal delivery, McCormack effortlessly coos over the simmering backdrop and lush arrangements while a chugging beat maintains the track’s relentless drive.The song recounts the aftermath of a love lost, building up to the chorus which sees the protagonist long for reconciliation of the relationship which they know will never return. As the track builds the synths flourish and blend into the songs emotive Americana tones to create a touching and wholly soothing listening experience. Boasting tight animated instrumentation ‘The Widows Homes’ is an impressive and extremely compelling track from Bright Falls.
Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue have returned with their scorching new single ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. Steamrolling in, swagger drenched and rearing to go, the band present one hell of a belter with ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’. With sharp blistering guitar riffs ricocheting off the battering drum and steamy bass grooves the track is a hefty onslaught of rock. The song has a strutting yet raucous quality as bluesy licks weave between a raw alternative wall of sound. With clever lyrics, slick vocals and infectious melody teamed with crashing chorus explosions and dynamic crescendo, there is no denying the talent and kinetic energy this band possess. ‘The Ghost Of My Empty Glass’ is a glorious alternative rock mammoth ready to blow your mind.
Guy Wynn Davies (vocals), Cameron Tetlow (drums), Ben Dodson (bass) Jack Taylor and Jim Ker (guitars) comprise Manchester five-piece Circus Wolves. They have released their new EP ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’. Circus Wolves have shared the stage with the likes of The Slow Readers Club, and The Amazons. Their EP ‘Annie Baby’ (2013) was followed up with fan favourite ‘Tourist’ in March 2017. ‘Judas’ (2017) received high praise from both BBC Introducing in Manchester and Radio XS. 2018 saw the introduction of Ben Dodson on bass and the band continuing their working relationship with Bob Cooper with ‘Infamy’ (released February 2018).
Boasting untamed, dynamic instrumentation ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’ is a tight collection of tracks which displays Circus Wolves’ raw unbridled rock in all its glory. With an ominous and suspenseful ‘Intro’ the EP kicks into motion. Exuding sharp guitar riffs, pummeling drums and rampant bass grooves the track sets the EP’s tone, wonderfully paving the way for the ferocious ‘Hunt You Down’ and ‘The Taste’ which oozes light guitar refrains weaving between the band’s punchy rhythmic backdrop. With soaring indie guitar punctuating the elastic bass rumbles and buoyant drum whacks, ‘Clarity’ continues the EP’s instrumentally wild sound.
A lamenting guitar echoes, through the airy soundscape of ‘Pulling Teeth’. This building track is passionate, electrifying and cinematic in scope. ‘Pulling Teeth’ emits an icy tone as the listener is invited to indulge in the songs intricate layers of weaving and twinkling guitars, wriggling bass and steady drums while the haunting emotive vocals and melancholic melody provide the ultimate end for the EP.
Circus Wolves have created a mature and well crafted EP with ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’. They are cultivating their sound superbly to create music which chills and thrills all at once. Each track on the EP is an impressive expression of the bands musical prowess and deft musicianship.
Stream ‘This Is Something You Can’t Replace’ below
Harley & The Wolf have recently released their new single ‘For What It’s Worth’. Harley & The Wolf are an alternative rock band from Northern Ireland who create powerful and fiery tunes. With a heartfelt melody encased in a swarming wall of sound Harley & The Wolf present a dynamic new single ready to blast from your speakers. With a raw jagged guitar riff slicing through the pounding bass and explosive drums the track has that instantly kinetic rock anthem gusto. The rasped vocals surge passion into this alternative mammoth, building on the song’s adrenaline and heart racing pulse. Rich melodies weave a thread of earworm delight while the raw and energetic backdrop builds in intensity, ‘For What It’s Worth’ is a fantastic ballsy alternative rock number from Harley & The Wolf.
Dublin band Emily 7 are set to release their debut single ‘Stay’ on October 9th.Hailing from the streets of Tallaght, brothers Kyle and Scott Bellew have been making waves on the Irish music industry as Emily 7 for over 2 years now. While only being 21 and 18 respectively, they have shared the stage with acts like U2, Glen Hansard and Imelda Mayat the Christmas Eve Busk, as well as supporting UK acts like Twisted Wheel in Whelans. Their 90’s image and sound even landed them a brand deal and interview with Fred Perry.The two brothers are also known from a viral video that went around the internet,where they met Liam Gallagher in Dublin, and he brought them to his show in The Olympia. This was one of the moments that influenced them to make the band a full time job.Emily 7 also headline Whelans (upstairs) on April 16th 2021. Tickets are available fromTicketmaster.ie and more info can be found frommcd.ie/artists/emily-7
‘Stay’ is a blazing debut from Emily 7. While telling a story of the trials and tribulations of falling in love, the duo create a ferocious, heavy, rock track swamped in the bands brawny, crashing wall of sound. With just a guitar and drums, the band manage to whack out a full-bodied, and all consuming sound sure to have a live audience moshing in no time. A guitar blitz soars through a rapid drum onslaught creating a thrilling sound of alternative rock with punk elements. Gravelly vocals contrast heartfelt, emotional lyrics which express sweetness and carry an undertone of vulnerability, displaying the bands ability to create diversity and depth within their tracks. ‘Stay’ is energetic, raw, and infectious – an impressive debut from a promising and talented duo.
