Rising Indie Rock band The Burma have just released their new EP ‘Sugar Moonlight’. At various stages over the past year the Irish indie band have holed up in Monique Studios with producer Christian Best (Mick Flannery, O Emperor, Jack O’Rourke, Marlene Enright) writing and recording their latest release.
‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a tidy collection of tracks exuding passionate pop melodies and blazing alternative rock with a healthy dose of indie rock at its heart. The band go all out with this EP – luscious textures and melodious highs, psychedelic rawness and tender broods create a well rounded enjoyable listening experience.
The jubilous indie guitar jingle of ‘Same Again’ kick starts the EP. It is light and infectious as the ethereal guitars create a wonderful animated bounce. The Burma construct tracks with a rich rhythmic foundation of rippling bass lines and buoyant snappy drums allowing the charming guitar refrains to soar and flourish off this backdrop with majestic tonalities. The band swoon smooth melty melodies into their vibrant indie sound effortlessly. ‘Quicksand’ shows this superbly as the soft bubbly melody wisps delicately through a crashing psychedelic backdrop of airy stings on guitar and rumbling drums.
With a refreshing bite, each track rolls coolly into the next. Whether it’s the icy sting of the melancholic ‘When You’re Gone’ or the darker synth swirling prance of ‘Phoney Personality’, the band use their ability to intricately weave multi layered synth textures and melodies to create a seamless transition between tracks while still maintaining each songs own identity. Final track ‘Buried Alive’ closes the EP on a high. It’s not a sugar rush but a sweet tender and mesmerising high as The Burma present their most delicious emotive and beautiful melody yet. Caressed with soft tender vocals and slow brooding instrumentation the track flurries on a light airy soundscape of glistening guitar and pulsing beat. Each timeless twinkle and bass wriggle coils and curdles the backdrop in sombre wistful tones. The track builds superbly becoming more dynamic as, in true The Burma fashion the song reaches its hair raising crescendo.
The Burma have a wonderful ability to create rich proficient tunes with first rate instrumentation, exhilarating guitar lines and intricate bass lines that surge with character. Their melodies are irresistible, oozing emotive, dreamy and sweet tones while the lo- fi grooves and heavy rhythmic pulses provide the element that hooks your ears and leaves you craving more. ‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a mature and impressive EP that makes The Burma ones to keep an eye on.
Manchester indie rock band Freeda have released their new single ‘Let Me Down’.Forming in 2017, Freeda spent their formative years establishing themselves in their hometown, building a committed following and selling out headline shows along the way. In 2019, working with highly acclaimed production duo Sugar House, Freeda released three singles ‘Plead’, ‘Replay’ and ‘Wash’. Collectively, these went on to reach in excess of 100,000 streams on Spotify, received extensive backing from BBC Introducing, and continued support from XS Manchester and Amazing radio.’Let Me Down’ is the fourth single to be taken from an upcoming EP set to be released later this year.
‘Let Me Down’ is a fizzing melodic overdose of joyous indie. Saturated in effervescent synths, jaunty guitar lines and an infectious beat, the track is an instant shot of adrenaline. A wonderful indie jangle weaves between raw punchy drum and bass combo. Lush melodies flourish with a zinging pop persuasion as the band craft that rushing youthful sound to ensure repeat listens. The smooth vocals are the icing on the cake as Sean Rowles coaxes you into the catchy melodic hook with soft croons while the rich electronic percussion ripples in the backdrop.The coiling, skittish and ethereal synths mirror the lyrics tones of disappointment while the bubbly instrumentation creates a sublime peppy contrast. Freeda entwine subtle psychedelic elements and vibrant indie to create an invigorating track soaked in summer vibes.
Bayonets is set to release his new single ‘We Light Fires’ on all digital platforms on the 15th of May and has released the video this weekend. Bayonets is a solo project created by Kerry musician and songwriter Vinnie Flynn. His distinctive style is a mix of alternative rock, indie, blues and folk. In addition to writing and performing live, Vinnie also works with several publishing companies based in the US who pitch his compositions to prime time TV shows and movies. ‘We Light Fires’ was recorded last year at Darklands Audio in Dublin by the great Daniel Doherty. Flynn worked on the video idea with an excellent Illustrator & Animator Lukas Beles at Flock of Crows Motion Design.
Chilling, dark and wholly consuming ‘We Light Fires’ continues Bayonets luring sizzle of fiery alternative rock. Presented through an icy cool breeze of haunting delight the track coils with flourishing grandeur.The western- esque guitar strides with a swaggering stomp between sharp refrains of scorching intensity as Flynn ferments the tracks dark smothering underbelly.
Flynn has been able to push past any limited parameters a solo artist may have to develop an identity increasingly distinct and memorable. The track wildly swirls and rages behind Flynn’s rasp filled vocals as he maintains a calm enticing composure. With intriguing mysterious undertones rippling through the ominous harsh backdrop the track has that “ I can’t watch but can’t stop looking” horror movie quality as the cinematic stings on guitar paint shadowy characters into the songs soundscape.
Flynn’s ability to colour his tracks with evocative and vivid images through misty vaporous musicianship and smoky instrumentation is impressive and utterly captivating. Sublimely dramatic and meticulously crafted ‘We Light Fires’ is one spine-tingling force of nature.
Easy Tide have released their new single ‘Carpet Grave’ which was recorded by the band in Fennor Lane Studios. Easy Tide are a DIY Garage band hailing from Navan Co Meath. Members include Aaron Dunphy on Bass and Vocals , Steven Rafferty on Guitar and Vocals and Mark Carolan on Drums and Vocals.
‘Carpet Grave’ presents Easy Tide’s punchy alternative rock through a hazy laid back garage rock filter. The band cruise through light ethereal guitar melodies and warm rumble on bass with a sluggish lazy day attitude. The track bops with an airy texture as the buoyant drums create both a spongy cushion for the verses and a punchy bite for the chorus. Glistening guitars ricochet off the heavy drum progression as the track drifts effortlessly from moody verses into the dynamic chorus and crescendo. Well crafted and exuding shoegaze elements, ‘Carpet Crave’ is a sun speckled sulky number that is just as sharp and punchy as it is melodic and dreamy.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Academic
The Academic have released their new single ‘Anything Could Happen’.The single is the first new release from the band since signing a global record deal with Capitol Records. The band were hand-picked by Mick Jagger to support The Stones here in Ireland and with a number 1 album to their name and sold out shows all over the country, the band’s music is already finding very willing ears much further afied. They are heavily pencilled for more international tour dates when this lockdown lifts.
‘Anything Could Happen’ is a seamless perky indie-pop hit. The Academic display their knack for infectious melodies with this bright sharp track which is bursting with cool chic energy. With inspirational glimmers of Prince and Thin Lizzy the track ricochets off an elastic bass and irresistible guitar hook.The Academic have created one heck of a joyous bop. It’s cool and crisp with tasty little elements in between to keep it refreshing and intriguing. From sweet guitar licks, lush backing vocal coos, 80’s pop sheen and a driving infectious groove, the band weave wonderful intricate elements to keep this track subtly explosive. It’s a vibrant, upbeat and oh so catchy musical gem of euphoric bliss.
‘Anything Could Happen’, produced by Nick Hodgson, was released simultaneously with the accompanying video premiere on Youtube. Directed by Ronan Corrigan and Hope Kemp, the video is a real reflection of the current times we’re living in under lockdown, giving a brief insight in the lives of quarantined couples around the world
About the track the band said :.” Anything Could Happen’ is a rallying cry to the people in our lives who find themselves stuck in cycles of mundanity and monotony. We hope it inspires people to be kind to themselves and take control of their futures.”
Limerick Alt/Electronic/Indie duo Pity of the Sea have released their new single ‘A Swarming’ which was taken from the forthcoming debut album.Pity Of the Sea are comprised of Ger Cremins (Vox/Bass Synth) and Tony Monahan (Producer, Guitars, Synths, Bass and drum programming). The track follows the band’s last release ‘Headscarf’ which received plays on both national and local radio and was very well received.
Fizzing and swirling through dizzying synths and a crashing wall of sound ‘A Swarming’ is an energetic punk slapped track from Pity of the Sea. The duo consume your ears with an onslaught of shrilling guitars that churn through a groove-filled rumble on bass. The band use acid soaked psychedelia to create a track brimming with organised chaos while a punchy drum machine loop surrounds the backdrop. The band blend a raw post punk soundscape with sharp alternative rock to create an invigorating listening experience. The shimmering ethereal synths rush with adrenaline while the dynamic spoken vocals pound out the catchy chorus of respetitive lyrics. ‘A Swarming’ is a fantastic assault on the senses.
whenyoung have released a powerful single as a show of empathy and support to people around the world that are experiencing so many different emotions right now. ‘The Prayer’, a brand-new song written and recorded by the band at their flat in Ramsgate where they’re currently all in lockdown, came as a response to the daily news reports filtering in and the overwhelming feelings evoked by the ways coronavirus is affecting everyone’s life.
A delicate and emotive ballad ‘The Prayer’ flows with whenyoung’s powerful, striking and pure songwriting. Aoife Power’s immaculate vocals coo and lament over gentle piano accompaniment while light percussion adorns the backdrop with a mystical and soothing tone. Power’s vocals carry the ethereal sweet melody with a clean and mesmerising grace while the airy guitars chime and echo with a wistful yearn.’The Prayer’ is a tranquil lullaby exuding melancholic tones of loneliness and soothing tones of comfort all at once. It is a calming, time stopping gem from the Irish trio.
About the track the band explain “We wanted to create something meditative to soothe the anxiety and fear we are feeling. Reading through the news every day and hearing stories of grief and sadness filtered into the writing. It’s a song about our immediate reactions to being quarantined, imagining the pain of others and our own being unable to see loved ones. To coincide with the release of ‘The Prayer’ we will be raising money for Women’s Aid Ireland and U.K. with the sale of a limited-edition t-shirt and other events on our social media.”
As well the proceeds from the limited edition t-shirt the band will be making a donation from the money raised from the release to Women’s Aid UK and Ireland.
Cork based solo effort, Mechner has released his new single/music video ‘Do You Wanna Go?’.Mechner; is the latest foray for Cork based artist Jack Ahern, completely self-funded and self-produced, Ahern had great success with debut single “Surfacing”, notable for its music video which garnered over 25k views and was included in Indie Cork’s Film Festival to great crowd reaction.’Do You Wanna Go?’ is the first glimpse into CLUB IDEM a mini-LP which will be released later in 2020. Mechner has supported the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Delerentos and The Coronas amongst many others.
With a catchy guitar refrain biting down into the alternative stained backdrop ‘Do You Wanna Go?’ presents Mechner’s enticing sound with an anthemic punch and irresistible melody. The guitar weaves its buoyant way through a swirling soundscape while the snappy beat and cinematic tension create a tantalizing listening experience. Mechner uses unique and dramatic musicianship to entice the listener. The rumble on bass coils beneath the light dance infused agitation as if foreshadowing an ominous event while the irresistible melody ferments through the verses. This push and pull effect creates sublime apprehension before the track erupts into its exhilarating chorus. The layering is superb, we see glimpses of pop, smeared upon jaunty indie rock while a bracing alternative soundscape brews a thick sticky concoction through the tracks underbelly, this is all seasoned with a fleshy light coating of tempestuous dance elements. Mechner displays a sublime ability to provide tantalizing intricacies within this track and he does this with dark atmospheric brooding that asphyxiates beneath light pop flashes and chilling vocal manoeuvres. ‘Do You Wanna Go?’ is an infectious, thrilling, juicy and well crafted track from Mechner.
Bio : Broozer are a Wolverhampton based Punk Rock Outfit. Since their formation they have played at iconic venues in Birmingham and the West Midlands. In their first year they were discovered by Wyatt Wendall of Planet Rock and featured on his New Rock Show several times and supported The Virgin Marys. They have now added long term good friend and previous drummer Dan Collins to their lineup.
Track: Taste For Blood
Why We Like It: Wrapped in gritty riffs ricocheting off a booming raw wall of sound, ‘Taste For Blood’ presents a more alternative blistering sound from Broozer. From the resounding guitars slicing with slinky raw stamina to the rampant bass and pounding drums the band wallop out a scorching new track. The track travels full throttle as the driving rhythm and sweat and leather rock persona spiral the track into a bloodthirsty frenzy. With panache dipped vocals slipping from spine chilling howls to sultry falsetto ‘Taste for Blood’ is a red hot mammoth ready to invade your brain.
Bio : With a distinctive,soulful vocal, James Burrage has been surprising many over the past year, making himself known in his local area of Colchester.
Track: Back In The Days
Why We Like It: There is something truly special about this track. Burrage has a sublime ability to create honest, pure and beautiful tunes. His emotive songwriting hits you hard in the chest and ‘Back In The Days’ strikes with a warm, bitter sweet melancholia. His comforting velvety vocals coo with a balmy rasp as the atmospheric guitar adorns the backdrop in ethereal twinkles. Utterly mesmerising this mature and charming track builds softly adding a clapping rhythmic buoyancy to the heart rushing crescendo. It’s simple, sweet and truly compelling as both the vocals and guitar ooze emotion while exuding a soft lamenting tone which flickers through a nostalgic haze.
Bio : California-based indie pop foursome Fialta have released their first original song in two years. The single is called ‘Made It This Far’, and is from their upcoming full-length album. The folk-rock anthem is a departure from the synth-driven sounds of Fialta’s sophomore record, ‘Shadow of a Drought’. Fialta are Beth Leibovich, David Provenzano, Michael Leibovich, and Sarah Shotwell).They have received over two million plays on Spotify, and have been featured on TV shows including Parenthood, Atypical, Awkward, and Bojack Horseman
Track: Made It This Far
Why We Like It: It’s a cheery upbeat ditty wrapped in a warm indie pop blanket of bliss. With sun kissed acoustic guitar gliding effortlessly over a pulsing rhythmic backdrop the track has a vibrant and buoyant atmosphere. The radiant strings drift in and out with a mellow warmth while the wonderful organic harmonies and catchy sweet melody lift the track into a euphoric and uplifting state. ‘Made It This Far’ is the adrenaline inducing feel good track that injects sunshine, wonderful nostalgia and joy into your day.
Bio : West Marsh, Grimsby band Mint have enjoyed UK radio support from Radio 1 and playlisting on Radio X and have performed at all major UK festivals.Recently they have begun work with award-winning production team Sugar House and taken on management.The band have released their new single ‘Turbulence’. The accompanying video ostensibly appears to be the fulfilment of a male fantasy – the horny teenager and the sexually available teacher. It was filmed during the Coronavirus pandemic adhering to safety measures. Keen-eyed treasure hunters will also find an easter egg somewhere in the video
Track: Turbulence
Why We Like It: Once again Mint knock it out of the park with their rampant, stuffy and exhilarating sound. The band whirlwind into a neck snapping frantic run from the get go with jabbing drums clammering through a fuzz fuelled backdrop while the chorus swivels around acid eroding guitar lines. The track is hinged around the infectious vocal hook “this is your captain speaking / Never forget this feeling” as the vocal exclaim grabs your mind with force until your singing along by the second chorus. ‘Turbulence’ is a intoxicating, punk-punched, grunge-smeared alternative track from Mint.
About the track Rashid says“it’s a nod to mental health seen through a cinematic plane crash.”
Bio : Having initially built a healthy fanbase in their home county via their dynamic live shows, Nick Acton (vocals/guitar), Will Daly (drums), Steve Wheate (bass) and George Wood (lead guitar), took their cinematic indie to towns and cities across the UK, from Brighton to Manchester, as well as across the channel in Paris They became in-demand contributors to the soundtracks of primetime TV shows, including Queer Eye, Made in Chelsea and Catastrophe, while the four-piece have also served as show-stopping support acts for such artists as Nothing But Thieves, Bloc Party, Magistrates, Asylums and Ed Sheeran.
Track: The Coast
Why We Like It: ‘The Coast’ is an infectious delight. It’s a sun baked jaunty slice of indie pop sure to cheer up your day. A glistening tropical guitar injects a balmy radiance into the track while the infectious drum bounce and wiggle infused bass embellishes the song with an infectious groove.With shimmering pop melodies atop a luminous backdrop ‘The Coast’ is a refreshing new single sure to charm its way onto repeat.
About the track vocalist Nick Acton says : “‘The Coast’ is about that situation we all find ourselves in from time-to-time – fundamentally disagreeing with someone who you have to spend time with, be it a family member, a friend of a friend, a co-worker. It muses on the things that you’d really like to say to that person, knowing that you can’t and never will.”
London alternative rock band Escape The Box will be releasing their new single ‘Grey’ on May 1st. The band comprised of Ziey Kizzy (Vocals),LouZy Hero (Drums), Stephen Smith (Bass) and Aaron Maullin (Guitar) formed in November 2018 and released their debut EP towards the end of 2019.
‘Grey’ is a robust alternative rock track that boasts Escape The Box’s frenetic crashing wall of sound. Raw, jagged guitar slashes through a punchy rhythmic backdrop as the band present a sound full of vigor. They swirl a catchy pop smacked melody over the brawny instrumentation to soften the punk aggro while the smooth expressive vocals hook the listeners ears. The verses bubble and build on a bright sun speckled indie backdrop while the chorus hits like a bolt of lightning setting the track ablaze with heavy guitars ricocheting off the meaty drums while the vocals soar above with thrilling intensity. The band utilise the raw bass and drum interaction to provide something to mosh and headbang to.
Escape The Box have created a tune that is loaded with rock heavyweights and immense intensity with short moments of release.
