Tag Archives: Alternative

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Black Skies ‘Unchained’

The Black Skies have released their debut single ‘Unchained’. Band members James Handley (Vocals) and Luke Falkingham (Guitar) formed the British rock/soul band in 2020 and describe their sound as a mix of melancholy rock and soul. During lockdown The Black Skies decided to work on their unique sound in Reel Production Studios with Ben Hammond and producer Paul Gorry, with the band eventually recording their first release, ‘Unchained’. The single has been mixed by world-renowned record producer George Shilling whose credits include Oasis, Primal Scream, Blur and Ocean Colour Scene. ‘

‘Unchained’ is a powerful tune that boasts the sleek and tantalising sound of The Black Skies. The band weave chic guitar melodies through a gyrating bass groove and stomping beat to create an expressive soundscape throughout while soulful vocals and soft brass elements twinkle in the background. This song unfolds beautifully revealing new sounds and layers with each verse. Showcasing string elements and shredding guitar melodies, the track is an enticing delight with a full-bodied wall of sound that balances alternative pop with R&B/funk flirtations. ‘Unchained’ is an irresistible new song from The Black Skies. 

Stream ‘Unchained’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, New Music

Abrasive Trees ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’


Abrasive Trees are back with their latest release ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’.  The track was recorded at Penquit Mill Studios in Devon by producers Lucy and Matthew Board (Pale Blue Eyes) and written by the Scottish-born guitarist Matthew Rochford. 

‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’ is an intense instrumental piece that boasts Abrasive Trees’ expansive and immersive sound. The band weave sweet-toned guitar between heavy drums to create a thick intricate wall of sound that builds into an intoxicating grunge infused crescendo enhanced by dark eerie atmospheres and raw alternative elements. Showcasing evocative soundscapes and a poetic spoken work opening ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’ is an impressive display of Abrasive Trees’ musical talent.  

Stream ‘Moulding Heaven With Earth’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

RIA RUA ‘Boss’

RIA RUA has released her new single ‘Boss’. The song is the first single off RIA’s debut EP, ‘chaos/control’ which is being released and promoted by the German indie label MPM. RIA RUA is a modern Irish female electro-grunge singer, songwriter and producer. After spending years as a professional drummer, she decided to take a chance on her own material. Her first three releases received national radio play in Ireland and the UK, and won her the 2021 International Artist of the Year from Nova Radio in the UK. Her last two releases were playlisted on Irish, UK US and German national radio. 

It is difficult not to be enthralled by RIA RUA’s music.‘Boss’ is a fine example of this. The artist’s masterful production skills are on full display within the song and highlights just how talented RIA RUA is as a musician. RIA RUA’s mesmerising vocals ooze attitude atop a wonderful concoction of electronic pulses, grunge undertones and alternative embellishments creating an evocative soundscape that is a joy to listen to again and again. RIA RUA’s talent is boundless. The artist creates wholly consuming tunes filled with gloriously emotive soundscapes that showcase a deep understanding of music production even a seasoned musician would be enviable of. ‘Boss’ is an absolute gem.

Stream ‘Boss’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, New Music

The Bloodstreams ‘Clockwork Man’

The Bloodstreams have released their new single ‘Clockwork Man’.The Bloodstream are a four-piece alt-rock group from South East London formed in 2019. The band started their writing and recording process before their first show as a band, creating songs such as ‘Bed of Nails’ and ‘Columbine’, both of which were released last year. With three songwriters in the group, the result is a fusion of classic rock, pop and heavy grunge styles. 

Featuring slick guitar manoeuvres, and oodles of energy, ‘Clockwork Man’ boasts the swaggered sound of The Bloodstreams. The track travels on hook-filled riffs and driving basslines while punchy rhythms create a buoyant foundation as the band venture between 60’s tones and alternative rock flirtations. The Bloodstreams showcase their catchy musicianship through this radiant ditty as the sing-along chorus and powerful vocals ensure the song stays in your head all day while saxophone and trumpet embellishments keep the song fresh and diverse. ‘Clockwork Man’ is a bright and upbeat song with witty lyrics that display the charming and fun sound of The Bloodstreams.

Stream ‘Clockwork Man’ below 


Author: Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

SymLa-3000 ‘The Spectrums’ Album

Rock singer SymLa-3000 has released her debut album, ‘The Spectrums’. Written and arranged by the singer herself, she delivers light and airy vocals alongside metal sounds performed by Akira Tejima in nine of the songs (Guitar), Makoto Kitamura  (Bass), Takayoshi Ochoco Saita (Drums). Other musicians that were involved in this album include Yuki Hayashi, Miho Okazaki and Makoto Togashi. SymLa-3000 fell into music when she first discovered the world of Japanese anime as a child. Insistent about learning the lyrics of the songs, she would get her mother to write them down whilst she watched her favourite shows. After picking up the classical piano and starting vocal lessons, she realised that she wanted to deliver her own messages, so she began composing her own music in Cubase. In 2020 she released her first single under the name SymLa- 3000, a combination of Japanese words meaning ‘universe’.

‘The Spectrums’, presents the dynamic metal-infused rock of SymLa-3000. Filled with soaring guitars that ricochet off pummeling drums and rampant bass rumbles the album is a passionate display of musicianship from the artist. SymLa-3000’s sweet vocals add an ethereal quality to songs such as ‘Cracks’ and ‘White Memory’ – her voice contrasts the track’s kinetic atmosphere while at the same time anchoring the listener within the song’s expressive soundscapes. Between the frantic alternative rock tracks, SymLa-3000 provides moments of release in the form of softer tunes like ‘Aqua’. This song is tender and delicate with soft vocals caressing a dreamy melody while the backdrop of pining guitar and steady beats ooze heartfelt emotion into the song.

The concept behind the album focuses on the seasonal changes in Japan. The first song ‘The Darkness’ begins with the rainy season around June and cycles through summer, fall and winter. The journey ends with the spring season in Japan, the more laid back title track leaves you with images of the famous Japanese cherry blossoms shedding their petals. SymLa-3000 displays these themes through an intriguing blend of energetic instrumentation, heavy mosh moments and sweet gentle melodic arrangements. ‘The Spectrums’ is a well crafted, energetic debut album from SymLa-3000.

Stream ‘The Spectrums’ below 


Author: Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Ruchie Sharma ‘Xtraordinary’ Album

Ruchie Sharma has released her debut album, ‘Xtraordinary’.This energetic collection of tracks is an exciting display of Sharma’s driving guitar-heavy rock and provides a satisfying and engaging experience for listeners to enjoy. The album exudes gritty riffs, pummeling drums and catchy melodies as Sharma refines her vibrant wall of sound with elements of pop-punk ( ‘Fallen In Love’) and grunge hues ( ‘Strong Girls’). Filled with shredding guitar, soaring bass grooves and oodles of heartfelt melodies ‘Xtraordinary’ is a tight and impressive debut. There are powerful anthems throughout the album, however, the emotive and bittersweet ‘Should’Ve Left You Behind’ with its catchy “nah nah nah” lyric is perhaps the pinnacle moment on the album and displays Sharma’s raw and emotive songwriting “should have known you were coming with a knife under those roses”. ‘Xtraordinary’ is a dynamic debut album that highlights the growing talent of Ruchie Sharma.

Stream ‘Xtraordinary’ below 

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Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Forty Foot ‘IDNA’

Dublin band Forty Foot have released their new single ‘IDNA’.  Forty Foot is a three-piece band from Dublin, composed of Mark Dillon (Guitar) and cousins Sam Coffey (Guitar/Vocals) and Ezra Mullen (Drums). The band was formed in 2019 following the sudden death of a friend and previous collaborator, with much of their initial work written and inspired by the bands’ loss. Their debut release ‘Drugs’ was recorded during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic at Yellow Door studios. This was followed by their sophomore release “Zeros” which received radio play across Ireland, the UK, and also America.

Forty Foot returns with ‘IDNA’ – a thrilling and blustery grunge rock assault. The track pulsates on a resounding bassline while sharp frenzied guitars pierce throughout. The tune is richly layered in expressive swirling soundscapes that briskly turn into a dizzying trip of distortion as the song reaches its dynamic crescendo. With rasp-filled vocals haunting over an infectious melody, Forty Foot quenches our thirst for raw grunge rock with this exciting, ravaging new tune. Press play and enjoy.

Speaking about the single ‘IDNA’ Guitarist and Vocalist Sam Coffey said: “The lyrics only came together really when we hit the studio. I don’t think I had the chorus written at all actually. For me, it’s a call to arms. Ireland’s been through a tough time with COVID and with an unaccountable government that is just ticking boxes. It’s been rough for many. Despite this there is an inherent pride and togetherness we all share, it is in our DNA. All the mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, lovers, had to keep each other going. I think I was just tapping into that feeling, it was certainly how I felt and how I still feel.”

Stream ‘IDNA’ below

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Author: Danu

Indie, New Music

Skinner ‘The Slump’

Dublin artist Skinner has released his new single ‘The Slump’.It’s Skinner’s first release on Ireland’s Faction Records (James Vincent McMorrow, All Tvvins, Sorcha Richardson), released ahead of an upcoming headline show in Dublin on March 24th, Silverbacks tour supports and festivals like Beyond The Pale, and All Together Now. Skinner is a 24-year-old DIY slouch rock musician based in Dublin, Ireland, who writes, records and produces songs about growing up and overcoming a dirt-flecked 21st-century existence. 

‘The Slump’ is a fine example of Skinner’s intricate musicianship. Lushly arranged and richly textured the tune reveals new, riveting undertones with each subsequent listen. Filled with jittery percussion, irresistible bass hooks and sleek guitar atop a catchy melody ( while a jubilant sax solo shakes up the song’s aesthetic), Skinner displays his edgy refined sound in all its glory. ‘The Slump’ is an exciting new track from Skinner and gives a glimpse of great things to come from this talented artist. Turn up the volume, press play and enjoy.

Aaron Corcoran, Skinner says of the song:“The song channels a feeling of nothingness and attempts to see the humour in it. Everyone goes through periods where every day feels like a slap in the face so I wrote this weird disco song to distract myself from the monotony of it all. I was trying to escape everything and make something fun, something you could dance to.”

Watch the video for ‘The Slump’ below 


Author: Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Vaquelin ‘Where Dreams Hurt’ Album

Kicking off 2022 with a bang, the York-based four-piece rock band Vaquelin have just released their debut album, ‘Where Dreams Hurt’. The band have been gigging locally for a few months now but already have a global audience spanning multiple continents. The group are looking forward to getting back on stage and performing songs from their new record – along with some other unrecorded sneak peeks into the future. Over lockdown, the band hasn’t slowed down, with second and third records already in the works. They have been writing and recording demos while waiting for their mixes and masters. 

‘Where Dreams Hurt’ is a diverse collection of tracks that boasts Vaquelin’s genre-blending sound and eloquent songwriting. Oozing dark undertones, shredding guitar solos and driving rhythms ‘Soliloquy,’ ‘The Garden’ and ‘Though the Heavens Fall’ all exude the refined and mature musicianship of the band as they lace heavy rock elements with ominous tones and eerie instrumental outbursts. Throughout the album, the band drench their songs in classic rock bravado however, there are lighter moments within the album as well. A fine example is ‘Iridescent Streetlights’ which is filled with bright guitar elements, buoyant rhythms and dreamy tones.

The album packs one heck of a punch as Vaquelin take their shadowy lyricism and couple it with a shredding alternative rock backdrop. ‘Hyperdepressant’ displays this superbly: with smooth eerie vocals crooning “angle living in a snow globe all smashed up on the kitchen counter oh no, how sad. Glass in your mouth does it hurt, now I feel bad” beneath volcanic guitar riffage and monstrous bass grooves, the band create a sleek tune that showcases the bands swagger and impressive musicianship.

‘Where Dreams Hurt’ is a polished and melodically lush album from Vaquelin that beckons repeat plays.

Stream ‘Where Dreams Hurt’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, New Music

Niall The Urchin ‘Temping Bowling’

Photo Credit: Cindy Sasha

London duo Niall The Urchin have released their debut single ‘Temping Bowling’. Consisting of Niall and his mysterious bandmate MTB, the duo formed after Niall spotted a bass guitar in the window of his local Cash Converters and starting making loops to accompany his spiky and street-smart poetry. The fantastically titled ‘Temping Bowling’ is their debut single proper, after they announced their existence to the world last month with the brutal ‘Bleak Street’. Recorded by the band and mixed by Señor Al Funklinos (King Krule, Baba Ali, Ghostpoet), the single is an angry sideswipe at the pettiness, mundanity and ultimate futility of work under the twin shadows of Covid and Brexit.

‘Temping Bowling’ sees Niall The Urchin travel down a hypnotic rabbit hole of eclectic rock. The song pivots around a deep bass groove that relentlessly drives the track forward while snappy drums fill out the buoyant backdrop. Sharp guitars add a retro 60’s vibe to the track’s vibrant soundscape enhanced by nonchalant vocals that ooze an angsty punk-esque undertone. The track is a joy to listen to and is an exciting debut from the duo.

Boasting a catchy melody and witty songwriting, ‘Temping Bowling’ is a thrilling new single from Niall The Urchin that is ready for repeat listens. Enjoy.

About the track, Niall said: “‘Temping Bowling’ was written about the monotony of a previous job. I think a lot of the time people think hard work and rewards go hand in hand, but quite often that’s not the case. I was playing in bands, working from nine to six and had a pretty dismal boss. I started as a temp and, before I knew it, I’d been there for over a year. Ultimately most employers look at their staff as expendable and that was evident to me when Covid hit. I wrote this song to poke fun at the hierarchical systems people try to exist within. In a job full of daft training sessions, false promises and countless egos it’s hard not to go full Bukowski, ‘Post Office’-style.”

Stream ‘Temping Bowling’ below 


Author: Danu