Tag Archives: Alternative

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

wojtek the bear ‘slow tv’

Glasgow five-piece wojtek the bear have released their new single ‘slow tv’. As with their last two singles, ‘slow tv’ was once again recorded with acclaimed producer Jamie Savage at Chem19 Studios [The Twilight Sad, Miaoux Miaoux, The Phantom Band, RM Hubbert]. wojtek the bear have been play-listed by Radio X, played live in session for Vic Galloway on BBC Radio Scotland, They have also been featured by Lauren Laverne, Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music), Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Vic Galloway, Roddy Hart, The Afternoon Show (BBC Radio Scotland), John Kennedy, Gordon Smart (Radio X), KEXP and STV’s Live at Five show.

‘slow tv’ is a jangly slice of lo-fi indie as wojtek the bear spread pop sensibilities over a glorious buoyant backdrop to create a sweet juicy number. With a zest stricken C86 influenced guitar line and animated rhythms, this track floats and bounces along in a blissful sun kissed atmosphere. Soft vocals coo over the glucose melody and hazy atmosphere however there is a gloomy almost melancholic undertone in the track which adds a beautiful contrast to the vibrant and rich instrumentation. Superbly layered and meticulously crafted ‘slow tv’ is a dreamy luscious track with a refreshing sting to keep you pressing that repeat button. Another fantastic track from wojtek the bear.

Lead singer, and chief songwriter Tam Killean says about the track, “I guess the track is a rumination on the total opposite ends of the spectrum you can end up at with people you’ve been in relationships with. There are people i’ve been with before who at the time are your entire world, yet now if they got wiped out by the 267 bus to Possilpark I’d probably only find out about it if it was in the Evening Times the next day.” 

Watch the video for ‘slow tv’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Brand New Friend Live Show With Support From Felonies At Whelan’s Dublin

When your ears are ringing after a show it’s either one of two things –  one, your ears hurt from unbearable noise that you wish to forget as soon as your hearing returns, or two, they are buzzing from one intoxicating, loud and invigorating show of fantastic music. Lucky for me I experienced the latter on Wednesday night. Castlerock’s Brand New Friend were headlining Whelan’s upstairs venue with support from Felonies.

Wicklow band Felonies kicked off the night commanding the stage with their blistering alternative punk rock. It’s a band of singers as Aaron Meagher, Andrew Connaughton, Ryan Mortell and Tom Brady all take a turn on vocals. Hair flailing over their faces they blast into ‘Berlin Blues’, ‘Welcome’ and ‘Small Town Syndrome’. They have an intriguing stage presence. Aaron Meagher ventures close to the edge of the stage laughing and engaging with the crowd while Tom Brady thumps his chest vigorously before the band steam roll into ‘S.A.P’. Shrilling guitars pierce through our skulls as the masterful drumming keeps the crowd bouncing. These guys have the crowd in the palm of their hands. Their fun approach radiates charm and swagger-filled persona as they shred through slick guitar solos and mosh smacked wall of sound. Extremely energetic and intricate Felonies meld raw acute punk and infectious indie rock with some pop sensibilities. They perform with magnetic adrenaline that creates frenzy among the audience. These guys are ones to go see live. Their presence alone is pretty mesmerising but those tunes are sure to frazzle your brain and leave you dazed, exhilarated and craving for more.

Brand New Friend take to the stage with a new addition to the band, Lauren and Taylor Johnson’s younger brother Logan Johnson. Overwhelmed with the attendance the band are in good form and ready to rock. They burst straight into their exuberant youthful wall of sound as the crowd joyously bops and bounces along. Lauren and Taylor Johnson’s vocals blend and contrast superbly as they smile at each other. These guys are having fun on stage and that radiates throughout the room. Their humble yet confident stage presence is charming and quite refreshing. Though their sound is tight, refined and professional Brand New Friend are not pompous or arrogant Taylor sweetly and regularly thanks the crowd for their attendance he shouts “This is F*cking mental… genuinely don’t know what to say…thank you so much for being here this is ridiculous.. We didn’t expect this… this is class “. They hop and jump about the stage encouraging the crowd to go wild. Luke Harris’ drumming rumbles through the venue. The floor creaks from people jumping and moshing as Harris’ flexible roll and rumbles pound through their bodies. The band dedicate songs to members of the audience such as ‘Settle Down’ “ this ones for Eoghan ”. The sweet keys jingle and glisten between their vibrant wall of sound creating refreshing little melodies to blissfully lilt along to. Their tunes hold an air of nostalgia with emo hues and punk foundations against an indie rock backdrop. From mass sing-alongs, a lot of excited swearing (from Taylor ) and people from the crowd shouting “we love you!” to a cheeky Blondie intro to the ‘Maria’- esque start of track ‘Girl’ these guys don’t take themselves too seriously and it makes their live shows more enjoyable. Aaron Milligan wrestles those playful guitar lines with a cheeky grin while newest member Logan Johnson fits in perfectly singing every line enthusiastically as he creates that all important bass groove with confidence and prowess. They are a tidy band brimming with fun and exhilarating tunes.The happiness is infectious and the kinetic and elated atmosphere impossible to fight off. Everyone was dancing, moshing and enjoying themselves helping each other so no one hurt themselves throughout the mania. It’s the promotion of fun, the innocence and sheer charm of this band that is utterly compelling and their skill and talent is the icing on the cake. 

Felonies and Brand New Friend are two spirited bands with powerful commanding tunes and both bands are enthralling to watch live. I highly recommend going to their live shows. You won’t regret it.


Author : Danu

Album Review, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Jointpop ‘FROM Trinidad …With Love’ Album

Jointpop have released their new album ‘FROM Trinidad …with Love’. Jointpop is a Rock ‘n’ Roll band from Trinidad and Tobago led by Gary Hector. They have had continued support from Tom Robinson (BBC Introducing) and Jim Gellatly (XFM Scotland/ Amazing Radio).

‘FROM Trinidad …with Love’ is a vibrant fun album brimming with Jointpop’s rich and energetic musicianship. ‘The World’s Most Interesting Man’ opens the album with a dramatic showman persona. Bopping percussion keeps the track buoyant and light while the epic guitar blasts and jaunty soundscape keep this charming track running in your head all day. The band venture from gritty powerful rock ‘n’ roll in ‘Amplify’, ‘Give Me Life ( Give Me Love )’ and ‘Rear – View Mirror Love’ to a groove jam in ‘Beauty On A Budget’. There is a bluesy vibe to ‘The Misunderstood’ and sway-able shimmy in ‘Berlin Belle’ all while maintaining a reggae undertone throughout. The jazzy keys, punchy drums and shredding guitars lace each track in swagger and strut quality. The band showcase their ballad – esque side with the warm ‘The Blessed Ones’ as golden guitar laments against a steady beat backdrop.The melodies throughout slide effortlessly into your ears until you are singing uncontrollably along while the raspy vocals coo and swagger adding character and charm. There are wonderful guitar moments in each track. Especially in the jazz flavoured ‘Vienna Moon’ as the guitar weaves steamy melodies through the jazzy keys and steady beat. The track has an epic classic-rock anthemic chorus while the verses have a lounge bar chilled groovy vibe. The band close the album with the acoustic whiskey-drizzled ballad  ‘I Miss Me’. With lush backing vocals and a buoyant guitar strum this track has a sweet bar sing-along vibe that warms the cockles of your heart and fills you with sweet nostalgia.

Jointpop have created a charming album filled with their rich and diverse musicianship that is sure to have something for everyone.

Stream ‘FROM Trinidad …with Love’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music

Runway Lights ‘What Defines A Villain’ EP

Runway Lights have released their debut EP ‘What Defines A Villain’. Runway Lights are an experimental, alternative rock band from Dublin.In their short time together they have already graced the stages of a number of prestigious Dublin venues including The Workman’s Club, Whelan’s and The Button Factory, earning a reputation for their ferocious live sound.

‘What Defines A Villain’ is a compact intoxicating collection of Runway Lights bewitching musicianship. Each track is tightly weaved to form a wonderful tapestry of richly blended shades of light and dark to create an utterly compelling listening experience. ‘Broad Strokes’ kicks of the EP with magical whispered soundscapes flurrying like a gentle almost eerie breeze before the vocals kick in. The percussion taps and dances delicately through the chiming guitar and swirling synths. Almost straight away the band transports you to a world of magic and wonder portrayed through beautiful and mysterious musicianship. The track builds becoming more vibrant as the guitars and beat intensify. Runway Lights’ ability to create ominous tension and recoil back to lulling elegance and delicacy is mystifying. Their tracks are dark, sinister and sweetly soothing all at once. The short earthy instrumental sting of ‘Glass’ and the soothing ‘Sand’ and ‘Wash Away’ continue this perfectly with ethereal synths and airy atmospheres while the sublime guitar work adds a warm golden ray of light through the mystical mist and deft instrumental bursts. Louise O’Hanlon’s vocals are pristine and clear throughout this enchanting EP. She coos and lulls sweetly while flooding each track with emotion and passion. The melodies throughout the EP are luscious and silky with a sweet innocent undertone which contrasts beautifully against the heavier moments. ‘Red Letter’ displays this perfectly as it closes the EP with a melty warm melody filled with strength and passion as the crashing jagged guitars and punchy drums create that mighty punch and emotive backdrop. 

Runway Lights have created an EP that is delicately charming, tranquilizing and heavily dynamic as they blend alternative rock into their soft synth atmosphere. Each track builds and grows wonderfully to create hair raising crescendos and explosive instrumental highs. This crisp and immaculate EP has been brewed and blended to perfection for an utterly tantalizing listening experience.

Stream ‘What Defines A Villain’ below 


Author : Danu

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

SPRINTS ‘The Cheek’

Dublin’s upcoming alternative rock band SPRINTS have released their sophomore single ‘The Cheek’. Comprised of Karla Chubb, Colm O’Reilly, Sam McCann and Jack Callan, SPRINTS released their debut single ‘Pathetic’ in April to rave reviews, receiving both national and international press coverage. The song was playlist on Irish radio as well as featured in the ‘An Alternative Eire’ official Spotify playlist. 

‘The Cheek’  is a brisk raw blast of SPRINTS punk-whacked alternative rock. With gritty guitar cutting through the jagged tense soundscape the verses crash in ready to rumble. The driving bass travels at floor shaking relentless stamina while Karla Chubb’s powerful vocals add sarcasm and fire into the track. It’s catchy with a manic ferocious chorus that is sure to be epic live. With pummeling drums and a blistering raucous wall of sound ‘The Cheek’ is one frenzied anthem and another smasher from SPRINTS.

About the track the band say : “Whether they think they own the place, or think they own you, we are all too familiar with those dickheads at the bar.  Male or female, I know a lot of friends have shared the same experience. To have your sexuality, or your worth questioned, to be berated or harassed for turning someone so ‘impeccable’ down, is an unfortunately too regular occurrence.”

SPRINTS will celebrate the track’s launch on Saturday September 28th with a show in Bello Bar.

Stream ‘The Cheek’ below 

Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Broke Casino ‘Boss’

Broke Casino have released their new single ‘Boss’. Broke Casino are a five piece indie/rock band from Manchester made up of Ralph Schofield, Sam Wilks, Ollie Boon, Sean Savage and Lucas Cook. The band kicked off 2019 with their debut sell out Manchester headline show and a slot at Dot To Dot Festival.

With its strutting soundscapes wrapped in punching indie rock ‘Boss’ boasts Broke Casino’s anthemic and well thought out sound. The band flex their flamboyant muscles with their slinky guitars which glisten and shimmer with luminous scintillation capturing sparkles of light as they stride and majestically soar through the buoyant backdrop. The track prances in filled with kinetic energy as the rooted bass weaves and bends superbly between the pounding drums to create a beefy and hard hitting foundation for the guitars to flourish off while the warm vocals pack in oodles of passion. Each scorching element creates a superb texture with climatic intensity as the band blend and weave their intricate musicianship to create a disco infused indie rock gem sure to pump adrenaline into your veins and have you dancing in no time.

Stream ‘Boss’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Garage-Psych, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Not I ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’

Not I is the project of Dublin based musicians Ian Meagher (drums/vox) and Thomas O’Reilly (guitar/vox). They have released a new music video for ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’, taken from their forthcoming debut album of the same name. The music video, which was directed, produced and shot by Redemption Film’s Niall McCann, Matthew Boyd, and Greg Dunn (the team behind feature films Lost in France, and The Science of Ghosts), sees the band embark on a humorous adventure in (or outside) the realm of Dublin’s bingo scene.

With gritty biting guitars pulsing adrenaline to the very core of ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’, Not I craft a wonderful exhilarating whir of alternative rock that ferments and curdles with sublime intensity. The pounding drums progress from a steady background thud to an anarchy calling blitz as the track leads to its massive crescendo. With quirky baritone vocal bursts from moody verses to  falsetto yelps and shouted exclaims, this track exudes character and swagger. It’s dark and smothered in raw instrumentation and the sharp guitars venture from acute strides to crashing frenzy along with the punchy drum progression, With its minimalist approach the band create a wholly invigorating shattering track. With psychedelic dazzling hues and just sheer gritty rawness ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’ marks Not I as a band to keep an eye on. This track is sure to be epic live. 

Watch the video for ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Brand New Friend ‘The Letter A’

After their stellar performance at the 2000trees Xtra Mile Recordings takeover in July, Northern Irish five-piece Brand New Friend have released their new single, ‘The Letter A’. They have played shows throughout the UK and Ireland, both headlining and with veterans or peers like Snow Patrol, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive-In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY, Feeder and Xtra Mile Recordings label mate Seán McGowan – plus a host of festival slots at Reading and Leeds, 2000trees and others.Their debut album ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’, spawned several singles all of which garnered plays on the likes of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart shows on Radio 1, John Kennedy on Radio X and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq as well as sessions and interviews on the Across The Line show on BBC Ulster.

‘The Letter A’ is a punchy track with a smooth melody wrapped in a biting indie rock soundscape as Brand New Friend blister and swarm through the track with relentless stamina and infectious vigor. With jagged striking guitars slicing through the bouncy bass line and snappy drums this track has an infectious energetic buoyancy that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. The pop smacked melody and 50’s-60’s classic melodic hue gives a sentimental familiarity and charm to the song. The vocals exude confidence with a youthful sense of urgency as the band flesh out their tight and dynamic sound. With an explosive chorus, The Strokes- esque verses, sharp instrumental backdrop and gritty crunchy element presented beautifully on guitars, this adrenaline-inducing number is sure to have you singing along in no time. 

Watch the video for ‘The Letter A’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, Jazz, New Music, Soul

TOYGIRL ‘Reign’

Dublin’s alternative rock band TOYGIRL have released their new single ‘Reign’. The song’s earliest conception came about in April 2018 when British/French frontwomen, Hannah Worrall, was experimenting with bass and string loops on Garageband. The song wasn’t finalised until much later in February of this year (2019) after the collaborative input of Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar) and Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar). ‘Reign’ was recorded in Temple Lane Studios with the help of engineers Jack Mulligan and Tadgh Maw. The track was professionally Mixed by Stuart Grey at Jealoustown Studios and Mastered by Billy Farrell at same.

‘Reign’ is a groove driven number that burrows you deep into TOYGIRL’s passionate, crisp sound. Sublime guitar work fleshes out the bands classy, jazz side while the rooted elastic bass weaves warm slinky elements and golden vibes into this refreshing number. With a steady beat and Hannah Worrall’s soulful vocals, this track is a mellowed out delight with refined instrumental backing. Each component part steadily grooves and drifts perfectly into place to create a superb track to immerse yourself in.

According to the band “The single is a sarcastic and passive aggressive presentation of the mask we all wear in order to make others happy, and in attempts to convince ourselves of our own happiness. The regal imagery accentuates the idea that with great (self-induced) power comes great responsibility. We all strive for normality to fit in and from that we lose everything that makes us unique.”

TOYGIRL are celebrating the release of their debut single with an Irish and UK tour, withdates in Levis’s of West Cork (Sept 28th), the Roundy Cork city (Sept 29th), Roisin Dubh in Galway (Sept 30th), McHugh’s of Belfast (Oct 2nd) and the Workman’s Club Dublin (Oct 3rd).

Stream ‘Reign’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Pioneers ‘I Don’t Think I’ve Changed’

Fragile Photography – Connor Mason

Southampton indie-rockers Pioneers have released their new single ‘I Don’t Think I’ve Changed’.Following on from their debut single, ‘Take Time’, which was crowned BBC Introducing Track of The Week, Pioneers have emerged as one of the UK’s most promising acts selling out three headline shows including the 400 capacity The Engine Rooms in Southampton and added to Amazing Radio’s daytime playlist.

‘I Don’t Think I’ve Changed’ is an invigorating guzzle of indie rock shaken with fizzy guitar elements, catchy pop melody and bubbling rhythm section as Pioneers display their rich emotive musicianship. With the lamenting melody caressed by singer Sam Watts’ velvety vocals this track glistens and thrives on the band’s refined ability to create passionate melodies that evoke youthful adrenaline and sweet nostalgia,Lustrous guitar radiates glorious rays of light into the track lifting it into majestic heights -the track instantly races the heart and pumps a rush of emotion into your veins. With a driving rhythm of elastic bass and animated drums this arena ready anthem is one smashing number from Pioneers.

Stream ‘I Don’t Think I’ve Changed’ below 


Author : Danu