Tag Archives: Alternative

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

The Covasettes ‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’ EP

The Covasettes have released their debut EP ‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’. Catching the summer sun and bottling it in this glorious four track EP The Covasettes have captured summer and made it bite-size and ready to unleash anytime of the year for nostalgic daydreaming or for enjoying as you create those summer memories. Brimming with zesty radiant guitar and catchy melodies each track is a lustrous gem. From the energetic  ‘Twit Twoo’ with its rooted groove, jagged guitar and carefree atmosphere to ‘You & I’ an energetic love smothered sprightly number,this four piece present us with a youthful burst of exhilarating indie. They layer their tracks superbly with a heavier crashing instrumental backdrop for the crescendos while remaining buoyant and sun kissed. Each track is a delight on the ears. Delicious melodies grace the jaunty backdrop for the sing along friendly ‘Let’s Go’ while the warm and easy on the ears vocals from Chris Buxton adds a charming quality to the songs. With elastic bass lines running riot around the punchy buoyant drums, these guys set a strong, dance floor coaxing foundation to their sound. The EP’s  beach time, adrenaline inducing pace is relentless right up to the final track ‘Fine Lines’. Golden guitar jingles flood the track with glimmers of scintillation while the breezy jaunty backdrop keeps you craving more. 

‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’ encapsulates summer as The Covasettes flesh out their tight fun indie pop through glorious infectious melodies, big choruses and sublime instrumentation. A fantastic feel good debut EP from this young four piece. 

Commenting on the EP , frontman Chris Buxton said: “To me, it’s the best piece of work we’ve ever done, each track gives you something different from the last, but they all come together to paint part of a bigger picture. It’s something we were really keen to achieve, we didn’t want to put four ‘random’ songs together and call it an EP, we wanted to create a journey that people can jump into and I really do feel we’ve achieved that. We’ve been consumed by this EP for the last 6 months, and we’ve been speaking about it for 6 months before that, so it feels so good to be finally putting it out. Every time we’ve had a spare few minutes we’ve been sat recording, tweaking and slaving over this EP and we couldn’t be more proud of it. It really feels like the next chapter for us, we’ve had an incredible start to 2019 and now we have this to propel us to the next level; I just can’t wait to see what everyone thinks to it… I’d be telling a lie if I said we weren’t all a little bit nervous.”

Stream ‘It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds’ below 


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

Gin Palace Self -Titled EP

Northern Irish band Gin Palace have released their debut self-titled EP. The band have created a three track EP brimming with sun sprinkled indie and sublime melodies. With intricate jangly guitar weaving beautiful zest drizzled melodies throughout each track the EP is a delight and easy on the ears. ‘Sophia Loren’ sets the EP in motion allowing the wonderful guitar lines to flourish through a buoyant rhythm and groove infested bass. ‘Passing By’ follows with evening sun set tones and sombre hues while ‘Mondegreen’ closes the EP with a slow dance croon. Delicate and moonlit the track drifts on a steady beat and passionate melody while the brass element pines and laments through the swoony soundscape.

Gin Palace take us from scorching summers days to chill evenings with this sublime three track EP. Their use of brass floods each track with warmth and rich textures however its those golden intricate guitar melodies that lifts the tracks and makes them so charming and captivating. It’s a sublime debut EP from Gin Palace as they showcase their precise and compelling musicianship.

Stream ‘Gin Palace’ below 


Album Release, Album Review, Blues, Grunge, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Eoin ‘Reverie’ Album

Cork singer songwriter Eoin is set to release his new album ‘Reverie’ on 19th July. ‘Reverie’ examines the descent into anger and depression coupled with the transition from a lighter, acoustic driven folk sound to a heavier, grunge infused one. This compact album showcases Eoin’s rich, warm and emotive musicianship as he ventures from tender ballad- esque to expressive indie rock tracks effortlessly. Each track is just as compelling as the next from the warm folky stomp of opening song ‘Anthony’s Got Mono’ to the guitar swaggering ‘Mask Your Lines’ and the dark rugged ‘The Eleventh Hour’.Eoin caresses each number with his velvety, lightly rasped vocals as the melodies drift easily into the ears with a honeyed texture however, he’s not afraid to let go as we hear through his vocal wails in ‘The Eleventh Hour’. The delicate and more tender tracks such as ‘Infinite’, the numbing twinkling ‘Instrumental’ and grunge hued dark ‘Reverie’ croon and elegantly drift you into a lulled stupor as the soft guitar and steady beat create a calming effect. Eoin builds these tracks superbly, some becoming more intense as the instruments progress. His vocals haunt and wail in ‘Infinite’ and add a steamy tantalizing dash of spice through the falsetto in ‘A Blues Song’. This hair raising progression is why Eoin is an artist to keep an eye on. He surges his tracks with emotion and passion while reinforcing his moving themes and lyrical content with mesmerising and thrilling instrumentation to make you feel each pulse, guitar strike and drum beat. ‘Snow Angels’ is a charming ditty. Simple in its approach the acoustic gem has a cheery twist as Eoin coos and whispers the quirky lyrics through a chirpy guitar feature. The smoky ‘Chalk & Cheese’ provides the steamy bluesy side to the album as the verses tease and entice with soul infused vocals and light flirtations on guitar before blasting into the brawny chorus. There is sublime guitar moments in this track as it builds to its massive crescendo. We see the frenzied rock n’ roll facet of the album through ‘A.C.I.D.’ and boy it is a thrilling whoosh that takes you by surprise. Crashing and dizzying soundscapes whirl around while a gritty guitar riff and dynamic bass relentlessly pummels through the pounding drums. An absolutely magnificent and swagger steeped number that I’m sure is going to be insane live. The grunge filled angsty track ‘Blurb’ follows the frenzy with moody tones, light lamenting guitar and steady beat. This is another superb track. The perfect build from eerie numb and glum verses to crashing guitars, dynamic drum blasts and all out explosive nature of the chorus is erratic and perfectly crafted. Another track that is sure to be outstanding live and will strike a chord with listeners.

‘Reverie’ takes Eoin from a simple singer songwriter to a passionate diverse artist with a bright future ahead. Sure he can produce light, little, sweet ditty’s that make your feet tap and warm the cockles of your heart but the album takes you down into the depths of his musicianship with eerie haunting twists, flickers of anger, turmoil and depression through dynamic chilling and sometimes erratic instrumentation. He’s not afraid to lay everything out and showcase his versatility as an artist and boy has he made one mesmerising and outstanding album. 

You can catch Eoin live at : 

 ‘Reverie’ album launch night on 19th July in DeBarra’s Folk Club 

You can follow Eoin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/justeoin/


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

The Vanns ‘Mother’

The Vanns have released their new single ‘Mother’ taken from their long-awaited debut album.Developing a strong live show and presence off the back of high-profile support slots with artists including Catfish and The Bottlemen and Ocean Alley, as well as selling out their recent run of shows of their own on the east coast, The Vanns have been at work on their craft since their inception in 2013.

‘Mother’ is a laid back groove rooted indie rock track as The Vanns stroll through this exhilarating number with a suaveness and prowess that is admirable. Jangly guitars saunter through the verses, relaxed and sun kissed before blistering and scorching into the epic chorus. With an elastic hip moving bass and punchy drum backdrop the band build and layer this track superbly to create the most thrilling and exciting track. With raspy vocals cooing through the verses and expressive chorus it’s an instantly likeable rock n’ roll tune that packs a serious punch. Refined, swagger dipped and laced in oodles of passion and fantastic instrumentation ‘Mother’ gives us another reason to keep an eye on The Vanns. There are big things ahead for this band.  

Watch the video for ‘Mother’ below 


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Fagash McCann

Northern Ireland two Piece Fagash McCann have released their new single ‘Black Lipstick Kiss’. A slinky ambitious track ,‘Black Lipstick Kiss’ is a riff driven lusty mammoth that showcases Fagash McCann’s ability to create a satisfying powerful number. The duo rein in their wild wall of sound binding it with tight muscular bass riffs and punchy drums. The bass weaves steamy elastic melodies through the drum beat while attitude soaked vocals exude swagger. The track boils and burns beneath the robust blues-hued rock instrumentation while the sleek melody seeps into the ears with ease creating the perfect balance between sensually smooth and razor sharp.This rough and tumble gem has a Royal Blood vibe without leaning too heavily on the comparison. There is a lot blistering and sizzling beneath the depths of this track and as a drum and bass duo these guys create and layer their sound superbly.

Stream ‘Black Lipstick Kiss’ below 

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Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

The Limbs 

Genre: Grunge, indie 

Bio: Perth four-piece The Limbs formed in 2013, The Limbs became a popular fixture on the WA live scene, quickly locking in shows alongside the likes of Tired Lion and Pat Chow, as the release of their debut EP Beginner put the band further on the radars of many.The band’s sophomore release, Dive In, made an impact all its own, setting the foundation for The Limbs’ sound in 2019. The charging sounds of single ‘Caught Me At A Bad Time’ signaled a new chapter for the band, bolstered by the introduction of new band member Clayton Brown (guitar) and successful shows supporting Jebediah and Abbe May

Track: Here

Why We Like It:  It’s a blistering grunge dipped track laced in the sweet ethereal sting on guitars as they wail, stride and flood the track with aerial tones and a piercing raw texture. The punchy rhythm maintains a meaty and buoyant foundation for the guitars to ricochet off. Melty melodies speed gracefully into the ears as the smooth reverb vocals caress it with tenderness. It’s a sublime adrenaline inducing track filled with exhilarating musicianship and fantastic production. With its hazy dreamy tones and intricate polished guitar melodies The Limbs have created a wholly satisfying track to get excited about. 

You can follow The Limbs on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thelimbsband/

Stream ‘Here’ below 

Still

Genre: Post-Punk

Bio: Still are a Los Angeles-based act comprised of Daniel McDonough, Adrian Johnson and Julian Johnson. The band have released their first single ‘Divinity’ off their upcoming debut EP.

Track: ‘Divinity’

Why We Like It: It’s a hazy cloud of shoegaze delight wrapped in twinkling indie elements and wonderful melodies. The ethereal guitar sweetly drifts about the track in a daydream of bliss while the soft innocent vocals coo over the candyfloss wistful melody. The track has a mopey and melancholic hue lying in the undercurrents of this floaty number. With a punchy drum beat keeping all the wispy components in place Still have created a mesmerising track that seeps into your very core. A sublime debut. 

You can follow Still on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/stillmusicofficial/

Stream ‘Divinity’ below 

KTG

Genre: Singer Songwriter

Bio: Hailing from Ballymahon in Co. Longford, Irish singer-songwriter KTG – aka Katie Gallagher has steadily become a rising star to acknowledge over the last 3 years.

Track: Don’t Tell My Mother

Why We Like It:  It’s a passionate warm track with an exquisite guitar melody deeply weaving and wiggling underneath KTG’s mature and moving vocals. With lush baking vocals, rich rhythm and beautiful melodies this track is a tender and moving ditty filled with sublime musicianship, poignant song writing and infectious melodies. There is oodles of passion seeping from every note and folky hue while KTG presents her sound with grace, elegance and an edgy quality that is admirable.

You can follow KTG on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/KTGmusicire/

Stream ‘Don’t Tell My Mother’ below 

Watchy 

Genre: Alternative

Bio: After playing in numerous bands, Dublin artist Watchy has decided to go solo. He has released his debut solo EP ‘Double Retired’. On drums is Dara Walsh. Mick Richards at Trackmix Recording Studio recorded, mixed and mastered while artwork was done by Caitlín Gallagher.

Track:  ‘Double Retired’

Why We Like It: It’s a feisty number bursting from the seams with fierce alternative rock. A gritty frenzied bass line pummels through the track bouncing energetically off the thunderous drums. This track throttles through at full neck snapping speed. Its catchy, blood thirsty and filled with shredding instrumentation – that instrumental break alone is of epic proportion as the shrilling guitar lacerates through the robust wall of sound with slick precision. With epic triumphant moments glimmering throughout and rough shouty vocals this mammoth blaster is one thrilling slap in the face of raw shredding alternative rock that is sure to send a live audience into a chaotic frenzy.

You can follow Watchy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/andsoIwatchyfromafar/

Stream ‘Double Retired’ below

 Vulpynes

Genre: Punk, Garage Rock 

Bio: Vulpynes are a two piece band that create a fusion of heavy and melodic hooks, snarling vocals and a visceral rhythm section. ‘Bitches are like Waves’ is the first single from Vulpynes forthcoming EP ‘Dye Me Red’, which is out on limited multi coloured 10” vinyl from FOAD Records/Advance Records on the 28th of September

Track:  ‘Bitches are like Waves’

Why We Like It: It’s a gritty razor sharp gash of frenzied alternative rock with slick riffs pounding drums and feisty attitude. This track batters and bruises with its feisty persona and blasting instrumentation. The melody seeps with a sultry moodiness into your ears with ease while the abrasive guitar and pulverising drums storm in to ruffle some feathers and kick your ass. It’s another exhilarating number from the duo. 

You can follow Vulpynes on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/vulpynes/

Watch the video for ‘Bitches are like Waves’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist on Spotify here


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

Jester ‘Summertime’

Thurles band Jester have released their new single ‘Summertime’. Jester are Colly Dempsey, Mark O’ Dwyer, Tomas Maher, Niall O’ Shaughnessy and David Fitzpatrick. In 2018 they signed a publishing deal with UK based independent record label Velvet Moron Records, the brainchild of Dave White (Biffy Clyro, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kasabian, etc.). Their debut album ‘’Shadows Need A Light’’ was released in March 2019 on the label. The release coincided with an Irish tour culminating in a sold out show in their home town of Thurles at the Source Arts Centre in mid-March.The band formed over ten years ago in county Tipperary, Ireland and have had a lot of success over the years playing festivals and club gigs the length and breadth of the country and beyond, sharing the stage with some of the biggest acts in the country and beyond including The Fun Lovin Criminals, The Blizzards and Paul Weller amongst others.

‘Summertime’ drifts in on balmy guitar twangs and a sway- like tempo as Jester venture into their sweet sentimental side. Wrapped in romantic tones this delicate number floats on acoustic guitar and radiant hazy electric guitar pines. The track builds and unfolds beautifully into a classic rock crescendo as the guitars develop becoming more sharp and expressive while the drum kicks in. There is a sublime instrumental break which will have live audiences punching the air in dramatic passion as they lilt that shredding lamenting guitar solo with oodles of gusto. It’s a compelling track filled with cosy Bon Jovi – esque tones as the band take their catchy rock sound and strip it back into a snug charming number. 

The band are currently back rehearsing their set list for a string of dates around the country over the coming months in support of their upcoming single ‘’Summertime’’. 

You can catch Jester Live at:

De Barra’a Clonakilty . Cork July 27th

Feile Beag, Thurles Aug 4th

Tipp Classical , Semple Stadium, Thurles September 21st

Stream ‘Summertime’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/jester_irl/summertime-album-version


90's Grunge, Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Fangclub ‘Vulture Culture’ Album

Dublin’s Fangclub have released their eagerly awaited sophomore album, ‘Vulture Culture’, on Vertigo Records. The band kick off their headline UK and European tour this October, opening in Liverpool and closing in Dublin’s Button Factory. They will also play Indiependence Festival, Cork on August 4th.

 ‘Vulture Culture’ is an experience – each track spirals towards the next in a gush of frenzy and turmoil while Fangclub showcase their expressive, explosive and majestic musicianship. Within this album Fangclub refine their sound, lacing each track with intricate guitar, raw bass lines and dynamic drum progressions. The album lulls into motion with ‘Last Time’. This beautiful track is made up of extracts from a confessional note that vocalist Steven King wrote his girlfriend, (which he sang to her in a lamp-lit studio). The band ease us into the album encompassing tender emotion and turmoil in one sublime slow burner. This delicate gem stops time and introduces the fragile aspects of the album with glistening guitar, reverb whispered vocals and a dreamy nostalgic melody. The track builds superbly becoming more vigorous as the drums and guitars crash into motion bringing about that powerful expressive sound we have come to love from this trio. What a track to introduce the album it’s everything the album contains and more. Title track ‘Vulture Culture’ has the trying job of following and boy it doesn’t disappoint. Stomping in swagger soaked and filled with bravado ‘Vulture Culture’ struts on slinky guitars, pulverising drums and snide vocals. With its jagged gallop and creepy carnival jingle on guitar, this light fun track is a daring cocktail of sinister and dark with a cynical zesty twist to add a sting to the palate. 

Epic choruses and a robust wall of sound flood through the darker ‘Nightmare’, ‘Hesitations’ and  ‘Kingdumb’ concreting the mosh ready hair raising effect of the album as each track takes you further and further into this glorious festering experience. ‘Viva Violent’ adds a steamy flourish to the album with its jangly guitar infectiously weaving between the elastic beat and rooted bass groove leading to the feisty chorus eruption. The melodies in the album, as always are catchy delicious spreads of honey that roll and drift into your mind in sweet easy doses. Each track has its own slinky raw manner which adds a sublime character and lovable quality to each song. Themes of fear, paranoia, addiction, love and despair all spew, ferment and curdle through ‘Every Day’  ‘Heavy Handed’ and ‘All I Have’ while the band use their musical prowess to create an instrumental whirlwind of shrilling guitar, beefy bass lines and mammoth drums creating the most thrilling and commanding backdrop. ’Black Rainbow’ is another gem within this treasure trove. This adrenaline inducing track drives through the gritty darkly smothered verses setting the tune up for another blasting chorus however, strikingly the band break into a sweet, light, fluffy chorus with King cooing over a dreamy, euphoric backdrop. There is of course a heavy crescendo but the track winds down into repetitive soft vocals, acoustic guitar and piano end – allowing us a glimpse of a more elegant side to Fangclub as we are lulled into a whimsical state of bliss. This track is fast becoming my favourite on the album. Its opium soaked melody and rich peppy rhythm mixed meticulously between the contrasting, brain-frazzling mania is masterful. ‘Slow’ closes the album ensuring our thirst for more is unquenchable. A beefy beat, luring guitars and attitude soaked vocals end the album on a massive high. You can’t get bigger, better or more frantic (well these guys probably will ) but it’s an enticing, vaporous and anthemic number that I can imagine is utterly mind blowing live. The track is raw, endearing and filled with enormous moments from crashing slick guitar to ground shaking bass lines and first class drumming.  

Fangclub have created a phenomenal album with ‘Vulture Culture’. Once you listen to the album you will never be the same again. It is brimming with passion and curdling themes of confusion, sadness and violence. The band express this through fiery intense instrumentation that surrounds you and consumes you in a world created entirely by Fangclub. The tracks reach deep into the crevices of your subconscious and lay bare your emotions and experiences – raw and exposed but contained within this powerful medium. ‘Vulture Culture’ is pretty potent musicianship.

Stream ‘Vulture Culture’ below 


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Video Premiere

Late Night Pharmacy ‘Texlahoma’ video Premiere

Dublin three piece alternative band Late Night Pharmacy, have released their new  music video for their track ‘Texlahoma’ which is taken from the bands latest EP, ‘Flamingo’.The track has already proven very popular, with airplay from 98FM’s John Barker on Totally Irish and Indie Disco on Phoenix FM, as well as being selected for playlists by Caltify MX and Luna Collective on Spotify and the video  features internet sensation Big Man Tyrone. 

 ‘Texlahoma‘ is a jangly indie number laced in sublime guitar work with a catchy melody as Late Night Pharmacy pepper their punk -esque sound with light speckles of pop. With glorious sun sprinkled verses buoyantly leading the way to the gritty chorus the trio build the track perfectly, creating a wholly invigorating sound. A zest-filled guitar injects a biting rawness into the track while the punchy drums and quirky vocals add rich texture and vibrancy. Its a laid back smooth number that packs some serious punch as the track builds to its sublime crescendo. 

Watch the video for ‘Texlahoma’ below 


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

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Something Leather

Brighton alternative rock band Something Leather have released their new single ‘Velvet’ on We Can Do It Records.In such a short space of time Something Leather have secured support slots with a multitude of upcoming bands including Black Midi, Phobophobes, Madonnatron, Saint Agnes and JOHN.

‘Velvet’ is a dark luring number with smothering muggy entrapment and eerie atmosphere as Something Leather build and layer the track in a searing sultry psychedelic sound with unique and intriguing instrumentation. The haunting organ elements tease and bounce like a chirpy Halloween theme tune throughout the sinister atmosphere. Sultry vocals coo and almost whisper the soft melody as deep backing vocals and moody guitar whines douse the background in ominous tones. The track, which is a cynical song about love and fantasy, builds becoming more frantic and sinister as crashing cymbals and guitar distortion create tension and a mysterious sense of danger. This is one hair-raising number. It’s perfectly crafted for maximum impact as Something Leather tease, ferment and curdle their instrumentation creating a bewitching almost perilous tune with vaporous aspects and groovy shimmy glimpses throughout. It’s a doozy.

Stream ‘Velvet’ below