Tag Archives: Alternative

Alt Rock, New Music

Steve Wall and Simon O’Reilly ‘Rise with the Sun’

Steve Wall and Simon O’Reilly have released their brand new single ‘Rise with the Sun’. The two collaborated on the song over WhatsApp and shared files online, with Simon recording the music and mixing the song in his studio near Lahinch and Steve recording vocals and some extra bits in Dublin. Simon O’Reilly is a composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, music video maker and founder of Music Minds festival, he is based in Lahinch in the west of Ireland and owner of Fern Studios. He has worked with many musicians including The Contempo Quartette, Susan O’Neill, Davey Spillane, Twin Headed Wolf, Kila, Luka Bloom and The Monks Of Glenstal amongst others. Steve Wall has penned some of the best-known songs in Irish rock music: “Brewing up a Storm”, “Romeo’s on Fire”, “Half Past Two” and “To the Bright and Shining Sun” to mention just a few. Best known in Ireland as the singer with legendary Irish bands The Walls and The Stunning, he also juggles a successful acting career. 

‘Rise with the Sun’ is a refreshing and glorious new tune. The track floats upon an alternative country rock backdrop while pedal steel guitar and reggae hued beats inject balmy tropical tones into the mix. Lyrically the track gives an honest and quirky depiction of a person’s struggle with will power and self-discipline and the challenge to stay focussed. Lyrics ‘I’m a hunter gatherer in my prime, I stocked up on frozen foods and I’m already watching season two, Close the curtains and turn the dimmer down’ express relatable experiences over the past year while lines such as ‘Sometimes I get a little bit lonely but I can never find the right emoji’, – although tongue in cheek, resonate with darker emotional undertones. The refined instrumentation and lyrical content within ‘Rise with the Sun’ displays Steve Wall and Simon O’Reilly’s enjoyable musicianship and deft production skills.

Speaking of the single Steve Wall says: “It’s my first collaboration outside of The Stunning and The Walls and I’m really buzzed about it. It was refreshing for me to get music that someone else had written for a change and to see what kind of song I could make out of it. Simon was great to work with. We both have years of experience so neither of us is precious when it comes to the creative process and we were on the same page the whole time which helped”. 

With Simon O’Reilly adding: “Over many long conversations about all things music, I found myself to be in sync with Steve’s musical sensibilities and styles. We have a mutual passion for guitars, gear and everything encompassing the creative process. During the last two months, working on this uplifting song was joyous. I hope the song can do a bit of the same for the listener” 

Watch the video for ‘Rise with the Sun’  below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

SOMEFINN ‘Starlet’s Dream

SOMEFINN have released their debut single ‘Starlet’s Dream’. SOMEFINN are an alternative rock band whose story begins where that of another band ends. Paul Finn was lead vocalist and songwriter for Irish Choice Music Prize Nominees The Flaws, who called it quits in 2016. Finn then took up an offer from Shane Clarke, to tour as guitarist with his band Elephant, with whom he played shows all over Ireland to rave reviews. During this two-year period, Finn built a studio in his hometown of Killanny, Monaghan. There, he began writing and recording what would become SOMEFINN’s debut album, ‘…Tsk, Tsk…’. The band’s line-up was completed when an accomplished roster of multi-genre veterans came onboard. David Marron (Sanzkrit, Derek Ryan), Paul Markey (Sanzkrit), Paul Carolan (Finnian) and Darren Finn, Paul’s brother, are to be found on guitars, bass, drums and keyboards respectively.

‘Starlet’s Dream’ is a spectacular display of biting alternative rock.  The track pivots around a driving bass line that weaves through an agitated soundscape of jangly guitars, haunting backing vocals and frenetic percussion creating a rich and meticulously layered tune for listeners to indulge in. Lyrically the song explores the paradox of a weakness becoming a strength and is greatly enhanced by the tracks instrumental backdrop, “strength ain’t a weakness of mind, is that a weakness of mine?”. Filled with complex textures and refined instrumentation the track is a fine display of musicianship. ‘Starlet’s Dream’ marks SOMEFINN as a band to keep an eye on

Stream ‘Starlet’s Dream’ below


Author: Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets ‘days’

Limerick-based five-piece, Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets are back with their new single, ‘days’. Once again, this track comes self-recorded and produced by the band themselves. The track is released under the Limerick-based collective, BitDepth, of which Flynn is a founding member. Flynn and The Dead Poets have had a busy start to 2021, putting out a single and a collaboration EP with Culla. The band have amassed nearly 10k streams in just 4 months and have more singles to come this summer.

Dripping in passionate melodies and powerful instrumentation, ‘days’ is a blistering, lushly arranged new single from Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets. From the icy synth intro to the soaring chorus, the band layer and craft the song superbly. The song builds emotion right from the get-go while chiming guitars forge an ethereal and lonely soundscape for the verses. However, in true Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets manner, the song unfolds swiftly into an anthemic powerhouse filled with lively guitars, punchy drums and rampant bass lines that exude a mighty alternative rock persona. Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets have a captivating ability to capture emotion through their deft lyrics and sweet melodies, and ‘days’ is a perfect example of this. The lyrics of the song detail the state of the housing crisis in Ireland at the moment, and the band package this raw and powerful theme in expressive, dynamic and catchy musicianship to create a potent and enjoyable song to listen to.

About the track Flynn said – “This song is one I have had for a while now, and I feel it holds a strong message. I have never really written about social issues in my music before, but this track just ended up coming out of me. We are all really proud of this one and feel it’s one of our best productions to date. It’s been over a year since our last gig, so we can’t wait to get out and play this new music for people.”

Stream ‘days’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Royal Blood ‘Typhoons’ Album

Brighton duo Royal Blood have released their eagerly anticipated third album, ‘Typhoons’. Their previous two albums both went straight to #1 in the UK, in the process accumulating 2 million global sales. The duo have won the BRIT Award for Best British Group, two NME Awards and a Kerrang! Award. Their debut album was also nominated for the Mercury Prize.Not easy achievements to follow but Royal Blood take the bull by the horns in an attempt to create a body of work like no other.

Royal Blood presents an album dripping in gritty rock hues, psychedelic tones and disco for their third instalment. In true Royal Blood manner, the duo pulls it out of the bag, developing their sound into something exciting while giving us heavy rock heads something tantalizing to mosh to. ‘Typhoons’ announces a different sound for the band that is steeped in swagger and sleekness. Thirst quencher singles ‘Typhoons’, ‘Trouble’s Coming’ and ‘Limbo’ mix funky dance-infused production with gritty, heavy rock to create a resounding and ballsy wall of sound that exudes an air of refinement we haven’t seen before from the band.

As for heavy riffage, there is plenty on this album. Mike Kerr slips those beefy bass riffs into the sweltering blues-tinged ‘Who Needs Friends’ and Josh Homme produced ‘Boilermaker’ with the former taking a euphoric dance stance. The duo blend flamboyant disco elements with sleek rock, funky grooves and raw angst masterfully to create irresistible tunes for listeners to indulge in. However, among this genre fluidity, Ben Thatcher’s tight relentless drumming remains the anchor. He masterfully flexes his thunderous drums through the lighter pop smacked ‘Either You Want It’ and pounds with strutting swagger through the 70’s- esque ‘Mad Visions’. With catchy melodies and mighty instrumental builds, the songs within the album maintain hype and vigour throughout. Even the 80s slapped ‘Million and One’ which boasts flashing synths and a dazzling soundscape doesn’t feel out of place on the album.

‘Typhoons’ is brimming with anthemic chic tunes that display a more confident stance from the band. Kerr pivots the tracks around his lusty bass while his vocals slip into a sweet falsetto between warm coos. This is most apparent in the infectious ‘Hold On’ while his vocal croons lather the beautiful closing track ‘All We Have Is Now’ in tenderness. Luxuriantly adorned in soft echoes and lamenting piano, this song is immaculate. Kerr’s vocals delicately caress a tender, soothing melody that is a welcome emotional calm after the groove-infested storm of its predecessors. This song, for me, is the pinnacle moment within the album. It feels more real, earnest and emotional with less production, fuss and flamboyance, showing another facet to Royal Blood’s ever-evolving sound.

Royal Blood have shown they are not a one-trick pony. Within this catchy, upbeat and infectious album, the band push boundaries and expectations while maintaining their alternative rock edge. The rich and utterly lush production on the tracks is something to be admired and the dynamic energy within each song is irresistible. Each track warrants its place on the album creating a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable body of work.

Stream ‘Typhoons’


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, New Music

Junoplast Cave ‘How To Stop Bad Thoughts’ EP

Junoplast Cave have released their new EP, ‘How To Stop Bad Thoughts’. Hailing from Belém in Brazil, this four-piece share the goal of writing and recording their music to have their songs heard.

‘How To Stop Bad Thoughts’ is a raucous blast of alternative rock as Junoplast Cave present their bloodthirsty exhilarating sound within this collection of tracks. Blues soaked riffs slice through the EP with relentless energy as the band create slick swagger soaked tunes saturated in gritty rock. With raw muscular drums driving the kinetic ‘Cheap lies’ while sensual guitars soar and ricochet off the beefy foundation, Junoplast Cave pull no punches. They spread some slinky blues into ‘Are you feeling’ while the dizzying ‘In my head’ drops some heavy electronic elements into the mix, allowing the EP to remain diverse throughout. With raspy vocals, smooth melodies and mosh ready crescendos ‘How To Stop Bad Thoughts’ is an impressively crafted EP marking Junoplast Cave as a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘How To Stop Bad Thoughts’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, New Music

Ugly Beautiful ‘Sunrise’

Live @ Crúiscín Lawn

Irish alternative-rock trio Ugly Beautiful have released their new single ‘Sunrise’, along with an animated music video. The band employs collaborative songwriting between Kieran Lane (lead vocals and guitar), Falender (drums) and Galagher (bass). The band was founded in 2007 and released several successful projects and toured extensively around Ireland between then and going on hiatus in 2013.

‘Sunrise’ is a melodic alternative rock track that simmers with dark undertones. With sweet guitar melodies creating an ethereal atmosphere between the light wisps on synths, the band crafts a precise and biting tune. This airy and breezy soundscape is anchored by a raw bass groove and punchy drum progression, which exudes a heavy 90’s rock foundation. Moody vocals brood throughout the verses as Ugly Beautiful creates an emotional wall of sound that breaks for the powerful chorus. Featuring catchy melodies and expressive instrumentation, ‘Sunrise’ is a compelling and passionate new single from Ugly Beautiful.

About the track, Kieran says, “The song tells the story of two people trying to help each other through this relentless, confusing, distracting world in which we live.” It’s a conversation – one person caught in their own thoughts, the other trying to help them get out of it. The chorus is a reminder to live in the moment – to acknowledge what’s happening right now in the present. “

The music video was created by visual artist and animator Aaron Wiley. Watch the video for ‘Sunrise’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Late Night Pharmacy ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’

Dublin, Ireland-based alternative rock band Late Night Pharmacy have released their new single, ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’. It is the band’s first release since their second EP, Flamingo, released in March of 2019. Recording the single was only possible due to the generous financial support of the Department of Culture, who last year announced the creation of a Music Industry Stimulus Package (MISP), intended to help keep the Irish commercial music sector afloat during Covid-19. In November 2020, Late Night Pharmacy were awarded funding under the recording scheme of the MISP, and hired Aidan Cunningham (Wheatus, The Scratch, Nealo, Overhead the Albatross) to produce and mix three singles, of which ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ is the first to be released.

‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ is a melodious indie rock song that displays Late Night Pharmacy’s ability to create a catchy tune with hard-hitting lyrical content. The band craft a well-textured and bittersweet soundscape by smearing dark verses with jagged guitars and elastic grooves. The song unfolds beautifully as if drifting off into a dreamy state for the chorus. Here the song lifts with light guitars, buoyant drums swirling synths and lush melodies, creating a bright and infectious chorus for listeners to indulge in. With psychedelic elements on guitars dissolving into the infectious soundscape while lush harmonies coo in the backdrop ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ is an exhilarating new single from Late Night Pharmacy.

‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ was written during Ireland’s second lockdown when the band’s lead guitarist was taking a tram home and fell into conversation with two men in their forties who told him about their lives and their struggles with drug addiction. That conversation served as the primary inspiration for the lyrics, detailing a typical couple of days in the lives of men like this. The band also drew from the lead guitarist’s experiences visiting the Cloverhill prison in west Dublin to play Christmas carols and religious music for the inmates.

Stream ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ below. 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, New Music

Royal Blood ‘Boilermaker’

As anticipation for their upcoming third album, ‘Typhoons’ reaches fever pitch, Royal Blood reveal the official studio version of the fan favourite ‘Boilermaker’. ‘Boilermaker’ captured the imagination of fans after Royal Blood performed the song in the summer of 2019, including high profile sets at the Reading and Leeds Festivals. It’s been the topic of speculation ever since, with various live videos emerging on YouTube and numerous discussions on the Royal Blood sub-Reddit. The song was produced by Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme and recorded at his vibey Pink Duck studio in Los Angeles. The two bands have previously toured North America together, while Kerr also contributed vocals to ‘Crucifire’, a track from Homme’s Desert Sessions project. ‘Boilermaker’ is the fourth track to tease ‘Typhoons’. The previous singles – ‘Trouble’s Coming’, the title track and ‘Limbo’ – were all premiered as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record, with the first two also subsequently playlisted at Radio 1. The three songs have already accumulated 40 million streams.

‘Boilermaker’ roars with the blistering unbridled sound of Royal Blood. As fuzzed guitar cuts through a breathtaking rhythmic backdrop the band return to the gritty sound we loved from their debut self-titled album. The song blasts into a vivid riff that bounces off an intense soundscape creating an enticing groove and instant shot of body moving adrenaline. Royal Blood are masters at crafting lean, mean bass riffs that pierce through your body and command you to dance while thunderous drums maintain a tight and infectious groove throughout. It’s a slick, well-oiled tune that dissolves into spacey psychedelia at times, with Mike Kerr’s lush falsetto echoing between the heavy mosh ready moments.

‘Boilermaker’ is released alongside an official video, which was directed by Liam Lynch (Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age). A tattooed figure emerges from a hasty burial, throws on a leather jacket and multiplies like a zombie as he marches to the song’s pulsating beat. What follows is a striking visual tapestry of twisted rock ‘n’ roll tropes and disconcerting dreamlike imagery, which perfectly complements the song’s ambience.

Watch the video for ‘Boilermaker’ below. 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Pete Mac ‘Escape’ feat. Lisa Papineau

‘Escape’ is the latest solo single by Cork singer/ songwriter Pete Mac. Featuring the guest vocals of iconic musician/ artist Lisa Papineau. The track was written during the Covid lockdown period with Pete experimenting with different sounds. The track’s theme is about escaping into a world within a world.

Enveloped in dark melodious alternative rock, ‘Escape’ is a thrilling and passionate new single from Pete Mac. The song exudes an epic soundscape as Pete drapes a bittersweet melody in cinematic instrumentation. Dark, thumping beats and airy twinkles on guitars brood and simmer with eerie, shadowy tones before the chorus erupts with dramatic energy and grunge melodies. The building sonics create tension and shiver-inducing goosebumps while Pete’s rasped vocals surge with emotion. Lisa’s sweet vocals haunt through the song, creating a ghostly and ethereal contrast to the explosive instrumentation as it reaches a dynamic crescendo. ‘Escape’ is a powerful and expressive song that displays Pete Mac at his most compelling to date.

Stream ‘Escape’ here https://paradoxgrunge.bandcamp.com/track/escape


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, New Music

Lautaro De Gobbi ‘El Valle’

A call to action to create a better future, ‘El Valle’ is the brand new single to come from Argentinian Punk Rocker Lautaro De Gobbi. After studying music at a conservatoire, Lautaro De Gobbi began his musical journey as a producer, helping bands to reach their potential. Discovering that he had a lot to contribute himself, Lautaro De Gobbi started making his own music at his home studio. Inspired by the closing of open-pit mining in his home region of Patagonia, ‘El Valle’ expresses the anger of seeing cultural heritage land being sold at a low price for mining and deforestation. 

‘El Valle’ is a dark track brimming with Lautaro De Gobbi’s raw alternative rock and refined musicianship. Lautaro spreads fuzzed guitar riffs over a tense drum foundation and dark soundscape to create a heavy wall of sound. With deep vocals and luring melodies entwined in intoxicating sounds, the track is a lean, mean slap of rock. As the guitars meander between distorted fuzz and slick desert-esque refrains, the track spirals into its edgy crescendo. Well crafted and tightly produced ‘El Valle’ is a compelling new single from Lautaro De Gobbi.

Stream ‘El Valle’ below 


Author : Danu