Barefoot Magicians have released their new single ‘The Anthem’. Formed in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios, the band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a blues groove. Comprised of Dave Greene on harmonica and vocals, Graham Stewart on Guitars, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Paraic Carroll on Bass and Petra žižak on Keys the band has recently enjoyed two live recording sessions in Windmill Lane and Sun Recording Studios.
Barefoot Magicians take the funky swagger of GRIZ’s ‘The Anthem’ and add their own bluesy peppering to create a magnificent rendition. There is no shortage of energy within this track and Barefoot Magicians deliver on the song’s vigor as shredding guitars, resounding bass grooves and warm horns prance throughout displaying the refined and slick instrumental prowess of Barefoot Magicians. The band take the strutting guitar riff in the original and highlight it creating a clear hook throughout while at the same time adding a bite and edge to the song. Featuring organ-esque keys meandering through a lush bass and guitar jam, Barefoot Magicians provide a powerful tune that exudes the energy and swagger we have come to love the band for.
Watch the video for Barefoot Magicians’ cover of ‘The Anthem’ by GRIZ below
Barefoot Magicians have released their new single ‘Another Year’. Formed in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios, the band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a blues groove. Comprised of Dave Greene on harmonica and vocals, Graham Stewart on Guitars, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Paraic Carroll on Bass and Petra žižak on Keys the band has recently enjoyed two live recording sessions in Windmill Lane and Sun Recording Studios.
A funk-peppered blues rock number, ‘Another Year’ is Barefoot Magicians swagger soaked latest release for 2020. Slick guitar lines flood the track in rock n roll panache while a groove rooted bass line exudes hip moving fluctuations against the punchy drum foundation to create an infectious 70’s undertone. However Barefoot Magicians contrast this chic soundscape wonderfully through pining harmonica twangs and lyrics riddled with uncertainty. Lyrically the band say track wrestles with “being trapped in a certain life, a life you are not fully fulfilled in, with decisions you wish you could change, but there is still hope burning inside you to take a leap of faith and dive into something new but every year time is running away from you.”
Exuding rich musical prowess, emotion and refined instrumentation ‘Another Year’ is a strut worthy, foot tapping new single from Barefoot Magicians
Bio : Barefoot Magicians formed in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios. The band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a blues groove. Comprised of Dave Greene on harmonica and vocals, Graham Stewart on Guitars, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Paraic Carroll on Bass and Petra žižak on Keys the band has recently enjoyed two live recording sessions in Windmill Lane and Sun Recording Studios with more exciting new material due to be released in the coming months.
Track: Can’t Find Love
Why We Like It: It’s a funky richly arranged number doused in the bluesy sound of Barefoot Magicians. Slick nimble licks on guitar holler between the infectious bass groove and punchy drums making the track instantly catchy and likeable. With warm harmonica blasts weaving between the buoyant foundation and tight percussive shimmy while the catchy melody and shredding solo highlight the tracks hyper infectious aesthetic.
Bio : Lovepet Horror is the Bristol Singer Songwriter Scott Clar. ’Mistic Vistic’ was recorded at Dockside Studios in Bristol, England.The track will be the third release of 2020 and the third from a Debut album that is currently in the works
Track: Mistic Vistic
Why We Like It: It’s an elegant track which flows upon a lamenting violin melody, acoustic guitar chimes and a buoyant percussive shimmy. The track has an eerie cold tone yet Clar builds and surges rich indie elements and subtle pop textures into the track to create a unique melodic tune.
Bio : Wild Tibetan Monks are an indie rock band from Dublin comprised of Sean (bass, vocals), Ringo (guitar), and Liam (drums). They met and banded in college in 2011 and performed together for several years, playing covers as well as original material. In 2018 the band traded Dublin for Perth, Australia for a two-year journey of music and exploration. The band toured around Western Australia, and had a varied lineup over the years, including different singers and a horn section. They also began recording their original music.
Track: Cartoons
Why We Like It: It’s a blistering and emotive whack of indie rock as the band use ambient soundscapes to create a tense and airy atmosphere. A repetitive cold refrain on guitar pulses while a wriggling bass line wanders though the tracks spacious backdrop allowing the drum’s light bounce to maintain the foot tapping beat for the verses. The sublime tension boils over for the chorus as the trio flesh out their blazing rock edge. With emotive rasped vocals, oozing passion from every note ‘Cartoons’ is a sublime new track. The meticulous build and shredding guitar work makes Wild Tibetan Monks a band to keep an eye on.
Bio : Electric Blue is the debut single by UK singer songwriter Charles Darling.The song is about the initial spark of connection you feel with someone when you’re first getting to know them. The song is an autobiographical story written with an air of fantasy around its own events. The accompanying music video visually shares some of the deeper themes in the song such as, predestination and love’s subjectivity.
Track: Electric Blue
Why We Like It: This cinematic rock track rushes with a sense of urgency as vigorous guitars flurry and surge over a bubbling adrenaline-filled drum and bass backdrop. The song builds to its dynamic crescendo filled with energetic bursts and tantalising instrumental heights. With warm vocals, alternative punk rock elements and anthemic chorus the track has everything to get a crowd engaged. ‘Electric Blue’ is a sublime debut from Charles Darling.
Bio : spectre is an emerging producer and artist who cultivates a blend of punk, emo and hip-hop in the creation of their music. Breaking out on to the scene with their debut single “earthquake” featuring talented Irish rapper Uppbeat, spectre offers a single track as a tease of what is just beyond the horizon.
Track: earthquake
Why We Like It: It’s a smooth number saturated in chilled R&B and swirling electronics. Oozing an infectious melody and fluid raps the track has a laid back charm to it. With warm twinkling synths weaving between bubbling soundscapes and a smooth pop melody, earthquake is an all encompassing tune.
Barefoot Magicians have released their new EP ‘Hangin’ On’.The band comprised of Dave Greene on harmonica and vocals, Graham Stewart on Guitars, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Paraic Carroll on Bass and Petra žižak on Keys & Mandolin formed in early 2017 after a recording session in Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios.
Barefoot Magicians throws the listener a curve ball with ‘Hangin’ On’ as the EP takes everything we know from the band so far and turns it up a notch, augmenting the bands bluesy sound with new stylistic twitches. Doused in the groove rooted bluesy tonality this band does so well title track ‘Hangin’ On’ introduces the EP. The band present moany lyrical content with suave instrumentation and slinky arrangement to create a get up and dance catchy number. Punchy drums and groovy bass adorn the backdrop while the sleek guitars, warm harmonica blast and rich percussion adds a swanky flamboyance and irresistible upbeat vibe to the track. ‘We Can’t Give It Up’ is where the band showcase their versatility and genre bending sound. The heavier alternative rock backdrop and synth elements creates a dark, wispy and haunting atmosphere as Dave Greene lets loose over a lamentful melody. Here, he takes his usually powerful tone and smoothes it to intensify the spine chilling eerie soundscape. The heavy rawness of the guitars crash and jaggedly slice through the track with rough relentless stamina while the pining melody on harmonica sweetly contrasts the beefy backdrop with a light and almost innocent melodious refrain. ‘Get What You Want’ brings the EP to a close with a nimble and bombastic bass announcing the bands triumphant finale. Barefoot Magician’s ability to create a tight robust rhythmic backbone is impressive and is the perfect recipe to get a crowd up and dancing. Those thundering drum whacks, resounding bass and itchy percussion is the ignition to this band’s sound. They team this with shredding guitar flourishments, sultry licks, scorching solos, sweet harmonica and warm mandolin melodies to provide a rich tasty collection of tracks.
Barefoot Magicians pack a lot of power into this well balanced three track EP. This band’s modern blues rock has charm, character and oodles of wonderful melodies and embellishments. They are building their sound superbly bringing what they achieved with their ‘The Awakening’ EP and fleshing it out, carving their own sound and brand meticulously to create something quite invigorating.
“I’ve just got out of hospital after having an operation, had a bad accident on Saturday so I’m pretty high on morphine…. so it’s all good times” Dave Greene announces before thanking the crowd for their attendance at Barefoot Magicians’ ‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘ It’s All Take’ singles launch in Sin E, Dublin on Friday night. But he needn’t have apologized. Except for a vocal break in ‘The Awakening’ the band sounded on point with lush grooves, tasty guitar lines and blues tones filling the room with the most delectable dance-able aroma. What Greene may have lacked in physical energetic display ( understandably ) they made up for with their proficient delivery of their groovy tunes.
The crowd pack to the floor to wiggle to ‘Shakey Ground’ “we’re here till after midnight so come and go as you please” Greene assures. There is definitely that vibe about their set- as if we are here not exactly to see them. They are the perks, those melting melodies, shrilling thrills of guitar and jazz infused piano jingles are the delightful soundtrack to a night of friendly chatter, drinking and spontaneous dancing as the crowd wander in and out as they please. A set filled with mostly original music goes down well with the crowd and the sweet twang of harmonica sounds are enchanting within the live setting. The band regularly blast into heart-pounding blues instrumentals that linger with slick guitar solos, dramatic drum pops and animated keys playfully meandering through the elastic bass grooves while the harmonica whacks out riff worthy refrains. This is where the band showcases their prowess.
A sweet cover of Cage The Elephant’s ‘Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked’ sparked the audience to get up and dance as Barefoot Magicians cruise through a swagger drenched rendition of the steamy track loosening up the crowds hips. This cleverly placed track and a cover of Fatboy Slim’s ‘Praise You’ (which was dedicated to the women for International Women’s Day) are the final ice breakers that pulled the crowd to the dance floor. New single ‘I’m Hooked’ translates superbly live. The band themselves become more playful and energetic for their shiny new single and that vaporous break in the track causes the perfect shift for those getting close on the dance floor. Greene wiggles back and forth to each track. He is the bands metronome ticking left to right- keeping their groove filled time in check as Graham Stewart on Guitar, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Fergal Mulligan on bass and Hugh Caren on keys remain immersed in their performance. Another play of ‘I’m Hooked’ provokes twerking, thrusting, bopping and feet shuffling as audience members swarm from all corners of the venue to join the mass dancing. Those hiding in the corners, among the shadows and hovering around the bar are coaxed to the dance floor as the band play the sought after one more tune…. a shredding cover of Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode.
It was an energetic, professional show from Barefoot Magicians. They are growing nicely and have ace tunes that hook you into their infectious sound. The only downside was ‘Cruel Mistress’ didn’t make the set list … i’m gutted.
Barefoot Magicians have released two new juicy singles ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ which were recorded in Hellfire studios. Forming in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios Barefoot Magicians comprise of Dave Greene (Vox/ Harmonica), Graham Stewart (Guitar), Fergal Mulligan (Bass), Brian Steemers (Drums/Percussion) and Hugh Caren (Piano/keys. The band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a high energy blues funk groove, or as producer Alwyn Walker formerly of Westland Studios called it, “A Post Blues Groove”.
‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’ are a dynamic funk/blues slapped duo made for wiggling and dancing to. These guys are instrumental pros as they blend out their delicious sounds to create a rich wholly satisfying listening experience
‘I’m Hooked’ brings a 70’s disco flavour to the bands groovy sound as the elastic bass wiggles and weaves its way through a feet shuffling foundation while jazz sprinkled piano and suave guitars slide and playfully dance between the strutting beat and swanky soundscape.It’s an animated rich track that showcase’s the meticulous instrumental refinement that goes into this bands tunes. This infectious track cools for a sultry guitar solo that builds the tempo for the hyper crescendo. With glorious harmonica injections and raspy vocals it’s one panache soaked, sing along ready tune.
‘It’s All Take’ is another groove infested number that bounces along sweet guitar melodies, rooted bass lines and an energetic rhythm. Catchy with a vibrant instrumental backdrop – this track travels with an energetic tempo. With elegant piano, delightful blasts of harmonica and expressive vocals it’s another swagger soaked track that is sure to have you strutting around like a dizzy peacock.
There are sublime guitar moments that weave an enticing golden thread of sweet delight through these tracks and that is the bait that gets you hooked on Barefoot Magicians tasty home brewed sound.
The band are set to release their new singles in Sin É on March 8th make sure to check them out
Stream ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
