Tag Archives: Blood Donor

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Blood Donor ‘Baby No More’ EP

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Blood Donor (the solo project of ex-Otherkin frontman Luke Reilly) returns with his debut four-track EP named after his new single, ‘Baby No More’. ‘Baby No More’ EP includes previous singles ‘Lonely Street’ and ‘Man, What Have You Done?’.His releases to date have drawn press acclaim and enjoyed considerable radio play, having been named a ‘Future Artist’ by BBC Radio One’s Jack Saunders and received rotation on RTÉ 2FM, Today FM and FM104.

‘Baby No More’ is an exciting blend of lush melodies and exquisite songwriting from Blood Donor. Wrapped in warm shoegaze melodies, balmy guitar and driving rhythms this EP is a consuming listening experience from start to finish.

‘Baby No More’ sets the EP in motion with sunkissed tones and irresistible soundscapes. The track plays like a daydream enhanced by shimmering synths, soft guitar twinkles and a sweet melody while Reilly’s vocals venture between warm rasps and falsetto coos. The song is a wonderful piece of music and perfectly sets the scene for the western-esque tones of ‘Lonely Street’ and woozy vibes of ‘Waking Up In The Emergency Room’ that follow.

An exciting musical element within this EP is Reilly’s use of synths. The artist’s ability to create expressive and evocative moments is admirable and the addition of synth elements wonderfully lifts the soundscapes to exciting heights. The EP is not the banging indie rock sound fans might have expected from the artist instead Reilly gives us expressive soundscapes filled with emotion, texture and movement that exude a timeless quality within. Sure, it’s filled with fiery guitar moments, pounding drums and beautiful psychedelic moments but these are balanced with elements of jazz and do-wop tones, glittering synth embellishment and sweet as-taffy melodies.

‘Baby No More’ is an absolute treat to listener’s ears.

Stream ‘Baby No More’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Blood Donor ‘Man, What Have You Done?’

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Fresh from the release of his latest single ‘Lonely Street’, Blood Donor (the solo project of ex-Otherkin frontman Luke Reilly) returns with his new single ‘Man, What Have You Done?’.Blood Donor’s debut album is due to be announced very soon and is slated for release in the Summer of 2023. His releases to date have drawn press acclaim and enjoyed considerable airtime on radio stations in both Ireland and the UK, having been named a ‘Future Artist’ by BBC Radio One’s Jack Saunders and having received healthy rotation on RTÉ 2FM, Today FM and FM104. Known for his magnetism and presence as a frontman during his Otherkin years, he is now touring with a 5-piece band featuring some of Ireland’s finest live musicians. You can catch them live at Other Voices on the 2nd-4th of December.

‘Man, What Have You Done?’ is an irresistible musical delight that displays Blood Donor’s deft ability to create truly compelling music. With warm jazz-speckled keys fluttering between edgy guitars, psychedelic moments and pounding drums; the track moves with ease between light mellow tones and sunkissed indie rock bravado. Reilly slips into his sweet falsetto for the bright chorus that is relaxed, and peppy with a hint of indie grit while the airy melody is so sweet you can’t help but crave to hear more. Lyrically Reilly takes a deep dive into his musings on friendships that come and go and wonderfully expresses these thoughts through illustrious instrumentation, lush harmonies and upbeat soundscapes. ‘Man, What Have You Done?’ is a radiant bop that is a joy to listen to and beckons repeat plays. 

Stream ‘Man, What Have You Done?’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Blood Donor ‘Lonely Street’

Blood Donor has released his new single ‘Lonely Street’. Blood Donor is an alt-pop artist based out of Dublin, Ireland. The solo project of ex-Otherkin frontman Luke Reilly, he has released two singles thus far (the euphoric pop belters ‘Bienvenue’ and ‘Under the Sun’) and is now on the cusp of releasing his debut album (due summer 2023). Blood Donor will debut his new material alongside ‘Lonely Street’ with a 5-piece band in the Workman’s Cellar in Dublin on October 29th and plans on releasing a new single every couple of months in the lead-up to his debut album.

Saturated in hazy nostalgia, ethereal pines on guitar and delicate shimmers on synths, ‘Lonely Street’ is a compelling new tune from Blood Donor. Reilly’s warm vocals soothe atop a country – esque melody while buoyant beats create a soft cushion from the sombre lyrics “A sad sad song, a sad sad scene We waste our time with fever dreams”.  The song is a well-crafted tune that reveals many instrumental gems with each subsequent listen; ethereal keys, western-toned guitar and glorious musical embellishments to name a few. The track subtly builds becoming more cinematic as a shredding classic guitar solo leads the song to its lingering fade out. With ripples of delicate ambient soundscapes and rich instrumental moments; ‘Lonely Street’ is a fine display of Blood Donor’s emotive musicianship and deft musical prowess.

About the upcoming album Blood Donor said:  ‘’The album has been a long time coming. It was supposed to be out in 2020 but when COVID kicked off I went back to working in medicine. It was a very intense time in my life to be honest, and for the guts of a year and a half I lost all contact with music-making. It was only when I played a gig with some friends in March 2022 that I realised the extent of the void in my life. It was an Indie Covers night with James Vincent McMorrow and other Irish musicians, and it such a cathartic and life-affirming experience for everyone involved. I resolved myself to get the album finished and get back to playing live.’’

Stream ‘Lonely Street’ below 


Author: Danu