Ireland’s Dark Tropics return with their soulful third single, ‘Keep Searching’.The duo released their debut single ‘Badlands’ last summer, followed by the uplifting ‘Moroccan Sun’ late 2020, to widespread critical acclaim, even getting Billboard’s attention, who included it in their 10 Cool New Pop Songs. Radio support so far has included KEXP, Radio X and BBC Radio 1/Introducing in the UK and USA.
‘Keep Searching’ is a lush soulful tune dripping in dreamy melodies and Dark Tropics’ first rate musicianship. The song drifts upon a haze of soft instrumentation while Rio’s soothing vocals lull over the luxuriant smooth melody. This delightful track boasts grand expansive soundscapes as elegant strings, lounge bar piano and lush harmonies glide gracefully throughout. With soft R&B tones glimmering through the buoyant rhythms, Dark Tropics have created a cinematic track that showcases the duo’s refined song writing while providing the listener with an immersive and engaging tune to indulge in.
“‘Keep Searching’ was inspired by the vibrancy and romance of 60’s American soul music,” says the band. “It’s about not wanting to be left behind and having the strength and resolve to chase a dream no matter what.”
Bio : Following on from her debut release ‘Devices’ that drew attention from Stephen McAuley and Across The Line at BBC Ulster, as well as Dan Hegarty at 2FM, nicha (aka Lucy Robinson) is releasing her new single ‘Little Bird’ Oct 2nd.The song is a call to those who are subject to mental and physical abuse in any relationship. nicha hopes to let her listeners know that you have the strength to make yourself happy, let that be through making a difficult decision in escaping a toxic relationship. nicha hopes to spread hope and awareness to all genders and whoever may be facing both mental and physical abuse. “I feel there is a taboo around talking about domestic abuse, mental and physical. Women are suffering, men are suffering, there are so many victims even in this day and age. We need to raise awareness and remind people to talk more.”
Track: Little Bird
Why We Like It: This emotive track captures nicha’s powerful songwriting through an easy listening yet haunting number. With wisping electronics swirling eerie soundscapes into the jazz-like keys and buoyant guitar melodies the song melds warm soothing tones with biting icy tones to create quite the compelling track. nicha’s soulful velvety vocals comfort while distant wails and ghostly backing vocals chill the song’s atmosphere. This diverse and moving track is a sublime example of the expressive and mature songwriting of nicha.
Bio : Dublin-based singer/songwriter Graham O’Hara has released his second single, ‘If Only’. ‘If Only’ was recorded in Wavefarm Studios under the direction of producer Kevin Brennan. It is the latest release from Graham after his debut single ‘Unless I Say.’ Graham spent the last decade in different bands and projects before going solo a few years ago. He is building up a repertoire of songs to share with the world for when the time comes that gigging is part of normality again in Ireland.
Track: If Only
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate indie number drizzled in blues guitars and dynamic instrumentation. The track’s pulses with suspenseful beats teamed with intricate slick bass grooves. The song is both soothing and empowering with guitar refrains peppering Graham’s deep warm vocals in rock nuances. Exuding an energetic chorus and a refined balance of light soothing tones and uplifting elements, ‘If Only’ is quite the power anthem.
Bio : Alt pop wizards FLING have released their new single ‘Best Friend’, with a video to debut on their YouTube channel on Friday 9th October.This comes after last year’s debut album ‘FLING OR DIE’, the March standalone release ‘Windmill’, and the woozy lockdown single ‘Let’s Stay In’. The boys from Bradford have been acclaimed by the likes of Abbie McCarthy and Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Zane Lowe (Beats 1), Steve Lamacq, Gideon Coe and Tom Robinson (6Music).
Track: Best Friend
Why We Like It: It’s a melodic track surging with rich instrumentation. FLING blend raw rock swagger with heartfelt emotion seamlessly to create a wonderful, passionate track. The song begins with soft guitar twinkles, sweet backing vocals coos and nostalgia-filled lyrics. The track builds, becoming more anthemic with shredding guitar embellishments, dynamic drums and lush vocals while the dreamy, nostalgic melody coats the track in sweet tenderness. With warm harmonica blasts and an epic rock n roll crescendo ‘Best Friend’ is another first rate tune from FLING.
Bio :Bedside Manners are a five piece from The Wirral. After releasing their debut EP ‘(I Can Take A While To Heat Up) Please Be Patient’ in 2018, the band gained over 200,000 Spotify streams and multiple plays on BBC Introducing Merseyside & Lancashire. This success was capitalized on in 2019 as they began to sell out shows in the UK. Their second EP, ‘Powers That Be’, released in 2019, gained 10,000 streams on the day of release. Tracks on this EP once again garnered plays from BBC Introducing Merseyside & Lancashire and was featured on Spotify’s ‘Hot New Bands’ and ‘All New Rock’ editorial playlists.
Track: What It Seems
Why We Like It: It’s a swarm of blistering alternative rock as the band spread sharp guitars over a fiery rhythmic backdrop. This feisty assault is laced in gritty riffs and boasts a swaggering sleek guitar display. Punk elements ricochet off an alternate rock backbone while the raw vocals drive the catchy melody forward with vigor and power. ‘What It Seems’ is a fine example of the explosive musicianship of Bedside Manners.
Bio : Emerging from the steamy shadows of their debut single ‘Badlands’, pop-noir duo, Dark Tropics are back with their brand-new single/video, ‘Moroccan Sun’
Track: ‘Moroccan Sun’
Why We Like It: It’s a sweet upbeat gem that meanders around pop and retro 60’s elements. With elegant strings, supple buoyant beats and warm guitar refrains the song wisps and flutters through a dreamy melody caressed by soft vocal coos. This track is a refreshing venture from the duo’s usual dark aesthetic. It’s a climatic timeless track which flows with grace, elegance and charm. With soulful melodies and light indie elements this intricately crafted delight is a refreshing track and fine example of the precise and radiant musicianship of Dark Tropics.
Belfast noir-pop duo Dark Tropics have released their new single ‘Badlands’ taken from their upcoming debut album, due out later this year.The formation of Dark Tropics was inevitable. Drawn together by a bond that stretched from Ireland to Morocco, musicians Rio and Gerard found common ground in the form of Radiohead, Aretha Franklin and The Velvet Underground.Their creative vision has bore fruit with timeless, cinematic, pop-noir powered by analogue instruments and retro recording techniques.
‘Badlands’ is a melancholic drift of noir pop as Dark Tropics present emotive melodies with twinkling elegant accompaniment and rich moving songwriting. Rio’s clear immaculate vocals lull over a sombre melody as she creates the goosebump-inducing atmosphere that could stop time in an instant. The meandering piano ventures between deep surges to soft crystal twinkles of elegance as the band build and cultivate a mysterious yet moody song with a dreamy dark undertone. With tense strings adding a lamenting and warm nostalgia to the track Dark Tropics have created a moving and utterly mesmerising number that submerges you in a rich delicately swirling soundscape.
Watch the video for ‘Badlands’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
