1000 Beasts has released his debut EP ‘On A Different Page’.1000 Beasts is an electronic producer & musician from Cork City. Starting off producing electronic pop songs in 2017 he has already achieved great critical success, with spins on BBC R1, heavy radio support in Ireland (TodayFL, 2FM…) and some of the biggest editorial playlists on Spotify (Fresh Finds, Fresh Finds: Pop, New Music Friday UK, The Pop List, A breath of Fresh Eire…), Apple Music, and Deezer.
‘On A Different Page’ reveals 1000 Beasts impeccable ability to create rich layers of brooding electronics filled with R&B, pop and lo-fi elements as he provides a collaborative EP ready to tantalize the senses. The laid back night-time vibes envelope tracks like ‘Is This Love?’ in ethereal atmospheres of swirling synths while the sticky slapping beats provide a danceable groove.
The use of different vocalists on the EP gives each track its own character and persona. 1000 Beasts pulls in mesmerising vocals from Shiv, Kayleigh Noble, Lenii and Alex Tierney to surge soul, warmth and R&B sass into the EP. However it is through the subtle intricacies and layering that 1000 Beasts excels. If it’s the soft jazz guitar in ‘Le Marais’ and funk elements in ‘It’s Cool’ to the tropical rhythm and bubbling electronics in ‘Tokyo’ the soundscapes within each track are meticulously crafted for a satisfying listening experience.
The tone of the EP is quite dark at times and this dark theme continues in ‘Waistcoat’ which boasts sweet vocal coos over skittish trap beats and a smooth noir pop melody. There is something eerie about the track as it ventures down a sound that could fit on Billie Eilish’s debut ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’
The tender ‘5 Points’ brings an end to the EP – a euphoric track with a building background full of suspense-filled synths and breathtaking pulsing beats.
‘On A Different Page’ is an engaging musical experience with laid back lo-fi pop elements sweetening the more weighty electronic and groove rich moments. 1000 Beasts presents himself as a musician to get excited about as he creates a sound laced in depth and dexterity with masterful musicianship at its core.
Jack Rua, the ambitiously bold and innovative Irish Glam-pop artist, is set to release his debut eight-track mini-album, ‘Narcissus’ on June 26th. ‘Narcissus’ sees Jack Rua team up with producers Porridge, LOGUOS, Mattu, Tenderhook. and Rouleaux. Following the internationally-praised releases of ‘Scarlet A’, ‘Ego’, ‘Rise’, ‘Curious’, and the albums fifth and final single ‘Reflection’ released earlier this month the album charts the singer-songwriter’s journey after he graduated from college, moved away from home to New York City and broke up from a long-term relationship.
‘Narcissus’ wraps, contorts and dazzles as Jack Rua brings a vivid array of influences from glam rock, house and pop to create a full bodied, shimmering and utterly infectious collection of tracks. There is much vibrancy within as Rua entices the listener right into the album’s dark epicentre while keeping the danceable infectiousness alive throughout with wild dance explosions and slick glam rock swagger. It’s quite the enjoyable power pop gem.
‘Narcissus’ sets the Jack Rua experience in motion. He doesn’t do anything in half measures and his debut album is a sublime example of how Rua has mastered his craft through meticulous attention to detail and layering. Luring dark and eerie, Rua entices with flashing beat pulses before erupting into an implosive, tense EDM soundscape. ‘Narcissus’ is an intriguing start to the album and a fine display of Rua’s musicianship. He superbly teases and builds tension in his tracks, fermenting thrilling electronics to create bubbling coiling soundscapes of fragmented synths and dramatic electronic progressions. The talented Darce joins Rua for the sultry ‘Rise’.Well placed risqué lyrics are cooled by Rua’s soft vocals while the sticky electronics smother the backdrop in a humid haze. Darce’s raps punch through the sensual electronics as the track simmers and smoulders in a bubbling pop vapour.
Lyrically ‘Narcissus’ is a coming-of-age album which juxtaposes the joys of self-discovery with the personal and global anxieties you feel when you get a bit older.‘Curious’ playfully challenges binary thinking in terms of sexuality, beckoning you to “stop paying so much attention to your labels” and embrace “a new world” while ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’ expresses a newfound appreciation that the artist began to feel for himself. The theatrical finger clicking and sultry ‘Scarlet A’ marks a turning point in the tracklist where Rua dives beneath his ego and explores the deeper and darker parts of himself. All this is set to an invigorating backdrop of dubstep elements, punchy rhythms and intoxicating electronics.
LOGUOS and Rua are quite the musical dream team, creating a shimmering summer pop anthem with crisp, infectious production and the passionate, euphoric musicianship of ‘Ego’ is quite the radio ready summer bop.
The artist’s scramble to be remembered in ‘Forget Me Not’ is deftly expressed through gripping, intense, intricate layering embellished only by the incomparable musical flair of Jack Rua. Each song exudes vibrancy and expressive musicianship to create the ultimate dance pop album ready to tantalize the listeners ears.
The album takes a turn with the melodious ‘Reckless Abandon’, however rather than brooding through a moody ballad Rua whacks out a dance infused 80’s anthemic number with lamenting guitar strides and power pop gusto. The harsher guitar elements slice through the pop mirages as the song spirals into a disco hued swirl of confusion. There is still composure within the track which is impressive. It’s a song about the despair that can occur in a situation wherein one can suddenly lose complete control. Rua displays passion through the coiling entwinement of this music. His vocals remain emotive yet composed.
The beautiful ‘Reflection’ brings the album to an end. Rua cools the tone for his finale ruminating on who he is and whether or not he likes what he sees in the mirror. With wispy electronics and a heavy thumping beat he closes the album after a whirlwind of acceptance, experimentation and self doubt to almost start it all again. Rua’s vocal delivery is simple with as little fuss as possible allowing the lyrics and his soft tone drift over the ethereal backdrop. It’s a powerful thought-provoking song to close a frantic and colourful album.
‘Narcissus’ is a fabulously fun and deeply personal album. Jack Rua announces his debut album with musical flair, prowess and compelling dance pop. This talented artist is fearless. He is not afraid to express his vulnerability and that is a quality to be admired. He is certainly an artist to keep an eye on. His tunes are a rebellious, catchy and wholly satisfying listening experience. I’ve witnessed Jack Rua blossom as an artist. Each track he has released to date has grown and built his rich, bold and intriguing sound to create a moving and unique collection of tracks that is polished and refined. He has become quite the dance pop connoisseur.
‘Narcissus’ will be released on June 26th until then you can stream Jack Rua’s recent single ‘Curious’ below
Electric Skyline have released their new single ‘Hit Play’ which is part of their two track EP entitled ‘A Side / B Side’.Electric Skyline started putting out songs on their own in Spring of 2020. Long-time friends, Robby Walton and Blake Brock -both indie artists from the same town- joined forces with Nashville guitar player Jesse Walpole to form a band that knew what they were going for. The band’s process is a self-sustainable machine. Everything you see and hear was created by the band; no label or management. They’ve written, recorded and produced all of the material that’s been put out in 2020 as well as all of the business details that come with releasing music as an artist.It’s a very communicative process and with the members living in different cities, (Robby and Jesse in Nashville and Blake in Birmingham).All of the band’s songs could be considered, “recently released,” the most so being their fourth publication and first EP, “A Side / B Side,” that is a two-song, modern day representation of a cassette tape with a single song on each side. “Hit Play” was a song that Blake had half- written and “No Phones,” the same of one of Robby’s. Both songs were eventually co-written and feature both of the vocalists in the tracks.
‘Hit Play’ is a dreamy electro-pop number as Electric Skyline entwine laid back melodies with luscious production and synths to create a mellow sweet gem. The gentle lilt of the vocals warmly hugs the soft synth-pop melodies while the track grooves through the backdrop with danceable rich rhythms and infectious diso hued grooves. There is a cool vibe drifting over the song as the delicate key twinkles float wistfully through the buoyant beats and infectious funk peppering provided by the guitars.With a nostalgic tone of longing, rippling undercurrents and laid back persona, the electro pop sound Electric Skyline embrace is magnetic. The trio’s sound reminds me of Troye Sivan’s debut ‘Blue Neighbourhood’ however their disco elements, funk zest and rich composition puts Electric Skyline’s stamp and unique twist on the electronic pop genre. Their tunes are enthralling, satisfying and sweet as honey to the ears.
Props has released his new single ‘wired’ taken for his upcoming EP of the same name. Props is the brainchild of Mark Gilyead, a multi-instrumentalist/producer living in south london, UK.The whole ‘wired’ EP drops on May 15th but until then Gilyead is putting out a song from it each week on Soundcloud. Props has had play on BBC, Amazing Radio and a spot in Tom Robinson’s Fresh Faves
Intricately layered, the chilled complexity of ‘wired’ showcases Props quirky and astute musicianship. The heavy beat burrows deep into the track wriggling a deft groove into its very core while the swirling electronics create an effervescent ethereal atmosphere. The sticky beat provides a gooey slap between the pop punk guitar chords and exhilarating electronic bursts. The track bubbles and ferments for the verses while the smooth lo fi vocals drift with a nonchalant tone over the catchy velvety melody. The song maintains an easygoing pace all the way through as Props builds and embellishes the backdrop in lush textures and prismatic colours of scintillation to create a rich, invigorating, refreshing track. With rich percussive builds and infectious vocal hooks teamed with intoxicating layering and kinetic production ‘wired’ is one vivacious track wrapped in a breezy laid back psych pop blanket.
Irish glam-pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Curious’, the fourth single from his yet to be announced debut album. Jack Rua is a classically trained vocalist and musician who blends well crafted pop music with electronic-dance and glam-rock influences. Jack began releasing his music in 2019 with three singles that racked up over 85,000 streams on Spotify and received radio airplay on RTE 2FM, Spin 1038, Classic Hits 4FM, BBC Introducing and KCLR to name a few. ‘Ego’, his house-pop banger with producer LOGUOS was placed on Spotify’s “Out Now” Pride and ‘Rise’ (featuring Cork rapper Darce) was added to New Music Friday UK on Spotify.
‘Curious’ flourishes Jack Rua’s infectious pop with dubstep elements which pelt heavy punches through his compact dance infused soundscape. Rua weaves swirling electronics through sultry rhythms and silky melodies as he presents another anthemic single. The track celebrates bi-curiousity through tight fluctuating ripples of synth and muggy electronics as Rua’s bright vocals coo and melt upon the catchy melody. The lyrics playfully challenge binary thinking in terms of sexuality, beckoning you to “stop paying so much attention to your labels” and embrace “a new world”. The pop elements blend seamlessly with darker indie rock elements as Rua warps the track to create something unique and refined. It’s edgy interior is wrapped in a polished dance pop sheen making ‘Curious’ another sublime number from Rua.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From MiG 15
Liverpool newcomers MiG 15 have revealed a video for their brand new single ‘Interstellar’.Kicking off their 2020 with a bang, the band supported ‘80s electronic legends Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark on their Feb 2020 European live dates, as well as hitting the road in the UK through Feb/Mar 2020 supporting Love Fame Tragedy, the new solo project from The Wombats front man, Matthew Murphy.With early radio support from Janice Long at BBC Wales and Dave Monks at BBC Introducing Merseyside, things are off to a flying start for the quartet. Already working with big-name producers such as Rich Turvey (Blossoms, Clean Cut Kid, The Coral, She Drew The Gun) and Tord Knudsen from The Wombats, and with a heavy touring schedule already lined up, the band will be announcing further details of new music and live appearances over the coming months.
‘Interstellar’ is an intoxicating whirl of electronic indie entwined in a rock n’ roll slapped shell of swagger. With swirling soundscapes creating a rush of adrenaline the band weave and coil their sound twisting it into a thrilling listening experience. With intricate guitars mangled beneath the sonic outburst the band layer the track meticulously to create something truly infectious and powerful. Buoyant drums pummel the chorus while the bloops and bleeps embroider the track in intriguing soundscapes. MiG 15 pace and build their track superbly. An ethereal atmosphere creates pockets of swirling space between the flurrying electronics and indie blasts. With an 80’s – esque tonality, catchy chorus and dynamic yet smooth vocals ‘Interstellar’ is a lightning bolt of fine musicianship.
Commenting on the ethos behind the band and the themes explored in their music, the quartet say:“MiG 15 is a deliberately provocative symbol of the Cold War—the Cold War never went away; it’s just gone digital. Lying politicians are still manipulating the masses, and now they have even more tools and types of media at their disposal with which to do it. Music should be the weapon of the people, but in a post-truth world, even that is struggling to break through.”
Elisabeth Elektra has announced the release of her debut album ‘Mercurial’ release date 8th May along with her new single ‘Crystalline’ released today.”Crystalline” was written by Elisabeth Elektra, co-produced by Elisabeth Elektra and Lewis Gardiner (Ellie Goulding, Prides, Kloe) and features instrumental contributions from Julian Corrie (Franz Ferdinand) and Graeme Ronald (Remember Remember).Under her previous artist name Zyna Hel, Elektra worked with diverse collaborators including Ben Power of Fuck Buttons, Nurse With Wound’s Andrew Liles and This Mortal Coil’s John Fryer.
With lush mystical wisps on synths ‘Crystalline’ presents Elisabeth Elektra’s wonderfully weaved electronic pop with majestic refinement. With a bubbling rhythm and light twinkling on keys the track flows beautifully creating an oceanic feeling filled with glittering scintillation. The pristine vocals and sparkling melodies flood the track in cool ambiance as the track submerges you deep into the calming soothing and enchanting sounds of Elisabeth Elektra’s musicianship.
Having already played their first show of 2020 at Rockaway Beach Festival earlier this month, London three-piece Indian Queens have returned with their new single ‘Bubblewrap’. The single is taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘God Is A Woman’, due to be released on Cool Thing Records later this year.Consisting of sisters Jennifer (guitar/vocals) and Katherine (bass) O’Neill, along with lifelong friend Matthew Dudan-Bick on Drums, Indian Queens were born and raised in Hackney Wick and have been making music together since their school days. Last year the band were personally invited by Robert Smith to play the prestigious Meltdown festival alongside My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails and The Libertines.
‘Bubblewrap’ is an intoxicating pool of indie as Indian Queens lure and entice through hypnotic instrumentation and dark undertones. A sticky gooey beat creates a steady viscous foundation for the swirling prismatic electronics to wisp upon.The dark tones creep and crawl through the dreamy melody while soft harmonies and lulling vocals create a trance-like, soothing quality as the track lightens for its crescendo while accompanied by soaring ethereal strings. The band layer the song to create a pounding, yet, equally floaty track, brimming with suffocating claustrophobic electronics and sweet little bursts of relief.
Watch the hauntingly evocative video for ‘Bubblewrap’, directed by Andy Delaney below
Limerick based experimental post punk band Van Panther have released their new EP ‘Overcast’. Formed in 2015 Van Panther have supported the likes of noise-rock giants Holy Fuck on their Irish tour dates in Cork (Cyprus Avenue) & Limerick (Dolan’s Warehouse), and have played alongside up-and-coming Irish acts such as The Murder Capital, SENU, Kodu, Cruiser, Anna’s Anchor, and many more.The band have also played at Whelan’s Ones To Watch 2018 Festival and The Midnight Hour (Whelans, Dublin), and have performed at the Electro-City Synth Festival in Sin É (Dublin).
‘Overcast‘ is a vivacious EP overflowing with intricate rich sounds and the refined and exhilarating genre blending Van Panther do so well. With electronics swirling around sweet guitar moments and heavy alternative rock elements the band create a unique and intriguing collection of tracks that has something for everyone. The main backbone to the EP is the lush grooves that saturate each track in hip wiggling elastic beats and bass lines. Title track ‘Overcast’ begins the compelling journey into the EP with quirky electronic bloops and squirms with delightful pop flutters and a buoyant indie groove. Each track is tied together by dreamy candied melodies that melt into the ears. Even the swagger dipped strut of ‘No Seasons’ with its quirky keys and Beck – esque prance and sass features an irresistible melody along with some slinky guitar lines against a funky rhythmic backdrop.
There is a summery vibe to all the tracks that is glorious to hear however ‘Moon Eyes’ is the most experimental. This track takes a heavier distorted stance on the EP with its stomping beat and sharp intro but once the vocals kick in, the band glide into a laid back shoegaze aesthetic. The chorus becomes dizzy and the guitars jaggedly crash through a chopping wall of sound and grittier fuzzed hue of electronics. ‘Moon Eyes’ is a fantastic alternative rock track with sweet surf elements pushing through. It feels like a fight to see which sound wins – the sweet dreamy surf or the blasting heavy alternative. ‘The Cutters’ brings the EP to a close with space-like sounds creating an eerie chilling atmosphere before the track develops into a 60’s hued guitar jangled shimmy.
Van Panther build and develop their tracks superbly to create a jarring exhilarating listening experience full of infectious grooves and delicious melodies that you can’t help but love. There is something special about this band. The vibrant unique instrumental brakes and perfect blends of electronic, alternative, pop and indie will leave you gobsmacked. I especially love the dizzying instrumental break in ‘The Cutters’, it creates a flashing house infused little pocket between a surf rock / indie track that is a surprising and refreshing feature.
‘Overcast’ is a well crafted, fun and perfectly produced body of work that contains something for everyone in a tight package of delight. A must listen.
Dublin based innovative pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Rise’ featuring Irish hip-hop artist Darce. Jack has so far released two singles; ‘Scarlet A’ and ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’. Both have collectively amassed over 50,000 streams on Spotify and received frequent airplay both at home and internationally. ‘Scarlet A’ lead Jack to being named Spin 1038’s “One To Watch”, and ‘Ego’ was played on RTE 2FM, Spin 1038, KCLR and BBC Introducing to name a few. Following the success of ‘Ego’, Jack and LOGUOS were invited by Tara Stewart to perform a live session in RTE 2FM’s iconic Studio 8. ‘Rise’ is the third instalment from a mini album which is scheduled for release in early 2020 and explores themes of self-love and sexual liberation. The song will be accompanied by an artistic and stylised music video directed by PureGrand that blurs the lines between gender, sexuality and spirituality.
‘Rise’ is a bubbling dance anthem brimming with Jack Rua’s glossy intense musicianship. The track fizzes and ferments as pulsing beats and accelerating electronics create a heart-racing soundscape. With an infectious pop drenched melody the track seduces its way into your ears while Jack’s vocals coo and entice beneath a building backdrop. With racy lyrics fleshing out this lusty steamy dance infused number, Jack leaves very little to the imagination. Hip hop artist Darce injects a dash of grit as he rapidly raps over the swirling electronics with a punchy quality providing some relief from the sultry suffocating backdrop. Jack blends the sensual flamboyance of Prince with a sassy Madonna- esque boldness while still creating something that summons your soul to the dancefloor with his infectious and lovable tones, beats and melodies. It’s a song that celebrates the healing powers of sex and love and both Jack and Darce infuse sensual swagger into this grooving chic and dazzling gem effortlessly. With crisp production, ‘Rise’ is a cool, confident display from Jack Rua. Keep an eye on him – Jack Rua is a dark horse for sure.
Stream ‘Rise’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
