Tag Archives: electronic

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Rua ‘Isolation’

Irish glam-pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Isolation’. Writing music at the age of 15, first for a rock band and then as a soloist, he renamed himself Jackal in 2013. Backed by an 8 piece band, his theatrical and energetic stage show saw him perform at venues such as Whelans, The Academy, The Mercantile and Vicar Street. Graduating with a BA in Commercial Modern Music from BIMM Dublin, Jack took a hiatus from performing in 2017 and moved to New York City where he immersed himself in the cultural scenes of drag, burlesque and theatre – shaping his sound around these creative concepts.

‘Isolation’ is a glorious display of Jack Rua’s shimmering pop as he takes an emotive theme and shrouds it in infectious glittering electronics and bubbling rhythms.The song is glowing with Rua’s refined musicianship and impressive songwriting prowess as light verses simmer while entwining synths and ethereal elements contrast the thematically darker undertone. The track has invigorating bursts of release between the coiling beats while Rua’s smooth warm vocals ooze swagger and charm.

‘Isolation’ is a richly textured track exuding finger clicking elements and catchy soundscapes. Rua’s ability to provide a danceable catchy tune with relatable lyrics and conflicting sonic twists is masterful. Jack Rua is an artist to keep an eye on. 

About the track Jack Rua said : “It was written about how I was separated from my boyfriend for 2 months because of the COVID pandemic. We had only just gotten into a relationship and were enjoying the throws of the infamous honeymoon period, so to be separated from each other for such a period of time for reasons beyond our control was very difficult.I love this song because it really captures what I was experiencing. I was trying to remain positive and remind myself that things were only temporary, but still feeling a sense of hopelessness and a complete lack of control of the situation. I knew what I was doing was right morally in the context of a pandemic, but it felt so incorrect personally and all of these conflicting emotions and ideas were driving me crazy.”

Stream ‘Isolation’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Dagny ‘Strangers / Lovers’ Album

Norwegian singer Dagny has released the second half of her long-awaited debut album ‘Strangers / Lovers’ via Little Daggers Records. The first half of the album was released earlier this year and documented the blossoming early stages of a new love, while the second half examines the fall out of that relationship.

Dagny’s knack with luscious melodies continues into the second half of the album as she creates beautiful earworms that flourish within the clean dynamic production. There is something more tantalizing and darker about the second half as it subtly slips into a more mysterious and brooding aspect of her infectious pop.

‘Moment’ kick-starts the second half of the album with a buoyant disco vibe as Dagny spreads a sweet pop melody over a breezy electronic backdrop while zesty guitar refrains add a dash of bite between the sugar sweet soundscapes. ‘Please Look At Me’ strides on a more enticing electronic wall of sound filled with bouncy beats and rich percussive elements which flesh out the songs charm. Dagny brings the intoxicating synths and energetic soundscapes to a halt for the emotive ‘Bad At Love (Interlude)’ and beautiful ballad ‘Coast To Coast’. These earnest tunes display Dagny’s emotive songwriting, deft musicianship and striking vocal capabilities. Her ability to express heartfelt, heavy-hitting, and emotional lyrics through a delicate musical arrangement is mesmerising.

In this second half Dagny displays the post breakup emotions through an intriguing lens. These infectious pop tunes slip into the head with ease allowing the second half of the album become just as upbeat, catchy and danceable as the first half while her songwriting prowess meanders through the conflicting, complex, and sombre themes. Propelled by jittery percussion, pulsing synths and dreamy melodies, ‘It’s Only A Heartbreak ’and ‘Bye Bye Baby’ display this superbly. The flashing disco synths in ‘Bye Bye Baby’ reinforce the strength of finally leaving the relationship behind.

‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a cohesive album and a journey of the heart, expressed through passionate, bubbling and dynamic musicianship. Dagny is a wonderful songwriter and her ability to provide a completely satisfying, emotional and refined album is impressive. Her smooth unforced tunes have a glitzy swagger and shimmer about them but dig beneath the catchy hooks and danceable beats and there is a pool of depth and poetic prowess within. ‘Strangers / Lovers’ is a sublime album of electronic pop and a fantastic display of expressive musicianship from Dagny.

You can check out our review of ‘Strangers / Lovers’ part one here https://www.indiebuddie.com/dagny-side-a-of-strangers-lovers-album/

Stream ‘Strangers / Lovers’ below 


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sinead McConville ‘Running from You’

Sinead McConville has released her second release; a self-empowerment & fierce pop track ‘Running from You’. Sinead McConville released her debut single ‘Doorstep’ in May 2020 which received nationwide praise. The song was played on national radio stations such as Totally Irish with John Barker, 8Radio and Dublin City FM.Her first headline show was one of the first live gigs back in Dublin on July 4th in The Wild Duck in association with Ex Oh Promotions. The gig was a huge success and ended with a standing ovation & encore. Furthermore, she performs as a session musician with upcoming Irish artists and has performed on The Late Late Show with D. Cullen, Irish Music Week & The X Collective Showcase with ELKAE and TiLT in The Button Factory with Munky. Radio performances include RTE Radio 1 (Today with Sean O’Rourke and The Ray D’Arcy Show), BBC Radio Ulster (Gerry Kelly), SPIN 1038 (Plan B with Sarina Bellissimo) and East Coast FM (The Morning Show with Declan Meehan).

‘Running from You’ is a power pop anthem doused in dark-hued electronics, suspenseful beats and the dynamic songwriting of Sinead McConville. Haunting synths wisp about the dance-infused beats which thump and pulse throughout building tension as the track progresses. With a smooth vocal delivery contrasting the fermenting, curdling instrumental backdrop and honest lyrics ‘Running from You’ is an intoxicating new single from Sinead McConville

About the track Sinead McConville said : “A past relationship just kept being brought up in conversations and it came to the stage where I felt like I was constantly running from everyone bringing him up. Writing this song felt like I was finally laying all my cards on the table and expressing that no more did I depend on someone to bring me happiness. Instead I truly found my own happiness and ‘picture perfect land’ within myself”

Stream ‘Running from You’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

modernlove. ‘Use Me’

modernlove. have released their new single ‘Use Me’ along with the announcement of their headline show in The Grand Social on Saturday, 5th December 2020. This show will be a socially distant show. Tickets €14.50 are available from tickets.ie. 

Spinning through a progressive electronic spiral of EDM moments infused with melodic pop hooks and indie glimmers, ‘Use Me’ shows modernlove. are a band cultivating their sound into something unique and expressive. The track kicks off with twinkling synths and a longing melody as Barry Lally’s smooth vocals drift upon a gentle soundscape.Soft piano moments create pockets of innocence and melancholic sweetness before the song erupts with dazzling electronics which whirlwind the song’s chorus into a dance banger filled with heavy beats and flashing electronic progressions. The band slide their legendary rapid lyrics over a glossy backdrop for the second verse which adds to the intensity of the song. Boasting silky soundscapes and tight layering,   ‘Use Me’ is a joy to listen to and an impressive new release from the talented four piece.    

About the track the band said: “It is about someone who knows their feelings for another are unrequited but is so desperate that they are willing to settle for even a semblance of affection or love from them. They are willing to let themselves be used to convincing themselves of a false notion of being close and intimate with this person. Even if it “doesn’t mean anything” to them, they can at least “pretend”.”

Stream ‘Use Me’ Below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Atmospheric Music, Electronic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Psychedelic/Folk, Singer/Songwriter

James Lonergan ‘Brendan Valeʼ

James Lonergan is set to release his debut single ‘Brendan Valeʼ tomorrow September 25th. James began playing guitar and writing music aged 9 when, amidst a recently admitted period of “unexplained, unwarrented childhood depression”, his father brought him home a battered old classical guitar. This awoke James into the current stream of conciousness he now exists in. Inspired by his father, who worked as a gigging musician in pubs around the county, James immediately began writing music – joining his first band aged 10. Throughout the years James has fronted a range of bands, as a vocalist, guitarist & keyboardist, most notably being the vocalist, guitarist & principal songwriter of the recently disbanded progressive band, Synk. Now self-producing his debut solo album, James is seen to be furthering the development of his own breed of contemporary alternative/ folk/electronic music.

‘Brendan Valeʼ is an immersive track which exudes ambient electronic soundscapes and the spellbinding songwriting of James Lonergan. Lonergan’s ability to weave wonderfully rich textures and tones through haunting sombre melodies and intricate progressive guitar flurries is mesmerising. The track seems to carry the listener into an otherworldly utopia of melancholy as Lonergan effortlessly draws the listener further into the songs rippling depths. With wispy electronics hovering over the soothing guitar and cushioning beat, Lonergan creates an eerie contrast to the song’s tranquilizing outer shell. A trotting rhythm embellishes the backdrop in a country hue while Lonergan’s vocals soothe and coo with tender and soft tones, however there is a tense and slightly asphyxiating undercurrent to the track which is displayed through the electronic pulses and brooding alternative rock elements. ‘Brendan Valeʼ is a richly crafted number with varied emotions presented through psychedelic flourishments, thought provoking lyrics and bubbling rhythms. Lonergan’s ability to create such emotive and expressive music is what makes him such a treasured talent. 

‘Brendan Valeʼ is set for release tomorrow 25th September for more you can follow James Lonergan on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/James-Lonergan


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie Pop, New Music

Bobbi Arlo ‘Signs’

22 year old pop rap artist Bobbi Arlo has released her new single ‘Signs’.This dynamic electronic pop track surges with pulsing beats, exhilarating synths and floor rippling bass grooves. Arlo’s sweet vocals venture from soft coos for the haunting verses and build for the powerful chorus. Arlo has a knack with ear worm melodies and ‘Signs’ is another prime example of this. The track meanders into slightly new territory for Arlo taking the R&B style of her debut radio smash ‘Berries’ and dropping some cinematic production and electronic flourishments to create quite the expressive hair raising number. Arlo spreads a catchy melody over this explosive progressive backdrop while subtle twinkles and passionate vocals exude emotive sweetness. With themes of longing blended with exhilaration ( provided by the darker sultry beat fluctuations and synth swirls ) the track has a gripping and wholly satisfying soundscape that is impressive and irresistible. ‘Signs’ is a musically rich, well crafted piece of electronic pop and another fine example of why Bobbi Arlo is an artist to keep an eye on.

Speaking about the song Bobbi Arlo says: “I’m so excited to release ‘Signs’. It’s a completely new sound for me which is exciting because I have no idea how it’s going to be received. I hope it doesn’t disappoint”.

Stream ‘Signs’ below


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Noah Elliott ’Selling Out’

Noah Elliott has released his new single ’Selling Out’. Noah Elliott is a 23-year-old artist based in Los Angeles. In 2018, Noah released a stream of self-produced singles resulting in over 700k listens on Spotify. In fall 2019, he joined forces with producers Dylan Bauld (Halsey, Bea Miller), Rune Westberg (Colbie Caillat, Daughtry) and Jon Santana (SuperM) to finalize his first record. The 7-song project titled Songs for the Optimist will debut as singles over the next 6 months. Along with his artist project, he is putting the finishing touches on a 5-song EP for sync (co-produced by Jordan Frye of Position Music), and writes for other artists such as Mackenzie Bourg (American Idol), Stela Cole and Ben Hon.

‘Selling Out’ is a lush electronic pop tune which showcases Noah Elliott’s emotive songwriting, crisp production and grand musicianship. With deep grooves wriggling through ethereal synths, subtle tropical hues and intricate percussive shuffles the track has a bubbling backdrop which exudes an upbeat tone while the melancholic dreamy melody and velvety vocals create an addictive bittersweet sonic contrast. The breathtaking production and warm guitar refrains ensure the track hits you to the core while the electronic soundscapes glide into the ears with an effortless lo fi tone that is utterly soothing. The earnest lyrics deal with themes of love, manipulation and how harmful it can be to give up who one is for romance. This is what makes Elliott stand out as an artist – his ability to create a musically vibrant track that reaches out and touches the listeners soul through wonderful melodies and relatable themes. 

About the track Elliott said : “ Themes of love, manipulation, and shame all come to mind when I think back to writing Selling Out. It’s about realizing how much of myself I was willing to give up for romance and how harmful that was for my own mental health.”

Stream ‘Selling Out’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Sylvan Esso

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso have released ‘Frequency’ the third single from their eagerly anticipated new album ‘Free Love’, which is set for release September 25th on Loma Vista Recordings.  The song is accompanied by a new video directed and styled by Moses Sumney. ’Frequency’ follows two other singles from ‘Free Love’ – ‘Ferris Wheel’ and ‘Rooftop Dancing’ and is the latest proof that, even with the challenges the year has brought, Sylvan Esso are finding ways to creatively thrive like never before. Just last week they released a new version of the ‘Ferris Wheel’ video created entirely in Animal Crossing, prompting the Verge to proclaim “Game of the summer, meet song of the summer.”  Sylvan Esso also recently performed ‘Ferris Wheel’ from a flatbed truck for Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. The ‘Rooftop Dancing’ video, released earlier last month, is a freewheeling ode to NYC shot by acclaimed street photographer Cheryl Dunn.

‘Frequency’ is a enjoyable new tune from Sylvan Esso. Light pulsing synths gradually build to create the tracks airy soundscapes; they delicately push and pull in a jittery motion providing a rhythmic throb while Amelia Meath’s sweet warm vocals, coo on a supple dreamy melody. With tight harmony interjecting between the songs synthy bounce Sylvan Esso takes a minimalists approach to this song while still managing to create a wholling engaging and rich number. The light production and sparse use of instrumentation ( there is not any drums) allows the track to maintain an ethereal wispy texture that gracefully enters the listeners ears with a soft and infectiously soothing whisper. ‘Frequency’ is a sweet and uplifting delight from Sylvan Esso.

Shot in an anonymous suburban idyll with choreography by North Carolina-based Stewart/Owen Dance, the ‘Frequency’ video explores the inescapable pull – emotional, physical, and literal – of attraction over a pulsing, phantom beat.

About the video Sylvan Esso said : “We had a fantastic and rewarding time collaborating with our friend and fellow North Carolinian, Moses Sumney, on building a visual world for Frequency. He had such a beautiful vision for the project, one that ran parallel to the song’s initial source in a way that showed us new spaces it could inhabit. It’s a beautiful exploration of being together and apart at the same time – we feel it rings clearly in this moment. “

Watch the video for ‘Frequency’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Electronic, New Music

Rivilin ‘Becoming The Static In Between’ Album

Tackling some intense themes, Rivilin lays everything bare in his latest album release ‘Becoming The Static In Between’. Self produced and engineered, Rivilin had four guest features on this album from friends in his music scene including Sepha, $lothboi, Vishisdead and RipThePetals. His name is a play on Ritalin, a form of medication. Rivilin has been in and out of bands since the age of 15. Recording and releasing under Rivilin, he has released a total of 122 songs, garnering him an impressive following across social media and streaming platforms. An interesting mix of alternative rock and hardcore, Rivilin draws from emo rap, hiphop and trap style music to create his signature sound.

‘Becoming The Static In Between’ is a darkly-themed album laced in biting electronics, hip hop embellishments and raw acid spills of emo rap. Rivilin’s gripping music reveals and immerses the listener in the mangled and depressive thoughts which infiltrated his mind during a difficult period in life and he examines and reflects on his emotions and past situations throughout the album.

Rivilin broods and wallows in haunting electronic soundscapes with light innocent twinkles on keys which provides an icy undertone in ‘I Hate How I See You In My Dreams’. A lamenting guitar adds a melancholic atmosphere to ‘Neverlove’ while the heavier trap style ‘Poison’ and ‘Ash Teeth’ allow Rivilin to sing-rap and wail over chilling keys and sticky beat slaps. With agile production and well matched collaborations with Sepha. $LOTHBOI,  Vishisdead and RipThePetals each song flows fluidy into the next creating a cohesive collection of tracks. The themes expressed within the album are heavy hitting and include ex-lovers, drug abuse and mental health issues. ‘Becoming The Space In Between’ aptly portrays the feeling of being used and the overwhelming sensation of panic attacks through jittery beats, intense soundscapes and swirling electronics while the smooth melodies and subtle R&B elements soften the heavier aspects. 

Within ‘Becoming The Static In Between’ Rivilin creates a sonic palette which delves deep into his angst-filled, melancholic mind. It’s a powerful display of raw, striking poetry that beholds all the beauty, poise and darkly sombre elegance of Rivilin’s passionate and evocative musicianship.

Stream ‘Becoming The Static In Between’ below 


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, New Music

Christian Cohle ‘Wallflower’

Christian Cohle has released his new single and video ‘Wallflower’. With 40K streams on his single debut, Spotify playlists like New Hits, and collaborations with Ireland’s hottest up-and-coming film director (Tristan Heanue) Cohle has proven himself to be an exciting new dynamic force in electronic music.His forthcoming album Holy Trouble is set for release later this year. Previous releases Breathe and Ghost have also seen support from 2FM, Today FM, BBC Radio Ulster, Across The Line, RTE Pulse and more

Immersed in cool synths and tidal electronics, ‘Wallflower’ is a wholly consuming instrumental track which rushes in with repetitive vocal glimmers and dazzling psychedelic moments. The sticky steady beat anchors the track as the song soars, flutters and wisps around eerie soundscapes. The song’s heavier moments result in deft beat distortion and chugging noises as the light reverb vocals provide an almost innocent contrast to the songs haunting aesthetic. Intricately layered and masterfully built, the track’s progression to its crescendo exudes cinematic undertones. The more obscure electronic moments are numbed by the repetitive synth progression and clamorous percussion providing multiple layers of depth to this sublime track. Christian Cohle has created instrumental poetry that is as mysterious and chilling as it is beautiful. ‘Wallflower’ is a joy to listen to.

Watch the video for ‘Wallflower’ below


Author : Danu