Tag Archives: electronic

Album Review, Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock

Columbia Mills ‘CCTV’ Album

Columbia Mills have released their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘CCTV’. 2019 saw the band release two singles from the album; ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ which garnered huge radio support here at Indie Buddie and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, RTE Radio 1, Ed Smith (Today FM) choosing the band as his Play Irish Artist of the week and ‘Recent and Decent’ on Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week, and heavy rotation on Paul Mc Loones Today FM show, as well as heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. 2020 has already seen the release of ‘UNDERSTAND’ (31/01/20), the third single from ‘CCTV’ which also received huge radio support. 

With passion exuding from each melty, infectious melody, rich rhythmic progression and superb guitar lament ‘CCTV’ is quite the first rate body of work from Columbia Mills. These guys don’t pull punches, they give this album their all, entwining electronic elements into their alternative indie rock to create an album that holds you in animated suspense while the spinning sublime instrumentation, intricate layering and wonderful pacing intoxicate and invade your mind.

From the start this album is a whirlwind. The gripping heartfelt ‘Car Crash TV’ begins our breathtaking journey into the album. To be honest, I was totally consumed within this track’s melancholic tone, soft instrumental build and utterly beautiful, raw presentation. The twinkling ethereal guitars encase Fiachra Treacy’s warm emotive vocals in a wispy delicate coating as the track progresses to its more distorted electronic half. Like a masterful puppeteer Treacy’s vocals control the tone and ambiance of the tracks within this album. He has the power to pull tears from your eyes as he digs beneath the surface and unravels the listeners joy, pain and thrills and it is from here the tracks flourish from.

The band use synths and dizzying electronics to build the songs and ferment them into either a dazing dark crescendo like in ‘Car Crash TV’ or spiral into an intoxicating, dance-evoking whirl as in the infectious pulses of ‘Understand’. The synth elements within each track either flicker with tantalizing illumination providing sweet flirtatious moments between the rich indie backdrop or drape the songs in crashing twisting and asphyxiating soundscapes. 

‘Isolate’, ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ and ‘The Greatest Love’ are a mesmerising display of artistic flair and proficient musicianship, evoking complex themes and emotions of lonliness, guilt and depression.

The band flood their tracks with emotive instrumentation as they surge smoky downcast atmospheres with lamenting pines or western- esque warm tones on guitar. The guitars soar and ooze rich textures and almost convey the characters within the tracks while braided beneath are rooted bass lines and pulsing drums. ‘You’re Not The Answer’, ‘Strange Game’, ‘Heart And Soul’ and ‘Trees’ convey this perfectly as Columbia Mills immerse striking earnest lyrics in time stopping soundscapes.

The lyrical content in this album is profoundly poetic. Lines like “You said watching you control yourself, Is like watching blood dry”, “Crawled through the shit of old romance” and “Or is it in the vacuum of the struggle Where our love always thrives”  shroud the album in dark times and griited struggles. Columbia Mills present these honest and gripping themes with outstanding elegance and grace. At times Treacy’s vocals are icy and almost matter of fact in his portrayal of these lyrics however he still manages to depict heart breaking emotion through his delivery.

Columbia Mills bring the album to a sublime end with ‘Mirror On The Front Seat’. The track blossoms superbly with glistening guitars and a brooding indie rock ballad -esque soundscape. It is beautifully crafted, lush in its intricacies yet simple in its approach. There is a warm country element to this track that evokes images of a dry desert night while the glistening airy guitar paints the sky an indigo hue. The loneliness and isolation is briefly lightened with warm instrumental builds while a sustained fuzz and steady beat trap tension beneath the emotive velvety vocals. Once again the band build the track allowing it to unravel for the dynamic thumping crescendo. It’s a spine tingling and utterly superb finale. 

There are so many textures, sounds and wonderful elements within ‘CCTV’. Columbia Mills are only on their second album and their maturity and ability to grasp your very soul with their tunes is so precise and powerful it is mesmerising. ‘CCTV’ is a moving, intoxicating album with solid musicianship. The listener beholds musical majesty, depth and a mystical quality which bewitches with every track. The bands layering and building of the songs is first rate and clean while the indie rock, electronic hybrid sound is seamless and exquisite. This is a band you need to know, they have achieved so much with ‘CCTV’. It is exciting to imagine what Columbia Mills will release next

Stream ‘CCTV’ below 


Author : Danu

Electronic, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Paterson ‘Should Be Working (On You)’

Paterson has released his new single ‘Should Be Working (On You)’. Previously releasing work as Mike Paterson, he is simplifying his moniker to just Paterson. Paterson writes, records, and produces his own work.

‘Should Be Working (On You)’ scurrys with fuzzy soundscapes as Paterson delves deep into his electronic depths. He uses a sweet pop smacked melody with R&B elements to create a looped hook that sticks like gloopy syrup in the brain while dazzling synths flutter between sticky techno hued beats. The track swirls through tight ethereal soundscapes while the wandering synth and distorted fragments create lush spacy textures. With Paterson’s deep reverb vocals creating a dark undertone between the delicate harmonies, the track has a Moby residue with a Tame Impala- esque flourish through its meticulous intricacies. Paterson creates a unique and experimental track with ‘Should Be Working (On You)’ filled with meandering psych-tinted elements, pop and R&B to create an invigorating and refreshing listening experience. 

Paterson will be doing a live takeover of our Facebook and Instagram this Saturday at 8 pm where he will be performing some old and new tunes make sure to check it out.

Watch the video for ‘Should Be Working (On You)’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electro- Punk, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Bone Cult ‘Death Electronica’ Album

Bone Cult have released their new album ‘Death Electronica’. Starting out as a stripped back guitar and drums outfit, the duo evolved by embracing technology to create new unheard sounds. The band’s popularity has soared internationally following their inclusion as characters in the online videogame ‘Avakin Life’

‘Death Electronica’ is a corrosive collection of tracks as Bone Cult present their powerful and unique sound through this innovative and triumphant album. The duo use driving, animated and sticky beats to create a hyper backbone for their tracks. The fuzzing acid saturated synths swirl through rushing electronics as the band create a dizzying mania reminiscent of The Prodigy through ‘Realise’, ‘Fragments’ and ‘Miracle’ .The heavy thick soundscapes consume the tracks in dark flashing scintillation as the duo create the thrilling atmosphere of a frenzied rave. The instrumentation and static electronic backdrop asphyxiates the frenetic rock elements while the smooth vocals coo underneath. Each track surges with the duo’s hybrid crashing wall of sound as they create songs for the blood thirsty mosh pit as well as coating on a healthy dose of dubstep dance elements.

There is such adrenaline in this album it could give you a heart attack. With all the intense ominous soundscapes Bone Cult manage to pull out some really catchy bangers. ‘Cruel’ has a grungy moody vibe with a pop-ish melody that will stick in your head for days. It’s utterly exhilarating. The album is the perfect concoction, the band swirls wispy new wave lightness into a thick, dark atmosphere with heavy surges of adrenaline to create a sound that has something for everyone. There are pop elements with smooth light twinkles of electronics smeared into thicker more perilous stains of electro- rock while metal slaps and punk whacks adorn the backdrop between the dance influences and to top it all off the band pepper some grunge and alternative rock over this fermenting brew. With the deranged, head-spinning synth of ‘Something Vile’ ,bright ethereal release of ‘ Fever to Stay’ teamed with swirling electronics of ‘Miracle’ and the grating harsh guitars lines that stain the albums underbelly,-  ‘Death Electronica’ sees Bone Cult utilise every weapon in their arsenal to create their sonic assault.

‘Death Electronica’ is lean, mean and frothing from the mouth with a vast array of genres. Bone Cult’s fuzzy bulky sound is not for the faint hearted. The album takes the duo’s vast, refined and in ways quite majestic sound and beats you over the head with it. A superb listen.

 Stream ‘Death Electronica’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, electro - rock, Electronic, EP Review, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music

Something Leather ‘Midnight Reverie’ EP

Photo Credit : Jessie Morgan

Brighton three-piece Something Leather is set to release their debut EP ‘Midnight Reverie’, on 17th April.The trio have already gained a reputation for explosive live shows thanks to a host of support slots with up-and-coming bands including Black Midi, Saint Agnes, Sophie and the Giants, Calva Louise and Phobophobes.A triumphant 2019 saw successful UK and European tours establish an increasing following for the band.The year culminated with latest single ‘Lullaby’ garnering further support from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq.

‘Midnight Reverie’ is a sleek streamlined EP swirled in sultry dark psychedelic tones. Something Leather inject gritty indie rock, opaque pop and ominous atmospheres into ‘Midnight Reverie ‘to create a sublime EP of tremendous magnitude. The production and craftsmanship of this EP is fantastic. The band take their elegant psych rock and mince it into a mirage of dazed pop elements. Each track drags you further into their mesmerising and bewitching sound.

With a sinister flurry of guitars ’Trip To The Sun’ kick starts the EP. Sultry and mind melting the track whirls through dizzying acid dipped electronics while a steady pounding beat and eerie organ – esque elements create that spine chilling backbone. Phillie Etta Jane’s vocals are the sweet hauntingly lulling constant within each track. She creates a soft delicate moment within each song while exuding a sultry panache effortlessly. The dreamy melodies compliment her vocals superbly as they hush and entice you into the harrowing entrapment created by the instrumentation – it’s a bait your ears will willingly take.

The trio write catchy and mystical tunes with a heavy backdrop that is irresistible.’Farewell Fareworse’ has a Sleater-Kinney residue over the distorted electrical mayhem while the prowess on guitars pine and wail with intent over the crashing wall of sound. There is controlled chaos within this EP as the band weave vintage qualities with wild guitars and relentless synths to create their own unique, harrowing yet velvety sleek sound.The noir pop peppered ‘Midnight Dive’ shows a melancholic side to Something Leather. The dreamy whimsical brooding display flows with flashings of black and white west coast images of sulky bliss. This narcotic soothing track drifts with twanging pines on guitar as the track dissolves into multi fragments of laid back moody indie pop. Like all Something Leather songs the track builds to a fizzing crescendo that evaporates your mind. It’s a tragic, beautiful and darkly-shaded pinnacle moment of the EP.

The band return to their seductive and menacing grit for final track ‘Down Another One’. Another stand out number, the drama and intensity of this song is immense. Like daggers, the drums relentlessly pierce and pound while growling backing vocals haunt the backdrop. The jabbing guitars, distorted roars and spine chilling wall of sound create a creepy gut wrenching atmosphere while Phillie Etta Jane’s breathy yet sweet vocals build the tracks momentum. It’s heavy, dark and brilliant. 

‘Midnight Reverie’ is a dark concoction of tracks to bask and submerge yourself in. With such murky and sultry cinematic melancholia steeped in elements of psychedelia, indie rock and electronic pop Something Leather have created one first rate body of work. There are distinct moments of brilliance within ‘Midnight Reverie’ that set the bar high making Something Leather one of the most exciting bands around right now. 

‘Midnight Reverie’ EP will be released on April 17th until then check out the video for the bands recent single ‘Farewell Fareworse’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Synk ‘Waiting Room’

Dublin electronic rock band Synk have recently released their new single ‘Waiting Room’.The track was written during the transition into Autumn 2019 and was recorded in isolation in Co. Leitrim shortly after itʼs conception and is self-produced by Synk. Synk is comprised of James Lonergan on Vocals, Guitar, Daniel Smith on Guitar, Phil Noone on Drums, Evan Kennedy on Bass, Vocals, Keys and Fergus Grant on Keys, Guitar, Vocals.

Once again Synk entwines and coils sweet lush moments between chaotic bursts to create a satisfying and mystical track. ‘Waiting Room’ twinkles to an airy fresh start as glistening light flurries of guitar trickle behind a warm vocal lilt. The track fluctuates becoming more dark as rich ominous rhythms weave with jittery angst. I love the opulent textures and sounds this band flood their music with – each quiver, beat and pulse is vibrant and emotive expressing something quite beautiful. The ethereal electronics add a mysterious quality and magical wonder element while the beat is the elastic band that releases the whimsical dream-like soundscape into the atmosphere and pulls it back just as effortlessly. With jangly flutters on guitars the band show character with luminous bursts through the darker smudged depths and moody elements.

Synk keep their tracks pulsing and simmering right up to their crescendos which are always exhilarating and ‘Waiting Room’ follows this superbly keeping your ears bound in a mesmerising daze hanging on every bewitching earthy note. The vocals are shared by James Lonergan and Evan Kennedy, with James singing the first half of the song, and the ending coda sung by Kennedy.

‘Waiting Room’ is an intricate rippling mirage, shimmering with the masterful and compelling musicianship of Synk. I love how they convey so much emotion through contrasting sounds with such beauty and balance, it’s quite masterful. 

Stream ‘Waiting Room’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Jack Rua ‘Curious’

Cover Artwork: PureGrand

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.

Stream ‘Curious’ below 


Author : Danu

electro - rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – MiG 15

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.”

Watch the video for ‘Interstellar’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Elisabeth Elektra ‘Crystalline’

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.

Stream ‘’Crystalline’ below 


Author : Danu

electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music

COLUMBIA MILLS ‘Understand’

Photo Credit : Derek Kennedy 

Irish indie band COLUMBIA MILLS have released their new single ‘Understand’. 2019 saw the band release two singles from their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘CCTV’ which is due for release later this Spring. ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ garnered huge radio support here and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, RTE Radio 1, Ed Smith (Today FM) choosing COLUMBIA MILLS as his Play Irish Artist of the week and ‘Recent and Decent’ on Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week, and heavy rotation on Paul Mc Loones Today FM show, as well as heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. COLUMBIA MILLS are about to release ‘UNDERSTAND’ (31/01/20), the third single from ‘CCTV’. After selling out their Dublin headline show in Bloody Marys last November, this release comes ahead of COLUMBIA MILLS headline show in the Button Factory on April 24th 

With gripping electronics whirling through a suspenseful indie soundscape ‘Understand’ is a breathtaking and emotional new addition to COLUMBIA MILLS’ passionate repertoire. The lamenting chime on guitar adds a bittersweet tenderness to the track as its moving melody is isolated within the flickering soundscapes.The pulsing beat pounds like an increased heartbeat as the rasp-filled warm vocals coo and caress the melancholic melody. The track erupts into a flurry of kinetic motion as COLUMBIA MILLS’ sublime songwriting holds the listeners hearts in their hands through striking and emotive musicianship and hair-raising instrumentation.Their ability to blend and swirl flickering dance infused electronics into a darkened concoction of melancholy, nostalgia and punchy indie is first rate.’Understand’ is pretty potent stuff. 

About the track Fiachra Treacy says : ‘’Understand’ is a song about coming to terms with watching a friend self-destruct. The frustration of realising the warning signs were there when given the benefit of hindsight. Could I have done more or is it possible to save somebody when they fall into this mode?” 

Stream ‘Understand’ below 


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Tame Impala

Tame Impala have released their new single ‘Lost In Yesterday’. This is the fourth single to be released from their fourth studio album, ‘The Slow Rush’ set for release on February 14th. This number sees Kevin Parker examine time’s distorting effect on memories. To date Parker has shared 3 tracks off ‘The Slow Rush’, ‘Posthumous Forgiveness’, ‘It Might Be Time’, and, ‘Borderline’. The Slow Rush was recorded between Los Angeles and Parker’s studio in his hometown of Fremantle, Australia. The twelve tracks were recorded, produced and mixed by Parker.

‘Lost In Yesterday’ is an immersing, timeless, nostalgic, disco hued gem. The elegant soundscapes create a lulling quality as Parker’s sweet toned vocals coo the dreamy melody. With an elastic bass groove weaving and wiggling between snappy beats and electronic sparkles the track has an infectious absorbing effect on the mind. The entire makeup of the track flows with a silky/grainy texture like soft sand running through your fingers. Tame Impala create an elusive smooth fluid-like tune with rich wonderful ripples provided by the sublime bass. The prismatic glimmering electronics wisp and flurry about the track with a feathery lightness that provides an 80’s tinged lustre. With a pop smudged chorus and foot tapping charm Tame Impala make sure this pearly delight isn’t leaving your head any time soon. 

Stream ‘Lost In Yesterday’ below 


Author : Danu