Northern Irish alternative indie artist BECAH has released her highly-anticipated debut EP ‘Freak’. BECAH has supported notable acts such as Aslan, The Four of Us, and Brian Kennedy. Her music has received critical acclaim. Collaborating with renowned producer Michael Mormecha on her latest project, BECAH’s single ‘Freak’ is an extraordinary and deeply personal introspective piece that delves into the feeling of being different and questioning one’s worth. The accompanying music video is a compelling visual representation of the song’s powerful message adding an extra layer of emotion to the already gripping track.
‘Freak’ is a mesmerising display of BECAH’s earnest songwriting and wonderfully emotive musicianship. From soulful R&B tones mixed with an indie edge in ‘Ghost’ and the heavy fuzz-filled indie rock of the title track ‘Freak’ to the pop ballad-esque ‘Fool’, Freak is a unique and memorable EP.
BECAH’s vocals are an utter treasure. Her ability to convey so much emotion from many of the heartbreaking lyrics within the EP is simply breathtaking. ‘Reminders’ is a beautiful example of this. Her sweet delicate tone floods with emotion as sparse ethereal soundscapes move between a heartbreaking bittersweet melody. The track is a delight to listen to and a wonderful moment within the EP.
An exciting aspect of BECAH’s musicianship is her ability to convey emotion, not just through her voice but also her music. She trickles soft piano and gentle guitar into tender ballads like ‘Lost’ and jazzy elements with R&B beats in ‘Ghost’ to create surges of emotional movement making each song captivating and magical in its own way.
‘Freak’ is a deeply personal EP filled with raw lyrical content and immersive soundscapes. The EP is a glorious collection of refined musicianship and moving songs that marks BECAH as not only an artist to keep an eye on but one to treasure.
About ‘Freak’ BECAH says,
“I think we all can feel sometimes as though we’re not quite “normal”. The people that surround us can make us question ourselves and our worth. ‘Freak’ is about my battle with that. It speaks of a time my mind was busy with self-deprecation and a submission to the belief that I was just a ‘freak’, different from everyone around me and struggling with the noise inside my head.”
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.
Queens of The Stone Age Bass Player and Mini Mansions Frontman Michael Shuman has released his new EP ‘MY DEMONS’ under the moniker GLU. I caught up with Shuman to discuss his new project, the EP and his plans for world domination.
‘MY DEMONS’ is an intriguing glimpse into Shuman as an artist. The EP is different and more hip-hop-esque than people might expect from him while still maintaining an alternative edge. I wondered if he was worried or wondered what fans would make of this broadening of his sound.
“Yeah, I definitely wondered if it would work for the fans I already have. But I also think that most of my fans are pretty open-minded and could see the influence from all the bands and projects I’ve done before this. At the same time, I did this wanting to attract new fans that have no idea about my past, and just like this music for what it is.”
We discussed if there was a particular event that made him decide to become GLU or choose to do this solo project. And if he found it difficult to pick the songs for the EP?
“After decades of being in bands, where you are tied to other people’s wants and schedules, I finally thought it would be good to have something where I could do it when I wanted to. On my time. The pandemic accidentally gave me that chance.”
“I did have more songs to choose from, but these were the first ones I created for GLU, and probably because of that they all tie together and live within the same thematic world.”
Shuman showcases a plethora of musical delights within this EP. From jazzy keys to slick lo-fi- hip-hop alongside pop-hued melodies. I asked if he was just pottering about with different sounds or if it was a deliberate imagination of genres and sounds.
“I don’t think you can ever take yourself out of what you do. All the influences, experiences, and tid bits you’ve picked up along the way. So they are definitely all there. But yes, I wanted to make sure it felt somewhat like something you hadn’t heard before. There’s no reason this song shouldn’t have slide guitar solos, harmonies, hip hop beats, and rapping.”
We see Shuman rap on this EP in the title track ‘My Demons’.
“I always wondered if it was in me. But of course there’s always the fear of judgment. I think because I was locked down and nobody was watching, I was privileged with the time to experiment with it and the delivery that felt authentic to me.”
Shuman collaborated with Phantogram’s Sarah Barthel on ‘My Demons’. We discussed how that collaboration come about and if that piece was written with her in mind.
“We have just been friends for a while and I wanted someone to counter the masculine undertones throughout the song. And also having someone that is a bonafide badass pop singer. She delivered the fuck out of it.”
“Not at first, no. But she was the first thought I had when wanting someone to collaborate with.”
Shuman recently released a coinciding video with a sultry, latex-laden Barthel symbolizing the demons that dominate GLU’s thoughts as he satirically raps through a leather ball gag.
“Honestly I just always saw some kind of vision of being tied up for this song. I think because of the sexual, yet traumatic undertones, it felt like the right concept to match the lyrics.”
“Yes, it was uncomfortable and I’m pretty sure I got some kind of mouth injury from it that has lingered to this day. No pain, no gain. “
Another great track on the EP is ‘Cold Sweat’. The song is a chilled tune that displays the swagger and musical wizardry people might know Shuman for from previous projects such as Mini Mansions.
“I started with that simple groove and chord progression. Thought it maybe could just be an instrumental track. Kinda like Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain”, where it’s just one long guitar solo. But then that chorus melody popped in my head and it start to develop into what it is now. Yet, I wanted to keep it very simple. Verse chorus, verse chorus, out. Less about the lyrics and melody and more about the groove.”
Within this EP Shuman provides some meaningful lyrical content. ‘Night Shif’, discusses the impending doom we feel, generated by the current state of our world while ‘My Demons’ explores how childhood traumas continue to seep into adult life. Both are relatable themes that are well presented through sharp phrases; “ I’m so fucking chill, but I’m quite erratic, emphatic and somewhat problematic”.
“I did take a lot of time crafting these, as lyrics are not my favorite part of writing songs. That being said, a lot of those lyrics come together pretty quickly when you decide on a theme and you roll with it. Also, using lines that are happening in real time. Sometimes I wish I was recording all my conversations with friends. I think there would a lot of gold in there.”
“MOONWALKIN’ is probably my favourite track on the EP. It oozes effortless swagger. Shuman told me which of the songs on the EP he is most proud of.
“Moonwalkin’ is an inside joke I have with my friend, which I won’t get into. But it started with that chorus melody I wrote on piano. It was the start of a different kind of song I was writing, but then realized it slotted in perfectly with the verse groove and melody I had. This track was a bit of that. A patchwork with elements that all worked perfectly together.”
“I think My Demons I’m most proud of, only because it was the first GLU song I wrote. It inspired what is GLU and got me out of my comfort zone.”
Finally, I asked Shuman what he has planned for the rest of the year and if he has plans for a GLU world domination.
“World domination? Yes. Expectations? No. Just chip away everyday and enjoy whatever comes of it.”
Filled with lush textures, eloquent lyricism and expressive soundscapes ‘MY DEMONS’ is a fascinating keyhole glimpse into the many facets of Shuman as an artist. The EP is an immersive experience from start to finish that beckons repeat plays and is simply a must-listen.
The Assist, one of the UK’s most established underground groups formed of Mikey Stanton (Vocals), Jorge Poole (Bass), Luke Jones (Guitar), Ryan Stanton (Guitar) & Ben Faulkner (Drums), have released their new EP ‘Council Pop Unplugged’. The Assist have sold out venues across Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield as well as shared the stage with The Happy Mondays and Blossoms. They also played in Paris with Black Honey and toured the main rooms of the UK’s O2 Academy’s with local heroes The Twang. ‘Council Pop Unplugged’ EP is a collection of the band’s favourite songs from their debut album ‘Council Pop’ which reached #21 in the Official UK chart and received ‘Best Album’ in the Birmingham Music Awards.
‘Council Pop Unplugged’ highlights the impressive musical prowess and meaningful depth of The Assist’s lyrics. Throughout the EP the violin adds a Pizzicato bounce or graceful stride to the band’s vibrant indie pop sound and is enhanced by gentle warm guitar. The tracks are beautifully evocative and showcase the timeless aspect of the band’s compelling sound. Each track is a joy to listen to and is an exciting musical insight into The Assist’s irresistible musicianship.
Singer-songwriter Pudel Blanco has released his new EP ‘Sofia’. Serving up his own blend of alternative, punk rock, Pudel Blanco is a fresh face to the Finnish music industry. Describing himself as ‘Human the myth’, the artist is shrouded in mystery. The first glimpse of Pudel Blanco can be discovered in this debut EP ‘Sofia’.
‘Sofia’ is an energising EP laced with airy synths, alternative rock tones and oodles of passion. With light synths blended between driving guitars and rich rhythms, the tracks are vibrant and colourful. Heavy moments of alternative rock are enhanced by gravelly vocals that add a dash of swagger throughout each song making the tracks a delight to listen to. This EP “is an expressive EP of love and adoration. With the intention of expressing how easy love is” and Blanco displays this wonderfully through biting guitar flurries and dynamic melodies.
Prolific German rocker Daniel J Vogel has released his new EP ‘Raptors’.Hailing from Germany, 28 year old musician Daniel J Vogel certainly isn’t new to the music scene but this experienced pro is looking to make his mark down a different musical path. At age just 10, Daniel was indoctrinated to the electrifying, spark-flying sonic soundscape of hardcore Aussie powerhouses AC/DC who’s music inspired him to pick up his first 6-string axe. Almost instantly, the Deutschland star was part of the local school band where he expanded his musical palette – open to a range of new genres like Blues, Jazz & Musical Theatre. Using the tools his wide sonic diet had given him, Daniel embarked on his own journey and established himself as part of his own band with which he wrote a plethora of songs; some of which made their way onto his latest release ‘Raptors.’ After the band members parted ways, Daniel pursued his solo career, releasing debut EP ‘The Passion Ignites.’
‘Raptors’ soars with laser-sharp guitar riffs and resounding drum/bass onslaughts to create a dynamic listening experience. With roaring choruses in ‘No More War’ and energising power chords in ‘Exploding Brains’ through to the pummeling drums of ‘Love the Rock’ Vogel crafts a tight and powerful EP brimming with refined musicianship and thrilling instrumentation. The songs surge with rock bravado while balancing 90’s alternative elements with 80’s metal and hard rock gusto. It’s a mammoth EP sure to have you moshing along in no time.
Mark Daly has released his new EP ‘Nothing to Lose’. Cork-based Irish Rock musician Mark Daly’s artistic chops have never been up for debate. After building an impressive following touring with Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche), Candlebox, and more. In the summer of 2021, Mark teamed up with Avantasia guitarist and world-renowned producer Sascha Paeth (Kamelot, Rhapsody of Fire, Angra) to create a hard rock album, Peace in the Panic. The album was recorded in Sascha’s Pathway Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany. Mark performed at the MTV EMA Awards in Belfast with his previous band, The Voodoos, after beating 10,000+ other bands from Europe to the slot. He hit #1 on the Scottish New Music Charts with his Autism Awareness Charity solo single ‘Your World,’ inspired by his son, Noah. Adding to the list is his songwriting work with Geoff Tate-led supergroup, Operation: Mindcrime. He performed on the Monsters of Rock Cruise alongside Alice Cooper, Buckcherry, and more. He began with 2016’s ‘The Heart’s Reminder’ (no. 2 on the Irish Downloads Chart) followed by his debut album When the Stars Align. Mark Daly & The Ravens, the band that plays with him live, includes Mark Daly (rhythm guitar, lead vocals), James Brown (lead guitar, backing vocals), Jack Ross (bass guitar), Alex Hart (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Daniel Laverde (drums).
‘Nothing to Lose’ is a mammoth-sounding EP that roars with blistering rock n roll bravado and shredding riffs. With the swaggering stomp of ‘Nothing To Lose’ and ‘Gotta Run’ the EP oozes grooves that are so catchy you can’t help but dance and mosh along. From resounding drums to rapid bass licks and driving guitar refrains weaved between irresistible melodies, the songs within this EP exude irresistible energy and evoke images of live crowds screaming back the lyrics. ‘Nothing to Lose’ is a cohesive EP that expresses diverse facets to Daly’s sound. ‘Crying Shame’ and ‘Bottled Up’ are fine examples of this. The former boasts a wonderful indie rock edge while the latter takes a ballad-esque and more emotional stance on the EP that subsequently, ever so cleverly, injects a breath of fresh air into the EP’s immersive experience.
‘Nothing to Lose’ EP pulls it out of the bag and delivers a collection of tracks that displays Mark Daly’s expressive musicianship in all its glory. He is developing his sound with each release while also giving us heavy rock heads something tantalizing to mosh to.
The Exact Same Kid has released his new EP ‘Amateur Hour’. The Exact Same Kid is the moniker of Dublin-born songwriter Alex Conroy. Initially trying his hand as a folk musician, Alex has performed alongside acts such as The Ghandis, Clara Byrne, Apella, The Blizzards, I Have A Tribe, Cathy Davey and Neil Hannon. Ultimately growing uncomfortable with the stillness and isolation that comes from being a solo artist, the desire for a bigger sound and more collaboration led to some years of experimentation. The Exact Same Kid is the result of this, a heavier indie rock sound that still retained the lyrical focus of folk music. Recorded in the summer of 2021 with producer and sound engineer Aidan Cunningam, ‘Amateur Hour’ is about confronting your own emotions, finding out who you are and finding the strength in that knowledge.
Riding on a dense wave of sprightly indie rock with country and jazz flirtations, ‘Amateur Hour’ is a fresh and well-crafted three-track EP. With lush almost doo-wop melodies gliding above jaunty guitars and steady beats, ‘Don’t Cry’ announces the EP in a blaze of bittersweet nostalgia while ‘Butano’ blends bright indie elements with frenzied guitar embellishments and horn adornment. The songs are fun, honest and lyrically witty. Conroy manages to blend a diverse range of instruments and genres to create an EP that is satisfying and brimming with energy. Throughout each song we see Conroy flexing his musical muscles to create a sound that is refreshing and satisfying right up to the final track, ‘Blue China’. The track’s dark atmosphere exudes hypnotic qualities that brood beneath pounding drums and resounding stings on guitar while Conroy’s deep vocals croon the smooth melody. With bright tones on guitar interspersed between soft synths and jogging percussion, the song is superbly crafted.
‘Amateur Hour’ is a sublime EP laced in tight and refined musicianship. It’s a joy to the ears and boasts Conroy’s fine musical prowess.
About the EP Conroy said: “I don’t think I’m alone in having turned to music for answers at some stage in my life. Amateur Hour is definitely not for that. It’s about saying I might not have the answers, but I have the same questions as you do so you’re not alone. I think there’s comfort there, in being united in our confusion.”
Stoke-on-Trent band Old Glory & The Black Riviera have released their new EP ‘Subtle Reminder of Somewhere’. The band create a blazing wall of sound within this EP filled with swaggering riffs, blues-soaked bravado and oodles of energy. From the stomping drums and shredding guitar embellishments of ‘Had It All’ to the sulky ‘Waiting for You (To Come Home)’ each song showcases the band’s refined musicianship as they lace catchy melodies in steamy blues tones while rock-dipped guitars and pounding drums provide a gritty edge throughout. Old Glory & The Black Riviera meticulously craft each track to create a thrilling listening experience that is a joy to listen to from start to finish.
Having performed with Adele and impressed greats like Elton John and Avicii with his songwriting, singer-songwriter, Moncrieff has now released his new EP ‘Warm’ via German label energie. The EP follows the successful release of the title single ‘Warm’ which was an instant hit that went top-10 on Irish Radio and was performed live on Germany’s ARD Network (“Frühstücksfernsehen”).
Throughout ‘Warm’ EP Moncrieff unleashes a tidal wave of emotion while fleshing out his eloquent songwriting and expressive sound. ‘Warm’, ‘Rewind’ and ‘Ruin’ exude anthemic soundscapes and rich instrumental flourishes that make for an immersive and exciting display of musicianship from the artist.
There is no denying Moncrieff’s magical songwriting ability. The artist delves deep into his innermost emotions and deepest thoughts and expresses them through wonderfully poetic lyrics. Each lyric has movement and depth adding an exciting dynamic to the EP. ‘Talk’ is a sublime example of this. In this raw heartbreaking ballad, Moncrieff recounts the first time he opened up about having suicidal thoughts. His soulful vocals sincerely pour out lyrics of pain, “If I don’t believe in God who can I call? Maybe it’s easier to end it all” while pulsing beats, a choir on backing vocals and ethereal soundscapes rush with emotion. Though the subject matter is heavy and dark, in true Moncreiff manner the gripping lyrics are presented with a ray of hope. The lyrics look back at a dark time in his life while the uplifting music becomes the light at the end of the tunnel and depicts a sense of inner strength and new-found empowerment.
Although ‘Talk’ is a powerful and stand-out gem on the EP, each track in its own right has something special that allows it to shine just as brightly. Throughout the EP, feel-good moments ( alongside heavy subject matter), expressive instrumentation and poignant songwriting abound as ‘Warm’ stirs the listener’s soul on a deep level making for an exquisite listening experience.
There is something for everyone in this EP. Moncrieff lays bare themes of loss and loneliness while maintaining an air of hope and comfort throughout. Moncrieff is a rare talent and ‘Warm’ is just a glimpse at this artist’s ability.
Stream ‘Warm’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
