Tag Archives: EP Review

EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Matt Portland ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’

London songwriter Matt Portland has released his debut EP ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ which includes the two lead singles ‘Secondary’ and ‘South Destruction’.

‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ is a warm passionate EP that evokes bittersweet emotions of love and loneliness through wonderful musicianship. With this subline EP Portland carves for himself a position as one of alternative pop’s prime retro-visionists. The melodies are delectably sweet and they melt smoothly and caressingly upon the ears providing comfort and tranquility while Portland’s equally velvety vocals lay delicately on the melody with passion and charm. His 1960’s soulful pop, sounds so fresh as he swathes ‘Paper Thin Reins’, ‘Secondary‘ and title track  ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ in warm guitar twangs and ethereal pop atmospheres while peppering the tracks with elegant piano and lush string glides. His graceful presentation of these songs is what makes them so mesmerising and beautiful. There is something to be admired within Portland’s musicianship – the longing guitar melodies, the smooth command at which his vocals dictate the pace, all of which lead to an enchanting chorus – an utterly breathtaking listening experience. There is a romantic velvety flow to each track. Even in the melancholic ‘Angels Of The Bay’ with its piano strides of grandeur, lush backing vocals and haunting atmosphere holds the heart breaking tear of romance.These tracks superbly boast Portland’s rich and vivid song writing, but Portland has one more trick up his sleeve , final track ‘South Destruction’. A time stopping gem that swoons with delicate piano twinkles, a sway-like flowing tempo and warm guitar. The track slowly builds becoming more intense as backing vocals are introduced. A soft beat graces our ears as the strings enter gliding through this captivating sombre backdrop. It’s a delicate, sweet gem that closes the EP on a heart stopping tone of nostalgia and regret.

‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ EP showcases the mature and compelling musicianship of Matt Portland as he has created a darling collection of tracks to treasure.

Stream ‘The Wind Hit Hollow’ below


Alt Rock, Ambient Music, EP Review, indie rock, New Music

Alta Cura ‘Storm’ EP

Dublin’s quintet, Alta Cura are set to release their new EP ‘Storm’ on the 19th of April. The overall theme of the EP explores the idea of inter-personal relationships. Alta Cura seamlessly blend a variety of  genres wrapping jazz elements, R&B, rock, metal and blues rock in a lustrous alternative coating.

Title track ‘Storm’ kicks off the EP’s relationship themes, the lyrics are about “the facade someone has before becoming more a part of their life, and how your opinions shift as that facade comes down”. The five piece translate this sublimely through gritty riffs slicing through pulverising drums and turbulent rhythms while the expressive vocals exclaim over this mosh-ready, hefty backdrop. With some funky elements glimmering through the guitars and bass groove this track sets the EP alight showcasing the tight sound of Alta Cura. The swagger drenched ‘Burn’ follows with infectious riffs darkly coating the track in a luring hip grooving movement while the jazz sprinkled guitars playfully meander through the heavy backdrop.The catchy melody and mammoth chorus continue the bands arena ready rock with a sublime twist. ‘Brisbane’ is the passionate ballad that grips your heart with tender sway-like versus. Dan Cusack’s vocals emotionally coo and pine however, in true alternative rock manner the band belt into a passionate wailing chorus with powerful instrumentation as Cusack pines, wails and bellows over the gritty crashing guitars and pummeling drums. ‘A Vision in Green’ is a dream-like ballad dealing with themes such as jealousy and loss. Quite the come down from its explosive predecessor, this track chimes along with a bluesy hue over a steady beat and warm guitar strides. The track naturally flows into a mighty chorus with shredding guitar slivers zealously striking through the buoyant rhythms before bursting into one hell of a guitar solo.There is a graceful melodic flow through ‘Djuarachi’ as the band triumphantly blend some metal heftiness through their alternative rock while ‘Low Tide’ contrasts this frenzy – emotionally and tenderly dealing with the theme of loss.Elegantly the band create a sweet floaty backdrop for this gripping tune.The melancholic guitar softly laments behind the steady beat, graceful strings and mournful vocals.It’s a beautiful and passionate display from Alta Cura as they build the track to a powerful and hair-raising crescendo. ‘Dusk’ brings a haunting end to the EP. This ambient number wisps with suspended vocals lushly harmonising through a tranquil forest of twinkling guitars and earthy soundscapes. It’s a refreshing and utterly surprising end to the EP.

Alta Cura present a rich and diverse EP that showcases the bands fine and sophisticated musicianship with luscious instrumental embroidery and grand displays that make this band worthy of arenas.

You can catch Alta Cura live at :

EP Launch- Grand Social April 20th

Triple Headline- Whelan’s. June 27th ( not announced )

Stream ‘Brisbane’ below


electro- pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, New Music

tau0n ‘Time is Silence’ EP

Contemporary, Electronic two piece, tau0n have released their debut EP ‘Time is Silence’. Passionate about all things surreal and sci-fi, tau0n produce a sound that creates an “idiosyncratic listening experience to sooth your most fantastical, psychedelic urges.” The birth of tau0n came after a decade of friendship turned into a musical collaboration back in 2018.Hailing from the vibrant city of Los Angeles, the eccentric duo spend most of their time gigging around the party scene or relaxing with a green tea.

‘Time is Silence’ transcends the listener into various new dimensions, to feel as if they are weaving through the boundaries of time. The three track collection was heavily inspired by Octavia Butler’s ‘Xenogenesis’ as it plays on the themes of time travel and the presence of an alternate universe.Title track ‘Time Is Silence’ begins the EP with sweet delicate tones, soft wisping electronics and beautiful melodies. The electronics create a flickering sense of wonder as the rich rhythm and heavy beats flood the track with vibrant textures and multi-dimensions. The velvety expressive vocals whisper and coo through the dynamic soundscape. tau0n continue to tantalize the senses with the slightly more distorted ‘Bottom of the Hole’ as it skittishly hops and flickers into an acid dipped dance track with flashing and spluttering electronics through the ethereal soundscape.The EP comes to a close with another dizzying number, ‘Winter Flesh’. The duo balance the delicacy of the song ‘Time Is Silence’ and the frenzy of ‘Bottom of the Hole’ through this final track. Their vocals blend beautifully as they coo over a sweet melty melody while the dance infused electronics flicker and groove around the background. It’s a compelling and mesmerising display as tau0n bend pop elements with alternative electronics and heavy beats creating a well crafted perfectly layered number to indulge in.

‘Time is Silence’ is a three track EP brimming with compelling electronics, refined musicianship and wonderful melodic flows. It’s a wholly satisfying listen.

Stream ‘Time is Silence’ below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, EP Review, Funk, Grunge, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Rock

Munky ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’ EP

Dublin’s grunge disco band Munky have released their debut EP ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’. This poignant precise collection of tracks displays Munky in their grunge drenched, attitude slapped habitat. The tracks flesh out the bands groove infested backbone however, the lyrical content sees our cheeky chappies take a social stance on real hard hitting topics such a victim blaming. These mature themes are devoured in blistering instrumentation and slick refined musicianship.

The razor sharp funky sting of ‘Zordon’ kicks off the EP with sweltering guitar whines and jagged riffs. Zachary Stephenson’s vocals prance and pine through the catchy melody with intriguing whoops and wails while the slick bass groove buoyantly hops and springs between the rich drums and intricate guitars. Thrilling psychedelia dissolves the gritty backdrop in a dizzying acid of fizz while this splintery dark number introduces the band with grandeur, exposing their debut EP in all its exhilarating glory. Just when you think Munky can’t surprise you any more than they already have,  Stephenson’s splintery tongue fluidly rolls out a rap lyric for the acute ’Cuck Rock’. With a funky elastic and somewhat elegant display on bass and guitar the track smoothly flurries behind his narration.The instrumentation is tight and pretty slick as the slinky guitar weaves superbly between the elastic rhythm before the track explodes into a bloodthirsty assault of aggro that is destined to be epic live. Bassist Niall Donnelly brings the track to an end as he takes his “moment to shine”.  ’Cuck Rock’ leads magnificently into the effervescent ‘You’ve Got Male’.

Track after track these guys create one hell raising EP filled with sizzling grooves, biting guitars, psych, raw grunge and battering rock with just the right dosage of flamboyance and panache drizzled on top. However it’s that sweet hair raising intro to ‘Ms. Communication’ that shows just how far these guys have come. I’ve heard this track live before and in a more raw format but the meticulous attention to detail and subtle changes the band have made to polish this gem up has to be a pinnacle moment within the EP. The soft female backing vocals blending and beautifully harmonising with Stephenson’s emotional, suffering vocals is immaculate. His vocals have improved and this track shows this perfectly. The passionate turmoil is bubbled and boiled in a fiery brew of funk with a bluesy aftertaste. This concoction creates a bracing sense of urgency and agony. The dark verse kicks off the track swallowed up in a funky slick bass line and eerie guitar twinkles which builds the cold icy tension. The track becomes more dynamic and mosh ready before an epic catchy chorus and crescendo-blast which screams attitude and rebellion. The sweet lamenting and lonely guitar melodies are perfectly placed throughout the song and that shredding solo is the final dramatic kick in the ass. This gripping track exudes class, finesse and the true skill of Munky. Finally the striking well placed ‘One in Five’ brings the EP to a powerful end. This barbed fiery track is about victim blaming culture and Munky provide a passionate heartbreaking narrative over a swirling backdrop of rumbling, agitated rhythms and sharp guitar pines. The guitar weeps, stings and shrills through Stephenson’s distressed vocals while the drums bubble and boil over to the mighty expressive crescendo. It’s a track that grabs your attention and is superbly written.

Munky pulled out all the stops with ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’. It’s an impressive EP, containing cheeky funk, smothered in an honest and mature shell that showcases the majestic and proficient side to Munky’s musicianship.

You can catch Munky live at :

The Grand Social Dublin on April 12th

Stream ‘Un, Deux, Trois, Cat’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-34644906/sets/un-deux-trois-cat-2/s-H07VY


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Dres ‘LYSNE’ EP

Houston, Texas anthemic, grungy indie rock/pop band Dres have released their new EP LYSNE. LYSNE (pronounced “LISTEN”) is an acronym for “Last Year’s Summer Never Ended” and was
created straight out of high school.

‘LYSNE’ is a summer soaked EP sparkling with richly hued multi – genre facets and good times. Brimming with zealous guitar riffs buoyant rhythms and pop sprinkled goodness these tunes are instantly likeable. ‘Just a Thought’ kicks off this delightful adrenaline rush with catchy melodies, smooth vocals, glorious guitar lines and a vibrant rhythm. These guys flood every track with kinetic energy and youthful fun. There is a hint of the band Magic! wiggling its way between the indie pop as ‘Wake Up’, ‘Road Trip’ and ‘Oh (Florida) You Got Me’  are criminally catchy and easy on the ears. Glorious guitar lines weave lush zest filled tones throughout the EP carrying that sun kissed ethereal vibe joyously in each track. These songs are not for the cynics or grumpy as their intense jubilant atmosphere can be a little overwhelming. Each song explodes with this inferno of happy feeling and elated instrumentation. Things get slightly more rock and roll with the gritty bass in ‘What I Want’. With swagger dripping off the scorching guitar this anthemic sing along ready number would be great at a pool party. But it is final track ‘Cobain’ that brings a shift in the EP. The verses are more moody and grunge drizzled, however the chorus returns to that vibrant mass sing along.

‘LYSNE’ shows some sublime instrumentation from Dres that brings the summer in one short treasure chest EP. However like pandora’s box, once opened you have to suffer the consequences – you won’t be able to prise the tracks from your head and that youthful sun kissed glow will radiate from every pore in your body.

Stream ‘LYSNE’ below


electro - rock, electro- pop, Electronic, EP Review, New Music

Scutty ‘Replaced Part 1’ EP

From the gritty streets of south east London to a tent in the Tasmanian woods, Scutty’s secretly recorded Debut EP ‘Replaced Part 1’ has been released.A departure from creator Dan Rawlins folk routes, “Scutty” is an experimental music project which was self recorded in South East London, finished off and mixed by Robin Waters in Melbourne and mastered by Will Bowden, a Grammy award winner for his work on GOTYE.

‘Replaced Part 1’ is a unique energetic EP brimming with vibrant rich danceable tunes. Scutty cooks up an innovate selection of swirling electronics, sticky beats and catchy melodies to create an exhilarating concoction.With instant sing along hooks, pop sprinkles and soulful tones in tracks like  ‘I Was Down’ and ‘I’m Gold’ this EP fleshes out the versatility in Scutty’s musicianship. The tracks are light with sluggish beat thuds between fresh ethereal synths and intense atmosphere. ‘Crazy’ brings in some rich rhythms, woody sounds and a funk whiffed R&B hued melody that flutters comfortably upon the fluctuant foundation and trippy techno electronics. While ‘Higher’ closes the EP on an animated disco vibe, leaving you ready for the next rave.

‘Replaced Part 1’ provides sublime electronic dance music. As Scutty toys with elements of disco, house, new wave and rock creating an enthralling EP sure to have you bopping along.

Stream ‘Replaced Part 1’ below


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

RAIN CREW ‘Honey’ EP

Reading indie band RAIN CREW have released their debut EP ‘Honey’. RAIN CREW are a 4 piece female fronted alt/indie rock band. Having spent the best part of 2018 gigging, the band have shared the stage with the likes of Valeras, Catholic Action, and The Xcerts, playing venues such as Boileroom, West End Centre, O2 Academy Islington and Camden Monarch. The quartet have also had the pleasure of headlining multiple DIY festivals over the summer.

‘Honey’ is a nifty collection of tracks that pack in some hook filled melodies, slick guitar work and tight musicianship. There is something for everyone here – a healthy dose of pop mangled beneath angsty punk, warped through an indie prism. Titled track ‘Honey’ sets the scene. Refined bass tickles behind the luring verses while the sharp guitars stride and crash against punchy drums for the anthemic chorus. Beth Atkinson’s vocals venture from sweet and enticing to powerful and mighty as she holds her own over the mighty instrumental bursts. There is a nice little change-up halfway through the track which brings in lush harmonies and showcases the promising versatility in this band. Following this blistering number with warm tones is ‘Control’ which starts like an acoustic heartwarming slow burner before bursting into another powerful chorus. The luscious blend between delicate warm indie pop and harsh punk is riveting. There are some sublime guitars and bass  moments throughout the EP and RAIN CREW make the most of these placing them in the most glorious places ready to win you over with their lovable melodies and tones. ‘I Don’t Like You’ showcases the bands sassy, swagger soaked attitude with a hint of rock n’ roll driving the instrumental panache while ‘Blink’ brings the EP to a close pushing that catchy vibrant sound home ensuring RAIN CREW aren’t a band you are going to forget. It’s fun, danceable and brimming with gusto.

‘Honey’ is a rich diversified and enjoyable EP that has plenty of special little flickers to ignite your youthful spark and evoke images of live show sing-alongs and bopping mosh pit fans.

Stream ‘Honey’ below


EP Review, New Music

Master of None ‘Great White Shark’ EP

Following his self-titled debut album released in October, Ian Mitchell (aka Master of None) has now released a five track EP, entitled ‘Great White Shark’ on All Will Be Well Records.Written, performed and produced by Ian alone, this is him developing as a solo artist to help feed Little Red’s third studio album due out in 2020.

‘Great White Shark’ is another unique highly intense EP. Brimming with sharp textures, ominous soundscapes deep vocals and menacing themes while subtle soft tones swirl and twinkle throughout creating a sublime rich contrast. Mitchell fleshes out his dark synth pop with gritty guitars ruggedly chopping through snappy beats and deep eerie vocals.‘Tsunami’ takes this backdrop and blends it with skittish electronics and dizzy swirling soundscapes and ‘This Animal’ takes this format and raises it to an acid soaked frenzied level with melancholic lonely tones mangled throughout. ‘Head Down’ strips back the frenzy with a steady beat adding an almost tribal thud to the start before Mitchell slowly builds the tension with flashing electronics and raw synths. There is a catchy pop element blended through the melody but overall the track spreads out the darkly hued haunting sound of Master of None. The tracks tell tales of murder, guilt, loss and raw visceral hatred- ‘Wolf and Ram’ depicts this perfectly with murky fuzzed guitars lacerating through ominous soundscapes and chilling synths. Only the closing track ‘Open Loop’ provides some respite from the sinister mayhem. The track glistens like a breath of fresh air with wispy electronics twinkling through a sticky beat and gentle keys. It’s a delicate little gem to lull out the EP and relax you from the mind melting dazzling mania of its predecessors.

Stream ‘Great White Shark’ below


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie Punk, New Music, Pop Punk

Cuecliché ‘Look at the Pictures’ EP

SONY DSC

London three piece pop-punk band Cuecliché are set to to release their second EP ‘Look at the Pictures’ on January 24th. Cuecliché take their name from their ideology: to unashamedly follow the sounds of their inspirations and embrace the cliché that is all things pop-punk. Yet while their 2017 debut EP ‘One Last Chance’ clearly paid homage to the pop-punk powerhouses of yesteryear, Cuecliché well and truly discovered a sound of their own, receiving widespread critical praise and over 20k streams on Spotify alone. In their two years since forming, Cuecliché have brought their infectiously energetic live show to audiences all over the UK, with regular dates across London and three UK mini-tours already under their belts.

‘Look at the Pictures’ is a meaty EP of overwrought passion and energetic confidence with an undertone of vulnerability. This trio whack out high intensity punk rock tunes laced in shredding jagged riffs, punchy drums and gritty bass grooves. ‘Save Me’ and ‘Take It Away’ blast these muscular overtones through catchy tender melodies and warm vocals as the trio fill each anthem with passion and gusto.  The rush of emotion and adrenaline builds as the EP progresses through to the snappy ‘Puzzle Piece’ and mosh ready ‘It’s Over’.Featuring slick guitar solos crashing against a heavy wall of sound- Cuecliché throw themselves fully into every track. These spirited, boisterous anthems are full of rich textures. ‘Prince Of Nowhere’ is a twinkling tender ballad-ish track that showcases the delicate side to this riotous band. Filled with melancholy the band flesh out the sweet sway-able tones with zealous guitar shards and a clamoring rhythmic wall of sound. Dramatically passionate and filled with regret and anguish its a climactic end to this nostalgic soaked anthemic pop punk EP.

To promote the release, Cuecliché are taking to the road with their good friends Saving Sebastian! Playing Leicester, Liverpool, Milton Keynes and London from January 31st. For more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/cueclicheband/

​Stream ‘Save Me’ below


Alt Rock, EP Review, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

LIERS ‘Elixir’ EP

Photo Credit Glen Bollard Photography

Dublin’s powerhouse alternative rock band LIERS have released their new EP ‘Elixir’. LIERS are a four-piece female fronted grungy 90’s inspired alternative rock band made up of Liz Seaver, Ed Scanlan, Ronan O’Hanlon and Stephen Farrell. The band have played festivals such as Castlepalooza and venues such as the INEC, Whelans and The Sugar Club.The new EP features previous hit singles ‘Host’ and ‘Universal Female’, which gained much acclaim and helped secure a slot at last year’s sold-out Electric Picnic.

‘Elixir’ fleshes out, blends and refines LIERS powerful sound. With all its rawness and glory intact, LIERS sweeten and merge this wonderful grungy display with luscious melodies and crisp musicianship. The EP is a relentless onslaught of potent tunes that pack one heck of a punch.  The dark smothering intoxication of title track ‘Elixir’ kick starts the EP. A rooted bass groove slithers and creeps beneath the track lurking below the massive crashing guitars and striking vocals. LIERS tease and entice through the darkened verses with eerie guitar twinkles and luring vocals before exploding into the mammoth chorus. Liz Seaver’s vocals are utterly bewitching as she sultry entraps and seduces before shattering out the bellowing chorus. These tracks have a mesmerising, cinematic quality that chills the spine and rushes through your veins with intense red hot adrenaline. ‘Universal Female’ and ‘Host’ are doused in infectious honeyed melodies while packing one gutsy full bodied backdrop. LIERS grab edgy unruly grunge rock, wrestle it down and pepper it with their fine branded sultry alternative rock. The emotionally charged ‘Can’t Go Back’ sits snuggled and comfortable between the mayhem with tender tones passionate vocals and splintering instrumentation. There are some sublime guitar moments throughout this EP. There is nothing like a passionate guitar melody twinkling around a track with warm tones, delicate melancholic melodies, vibrant solos or menacing injections and this EP is brimming with these compelling guitar moments, adding rich depths and multi textures throughout. ‘Realise’ is one wild angsty tune. Full of meaty grooves and punching drums with a dynamic old school power backing which is balanced perfectly by soft emotion exclaimed through passionate expressive vocals. The band’s ability to stabilize and distill their sound is masterful. They don’t just whack out loud blasting tunes, time has been spent here, purifying each part to create a tightly woven collection of tracks that have fermented into a biting, fizzing treasure.

‘Elixir’ lays out a rich flavoursome platter for us to devour. Filled with fiery intensity, raw power and slick instrumentation these robust anthems are brimming with passion and vigor marking LIERS a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Elixir’ EP here