Tag Archives: EP Review

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

The Flies ‘Looser’ EP

Roscommon Rock and Roll Teens The Flies have released their sophomore EP ‘Looser’. The band have been playing together for three years, starting off playing shows in local schools and at small festivals as well as playing headline shows in Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon in the period before the Covid 19 pandemic.Last year the band released their debut EP – ‘Catch Up To You’ which received radio play including national radio play on RTE 2FM after it’s release The Flies played shows including a show in Dublin supporting the inimitable Jinx Lennon and their final gig before the lockdown hit was a support slot with The Stunning.

‘Looser’ is an EP laced in shredding instrumentation as The Flies develop their sound through some pretty slick tunes. The band use punchy drums, blistering guitars and groove layered bass lines to whisk their sound into an adrenaline shot of exhilarating alternative rock. ‘Back Pocket’ and ‘Director’s Cut’ blast through brawny sonic soundscapes with slinky frills on guitar and drums which provide a glimmer of the bands own character and musical prowess however it is in ‘Fool’ where The Flies show the most promise. With a blazing solo, lighter indie sound and lamenting tone bursting through robust instrumentation, the track surges with emotion, passion and earnest songwriting. Oozing a swaggered confidence and rock n roll tone the quartet set the EP up to impress. There is no shortage of catchy melodies and hooks within this band’s music and their tight wall of sound is impressive. The rapid punch of ‘Council House’ brings the EP to a close with early Arctic Monkeys vibes and a crowd friendly sing along “da da da” lyric that is just too infectious to resist. 

‘Looser’ is an energetic EP with thrilling surprises within each song. Whether its a sharp guitar flourish, elastic bass wriggle or ground shaking drum rumble the band keep each track interesting while balancing the right amount of heavy rock and engaging indie. The Flies present a fun vibrant sound sure to get anyone up and dancing. A solid second EP from this promising band. 

Stream ‘Looser’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, New Music

Strangers With Guns’ Disenfranchised Fetus’ EP

Strangers With Guns have released their new EP ’Disenfranchised Fetus’. Strangers With Guns are a three piece metal band based in Dublin. Although they formed in January 2019, they already have toured all over Ireland and have supported acts as diverse as “Cherym” and “The Soap Girls” to playing on punk bills up North and even playing with stoner and doom metal bands in Limerick and Cork.

’Disenfranchised Fetus’ is a potent dose of the unadulterated metal-infused rock Strangers With Guns do so well. This EP is heavier than their debut album ‘Degenerate Art’ and the most sharp and fierce we have seen them yet.

Entering on a rooted bass rumble, intense guitars and pulverising drums the band kick start the EP with ‘Cants’. Acute guitars stain a gritty wall of sound with brain smashing riffage while pummelling drums batter the foundation with blood thirsty stamina. ‘Cants’ is a tasty appetizer of the manic onslaught Strangers With Guns have in store for the listener. The instrumental tension, sinister builds and aggression contrasted with cooler moments on vocals is a tantalizing joy to the senses.

‘Cool, Calm, Collect’ and ‘Last Tango In Paris’ follow with a punk-inflicted heavy metal style which holds moments of laid back composure yet is still forceful and in your face.The vocals venture from nonchalant verses to growls and dynamic exclaims, building on the band’s ability to mangle softer elements within their raucous wall of sound. Grooves on bass ooze harsh tones while deft guitar riffs build the tracks’ intensity into a blood-drawing, mosh-worthy crescendo. The climatic elements of each track are saturated in dark undertones and ominous thrills that fill your core with perilous adrenaline – a truly magnificent display of musicianship.

The band bring the EP to an end with the slick and witty ‘Somebody Needs A Hug’. A lighter track and perhaps the most radio friendly it travels on a meaty guitar and drum stomping foundation while exuding swagger-filled grooves and rock infused elements. However the band splurge slick guitar moments over the tracks rhythms and steamier tones to create a fun and danceable end to such a fiery EP.

’Disenfranchised Fetus’ shows Strangers With Guns are a force to be reckoned with. The machine gun whack on bass, coarse yet nimble guitar work and pummeling drums all build a tight and relentless wall of sound as this trio experiment and venture through catchy and crazed melodies to create a mind frazzling rough and ready EP. ’Disenfranchised Fetus’ is a metal and rock blended spectacle, absurd at times yet undeniably awesome.

Stream ’Disenfranchised Fetus’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Y!KES ‘MASS!VE’ EP

Birmingham based quartet Y!KES have released their new EP ‘MASS!VE’. A spine chilling collection of tracks filled with raw crunchy guitar lines, stabbing drums and manic dark soundscapes, ‘MASS!VE’ stays the course the band unleashed with their debut EP ‘Everything Pointless Is Correct’. The new EP captures the abrasive nature of Y!KES in a nutshell showcasing their unapologetic, gut-punching alternative grunge rock is a force to be reckoned with.

These guys have a knack with catchy guitar refrains which they mangle beneath wild unruly instrumentation while the odd guitar riff peers above the bands musical onslaught. ‘Pirouette’ follows this format perfectly. There is a ‘My Chemical Romance’ tone and Emo residue to the track which wallows within the songs underbelly – swarming with loathing and moody aggression.

Of course this bands instrumental prowess and flair is what makes them so intriguing however, it is Oli Long’s aggitated vocals which gives Y!KES enough drama and crazed intensity to take their sound to epic heights. His vocals are luring, moody and almost psychotic as he wails, growls and mumbles through the tracks creating quite the unique and exhilarating character for each song. This is especially shown in ‘Alice’. Long’s vocals slither with a gravelly texture truly displaying the sinister range and capabilities of his vocals. It’s utterly thrilling. With a 90’s rock bravado the verses are manic and full of surprises while the chorus is strong and melodic, all leading to a glorious ending,  ‘Alice’ is one of the pinnacle moments on the EP.

The high intensity, mind frazzling rock doesn’t end after ‘Alice’, instead Y!kes expands from this point. The EP only gets better and heavier from here as the band push and explore the depths of their tantalizing sound. With a cinematic rush on guitars, shredding solos and melodic frantic flurries to delight the listener, ‘Door Frame Angel’ and ‘Faker’ take their triumphant place on the EP. Although just as coarse and sharp as previous tracks, the band inject sweeter melodies into the thrilling, alternative rock instrumental. 

However it’s not all a screaming assault of alternative rock, final track ‘Step Away’ brings the album to a surprising close. Here the band effortlessly slip into a more indie pop outfit with light jaunty guitar riffage providing an indie spring through the buoyant drum progressions. There are glimmers of Sugar Cult, early Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes in this song. I have to hand it to these guys, they always deliver a slap in the face of some kind and this sunkissed and moody number is the rosy-hued ( yet dark themed ) gem to do it. Absolutely love it. 

‘MASSIVE’ showcases Y!KES is growing and harnessing their raw unbridled rock to create music with a memorable balance between drama, anarchy and deft musicianship.The band have created an invigorating sound of their own to discuss themes of depression and conflicting emotions through anthemic tunes with choppy chords, gnarled vocals and ground shaking drums. It’s quite the masterpiece. 

Stream ‘MASSIVE’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Pauric O’Meara ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’ EP

Pauric O’Meara has recently released his new EP ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’.Pauric is an independent singer-songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. He has been making his mark on the Irish music scene for quite a few years. His raw, powerful vocal has been known to grab people’s attention, and his previous work has garnered over 150K on Spotify alone. Through the years, he has performed in many top venues around Ireland supporting bands such as Hermitage Green, Hudson Taylor, Billow Wood, Amazing Apples and HAWK but had a breakthrough year in 2019, with 2 headline shows in Dublin in The Soundhouse and Workman’s Club, as well as making his Electric Picnic Festival debut.

‘Looking forward to Hindsight’ presents Pauric O’Meara’s folk-hued musicianship through warm melodies and earnest song writing. With soothing guitar, melancholic tones and soft twinkling soundscapes ‘Is this Real’ kicks the EP in to motion. Instantly Pauric’s rasped velvety vocals exude passion and emotive tones lifting each track and providing a comforting constant throughout the EP. Pauric takes his honest lyrics about heartbreak and places them on a vibrant bed of indie pop with ‘Wasting time’. With sprinkles of zesty radiant guitar, buoyant rhythms and catchy refrains the track sits snugly as the half point of ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’ . Highlighting the importance of staying positive through hard times ‘Beacon Call’ brings the EP to an upbeat finale – a vibrant pick me up the track is an adrenaline inducing gem that will make you instantly press replay.

As a whole ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’ is a journey through a relationship and break up. We get a wonderful glimpse of the heart warming songwriting of Pauric O’Meara as he establishes himself as a talented musician crafting wholesome enjoyable tunes that venture through folk and indie genres with ease. There are sweet tender moments expressed through beautiful melodies and heartwarming guitar as well as fun and golden moments creating a well rounded EP with something for everyone. 

Stream ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’ below 

https://open.spotify.com/track/3Ff56laWJVqZW4uDkbJnHC?si=raPLCRhHTSaZa66wfsuqew


Author : Danu

Electronic, EP Review, Indie, New Music

1000 Beasts ‘On A Different Page’ EP

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. 

Stream ‘On A Different Page’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Luke Clerkin ‘What Little Time We Have’ EP

Luke Clerkin is set to release ‘What Little Time We Have’ on July 24th. The Dubliner’s highly anticipated EP was produced by previous collaborator Gavin Doyle, and Jack Keenan, at Cabin Space Studios in Dublin. It was mastered by the internationally renowned Pete Maher (Jack White, Damien Rice, U2), in London. Luke Clerkin has been playing and releasing music for the last five years, gaining international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer Songwriter Charts on multiple occasions. He is also known for playing over 250 gigs in 2015 as a way of honing his craft. Since then he has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland.

‘What Little Time We Have’ is an earnest emotive collection of tracks which showcase the tastefully memorable and enjoyable musicianship of Luke Clerkin. From the wonderful build of ‘Confession Box’ to the tender struggle with mental health in ‘Stones’ Clerkin displays his ability to present sweet melodies and heartfelt songwriting through a lush blend of genres. The classic rock ‘Not In Love’ is the boldest expression on the EP. Clerkin’s vocals spread over sharp guitars and punchy drums with a stinging guitar solo bringing the track to its crescendo.The track grows into its loud, sweeping finish, with the lead guitar blending perfectly into the thumping background.

Though Clerkin experiments with pop rock he maintains the stripped back wholesome style we have come to know him for. The emotive ‘Closure’ surrounds heartbreaking lyrics and sweet falsetto on vocals with graceful piano accompaniment. Within the melody there is innocence and glimmers of positivity and healing. ‘Nocturnal’ brings the EP to a close with a catchy chorus, charming guitar refrains and danceable atmosphere. Instrumentally it’s an upbeat and vibrant end to an EP that pulls at your heart strings.


‘What Little Time We Have’ is a poignant honest account of self-discovery and self-reflection.With instrumental subtleties appearing throughout the EP which often at times is mixed behind the vocals there is something to enjoy with each subsequent listen. ‘What Little Time We Have’ is deeply personal and a sublime EP from Luke Clerkin.

Talking about the release Luke said ”For this project, I wanted to experiment with new genres, and new sounds. Over the past few years, I’ve worked with amazing musicians and songwriters from all over the world, each of them influencing me in a different way. So these recordings are a reflection of that.’I’m known mostly for my heart-on-sleeve vulnerability, so when moving to a more pop rock genre for songs like ‘Nocturnal’ and ‘Not in Love’, I tried my best to retain this. My lyrics on this project are still as honest as they’ve ever been. This is especially present on ‘Closure’, I think this is the most personal song on the EP, and I feel because of that, it’s the most relatable.”

‘What Little Time We Have’ is set for release on July 24th.For more you can follow Luke Clerkin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/LukeClerkin/


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, EP Review, Indie Pop, New Music

Euan Lindsay ‘You, Boy’ EP

Multi/instrumentalist, singer, producer, journeyman Euan Lindsay has released his debut E.P ‘You, Boy’. Hailing from Cork, Lindsay’s music pulls heavily from a wide reach of genres. Elements of disco, house, soul and hip-hop can all be heard throughout the artist’s first work.The E.P was recorded over a 6 month period by the artist through a turbulent time. 

‘You, Boy’ combines Euan Lindsay’s earnest lyrics with modern pop production to create a distinctive body of work. From darker evening tunes like  ‘Lost my head’  to the Spanish toned ‘Easy’ and R&B hued ‘Sing about me when the craic is done’ each track has a lightness and mellow soundscape. Lindsay embellishes his tracks with tight instrumentation and lush textures transforming songs like ‘Ur Smile’ into a vibrant funk pop song laced in tropical tones and rich rhythms.

The tracks are clean and refined as Lindsay shows off his production prowess. He knows when not to overdo things and keeps the intricacies on guitar and synths within delicate and subtle levels maintaining the easy going atmosphere throughout. Distinctive vocals meander between coos and soulful tones with a Cork twang shining brightly throughout as Lindsay provides a fresh listening experience with a proudly Irish undertone.

Each track grooves and pivots around the meticulously placed guitar melodies. These golden melodies lace the songs in sun-kissed tropical and funk/soul elements creating a balmy hue to indulge in. Although the songs float with a dreamy laid back upbeat vibe, Lindsay discusses themes of loss, illness and self-uncertainty throughout the EP, albeit with a sense of Irish irony and self-mockery

With dazzling electronics and flashing beats on the lofi ‘All I Know’ and the mellow lounge soul elements on closing track ‘I don’t belong’ Lindsay proves his deft ability to create stunning pieces of music while bending genres harmoniously. ‘You, Boy’ is an impressive debut from Euan Lindsay.

Stream ‘You, Boy’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, New Music, Rock

Mantis and the Prayer ‘Murder Ballad and the Blue’ EP

Enigmatic rock band Mantis and the Prayer have returned with a double single release. ‘Murder Ballad and the Blue’ features the songs ‘I Know You’ and ‘Go Too Far’ which are written on themes of tragedy and disconnection. Mantis and the Prayer are a three piece rock band from Melbourne Australia. Releasing their first album ‘Butterflies and Demons’ in 2016 they have since gone on to place their music in the soundtrack for independent movie ‘Queen of Hollywood Blvd’ which was featured in the film festival circuit and had a cinematic release in Los Angeles.

‘Murder Ballad and the Blue’ is a dramatic two track concoction which blends fermenting alternative rock with theatrical elements to create a chilling listening experience. The punchy drums, crashing guitars and wailing backing vocals in ‘I Know You’ ooze tension and eerie atmospheres as dark pop elements swirl through a rock backdrop while ‘Go Too Far’ adds a ghostly aspect to the ominous vibe. The track is a goosebump inducing boogie with groove riddled guitar and a 60’s rock n roll shimmy rhythm. With deep vocals echoing through the pop/rock sensibilities and upbeat moments ‘Murder Ballad and the Blue’ is quiet the fun, engaging and catchy two track EP.

Stream ‘Murder Ballad and the Blue’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music

Lady Landscape ‘3’ EP

Upcoming indie-pop band, Lady Landscape released their third EP, ‘3’ on June 26th.Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece ( Jamie Reynolds (Drums), Tiernan Buckley (Bass) and (Lead Guitar)Adam Ollin ), Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals.

‘3’ is a laid back collection of tracks which showcase Lady Landscape’s earnest and melodic musicianship. Previously released singles ‘Versailles’, ‘25’ and ‘Apartment Song’ ease the EP into motion with glistening guitar, supple soundscapes and dreamy tones. The band use soft, delicate melodies with powerful lyrics to express the melancholic and irritating themes of self disappointment and normal life occurrences. With deep baritone vocals cruising through the hazy melodies and buoyant rhythm each track flows fluidly into the next making for a soothing listening experience.

I particularly enjoyed the use of acoustic guitar in tracks ‘Ghost Story’ and ‘WWII’. The acoustic guitar chugs along sluggishly between the lulling elements with a nonchalant aesthetic. The band seep wispy synths and airy soundscapes into the tracks background making each song drift into the aerosphere allowing the deep vocals, steady beat and striking lyrics ground the track. ’2001’ brings the EP to an end with a bitter sweet melody and continuing the chilled out vibe of the EP.

‘3’ is an EP of moody, glum tones mangled between ethereal and dreamy soundscapes. The band discuss themes of growing older and the mundanity and disappointment of life through hazy calm tunes that drone as well as twinkle beneath the lo fi indie pop canvas. Lady Landscape’s soft and melancholic tones are filled with intricate moments and lush instrumentation. ‘3’ is a fantastic display of this. Lady landscape’s third EP is a smooth and satisfying listening experience.

Stream ‘3’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Soul, New Music, Soul

Miles Graham ‘All The Right Things’ EP

Miles Graham is set to release his new EP ‘All The Right Things’ via Peer Music on the 10th July. Graham’s latest track ‘Don’t Change’ resulted in him performing the single live on BBC Radio 5 and a stunning version of Dido’s Thank You, and picking up further airplay from BBC Introducing. It accelerated a fresh stage in the Irish singer-songwriter’s career, having previously scored international dance hits alongside Don Diablo and L’Tric, as well as being playlisted on BBC Radio 2 for his breakthrough moment ‘I Can’t Love You Again’.The ‘All The Right Things’ EP was recorded in London with producer Paul Herman(Emeli Sandé, Dido, Corinne Bailey Rae), with string arrangements from renowned Sally Herbert (Plan B, Usher, Duffy,Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine).

‘All The Right Things’ is a pop and retro-soul filled EP boasting Graham’s refined and passionate musicianship. Miles Graham uses deep grooves, intricate soundscapes and mellow guitar lines to create a unique collection of tracks. From title track ‘All The Right Things’ to the vibrant ‘Don’t Change’ through to the lush coos of the velvety ‘Sunbeam’, Graham adorns each track with warm hooks and peppy twinkles on keys while sprinkling R&B elements on top.

The arrangements throughout are simply outstanding; he delicately blends bubbling rhythms with subtle explosions of melodic counterpoints to create a cohesive and charming body of work. The musical components slowly build upon this and meld into an intricately textured soundscape as Graham utilizes vaporous guitar and laid back tones to add richness to his tracks. This is most evident in the heart-melting tribute to his young daughter, ‘Sunbeam’. Graham soulfully croons in spectacular fashion – while slipping into his sweet falsetto, his velvety tones drift over the sweet melodies with passion and tenderness.

Lyrically ‘All The Right Things’ EP is powerful, profound and deeply personal as Graham ruminates on past experience of the turmoils of a breakup. However Graham is breaking free from the turmoil that comes with hostility on the piano ballad, ‘Give It Up’. Through conversational lyrics which gives a fly on the wall insight to break-up he provides a motivational tune with oodles of passion and gusto. 

The softer moments within the EP is where Graham excels, his delicate and emotive vocals, lush harmonies and raw tender moments build in to the tracks groove infested underbelly making each song an engaging and spell-binding listening experience. This is a rare talent and not easy to achieve consistently yet this technique flows effortlessly through Graham’s work marking him as quite the master songwriter. Miles Graham and his intriguing take of music is getting better and better with each release, keep an eye on this artist. 

‘All The Right Things’ is set for release this Friday 10th July. For more you can follow Miles Graham on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MilesGrahammusic/


Author : Danu