Dürtbürd have just released a brand new live single/video called ‘gRimjob’. Dürtbürd are a four piece ‘dürtrock’ band based in Leixlip. The band have released six live singles to date along with live videos for each which have together amassed over 200k views on facebook.
‘gRimjob’ is a stirring display of alternative rock. The track has a sleek sound that fluidly flows upon a driving bass and scorching guitar lines that venture between rampant strides and gritty riffs while allowing the punchy drums form the brawny foundation. In true Dürtbürd manner, the song ebbs and flows with genre-bending progressions. From raw metal assaults to moody grunge verses and ballsy rock crescendos ‘gRimjob’ is a thrilling roller coaster ride. These guys present a sound that holds an air of musical majesty while providing that lean mean soundscape that evokes manic moshing. Dürtbürd show their growing talent through this infectious raw new single.
Barefoot Magicians have released their new single ‘The Anthem’. Formed in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios, the band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a blues groove. Comprised of Dave Greene on harmonica and vocals, Graham Stewart on Guitars, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Paraic Carroll on Bass and Petra žižak on Keys the band has recently enjoyed two live recording sessions in Windmill Lane and Sun Recording Studios.
Barefoot Magicians take the funky swagger of GRIZ’s ‘The Anthem’ and add their own bluesy peppering to create a magnificent rendition. There is no shortage of energy within this track and Barefoot Magicians deliver on the song’s vigor as shredding guitars, resounding bass grooves and warm horns prance throughout displaying the refined and slick instrumental prowess of Barefoot Magicians. The band take the strutting guitar riff in the original and highlight it creating a clear hook throughout while at the same time adding a bite and edge to the song. Featuring organ-esque keys meandering through a lush bass and guitar jam, Barefoot Magicians provide a powerful tune that exudes the energy and swagger we have come to love the band for.
Watch the video for Barefoot Magicians’ cover of ‘The Anthem’ by GRIZ below
Bronagh Gallagher has released her brand new single ‘Truth or Dare’ today. Gallagher is considered one of Ireland’s leading actors and voices of soul music and is deeply respected for both the quality of her song writing and her stellar live performances. From the beginning of her acting career at age 17 as Bernie, one of the backing singers in Alan Parker’s The Commitments, Bronagh has appeared in countless films including Pulp Fiction, Star Wars, Sherlock Holmes, and award-winning TV dramas such as Jimmy Mc Govern’s The Street, and The Accused. She has also appeared in London’s West End, and Broadway Theatre Productions including Complicité’s Street of Crocodiles,the National Theatre’s Warhorse,and most recently Bob Dylan & Conor Mc Pherson’s award-winning musical Girl from The North Country. Alongside her acting career, Bronagh writes and produces her own music and runs her own independent label, Salty Dog Records. She has released three albums to date and past collaborators include Brian Eno, Maria Mc Kee, and Gary Lightbody.
Bronagh Gallagher presents her timeless retro sound with oodles of passion and gusto in new single ‘Truth or Dare’. Gallagher’s soulful vocals have a velvety texture as she uses the power in her voice to surge emotion and depth into her track. With warm brass elements, steamy guitars and elastic bass grooves the track oozes swag without losing sight of its smooth, funky, soul- filled core. The steady beat and meaty rhythms seduce and entice as the dreamy, supple melody melts into the listeners ears with tantalizing ease. Oozing emotion, rich instrumentation and catchy hooks teamed with a powerful crescendo, vaporous guitar pines and sass ‘Truth or Dare’ is another smooth as silk number from Bronagh Gallagher.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From SG Lewis
Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist SG Lewis has recently released the official video for his brand new single ‘Chemicals’ via PMR/VirginEMI.The psychedelic video was shot at home during lockdown by SG using a green screen and directed by Yousef and produced by Jake Parker for Prettybird. The song has already accumulated over 3 million streams since release and is the first track to be released from SG’s eagerly anticipated debut album, with more details to be announced soon.
Saturated in soaring soundscapes, intricate funk grooves and euphoric melodies, ‘Chemicals’ is a laid back disco hued gem. The track spins into motion with shimmering synths exuding a cool refreshing atmosphere as the zesty guitar flexes and swirling electronics create a chilled sonic drive. With a strutting hook, sweet melody and retro disco underbelly the track wraps your ears in a luscious coating of candy floss bliss while the chic 70’s – esque bubbly foundation keeps your feet tapping. ‘Chemicals’ effortlessly displays SG Lewis’ rich, first rate production and musicianship while his velvety falsetto cools the electric funk humidity of the track. There are elements of Daft Punk and influences of soul glimmering through the track making this relaxed summer-splashed tune an enjoyable listen.
Priorland have released their new single ‘Moving To The Beat’.The track is the prologue to their ‘E.P. One’ which will debut later this year. Priorland is an original Irish band consisting of four members Calvin, Tommy, Davie and Conor. Their style ranges from Rock, Reggae, R&B, Soul, Blues and Pop.
With its funky flex creating a strutting groove ‘Moving To The Beat’ is that infectious tune sure to entice you onto the dance floor. The band douse the track in smooth silky instrumentation while slapping on healthy portions of indie rock on top. A pop, swagger-dipped melody prances about jangly guitar refrains and buoyant foot tapping beat. With smooth velvety vocals teamed with lush backing harmonies and glossy production Priorland have created one infectious bop which showcases their proficient, refined and classy musicianship. ‘Moving To The Beat’ blends chic, soul-hued funk with R&B elements and sprightly indie pop to create a well oiled dance infused gem.
Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their debut EP ‘Get Your Life’.The EP was recorded by Rob Kennedy in his studio in Donabate, Co. Dublin. It was co-produced by Zapho (Ele Breslin) and the band themselves. Zapho also co-wrote lyrics for two of the songs, “Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire” and “Seriously”.
‘Get Your Life’ is a fun richly textured EP as Toshín create wonderful soul smacked tunes with R&B influences and a tasty peppering of Motown. These guys have a tight sound that oozes confidence and sass. They provide jubilant sounds with sublime saxophone blasts, tantalizing bass grooves and superb guitar work. Toshín possess the mesmerising ability to create elegant moments with their music through the use of wonderful strings and vocal harmony.
The funk flavoured licks and buoyant backdrop glitter with swagger and attitude in ‘Seriously’ and ‘Eat, Sleep, Sex, Desire (ft. Zapho)’ as the band layer the tracks with lush textures and grandeur. Jazzy keys and warm brass elements create a sophisticated and wholesome soundscape. The guitars in each track flamboyantly prance with a fluid majesty that maintains contrasting elements of grace and ear-splitting, fret-melting aspects with gritty undertones – all while blending perfectly against the driving bass grooves and elastic beat. The band veer their songs from wiggle worthy sensuality to mosh pit mania seamlessly creating something enjoyable for everyone. Toshín chat through the jam-like ‘Get Your Life (Interlude)’ while ‘Oh Lord’ provides that enthralling glimpse into the bands Motown faction. With its sway-like tempo building tension and creating a smoky atmosphere, the track forms the bands transition into a sound which is darker and more gripping than its predecessors while the outstanding recent single ‘Knock Knock’ is a refreshing strong and moving finale to the EP.
The obvious factor holding all these fantastic and instrumentally deft tracks together is Tosin Bankole’s retro, big-lunged, soulful vocals. She commands attention and controls her powerful voice masterfully bellowing with might before cooing with a sultry sweet rasped tone. She can evoke such emotion, passion and sass with just her voice alone – its mesmerising.
Within each track on ‘Get Your Life’ the band flex their Motown, indie and funk/soul muscles to create a sound that is as lush and vibrant as it is moving and honest. Toshín present an EP brimming with big soul stompers, smooth R&B gems and oodles of swagger. The dynamic soundscapes, crisp production and fizzy rhythms within ‘Get Your Life’ is admirable. Toshín have built a fine body of work doused in professional prowess and slick musicianship.
About the EP Tosin says: “This EP is about getting your life! It’s about feeling good aboutyourself, and being the best you can be. It’s also a mixture ofemotions; “Oh Lord” is about daddy issues, “Seriously” isabout being a queen, and “Eat Sleep” is about trying to get theride. Isn’t that what we all go through?”
Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their new single ‘Knock Knock’, taken from their upcoming debut EP ‘Get Your Life’ which is set for release on the 14th of February. Over the last few years, Toshín have played some amazing shows and festivals including Beat Yard festival (2019), Electric Picnic (2019), Body & Soul Mainstage (2019), and Music Makers Festival UK (2019). They have played headline shows in the Workmans for a single launch, Sin E for their 3rd birthday party, alongside Munky in Lost Lane, and alongside Shookrah in the Kino in Cork.
‘Knock Knock’ is a soulful passionate number that boasts the exquisite first rate musicianship of Toshín. This band have a tight, chic and polished sound brimming with emotion and power which translates superbly in this elegant and classy track. The song builds beautifully from a soft emotional and delicate intro to a funky outburst as the band keep the track intriguing throughout. The majestic twinkling guitar weaves gracefully with a lamenting tone while the rich rhythm, brass elements and jazz tonality inject a dash of sass into this tantalizing track. With lush harmonies the band pack oodles of gusto, emotion and instrumental prowess into ‘Knock Knock’. The guitar melodies in particular are outstanding – they flood the track with tender, vaporous and intoxicating characteristics while subtly sweetening each component and melodious fragment at the same time. Tosin Bankole’s vocals rein in the vibrant instrumental backdrop with compelling control. Her vocals display rich depths and warm tones for the powerful chorus while cooing softly and soulfully through the verses. Her vocal control is mesmerising and lifts the track into diva heights. This is one very talented band with music which can ignite the soul. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.
About the track Tosin Bankole said : “Knock Knock for me is about struggling through a bad mental health episode. The song has a darkness to it, not just lyrically but also within the music. It has some more upbeat sections, however, that represent how music got me through those bad times. It’s a really therapeutic song to sing live!”
Toshin will be embarking on an Irish Tour between February and March to promote this new EP. Their tour will culminate in a headline show in Dublin at the Grand Social on March 12th.
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.
Promising Singer/Songwriter hailing from North East England, The ÆTHER, aka David has released his second studio album ‘ÆTHEREAL’. Written during the British heatwave of 2018, the album is a collection of optimistic tracks, underscored with hope, resilience and a love of life.
‘ÆTHEREAL’ is a richly diverse and perfectly blended collection of electronic, dance, indie, funk and pop. The ÆTHER delivers a tasty nine track assortment that is the perfect summer soundtrack. His luscious pop melodies saturate each track in deliciousness while his soulful vocals are full of emotional tenderness that holds everything together. From the electronic ‘Im So Sorry’ and ‘Urgh’ with their chicness and 70’s funk flecked choruses the album is doused in suave romantic tones. Tracks like ‘Miracle’, ‘Deep In Love’ bring that dance laced summer vibe and free “caution to the wind “ atmosphere while packing in deep lyric content between the flashing electronics, swirling dazed soundscapes and funky guitar. The falsetto vocals are particularly sweet and showcase Davids’ warm range. ‘Sun & Moon’, ‘Like No Other Can’ takes us from the dance party to a chilled soul / R&B hued slow mover. It’s a slick romantic number to dim the light to and swoon over. ‘I Can’t Take This Feeling’ is the emotional sorrow filled track of the album that brings stormy clouds and rain filled with turmoil with contrasting electronics and dark beats. The ÆTHER brings the album to a close with two tender heartfelt numbers ‘I Think Im Falling Going Nowhere’ and ‘Let Me Adorn You’.
‘ÆTHEREAL’ is filled with delicate tones, chilled vibes and oodles of soul which contrast beautifully against the albums dynamic electronics and funky guitar injections. Each song flows into the next with zealous finesse while the smooth vocals caress and glide over the melty melodies. It’s a charming album.
Barefoot Magicians have released two new juicy singles ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ which were recorded in Hellfire studios. Forming in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios Barefoot Magicians comprise of Dave Greene (Vox/ Harmonica), Graham Stewart (Guitar), Fergal Mulligan (Bass), Brian Steemers (Drums/Percussion) and Hugh Caren (Piano/keys. The band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a high energy blues funk groove, or as producer Alwyn Walker formerly of Westland Studios called it, “A Post Blues Groove”.
‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’ are a dynamic funk/blues slapped duo made for wiggling and dancing to. These guys are instrumental pros as they blend out their delicious sounds to create a rich wholly satisfying listening experience
‘I’m Hooked’ brings a 70’s disco flavour to the bands groovy sound as the elastic bass wiggles and weaves its way through a feet shuffling foundation while jazz sprinkled piano and suave guitars slide and playfully dance between the strutting beat and swanky soundscape.It’s an animated rich track that showcase’s the meticulous instrumental refinement that goes into this bands tunes. This infectious track cools for a sultry guitar solo that builds the tempo for the hyper crescendo. With glorious harmonica injections and raspy vocals it’s one panache soaked, sing along ready tune.
‘It’s All Take’ is another groove infested number that bounces along sweet guitar melodies, rooted bass lines and an energetic rhythm. Catchy with a vibrant instrumental backdrop – this track travels with an energetic tempo. With elegant piano, delightful blasts of harmonica and expressive vocals it’s another swagger soaked track that is sure to have you strutting around like a dizzy peacock.
There are sublime guitar moments that weave an enticing golden thread of sweet delight through these tracks and that is the bait that gets you hooked on Barefoot Magicians tasty home brewed sound.
The band are set to release their new singles in Sin É on March 8th make sure to check them out
Stream ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.