‘Life Without Colour’ is the debut EP release from 20-year-old artist Maikoh Webbe. Written as an expression of his journey with mental health issues, bullying, loneliness and addiction, ‘Life Without Colour’ is a powerful portrayal of real-life experiences. This four-track EP was written, recorded, mixed and mastered from Maikoh Webbe’s bedroom.
‘Life Without Colour’ is a poignant collection of tracks that blends grunge vibes with earnest songwriting to create a wholly consuming listening experience. Heavy guitar and pounding drums provide a powerful foundation for strikingly mournful vocals in ‘Suffer In Silence’ while ‘How Does It Feel?’ flows with bittersweet emotion and heartbreaking lyrical content as Webbe’s sombre vocals croon “tell me how it feels to be loved, to be wanted, to be anything but haunted” over a building backdrop of biting guitars. Webbe balances heavy lyrical content with lighter tones and glimmers of hope throughout the EP. This is especially noteworthy within ‘Everyone Dies In The End’ and showcases the artist’s honest vulnerability and deft musical prowess. ‘Life Without Colour’ is a heartfelt body of work from Maikoh Webbe.
Irish avant-punk trio Nerves have returned with their new single ‘Leigue’. Having lit up their homeland with four well-received singles to date, the band began to earn a reputation as a must-see live act prior to lockdown with a series of sweaty DIY basement shows, sold-out headline dates and support slots with the likes of HMLTD, Turnstiles and more. Recorded over lockdown at Sonic Studios with Girl Band’s Daniel Fox, “Leigue” is a perfect snapshot of the band’s intense and borderless sound.
‘Leigue’ frizzles with the passionate and thrilling sound of Nerves. It’s a hard-hitting tune that displays Nerves at their most intense and emotional to date. The song has an asphyxiating and harrowing atmosphere that is greatly enhanced by a muggy panic-stricken soundscape filled with pounding drums, rampant bass wriggles and contorting wails on guitar. ‘Leigue’ is an immersive listening experience – the track broods and simmers with angst throughout as Nerves venture from light shoegaze moments to post-punk anarchy within a few brisk instrumental lacerations. The shoegaze, post-punk, krautrock blend of sounds is an exhilarating assault on the senses as Kyle Thornton’s reverb vocals speak about the dangers of trying to ignore grief and allowing unhealthy coping mechanisms to begin to rule one’s life. As the song reaches its crescendo, the guitars spiral and crash into the aggressive drums, creating an explosive and exhilarating moment for listeners to enjoy.
Nerves are meticulously crafting their powerful sound, and ‘Leigue’ is an exciting example of this band’s impressive musicianship.
Speaking about the single, Kyle Thornton says, “We feel as though Leigue was a bit of aturning point for us as a band, towards something more mature and cathartic. It’s paved theway for how our sound and attitude has changed over the course of the last year. It’s stillintense and still fun to play, but it means more to us now than I think it ever has.”
Following on from the release of their recent single ‘Copy’, the first release for Xtra Mile Recordings, London grunge trio BERRIES, are back with the news of their forthcoming EP, ‘Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios’.and the release of its lead track ‘Dangerous’.BERRIES have been turning heads up and down the country for a number of years; their vast array of singles earning the band crucial support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, as well as online championing from Louder Than War and Fred Perry.
‘Dangerous’ is a dark bass-heavy tune that packs a mighty punch. BERRIES take their gritty grunge and spread it over an eerie backdrop to create on tantalising earworm for listeners to indulge in. Driven by a beefy bass riff, the song entices with an infectious groove while sharp, crisp guitar lines slither throughout, creating a luring web of musical delight. Holly’s smooth vocals caress the soft melody with a sweet coo, while the haunting backing vocals create a sense of danger. With pounding drums forming a magnificent rhythmic foundation this vaporous tune is a brooding and fantastic piece of music.
About the track, the band explain: “Dangerous was written after travelling home late one night from a gig. All of the thoughts and feelings of walking the streets alone at night and the different personalities you meet on the way”.
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.
Tallaght hard-rock trio Dead Manifest have released their new single ‘Blood’. No beginners to the Dublin rock scene, Dead Manifest have been playing music together, on and off, for ten years. The band consists of Aaron Nestor (vocals & guitar), Andy Rudd (bass), and Cathal Cullivan (drums).
Consumed in a vigorous concoction of metal, grunge, and alternative rock, ‘Blood’ boasts Dead Manifest’s refined and impressive musicianship. The track is a mammoth of slick, frenzied instrumentation as the trio take harsher elements of their music and blend these aspects with strong melodies to create a fantastic ruthless sound that is catchy as hell and utterly invigorating.
A raw bassline runs rampant through the track’s beefy foundation as Nestor’s vocals curdle and scream throughout unabated by the maelstrom of aggressive riffs and pummeling drums which rise and fall with each verse and chorus.The listener is simply left in awe and inspired by the brazen instrumentation and deft production within this thrilling single.
Dripping in dark melodic grunge, this raucous track is a prime example of the all consuming sound of Dead Manifest. Love it.
Dukkha have released their third single ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ from their upcoming album. Dukkha are a grunge and alt-rock band featuring Eoin O’Neill (vocals & guitar), Brian Casey (lead guitar, keys), Peter O’Sullivan (drums) and a shape-shifting bassist.
Lathered in dark smothering grunge, ‘Feed Me Roadkill’ is an utterly thrilling and sinister new single from Dukkha. The song haunts through the verses with subdued instrumentation allowing O’Neill’s creeping vocals murmur between light strokes and creaking chills on guitar. The track explodes into its alternative rock chorus as crashing guitars collide with pummeling drums and raw unbridled bass attacks. Wonderfully eerie and expressive, the vocals wail and whisper with intensity, it’s difficult not to become completely entranced by the dark atmosphere and exceptional delivery by the band. Sonically the track is tight and impressive as the band ferment and curdle their sound while displaying refined musical prowess through scorching slick solos, precise jabs of distortion and glimpses of rock swagger beneath the brooding moody aesthetic. What a track.
Tasmanian rockers Meres have released their latest single ‘Finally’.Conceived in the perfect echo chambers of Canada’s cheap motel bathrooms, Meres is the solo writing project of Mary Shannon. With her band she is working on a new Meres album, produced by Australian Anna Laverty which is due for release later this year. Following on from the success of their previous singles, Meres have been Tasmanian nominees for the National Live Music Awards “Live Voice of the Year” award category for 3 years consecutively, and have this year been nominated for live act of the year.
A gritty and energetic grunge track, ‘Finally’ displays Meres’ ability to create blazing angsty tunes brimming with shredding musicianship. Raw guitar riffs pirouette into a shrilling stride of fury between light sun kissed soundscapes while pounding drums and simmering bass lines create the brawny riddled backbone. The band balance edgy grunge with explosive rock to create a catchy and compelling number. With powerful vocals driving the uplifting melody while the lyrics ruminate on finding yourself in the mess of someone else, this dynamic track is an instant shot of adrenaline.
Front woman Mary explains that some of the lyrics were “inspired by a person in my life who at the time I thought was worthy of dulling my own light to support them further.”
This serious subject matter is lightened with the fun filled video featuring two of the band’s dogs. Recorded at Audrey Studios in Melbourne with renowned Australian Producer, Anna Laverty, this was Meres’ first professional studio experience and it’s safe to say they knocked it out of the park.
Bitch Falcon have recently released their new single ‘Test Trip’ taken from their forthcoming debut LP, ‘Staring At Clocks’, to be released 6th November via Small Pond Records (Clt Drp, Wild Cat Strike).BITCH FALCON was formed by frontwoman Lizzie Fitzpatrick in Dublin in 2014, and are mainstays of the festival circuit in both Ireland and abroad (packing out rooms in the US, Canada and Europe). Since these freshman days, the lineup has galvanised around the rhythm section of Barry O’Sullivan on Bass and Nigel Kenny on Drums.The trio has played shows with Girl Band, Fontaines DC, Torche, Black Peaks and Pussy Riot.
Once again Bitch Falcon deliver another slice of grunge perfection with latest release ‘Test Trip’. A relentless bass rumbles through eerie soundscapes for the verses while drums tease and foreshadow the chaos to come. The track oozes spine-tingling instrumentation, tension and dark atmospherics as the trio push and pull the verses into the heavy chorus with majestic and masterful musical flair. The band place droplets of dreamy tones through the track which gives brief moments of release between the striking guitars while the harsh riffs and pummeling drums provide a thunderous backdrop for Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s powerful vocals (which is the all commanding constant within the bands songs.) Her range is bewitching as she controls her icy lulls and mighty wails with dignified dominance while the crazed guitar fuzz, shattering bass and dead summoning drums explode into a frenzy behind her. Her cool, calm approach has a sense of passionate nonchalance which she unleashes without warning, making each track the band release an energetic shock to the system. Bitch Falcon’s sound is absolutely thrilling and first class. These guys are in a league of their own.
About the track frontwoman Lizzie Fitzpatrick said : “I wrote this about running away from home. When I was young I would always pack my bags in a bid to manipulate my mother into forgiving me for something I did (too stubborn to just apologize). I linked this with manipulation in love. When the partner ‘tests’ each other by trying to leave when they just want to be fought for. Really it’s a take on myself, rather than dealing with the situation, just packing your bags and running away (which is not the answer).”
Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Bitch Falcon
Dublin grunge-rock trio, Bitch Falcon have released their new single ‘Gaslight’ on Small Pond Records.The track premiered on BBC Radio 1 last Sunday and is the band’s debut release of 2020 and their first since signing to Brighton’s Small Pond Records. Formed by front-woman Lizzie Fitzpatrick with her friends in a small kitchen in 2014, the lineup has galvanised around the rhythm section of Barry O’Sullivan on Bass and Nigel Kenny on Drums. To date they have performed several headline and support tours around the UK along with frequent visits to the Benelux countries and North America. From the early days of their first single, Wolfstooth to their most recent release Damp Breath, an evolution in sound can be heard as the group perfect and refine their raw, fuzz-laced offerings over six singles and one EP.
‘Gaslight’ is Bitch Falcon’s most exciting release to date. The band unleash an alternative rock maelstrom filled with raw guitars, powerful vocals and heavy barbed bass lines. The hefty tight rhythmic foundation anchors the listener through the tracks crazed agitated atmospherics as Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s bewitching vocals haunt over brooding sound rumbles and pummeling drum progressions.
Bitch Falcon have a deft ability to create wonderful calm moments of respite in between their chaotic sound which is a difficult task to achieve and yet they do this with such ease that the listener can not help but be in awe of their musical prowess. They are one of Ireland’s most exciting alternative rock bands at the moment. The refined layering and dark chilling atmospheres created within their tracks is utterly thrilling and a joy to listen to.
With gritty riffs and a dark all consuming soundscape, ‘Gaslight’ is an epic return from Bitch Falcon.
About the trackLizzie Fitzpatrick commented “I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. Gaslight is a song that came together quite fast. Barry started playing his riff and I played along messing rhythmically, just making noise. It sounded so weird and intense so quickly. I remember us all looking at each other and saying this is the one. I think this song was a change in our writing together. We knew we wanted a heavy sound with melodic intricacies.I recorded the vocal layering at home, building up chords with my voice. When we recorded it in the studio, I wasn’t able to sustain my voice for the whole section, Rían (Trench), and I decided to record it in a wave, one-note resting while the other picks up, so it sounds like a living, breathing thing.
I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. The holy grail of public display, and worth to others. Expressing yourself puts you in a vulnerable position, and I think a lot of people embellish the truth. In that way, an unachievable status is shoved down our throats, and we play into the game every day.”
ALRIGHT brother has released his latest Post Punk Album ‘REDEEMER’.ALRIGHT brother is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and visual artist living in LA. His music comes with short hand drawn animated promos that ALRIGHT brother creates himself. Receiving recognition for a lofi cover of a Kendrick Lamar track, ALRIGHT brother has been steadily building up his portfolio of music, taking inspiration from punk, hardcore and grunge.
Mangled between raw post punk and alternative rock ‘REDEEMER’ displaysALRIGHT brother’s coarse unadulterated musicianship in a unique collection of tracks. ALRIGHT brother smudges pop melodies through a harsh, bombarding backdrop in ‘The Last of the Famous International Dirtbags’ and ‘Redeemer’ to create a full bodied striking sound. This full bodied sound is carried throughout the album with ‘Lounge Act’ taking a more grunge-like stance.
There is a lot going on in each song with entwining key refrains mangled beneath bombarding punk, crashing guitars and drums. These moments provide wonderful embellishments throughout the album. However ALRIGHT brother provides some release from the frenzied onslaughts with the melancholic cool tones of ‘Cold Falls’.
The tracks are well layered as the fuzzed backdrops are embroidered with frenzied and sometimes ethereal synths. ‘REDEEMER’ exposes the paranoia and frustration of the modern condition and ALRIGHT brother conveys this superbly with intense synths and bass moments coiling beneath rowdy explosions.The vocals throughout are very distracting they sort of contrast the sweeter moments with a clamorous outburst while a sublime guitar flourishes beneath. From the sprightly jog of ‘Last Watch’ and sweet lament of ‘The Daily Star Mirror’ there are nimble and glorious guitar elements sprinkled throughout while ‘Random Access Misery’ brings an angsty rap quality to the album with a thrilling rumbling bass line.
‘REDEEMER’ is a tight album and a whirlwind journey through onslaughts of emotion and soundscapes. For me it’s the instrumental arrangements where ALRIGHT brother excels. He ferments harsh post punk with bittersweet grunge stained pop elements and huge, sometimes epic moments of rock to create a striking album which tells short stories with a different perspective on life.
Stream ‘REDEEMER’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
