Tag Archives: Indie Folk

Folk, Indie, Indie Folk, indie rock, New Music

Rowan ‘Big Wave’

Photo Credit: Zyanya Lorenzo 

Irish indie-folk band Rowan have released their new single ‘Big Wave’. Rowan is made up of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Dylan Howe, with Fionn Hennessy-Hayes on drums and Kevin Herron on Guitar. The individual members of the band have worked with world renowned artists such as TOUCAN, Tiz McNamara, Ariel Posen, The Frank And Walters, Clare Sands, Stephanie Rainey and Little Hours, as session musicians performing to crowds of thousands in some instances. 

With melodies that hook you from the start ‘Big Wave’ delves deep into your skull and massages your brain with Rowan’s infectious luscious musicianship. The band carve a vibrant indie edge into the track as jaunty guitars slice through a buoyant backdrop and peppy rhythm. With a groove mangled bass, clap along feature and instant rush of vitality the track lays down an energetic foundation. This band swirls sweet glistening melodies into refined musicianship to create a heartfelt number that charms and warms the cockles of your heart while quick lyrics add both sweetness and a touch of humour. There is a folk element richly blended into the mixture of indie rock with a glorious sprinkling of pop on top.The band use wonderful percussive elements to flesh out the track and create a wholly invigorating sound with tropical undertones. With velvety vocals and lush harmonies ‘Big Wave’ is a tasty tune that I just can’t get enough of. 

Stream ‘Big Wave’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

James Burrage ‘Good Karma’

Essex singer songwriter James Burrage has released his new single ‘Good Karma’. This uplifting cosy track flows intensely on Burrage’s emotive and compelling musicianship. A steady, infectious, foot-tapping beat and rich percussion accompanies warm vibrant guitar jingles. This track gushes with sincerity and earnest tenderness. Burrage’s passionate vocals exude loving sweet tones as he coos and rasps over the delightful comforting melody. It’s an intimate indie folk number that is crafted to perfection. The subtle guitar whines create a breezy ethereal quality to the track as the melody and soothing vocals cushion the ears from the background whines creating a sublime contrast and intriguing listening experience. ‘Good Karma’ showcases Burrage’s fine ability to create sophisticated and moving tracks. It’s an emotive and powerful number to follow James Burrage’s funky swagger-dipped predecessor ‘Somehow’ which was released earlier in the year.

Stream ‘Good Karma’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Bland Orlando ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’ EP

Cork Indie Pop/Folk artist Bland Orlando has released his new EP ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’. This three track collection floats and swoons in Bland Orlando’s delicate and emotive musicianship. From the brooding fluid groove of opening track ‘Blue’ the EP sets up a tranquil scene with relaxing vibes and sweet lush melodies. With soft warm guitar accompaniment and a steady beat slap this track allows  Bland Orlando’s vocals to become the main focus point as he coos with raspy tones over the delicate tender melody. ’Hold’ has a lighter more buoyant quality as the twinkling soundscapes flutter about the rich rhythm and infectious melody. It’s charming and a joy to listen to. There are intricate subtle melodies through out that create a mesmerising and peaceful tone to the track making it perfect for evening listening. This EP in brimming with passion and luscious melodies. Bland Orlando’s simplistic approach gives a special and magical effect to his tracks. ‘Wasted’ closes the EP. Haunting backing vocals lull and whine behind Orlando’s deep vocals. Passion and emotion radiates through out the track – building becoming more jittery until it transforms into a tropical- esque delight. The guitars add a dash of zest and sun-speckled scintillation as the rhythm becomes more shaky and vibrant. It’s a chilled cruising track to bring the EP to a mellowed out hazy summer end. 

 Bland Orlando has created an emotive EP that is set to ease the mind and relax the soul with his superb musicianship. 

Stream ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’ below 


Album Review, Americana, Indie Folk, New Music

Sunjay ‘Devil Came Calling’ Album

Contemporary Folk artist Sunjay has released his latest album ‘Devil Came Calling’. Sunjay hails from the UK where he has been quickly coined a rising star. In 2012 he was nominated for BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award as well as being crowned Wath Festival Young Performers Award Winner.

‘Devil Came Calling’ is a twanging quirky album that bounces along peppy folk tones with humour glimmering through Sunjay’s lyrics. Warm guitars lift each track into an uplifting atmosphere while the infectious buoyant beat keeps tracks like ‘Ghost Train’, ‘Mean & Ugly’, ‘Too Close To The Sun’ and ‘King Of My Own Country’ tipping away in your mind. The country influences add that sing along sprightly feel while the blues hues in ‘Big Road’, and the Robert Johnson -esque ‘Mississippi Blues’ adds a lonesome purity to the album as well as showcasing Sunjay’s guitar prowess.‘Johnny & The Devil’ chugs along with an entertaining narrative through the lyrics while the vocals tell the tale with warmth and charm. The album winds out with the radiant ‘Faith Healer’ followed by the rock n’ roll doused ‘Tell Me’ which swaggers its way to the final slow burner ‘The Truth’

‘Devil Came Calling’ displays Sunjay’s diverse musicianship with warm country twangs, blues hues and some strut ready rock n’ roll peppering to keep the album spicy and fresh. Filled with rich rhythms sublime guitar work and string element sprinklings, Sunjay has created an easy on the ears album for the indie folk lovers out there.

Stream ‘Devil Came Calling’ below


Album Review, Blues, Folk, Folk and Soul, Indie, New Music

Magpie Diaries ‘Sanctuary’ Album

Country/folk group Magpie Diaries have released their long-awaited 11-track debut album ‘Sanctuary’ via Dashville. Originating in Hunter Valley, Australia, singer-songwriter Matt “Magpie” Johnston unassumingly founded Magpie Diaries as a coping mechanism for the loss of a dear friend, channeling his grief into the band’s signature brand of smooth alternative country music, bolstered by a tinge of folk and psychedelic rock straight out of the 70s. Motivated to continue this musical journey, Johnston set to work on the songs, recording Sanctuary with producer Matt Sherrod (Crowded House, Beck, William Crighton), over the next 3 years. Alongside his own musical endeavours, Magpie hosts a festival in his family property once a year. The festival titled The Gum Ball started over 10 years ago and today brings in crowds from around the world.
‘Sanctuary’ is a laid back mellow collection of tracks that melt gloriously into the ears creating a rich easy listening experience. The tracks swoon and glide about melancholic tones and dreamy vibes. Opening track ‘Beat Myself Up’ creates the swaying calm atmosphere with warm raspy vocals, lush harmonies and bittersweet guitar twangs. The guitar melodies in the tracks creates a sweet euphoric tone throughout the album from pining laments to steamy whines in ‘Irresistable Pie’ – the guitars flood each track with rich and varied characters. The album ranges from the upbeat soulful folky tones of ‘When Love Comes, ’10 Honey’ and ‘Beetroot’ to the tender ‘Strawberries & Cream’ and ‘If You’re Hurting’.When Magpie Diaries wants to lull you into a dreamy melancholic country toned stupor they do it superbly with sweet lyrics, beautiful melodies and soft passionate instrumentation and when they want to add a dash of shimmying vibrancy the shift is seamless and joyous without ruining the easy going mood of the album. The foot tapping infectious ‘Mumma’s Right’ and the delicate emotional ‘This Spring’ show this perfectly. The shift in tone is refreshing yet subtle. ‘Wastin’ Time’ thuds in on a darker tone as a stomping beat backs a sultry bluesy guitar and luring mysterious atmosphere. The brass elements through the album are simply sublime and lace each track with a juicy sultry persona. The raw ‘Don’t Give Up’ closes the album on an emotional vibe as glistening keys twinkle softly between strong guitar chords and lush vocals. It’s a passionate bruised end to the album that hits you hard in the chest and pulls at those heart strings. It’s a comforting track that gives hope and motivation in difficult times.

‘Sanctuary’ blends, churns and glides through a multitude of emotions from sensual, melancholic to cheery effortlessly while creating the perfect relaxed atmosphere to submerge yourself in.

Magpie Diaries will support the release of Sanctuary with 4 shows at the prestigious Woodford Folk Festival over New Years, along with an Australian East Coast tour throughout January – March. More information can be found on their socials here https://www.facebook.com/magpiediaries/

 

Stream ‘Sanctuary’ below

 


EP Review, Folk, Indie, New Music

Skipper ‘North’ EP

Infrared image of evening light falling on Icelandic mountain range

Folk rock artist Skipper has released his new EP ‘North’. Skipper released his latest Folk Rock EP, North, back in March and is ready to share it to new listeners once again. For Skipper, this record is his first self produced project, having worked on it all by himself. The vocals and the majority of the instrumentals are all his own work that he recorded in ‘Anchor Point’ in Melbourne, Australia.  With the help of contributors such as mixer, Brian McTear, who has worked with Sharon Van Etten and War on Drugs drummer Patrick Berkery, Skipper puts a spin on classic folk music.

‘North’ is a collection of gripping emotionally charged tracks that take you on a breezy journey of discovery. Written by Skipper about the complexity of life itself each track highlights a different aspect of life. ‘Past The Night’ speaks about death, following personal processes of letting go of true love. Brimming with wispy haunting soundscapes and deep eerie vocals this track builds from mournfully chilling to a crashing crescendo of shrilling guitars with wail and screech over punchy drums. The melodies in this EP are rich and full of meaningful heart gripping moments that make each track hit home with the listener. ‘Take What’s Yours’  is Skipper’s take on an ode to our consumer culture. Warm jingly guitar weaves its slinky way between a steady buoyant beat and rich percussion as Skippers vocals coo, soothe and almost drone between this lush exotic backdrop. ‘Northern Light’ is full of twinkling mystery. Delicate guitars glisten between a throbbing beat while echoed vocals haunt over the pulsing backdrop as bells chime an ominous jingle throughout. The sweet angelic ‘Hey There’ closes the EP. Soft guitar jingles teamed with lush harmonies add an ethereal lift to this gentle number ending the EP with soft chimes and celestial tones of hope. A charming tender way to close an EP which travels through a roller-coaster of emotions in the most soothing tranquilising manner.

Stream ‘North’ below

 


Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jane Willow ‘Onward Still’

Dublin-based Dutch folk musician Jane Willow has released her new single ‘Onward Still’. Willow is a Dutch singer-songwriter who moved to Ireland at age twenty-one to pursue music after a stint of studying songwriting at a Dutch Music College. In her music she experiments with folk, jazz and classical elements, whilst keeping her rich, soft and velvet-like voice at center stage.In recent years she has played an incredible amount of gigs, frequenting venues like Vicar  Street, Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club and Galway’s Roisin Dubh. In August 2017 she opened for Glen Hansard in Vicar Street. She followed this gig with a full band show in the Grand Social. In November Willow successfully raised over 4000 euro on fundit.ie for her first EP and has been featured on RTE Radio 1, BBC Radio Ulster and was the finalist in many songwriting/performance competitions and ‘Ones To Watch’ showcases. On her debut EP she collaborates with Dave Hingerty (drums: Kila, The Frames), Vyvienne Long (cello: Damien Rice) and regular band members Joanna Marie Burke (backing vocals), Eoin Healy (bass), Derek Copley (mandolin) and Scott Flanigan (keys). Her EP is due for release November 15th and ‘Onward Still’ is the second single from the EP.

‘Onward Still’ is a delicate wholesome number that radiates with simple glowing tones and delightful sun kissed melodies. The lush harmonies soothe and caress the sweet cosy melody while Willows warm vocals ease your mind and coo throughout this vibrant little gem. With soft guitar twangs injecting sparkling luminosity and bursts of zesty refreshing flavours this track is a golden ray of sunshine on a mild summers evening. Soft rhythms cushion and tranquilise you into a blissful swaying state of elation as the track flurries along in a graceful elegant manner. This track warms the cockles of your heart with purity and goodness as elastic bass and buoyant drums wrap you in a comfy cover while the beautiful melody melts upon the moving musical backdrop.Its a snug well crafted little ditty.

You can catch Jane Willow live at her single launch gig on Thursday Aug 30th in The Cobblestone, Dublin.

Watch the video for ‘Onward Still’ below


Album Review, Americana, Folk, Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Little Red ‘Draw Blood’ Album

Oxford and Reading’s Indie-folk outfit, Little Red have released their new album ‘Draw Blood’.Featuring the singles ‘Siren Song’, ‘Diamond Back’ and ‘Woebegone’, Draw Blood features nine tracks, written and recorded by the band. A fuller and more realised document of their sound than 2014’s well-received ‘Sticks and Stones’, Draw Blood features eight full-band tracks and one intimate trio recording, ‘Lay’. New member Marc Challans (formerly of AMP) has made a big impact on the band’s new sound, not only by adding heavier drums and percussion to the record, but also by sharing co-producer roles with Ben Gosling and Tom Hodges (Club Soda). Three of the tracks, ‘Black Dog’, ‘Chapters’ and ‘Huntsmen’, have been re-recorded with the new live line-up, to bring listeners up-to-date with where Little Red are now. Influenced by artists such as Colter Wall, Tom Mcrae and Tom Waits, the band has embraced Folk, Southern Gothic and Americana to help create this record.

The album gravitates around a folk sound with rich rhythmic slaps and pulses bringing a grittier more punchy texture to each of the tracks. It’s easy to listen to as each track flows fluidly into one another with subtle genre shifts weaving between their indie folk outfit. ‘Siren Song’ introduces their sound with eerie dark guitar strides between a trudging drum beat and sweet luscious vocals from Hayley Bell. The vocal rounds make for a truly engaging listen and the blend of male and female vocals is refreshing and sublime. I quite like the ghostly mysteries of this track as it’s crafted simply with each component piece carefully placed for maximum spine chilling effect while the soothing vocals ease your mind from the creeping guitar line. ‘Black Dog’ and  ‘Chapters’  takes on their buoyant Americana hued style as twangy guitars bounce along the rich sprightly rhythm while the glorious vocals coo and vibrantly harmonise through the punchy tracks with the latter having a organ-like element throughout the chorus. ‘Diamond Back’ brings us a nice clap along feature while ‘The Quiet Ones’ returns to that dark tone with a western-esque stand off at sun down lonesome vibe. These guys know how to tell a story and they portray the emotion and imagery perfectly through their music and this track and ‘The River’ is a prime example of that. ‘The Huntsmen’ follows their immaculate storytelling with the delicate instrumentation of acoustic guitar and soft drums before it bursts into a swayable blissfully folky instrumental that is perfect for old medieval grand halls and large crowds dancing with tankards of beer. ‘Lay’ is the only acoustic track on the album. Bell’s vocals sweetly coo over warm guitar twinkles. It’s a delicate number filled with emotion and tender tones.Very mellow and calming it’s the most soothing track on the album.The lusciously rhythmic ‘Woebegone’ closes the album with vibrant tones and marvelous harmonies. This track rhythmically is my favourite as it is rich rumbly and dynamically elevating. It’s one to get your blood pumping and your feet tapping.

‘Draw Blood’ is a tight album that showcase’s Little Red’s intricate musicianship and compact layering to create a satisfying hair raising collecting of tracks.

 

Stream ‘Draw Blood’ below


Album Review, Folk, Indie Folk, New Music

Bright Shadows ‘Cross the Light’ Album

Bright Shadows have released their debut studio album ‘Cross the Light’ after over 18 months of writing, recording and producing. The album features 11 tracks of upbeat pop-folk and unique vocal harmonies that reflect their popular live performances. Forming back in 2013, Bright Shadows, comprising of Helen Beth and Raji K soon decided to make the leap to go part time in their day jobs in order to put more focus on their passion and their career within music. After releasing their debut EP ‘Diffusion’ back in August 2015, a bright 6-track EP featuring harmonic pop and driving rock, and then experiencing a busy period of festivals, gigs and radio appearances, they made the decision that their next project release should reflect their more acoustic live sound. Jumping back into the studio in early 2017, the duo created ‘Cross the Light’ which encompasses the live sound that they wanted to portray.

‘Cross the Light’ is a rich invigorating collection of blissfully melodious tunes and luscious harmonies. Opener ‘Afraid of Bliss’ displays their peppy motivational sound perfectly. Filled with emotion and divine harmonies upon a hearty folky hued acoustic backdrop it sets the album up to be a bright golden ray of sunshine. The duo throw on some swagger and power with ‘She’s A Ghost’ as Helen’s commanding vocals take the lead. Melodies are the main focal point of the album as theses guys write some catchy endearing tunes that grab your attention with their honey drizzled sweetness or striking haunting quality’s. ‘If You Let Me’ displays their delicate ballad side while ‘Every Word’ takes the roll of a stomp along break up tune. Each track holds a charming little twinkle about it that softens your heart and has the ability to make you smile. Filled with strong hooks and sing along elements Bright Shadows deliver a bright vibrant collection with contrasting themes of loss and sadness throughout to create a wholly consuming album. ‘Automatic’ and ‘The Hunter’ display some swagger and slickness in the duos style as they use their acoustic sound to shake things up and become more dark and mysteriously chilling. Their skill acoustically makes the album riveting as it doesn’t lag in any place keeping you on your toes and satisfied. When they take the tone down to a heartfelt Fleetwood Mac- esque slow burner such as ‘Minute of Silence’ they gradually build it up again pacing each track meticulously making for a comfortable and easy listening experience. The country twangs flickering throughout the album create a warm glow and golden hue over it as the sweet and at times powerful harmonies between Helen and Raji are crisp and pristine and just beautiful to listen to.

‘Cross the Light’ is a passionate collection of tracks that make for a satisfying and enjoyable listen with a glass of wine and a beautiful sunset.

Stream ‘Cross the Light’ below

 

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Americana, Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Vickers Vimy ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’

Vickers Vimy have released their new single ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’, the second single off ‘Atlas Of Hearts’ album and follows hot on the heels of RTE Radio 1 playlisted single ‘Keep Your Eye On The Road’. Hailing from Mayo, Vickers Vimy craft songs that dwell on the borders of folk and Americana. Rich eclectic sounds anchor lyrical themes of scratched vinyl nights and hazy Sunday mornings. Vickers Vimy have collaborated with Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames & Swell Season) and had the pleasure of recording in the studio of Nick Seymour (Crowded House). They had the amazing fortune to support the late John Martyn and have also supported the Hothouse Flowers, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Mundy. They have shared the RTE Music Train with Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Kodaline, Lisa O’Neill and Jack L.

‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’ sweeps in with golden warm tones and delightful melodies. It’s a wholesome little ditty – pure, honest and true with luscious pop elements richly blended into Americana-esque hues. The buoyant rhythm bounces along at a sprightly peppy pace while bright saxophone blasts and organ jingles fill the track with a warm-hearted goodness that is just sublime. Vickers Vimy swirl some psych-ish features in there too,  as winding keys add a dash of obscurity between the opulent twangs and Celtic glimmers. These guys flesh out their sound beautifully with a meticulously crafted layering of each melody, instrument and genre-  taking their time, building it sweetly and delicately to create the most beautiful honey drizzled balmy number. The smooth vocals glide upon the catchy sway-able melody elegantly. It’s a laid back vibrant gem that holds a steady positive pace which is so infectious you almost crave to hear the song again. The jazz feel is the icing on the cake and really displays the subtle splendour of this band. It’s a charming track that warms and nourishes your soul.

You can catch Vickers Vimy live at:

June 2nd House Concert, Limerick
July 6th Roisin Dubh, Galway
July 13th McCarthys, Dingle

Watch the video for ‘Mermaid Of Luna Park’ below