Dublin-based singer/songwriter Pastiche has released her debut single, ‘Chasing Down the Fame’. Though Pastiche performs with a live band, this track was completed remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic with producer Fergal Mullen (Jupiter Parks). The vocals were tracked at Beardfire Music.
With building fiery electronics and power pop might ‘Chasing Down the Fame’ is a compelling debut from Pastiche. Using swirling synths, dynamic drums and a dark progressive wall of sound the track is an invigorating listening experience. The sultry synths weave between flashing and pulsing beats while Pastiche exudes power and emotion through her mesmerising vocals. With glittering pop sensibilities the track is an explosive debut and an exciting glimpse into Pastiche as an artist. Looking forward to hearing more.
About the song, Pastiche says, “The song addresses the idea of achieving fame as a subjective journey; it almost never looks the same. I also think there’s a difference between fame and significance. Fame is usually an accident, but you can claim your own significance. I think this track is me doing that: showcasing my sound and trying to prove myself. I wanted to address not only where I hope to go but also where I came from. The line “I’ll show them what they made of me” is about all the rejections and “no’s” that have led me to where I am, developing thick skin, and needing to rely on my own self-belief.”
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new strut worthy single ‘The Tin Man’. This radiant anthem prances in on Thrillhouse’s infectious musicianship.The band have created a luscious irresistible tune exuding a hip moving beat, jaunty guitar, and funky bass groove with a vibrant backing vocal and fruity pop melody providing the sugary coating on top. Thrillhouse craft fun, energetic and exhilarating tunes laced in charm which compel you to put the track on repeat. Their tunes will put a smile on your face and coax you to the dance floor. I’m becoming a big fan of these guys.
Irish songwriter, Somebody’s Child, has released his new single ‘Top Drawer Romance’. Cian Godfrey (AKA Somebody’s Child) has fast become one of the hottest prospects in Ireland having accumulated millions of streams and significant support from Spotify as well as BBC Radio 1’s (Jack Saunders ‘Next Wave’ artist), Radio X, Amazing Radio (A-list), RTÉ Radio 1 (Recommends), RTÉ 2FM (Rising 2020), and Today FM. With a Late Late Show performance, Kodaline and Kaiser Chiefs support slots, as well as UK festival appearances on the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds, the band’s energetic, loose, and organic live performances continue to evolve into a potent and enlivened experience.New single ‘Top Drawer Romance’ comes in the wake of his acclaimed debut EP ‘20-Something’, released earlier this year and the first of four singles off Somebody’s Child’s upcoming sophomore EP ‘Hope, Amongst Other Things’.
‘Top Drawer Romance’ is a jaunty sun kissed blast of indie as Somebody’s Child surges radiant melodies and youthful adrenaline into his witty songwriting. The track has an instant charm and glow about it as sharp stings on guitars exude a burst of energy through a buoyant rhythm and vibrant wall of sound. With laid-back, rasped vocals, mellow melody and lyrics depicting the precious yet fleeting nature of youthful romance ‘Top Drawer Romance’ is an infectious indie anthem ready for repeat plays.
Speaking about ‘Top Drawer Romance’, Somebody’s Child said: ‘’Top Drawer Romance’ is the song that started this project in my bedroom 3 years ago. The Top Drawer reference is a metaphor to that messy relationship everyone goes to at some point in their life, which reminded me of the state of the top drawer of my bedside table in college at the time.”
Koala Club have released their new single ‘So Long’. After a streak of songs released earlier this year, Koala Club were set to hit summer 2020 with an explosion of new material. After securing a slot supporting indie idols Swim Deep, the band continues to establish themselves in their hometown of Brighton, whilst continuing to expand their online audience. The band have received support from Spotify gaining them over 1000 monthly listeners, support from local radio and praise from BBC introducing.
Wrapped in glorious sun kissed indie ‘So Long’ is a radiant gem from Koala Club. While providing witty lyrical content the band keep the song upbeat with light jangly guitar injecting tropical tones into the tracks buoyant foundation. With smooth vocals and a catchy fun melody ‘So Long’ is that instant pick me up we all need. A rooted elastic bass oozes a hip moving groove while the melody and jubilous guitar exude positive vibes. Ready for repeat listens, ‘So Long’ is a delightful gem from Koala Club. Looking forward to hearing more from this talented bunch.
Frontman James Grimsdale said of the track: ‘Nobody likes being taken for granted. This song is a celebration. It’s about moving on from toxic people and looking after no.1. We wanted the song to reinforce the idea that positive outcomes do occur from letting go, even when you think you can’t.’
Dublin-based singer/songwriter/producer Dunluvly has released his new single, ‘Something On My Mind’.The song is the second release off Dunluvly’s upcoming EP, ‘Plethora’.
Exuding a chilled atmosphere, subtle R&B elements and indie pop melodies, Dunluvly crafts ‘Something On My Mind’ superbly. The multitude of textures created through looped guitar and meticulous attention to detail showcase just how talented Dunluvly is as an artist. Each subsequent listen provides a new treat to the ears as it reveals a new melody, rhythmic pull or electronic twinkle within the song’s rich sonics. With warm indie guitar peering behind a lo-fi beat and agitated percussive progression Dunluvly creates a vibrant backdrop for his smooth vocals and hook filled melody to flourish within. ‘Something On My Mind’ is wonderful track from Dunluvly. Looking forward to hearing more from Dunluvly.
About the track Dunluvly says, “I wrote the track when I was in the decision making process of trying to move out. I was going a bit mad living at home with my family, and feeling mounting frustration at the impossibility of moving out in the county that I grew up in. The song expresses the agitation of wanting to fly the nest but feeling chained. It felt impossible to work to afford a place to live and also have the time to pursue creative endeavours.“The main hook of the track is a looped melody that repeats quite a bit in the song. It mimics being caught in a mental loop and being haunted by the same recurring thoughts.”
Nashville Indie-pop, alternative band Nightly have released their debut album ‘night, love you’. In true Nightly manner ‘night, love you’ overflows with genuine, heartfelt warmth and refined musicianship. These guys write infectious earworms oozing lush intricate arrangements that create wonderfully melodious tunes.
Synths wisp and soar through the tracks creating an ethereal atmosphere which exudes sweet hues and lush textures that flourish through ‘the car’, ‘mess in my head’ and ‘not like you’. Indie jaunty guitar bursts add a dash of vigor through the tracks as the band allow each song show a new facet of their musicianship. The 80’s shimmering disco ball of ‘time online’ is a lonely bop with elements of auto tune on the vocals. The tracks bittersweet infectious melody is an instant hook which entices the listener into submission while a danceable shuffling beat coupled with cinematic production makes ‘time online’ a memorable track on the album.
A number of interludes embellish the album providing a The 1975 vibe for ‘(howitfeels)’ – exuding sparkling synths, bubbling beats and audio clips, this darker number displays a unique facet to the bands sound while the short ‘turnpike’ showcases Nightly’s heavier electronic side as they layer deft beats over an electronic soundscape. ‘whiskey’ displays the light-hearted and fun element of the album while paving the way for the ultimate summer tune, ‘summer’. This upbeat ditty is the gem. Though all the songs warrant a memorable place on the album there’s something special about ‘summer’. Maybe it’s the nostalgic vibe, radiant atmosphere or dreamy melody, the song emcompasses everything youthful and free. The band continue this knockout melodic flow through their slower ballads. ‘older’ which is my favourite track is an earnest account of growing up and the fear and expectation associated with it. A relatable theme set to beautiful music, it’s the most moving track on the album. The song is honest and filled with weaving electronics, soft beats and bubbling soundscapes which caress Jonathan Capeci’s soft coos as he perfectly delivers the lyrics with passion and tenderness. With warm guitar accompanying his voice this emotional tune is a captivating example of how well Nightly capture emotion within their lyrics and music.
The band build on natural emotion, expertly crafting it through this album to provide an incredibly powerful collection of sonic beauties. However they keep the tempo bubbly and bright with ‘so sly’ and ‘lose a friend’ while ‘the movies’ returns the album to that dreamy nostalgic melancholy that could make your heart bleed. The album comes full circle with ‘i got so much to tell you’. A minimalist track with reverb vocals and echoed soundscapes; the song builds tension ever so carefully. Themes of love, confusion and fear all flood through the song’s lyrics while the swirling electronics and lofty soundscapes create space between the clicking and pulsing beats.
There is a magical quality to Nightly’s melodic wizardry. Their ability to pull passion, sadness and love out of every note is masterful. The band have nurtured their sound and allowed it blossom into something beautiful and passionate. Emotion drives this collection of tracks. ‘night, love you’ is a catalogue of life and a journey of the heart set to intricate, cinematic sounds and emotive vocals – a wholesome, wholly consuming listening experience.
AJ Wander has released his eagerly awaited debut single ‘Time Out’ following huge signings with the US-based Elevation Group and UK-based BDi Music during the pandemic. Produced by Brad Mair (Dean Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Kygo, Twin Atlantic), ‘Time Out’ is a prime example of London-based AJ Wander’s emotive, substantive pop songwriting. He is one of the British artists to watch in 2021. The song, written soon after an explosive breakup, offers an intimate take on a universally relatable topic – relationships. The catharsis that came from writing “Time Out” inspired Wander to continue down this creative path – resulting in the tracks “Eye to Eye”, “Way We Walk” and “Back to Back” – all recorded and produced in Barcelona by Mair just prior to the lockdown and scheduled to be released in 2021 as a part of Wander’s debut EP.
With emotive melodies, bubbling instrumentation and oodles of passion ‘Time Out’ is a captivating well crafted debut from AJ Wander. The track simmers upon a pulsing beat and progressive cinematic soundscapes as warm guitars, elegant piano twinkles and lush harmonies on backing vocals fill out the song’s dramatic wall of sound.Wander’s smooth emotive vocals glide upon the bitter sweet melody with ease as the lyrics reflect on a breakup. Wander provides an uplifting take on this tender theme. Although the verses bubble and brood with a dark undertone Wander provides relief for the chorus as it carries the track’s anthemic aesthetic. Looking forward to hearing more from AJ Wander.
Jonny Taylor is set to release his debut single ‘Walk Along The River’ on November 5th. Jonny Taylor is a singer/songwriter from Liverpool.His distinctive style echoes the magic and mysteria of the Mersey sound while remaining fresh and exciting for 21st century tastes.
This charming track is a laid back listening experience. Oozing smooth vocals and a psychedelic vibe ‘Walk Along The River’ is surrounded in a relaxed flower power atmosphere while a strident guitar riff provides edge and rock swagger to the song. Taylor layers and crafts the track superbly sprinkling a Beatles-esque tone into his own radiant infectious sound, accompanied by an infectious melody which melts upon a bubbling beat and zest-filled guitar licks with ease. Well crafted and displaying slick instrumentation ‘Walk Along The River’ is a sublime debut from Jonny Taylor.
Hot off the heels of his atmospheric synth pop single ‘Timeline’, PureGrand (Luke Faulkner) returns with his new single ‘Such A Fright’, accompanied with a self made video which parodies the pressures and hypocrisy of the modern workplace but dresses it up in the stylings of the 1990s.The song was written and produced by Faulkner and is the latest single to be taken from his new body of work which is inspired by social themes felt by young millennials and by Faulkner’s own experiences in the past year and exploring them through the sounds and aesthetics of 90s and millennium pop.
‘Such A Fright’ is an intoxicating slice of electronic pop as PureGrand uses building soundscapes, catchy melodies and earnest songwriting to create a danceable dark tune.The slapping beats scuff the atmosphere in ominous undertones while the coiling electronics shuffle with an 80’s hue and disco vibe. With a bittersweet pop melody and sombre vocal delivery the track is a lonely bop brimming with lush textures and surging electronic pop sensibilities. Lyrically the song illustrates the claustrophobic sensations and the trappings of dealing with anxiety. PureGrand use retro synths and infectious melodies to create an asphyxiating atmosphere showcasing brief moments of innocent release to compliment the tracks lyrical theme. ‘Such A Fright’ is an infectious meaningful number from PureGrand.
Bristol band HEKA have released their new single ‘Club 1980’. HEKA recently released their debut single ‘Fake Smile’, it reached 20,000 plays on YouTube within the first 3 weeks of release and has been backed by BBC Introducing and BBC Bristol.
Saturated in wonderfully dark and expressive electronic soundscapes, ‘Club 1980’ is a passionate melodically rich number from HEKA. With surging electronics weaving sinister undertones through a sticky beat and consuming soundscape the band build tension from the get go as HEKA blend eerie soundscapes with dark, intoxicating electronics superbly to provide a wholly immersing and rich listening experience.
The listener is treated to a banquet display of musical prowess as HEKA showcase their deft ability to creates pockets of space and brief moments of stillness between the flowing, chiming guitars and synth refrains. These momentary tranquil moments beautifully contrast the fluidity of the track and are a joy to experience.
With lush backing vocal coos and sublime passionate vocals teamed with an infectious bitter sweet melody ‘Club 1980’ is a fine example of why HEKA are an exciting band to keep an eye on. Their ability to blend sinister, brooding electronics, and raw indie with prismatic sparkles of synth pop is masterful.
Stream ‘Club 1980’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
