Nicha has released her new single ‘Devices’.Nicha is a 22 year old singer/songwriter from Holywood, Northern Ireland. Having grown up listening to Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley her music and writing is heavily influenced by these legends but more recently inspiration stems from hip hop, pop and electronic influences drawing on artists such as Loyle Carner, Jack Johnson, Tash Sultana, Moloko and Bonobo.
‘Devices’ is a vibrant bop, laced in the charming and mellow musicianship of Nicha. The track is sonically laid-back and easy going as Nicha douses a smooth melody over tropical beats and ethereal wisps on electronics with reggae elements and glimpses of R&B flickering throughout. Her warm rasped and soulful vocals melt elegantly upon the tracks bubbling backdrop with a sweet lulling tone as the song drifts between the balmy chorus and dazed verses. There are psychedelic hues rebounding off the warm guitar melodies and fluctuant rhythmic foundation while Nicha lilts through the chorus with a catchy vocal refrain.
The song reflects the feeling and freedom of detaching ourselves from the chaos of social media. Nicha expresses this perfectly through this breezy, pacifying sun kissed gem. A fine debut, ‘Devices’ escapes the tethers of genre as Nicha blends pop, folk, reggae, indie and electronic to create a satisfying and musically rich track.
I had a chat with UK alternative pop 4-piece Alvarez Kings last week about the bands new single ‘Words I Couldn’t Say’, their upcoming album and touring.
Four lads from South Yorkshire, UK who gleefully share their moniker with an infamous old school South American gang, Alvarez Kings summon pop power through timeless analog synth and guitar magic. The quartet—brothers Simon [vocals, guitar] and Paul Thompson [bass, keys, backup vocals], Aidan Thompson [guitar, keys, production], and Richard Walker [drums, samples, pads] have quietly built up an international buzz since their 2012 formation.
You guys have just released a new single titled “Words I Couldn’t Say” tell us about that track and how you wrote it?
“It was a song that as soon as we created the idea of it we knew that we had to finish it. Simon had the initial idea of it when making his spare room into his baby daughters nursery. He said when the room was empty, he found the acoustics awesome and he started firing voice memos over. And yes, the acoustics did sound great! The song is a story of an uncontrollable collision course of self-destruction from drug and alcohol abuse. We like to think of it as the desolation of a failed relationship, and self-blame.”
Your tracks have vibrant and rich soundscapes with synths and luscious rhythmic textures. Did you always plan to bring synths into your sound or was it something you discovered worked when you were experimenting?
“It has been something we have developed over time. We like to push the boundaries of production and our overall sound. We also try not to do an Oasis and release the same sounding record every time.”
How do you guys tackle the production of your songs do you get a producer in to help or is it something you tackle yourselves?
“On our ‘Somewhere Between’ album we worked with producer Carlos de la Garza who was outstanding, however with the new album and us not being able to travel to LA we have kept it all within the band. From writing and recording to mixing and mastering. We had a lot tracks already recorded before COVID hit so luckily we could mix from home. Through lockdown our group chat has constantly been lit up with new mixes and new songs. “
How do you write your songs, do you write elements separately and bring them together to work on or does the magic happen when you guys are all together?
“It all happens when inspiration strikes really. When we are on tour we always like to play backstage on new song starts together, be that a guitar riff, melody ideas or some bass lines. Then when we come home, we like to focus and finish writing them up.“
Up until 2018, you toured your debut album extensively, playing sold-out headline shows across Europe, UK and the United States along with some of your biggest festival appearances to date including Firefly and Summerfest. How do you find touring ? and how do you deal with the challenges that come from being on the road all the time?
“We like to see touring as the success of all the hard work and long hours we put into our music. Its great how we can see how our music effects people lives and we love that we can meet friends and fans along the way. The main challenges are being away from home. You can hear this on a lot of the lyrical content from us. From sending ‘Postcards from Berlin’ to ‘Sleepwalking PT I’“
I bet you guys have had some crazy experiences while on tour or onstage what is the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on tour?
“One that sticks out the most was in 2018, we were playing a show in Atlanta and a mosh Pitt started. One young guy was being really rowdy and starting fighting with people in the front row and tried to get on stage but got met by the headstock of Pauls bass guitar. Everyone cheered and the bouncers took the guy out. “
You have experienced both performing as a main act and a support act with the likes of Melanie Martinez, PVRIS, and Echosmith – two very different experiences for artists. With a support slot you have to appeal to fans who might not be yours yet and win them over and with a headline slot it’s almost like a party with people who love and appreciate your music. Do you find the support slots daunting?
“Yes you’re right. They are both different. Sometimes we prefer the support slot -mainly away from home as we can go on stage, deliver energy for 30-35 minutes and have time to talk to fans after. If your headlining sometimes it’s hard to make time for that sort of thing. “
Do you get nervous before shows and if so how do you deal with nerves?
“We used to in the early days but not so much anymore. We have a beer and do our pre show routine. “
You guys are currently working on your second studio album, which is currently anticipated for a 2020 release. What can we expect from the album?
“You can expect lots of exciting new sounds/songs but still staying loyal with some classic Alvarez Easter eggs. “
Has the writing or forming of these tracks been different to how you created your debut album ‘Somewhere Between’?
“With the addition of Aidan we have been doing a lot of writing with him. A lot of the songs on the previous album were written over 5 years ago, so it’s been awesome writing fresh songs but our process has still remained the same. “
How have you guys been keeping busy during this crazy covid- 19 time?
“We’ve been busy with a new addition to our Alvarez family – baby Pippa. Also we’ve been writing back and forth through WhatsApp and voice memos. We’ve been doing a lot of live-streams and have some great ones coming up, so keep your eyes peeled for those! “
What advice would you give someone who wants to start a band or career in music?
“Practice, play and write as much as you can. “
What’s next for you guys?
“We will be back touring and playing shows whenever it is safe to do so. We also have lots of new music coming your way!“
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.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sea Girls
Sea Girls have released the stunning animated video for their anthemic fan favourite and new single, ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’, taken from their forthcoming debut album Open Up Your Head – out August 14th on Polydor. The band also embark on a huge headline tour this November, including sold-out dates at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowlands, Manchester Academy and Birmingham’s O2 Institute, as well as the band’s biggest headline line show to date at London’s Brixton Academy.
‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ is an effervescent guzzle of refreshing indie rock. This anthemic track kick starts the frenzy with a cool guitar chime and pulsing beat. The band cruise into the song before erupting into the dynamic chorus which is sure to be epic live. The band spread a bitter/sweet melody over crashing guitars, punchy drums and blazing bass grooves to create an instant shot of adrenaline-fueled indie. Henry Camamile ventures from wistful coos for the verses to passionate exclaims for the chorus building the tracks emotive quality. The intensity builds as the song progresses towards the frantic crescendo. The band have a knack for writing earnest ear-worms with clever lyrical content and ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ follows this trend. Sea Girls’ music is expanding and getting better with each release. Their anthemic musical prowess provides a wholling invigorating sound sure to charm all who hear it.
The animated video was directed by acclaimed Korean-Swedish duo Tjoff Koong Studios (Tezo Kyungdon Lee and Magnus Lenneskog). The video takes the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster. Lead singer Henry Camamile perfectly describes the video, “When I wrote this song I was trying to channel some emotional highs and lows of the likes of Kurt Cobain.” He continues, “Full of visual adrenalin, it builds with rushes of excitement and lack of control. Someone build a rollercoaster through the city and we’ll get on it.”
You can watch the video for ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ below
Indie / Folk singer-songwriter Joe T. Johnson has released his debut single ‘10 Pounds’. In the past, Joe performed multiple times at Glastonbury Festival in 2019, made his first international TV appearance on ‘Made in Bristol TV’ and recently performed at the O2 Academy Bristol with his band Hush Mozey. Steve Lamacq also “Recommended” his band Hush Mozey on his BBC 6 Music show.
Draped in vintage pop, ‘10 Pounds’ presents Joe T. Johnson’s laid back sound through melodic and soft instrumentation. The song bounces delicately upon jangly guitar, a soft beat and whispered mellow vocals as Johnson floods the track with sweet notions, simple arrangements and stories of life in England. Warm indie elements chime through the twinkling guitar as the vocal melody becomes the track’s main charming center point. There are hues of The Beatles wisping through the lush dreamy soundscapes and smooth vocals while the striking lyrics contrast the hazy soundscape. ‘10 Pounds’ is a well crafted absorbing ditty exuding hefty lyrical content and sweet retro pop with a modern twist.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From modernlove.
Photo Credit : David McGeary
Ireland’s rising Indie Pop act modernlove. have released their new single ‘If You Wanna See Me’. The band have rapidly become one of indie-pop’s brightest and most talked about new bands. 2019 saw the release of singles ‘Bop’ and ‘Liquorice’ and the bands streaming figures are at nearly half a million on Spotify.’Bop’ was also featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’ and earlier this year the band performed a SOLD OUT Dublin headline show in The Sound House in February.All of modernlove’s singles to date have picked up national radio support in the UK and Ireland including ‘Play Irish Artist of The Week’ by Ed Smith on Today FM, Track Of The Week on XS Manchester, radio premieres on 2FM and spins on BBC Ulster, Across The Line and Radio X
‘If You Wanna See Me’ is a cohesive ethereal electronic number that sparkles with light indie and rich rhythmic fluctuations as modernlove. provide a glimpse into their spacious, ambient and mood shaping musicianship. This track holds the vibrance and clarity of its predecessors however, ‘If You Wanna See Me’ exudes cooler tones and lo-fi textures. The track radiates ambition and tactile energy as the labyrinthine synths shimmer through the buoyant cushioning beat. As the track progresses it blossoms becoming more lush and expressive.
I have to hand it to these guys ‘If You Wanna See Me’ has beauty even within its harsher psych infused moments as well as in the shimmering lo – fi pop coating. The track is a fine example of mature, rich songwriting and immaculate production. The expanding soundscapes masterfully unfold with each musical progression teasing and seducing the listener while soft vocals caress a dreamy melody which twinkles with elements of distortion on guitars and bass.
A sublime new single from modernlove. They are a band worth keeping an eye on.
You can catch modernlove. perform their headline show in The Grand Social, Dublin on Oct 31st as part of the rescheduled Eastbound Festival.
Props has released his new single ‘You & Me’. Props’debut ‘wired EP’ seeped into the world last month with nice words across the blogosphere, radio play from BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio and a spot on Tom Robinson’s Fresh Faves.
‘You & Me’ infuses smooth indie and intricate electronic beats with eclectic textures and psychedelic distortion to create a wonderful pop tune. Hyperactive keys jingle through a beat heavy flutter as Props throws sweet pop melodies over a vibrant explosive sound. The bursts of synths create a juicy, radiant atmosphere in the track as Props uses lo-fi and a rich, intricate electronic backdrop to create a dazzling and lush listening experience. The tracks’ cynical lyrics contrast the cheery bouncy soundscapes superbly which adds to the songs appeal. With a deft beat drop creating harsh edgy elements between the sun kissed sugar pop melody ‘You & Me’ is an upbeat and fun track from Props.
About the song Props said : “You & Me is an observation of human beings clearly sleep walking to self destruction. Not particularly cheerful,but hopefully the music makes up for that…’”
Santa Barbara, CA artist SODAPOP has released his second single ‘Watered Down’. Presenting a laid back upbeat indie/bedroom pop sound ‘Watered Down’ shows just how infectious SODAPOP’s sound is. From the jaunty guitar melody, buoyant beat and twinkling elements this infectious tune is a summer dream. Locked and loaded with a sweet melody and sunny atmosphere teamed with smooth vocals and richly intricate rhythm, this instantly charming track has everything to get you up and bopping all day long. ‘Watered Down’ is a wonderful display of indie-pop gold.
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Ready When You Are’. It’s quite the fizzing psychedelic pop anthem. This shimmering bite of indie pop surges with mouth watering sugary melodies, doused in effervescent synths and a whirring fuzz on guitar. The swagger and funky bass weaves between a kinetic soundscape of chiming and soaring guitars making for an utterly invigorating listening experience. Whispered vocals coo with a Brandon Flowers charisma as the band sonically slide between Depeche Mode and Soft Cell adding their own unique edge and buzz into the mix. With a sun sprinkled melody, lo fi effortless persona and illustrious soundscape ‘Ready When You Are’ is a fantastic synth pop earworm from Thrillhouse.
Tipperary singer-songwriter Johnny Bourke is set to release his new single ‘Can’t Do Without’ on the 3rd July. This summer number drifts coolly on smooth pop hooks and zesty spurts on guitar. Bourke adds a dash of edge into this radio friendly gem with a jangly guitar riff between the dreamy melody. Though the song has a simple smooth coating there is a decent amount of intricate sonic elements weaving through the tracks underbelly.The song has a groovy R&B funk flavour that complements the charm of Bourke’s warm country- esque vocals. With a buoyant drum beat creating wiggle ready infectiousness, catchy chorus and a steamy solo weaved between the humid crescendo, ‘Can’t Do Without’ is an impressive sweet as pie indie pop bop.
