Tag Archives: indie pop

Indie, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Sion Hill ‘Speak Up’

Sion Hill has released his highly anticipated new single ‘Speak Up’.After leaving Ireland for Berlin, after leaving Berlin for Hamburg, and after leaving Hamburg for the murmuring vastness that is London, Nathan Johnston alias Sion Hill has carefully re-calibrated his musical palette. While his lauded 2017 debut “Elephant” was an eclectic soul-pop wonderland comfortably sitting between a room full of chairs somewhere in Berlin, his relationship with London is manifested in the globetrotters’ latest single, ‘Speak Up’. 

Encased in cosy folk tones and wholesome songwriting ‘Speak Up’ is a warm uplifting slice of infectious pop. With soothing acoustic guitar glimmering through the verses along with clean piano chords, the song has a charming heart warming quality. Johnston shows an honest and vulnerable side to him as he depicts times he felt down and felt left out. The lyrics talk about mustering the courage to tell your surroundings how you really feel and how it’s fine not to feel okay. His soul hued velvety vocals slip into an R&B tone at times before allowing a yelp to take him into country/ traditional folk territory. This bubbling anthem is brimming with hope, good vibes and oodles of charm and Johnston presents this perfectly through his passionate delivery and relatable songwriting. A perky fiddle melody brings a healthy dose of optimism into the song while blood pumping beats and sun kissed soundscapes grace the backdrop in rich prisms of scintillation; ‘Speak Up’ is a vivacious and feel good anthem. It’s ridiculously catchy too. 

Stream ‘Speak Up’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Lady Landscape ‘Apartment Song’

After receiving critical acclaim for the singles ‘Versailles,’ and ‘25’ this year, indie quintet, Lady Landscape have released ‘Apartment Song’, their final single before the release of their much anticipated third EP, ‘3’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece Lady Landscape embrace a mellow tone that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals.In late-2019 the band decided to take a break from gigging to finish their highly anticipated third EP, ‘3’, which is due to be released next month.

‘Apartment Song’ continues Lady Ladscape’s lo -fi dreamy brand of indie as they drift a smooth melody over a chiming bouncy backdrop. With shaking percussion injected between soft glistening guitars and a hazy shoegaze-hued soundscape the track is a sun kissed, easy on the ears gem. One instantly recognisable feature of Lady Landscape’s sound is the nonchalant deep vocals that depict the striking and honest lyrics. This band take themes of self disappointment and normal life occurrences and expresses them through wonderfully bitter/sweet musicianship. The guitar in this track is quite beautiful and elegant as it weaves a delicate twinkling melody through the wispy synths and floating soundscapes. ‘Apartment Song’ is a spacy laid back track that has a soft yet glum candy-floss atmosphere created through intricate and refined musicianship.

Stream ‘Apartment Song’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

The Burma ‘Sugar Moonlight’ EP

Photo Credit : Ciara O Toole

Rising Indie Rock band The Burma have just released their new EP ‘Sugar Moonlight’. At various stages over the past year the Irish indie band have holed up in Monique Studios with producer Christian Best (Mick Flannery, O Emperor, Jack O’Rourke, Marlene Enright) writing and recording their latest release. 

‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a tidy collection of tracks exuding passionate pop melodies and blazing alternative rock with a healthy dose of indie rock at its heart. The band go all out with this EP – luscious textures and melodious highs, psychedelic rawness and tender broods create a well rounded enjoyable listening experience.

The jubilous indie guitar jingle of ‘Same Again’ kick starts the EP. It is light and infectious as the ethereal guitars create a wonderful animated bounce. The Burma construct tracks with a rich rhythmic foundation of rippling bass lines and buoyant snappy drums allowing the charming guitar refrains to soar and flourish off this backdrop with majestic tonalities. The band swoon smooth melty melodies into their vibrant indie sound effortlessly. ‘Quicksand’ shows this superbly as the soft bubbly melody wisps delicately through a crashing psychedelic backdrop of airy stings on guitar and rumbling drums.

With a refreshing bite, each track rolls coolly into the next. Whether it’s the icy sting of the melancholic ‘When You’re Gone’ or the darker synth swirling prance of  ‘Phoney Personality’, the band use their ability to intricately weave multi layered synth textures and melodies to create a seamless transition between tracks while still maintaining each songs own identity. Final track ‘Buried Alive’ closes the EP on a high. It’s not a sugar rush but a sweet tender and mesmerising high as The Burma present their most delicious emotive and beautiful melody yet. Caressed with soft tender vocals and slow brooding instrumentation the track flurries on a light airy soundscape of glistening guitar and pulsing beat. Each timeless twinkle and bass wriggle coils and curdles the backdrop in sombre wistful tones. The track builds superbly becoming more dynamic as, in true The Burma fashion the song reaches its hair raising crescendo.

The Burma have a wonderful ability to create rich proficient tunes with first rate instrumentation, exhilarating guitar lines and intricate bass lines that surge with character. Their melodies are irresistible, oozing emotive, dreamy and sweet tones while the lo- fi grooves and heavy rhythmic pulses provide the element that hooks your ears and leaves you craving more. ‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a mature and impressive EP that makes The Burma ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Sugar Moonlight’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Priorland ‘Moving To The Beat

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. 

Stream ‘Moving To The Beat’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

State Lights ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’

Formed three years ago at BIMM College in Dublin State Lights consisting of band members: singer Shobsy, guitarist Joe Regan, drummer Paul Ridgeway and bassist Noel Perry have released their new single ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’. The track follows the double-A from earlier this year featuring the band’s original ‘Let You Go’ and State Lights’s sublime cover of The Blue Nile’s Tinseltown In The Rain.The single was picked up by RTE 2FM’s flagship breakfast show as its single of the week and enjoyed support also from Independent radio including FM104, Spin1038, KCLR and others. In recent times the band has also tallied substantial airplay and support from KROQ Los Angeles, Radio X (UK) and a host of other International radio stations.

Saturated in a shimmering indie pop sheen ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’ is a biting atmospheric track which exudes the exhilarating, bracing and utterly mesmerising musicianship of State Lights. The band swirl sharp ethereal guitars through a buoyant 80’s hued backdrop to create a breezy intoxicating soundscape. The jabbing guitars slice with acute precision through the punchy drums and sublime fluctuant bass.

State Lights lay down a magnificent pulsing rhythmic backbone for the track, which wiggles with relentless intensity throughout, allowing the elevating guitars to lift the track into anthemic heights. It’s arena ready indie pop with clean crisp production and superb songwriting. Shobsy’s sweet falsetto carries the song. His vocals surge with passion and emotion taking the track’s intensity and adrenaline to new heart racing heights as the track reaches its explosive crescendo.

State Lights are a band to keep an eye on. Their ability to cultivate this shimmering pearly track with such precision and refined musicianship is impressive. It’s going to be exciting watching this band flourish. 

Stream ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Freeda ‘Let Me Down’

Manchester indie rock band Freeda have released their new single ‘Let Me Down’.Forming in 2017, Freeda spent their formative years establishing themselves in their hometown, building a committed following and selling out headline shows along the way. In 2019, working with highly acclaimed production duo Sugar House, Freeda released three singles ‘Plead’, ‘Replay’ and ‘Wash’. Collectively, these went on to reach in excess of 100,000 streams on Spotify, received extensive backing from BBC Introducing, and continued support from XS Manchester and Amazing radio.’Let Me Down’ is the fourth single to be taken from an upcoming EP set to be released later this year.

‘Let Me Down’ is a fizzing melodic overdose of joyous indie. Saturated in effervescent synths, jaunty guitar lines and an infectious beat, the track is an instant shot of adrenaline. A wonderful indie jangle weaves between raw punchy drum and bass combo. Lush melodies flourish with a zinging pop persuasion as the band craft that rushing youthful sound to ensure repeat listens. The smooth vocals are the icing on the cake as Sean Rowles coaxes you into the catchy melodic hook with soft croons while the rich electronic percussion ripples in the backdrop.The coiling, skittish and ethereal synths mirror the lyrics tones of disappointment while the bubbly instrumentation creates a sublime peppy contrast. Freeda entwine subtle psychedelic elements and vibrant indie to create an invigorating track soaked in summer vibes. 

Stream ‘Let Me Down’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Isaac Butler ‘Paranoid’

Isaac Butler has just released his new single ‘Paranoid’, today. ‘Paranoid’ follows Isaac Butler’s previous singles ‘Moon Song’, ‘Rescue Me’ and ‘Young Forever’ which have together racked up an amazing 1 million streams on Spotify so far.Isaac Butler’s show at The Sound House is now rescheduled to 9 October 2020, with all original tickets valid for the new date. It is his second headline show, having sold out his debut in Whelan’s last November and follows a jam-packed festival season in 2019, which saw Isaac Butler play a host of festival dates around the country including Electric Picnic and Kaleidoscope.

‘Paranoid‘ is a bubbly sprinkle of the infectious, honest and wonderfully melodic songwriting of Isaac Butler. Doused in summer vibes the track drifts effortlessly along Butler’s smooth passionate vocals and light breezy melody while glossy guitar-licks radiate warm golden sunshine. It’s an upbeat number with an ethereal scorching soundscape while the lyrics, which candidly detail the breakdown of a romantic relationship provide a wonderful contrast. Butler has provided an enjoyable, buoyant radio ready track with depth and substance.The catchy vocal hooks teamed with crisp production and lustrous musicianship make ‘Paranoid’ one satisfying summer tune.  

Speaking of ‘Paranoid’ Isaac Butler said: “It’s about a relationship I was in and totally had the feeling I was getting messed around but constantly being told that nothing was going on. The music is happy and upbeat but ironically it’s quite a cynical song. I wrote it as a reflection on something that was a bad situation at the time but that doesn’t bother me anymore.”

Stream ‘Paranoid’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – The Academic

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Academic

The Academic have released their new single ‘Anything Could Happen’.The single is the first new release from the band since signing a global record deal with Capitol Records. The band were hand-picked by Mick Jagger to support The Stones here in Ireland and with a number 1 album to their name and sold out shows all over the country, the band’s music is already finding very willing ears much further afied. They are heavily pencilled for more international tour dates when this lockdown lifts.

‘Anything Could Happen’ is a seamless perky indie-pop hit. The Academic display their knack for infectious melodies with this bright sharp track which is bursting with cool chic energy. With inspirational glimmers of Prince and Thin Lizzy the track ricochets off an elastic bass and irresistible guitar hook.The Academic have created one heck of a joyous bop. It’s cool and crisp with tasty little elements in between to keep it refreshing and intriguing. From sweet guitar licks, lush backing vocal coos, 80’s pop sheen and a driving infectious groove, the band weave wonderful intricate elements to keep this track subtly explosive. It’s a vibrant, upbeat and oh so catchy musical gem of euphoric bliss. 

‘Anything Could Happen’, produced by Nick Hodgson, was released simultaneously with the accompanying video premiere on Youtube. Directed by Ronan Corrigan and Hope Kemp, the video is a real reflection of the current times we’re living in under lockdown, giving a brief insight in the lives of quarantined couples around the world

About the track the band said :.” Anything Could Happen’ is a rallying cry to the people in our lives who find themselves stuck in cycles of mundanity and monotony. We hope it inspires people to be kind to themselves and take control of their futures.”

Watch the video for ‘Anything Could Happen’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, New Music

Props ‘wired’

Props has released his new single ‘wired’ taken for his upcoming EP of the same name. Props is the brainchild of Mark Gilyead, a multi-instrumentalist/producer living in south london, UK.The whole ‘wired’ EP drops on May 15th but until then Gilyead is putting out a song from it each week on Soundcloud. Props has had play on BBC, Amazing Radio and a spot in Tom Robinson’s Fresh Faves

Intricately layered, the chilled complexity of ‘wired’ showcases Props quirky and astute musicianship. The heavy beat burrows deep into the track wriggling a deft groove into its very core while the swirling electronics create an effervescent ethereal atmosphere. The sticky beat provides a gooey slap between the pop punk guitar chords and exhilarating electronic bursts. The track bubbles and ferments for the verses while the smooth lo fi vocals drift with a nonchalant tone over the catchy velvety melody. The song maintains an easygoing pace all the way through as Props builds and embellishes the backdrop in lush textures and prismatic colours of scintillation to create a rich, invigorating, refreshing track.  With rich percussive builds and infectious vocal hooks teamed with intoxicating layering and kinetic production ‘wired’ is one vivacious track wrapped in a breezy laid back psych pop blanket. 

Stream ‘wired’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Dagny ‘Somebody’

Presse bilder til det nye Dagny albumet / januar 2020

Norwegian cult pop icon Dagny has released her new single ‘Somebody’ via Universal / Ingrooves. Dagny [Norvoll Sandvik] has officially solidified herself in recent years as one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters: yielding over 450 million streams, as well as selling out international headline tours along with critical acclaim from Nylon and Billboard to The Guardian and Harper’s BAZAAR. Debut EP ‘Ultraviolet’ received unanimous praise from critics with features such as Billboard’s 10 Pop Stars To Watch In 2017, and VEVO’s Ones To Watch 2017.  Among her many achievements, Dagny also co-wrote Katy Perry’s recent single ‘Never Really Over’ – racking an impressive 300 million streams on Spotify alone – again confirming Dagny’s undeniable talent as a songwriter.’Somebody’ is  the second track to be lifted from her upcoming debut album. Today Dagny has also announced that her long-awaited debut will be split into two parts, with the first 6 tracks ‘Side A’ available for streaming on May 22nd and the full album (Side B) to arrive in September later this year.

‘Somebody’ is a sparkling refreshing guzzle of pop. The dance-floor coaxing rhythm and elevating soundscapes rush with Dagny’s pearly radiant musicianship. The track flows with grace and a bubbly lightness. Shimmering synths ooze cool, sun kissed vibes. The pulsing beat lays down the spongy exhilarating foundation while Dagny’s clear smooth vocals drift sweetly over the melty infectious melody. Saturated in gripping, light, synth pop euphoria with an 80’s sheen ‘Somebody’ is a groove infested catchy bop sure to charm its way into your head. Dagny has created another intoxicating pop track that exudes passion and heart racing emotion.

A song written with a goal of conveying the ultimate “in-love” experience, Dagny explains “It’s the all-consuming and exciting feeling when everything is still new. I’ve been lucky to experience it. I find that when I’m in love I feel everything ten times more than usual. With ‘Somebody’ for me it’s not just the lyrics but the whole vibe of the song that represents that: when I listen to it I get a lot of positive energy and I just wanna throw myself into something new and exciting.”

Stream ‘Somebody’ below 


Author : Danu