Tag Archives: indie pop

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

Jack Rua ‘Curious’

Cover Artwork: PureGrand

Irish glam-pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Curious’, the fourth single from his yet to be announced debut album. Jack Rua is a classically trained vocalist and musician who blends well crafted pop music with electronic-dance and glam-rock influences. Jack began releasing his music in 2019 with three singles that racked up over 85,000 streams on Spotify and received radio airplay on RTE 2FM, Spin 1038, Classic Hits 4FM, BBC Introducing and KCLR to name a few. ‘Ego’, his house-pop banger with producer LOGUOS was placed on Spotify’s “Out Now” Pride and ‘Rise’ (featuring Cork rapper Darce) was added to New Music Friday UK on Spotify.

‘Curious’ flourishes Jack Rua’s infectious pop with dubstep elements which pelt heavy punches through his compact dance infused soundscape. Rua weaves swirling electronics through sultry rhythms and silky melodies as he presents another anthemic single. The track celebrates bi-curiousity through tight fluctuating ripples of synth and muggy electronics as Rua’s bright vocals coo and melt upon the catchy melody. The lyrics playfully challenge binary thinking in terms of sexuality, beckoning you to “stop paying so much attention to your labels” and embrace “a new world”. The pop elements blend seamlessly with darker indie rock elements as Rua warps the track to create something unique and refined. It’s edgy interior is wrapped in a polished dance pop sheen making ‘Curious’ another sublime number from Rua.

Stream ‘Curious’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Lady Landscape ‘Versailles’


After receiving critical acclaim with airplay on 2FM and 98FM for their debut track, ‘Kitsilano’, Meath based indie quintet Lady Landscape return with their new single, ‘Versailles’. The band have played some of Dublin’s top venues alongside bands: Sprints, Bullet Girl, and Isaac Jones.

With mellow laid back tones and sweet melodies ‘Versailles’ follows the wholesome authentic musicianship we have come to love from Lady Landscape. The track flows with smooth melodies, dreamy soundscapes and biting instrumentation as humming guitars embroider the backdrop in a cheery bounce while the punchy soft beat and chiming soundscapes create an elastic rebound. There is a sweet ethereal quality to the track as the velvety vocals adhere to the candied whimsical melody. The lyrics follow the disappearance of a woman which spawns conspiracy theories made by fake news journalists. This theme wonderfully contrasts and blends with the laid back lo fi instrumentation as the band layers lush textures, thick shimmering synths and sublime rhythms to create a nostalgic dreamy listening experience. 

Stream ‘Versailles’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Indian Queens ‘Shoot for Sexy’

London/Irish band Indian Queens have released their new single ‘Shoot for Sexy’.The band are fronted by sisters Jen and Kat O’Neill and were personally invited by Robert Smith of The Cure to play his Meltdown Festival in 2019. They also have fans in Tim Wheeler of Ash and Theresa Wayman of Warpaint, both of whom have taken the band out as tour support. This track is taken from their debut album ‘God Is A Woman’ which is set for release on 3rd April via Cool Thing Records.

‘Shoot for Sexy’ is a luring number as Indian Queens present an almost upbeat track warped through a rich concoction of bewitching musicianship. A sultry, rumble on bass grooves and seduces through warm toned guitar embellishments and steamy shrills against the danceable hip moving beat.The harmonies haunt, enticing you into the darker elements of the track while the sweet falsetto lulls the listener into a trance-like daydream. The band swirl psychedelic elements into the track to create a meticulously layered, thrilling listening experience. The song ripples and twinkles like a mesmerising bottomless lake, flickering prismatic speckles of scintillation to draw you into its beautifully created yet eerie abyss. Another sublime track from Indian Queens.

Stream ‘Shoot for Sexy’ below


Author : Danu

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

Koala Club ‘No Surprise’

Brighton’s indie quartet Koala Club have released their newest offering ‘No Surprise’ on 13th March. The release of ‘No Surprise’ follows the January release of single ‘360’,which garnered support from the likes of BBC Introducing, and is the first in a series of new singles that will be released this year.Koala Club consists of James Grimsdale (Vocals, Guitar), Doug Stokes (Guitar), Lewis Phenix (Bass) & Toby Jones (Drums, percussion).

‘No Surprise’ is a jaunty indie track laced in sprightly zealous guitar lines as the band create an upbeat infectious delight that is sure to have you bopping and dancing around the room. With an animated beat, wiggling rooted bass and infectious melody teamed with witty lyrics these guys hook you from the start. Well crafted with an energetic wall of sound blistering around the velvety vocals and eargasmic melodies Koala Club have an exhilarating, charming sound that is crisp and polished with enough edge to keep you craving for more. 

Frontman James Grimsdale said of the track: “It’s about seeking truth and honesty. About losing the lies that are spoken to make you feel better momentarily, moving on and getting rid of toxic relationships in your life.”

Stream ‘No Surprise’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Cassia ‘Do Right’

Macclesfield Indie trio Cassia have returned with their new single ‘Do Right’. ‘Do Right’ is their first release since their debut album ‘Replica’ last year. Laced in laid back summer vibes the track follows the bands infectious mellow melty sound as they sprinkle sweet balmy guitar melodies over a rich buoyant rhythm and suave bass. It’s good times and sunshine as the band’s upbeat chorus drifts in like a cold drink on a scorching day ready to quench with juicy freshness. Lush backing vocals lull over a subtle tropical backdrop while Rob Ellis’ easy going vocals coo at a leisurely pace. For me the intricate guitar lines are the most sublime feature on the track. They majestically weave and entwine with zesty flourishes and sweet tones adding a wonderful warm element to the track with a playful undertone and Caribbean Island quality. Cassia have returned with another smashing, polished and catchy number.

Watch the video for ‘Do Right’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Worth A Listen – Dizzy

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Dizzy

Photo Credit: Pooneh Ghana

Produced by Dizzy and mixed by Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Florence & The Machine), ‘Sunflower’ is the first release from the Canadian four-piece since last year’s Heavy / Twist EP, which followed their 2018 debut album, Baby Teeth which won the Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year in 2019.The band have toured with the likes of Death Cab for Cutie and Tokyo Police Club and appeared at London’s All Points East Festival in 2019. 

‘Sunflower’ is a laid back sun-kissed number that drifts beautifully on infectious, ethereal soundscapes. Katie Munshaw’s sweet vocals caress the dreamy melody with a tender, comforting ease while the lush rhythm maintains a peppy foundation. The track holds a vibrant, airy poise as twinkling guitars wobble and weave gloriously between a groovy bass creating a hazy psych hued tone to the radiant indie sonics. There are wonderful lush textures and layers to the track creating blossoming moments as the track unfolds with bursts of sweet scintillation. The lyrics contrast the blooming effervescent instrumentation superbly as they meander between self-loathing and tender self-talk, depicting raw sensitivity and sweet, self-deprecating humour. ‘Sunflower’ is a glowing track intricate in its composition but beautifully luminous and delightful to the ears. 

Speaking about the track, frontwoman Katie Munshaw says, “‘Sunflower’ is a three and a half minute ‘snap out of it!’ to myself when I’m feeling low, unconfident or not myself.” 

Stream ‘Sunflower’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

TOYGIRL ‘Moonlight Velvet’

TOYGIRL have released their second single, ‘Moonlight Velvet’ which was recorded at the legendary Windmill Lane Studios, was produced by up and coming Irish sound engineer and producer Daniel de Burca and was mixed by in-demand producer Cormac Butler (The Academic, All Tvvins, Coronas, Gavin James, Kodaline) and mastered by Deadeye’s Billy Farrell.TOYGIRL was formed by friends Hannah Worrall (Vocals/Keys), Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar) and Ciaran Whelband (Guitar) in March 2018 with bassist Aran Hopkinson and drummer Cian O’Leary Hegarty finalising the line up later the same year. TOYGIRL have already gained a reputation for their exciting, hypnotic live performances. Despite their relative newcomer status, the band has clocked up a lot of ‘gig-miles’ on the Irish circuit including stints at the Button Factory, Levis’ Ballydehob, the Workman’s, and Roisin Dubh, Galway, to name a few, as well as the much-coveted support slot to Alice Phoebe Lou on Whelan’s main stage.The group has already been named in the line ups for this year’s Indiependence, K- Fest and We’ve only Just Begun music festivals amongst others.

‘Moonlight Velvet’ is a swoony gem which floats on a vintage bed of lush arrangements. TOYGIRL are developing their irresistible sound superbly. With a delicate yet lush backdrop the band twinkle guitars through soft soundscapes, angelic hushed backing vocals and a supple beat as the track softly wisps into an ethereal cloud of dreamy bliss. There is a faint yet deep flourish of jazz as soothing saxophone surges with a sweet loneliness through the hazy backdrop. The band masterfully create a delicate track which has depth and exudes rich rhythms without becoming overpowering.Hannah Worrall’s soulful vocals melt upon the bitter sweet melody with a pacifying comfort. Her voice is longing, sincere yet hopeful all at once.

‘Moonlight Velvet’ is utterly tender and sweet. The band provide comfort through melodic and sultry moments blessed with intricate guitar lines, glistening keys and an overall whimsical romantic soundscape. Presented with class and elegance ‘Moonlight Velvet’ is an immaculate emotive number that totally consumes you in the undeniably lush musicianship of TOYGIRL. 

Stream ‘Moonlight Velvet’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Radio Mafia ‘Don’t Think About It’ EP

Multi-genre Irish Five Piece Radio Mafia recently released their debut EP ‘Don’t Think About It’. Radio Mafia are in the process of putting the finishing touches on what is to become their debut album, titled ‘Can Anybody Hear Me’ which the band is aiming to release this summer.

‘Don’t Think About It’ is a tight collection of tracks as Radio Mafia meld alternative gusto with some slinky funk and blues elements to create a satisfying debut EP. With infectious grooves, sleek guitar lines and a buoyant beat, title track ‘Don’t Think About It’ sets the EP in motion.

The band allow each track its own identity within the EP without compromising on the overall flow and smooth transition from track to track. ‘B.R.S’  and ‘Fit to Die’ provide the brawn and alternative rock on the EP with gritty guitar lines, meaty drums, soul creeping rumble on bass and an overall harsh mosh rock attitude while ‘Glass Soldier’ brings a dash of swing into the mix. The finger clicking, foot tapping beat teamed with chic guitars and jazzy keys create a delightful break between the more alternative tracks and showcases the band’s ability to create a sound that is more classy and vibrant while still maintaining the bands bite and rawness. The smooth vocals, lush harmonies and pop sprinkled melodies hold all these tracks together and provide the component parts that puts Radio Mafia’s stamp and style on them. 

Whether its a polished swing number or a rowdy alternative rock or punk influence Radio Mafia manage to create diverse and engaging tunes that have an instant likability and buoyancy. ‘Don’t Think About It’ is a solid debut EP.

Stream ‘Don’t Think About It’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Ten Hands High ‘Red Wine’

Leeds indie four piece Ten Hands High have released their new single ‘Red Wine’. After releasing their debut single in January 2019, which racked up 30k streams in three weeks on Spotify, Ten Hands High proceeded to play several packed out shows in their hometown of Leeds. The band then went on to release 5 more tracks in the space of 5 months, selling out their debut London headline at the Hope and Anchor in Islington along the way. Currently based in London, Ten Hands High have a busy 2020, with new music in the works and a mini-tour for early 2020.

‘Red Wine’ is that heart gripping, adrenaline rush of indie that seeps into your brain with catchy hooks, vibrant instrumentation and explosive energy. Ten Hands High build and layer this track superbly creating a new suspenseful burst with each musical flurry. From zest stricken guitar lines, warm melodies, and rooted wiggle on bass- this track hits all the marks. With a massive blasting crescendo embroidered with distortion, the band smashes and flourishes through the intensity with powerful vigor. As the crashing wall of sound causes goosebumps for the chorus the indie pop sprinkled verses glitter radiance, youthful adrenaline and blood rushing tension throughout. With pulsing rumble on drums, shaking percussion and majestic ethereal guitars teamed with warm vocals ‘Red Wine’ is a smashing indie banger ready to make you smile and bop. A sublime new track from this rising indie band .

Stream ‘Red Wine’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/user-523740213/red-wine


Author : Danu

A Chat With, Indie, Indie Pop, Interviews, New Music, Video Interviews

A Chat With : modernlove.

We sat down to have a chat with Cian McCluskey, Barry Lally , Daniel Rooney and Graham Fagan from modernlove. before their headline show in The Sound House Dublin. We talked about how they craft their tunes, live shows and the band gave some solid advice for bands starting a career in music

Watch the interview below


Author : Danu