Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her new single, ‘Easy’.Following ‘Wayside’ and ‘Good Form’, ‘Easy’ is the final single from her upcoming sophomore EP entitled ‘Heavy Summer’. The EP was recorded and produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios, Midleton, Co. Cork, and mastered by Richard Dowling of Wav Mastering, Limerick. The band lineup features Laura Duff (vocals, keys, acoustic guitar), JJ Lee (bass), Christopher O’Sullivan (drums), Finn Fogarty (lead guitar). ‘Heavy Summer’ is due for release before the end of the year.
‘Easy’ oozes mellow melodies, soft instrumentation and the glorious laid back sound of Laura Duff. The band create an exquisite backdrop of supple beats and warm guitar while Duff’s sweet vocals lull the dreamy melody. ’Easy’ creates a pacifying and soothing atmosphere as the band flesh out the backdrop in ethereal velvety soundscapes and tender harmonies before the beautiful guitar solo kicks in to add a slight edge to the track. Filled with oodles of emotion and warm tones ‘Easy’ is a graceful delight to the ears.
Irish electro/pop duo Elephant in The Room has released their new single ‘Hollywood Hills’. Hollywood Hills is a personal account of how Elephant in the Room struggled with expectation versus reality, moving from Ireland to New York. Elephant in the Room is an electronic/soul/pop duo comprised of Ireland natives Marty Mullally and Keenan Copas. The group has worked with a number of artists as ghostwriters and producers, most notably Josh Gray, co-writing and producing his track ‘Come Home’, which has reached over 370,000 streams on Spotify. After college they moved to New York City, where they have honed and refined their sound.
Filled with bittersweet melodies and an ethereal synth-driven backdrop, ‘Hollywood Hills’ is a sublime example of suspenseful electronic pop. Deft lyrics express themes of doubt and loneliness that is enhanced by a lamenting piano feature and mournful undertone. The track is irresistibly catchy and a passionate display of musicianship from Elephant in The Room. Boasting smooth vocals, catchy pop hooks and pepperings of R&B ‘Hollywood Hills’ is a compelling new single that marks Elephant in The Room ones to keep an eye on.
Irish indie-rock outfit modernlove. have released their soaring new single ‘Us’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura).’Us’ follows on from the enormous success of their recently released EP ‘monochrome blue in September this year, which found support across countless tastemakers both here and abroad. Featuring the singles ‘Liquorice’, ‘2 Missed Calls’ and ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’, they received strong playlist support, landing on New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List amongst others on Spotify, as well as New Music Daily, New in Alternative and Breaking Alternative on Apple Music. They have also received strong radio support with 2FM, BBC R1, BBC R6, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line and Radio X giving them regular airtime and live sessions with BBC Introducing and Seconds Away with Gemma Bradley
With its immense euphoric pop soundscapes and irresistible jangly guitar hooks, ‘Us’ triumphantly continues modernlove.’s run of knock-out tracks. This song is shamelessly catchy. With lofty soundscapes expanding the track’s sonic sound while elevated synths weave sugar-coated melodies between hyper beats, the track offers perhaps the greatest endorphin release you’ll find this year. Barry Larry’s expressive vocal flexes from heartfelt suspended notes to warm velvety croons allowing the relatable vulnerability to creep through the lyrics “love, what have we done to us”. Boasting glittering guitar, rushing rhythms and heart-racing melodies ‘Us’ displays modernlove.’s refined musicianship and sleek instrumental prowess in all its glory. This band just get better with each release.
Irish alternative pop artist Jack Rua and American electro-pop artist Kit Major have released their new single ‘Vacuum’, which was produced by UK based artist Possessive and written by Jack Rua and Kit Major.
Filled with pulsing synths clashing against a tight and muggy backdrop of dynamic beats and kinetic guitars, ‘Vacuum’ sees both Rua and Major reach new earworm pop heights. An intoxicating bittersweet melody chimes throughout as Rua and Major express the tracks dense lyrical content “I lost the part of me that wants to fall in love”. Their vocals perfectly complement each other as they seamlessly harmonise and interplay between bubbling glam-pop electronics and dark alternative pop soundscapes. ‘Vacuum’ is an enticing and irresistible tune that boasts the refined and masterful musicianship of both Jack Rua and Kit Major.
The song is about feeling empty and unable to connect to people in romance due to past traumas. “I sort of envisioned myself as this cold, unfeeling creature while trying to form relationships,” says Jack, who wrote the bulk of the lyrics. “If I ever felt I was connecting with someone, this defense mechanism within me would pop the feeling like a dart to a balloon.” Despite the dark theme, Kit Major contributed to the more hopeful ending. “Jack and I have a shared love for wrapping open wounds in glimmer and Pop”, she said. “We all heal from heartbreak differently, and this song is an anthem to breaking down the barriers of love”.
Off the back of a near sold-out Button Factory show and a headliner show in Sin E this October – Aonair has released his penultimate single ‘Think Twice’ taken from upcoming EP ‘Loveheart Birthmark’. ‘Think Twice’ ft. Caoimhe from Wyvern Lingo (vocals) was written, recorded, produced and mixed by Aonair . Aonair has received praise from Ed Smith on Today FM, Totally Irish on 98fm, Across The Line on BBC Across The Line, RTE 2FM, Nova FM, 8Radio, Flirt FM, and so much more.
‘Think Twice’ is a thrilling alternative pop anthem. This shimmering indie-pop gem surges with mouth-watering melodies and is doused in effervescent synths and danceable qualities. Bright guitar lines sprinkle a dash of zest into the track to create a refreshing and vitalising 80’s soundscape as Aonair wraps this passionate, heartfelt tune in strutting instrumentation and disco hues, leaving the listener craving to hear more. His smooth reverb coated vocals blend superbly with Caoimhe’s emotive, soulful tones as the duo harmonise beautifully while a catchy rhythm pulses within the track, radiating passion and youthful adrenaline throughout. Filled with warm saxophone, chiming keys and lush production, ‘Think Twice’ is a knock out bop sure to brighten any day.
FKB have released their new single, ‘Beautiful Fantasy’.FKB is a high-energy, four-piece, alternative rock band based in Edmonton, Alberta, influenced by the mystique, glamour, and excess of the 1960s-1980s entertainment business.
Doused in prismatic shimmers on synths, funky flexes and glorious pop melodies, ‘Beautiful Fantasy’ is an upbeat and fun new single from FKB. The band create a swagger drenched tune that boasts their rich, feel-good sound in all its glory. Filled with groovy guitar embellishment, tight and danceable rhythms the track is a glittering and infectious tune that beckons repeat plays. FKB layer the song superbly to unveil new lush melodies and textures with each subsequent listen while the glam stomping beat, sun-kissed pop melody and suave presentation gives ‘Beautiful Fantasy’ a charm that is difficult to resist.
Newcastle based indie duo Drive have released their new single ‘The Rain’. With over 100,000 Spotify streams, BBC Introducing support and an Amazing Radio live session under their belt, Drive are back in the studio recording their debut, and preparing for their return to live shows.
‘The Rain’ is an absolutely glorious gem. Drive create a nostalgic sweet indie number that captures your heart from the very first note. Warm guitars ripple through a sweet ethereal soundscape of shimmering synths while pulsing beats create a sense of suspense throughout. Boasting smooth vocals and a dreamy earworm melody, the duo showcase their musically lush sound within this irresistible sweet tune. There are intricate layers and exciting new instrumental treats hidden throughout the song, from soft twinkles on keys to supple, warm bass grooves and clapping percussion, which open the track up and create an exciting new listening experience with each replay. ‘The Rain’ is a sublime example of Drive’s heartfelt and time stopping musicianship in all its wonderful indie-pop glory.
Kynsy has released her new single ‘Mr Nice Guy’. Kynsy is the solo project of 23 year-old Irish multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Ciara Lindsey. The song is co-produced by Kynsy and James Dring (Gorillaz / Jamie T / Sorry).”Mr Nice Guy” is the first new single from Kynsy since the release of her critically acclaimed debut EP, Things That Don’t Exist released in January of this year.
Surging with tightly weaved instrumentation ‘Mr Nice Guy’ is an irresistible indie-pop tune that boasts the ever-evolving sound of Kynsy. Within ‘Mr. Nice Guy’ we see Kynsy smother a groovy indie foundation with lashings of synths and pop- esque melodies to create a tantalizing tune brimming with sass and vigour.
Skillfully produced the song’s sonic wall of sound expands with zesty stings on guitar and sweet key refrains while drum grooves and pulsing bass lines flutter throughout. The upbeat nature of the instrumentation contrasts Kynsy’s nonchalant vocals as the artist croons out some pretty hard-hitting lyrics “Hey there Mr. nice guy, f*cking with your stuck fly. Have you got no class at all”. Kynsy is an immensely talented musician who is creating an impeccable track record of invigorating tunes for listeners to enjoy. The artist possesses an unnatural and enviable gift for creating catchy earworm melodies filled with sharp witty lyrics and jubilant instrumentation; the result is a sublime display of musicianship that leaves much to be admired. ‘Mr Nice Guy’’ is a spectacular example of this.
Talking about the new song and video, Kynsy says: “It’s a song about money and working and having one of those horrible bosses who tells you he’s trying to be ‘the nice guy’ while he goes through you outside on the street. It’s mostly based on an encounter I had in a waitressing job. I suppose there is a message in there about the power of empathy and kindness in how you deal with people. The video echoes a lot of the themes in the song just pushed to an extreme level. Working with Dave and Conor we created a surreal world that’s really colourful but eerie at the same time. The master [me!] is on a constant power trip and forces her minions to endure some pretty awful treatment for her own gratification. To honour the positive message in the song we get to see how treating people like this will come back to bite you one way or another. “
Kynsy has also announced a series of tour dates taking place this December with shows at Upstairs Whelan’s, Dublin on 9th December, Kasbah Social Club, Limerick on 10th December and Connolly’s of Leap, Cork on 11th December.
She will perform her debut international live shows this November, with dates at the inaugural Pitchfork Music Festival London at The Roundhouse on Sunday 14th November and Pitchfork Festival Paris on 19th November.
Dublin-based, The Crayon Set have released their new album ‘Downer Disco’.The album was recorded with producer Stephen Shannon at Experimental Audio in Dublin in 2019. The release was put on hold due to Covid ’19.To celebrate the launch of ‘Downer Disco’ The Crayon Set will play their first headline show in over 2 years at The Grand Social, Dublin on 7th October. Tickets are €9 (Students: €7) and are available at www.ticketmaster.ie
‘Downer Disco’ is a glorious collection of alternative pop gems that ripple with shimmering synths, rich percussion and the irresistible musicianship of The Crayon Set. This band’s ability to whack out diverse earworms while creating a cohesive body of work is simply impressive. They pour sweet melodies and bright instrumentation into opening tracks ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ and ‘Summer Song’ before stirring darker tones and brooding melodies through ‘Out Of Your Mind’ to showcase the versatility and freshness within their sound.
The band exude swagger within this album as they confidently sashay through the sassy indie drenched ‘Rock Star// Dream Girl’ and country hued ‘Flames’ before using brooding guitar melodies, jazz peppered keys, punchy drums and a sultry soundscape to create a sense of mystery that keeps the listener hooked throughout. The lush musicianship within ‘Downer Disco’ is compelling. The band effortlessly balance light and sweet tunes such as ‘Boring’, ( with its lush harmonies, ethereal twinkles on keys and warm guitar ) with the more dark, obscure and electronic heavy ‘Not the End of the World’; the latter boasts choppy rhythms, spiralling electronics and distorted guitars that creates an intoxicating and luring psychedelic-hued backdrop for listeners to indulge in.
Alongside oodles of rich, tantalizing instrumentation The Crayon Set display emotive lyrical content throughout the album that depicts themes such as mental health, love and loss to name a few. The lyrics are powerful and evocative on their own however they are greatly enhanced by the band’s artful use of instrumentation; beautiful, poetic and aptly placed turns of phrase are wrapped within bittersweet or brooding melodies, “skimming stones cause ripples that go on”– ‘Miss You in my Dreams’. The Crayon Set have a wonderful ability to touch the soul with their lyrics, while soothing and comforting with their musicianship at the same time and these moments within the album are a joy to experience again and again.
A real treat to the ears ‘Downer Disco’ is an immersive gem of sweet alternative pop filled with beautiful melodies, opulent instrumentation and utterly compelling soundscapes. The Crayon Set are refining what they do best, providing eargasmic refreshing tunes that beckon repeat plays.
Four-piece LA-based Indie pop band, The Last Chaperones have released their new single ‘Sidewinder’.Originally founded by Wes Cole (lead singer/bassist) and Ben Killops (guitar/singer), they were joined by Sophia Trevor (synths) and Hush Paz (Drums).
‘Sidewinder’ is a radiant indie-pop gem that boasts The Last Chaperones’ catchy and infectious sound. With jaunty guitars weaving between a buoyant beat, the track has a refreshing and uplifting soundscape. The band creates a freeing summer atmosphere with a dreamy melody, while smooth vocals ( teamed with infectious pop hooks and a light spritz of indie ) provide an upbeat and infectious glow throughout. It’s a witty tune brimming to the seams with charming instrumentation as the band use clever lyrics to hint at the animalistic nature of a relationship within a glorious indie-pop backdrop. Press play and enjoy.
Stream ‘Sidewinder’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
