Tag Archives: indie pop

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

Neil Dexter ‘Loving You’

Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Neil Dexter has launched his solo career and released his debut single, ‘Loving You.’ A founding member of defunct indie-rock quintet Spies, and active contributor to Tandem Felix and Royal Yellow, Dexter’s experiences playing with these acts have broadened his sonic palette and informed his artistry today. 

Dexter presents a richly textured prismatic wall of sound within ‘Loving You’ that builds to become one infectious groove-laden bop. The song pivots around an insatiable groove as a pounding beat and bass direct the song’s flow. Dexter layers shimmering synths, clapping rhythms and melodic electronics atop heavy grooves to create a kaleidoscopic 80’s synth-pop backdrop blended with elements of 90s techno-pop. This lush array of textures is a joy to the senses as Dexter’s mesmerising vocal anchors the listener within the song’s ever-growing and immersive soundscape. There is a dark undertone crawling through the track. This is reinforced by Dexter’s deep vocals and haunting wisps on electronics which contrasts the lustrous production and synths, while the lyrics explore the guilt that often comes from not being more present for your partner “I should have spent more time loving you.”

 ‘Loving You’ is an exciting glimpse into the vast tantalising sound of Neil Dexter, and I, for one, am looking forward to what the artist has in store for us next.

Stream ‘Loving You’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

modernlove. ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’

Photo Credit: Marc Shelly

Irish four-piece modernlove. have announced their debut EP ‘monochrome blue’ and share their new single. ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ along with a music video. The EP is due September 1st on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). Each of the 6 radio-ready tracks confronts issues like romance, rejection, 21st-century communication and the daily impact of all three.”lmk (if you wanna see me)” will be the third single on the EP, following on from “Liquorice” and “Bop,” both of which received strong playlist support, landing on NMF UK at Spotify, as well as Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List. Radio has come via 2FM, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line and Radio X.

modernlove. flesh out their sonically lush indie-pop to present a truly mesmerising gem in ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’. Steeped in a pool of synths, the track has a nostalgic and dreamy atmosphere that has a semi-conscious quality to it and creates a slow-motion, out of body effect throughout the verses. The song pivots around this hazy vibe with the mechanical vocal effects inducing a suspenseful tone through the use of soft coo’s. modernlove. have refined and honed their sound to create a tight song laced in interweaved melodies and textures that is simply divine to listen to. The band’s ability to pour emotion into every fibre of a song is masterful. They use a bubbling rhythmic backbone to create an agitated undertone in the soundscape of the track while surges of intense electronics ebb and flow throughout, quickly followed by a brief relief between jittery guitar interludes. The instrumentation is exquisitely designed to mirror the theme of being simultaneously overwhelmed and isolated. This intense instrumentation is greatly enhanced by the eloquent, emotive and well-coined phrases within the track – ”it doesn’t feel like I’m living, it just feels like I’m here” as the band poignantly capture the complexities of the modern lives of twenty-somethings through their earnest and striking lyricism.

‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is an excellent example of fine musicianship. Everything clicks within this song. The production, arrangement, lyrics and vocals all blend together spectacularly. modernlove.’s sound has blossomed wonderfully. The band’s deft musical ability balances insanely catchy indie-pop with emotive and thought-provoking lyrics to create compelling and impressive music. Love it.

About the song, the band say: “‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is about a formative period of your life ending. We wrote it during lockdown which inspired the somber, detached feel of the song.”

To celebrate the EP release,  modernlove. will be playing their first London show at The Social on November 12 as well as a Dublin show in The Workman’s Club Cellar on November 5th.

Stream ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Thrillhouse ‘Take Care’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse have released their new single ‘Take Care’. ‘Take Care’ races to glory as Thrillhouse continue their run of anthemic, ethereal indie rock through this majestic tune. With an electronic glitzy soundscape that is broken by shimmering guitars and desert-esque elements, the band create a sun-kissed nostalgic gem that pulses within a heart-pounding backdrop. Rumbling basslines ride along snapping beats and whirring synths to create an all-consuming sound that oozes suspense while showcasing the band’s deft musical prowess. Boasting sleek production and tight musical layering that is teamed with a deep brooding vocal delivery, ‘Take Care’ is a rush of heartfelt indie that leaves you craving to hear more. Thrillhouse are fast becoming known for creating infectious, musically lush bangers and ‘Take Care’ is a sublime example of this.

Stream ‘Take Care’’ below


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

KinetiX ‘White Oil…’

KinetiX have released their new single ‘White Oil…’. The track is the third single released by the Offaly trio (consisting of brothers Arthur, Theodore, and Ademar Stones), ‘White Oil…’ is a drum and bass rallying call by KinetiX for listeners to retake the initiative within their lives.Before KinetiX formed in 2017, the trio started out as traditional musicians to great success, winning 23 All-Ireland at various Fleadh Cheoil na nÉireann competitions, as well as appearing on The Late Late Toy Show in 2010. Prior to KinetiX Arthur would go on to form Ruaile Buaile, which would release two studio albums, extensively tour North America, Europe, the UAE, and New Zealand. As KinetiX, the trio work out of their studio in Offaly, having previously worked in Diffusion Lab Studios alongside producers Chris Bubenzer and Marcin Ciszczon. The trio plan to release up to a dozen singles before the end of 2021, while continuing to perform gigs via live stream, with the aim of returning to physical gigs at the first opportunity ahead of the 2022 festival season.

‘White Oil…’ is a luscious pop anthem doused in the intricate production and sparkling electronic pop of KinetiX. The trio spread a dreamy melody over a driving drum and bass backdrop to create an energetic and irresistible bop for listeners to enjoy. The track oozes feel-good vibes as KinetiX swirl ethereal electronics through the bubbling backdrop to create light and airy elements throughout. With muggy verses that dissolve into the explosive and radiant chorus, ‘White Oil..’ is a well crafted and bright gem, ready for repeat summer plays. 

A by-product of the ongoing pandemic, ‘White Oil…’ lyrically tries to look beyond this unprecedented period and encourages listeners not only to maintain connections with people but to use the easing of lockdown restrictions as a launchpad to start living in a way that makes life worthwhile: “We are trying to convey a simple message in this song…it’s time to open up your arms again and let people in. If you have had any negative thoughts or were being hard on yourself for the last few months, it is time to let that all go and start living your life again…get out there and start living your life for you.”

Stream ‘White Oil…’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Slaney ‘Love Is Like A Drug’

Irish electro-pop artist Slaney has released her new single, ‘Love Is Like A Drug’. The song follows the release of her previous single ‘Chameleon’, which dropped in February and picked up excellent radio and press support in Ireland and the UK.

‘Love Is Like A Drug’ is a refreshing guzzle of electronic pop that bubbles with the infectious musicianship of Slaney. She spreads ethereal electronics over a sticky beat creating a muggy and dance-infused backdrop for her sweet vocals to coo over. There is a beautiful contrast between Slaney’s hypnotic vocals, the honeyed melody and effervescent electronics that adds a bite and edge to the tune. Slaney pulls these different aspects together with the use of soft pop elements and catchy hooks allowing listeners to appreciate and immerse themselves in the tracks’ addictive and enticing soundscapes. ‘Love Is Like A Drug’ showcases Slaney’s musical prowess and sublime knack for melodies, marking her an artist to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Love Is Like A Drug’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Academic ‘Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)’

The Academic have announced details of a new EP. ‘The Community Spirit’ EP will be released on the 9th of July through Capitol Records. To coincide with its announcement, the band have released the first taste of the EP with their new single, ‘Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)’.’ The Community Spirit’ EP was written, recorded and produced by the band through lockdown.

Exuding a youthful persona, ‘Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)’ is an irresistible earworm that surges with The Academic’s thrilling indie sound. The rugged driving bass lines and punchy drum progressions create a gripping foundation while shimmers of guitar lift the track to majestic and ethereal heights. It’s a gripping and powerful number as the band flesh out their exhilarating musicianship with weighty instrumentation and honest lyricism. Craig Fitzgerald croons, “when I say I shine, I barely glow “ over a sweet melody while the indie backdrop builds for the anthemic chorus. The track is a joy to listen to and ready for repeat plays.

Showcasing crisp production and energetic instrumentation, The Academic are building their sound superbly and fast becoming one of Ireland’s finest indie gems.

About the song, vocalist Craig Fitzgerald explains: “Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me) is one of the first songs I remember writing back when I was a teenager. It was the first time that lyrics had come very easy to me. It’s written about the fear of not getting out of your hometown and amounting to anything. Thanks to the lockdown, I had plenty of time on my hands, but nothing to write about, so I started looking through all my old notebooks and found this song fully written. I had a gut feeling that it might come to life now with a few more years of living behind me since it was originally written.”

 Stream ‘Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Peach Lane ‘Take This Day’ EP

Australian three-piece band Peach Lane unveil their long-awaited debut EP ‘Take This Day’. Peach Lane explores feelings around growing up and learning to look after yourself in an EP that they describe as cathartic and organic. “These were the first songs we wrote together as a band. They just kind of fell out of us, and it felt really natural and easy.” explain the band, who recorded the EP with producer Louis Montgomery (Peking Duck, Safia, Citizen Kay).

‘Take This Day’ is a lush collection of tracks that showcases the stunning melodic world of Peach Lane. Throughout the EP, the band blends electronics with sweet pop elements to create an ethereal soundscape that is euphoric on the ears. From the supple dance-infused synths and rich rhythmic pulse of ‘Rolling’ to the twinkling sun-kissed indie-pop of ‘Watch Me Leave’, Peach Lane invites listeners to indulge in immersive tracks filled with rich instrumentation and pristine production. The electronics and innocent keys provide a sublime contrast to the harsher moments, allowing the band to blur the lines between genres to create hypnotic tracks with cinematic tendencies – ‘Just The Start’ and ‘Bad Friends’ are fine examples of this, with the latter displaying an intriguing mirage of shimmering guitars that glimmer with psychedelic hues and a bright indie edge. The EP as a whole boasts the diverse and wondrous sound of Peach Lane and is a compelling and glorious listening experience.

Stream ’’Take This Day’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Pauric O’Meara ‘Final Say’

Pauric O’Meara has released his new single ‘Final Say’.O’Meara is an independent singer-songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. He has been making his mark on the Irish music scene for quite a few years since his time on The Voice. His raw, powerful vocal has been known to grab people’s attention across many places and many stages. Through the years, he has performed in many top venues around Ireland supporting bands such as Hermitage Green, Hudson Taylor, Billow Wood, Amazing Apples and HAWK but had a breakthrough year in 2019, with 2 successful headline shows in Dublin in The Soundhouse and Workman’s Club, as well as making his Electric Picnic Festival debut.

‘Final Say’ is a fine example of O’Meara’s dynamic sound. Pulsing beats create a sense of tension while subtle wisps of electronics flurry about the verse as O’Meara displays his meticulous musicianship and deft ability to evoke emotion through his songs. It’s an ambitious track that tethers alternative pop to indie sensibilities, enhanced by a plucked guitar refrain that injects a bright indie glow into the song’s backdrop. O’Meara’s sweet voice easily drifts between the brooding verses and mighty chorus while matching the track’s kinetic instrumental elements without becoming overpowering. Boasting a cinematic chorus, expressive soundscapes and driving rhythms, ‘Final Say’ is a compelling and well crafted new single from Pauric O’Meara.

Stream ‘Final Say’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

FYA FOX ‘Sunset’

FYA FOX has released her new single, ‘Sunset’. FYA’s debut single, ‘White Lies’, received favourable radio support across the UK and Ireland, including a world exclusive from Radio One’s Gemma Bradley on BBC Across The Line. Her previous two singles, ‘Body’ & ‘White Lies’, have already been supported by 2fm, Today FM and many more. ‘Body’ was added to the BBC Radio Ulster ‘Where Music Matters’ playlist, which features ten new tracks across the BBC Radio Ulster playlist each month and was also added to a number of prestigious Spotify playlists, including ‘Fresh Finds’ (750k followers).

Showcasing mesmerising vocals and a shimmering electronic pop backdrop, ‘Sunset’ is a compelling new single from FYA FOX. The song broods for the verses creating an enticing vast soundscape that flickers with dark alternative pop embellishments, rich textured rhythms, shadowy instrumental elements and soft keys. FYA FOX’s magnificent vocals are the icing on the cake in this track. Her vocal range is stunning and a joy to listen to. Her voice holds an air of majesty as she coos through the verse before echoing delicate harmonies in the dynamic chorus. ‘Sunset’ is a catchy, luxuriantly arranged alternative pop gem and a beautiful example of why FYA FOX is an artist to treasure

Stream ‘Sunset’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Electronic, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Jack Rua and Saint Taint ‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’ EP

Irish glam-pop artist Jack Rua and American hyper-pop artist Saint Taint have teamed up on a scintillating EP called ‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’. 

‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’ is a tantalizing body of work that melds heavy electronics with intricate instrumentation and dazzling production. The artists knock it out of the park with their sugar rush of sounds while allowing each track to evoke the wide range of emotions everyone has been feeling since the pandemic began. ‘Contact’ kicks the EP into motion. With smooth vocals gliding sweetly over a bubbling backdrop of ethereal synths, infectious rhythms and swirling soundscapes, Jack Rua and Saint Taint provide a punchy assault to the senses. Title track ‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’, continues the lush textural blitz of its predecessor as it spirals into a chaotic dizzying explosion of electronics between staccato synth and dance immersed beats that create surges of adrenaline between the chilled verses.  

As the EP progresses the quality of earworm melodies and glitter pop backdrops intensify, completely absorbing the listener in vibrant electronics, EDM elements and tropical tones. A fine example of this is ‘Lovemelikeiloveyou’ – a glorious moment within the EP. This bright tune radiates sun kissed tones, shimmering synths and deft beats. Within ‘Lovemelikeiloveyou’ Jack Rua and Saint Taint lyrically capture 2020’s feelings of frustration, loneliness and anxiety “my paranoia’s been keeping me company”. The high energy and infectious melodies continue throughout until the grand finale, ‘Bike Ride’.A piano reverb laced tune layered with sticky beats and quirky samples that provides a biting backdrop for Saint Taint’s poignant depiction of life in America amidst the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests.

Over four tracks Jack Rua and Saint Taint succinctly explore the impact of 2020 and covid 19. It’s a remarkably confident EP boasting exquisite melodies and bewitching electronic pop sounds creating a contemporary and unique listening experience. Within ‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’, the listener witnesses two dynamic, talented artists showcase their musical prowess and hone their craft to create an EP that is as passionate and emotive as it is engaging and enjoyable. 

Stream ‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’ below 


Author : Danu