Tag Archives: indie rock

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Late Night Pharmacy ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’

Dublin, Ireland-based alternative rock band Late Night Pharmacy have released their new single, ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’. It is the band’s first release since their second EP, Flamingo, released in March of 2019. Recording the single was only possible due to the generous financial support of the Department of Culture, who last year announced the creation of a Music Industry Stimulus Package (MISP), intended to help keep the Irish commercial music sector afloat during Covid-19. In November 2020, Late Night Pharmacy were awarded funding under the recording scheme of the MISP, and hired Aidan Cunningham (Wheatus, The Scratch, Nealo, Overhead the Albatross) to produce and mix three singles, of which ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ is the first to be released.

‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ is a melodious indie rock song that displays Late Night Pharmacy’s ability to create a catchy tune with hard-hitting lyrical content. The band craft a well-textured and bittersweet soundscape by smearing dark verses with jagged guitars and elastic grooves. The song unfolds beautifully as if drifting off into a dreamy state for the chorus. Here the song lifts with light guitars, buoyant drums swirling synths and lush melodies, creating a bright and infectious chorus for listeners to indulge in. With psychedelic elements on guitars dissolving into the infectious soundscape while lush harmonies coo in the backdrop ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ is an exhilarating new single from Late Night Pharmacy.

‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ was written during Ireland’s second lockdown when the band’s lead guitarist was taking a tram home and fell into conversation with two men in their forties who told him about their lives and their struggles with drug addiction. That conversation served as the primary inspiration for the lyrics, detailing a typical couple of days in the lives of men like this. The band also drew from the lead guitarist’s experiences visiting the Cloverhill prison in west Dublin to play Christmas carols and religious music for the inmates.

Stream ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’ below. 


Author : Danu

indie rock, New Music

Ben Lazarus ‘Going to the Store’

Capturing the disorienting shift to a new normal of life in the pandemic, ‘Going to the Store’ is the latest single to be released from L.A based artist Ben Lazarus. Started in 2005, this upbeat song was left unfinished until 2020, when Lazarus found himself with time in his life to make music again. Lazarus recently signed to Napier Records, a new label founded by Academy award-winning filmmaker Andrew Napier. A keyboard player since the age of 7, Ben Lazarus has picked up several instruments along the way. Becoming part of numerous garage bands in the San Francisco Bay area, eventually completing the line-up for post-punk band Stunt Monkey. After five years of recording and touring, Lazarus moved to Los Angeles and became a production sound mixer for film and television. Over the next 15 years, he wrote and recorded songs at home while working quietly behind the scenes. 

‘Going to the Store’ is a bright and witty tune laced in Ben Lazarus’ catchy indie rock. The track floats upon a light zesty indie guitar refrain which bounces through the soft beat allowing the clever lyrics become the main focus. Lazarus’ warm vocals nonchalantly discuss how the mundane act of grocery shopping feels treacherous now, due to the pandemic. The track has a sun-kissed indie rock tone with smooth melodies and radiant guitars maintaining the song’s warmth and feathery lightness. With delicate and sprightly instrumentation creating a buoyant lift, ‘Going to the Store’ is an enjoyable listening experience.

Stream ‘Going to the Store’ below 


Author : Danu

90's Grunge, Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Forty Foot ‘Zeros’

Following the release of their debut track ‘Drugs’, Dublin grunge band Forty Foot are back with their second track, ‘Zeros’. The band formed in 2019 following a friend and previous collaborator’s sudden death, with much of their initial work written and inspired by the bands’ loss. ‘Zeros’ expresses feelings of sadness, empathy, vulnerability and how people come together at a time of loss. 

Smothered in an intoxicating 90’s grunge soundscape, ‘Zeros’ surges with Forty Foot’s raw and passionate musicianship. The track is driven by a relentless drum rumble and rooted bass that boils and bubbles beneath a rasped eerie vocal line while a moody melody drifts upon a heavy backdrop of crashing guitars and mammoth rhythms. The contrasting elements within the song is a powerful stimulant to the senses as the band balances tender emotion with torrential instrumentation to create an intense tune for the listener to indulge in. The sombre lyrics display the band’s deft songwriting ability and is greatly enhanced by the tracks shredding wall of sound, ” Today, bury our coat of arms to, Hold on to it. She stands wasted, under armed to, Hold on to it”. ‘Zeros’ is a mosh ready grunge rock anthem that boasts Forty Foot’s talent and musical prowess. Keep an eye on these guys.

Stream ‘Zeros’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Joyce ‘Tai Chi’

Irish singer-songwriter Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘Tai Chi’. Joyce first embarked on his music career at sixteen when he began performing and booking gigs in local pubs and clubs. He released his debut demo EP, ‘Get Down’, in October 2018 and spent the summer of 2019 busking through Europe. Following his return, he sold out The Vintage Room in the Workman’s Club and the Whale Theatre. He followed this by opening for Cassia in Whelan’s and playing a slot at the New Year’s Festival in Dublin.

Encased in bright indie and filled with glimmers of alternative rock and sun-kissed tones, ‘Tai Chi’ is a clean, catchy and witty new single from Jack Joyce. The song flows effortlessly on a dynamic beat and rich percussive bounce, creating an upbeat and sturdy backdrop. Joyce paces the track well, adding a sharp sting on guitar to illuminate the song and add a desert tone. Joyce has become known for his witty and cheeky lyrics, and ‘Tai Chi’ follows this trend spectacularly. His tongue twister lyrics and turn of phrase make him quite the ambitious lyricist as he wraps his smooth vocals around astute lines “A potpourri of Sophists and Casanovas”. With a subtle pulsing bass gently protruding through the hazy melody, ‘Tai Chi’ displays Jack Joyce’s flair for melodious, breezy and memorable indie-rock.

Stream ‘Tai Chi’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Surf Rock

Wave Chase ‘Sit by the Sea’

Wave Chase have released their new single ‘Sit by the Sea’. Wave Chase are an indie/surf rock band from Bournemouth (now Brighton based).The band formed in early 2018 by college friends George Kingman (lead vocals/guitar), Tim Baldwin (bass guitar), Mickey Golicher (Lead Guitar)and Charlie Cane (drums). The song was recorded at Brighton Electric Studios where bands such as Fur, Royal Blood and The Cure have previously recorded.

Fun, fresh and doused in magnificent surf rock, Wave Chase’s ‘Sit by the Sea’ is a cracker. The song is a slice of surf rock delight with sharp zesty swirls on guitar, adding a dash of fuzz and radiance into the tracks soundscape while the buoyant drums and elastic bass lay down the bubbling foundation. Well crafted and beautifully arranged, ‘Sit by the Sea’ gives us a keyhole glimpse into this band’s immense talent as they provide us with a compelling and catchy new tune to indulge in. Layered guitars move from jagged strikes to biting riffs and shredding solo’s as Kingman’s smooth vocals caress the dreamy melody while cooing, “I wanna walk wanna walk along the shore don’t wanna have anyone to answer for”. This wistful light ditty bounces with jangly indie and surf rock bravado to create a catchy anthem sure to be epic live. Keep an eye on Wave Chase. These guys are a talented bunch.

Stream ‘Sit by the Sea’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

InBetween Honey ‘I’m Glad That It’s You’

InBetween Honey have released their new single ‘I’m glad that it’s you’.InBetween Honey are a 5 piece indie rock band from Ireland, who formed in Co. Meath in June 2019. The band all attended O’Carolan College where they originally crossed paths. Since forming, the band have played sold-out shows in Whelans and The Workmans Club, as well as playing sets at Electric Picnic and Whelans Ones To Watch Festival. The group are Dylan Hickey, Ciara McManus, Blayne Moran and brothers JohnPaul and Matthew Melady.

‘I’m Glad That It’s You’ is a sleek indie-rock tune saturated in InBetween Honey’s passionate and dynamic sound. The song rushes with energetic, sun-kissed soundscapes as the band coat a driving rhythmic backdrop in soaring majestic guitar embellishments and vibrant indie rock. InBetween Honey’s heartfelt youthful sound is irresistible as they wriggle warm basslines between pounding drums to create a solid and groove infested foundation. ‘I’m Glad That It’s You’ exudes sweet melodies, velvety vocals, and infectious guitar hooks that evoke a heart skipping, animated sense of joy as they portray a song about love through their unique and compelling arrangements. InBetween Honey are developing their sound superbly, crafting solid emotive bangers through their engaging and invigorating musicianship. Riding on a catchy chorus and 80’s rock adrenaline, ‘I’m Glad That It’s You’ is a fantastic new single from InBetween Honey.

About the track, the band said: “It’s an out and out love song. It’s about the feeling you get when you’re with someone, you’re glad that it’s them and nobody else!”

Stream ‘I’m Glad That It’s You’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk

Apella ‘Buried You’

Photo Credit : Ray Keogh

Apella have released a limited edition vinyl and CD of their debut album ‘1963’, alongside the brand new single ‘Buried You’. Since the album was digitally released on January 29th, it has been going from strength to strength with a whopping 500,000 streams racked up to date. Pre-orders for the physical release launched in January via apellamusic.com with 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this album going directly to The Marie Keating Foundation specifically to help fund the outstanding support services they provide to women affected by Breast Cancer.

Bouncing between an effervescent pop chorus and earnest verses, ‘Buried You’ is a fizzing electronic-infused pop-punk/ indie banger from Apella. The band depicts heartbreak through this dynamic tune as brooding verses, that are smeared with dark undertones simmer into a bright pop chorus that is so catchy you will have to prise it from your head. The song displays the expressive songwriting and ever-shifting musicianship of Apella. Venturing into heavy electronics the track whirls and coils around dizzying synths and a hyper wall of sound. As a rampant bassline weaves between punchy drums and effervescent electronics the track spirals into the exhilarating chorus. Apella blend lush textures with rich soundscapes and shake them up to create a fizzing anthem while heart-stopping melodies and meaningful lyrics add weight and depth “I trembled at the thought of moving on, you surrendered all hope before hope was gone”. Dara Quilty’s vocals balance the tender lyrics and explosive soundscapes with ease. His coo’s ebb and flow with the instrumental turmoil providing emotion and anthemic power throughout. The track is such a joy to the senses and a fine display of musicianship from Apella.

‘Buried You’ is accompanied by a vigorously high energy, vivacious music video directed by Ray Keogh. Talking about the video Director Ray Keogh said: “I have been part of the Apella journey since inception and this music video captures everything they represent. Quilty and Nolan are two extraordinarily talented performers. We set it up and executed this video just like we were headlining a music festival! This is Apella. I am incredibly proud of this.”

Speaking of the album Dara Quilty said: “The response to the album on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube has been overwhelming. I still enjoy opening up my phone and simply seeing it exist in the world. As I mentioned before, we’ll be donating 100% of all the physical sales proceeds directly to The Marie Keating Foundation. Up against COVID-19 and BREXIT, I am delighted that production is complete and we can finally release our beautiful Vinyl and CDs! I am eternally grateful to everyone who has pre-ordered and we’ll continue to donate sales after the release date!”

100% of the proceeds from this album bought on apellamusic.com will go directly to The Marie Keating Foundation’s Positive Living support group, Survive and Thrive programme, BRCA awareness and support programme and School’s Cancer Awareness Programme.

Watch the video for ‘Buried You’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Post-Party ‘Wasting Time’

Post-Party have released their new single ‘Wasting Time’. Proving themselves as one of the Irish acts to watch in 2021, recent single ‘Being Honest’ was placed number one on Vevo’s Incoming Indie playlist, alongside being featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday, Breath of Fresh Eire and Hottest New Bands playlists. Since forming the band, they have played venues such as the Roisin Dubh in Galway, sold-out headline Dublin shows, toured Ireland, performed at Electric Picnic and Indiependence, supported the likes of Miles Kane and The Sherlocks, as well as playing their own headline show at London’s Islington.

‘Wasting Time’ announces itself in a blaze of raucous energy. Sweeping in on a throbbing bassline and swarming guitars, Post- Party captures the listener’s attention right from the opening refrain. This souped-up anthem surges with youthful adrenaline as sharp guitar lines whip through the urgent chorus while the drums and bass gallop throughout.

The band have crafted this song superbly to create a tune that is fun, carefree and infectious. Keelan O’Reilly’s smooth vocals exude emotion and intensity while the clap along element teamed with rugged bass and earworm melody ooze the band’s engaging indie-pop sound. Post- Party’s knack with hyper crowd-friendly tunes is compelling as they use clever instrumental builds, kinetic crescendos and irresistible melodies to create a sound that is impossible to ignore.

Packing a short, sharp, melodic punch,’ Wasting Time’ is an exciting new single from Post-Party.

Speaking about the single Keelan O’Reilly of Post-Party says: “We are really excited to release ‘Wasting Time’ and we feel it’s the type of high energy tune that everyone needs right now. The song is about embracing the fleeting moments that life is made up of. It all came together really naturally and we knew after playing it live and the amazing reaction we got from the audience that it was one to be proud of.”

Stream ‘Wasting Time’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

School Disco ‘Echoes’

The Brighton-based School Disco have released their new single ‘Echoes’.The song follows on from the three-piece self-titled debut, which was highly regarded by fans new and old. ‘Echoes’ is the first track off the band’s second album, which will be announced soon

Within ‘Echoes’, School Disco display their fizzing blend of indie rock with mind-numbing psychedelia to create one thrilling tune. Melding abrasive guitar riffs with pounding drums, the band create a raw and heavy sound that stomps with glam rock panache and 60’s swagger.

The band have refined their sound into one intoxicating concoction. The riffs are catchy; the drums pound a body moving beat while the elastic bassline weaves lusty grooves throughout. As the song develops, it dissolves its heavy soundscapes into ripples of psychedelia. With lighter guitar embellishments, this hypnotic break in the song creates a numbing release before the crescendo brings a space rock onslaught of mania. Teaming deep hypnotic vocals with shrilling guitars and mind-crushing frenzy, ‘Echoes’ is a spectacular tune.

School Disco have constructed a solid sound. It is confident and loud, but the lyrics are full of mystery and vulnerability. Within short phrases of poetry such as, “Echoes Drone in the night, A sublet dream takes flight, Moving with the air above, Never giving his love Away”, the band capture a sweetly romantic yet eerie scene while the haunting instrumentation pulses around these echoed phrases.

‘Echoes’ is organic, sharp, and layered to perfection, making School Disco a band to keep an eye on.

Speaking on ‘Echoes’ School Disco frontman and producer Rory Lethbridge said. ‘‘Echoes is a really unique song for us and was the start of the new crop of songs from our 2nd album. Usually we write all the music first but this one started off as a poem. It also features one of my closest friends Elliot singing a dual lead harmony, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and he has an amazing ability to write and sing harmony. He really adds a unique dimension to the song’’

Stream ‘Echoes’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Thrillhouse ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse have released their new single ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’.This nostalgic gem flows with the emotive, infectious and masterfully crafted sound we have come to love from Thrillhouse. The band use urging keys and meticulously layered sounds to create a lush and juicy backdrop for their heartfelt melodies. This band’s knack with irresistible melodies is awe-inspiring. Throughout their releases, Thrillhouse always deliver on sweet earworm tunes filled with passion and ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’ follows this trend superbly. The smooth vocals exude rich depths through warm coos while pulsing beats adorn the backdrop creating a heart-racing pace while shimmering synths add psychedelic hues into the mix. With bright guitars injecting zesty stings through the intoxicating soundscape, ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’ is a beautiful and wholly consuming new single from Thrillhouse.

Stream ‘Where The Roads Don’t Go’ below 


Author : Danu