Mysterious and moving, ‘Ivory Black’ is the compassionate call to arms from Sage Morei. Inspired by a documentary about the illegal ivory trade and the devastating impact this is having on elephant populations, Sage Morei channels his rage into this thoughtful and powerful track that clearly comes straight from the soul.
‘Ivory Black’ is a dark coiling number as Sage Morei uses smoky electronics and alternative rock to create a striking new song. The sharp guitar distortion smothers in thick asphyxiating synths, creating a tar-like muggy soundscape while Morei’s powerful rock-infused vocals express the songs grittier elements and emotional theme. Elements of Marilyn Manson provide the song with chilling and ominous tones which brood through the rich percussive wall of sound while haunting backing vocals and mysterious instrumental backdrop make this song one heck of a thrilling listening experience.
Filmed on location in Thailand, the video features stunning locations, ranging from the urban environment of Bangkok City to Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park. Sage Morei and cinematographer Dorian Kissama Merciai spent many days with the majestic elephants themselves, wanting to highlight the real reason behind the video in a truthful and authentic way that avoided exploiting the animals. Working with a top team that includes Lee Avant (FKA twigs), and second cinematographer Nina Hawkins, the entire project has taken years to perfect. Sage Morei has also set up a webshop with an entire collection revolving around the release, all profits from which will go to elephant and rhino conservation charities that work to protect these animals from poaching. This is especially significant now as they have seen a rise in poaching numbers during Covid-19.
I caught up with new Irish band N.O.A.H. to talk about their debut single ‘Shine’, their step away from their previous band Electric Shore and the exciting new songs the band have yet to release.
N.O.A.H is comprised of three lifelong friends, Ryan Hill: Lead Vocalists and Guitarist, Adam Rooney: Bass Guitarist and Ronan Hynes Drummer.The band was formed in January 2020, after they decided to reform their previous musical endeavour, Electric Shore.
Ronan :“ We were doing okay with Electric Shore, as far as how we started and, you know, there was only so many years we could keep on doing the same thing over and over again, and get the same results. Then we came across our manager, who took us on as a new project. We decided what better way to start, then to start, completely fresh again with a brand new idea and leave Electric Shore, where it is. So, it was basically just something new and it worked out best for the three of us anyway because it gave new life into the music that we were doing. So, yeah, it was literally a case that we just decided, new name, new music and see where it takes us.”
“In regards to Electric Shore we were trying to push for that cinematic sound and stuff like that, but as we developed and worked with more synthy stuff, that really helped us along the way. We have our grips now as far as musicianship, you know. We have improved as well on the actual instruments. We have improved on our songwriting as well, I think that really helps. Electric Shore was pushing to go for that but now I think N.O.A.H has nailed that.. on the head “
The band got their name N.O.A.H. from the biblical story of ‘Noah and the Ark’, its not exactly a religious reference but an expression for new beginnings
Adam : “I don’t think we’re religious in the slightest. It was more related to the idea of starting again. Sort of taking stock of what we’ve done and it just felt right and was nice and short. It summarized what we wanted to do.”
Ronan : “I suppose, when you put it in imagery, Electric Shore was the flood and we wanted to get away from it and start again. So, I suppose that ties in as well.”
N.O.A.H have released their new single ‘Shine’. It’s a powerful adrenaline-inducing number which races with an urgency reminiscent of The Killers with blistering guitars, driving bass and punchy drums. The band recorded the track during lockdown.
Adam : “ We wrote the song in probably about February or March, which is like the first few weeks in lockdown and as we were saying, we developed new ways of writing so, as the nature of lockdown was, we weren’t together in the same rooms, we weren’t writing the way we would have. So, a lot of it was sending stuff back and forwards and then from there we recorded it in July and, yeah, that was that. “
Ronan : “I found that when it came down to the lyric writing as well I think for all of us it was so strange because you’re obviously, in lockdown, all on your own, but then, it’s mad, even through our rough demos they illustrate the idea of freedom and stuff like that and coming away from the isolation side of things. So it had a big impact on the actual lyric writing as well you know.”
I wondered with the new style and name did the band approach their songwriting and composition process differently
Ronan: “It generally depends on the song really. There’s some songs where the music is formed well beforehand, and then there’s others where we sit down and try to work out a melody or one of us comes up with a melody to use and we take it from there.“
Adam: “ Yeah the way we write music is generally sporadic and we don’t like to put too much pressure on it so whatever happens happens, just once a good song is produced in the end ”
The band have all been to college and studied music which has helped them with the theory side of the music industry however they don’t consider it essential for an artist to do.
Ryan “ Well for myself I went to BIMM. It’s hard to tell, they do a lot of stuff. I think to be honest, and this is me speaking from my own point of view. I do think that we probably learned more from the three of us working together then, like I said, I’ve probably learned in college. But I suppose when it comes to the performance side of things, playing live and stuff, it did give you that extra confidence from studying in college and doing performance and the overall being comfortable with your instruments and stuff like that. I just think I’d probably learn more being with the two lads, you know, “
Ronan : “ Yeah I don’t think anyone can teach you how to be creative, or they can’t teach you how to be friends in a band or anything like that. So that’s self taught, and as Ryan said to implementing certain techniques, or theoretical things can help “
I wondered what the band have in store for us as they unleash their new tunes into the world
Adam ; “ They’re all a little bit different, different sounds and that. That was the beauty about lockdown as well, it was a case that you wouldn’t get a song like ‘Shine’ if we weren’t separated but it just allowed us to experiment a lot more with different ways of doing stuff and helped us adapt basically to a pretty awkward situation. But yeah, every song we make is always trying to push ourselves a bit further in our own sounds. So, hopefully, anything that we release in the future will show that, you know, you might get a more rocky guitar vibe off some songs, a more dancey vibe off others and then atmospheric and cinematic with others. We do try hard to not pigeon hole ourselves into one specific genre or sound. “
Ronan : “Yeah, we’re planning on doing freshers weeks throughout the rest of 2020 so it’s more of an online stream, just to help the student bodies within each university around the country and engage with the students and it’d be a good way to, I suppose, create an audience because we are a brand new band so we’re still trying to push our name out there, so right now that’s it and then for the new year, it’s very hard to say. We’ve been in contact with multiple bookers in different venues and we’ve had gigs that were planned and unfortunately were not able to go ahead. It’s just the nature of the lockdown itself. But all we can do now is look a month to two months ahead, and plan for what we can and try not to get too lost in next year because it’s all up in the air.”
Ryan : “ We have an official video, being setup at the moment so it all depends on how far the actual song goes on its own, and then we’ll decide which way, we’re going to work the video or what day to release the videos as well “
‘Shine’ is an ambitious new single boasting arena sized choruses, dynamic energy and a tight blistering wall of sound. N.O.A.H have created a powerful sound brimming with energy which showcases their deft musicianship and musical growth. I’m looking forward to future releases, if ‘Shine’ is anything to go by, then we are all in for a treat. Talking to the guys it is easy to see how much passion they have for their craft. They are ones to keep an eye on for sure.
Brass Phantoms have released their eagerly awaited debut album ‘Holding Out For Horrors’. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for energetic and frenzied live shows, the Dublin five-piece landed themselves support slots with Dublin favourites Delorentos and Manchester darlings The Slow Readers Club. Having toured throughout Ireland and the UK, they are tipped as one of the top acts to see at New York’s Global Music Festival and Conference Mondo NYC.
‘Holding Out For Horrors’ is a magnificent genre-splicing album as Brass Phantoms take their refined musicianship, expressive songwriting and dynamic energy and pour it into an impressive body of work. The album features the band’s singles ‘Hurricane’, ‘City Of Wolves’, ‘Waiting Up’, ‘Indigo’ and recent release ‘What We Leave Behind Us’ which have all been landmarks in the quintets musical growth. Displaying slinky ethereal guitar lines, chiming key progressions, epic melodies and choruses the band present a big lofty sound with weighty lyrics and biting soundscapes. Each track is meticulously layered and deftly crafted to create a thrilling listening experience. With the singles paving the way the band could have slipped in a few weaker and light listens to fill out the track list but that’s not the kind of band Brass Phantoms are. The rest of the album is chock-a-block with big songs of depth and quality.
The Killers – esque ‘Legal Fiction’ thrives on intoxicating guitar lines and atmospheric synths that skillfully blend synth-pop with dark gritty rock; it is a magnificent display of compositional prowess. Ryan Cashell’s vocals have become cinematic, deeper and more distinct than ever as he owns his unique vocal range and expressive emotive scope. He can haunt and chill through a song or mysteriously cast a sinister tone that turns the more instrumentally uplifting tracks ( such as ‘Wood Words’ ) into quite an ominous darker tune. To contrast Cashell’s vocals the band showcase a new facet of Brass Phantoms which we haven’t seen before, a duet with the one and only Colleen Heavey. Her sweet innocent coo’s contrast, blend and add a refreshing light to ‘What We Leave Behind Us’. This kinetic and refined track is a pinnacle moment on the album, showcasing the band’s mature musicianship. They create a richly textured sonic wall of sound exuding tantalising bass grooves which drizzle a funk tone onto the dark synth pop backdrop. A punchy drum foundation and woodblock feature entices the listener while sharp guitar lines weave and tease oozing tension and suspense – an utterly thrilling listening experience.The frantic swirl of ‘Disciples’ reminds us just how dazzling and synth heavy Brass Phantoms can be as they press disco shimmering synths over ominous melodies, and shredding guitar riffs that lament, soar and slice through Adam McCabe’s fluctuant, dead-summoning drums.
Brass Phantoms prove they are quite the dream team, not only does the band have a unique, powerful and charismatic frontman (Ryan Cashell). They also have guitar and bass virtuoso’s in Greg Whelan and James Geraghty and voice of an angel and synth wizard in Colleen Heavey. All this talent is nurtured by McCabe’s hefty dynamic drums which allows each instrument ( guitars, synths, and vocals ) to flourish and shine in prismatic glory. McCabes drums also create the elastic flirtations and ballsy backbone which levitates each song to its epic climax
The sustained dark ecstasy of each song expands as the album progresses. The sultry ‘Something Automatic’ and the blustery elation of ‘Indigo’ are brimming with luscious indie pop melodies consumed in a whirlpool of rich ethereal soundscapes, reinforcing the kinetic adrenaline this band have crafted so meticulously. Even the beautiful and short interlude of ‘Max’s Reprise (We Leave Behind)’ and slow burner ‘Reflection’ which exudes lush harmonies, heartfelt melody and passionate instrumentation, winds the album down without loosing the majestic and impactful punch of its predecessors.
‘Holding Out For Horrors’ is a marvelous, epic collection of synth-rock gems and energetic anthems. For their debut album Brass Phantoms take us on a journey through their own personal experiences while also showcasing their musical growth. Within the album there is enough familiarity and boundary pushing to keep the listener engaged while the darker, thrilling moments keep you hanging on the edge of your seat. Showcasing wonderful blends of synth pop, indie and alternative, ‘Holding Out For Horrors’ is an album to fully indulge in and enjoy over and over again.
Fake Friends have released their new single ‘Heatwave’. Fake Friends are a four piece band from Derry. The band formed in September 2018. They have played venues ranging from bars to radio stations, festivals and even car parks! In February 2020, the band changed their name from Vanilla Days after a change in lineup.
‘Heatwave’ is a melodic energetic slice of indie rock as Fake Friends spread a sweet melody over a blistering backdrop to create quite the dynamic listening experience. With a driving bass line, jaunty guitars riffs and punchy drums the band exude a jagged wall of sound allowing Neasa Brady’s emotive vocals to create a light, refreshing sense of longing through the gritty backdrop. With lush harmonies and a sun kissed Californian hue this band have an impressive and infectious sound with oodles of bite. It’s catchy, sprightly and well crafted. Keep an eye on Fake Friends.
Dublin band N.O.A.H have released their debut single ‘Shine’ today. N.O.A.H is comprised of three lifelong friends, Ryan Hill: Lead Vocalists/Guitarist, Adam Rooney: Bass Guitarist and Ronan Hynes: Drummer. Immersing themselves in Music – all members have been formally educated through third level in several music related degrees, some of which include BIMM Dublin, the band was formed in January 2020, after the band decided to reform a previous musical endeavour. They have taken inspiration in its naming, from the biblical story of ‘Noah and the Ark’ , which is centralised around the theme of new beginnings.This idea is fundamental to the band’s vision and core values.
‘Shine’ is a powerful and heart-palpitating anthem as N.O.A.H surge oodles of adrenaline inducing indie rock into one dynamic tune. With biting guitars soaring over punchy drums and suspenseful tones the band use gripping chimes and swirling soundscapes to create a passionate track that is catchy as hell. The song travels from high to high providing an uplifting rush of energy enhanced by powerful vocals, driving rhythms and galloping percussive elements. With a cinematic build to the mighty crescendo teamed with a stadium-bellowing chorus N.O.A.H have created a fantastic new tune to soothe the soul and ignite passion in us all. It’s a compelling piece of music.
Pete Mac has released his new single ‘Disappear’. Disappear’ is the first original solo track released by Paradox frontman Pete Mac in over 10 years since the release of his first solo album ‘In Limbo’ in 2009.Recorded at Wavefield Recording Studios in West Cork ‘Disappear’ takes a different direction to the usual harder sound of Paradox featuring Brian Casey on grand piano and keys and Peter O’Sullivan on drums. The track was written during the lockdown period with Pete experimenting with different sounds. Pete has also been kept busy in 2020 recording some of his favorite cover versions at his home studio and releasing them on Spotify aswell as collaborating with other musicians such as drummer Mick Cross from Bunnosionn via long distance recording on such tracks as REM ‘Man on the Moon’ and The Smashing Pumpkins ‘Disarm’.Pete Mac plans on recording and releasing more original music this year with the plan of releasing a full length album next year.
‘Disappear’ is a tender track which spreads delicate and moving melodies over a building rhythmic backdrop. There are subtle elements of alternative grunge flickering through the warm powerful vocals with rock ballad aspects oozing from the melody while the lonely desert pine on guitars, buoyant rhythm and acoustic guitar strums flood the track in rich textures. The piano embellishments fill out the track’s wispy backdrop creating an ambient and ethereal atmosphere for the melancholic melody to brood within. A joy to listen to, ‘Disappear’ is a fantastic display of Pete Mac’s refined and beautiful musicianship.
Black Violets are set to release their second single ‘Rebel’ on the 25th September. The band released their debut single ‘Falling on the Radio’ to much acclaim, peaking at No.2 in the iTunes Alternative charts in Ireland. The song received airplay across on 2fm, Classic Hits 4fm, Corks 96fm, KCLRFM and Red Fm as well as in the UK (Newcastle) and US (San Diego 91X).
Swirling through a vivacious soundscape of fizzing guitars, punchy drums and dizzying electronics, ‘Rebel’ continues Black Violets’ onslaught of exhilarating alternative rock. With razor-sharp guitars soaring through the dark bass rumble and pounding drum foundation the band create a biting and thrilling wall of sound reminiscent of Kasabian while maintaining their own unique edge. The track travels at a relentless brisk speed as the delusional swarm on guitars warp and ricochet off the galloping rhythm with relentless stamina while the power rock vocals bounce off this kinetic backdrop, thriving within the musical chaos. The acid soaked synths give the track an 80’s vibe as the band blend alternate rock with an effervescent shot of electronic pop before slapping some punk attitude on top. Black Violets have created an energetic raw new anthem that is sure to revolve in your head for days.
Thom Southern, a Belfast based singer, songwriter and producer, has released his debut single ‘Shivers’. Recorded in Southern’s Belfast based home studio, ‘Shivers’ has been co-produced by iconic producer and 2 time Grammy Award winner Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, Feeder). Thom Southern started his musical career busking in Belfast aged 16. After winning a national competition he was awarded a trip to Nashville and some recording time in a studio. The resulting material saw him awarded ‘Songwriter of the Year’ by Belfast City Council. He teamed up with his sister Lucy to form the band Southern. In 2012 they signed to Marathon Artists.Within 18 months they had toured with the likes of Jake Bugg, Bastille, Hudson Taylor, Catfish & The Bottlemen and The Kooks, saw their work used in international campaigns by ESPN, Netflix and Channel 4 and performed events around the world for brands such as for Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry. In 2016 the duo took some time off to launch another project – a self recorded psych-rock project called MMODE – before Thom made the decision to move back towards recording his own work.
Encased in a 90’s haze of sun kissed alternative grunge and the beautiful songwriting of Thom Southern, ‘Shivers’ is a captivating debut. With dizzying distortion on guitars swirling around ethereal sonic flourishes the track maintains a buzz of heightened emotion. Southern’s velvety vocals coo with reverb whispers over the dreamy melody while the steady drums and psychedelic embellishments create a colourful prismatic wall of sound. The song rushes with intensity as the blazing backdrop and impenetrable guitar onslaught provides a raw, alternative grunge edge to this gem. The pulsing bass gently protrudes though the hazy melody as Southern displays his flair for melodious, breezy, memorable compositions. ‘Shivers’ is a solid debut from Thom Southern.
About the track Thom Southern said : “Shivers is the concept of love feeling like a drug, a sensation of being outside one’s own body, floating and observing oneself from a different perspective. I wanted to embody this meaning within a dense sounding track, to mainly focus on one swollen guitar sound which never stops throughout and accompany that with repetitive beatnotic drums”
Dublin five-piece, indie rock band Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘What We Leave Behind Us’, taken from their upcoming album ‘Holding Out For Horrors’. So far, the band have released their well-received single ‘Waiting Up’, which garnered national airplay. Their guitar driven, drum fuelled track ‘City Of Wolves’ was used to promote Irish television coverage of the UEFA Champions League this year, as well as being added to Spotify’s editorial Hot New Bands playlist.Their music featured on the likes of BBC Radio 6 with Steve Lamacq, RTÉ, Today FM, 98FM, Radio Nova, Amazing Radio and more. No strangers to the live scene, Brass Phantoms have toured throughout Ireland, the UK and the United States, having been listed as one of the top acts to see at MONDO NYC Festival. They have a host of major festival appearances under their belts plus support tours for the likes of Delorentos and The Slow Readers Club.
‘What We Leave Behind Us’ is a prime example of how Brass Phantoms’ sonic flourishes have gradually grown more nuanced and refined with each release. These guys are on fire, each track they produce provides an exciting glimpse into a band pushing and merging the sonic boundaries of indie rock to create something truly mesmerising. Strident stings on guitar soar above a building swarm on synths creating a frenetic ethereal atmosphere while a fantastic bass groove lures the listeners mind into the tracks swirling abyss. As the track progresses the kinetic soundscape becomes a tangible force of nature of epic and cinematic proportion supported by a buoyant drum foundation.
The funky flex of the track provides swagger and a strut element however this gives way to the chorus which shimmers with a celestial melody and delicate vocals provided by Colleen Heavey. Ryan Cashell’s deep sinister vocals exude a haunting, theatrical and dark tone which contrasts the sweet innocence of Heavey’s vocal coo’s. She is a breath of fresh air within the tracks spiraling soundscape.
‘What We Leave Behind Us’ sees Brass Phantoms lean into their rich sound more boldly than ever before adding a duet style dialog and cinematic aspect to their songwriting. With chiming keys and resounding percussion the track is laced in rich layers and textures while maintaining that indie rock bite we have come to love from Brass Phantoms.
Cork band The Burma have recently recorded and filmed a live 15 minute set in Windmill Lane Studios.Since the release of their first single, ‘Quicksand’, the band has gained extensive national airplay and have received over thirty thousand plays across streaming platforms. The Burma have landed support slots for acts such as The Academic , The Strypes and Delorentos and have performed at festivals such as Vantastival , Doolin Folk Fest and Whelan’s Ones to Watch.
The Live at Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin set is a collection of the bands infectious well crafted tracks as they showcase their live vigor along with some slick and wonderfully melodious tunes. The lush textures within their tracks are heightened by psychedelic moments meticulously blended with sharp guitars and pummeling drums which creates a full bodied sound. The melodies these guys produce hook you from the start and of course they pack this 15 minute set with their most delicious melodies so far. ‘Phoney Personality’ and ‘Buried Alive’ would be the pinnacle moments for me however this set has something for everyone: jaunty guitars, rich rhythms and oodles of passion and energy. The Burma are an impressive live act and a band well worth checking out and adding to your playlists.
Watch the The Live at Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin set below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
