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A Chat With, Indie, indie rock, Interviews, New Music

A Chat With : Sea Girls’ Oli Khan

Following the consistent success of radio playlisted singles, critical acclaim and selling out shows across the UK and beyond, Sea Girls have released their highly anticipated debut album ‘Open Up Your Head’ on Polydor. I caught up with drummer Oli Khan last Friday (release day) to see how he’s feeling about the release and talk about the album’s conception as well as his hopes for live shows. 

“I’m good, I’m a bit tired. I guess, you know it feels a bit like Christmas Day. I mean like straight away at midnight there were a lot of people listening to it so it’s been great to see so many positive comments already and I guess it’s gonna be loads more throughout the day, hopefully.“

The band had a live stream chat with fans just before the album was released and got an idea of what fans thought of the album. 

“We just went to Henry’s house and sat on the floor. Just like chatted and vibed and you know got some of the fans involved. You can do a split screen on Instagram and we did that with a few of our bigger fans and yeah it was great.”

Sea Girls have built their songs superbly, creating tracks which are bubbling indie gems and lyrically moving. Tracks such as ‘Do You Really Wanna Know’ lyrically display feelings of self-loathing and uncertainty while the vibrant backdrop makes the track anthemic and infectious.It seems that dealing with these real and raw themes in an upbeat way connects with listeners and makes an impact.

“Yeah, I guess it’s like, we’ve always been a fan of that kind of really upbeat indie music. But we did want to create some sort of like, very personal to us but also you know something people can relate to and I think naturally that’s kind of a timeless thing, you know the sad banger like someone like Robyn who we really love. ‘Call Me Out’ was kind of based around or been inspired by Robyn and it’s that you know, dance through the pain kind of vibe that we really like and strive for in our music as well. We do have happy songs as well.”

The album is a collection of some of Sea Girls’ best tracks from previous EPs and singles and for the band it’s an album that follows the journey of their career and musical growth so far.

“Yeah, I guess because there was never really a point where we were like, ‘All right, now we’re recording our album’. There’s bits where it wrapped up more but essentially we’ve just been making it since we first started recording because it’s got ‘Call Me Out’ which is our first single and that’s on it. I think it was just once we had a good collection of songs, it was just trying to find these 14 songs that all fit together. And I think it was important to have some of these older songs because I think it tells the story, like I said, Call Me Out’ and having ‘All I Want to Hear You Say’ on there. That was definitely like a turning point for us so definitely it felt right to honor that, and also lots of these songs the fans really love, we just wanted to include them for that reason, as well.”

There are so many wonderful moments within each track. Sea Girls move from epic bittersweet guitar refrains to blazing basslines, anthemic drum pulses and even surging rushes on synths. Each track oozes emotion from every anthemic note. It’s the knockout combination of all four members of the band and their influences that creates such passionate and vibrant tracks. However there are some tracks written that didn’t make the cut for the album.

“So normally with the songs either Henry or Rory will come with a full song, and then it’s just like hashing it out in the studio. We’ve been lucky with making the album. Quite a lot of these newer songs, we’ve been able to take our time and do them, and quite a few have gone through different versions. It’s just kind of finding what the vibe is for the song, because we want all the songs to be different and have their own character, and it’s then just plugging away at that and finding, little guitar riffs and little synthesizer parts to make the song shine. But, you know, ultimately its about making that core song as best we can do it. All four of us are really creative so it’s just like throwing everything we can at it to get it to that point. 

There is quite a few songs we did in the same sessions that didn’t make it so maybe they’ll eventually get re-jigged and find the way out but like ‘Shake’ which is on the album, we first played that maybe two years ago, I think, it was just the verse we played in practice and we thought this is really cool and then we never really ended up finishing writing it. Then when it came around to the album we tried it again and we were actually like, okay. I think this could work and with the help of our producer, we fleshed it out into a full song and then recorded it. So yeah it definitely happens and there’s a few songs like that when we’ve been playing them for ages and then finally got them right for the album.”

One track that didn’t make it on the album is in fact the title track of the album, their 2019 song ‘Open Up Your Head’.It’s quite unusual for a band or artist to have a title track that does not appear on the album

“I guess we had the collection of songs before we chose the name….I think with the kind of themes of the album about mental health and you know, exploring, you know just what it means to be in your early 20’s and a little bit lost and I think that Open Up Your Head, the name just kind of spoke to that. It’s also like a little callback for fans who liked that song as well. It seemed fitting and I don’t think they really mind that it wasn’t on there.”

When I first heard the album ‘Closer’ was one that definitely caught my attention with it’s blazing guitar and rapid rolling drums, it hooked me instantly.I wondered if Oli has a particular track he loves on the album.

“Ah, changes all the time. I really like ‘Transplant’ which is the first song. I think as soon as we did our first play through in the studio we were like okay this is something really special for us. I feel like it showcases all of us at our best, but there’s a song called ‘Weight In Gold’ which I also really like. I think that was one when we weren’t really sure what people were going to think of it but so far that seems to be one that stands out to the fans so far, so that makes me like it even more even though maybe it shouldn’t ”

Sea Girls are renowned for their frenetic, sweat-drenched sold-out live shows and they have planned to kick off their rescheduled April UK dates by upgrading the venues to play their biggest headline shows to date in November 2020 – which sold out in minutes. It will also see the guys play a career defining night at London’s legendary O2 Brixton Academy on 6th November. Oli is grateful and surprised that people still are supporting them even though their is so much uncertainty with live shows at the moment. It shows just how dedicated and loyal their fans are.

“Yeah, definitely because it’s been months of doing no shows. There has been moments where you think ‘oh is this falling apart or like are people going to lose interest’ but yeah having the fact that when we get back, Brixton Academy in London, is gonna be one of our first shows back, and it’s gonna be the biggest show we’ve ever played by far, that’s really exciting and then like you said, even though people don’t necessarily know or are sure its going to come back it’s amazing that they’re still buying tickets because they know eventually they’re going to be able to see us.”

Brixton Academy in London is a big first show back and it is a little nerve racking but Oli is excited to get back on stage

“Yeah, definitely. I mean we did our first practice a couple weeks ago and we didn’t sound very good, there’s gonna be a lot of re-remembering the songs. I think everyone’s so up for a gig like us and fans and stuff it’s just gonna be so cathartic when it finally happens, it’s gonna be such a release of energy and, you know, coming out playing that first song I think it’s gonna feel crazy, something I’ve never felt before I reckon, just amazing.”

Touring and gigging all the time sets the band up for some bizarre experiences and as we sat chatting about shows Oli chuckles as he reminisces on one particular odd experience the band had early on.

“We played a venue in London, one of our earliest London shows but then, because when you go off the stage you have to go onto the street before we go into the dressing room and there was just some random lady walking past, she was like ‘oh what’s going on in there’ and we said ‘there’s a gig’ and she was like, ‘oh ok who’s gig’ and we were like ‘oh ours’. We just come off the stage, and we opened the door and you can hear everyone screaming one more song and she goes ‘oh Ok’. And then we went back on stage and as we’re playing the last song I turned around and she had let herself in the back and was just standing on the side of the stage watching us.”

The band are keeping busy during this crazy time, creating songs and they might even have their next album underway already. I wondered what the next album would sound like and if these new songs were in keeping with the bands dynamic style.

“ I guess we’ve already just started writing the next one. Naturally when we have all this free time you just end up gravitating back towards writing so hopefully we can get a load of songs written while we’ve got this downtime. But yeah, ultimately, we’ve got some shows for November so fingers crossed they can go ahead. But, you know, it might be, unfortunately a bit of waiting around. 

“I mean at the moment we’re just kind of filling out new songs and just trying everything but you can kind of hear from the last few songs that we recorded for this album which was, I think ‘Lie To Me’ and ‘Moving On’, they’re already quite different, and I think we definitely want to try. It’s like we’ve established what we do and now it’s time to kind of mess with that a bit and try and do some more interesting stuff. So definitely, I think there’s gonna be some kind of progression there, although too early to say exactly what. Probably not gonna be, you know, jazz or any surprises like that but you know definitely some more influences.”

There are talks of socially distance gigs and I wondered if this was something that Sea Girls could do especially with the frenetic energy they bring with their shows or if shows could even go back to the way they were

“I hope so I mean, eventually, I think. Like I saw Sam Fender did his socially distanced show but I don’t know if that’s the kind of vibe for us because for our shows and such [we are] like a community, the crowd is all part of the show. Having everyone in little pods, or spread apart I don’t know. I don’t know how I feel about that. It definitely strips away some of what our shows are known for. I think if we can’t give the fans the real experience I don’t want them to feel like they have missed out on that but hopefully smaller shows can come back as normal sooner, that will be really great. I think some places in Europe are already starting to have, a few hundred capacity shows so that would be nice.

For us playing Brixton, that’s like 5000 people who would have to distance. We’d have to do like 10 nights or something. Obviously that sounds cool but it’s not ideal really. “

The song I have been recommending to people who ask me about Sea Girls is ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’. The track is incredibly catchy, hook-filled and well written but Oli has a different song he would suggest.

“ Yeah ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ is a good one. I’d say start with ‘Call Me Out’, it’s like our first single, and it’s just kind of everything that we do. It’s like big guitars, bittersweet lyrics but with a catchy chorus for everyone to kind of sing along to, and you know just release those emotions. That was the first one we’d written, we’re like okay this is what we want to sound like this is definitely the start of something.So people should start with that.”

There is something extremely absorbing about Sea Girls’ songs. Their ability to capture and harness raw emotion and express feelings in catchy and relatable earworms is impressive. Through clever lyrical content ‘Open Up Your Head’ deals with difficult emotions through heartwarming and explosive musicianship. Sea Girls are expanding their music with each release.This debut album marks an important point in this fantastic bands musical journey. Check it out and enjoy.

Stream ‘Open Up Your Head’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Nerves ‘Time Trial’

Three piece Nerves have released their new single, ‘Time Trial’. The song was recorded at Windmill Lane by David Michael Smith, Daniel De Burca and Fionn Corrigan, and produced mainly at home during lockdown by David Michael Smith.

‘Time Trial’ is a fantastic display of instrumental prowess from Nerves as they present a heavy aggressive sound filled with bruising post punk elements mangled between distortion and fuzz. The track bulldozes through with menacing drums as screeching and wailing guitars combust in a blaze of barbaric riffs which relentlessly crash and ricochet off the fierce rumble on drums evoking that hair-raising sensation within the listener.

The song builds superbly as Nerves slowly increase the instrumental tension and ferocity – it feels like they are removing the air pressure in an experiment to see how long it will take for the listeners head to explode. With a dizzying savage crescendo laced in acid-soaked dance elements ‘Time Trial’ shows strong growth from the Dublin based trio. The drums in this track are particularly impressive; they effortlessly flip between leading the ground shaking charge and subtly hiding behind the complex interplay of the guitars to create a rich intricate sound. ‘Time Trial’ is a thrilling listen.

Stream ‘Time Trial’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Turfboy ‘At Tension’ Album

After the release of three preceding singles alternative rock band Turfboy have released their debut album ‘At Tension’. The album was released through Horn & Hoof Records Manchester and was recorded with Michael Richards in Trackmix Studio Dublin late last year. Coming from different parts of Ireland; Longford/Roscommon/Mayo-Galway/Wicklow, to be exact; the band is based in Dublin City, and is most often found playing shows there. 

‘At Tension’ is a blazing roar of alternative rock. The album’s moody grunge elements and crashing backdrop boasts a heavy sound that is not for the faint hearted. Turfboy have created a rock-filled album so explosive and powerful it will melt your brain leaving you on the floor twitching and frothing from the mouth.The acute lacerating guitar riffs gash through tracks like ‘Rageahol’ and ‘In Absentia’ with bloodthirsty stamina while being accompanied by an occasional desert-rock squeal and wail. The band use a battering onslaught on drums to pound their tracks forward while shredding guitar solos and scorching licks display the more majestic and refined side to the band’s savage sound.

However it’s not all fury and anarchy, ‘Holly Daye’ reverbs with an infectious punk pop melody over a slick riff while ‘(L)earn’ showcases a grunge Nirvana – esque side to the band. The gem of the album ‘(L)earn’ pivots around a sulky guitar refrain and moody catchy vocal refrain that will revolve in your head for days. The beauty of the angst in this track blended with sulken nonchalance and despair is masterful as the band build a powerful backdrop to encompass the dark emotion and rawness within the track.‘Idiocracy Is Reality’ is another smasher on the album. Doused in gritty jaunty guitar riffs and eerie bass lines this ominous mammoth displays Turfboy’s ability to build and cultivate a track. The soundscapes occasionally jolt into something more sinister and dark as the band allow each verse to raise the tension for the dramatic and crashing chorus release.

Vocally the band venture from all out fury-filled growls and howls to raspy passionate punk/pop bellows allowing the tracks to have their own identity on the album. We see this especially in ‘AttenDANCE’ where the vocals begin soft and almost lulling to start and venture into a howling scream as the song progresses. ‘Not Like You’ is probably as pop punk the band get on the album with a catchy melodic hook and lighter persona while ‘Millie The Jeff and Subh The Snail’ returns the album to a 90’s alternative rock tone for the finale. 

‘At Tension’ is a ballsy gritty album brimming with vigor and massive soundscapes. It is a thrill to listen to. The bands ability to blend anarchy-filled tunes with brooding tones, moody textures and a mosh-worthy sound is glorious and displays strong growth in Turfboy.

Stream ‘At Tension’ below


Author ; Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Heist At Five ‘Friday Night’

Heist At Five are back with their new single ‘Friday Night’, featuring guest vocalist Francesca Confortini. ‘Friday Night’ is the third single released since their debut EP ‘The Blacklist’, this is the band’s most commercially accessible song yet.Heist At Five call London their home, but have their roots spread across Europe, with each member hailing from a different country.Regular gigging between releases has seen Heist At Five hone their live shows, and have played at venues such as The Black Heart in Camden, The Facebar in Reading, Phoenix Bar in High Wycombe and The Wheatsheaf in Oxford.

‘Friday Night’ is a vibrant anthem that blends Latin pop elements into Heist At Five’s dynamic glittering electronic rock. This feel good track is instantly infectious. The funky bass groove wriggles between jaunty guitar refrains while the Latin pop melodies and shimmering electronics weave throughout. Francesca Confortini’s vocals provide a sultry element to the track while the velvety pop melody and glossy soundscapes create a sublime contrast to the bands edgy guitar heavy sound. ‘Friday Night’ is a fun, richly textured track oozing swagger and dazzling luminosity.

Stream ‘Friday Night’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Joyce ‘56 Roadster’

Up and coming unsigned Irish singer-songwriter Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘56 Roadster’. Jack first embarked on his music career at the age of sixteen when he began performing and booking gigs in local pubs and clubs. Jack 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. ‘56 Roadster’ is taken from his upcoming EP ‘Big Sexy EP which is set for release early September.

Laced in rock swagger and witty charm ‘56 Roadster’ is a fun and infectious display from Jack Joyce. With a catchy chorus, jangly guitar and steady beat this smooth charmer bops in brimming with radiance while a country hue twinkles over the indie rock backdrop. The lyrics roll with effortless fluidity onto a melty pop melody allowing Jack’s warm voice to add quirky lilts and ooze character into the track. ‘56 Roadster’ is a sweet laid back cheeky track that displays Jack’s ability to distil and refine his songwriting into something enjoyable and yet overflowing with texture and vibrancy. ‘56 Roadster’ is a sleek beauty designed for summer weather and good times and a sublime earworm from Jack Joyce. 

Stream ‘56 Roadster’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Feuds ‘Until It’s Done’

Feuds have released their last ever single ‘Until It’s Done’ and music video as a band. Feuds started in the small town of Kilcoole, Wicklow. After going through many lineup changes they settled on their final lineup in 2016. 2017 saw the band release the single ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’ and playing Electric Picnic after being voted one of the winners of the 2fm ‘Play the Picnic’ competition. 2018 saw the band release their debut self titled ep which was received well on radio. Following the EP the band gigged in venues like Whelans, the Roisin Dubh, the Lighthouse and an EP launch in The Workman’s Club. ‘Until it’s Done’ was recorded and mixed by Eoin Whitfield of Ehco in the Hive Studio, Kilcoole in September 2018. 

‘Until It’s Done’ is a bittersweet indie track as Feuds provide us with one last guitar twinkling gem to indulge in. With ethereal soundscapes, light guitar refrains and a punchy rhythmic backdrop, ‘Until It’s Done’ drifts elegantly through a nostalgic and moving wall of sound. The band build the tracks indie rock sonics allowing them to unfold and blossom beautifully becoming more heavy as it progresses. A braided bass groove weaves into the songs tight underbelly as the tracks rhythmic pull remains grounded and elastic for the refined guitar to flourish off and lift the song into an airy, breezy atmosphere.With a biting guitar solo and hair raising refrain ‘Until It’s Done’ allows Feuds to go out with a bang. It’s a tear jerking farewell to a talented Irish band. We wish all the guys all the best for the future.

Stream ‘Until It’s Done’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

7Levels ‘Hard Drive’

Following the success of debut release ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ in April, manic Waterford rockers 7Levels return with the explosive ‘Hard Drive’. With ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ receiving support from RTÉ 2fm’s Dan Hegarty, 7Levels have made a very quick impression on the Irish music scene. The band consists of Ger Reid, Mike Fox, Caela Murphy, Cian Dalton, Adam Cullen Stafford and Lou Bennett.

With a bloodthirsty rhythmic backdrop, ‘Hard Drive’ is quite the blazing second single from 7Levels. Guitars rampage through the backdrop with blazing fury and majestic scorches while the rooted demon-summoning bass lines curdle through the tracks underbelly. The jagged stomps, raging drums and spitting punk vocals drive home the songs theme of the dangerous world of online personas while adding a murky dark undertone to the track’s scorching rock coating and mosh pit ready mania. With an all out anarchy drenched crescendo ‘Hard Drive’ displays a wild and raw side to 7Levels powerful and compelling musicianship. 

Stream ‘Hard Drive’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Locklin ‘Setting Sun’

Locklin are set to release their new single ‘Setting Sun’ on 31st July. The band Locklin is the brain child of Barry McLoughlin and hail from Tipperary in Ireland. Mcloughlin, in a previous band called The Rumours had the honour of playing Electric Picnic on two occasions in 2006 and 2007. Under the pseudonym of Locklin, the band released their debut EP in late 2018, entitled “Never Forget”. Locklin was joined by Eoin Ryan (guitar) and Cian Cronin (drums) in the recording and promotion of the EP. The band have performed in Crane Lane in Cork, as well as support slots from the likes of Seskin Lane in Whelans, Dublin and Hermitage Green on their tour in January 2019 at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles.

‘Setting Sun’ is solid classic rock doused in laid back summer vibes and rich instrumentation. Locklin spreads spaghetti western guitar lines over a punchy rhythm and warm soundscape to create a healthy dose of easy listening rock. With a smooth melody gliding over the sharp sting on guitar the band provide a velvety mellow texture between an edged shoegaze hue. It’s very chill and relaxed with luscious musicianship between charming lyrics and warm vocals. The soft keys and elastic bass elements fill out the songs sound creating a tune that is sweet and well crafted with a residue of Oasis glimmering through the track. Locklin are building their sound perfectly and displaying significant musical growth. ‘Setting Sun’ is a well paced 90’s rock gem to indulge in. Enjoy.

‘Setting Sun’ is set for release on 31st July. For more you can follow Locklin on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/locklinmac/


Author : Danu

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

Ten Hands High ‘6 Weeks’

Leeds indie four piece Ten Hands High have released their new single ‘6 Weeks’.After releasing their debut single in January 2019,Ten Hands High have played several packed out shows in their hometown of Leeds. The band were in creative overdrive, releasing 5 singles in 5 months, selling out their debut London headline at the Hope and Anchor in Islington along the way. Having supported Split Milk Society, The Clause and Luna Bay, Ten Hands High are quickly becoming a live act to be reckoned with. 

Saturated in light guitar lines and summer vibes, ‘6 Weeks’ presents Ten Hands High’s tight indie in all its glowing infectiousness. A buoyant beat bubbles in the backdrop providing sweet punchy rumbles while the intricate bass weaves and wiggles creating a spongy foundation.The band use warm guitar refrains to provide subtle bursts of scintillation as the song progresses to the chorus.With a catchy melody and laid back vocals ‘6 Weeks’ is the perfect sing along indie tune. 

Ten Hands High are cultivating their sound perfectly. Each track they release shows strong musical growth and impressive musicianship. I can not wait to hear more from this band. 

Stream ‘6 Weeks’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/user-523740213/6-weeks


Author : Danu

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

Jack West ‘Forever’

Jack West has released his new single ‘Forever’. The song was recorded remotely from Virginia, New York, Rochester and Seattle using ProTools and Logic with fellow band members and co-writers keyboardist Abe Nouri and drummer Matt Bent (both graduates of the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Jack’s hometown) – along with Barrett Jones [Nirvana, Foo Fighters], who produced West’s debut album ‘For the Record’.

With a nostalgic 90’s alternative pop melody combined with an indie doused backing ‘Forever’ is a tune to treasure. The song shows natural growth and maturity to West’s sound as he builds the track slowly allowing it to blossom into a sweet indie pop delight. With light twinkling guitar and buoyant beat this track flows smoothly into the ears with subtle bursts of jubilation bubbling beneath a dreamy soundscape. West’s vocals are charming and confident as he warmly coos over the earworm melody. The track maintains a soaring guitar refrain that provides an ethereal quality to the song as West surges adrenaline, emotion and youthful bliss into this exceptionally crafted track.

Jack West is building his sound superbly bending and blending his rock origin into a sound that is truly special and passionate. Keep an eye on this dark horse.

Stream ‘Forever’ below


Author : Danu