Tag Archives: indie rock

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

Indian Queens ‘Bubblewrap’

Having already played their first show of 2020 at Rockaway Beach Festival earlier this month, London three-piece Indian Queens have returned with their new single ‘Bubblewrap’. The single is taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘God Is A Woman’, due to be released on Cool Thing Records later this year.Consisting of sisters Jennifer (guitar/vocals) and Katherine (bass) O’Neill, along with lifelong friend Matthew Dudan-Bick on Drums, Indian Queens were born and raised in Hackney Wick and have been making music together since their school days. Last year the band were personally invited by Robert Smith to play the prestigious Meltdown festival alongside My Bloody Valentine, Nine Inch Nails and The Libertines. 

‘Bubblewrap’ is an intoxicating pool of indie as Indian Queens lure and entice through hypnotic instrumentation and dark undertones. A sticky gooey beat creates a steady viscous foundation for the swirling prismatic electronics to wisp upon.The dark tones creep and crawl through the dreamy melody while soft harmonies and lulling vocals create a trance-like, soothing quality as the track lightens for its crescendo while accompanied by soaring ethereal strings. The band layer the song to create a pounding, yet, equally floaty track, brimming with suffocating claustrophobic electronics and sweet little bursts of relief. 

Watch the hauntingly evocative video for ‘Bubblewrap’, directed by Andy Delaney below


Author : Danu

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

Stolen City ‘The Tower’

Dublin three piece Stolen City are back with their new single ‘The Tower’.The release comes off the back of a whirlwind 2019 that not only saw the band sell out 3 nights at Academy 2, Drop Dead Twice and upstairs in Whelans, but also saw lead singer Sean, at the end of his birthday night out, share the stage with Lewis Capaldi in The Olympia to sing the scot’s hit ‘Bruises’ together. The new single was written as a letter by lead singer Sean to his girlfriend Amy to explain that no matter what she has, or will go through in life, that he will be there to help her through it.

‘The Tower’ is a beautifully crafted emotive pop rock track with heartfelt songwriting and powerful instrumentation. Stolen City build the track superbly creating a gripping and comforting number filled with passion. With ethereal biting guitar melodies venturing between soft laments and strident power chords it’s a strong and potent track. Radio ready and anthemic the band burst into a massive adrenaline inducing chorus that is sure to have a live audience swaying, embracing and fist punching the air to this emotionally mighty track. With punchy drums sturdy bass and dynamic vocals Stolen City present a genuine and tight track filled with oodles of passion and tenderness with their strong sturdy pop rock keeping the energy and kinetic intensity alive. 

Stream ‘The Tower’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Blues, doo-Wop, Indie, Indie Blues, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

King Kartel ‘Be Mine’

King Kartel have released their new single ‘Be Mine’.The band have sold out shows across Manchester and Northern Ireland, as well as securing slots at the likes of Isle of Wight, Truck and Y Not Festivals. They have received support from Radio X, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1’s Phil Taggart to name a few, and had tracks featured across TV shows including Hollyoaks, Come Dine With Me and World’s Strongest Man,

‘Be Mine’ trades King Kartel’s riotous indie rock for a swaying sugar sweet doo wop ditty, swooned in 50’s charm. With a bluesy swinging rhythm and soft jaunty guitars the band create a hook laden number that builds sublimely. Oh so catchy and sweet the melody is caressed by tender delicate vocals while the buoyant beat keeps that foot tapping tempo.The band maintain their dynamic punch by progressing into a scorching solo and steamy crescendo as the track broods into a vaporous outburst. It’s extremely sweet with a thrilling backdrop that holds the heavier aspects of King Kartel’s sound without becoming overpowering. A magnificent addition to King Kartel’s catalogue marking them as a diverse and well rounded band to watch out for. 

You can catch King Kartel live at :

6th March – Club Academy, Manchester 

11th April – KU 2, Stockton Calling 

12th April – Indiependance, Wigan 

3rd May – Stag & Dagger, Glasgow

29th May – Spirit Store, Dundalk

30th May – Whelan’s, Dublin

Stream ‘Be Mine’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Under Starling

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Under Starling

Under Starling are back with their new single ‘Quasar (3C 273)’ Under Starling are an alternative rock band from Waterford formed by brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford, Stephen Keating and Colin Drummey.They released their debut single, Far Be It From Me, in August 2018 which was followed by an independent Irish tour hitting the core Irish music scene and rallying fans across the college demographic.The band have been gigging and releasing music for 5 years under a former title of Cider Wasps – this was changed to Under Starling during summer 2018 as the band entered a new chapter in their lives.The previous project saw 2 EP releases both titled ‘Here’ and ‘Ethereal’ which included singles such as ‘Lunasa’ and ‘Hummingbird’ which were picked up by national radio stations. Their live shows are known to have a popular chaotic energy as they invoke a range of emotions from their fans.

‘Quasar (3C 273)’ is a beautifully crafted emotive display from Under Starling. With grand production and heart gripping tension that builds superbly with every note and expressive progression.The heartfelt vocals are equally powerful and tender. With a chorus destined for arena sing alongs, massive crescendo and utterly gripping space-rock elements Under Starling has created one hair raising rock gem.The swirling ethereal soundscapes rush and flicker between a pulsing beat as the band cultivate this track beautifully with lush harmonies and twinkling guitars.The erupting chorus bursts into a million fragments of scintillation as the rich rhythm, swirling sonics and mesmerising textures create a magical quality that is vibrant, kinetic and so moving you could cry, laugh, sing and dance all at once with this majestic beautiful track. 

Stream ‘Quasar (3C 273)’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Madison Front ‘Sleep Off’

Indie/Alternative rock band Madison Front have released their new single ‘Sleep Off’.The band comprised of Luke O’Connor on Vocals, Patrick Murphy on Lead Guitar, Gary Murphy on Drums, Jack Shakespeare on Bass and Conor Cullen on Rhythm Guitar gained some notoriety during their first year, performing at Ireland’s well-renowned Longitude Music Festival, featuring alongside acts such as Hozier, Alt-J and The Chemical Brothers. Following this, the band made an appearance on Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ. They spent the next couple of years playing in popular music venues across Dublin, including Whelan’s, The Academy, The Workman’s Club and The Grand Social, establishing themselves within the local music scene.

‘Sleep Off’ glazes Madison Front’s sound with bubbling indie soundscapes as they burnish their buoyant backdrop with slinky zealous guitar and ethereal qualities. The band polish and rein in the meaty rhythm to create enough explosion without becoming overpowering. There are sublime radiant guitar riffs and licks throughout the track that provide a sun kissed lightness and prismatic quality while the strong backdrop maintains the bands sturdy punch. With a steamy solo and expressive accented vocals ‘Sleep Off’ is a tight number from Madison Front. 

Madison Front will play their single launch for ‘Sleep Off’ on February 15th in the brand new Lost Lane venue.

Stream ‘Sleep Off’ below 


Author : Danu

electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music

COLUMBIA MILLS ‘Understand’

Photo Credit : Derek Kennedy 

Irish indie band COLUMBIA MILLS have released their new single ‘Understand’. 2019 saw the band release two singles from their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘CCTV’ which is due for release later this Spring. ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ garnered huge radio support here and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, RTE Radio 1, Ed Smith (Today FM) choosing COLUMBIA MILLS as his Play Irish Artist of the week and ‘Recent and Decent’ on Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week, and heavy rotation on Paul Mc Loones Today FM show, as well as heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. COLUMBIA MILLS are about to release ‘UNDERSTAND’ (31/01/20), the third single from ‘CCTV’. After selling out their Dublin headline show in Bloody Marys last November, this release comes ahead of COLUMBIA MILLS headline show in the Button Factory on April 24th 

With gripping electronics whirling through a suspenseful indie soundscape ‘Understand’ is a breathtaking and emotional new addition to COLUMBIA MILLS’ passionate repertoire. The lamenting chime on guitar adds a bittersweet tenderness to the track as its moving melody is isolated within the flickering soundscapes.The pulsing beat pounds like an increased heartbeat as the rasp-filled warm vocals coo and caress the melancholic melody. The track erupts into a flurry of kinetic motion as COLUMBIA MILLS’ sublime songwriting holds the listeners hearts in their hands through striking and emotive musicianship and hair-raising instrumentation.Their ability to blend and swirl flickering dance infused electronics into a darkened concoction of melancholy, nostalgia and punchy indie is first rate.’Understand’ is pretty potent stuff. 

About the track Fiachra Treacy says : ‘’Understand’ is a song about coming to terms with watching a friend self-destruct. The frustration of realising the warning signs were there when given the benefit of hindsight. Could I have done more or is it possible to save somebody when they fall into this mode?” 

Stream ‘Understand’ below 


Author : Danu

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

TV People ‘Kitchen Sinking’

Garage/indie-rock newcomers TV People have released their new single ‘Kitchen Sinking’. Formed in early 2019, the Dublin-based four-piece have concocted an indie-tinged sound that combines sleek dynamism with infectious punk-infused undercurrents.Rooted in 00s garage rock, “Kitchen Sinking” is a fiery, rousing single discussing the tensions caused by conflicting societal views. 

‘Kitchen Sinking’ maneuvers shrewdly through indie rock elements and garage rock grit as TV People flesh out their feverous musicianship and mature lyricism. With sharp guitar riffs jabbing between sweet guitar melodies and slinky licks the track creates a dreamy hazy atmosphere entangled in beefy blasts.There is a mellowed shoegaze- esque quality to the track that is almost lethargic. However the band blend this meticulously with their meaty garage rock to add a bite and punch to the track against jarring bass rumbles and hefty drums while the majestic guitar ricochet and soar with an ethereal quality. The laid back melody and moody vocals weave between tones of nonchalance and angst as the track builds to its thrilling crescendo. A sublime piece of musicianship. 

Explaining the single further, the band says:“The song is about the extremist nature of disagreement in the world at the moment and the inability for people with different views to find common ground or mutual understanding. Kitchen Sinking is a term used in an abusive relationship for when people continuously barrage their partner with negative comments one after the other to break them down psychologically. We felt that this was a fitting description of what’s going on in the world at the moment on a universal level.”

Stream ‘Kitchen Sinking’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music

Paradox ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’

Irish Alternative Rock band Paradox return with a guitar heavy sound and plenty of sarcasm for their new single ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’. Recorded by Brian Casey at Wavefield Recording Studios, West Cork the single sees Paradox returning to a more old school heavier sound than the bands previous single ‘All Life Matters’ which was also recorded at Wavefield Recording Studios. Jota Gambuzino is behind the artwork of the new single.

‘Welcome to the Happy Place‘ is a feisty grunge fist-pumper as Paradox create sweet moody moments between their signature explosive heavy sound. The band’s ability to blend sweet pockets of melancholia amidst raw blasts of rock reminiscent of Nirvana is impressive. Sulken verses of soft, whispered vocals and twinkling guitar coo before erupting into a mighty bulky chorus of crashing guitars, pulverising drums and powerful vocals.There is plenty of moshing moments within this track as the band take their edged sound and add gravel and grit to it when the track reaches its expressive manic crescendo. With it’s ominous dark atmosphere filled with delicate tonalities and a potent wall of sound ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’ is quite the hard hitting, gloomy anthem.A must listen. 

About the track the band said : “The single itself takes a sarcastic view on today’s buy happy 9 to 5 society. The idea of the single artwork was to mimic a fast food restaurant with a familiar yet unfamiliar clown who’s sales pitch is Happy.” 

Stream ‘Welcome to the Happy Place’ below 


Author : Danu

Event News, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Event News : Alexis Kings At Brixton Jamm London

8th Febuary  Alexis Kings at  Brixton Jamm London

Show time 8.30pm

Alexis Kings are a three piece comprising of Brendan Aherne (Vocals), Sam Privett (Lead Guitar) and Fabio Bocca (Drums). The band have previously received support from Radio X’s John Kennedy and Huw Stevens on Radio 1, and have performed on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and BBC London’s Gaby Roslin show. Alexis Kings debut single ‘Squire’ reached the Top 10 in several Spotify streaming charts and playlists, garnering attention from the heart of Australia’s top radio networks to the Los Angeles music scene. The band have surpassed a million streams on Spotify, with listeners in 77 countries, while their excellent videos for ‘Velvet’ and ‘Addict’ are racking up the numbers on YouTube.

These guys have some tasty tunes, slick guitar melodies and a charismatic stage presence that is sure to have you up dancing. Live these guys add a dash of punch and gritty peppering to their sun kissed infectious tunes. A show not to be missed.


Tickets £10
https://m.ticketline.co.uk/order/tickets/13351606/alexis-kings-brixton-jamm-2020-02-08-19-00-00

Stream their new single ‘Surrender’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The New Republic ‘Electric Love’s Rock’N’Roller Disco’ EP

East Yorkshire Indie rock band, The New Republic have released their new EP ‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco’.The New Republic are a rock/indie band with an infectious energy and charisma about them. With highlights such as playing at the Multiple O2 venues across the country, playing on the main-stage at multiple festivals as well as smaller stages, the band are looking to share their funky, hypnotic sound with people who love to dance.

‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco‘ is a groove rooted collection of tasty tracks as The New Republic flesh out their catchy dance-able musicianship with a driving punchy backbone. From the swanky wiggly bass and dynamic riffs of ‘Roller Disco’, ‘Concepts’ and bluesy stomp of ‘Man of Mystery’  the band create a fun and vibrant atmosphere. There is plenty of slinky guitar moments, sing-along choruses and light-hearted fun throughout the EP as the band blend and ferment their crashing exhilarating wall of sound. The EP slows for the tender ‘Walk Away’ which contains wobbly dreamy guitar elements and soft instrumental backing as the band display their emotional songwriting. ’Wonderland’ and the swagger soaked ‘Raindance’ bring the EP to a strong, guitar heavy close. With gritty riffs slicing through the thick drum pounds and dynamic vocals the band maintain a raw and acute approach to their tracks. 

‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco is a solid second  EP from The New Republic with some beautifully refined and sublime guitar moments. The band’s influences glare throughout as they blend some subtle Foals elements with a decent dose of Red Hot Chili Peppers into their indie sound. They are a talented band crafting their brand of indie and creating punchy joyous tunes as they do so. 

Stream ‘Electric Loves Rock’N’Roller Disco’ below 


Author : Danu