Four in the Morning have released a Christmas single ‘Quiet Over Here’. Led by Irish singer-songwriter Kevin Dolan and surrounded by an eclectic group of genre-defying musicians – Kiran Srinivasan, Dan Walwyn and Alex Lees – Four in the Morning write sad songs for insomniacs.‘Quiet Over Here’ is “about being stuck abroad over Christmas, something we’re unfortunately still all too familiar with. Could be a song your readers will be able to relate to.”
‘Quiet Over Here’ is a moving tune that walks a fine line between soothing and sombre, leaving you wallowing in a state of melancholy. The band wrote this song for their friends and family last year as they couldn’t return home for Christmas, and that longing, lonely feeling is perfectly highlighted throughout the song. Dolan’s emotive vocals express disappointment as he sings the most heartbreaking opening line over a soft guitar strum “ hey mam, I hope you’re doing well, I got a little bit of bad news, I don’t think I’ll make it home this year”. With delicate piano and steady beat, the song has a supple bounce that distracts from the sad tone as Dolan reflects and reminisces on what he is missing out on while string elements add a warm glow to the indie-folk soundscape. Four in the Morning are a talented bunch. Their music and poetic lyrics are powerfully emotive and ‘Quiet Over Here’ is a fine example of this. Press play, enjoy and prepare to wipe a few tears from your eye.
Bio: My Twisted Heart (MT Heart) the moniker of singer/songwriter and member of the creative collective Outsiders Entertainment, Po Ki Ching. Born and raised in Hong Kong, My Twisted Heart’s music was originally inspired by Asian music genres, namely Canton-Pop, J-Rock and K-Pop. My Twisted Heart developed an interest in singing at an early age and he would perform cover tracks at school talent and singing contests. Later during his College years in Ireland, My Twisted Heart officially became a member of the Outsiders and was introduced to Western music genres such as Hip-Hop, Electronic, R&B etc.
Track: idontneedyou
Why We Like It: This tune draws on elements of hip hop, swirling synths and glimmers of warm indie to create a lush wall of sound. The tight layering and intricate production teamed with kinetic electronic pulses and reverb vocals provides a refreshing and compelling listening experience. The song floats on a sweet melancholic melody and acoustic guitar embellishments that create a buoyant and rich texture within the track. ‘Idontneedyou’ is a compelling and innovative piece of music that marks My Twisted Heart an artist to keep an eye on.
Bio: Critically acclaimed Indie-pop artist Jack Dora is back with his driving new single ‘Take What You’ve Been Given’.This is the title track from Dora’s upcoming debut EP which will be released sometime early in 2022. Jack wrote, recorded and produced the track in his bedroom in Dublin. It was mixed by Cork musician Yenkee and mastered by Fergal Davis (Muse, Republic of Loose, Sinead O’ Connor).
Track: Take What You’ve Been Given
Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering bite of indie-pop that surges with mouth-watering melodies, 80’s dance-pop soundscapes and upbeat vibes. Doused in effervescent synths and jaunty guitar adornment, the track exudes glittering charm while the driving bassline and slapping beat add an edge to the track. With smooth vocals adding swagger between slick guitar elements, ‘Take What You’ve Been Given’ is a fantastic synth-pop earworm to indulge in.
Bio: Indie singer/songwriter Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘War’. Hegan has garnered industry interest and plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 (Introducing), BBC Radio 2 and Radio Ulster.
Track: War
Why We Like It: Hegan presents his emotive and compelling songwriting through this beautifully arranged song. With a metronomic beat creating a subtle sense of tension while lush strings flourish between elegant piano, Hegan creates a bittersweet and tear-jerking track for listeners to enjoy. His warm vocals caress the dreamy melody with a tone of melancholy as he fleshes out his ability to create an eloquent and catchy tune filled with emotion and passion.
Bio: Dublin’s VLLNS have released their final single of 2021, ‘Black Palm’.Having been awarded a grant as part of the Music Industry Stimulus Package 2020, VLLNS recorded Black Palm in Darklands Audio at the tail end of the COVID 19 restrictions.’Black Palm’ explores the internal struggles we face when we make our way through the bereavement process, trying to process our grief, yearning for a time when we hadn’t truly considered death and the mortality of both our loved ones, and ourselves.
Track: Black Palm
Why We Like It: It’s a dark tune saturated in sharp guitars, rumbling drums and sinister undertones. The foundation of the track is a bristly energetic blend of punk rock and moody grunge with a sweet peppering of indie on top. A punchy drum beat crashes between a resounding rumble on bass while jaunty guitars meander between striking, acute pines and gentle laments. VLLNS have created a concise, energetic and hard-hitting track that is sure to knock your socks off as they build diverse textures throughout to create a thrilling listening experience.
Bio: After the success of their last single ‘Sorry’, Galway-based band Rofi James return with their latest song ‘Berlin Wall’. The song was written during Ireland’s initial lockdown during the Covid 19 pandemic. Berlin Wall is a song about the desire to escape the monotonous routine and daily troubles of life during a pandemic. The song was written by Ronan Flaherty, Jamie Murray and Joseph Flaherty, and mixed and produced by Dave Skelton. It was then mastered by Fergal Davis (Muse, Republic of Loose, The Divine Comedy).
Track: Berlin Wall
Why We Like It: ‘Berlin Wall’ surges with anthemic indie as Rofi James display their knack with driving melodies and heart-racing instrumentation. Blending jaunty indie guitars with rich pulsing rhythms, washes of electronic dance and shimmering synths the track has a kinetic and energetic wall of sound. With smooth vocals caressing the infectious melody while the soundscapes wisp between the rock peppered guitar moments ‘Berlin Wall’ has an epic backdrop and sing-along quality that is quite impressive.
Alexis Kings are set to release their new single ‘Cali Girls’ on Friday the 3rd of December along with a launch gig at West Kensington’s Nell’s London. Alexis King’s delivery is that of quintessential British rock & roll with a contemporary undertone made up of catchy hooks and melodic vocals. The band consists of Brendan Aherne (Vocals) and Fabio Bocca (Drums). Taking aspects of each members influence and fusing each style with elements of Country, Soul, Hip-hop and Funk sitting on top of a solid Rock n Roll base, they aim to create a sound distinctive to Alexis Kings.
‘Cali Girls’ glistens with feel-good indie as Alexis Kings flesh out their infectious knack for melodies and tight musicianship to create a euphoric burst of alternative pop for listeners to enjoy. Aherne’s vocals exude warmth as he croons over a melodic wall of sound filled with funky bass lines, soul peppered guitars, rich rhythms and shimmering electronics. The song is tightly layered with subtle illuminations on guitar sprinkled throughout to provide an ethereal laid back atmosphere between the funk strutting bass and rhythmic elements. Within ‘Cali Girls’, Alexis Kings present a luscious tune that boasts swagger, refined musicianship and kinetic energy.
Trent Worley has released his latest single ‘Around’.Trent Worley, South Australian born songwriter, tackles issues both global and personal, executed in a fun and light-hearted way. His songs can vary from acoustic folk and alt-country, to a bit of blues and fuzz rock ‘n’ roll. Worley is currently in the running for the 2021 South Australian Music Awards Folk Artist of the year award and is on track to release a full-length album in 2022.
‘Around’ is a hypnotic tune that rotates around folk guitars and a thumping beat while Worley’s smooth vocals croon the infectious melody. It’s a minimalist track that uses repetitive lyrics and intricate instrumentation to create a revolving effect while warm guitars and psychedelic swirling soundscapes create a 60’s- esque backdrop between rock n roll swaggered electric guitar embellishments. Tightly crafted and filled with carefree, light-hearted vibes, ‘Around’ is a soothing and catchy new tune Trent Worley.
Cork native singer-songwriter Jen Ella has released her new single ‘Alien’.The song is a representation of enjoying youth, the risks we may take in life and how they make us grow as a person. Jen Ella is now based in Glasgow and has been writing music all her life. The song was produced and recorded by an artist called “Bad meditators” which was recorded in Jen Ella’s home in Glasgow over 5 months. Multi-talented musician and producer Ryan Bonnyman who represents himself under “Bad meditators” plays guitar, slide guitar, bass and piano on the track and talented Giampaolo Sudar plays drums.
‘Alien’ is a dreamy, laid-back tune that ventures into a 90’s indie-pop sound to express Jen Ella’s eloquent and refined musicianship. Her smooth vocals lull a dreamy melody while soft guitar exudes a psychedelic undertone. The track glows with an instant charm and soothing quality, with supple rhythms weaved between warm bass and slide guitar embellishments. Ella elevates the song with subtle layering and intricate melodies to create an ethereal soundscape that is glorious to listen to. Well crafted and masterfully produced, ‘Alien’ is an immaculate track to listen to again and again.
Downtown Patriots has released his new single ‘Bob Crane’.Hailing originally from Colchester, Essex, Downtown Patriots was willed into being by Danny Watts, a solo multi-instrumentalist who was passionate to release his music under the anonymity of a ‘band’. After many years working behind-the-scenes in one of the most prestigious studios in the world, London’s Mayfair Studios, as well as later opening his own recording studio in Southwark, Danny Watts finally took the leap of faith and acted on his concept for the Downtown Patriots project. “It’s a musical idea that allows me to bring in musicians to come and go as they are needed without the restrictions of being in a single band. Socially, #IAmDowntownPatriots could be any person who can connect with the music.” ‘Bob Crane’ is the first single to be released from the Downtown Patriot’s highly anticipated sophomore album.
Doused in blazing alternative rock with blues undertones, ‘Bob Crane’ is a feisty new single from Downtown Patriots. Sharp riffs lacerate through a brawny rhythmic wall of sound as the track ventures through dense, heavy rock moments while thick muggy synths create a dramatic 80’s – esque soundscape. As the rasped vocals depict a story of a shady character, “he was a mean old bastard by the name of Bob Crane,” the song builds, becoming more frantic and mosh ready for the energising chorus. Showcasing refined musicianship, ‘Bob Crane’ is a dynamic power tune from Downtown Patriots.
Bio : World’s First Cinema return with their new single ‘NightChild’. The duo’s previous releases ‘Make Me A Monster’, ‘Supernatural’ and ‘Perfect Hell’ all follow on from the huge support for their recently released debut EP ‘Rituals’, and follow-up single ‘The Woods’, which received airplay on BBC Radio 2 and found itself placed on Spotify playlists Pop Rock Shot, Future Hits, New Noise, and Rock The World!, as well as Apple Music’s New in Alternative, New in Rock, New Music Daily and New In Pop. The pair have also recently cracked the 11 million streams milestone since their last release.
Track: NightChild
Why We Like It: Drenched in a dark intoxicating beat and 80’s flavourings, ‘NightChild’ blazes with the hook-filled songwriting of World’s First Cinema. The song is chic and chilling with epic chorus builds, driving guitars and lush backing vocals while the dynamic rhythm compels you to dance. With soaring synths, dramatic outbursts, and flawless vocals, ‘NightChild’ is a thrilling new single that is a joy to listen to.
Bio: Birmingham four-piece Big Image have released their new single, ‘Parallel Love Affair’. The band are composed of George, vocals; Luke, bass; Connor, guitar; and Seb, drums. All of the members are previously known under the name Ivory Wave, and have already built a considerable live following through festival shows and supports with the likes of The Sherlocks, DMA’s and The Twang. The sudden pause in touring last year led to an opportunity to refocus, rebrand and hone their sound into something altogether more ambitious for 2021 and beyond.
Track: Parallel Love Affair
Why We Like It: This energetic blast of indie-pop surges with vibrant melodies, rich musicianship and lush production. With smooth vocals drifting upon the upbeat melody and shimmering synths bouncing off the shimmying rhythm, this track is a golden ray of sunshine. The band blend indie pop with psychedelic tones to create an expansive and lush soundscape that builds into a blazing indie anthem. It’s absolutely glorious on the ears.
Bio : Emerging artist Rosa has released her debut track Unravel Me. The track was produced by Ben Matravers (Easy Life, Hannah Trigwell)
Track: Unravel Me
Why We Like It: It’s a beautiful, time stopping debut from Rosa. A lamenting piano elegantly accompanies Rosa’s emotional vocal delivery while tense haunting soundscapes stain the backdrop in a dark undertone. The lyrics discuss “the all-consuming fear of someone discovering your deepest insecurities and flaws” while highlighting her pristine and heartfelt vocals at the same time. ‘Unravel Me’ is a heartbreaking, deep and mesmerising tune with a powerful rawness that marks Rosa as an artist to keep an eye on.
Bio : Clara Byrne is a socialist singer-songwriter from Bray. She has supported a wealth of Irish talent including Wallis Bird, Mick Pyro (Republic Of Loose), Cathy Davey and Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy).
Track: What Have We?
Why We Like It: The track displays a thrilling, darker side to Clara Byrne as she takes her eloquent lyrics and spreads them through a mysterious backdrop that blends elements of indie, country and tantalizing moments of psychedelia. Byrne’s warm vocals croon through haunting soundscapes creating an ominous tone throughout that is enhanced by strident guitars, rumbling rhythms and a chilling atmosphere. Showcasing Byrne’s refined musicianship, ‘What Have We? is a sublime new single from this talented artist.
Bio : Rising Irish 5-piece Just Mustard have released, ‘I Am You’,the first look at their anticipated new album to be released in 2022 on their new label home Partisan Records. The song was produced by the band, mixed by David Wrench (FKA Twigs, Frank Ocean, The XX, Caribou), and recorded at Attica Studios in Donegal, Ireland during lockdown. Fresh off a sold-out UK & IE tour, Just Mustard will headline a short IE tour in Jan, followed by a European tour in Feb. Just Mustard will also head out on tour with Fontaines D.C. on the EU leg of their 2022 tour.
Track: I Am You
Why We Like It: It’s a hypnotic mind melter that gradually builds from brooding psychedelia to a more intense atmospheric soundscape. The band layer their sound meticulously; sharp guitar jabs strike between tense thuds on drums and Katie Ball’s lulling vocals while deep bass rumbles create an eerie wall of sound throughout. The track is an absolute delight to listen to and boasts the exquisite, exciting sound of Just Mustard.
London up and coming three-piece The New Twentys have released their new EP, ‘Power’. After racking up support on their singles from Chris Hawkins, at BBC 6 Music, Radio X’s John Kennedy, Jake Peach at BBC Intro Essex, Melita Dennett BBC The South and XS Manchester, few can lay claim to having such an instant global impact, yet The New Twentys are being heard on a global scale, including heavy rotation at LA’s Idobi Radio, Sirius XM with the Rodney Bingenheimer show and Australia’s Triple J & Banks Radio too. The indie-pop rockers have opened the stage this summer for the likes of Primal Scream, Fat White Family, Scouting for Girls and McFly. They have also just sold out their debut London headline show.
‘Power’ is a vibrant collection of catchy tunes that boasts The New Twentys exuberant and charming musicianship. From the jangly guitar riffs, sunkissed atmosphere and quirky backing vocals of title track ‘Power’ to the bass-driven rush of ‘The Way’, the band pack this EP to the brim with sunkissed radiant tunes. The trio display a knack for melody and rhythms as they entwine intricate grooves between a light guitar display in the carefree, ‘Dancing On A Sunday’ while breezy keys glide through the funk hued ‘Brazilianaire’. Each song surges with earworm melodies that beckon repeat plays (Brazilianaire is a fine example of this).
‘Power’ is a carfree, fun EP that exudes sun-kissed vibes and tight musicianship. The New Twentys’ catchy tunes and dynamic sound is impressive and marks them as a band to keep an eye on.
Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her new single, ‘Easy’.Following ‘Wayside’ and ‘Good Form’, ‘Easy’ is the final single from her upcoming sophomore EP entitled ‘Heavy Summer’. The EP was recorded and produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios, Midleton, Co. Cork, and mastered by Richard Dowling of Wav Mastering, Limerick. The band lineup features Laura Duff (vocals, keys, acoustic guitar), JJ Lee (bass), Christopher O’Sullivan (drums), Finn Fogarty (lead guitar). ‘Heavy Summer’ is due for release before the end of the year.
‘Easy’ oozes mellow melodies, soft instrumentation and the glorious laid back sound of Laura Duff. The band create an exquisite backdrop of supple beats and warm guitar while Duff’s sweet vocals lull the dreamy melody. ’Easy’ creates a pacifying and soothing atmosphere as the band flesh out the backdrop in ethereal velvety soundscapes and tender harmonies before the beautiful guitar solo kicks in to add a slight edge to the track. Filled with oodles of emotion and warm tones ‘Easy’ is a graceful delight to the ears.
Irish electro/pop duo Elephant in The Room has released their new single ‘Hollywood Hills’. Hollywood Hills is a personal account of how Elephant in the Room struggled with expectation versus reality, moving from Ireland to New York. Elephant in the Room is an electronic/soul/pop duo comprised of Ireland natives Marty Mullally and Keenan Copas. The group has worked with a number of artists as ghostwriters and producers, most notably Josh Gray, co-writing and producing his track ‘Come Home’, which has reached over 370,000 streams on Spotify. After college they moved to New York City, where they have honed and refined their sound.
Filled with bittersweet melodies and an ethereal synth-driven backdrop, ‘Hollywood Hills’ is a sublime example of suspenseful electronic pop. Deft lyrics express themes of doubt and loneliness that is enhanced by a lamenting piano feature and mournful undertone. The track is irresistibly catchy and a passionate display of musicianship from Elephant in The Room. Boasting smooth vocals, catchy pop hooks and pepperings of R&B ‘Hollywood Hills’ is a compelling new single that marks Elephant in The Room ones to keep an eye on.
Stream ‘Hollywood Hills’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
