Four-piece LA-based Indie pop band, The Last Chaperones have released their new single ‘Sidewinder’.Originally founded by Wes Cole (lead singer/bassist) and Ben Killops (guitar/singer), they were joined by Sophia Trevor (synths) and Hush Paz (Drums).
‘Sidewinder’ is a radiant indie-pop gem that boasts The Last Chaperones’ catchy and infectious sound. With jaunty guitars weaving between a buoyant beat, the track has a refreshing and uplifting soundscape. The band creates a freeing summer atmosphere with a dreamy melody, while smooth vocals ( teamed with infectious pop hooks and a light spritz of indie ) provide an upbeat and infectious glow throughout. It’s a witty tune brimming to the seams with charming instrumentation as the band use clever lyrics to hint at the animalistic nature of a relationship within a glorious indie-pop backdrop. Press play and enjoy.
Dublin based alt/folk/rock band My Uncle Stoat have released their long-awaited second album ‘Tales of my misspent youth’. The new album features 10 finely crafted tunes recorded between 2019 and 2020 at little bear studios Dublin. The album was produced by Cameron Doyle and Ryan Doyle and was recorded and mixed by Cameron Doyle at little bear studios. Additional recording and mixing by Sean Hurley and Ryan Doyle. Mastered by Sean Hurley at little bear studios.
‘Tales of my misspent youth’ is an absolute triumph from My Uncle Stoat. This glorious album takes the listener on a musical journey filled with sweet melodies, exquisite musicianship and eloquent songwriting. From the magical soundscapes of ‘So this is life’ ( with it’s driving guitar, rich rhythms and ethereal atmospheres ) to the warm acoustic, ‘Which way to lose’, there is an instant likeability and charming aesthetic to this album.
Ryan Taylor Doyle’s vocals sweetly croon over dreamy melodies while blistering instrumentation in tracks such as ‘Chaos’ and ‘Has it come to this’ capture a hazy sense of nostalgia. There is something utterly mesmerising about this bands sound. It’s comforting and wholesome while exuding passion and gusto at the same time from every note.
Throughout the album, My Uncle Stoat venture between light instrumentation and mammoth-heavy outbursts to create a fresh and dynamic listening experience. It’s quite the tantalising rollercoaster spectacularly presented through music. ‘Easy come easy go’ is a fine example of this. The track introduces a heavier musical approach than its predecessors as tense verses give way to a gripping cinematic chorus. The track is an absolute delight to listen to and a highlight on the album. Of similar fashion is ‘Flesh for the fleshless’. The track boasts dreamy melodies filled with twinkling guitars, soft lulling backing vocals and buoyant beats for the verses before the chorus roars with psychedelic rock tendencies and energetic outbursts of distortion on guitars.
‘Tales of my misspent youth’ is a fantastic collection of tracks. Throughout the album, My Uncle Stoat display a deep understanding of their craft as each track highlights a different aspect of the bands sound and deft musicianship. Each song leads beautifully into the next and the album as a whole is a pleasure to listen to again and again.
Irish four-piece modernlove. have released their new EP ‘monochrome blue’ on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). To celebrate the EP release, the band will be playing a Dublin headline show on November 6th in the Workman’s Club and their first London show at The Social on November 12th.
‘monochrome blue’ is creative, alluring and an utterly intoxicating EP that solidifies modernlove.’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting indie-pop bands. The four-piece are known for creating eargasmic tunes brimming with sugar-sweet melodies that hook the listener instantly and ‘monochrome blue’ follows this trend perfectly.
From the explosive rush of opener ‘2 Missed Calls’, the band flesh out their lustrous wall of sound with rich percussion, gleaming guitars and irresistible bass grooves that lure and entice from the start. Dealing with some heavy and intriguing lyrical content that details with the complexities of a love triangle the track is an excellent start to the EP.
The production throughout the EP is immaculate. The band venture between indie-pop bangers and synth-pop gems to create a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.‘Liquorice’ sounds fresh on the EP. This shimmering track with its glittering synths, punchy drums and rumble on bass sits comfortably on the EP and is a fantastic lead into the latter half of ‘monochrome blue’. Each song floods with adrenaline and youthful vigour. ‘come over x’ is a fine example of this where lush sonics, vibrant 80’s pop elements, and soaring melodies create that heart-racing effect and keeps the listener hanging on to every note.
An exciting element of the EP is the hypnotic vocal aspect of each track. Barry Lally’s smooth vocals drift across bittersweet melodies effortlessly while conveying oodles of passion. He spits out brisk lyrical flows in ‘Bop’ while crooning with emotion through the cinematic ‘I know it’s tearing you apart’. The latter track is filled with chiming guitars, a tight rhythm section, soaring chorus and epic crescendo and is the pinnacle moment on the EP. Within this track modernlove. excel both musically and lyrically – from evocative turns of phrase to richly textured soundscapes and heart rushing melodies, the tune showcases the band’s boundless musical talent in glorious detail.
‘monochrome blue’ is a sublime collection of tracks that displays the blossoming sound of modernlove. Each track is a gem to treasure and beckons repeat plays. The band’s approach to songwriting, production and sound is a breath of fresh air and leaves much to be admired. Press play and enjoy.
Dublin solo artist Conor Furlong has released his new single ‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’.The song is the third single to be taken from his upcoming album, ‘Recurring Dream’, which is set for release on the 17th of September.
‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’ is a lush shoegaze tune bursting with ethereal soundscapes and Conor Furlong’s expressive, irresistible musicianship. Sweet guitar refrains drift through airy atmospherics for the brooding verses before becoming more animated for the chorus. The complex arrangement of the song and deft production leaves much to be admired; the lyrics exude a dark undertone that mirrors the building tension and aggression within the track, “On the trigger, itchy fingers, that’s right blow my brains out, and you just laugh alright” while elements of 90’s rock, psychedelia and shoegaze blend to create an utterly tantalising and refreshing soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. Filled with euphoric melodies and showcasing a smooth vocal delivery from Furlong, ‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’ is a gem to treasure.
Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘Black Cat by the Bins’. The track follows on from Joyce’s sixth single release and current hit single ‘Voodoo Belladonna’ which was released back on 16th July 2021. Early last year (2020) Joyce featured on Mute The TV band’s hit debut single ‘With You’ which got airplay around Ireland.
‘Black Cat by the Bins’ is a mysterious tune that pivots around sultry shivering guitars and chunky rhythms. The lyrics are a dazzling display of Joyce’s artistic talent: clever, poignant and packed with emotion, “let me know if I grow slow, I feel it turning baby something has changed… I saw a black cat by the bins, and I haven’t been the same since”. Joyce injects a sense of unease into the track’s enticing soundscape through the use of sharp riffs and supple lofty pines creating a sinister undertone throughout the song. The complex blend of elements within the song are a joy to listen to and can only be truly appreciated with repeat plays. Joyce has put a lot into his latest release – the track is an expressive, bewitching number filled with character and rich instrumentation.
Fresh off the news of being selected to appear at this year’s Ireland Music Week, Irish multi-instrumentalist Aonair has released his second single, ‘Bad Decisions’, from his upcoming sophomore EP ‘, Loveheart Birthmark’ – due for full release later in 2021.
‘Bad Decisions’ is a powerful, heartfelt tune that showcases Aonair’s melodic prowess and irresistible musicianship. Surging with epic 80’s drenched guitars, heart-racing rhythms, and Aonair’s warm vocals, the track is an ultimate power anthem that exudes a charming dynamic persona. The song is an absolute delight to listen to and beautifully captures escapism through rich instrumentation while the hook-filled chorus evokes images of a live audience jubilantly bellowing back the lyrics. ‘Bad Decisions’ is a fearless piece of music that marks Aonairas an artist to keep an eye on. Looking forward to the EP.
Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her new single, ‘Wayside’.‘Wayside’ is the debut single from her 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). Laura is a past student of University College Cork’s Music Department and an award-winning songwriter. She was named the Paul Clancy Songwriter of the Year at 2015’s Irish Youth Music Awards. More recently, she was selected as Circuit Arts Festival Music Project Awardee in April 2021. Following the release of ‘Wayside’, the band are set to play Pot Duggan’s in Ennistymon, Co. Clare in October, with more shows and releases to be announced.
‘Wayside’ broods with intoxicating tones as Laura Duff presents her luring indie noir pop sound through this easy on the ears gem. This mellow tune balances dark smoky melodies with subtle glimmering guitar and keys to create an enticing rabbit hole of tantalising soundscapes. The song ventures between laid back psychedelia and indie effortlessly to create a fluid sultry tune for listeners to immerse themselves in. Duff’s smooth vocals smoulder throughout, while the sharp twinkles on guitar and layered backing vocals create a prismatic psychedelic effect with undertones of desert rock rumbling beneath. Within each verse and musical embellishment, ‘Wayside’ reveals new and captivating sounds that are a delight to listeners ears. Laura Duff is quite an exciting artist.
Cork-based singer-songwriter and producer Fintan McKahey returns with new single ‘Lost Balloons’. The song was recorded and produced by Fintan in his newly built space, Ivy Hill Studios. Built by Fintan and his team during COVID-19, the studio offers a variety of audio and visual services. An active artist since 2016, his 2019 sophomore EP “God Games” received critical acclaim as did his several 2020 singles, achieving national radio play and press acclaim. He has performed in major venues across the country, including support slots for the likes of The 4 Of Us, The Scratch, Junior Brother, and Roisin O.
‘Lost Balloons’ is a nostalgic soulful tune that displays the emotive musicianship of Fintan McKahey. He spreads a dreamy melody over warm guitar while a steady, soothing beat bubble’s throughout. McKahey has a mesmerising ability to capture emotion through his poetic songwriting and supple arrangements. Within ‘Lost Balloons’, he reflects on how the pressures of modern life can get overwhelming through the medium of delicate atmospherics and gentle guitar refrains while his warm, rasped vocals coo with a hushed tenderness throughout. ‘Lost Balloons’ is an absolute joy to listen to. The track is a time-stopping, emotional and satisfying tune that beckons repeat plays.
About the track, Fintan says, “‘Lost Balloons’ is an ode to the slow life, a gentle reminder to take a breath and let life unfold at its own pace. Letting go can be the most liberating feeling there is.”
Tipperary indie rock five-piece, Kill ‘Em Charlie have released their new single ’Hazey’. ‘Hazey’ is a blistering single that boasts the energetic sound of Kill ‘Em Charlie. The band swarm magnificent guitar lines through a tight rhythmic foundation to create an adrenaline-inducing listening experience. The track evokes images of manic live shows filled with rampant basslines and sing-along choruses while the sharp guitar riff resounds throughout like a thrilling siren. It’s a compact and cohesive tune brimming from the seams with indie rock bravado and tantalizing instrumental embellishments. Kill ‘Em Charlie are fleshing out their sound superbly, creating fun, youthful tunes that ooze energy and charm. ’Hazey’ is a fine example of this and the track is an absolute joy to listen to. Kill ‘Em Charlie are a talented band to get very excited about.
Following on from the fantastic success of their previously shared singles ‘Lost In This World’ and ‘Vacant Stare’, which dropped earlier this year, Reading-based indie-rockers Mellor have returned with their new EP ‘Fragment Of Imagination’. Despite the current global pandemic, Mellor maintained their momentum in 2020, releasing single ‘Heaven isn’t Yours to Give’ and signing a management deal with Eighty4 Music.
Taking their sound to soaring new heights, ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ is a mighty roar from Mellor. Blistering guitars ricochet off a battering drum assault as the band announce the EP with the explosive indie rock bravado of ‘Cool, Calm, Deranged’. This track is utterly thrilling as a sharp guitar refrain shrills throughout a muggy angst-riddled backdrop – a pretty exciting start to an EP.
Mellor have become known for their tight, energetic guitar melodies and solos, and within ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ they deliver on these exhilarating air guitar worthy moments without fail. The guitar travels from epic solos to majestic embellishments, and everything between to give the listener a shot of adrenaline throughout the EP.
‘Version Of A Life’ and ‘Vacant Stare’ pulse with desert rock guitars and a 60’s – esque rock n’ roll swagger however it is the galloping ‘Shame’ that is the perfect example of the band’s deft guitar prowess. Mellor weave a raw guitar melody through a dense onslaught of drums and bass, creating an intoxicating wall of sound that is ecstasy to the ears and equally spectacular with each subsequent listen.
Gary Kingham’s vocals hold all the instrumental chaos together. His effortless warm tone drifts over the songs earworm melodies with ease and showcases the band’s expressive lyrical ability “So start a fire, When I’m not there, Put it out with her vacant stare”
Mellor are constantly evolving their sound, and ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ is a fine example of this. The energy, passion and vigor bursting from this EP is admirable, while the awe-inspiring display of refined musicianship within makes Mellor one of the most exciting bands out there at the moment.
Stream ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
