Tag Archives: indie

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Late Night Pharmacy ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’

Dublin-based alternative rock band Late Night Pharmacy are set to release their new single, ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ on June 11th. It is the band’s second single of 2021, following April’s ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’. Recording the single was only possible due to the generous financial support of the Department of Culture, who last year announced the creation of a Music Industry Stimulus Package (MISP), intended to help keep the Irish commercial music sector afloat during Covid-19. In November 2020, Late Night Pharmacy were awarded funding under the MISP, and hired Aidan Cunningham (Wheatus, The Scratch, Nealo, Overhead the Albatross) to produce and mix three singles.

Riding on a jagged riff and machine-gun rhythmic jabs ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is a heavy alternative rock tune that packs one heck of a punch. The song is a fantastic, intense, and thrilling sonic assault on the senses filled with crashing guitars and pounding drums that create a dense and mind bombarding soundscape that is simply a joy to listen to. An eerie undertone rumbles underneath the track’s kinetic soundscape and is greatly enhanced by the use of synths, jolting time signature changes and tempo shifts. This choppy effect within the track’s sound is an intriguing display of musical prowess and complements the lyrical theme wonderfully.‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is an excellent display of deft songwriting and impressive musicianship from Late Night Pharmacy.

About the track the band said: “In Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language”, he described how journalists use clichéd, shopworn phrases to write sentences almost unconsciously (“They will construct your sentences for you – even think your thoughts for you”), hence psychologically protecting them from considering the full implications of their opinions. 1984 features a character who speaks so orthodoxically as to resemble an automaton: “It was not the man’s brain that was speaking, it was his larynx.” Today, most communication originates not in the brain, but in the thumbs: social media discourse is an endless deluge of the same handful of clichéd expressions repeated ad nauseum, and conveying no real sentiment other than smug condescension. In this environment, even the crudest artificial intelligence could pass the Turing test with ease. As a commentary on this trend, the lyrics of “Slacktivist (Normalise This)” are entirely made up of overused social media expressions, assembled in no particular order as a series of empty, vapid non sequiturs. “

‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is set for release on the 11th of June for more check out The Late Night Pharmacy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/latenightpharmacyband/


Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Thrillhouse ‘Take Care’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse have released their new single ‘Take Care’. ‘Take Care’ races to glory as Thrillhouse continue their run of anthemic, ethereal indie rock through this majestic tune. With an electronic glitzy soundscape that is broken by shimmering guitars and desert-esque elements, the band create a sun-kissed nostalgic gem that pulses within a heart-pounding backdrop. Rumbling basslines ride along snapping beats and whirring synths to create an all-consuming sound that oozes suspense while showcasing the band’s deft musical prowess. Boasting sleek production and tight musical layering that is teamed with a deep brooding vocal delivery, ‘Take Care’ is a rush of heartfelt indie that leaves you craving to hear more. Thrillhouse are fast becoming known for creating infectious, musically lush bangers and ‘Take Care’ is a sublime example of this.

Stream ‘Take Care’’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Cold Comforts ’Turn Back Time’

Cold Comforts have released the first single,’ Turn Back Time’, from their debut album. In their first two years together, they have already released three singles, gone on a nine-date tour of the UK and been longlisted for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition.

’Turn Back Time’ is a driving 90’s alternative rock anthem that boasts the blistering sound of Cold Comforts. The song rides on dynamic guitar riffs while punchy drums and blazing bass grooves saturate the backdrop in energy and angst. Cold Comforts thrilling wall of sound is instantly vibrant and energetic, evoking images of live crowds jumping and singing along as the band blast out the catchy chorus. Lyrically,’ Turn Back Time’ is an anthem of defiance and never again living in fear of the past or the future. Cold Comforts present this theme through relentless, mighty musicianship and hook-laden soundscapes. Well crafted and drenched in exhilarating instrumentation, Cold Comforts knock it out of the park with this new tune.

Stream ‘Turn Back Time’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Nerves ‘Leigue’

 Photo Credit: Patryk Gizicki 

Irish avant-punk trio Nerves have returned with their new single ‘Leigue’. Having lit up their homeland with four well-received singles to date, the band began to earn a reputation as a must-see live act prior to lockdown with a series of sweaty DIY basement shows, sold-out headline dates and support slots with the likes of HMLTD, Turnstiles and more. Recorded over lockdown at Sonic Studios with Girl Band’s Daniel Fox, “Leigue” is a perfect snapshot of the band’s intense and borderless sound. 

‘Leigue’ frizzles with the passionate and thrilling sound of Nerves. It’s a hard-hitting tune that displays Nerves at their most intense and emotional to date. The song has an asphyxiating and harrowing atmosphere that is greatly enhanced by a muggy panic-stricken soundscape filled with pounding drums, rampant bass wriggles and contorting wails on guitar. ‘Leigue’ is an immersive listening experience – the track broods and simmers with angst throughout as Nerves venture from light shoegaze moments to post-punk anarchy within a few brisk instrumental lacerations. The shoegaze, post-punk, krautrock blend of sounds is an exhilarating assault on the senses as Kyle Thornton’s reverb vocals speak about the dangers of trying to ignore grief and allowing unhealthy coping mechanisms to begin to rule one’s life. As the song reaches its crescendo, the guitars spiral and crash into the aggressive drums, creating an explosive and exhilarating moment for listeners to enjoy. 

Nerves are meticulously crafting their powerful sound, and ‘Leigue’ is an exciting example of this band’s impressive musicianship. 

Speaking about the single, Kyle Thornton says, “We feel as though Leigue was a bit of a turning point for us as a band, towards something more mature and cathartic. It’s paved the way for how our sound and attitude has changed over the course of the last year. It’s still intense and still fun to play, but it means more to us now than I think it ever has.”

Stream ‘Leigue’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Zen Arcade ‘High Fidelity’ EP

Photo Credit: Paula Trjoner 

Formed in late 2019 following the dissolution of The Strypes – Cavan, Ireland’s The Zen Arcade have adopted an independent approach that extends far beyond their musical output. Today Friday 4th June via their own Dental Records they release the new EP ‘High Fidelity’; including the brand new single ‘High Fidelity’ alongside last year’s debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’, and an exclusive episode of their own podcast – ‘Higher Fidelity’.  The band’s debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’ released in October 2020 saw The Zen Arcade pick up extensive airplay in Ireland and the US, peaking at no.1 on the Irish iTunes singles chart and ranking at no.12 on the Irish National HomeGrown Chart by end of trading on release day. Having started life as the intro to their ‘Higher Fidelity’ podcast, the band’s second single, ‘High Fidelity’ will be released on 12″ bubblegum pink vinyl as part of ‘High Fidelity EP’

‘High Fidelity’ is a musically striking and cleverly thought out EP that provides a keyhole glimpse into the boundless talent The Zen Arcade have to offer. The jingle, single and title track ‘High Fidelity’ kick starts the EP. Bright and drenched in sweet, catchy melodies with tight harmonies and infectious clap along feature, the band pull out all the stops to ensure this tune stays in your head all day. Driven by a punchy drum progression and raw bass grooves, the song surges with adrenaline. The Zen Arcade’s deft musical prowess is on full display in this charming gem. However, it is the well-coined phrases within the lyrics that steal the show “My heart will always pound in 5.1 surround sound” – love it!

The band’s debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’ swiftly follows. A favourite here at Indie Buddie, this brisk slice of musical mastery is sure to get even the most timid person up and dancing. Boasting sharp, resounding guitars and frantic bass lines, this tune is a thrilling burst of alternative rock with glorious pop sensibilities that will leave you craving for more.

The Zen Arcade also provide a unique experience, an exclusive episode of the band’s ‘Higher Fidelity’ podcast where they discuss the making of ‘High Fidelity’, the magic of vinyl, the lyrics, along with their Sonic Seconds segment. ‘High Fidelity’ is a real treat. The band put a lot into creating The Zen Arcade experience, and the result is insightful, intelligent and fun.

The Zen Arcade are honing their sound perfectly. Their artistic approach to music, clever lyrics and wonderful knack with melodies leaves much to be admired.

Speaking about ‘High Fidelity’, The Zen Arcade elaborate: “High Fidelity has gone from jingle to single and theme song to hit song. This piece of music originally heralded the start of an episode of Higher Fidelity but now heralds the start of an episode of success. The track was written indoors, recorded in vain and released in case. It details the relationship between a cinephile with a lot of boxsets and their partner with a lot to catch up on.”

Stream ‘High Fidelity’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – featuring Bloxx, Hook, Color Palette, ‘Cneasta’ and RUE

Bloxx

Genre : Indie pop

Bio : Uxbridge band Bloxx have returned with their new single ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’.The song is the first piece of new material since Bloxx released their debut album ‘Lie Out Loud’ in August 2020 to critical acclaim. The track premiered with Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1, and is produced by Rich Turvey (Blossoms, Oscar Lang).

Track: Everything I’ve Ever Learned

Why We Like It: Riding on a driving bassline ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’ is an exhilarating new single from Bloxx. Jam-packed with irresistible hooks and dynamic instrumentation the song is an explosive whack of indie-pop. The track showcases the band’s deft musical prowess through a majestic display of soaring guitars, punchy drums and shimmering synths that creates a rich, sonic soundscape for listeners to indulge in. It’s a triumphant and exciting return from the Indie pop wizards.

You can follow Bloxx on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/BloxxUK

Watch the video for ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’ below 

Hook

Genre : New Wave Rock

Bio : Dublin-based new wave rock band Hook are set to release a new music video for, “Best Days,”.Shot and edited by the band. It includes slow shots of Dublin through a disorientating filter. The view is from the eyes of someone wandering the city at night; confused, lost, lonely which compliment’s the song’s message of going through difficult and complicated emotions. Hook are Eoin O’Donnell (vocals, guitar), Morgan O’Brien (drums) Danny Spelman (bass, vocals).

Track: Best Days

Why We Like It: It’s a swagger dipped tune that oozes the 80’s hued rock sound of Hook. The band sprinkle chiming guitars into a punchy drum and rippling bass backdrop to create a groove-driven tune that is a joy to listen to. The tracks laid back mellow melody is coated in Eoin O’Donnell’s rasped vocals while distortion and dark psychedelic undertones create a mysterious and eerie quality throughout. Boasting the band’s tight infectious musicianship, ‘Best Days’ is a tantalising new single from the Dublin-based three-piece. 

You can follow Hook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/listentohook

Watch the video for ‘Best Days’ below 

Color Palette

Genre : Indie Electronic pop

Bio : Washington Electro Rock/Synth Pop band Color Palette have released their new single ‘Clear Water Blue’. The song will be included on Color Palette’s forthcoming EP, set to be released in summer 2021.

Track: Clear Water Blue

Why We Like It: It’s an expansive and earthy tune that exudes Color Palette’s refined and lush musicianship. The band drop sweet guitar melodies into a pool of ethereal synths to create a soft rippling soundscape for listeners to indulge in before the song builds and becomes more intense as the band ventures into psychedelic pop tendencies. There is an immersive quality to the song through the use of chiming keys and lush arrangements that weave into one another while a dreamy pop melody and echoed vocals create a space-like atmosphere. Tightly layered and richly arranged ‘Clear Water Blue’ is an exciting new single from Color Palette.

You can follow Color Palette on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/colorpalettedc

Stream ‘Clear Water Blue’ below 

Cneasta

Genre : Indie 

Bio : Cneasta is a three piece band from Listowel.The band have released their new single ‘Warrior’.the band is comprised of Peter O’Donoghue (singer songwriter), Danny Sparks (Drums) and David O’Connor (lead guitar).

Track: Warrior

Why We Like It: This punchy indie tune is brimming with passion and dynamic musicianship as Cneasta spread biting vocals over a building indie backdrop. With buoyant rhythms riding atop edgy melodic guitar refrains the track has a lush and vibrant soundscape that glimmers with sweet guitar moments and punchy drum progressions. Exuding emotion throughout, O’Donoghue’s warm rasped vocals flow over the bubbling backdrop with ease while anchoring the listener within the track’s kinetic and engaging sound. ‘Warrior’ is a fantastic display of musical prowess from Cneasta.

You can follow Cneasta on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Cneastamusic

Stream ‘Warrior’ below 

RUE

Genre : indie pop

Bio : RUE is an Indie Pop Female Singer/Songwriter from Northern Ireland.RUE has released her debut single ‘Into The Woods’

Track: Into The Woods

Why We Like It: ‘Into The Woods’ showcases RUE’s refined and engaging indie-pop sound. Melting a sweet pop melody into a bubbling electronic backdrop of muggy beat slaps the track is a compelling and well-crafted experience for listeners to enjoy. As RUE’s smooth vocals glide over the melody the song ventures from brooding verses to a catchy bright chorus while the subtle electronics maintain a dark undertone throughout. Featuring warm guitar and a clap-along feature ‘Into The Woods’ is an impressive debut that marks RUE as an artist to keep an eye on.

You Can Follow RUE on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/RUEmusicofficial/?ref=page_internal

Stream ‘Into The Woods’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks On Spotify Here


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Clara Byrne ‘To Rome’

Bray songwriter Clara Byrne has released her new single ‘To Rome’. With warm lulling vocals gliding effortlessly upon an ethereal soundscape of supple bass, soft beats and twinkling piano the song is light, earthy and luxuriantly crafted to provide a soothing listening experience. Byrne takes the dreamy melody and saturates it in lush embellishments and haunting soundscapes. As the song progresses backing vocals coo to create a ghosty tone while the instrumental backdrop becomes more irritated and blustery. Byrne’s vocals anchor the listener within the song. Her unique vocals venture from warm depths to sweet croons which provides a mystical and bewitching quality to the track that is utterly enchanting. 

Byrne showcases her compelling lyrical ability within ‘To Rome’, confirming her stance as a proficient up and coming songwriter. Lines such as “Carvings curved, held high on teal thrones. Heads of hope watching crowds grow, bring wishes my knee” highlight the artists beautifully evocative songwriting. ‘To Rome’ is an impressive new single from Clara Byrne. Looking forward to hearing more from this talented musician.

Stream ‘To Rome’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jamie Noone ‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’

Jamie Noone has released his new single ‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’.Jamie Noone is a singer-songwriter, producer and poet from Dublin.  Noone writes, produces and mixes all of his music from his home studio based in Berlin, where he is currently living.

‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’ is a wonderful display of Jamie Noone’s fine musicianship. Noone’s velvety vocals caress a smooth melody with ease while the backdrop exudes a lounge- esque vibe between soft smouldering beats, supple indie guitar and hues of hip hop. A warm saxophone envelopes the song in sensual elegance while a jazz piano glides through the thrilling crescendo. ‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’ is an impressive track that showcases the artist’s deft musical prowess through delicate melodic flows, grand yet supple musicianship and brooding soundscapes. Noone is an immensely talented artist and one to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Soda Blonde ‘Holy Roses’

Soda Blonde

Soda Blonde have released the third single ‘Holy Roses’ from their upcoming album ‘Small Talk’ set for release on July 9th via Velveteen Records.‘Holy Roses’ is a deeply emotive and powerful tune set to a shimmering alternative pop backdrop. Starting with a sombre guitar refrain ‘Holy Roses’ unfolds beautifully. The minimalist instrumentation to begin with, opens up to Faye O’Rourke’s lulling vocals and warm backing harmonies which set the tone of the song through a profoundly honest and hard-hitting lyric “Hold on let me get this straight, you said what you want and now you are done”, soon followed by a pre-chorus that acts like a stream of consciousness as the artist comes to terms with painful past events, “so many fights, so much nothing in the bed, so many railroads that don’t lead to anything…”. The brooding verses swiftly give way to a vibrant chorus filled with radiant synths, rich rhythms and uplifting melodies that sheds light on the song’s shadowy undertone. The track is a marvel of fine musicianship and showcases the powerfully emotive songwriting of Soda Blonde. The four-piece push boundaries to craft compelling artistic tunes that are simply spellbinding and a joy to listen to. ‘Holy Roses’ is a must listen.

About ‘Holy Roses’ Faye says “So many of us use rejection as fuel to justify stagnancy or living in the past. Holy Roses provides me with some closure and I feel it’s one of the most important tracks on the album. I am directly addressing the people in my past who have hurt me in this song. The Rose is symbolic of war and the fleetingness of life and death. It also represents the fall of Christianity, which I compare not only to our country’s dying Catholic status but to the oppression I felt throughout my own personal and work life. Holy Roses is the moment of reckoning for me, in all respects. I’m letting go of the people who have hurt me and my old way of living”

Stream ‘Holy Roses’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Elina Filice ‘Flight Risk’ EP

Singer, songwriter, and spoken word artist Elina Filice has released her sophomore EP, ‘Flight Risk’. The project is the culmination of the biggest year yet for the emerging artist. Leading up to the five-song EP, Elina released a series of successful singles that now find a permanent home in the project. The lead track on the EP is Elina’s breakout single “Thinking of You,” accompanied by a fresh radio edit and creative lyric video. With 750k+ streams on Spotify, a critically acclaimed music video, and worldwide coverage and radio play, the song marked a new era for the artist. The project was recorded at Wavefarm Productions (Dublin, Ireland). It was produced remotely between Elina and producers Kevin Brennan, Zach MacPherson, and her dad, Carmine Filice. It also features collaborations with Neolithic, Cat, and Claudia Crampton. 

 ‘Flight Risk’ is a tightly crafted EP glazed in the bright, melodically lush sound of Elina Filice. The artist bends hip hop over rich pop sensibilities, jazz embellishments and blues tones to create a free-flowing, laid back collection of tracks that is a joy to the ears. Filice has a knack with irresistible hooks and melodies, and ‘Flight Risk’ is a fantastic example of this. From the mellow guitar hook and catchy chorus in ‘Thinking of You’ to the jazz dipped piano refrain and lush backing vocal coos in ‘Here’, Filice’s earworm sound never falters while various featured artists ( Claudia Crampton, Neolithic and Cat) on the EP help maintain a refreshing atmosphere throughout. 

Within this EP the listener gets a keyhole glimpse into Filice’s diverse and captivating sound. The singer-songwriter’s ability to blend a smooth rap and biting rhythms with classy jazz and elegant piano or balmy indie is mesmerising and confirms how talented the musician is – a wonderful illustration of this talent is the riveting ‘Lying’, a timeless gem in the EP that is an exciting and goosebump-inducing demonstration of deft musical ability. In fact, each track on the EP is an outstanding display of musical expression that flows elegantly into the next.

‘Flight Risk’ explores themes of movement, travel, adventure and self-discovery. Filice convey’s these themes through skilful storytelling and meaningful lyrics. Phrases such as, “My younger me seems to be just as lost as the girl sitting here” in the powerful ‘Thinking of You’ and “I’m begging to borrow, the absence of fear, cos I’m afraid to tell you, baby, I always wanna be here” in the emotive ‘Here’, showcases the artist’s lyrical depth and the earnest approach Filice has to songwriting. The sincere poetic spoken word teamed with stirring soulful melodies makes each song a special experience every time you listen to them.  

‘Flight Risk’ is a fine display of blossoming talent that marks Felice as an artist to keep an eye on.


Author : Danu