Following on from the release of their recent single ‘Copy’, the first release for Xtra Mile Recordings, London grunge trio BERRIES, are back with the news of their forthcoming EP, ‘Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios’.and the release of its lead track ‘Dangerous’.BERRIES have been turning heads up and down the country for a number of years; their vast array of singles earning the band crucial support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, as well as online championing from Louder Than War and Fred Perry.
‘Dangerous’ is a dark bass-heavy tune that packs a mighty punch. BERRIES take their gritty grunge and spread it over an eerie backdrop to create on tantalising earworm for listeners to indulge in. Driven by a beefy bass riff, the song entices with an infectious groove while sharp, crisp guitar lines slither throughout, creating a luring web of musical delight. Holly’s smooth vocals caress the soft melody with a sweet coo, while the haunting backing vocals create a sense of danger. With pounding drums forming a magnificent rhythmic foundation this vaporous tune is a brooding and fantastic piece of music.
About the track, the band explain: “Dangerous was written after travelling home late one night from a gig. All of the thoughts and feelings of walking the streets alone at night and the different personalities you meet on the way”.
Bio: Rising Cork indie rock trio, Rowan, have announced their brand-new EP ‘Everybody Talks’. Due out on July 23rd, it’s their first release via their new Los Angeles based label, Beverly Martel. The band have also shared the title track. The single is accompanied by a new music video based on a ‘groggy morning after aesthetic’ and shot at an old Georgian mansion just outside of Dublin.
Track: ‘Everybody Talks’
Why We Like It: It’s an intense and exhilarating listening experience saturated in driving rhythms, pounding drums and a dizzying psychedelic blitz on guitar. Dylan Howe’s vocals croon the hypnotic melody while bubbling rhythmic pulses and ethereal synths create a bright atmosphere for listeners to indulge in before the song plunges into the swarming chorus. The chorus exudes a sense of paranoia and anxiety that mirrors the lyrics’ depiction of “the feeling you get when you’re having a bad day, and it seems like everybody’s out to get you.”. Showcasing refined, intoxicating musicianship, ‘Everybody Talks’ is a fantastic new tune.
Bio: Off the back off his most recent successful spell with ‘I Don’t Have To’, the addition of ‘Be Alright’ to Frank Turner’s Spotify playlist, a feature in the Channel 5 and Virgin Media One hit series, ‘Blood’, sold-out shows in esteemed venues in the Irish capital, such as Whelan’s and the Workman’s Club, and support to major Irish artists such as Damien Dempsey, Up and coming singer-songwriter, Graham Mitchell, has released his new track,’ St. Anne’s Romance.’
Track: St. Anne’s Romance
Why We Like It: It’s a charming tune laced in the sweet and observant songwriting of Graham Mitchell. The song drifts upon a gentle nostalgic melody filled with jangly keys and warm guitars. The song exudes a subtle folk tone nestled between heartwarming instrumentation and soft vocal harmonies. Mitchell’s earnest songwriting and vivid storytelling oozes charm and poetic depth as he tells the romantic story of a ‘school dropout lad’ who fell for a high school achieving girl in the majestic ‘St. Anne’s Park’ – meticulously crafted ‘St. Anne’s Romance’ is an enjoyable romantic gem from Graham Mitchell.
Bio: Santa Barbara, CA artist SODAPOP has released his new single
Track: Your Body Is Music
Why We Like It: This upbeat indie-pop tune melds luxuriant melodies with rich rhythms to create a bossa nova infused gem. Oozing delicate chiming keys, jaunty guitars, and sugar-sweet melodies, the track follows SODAPOP’s exquisite brand of musically delectable soundscapes that are lush with tropical tones and soft electronics. Boasting smooth vocals, a velvety melody and sun-kissed atmosphere ‘Your Body Is Music’ is an irresistible tune for listeners to indulge in.
Bio: Electronic duo All Tvvins have released their new single ‘Something Special’.Having been touted as indie-pop darlings on their self-titled debut and, with a sophomore album released, All Tvvins have been quietly working away on new music remotely during the lockdown.
Track: Something Special
Why We Like It: Saturated in hyper synths, driving rhythms and blistering guitars, ‘Something Special’ is an exhilarating new tune. The track travels at a brisk and intense pace as the soaring guitars and rush of electronics create a bracing and epic indie-rock backdrop that is quite refreshing. As the pounding beats slap through the expanding soundscapes, smooth vocals drive the racing melody into the ears. This catchy tune is well crafted for maximum impact and captures superbly an urgent sense of escapism. Shimmering with an ’80’s infused guitar solo ‘Something Special’ is an exciting new tune from this talented duo.
Irish singer/songwriter Hallie, has released her new single ‘Remedy’, the eagerly anticipated addition to her rising critically acclaimed discography. Hallie emerged in early 2019 with her debut single “Familiar Place” to critical acclaim, with rotation on multiple national radio stations. Hallie has made the ‘RTE Recommends Playlist’ with both her singles to date. Her online presence exploded, with her debut music video receiving over 100k views, and continues to steadily grow.
Beautifully crafted, ‘Remedy’ is a melodically lush and exquisite new song from Hallie. Dealing with the topic of heartbreak and reflecting on a toxic abusive relationship, Hallie takes her poignant and emotive lyricsand spreads them over a graceful backdrop of twinkling keys and soft electronics. Over a bittersweet melody she lays bare her pain as she coos “I lost myself by giving you all of me”. The song blends bubbling ethereal electronics with wispy soundscapes to create a moving and earnest tune that cuts deep while at the same time showcasing Hallie’s poetic and expressive musicianship. ‘Remedy’ is a powerful and eloquent new single from the rising artist.
Lost Boys have released their new single, ‘Weak’. The Limerick/Cork based indie-pop band have been recording over multiple lockdowns from their homes. Over the last year Lost Boys have sold out two headline gigs, been featured twice on the New Music Friday UK Spotify Playlist, placed at No1 on the iTunes charts in Ireland for their single ‘Sunrise’ and the band reached 255,600 streams across streaming platforms. ‘Sunrise’ was also marked as RTE 2fm’s Song of the week.
‘Weak’ is Lost Boys most ambitious tune to date and marks an intriguing shift in their sound. The band venture into R&B territory with elements of hip hop drifting atop dazzling production and a chilled sonic wall of sound. Hints of indie glimmer through the tracks atmosphere which bounce off bubbling beats and elastic bass grooves while ethereal electronics creates space within the kinetic soundscape. Oozing smooth vocals this genre blending tune exudes Lost Boys laid back, cool persona while showcasing the bands strong musical growth.
Following the release of their latest single ‘I Don’t Love You All The Time’, critically acclaimed and supported by Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music, London desert-rockers The Howlers have announced their debut EP ‘The Sum of Our Fears’, due for release on August 26th with the release of their new single ‘Lost Without You’. Produced and mixed by Theo Verney (Lazarus Kane, FEET, FUR) and Tarek Musa. Doused in greased back swagger (Circa Waves, Kagoule) at Echo Zoo Studios, and mastered at Third Man Records, the EP tackles navigating through struggles in life by remembering to find light in darkness, searching for beauty in despair. The Howlers are Adam Young (vocals, guitar), Cameron Black (drums) and Guus ter Braak (bass).the East London trio have undertaken three UK-wide tours since their formation over a year ago. The band quickly established themselves as one of the UK’s must-see live acts, gaining much deserved praise from radio royalty including BBC 6 Music, KEXP and BBC Radio 1 as well as major programming on BT Sport, SkySports and SoccerAm.
The Howlers drizzle a scorching desert guitar riff over bubbling beats and groovy bass line to create a sleek tune exuding confidence and sass. The shimmying rhythm oozes 60’s swag and an infectious hip coaxing groove while Young’s smooth vocals croon “did you ever know what it’s like to be alone, now your friends are far from home and left you on your own where do you suppose you go?”. His vocals tie the scorching instrumentation together with a cool nonchalant tone while the bright guitars ricochet off the rich rhythmic backdrop. Boasting oodles of charm and blazing instrumentation ‘Lost Without You‘ is well crafted, insanely catchy and feverishly thrilling.
Speaking about the track, Adam Young says “‘Lost Without You’ represents understanding what you really want out of life, and realising what you may want might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Just because something is right for one person does not mean it’s necessarily right for you and that no matter how many times you may get knocked down you get back up, that you shouldnt be scared to fail and find the strength to face up to your fears and carve your own path through life.”
He adds “All of us have been picked on at some stage for whatever reason, we as a band know that better than most, the petty playground rubbish you should only have to put up with as kids, but in all that hate is where you find the confidence to form your own identity and believe in yourself.”
Ireland’s Dark Tropics return with their soulful third single, ‘Keep Searching’.The duo released their debut single ‘Badlands’ last summer, followed by the uplifting ‘Moroccan Sun’ late 2020, to widespread critical acclaim, even getting Billboard’s attention, who included it in their 10 Cool New Pop Songs. Radio support so far has included KEXP, Radio X and BBC Radio 1/Introducing in the UK and USA.
‘Keep Searching’ is a lush soulful tune dripping in dreamy melodies and Dark Tropics’ first rate musicianship. The song drifts upon a haze of soft instrumentation while Rio’s soothing vocals lull over the luxuriant smooth melody. This delightful track boasts grand expansive soundscapes as elegant strings, lounge bar piano and lush harmonies glide gracefully throughout. With soft R&B tones glimmering through the buoyant rhythms, Dark Tropics have created a cinematic track that showcases the duo’s refined song writing while providing the listener with an immersive and engaging tune to indulge in.
“‘Keep Searching’ was inspired by the vibrancy and romance of 60’s American soul music,” says the band. “It’s about not wanting to be left behind and having the strength and resolve to chase a dream no matter what.”
Night Flight have released their new EP, ‘Songs From Echo Zoo’, which includes the critically acclaimed singles ‘Dreaming’, ‘Canada’ and new single ‘Something Going On’. The London four-piece have also announced a October UK tour, including dates in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Sheffield, Newcastle, Bristol and Brighton.
‘Songs From Echo Zoo’ is a rich collection of tracks. From the jubilant jangle of ‘Dreaming’ to the folk drizzled warmth of ‘California’, the band creates lush and well layered songs that glide through psychedelic tones with elements of pop, folk and indie thrown into the mix. ‘Canada’ exudes a dreamy soundscape that is greatly enhanced by the bands use of supple bass, twinkling keys and psychedelic tones on guitar. Sam Holmes’s croons softly over a mellow melody as he pines wistfully for Canada, “I hate what you do to me. I find it so hard to leave. I’m head over heels in this country… O Canada”.
The crisp production within ‘Songs From Echo Zoo’ highlights the tender emotion rippling through the vocals while the intricate soundscapes chime with a dynamic and deliberate suspense throughout. However it’s the dark and blues-hued ‘Something Going On’ that shows the true versatility within this band’s sound. Filled with deep pulsing synths and distortion the song simmers with aggressive undertones. The blending of musical elements within this track is a thrilling assault on the senses.
‘Songs From Echo Zoo’ is a mature and impressive body of work that showcases the compelling musicianship of Night Flight. Each track is deftly layered with hidden gems revealed on each subsequent listen that leaves much to be admired.
Dublin based dance/pop artist Butler has released the video for his new single ‘ME & YOU’ featuring White Wax. This vibrant tune oozes Butler’s signature sun kissed pop sound. I caught up with Luke Thomas aka Butler to talk about the new single, working with Wax White and the possibility of an EP.
“I love trying to discover different artists and I’m always on the lookout for different acts, particularly when the media will focus on maybe 10 of the best up and coming acts, there’s another 50 that are just outside the spotlight that you don’t see that are doing just as good. I like going down different paths and different rabbit holes to find different acts. I came across these guys and they had a couple of great songs out and I was like, I have to work with these guys. I never thought they would actually agree to do it. They’re two cool guys, two cool rappers and I reached out to them and thankfully they said yes. So we put the song together around Christmas and we felt the time was right now to get it out there”
“ With the lockdown you have to work within the parameters that you can and from the previous summer I had vocals and we had an idea on the guitar so we were able to put that together and send over that to the guys in December. They worked on it, got it back to us, we got it mastered. The process going back and forth can take time but it was worth it in the end. It was a few back and forths and I suppose, by the time we met up to do the video, it was actually the first time we’d ever met, physically, which is crazy.”
Remote recording and collaborating has created an opportunity for artists to work with other artists and producers that they perhaps wouldn’t have been able to work with before. I wondered if Luke thought remote recording is something that will be a lasting addition to recording music in the future after the pandemic is over
“I think it’s the way forward, certainly for electronic music anyway, because the digital stuff is so strong now, it’s so advanced. You have the opportunity to finely tune parts of songs and get them ready way before even going into a studio and that cuts down costs. People can produce albums from their house now. I know they’ve been able to do that for years but it’s really gotten a hell of a lot stronger. So I do think it’s the way forward. Absolutely.”
“Even the microphones people use now are so much better. The technology, the post production software, there’s presets…obviously you need to be able to sing to begin with, but to get to that studio level quality is not as hard to do anymore, which is great. It’s great for the underdogs. It’s great for people who are really struggling to get a record deal, or, they might have written some songs and they’re up and coming, it’s great to see that it is possible for those guys to get through and break through.”
Luke regularly collaborates with a variety of artists for his Butler project. For Luke each artist brings their own sound and style to the tunes. This blending of musical talent creates engaging and refreshing music for listeners to indulge in.
“I suppose that’s another reason why I wanted to work with so many different people because you grow yourself when you work with different people. You grow as an artist and you can learn so much. No matter what age, what genre those people that you’re working with are. It really, helps you and you’d be foolish to think that you know everything, in any field so it’s always good to absorb more knowledge, skills, information, all that sort of stuff. I love it“
Luke is a master at creating sweet earworm melodies that stick in your head for days and make you crave to hear them again. Within ‘ME & YOU’ the doo wop -esque melody is utterly irresistible. Teamed with the love saturated lyrical content, Luke once again proves his song writing prowess.
“I have been writing melody and stuff like that for years and, yeah, it’s just the way the track was. [The] strummed guitar part, we decided to cut it up a little bit, and cut down some of the strums and just make them a bit more staccato. I think that worked and that helped give more room between the chords to get a bit more melody in there, a bit more feeling in there and I think that came out in the song, it’s benefited hugely from that.”
“I was trying to put myself back as a teenager, maybe 15 years ago, when you’re that age and it’s us against everybody you know. It’s kind of naive hopeful love, that side of things where anything is possible in life and it’s just about what’s happening right there and then. Nothing else matters. That is what it was aiming for. I’m quite used to putting myself in certain situations where I can draw on experience or draw on past situations and things that might have happened, maybe not exactly but close enough”
Dublin’s charismatic duo Wax White and their fluid, edgy raps add a cheeky edge to the song. Their clever rhymes perfectly contrast the track’s sweet melody.
“That was one of the reasons why I wanted them on board. It’s like yin and yang at times. Where I’d have more of a sweeter pop delivery and vocal, and then the guys come in [with] a different kind of energy, which is great. It keeps the track interesting and lively. You always have to have one eye on that. That a song or a piece of work doesn’t plateau and make sure it’s interesting for the listener, which is key.”
Luke has also released a video for ‘ME & YOU’. It’s a fun and charming video featuring a random panda head, bikes and the guys dressed in sleek suits. Being able to make a video is a treasured experience in the middle of this pandemic.
“That was the first time, physically together. It was crazy we were on the phone a lot and zoom and various different avenues getting back and forth to each other, but it was great to actually be there face to face, and have a laugh and the director just kept the camera rolling at times when we had the football there and so forth. Just to have fun with the whole thing and not take it too seriously, I think that’s the key. That’s the key with this stuff, so it naturally came out that we were enjoying ourselves. You can overthink stuff and it just causes more issues and there’s more opportunities for it to go sideways if you overthink it, as opposed to doing a simple idea very well.“
Last time I spoke to Luke he told me he was building up his tunes for a potential EP. I wondered how the EP was progressing.
“Yeah I have enough tunes for the Butler EP, I’m going to put it on ice till closer to Christmas because I might have another single, maybe in September as well just to build with the EP, and there’s no massive rush, I would like to coincide the EP with a live performance. So, I’m holding out to maybe closer to Christmas if I can get a venue, you know, just a small intimate venue maybe 100 people, and see if I can do it that way to get across what Butler is properly and see what people think of it live. That would be the idea. Everything, obviously has been pushed back a little bit with the times we are in which is fine. I’ll just be ready and waiting in the background locked and loaded, ready to go.”
Butler is an electronic pop project and the prospect of live shows soon had Luke and I discussing what a Butler show would look like
“Yeah, it’s heavily based with acoustic guitar, sample bass and drum machines, that’s the way we’d start off anyway and probably keyboards at the start. There’d be no point having a huge band, initially, until we see what sort of reaction we get and what sort of venues we’re playing. It would be like what you see electronic artists do on the likes of Jools Holland and stuff like that. They would set up for two or three musicians and they would cover the spectrum of instruments, between them. Initially, that’s what we are looking at”
So what can eager fans look forward to from Butler in the coming months?
“The plans are to promote this [‘ME & YOU’] as much as possible, look at maybe another single in September, with an EP around Christmas and hopefully a live gig to go with that. That’s the big plan and hopefully looking at collaborating with some other people as well. I have a few in mind, but I won’t say anything yet until they say yes or no to me, and just to create music to keep building on the brand.“
Luke Thomas is an ambitious and talented artist. His catchy pop songs and melody wizardry is mesmerizing. ‘ME & YOU’ is a fantastic example of his earworm magic. This upbeat radiant tune is the perfect pick me up we all need. I’m looking forward to hearing the tunes Butler releases next.
Irish glam-pop artist Jack Rua and American hyper-pop artist Saint Taint have teamed up on a scintillating EP called ‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’.
‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’ is a tantalizing body of work that melds heavy electronics with intricate instrumentation and dazzling production. The artists knock it out of the park with their sugar rush of sounds while allowing each track to evoke the wide range of emotions everyone has been feeling since the pandemic began. ‘Contact’ kicks the EP into motion. With smooth vocals gliding sweetly over a bubbling backdrop of ethereal synths, infectious rhythms and swirling soundscapes, Jack Rua and Saint Taint provide a punchy assault to the senses. Title track ‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’, continues the lush textural blitz of its predecessor as it spirals into a chaotic dizzying explosion of electronics between staccato synth and dance immersed beats that create surges of adrenaline between the chilled verses.
As the EP progresses the quality of earworm melodies and glitter pop backdrops intensify, completely absorbing the listener in vibrant electronics, EDM elements and tropical tones. A fine example of this is ‘Lovemelikeiloveyou’ – a glorious moment within the EP. This bright tune radiates sun kissed tones, shimmering synths and deft beats. Within ‘Lovemelikeiloveyou’ Jack Rua and Saint Taint lyrically capture 2020’s feelings of frustration, loneliness and anxiety “my paranoia’s been keeping me company”. The high energy and infectious melodies continue throughout until the grand finale, ‘Bike Ride’.A piano reverb laced tune layered with sticky beats and quirky samples that provides a biting backdrop for Saint Taint’s poignant depiction of life in America amidst the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests.
Over four tracks Jack Rua and Saint Taint succinctly explore the impact of 2020 and covid 19. It’s a remarkably confident EP boasting exquisite melodies and bewitching electronic pop sounds creating a contemporary and unique listening experience. Within ‘I Don’t Party Enough Anymore’, the listener witnesses two dynamic, talented artists showcase their musical prowess and hone their craft to create an EP that is as passionate and emotive as it is engaging and enjoyable.
After playing main stage of BARE In the Woods in 2018, supporting Fangclub, and performing sell-out shows in venues such as The Loft & Roisin Dubh in Galway, Waterford based alternative rock group Under Starling have release the first single ‘Icarus’ from their upcoming self-titled album on May 7th, 2021. Under Starling, originating from Dungarvan (Waterford), consists of brothers Danny and Tommy Dunford as well as Colin Drummey and Alex Pollock.
‘Icarus’ is a fine example of the dynamic and passionate musicianship of Under Starling. The band take a heartfelt melody and drizzle it over a bubbling alternative backdrop to create a heart skipping, intense soundscape filled with potent lyrics and immersive musicianship. As the song veers from it’s brooding verses into the anthemic chorus the band flesh out their expressive instrumentation – twinkling guitars expand into the songs ethereal atmosphere becoming more raw while the tight rhythmic foundation raises in magnitude allowing the drums pound through the soundscape with a harsh and vehement force. Under Starling deliver tunes that speak from the heart while exuding cinematic undertones and ‘ICARUS’ follows this trend superbly. The track is masterfully crafted and an exhilarating ear worm to indulge in.
About the track Danny Dunford explains : “The narrative of the song goes back and forth between 2 characters, an optimist wading through life’s oncoming choices, and a pessimist attempting to “clip their wings”, however in the end the optimist would rather crash and burn trying, than to never try at all.”
Stream ‘Icarus below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
