I caught up with Jacob Leff from Cassia to have a chat about the band’s new EP ‘Powerlines’ We chatted about the themes and topics that drive the band’s sun-soaked tunes, live shows, and what they have planned for the rest of the year.
Irish indie-pop band Wild Youth have released their latest track, ‘Can’t Say No,’ which will be taken from their forthcoming new EP ‘Forever Girl,’ set for release on March 26th. Comprised of lead vocalist David Whelan, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conor O’Donohoe, lead guitarist Ed Porter and drummer Callum McAdam, Wild Youth have collected over 10M streams on Spotify alone, as well as supported the likes of Mumford and Sons, The Script, and Niall Horan on international tours.
‘Can’t Say No’ is a satisfying cinematic collision of disco, funk, and R&B. The track expands on Wild Youth’s irresistible, indie-pop sound to create one explosive bop for the listener to indulge in. The song radiates a tense and dark persona as gravelly backing vocals meander through the verses and haunting spacious soundscapes.
Doused in the stomping swagger of Wild Youth, the chorus boasts the bands lush musicianship in all its grandeur. A rich rhythm bubbles through the chorus with ground-shaking potency while a dark, pulsing bass seduces in the background. With glitzy 80’s hued synth and funky guitar providing an edge to the track, ‘Can’t Say No’ is remarkably infectious. The upbeat synths and funky guitar embellishments contrast the lyrical content within. Lyrically the track calls out an unfaithful partner. There is an ache to Whelan’s resilient, soulful vocals as he sings, “ Saw you delete the message on your phone, Swear I can even smell him on your clothes.”
Versatility is key in the music industry, and Wild Youth have demonstrated that they are more than adept at using various styles. ‘Can’t Say No’ is a genre-blending tune that surges with the earnest and rich musicianship of the band without becoming overpowering. The precise layering, rich percussion, and deft use of instrumentation make the track absolutely thrilling.
Cork native singer-songwriter Jen Ella has released her new single, ‘Eyes For You’. Now based in Glasgow, the soft-rock song is her first release of 2021.The song was recorded in Venice of the North studios in Glasgow with Andy Sheppard.
‘Eyes For You’ is a beautifully emotive new single from Jen Ella. Jen’s warm velvety vocals soothe through a mournful guitar while the soft beat pulses in the backdrop, cushioning the earnest tender lyrics. “Clouded mind I cannot hide, This love that’s a danger, I need to avoid”. Jen’s lyrics are vivid and striking as she poetically describes the battle between head and heart. The vulnerability and heart breaking delivery of the track is moving and marks Jen Ella an artist to keep an eye on. ‘Eyes For You’ is an utterly compelling and exquisite new single from Jen Ella.
About the track, Jen says, “The song is quite personal to me, it’s about a battle between head and heart. It’s about chasing something that’s not good for you. Though you know it’s not right for you, you continue to chase it anyway. As hard as it is, the experience brings you on a journey of recognizing your own self-worth. Though it’s dragging you down, it forces you to realize that you deserve better.”
23 years old, Polish-born and Dublin-raised artist Mateusz Kosnik of Shaky Shack, has released his debut single ‘Soakie’ under the moniker Poor Petal. The track is the first single off his debut EP ‘zzz’, which is set for release on March 26th. Poor Petal is Kosnik’s solo project. He writes, produces and masters everything himself in his bedroom (recently upgraded to attic studio) with the occasional collaboration and/or sample of his friends.
‘Soakie’ is a hypnotic gem from Poor Petal. The track exudes a soothing persona that is heightened by delicate guitar melodies which loosely weave into the song’s vast, airy soundscape creating a tranquilizing listening experience. Kosnik uses subtle metronomic beats and a constant warm guitar refrain to anchor the track’s ethereal atmosphere allowing the sweet whispered vocals fill out the song’s spacious backdrop. With lush backing vocals and a marshmallow-soft melody, ‘Soakie’ is a beautiful and calming single from Poor Petal.
Dublin’s own indie-rock sensation Somebody’s Child have released their latest 4-track EP ‘Hope, Amongst Other Things’ along with their new single ‘Brother.’ Inspired by lead-singer Cian’s own experiences, the record’s candid narrative seeks to observe the challenges with mental health prominent amongst people in their early twenties and more specifically those who are struggling to establish their own identities.
Steeped in intense energy and cinematic bursts of indie rock, ‘Brother’ is a passionate display of musicianship from Somebody’s Child. Cian Godfrey’s rasped vocals exude emotion as he injects a sense of desperation and intensity into the atmospheric backdrop. With ethereal guitar melodies weaving a melodic thread between expressive drum progressions and dynamic bass grooves, the track is a sleek and powerful anthem.
Somebody’s Child craft the song superbly – brooding verses exude dark undertones of rumbling bass and light glimmers on guitar before erupting into the rock-smattered anthemic chorus. With a scorching solo and choir backing vocals leading to the kinetic crescendo, this remarkable track showcases Somebody’s Child’s refined and beautifully crafted sound in all its glory. Love it.
Luke Power has released his latest single, ‘Drinks’. After touring with Irish pop and rock band Picture This and performing in venues like The Olympia, Luke Power returns after a three-year hiatus with an arsenal of over 20 tracks ready to go. Born in 1999, Power grew up in Dublin, Ireland, surrounded by music. Both his uncle & grandfather are experienced vocalists and heavily influenced his decision to pursue music. Power started playing the guitar at the age of eight and began learning the basics of production when he was ten. Becoming skilled at Logic X and Pro Tools, he then began to mix and master tracks for various artists in Ireland.
‘Drinks’ is an energetic electronic pop track dripping in the tight musicianship and lush melodic prowess of Luke Power. Spreading swirling synths around bubbling beats and flickering electronics the track has an effervescent soundscape that surges with adrenaline. Throughout this dance floor smasher, Power adds emotional lyrical content to provide a satisfying listening experience. His smooth vocals caress the dreamy melody while the dynamic production flurries with a hurried urgency behind his moving lyrics “ I don’t feel real”.
Power displays his ability to craft an engaging and musically deft tune that exudes heartfelt lyrics and emotion at its core. Keep an eye on Luke Power.
About the track Power said, “It is an ode to the good times pre lockdown, where you can go out to create new memories with friends”.
Chris Wise and The Hidden Revolution are set to release their new single ‘Don’t Belong’. Recorded at Paul Weller’s prestigious invite-only Black Barn Studios in Sussex, with support from Ireland’s MCD Productions, this infectious toe-tapper kicks off what promises to be an epic year for the band. Naturally progressing from the band’s last two DIY-styled video releases, “Don’t Belong” is released alongside a charm-filled stop-motion animated video by Gold Brick Studios, bringing this rare and unique art form back into the fold of popular music. An exciting 2021 is planned for Chris Wise and The Hidden Revolution, with more releases and post-pandemic live shows to come.
‘Don’t Belong’ is a colorful upbeat bop saturated in Chris Wise and The Hidden Revolution’s melodically lush musicianship. Introduced by a rhythmic bounce and infectious guitar refrain, the track shuffles in on a bright wave of jittery guitar pop. The band layer the track superbly with elegant jangly keys, vibrant percussion, and intricately weaved basslines to create an instant earworm gem. The clean, sleek production and emotive songwriting make ‘Don’t Belong’ a stunning and radiant delight. With lush harmonies creating a joyous sing-along element while the uplifting soundscape builds to create a wonderful sense of ecstasy, ‘Don’t Belong’ is an absolute joy to the ears.
Sarah Deegan of Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra performs an acoustic set for Our Indie Buddie Sessions.
Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra are a Dublin-based three-piece consisting of singer/guitarist Sarah Deegan, bassist Alice Grollero and drummer Danni Nolan, who came together about three years ago after meeting through gigging around the Dublin underground music circuit.
This talented three-piece have a poignant and passionate sound oozing brooding melodies and biting instrumentation. Sarah Deegan showcases the band’s magnificent indie rock sound and deft lyrics through this mesmerising and thoroughly enjoyable session.
Belfast-born Liverpool-based songwriter Thom Southern has released his new single ‘Soul Singer,’ which was produced in collaboration with Peter Kember, a.k.a Sonic Boom.
‘Soul Singer’ is a luscious burst of fuzz-pop from Thom Southern. With the aid of Peter Kember, Southern creates a refreshing and vibrant new track laced in rich melodies and refined musicianship. He takes a delicate 60’s-esque pop melody and merges it into a vibrant psychedelic backdrop of bubbling electronics and rich rhythms to create a song full of life and energy. Skillfully produced the song’s sonic wall expands with intricate guitar embellishments and sweet key refrains while the drum grooves and pulsing bass lines, flutter throughout.
Southern’s velvety vocals croon and whisper over the melody creating a dreamy haze throughout. The verses fizz and simmer under his warm coos before the vibrant chorus erupts with clapping rhythms, lush melodies, and uplifting tones as Southern sings, “where ever you go I’ll go there too.”
Thom Southern is crafting his sound meticulously, creating heartfelt vibrant tunes that get better with each new release and ‘Soul Singer’ follows this trend spectacularly.
Slyrydes are set to release their new single ‘Boy In The Debs Suit’ on March 8th. Slyrydes are a four piece band from Galway. The band released their first five singles from March 2019 to March 2020 (Mental Health, Point of view, Out Patience, Dangerous Animals & I claim to be intelligent). The singles collected much critical acclaim nationwide and in the UK. In 2020 against many odds Slyrydes managed to record their Debut album which will be available on 12″ and is set for release this year.
‘Boy In The Debs Suit’ is a raw and coarse new single from Slyrydes. The band create a dark and exhilarating sound smothered in refined instrumentation.
Slyrydes have become known for tackling the emotional themes of mental health through their songs and ‘Boy In The Debs Suit’ follows this trend. By surrounding this hard-hitting rock track in earnest and sinister tones, they drive home the harsh reality of life and mental health through masterfully expressive instrumentation.
With a majestic and nimble guitar display embellishing the track in finesse and swagger Slyrydes create a piercing and light contrast to their brawny sound. A rampant bass and fluctuant rhythmic foundation exudes an ominous undertone while deep expressive vocals roar about the harrowing realisation when you see the picture of a missing person you know “I am in shock cos I saw him last week… We were in the same place”. The verses build tension as the coiling bass wanders through the song’s underbelly evoking a sense of mystery that builds into the dynamic and frenzied crescendo.
‘Boy In The Debs Suit’ is a brilliant display of musicianship from Slyrydes. Their compelling sound is blossoming into something to truly admire. Looking forward to hearing more from this talented four piece. ‘Boy In The Debs Suit’ is set for release on 8th of March.