Indie pop artist Mustafa Sal has released his debut single ‘Wait For You.’ Mustafa flew to Ireland in 2018 and spent the early part of 2019 writing music and finding his sound. Under his old pseudonym, Sal the Musician, Mustafa released four singles in 2019/20 to great avail, with the tracks getting plenty of radio play and press buzz. Mustafa also spent the latter half of 2019 playing a number of support shows for touring artists, including Australian alt-rock legends “You Am I.’
‘Wait For You’ boasts the bright electro-pop and emotive songwriting we have come to love from Mustafa Sal. The song has a soothing and romantic tone enhanced by bubbling beats that cushion the sunkissed synths over a dreamy smooth melody. Within the melody, intricate layers of electronics provide a rich and engaging sound for the listener to indulge in. The song ripples and pulses through the verses with a wistful tone as Mustafa Sal coos, “Though we’re far away And I am here to stay, Love me for forever, Love me for today.” The lyrics of longing contrast the upbeat and catchy chorus and make for a satisfying listening experience. Rich in texture and tone, ‘Wait For You’ is a beautiful and charming new single from Mustafa Sal.
Indie rock n roll band, The New Republic have released their new single ‘Rose Marie’.The New Republic have a knack for writing slick songs laced in witty lyrics and deft instrumentation and ‘Rose Marie’ is a fine example of this. Dripping in funky guitar riffs and an energetic wall of sound, ‘Rose Marie’ is a vibrant, well-crafted song. The band drift a silken melody over a bubbling backdrop while punchy drums and a groovy bass lay down the fluctuant and dynamic foundation. Sharp guitar licks and a shredding solo bounce off this rippling rhythmic foundation to create an elevated and exhilarating soundscape brimming with swagger and panache while the velvety vocals and bright melody carry a sun-kissed radiance throughout.‘Rose Marie’ is a dynamic and refreshing new single that displays the tight, fun, and refined musicianship of The New Republic.
Pretty Happy have returned with their new single ‘Salami.’Pretty Happy are an Art-Punk three-piece from Cork with a growing reputation for their dynamic live performances and electric eccentricities. Made up of Abbey Blake (Guitar), Arann Blake (Vocals, Bass Guitar), and Andy Killian (Drums), the trio have established themselves as one of the most exciting acts on the Cork music scene. They use a combination of absurdist lyrics, demented emotions, and idiosyncratic melodies to create an all-consuming noise rock sound.
‘Salami’ is an abrasive whirlwind of post-punk as Pretty Happy spread raw instrumentation over psychedelic flashes to create one exhilarating frenzied smasher. Coarse jagged guitar lines gash through a rugged drum and bass foundation while exuding a hypnotic thumping tempo until the chorus announces itself with a roar of frenzy. Within the chorus crashing guitars, wailing vocals and barbed bloodthirsty bass slaps create the song’s instant spiral into chaos. However light shoegaze guitar breaks up the frenzy, as the band masterfully blends wild barbaric post-punk with dreamy moments to create a thrilling savage listening experience.
Pretty Happy have an intense and blustery sound. They know exactly how to craft their quirky madness to create a wonderfully expressive wall of sound. They meld and mangle haunting vocals, spoken quips, and screams between a harrowing onslaught of gnawing guitars and a rumbling rhythmic section to create unruly, and absolutely thrilling music.
Ward has released his new single, ‘In Two Minds’.Ward is the alias of Sean Ward, a Waterford-born and based multi-instrumentalist. The 17-year-old became proficient in guitar, bass, piano and drums in recent years.Ward writes, performs and produces each element of his bedroom-pop injected tracks. Signing to Waterford’s independent Egg Twelve Records at the top of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 saw Ward cut his teeth with his debut single ‘Romeo’, followed shortly thereafter by his Summer sophomore single ‘Light Switch’.
‘In Two Minds’ is a mellow bedroom pop track that cruises into West Coast/Hip-hop territory as Ward fleshes out his infectious chilled sound. Exuding swagger and charm, this effortlessly cool track drifts upon lush melodies, breathy percussive embellishments, and biting beats. Ward displays his intelligent songwriting through witty lyrics which artistically tell the story of an unsettling love triangle. His warm vocals rap over a jaunty guitar for the verses creating a humid sun-kissed atmosphere before a refreshing swoosh on keys chills the song, making way for the catchy laid back chorus. Boasting intricate layering and warm guitar flirtations within a dreamy melody, ‘In Two Minds’ is a satisfying and fun new single from Ward.
Bio : sweethearts are a new indie band comprised of Niall Tennison on lead vocals, guitar, and piano, Toby Needler on guitar, and Josh Drury on bass, drums, and additional percussion.
Track: do you love me?
Why We Like It: It’s a woozy sun-soaked whack of 90’s alternative rock. Doused in fuzzy guitars, punchy drums, and resounding basslines ‘do you love me?’ is a fantastic debut single. The band sprinkle a dreamy pop melody over raw instrumentation and lush harmonies to create a sweet and sour banger. With a clap-along rhythm, pop-punk tone, and subtle moody grunge elements sweethearts give us a glimpse into their impressive sound. Enjoy.
Bio : Eighty Ninety is the indie-pop project of NYC-based brothers Abner (vocals, production) and Harper (guitar, production) James. Abner and Harper James debuted the Eighty Ninety project in 2016 with their first single, “Three Thirty,” which climbed to #2 on Spotify’s Global Viral Charts. The duo released their debut EP, Elizabeth, later that same year. Since then, Eighty Ninety have gone on to release a steady stream of singles, garnering over 26 million cumulative streams
Track: Forever
Why We Like It: This dreamy indie-pop track drifts beautifully upon the clean, infectious and well-crafted musicianship of Eighty Ninety. The band create an ethereal atmosphere with wispy synths and sweet melodies while the sticky bubbling beat and bright guitars give the track an edge. Oozing heartfelt emotion expressed through soft vocals and lush harmonies ‘Forever’ is a wonderful listening experience from Eighty Ninety.
Bio : Since completing their line-up in the early stages of 2019, Suave Martyrs have gone from strength to strength, quickly building their reputation as one of Manchester’s most exciting prospects.Comprised of Brad Miller: Vocals, Ben Greenhalgh: Vocals + Guitar, Sam Brunt: Vocals + Guitar, Stu Maxwell: Bass and Biscuit: Drums, Suave Martyrs have headlined some Manchesters best-known venues, including Band on the Wall and Academy 3.
Track: Cascades of Gold
Why We Like It: It’s a mind fizzing psychedelic trip as Sauve Martyrs create a prismatic 60’s infused tune with distorted guitars and dreamy melodies. The track rides on a brisk guitar hook while swirling soundscapes create an expansive trippy atmosphere. The song is anchored by the punchy drums, buoyant percussion, and elastic bass groove which becomes frantic and intoxicating at times while sweet harmonies and hazy melodies give an ethereal hypnotic quality to the track. With alluring vocals, a shredding solo, and indie rock edge ‘Cascades of Gold’ is quite the irresistible number from Sauve Martyrs.
Bio : Santa Barbara, CA artist SODAPOP has released his new single ‘Skate to San Francisco’
Track: Skate to San Francisco
Why We Like It: Sun-soaked and melodically rich, SODAPOP presents his light radiant indie-pop through this chic funky new bop. Twinkling synths exude a cool tone while sticky beats and catchy chorus create the carefree fun atmosphere SODAPOP is becoming known for. Teaming bright indie guitars with a funky bass groove and 70’s- esque disco vibe ‘Skate to San Francisco’ is a treat for the ears.
Singer/ songwriter Fly the Nest has released his new single, ‘Old Street Lover’.Dublin native Fly the Nest (Stephen Cooper) started playing music at a young age, performing in various bands before starting solo project Fly the Nest, a name inspired by the many adventures music has led him on. As well as writing and releasing his own music, Stephen also writes for sync, and says that writing for film and TV has opened up another facet of his creativity. Stephen now spends his time between Ireland and Denmark, and gigs regularly across Scandinavia.
‘Old Street Lover’ is a rush of adrenaline as Fly the Nest uses intricate layering and deft musicianship to create a massive cinematic number for the listener to indulge in. The song holds you in suspense and hanging onto every word as Cooper’s powerful rasped vocals drift over a brisk catchy melody and dynamic indie-rock soundscape. In true Fly the Nest manner, the chorus announces itself with a dramatic wall of sound – instrumentally robust and masterfully layered the chorus is catchy, vibrant, and sure to be stuck in your head all day.
Fly the Nest delivers a fantastic, full-bodied sound in ‘Old Street Lover’. He weaves rich percussion through the tight expansive wall of sound along with shredding guitar moments and heart-stopping melodies – its heaven to the ears. ‘Old Street Lover’ is an exciting new addition to Fly the Nests impressive and evocative repertoire. Love it.
About the track Fly the Nest says, “This song is about having a connection with someone that’s ultimately lost. Though it hurts to see it end, you really do wish them the best and hope they find what they’re looking for.”
Dublin songwriter Laura Elizabeth Hughes has released her new single ‘Days’. ‘Days’ is taken from Laura’s upcoming EP ‘We, Myself I’, due for release on 5th March. Laura’s last single, “Pandemonium”, reached over 80,000 streams since its release in May and was featured on major playlists such as Spotify’s “New Music Friday UK” and “A Breath of Fresh Éire”, Amazon Music’s “Acoustic Chill” and Deezers “Chill Out” as well as airplay on RTE Radio 1 and BBC Radio Ulster. The build-up to the release saw Hughes perform an intimate live show across her Instagram account as part of Culture Ireland’s #IrelandPerforms series.
With just nimble plucked guitar accompaniment and lush backing vocals, ‘Days’ is a beautiful piece of music that showcases Laura Elizabeth Hughes’ mesmerising ability to convey emotion through unembellished instrumentation and deft songwriting. Without overpowering the listener’s ears Hughes’ ethereal soundscapes lie within the spacious elements of the song; the pauses for breath, the sweet tone of Hughes’ voice, and soft, almost haunting backing vocals all create an expansive wispy atmosphere. The song discusses the nothingness and mundane moments when Hughes was out of work. She gracefully translates those feelings into intimate moments of personal emotion through the spectacular use of guitar which mindlessly roams throughout the track as if searching for an elusive meaning, purpose, or distraction. Composed, elegant and precise, Hughes’ vocals hold a steady pace. Her sterling voice conveys the emotion buried deep within the crevices of the song through a few short yet powerfully evocative words, “Breathless, lost it to the distance”.
Laura Elizabeth Hughes is a songwriter to treasure. She is a master of her craft. There is a richness, depth and maturity to her work that is simply awe-inspiring and exceptional to behold. I’m looking forward to the ‘We, Myself I’ EP.
Speaking about the record ‘Days’, Laura explains: “Days was a step at confronting the nothingness routine that hit when I was out of work for 4 months. It’s repetitious, a choral of my own voice, my own thoughts, day in and day out. It’s the losing sense of time. It’s that limbo between Christmas and before New Year’s but in the middle of May. It’s all work and no play freneticism.”
‘Escape’ is the brand new track to come from singer-songwriters L.T.P Duo. Wanting to leave us with a sense of fulfillment, L.T.P Duo teamed up with JG Mind Doodles to create the emotive and moving video, featuring a cute little character, named Splodge by their Instagram fans.The video serves to bring out the emotion of the track and reminds us of the strength and comfort that we can all find in music. Standing for Less Than Perfect, L.T.P Duo is formed of Nik (guitarist, songwriter, producer) and Naomi (singer, lyricist). Following the success of their debut EP ‘The Voices in Our Head’ last year, L.T.P Duo are pushing their music further in their new single, seeking to connect with people’s emotions. They have received radio play from BBC Upload and their single ‘Rain’ was played on BBC Introducing.
‘Escape’ is an emotional number laced in delicate instrumentation and soothing melodies. Filled with ethereal keys and warm guitars, the tune floats on a supple bed of tender soundscapes and soft beats. The track builds softly with bubbling electronics fluttering through sweet vocals coos which creates an enchanting and relaxing atmosphere for the listener to indulge in. Radiating a smooth, uplifting and hopeful melody, ‘Escape’ is a delicate and well-crafted number from L.T.P Duo
Limerick indie-Pop band Lost Boys have released their debut EP ‘Honey Mustard.’ Starting initially as an indie band back in 2018 – Lost Boys have consistently looked at new ways to create more meaningful and modern music, most recently with the introduction of Hip-Hop/New Wave instrumentation into their songs.
‘Honey Mustard’ is a beautiful EP. Lost Boys display their exquisite musicianship by putting together a satisfying and cohesive collection of tracks that are sensitive and carefree while richly displaying the band’s musical prowess. They showcase their ability to find the sweet spot between genres to create luscious tunes for the listener to indulge in. Each track is saturated in lovable heartfelt melodies and peppered in reggae rhythms, 90’s rock embellishments, and sweet indie-pop with hip hop and new wave blending everything together. Even though the band move through different genres, it’s a seamless transition each time.
Slick R&B and hip hop elements create a smooth glossy soundscape in ‘Hindsight’ and the groove-infested ‘Best Friend’ whichkeeps the EP’s atmosphere light to begin with. However ‘Karma Girl’ kicks things up a notch. Thick electronics flurry around a hypnotic guitar refrain throughout the song while sticky pulsing beats create a suspenseful and intense backdrop. With reverb vocals, a cinematic chorus, and gripping instrumental builds, ‘Karma Girl’ is a magnificent track and a pinnacle moment in the EP.
The beautiful ballad-esque ‘Sadie’ brings the EP to a wonderful finale. A warm acoustic guitar strums atop elegant strings and delicate picks on electric guitar. The mellow soundscape is tender, evocative, and simply divine. Oozing lush harmonies and a subtle country tone, it’s an emotive end to a magnificent EP.
Lost Boys have outdone themselves with ‘Honey Mustard.’ Boasting rich soundscapes, skillful use of instrumentation, and lush harmonies, teamed with earnest lyrics, ‘Honey Mustard’ marks Lost Boys as a band to keep an eye on.
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Flawed Design’. ‘Flawed Design’ is an absolute groove fest coated in shimmering disco vibes and funky basslines. With melty infectious melodies gliding between shimmering synths, jaunty guitars, and intricate percussive shimmies, this sparkling gem is infectious and irresistible to the ears. Thrillhouse surge a chic strutting quality into the track through smooth vocals that ooze panache and charm while lush harmonies and catchy melodies will have you bopping in no time. Boasting sleek production, witty lyrics, and the musical mastery of Thrillhouse, ‘Flawed Design’ is a dance-inducing earworm ready for repeat plays.
Stream ‘Flawed Design’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
