The Heathen Choir have released their new single ‘London Bridge’. The song was Co-produced in Belfast with modern rock/electro-pop producer Si Francis (Bastille, Mumford & Sons) and features acclaimed session drummer Stephen Leacock (General Fiasco). The new single has long been a fan favourite having appeared in a stripped-down version on the album ‘Live at Diceys’ (2021).
‘London Bridge’ is a tender and wonderfully lush tune that boasts the emotive songwriting of The Heathen Choir. With a lofty guitar injecting indie rock passion into the mix while punchy drums and ethereal soundscapes create a sense of wholesome longing, the track is sentimental and soothing all at once. The lyrics discuss desiring someone or something so deeply but stating clearly that they will have to take you as you are and the band reinforce this with cinematic instrumental builds that add power and emotion throughout. With warm vocals and precise crisp production ‘London Bridge’ is a compelling new tune to indulge in.
Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets have released their new single ‘Life’.Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets make music for twenty-somethings living in a country that completely ignores them. The indie up-and-comers have amassed over 170,000 streams on Spotify, secured support slots with fellow Irish acts NewDad and Milk as well as embarking on their first Irish tour playing a number of sold-out headline shows. A recent clip of their last single ‘Running Away’ hit almost half a million views on TikTok.
‘Life’ displays Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets’ mesmerising creative musicianship in all its glory. The band create a distinctive blend of Americana with modern pop/rock nuances to create a sound that is natural, relaxed and a joy to listen to. Filled with emotive melodies, bubbling beats and chiming guitars the track’s bright instrumentation excites the imagination while at the same time cushioning the listener from the sombre lyrics. Boasting lush harmonies and the right amount of guitar gusto to give it that powerful edge; ‘Life’ is a charming ditty from start to finish.
Irish indie band modernlove. have released their new single ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ along with announcing their UK and US Spring 2023 tours. When modernlove. were formed in 2016, they reacted to the lack of opportunities for live music in their hometown of Drogheda by effectively creating their own scene. By organising packed DIY pub gigs and encouraging other local bands to step out, they provided a creative outlet for themselves as well as a vibrant community for young music obsessives in their area. That ethos of making something from nothing still serves them well to the current day. And now their music is being embraced on a much bigger platform – including support from Jack Saunders at Radio 1 for their recent single ‘Take Me Far Away’.
Saturated in earworm melodies modernlove. present an impressive alternative pop track that is simply a joy to listen to. ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ is a fine addition to the young band’s musical repertoire. The tune is an exquisite example of their enviable musical prowess. Sonically the song is a musical gem as with all of the band’s tracks to date. Expressive guitar elements immersed in a soundscape of shimmering synths, dynamic rhythms and edgy riffs create an 80’s post-punk-hued soundscape that reveals much to the listener with each subsequent listen. The soundscape is quite poetic and cinematic at times and is complemented by earnest lyrics that hit hard through a smooth nonchalant vocal delivery. These combined musical aspects are a delight to the senses and easily beckon repeat plays from the listener. Once again modernlove. knock it out of the park with ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’.
About the track modernlove. commented, “until my heart stops beating’ is a song about losing feelings. It chronicles the moments of tension leading up to a breakup. The lyrical narrative of the song explores arrhythmia and cardiac arrest as metaphors for the end of a relationship and invokes that sudden wrenching feeling when something goes terribly wrong. The song is stark, realistic and unromantic. It’s clear that the relationship is beyond hope and beyond saving. The lyricism and sonic composition of the tune are extremely minimalist, almost as if there’s nothing left to say. “
Following their acclaimed debut single, ‘Them’, Irish post-punk/electronic 3-piece Chalk have released their new single, ‘Velodrome’.Recorded with producer Chris W Ryan (Just Mustard, Enola Gay, NewDad), Velodrome is the second track from their upcoming EP. Their debut single, ‘Them,’ won Steve Lamacq’s 6 Music Roundtable Record of the Week in April this year. Already selected as part of the First Fifty for The Great Escape Festival 2023, Chalk has become one to watch within the Irl/UK music scene.
Gushing with angst and the thrilling musicianship of Chalk, ‘Velodrome’ is a mammoth-sounding blast to the ears. The tune spirals in an intoxicating soundscape of shrilling guitars pummeling drums and acid-baked fury. The expressive soundscape mangled within the anthemic blasts and frenzied techno elements makes for a wholly consuming listening experience. Shredding guitars gnash over mighty drum strikes and groove-infested basslines while Ross Cullen’s primal gritty vocals howl throughout as the band take hypnotic lyrics and wrap them in a manic whirlwind of instrumentation to create a relentless onslaught that is harrowingly frantic yet euphoric at the same time. ‘Velodrome’ is an impressive song that roars with the incomparable talent of Chalk.
Cuban/Irish singer-songwriter Qbanaa has released her debut single ‘Truth and Desire’. Based in Dublin, Qbanaa grew up travelling back and forth from Cuba where music and salsa dancing were integral parts of her childhood. A dancer for 10 years, she also sang in school choirs and with her grandmother in Spanish Mass, where she grew up in North Frederick Street Flats, D1.
“‘Qbanaa is Cubana with a Q, it’s supposed to integrate the way Irish people would pronounceCubana, so it sort of brings my two homes together in a lighthearted way.’’ – Qbanaa.
‘Truth and Desire’ is a neo-soul tune wrapped in soft hues of jazz to create a luxurious listening experience and sublime introduction to Qbanaa’s sound. With mellow guitar encasing a velvety melody, elastic bass and vaporous soundscapes Qbanaa crafts a soothing and sultry tune that is simply irresistible. As supple jazz elements wisp the song in a chic smoky embrace, subtle punctuated beats induce an R&B radiance while the soothing soft vocals venture between English and Spanish lyrics. Balmy and richly textured ‘Truth and Desire’ is a mesmerising new tune to indulge in.
About the song, Qbanna said: “The song was inspired by 1989 and 2008 movie ‘The Little Mermaid’ – I’m sure people will think ‘oh that’s a bit weird’. But if you look into it, there’s some insane soul and beautiful ethereal sounds in there that I took inspiration from. The movie is all about the unconditional nature of pure love, and the universal power of music, which really resonated with me growing up and carries the theme of Truth and Desire, it was the first thing I thought of when I opened the track.”
Irish alt-pop band HamsandwicH have released their fourth studio album ‘Magnify’. HamsandwicH have been one of Ireland’s most steady indie bands over the years. Their previous album ‘Stories From the Surface’ debuted at #1 on Ireland’s official album chart (the first time an unsigned Irish act accomplished this feat) and the band have opened for heavyweight international artists such as Arcade Fire and Pixies. Having sold out Dublin’s prestigious Olympia Theatre 3 times, they have also played on the main stages at the Electric Picnic and Longitude Festival. Additionally, they have performed at the legendary Slane Castle with Bon Jovi, and were personally invited by Mumford & Sons to support them in Phoenix Park.
Filled with rich textures, sublime melodies and intriguing instrumental arrangements ‘Magnify’ is a glorious display of HamsandwicH’s musicianship. The band blend indie, dance and pop elements to create a sound that is refreshing, laidback and ecstasy to the ears.
‘Electro Wave’ begins the experience. Oozing exuberant 80’s soundscapes from the very first note ( enhanced by disco tones and slick bass grooves), the band kick-starts the album with a sound that is simply irresistible. The sprightly beats and shimmering synths give this track a bright upbeat vibe while the interplay between Niamh Farrell’s vocal lulls and Podge McNamee’s rich baritone creates a refreshing contrast throughout. ‘Julian’ continues the synth-driven vibe while ‘Run Run’ takes a darker undertone and moves towards a more indie aesthetic.
Within ‘Magnify’ the band’s musical prowess is on full display. They blend a lush concoction of musical genres throughout while keeping a tight leash on their sound, never allowing it to spin out of control. The result is expressive soundscapes that allow the listener to experience and enjoy different complementary musical elements with each listen. ‘Next Contender’ is a fine example of this. The track is impressive in its composition and execution. The song appears minimalist, jaunty, and light at first glance but on closer inspection, the listener is treated to rich textures, exciting musical undertones and deft production skills. For example within the track, classical tones on keys slip into arpeggios which lead the way through tempo shifts and transitions that occasionally intertwine with sprightly sharp guitar embellishments. The result is an intriguing display of musicianship that is a joy to listen to.
The undeniable talent of each member is on full display throughout the album. From the feet shuffling blues hues of ‘Fired Up’ to the beautiful ‘Good Friday’ ( which acts as a nod to the band’s former manager Derek Nally, who sadly passed away in 2010) there is no shortage of first-rate musicianship. The exquisite guitar riffs soar over lush melodic flows and rhythmic pulses while Farrell’s compelling vocals express tender lyrics with sweetness and power that is goosebump-inducing.
‘Magnify’ is a musical marvel from HamsandwicH. The album is a showcase of eloquent songwriting and expressive musicianship that is full of rich melodies, exciting musical twists and electronic flourishments.
Pauric O’ Meara has released his new single ‘Lately’. Pauric O’ Meara is an independent Pop/Rock singer-songwriter from Co. Tipperary, based in Dublin. Over the last few years, O’ Meara has seen his headline shows sell out all over Ireland, including venues such as The Workmans Club, The Grand Social, Monroes, Dolans and Cyprus Avenue, as well as supporting major acts such as Hermitage Green and Hudson Taylor, and stand out performances at festivals such as Electric Picnic, Sounds of Summer and Kaleidoscope.
‘Lately’ is a shimmering indie pop tune that boasts Pauric O’ Meara’s catchy and vibrant musicianship. Driven by a bubbling beat, bright funky guitars, and luscious synth embellishments, the track has an expressive soundscape that simmers for the verses before becoming more energetic for the chorus. With soft tropical elements wisping about the radiant instrumentation O’Meara creates an upbeat gem that oozes a sense of euphoria while honest lyrics deal with themes of relationships, friendships and the importance of the time spent and how we spend it. O’ Meara’s music is a joy to listen to and ‘Lately’ is a fine display of how diverse and exciting this artist is.
Blood Donor has released his new single ‘Lonely Street’. Blood Donor is an alt-pop artist based out of Dublin, Ireland. The solo project of ex-Otherkin frontman Luke Reilly, he has released two singles thus far (the euphoric pop belters ‘Bienvenue’ and ‘Under the Sun’) and is now on the cusp of releasing his debut album (due summer 2023). Blood Donor will debut his new material alongside ‘Lonely Street’ with a 5-piece band in the Workman’s Cellar in Dublin on October 29th and plans on releasing a new single every couple of months in the lead-up to his debut album.
Saturated in hazy nostalgia, ethereal pines on guitar and delicate shimmers on synths, ‘Lonely Street’ is a compelling new tune from Blood Donor. Reilly’s warm vocals soothe atop a country – esque melody while buoyant beats create a soft cushion from the sombre lyrics “A sad sad song, a sad sad scene We waste our time with fever dreams”. The song is a well-crafted tune that reveals many instrumental gems with each subsequent listen; ethereal keys, western-toned guitar and glorious musical embellishments to name a few. The track subtly builds becoming more cinematic as a shredding classic guitar solo leads the song to its lingering fade out. With ripples of delicate ambient soundscapes and rich instrumental moments; ‘Lonely Street’ is a fine display of Blood Donor’s emotive musicianship and deft musical prowess.
About the upcoming album Blood Donor said: ‘’The album has been a long time coming. It was supposed to be out in 2020 but when COVID kicked off I went back to working in medicine. It was a very intense time in my life to be honest, and for the guts of a year and a half I lost all contact with music-making. It was only when I played a gig with some friends in March 2022 that I realised the extent of the void in my life. It was an Indie Covers night with James Vincent McMorrow and other Irish musicians, and it such a cathartic and life-affirming experience for everyone involved. I resolved myself to get the album finished and get back to playing live.’’
Slender Pins have released their new single ‘So Happy (90% Of The Time)’. This blistering tune surges in on sharp guitar hooks, and infectious grooves as Slender Pins flesh out their energetic sound with witty lyrics and dark undertones. With raw rumbling basslines weaving between frantic pop-punk instrumentation, the band create a manic and powerful wall of sound as the lyrics swing from happy to dark thoughts “But then come the long, dark nights, and a voice from the depths of your subconscious cries: ‘what the f*ck am I doing with my life?!'”. With desert- esque guitars adding swagger between crazed vocal yelps while the brisk tempo entices you to dance along; Slender Pins create a fantastic tune ready to blast at full volume.
Cold Comforts have released their new single, ‘All Wrong’. The song is the second single from the band’s upcoming sophomore album, ‘I Need It’. Cold Comforts are an alternative rock trio. In their three years together, the band have already, Self released their debut album ‘Living in Relative Obscurity’, been on a 9-date tour of the UK, longlisted for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition and played support slots for artists including Thumper and Mother’s Cake.
Riding in on a mammoth assault of razor-sharp guitar and pummeling drums ‘All Wrong’ is a thrilling beast of a tune from Cold Comforts. The band masterfully capture a manic sense of frenzy as they harness the best elements of rock and grunge with subtle pop elements softening the abrasive instrumentation while gravelly vocals scream atop the frenetic soundscape. The track is exhilarating to listen to and one for blasting loud from the speakers.
Stream ‘All Wrong’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
