Tag Archives: indie

Indie, indie rock, New Music

State Lights ‘Give Me Something Human’

Rising Irish act State Lights have released their new single ‘Give Me Something Human’. Over the past twelve months State Lights have firmly established themselves as one of Ireland’s best Live acts. The band recently sold out a headline show at Whelan’s in Dublin and London’s Islington and their track ‘Let You Go’ was ‘Track of the Week’ on the 2fm Breakfast show with Doireann and Eoghan.Recently the band were ‘Homegrown Hero’ on Today FM’s flagship morning show Dermot & Dave, they performed on the country’s biggest television entertainment chat show (and the longest running in the world!), ‘The Late Late Show’ and also tallied substantial airplay and support from KROQ Los Angeles, Radio X (UK) and a host of other International radio stations. This positive uptake resulted in a slot at the prestigious Electric Arena Stage at Electric Picnic, where they shared the stage with The Kooks, St Vincent and Cigarettes after Sex. This was followed up with support slots with The Fratellis and The Academic.  Last summer the band also played the highly acclaimed Indiependence and Kaleidoscope Music Festivals.They are due to headline the Button Factory on Saturday February 20th 2021.

Surging with exhilarating energy and biting instrumentation, ‘Give Me Something Human’ fleshes out State Lights majestic and blossoming sound. Their ability to express character and emotion through instrumentation is masterful and perfectly shown in this new release. Punchy drums and piercing bass grooves keep the track grounded as strong guitar strides lament and pine through the raw rhythmic foundation which creates wild chaotic outbursts for the chorus. The verses brood and simmer as the distinctively powerful vocals from Shobsy rush with passion and tenderness. With a catchy melody, epic rock explosions and elements of distortion ‘Give Me Something Human’ boasts wonderful cinematic soundscapes that are sure to give you goosebumps.

Stream ‘Give Me Something Human’ below


Author : Danu

Album Release, Indie, New Music

Amahlie ‘Sentimental Animals’

Amahlie have released their debut album ‘Sentimental Animals’. Amahlie is a collaborative indie folk project brought to us by songwriter ‘Lucca Cardoso’, and an all-star cast of global musicians to bring his vision to life. While Amahlie is centered around Lucca’s intimate songwriting, his international bandmates provide orchestral flourishes and imaginative arrangements to give each song a sense of wonder and purpose.

‘Sentimental Animals’ is a mellow ambient album chiming with the sweet supple musicianship of Amahlie. Soft melodies drift upon intimate wispy soundscapes allowing each track to effortlessly flow into the next creating the ultimate easy listening experience. The album has a soothing quality as each song tells the story of a person who falls in love but is destroyed by their own anxieties. From the honest account in the elegant piano ballad ‘Avalanche’ through to the lush twinking guitar and innocent melody in ‘The Abyss’ Amahlie lays bare all the emotional twists and turns in a relationship.

The songs lift the listener up in a wave of passion and moving emotion through expressive and refined musicianship. Through meaningful songwriting, warm guitar moments, intricate bass and immaculate keys the songs address the complexities of life in an atmospheric and ethereal manner. The arrangements are airy and light while packing in oodles of emotion and tenderness causing a soothing cushion for the mind.

With folk elements glimmering through the plucked delicacy of ‘Two in the Morning’ Amahlie showcase another graceful aspect of their angelic indie soundscape. From the start right through to the last track ‘Wake-Up Call’ ( with its cosy glow on guitar and simplistic arrangement ) Amahlie take us on a journey of incredible happenings and intense realisations through the medium of evocative and magical musicianship. ‘Sentimental Animals’ is a wonderful album to treasure. 

Stream ‘Sentimental Animals’ here https://linktr.ee/amahlie


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

HEKA ‘Fake Smile’

Bristol based five piece HEKA have released their debut single ‘Fake Smile’. Oozing a sinister, cold undertone this mysterious electronic gem rushes and flutters with 80’s pop synths and rich musicianship. It’s well crafted as punchy soundscapes and sticky beat slaps flash and shimmer through the biting atmosphere providing a dark dance floor backdrop. The band place a smooth emotive melody and passionate vocals over this dynamic indie pop instrumental before the intense soundscapes envelope the track in a sense of loneliness. Exuding dramatic sonic flairs, rapid synth progression and throbbing bass line all wrapped up in a jittery uneasy atmosphere, ‘Fake Smile’ is an exhilarating display of deft production from HEKA. Keep an eye on this five piece.

Watch the animated video for ‘Fake Smile’ directed by Tom Sharp below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Gavin Doyle ‘Redamancy’

Gavin Doyle has released his new single ‘Redamancy’. The Dubliner’s highly anticipated single was recorded and produced by Doyle himself during lockdown. It was mixed by Philip McGee (Kodaline, Wild Youth), and mastered by Simon Francis (Kodaline, Kylie Minogue, High Flying Birds). A natural flair for music has led to Doyle being a highly regarded session musician. He has performed with Heroes in Hiding all over Europe, including a support slot with Picture This in The Olympia Theatre.Doyle established himself as a promising solo artist in early 2020 releasing ‘Before the Fall’ to critical acclaim.

‘Redamancy’ is utterly heartbreaking and melancholic as Gavin Doyle expresses tender emotion through a beautiful backdrop of twinkling keys, graceful strings and lush backing vocals. As the song progresses the tone drifts into a euphoria of hope aided by uplifting soundscapes while Doyle coos heartfelt lyrics over a sombre melody. There are elements of grace and elegance expressed through lamenting strings, warm guitar and steady drums which glimmer through the mournful melody while undertones of traditional and country hues collide with twinkling pop moments to create a full bodied, emotional sound which is as heart warming as it is painful and moving. A fantastic display of production and artistry – ‘Redamancy’ is a beautifully raw new track from Gavin Doyle. 

Talking about the single Doyle said :” I almost cast this song aside as I felt it was too bleak/complaintive. It wasn’t until myself and a good friend were exchanging songs late one night that he reacted strongly to the rough demo I had made. He helped me realise that I wasn’t complaining, I was merely being honest. So, maybe me being honest about some of my darker emotions will help to normalise the subject for others.”

Stream ‘Redamancy’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen -INSIDEAWAVE

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From INSIDEAWAVE

Following the release of singles ‘Ivy Honey’ and ‘Bright Windows In The Night’, Dublin five-piece indie rock band, INSIDEAWAVE have released their self titled debut EP with lead single ‘Tour Guides’. To date, the band have amassed over 15,000 streams on Spotify, with ‘Ivy Honey’ having achieved 4,000 streams in 2 months.Their mid-tempo, heartening indie vibes have led them to performing extensively in premier music venues in Ireland such as Whelan’s & The Grand Social, The Bello Bar, Workman’s Club, The Wiley Fox, Bruxelle’s, Tramline, Spirit Store and many more. 

‘Tour Guides’ is an intriguing listening experience. Presented within clean production the band create a spacious and airy track with soft falsetto vocal coo’s and dreamy melody. Guitar stings slice through a wispy atmosphere as the band blend dark psychedelic elements with raw indie to create an invigorating soundscape.The rumbling bass entwines the track in an ominous sense of mystery while the rich rhythm and percussion create a bubbling foundation. There is a wonderful contrast between the brooding darker verses and blossoming burst of the chorus as the band slip effortlessly into a brighter luminous soundscape. With haunting vocals wailing as the track fades to its end INSIDEAWAVE keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through. These guys are master musicians.Their ability to compress so much wonderful sounds and elements into one track is impressive. INSIDEAWAVE are a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Tour Guides’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Chay Snowdon ‘What The Kids Want’

Chay Snowdon have released their new single ‘What The Kids Want’ taken from from the bands upcoming debut EP ‘Are You Sitting comfortably? (Then we will begin)’, which will be released in the autumn. Chay Snowdon are an Indie Rock four piece who met whilst at University in Bristol. The band joined forces with highly acclaimed music producer John Cornfield (Muse, Supergrass, Razorlight etc.) to record this high tempo track

‘What The Kids Want’ is a blistering display of Chay Snowdon’s swagger drenched rock n roll. With shredding guitars soaring, wailing and searing through a curdling drum rumble and pulsing bass line the band showcase their ability to produce a high powered anthem laced in panache and refined instrumentation. It’s a well paced track which builds and simmers as a gritty riff and bubbling rhythmic section lead the intense verses into the mighty chorus. Dynamic vocals flood the track with attitude as the rock n roll backdrop chugs along behind however voice samples are placed onto the track as the drums gallop into the powerful crescendo. Well crafted with masterful production and musicianship ‘What The Kids Want’ is an energetic new single for this very talented band.

About the track Snowdon explains : “‘What the Kids Want’ is an amalgamation of lots of different stories and experiences as told through one central character. Most of the subject matter in the song derives from things Chay heard, experienced, or witnessed whilst living in Bristol. The story unfolds as if it could be the plot to an old Hollywood Blockbuster.“

Stream ‘What The Kids Want’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Pauric O’Meara ‘Techno or RnB’

Pauric O’Meara has released his latest single ‘Techno or RnB’. Pauric has had a standout year so far, with the ‘Looking forward to Hindsight’, EP gathering 50k streams and being received well with both radio and press. 

Another richly melodic tune ‘Techno or RnB’ fleshes out the passionate and charming songwriting of Pauric O’Meara. With a sweet pop melody spread upon a bubbling indie backdrop this catchy number is a fun, infectious ditty reminiscing on the days of love, laughter and the connecting element of Festivals. A sweet radiant guitar glimmers between a steady beat as O’Meara’s emotive vocals coo with a lilt over the hazy melody. ‘Techno or RnB’ displays the emotive and radiant musicianship of Pauric O’Meara as he blends genres to create an engaging and irresistible earworm to listen to.

About the track O’Meara said  ”I guess the message of this song is most definitely central to my love for festivals and how when I’m there, I’m not fussy as I’m just consumed by the atmosphere and the buzz from everybody. I also want to get the message across that when things go wrong, just focus on the good around you. In other words, when you get rejected at a festival by the love of your life, just pick yourself up and keep dancing!”

Stream ‘Techno or RnB’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music

Paul Moleta ‘Hey Young Soul’

‘Hey Young Soul’ is the latest single to come from Australian singer songwriter Paul Moleta. Growing up in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne, Paul began writing songs at an early age. Blending alternative pop rock melodies with thoughtful and introspective lyrics, Paul Moleta has used his music as a driving force to follow his dreams. Paul relocated to Ireland in 2017. He fulfilled his dream of recording in Windmill Studios where he recorded his recent single ‘Hypnotised’ which has amassed nearly 20,000 streams on Spotify. Whilst living in Ireland he played major Irish festivals such as Electric Picnic, before moving back to Australia to continue pursuing music.

‘Hey Young Soul’ is an upbeat vibrant indie pop track brimming with energetic vibes and passionate songwriting. Inspired by his time spent in a rehabilitation center following lower spinal surgeries, ‘Hey Young Soul’ is laced in positive energy and rich instrumentation. With buoyant beats, jangly warm guitars and that summer-feeling atmosphere it’s a golden ray of sunshine in a song. Moleta’s warm vocals glide over the peppy melody while the sing along catchy chorus and clapping refrain make ‘Hey Young Soul’ quite the cheery anthem ready to brighten your day.

Talking about the song, Paul Moleta explains : “I wrote the song to remind myself and other Rehabilitators and families that love, persistence and a positive mindset will help us conquer the challenges each day presents us with. With its upbeat and summery sound, ‘Hey Young Soul’ marches us towards a stranger and happier mindset, a sentiment that has become increasingly important in our daily lives.”

Stream ‘Hey Young Soul’ below

Author : Danu

Indie, New Music

Mechner ‘Working Yourself to Death’

Mechner has released his new single ‘Working Yourself to Death’. This is part four of his upcoming mini-LP “Club Idem”. Mechner is a new Cork based Artist, completely self-funded and self-produced, Mechner had great success with debut single “Surfacing”, notable for its music video which garnered over 25k views and was included in Indie Cork’s Film Festival to great crowd reaction. The music video of Working yourself to Death is especially notable for it’s lead “Lorcan O’Neill” playing the mysterious owner of “Club Idem” the fictional club which has featured across Mechner’s 2020 releases, as a continuing storyline emerges. O’Neill’s performance is not to be missed, shades of “Heath Ledger’s Joker and Tom Hardy’s Bronson” can be seen in his carefully controlled but explosive acting, he commands the cameras lens, with his background in dance providing his movement with meanacing intent.

‘Working Yourself to Death’ is a dark number as Mechner uses synths and precise soundscapes to create another chilling track. The flashing electronics drive the song while the cinematic production and haunting vocals create an icy atmosphere.The pulsing beat and mysterious melody exude an eerie melancholic tone as the song builds to its hair-raising crescendo. ‘Working Yourself to Death’ is a brooding catchy number which boasts the finesse and masterful musicianship of Mechner. He has a sublime ability to create intoxicating pieces of music which express his lyrical themes and ‘Working Yourself to Death’ is another prime example of this.

About the track Mechner said : “It is decidedly different than the previous singles released this year, acting as a rallying cry for the youth whom are working themselves to death with little hope for a secure future, a generation who can’t save, who will never own a home, because of a poorly regulated system that favours the landlords pockets…”

Watch the video for ‘Working Yourself to Death’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Lost Gecko On Sundays

Cork-based three-piece The Lost Gecko have released an animated music video for their recent single, “On Sundays.” The song tells the story of two people caught in the waves of life, their lives colliding in uncertain times, with no idea how long it will last.The video was animated by Mark Corrigan, an award winning animator.The Lost Gecko is the brainchild of Malcolm and the tune was inspired by a boat trip that Malcolm took to Sherkin Island in West Cork.The band have released seven EPs, one album, and in the past few months five singles, all accompanying music videos, building up to their next album. Their music has been featured on RTE’s late date with Fiachna O Brainon and Cork’s 96fm Arts House with Pearse McCarthy. They’ve also played festivals in Amsterdam and toured in Finland, have gigged extensively around Ireland, including several festivals and sold-out shows in Cork. 

‘On Sundays’ is a soothing acoustic track which showcases The Lost Gecko’s earnest songwriting and expressive musicianship. With warm cello lamenting through a steady beat the band surge rich melodic tones and cosy vibes into the track. The melancholic melody is softly caressed by Malcolm’s heartbreaking emotive vocals. His soothing rasp coos over the building backdrop and harmony on backing vocals while an acoustic guitar steadily keeps pace with the drums. ‘On Sundays’ is a tender and moving number showcasing The Lost Gecko’s masterful skill to tell a story through music.

The video displays the song’s tragic love story, and viewers are left with an open-ended resolution. The ethereal, dream-like animation compliments the acoustic, storytelling elements of the song. The handcrafted video reveals its narrative in small vignettes, where information is revealed and then quickly obscured.

Frontman Malcolm Urquhart says, “It’s about love, loss, mental health and the fallout.” 

Watch the video for ‘On Sundays’ below


Author : Danu