Props has released his new single ‘You & Me’. Props’debut ‘wired EP’ seeped into the world last month with nice words across the blogosphere, radio play from BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio and a spot on Tom Robinson’s Fresh Faves.
‘You & Me’ infuses smooth indie and intricate electronic beats with eclectic textures and psychedelic distortion to create a wonderful pop tune. Hyperactive keys jingle through a beat heavy flutter as Props throws sweet pop melodies over a vibrant explosive sound. The bursts of synths create a juicy, radiant atmosphere in the track as Props uses lo-fi and a rich, intricate electronic backdrop to create a dazzling and lush listening experience. The tracks’ cynical lyrics contrast the cheery bouncy soundscapes superbly which adds to the songs appeal. With a deft beat drop creating harsh edgy elements between the sun kissed sugar pop melody ‘You & Me’ is an upbeat and fun track from Props.
About the song Props said : “You & Me is an observation of human beings clearly sleep walking to self destruction. Not particularly cheerful,but hopefully the music makes up for that…’”
Santa Barbara, CA artist SODAPOP has released his second single ‘Watered Down’. Presenting a laid back upbeat indie/bedroom pop sound ‘Watered Down’ shows just how infectious SODAPOP’s sound is. From the jaunty guitar melody, buoyant beat and twinkling elements this infectious tune is a summer dream. Locked and loaded with a sweet melody and sunny atmosphere teamed with smooth vocals and richly intricate rhythm, this instantly charming track has everything to get you up and bopping all day long. ‘Watered Down’ is a wonderful display of indie-pop gold.
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Ready When You Are’. It’s quite the fizzing psychedelic pop anthem. This shimmering bite of indie pop surges with mouth watering sugary melodies, doused in effervescent synths and a whirring fuzz on guitar. The swagger and funky bass weaves between a kinetic soundscape of chiming and soaring guitars making for an utterly invigorating listening experience. Whispered vocals coo with a Brandon Flowers charisma as the band sonically slide between Depeche Mode and Soft Cell adding their own unique edge and buzz into the mix. With a sun sprinkled melody, lo fi effortless persona and illustrious soundscape ‘Ready When You Are’ is a fantastic synth pop earworm from Thrillhouse.
Southend-on-Sea alt/indie trio, in earnest are set to release their new single ‘Come Upstairs’ on the 3rd July.Forming in early 2019, the members of in earnest were previously part of the band ‘Carousel’, a project which went on to perform at Cambridge Folk Festival, toured with The Oh Hello’s and embarked on an 8-date headline tour whilst gaining 100k+ Spotify streams on official playlists. ‘Come Upstairs’ is the second single from in earnest’s upcoming 6-track EP, due for release in late 2020.
‘Come Upstairs’ is a moving, tender and beautiful track as in earnest present an honest account of mental health struggles with stripped back, time stopping musicianship. The track expresses warm glimmers of hope between raw emotion as a delicate guitar twinkles with supple comfort through airy soundscapes and lamenting strings. The lush backing harmonies soothe between the emotive and sorrowful vocals.The lyrics which provide an account of mental health from the perspective of a sufferer’s partner, aiming to encourage conversation around the topic are beautifully crafted as the sorrowful and building instrumentation wanders with a sense of loneliness and despair. ‘Come Upstairs’ is a biting, sweet and utterly moving track from a band who constantly showcase their mature songwriting through wonderful, passionate and heartbreaking musicianship.
About the track Thoma said “In the wake of my partner’s mental health struggles, it feels like I spend every waking moment trying to keep a brave or positive face on and there are times when I find it difficult to maintain my own identity. We’re gradually learning how to combat negative thinking, but I’m usually the one who takes the weight and pulls her out of waves of depression.”
Indie-pop band Five Days North are set to release their new single ‘Take Me Higher’ on the 26th June.Having spent the last few years touring festivals such as Dot2Dot and Kendal Calling, as well as venues such as Manchester’s Academy 3 and Gorilla, the nation being in lockdown finally gave Five Days North enough space to craft their new smash single.
‘Take Me Higher’ is a luscious guzzle of the vibrant and refreshing indie pop Five Days North do so well. A rhythmic bounce shuffles through shimmering synths while intricate guitars and a peppy beat keep the song light, fresh and fruity. The deep infectious tones within the bass ground the track while the ethereal breezy electronics add a cool icy feel. Five Days North are known for their rich, expressive and dynamic sound and they have now turned it up a notch, strutting in with this dance-infused sleek number. There are disco tones glimmering between the vibrant indie while the velvety vocals drift and slide over the melty melody with panache and charm. Saturated in summer tones, tasty instrumentation and heart racing musicianship ‘Take Me Higher’ is an exhilarating rush of indie pop at its best.
Darryl Messer, lead singer of Five Days North, comments: “Take Me Higher is our most collaborative song from a writing perspective as everyone had a tangible impact on the final track. When it’s safe to return to the gig scene, we’re really excited to see hear our fans sing along to what we think is a big step forward for us.’’
Mechner follows up the exciting first single ‘Do you wanna go?’ from upcoming mini-LP “Club Idem” with ‘Do it Again and Again’ along with the anticipated accompanying music video. The video is a continuation of where “Do you wanna go?” left off, though it’s not immediately apparent how they tie together, maybe some eagle eyed viewers will spot an advert for “Club Idem” and ponder what it all means, the video shows a young couple going through a tough patch, financially speaking, living in relative squaller like much of the youth of today, when one of them discovers an interesting opportunity in a local paper, work at “Club Idem”, will this be the salvation they are looking for?
Laced in passion, blistering soundscapes and epic instrumental blasts, ‘Do it Again and Again’ continues Mechner’s thrilling, lush and rich musicianship. The song warps, wraps and asphyxiates with luring soft verses before a demolishing drone on guitars scorches your ears. Mechner has a beautiful ability to take a sweet nostalgic and longing melody and saturate it with lean mean anthemic rock. A wriggling bass groove weaves through the tracks underbelly with elements of distortion creating a dark undertone. However there is an 80’s power anthem vibe about this song as the explosive chorus and dramatic instrumental wails all ooze charisma and gusto. The smooth vocals caress the verses with a warm country-esque tone while taking on a swagger-dipped persona for the fist pump chorus. Once again Mechner presents a tight passionate and utterly intoxicating tune ready for repeat listens.
About the track Mechner says: “The song is relatively old, having been written in 2013, while I was still in college, it started off as a much more “pop” sounding tune, with a faster tempo, in the vein of Thudthumping by Chumbawumba. The original version of the track actually featured in some student film, that I never got to see and know nothing about, but it never officially released.”It wasn’t until last year when I slowed the tempo of the track down considerably, found the right chord arrangement and came up with a much more interesting bass line for the verse, then I started to really see it as something “Mechner” could do. Whilst recording it I kept layering the guitars, I believe there is at least 10 or 15 separate guitar tracks that give it an overwhelming wall of noise when it kicks in.”
Dublin based alt-rock four piece Banríon have released their debut EP ‘Airport Dads’.Following the release of her solo single ‘bins’, songwriter and guitarist Róisín Ní Haicéid recruited drummer Michael Nagle, bassist John Harding and guitarist Ivan Rakhmanin to form Banríon and complete their immediately recognisable alt-rock sound. The jazz backgrounds of Nagle and Harding have allowed Banríon to explore a refreshingly eclectic mix of genres to create a powerful indie sound, already attracted a very loyal fanbase. Banríon has played in venues such as Whelan’s, the Workman’s Club, Bello Bar and the Sound House and their cult following is growing in numbers after every live show. Recorded in Nagle’s home in Connemara, the three-part EP was entirely self- produced.
‘Airport Dads’ provides a short glimpse into Banríon’s alternative indie rock as they create a mature, lush and well balanced EP. ‘Yesterday’s Paper’ kicks things in motion with jangly indie guitars piercing a thick punchy rhythmic wall of sound. It’s a light, sweet tune that floats delicately over an upbeat backdrop and tight musicianship while lyrics explore the fears of day to day life.
Through sweet and delicate tones and catchy refrains the band express pain, angst and vulnerability. Banríon take tender and raw themes of disability, feelings of uncertainty, emigration and heartbreak and place rich, delicate and compelling musicianship around them to heighten and highlight the emotion one feels during these experiences. A brave undertaking which the four-piece succeed in doing with skill and empathy.
The gliding and elegant flurries of ‘Bunk Beds’ pivot around a rooted guitar jingle and raw rhythmic bounce as the band create an illusive shoegaze soundscape with a more punchy rock foundation. The laid back lull of ‘Ouchie’ brings the EP to a close. The mood is glum as the twinkling on guitar glimmers through the tracks moody melodic flow. Róisín Ní Haicéid’s vocals have a pacifying and soothing tone throughout the EP while delivering coarse and painful lyrics. Her sweet lull and richer depths express emotion effortlessly as she draws you into each song’s enchanting sorrow and diverse emotions.
‘Airport Dads’ shows Banríon know their sound and what they want to achieve. The band have created a wonderful collection of time stopping and utterly moving tunes with sublime dreamy moments and raw emotive themes to provide an honest, real, and emotional EP.
80s throwback, groove-pop band, Heir have released their new single ‘Fear of Falling’ which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with producer Ken Scott and is part of a two track collection called ‘Heir At Abbey Road’.
‘Fear of Falling’ is a radiant, catchy and well-executed tune. With bouncy rhythms rebounding with spring-like resilience through the sugar pop shimmers on keys this song is an instant rush of joy. The chiming guitars sprinkle glimmers of scintillation through the elastic bass while the smooth chilled vocals drift upon the dreamy melody creating a relaxed yet intricately weaved track. It’s the rhythm where the band present their musically rich expertise as they entwine a foot tapping effervescent labyrinth of grooves through blistering guitar lines.There is an 80’s pop sheen over the track which adds a dash of glamour and panache especially with the zealous guitar solo however the band rein this in allowing it to only decorate the track and not consume it. Heir have a knack with cheery luscious melodies and the buoyant indie pop production on ‘Fear of Falling’ makes this track quite the golden little gem.
Bio : Clodagh a singer, from Macroom Co. Cork, has received a lot of praise for her vocal style. In addition to studying at BIMM Dublin, Clodagh has trained under renowned vocal coaches Gemma Sugrue (RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Chic, Billy Ocean, Jerry Fish, Lee Fields) and Chris Johnson (The Naked Vocalist).Last year, she was selected to do a residency at Attica Audio, as part of Donegal Arts Festival, with producers Tommy McLaughlin (Villagers, Soak, In Their Thousands, Ailbhe Reddy) and Rocky O’Reilly (Gary Lightbody, And So I Watch You From Afar, The Wood Burning Savages).She was also chosen for a specialist jazz course in Izola, Slovenia, where she worked with Emilia Martensson, her sister Marina Martensson (from the band Laibach) and Femi Temowo (guitarist for Amy Winehouse)
Track: You Got Me
Why We Like It: This soul number wisps with lush melodies, pulsing beats and darkly coated electronics. Clodagh’s rich and hazy vocals exude passion and emotion without becoming overpowering. Her ability to lull and coo with sultry smoulders between soulful tones and tender elements is impressive.With twinkling keys, R&B elements and ethereal soundscape this track broods and slides effortlessly into the ears. Clodagh has marked herself as one to keep an eye on.
Bio : 1000 Beasts is an electronic producer & musician coming from Cork City. Starting off producing electronic pop songs in 2017, he got a strong press support especially thanks to his frequent plays on radio stations such as TodayFM, 2FM, CoolFM (NI) and even BBC Radio 1, including a RTE Studio 8 live session with Jenny Greene on 2FM.On ‘Le Marais’ 1000 Beasts collaborated with young Dublin born, but London based, artist Kayleigh Noble. The track is the first in a series of collaborations between Noble & 1000 Beasts and sets a precedent for repeated collaborations which are with other artists such as Lenii & Alex Tierney who have featured on 1000 Beasts debut EP.
Track: Le Marais
Why We Like It: It’s a laid back groove-laced number. The sweet hazy vocals caress the dreamy melody with warm tones and soft coos. The intricacies of ‘Le Marais’ are subtly layered within the song while a mellow jazz tone delights the listener with lush embellishments. This easy going gem has pacifying tones and R&B elements blended with electronic indie to create a refreshing and breezy track. 1000 Beasts presents a chill ear worm to immerse yourself in.
Bio : Idle Noise are an indie rock quartet from Coventry.The last few years have seen them play alongside the likes of The Charlatans and The Wombats with 2 consecutive main stage slots at Coventry’s Godiva Festival, as well as a range of other shows and artists across the UK. More recently, they supported Coventry’s own Tom Clarke (The Enemy) at a sold out hometown show in December 2019, followed by the band’s own sold out headline show at Manchester’s iconic Deaf Institute in January 2020. Since forming, every track the foursome have released has been aired on BBC Introducing radio, with their 2019 singles ‘Rapture’ and ‘Everybody Gets Famous’ also being frequently featured on pre match and half-time playlists at League One and Championship Football clubs Coventry City and Luton Town.
Track: Ghosts
Why We Like It: It’s a powerful and explosive indie anthem.With a sing along arena-ready chorus belting through a crashing wall of sound, Idle Noise pack oodles of passion and gusto into this track. The band melt a heartfelt melody and passionate lyrics over the jaunty backdrop and shredding riffs while the groove infested bass wriggles through the tracks underbelly with relentless stamina. ‘Ghosts’ is quite the compelling tune exuding a catchy mammoth chorus and vigorous instrumentation while the honest songwriting broods with torn, melancholic and nostalgic undertones. Idle Noise mix their heart racing indie with alternative rock to create that arena ready track sure to ignite a live audience.
Bio : London/Irish dream-pop trio Indian Queens are fronted by sisters Jen and Kat O’Neill and were personally invited by Robert Smith of The Cure to play his Meltdown Festival in 2019. They also have fans in Tim Wheeler of Ash and Theresa Wayman of Warpaint, both of whom have taken the band out as tour support. This track is taken from their debut album ‘God Is A Woman’ which was released on 3rd April via Cool Thing Records.The band have also received radio support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6music, Radio X, 2FM, Today FM
Track: Wanderlust
Why We Like It: Encased in the dreamy enrichment of Indian Queens’ unique musicianship ‘Wanderlust’ is a radiant summer anthem with a refreshing indie bite. The song blossoms and unfolds with lush psychedelic tones of chiming guitars, swirling soundscapes and punchy drums as the band infuse this sun kissed beauty in prismatic colours of euphoric dream pop. The soothing melody is enveloped by sweet vocal coos which saturate the song in passion, decisive attitude and velvety falsetto caresses.With a dark groove rooted bassline fluctuating through the tracks underbelly Indian Queens have created an effervescent, musically rich track perfect for summer chilling.
Seba Safe has returned with his third Single ‘Drip’. Seba Safe is the brainchild of Galway songwriter Michael D’Alton. Finishing up 2019 with second release ‘Wired’ and a string of sold out Irish support slots with Columbia Mills and Malaki as well as securing the Spotify editorial playlist A Breath Of Fresh Eire. December saw Seba Safe join the crowds and revelers at Other Voices in Dingle, where he made his debut playing the Dingle Gin Music Trail.
Encased in lush soundscapes that blend smooth R&B with dreamy pop and sparkling indie elements, ‘Drip’ showcases Seba Safe’s rich, diverse and wholly consuming musicianship. The dreamy melody drifts sweetly over a dark sticky beat while light twinkles on guitar illuminate the track as the song blossoms into its vivid chorus. With the warm guitar rays playfully weaving between the flourishing electronics, echoed backing vocals and chiming pop surges Seba Safe has developed a tight and engaging sound. His soft velvety vocals melt upon the honeyed melody creating a pacifying and soothing quality within the track while the backdrop draws you into its luxurious pool of intricacies and prismatic elements of folk, dance and indie pop. ‘Drip’ is a sublime and satisfying new single from Seba Safe.
Stream ‘Drip’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
