Taken from their forthcoming debut album which is currently in the works ‘Falling In’ is the latest release from Dublin quartet Inhaler. The band worked with renowned filmmaker & former Jesus & Mary Chain bassist Douglas Hart (Paul Weller, The Horrors, The Libertines) and Antony Genn on the song’s video, which was shot entirely over Zoom with each member in isolation.The band have amassed a die hard fanbase and their tracks have been streamed over 25 million times globally.
Filled with swirling synths and exhilarating youthful indie ‘Falling In’ presents Inhalers ever growing sound with a dash of 80’s swag. Shimmying percussion and an enticing bass groove create the tracks irresistible rhythmic flow. Robert Keating plays bass like the best of them; his ability to fluidly slide slinky bass grooves into a fuzzy dazing soundscape or rocking indie pop gem is impressive. While Keating’s bass is responsible for the smooth swanky gloss of each Inhaler track, Ryan McMahon whacks out that all important nimble yet all powerful drum backbone.
The track lifts to ebullient heights as it progresses to the euphoric crescendo. Josh Jenkinson’s free flying sleek guitar refrains soar and squall through the infectious beat. His shredding guitar solo ignites with a vaporous sting while Elijah Hewson’s warm and passionate vocals melt with a cool tone over the catchy bubbling backdrop.
Inhaler have created a psychedelic-hued track with dizzying synth swirls and grounding funk flexes to soundtrack the lyrical document on how their lives have changed over the past year as they reflect on the pitfalls of success. Lyrically the track shows great promise and growth in the band. Their songwriting displays depth, perspective and maturity. There is oodles of vibrancy and potential blossoming beneath the raw moments within the song while the effortless charisma the band members themselves exude, makes the song charming and instantly mesmerising.
‘Falling In’ hints Inhaler’s instrumental prowess is becoming more refined; subtle layering and musical treats are hidden and weaved throughout the track’s exhilarating soundscape.Another fine addition to Inhalers catalogue.
About the track frontman Elijah Hewson says : “Falling In is a song about the battles that we all have with our own ego.I think being a young band on tour, and seeing our music connect with audiences from different parts of the world has opened our eyes to the excitement and exhilaration of life and being up on stage and feeling wanted and loved can be a very powerful drug. We are just beginning to encounter our own egos and becoming aware that allowing it to be in charge of who you are can be your downfall. You can cut yourself on its sharp edges and bleed to death if you’re not careful. We want to meet our egos head on, shake their hands and give them a hug. We are not afraid of them… we know we need each other. Your ego can be your friend, but you need your mates to make sure it doesn’t boss you around.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From SICK LOVE
Dublin band SICK LOVE have released their new single ‘I’m So (Fucked Without You)’. Following a string of acclaimed single releases, the track is the final installment of their new EP, ‘Baby, It’s You.’
Wrapped in a blistering swarm of raw indie rock ‘I’m So (Fucked Without You)’ announces SICK LOVE’s return. This band has always created a thrilling wall of sound and this new number doesn’t disappoint. Blending the pulverizing gorilla might on drums with shredding blazing guitars SICK LOVE provides an exhilarating soundscape for listeners to immerse in. The acute assault of alternative rock blends with the smattering of sultry indie pop seamlessly.
Rebecca Geary’s vocals are uncompromising and dynamic as she pines and bellows with attitude and aggro between sultry coos. The band layer the track superbly. They create explosive moments between brooding elements within the ragged and tattered backdrop while a wriggling dark bass line grooves underneath.
‘I’m So (Fucked Without You)’ takes the band’s raucous sound to a new, intoxicating level reminiscent of Blondie’s swagger and the brooding deft sound of Garbage yet with SICK LOVE’s own personal musical stamp. Their sound is getting better and becoming more unique with each release.
There is something invigorating about the tracks SICK LOVE creates. ‘I’m So (Fucked Without You)’ takes their messy explosive sound and refines it into rich elements of heavy slick guitar work, ravenous bass and fierce drums to create a sound laced in controlled emotive anarchy. This loud angst-filled track is the power song I needed today.
Travi The Native has released his new single ‘Heavy Love’. Travi The Native is the latest alter ego of Belfast born frontman Travis Gilbert. Writing openly about personal struggles, Travi The Native is on his own crusade to shout about mental health, social media and toxic masculinity.
Effortlessly cool and mellow, ‘Heavy Love’ drifts with a chic relaxed persona on Travi The Native’s rich, melodic musicianship. The song is well crafted and tightly weaved. The backdrop is adorned in twinkling soundscapes which float on a slow Hip – hop hued beat while funky warm guitar lines radiate throughout. ‘Heavy love’ has a laid back, dreamy, irresistible charm which is emphasised even further through the rasped warm vocals. The zesty indie guitar adds a bite and refreshing lift to the track while also providing a glowing cosiness. This easy going ditty is a summer evening timeless classic to chill to.
Bio : Twin Stranger is a Welsh 5 piece power-pop project led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Alex McConnachie. Initially a bedroom recording project, McConnachie enlisted his multi-instrumentalist brother Liam as well as friends, bassist Josh Newington, Joe Tobin on keyboards and drummer Eric Karvik. Following their successful debut single ‘Tears of Joy’ which was released in February 2020, Twin Stranger have released follow up single ‘Crushed’, after being tipped by BBC Introducing and SiriusXM in the US.
Track: Crushed
Why We Like It: A sweet melody drips onto a bubbling indie backdrop. Garage-infused guitar mingles with rich instrumentation as a 90’s vibe wafts through the track while smooth vocals coo cynical lyrics over the dreamy melody. With a tightly weaved fuzzy bass and rich percussion Twin Stranger have created a well layered luminous gem. The hazy guitar riff and radiant licks slice through the buoyant soundscape as the track meanders between sweet daydream pop and moody grunge effortlessly. ‘Crushed’ is vibrant, catchy and luscious on the ears.
Speaking of the track Alex McConnachie says:“Crushed is about realising that some people you know just love listening to the sound of their own voice and other people’s troubles and feelings and life troubles only really enter their mind for a split second, then they’re gone again. On a more positive note it’s also about summer time when you’re a teenager, the days blend into one and you’re just hanging out with your friends without a care in the world, just living in the moment.”
Bio : With Kerrang! Radio’s Johnny Doom believing they are ‘poised to take over the world’ and a recent addition to the Planet Rock Radio playlist. Dublin’s Skyfever are celebrating their previous single ‘Keep Pounding’ being the anthem of the Carolina Panthers games in the NFL. They’ve already got the support of rock gods such as Chris Slade of AC/DC and Alice Cooper, who gave them their big radio break in the US.
Track: The Wait
Why We Like It: It’s another powerful and emotive rock mammoth from Skyfever. With sharp guitars shrilling and swirling with an ominous tone through a steady beat the track has an icy epic feel. Luke Lang’s strong, rasped vocals exude emotion as the track broods for the verses and explodes in true rock manner for the hair-raising chorus. The band builds intensity within the track through the use of thrilling dark synths. With guitars venturing between light twinkles and crashing raw lacerations Skyfever layer on oodles of dynamic instrumentation, slowly, creating a wonderful, rich tease of the powerful alternative rock Skyfever do so well.
Bio : Twenty Twenty are an indie band based in Liverpool, UK. The lineup consists of drummer Ethan Furey, vocalist and guitarist Patrick Joseph and keys player Niamh Mailer. The trio set out to create a very dense warm and direct sound, tipping the hat off to genres as diverse as alternative rock, indie, dreampop, psycedelic rock and managing to sound like a reverb pedal on LSD.
Track: Lies
Why We Like It: With a catchy rooted guitar hook weaving through a punchy drum foundation this song shows Twenty Twenty’s ability to meticulously layer and refine their tracks. The band blend alternative rock with smooth indie melodies while groove-infected prismatic keys create a psychedelic wobble throughout the track. With a vibrant chorus eruption, sparkling soundscapes entwined between raw guitar and ominous glimmers on keys the track has an instant rich texture and appeal. ‘Lies’ is an atmospheric number with a catchy refrain that won’t leave your head anytime soon.
Bio : Bad Love make Sad-Boy Pop. They combine the cinematic allure of new-romantic icons with heartfelt and anthemic pop-hooks. Frontman, songwriter and producer Andy Gannon says that Bad Love has an obsession with creating art and music that feels real and sincere.
Track: Hurricane
Why We Like It: Hurricane is an effervescent slice of indie pop. Bad Love douse a sweet candy coated melody in heart gripping swirls of adrenaline-inducing indie while shimmering synths, glistening guitars and a groovy bass line create a dramatic and romantic atmosphere. Brimming with youthful heart-felt musicianship the track glitters with a lustrous pop sheen.The slapping and pulsing beats ripple in the backdrop in a flutter of suspense while the smooth vocals and toothsome melody glide with ease through the ethereal soundscapes. ‘Hurricane’ is another passionate number from Bad Love.
About the track frontman Andy Gannon said “When you’re so intoxicated by someone new, you’re so acutely aware of every nuance of your relationship. You can’t get them out of your head. It’s about how that hurricane of feelings is like a montage in your head.”
Bio : Hollow Doors are a 4-piece band from Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. Since forming in 2017 the band have built strong ties with fans in their community performing at almost every music venue in their hometown. Believing that live music should sound as good as the studio recording, their high energy performances have caught the attention of supporters, quickly becoming a local favourite.
Track: Some Other Me
Why We Like It: Driven by a rumbling elastic bass groove, slick guitar lines and anthemic rock power ‘Some Other Me’ is a firecracker of alternative rock. The shrilling guitar frills, licks and embellishments ooze swagger and sensual enticement as the band create a vaporous mysterious number laced in epic moments, refined musicianship and heart-racing intensity. With warm vocals caressing a passionate melody while being consumed by a dark ethereal soundscape Hollow Doors create one thrilling rock number.
Bio : After reintroducing himself to the world with the highly acclaimed and long awaited sophomore album ‘portraits’ last year, Greyson Chance is currently preparing the release of his follow up record ‘Trophies’ for later this year.
Track: Honeysuckle
Why We Like It: This track oozes summer vibes as Chance splashes sugary fresh soundscapes over a hip seducing beat. A smooth melody seeps like honey from his velvety vocals as Chance experiments with a more electronic soundscape. He distorts his vocals in places while the pulsing beat, twinkling sounds and infectious instrumental-builds create a subtle surge of humidity and euphoria throughout. With a catchy chorus, pop sensibilities and meticulous layering Honeysuckle is one sizzling gem.
Mullingar native Sion Hill (Nate Johnston) represented Ireland on Saturday night performing his new single ‘Speak Up’ in the Free European Song Contest in front of a TV audience of 4 million viewers, finishing in the Top 10. ‘Speak Up’ has already broken into the Billboard Top 100 songs in Germany and the Shazam Top 200 charts following its release last Friday. The music video for ‘Speak Up’ was shot in Berlin where Johnston was quarantining for the last few weeks in order to be able to compete in the competition, which took place in Cologne. Sion Hill is signed to German record label Clouds Hill GMBH and has recently released two other singles, ‘Fuel Kids’ and ‘Last Minute’ with Warner Music Germany.
Johnston’s rasped warm vocals and soulful tone translate superbly in a live setting. His tracks are melodious and honey to the ears. This is one not to be missed.
Sion Hill has just released his new single ‘Speak Up’ check out the video below
The White Lakes are set to release their new single ‘Summer (She Won’t Wait)’ on May 18th. The White Lakes are a four-piece Indie Rock Band, based near London. The band members, Matt Ellacott (Rhythm Guitar and Vocals), Finlay Carson (Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals), Logan McQuirk (Bass) and Kyle Oliveira (Drums) are all under the age of 21, they originally formed in Oxford and have been together just over two years. Over the last 2 years the band have grown from small clubs to headline shows and festivals stages. Performances include: The Wedgewood Rooms (Portsmouth), Truckfest, Carfest, Summer Live, SOMA Festival, The Boiler Room (Guildford), Live Wyre Festival and The Camden Assembly. The White Lakes were recently invited to support Razorlight at a sold out O2 Indigo, in London.
‘Summer (She Won’t Wait)’ is fun, fresh and full of exuberance as The White Lakes take their explosive indie sound and douse it in sun-kissed summer radiance. The band have created a dynamic number with a driving bass line weaving elastic rumbles into its punchy foundation. With massive arena worthy sing along lyrics and an infectious melody it’s a sparkling indie fire cracker.The jubilant jangling guitars chime and glisten throughout the track with a blazing intensity for the chorus while gliding through the verses with sweet glossy refrains. The White Lakes sprint through the song at a rapid pace sprinkling their buoyant peppy backdrop with raw indie fragments of delight before injecting vibrant pop elements into the track to keep the sugar rush alive. With warm vocals and crisp production ‘Summer (She Won’t Wait)’ is an infectious, youthful shot of adrenaline sure to have you dancing around the room in no time.
Well known as the drummer from Munky, Dublin’s multi instrumentalist Sam Ludlow has released his debut solo single ‘Antwerp’. Sam’s debut is quite the auspicious ditty as he announces his solo material with a delicate number presented through a rosy romantic haze.
With soft guitar tenderly weaving through a steady shuffle beat this mellow track is a creamy angel delight to the ears. It’s picturesque and vivid as the velvety vocal croons caress the candy-floss pop melody with soulful tones and classic charm. The “la la la la” lyrics wisp the track into a cinematic swoon while light piano flutters in the background. The balmy, nimble guitar embellishments and lush backing vocals set a beautiful sun-kissed haze of daydream bliss. ‘Antwerp’ is well layered and beautifully crafted with a laid back lounging vibe that is so soothing, sweet and irresistible. A sublime debut from Sam Ludlow.
About the track Sam says “This is the bridge between a creative prison and an unknown future. This track was written at a really happy time in my life, but the song was recorded at a sad point in my life, so it blends this carefree instrumentation with melancholic melodies.”
Derry indie pop singer songwriter Stayne (pronounced like stain) has released his new single ‘Who’s Dead, How’s The Weather?’ ahead of his EP which is due for release later this year.This beautiful and tender track is an impeccable example of Stayne’s clean, honest and pure songwriting. With ethereal soundscapes wisping around elegant twinkles on piano it’s a heartwarming emotive gem. Stayne’s warm vocals have a rich depth and velvety tone as he glides over the melancholic smooth melody with ease. The track surges with uplifting tones as the buoyant beat and building backdrop lift the song to new heights for the crescendo. It’s a well crafted, beautiful number that flurries lightly around the earnest lyrics which speak of how we are only here for a short while and during our time on earth you should ‘be someone you’re proud of’. With a bubbling melodically rich chorus teamed with wonderful glistens on guitar ‘Who’s Dead, How’s The Weather? is a sublime track brimming with emotion, passion and refined musicianship.
Atticus are set to release their new single ‘Tony’ on May 22nd. Atticus are a four piece alt rock band from Dublin, comprised of Dan Wigglesworth, Steph Comiskey, Daragh O’Connor, and Paul Gleeson. They strive to take the best aspects of pop, rock, metal and rap to create an energetic and intriguing sound that is brought to life with riveting live shows. They have released 2 EPs to date: “Coherence” and “Deadlines”, both of which were self produced and recorded by the band themselves.
With a swarm of raw alternative rock Atticus present their most invigorating release to date with ‘Tony’. This track was destined to be blasted from the speakers. With dark murky soundscapes swirling through a crashing hyperactive wall of sound, Atticus have created one heavy mosh smothered anthem. The band pummel and pulverise with ground shaking drums and a dynamic dirty bass line that could summon the dead while harsh guitar lacerations cut shreds into the beefy backdrop. The band create wonderful tension through the acute luring verses while the explosive chorus erupts with a harsh shrill and enraged fury. Showcasing their refined majestic side the band embellish the song with rich rhythms and slick precise guitar maneuvers that boasts the quartet’s musical bravado in all its glory. Blending swagger saturated rock with moody grunge hues, dynamic rasped vocal howls and alternative rock anarchy, Atticus have created another thrilling banger.
Cork based noise pop outfit Deadbog have released their new self titled EP. The band formed in summer 2018 by friends Danny O’Shea (guitars and vocals) and Luke Daly (drums). After a number of gigs as a two piece, Rory Burke (guitar) and JJ Lee (bass) completed the line up.
Drenched in reverb with shoegaze elements swirling into a deep psychedelic pool of distortion, Deadbog’s EP is a richly blended four track concoction with equal measures of sweet and sour. The band melt soft dreamy melodies on top of acid soaked guitar and rich intricate rhythmic progressions to create intense moments of raw psych-tinged alternative rock through ‘Morning Swimmer’ and ‘Vending Machine’.With heavy instrumental crashes the tracks build becoming ominous and shrilling as light flickers on guitar progress to coarse pines soaring over thick heavy drum pounds and perilous rapid soundscapes. It’s a hard hitting collection of tracks however, amidst this onslaught of controlled chaos the band show glimpses of sweet delicacy and innocence.
There are very little vocals on the EP. When the vocals do appear it is through a wave of harmonies and expressions. In ’Behold the Coagula’ it’s the vocals and wistful melody that cool the tracks scorching intensity. Deadbog lay this melancholic melody and cooing vocals over a bubbling harsh backdrop of pounding drums and meandering guitars creating a wonderful contrast.‘Gurus’ begins with the most beautiful sweet guitar lament backed by a throbbing beat. The first half of this track ripples with clear and pristine clarity creating a time stopping moment within the EP before the band enhance the song building to its epic and hair raising crescendo.
Deadbog have created an EP that is rich in its intricacies with sweet melancholic and dreamy moments flickering between the band’s blast of controlled chaos. The intense and blistering instrumentation is created with such precision, as the band carefully allows the softer tender moments to flourish, almost untouched, in this frenzied atmosphere.It’s an impressive balancing act.
Stream ‘Deadbog’ EP below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.