Sion Hill has released his highly anticipated new single ‘Speak Up’.After leaving Ireland for Berlin, after leaving Berlin for Hamburg, and after leaving Hamburg for the murmuring vastness that is London, Nathan Johnston alias Sion Hill has carefully re-calibrated his musical palette. While his lauded 2017 debut “Elephant” was an eclectic soul-pop wonderland comfortably sitting between a room full of chairs somewhere in Berlin, his relationship with London is manifested in the globetrotters’ latest single, ‘Speak Up’.
Encased in cosy folk tones and wholesome songwriting ‘Speak Up’ is a warm uplifting slice of infectious pop. With soothing acoustic guitar glimmering through the verses along with clean piano chords, the song has a charming heart warming quality. Johnston shows an honest and vulnerable side to him as he depicts times he felt down and felt left out. The lyrics talk about mustering the courage to tell your surroundings how you really feel and how it’s fine not to feel okay. His soul hued velvety vocals slip into an R&B tone at times before allowing a yelp to take him into country/ traditional folk territory. This bubbling anthem is brimming with hope, good vibes and oodles of charm and Johnston presents this perfectly through his passionate delivery and relatable songwriting. A perky fiddle melody brings a healthy dose of optimism into the song while blood pumping beats and sun kissed soundscapes grace the backdrop in rich prisms of scintillation; ‘Speak Up’ is a vivacious and feel good anthem. It’s ridiculously catchy too.
After receiving critical acclaim for the singles ‘Versailles,’ and ‘25’ this year, indie quintet, Lady Landscape have released ‘Apartment Song’, their final single before the release of their much anticipated third EP, ‘3’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece Lady Landscape embrace a mellow tone that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals.In late-2019 the band decided to take a break from gigging to finish their highly anticipated third EP, ‘3’, which is due to be released next month.
‘Apartment Song’ continues Lady Ladscape’s lo -fi dreamy brand of indie as they drift a smooth melody over a chiming bouncy backdrop. With shaking percussion injected between soft glistening guitars and a hazy shoegaze-hued soundscape the track is a sun kissed, easy on the ears gem. One instantly recognisable feature of Lady Landscape’s sound is the nonchalant deep vocals that depict the striking and honest lyrics. This band take themes of self disappointment and normal life occurrences and expresses them through wonderfully bitter/sweet musicianship. The guitar in this track is quite beautiful and elegant as it weaves a delicate twinkling melody through the wispy synths and floating soundscapes. ‘Apartment Song’ is a spacy laid back track that has a soft yet glum candy-floss atmosphere created through intricate and refined musicianship.
Rising Indie Rock band The Burma have just released their new EP ‘Sugar Moonlight’. At various stages over the past year the Irish indie band have holed up in Monique Studios with producer Christian Best (Mick Flannery, O Emperor, Jack O’Rourke, Marlene Enright) writing and recording their latest release.
‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a tidy collection of tracks exuding passionate pop melodies and blazing alternative rock with a healthy dose of indie rock at its heart. The band go all out with this EP – luscious textures and melodious highs, psychedelic rawness and tender broods create a well rounded enjoyable listening experience.
The jubilous indie guitar jingle of ‘Same Again’ kick starts the EP. It is light and infectious as the ethereal guitars create a wonderful animated bounce. The Burma construct tracks with a rich rhythmic foundation of rippling bass lines and buoyant snappy drums allowing the charming guitar refrains to soar and flourish off this backdrop with majestic tonalities. The band swoon smooth melty melodies into their vibrant indie sound effortlessly. ‘Quicksand’ shows this superbly as the soft bubbly melody wisps delicately through a crashing psychedelic backdrop of airy stings on guitar and rumbling drums.
With a refreshing bite, each track rolls coolly into the next. Whether it’s the icy sting of the melancholic ‘When You’re Gone’ or the darker synth swirling prance of ‘Phoney Personality’, the band use their ability to intricately weave multi layered synth textures and melodies to create a seamless transition between tracks while still maintaining each songs own identity. Final track ‘Buried Alive’ closes the EP on a high. It’s not a sugar rush but a sweet tender and mesmerising high as The Burma present their most delicious emotive and beautiful melody yet. Caressed with soft tender vocals and slow brooding instrumentation the track flurries on a light airy soundscape of glistening guitar and pulsing beat. Each timeless twinkle and bass wriggle coils and curdles the backdrop in sombre wistful tones. The track builds superbly becoming more dynamic as, in true The Burma fashion the song reaches its hair raising crescendo.
The Burma have a wonderful ability to create rich proficient tunes with first rate instrumentation, exhilarating guitar lines and intricate bass lines that surge with character. Their melodies are irresistible, oozing emotive, dreamy and sweet tones while the lo- fi grooves and heavy rhythmic pulses provide the element that hooks your ears and leaves you craving more. ‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a mature and impressive EP that makes The Burma ones to keep an eye on.
Bio : Fossway are an Alt-Rock / Post-Punk trio from Newcastle, known for fusing intricate musicianship with socially-conscious lyrics inspired by societal observations and the constantly-changing political landscape.
Track: Grey Cloud
Why We Like It: There are wonderful intricacies within this track that weave beneath the tracks alternative rock surface to create a sophisticated mature number. A rooted bass wiggles through the songs foundation creating a dark underbelly while the thrashing drums slap and roll throughout causing fluctuations in the rhythm. The melancholic vocals hold a sweet soft tone reminiscent of early Paul McCartney as the dreamy melody drifts with a delicate innocence through the dynamic instrumentation.With majestic moments on guitars colliding with gritty raw riffs Fossway create sublime textures and contrasts through the song. The band have layered this track superbly creating wonderful dramatic highs with heavy mosh worthy soundscapes and soft tender twinkles all within a vigorous and refined wall of sound. It’s impressively hypnotic and utterly infectious.
Bio : Vansleep are a four piece indie/ alternative rock band from Aberdeen with Kyle MacRitchie on Vocals and guitar, Bryn McLernon on Bass, Bilal Benzahian on Drums and Keir Smith on Guitar
Track: Acid Weather
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate indie banger. Swarmed in exuberant youthful musicianship the band submerge a sweet catchy melody into an effervescent pool of dynamic instrumentation. The track is robust and well built with a driving bass line that weaves between soaring lush guitar lines and punchy drum progressions. This band find a wonderful balance between vigorous blasting alternative rock with a raw pounding wall of sound and sweet majestic indie brimming with heartfelt emotion. The meandering between light ethereal guitars and crashing riffs is superb as Vansleep flourish and embellish their track with skill and maturity. With emotive vocals that soar over the kinetic backdrop, rich rhythm and smooth melody, ‘Acid Weather’ is quite the charming and earnest ditty. One of my favourite finds.
Bio : Orange County trio Shape Pitaki have released new single ‘The Disease’ from their upcoming EP. The band is comprised of Shane Thompson (vocals/guitar), Greg Johnson (lead guitar/vocals) and Mike Willson (drums)
Track: The Disease
Why We Like It: It’s an energetic blast of indie rock with sweet melodious guitar flickering between the heavier moments. The band cruise into the track with a smooth melody and grungy moody verse before the frantic chorus jump-starts the frenzy. With jagged guitar slicking through pounding drums this energetic track runs at a hyper pace with adrenaline pumping from every note. There are laid back 90’s rock moments mangled between frenetic punk whacks and soaring indie as Shape Pitaki create an invigorating number brimming with sublime musicianship and oodles of energy.
Bio : Dublin three piece, Stolen City have released their uplifting new single ‘Sparks’.Comprised of Sean McGrath, Ian Bailey and David McCabe, Stolen City has been growing massively around Ireland and is continuing to produce Easy Listening Pop Music.
Track: Sparks
Why We Like It: It’s a sweet ethereal number brimming with heart racing adrenaline and anthemic power. The band swirl twinkling piano, chiming guitars and sweet melodies in intense airy soundscapes. The beat broods and pulses with a bubbling sense of anticipation as the trio use arena ready backing vocals and magical soundscapes to create a wholly consuming charming number. Displaying fine musicianship, dynamic crescendo and a powerful sing along chorus ‘Sparks’ is a breathtaking, polished and radio ready tune
Bio : Since early 2019, Laissez Faire have been taking the Bristol music scene by storm with successful single launch shows at The Mother’s Ruin and Rough Trade along with a stand out performance from Dot to Dot Festival 2019. They have also supported the likes of Indoor Pets, Sheafs and Gender Roles along with being shortlisted for Truck Festival and Y Not Festival.
Track: Chloe
Why We Like It: Consumed in blazing indie swagger ‘Chloe’ is instantly likeable and infectious. With an eargasmic melody spread over ebullient drums and relentless guitars the track is an instant shot of adrenaline. The majestic guitars soar, sting and sweetly lament through the crashing wall of sound while the rampant bass lays down an effortless cool nonchalance. The band do a fantastic job of blending hyper joyous indie with a delicious smackeroo of pop on top. Laissez Faire provides rich, tasty and invigorating musicianship and ‘Chloe’ is a sublime example of this.
Bio : Metro Station have returned with a surprise new song titled “I Hate Society,” .
Track: I Hate Society
Why We Like It: With a catchy whistle refrain entwining a bubbly beat, jangly guitars and sun saturated soundscapes ‘I Hate Society’ is an upbeat infectious anthem. The band return with a glowing radiant number that packs a lot of punch. Metro Station have always had a knack with creating infectious melodies and ‘I Hate Society’ is a luminous example of their melodious wizardry. There is a clap along rhythmic bounce with rich musical embellishments between the instant charming bop while the honest and quite cynical lyrical content provides a quirky contrast. With vibrant vocals rebounding off the golden melting melody Metro Station create a track that revolves around and chimes in your head all day long until you’re singing along.
Priorland have released their new single ‘Moving To The Beat’.The track is the prologue to their ‘E.P. One’ which will debut later this year. Priorland is an original Irish band consisting of four members Calvin, Tommy, Davie and Conor. Their style ranges from Rock, Reggae, R&B, Soul, Blues and Pop.
With its funky flex creating a strutting groove ‘Moving To The Beat’ is that infectious tune sure to entice you onto the dance floor. The band douse the track in smooth silky instrumentation while slapping on healthy portions of indie rock on top. A pop, swagger-dipped melody prances about jangly guitar refrains and buoyant foot tapping beat. With smooth velvety vocals teamed with lush backing harmonies and glossy production Priorland have created one infectious bop which showcases their proficient, refined and classy musicianship. ‘Moving To The Beat’ blends chic, soul-hued funk with R&B elements and sprightly indie pop to create a well oiled dance infused gem.
Formed three years ago at BIMM College in Dublin State Lights consisting of band members: singer Shobsy, guitarist Joe Regan, drummer Paul Ridgeway and bassist Noel Perry have released their new single ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’. The track follows the double-A from earlier this year featuring the band’s original ‘Let You Go’ and State Lights’s sublime cover of The Blue Nile’s Tinseltown In The Rain.The single was picked up by RTE 2FM’s flagship breakfast show as its single of the week and enjoyed support also from Independent radio including FM104, Spin1038, KCLR and others. In recent times the band has also tallied substantial airplay and support from KROQ Los Angeles, Radio X (UK) and a host of other International radio stations.
Saturated in a shimmering indie pop sheen ‘Don’t Make Plays on My Heart’ is a biting atmospheric track which exudes the exhilarating, bracing and utterly mesmerising musicianship of State Lights. The band swirl sharp ethereal guitars through a buoyant 80’s hued backdrop to create a breezy intoxicating soundscape. The jabbing guitars slice with acute precision through the punchy drums and sublime fluctuant bass.
State Lights lay down a magnificent pulsing rhythmic backbone for the track, which wiggles with relentless intensity throughout, allowing the elevating guitars to lift the track into anthemic heights. It’s arena ready indie pop with clean crisp production and superb songwriting. Shobsy’s sweet falsetto carries the song. His vocals surge with passion and emotion taking the track’s intensity and adrenaline to new heart racing heights as the track reaches its explosive crescendo.
State Lights are a band to keep an eye on. Their ability to cultivate this shimmering pearly track with such precision and refined musicianship is impressive. It’s going to be exciting watching this band flourish.
One of Ireland’s newest and most exciting rock bands SUNDOWN are back with their latest release ‘Chimneys’. The Dublin quartet have been in close collaboration with James Smith (formerly of Gypsies on the Autobahn).Having sold-out a headline show in Whelan’s last year, SUNDOWN have toured Ireland with gigs from Belfast to Cork, including their festival debut at Independence and supporting acclaimed artists like Sion Hill & Larkin’s. They have amassed over 125,000 collective streams on Spotify
‘Chimneys’ broods within a lonesome ethereal soundscape as SUNDOWN create a rich, spacious number that showcases the bands mature songwriting. With a pining lament on guitar, this atmospheric gem haunts as it builds and unfolds. The band cultivate the track meticulously, gradually delving into the song’s void of melancholia with a deep bass rippling through the underbelly. The airy and light texture of the track creates an enchanting and mesmerising quality that draws the listener deep into the songs abyss. The guitar maintains the rock element we know and love from the band while the rasp toned, warm vocals embrace the sweet melody. This track is truly special and compelling.
Manchester indie rock band Freeda have released their new single ‘Let Me Down’.Forming in 2017, Freeda spent their formative years establishing themselves in their hometown, building a committed following and selling out headline shows along the way. In 2019, working with highly acclaimed production duo Sugar House, Freeda released three singles ‘Plead’, ‘Replay’ and ‘Wash’. Collectively, these went on to reach in excess of 100,000 streams on Spotify, received extensive backing from BBC Introducing, and continued support from XS Manchester and Amazing radio.’Let Me Down’ is the fourth single to be taken from an upcoming EP set to be released later this year.
‘Let Me Down’ is a fizzing melodic overdose of joyous indie. Saturated in effervescent synths, jaunty guitar lines and an infectious beat, the track is an instant shot of adrenaline. A wonderful indie jangle weaves between raw punchy drum and bass combo. Lush melodies flourish with a zinging pop persuasion as the band craft that rushing youthful sound to ensure repeat listens. The smooth vocals are the icing on the cake as Sean Rowles coaxes you into the catchy melodic hook with soft croons while the rich electronic percussion ripples in the backdrop.The coiling, skittish and ethereal synths mirror the lyrics tones of disappointment while the bubbly instrumentation creates a sublime peppy contrast. Freeda entwine subtle psychedelic elements and vibrant indie to create an invigorating track soaked in summer vibes.
Bayonets is set to release his new single ‘We Light Fires’ on all digital platforms on the 15th of May and has released the video this weekend. Bayonets is a solo project created by Kerry musician and songwriter Vinnie Flynn. His distinctive style is a mix of alternative rock, indie, blues and folk. In addition to writing and performing live, Vinnie also works with several publishing companies based in the US who pitch his compositions to prime time TV shows and movies. ‘We Light Fires’ was recorded last year at Darklands Audio in Dublin by the great Daniel Doherty. Flynn worked on the video idea with an excellent Illustrator & Animator Lukas Beles at Flock of Crows Motion Design.
Chilling, dark and wholly consuming ‘We Light Fires’ continues Bayonets luring sizzle of fiery alternative rock. Presented through an icy cool breeze of haunting delight the track coils with flourishing grandeur.The western- esque guitar strides with a swaggering stomp between sharp refrains of scorching intensity as Flynn ferments the tracks dark smothering underbelly.
Flynn has been able to push past any limited parameters a solo artist may have to develop an identity increasingly distinct and memorable. The track wildly swirls and rages behind Flynn’s rasp filled vocals as he maintains a calm enticing composure. With intriguing mysterious undertones rippling through the ominous harsh backdrop the track has that “ I can’t watch but can’t stop looking” horror movie quality as the cinematic stings on guitar paint shadowy characters into the songs soundscape.
Flynn’s ability to colour his tracks with evocative and vivid images through misty vaporous musicianship and smoky instrumentation is impressive and utterly captivating. Sublimely dramatic and meticulously crafted ‘We Light Fires’ is one spine-tingling force of nature.
Easy Tide have released their new single ‘Carpet Grave’ which was recorded by the band in Fennor Lane Studios. Easy Tide are a DIY Garage band hailing from Navan Co Meath. Members include Aaron Dunphy on Bass and Vocals , Steven Rafferty on Guitar and Vocals and Mark Carolan on Drums and Vocals.
‘Carpet Grave’ presents Easy Tide’s punchy alternative rock through a hazy laid back garage rock filter. The band cruise through light ethereal guitar melodies and warm rumble on bass with a sluggish lazy day attitude. The track bops with an airy texture as the buoyant drums create both a spongy cushion for the verses and a punchy bite for the chorus. Glistening guitars ricochet off the heavy drum progression as the track drifts effortlessly from moody verses into the dynamic chorus and crescendo. Well crafted and exuding shoegaze elements, ‘Carpet Crave’ is a sun speckled sulky number that is just as sharp and punchy as it is melodic and dreamy.
Stream ‘Carpet Grave’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
