Tag Archives: indie

Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

KLDD Live at The Workman’s Cellar With Support From TroyOkay and Kathryn Stewart

On Sunday night Dublin-based band KLDD played their headline show in The Workman’s Cellar with support from TroyOkay and Kathryn Stewart. This band set the bar high with their musically lush tunes and compelling stage presence. They tore the roof off the venue and marked themselves as a band to keep an eye on.

Kathryn Stewart and band set the night of fantastic tunes in motion with a sleek set of soul, R&B-infused originals and covers. From a velvety rendition of Tyrone by Erykah Badu to some classy and emotive originals such as the sombre ‘Weather’, Stewart’s compelling vocal ability was on full display. Her rich depths added power to the choruses while her soft coo’s oozed soulful tones within the verses. Enhanced by the magnificent Grace Jacobs on backing vocals and a tight and polished sound by her band the set exuded an effortless chicness throughout. With an enjoyable set featuring a sing-along rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ Stewart put on a compelling performance and had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand. 

After a witty and brave impromptu introduction from Conor Eiffe, indie artist TroyOkay followed. His dreamy guitar-driven indie sound wafted throughout the venue as bopping heads in the crowd became immersed in his sunkissed riffs and buoyant rhythms. His vocals have a nonchalant grunge element that exudes tones of aggression and frustration over the sometimes heavy instrumentation providing an intriguing edge to his tracks. With his first-rate band in tow showcasing catchy riffs, ebullient rhythms and a jazzy injection on keys it was a satisfying and tight set from start to finish. There is no pompousness or fluff with TroyOkay’s performance just good honest indie rock tunes riddled with dark undertones and moody vocal outbursts. Very enjoyable.

KLDD wasted no time and got straight into their well-executed dynamic set. The room immediately erupted as the crowd fell under KLDD’s spell. For a young band, their sound is tight, unblemished and full of indie rock goodness. With the efficiency of a well-oiled machine, they went through their original tunes with a suave and chilled bravado that had the audience captivated. The crowd danced, punched the air and even attempted air guitar throughout the frenzied set while the four-piece remained composed on stage ready to execute slick guitar refrains and thrilling bass rumbles with a cool demeanour. Each member of the band Kilian Callegari on bass, Liam Bennati on drums, David Bradford on lead and Davy O’Toole on vocals and rhythm exuded effortless charm and their precise, polished tunes filled the venue with musical ecstasy. The crowd sang every word, cheered and danced without fail, not even a temperamental mic could sour the atmosphere. O’Toole, like a pro, laughed off its resistance to stay at the correct height and stood on his tippy toes to finish ‘Tastes Like Tragedy’ while the crowd shouted the lyrics back to him. 

Impressively composed and musically rich, KLDD’s songs sound mature and refined beyond their years. This band have some bangers in their repertoire and they put on an impressive show from start to finish. Judging from the unreleased tracks, the soaring melodies and the energy in the room KLDD are a band to get excited about.


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

Amoodi ‘Give You My Love’

Amoodi has released his debut single ‘Give You My Love’.Amoodi is the new solo project by Irish singer, songwriter and producer Michael Hopkins. Hopkins has spent 20 years writing music and playing in bands including Planet Parade, Too Fools and Tropolis. More recently he has been focusing on writing and producing for fellow Irish singer and actor Slaney. He has spent the last few years hibernating in his home studio working long hours everyday to improve his songwriting and production skills. He has built up a massive collection of work that is now ready to be released.

‘Give You My Love’ is a glorious sultry tune. Hopkins blends bubbling rhythms with dreamy melodies and lush soft vocals to create an easy-listening musical delight. Vapourous electronics wisp atop layered rhythms, R&B tones and indie flirtations while cooing backing vocals chime throughout. ‘Give You My Love’ is a joy to listen to and an exciting glimpse into the musical world of Hopkins. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.

About the track, Hopkins says: ” I’ve written so much music over the years that I haven’t released and thought it would be such a shame to just leave all these songs on a dusty hardrive forever, so I decided to set up Amoodi and finally get them out to the world. Revisiting these songs has inspired me to rewrite and produce them to a whole new level I never thought possible at the time”

Stream ‘Give You My Love’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

RUE ‘Call on Me’

Upcoming indie/pop singer-songwriter RUE has released her new single ‘Call on Me’. This shimmering pop tune displays the invigorating sound of RUE. The track is an absolute gem to listen to as RUE mixes subtle contrasting elements of electronic beats, swirling synths and dark undertones to create a dynamic wall of sound. RUE’s smooth vocals coo a sweet melody as the song bubbles and builds in the background. With clap-along rhythms, spacious electronics and irresistible pop hooks ‘Call on Me’ is a compelling tune from start to finish. Keep an eye on this exciting artist.

Stream ‘Call on Me’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Nially ‘Something So Real’

Hailing from Co. Kerry, 22-Year Old Singer/Songwriter Nially has released his new single ‘Something So Real’.From the age of 16 Nially has gigged extensively across Kerry, Cork and as far afield as Augsburg, Germany. His debut single, ‘I Want It All’ released in January 2021, amassed over 10,000 streams in it’s first 4 weeks and received support across a number of radio stations in Ireland such as Spin South West, Radio Kerry, Red FM, Dublin City FM and FM104 and also reaching listeners across Europe, the UK and the US.

Filled with heartfelt songwriting and cinematic soundscapes, ‘Something So Real’ is a compelling tune from Nially. Nially pours his heart and soul into this emotional number and the result is an emotive tune that showcases the artist’s passionate vocals, poetic lyrics and immaculate production skills. Beginning with a soft piano-led arrangement the song builds into a sway-along power ballad that boasts steady beats, expressive guitars and soaring soundscapes. Nially has created one hair-rasing tune. ‘Something So Real’ is a sublime display of rich musicianship. Keep an eye on Nially. 

Stream ‘Something So Real’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

TV People ‘Circle’

Dublin’s postmodern, post-punk indie outfit TV People have released their new single ‘Circle’.‘Circle’ was recorded and mixed at Battery Studios London by Grammy award-winning Caesar Edmunds (QOTSA, ST Vincent, Foals) and assistant engineer Joshua Rumble. The track was mastered by Christian Wright (Radiohead, FONTAINES D.C) at Abbey Road Studios. Since forming in 2019, the band have honed their craft across the live scene, playing in some of Ireland and the U.K’s most iconic venues.

Filled with expressive soundscapes and immersive tones ‘Circle’ is a striking new single from TV People. Within the track, there are many contrasting elements at play that contort and blend throughout. A fine example of this is the ethereal guitar flurries and haunting vocals that interplay with dark bass rumbles and pounding drum progressions – the result is a compelling and evocative atmosphere for the listener’s imagination to indulge in.  ‘Circle’ is an exciting musical marvel, a thrilling listening experience, and an excellent example of TV People’s ever-evolving sound.

Of their new single, singer Paul Donohoe says, “We wrote ‘Circle’ as a tribute to our loved ones and friends and to the countless times that we have relied on each other in times of difficulty. It explores the feeling of being lost within yourself and how you can find identity and meaning in the shared experiences and compassion of those around you.”

Stream ‘Circle’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music

Neil Dexter ‘I’ll Be Ready’

Neil Dexter has released his new single,’I’ll Be Ready’, the final single from his forthcoming debut album due October 14th 2022. Along with the album announcement and single release, Dexter shares details for his debut headline show in Dublin’s Workman’s Cellar on October 20th. Tickets are available through Singular Artists.

‘I’ll Be Ready‘ is a rich and compelling tune from start to finish. The track is a fine display of musicianship as Dexter deftly blends contrasting elements together to create a mesmerising listening experience. Dark propulsive beats create a push-pull effect that draws the listener into the track’s immersive soundscapes while flashing synths, dynamic bass and indie rock guitar moments inject a gritty/edgy element to the track.

‘I’ll Be Ready’ is truly a magnificent piece of music. It’s lushly textured and meticulously layered to create a constantly evolving soundscape that is an exciting rush to the senses. A fine example of this is Dexter’s sweet vocals coupled with the track’s pop-speckled melody that subtly contrasts the fuzzing soundscapes and bubbling rhythms allowing the song to take on a dreamy almost psychedelic state before it progresses to its intoxicating crescendo – simply divine. ‘I’ll Be Ready’ is a wonderful example of Neil Dexter’s exquisite musicianship. 

Dexter describes ‘I’ll Be Ready’ as a “Frankenstein composition comprised of three different ideas saved in one project file” that he’d been working on in his Dublin-based home studio. Expanding upon the demo with David A. Tapley (Tandem Felix) and recording engineer Stephen Dunne, Dexter notes that their guidance allowed him to approach the arrangement without artistic boundaries; layering textures and taking the song in different directions. Lyrically, ‘I’ll Be Ready’ confronts feelings of apprehension. Neil says, “I wrote the song when I was in my mid-to-late 20s, it’s about jumping into the next stage of your life and the fear of not knowing whether or not you’re ready to take those steps. In those moments, you try to reassure yourself by saying, ‘Ok, I’m ready. I’ll be able to do this,’ whilst simultaneously having a sense of uncertainty. I think at one point or another, everyone goes through this feeling of overcoming self-doubt.”

Stream ‘I’ll Be Ready’ below 


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

modernlove. ‘Oh My Mind’ EP

Following a wave of highly-praised singles over the last few months, including ‘Don’t Wanna’, ‘Us’, ‘Follow You’, ‘Islands’ and ‘Familiar’, Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have now released their eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Oh My Mind’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). modernlove. will also be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. Demand for these shows has been so overwhelming, the band have added a new date at London’s Camden Assembly on the 8th November, with their Manchester performance which was upgraded to YES! (Basement) has now sold out.

‘Oh My Mind’ is a fizzing collection of fantastic indie pop songs full of earnest lyrics, heartfelt melodies and invigorating sonic embellishments. This band craft their songs meticulously and the result is exhilarating musicianship. From the effervescent electronics on ‘Island’, elastic bass grooves in ‘Don’t Wanna’, brooding atmospheres in ‘Familiar’ and rush of instrumentation in ‘Us’, each song possesses glorious musical moments that are a joy to listen to again and again.

However, it is ‘Take My Hand’ and title track ‘Oh My Mind’ that steal the show. Boasting fluttering rhythms, shimmering synths and sun-kissed guitar elements these two tracks highlight just how good modernlove. are as artists. The expressive instrumentation and deft production is a delight to listener’s ears and offer a spine-tingling listening experience to indulge in.

Not only do modernlove. deliver on lush dynamic pop backdrops and intoxicating melodies their lyrics are deep and speak of heavy themes; mental health, loneliness and yearning. Well phrased and evocative songwriting is delivered by Barry Lally’s emotive vocal delivery. He pours tenderness and passion over the poetic lyrics and truly brings the subject matter to life.

“She left his room when he lost his balance and She didn’t move back in again when he found it” – Island, “Babe something feels strange drank wine but then you spilt your cup, had a good time but never carpet is stained, it has to be torn up” -’Us’.

Throughout ‘Oh My Mind’ modernlove.’s honesty, vulnerability and deft musical prowess leaves much to be admired. This heartfelt body of work that is filled with spectacular musicianship, keeps modernlove. on the ones to watch list. 

Speaking about the new single, they said, “Oh my mind explores the modern day neuroses of young people and the mental health challenges brought upon them by pop culture, the internet and most recently, the coronavirus lockdowns. I think we all went a little mad over lockdown and most of this EP was written in that state of social isolation. Without distraction or release from cycles of negative thought you can begin to spiral to the point of derealisation and being in a constant state of panic. But then we kinda juxtaposed that by a brighter and more playful sonic composition. I think as young people, we tend to joke about our mental health as a way of relating to one another and not feeling so alone in all of it. So it felt natural to write a poppy, upbeat song about such dark themes rather than treating them with a forced solemnity and formality.”

modernlove. will be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. See the dates below 

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE / SOLD OUT ***
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar)
  • 8 – London – Camden Assembly ***NEW DATE***
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana – SOLD OUT
  • 10 – London – Camden Assembly – SOLD OUT
  • 11 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

IRELAND

  • 12 – Belfast, The Deer’s Head
  • 13 – Derry, Sandino’s
  • 17 – Listowel, Mike The Pies
  • 18 – Limerick, Kasbah Social Club
  • 19 – Cork, Winthrop Avenue
  • 24 – Galway, Roisin Dubh
  • 25 – Dublin, Button Factory

 Stream ‘Oh My Mind’ below 

https://open.spotify.com/album/1lQ44YDcd9JrYFKWgfrwAG?si=ataKIcn_TJSuoCzc-4ZyDA


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

JNR ‘Fallin’

Renowned session musician Jake Richardson, who has worked with Dermot Kennedy, Lyra, Mark Feehily, Robert Grace, Ryan Mack, and Tim Chadwick, has released his original Project “JNR” with his new single ‘Fallin’.

‘Fallin’ is a slick alternative pop tune that glissades along infectious grooves and wonderous melodies. The track is a fine display of Richardson’s fresh, immersive sound and is a joy to listen to. Smooth vocals coo between warm guitar lines, a buoyant bass and punctuated beats to create a laid-back, easy listening experience for listeners to indulge in. Boasting soft R&B tones and groovy jazz embellishments ‘Fallin’ is a musical gem that showcases Richardson’s exciting musicianship in all its glory.

Richardson states the track is “…about investing too much of yourself in someone too early when you’re not sure if the feeling is mutual”

Stream ‘Fallin’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Lewis Tivey ‘Seed You’  

Lewis Tivey has released a music video for his new tune ‘Seed You’ which is taken from his debut EP ‘Bittersweet’ which was released earlier this year. Aiming to recreate the energy of late 70s/early 90s punk, the video is set in an abandoned warehouse and stars a guitar destined to an early doom. First picking up the guitar aged 16, Lewis Tivey cut his chops gigging with a local band. Tivey released his first album with this band, a completely DIY project that enjoyed some success. Whilst the band parted ways, Tivey never lost his creative spark. Styling himself as an alternative DIY Rock, Tivey is on a mission to prove that you don’t need a fancy studio to make it.

‘Seed You’  is a coarse, adrenaline fulled tune that rushes with angsty punk and thrilling grunge-smeared sonics. It’s a high-energy song that builds becoming more fierce with each verse. Biting guitars spiral over a rampant bass and drum foundation to create an edgy and manic wall of sound before chilled vocals nonchalantly croon the grunge-hued melody. Featuring shrilling vocal screams and distorted guitar wails between a thumping drum progression and immersive dark soundscape ‘Seed You’ is a thrilling and equally chilling track. 

Watch the video for ‘Seed You’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Pop Punk

Ocean’s Avenue ‘Overdo$ed’

Isle of Man’s Ocean’s Avenue have released their second single ‘Overdo$ed’. Written after seeing a friend leaving a toxic relationship which resulted in turning towards alcohol and drugs, ‘Overdo$ed’ carries relatable images of hitting rock bottom, trying to get over someone. Collaborating with Ben Donaldson (VooDoo Bandits), Jamie McIntyre and Graeme of Two Zero Nine Mastering has allowed Ocean’s Avenue to unlock their sound and achieve their vision. Ocean’s Avenue formed in March 2020, just days before COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were implemented. Despite the subsequent challenges that followed for the whole music industry, Ocean’s Avenue have already secured several live shows, delivering electrifying performances that have allowed their fan base to grow.  The boys are currently hard at work recording their first album, consisting of songs they have written together over the past year.

‘Overdo$ed’  is an energetic blast of indie punk that fleshes out Ocean’s Avenue’s catchy and buoyant sound. The band create a bubbling soundscape of elastic bass grooves and driving rhythms with sharp lacerations on guitars that gash throughout. The track is an impressive display of musicianship and a joy to listen to. Filled with an infectious melody and sing-along chorus ‘Overdo$ed’ is a vibrant and energetic tune from Ocean’s Avenue.

Stream ‘Overdo$ed’ below 


Author: Danu