Tag Archives: indie

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

Koala Club ‘City Lights’

Off the back of ‘One Day’ being named BBC Introducing in the south ‘Track of the Day’ and their latest release ‘No Surprise’ gaining them over 1000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Brighton’s indie rock quartet Koala Club have released their newest Single ‘City Lights’. Koala Club have been establishing themselves in their hometown and have started to gain a following across the country with their feel good tracks, ear-catching riffs and singalong choruses.

‘City Lights’ is an adrenaline packed juicy burst of indie rock as Koala Club use biting bright guitar lines and an infectious buoyant backdrop to create a glowing track ready for repeat plays. This vibrant tune drifts joyously on a bubbling rhythmic bed as the band drizzle tasty guitar riffs and dynamic elastic bass over the teasing verses while the chorus eruption rushes with the bands signature vibrancy and indie bite. Well crafted the track builds superbly capturing an atmosphere of  exhilarating youthful indie while the smooth vocals coo over the effervescent backdrop. ‘City Lights’ is another irresistible tasty delight from Koala Club.

About the track frontman James Grimsdale said : ‘‘City Lights is a song about moving away from home to follow a passion but falling short and losing yourself. It focuses on how this can lead to addictions in your life to mask your emotions, leaving you feeling trapped in an endless cycle.’‘

Stream ‘City Lights’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Bullet Girl

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Bullet Girl

 Photo Credit: Nicholas O’Donnell.

North Dublin post-punk band Bullet Girl have released their new single ‘Hatred’. A song about online trolls, it is particularly fitting right now. Bullet Girl are on an upwards trajectory. A seriously energetic live band, they blew the crowd away at TiLT in The Button Factory, run by 98fm’s John Barker (Totally Irish). On the back of this, Aiken Promotions asked them to support The Mystrines at Eastbound Dublin. This show has been postponed due to pandemic restrictions but is rescheduled to go ahead on Thursday, 24th September at The Workman’s Club, all things going well.

‘Hatred‘ is a potent punch of the hard hitting musicianship Bullet Girl do so well. These guys present a sound that oozes powerful, post punk battering with majestic flair. The wonderful intricacies within the track shows how refined Bullet Girl’s sound is. A relentless bass writhes its way through the songs dark underbelly while the pulverising drum throttles with vigor and adrenaline creating the perfect, beefy, floor shaking foundation. On top of this the slick flourishes on guitar soar and crash with a fierce uncompromising display of power and finesse. It’s a pure and raw number that explodes with the bands energetic soundscape. The frenetic vocals howl and rasp over the erupting instrumentation as the track builds to its dynamic and thrilling crescendo. This band’s ability to communicate their message through ruthless and mesmerising musicianship is impressive. ‘Hatred’ is a well crafted, invigorating call to arms against the online hatred inflicted by trolls. Once again Bullet Girl knock it out of the park.

Songwriter and lead guitarist Dylan Keenan says: “The song is a rally cry against the hatred that the internet age has conjured up; the ability of people to participate in hate speech under the cover of anonymity. Angry little soldiers with ideologies built on insecurity. When you see far-right political leaders gain support across the western world and hateful attacks against minorities and racial groups at both a local and global level becoming the norm, sometimes it does make you worry if the schoolyard bullies have won? This is not happening a million miles away, it’s happening right outside our door.”

Stream ‘Hatred’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Lady Landscape ’25’

Lady Landscape have released their new single ’25’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece, Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals. Their mid-tempo, spacey anthems have led them to play some of Dublin’s top venues alongside bands: Sprints, Bullet Girl, and Isaac Jones.

’25’ is a light velvety coating of Lady Landscape’s melancholic hued dreamy sound as the band delve into their rich creamy musicianship with a striking lyrical content. It’s a silky, smooth number as airy synths wisp about a spongy supple beat to create a soft mousse-like texture. The lo fi vocals caress the sombre melody with a monotonous tone as the moany lyrics discuss the effects of aging. With zesty stings on guitar the band inject a radiant sweet tone with a biting dash of indie into the lush dream pop soundscape. ‘25’ is another sublime mellow track to indulge in from Lady Landscape.

Stream ‘25’ below 


Author : Danu

Electronic, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Paterson ‘Should Be Working (On You)’

Paterson has released his new single ‘Should Be Working (On You)’. Previously releasing work as Mike Paterson, he is simplifying his moniker to just Paterson. Paterson writes, records, and produces his own work.

‘Should Be Working (On You)’ scurrys with fuzzy soundscapes as Paterson delves deep into his electronic depths. He uses a sweet pop smacked melody with R&B elements to create a looped hook that sticks like gloopy syrup in the brain while dazzling synths flutter between sticky techno hued beats. The track swirls through tight ethereal soundscapes while the wandering synth and distorted fragments create lush spacy textures. With Paterson’s deep reverb vocals creating a dark undertone between the delicate harmonies, the track has a Moby residue with a Tame Impala- esque flourish through its meticulous intricacies. Paterson creates a unique and experimental track with ‘Should Be Working (On You)’ filled with meandering psych-tinted elements, pop and R&B to create an invigorating and refreshing listening experience. 

Paterson will be doing a live takeover of our Facebook and Instagram this Saturday at 8 pm where he will be performing some old and new tunes make sure to check it out.

Watch the video for ‘Should Be Working (On You)’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ EP

Sun Mahshene, Ireland’s premier shoegaze / noise-rock band have released a new digital EP , ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. Coming off the back of a successful 2019, the EP contains two previously unreleased Sun Mahshene tracks along with their three critically acclaimed singles, Tales of Fiction, Leave This City and This Girl I Know. All tracks were recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty (Fontaines DC, Vulpynes, Slyrydes, Damien Dempsey, Sombodys Child).

With psychedelic adrenaline-filled highs and fuzz fueled intensity smudged into sweet melodies and a thrilling wall of sound ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is laced in Sun Mahshene’s first rate and exhilarating musicianship. The EP is the prismatic swirling home of ‘Tales of Fiction’, ‘Leave This City’ and ‘This Girl I Know’ – three sublime singles previously featured on Indie Buddie. The composition within these tracks are rich and thoughtful as dreamy melodies drift above a fizzing underbelly of dynamic, crashing and frenetic instrumentation.  It is easy to get lost in the layers of intricate wobbly guitars lines, rooted bass grooves and punchy drums as acid soaked distortion swirls prismatic facets of blinding scintillation between the effortless cool vocal delivery by Nathan Henderson.

The band warp, dazzle and bend genres with tracks like ‘Ride The Wave’. Opulent textures create a psych pop mirage through a heavy alternative sonic sheen while a moody grunge – esque melody floats lucidly over this dazing harsh backdrop as if aloof to the bubbling mania beneath. ‘Demons Gold’ closes the EP on a high. The band craft wonderful component parts to produce a mellowed gem brimming with intricacies. From the lamenting guitars weaving elegantly between thumping drums and shimmering keys the track maintains the band’s majestic intense sound with a level of grace and prowess only Sun Mahshene can do.

‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is an impressive display of musicianship from Sun Mahshene.Their ability to create implosive epic tunes which exude exquisite production is mesmerising.

Stream ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Jack West ‘Jack West Live At Easy Street’ EP

With a sound that’s mature beyond his years, 15 year old Jack West is gearing up to release a live EP on 17th April. The EP was recorded at Easy Street Records in West Seattle. Recorded live and mixed by renowned producer Barrett Jones, the EP includes polished covers of ‘Sick Love’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and ‘Like a Stone’ by Audioslave as a tribute to the late Chris Cornell. He has amassed over 10,000 streams on his debut single, and joined Eddie Vedder on stage to perform to 30,000 in Nashville.

‘Jack West Live At Easy Street’ boasts West’s raw and energetic sound. It’s an EP brimming with swagger-drenched rock n roll, solid tunes and refined musicianship. West shows maturity through this EP while giving a glimpse into all the vigor his live shows behold. His cover of ‘Sick Love’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and ‘Like a Stone’ by Audioslave sit snugly on the EP blending with the tonality of his own tunes while adding a dash of finesse and slick textures into the mix.

There is a blues tone to West’s tracks within the vocal melodies especially in the twanging smooth power ballad – esque ‘Look Out Below’.The rich band sound translates well and compliments his vocals. West uses pummeling drums with sweltering guitar lines and groove infested bass to ignite the rock n’ roll charm of his latest single ‘Bring The Records Back’ and the desert lonely ‘Leave Us Behind’ while ‘Revival’ provides a laid back Californian sun kissed euphoria beneath the energetic instrumental burst. West’s vocals are quite impressive, his rasp hued whisper warms the tracks with a gentle caress while his dynamic vocal eruptions for the chorus exude swagger and panache. 

‘Jack West Live At Easy Street’ shows West’s capability as a performer. He reins in his wild and energetic set with his calm presence while scorching instrumentation and a rich wall of sound rages behind him. 

‘Jack West Live At Easy Street’ will be released this Friday April 17th 

For more you can follow Jack West on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Jackwest32/


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Trophy Wife ‘Beauty Queen’

Following the success of her first single ‘Birthday’, Trophy Wife has released the second single ‘Beauty Queen’ off her upcoming EP ‘Art’. Trophy Wife (Ruby Smyth) is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Ireland.

 ‘Beauty Queen’ is a sweeping indie pop number that slips into a groovy jazz hued mellowness as Smyth contemplates female beauty standards over a slinky smooth backdrop. Her vocals coo and float atop beds of sparkling guitar flourishes and a soft buoyant rhythm. The track swells gracefully over a lush indie pop soundscape as the subtle intricacies drift between the smooth melody creating a rich laid back chic number. The song has a rhythmic bounce that is infectious without becoming over-powering allowing the chic classy soul pop elements to sparkle and soothe. ‘Beauty Queen’ is a charming, sophisticated, honest listening experience.

Stream ‘Beauty Queen’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, New Wave

Hook Self Titled EP

New wave indie band Hook have released their self titled debut EP. Hook are a three piece band from Dublin, Ireland comprised of Eoin O’Donnell (vox, guitars) Danny Spelman (bass) Morgan O’Brien (drums).Formed in early 2019 Hook spent the year writing and recording. The EP is just some of the songs created in that time. The EP was mixed and mastered by Grammy award winner Ciaran Byrne and produced by the band.

With jaunty catchy tunes swirled in an edgy indie coating Hook’s self titled EP is a short snappy enjoyable collection of tracks.The band inject perky light guitar lines into their music which creates wonderful, ethereal and zest stricken qualities in tracks ’The Light’ and ‘Fancy Dress’ as the punchy drums and intricate bass groove lay down the tight foundation. There is a messy fun atmosphere and sun kissed glow about each track that is quite infectious while the dreamy sweet melodies charm their way onto repeat. This trio blend in some grunge and gritty elements into the EP as well. ‘Spoiler Alert’ hints at the bands darker side. With jagged sharp guitars slicing through a rough bass line and relentless drums the band smother darker elements into their sound. Hook’s ability to create acute raw riffs and melodies with majestic flurries on guitar is impressive and they display these wonderfully throughout the EP. ‘I love the world because you’re in it’ brings the EP to a sweet upbeat end. With a warm wholesome melody and country hue this vibrant indie ditty is a charming finale.

Hook have presented a fine well rounded EP brimming with proficient musicianship and delightful catchy melodies. With tight layering, intricate instrumentation and witty lyrical content Hook have created a strong collection of tracks.

You can stream the EP below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Chinese Newspaper ‘Cola (Synge Street Version)’

Artwork by : Arielle-Jayne Arnold

Due to the lockdown, Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their unreleased single ‘Cola (Synge Street Version)’. A little more clamorous than the ‘Late Night Pharmacy’ EP version the band take one of their most exhilarating and catchy tracks and add a refreshing new gritty edge to it. The moody verses are pushed into a jogging pace by the kinetic bass rumble and stomping kick drum while the rasp filled vocals smother the track in a sultry angsty sulk. It’s a vibrant indie track with blistering strides on guitar oozing sunny day humidity while the band’s frenetic wall of sound asphyxiates the chorus with scorching intensity.This band have a knack with creating rich textures and the perfect blend of cool, calm brooding moments between their whirlwind explosive soundscapes to produce a truly invigorating and first rate sound that is just as raw and intense as it is majestic. Love this track. 

Stream ‘Cola (Synge Street Version)’ below 

https://open.spotify.com/track/5nuHgrCiE5UhaqFXDFbv9H?si=FjHYa1TXR9ulelMqCmmqYg


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, electro - rock, electro- pop, Electro- Punk, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Bone Cult ‘Death Electronica’ Album

Bone Cult have released their new album ‘Death Electronica’. Starting out as a stripped back guitar and drums outfit, the duo evolved by embracing technology to create new unheard sounds. The band’s popularity has soared internationally following their inclusion as characters in the online videogame ‘Avakin Life’

‘Death Electronica’ is a corrosive collection of tracks as Bone Cult present their powerful and unique sound through this innovative and triumphant album. The duo use driving, animated and sticky beats to create a hyper backbone for their tracks. The fuzzing acid saturated synths swirl through rushing electronics as the band create a dizzying mania reminiscent of The Prodigy through ‘Realise’, ‘Fragments’ and ‘Miracle’ .The heavy thick soundscapes consume the tracks in dark flashing scintillation as the duo create the thrilling atmosphere of a frenzied rave. The instrumentation and static electronic backdrop asphyxiates the frenetic rock elements while the smooth vocals coo underneath. Each track surges with the duo’s hybrid crashing wall of sound as they create songs for the blood thirsty mosh pit as well as coating on a healthy dose of dubstep dance elements.

There is such adrenaline in this album it could give you a heart attack. With all the intense ominous soundscapes Bone Cult manage to pull out some really catchy bangers. ‘Cruel’ has a grungy moody vibe with a pop-ish melody that will stick in your head for days. It’s utterly exhilarating. The album is the perfect concoction, the band swirls wispy new wave lightness into a thick, dark atmosphere with heavy surges of adrenaline to create a sound that has something for everyone. There are pop elements with smooth light twinkles of electronics smeared into thicker more perilous stains of electro- rock while metal slaps and punk whacks adorn the backdrop between the dance influences and to top it all off the band pepper some grunge and alternative rock over this fermenting brew. With the deranged, head-spinning synth of ‘Something Vile’ ,bright ethereal release of ‘ Fever to Stay’ teamed with swirling electronics of ‘Miracle’ and the grating harsh guitars lines that stain the albums underbelly,-  ‘Death Electronica’ sees Bone Cult utilise every weapon in their arsenal to create their sonic assault.

‘Death Electronica’ is lean, mean and frothing from the mouth with a vast array of genres. Bone Cult’s fuzzy bulky sound is not for the faint hearted. The album takes the duo’s vast, refined and in ways quite majestic sound and beats you over the head with it. A superb listen.

 Stream ‘Death Electronica’ below 


Author : Danu