Tag Archives: indie

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

Under Starling ‘Mongrel’ EP

Alternative rock band Under Starling have released their new EP ‘Mongrel’.The EP was recorded and produced with Graham Byrne & Christian Best. The band are having a launch party for the EP upstairs in Whelans on July 16th. The band has played support to many famous acts throughout the years such as Walking on Cars, Fangclub, and Bitch Falcon to name a few. Their own tours have seen packed-out shows in the likes of Fred Zeppelins, Dolans, Roisín Dubh, and Whelans.

In true Under Starling manner, ‘Mongrel’ overflows with passionate melodies, sincerity and refined musicianship. The band has a knack for creating compelling, infectious earworms that ooze cinematic arrangements and ‘Mongrel’ is a glorious collection of these powerful soul-igniting tunes. Throughout the EP we see the band showcase their sound in all it’s glory – an eclectic blend of indie and alternative rock with filtrations of R&B and intriguing pop undertones.

Boasting chiming guitars, ethereal synths, big choruses and buoyant beats,  ‘Icarus’ and ‘Big Fish’ capture a heart-fluttering rush of emotion through eloquent musicianship. The band craft each song wonderfully, allowing each element to flourish within the track’s expressive soundscape. Whether it is a bubbling beat progressing into a thunderous outburst within ‘Arrows’ or gritty guitars building into mosh-ready riffs in ‘Mongrel’; the band don’t rush the instrumentation. Instead, they carefully craft each component to create a cohesive and thrilling listening experience.

With themes of love, heartbreak, adversity, and perseverance, Under Starling build on natural emotion and past experiences to create a collection of tracks that ooze passion, sadness and love from every note. Each song on the EP discusses the emotions of adolescence and is inspired by life events the band experienced while growing up.

‘Mongrel’ is an exquisite EP from the heart set to intricate, cinematic arrangements and emotive vocals. Under Starling have nurtured their sound and allowed it to blossom into something beautiful.

Stream ‘Mongrel’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Plastic Cowboys ‘Mundane Ecstasy’

Plastic Cowboys are back with their new single ‘Mundane Ecstasy’. The band used the lockdowns to release their debut EP ‘Splinter’ and their singles ‘Clichéd Ciggy Smoker’ and ‘Time is Feeling Inadequate’.The Dublin-based 4-piece get ready to build on the successes of previous releases. They have garnered over 100k streams on Spotify, placed on several editorial playlists, and are set to release their new EP in early September 2022.

‘Mundane Ecstasy’ is an indie-rock tune that boasts the tight and impressive sound of Plastic Cowboys. The track is a joy to listen to and wonderfully expressive with dark sullen verses that brood before the brighter chorus. This aspect of the song is enhanced by an immersive soundscape filled with moody guitar, sultry bass grooves and elements of indie punk. With an exquisite blend of heavy gritty moments and dreamy elements throughout, Plastic Cowboys present their mature and blossoming sound in all its glory. 

Stream ‘Mundane Ecstasy’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Conor Hamilton-Long ‘In My Feelings’

Dublin-based and Australian-born Singer/Songwriter, Conor Hamilton-Long, is back from a long phase of writing and recording for his EP with his new single ‘In My Feelings’. Conor has spent the last year collaborating with producer and close friend Paul Jarvis .

‘In My Feelings’ is an R&B-infused tune that showcases Conor Hamilton-Long’s refined musicianship and honest songwriting. With velvety vocals and mellow guitar oozing warm tones atop a soft bed of punctuated beats, the song exudes a chilled and effortless charm throughout. Within the track, Hamilton-Long discusses the warmth a love interest or significant other can provide when feeling emotionally vulnerable. Through the lyrics he highlights how having someone around when your mental health is low can uplift that struggle and make you feel more present in the moment, forgetting about your worries and looking less inside yourself. ‘In My Feelings’ is an utterly irresistible earworm from Conor Hamilton-Long.

About the track Hamilton-Long said: “I hope people find some solace in the song, similar to how I felt when writing it. Whilst you can feel detached and separated when going through a mental struggle, you’re never alone.”

Stream ‘In My Feelings’ below 


Author: Danu

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

Big Sleep ‘Feel Something Someday’ EP

Irish-Italian outfit Big Sleep have released their debut EP, ‘Feel Something Someday’. The 5 track collection of songs was recorded in the live room of Hell Fire Studios, in the Dublin Mountains over two days in December 2021. James Smith (formerly of Gypsies on the Autobahn, currently J Smith) sound engineered, produced and mixed the tracks. Matteo Poli (drums, percussion), Rónán Connolly (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Aidan Gray (bass guitar), Jacopo Stofler (lead guitar) and Jessie Russell (trumpet, Cooks But We’re Chefs) recorded on EP. Big Sleep is a collaboration between Dubliner Rónán Connolly and Florence-born Matteo Poli. 

‘Feel Something Someday’ is a glorious EP laced with sunkissed instrumentation and dreamy melodies. Throughout the EP luscious guitar lines sparkle alongside supple beats and ethereal soundscapes to create a laid-back listening experience. Each song fluidly flows into the next with ease as tropical carefree melodies blend with intricate rhythms through tracks like ‘Bláthnaid’ while supple horns in ‘In My Head’ and quirky synths in the wonderful ‘Such a Shame’ flesh out the band’s hazy sonic wall of sound.

The EP is an admirable piece of work and gives the listener a fascinating glimpse into Big Sleep as artists. An interesting element within the band’s sound is the interplay between soft dream pop and refreshing indie. This wonderful blend of elements is soothing on the ears and is a joy to experience again and again. ‘Feel Something Someday’ is a musical delight from Big Sleep. The band keep knocking it out of the park with each release and their debut EP is an excellent display of the band’s catchy emotive sound.

Stream ‘Feel Something Someday’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Pa Sheehy ‘Surrender’ feat. Sinead White

Pa Sheehy has released his new single ‘Surrender’ feat. Sinead White. Pa Sheehy paved the way for his debut solo EP ‘The Art of Disappearing’ with the radio hit ‘Róisín’, which received widespread acclaim, and on release, the EP shot to Independent Number 1 in the Irish album charts. To celebrate the release he also took to the road for a sold-out nationwide Irish Tour. Sheehy’s upcoming live dates include Indiependence Festival, Cork on the 29 July as well as a host of European Tour dates.

Featuring cinematic soundscapes and sweet harmonies from Sinead White, ‘Surrender’ is a compelling new tune from Pa Sheehy. Sheehy has a knack for narrating relatable stories through vivid songwriting and emotive musicianship and ‘Surrender’ is a sublime example of this. His warm vocals croon evocative lyrics that ignite the senses and engage the listener’s imagination “now I wait for you with the coffee getting cold” while warm guitars twinkle behind the bittersweet melody before string elements and a gentle piano elevate the track to its hair-raising chorus. ‘Surrender’ is an absolute musical delight from Pa Sheehy. The track is a joy to listen to and beckons repeat plays.

Speaking about the single Pa Sheehy said: ‘This song swivels through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Contrasting imagery that creates a longing for what was and a sadness for what is. It was written in the middle of nowhere with a few friends this time last year. Some songs are hard to write and some songs just fall on your lap. This song was written so easily. I hope people can connect with it the same way I do.’

You can catch Pa Sheehy Live at Indiependence Festival, Cork on the 29 July as well as a host of European Tour dates.

EU Tour Dates

  • 10.10 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • 11.10 – Maschinenhaus, Berlin, Germany
  • 12.10 – Artheater, Cologne, Germany 
  • 18.10 – Academy, Dublin, Ireland 
  • 19.10 – Dolans, Limerick, Ireland 
  • 20.10 – Limelight 2, Belfast, Ireland 
  • 22.10 – Omeara, London, UK 

Stream ‘Surrender’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Woodward ‘Every Night’

Jack Woodward has released ‘Every Night’, his first song in over three years. This heartfelt cinematic musical delight showcases the warm and passionate songwriting of Woodward. Doused in soothing guitar melodies, elegant piano and pulsing drums Woodward returns with a song that captures a rushing sense of adrenaline throughout and beckons repeat plays. Filled with a sweet melody, smooth vocals and ethereal tones, ‘Every Night’ is a well-crafted tune from Jack Woodward.

Stream ‘Every Night’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Jim McHugh ‘On My Life’

Jim McHugh is set to release his new single ‘On My Life’ on July 1st. The track is the first single from Jim’s upcoming fourth album ‘I Whisper to the Dawn’. ‘On My Life’ was recorded, produced and mixed by Alex Borwick (Niamh Reagan, James Vincent McMorrow) at Transmission Rooms Studios, Drumlish, Longford and The Stables Studio, Castleblayney, Monaghan. It was mastered by Fergal Davis (Sinéad O’Connor/Muse).

Jim McHugh delivers a tender and emotive display with ‘On My Life’. He gracefully blends soulful tones with indie rock to create a compelling soundscape filled with gentle guitar melodies and a beautifully cinematic crescendo. McHugh is an enchanting artist, each note and musical element within his music adds character and richness to each arrangement creating spectacularly emotive songs for listeners to enjoy again and again. ‘On My Life’ is a fine example of this and a mesmerising display of musicianship from Jim McHugh.

‘On My Life’ is set for release on 1st July. For more follow Jim McHugh on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/jimmchughmusic/


Author: Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

modernlove. ‘Familiar’

Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. Have released their new single, ‘Familiar’, taken from the band’s eagerly-awaited upcoming EP ‘Oh My Mind’, which arrives on July 29th 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 now upgraded to YES! (Basement).

‘Familiar’ boasts an intoxicating 80’s-esque soundscape filled with shimmering indie elements, light synths and lush textures. The song broods through thick electronic pulses while delicate guitar embellishments exude ethereal tones. modernlove.’s ability to create emotive melodies is awe-inspiring. ‘Familiar’ is an exquisite example of this. The track beautifully evolves into a musical delight that – with the help of an irresistible groove-laced bass, ventures into funk territory before its euphoric crescendo. Showcasing earnest lyrics, deft musical prowess and a soft falsetto display ‘Familiar’ is an enjoyable indie-pop tune that beckons repeat plays.

Speaking about the new single, the band said, “Familiar is a song about seeing an ex for the first time after breaking up. It’s about seeing them from across a bar with somebody else, having moved on with their life and the feelings that moment can evoke. It also explores the idea that we long for something familiar and comforting when we’re not in a very good place in our lives and that an ex can provide a temporary, albeit unhealthy, escape from that loneliness and anxiety. We wanted to reflect that emotional depth in the sonics as well, this is the closest we’ve come to RnB chords on the keys for example. But also not lose that modernlove. bounce, it’s a pop song at heart.”

 modernlove. 2022 UK & Ireland Tour Dates:

November

UK

  • 2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
  • 3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE*** 
  • 4 – Glasgow – The Garage (Attic Bar) 
  • 8 – London – Camden Assembly ***NEW DATE***
  • 9 – Bristol – The Louisiana 
  • 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 ‘Familiar’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

N.O.A.H ‘The Wrong Side Of Town’

Irish indie rock band N.O.A.H have released their new single, ‘The Wrong Side Of Town’. N.O.A.H comprises three lifelong friends Ryan Hill, Adam Rooney, and Ronan Hynes. The band formed in January 2020. After spending months writing, recording and developing as a band, N.O.A.H finally released their debut single ‘Shine’ in September 2020. The track picked up a lot of press, N.O.A.H even recorded an exclusive acoustic rendition of ‘Shine’ for radio presenter Laura Whitmore on BBC5 Live in the UK. Further interest was shown from stations such as RTE2 FM, Spin 1038 and Corks Red Fm achieving play-listings and earning various spots as ‘Track of The Week’. With word spreading fast and the ever-growing press, N.O.A.H signed with Natasha Bents’s newly founded Mother Artists Live Agency (Foster The People, Idles, CMAT). The band even made their first TV appearance on RTÉ Six One News to talk about their good news story and journey to date.

‘The Wrong Side of Town’ is a passionate indie rock track. N.O.A.H take a dazzling array of sonic textures and perfectly blends them with intricate, dynamic instrumentation to create a euphoric sound for listeners to immerse themselves in. There is much beauty to appreciate in N.O.A.H’s musicianship and ‘The Wrong Side of Town’ is a fine example of this; the band capture a sense of urgency through the use of driving basslines and dynamic synths while throughout the track smooth emotive vocals croon moving lyrics atop heart-stopping instrumentation. N.O.A.H’s instrumental prowess is becoming more refined and exciting with each release. These guys are ones to keep an eye on, each track they release is unforgettable and a wonderful hair-raising listening experience.

Stream ‘The Wrong Side of Town’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

KLDD ‘Tastes Like Tragedy’

Dublin band KLDD have released their new single,‘Tastes Like Tragedy’.KLDD wrote the song during the lockdown of 2021, born from a spontaneous jam session and recorded at Bluebird Studios in January 2022, the track was produced and engineered by frequent collaborator Declan Lonergan. KLDD will play their debut headline show on July 10th at The Grand Social Dublin, alongside Cork band The Drive on support duties.

‘Tastes Like Tragedy’ displays KLDD’s mature and tight sound through an impressive blend of spacious musicianship and a taut vocal delivery. The song pivots around this laid-back and at times nonchalant vocal delivery however, it’s the sweet meanderings on guitar that ignite passion and emotion within the song. The guitar boasts expressive soaring melodies between rumbling bass embellishments creating a soft tone and a sense of innocence throughout. ‘Tastes Like Tragedy’ is a joy to listen to. KLDD’s ability to slowly unleash their indie-rock vigour without overpowering the track’s airy vibe is impressive and showcases the talent of this band. Throughout the song the listener is treated to wonderful textures, emotive undertones and deft musicianship – the result is a sound that is both exhilarating and timeless. 

Stream ‘Tastes Like Tragedy’ below 


Author: Danu