THE HOWLERS / PIXEL STUDIO A / Kentish Town / Shot by Rob Blackham / www.blackhamimages.com
After receiving notable support from BBC Radio 1, Radio X & Clash Magazine with debut single ‘La Dolce Vita’ East London Desert Rockers The Howlers are back with their follow up single ‘Matador’. Recently endorsed by Laney Amplification the band are continuing to drive home the hype that surrounded their debut single. The band will be playing a handful of shows around London and the UK to see the year out, as well as live shows the band will be back in the studio to finish their third single which will be released in early 2020.
‘Matador’ is a rousing piece of desert rock as The Howlers lasso your ears with their sweltering musicianship and exhilarating sound. With bracing whines on guitar the band delve deep into a mystery soaked biting atmosphere while the relentless drums and dynamic bass roar and rumble through the blistering wall of sound. The track exudes swagger as the cool vocals gravel between the stinging backdrop. Its western – esque bravado and spiky coating adds fiery intensity while the smooth melody and anthemic eruption for the chorus make this track something your ears will crave to hear again. ‘Matador’ is an intoxicating new single from The Howlers.
We had a chat with Mal Tuohy and John Dalton from The Riptide Movement before their show at The Olympia Theatre Dublin. We talked about their new EP ‘Something Special’, their career so far, playlists and the progression of the music industry in Ireland.
New York City-based bassist Lord Baltimore (Jack Doyle) has released the video to his single ‘Black Triptych’. ‘Black Triptych’ is a swagger-dipped slinky number as Lord Baltimore creates another dramatic and invigorating track through indie elements, rich percussion and eerie atmosphere. With haunting soundscapes swirling around strident pines on guitars while Doyle’s rich and deep vocals ache and exclaim over the catchy melody. His expressive vocals are always commanding however the lighter instrumental versus contrast the intense vocals superbly. The track bubbles and boils, creeping into the infectious chorus. The use of heavy beats and acoustic guitar injections freshens up the track while the fuzzed bass and conflicting soundscapes make this track invigorating and a joy to the ears.
The video is part ghost story, part love song, and part rap video pastiche. If you want to see sex dolls in bike crashes, ghosts hopped up on malt liquor, and a recently deceased cyclist coming to grips with the afterlife, this might just be the video for you.
About the video Doyle said: “‘Black Triptych’ is a study of grief and catharsis.Inspired by white painted “ghost like memorials that commemorate passed cyclists, the creative team found an often overlooked but hauntingly familiar visual metaphor to epitomize the nature of loss. In contrast to the gloomy subject matter, the video seeks to revel in macabre humour, finding levity in the form of vandalism .. traffic violations. .. loitering .. public drunkenness.. Indecency.. And disturbing the peace. All in celebration of the hope that perhaps death is not the end …”
On Tuesday night TiLT began its debut showcase event in The Button Factory Dublin in association with Totally Irish 98FM, Sound Training Productions and The Button Factory. This first edition featured four exciting Irish acts – Bullet Girl, Synk, TOY GIRL and MUNKY.
Alternative five piece TOY GIRL kick started the event. Hannah Worrall’s mesmerising vocals echoed around the venue with powerful sweet tones and rich depths of captivating proportions. She punctures the rooms atmosphere with haunting crisp clarity leaving the crowd stunned in her presence. TOY GIRL’s chilled indie fluidly oozes with an R&B quality as the band, unnerved, command the stage. Their darkly coated tracks create a smoky atmosphere as Worrall’s vocals coo and haunt over the rumbling drums and eerie, piercing guitar. With their tightly layered sound of twinkling keys and rooted bass grooves the band slowly seep their enchanting tunes into the venue- mesmerising the crowd. After a small request from Worrall to move closer the crowd rush to the front of the stage to sway to the bands hypnotic tunes. The hushed atmospherics of their songs flood with rich vitality and deep intricacies that can only be truly adored in the live setting. Utterly majestic and soul fulfilling TOY GIRL were superb.
Post Punk four piece Bullet Girl follow, tearing the venue to shreds with their raucous set and blistering instrumentation. Pulverising drums, crashing guitars and relentless bass hammer and pierce the atmosphere, consuming the audience in the band’s ferocious soundscape and battering punk assault. Aaron Doyle is the ever charismatic frontman as he prances about screaming, wailing and yelping into the mic. The tense sweltering bass and shrilling whines on guitar gash through your skull as Bullet Girl masterfully display their raw savage wall of sound. It’s an acute chaotic set brimming with tracks to set a mosh pit alight and the head banding and bopping from the crowd was a pleasant sight. This band is designed for blood thirsty moshing and utter anarchy. Bullet Girl are a fantastic raw live act. A must see.
Electronic rock band Synk are up next. These guys bring an intense set to The Button Factory but on a different level to the previous act. The audience are swirled up in a psychedelic prism of rock with light indie facets and mellow glimmers to create a wholly submerging experience. These guys could melt your mind, frazzle the remains and solidify it again all in one rich tune. There are lush warm guitar moments wrapped delicately in laid back sweet melodies and dreamy soundscapes as well as crashing harsh rock moments throughout this bands set. The deeply nourishing melodies create a wholesome atmosphere while the lush harmonies and vibrant keys lift the tracks to ethereal heights. The rhythm throughout each song is mesmerising and pounds through your chest as this band weave between genres to create a sound all of their own. Very professional and proficient Synk’s sound is a bottomless pool of magical depth and the passionate powerful vocals are spine chilling. Synk are an outstanding and refined band that take you into a whole new universe with their sound and in a live setting they are enthralling to watch.
The fourth and final band to take to the stage are disco grunge group Munky. A band of vibrant charismatic characters these guys know how to put on a show. They steamroll through their funky infectious tracks with relentless stamina. With Taylor Maslanka and Sinead McConville on backing vocals and Andrea Louise Jones on saxophone the band were set and ready to create their dance-able setting. Stage presence and swagger-dipped persona’s in tow they jump, dance and wiggle around the stage as their tracks fluctuate from crashing grunge rawness to light disco funk with ease. The crowd dance and execute some very snazzy moves to the bands catchy tunes. Munky always put on a fantastic show. Their set is always vibrant and rich while exuding fun and energy. Bassist Niall Donnelly and guitarist Conor Lawlor have guitar poses down to a tee. The sharp guitar lines and intricate melodies are performed with precision while that hip grooving bass and pummeling drums keeps the crowd dancing. It’s not often there is a band as much fun to watch and listen to but these guys have it all. You will never be disappointed at a Munky live set.
TiLT chose four outstanding bands for their first showcase. There was something for everyone and more. Each band performed their set to a polished and professional standard however there was enough edge to keep them refreshing and interesting to watch. They all put on an exhilarating show. Versatile in their on right and greatly entertaining all four acts showcase the immense talent we have in Ireland. The sound on the night provided by the ninja’s at Sound Training Productions was flawless and of course The Button Factory is one sleek venue so it was sure to be one heck of a night and it was. I’m looking forward to who will play TiLT next month.
The Riptide Movement headlined The Olympia Dublin last night. Promising us a set brimming with tracks from their rich and exhilarating repertoire the band created a show that was buzzing with adrenaline and vigor without fail.
Dublin’s Adam Weafer kicks off the night with his rich and warm tunes accompanied on keys by the beautiful and strikingly powerful vocals of Amy Penston. Their vocals blend perfectly – sweetly cooing the glorious catchy melodies with passion and gusto. Weafer has an extremely expressive tone and velvety texture to his voice. His tracks charm and coax the crowd to the front as they sway along while the pair banter and laugh between songs. Weafer is an enthralling performer and he brings a lighthearted and charismatic approach to his riveting tracks. Charming on stage they both settle the crowd in nicely.
Midnight Wayne, the solo project of Wayne Soper the front-man of Dublin rockers The Hot Sprockets follows. His style is perhaps a little different to what you might expect. After time travelling from the 70’s he brings a brown flared trousers suit and some sweet luscious melodies to the stage. His falsetto coo’s through each track with a candied delicacy. With acoustic guitar and loops he creates the perfect, simple yet lush soundscape for his retro rose-tinted tunes. He proves himself quite the proficient musician creating wonderful psychedelic hues and rich sounds with a simple yet effective set up. A must see.
ELLYD (Elaine Doyle) is the next act to grace the stage. With rich depth in her voice she is mesmerising to hear through the wonderful acoustics of The Olympia. With real heartbreaking emotion conveyed beautifully through her voice there is no denying the power behind every track she performs. The mighty and expressive choruses could break or heal your heart while her more tender tones create a warmth within you. With simple acoustic accompaniment its the outstanding vocals and wonderful melodies that hit you in the chest and confirms Doyle’s firm grip on your ears… potentially forever.
The Riptide Movement take the stage while the crowd cheer and scream. As the harmonica whines the band leap into ‘What About The Tip Jars’. The crowd are set alight. There is not a word, guitar riff or bass rumble that this crowd doesn’t know and the band pack in as much as they can of their exciting five album long back catalog. There are members of this crowd that adore and worship this band. They are on their knees in adoration, head banging to the more animated ‘Reno’ while holding each other and swaying for the slower Americana swing of ‘Skin and Bones’ and jumping, clapping and stomping for all the tracks between. Malachy Tuohy gives shout outs to the many familiar faces they have seen throughout their 13 years as a band.
The lighting was a dazzling display with strip lighting and a disco ball. The band flash lights on the crowd to see them singing along to beloved tracks like ‘Keep On Keepin’ On’. Each song the band plays empowers the audience more, causing mass jumping and singing. Tracks from the new EP ‘Something Special’ are greeted with as much enthusiasm as ‘Changeling’ from the 2016 album ‘Ghosts’ and ‘Getting Through’ from the 2013 album of the same name. The band have oodles of tracks ready for mass sing-along’s – the audience is hooked on their infectious sound. One guy from the crowd on the balcony rushes to the front – dancing and wiggling uncontrollably to ‘Getting Through’ as he shouts the lyrics and points to the band before thumping his chest while others in the balcony and the pit are standing flailing their limbs and dancing. Its manic but good humored fun that only a band as beloved in Dublin as The Riptide Movement could bring.
Guitarist John Dalton appears to go into his own world on stage – his hair streaming over his face while he blazes through shredding guitar lines with finesse and a majestic quality that is to be admired while Gerry McGarry prances about springing from the raised drummers platform where Aaron O’Grady stands in for Gar Byrne. The crowd love and cherish every member of the band as if they are their own kin and that creates such a wonderful and vibrant atmosphere for a live show. The band play ‘Fall A Little More In Love’ taken from the vinyl version of the new EP ‘Something Special’ and boy is it a spectacular reason to buy the vinyl! That sweet melody is a dairy milk chocolate box on Valentines Day and a lot more. A real treat, the track jangles on warm acoustic guitar and a radiant Americana-hued indie backdrop with a touch of Roy Orbison flickering through the melody.
This audience will not leave without an encore from The Riptide Movement, they shout for the band singing the lyrics to ‘Elephant In The Room’ until they return to play a few more tracks. Tuohy sits by the keyboard under an immaculate spotlight for the Christmas- y ‘All I Ever Wanted’ and they finish the night with a standing ovation as the crowd sing, jump and dance to ‘All Works Out’ as Gar Byrne triumphantly takes to the drum kit. What a spectacle.
The Riptide Movement have been around for 13 years and their show in The Olympia last night was a blistering first rate experience. They are a fantastic, primed band that are thrillingly raw and vital with their finger on the pulse of musical melody brilliance .
Dublin songwriter Rónán Connolly has released his new single ‘Between the Trees’. Rónán Connolly, has spent the last year making a name for himself in the Irish music scene frequenting open mics, doing pub gigs, opening for acts like Oscar Blue, Post Party and SUNDOWN. In the short time that’s he’s been performing he’s played venues across the city including The Workman’s Club, WigWam main room and basement, The Grand Social, and Whelan’s main room and upstairs. He’s also played locations further afield such as The Washerwoman, Killaloe, Co. Clare and two packed out Electric Picnic performances, one set consisting of his originals translated as Gaeilge at the An Puball Gaeilge Stage and one set at the ArtLot stage.
‘Between the Trees’ is a passionate display of Rónán Connolly’s meaningful and wholesome musicianship. The track swoons and cosies up with delicate guitar twinkles and a lulling emotive melody. Becoming more electronic the track veers from a romantic flutter to a rumbling spine tingling expression. With haunting backing vocals, strong beat and mystical guitar elements the song intensifies beautifully and organically to create a time stopping magical moment within the listeners imagination. Connolly’s warm, pure and comforting vocals ooze emotion and tenderness as he takes a wonderful gentle track and allows it to blossom into a powerful commanding number. Carrying both strength and feathery light delicacy with sombre bitter/sweet tones and sublime layering ‘Between the Trees’ is a remarkable single.
Hook have released their debut single ‘I love the world because you’re in it’. Hook are a 3-piece based in Dublin, Ireland made up of Eoin O’Donnell – vocals, guitars; Morgan O’Brien – drums and Danny Spelman – bass, vocals. The single was produced by the band with Colin Reid and recorded in the world-famous Camden Recording Studios, Dublin and in the band’s own studio.
‘I love the world because you’re in it’ is a bright indie track that floats on the warm musicianship of Hook. With a jangly guitar stride the track has an instant uplifting quality while the steady beat creates a buoyant and foot tapping foundation. There is a county hue about the track that adds a twang of wholesomeness while the warm vocals and sweet melody charm their way into your ears. With a glorious guitar instrumental, subtle psychedelic tones and soothing soundscape Hook create a luscious new wave indie track that is a beautiful, dreamy delightful.
Stream ‘I love the world because you’re in it’ below
Birmingham singer-songwriter Thomas Noel is set to release his new single ‘Only Paris’ on November 1st. After starting out as a solo acoustic act, he recently decided it was time to make his sound bigger by having a full band behind him.
‘Only Paris’ is a buoyant energetic indie number as Thomas Noel spreads his passionate musicianship over a vibrant backdrop to create a charming coherent body of work. The warm jangly guitar adds a zesty spring to the track while the steady beat creates a foot tapping foundation. The song is based on two people facing the challenges and obstacles of young love yet finding comfort in the romance of Paris. Noel’s smooth vocals display this comfort as he coo’s and caresses the pop sprinkled melody with effortless charisma. The track drifts easily into the ears with a 60’s -esque Beatles vibe. With a catchy chorus and groove-infested bass ‘Only Paris’ takes Noel’s sound to new exciting heights .
Indie singer/songwriter Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘Every Minute After Midnight’. Hegan has garnered industry interest and plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 (Introducing), BBC Radio 2 and Radio Ulster.
‘Every Minute After Midnight’ is a glistening uplifting track laced in Mark Hegan’s warm and rich musicianship. Vibrant twinkles of guitar flood the track with bright scintillation. A dynamic beat and sparkling soundscape rush adrenaline and heart racing emotion into the song. With lyrics about coming to terms with the self-destructive parts of your personality and learning to live with them, this track is empathetic while also remaining light and catchy. Hegans’ velvety vocals soothe through the soft melody with tender emotion as the vivid soundscapes swirl and rush around. The track follows Mark Hegan’s sublime passionate debut ‘Skyward’ fleshing out the emotive and lush sound that he is building.
We sat down to have a chat with Jim Higson and Daniel McCarthy from Kawala before their sold out show in The Academy Dublin. We talked about how they craft their tunes, their glorious harmonies, how adding a band has changed their live shows and much more.
Watch the interview below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
