Northern Irish band Gin Palace have released their debut self-titled EP. The band have created a three track EP brimming with sun sprinkled indie and sublime melodies. With intricate jangly guitar weaving beautiful zest drizzled melodies throughout each track the EP is a delight and easy on the ears. ‘Sophia Loren’ sets the EP in motion allowing the wonderful guitar lines to flourish through a buoyant rhythm and groove infested bass. ‘Passing By’ follows with evening sun set tones and sombre hues while ‘Mondegreen’ closes the EP with a slow dance croon. Delicate and moonlit the track drifts on a steady beat and passionate melody while the brass element pines and laments through the swoony soundscape.
Gin Palace take us from scorching summers days to chill evenings with this sublime three track EP. Their use of brass floods each track with warmth and rich textures however its those golden intricate guitar melodies that lifts the tracks and makes them so charming and captivating. It’s a sublime debut EP from Gin Palace as they showcase their precise and compelling musicianship.
Cork singer songwriter Eoin is set to release his new album ‘Reverie’ on 19th July. ‘Reverie’ examines the descent into anger and depression coupled with the transition from a lighter, acoustic driven folk sound to a heavier, grunge infused one. This compact album showcases Eoin’s rich, warm and emotive musicianship as he ventures from tender ballad- esque to expressive indie rock tracks effortlessly. Each track is just as compelling as the next from the warm folky stomp of opening song ‘Anthony’s Got Mono’ to the guitar swaggering ‘Mask Your Lines’ and the dark rugged ‘The Eleventh Hour’.Eoin caresses each number with his velvety, lightly rasped vocals as the melodies drift easily into the ears with a honeyed texture however, he’s not afraid to let go as we hear through his vocal wails in ‘The Eleventh Hour’. The delicate and more tender tracks such as ‘Infinite’, the numbing twinkling ‘Instrumental’ and grunge hued dark ‘Reverie’ croon and elegantly drift you into a lulled stupor as the soft guitar and steady beat create a calming effect. Eoin builds these tracks superbly, some becoming more intense as the instruments progress. His vocals haunt and wail in ‘Infinite’ and add a steamy tantalizing dash of spice through the falsetto in ‘A Blues Song’. This hair raising progression is why Eoin is an artist to keep an eye on. He surges his tracks with emotion and passion while reinforcing his moving themes and lyrical content with mesmerising and thrilling instrumentation to make you feel each pulse, guitar strike and drum beat. ‘Snow Angels’ is a charming ditty. Simple in its approach the acoustic gem has a cheery twist as Eoin coos and whispers the quirky lyrics through a chirpy guitar feature. The smoky ‘Chalk & Cheese’ provides the steamy bluesy side to the album as the verses tease and entice with soul infused vocals and light flirtations on guitar before blasting into the brawny chorus. There is sublime guitar moments in this track as it builds to its massive crescendo. We see the frenzied rock n’ roll facet of the album through ‘A.C.I.D.’ and boy it is a thrilling whoosh that takes you by surprise. Crashing and dizzying soundscapes whirl around while a gritty guitar riff and dynamic bass relentlessly pummels through the pounding drums. An absolutely magnificent and swagger steeped number that I’m sure is going to be insane live. The grunge filled angsty track ‘Blurb’ follows the frenzy with moody tones, light lamenting guitar and steady beat. This is another superb track. The perfect build from eerie numb and glum verses to crashing guitars, dynamic drum blasts and all out explosive nature of the chorus is erratic and perfectly crafted. Another track that is sure to be outstanding live and will strike a chord with listeners.
‘Reverie’ takes Eoin from a simple singer songwriter to a passionate diverse artist with a bright future ahead. Sure he can produce light, little, sweet ditty’s that make your feet tap and warm the cockles of your heart but the album takes you down into the depths of his musicianship with eerie haunting twists, flickers of anger, turmoil and depression through dynamic chilling and sometimes erratic instrumentation. He’s not afraid to lay everything out and showcase his versatility as an artist and boy has he made one mesmerising and outstanding album.
You can catch Eoin live at :
‘Reverie’ album launch night on 19th July in DeBarra’s Folk Club
The Vanns have released their new single ‘Mother’ taken from their long-awaited debut album.Developing a strong live show and presence off the back of high-profile support slots with artists including Catfish and The Bottlemen and Ocean Alley, as well as selling out their recent run of shows of their own on the east coast, The Vanns have been at work on their craft since their inception in 2013.
‘Mother’ is a laid back groove rooted indie rock track as The Vanns stroll through this exhilarating number with a suaveness and prowess that is admirable. Jangly guitars saunter through the verses, relaxed and sun kissed before blistering and scorching into the epic chorus. With an elastic hip moving bass and punchy drum backdrop the band build and layer this track superbly to create the most thrilling and exciting track. With raspy vocals cooing through the verses and expressive chorus it’s an instantly likeable rock n’ roll tune that packs a serious punch. Refined, swagger dipped and laced in oodles of passion and fantastic instrumentation ‘Mother’ gives us another reason to keep an eye on The Vanns. There are big things ahead for this band.
Arthur Valentine has released his new single ‘2018’. Arthur Valentine is the eclectic pop project of Cork based singer/songwriter, producer and co-founder of the Hausu collective, Luke Aston. Employing help from his Hausu collaborators ‘2018’ was recorded over an 18 month period in both homemade, DIY and professional studios.
‘2018’ is a lush melodic number that exudes Arthur Valentine’s perky passionate sound.With warm guitar strides and jingles the track fluidly flows into the ears as the velvety vocals pour soft soul hues on the melty peppy melody. Triumphant brass elements add a glorious vibrant, rich quality to the track. The quirky lyrics and easy listening musicianship with tight and crisp production make this track instantly likeable and cosy. The song travels at a steady pace as Arthur Valentine injects a rich variety of instruments with jazzy elements and electronic textures up to the jubilant crescendo. The song slowly pans out stripping away all the rich instrumentation and vibrant bustle to soft crooned vocals with only delicate strums on guitar to accompany it, creating lonely solitary end to the track. ‘2018’ is a magnificent display from Arthur Valentine
Bio: Perth four-piece The Limbs formed in 2013, The Limbs became a popular fixture on the WA live scene, quickly locking in shows alongside the likes of Tired Lion and Pat Chow, as the release of their debut EP Beginner put the band further on the radars of many.The band’s sophomore release, Dive In, made an impact all its own, setting the foundation for The Limbs’ sound in 2019. The charging sounds of single ‘Caught Me At A Bad Time’ signaled a new chapter for the band, bolstered by the introduction of new band member Clayton Brown (guitar) and successful shows supporting Jebediah and Abbe May
Track: Here
Why We Like It: It’s a blistering grunge dipped track laced in the sweet ethereal sting on guitars as they wail, stride and flood the track with aerial tones and a piercing raw texture. The punchy rhythm maintains a meaty and buoyant foundation for the guitars to ricochet off. Melty melodies speed gracefully into the ears as the smooth reverb vocals caress it with tenderness. It’s a sublime adrenaline inducing track filled with exhilarating musicianship and fantastic production. With its hazy dreamy tones and intricate polished guitar melodies The Limbs have created a wholly satisfying track to get excited about.
Bio: Still are a Los Angeles-based act comprised of Daniel McDonough, Adrian Johnson and Julian Johnson. The band have released their first single ‘Divinity’ off their upcoming debut EP.
Track: ‘Divinity’
Why We Like It: It’s a hazy cloud of shoegaze delight wrapped in twinkling indie elements and wonderful melodies. The ethereal guitar sweetly drifts about the track in a daydream of bliss while the soft innocent vocals coo over the candyfloss wistful melody. The track has a mopey and melancholic hue lying in the undercurrents of this floaty number. With a punchy drum beat keeping all the wispy components in place Still have created a mesmerising track that seeps into your very core. A sublime debut.
Bio: Hailing from Ballymahon in Co. Longford, Irish singer-songwriter KTG – aka Katie Gallagher has steadily become a rising star to acknowledge over the last 3 years.
Track: Don’t Tell My Mother
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate warm track with an exquisite guitar melody deeply weaving and wiggling underneath KTG’s mature and moving vocals. With lush baking vocals, rich rhythm and beautiful melodies this track is a tender and moving ditty filled with sublime musicianship, poignant song writing and infectious melodies. There is oodles of passion seeping from every note and folky hue while KTG presents her sound with grace, elegance and an edgy quality that is admirable.
Bio: After playing in numerous bands, Dublin artist Watchy has decided to go solo. He has released his debut solo EP ‘Double Retired’. On drums is Dara Walsh. Mick Richards at Trackmix Recording Studio recorded, mixed and mastered while artwork was done by Caitlín Gallagher.
Track: ‘Double Retired’
Why We Like It: It’s a feisty number bursting from the seams with fierce alternative rock. A gritty frenzied bass line pummels through the track bouncing energetically off the thunderous drums. This track throttles through at full neck snapping speed. Its catchy, blood thirsty and filled with shredding instrumentation – that instrumental break alone is of epic proportion as the shrilling guitar lacerates through the robust wall of sound with slick precision. With epic triumphant moments glimmering throughout and rough shouty vocals this mammoth blaster is one thrilling slap in the face of raw shredding alternative rock that is sure to send a live audience into a chaotic frenzy.
Bio: Vulpynes are a two piece band that create a fusion of heavy and melodic hooks, snarling vocals and a visceral rhythm section. ‘Bitches are like Waves’ is the first single from Vulpynes forthcoming EP ‘Dye Me Red’, which is out on limited multi coloured 10” vinyl from FOAD Records/Advance Records on the 28th of September
Track: ‘Bitches are like Waves’
Why We Like It: It’s a gritty razor sharp gash of frenzied alternative rock with slick riffs pounding drums and feisty attitude. This track batters and bruises with its feisty persona and blasting instrumentation. The melody seeps with a sultry moodiness into your ears with ease while the abrasive guitar and pulverising drums storm in to ruffle some feathers and kick your ass. It’s another exhilarating number from the duo.
Thurles band Jester have released their new single ‘Summertime’. Jester are Colly Dempsey, Mark O’ Dwyer, Tomas Maher, Niall O’ Shaughnessy and David Fitzpatrick. In 2018 they signed a publishing deal with UK based independent record label Velvet Moron Records, the brainchild of Dave White (Biffy Clyro, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kasabian, etc.). Their debut album ‘’Shadows Need A Light’’ was released in March 2019 on the label. The release coincided with an Irish tour culminating in a sold out show in their home town of Thurles at the Source Arts Centre in mid-March.The band formed over ten years ago in county Tipperary, Ireland and have had a lot of success over the years playing festivals and club gigs the length and breadth of the country and beyond, sharing the stage with some of the biggest acts in the country and beyond including The Fun Lovin Criminals, The Blizzards and Paul Weller amongst others.
‘Summertime’ drifts in on balmy guitar twangs and a sway- like tempo as Jester venture into their sweet sentimental side. Wrapped in romantic tones this delicate number floats on acoustic guitar and radiant hazy electric guitar pines. The track builds and unfolds beautifully into a classic rock crescendo as the guitars develop becoming more sharp and expressive while the drum kicks in. There is a sublime instrumental break which will have live audiences punching the air in dramatic passion as they lilt that shredding lamenting guitar solo with oodles of gusto. It’s a compelling track filled with cosy Bon Jovi – esque tones as the band take their catchy rock sound and strip it back into a snug charming number.
The band are currently back rehearsing their set list for a string of dates around the country over the coming months in support of their upcoming single ‘’Summertime’’.
You can catch Jester Live at:
De Barra’a Clonakilty . Cork July 27th
Feile Beag, Thurles Aug 4th
Tipp Classical , Semple Stadium, Thurles September 21st
Cork Indie Pop/Folk artist Bland Orlando has released his new EP ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’. This three track collection floats and swoons in Bland Orlando’s delicate and emotive musicianship. From the brooding fluid groove of opening track ‘Blue’ the EP sets up a tranquil scene with relaxing vibes and sweet lush melodies. With soft warm guitar accompaniment and a steady beat slap this track allows Bland Orlando’s vocals to become the main focus point as he coos with raspy tones over the delicate tender melody. ’Hold’ has a lighter more buoyant quality as the twinkling soundscapes flutter about the rich rhythm and infectious melody. It’s charming and a joy to listen to. There are intricate subtle melodies through out that create a mesmerising and peaceful tone to the track making it perfect for evening listening. This EP in brimming with passion and luscious melodies. Bland Orlando’s simplistic approach gives a special and magical effect to his tracks. ‘Wasted’ closes the EP. Haunting backing vocals lull and whine behind Orlando’s deep vocals. Passion and emotion radiates through out the track – building becoming more jittery until it transforms into a tropical- esque delight. The guitars add a dash of zest and sun-speckled scintillation as the rhythm becomes more shaky and vibrant. It’s a chilled cruising track to bring the EP to a mellowed out hazy summer end.
Bland Orlando has created an emotive EP that is set to ease the mind and relax the soul with his superb musicianship.
Dublin three piece alternative band LateNight Pharmacy, have released their new music video for their track ‘Texlahoma’ which is taken from the bands latest EP, ‘Flamingo’.The track has already proven very popular, with airplay from 98FM’s John Barker on Totally Irish and Indie Disco on Phoenix FM, as well as being selected for playlists by Caltify MX and Luna Collective on Spotify and the video features internet sensation Big Man Tyrone.
‘Texlahoma‘ is a jangly indie number laced in sublime guitar work with a catchy melody as Late Night Pharmacy pepper their punk -esque sound with light speckles of pop. With glorious sun sprinkled verses buoyantly leading the way to the gritty chorus the trio build the track perfectly, creating a wholly invigorating sound. A zest-filled guitar injects a biting rawness into the track while the punchy drums and quirky vocals add rich texture and vibrancy. Its a laid back smooth number that packs some serious punch as the track builds to its sublime crescendo.
Dublin four piece Bedrooms formed in 2019 and have spent the early months of the year locked away in a rehearsal studio creating their sound. They have now released their debut single ‘Chico’s Bodega’. .
‘Chico’s Bodega’ introduces Bedrooms with ethereal nostalgia dripped in bliss as chiming edged guitars flood the track in a bitter sweet melody that flutters the heart and douses it with teary euphoria. The melty 90’s steeped melody adds a wistful tone to this gem while the buoyant beat and driving bass surges the track with adrenaline. It’s an invigorating slice of indie pop that charms its way on repeat every time. With fuzz peppered guitars and that instant rush of heartfelt emotion while laid back vocals coo over the compelling backdrop, Bedrooms have the recipe that takes you through a lifetime of nostalgia with one sublime debut tune. Keep an eye on these guys.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Something Leather
Brighton alternative rock band Something Leather have released their new single ‘Velvet’ on We Can Do It Records.In such a short space of time Something Leather have secured support slots with a multitude of upcoming bands including Black Midi, Phobophobes, Madonnatron, Saint Agnes and JOHN.
‘Velvet’ is a dark luring number with smothering muggy entrapment and eerie atmosphere as Something Leather build and layer the track in a searing sultry psychedelic sound with unique and intriguing instrumentation. The haunting organ elements tease and bounce like a chirpy Halloween theme tune throughout the sinister atmosphere. Sultry vocals coo and almost whisper the soft melody as deep backing vocals and moody guitar whines douse the background in ominous tones. The track, which is a cynical song about love and fantasy, builds becoming more frantic and sinister as crashing cymbals and guitar distortion create tension and a mysterious sense of danger. This is one hair-raising number. It’s perfectly crafted for maximum impact as Something Leather tease, ferment and curdle their instrumentation creating a bewitching almost perilous tune with vaporous aspects and groovy shimmy glimpses throughout. It’s a doozy.
Stream ‘Velvet’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
