Irish four-piece modernlove. have released their new EP ‘monochrome blue’ on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). To celebrate the EP release, the band will be playing a Dublin headline show on November 6th in the Workman’s Club and their first London show at The Social on November 12th.
‘monochrome blue’ is creative, alluring and an utterly intoxicating EP that solidifies modernlove.’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting indie-pop bands. The four-piece are known for creating eargasmic tunes brimming with sugar-sweet melodies that hook the listener instantly and ‘monochrome blue’ follows this trend perfectly.
From the explosive rush of opener ‘2 Missed Calls’, the band flesh out their lustrous wall of sound with rich percussion, gleaming guitars and irresistible bass grooves that lure and entice from the start. Dealing with some heavy and intriguing lyrical content that details with the complexities of a love triangle the track is an excellent start to the EP.
The production throughout the EP is immaculate. The band venture between indie-pop bangers and synth-pop gems to create a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.‘Liquorice’ sounds fresh on the EP. This shimmering track with its glittering synths, punchy drums and rumble on bass sits comfortably on the EP and is a fantastic lead into the latter half of ‘monochrome blue’. Each song floods with adrenaline and youthful vigour. ‘come over x’ is a fine example of this where lush sonics, vibrant 80’s pop elements, and soaring melodies create that heart-racing effect and keeps the listener hanging on to every note.
An exciting element of the EP is the hypnotic vocal aspect of each track. Barry Lally’s smooth vocals drift across bittersweet melodies effortlessly while conveying oodles of passion. He spits out brisk lyrical flows in ‘Bop’ while crooning with emotion through the cinematic ‘I know it’s tearing you apart’. The latter track is filled with chiming guitars, a tight rhythm section, soaring chorus and epic crescendo and is the pinnacle moment on the EP. Within this track modernlove. excel both musically and lyrically – from evocative turns of phrase to richly textured soundscapes and heart rushing melodies, the tune showcases the band’s boundless musical talent in glorious detail.
‘monochrome blue’ is a sublime collection of tracks that displays the blossoming sound of modernlove. Each track is a gem to treasure and beckons repeat plays. The band’s approach to songwriting, production and sound is a breath of fresh air and leaves much to be admired. Press play and enjoy.
Irish four-piece modernlove. have announced their debut EP ‘monochrome blue’ and share their new single. ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ along with a music video. The EP is due September 1st on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). Each of the 6 radio-ready tracks confronts issues like romance, rejection, 21st-century communication and the daily impact of all three.”lmk (if you wanna see me)” will be the third single on the EP, following on from “Liquorice” and “Bop,” both of which received strong playlist support, landing on NMF UK at Spotify, as well as Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List. Radio has come via 2FM, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line and Radio X.
modernlove. flesh out their sonically lush indie-pop to present a truly mesmerising gem in ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’. Steeped in a pool of synths, the track has a nostalgic and dreamy atmosphere that has a semi-conscious quality to it and creates a slow-motion, out of body effect throughout the verses. The song pivots around this hazy vibe with the mechanical vocal effects inducing a suspenseful tone through the use of soft coo’s. modernlove. have refined and honed their sound to create a tight song laced in interweaved melodies and textures that is simply divine to listen to. The band’s ability to pour emotion into every fibre of a song is masterful. They use a bubbling rhythmic backbone to create an agitated undertone in the soundscape of the track while surges of intense electronics ebb and flow throughout, quickly followed by a brief relief between jittery guitar interludes. The instrumentation is exquisitely designed to mirror the theme of being simultaneously overwhelmed and isolated. This intense instrumentation is greatly enhanced by the eloquent, emotive and well-coined phrases within the track – ”it doesn’t feel like I’m living, it just feels like I’m here” as the band poignantly capture the complexities of the modern lives of twenty-somethings through their earnest and striking lyricism.
‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is an excellent example of fine musicianship. Everything clicks within this song. The production, arrangement, lyrics and vocals all blend together spectacularly. modernlove.’s sound has blossomed wonderfully. The band’s deft musical ability balances insanely catchy indie-pop with emotive and thought-provoking lyrics to create compelling and impressive music. Love it.
About the song, the band say: “‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is about a formative period of your life ending. We wrote it during lockdown which inspired the somber, detached feel of the song.”
To celebrate the EP release, modernlove. will be playing their first London show at The Social on November 12 as well as a Dublin show in The Workman’s Club Cellar on November 5th.
modernlove. have released their new single ‘Use Me’ along with the announcement of their headline show in The Grand Social on Saturday, 5th December 2020. This show will be a socially distant show. Tickets €14.50 are available from tickets.ie.
Spinning through a progressive electronic spiral of EDM moments infused with melodic pop hooks and indie glimmers, ‘Use Me’ shows modernlove. are a band cultivating their sound into something unique and expressive. The track kicks off with twinkling synths and a longing melody as Barry Lally’s smooth vocals drift upon a gentle soundscape.Soft piano moments create pockets of innocence and melancholic sweetness before the song erupts with dazzling electronics which whirlwind the song’s chorus into a dance banger filled with heavy beats and flashing electronic progressions. The band slide their legendary rapid lyrics over a glossy backdrop for the second verse which adds to the intensity of the song. Boasting silky soundscapes and tight layering, ‘Use Me’ is a joy to listen to and an impressive new release from the talented four piece.
About the track the band said: “It is about someone who knows their feelings for another are unrequited but is so desperate that they are willing to settle for even a semblance of affection or love from them. They are willing to let themselves be used to convincing themselves of a false notion of being close and intimate with this person. Even if it “doesn’t mean anything” to them, they can at least “pretend”.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From modernlove.
Photo Credit : David McGeary
Ireland’s rising Indie Pop act modernlove. have released their new single ‘If You Wanna See Me’. The band have rapidly become one of indie-pop’s brightest and most talked about new bands. 2019 saw the release of singles ‘Bop’ and ‘Liquorice’ and the bands streaming figures are at nearly half a million on Spotify.’Bop’ was also featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’ and earlier this year the band performed a SOLD OUT Dublin headline show in The Sound House in February.All of modernlove’s singles to date have picked up national radio support in the UK and Ireland including ‘Play Irish Artist of The Week’ by Ed Smith on Today FM, Track Of The Week on XS Manchester, radio premieres on 2FM and spins on BBC Ulster, Across The Line and Radio X
‘If You Wanna See Me’ is a cohesive ethereal electronic number that sparkles with light indie and rich rhythmic fluctuations as modernlove. provide a glimpse into their spacious, ambient and mood shaping musicianship. This track holds the vibrance and clarity of its predecessors however, ‘If You Wanna See Me’ exudes cooler tones and lo-fi textures. The track radiates ambition and tactile energy as the labyrinthine synths shimmer through the buoyant cushioning beat. As the track progresses it blossoms becoming more lush and expressive.
I have to hand it to these guys ‘If You Wanna See Me’ has beauty even within its harsher psych infused moments as well as in the shimmering lo – fi pop coating. The track is a fine example of mature, rich songwriting and immaculate production. The expanding soundscapes masterfully unfold with each musical progression teasing and seducing the listener while soft vocals caress a dreamy melody which twinkles with elements of distortion on guitars and bass.
A sublime new single from modernlove. They are a band worth keeping an eye on.
You can catch modernlove. perform their headline show in The Grand Social, Dublin on Oct 31st as part of the rescheduled Eastbound Festival.
We sat down to have a chat with Cian McCluskey, Barry Lally , Daniel Rooney and Graham Fagan from modernlove. before their headline show in The Sound House Dublin. We talked about how they craft their tunes, live shows and the band gave some solid advice for bands starting a career in music
Indie pop quartet modernlove. had their first headline show with Aiken Promotions last Friday with support from TOY GIRL and BRIDGES.The band presented a firecracker of a show filled with synth pop anthems, R&B elements and jazz flavourings.
Dublin based alternative band TOY GIRL kick start the night.Wholly mesmerising this band provides a sound filled with delicate intricacies and rich rhythms that submerge the listener in an endless pool of psychedelic hues and rippling undercurrents.With fragmented guitar pines that venture between crashing moments and funk elements to sweet lush indie tones the band layer their set meticulously, gradually bringing you further into a lulled stage of trance.These guys are fine musicians, the gentle and harsh biting elements are perfectly blended to drift and elegantly slip into each other with a majestic tonality that is utterly compelling. Exuding oodles of passion in each track, Hannah Worrall’s emotive crisp vocals are perhaps the most fascinating constant throughout the set. She lulls and broods with soulful tones as the wispy soundscapes caress and flutter around her immaculate voice. With their extremely tight sound, fine musicianship and calming stage presence TOY GIRL are a must see.
Bridgwater / London band BRIDGES follow. I have a lot of respect for these guys. They provided warm powerful tunes with vigor while battling some frustrating sound issues and rude feedback interruptions coming through the speakers on the night. A set brimming with earnestness and passion the band flood the room with warmth. Ethan Proctor’s vocals glide effortlessly over cosy melodies with a soft rasp and powerful drive as the band flesh out rich bass lines, sweet guitar twinkles and chiming keys between the meaty drum foundation.Members of the crowd dance and request songs as the band play their hearty tunes with charming smiles and a cheerful radiance.With ebullient sing along ready choruses and pretty slick guitar work BRIDGES put on one dynamic and enthusiastic set.
As the crowd rush forward modernlove. take to the stage.This young band is becoming known for their infectious mature indie pop and catchy songs. I wondered how they would hold up in the live setting. As it turns out … pretty damn well. Barry Lally’s vocals never falter through their longest set so far, his vocals manage to become stronger and more potent as the set progresses. The four piece feed off the crowds enthusiasm delivering a vibrant show of bubbling tunes, massive sing along moments and a little banter. ‘Us’ and ‘Bop’ have the audience dancing as the bands illustrious indie pop shimmers and sparkles into the crowd, igniting them almost instantly.The bands sound is at its best live- more edgy and punchy the music surges into the body compelling you to bop along. Cian McCluskey deftly belts those drums like his life depends on it and perhaps he is the puppeteer making us all dance. The wonderful contrast between the fruity sweet guitar jingles and brawny pull on drums creates the perfect fluctuant soundscape to pull anyone up to dance. Their fans are perhaps just as jubilant as the band’s songs pulling strangers from the side of the stage to dance with them as the venue’s floor becomes buoyant and spongy from all the jumping and dancing. The band glance at each other with cheeky smiles confirming the night’s success as Graham Fagan executes glossy guitar riffs and licks with ease while nodding in acknowledgement to members of the crowd shouting his name. Half-way through the set the dancing hasn’t faulted one iota and neither has the singing along. The crowd knew every word, even the rapid tongue twister in ‘Liquorice’ was shouted back to the band with such passion and excitement. Bassist Daniel Rooney lays down that all important fluid elasticity that truly moves the soul with the body. He injects funky elements into their tracks with fruity stings on guitar as the synth elements and honeyed melodies create a candy-floss sweetness that wisps the venue into an ethereal cloud of delight. With each chorus there is an eruption from the audience as their eyes glisten through the glitzy indie pop atmosphere. modernlove. end their set with new single ‘Hard to Tell You’ leaving the crowd shouting for one more tune to which due to curfew the band could not oblige but hey it left us all craving to see another modernlove. show.
For a young band, moderlove. have a compelling stage presence. Their heartfelt, infectious tunes exceed all expectations within the live setting. The Sound House witnessed something special last Friday. These guys have a bright future ahead.
Bio: Danny G & The Major 7ths are a neo-soul group from Dublin, Ireland. ‘Time the Healer’ is the 3rd single from forthcoming album ‘The Lookout’. ”Say When’ and ‘Believing’ were both featured on RTÉ’s recommended playlist and were on rotation on WPPM 106.5 FM PHILADELPHIA – Reprezent 107.3FM London , 87.8 MHz Oz Urban Radio Perth, RTÉ Radio 1, 2FM and Today FM to name a few.The band is an all-star lineup ranging from 5 to 8 musicians including past or present members of Hozier, Loah, Fehdah, Mary Coughlan, Zaska, Ensemble Eriu, Manden Express, Selk, MixTapes from the Underground and LaGracia.
Track: ‘Time the Healer’ feat. Fehdah & Zaska
Why We Like It: It’s an intricately weaved and profound piece of musical beauty that hits all the right spots. With rich soul elements drifting elegantly over chic funk grooves and soft sprinkles of jazz it’s a classy flamboyant delight. The smooth vocals caress the creamy melody with an elegant suaveness while the snazzy guitar infectiously flash steamy vapor throughout this refined piece. The track unravels becoming more musically rich as it progresses. With lush harmonies and soft atmosphere this compelling gem is classy and velvety smooth with zesty wonderful twists within its sleek intricacies. Well crafted and clean ‘Time the Healer’ is the work of musical magicians.
About the track Danny said : “This song was written for a friend. When you go through a really tough time, the pain never really goes away, you never forget it. But time passes. One day you’ll wake up and it won’t hurt any more. You’ll come out the other side, wiser and stronger.”
Bio: We Three Kings are a no-nonsense three piece rock ’n’ roll band from Manchester. The band are an unpretentious live act with a massive, balls-out sound, recent singles ‘Give It To Me, GO!’ & ‘Do It’ have achieved widespread critical acclaim, including radio airplay on BBC Introducing, Planet Rock Radio and Amazing Radio
Track: Gasoline
Why We Like It: It’s a fiery brawny number brimming with the bulky blues infested rock ‘n’ roll We Three Kings do so well. With its catchy chorus, jagged rough riffs and pounding drums the band whack out another robust assault that wrestles your ears into submission. With a shredding solo and infectious groove its one locked and loaded pistol ready for the mania of a live show.
Bio: The Suncharms are a Sheffield based indie/shoegaze band originally active between 1989-1993. After releasing a retrospective CD compilation on Cloudberry Records the band reunited and released a 7″ single on Slumberland Records in 2018
Track: Monster Club
Why We Like It: It’s a woozy dreamy number encased in subtle eerie undertones as the band create a chilling summer tropical jam. With warm guitar jingles, hazy melodies, haunting vintage organs and creepy creaking sounds its a wonderful paradox. The shoegaze tones glide and subtly drift about the track while the laid back atmosphere consumes your ears in marshmallow soft delight as the band lure you into their mysterious haunting soundscape.
Bio: Little Blue Thula are an alt-folk duo from Hull. Forming over a year ago, playing almost 80 shows (of which some include supporting signed artists) and a full length album recorded, the band are fast becoming one of the most productive bands on the circuit.
Track: I Could Never Understand
Why We Like It: This gentle sweet track flows effortlessly on Little Blue Thula’s passionate and meaningful musicianship. Soft emotive vocals drape delicately over the sweet melancholic melody while the lush harmonies and warm guitar accompaniment create a dreamy supple atmosphere. These guys have a refined ability to create deeply compelling tracks that hit you in the chest with emotion and tenderness – ‘I Could Never Understand’ follows this trend beautifully.
Watch the video for ‘I Could Never Understand’ below
Saltwater Sun
Genre: Indie Rock
Bio: Following on from the release of critically acclaimed EP The Great Deceiver earlier this year, Saltwater Sun kick-start the next phase with their new single ‘Mouthbreather’. Admired across the BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music airwaves (Annie Mac, Jack Saunders, Huw Stephens), the childhood friends have spent the majority of summer on the festival circuit (Isle Of Wight, Latitude and Truck) alongside notching impressive support slots with US alt-rockers Jimmy Eat World and fellow indie risers The Amazons and Another Sky.
Track: Mouthbreather
Why We Like It: It’s a dark tense indie track that flurries around blistering grunge as the band create a whirling wall of sound filled with fury and dizzying angst while the pop smeared melody creates a catchy element to their blistering instrumental backdrop. With sharp guitars, strident bass lines and a psychedelic hued soundscape Saltwater Sun craft their infectious indie into a smothering sinister track that is utterly outstanding. The explosive backdrop creates an exhilarating atmosphere as Jen Stearnes’ vocals coo through the ominous, shivering verses and soar with luring power and rasp filled texture for the chorus. It’s another outstanding track from this exciting band.
About the single frontwoman Jen Stearnes explained: “Mouthbreather is a monumental rant about the myriad people who get on Saltwater Sun’s collective last nerve. Loud chewers, bad drivers and mansplainers–the list goes on! Sure, we could be the bigger people and rise above, but where’s the fun in that?”
Bio: Named after Bowie’s ’80s classic, Ireland’s modernlove. have rapidly become one of indie-pop’s brightest and most talked about new bands. Debut single ‘Us’ and follow up ‘Bop’ have quickly amassed over 250K streams on Spotify and featured on editorial playlists such as New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds and The Pop List. ‘Bop’ was also featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’ and picked up national radio support in the UK and Ireland. With a recent support slot for Good Cop Bad Cop (Arctic Monkeys’ Matt Helders new band) under their belt, they’ve been announced to support Larkins in The Academy on November 25th, and a headline show in The Soundhouse in spring
Track: Liquorice
Why We Like It: modernlove. present a lush juicy slice of indie pop saturated in shimmering glossy synths and mouth watering melodies that are sure to leave you craving for more. With rich rhythms shaking, pulsing and shimmying through tutti frutti guitar jingles and intricate bass lines the band create a tasty number sure to charm the hearts and minds of all who hear it. It’s a passionate track with dynamic emotive vocals that venture effortlessly into sweet falsetto heights and warm depths. The band whack out brisk lyrics that will tie your tongue in knots while the adrenaline induced through their 80’s dipped wall of sound will take you back to your youthful heart racing days. With The 1975- esque influence, bittersweet melody and vibrant soundscape these guys are ones to keep an eye on.
About the track the band said : “Liquorice is a song about naive teenage infatuation set against a dizzying backdrop of alcohol and substance fueled nightlife”
