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.
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.”
Bird Machine have released their new single ‘Our Kind’.Bird Machine are Luke and Jenna Grbin, a pair of lovers from Geelong, Australia, and Hamilton, New Zealand. Their songs are written, performed, recorded, and produced by the two in a little bedroom in the New Zealand suburbs. With an array of written songs up their sleeves, the duo plan to release their debut EP or album in the summer of 2022/23. Writing both music and lyrics together, Bird Machine songs are characterized by lyrics that are both introspective, but also a product of the world around them.
Bird Machine blend elements of folk, pop and indie to create a euphoric soundscape within ‘Our Kind’. The track has an uplifting and soothing tone throughout that is enhanced by warm guitars, spongy beats, vibrant percussion and lush harmonies. With lyrics that comment on new media and algorithms designed to keep our attention the track is a thought-provoking listening experience. Filled with beautiful harmonies, sweet melodies and intricate guitar embellishments ‘Our Kind’ is a passionate display of musicianship from Bird Machine.
Florence-based songwriter Peter Dulborough has released his new EP ‘The Fixer’.Written as a reflection of the lessons learnt during the journey of life, ‘The Fixer’ is an introspective look inside each of us as we look to mend our broken world. The EP was recorded in live sessions at Blue Moon Recording Studios with Samuele Cangi (Guitars) and Tommaso Giuliani (Drums) and features beautiful guest vocals from Marie Delfino.
Filled with beautifully expressive rhythms, ‘The Fixer’ is a warm piano-driven EP that boasts Peter Dulborough’s unique brew of classic/contemporary musicianship. Each song surges with heartfelt melodies and elements of jazz that glimmer through the piano on tracks like ‘Heading for the Shore’ while sweet ballads ‘Shooting Star’ and ‘As the Sun sets now’ ooze classic undertones throughout between indie bops ‘The Fixer’ and ‘Pressure Cooker’. The EP is a musical delight and a compelling listen.
About the EP Dulborough explains: “‘The Fixer’ is an archetypal character inside us who tries to change themselves and put the happiness of others above their own – at a price. Their obsession keeps them enslaved to pleasing others,”
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.
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.
Featuringcinematic 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.
Emma Hynes has released her new single, ‘The Space Between’.The song is the third and final release in a trilogy of songs written by Emma and recorded at JAM Studios in Kells, Co. Meath. The track was produced by Martin Quinn who also performs on it together with Emma, and Andrew Quin To celebrate the release of all three singles, Emma will host an intimate night in Vintage Room at The Workmans Club on Thursday 28 July at 8.30pm. She will be joined across the evening by three very special guests; Dublin-based psychedelic dream pop artist Keeley; Ray Gilligan, lead singer and songwriter from Dublin power-pop band StereoType; and, Brew, frontman and songwriter from garage rock stalwarts Blue Sun. Tickets are €6 and available on Eventbrite
‘The Space Between’ is an enticing tune that displays the expressive songwriting of Emma Hynes. With warm country tones and indie embellishments wrapped around a smooth melody and gripping storytelling, Hynes creates an intriguing tune that keeps you on the edge of your seat, hanging onto every suspenseful note. Through eloquent lyrics, she narrates a story of frustration and desire “his passion is a battle cry but I can’t win” while the backdrop subtly builds to create an immersive and thrilling listening experience. ‘The Space Between’ highlights Hynes’ profound and thrilling songwriting through poignant musicianship. The track is a fine addition to her catalogue of magnificent tunes.
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.
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.
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: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
