The Assist have released their new single, ‘Irrational Movements’. Prior to the global pandemic the band released their debut EP ‘Lost’ which charted at #10 in the iTunes alternative chart. The Assist toured the EP thoroughly, which saw them play their biggest festival performance to date at Ural Music Night in Russia to over 10,000 people. Over the last few years they have also played Reading & Leeds festival, Isle of Wight, Y-Not, TRNSMT and Kendall Calling.
‘Irrational Movements’ is a funk peppered irresistible anthem that showcases The Assists’ groove rooted musicianship. The band spread a catchy melody over effervescent indie rock and shimmying rhythm while disco drenched synths create the tracks danceable backbone. The lyrics touch on how the band struggle to acclimatize to a modern-day society that prioritizes materialistic possessions over life itself, while the swagger-dipped backdrop ensures the song will stay in your head for days. With sleek guitars prancing through punchy drums and sensual basslines, this infectious bop is a blazing example of The Assists’ dynamic, full-bodied, upbeat sound in all its glory.
I had a chat with Bricknasty, Amelia DeCarteret and Korey Thomas from DeCarteret after their set supporting modernlove. in The Workman’s Dublin last week. We discussed how they craft their sound, their compelling stage presence and how Amelia developed her fantastic voice.
Bio: Having just completed a superb run of festivals and headline shows, including a sold-out show at Glasgow’s 1300 capacity SWG3, Retro Video Club return with their new song, ‘Boys Like Me’.Retro Video Club burst onto the scene in 2017 with a series of high-octane single releases and a sell-out hometown show. Just a few months later, they were selling out 1,000 capacity venues (Edinburgh Assembly Rooms), and sharing stages with The Libertines among others.
Track: Boys Like Me
Why We Like It: It’s an instant shot of adrenaline as Retro Video Club rush a blitz of sharp guitars through a brisk rhythmic foundation to create an arena-worthy tune. The band flesh out their driving sound with resounding drums and hook-filled melodies while raspy vocals add an edge-like quality to the track. It’s a catchy banger laced in earworm melodies, tight production and an exhilarating indie rock wall of sound that evokes images of live crowds bellowing back the lyrics at the top of their lungs.
Bio: Irish Alt-rockers, Paper Tigers have released the first single, ‘Blue Light Trails’ taken from their upcoming debut EP ‘Graceless’. Formed in 2018 by Michael Smyth with Hayley Norton on vocals, Emma Rose on bass and joined by Matt Milner on drums. 2019 saw Paper Tigers come out swinging, gigging incessantly and releasing debut single ‘Gucci Smiles’ which earned them a nomination for Best Single at the NI Music Prize. To date the band have had plays on iHeartRadio, John Bakers Totally Irish show on 98fm, Dan Hegarty on RTE2fm, BBC Radio Ulster Across the Line as well as a number of other local and international radio stations.
Track: Blue Light Trails
Why We Like It: This dynamic anthem erupts with Paper Tigers’ vigorous and illustrious sound as they take a catchy sing-along chorus and back it with raw and powerful alternative rock. With clashing guitars, acute bass and pummeling drums, the band create the perfect mosh pit frenzy while the cooler more chilled verses balance the energy with an undertone of melancholy. Love it.
Bio: Having recently signed her song ‘Savage’ to Sony US & Babygrande records, Tana is an artist and songwriter with charge and unique flair for lyrics and melody. Her tracks have been championed by Sean Kingston on Instagram, played on BBC introducing, and featured in numerous publications – as well as writing for artists such as ‘Jike Junyi’.
Track: Fake Friends
Why We Like It: It’s a punchy attitude-soaked gem. Tana spreads honest lyrics over an effervescent electronic backdrop and beat progression to create a groovy and compelling tune for listeners to immerse themselves in. As the swirling synths brew beneath Tana’s smooth vocals the catchy melody ensures the tune stays in your head all day. It’s well crafted, with lush soundscapes melting into a zesty epic guitar embellishment for the hair-raising crescendo.
Bio: In 2019, after backpacking through Asia for six months, Noah Elliott teamed up with Dylan Bauld to create his EP ‘End of Summer’. In August of 2020, he began releasing singles off the EP, garnering over 250k Spotify listens and praise from Live Nation’s Ones To Watch. ‘Undone’ is the last single off the record.
Track: Undone
Why We Like It: It’s a moving R&B pop ballad that ripples with soft electronics and pulsing beats while a delicate piano glides throughout. Finely layered and boasting Elliott’s infectious musicianship the track is ready for repeat plays and an absolute joy to listen to. ‘Undone’ is a beautiful piece of music.
Bio: Darkroom Data follow up their Hype Machine top ten favourite ‘Hydrogen’ with their new single ‘Fall With You’. Darkroom Data are an indie electro-pop duo, comprising Irish vocalist Gillian NoVa and Brazilian composer Márcio Paz.
Track: Fall With You
Why We Like It: It’s an enticing song that floats on vaporous soundscapes and silken R&B flirtations. With a sensual bassline weaving between soft synths and elastic beats, the track has a lucid and ethereal texture that is reined in by the tightly knit groovy rhythm. Gillian NoVa’s lulling vocals drift over the dreamy melody with ease delivering a lush and luring listening experience. Darkroom Data display their masterful musicianship as they craft a song that is simply glorious to listen to again and again.
From his forthcoming sophomore album, ‘Patterns’, Martin Callingham has released his new single, ‘Bedding In’. Martin Callingham is a writer and musician from Bristol, UK. He has been melting audiences into a puddle with his intimate delivery and beautifully crafted songs since 2016’s ‘Tonight We All Swim Free’. The album found acclaim from the press and radio including BBC 6 Music, Clash Magazine, Louder Than War and Folk Radio.
‘Bedding In’ is a haunting single wrapped in twinkling guitar and mystical melodies. Callingham croons over the sweet, weaved guitar melodies, creating enchanting soundscapes filled with mystery and glittering textures. This delicate, alluring tune is arranged with minimal instrumentation yet unfolds beautifully to reveal a refined and mesmerising tune for listeners to enjoy.
Recorded mostly live at J&J Studios in Bristol by Jim Barr (Portishead, Get the Blessing), ‘Bedding In’ is accompanied by a striking claymation video. About its creation, Callingham says, “The video for ‘Bedding In’ was made by Sam Wisternoff who has worked with the likes of This is The Kit, Rachael Dadd and Get the Blessing. When we got together to discuss the video, I had been drinking all afternoon and inadvertently agreed to Sam having a free rein on the project. The end result – Sam’s first attempt at claymation – is pretty weird, but I rather like it.”
I sat down to have a chat with Daniel Rooney, Barry Lally, Graham Fagan and Cian McCluskey from modernlove. before their headline show in The Workman’s Dublin. We talked about their new EP ‘monochrome blue’, their upcoming single and much more.
Harry J Hart releases his brand new EP, ‘Holding On For My Life’.Documenting the demise of a relationship, the EP takes the listener through the motions of realising it’s just better to move on. Hart has already acquired accolades and merits that musicians could only dream of. From being a Gold Coast Music Awards ‘Musician of the Year’ finalist, to training in LA under Tom Morello, Nuno Bettencourt, and Bibi McGill, becoming a state finalist for the Listen Up Songwriting Prize. He reached #1 on the Triple J Unearthed charts, was a Queensland Music Awards finalist and became a Fenech Guitars endorsed artist.
Balancing gritty riffs, heavy drums and pop-punk soundscapes with heart on your sleeve lyrics and passionate melodies, ‘Holding On For My Life’ is an emotionally-charged collection of tracks that boasts the tight indie rock sound of Harry J Hart. From the jagged blitz of ‘No Goodbye’ with its coarse guitar refrains to the piano speckled ‘Make It Easy’, Hart creates a full-bodied and exhilarating EP for listeners to enjoy. Moody melodies weave grunge tones through the dark ‘Come Back Down’, as Hart discusses his journey through heartbreak. Filled with light haunting guitar embellishments, building rhythms and jabs on guitar the song ventures into 90’s rock territory while at the same time maintaining Hart’s brand of exhilarating musicianship. Epic solos and catchy yet gripping instrumentation abound throughout the EP, each track is fresh and leaves the listener craving to hear more. ‘Holding On For My Life’ is a well crafted and satisfying listening experience.
Right underneath The Workman’s Club a charming haven for live music has been created; Workman’s Cellar. With its lounge bar-esque decor, fireplace collection and rustic underground vibe it was here last night an eager buzzing audience witnessed the magic of Drogheda’s indie-pop gems modernlove. supported by the Dublin based groove sensations DeCarteret.
The mesmerising musicians DeCarteretstrolled on stage to rapturous cheers. They took the challenging job of warming up the crowd in their stride. From Bricknasty’s warm vocals and quirky banter to the jazz-toned piano and swagger of Tadhg Griffin between the tight drum and bass interplay of Korey Thomas and Dara Abdurahman their set was a thrill ride from start to finish ( it also included a welcome surprise appearance from the audacious Khakikid ). Aided by the charismatic backing vocals of Becca Daly and Killian Corless, Amelia DeCarteret unleashed the full power of her sensational voice. Her soft croons and rich tone resounded throughout as the band filled the venue with their delightful brand of neo-soul with hints of R&B and pop. It was a whirlwind set that left the audience enamoured by the bands tight and absorbing sound. Looking forward to hearing more from these talented artists.
Enter modernlove. – With the glorious guitar jingle of their infectious track ‘Us’, the band unleashed frenetic energy that had fans dancing in unison. Their irresistible brand of indie-pop filled the venue with fan favourites ‘Bop’ and ‘Liquorice’ evoking deafening deliveries of the chorus from the audience. The quartet have mastered their live presence and stand confident and energetic on stage, each of them engaged in banter with the crowd. Last nights set displayed the versatile sound of the band. They veered into new yet to be released songs (‘Oh My Mind, in particular, is a lush little gem) that provided glimpses into a more funky, electronic sound to come in between the indie-pop sheen of their recently released EP, ‘monochrome blue’.
Immersed in his drumming, Cian McCluskey smiled at the crowd between the rapid ebullient beats he created. It’s his rich drumming that coaxed the crowd’s hips to wiggle and shimmy, while Graham Fagan’s slinky guitar riffs and swift synth adornments embellished the band’s sound in rich luxurious tones. modernlove. paced their set perfectly, subtly moving from energetic tunes (‘2 Missed Calls’) to more chilled songs (‘Famillar’) with ease while tracks such as ‘lmk (if you wanna see me) bridged the gap in between. With sleek guitar poses and deft changes to synths, Danny Rooney provided the all-important suave-filled bass groove that knits the rhythm and earworm melodies together while Barry Lally cooed the catchy lyrics between beckoning sing-alongs. It was a polished passionate performance from the four-piece.
modernlove.’s show in The Workman’s exceeded expectations. The band carried the weight of their treasured songs and fans expectations with poise, dignity and charm. They had the audience eating out of the palm of their hands, enjoying every melody and singing heartily along as if their lives depended on singing the songs as loud and enthusiastically as possible. modernlove. are a band that have limitless talent and ambition. The four-piece display a deep understanding of their craft that many a more seasoned outfit would be envious of. Check out modernlove. live, you won’t be disappointed.
London-based pop singer-songwriter AJ Wander has released his new single, ‘Take It All’, The track is a cinematic and emotional tune doused in refined musicianship, crisp production and evocative songwriting.
I caught up with the singer-songwriter to talk about the new single, his plans for live shows and writing the new single in a caravan in Wales.
“It came to me when I was in Wales with my friend Geth [Gethin Williams]. Wewere staying at his caravan, sort of at the foot of Snowdon, which is a nice little spot to write and I was definitely feeling the need to write in that moment of life. I was just in a toxic situation and it felt quite cathartic and something that I needed to get out. It was quite a positive turn for me in terms of reevaluating self-worth and realizing that I couldn’t let it continue.”
“It was last November. We had a heater. He actually lives in the caravan. I feel like caravan is definitely miss selling it. It’s definitely like a big caravan that doesn’t move. It was a glamping caravan. I mean it definitely did get cold at night, that’s for sure and when the heater was off, you definitely felt the bite of Welsh winter.”
The track was produced by co-writer Gethin Williams alongside Brad Mair (Dean Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Kygo). Wander’s songs are vividly emotional with a personal aspect rooted within the lyrics. This makes his songs heartfelt, passionate and relatable. We discussed how nerve-wracking it can be to express all these personal emotions to the people he co-wrote with.
“ I think it’s nice knowing that’s what these people do. It’s definitely a hurdle to get over that initial awkwardness but I think once you accept it for what it is and that there’s not really any judgment on their part, they’re literally there to help you get your thoughts out and into music, it doesn’t feel awkward”
Lyrically the song tackles pain as Wander explores personal emotions in the midst of a toxic relationship. However, with his signature beautiful piano at the helm, the music is uplifting while cinematic soundscapes urge the track forward. Wander found the music and production came naturally to him and Gethin Williams, as they worked on the track.
“As with the other songs it just happened naturally, I think I was sat writing the lyrics whilst Geth, was producing up the track. It just happened organically, it wasn’t over planned, it wasn’t overthought it’s just the way it happened.”
Wander began his solo career during the pandemic. Lockdowns etc made it difficult to promote music and yet his debut single, ‘Time Out’ has just under 4 million streams. Like other artists of this generation, Wander has the power and influence of streaming platforms which gives artists huge exposure however it doesn’t really make them money. We talked about this paradox and the fact you can reach more people but don’t reap the benefits as much as you would with album sales and touring as well as how streaming has helped him with his music.
“Yeah, definitely and it’s still sort of difficult to come by. It seems that everyone that was supposed to be gigging before and during lockdown is now playing catch up and they’re playing all of their shows so for new artists you know, gigs are hard to come by. But things have been booked in now, which is exciting for next year. So 2022 is pretty busy. Yeah, it’s been tough. I guess the only sort of meter I’ve had to gauge the tracks success and how people are enjoying the tracks and connecting with them is Spotify and streaming. So it’s not multifaceted. It’s very singular and I do miss that connection with people in the room. It’s easy to forget why you do it. So yeah, having that barrier there was definitely a struggle and it’s a barrier I’m looking forward to knocking down soon and getting out and seeing some faces as I sing.”
“ Obviously, I don’t do it for the money. I think it’s a dream to just be able tosurvive on music. It plays into the whole sort of social media thing. It is one thing to release a song and it’s another thing reaching people. It’s something I’m struggling with right now. I think being able to perform in front of people will be a great thing for me because I can actually see people connecting with it rather than just seeing the number go up on a screen. So yeah, very much excited to streaming not being my only way of gauging how people are connecting with my music.”
Wander has been creating great content with his videos and the lyric video for ‘Take It All’ is an impressive example of his creative genius.
“I wish I could take all of the credit. I mean, initially, it came from me. I was saton the tube and as it left the station, I was watching the adverts pass behind the train window. I was like that’s kind of a cool way to present lyrics as if they were adverts on the wall behind the train. Then that turned out to be pretty hard to do, to make it look like adverts on a wall. So then my mate Skip and I walked around London, taking pictures all over the place and just capturing loads of footage trying to think of situations where lyrics could be made to look like they were there. It’s nice to be able to show off a bit of London too like my hometown and people to have that kind of connection with me.”
With the release of ‘Take It All’ I wondered if Wander was giving us a teaser for an EP or an album to come.
“ Yeah, definitely an EP coming next year and then I get to perform it to lots of people which I’m even more excited about. So yes, there’s lots more music coming. So between now and Christmas is getting that EP ready, getting my live show ready, getting in rehearsals, and just prepping for a big 2022 really.”.
So what can we expect from an upcoming AJ Wander show?
“That’s a very good question. Yes, there will be a band. I think it will depend on the show that I’m playing. I’ll have a piano. I know that I’ll have a piano and I will have a band on the bigger shows. Other than that anything is possible. There might be pyrotechnics, I imagine. Maybe I’ll like pop out with some smoke out of the bottom of the stage. In reality, I’ll probably be playing in a pub corner to about ten people, with the pyrotechnics obviously.”
AJ Wander is a compelling musician who showcases his effortless and ambitious talent through moving, rich and heartfelt tunes. His lyrical depth and remarkable songwriting is incomparable and ‘Take It All’ is a sublime example of this. Wander’s passion for music radiates from each release and his live shows are sure to have an audience captivated. Keep an eye out for his live show announcements.
Following his summer trance anthem ‘Save You’, Robert O’Connor returns with a brand new single ‘Been & Gone’.Produced by Gareth Shortland (Steps, Will Young), ‘Been & Gone’ is a break- up anthem that Robert wrote in “ten minutes flat” on his coffee break at work.
‘Been & Gone’ is a sweet electronic pop tune that highlights O’Connors emotional and refined musicianship. O’Connor balances elements of lounge disco with shimmering pop to create a lonely dance tune brimming with passion and chiming synths. Filled with icy keys and pulsing beats, ‘Been & Gone’ is a suspenseful sombre ditty saturated in bright electronics and ethereal sonic embellishments. The tune is pristinely crafted and exudes elegance, while the melody creates a melancholic undertone that emanates from every note.
Tommy Cullen has released his new single, ‘In the Winter’, a downbeat seasonal love song inviting cosy contemplation when it’s needed most. Featuring guest vocals by fellow singer-songwriter Amy Ellen, the single comes at a transitional moment for both artists. For Tommy, it caps off a series of songs recorded in ‘The Gatehouse’, his old home atop an urban river. These songs were released throughout various lockdowns, and encompass such diverse subjects as scary sharks, imaginary breakups, monochromatic rainbows and really nice trains. Likewise, Amy recently released her eagerly-awaited debut EP ‘Only You Will Know’ to enthusiastic reviews and international fanfare.
Drifting upon a delicate guitar and piano, ‘In the Winter‘ is a melodically lush new single from Tommy Cullen and Amy Ellen. This sweet and wholesome tune glides on a swooning melody while soft pines on guitar create an ethereal quality between supple percussive twinkles. It’s a soothing and emotive tune that highlights the compelling vocal tones within these two very talented artists as their voices ebb and flow, highlighting the emotion and tenderness within the lyrics, “Well love changes everything, You got the sweetest something, Smiling down so wonderful, And I don’t want to run”. ‘In the Winter’ is a warm blanket on a chilly evening – press play and enjoy.
With both artists preparing for the next phase in their journeys, it seemed like an appropriate time for something slightly different. As Tommy explains:“We met a couple of years ago at a gig we were both playing. Amy had heard the first single I put out and suggested we sing something together, so I had that in mind for a while. When I started writing what became ‘In the Winter’, I thought ‘this is the one’. The prospect of working with Amy made it easy to prioritise getting it finished, and it was such a joy to hear her contribution when the time came. I think we’re both really happy with how it turned out, the vocal blend seems to work nicely.”
Stream ‘In the Winter’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
