Sin É reopened its doors this October for “In Through The Out Door”, a month-long series of standalone shows with some of the best acts in Ireland. This series was made possible with support from The Live Venue Collective and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media and features artists such as Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra, Hazey Haze, Toshín, Chrome, Vulpynes, Dani Larkin and much more. With such an extensive line up it’s been an exciting month for Sin É but lasts nights show with Columbia Mills supported by Dunx had everyone excited. The buzzing energy from the eager audience was felt even before the doors were open. People hovered around the front door of Sin É in the rain waiting impatiently for the venue to open so that the night’s revelries could begin. There was something in the air last night that had everyone ready to celebrate the glorious live music Sin É had in store.
Dunx and his desert-rock toned guitar kicked the night’s music into motion. His deep croons brooded over blues-hued tunes backed by hefty drums and slick bass manoeuvres; the effect was a wholly immersive sound for listeners to indulge in. It was a chill set that sparked cheers and sways from the crowd who loved every minute of it. Dunx is a must-see. His songs are well crafted and display the effortless charm, confidence and musical prowess of this talented artist.
Filling the venue with rumbling rhythms, dance-infused indie, soaring guitar and the full majesty of their sound Columbia Mills took to the stage. The bittersweet melodies of ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now? came to life within the live setting. The shadowy dark undertones within the band’s songs were perfectly translated through Fiachra Treacy’s intense delivery; eyes closed he was consumed in each song’s immersive hypnotic sound and so was the crowd who danced, swayed and stomped throughout the set.
The band’s sound is absolutely bewitching. They blend electronic fused melodic pop-rock with dance, and like masterful puppeteers had the audience in the palm of their hands dancing uncontrollably when beckoned.
“We are going to pretend this is our last song”, Treacy announced before the ethereal ‘Never Gonna Look At You The Same’. The serotonin levels soared from this point as both the band and audience gleefully cheered for the encore as fits of dancing and sing along’s en masse reverbed throughout the venue. Columbia Mills know how to put on a show, the encore sent Sin É into glorious chaos. Amidst the crowd one fan was seen with the stool he was sitting on raised above his head, punching the air and proudly marching in time to the rhythm of the music.
Columbia Mills put on a fantastic live show on Saturday night. They are a band that never disappoints. Their music is well-crafted, passionate and intoxicating and in some cases simply time-stopping ( ‘You’re Not The Answer’ is a fine example of this ). In a live setting, this band is unstoppable. Treacy is an effortless frontman and his irresistible persona is infectious and awe-inspiring to behold. Columbia Mills are a band not to miss live.
Arriving on the heels of recent fan-favourite singles, ‘15 Minutes’ and ‘One More Trip’, Mexican singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julian Lamadrid has released his new single ‘Teenager’.The new songs are a taste of what will be on Julian’s upcoming second full-length album, ‘Rebels of the Neon God’. Lamadrid will also be on tour with BANNERS starting at the end of this month. Born to Mexican expats, Lamadrid was raised in Dubai before moving to New York (where he is currently based) at the age of 18. The 23-year-old artist brings a refreshingly global perspective to his craft, culminating in an infectious blend of new wave, bedroom-pop and British rock. Since beginning his musical journey with the release of his 2019 album Mala Noche, Julian has amassed praise from notable tastemakers like V, Wonderland, CLASH, Flaunt, L’Officiel, Billboard and more.
‘Teenager’ is a cinematic and masterfully crafted indie-pop tune that merges dark soundscapes with Lamadrid’s evocative songwriting to create an immersive and compelling listening experience. The song broods through thick intoxicating electronics while dramatic beats and shimmering synths create an intense backdrop for listeners to indulge in. The lyrics reflect on the transitional period between childhood and adulthood and this theme is aptly expressed through Lamadrid’s smooth vocals and the tracks nostalgic undertones.
Layered elements in the backdrop create depth and texture through the medium of subtle melodies and key arrangements that flicker between the rich expansive soundscape. The contrasting and complementary arrangements within are a joy to listen to again and again and feel fresh on ears with each subsequent listen.
Blending dark electronic pop with edgy indie and soft R&B elements, ‘Teenager’ is a sublime example of the extraordinary musical prowess of Julian Lamadrid.
The accompanying music video was directed by Julian and stars his sister, Ximena Lamadrid. To create the video, the siblings returned to their hometown of Valle de Bravo in Mexico and turned to nature for inspiration. “It’s a delicate black & white film. It’s an ode to life’s beauty and how returning to something so pure in a time of heartbreak can bring the most rewarding of reflections,” Julian explains.
Bangor Indie singer-songwriter Sam Wickens has released his new single, ‘Civil’.
Going from strength to strength, Wickens unleashes the tender and emotive ‘Civil’, a genre-fluid tune that builds slowly through atmospheric soundscapes before unfolding beautifully into a cinematic crescendo. Wickens is an enchanting artist and a master of his craft. He meticulously arranges his music in such a way that each note and musical element adds character to his compositions. This is spectacularly shown within ‘Civil’; deep in the crevices of the track, Wickens utilises rippling electronics and pulsing rhythms to create depth and a shadowy undercurrent in the track while a hypnotic lament on guitar innocently weaves a golden thread of hope throughout.
Blessed with a fabulously versatile voice – one that can glide into gentle ballads, soul, country and blues with equal competence; Wickens’ emotive vocals are expressive and ooze passion as he croons poetic lyrics over the smooth melody and wave of instrumentation with ease.
‘Civil’ is an absolute gem and a fine example of Sam Wickens’ boundless talent.
Speaking about the release, Sam said: “Civil tells a coming of age story of a boy that is growing up through a troubled home, trying to find his own way in life and grow an understanding.”
Kev Olden has released the third single, ‘Ache’ from his EP ‘Time We Have Left’.Kev Olden is an indie artist from Cork. He moved from Dublin to Toronto in March of 2020, just before the world shut down. He says, ‘”Time We Have Left’ is the culmination of a year in a new environment, in and out of isolation and in and out of the studio”
‘Ache’ is a wonderful tune that pivots around warm guitar and steady rhythms as Kev Olden pours his tender songwriting into this melodic delight. The song drifts delicately into the ears as Olden’s smooth vocals croon “tell me if forever is real I’m lost in my thoughts” over a dreamy melody while a balmy guitar glimmers throughout. The delicate instrumentation caresses the tender lyrics enhancing the tracks emotive tendencies and easy listening atmospherics, as the song moves between folk and indie tones to create a soothing sense of comfort and melancholia until a burst of emotion erupts for the guitar-heavy finale. ‘Ache’ is an evocative and beautifully crafted tune from Kev Olden and one certainly to treasure.
THUMPER have released their new single ‘The Loser’. This follows the success of the rereleased’ Ad Nauseam’ which picked up support from BBC6, US Radio and playlisting on Spotify and Apple Music. This highly anticipated single is a fresh start, kicking off an extensive UK tour and the build up to their debut album.
‘The Loser‘ is a glorious seizure of alternative rock and THUMPER’s most ambitious display yet. The song’s relentless pace never ceases and is a blazing onslaught of gritty riffs, frantic bass, and mammoth drums from the get-go. This manic blitz maintains a hefty rhythmic foundation throughout as soaring guitars venture from sweet melodies to bloodthirsty gashes of distortion, swirling psychedelia, punk rock tones and fiery instrumentation with ease. Oisín Furlong’s vigorous exclaims anchor the listener within the track’s kinetic soundscape while at the same time evokes images of live crowds mercilessly chanting back the lyrics. The track is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish and a fine example of THUMPER’s powerful musicianship and impressive sound. Turn up the speakers, press play and enjoy.
Lead singer, Oisin, says that: ” ‘The Loser’ is presented as a love song but is howled by an unreliable narrator. A fishing-for-compliments style tirade of non-sequiturs, each verse is bursting at the seams with faux self-depreciation. The song races along at breakneck speed, each section pushing past the crescendo of the last. As the final chorus blasts through your speakers, the saccharine melody reveals a pathetic character that has spent the whole song talking about themselves.”
Bio: Hallie is an Irish multiple award-winning cross-genre singer/songwriter/recording artist. She emerged as ‘Hallie’ in early 2019 with her debut single “Familiar Place” to critical acclaim, with rotation on multiple national/worldwide radio stations. Hallie has made the ‘RTE Recommends Playlist’ with all her singles to date. Hallie is an avid mental health and chronic pain advocate living with chronic illnesses and wants to use her platform to advocate & remind others who’ve struggled that they’re never alone.
Track: Circles
Why We Like It: It’s a heartfelt dance-pop tune laced in pulsing beats, shimmering synths and intricate lush production. Hallie’s beautiful vocals ooze passion and emotion as driving rhythms and intoxicating electronics exude a muggy and dark undertone while the flickering synths and ethereal melody create a breezy and fun atmosphere throughout. ‘Circles’ is a glittering and upbeat anthem ready for repeat plays.
Bio: Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her single, ‘Good Form’.Following ‘Wayside’, ‘Good Form’ is the second single from her sophomore EP entitled ‘Heavy Summer’,The EP was recorded and produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios, Midleton Co. Cork, and mastered by Richard Dowling of Wav Mastering, Limerick. The band line up features Laura Duff (vocals, keys, acoustic guitar), JJ Lee (bass), Christopher O’Sullivan (drums), Finn Fogarty (lead guitar).Laura is a past student of University College Cork’s Music Department, and an award-winning songwriter. She was named the Paul Clancy Songwriter of the Year at 2015’s Irish Youth Music Awards. More recently, she was selected as Circuit Arts Festival Music Project Awardee in April 2021.
Track: Good Form
Why We Like It: It’s a dreamy tune with a rich tapestry of musical embellishments that exudes an indie undertone. As Laura Duff croons the sweet melody in a half-spoken half lulling tone, chiming guitars and steady punchy rhythms adorn the backdrop. The track oozes the luring noir pop we have come to love from Laura Duff while edgy instrumental flirtations venture into psychedelic rock as the music meanders between sweet guitar melodies, heavier distorted intervals and rich percussion moments while the vocal coo’s maintain a supple sense of innocence throughout. The track is well crafted and reveals new and exciting elements and melodies with each subsequent listen.
Bio: SOMEFINN are an alternative rock band whose story begins where that of another band ends. Paul Finn was lead vocalist and songwriter for Irish Choice Music Prize Nominees The Flaws, who called it quits in 2016. Finn then took up an offer from Shane Clarke, to tour as guitarist with his band Elephant, with whom he played shows all over Ireland to rave reviews.The band’s line-up was completed when an accomplished roster of multi-genre veterans came onboard. David Marron (Sanzkrit, Derek Ryan), Paul Markey (Sanzkrit), Paul Carolan (Finnian) and Darren Finn, Paul’s brother, are to be found on guitars, bass, drums and keyboards respectively.
Track: Contact
Why We Like It: Saturated in protrusive rhythms, majestic guitar and dark soundscapes ‘Contact’ is an enticing and utterly magnificent single. From the brooding verse to the catchy chorus and building instrumentation SOMEFINN crafts the song perfectly, making each musical moment ecstasy to the ears. Smooth vocals ooze emotion over a dark pulsing rhythm while subtle electronics and echoing backing vocals intensify as the song reaches its dynamic and thrilling crescendo. ‘Contact’ is an exciting track that showcases SOMEFINN’s eloquent songwriting and masterful musicianship.
Bio: Irish electro-pop artist Slaney has released her new single ‘Heaven’.Slaney’s previous two releases, ‘Love Is Like A Drug” and ‘All I Want’, were included on Spotify New Music Friday, received extensive airplay support and led to her been snapped up by super live agent Sol Parker at Paradigm ( Billie Eilish / Take That etc ) for worldwide representation. Slaney is also a very talented actress and recently appeared in the BAFTA nominated hit TV show Normal People and a new Apple TV show Foundation and has a small role in new RTE drama KIN.
Track: Heaven
Why We Like It: It’s a dance-infused hypnotic tune that boasts the catchy and immersive sound of Slaney. The track is an absolute delight to listen to. Laced in swirling electronics and muggy beats Slaney creates an intoxicating darkly-hued atmosphere that contrasts the breath of fresh air her sweet vocals provide. This glittering electronic pop track shimmers with soft 70’s disco vibes and washes of 90’s dance to create an edgy yet infectious bop sure to revolve in your head for days.
Bio : Dublin artist James Lonergan has released his new single ‘ohno’. Lonergan joined his first band, aged 10; since then, he has steadily fronted bands – most notably as the vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the recently disbanded progressive band, Synk.
Track: ohno
Why We Like It: Beautifully layered with folk hues that weave between psychedelic moments and intricate dance peppered rhythms, Lonergan presents an intriguing tune for listeners to enjoy. The track flows with twinkling mellow guitar and warm vocals that glide over a catchy melody while haunting soundscapes wisp throughout the backdrop creating an expansive and mysterious quality to the song. Lonergan manages to create dance elements in the tune without using electronic instruments boasting his progressive and extraordinary use of instruments. Filled with dark tones that blend between bright glimmers on guitars, smoky bass and driving magnetic beats ‘ohno’ is an utterly magnificent composition from this talented and revolutionary artist.
Nathan Mac has released his new single ‘Deirdre of the Sorrows’. Nathan Mac grew up travelling through the Irish countryside with his family. He lived the stories of Fionn, Medb, & Cu Chulainn, visiting the most famous sites in Irish literature. This personal history combined with his time working as a storyteller for the National Leprechaun Museum has set Nathan up with an intimate relationship to Irish myth and legend. His favourite story? ‘Deirdre of the Sorrows’ of course. The tradition of Irish storytelling, blended with Nathan’s contemporary cinematic pop has created a new link between the past and the present.
‘Deirdre of the Sorrows’ is a beautiful song exuding passion, heartfelt emotion, and Nathan Mac’s outstanding ability to write hair-raising cinematic music. Blending emotive piano with lush building electronics and expressive strings, the track is a magnificent piece of musicianship. Mac’s warm vocals glide across the melancholic melody as he narrates the moving story of Deirdre of the Sorrows’ through eloquent lyrics;“With the heart of a soldier, and the face of a queen, You were kept away from the world as a wife for a jealous king” and refined musicianship. Pulsing beats create suspense throughout while soft piano exudes a sense of innocence as Nathan Mac uses his deft musical ability to create a wonderfully emotive tune that is a joy to listen to again and again. Nathan Mac is an immensely talented artist and one to treasure.
Off the back of a near sold-out Button Factory show and a headliner show in Sin E this October – Aonair has released his penultimate single ‘Think Twice’ taken from upcoming EP ‘Loveheart Birthmark’. ‘Think Twice’ ft. Caoimhe from Wyvern Lingo (vocals) was written, recorded, produced and mixed by Aonair . Aonair has received praise from Ed Smith on Today FM, Totally Irish on 98fm, Across The Line on BBC Across The Line, RTE 2FM, Nova FM, 8Radio, Flirt FM, and so much more.
‘Think Twice’ is a thrilling alternative pop anthem. This shimmering indie-pop gem surges with mouth-watering melodies and is doused in effervescent synths and danceable qualities. Bright guitar lines sprinkle a dash of zest into the track to create a refreshing and vitalising 80’s soundscape as Aonair wraps this passionate, heartfelt tune in strutting instrumentation and disco hues, leaving the listener craving to hear more. His smooth reverb coated vocals blend superbly with Caoimhe’s emotive, soulful tones as the duo harmonise beautifully while a catchy rhythm pulses within the track, radiating passion and youthful adrenaline throughout. Filled with warm saxophone, chiming keys and lush production, ‘Think Twice’ is a knock out bop sure to brighten any day.
Emanating the Irish coastline of Islandmagee Co.Antrim, Electronic Celtic outfit VOKXEN have released their new single ‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’. Describing their new song as “a breath of fresh Eire”, ‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’ commemorates the Islandmagee Witch Trials some 300_ years on. VOKXEN began researching the stories from their own island, uncovering intriguing tales of Irish folklore. The duo have been featured on BBC Two Northern Ireland, and the band’s bassist was featured as Aisling in Channel 4’s Derry Girls. This enigmatic duo is formed by Claire McCartney (Lead Vocals / Harp / Keys) and Beccy Henderson (Backing Vocals / Bass / Synth) and are joined by David McLaughlin (Percussion / Drums) for ‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’.
VOKXEN use their eloquent storytelling and fine musicianship to create a thrilling and wholly consuming tune with ‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’.Blending folk-esque harp with brooding atmospherics and driving percussion, the track exudes suspense and shadowy tones. The rumbling beats ferment and bubble through wispy soundscapes to create an asphyxiating dark undertone, while the haunting harmonies provide an eerie and bewitching quality. Gripping and well-phrased lyrics ooze tension throughout enhanced by the tracks intense soundscapes “With haste, I tremble, winds that scrape, The taste of racing to escape, Body be with me, breath and beat, Steal away, flee and seek”. VOKXEN are proficient storytellers, and their ability to create hair-raising immersive music is quite impressive.
‘Sanctuary (The Witches Stone)’ tells the story of a woman condemned as a Witch. She is caught as she reaches the sanctuary of The Witches Stone, which she clings to tightly as she is grabbed and taken away. Such is her desperation, the marks from her fingers gripping the stone remain present to this day.
FKB have released their new single, ‘Beautiful Fantasy’.FKB is a high-energy, four-piece, alternative rock band based in Edmonton, Alberta, influenced by the mystique, glamour, and excess of the 1960s-1980s entertainment business.
Doused in prismatic shimmers on synths, funky flexes and glorious pop melodies, ‘Beautiful Fantasy’ is an upbeat and fun new single from FKB. The band create a swagger drenched tune that boasts their rich, feel-good sound in all its glory. Filled with groovy guitar embellishment, tight and danceable rhythms the track is a glittering and infectious tune that beckons repeat plays. FKB layer the song superbly to unveil new lush melodies and textures with each subsequent listen while the glam stomping beat, sun-kissed pop melody and suave presentation gives ‘Beautiful Fantasy’ a charm that is difficult to resist.
Stream ‘Beautiful Fantasy’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
