Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her new single, ‘Wayside’.‘Wayside’ is the debut 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 lineup 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. Following the release of ‘Wayside’, the band are set to play Pot Duggan’s in Ennistymon, Co. Clare in October, with more shows and releases to be announced.
‘Wayside’ broods with intoxicating tones as Laura Duff presents her luring indie noir pop sound through this easy on the ears gem. This mellow tune balances dark smoky melodies with subtle glimmering guitar and keys to create an enticing rabbit hole of tantalising soundscapes. The song ventures between laid back psychedelia and indie effortlessly to create a fluid sultry tune for listeners to immerse themselves in. Duff’s smooth vocals smoulder throughout, while the sharp twinkles on guitar and layered backing vocals create a prismatic psychedelic effect with undertones of desert rock rumbling beneath. Within each verse and musical embellishment, ‘Wayside’ reveals new and captivating sounds that are a delight to listeners ears. Laura Duff is quite an exciting artist.
Cork-based singer-songwriter and producer Fintan McKahey returns with new single ‘Lost Balloons’. The song was recorded and produced by Fintan in his newly built space, Ivy Hill Studios. Built by Fintan and his team during COVID-19, the studio offers a variety of audio and visual services. An active artist since 2016, his 2019 sophomore EP “God Games” received critical acclaim as did his several 2020 singles, achieving national radio play and press acclaim. He has performed in major venues across the country, including support slots for the likes of The 4 Of Us, The Scratch, Junior Brother, and Roisin O.
‘Lost Balloons’ is a nostalgic soulful tune that displays the emotive musicianship of Fintan McKahey. He spreads a dreamy melody over warm guitar while a steady, soothing beat bubble’s throughout. McKahey has a mesmerising ability to capture emotion through his poetic songwriting and supple arrangements. Within ‘Lost Balloons’, he reflects on how the pressures of modern life can get overwhelming through the medium of delicate atmospherics and gentle guitar refrains while his warm, rasped vocals coo with a hushed tenderness throughout. ‘Lost Balloons’ is an absolute joy to listen to. The track is a time-stopping, emotional and satisfying tune that beckons repeat plays.
About the track, Fintan says, “‘Lost Balloons’ is an ode to the slow life, a gentle reminder to take a breath and let life unfold at its own pace. Letting go can be the most liberating feeling there is.”
Returning from a slight breather after the recent release ‘Sunset’, FYA FOX is back with her new single ‘Need It’. FOX’s previous two singles ‘Body’ and ‘White Lies’ have already been supported by 2fm, Today FM and many more. ‘Body’ was added to the BBC Radio Ulster ‘Where Music Matters’ playlist which features ten new tracks across the BBC Radio Ulster playlist each month and her debut, ‘White Lies’ received its world exclusive with Radio 1’s Gemma Bradley on BBC Across The Line. As well as being added by Hattie Pearson to the influential Co-op Edit UK playlist, her music has featured on a number of prestigious Spotify playlists including ‘Fresh Finds’ (750K followers).
‘Need It’ is an impressive tune that pulsates with FYA FOX’s unmistakable alternative pop sound. The song simmers with tense electronics and sultry bass lines as FOX coos over the infectious melody creating an intoxicating heart rushing soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. With soft keys chiming between dense electronic palpitations and sticky beats ‘Need It’ blossoms to become a power-pop anthem brimming with vigour. FOX creates expressive tunes that boast irresistible hooks and crisp production. She is an immensely talented artist, and ‘Need It’ perfectly displays her infectious musicianship and deft musical prowess. Press play and enjoy.
Tipperary indie rock five-piece, Kill ‘Em Charlie have released their new single ’Hazey’. ‘Hazey’ is a blistering single that boasts the energetic sound of Kill ‘Em Charlie. The band swarm magnificent guitar lines through a tight rhythmic foundation to create an adrenaline-inducing listening experience. The track evokes images of manic live shows filled with rampant basslines and sing-along choruses while the sharp guitar riff resounds throughout like a thrilling siren. It’s a compact and cohesive tune brimming from the seams with indie rock bravado and tantalizing instrumental embellishments. Kill ‘Em Charlie are fleshing out their sound superbly, creating fun, youthful tunes that ooze energy and charm. ’Hazey’ is a fine example of this and the track is an absolute joy to listen to. Kill ‘Em Charlie are a talented band to get very excited about.
JyellowL has released his new single ‘See Me Finish’, produced by Nigeria’s Tee-Y mix. The song is taken from his upcoming EP ‘shades of yellow’. This follows his critically acclaimed debut album 2020 D|vision, which was nominated for Irish album of the year 2020 at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Awards and debuted at number 2 on the official iTunes album charts as well as number 1 in the hip hop category. JyellowL is emerging into this changing world of 2021 with a string of new releases and collaborations coming to fruition, having performed a dynamic and standout set as part of Extraterrestrial at the National Concert Hall, an event celebrating Black Irish identity. The next phase in his blisteringly fast rise is envisioned as ‘Yellowszn’. Listeners can expect a series of EP’s that JyellowL is calling ‘shades of yellow’ and which will reveal and explore new sides to him musically that haven’t been shown before.
‘See Me Finish’ is a refreshing display of JyellowL’s captivating musicianship. With light drum beats weaving between a sparkling wave of afro-esque melodies, the track exudes an infectious and sun-kissed persona. JyellowL showcases his evolving sound through this rich, full-bodied tune; soft keys and tropical hues shimmer through a warm guitar refrain to create a radiant backdrop while his smooth vocals effortlessly narrate over a catchy melody. These subtle musical elements are joy to listen to and reveal more about the artist’s musical aesthetic with each subsequent listen.
‘See Me Finish’ is an easy on the ears gem that oozes JyellowL’s melodic wizardry and eloquent lyrics. Looking forward to the upcoming EP ‘shades of yellow’.
Speaking about ‘See Me Finish’, JyellowL said: “I was in Nigeria for what was meant to be a short trip but due to covid restrictions I ended staying for two months. So I decided to tap into the music scene there and I got a crazy wave of inspiration from the incredible producers and artists I met. Tee-Y being one of them, we locked in and created some beautiful music. In Nigeria, we have an expression called “see finish” which means over familiarity by making yourself too accessible to someone, being too kind, etc essentially being taken for granted and that’s a red flag. So saying “she don see me finish” means the girl in question had over familiarised herself with me to the point of taking me for granted, my kindness being taken for weakness, my presence losing novelty. I can’t have that, so I had to cut her off.”
Following on from the fantastic success of their previously shared singles ‘Lost In This World’ and ‘Vacant Stare’, which dropped earlier this year, Reading-based indie-rockers Mellor have returned with their new EP ‘Fragment Of Imagination’. Despite the current global pandemic, Mellor maintained their momentum in 2020, releasing single ‘Heaven isn’t Yours to Give’ and signing a management deal with Eighty4 Music.
Taking their sound to soaring new heights, ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ is a mighty roar from Mellor. Blistering guitars ricochet off a battering drum assault as the band announce the EP with the explosive indie rock bravado of ‘Cool, Calm, Deranged’. This track is utterly thrilling as a sharp guitar refrain shrills throughout a muggy angst-riddled backdrop – a pretty exciting start to an EP.
Mellor have become known for their tight, energetic guitar melodies and solos, and within ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ they deliver on these exhilarating air guitar worthy moments without fail. The guitar travels from epic solos to majestic embellishments, and everything between to give the listener a shot of adrenaline throughout the EP.
‘Version Of A Life’ and ‘Vacant Stare’ pulse with desert rock guitars and a 60’s – esque rock n’ roll swagger however it is the galloping ‘Shame’ that is the perfect example of the band’s deft guitar prowess. Mellor weave a raw guitar melody through a dense onslaught of drums and bass, creating an intoxicating wall of sound that is ecstasy to the ears and equally spectacular with each subsequent listen.
Gary Kingham’s vocals hold all the instrumental chaos together. His effortless warm tone drifts over the songs earworm melodies with ease and showcases the band’s expressive lyrical ability “So start a fire, When I’m not there, Put it out with her vacant stare”
Mellor are constantly evolving their sound, and ‘Fragment Of Imagination’ is a fine example of this. The energy, passion and vigor bursting from this EP is admirable, while the awe-inspiring display of refined musicianship within makes Mellor one of the most exciting bands out there at the moment.
Dublin alternative-rock newcomers TV People have released their debut EP, ‘Nothing More’, via Blowtorch Records. The band worked alongside an all-star team including Dan Doherty at Darklands Audio (Fontaines D.C., Vulpynes), Christian Wright at Abbey Road Studios (Radiohead, Blur, LCD Soundsystem) and Grammy award-winning Caesar Edmunds (QOTSA, St. Vincent, PJ Harvey).
‘Nothing More’ is an intriguing EP that displays TV People’s intricate and brooding sound in all its dark, gritty glory. The band blend magnificent guitar refrains with moody melodies and tight rhythmic elements to create a cohesive and utterly thrilling wall of sound. From the aching of ‘Shallow Minds’ ( which blossoms into a wonderful explosion of angst-filled frustration enhanced by crashing guitars and raw bass rumbles ) through to the intense and evocative ‘Out of the Silence’; TV People’s sound flows with immersive atmospherics and deft musicianship.
Within each track, the light and dark elements balance to create awe-inspiring soundscapes that draw the listener in with each hypnotic note. Fine examples of this are ‘Nothing More’ and ‘String’. Both tracks pulse around a deep seducing bass and rhythmic pound on drums to create a dark and eerie grunge-laced backdrop for the sweet, elegant guitar melodies to elevate off. The unique blend of instrumentation within each track entices the listener and is quite the treasure on the ears.
TV People certainly have a way with words. Wrapped in the allure of first-rate poetry their masterful storytelling is powerfully evocative and the band use the spacious elements within each tracks instrumentation to great effect to enhance their poignant lyrical content. Each vocal pause, soft guitar refrain and instrumental build is deliberate and mirrors certain undertones within the lyrics while Donohoe’s sombre vocals narrate feelings of disconnection, angst and existential anxiety with a captivating nonchalance “I watched the Liffey bleed along the banks of distant quays, and I awaken when the feeling flows from out of the silence”. This wonderful blend of musicianship and eloquent lyrical content is a sublime example of the rich and consuming effect of TV People’s sound.
‘Nothing More’ is a sublime debut EP from a very talented band. There are moments of hope, despair and numbness beautifully presented through this five-track masterpiece showcasing a band in constant motion who create meaningful and thought-provoking tunes that reveal more with each subsequent listen. Press play and enjoy.
Bio: Waterford musician Eoin Devereux has released his new single called ‘Falling Apart’ which is a successor to ‘Going My Own Way’ and ‘Fall and Save’ both written and recorded alone in his bedroom in County Wexford.
Track: Falling Apart
Why We Like It: This brooding number balances bedroom pop with sulky R&B elements to create a satisfying tune for listeners to enjoy. The song is layered in luxuriant, spacious soundscapes with warm guitar weaving between simmering synths and whispered vocal elements creating a lethargic and sombre backdrop for Devereux’s smooth vocals to gently drift over. ‘Falling Apart’ is a spacey alternative pop tune masterfully crafted for repeat plays.
Bio: The Lathums have released their new single ‘I’ll Get By’ from their upcoming debut album, ‘How Beautiful Life Can Be’ which is set for release Friday 24th of September.
Track: I’ll Get By
Why We Like It: Bouncing on a chugging rhythm section while jangly guitars ooze a desert-esque warmth and vibrancy, the band have crafted a glorious ditty with ‘I’ll Get By’. The track is a joy to listen to and displays strong musical growth within the bands sound. A sweet 50’s hued melody is drizzled over soothing vocals and catchy refrains to create a wholesome, smile-inducing tune saturated in the heartfelt songwriting and charming musicianship of The Lathums. Press play and enjoy
Bio : The Crowleys have released their new single ‘Somnia’.The Crowleys consist of Cohen Wylie (guitar, vocals, production), Stuart Downie (drums, vocals), Giulianna Frontini (vocals) and brothers Justyn (synth, guitar) and Collin Horlick (bass, bass synth). Wylie, Downie and the Horlicks have been playing together for over a decade since bonding over music in high school. ’Somnia’ marks the first single to be released in preparation for The Crowleys debut full length album
Track: Somnia
Why We Like It: It’s a dynamic psychedelic pop tune saturated in kaleidoscopic melodies and textures. Shimmering synths weave between driving beats and chiming guitars creating an 80’s lush sound that exudes a dark undertone throughout. The song swirls with cinematic grandeur while an infectious rhythmic groove and heavy bass line ground the listener within the song’s dense soundscape. Filled with epic pines on guitar and brooding electronics ‘Somnia’ is a thrilling tune laced in The Crowley’s mesmerising musicianship.
Bio : Emerging Afro-Irish artist Xona has released his latest single ‘In My Head’.Having moved from Lagos to Ireland at the age of 10, he spent his teenage years mixing it up between the church choir and watching live performances of pop stars like Prince and Christina Aguilera on YouTube. Pursuing his dream of writing songs and being a singer Xona studied for degrees in jazz and popular music all the while making ripples in the Irish underground music scene. Xona began working with different producers and songwriters in London, Berlin, and Dublin. His influences emanate from the vast worlds of jazz, electronic, house, rock and even classical music.
Track: In My Head
Why We Like It: This intoxicating tune is wrapped in cinematic soundscapes as Xona creates a heart rushing pop tune filled with passion and emotion. His soulful vocals and velvety tone caress the nostalgic melody while building electronics, intricate rhythms and punctuated beats flurry in the background to create a rush of adrenaline throughout. The production is clean and precise while Xona’s emotional songwriting and expressive vocals lift the track to celestial heights. ‘In My Head’ is an impressive new tune sure to revolve in the listeners head for days.
Bio : Nottingham six-piece, For The Girl are back with their brand new single ‘The New Dance Movement’.
Track: The New Dance Movement
Why We Like It: It’s a swaggering single from the six-piece, the track exudes a catchy anthemic melody that showcases the bands raucous indie rock and lyrical depth in all its glory. Epic guitar refrains whirlwind around pulverising drums and a groove-laced bass while passionate vocals highlight the tracks lyrical content of being stuck in a rut and trying to find a way out. This vigorous anthem is a fine example of For The Girl’s refined and boisterous musicianship. Enjoy.
New wave pop artist Bobbi Arlo has released her new single ‘Fever Thoughts’. 2021 started off with a bang for the artist with the announcement that RTÉ 2FM selected her as one of their ‘Rising Acts’ for 2021 and the release of her previous radio smash tune ‘Feel It’.
‘Fever Thoughts’ is a fizzing example of Arlo’s irresistible sound as she spreads an earworm melody over an intense backdrop of electronic pop to create a refined and effervescent bop for listeners to enjoy. The intoxicating soundscape mirrors the excitement within the lyrics which discuss a night out in the city. The songs heart-racing effect is aptly expressed through the tracks pulsing beats that ripple through a flurry of synths and swirling electronics creating a dance-infused and muggy backdrop for Arlo’s sweet reverb laced vocals to drift over. Arlo is always pushing her sound to the next level, and ‘Fever Thoughts’ is a spectacular example of this.
Filled with intense muggy rhythms, futuristic electronic embellishments and an exhilarating wall of sound, ‘Fever Thoughts’ is a fantastic new single from Bobbi Arlo.
Speaking about the song, Bobbi Arlo says “Fever Thoughts is the product of me craving those special nights out. I wrote the song after reminiscing about my first night in the big City and how mesmerising and fun the whole experience was. I really wanted to captivate the energy and excitement I felt that night and put it into a song”
UK alt-rock band Salvation Jayne have released their new single ‘Violent Silence’ via Jawdropper Music / Ingrooves. The track is the first release from their highly anticipated debut album ‘A Mouthful of Magnificent Spite’ set for release in February 2022, which was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios and mastered in the US by Dave Greenberg ( David Bowie etc). The track is about the power of being silent with someone’s ego, rather than feeding it and staying detached from the drama.
‘Violent Silence’ is a blistering tune laced in Salvation Jayne’s energetic musicianship. The song travels on a dynamic backdrop of raw bass grooves, jangly guitars and driving drums that ping with headbanging enthusiasm while quirky keys create a refreshing interlude between the alternative rock onslaught. Charismatic vocals ooze emotion and angst throughout and is enhanced by the tracks emo-pop undertone and punk/ rock sensibilities – the result is a thrilling assault on the senses that evokes images of a mosh pit in a live setting. ‘Violent Silence’ is full of youthful vigour and emotion, and marks Salvation Jayne as a band to keep an eye on.
Stream ‘Violent Silence’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
