Dublin artist James Lonergan has released his new single ‘Joop’. 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.
Blending ambient soundscapes with looped harmonies on backing vocals ‘Joop’ displays the refined, lush sound of Lonergan. The track flows upon ripples of silken melodies and grand instrumental builds to create an atmospheric piece of music that boasts gripping soundscapes filled with washes of synths and elegant piano. A bubbling rhythmic undercurrent of shaking percussion and buoyant beats draws the listener into the song’s many intricate layers and musical depths while Lonergan’s passionate vocals exude soothing tones that become more dynamic before fading out into a blustery wall of distortion. Fusing harsh elements with delicate tones and sweeping moments on strings, ‘Joop’ is an awe-inspiring single as Lonergan pushes boundaries to create quite a mesmerising piece of art.
Jamie Button has released his new single ‘Strange Saints’. The song is taken from Button’s forthcoming debut album, which was written in lockdown, and speaks of frustration, inner turmoil and a desire to break free. Hopes are high for Button’s new single after his previous singles ‘Flashbang’ and ‘Told You Things’ peaked at No. 3 and No.2 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts, respectively. ‘Strange Saints’ was recorded in Paisley at Jamie McGrory’s (Bay City Rollers) studio JJ Recordings. ‘Strange Saints’ features Scott Forsyth on drums and guitars whilst Gordon Burn (bass) and Gary Hornsby (lead guitar) complete the record. The song was produced by Glasgow-based Ross Hamilton (Texas, Saint PHNX, Seafret).
Steeped in indie rock energy with an anthemic chorus and Button’s trademark earworm melodies, ‘Strange Saints’ is a stomping new banger. Button crafts a catchy tune laced in blistering guitar hooks and driving rhythms ready to ignite a live audience while the easy on the ears melody ensures this song won’t leave your head anytime soon. His smooth vocals coat the song in emotion while the indie rock soundscape blazes in the background. Boasting a shredding guitar solo and adrenaline-inducing basslines, ‘Strange Saints’ is a fantastic new addition to Button’s knock out repertoire.
Dublin alternative rock outfit TV People have released their new single ‘Out of the Silence’. Working alongside 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); ‘Out of the Silence’, is the band’s first new music of 2021.
Within ‘Out of the Silence’ TV People flesh out their dark and brooding sound to create a spacious and intense tune for listeners to indulge in. The band have become known for their meticulously crafted songs and ‘Out of the Silence’ follows this trend superbly. The verse simmers with rooted bass and thudding drums while Paul Donohoe’s rich baritone croons over the dreamy melody with a sense of longing. As the song progresses into the chorus the soundscape becomes lighter as sweet glimmers on guitars fragment the muggy backdrop with subtle yet energetic instrumental bursts. With vivid eloquent lyrics drifting through the building instrumentation, the band showcase their poetic flair and maturing lyrical prowess “I watched the Liffey bleed along the banks of distant quays, and I awaken when the feeling flows from out of the silence”. TV People are an evocative and compelling band to listen to. With each release, the listener gets an exciting glimpse into their vast, rich pool of talent and it’s simply extraordinary.
About the track Paul Donohoe said: “We wrote ‘Out of the Silence’ at the start of the year when we got back into our rehearsal room in Dublin after months of writing from home. I remember feeling inspired and invigorated by the energy of the city at the time, despite the fact that everything was closed and the weather was dark and grim. I found solace in the fact that the city was indifferent to everything that was going on in the world around it, and started to reflect on the fact that I needed a bit more perseverance in my own life. The tune is a homage to that timeless energy and presence that certain places have and how you can find comfort in the permanence of these places when you’re feeling a bit lost and dejected. For me, it’s an expression of optimism and appreciation for life, despite its faults and imperfections.”
Recorded in the height of the pandemic, Damn Good Liars have released their self-titled EP. A passion project years in the making, Damn Good Liars is the result of guitarist and co-producer Steve Jenner’s enduring ambition, his long-standing friendship with producer and multi-instrumentalist Ian Turner, and their combined efforts to transform their concept into existence. Originally creating instrumental demos, Damn Good Liars was completed by the vocal and lyrical talents of Ellis Turner who joined the band in 2020. Elevated by Ellis’ vocals, Damn Good Liars released their debut single, and opening track from the EP, ‘Station Wagon Motel Chic’ was released in June 2021 and has already received support from BBC Introducing Berkshire.
Damn Good Liars is a brooding and enticing collection of tracks that displays Damn Good Liars intricate musicianship and tantalizing songwriting. Blending haunting melodies with Turner’s smoky vocals, the band create an eerie and mysterious soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. Exuding lulling vaporous tones in ‘Unworthy’ and rock and roll undertones in ‘Station Wagon Motel Chic’, the EP boasts Damn Good Liars engaging and diverse sound. There is oodles of swagger within the EP enhanced by rich mellow refrains on guitar and ethereal synths that create a dreamy narcotic atmosphere throughout. This is best shown in ‘Tobacco Lips’ where a slow 60’s shimmy and panache driven melody slips gently into psychedelic territory while funky guitars and a sensual bass line groove throughout. Damn Good Liars have crafted a satisfying EP that blends edgy alternative rock with smooth psychedelia and grunge elements to create one thrilling, cohesive listening experience.
Following the critical success of his ‘What Little Time We Have’ EP, folk-pop songwriter and artist, Luke Clerkin, has released his new single, ‘Lost in Translation’. It is the first of a series of songs recorded remotely with Berlin-based producer, Jaako. Luke Clerkin is a two-time SCC Song Writing competition-winning songwriter and artist. He has been playing and releasing music for the past 6 years. His music has gained international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer-Songwriter Charts on multiple occasions. Clerkin has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland. After returning from finishing a scholarship in the world-renowned Popakademie in Germany, Luke released his second EP, What Little Time We Have, in July of 2020. The EP spawned 3 singles that gained critical success and airplay all over the world. 2020 also saw him complete an apprenticeship with Ed Sheeran’s mentor and Nizlopi frontman, Luke Concannon.
‘Lost in Translation’ is a beautifully arranged, cinematic tune that boasts the compelling songwriting of Luke Clerkin. Clerkin sweetly coos over an uplifting melody while ethereal electronics, pulsing beats and warm guitars adorn the backdrop. The song exudes an air of elegance that is enhanced by a lamentful yet graceful piano element and Clerkin’s earnest lyrics, “I feel lost, lost in translation but someday ill get through”. He fills the song with hope and positivity as the instrumental backdrop grows, becoming more dramatic and uplifting. The track is a comforting tune, lavished in refined production and exhilarating musicianship that displays Clerkin’s passionate and moving sound. ‘Lost In Translation’ is an exquisite return from Luke Clerkin.
Talking about the release, Luke said, ”This song was written in 2019 when I was on a college exchange in Germany and I found myself ‘lost in translation’, I was dealing with homesickness, and finding it really hard to connect with people. The one thing that was keeping me going was music and it helped me overcome the language and culture barriers that existed. When I was going through this, I met Jaako and together we wrote the song in less than an hour, and we recorded a little live take to go along with it. After this session, we never really spoke again until during the first lockdown when he sent me a demo he made of the live take. I was so blown away by the demo that I knew I had to work more with him, and after some persuading from my end, we made it happen. This song marks the beginning of what I feel is a sound that I’ve been searching years for, and it’s only a small sample of what’s to come from this project.”
Liverpool based alternative-rock artist, Ambro River (aka Richard Batty), has released his debut single, ‘Electrolyte’. With elements of ’90s gunge providing an edge between sweet melodies, this driving rock track is a fantastic and ambitious debut. Batty creates an exhilarating and raw backdrop of gritty guitar riffs, rumbling bass lines and punchy drums to create one blistering gem for listeners to enjoy. The guitars exude an epic quality reminiscent of 80’s rock anthems and smoulder through the chorus while the verses tease and intensify throughout. The song boasts Batty’s musical prowess and tight songwriting as he uses expressive instrumentation to enhance his clever lyrical content. Melding playful lyricism with majestic and refined musicianship, ‘Electrolyte’ is an impressive and well-crafted tune from Ambro River.
Make Me Feel (Believing)’ is the new single from Danny G & the Major 7ths featuring an all-star cast of Irish hip-hop artists. Breezy Ideygoke, 0phelia and King Koko provide the verses. The track is a rework of the song ‘Believing’, reimagined by producer JusMe, using samples & audio stems of the original to create something entirely new.
‘Make Me Feel (Believing)’ balances the sleek sound of Danny G & the Major 7ths with biting hip hop superbly to create a catchy raw rendition for listeners to enjoy. Breezy Ideygoke, 0phelia and King Koko provide poignant verses to the track, each showcasing their remarkable talent while re-imagining the soul-infused ‘Believing’ through a swaggered new lens. Funky vibes create the track’s rhythmic backbone enhanced by warm bass, guitar grooves and clever raps that inject vigor into the song’s atmosphere. With a sweet echoed whistle feature and lush backing vocals, ‘Make Me Feel (Believing)’ is an exciting new tune that displays the immense talent of all the artists involved.
Sion Hill has released his new single ‘No Way Back From Your Love’ with Norwegian DJ/Producer MYXE. ‘No Way Back From Your Love’ was originally written in London in 2020 by Sion Hill (Nate Johnston) & Louis Ryan for piano and voice and was intended for someone else to sing, but when MYXE heard Johnston’s vocal, he loved it so much that he decided to keep it in. Sion Hill has teamed up with acclaimed MYXE to build on the success of his recent singles ‘Fuel Kids’, ‘Last Minute’ and ‘Speak Up’ (which have a combined 4.5m streams on Spotify alone, not to mention his debut album, ‘Elephant’) that garnered significant success across radio and digital streaming platforms. MYXE has had several releases with well known labels in the industry, and has streamed to platinum on his release “Breaking All The Rules”.
‘No Way Back From Your Love’ blends Sion Hill’s bright and charming songwriting with the infectious house sound of MYXE. This catchy ditty drifts through a buoyant beat, crisp production and sun-kissed soundscapes to create a bright dance-infused banger for listeners to indulge in. Hill’s knack with earworm melodies and irresistible hooks forms the track’s backbone and highlights the songs masterful production – the tune sparks into life with a finger-clicking rhythm ready to coax you to the dance floor before ethereal synths open up to provide a lush backdrop to Hill’s unmistakable velvety vocal. With mellow guitar, whistle feature and sing-along chorus, this sun-soaked ditty is a delightful carefree tune sure to brighten your day.
Speaking of the single Sion Hill said: “He sent me back the mix and when I heard it I was like – wow, this is a banger. It works. Let’s roll with it. The song talks about getting too deep into a relationship with someone without realising it. The song’s lyrics were inspired by the Beatles’ – ‘All You Need Is Love,’ by playing on the idea of – if you can envision something, then it is not impossible: “There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done, Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.”
Colm O’Mahony and Jackie O’Mahony performed an acoustic set for Our Indie Buddie Sessions.
Colm O’Mahony & The Hot Touches are a Rock ‘n’ Roll band from Killarney Co.Kerry, Ireland. Their self-titled debut album, featuring eight all original songs, was released on June 5, 2020. The album is an examination of life by way of rock ‘n’ roll. With eight original songs, each written by O’Mahony, it explores issues such as love, loss, betrayal & defiance. The band have recently released their new single ‘Preacher’s Daughter’, taken off that album,
Colm O’Mahony & The Hot Touches’ songs are filled with wonderful heartfelt melodies, rich instrumentation and emotive lyrics. This striped back performance gives us a chance to see some of the bands beautiful indie tunes through an acoustic lens that highlights the sweet infectious melodies, Colm’s warm vocals and the talent this band have to offer. It’s a real treat.
Irish dance-pop artist Slaney has released her new single ‘All I Want’. Her track ‘Love Is Like A Drug’ was included on Spotify New Music Friday UK and received extensive radio and press support which 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.
‘All I Want’ is a shimmering dance-pop tune that continues Slaney’s run of irresistibly infectious tunes. A dreamy light melody is glazed with her smooth vocal coos and drifts sweetly into the ears while a bubbling dance-infused backdrop maintains a tantalising bounce and edge throughout. Slaney’s sweet melodies create a lulling effect on the listener’s senses as she ventures into a 90’s – esque dance soundscape that exudes soft swirling synths and luring electronic pulses. Blending a thumping bassline into the hazy backdrop, Slaney showcases a summer bop that is sure to be stuck in your head for days. Love it.
Stream ‘All I Want’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
