Indie rockers Afterbliss are back with their third single, ‘Remnants’. After a discussion on an online discussion forum, and comprised of members from across Ireland, Scotland and Romania, the indie rock band formed in June 2019. The group is made up of Evan Cassidy on lead vocals, Alex Burcea on lead guitar, synths and backing vocals, Ally Pender on drums, James O’Gorman on rhythm guitar, and Shane Waldron on bass. After 18 months of writing songs, November 2020 saw them release their debut single, “Until Sunrise”, which received acclaim on local and national Irish radio play. Their music has already accumulated over 27,000 streams between Spotify and YouTube. “Remnants” was recorded in the legendary Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Dublin (Rolling Stones, U2). It was mixed by Alan Kelly (Kings of Leon, Herbie Hancock), and mastered by Fergal Davis (Muse, Sinead O’Connor).
‘Remnants’ is a dazzling disco ball of synth-driven indie rock that continues Afterbliss’ run of knockout tracks. The song is a potent and well crafted tune that moves at a brisk hair-raising pace enhanced by disco flirtations that weave between the raw guitar riffs. The band take their impressive knack for anthemic melodies and combine this with a dynamic sequence of epic synth progressions and pummeling drums to create a soaring new single that is a joy to listen to and a wonderful assault on the senses. Afterbliss are making a name for themselves with their tight, ambitious sound and deft musicianship and ‘Remnants’ takes this to a new and awe-inspiring level.The track is a must-listen.
Arthur Valentine has released his debut EP ‘Splitscreen’.Taking its cues from 90s arcade classics like Daytona USA, a Splitscreen video game was used to create the EP’s artwork, and is available for download to coincide with the EP’s release.
Doused in chilled R&B and speckles of soul, ‘Splitscreen’ is Arthur Valentine’s ambitious debut. The level of production on this EP is masterful and well thought out. From gentle guitar glimmering through lush washes of electronics in ‘Track 3’ to the sun-kissed tones, bubbling percussion and airy synths in ‘Dream About You’, the EP surges with lush arrangements and glorious mellow tones. With each subsequent listen, a new melodic embellishment, guitar flurry or percussive peppering is unveiled as Valentine takes his laid back sound to exciting new heights. Even the brooding ‘CHOKER’ unfolds into a treasure of doo-whop -esque melodies, heavy electronics, and biting voice samples as Valentine showcases his fusion of hip hop hued R&B.
Each track holds its own within the EP with Valentine’s immaculate and smooth vocal delivery tying everything together. His voice croons over velvety melodies in ‘Rainbow Road’ with a soft, soulful tone creating a relaxed evening atmosphere while using autotune backing vocals to add a bite and graceful shift in texture. The subtle contrasts and embellishments within the track are an absolute joy to experience again and again.
‘Splitcreen’ concludes with ‘Ministry Of Happiness’ – the most lush tune on the EP. Valentine infuses sensual jazz elements with R&B before a cinematic crescendo elevates the song enhanced by tropical hues and soft whistle moments of joy. This rosy-hued tune is an absolute delight and a fantastic finale to this special EP.
‘Splitscreen’ is an emotive and utterly compelling body of work. Arthur Valentine is a talented artist and one to keep an eye on.
Manchester-based band Pacific have released their new single ‘Spiral’. Few can lay claim to achieving so many accolades in such a small space of time but in 2021 alone, Pacific have gained Apple Music’s backing, playlisted in their Breaking Rock and New In Rock editorials, as well as from their hometown club Manchester United, who are using the band’s songs in online video content and stadium pre-match playlists. They have also garnered tremendous radio support from Amazing Radio, BBC Introducing Manchester, Merseyside and many more. Plus, Huw Stephens has given them a spin, and XS Manchester had them as their ‘Record of the Week’.
‘Spiral’ is a piano-led tune doused in the anthemic alternative rock of Pacific. This dramatic song swarms in on a dynamic backdrop of gritty guitars, raw bass grooves and powerful drum progressions to create a dense and adrenaline rushing soundscape that is euphoric to the ears. Containing a wonderful icy piano feature amidst the heavy rock onslaught, the band showcase their deft musical prowess superbly. The massive production, synth embellishment and hook-filled pop melodies make ‘Spiral’ an exhilarating listening experience and a wonderful example of Pacific’s powerful musicianship. Boasting passionate vocals and a mighty chorus, ‘Spiral’ is a fantastic new single from Pacific.
Bio : HVNTER is an electronic singer-songwriter from Pontypridd, South Wales who found his love for music uploading self-taught acoustic covers to YouTube at 16, where he began to craft his songwriting skills. He soon found his feet and after just 3 years had surpassed over 250,000 views. His debut track “Blood” quickly racked up over 30,000 plays on Soundcloud within the first few weeks of release. Catching the attention of Alex Thompson, Managing Director of Clash Magazine and radio support from BBC Introducing.Over the years HVNTER bloomed as a live performer. Having performed with and supported touring artists Bright Light Bright Light, Into The Ark (BBC The Voice), Let’s Eat Grandma, Gabriel Garzon Montano, Tinchy Stryder and Chris Stark (BBC Radio 1), to name a few alongside landing slots at Young Peoples Village and Truck Festival.
Track: Care For You
Why We Like It: This luscious tune simmers with electronic pop soundscapes to create one infectious summer bop. Hip hop beats weave into the track’s bouncy backdrop alongside ethereal keys that flutter between subtle rhythmic shuffles and catchy refrains. ‘Care For You’ exudes a balmy laid back charm enhanced by HVNTER’s smooth vocals which caress the irresistible dreamy melody. This tune is one enjoyable polished gem for listeners to enjoy.
Bio : Michael-James is an Indie Folk artist from Newtownards, Northern Ireland. At just 23, Michael has his listeners seeking more and eager to share. On the back of four singles and an E.P released in 2020, Michael is back and ready for more. His latest release ‘golden’ is a short and sweet sing-along summer song. It’s about no matter how far you may travel, how much money you may have in the bank, it’s all about enjoying the little things in life with the person you hold closest to your heart
Track: golden
Why We Like It: It’s a cosy melodic ditty doused in the heartfelt songwriting of Michael-James. The artist drifts mellow guitar twinkles over a steady rhythmic foundation and bright catchy melody to create an easy listening soundscape for his listeners to indulge in. This song glows with a hazy warmth that is magnified by velvety vocals, elegant piano, and foot-tapping beats. Michael-James has a wonderful ability to create bright and soothing tunes that sparkle with subtle charm and beauty.
Bio : HAVVK have announced the date for their upcoming album ‘Levelling’ with the release of their new single ‘Automatic’. ‘Automatic’ follows the success of previous album tracks ‘Home’ and ‘No Patience’, which have received excellent radioplay worldwide on stations such as RTÉ 2fm, Today FM, BBC Radio Ulster, NewsTalk, 98fm and Beat 102103 (Ireland), Radio X, Amazing Radio (UK) and KEXP (USA). DSP support has been excellent with album tracks being added to Spotify editorial playlists like ‘Fresh Finds: Rock’, ‘Melomania / Alt. Rocked’ and ‘Whatevs’.
Track: Automatic
Why We Like It: HAVVK present the perfect balance between heavy alternative rock, sweet atmospheric post-rock and lush shoegaze with their latest release. Boasting brooding verses, ethereal soundscapes that build continuously, and the wonderful vocal delivery of Julie Hough the trio’s musical mastery is on full display within ‘Automatic’. The track is simply divine and proves HAVVK are in a league of their own. Press play and enjoy.
Bio : Formed in 2018 whilst studying at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute, crush have spent a number of years refining their distinctive sound. During the pandemic, an abundance of free time allowed the band to find their musical feet, leaning into a spacier and darker shoegaze style, far removed from their dream-pop tendencies heard on previous singles such as ‘Glue’ and ‘All My Plants Are Dead’.
Track: Chewed
Why We Like It: It’s a richly textured shoegaze tune that floats upon dreamy melodies and intricately layered instrumentation. Sweet reverb vocals caress a soft melody while chiming guitars and supple beats adorn the backdrop in a soothing ethereal atmosphere. The track is an exciting display of musical prowess from crush – the dense layering and prismatic melodies create a woozy pacifying tone that is utterly blissful and a joy to the ears.
Bio : Dublin singer songwriter Emma Hynes has released her debut single, Don’t Forget. Emma Hynes is an independent artist who brings her lifelong passion for music and writing to everything she creates. As a published and performing writer, and a graduate of literature, drama and film with a love of art and photography, Emma’s work derives from her exposure and openness to multiple forms. This combination makes her an interesting and unique artist. Her solo act gathered momentum in 2019 with opening slots for Brew in The Workman’s Club, and folk rock two-piece Native Harrow in The Underground Venue. In January 2020, she was the sole support to HAIL THE GHOST on the Whelan’s main stage.
Track: Don’t Forget
Why We Like It: ‘Don’t Forget’ is a wonderfully emotive tune steeped in warm melodies and well-placed instrumentation. From steady strums on guitars to driving rhythms, the track glides with subtle yet expressive musicianship. Hynes’ vocals haunt and croon throughout as she injects a soulful tone into this mesmerising tune. There is something hypnotic and thought-provoking about the melancholy within the song that captures the listener’s attention from the first play and lingers for days. Well crafted and showcasing poetic lyrics, ‘Don’t Forget’ is a strong debut single from the singer-songwriter.
Irish indie-pop artist, Brí has released her new single, ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’.Hailing from Offaly, Brí has previously released four singles, debut track, ‘Low Supply’, ‘Polite’, ‘Burying’ and ‘More Than’. From the success gained from these releases, she sold out her own Whelan’s headline show, received high praise from a multitude of blogs and radio and was selected to perform at Beatvyne’s Music X Tech Experience. While 2020 saw performances from Brí at the esteemed Whelan’s Ones to Watch, The Ruby Sessions, headliners in The Sound House, Spirit Store and festival line-up announcements such as Vantastival, 2021 sees Brí building momentum for her anticipated debut album ‘Hide’, which is due for release in October.
Brí blends indie-folk tones with mystical earthy elements to create a melodic and bewitching tune in ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’. The song elegantly flows upon a light backdrop of swooping strings, mellow guitar embellishments and wispy soundscapes as Brí soothingly coos throughout. Brí has an incredible ability to craft emotional and moving tunes that display potent songwriting and rich musicianship, and ‘If I Wasn’t Scared’ is a triumphant example of this. The soft rhythmic pulses and lamenting cello exudes a dark undertone through the soft twinkling guitars and subtle instrumental builds as Brí creates an ethereal and musically poignant tune for listeners to indulge in. This track is a joy to listen to. Looking forward to the release of the debut album.
About the song, Brí says ”If I Wasn’t Scared’ assumes a man’s perspective of a relationship as he struggles to balance his feelings with a ‘tough guy’ image, particularly among ‘the boys’. It is a toxic masculinity tale that strips back cold layers of indifference and questions the fear that it uncovers. “
Following the release of their #3 acclaimed third album Moral Panic last year, Southend five-piece Nothing But Thieves have released their dark and explorative new single and video ‘Futureproof’ via RCA Records, which was premiered on BBC Radio 1 as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World. The track was produced by Rich Costey (Biffy Clyro, Haim, Foo Fighters) and recorded between London’s RAK Studios and guitarist/keyboardist Dom’s home studio.The video, directed by Jake Jelicich, sees the band bathed in an auburn glow giving an intense performance that is filmed chaotically, matching the energy and uneasiness of the song.
Raw, unbridled and saturated in a thrilling concoction of guitar rock and hip hop, ‘Futureproof’ is a spectacular single from Nothing But Thieves. The band creates a muggy wall of sound filled with heavy beats, biting bass lines and intense keys for listeners to indulge in and boy it doesn’t disappoint. The five-piece have turned their impressive sound up notch to create an immersive, blazing new tune that boasts refined production and exemplary instrumentation. The track spirals through dark tones and explosive outbursts while Conor Mason’s vocals expel the striking lyrics “Why do you wanna do good when you can feel good?”. ‘Futureproof’ is a gripping, and utterly fantastic display of musicianship from Nothing But Thieves that is ready for repeat plays and sure to have a live audience going wild.
About the song the band says; “‘Futureproof’ is about self-preservation; what that means to different people and the lengths that those people would go to achieve it. It’s designed to be a guitar rock and hip hop hybrid. That can be a bit of an eye roller and it’s easy to get wrong, but there’s a parallel between some of our heavier songs and the more aggressive side of hip hop, which we wanted to try and get at. It’s dark and chromatic and then it’s mixed like a hip hop track with loud drums and vocals. The idea was to try and explore that territory in the most authentic and fresh way.”
Singer-songwriter, spoken word artist Elina Filice has released a new single in celebration of Pride Month (June), ‘Let’s Get Lost’. The dance-pop anthem celebrates the coming out experience and getting lost to find yourself. Elina hopes the song can help those struggling to come to terms with who they are, as well as all of those on the lifelong journey away from shame and into love and pride. The single was recorded in Elina’s home studio and produced by Viscose.
Doused in sunkissed melodies and bright instrumentation, Elina Filice presents a shimmering pop anthem with ‘Let’s Get Lost’. The song continues Filice’s collection of irresistible earworms as the artist ventures into a more synth-pop sound for this new tune. This track is a fresh, and glittering gem with warm guitars creating a balmy hue over rich rhythms and disco grooves. Filice coos, “let’s get lost a little, cos I wanna be yours a little” over jaunty guitars and soaring synths as the compelling lyrics mirror the song’s energetic and liberating backdrop – perfectly enhanced by the bubbling verses bursting at the seams with vigor and adrenaline. ‘Let’s Get Lost’ is a sublime display of musicianship from Elina Filice. Press play and enjoy.
About the track, Filice says, “This song was written while reflecting on my own coming out experience. It’s such a unique and painful time, and those first feelings of queer love are so transformative. After dating the wrong gender you’re finally feeling something that feels right to you, things you’ve never felt for another person. At the exact same time you’re realizing who you are. It really is finding yourself through loving someone else, which is why for the queer identity, who we love and who we are are inextricably intertwined.”
Following huge signings with the US-based Elevation Group and UK-based BDi Music during the pandemic, AJ Wander has just released ‘Time Out – The Works’ a three-song set of the stunning original version of “Time Out” – which has racked up over 3 million streams – alongside two beautiful alternative reimaginings of the track. The song was written soon after an explosive breakup and offers an intimate take on a universally relatable topic – relationships. Produced by Brad Mair (Dean Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Kygo, Twin Atlantic), ‘Time Out’ is a prime example of London-based AJ Wander’s type of emotive, substantive pop songwriting.
‘Time Out – The Works’ showcases the diverse nature of AJ Wander’s songwriting.Stripped back from the cinematic production of the original, the unplugged version and piano version highlight the earnest lyrical content and beautiful melodic arrangement within this timeless gem. Furthermore, the alternate versions allow Wander to display the warmth, depth and velvety tone in his voice which is simply a joy to listen to. ‘Time Out – The Works’ is a fantastic way to experience the multi-faceted musicianship of AJ Wander. Love it.
Dubliner Kevin Casey has released his new single ‘The Whole World Is Watching’. A long-standing regular in the Irish music scene, Kevin Casey has released several singles, two EPs, and a full-length album since 2014. He has done two European tours and gigged extensively across the country and Germany, the U.K, and the USA, including two consecutive years at Electric Picnic.‘The Whole World Is Watching’ was inspired by the tragic events that led to the Death of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020.
Filled with striking lyrical content, ‘The Whole World Is Watching’ is a passionate and powerful tune from Kevin Casey. With haunting harmonica pines which open up to chilling audio samples, the song hits hard right from the start as the track drifts atop a heartfelt power ballad-esque backdrop filled with lamenting guitars and sparse country elements. Casey’s rasped vocals exude emotion as he questions how our protectors can be those who harm us “A sentence without a crime is how it seems to me…“. With an off-beat drum sample reminiscent of a fading heartbeat and chants panning out the song, Casey presents his most compelling and moving tune yet.
Alternative pop artist Mustafa Sal has released his new single ‘johnnysixteen’. Under his old pseudonym, Sal the Musician, Mustafa released four singles in 2019/20 to great avail, with the tracks getting plenty of radio play and press buzz. Mustafa also spent the latter half of 2019 playing a number of support shows for touring artists, including Australian alt-rock legends ‘You Am I’. Thus far, he has released two singles in 2021 under his new artist name ‘Mustafa Sal’ and garnered Spotify Editorial playlist support for his most recent track ‘Spaceship Boy’.
‘johnnysixteen’ is a buoyant alternative pop number that showcases the emotive songwriting of Mustafa Sal. This catchy bop rides on a bubbling beat while soft electronics wisp in the backdrop creating a bright soundscape filled with warm guitars and shimmering synths that weave between a catchy chorus and luscious arrangements. Mustafa Sal’s warm vocal coo’s melt into a dreamy melody while his sweet tender lyrics convey emotions of loneliness “we are the stimulation generation. We don’t know how to make real friends, so we fake real friends”. The bittersweet lyrics of isolation are wonderfully contrasted by the energetic instrumentation and crisp production in the track. Mustafa has crafted a meaningful and charming tune ready for repeat plays.
About the track, Mustafa says: “The track itself discusses loneliness in the digital age under this cloud of technology. We are so connected yet so distant from one another- a crippling factor in the development of Generation Z as a whole.”
Stream ‘Johnnysixteen’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
