Tag Archives: New Music

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – featuring Bloxx, Hook, Color Palette, ‘Cneasta’ and RUE

Bloxx

Genre : Indie pop

Bio : Uxbridge band Bloxx have returned with their new single ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’.The song is the first piece of new material since Bloxx released their debut album ‘Lie Out Loud’ in August 2020 to critical acclaim. The track premiered with Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1, and is produced by Rich Turvey (Blossoms, Oscar Lang).

Track: Everything I’ve Ever Learned

Why We Like It: Riding on a driving bassline ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’ is an exhilarating new single from Bloxx. Jam-packed with irresistible hooks and dynamic instrumentation the song is an explosive whack of indie-pop. The track showcases the band’s deft musical prowess through a majestic display of soaring guitars, punchy drums and shimmering synths that creates a rich, sonic soundscape for listeners to indulge in. It’s a triumphant and exciting return from the Indie pop wizards.

You can follow Bloxx on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/BloxxUK

Watch the video for ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’ below 

Hook

Genre : New Wave Rock

Bio : Dublin-based new wave rock band Hook are set to release a new music video for, “Best Days,”.Shot and edited by the band. It includes slow shots of Dublin through a disorientating filter. The view is from the eyes of someone wandering the city at night; confused, lost, lonely which compliment’s the song’s message of going through difficult and complicated emotions. Hook are Eoin O’Donnell (vocals, guitar), Morgan O’Brien (drums) Danny Spelman (bass, vocals).

Track: Best Days

Why We Like It: It’s a swagger dipped tune that oozes the 80’s hued rock sound of Hook. The band sprinkle chiming guitars into a punchy drum and rippling bass backdrop to create a groove-driven tune that is a joy to listen to. The tracks laid back mellow melody is coated in Eoin O’Donnell’s rasped vocals while distortion and dark psychedelic undertones create a mysterious and eerie quality throughout. Boasting the band’s tight infectious musicianship, ‘Best Days’ is a tantalising new single from the Dublin-based three-piece. 

You can follow Hook on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/listentohook

Watch the video for ‘Best Days’ below 

Color Palette

Genre : Indie Electronic pop

Bio : Washington Electro Rock/Synth Pop band Color Palette have released their new single ‘Clear Water Blue’. The song will be included on Color Palette’s forthcoming EP, set to be released in summer 2021.

Track: Clear Water Blue

Why We Like It: It’s an expansive and earthy tune that exudes Color Palette’s refined and lush musicianship. The band drop sweet guitar melodies into a pool of ethereal synths to create a soft rippling soundscape for listeners to indulge in before the song builds and becomes more intense as the band ventures into psychedelic pop tendencies. There is an immersive quality to the song through the use of chiming keys and lush arrangements that weave into one another while a dreamy pop melody and echoed vocals create a space-like atmosphere. Tightly layered and richly arranged ‘Clear Water Blue’ is an exciting new single from Color Palette.

You can follow Color Palette on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/colorpalettedc

Stream ‘Clear Water Blue’ below 

Cneasta

Genre : Indie 

Bio : Cneasta is a three piece band from Listowel.The band have released their new single ‘Warrior’.the band is comprised of Peter O’Donoghue (singer songwriter), Danny Sparks (Drums) and David O’Connor (lead guitar).

Track: Warrior

Why We Like It: This punchy indie tune is brimming with passion and dynamic musicianship as Cneasta spread biting vocals over a building indie backdrop. With buoyant rhythms riding atop edgy melodic guitar refrains the track has a lush and vibrant soundscape that glimmers with sweet guitar moments and punchy drum progressions. Exuding emotion throughout, O’Donoghue’s warm rasped vocals flow over the bubbling backdrop with ease while anchoring the listener within the track’s kinetic and engaging sound. ‘Warrior’ is a fantastic display of musical prowess from Cneasta.

You can follow Cneasta on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Cneastamusic

Stream ‘Warrior’ below 

RUE

Genre : indie pop

Bio : RUE is an Indie Pop Female Singer/Songwriter from Northern Ireland.RUE has released her debut single ‘Into The Woods’

Track: Into The Woods

Why We Like It: ‘Into The Woods’ showcases RUE’s refined and engaging indie-pop sound. Melting a sweet pop melody into a bubbling electronic backdrop of muggy beat slaps the track is a compelling and well-crafted experience for listeners to enjoy. As RUE’s smooth vocals glide over the melody the song ventures from brooding verses to a catchy bright chorus while the subtle electronics maintain a dark undertone throughout. Featuring warm guitar and a clap-along feature ‘Into The Woods’ is an impressive debut that marks RUE as an artist to keep an eye on.

You Can Follow RUE on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/RUEmusicofficial/?ref=page_internal

Stream ‘Into The Woods’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks On Spotify Here


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Clara Byrne ‘To Rome’

Bray songwriter Clara Byrne has released her new single ‘To Rome’. With warm lulling vocals gliding effortlessly upon an ethereal soundscape of supple bass, soft beats and twinkling piano the song is light, earthy and luxuriantly crafted to provide a soothing listening experience. Byrne takes the dreamy melody and saturates it in lush embellishments and haunting soundscapes. As the song progresses backing vocals coo to create a ghosty tone while the instrumental backdrop becomes more irritated and blustery. Byrne’s vocals anchor the listener within the song. Her unique vocals venture from warm depths to sweet croons which provides a mystical and bewitching quality to the track that is utterly enchanting. 

Byrne showcases her compelling lyrical ability within ‘To Rome’, confirming her stance as a proficient up and coming songwriter. Lines such as “Carvings curved, held high on teal thrones. Heads of hope watching crowds grow, bring wishes my knee” highlight the artists beautifully evocative songwriting. ‘To Rome’ is an impressive new single from Clara Byrne. Looking forward to hearing more from this talented musician.

Stream ‘To Rome’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jamie Noone ‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’

Jamie Noone has released his new single ‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’.Jamie Noone is a singer-songwriter, producer and poet from Dublin.  Noone writes, produces and mixes all of his music from his home studio based in Berlin, where he is currently living.

‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’ is a wonderful display of Jamie Noone’s fine musicianship. Noone’s velvety vocals caress a smooth melody with ease while the backdrop exudes a lounge- esque vibe between soft smouldering beats, supple indie guitar and hues of hip hop. A warm saxophone envelopes the song in sensual elegance while a jazz piano glides through the thrilling crescendo. ‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’ is an impressive track that showcases the artist’s deft musical prowess through delicate melodic flows, grand yet supple musicianship and brooding soundscapes. Noone is an immensely talented artist and one to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Keepmeinyourmind (For a minute)’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Soda Blonde ‘Holy Roses’

Soda Blonde

Soda Blonde have released the third single ‘Holy Roses’ from their upcoming album ‘Small Talk’ set for release on July 9th via Velveteen Records.‘Holy Roses’ is a deeply emotive and powerful tune set to a shimmering alternative pop backdrop. Starting with a sombre guitar refrain ‘Holy Roses’ unfolds beautifully. The minimalist instrumentation to begin with, opens up to Faye O’Rourke’s lulling vocals and warm backing harmonies which set the tone of the song through a profoundly honest and hard-hitting lyric “Hold on let me get this straight, you said what you want and now you are done”, soon followed by a pre-chorus that acts like a stream of consciousness as the artist comes to terms with painful past events, “so many fights, so much nothing in the bed, so many railroads that don’t lead to anything…”. The brooding verses swiftly give way to a vibrant chorus filled with radiant synths, rich rhythms and uplifting melodies that sheds light on the song’s shadowy undertone. The track is a marvel of fine musicianship and showcases the powerfully emotive songwriting of Soda Blonde. The four-piece push boundaries to craft compelling artistic tunes that are simply spellbinding and a joy to listen to. ‘Holy Roses’ is a must listen.

About ‘Holy Roses’ Faye says “So many of us use rejection as fuel to justify stagnancy or living in the past. Holy Roses provides me with some closure and I feel it’s one of the most important tracks on the album. I am directly addressing the people in my past who have hurt me in this song. The Rose is symbolic of war and the fleetingness of life and death. It also represents the fall of Christianity, which I compare not only to our country’s dying Catholic status but to the oppression I felt throughout my own personal and work life. Holy Roses is the moment of reckoning for me, in all respects. I’m letting go of the people who have hurt me and my old way of living”

Stream ‘Holy Roses’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Elina Filice ‘Flight Risk’ EP

Singer, songwriter, and spoken word artist Elina Filice has released her sophomore EP, ‘Flight Risk’. The project is the culmination of the biggest year yet for the emerging artist. Leading up to the five-song EP, Elina released a series of successful singles that now find a permanent home in the project. The lead track on the EP is Elina’s breakout single “Thinking of You,” accompanied by a fresh radio edit and creative lyric video. With 750k+ streams on Spotify, a critically acclaimed music video, and worldwide coverage and radio play, the song marked a new era for the artist. The project was recorded at Wavefarm Productions (Dublin, Ireland). It was produced remotely between Elina and producers Kevin Brennan, Zach MacPherson, and her dad, Carmine Filice. It also features collaborations with Neolithic, Cat, and Claudia Crampton. 

 ‘Flight Risk’ is a tightly crafted EP glazed in the bright, melodically lush sound of Elina Filice. The artist bends hip hop over rich pop sensibilities, jazz embellishments and blues tones to create a free-flowing, laid back collection of tracks that is a joy to the ears. Filice has a knack with irresistible hooks and melodies, and ‘Flight Risk’ is a fantastic example of this. From the mellow guitar hook and catchy chorus in ‘Thinking of You’ to the jazz dipped piano refrain and lush backing vocal coos in ‘Here’, Filice’s earworm sound never falters while various featured artists ( Claudia Crampton, Neolithic and Cat) on the EP help maintain a refreshing atmosphere throughout. 

Within this EP the listener gets a keyhole glimpse into Filice’s diverse and captivating sound. The singer-songwriter’s ability to blend a smooth rap and biting rhythms with classy jazz and elegant piano or balmy indie is mesmerising and confirms how talented the musician is – a wonderful illustration of this talent is the riveting ‘Lying’, a timeless gem in the EP that is an exciting and goosebump-inducing demonstration of deft musical ability. In fact, each track on the EP is an outstanding display of musical expression that flows elegantly into the next.

‘Flight Risk’ explores themes of movement, travel, adventure and self-discovery. Filice convey’s these themes through skilful storytelling and meaningful lyrics. Phrases such as, “My younger me seems to be just as lost as the girl sitting here” in the powerful ‘Thinking of You’ and “I’m begging to borrow, the absence of fear, cos I’m afraid to tell you, baby, I always wanna be here” in the emotive ‘Here’, showcases the artist’s lyrical depth and the earnest approach Filice has to songwriting. The sincere poetic spoken word teamed with stirring soulful melodies makes each song a special experience every time you listen to them.  

‘Flight Risk’ is a fine display of blossoming talent that marks Felice as an artist to keep an eye on.


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Slaney ‘Love Is Like A Drug’

Irish electro-pop artist Slaney has released her new single, ‘Love Is Like A Drug’. The song follows the release of her previous single ‘Chameleon’, which dropped in February and picked up excellent radio and press support in Ireland and the UK.

‘Love Is Like A Drug’ is a refreshing guzzle of electronic pop that bubbles with the infectious musicianship of Slaney. She spreads ethereal electronics over a sticky beat creating a muggy and dance-infused backdrop for her sweet vocals to coo over. There is a beautiful contrast between Slaney’s hypnotic vocals, the honeyed melody and effervescent electronics that adds a bite and edge to the tune. Slaney pulls these different aspects together with the use of soft pop elements and catchy hooks allowing listeners to appreciate and immerse themselves in the tracks’ addictive and enticing soundscapes. ‘Love Is Like A Drug’ showcases Slaney’s musical prowess and sublime knack for melodies, marking her an artist to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Love Is Like A Drug’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Tommy Cullen ‘Violet Rainbow’

Photo Credit: Joanna O’Malley.

Dublin singer-songwriter Tommy Cullen is tearing into the summer with his new single ‘Violet Rainbow’.Like most of his output to date, the track was recorded in lockdown during a turbulent year spent in a tiny house on top of a river.  It is the latest addition to a repertoire spanning such diverse subjects as scary sharks, imaginary breakups and really nice trains. ‘Violet Rainbow’ has its origins in a voice memo captured years ago in a rented bus while Tommy was travelling in the French Alps. Now the song emerges fully formed, expressing the universal desire to shine and giving voice to the many shades of violet that make up our lives. It was mixed by Marcus Jay, who also contributed additional production and drum machine programming, and mastered by Ivan Jackman at Hellfire Studios.

‘Violet Rainbow’ boasts the intricate and catchy musicianship of Tommy Cullen. Riding on a gritty riff, buoyant beat, and lush melodies, the track surges with adrenaline. Cullen’s smooth vocals glide over a dreamy melody filled with funky guitar lines and vibrant soundscapes to create a textured and euphoric tune that is a joy to listen to. There is a subtle sense of mystery within the bright indie backdrop enhanced by shaky percussion and silken electronics that weaves beneath rumbling beats and light guitars. Cullen has a wonderful ability for producing lush and compelling tunes that ooze awe-inspiring musical prowess and ‘Violet Rainbow’ displays this perfectly.

Stream ‘Violet Rainbow’ below 



Author : Danu

EP Review, New Music

Midheach ‘Unity-Divinity-Love’ EP

Midheach re-releases his debut EP ‘Unity-Divinity-Love’ with a vinyl release which is available through Bandcamp. Exploring our bond with the Great Mother and our union with the Divine, ‘Unity-Divinity-Love’ delivers a visceral and emotional listening experience. Written by Midheach and produced by Finn O’Connor at Crann Óg studios at the foot of Sliabh an Iarainn in Co. Leitrim, Ireland. This body of work is intrinsically connected to Ireland’s folklore and traditional culture, exploring the stories in an intriguing and modern guise. Midheach is the musical moniker and surname of Cóilín Ó Midheach. His name takes its origin from the Irish folktales of the Tuatha Dé Danann and a story of regeneration and healing.

‘Unity-Divinity-Love’ is a beautiful EP laced in Midheach’s emotive arrangements and moving melodies. From the earthy opener ‘Divinity’ to the poetic spoken word of ‘Love’, the EP flows lovingly with diverse and unique musicianship. Utilising warm cello, elegant piano, and gentle guitar Midheach creates cinematic and heartfelt tunes for listeners to indulge in. The most compelling is ‘Little Rose’. Brimming with lush harmonies, haunting backing vocals and passionate melodies this tune is awe-inspiring and utterly moving. Each song glides through a multitude of emotions enhanced by uplifting crescendos and delicate instrumentation that ventures from Celtic to folk undertones with a hint of classical embellishments. ‘Unity-Divinity-Love’ is a time-stopping collection of work that displays Midheach’s refined and thrilling musicianship.

“Separated from loved ones, communities and the wider world, it is now more important than ever to look within and reconnect with our true selves” explains Midheach, who cites the sacred love and unbreakable union between twin flames as one of the key influences for this EP. 

Stream ‘Unity-Divinity-Love’ here  https://midheach.bandcamp.com/album/unity-divinity-love


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jim McHugh ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ Album

Monaghan singer-songwriter Jim McHugh has released his third album ‘Pretending To Wake Up’. McHugh’s previous releases have been added to RTE 1’s Recommends list, been Album of The Week at KCLR, been All Out Local Song Choice at LMFM and had extensive regional, national and international airplay.

‘Pretending To Wake Up’ is a fascinating collection that showcases McHugh’s most compelling work to date. The gobsmacking singles ‘Dave’ and ‘Hey Jimbo’ only give a glimpse of the treasure that ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ has to offer. Gems like the emotive ‘Her Love’ is a joy to the ears and boasts the artist’s fine musical prowess – the track’s dark tribal beat exudes hypnotic qualities that brood and simmer beneath McHugh’s deep vocals. This mysterious tune glimmers with a sense of innocence as McHugh slips into his falsetto while a supple twinkle on guitar adorns the backdrop in a tender lament. It’s within the deep yearning and minimalist instrumentation that we see the true beauty of the song before it erupts into a cinematic and passionate crescendo. The track is simply divine and quite the emotive masterpiece.

McHugh’s artistic talent is on full display within ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ as he takes us from the lush ‘Her Love’ to the gritty, dark ‘Virtual Bomb Drop’, an alternative rock smasher. This riff-heavy banger drives along a foundation of pounding drums, slithering grooves on bass and angular guitars that ooze swagger and gusto throughout. The track is a wonderful contrast to ‘Her Love’ that pulls the listener further into McHugh’s vibrant musicianship.

All over the album, we see McHugh blending musical genres – something the artist does with deft skill and enviable ease. From the panache dipped rock n’ roll of ‘Dave’ and ‘ Hey Jimbo’ to the jazz hues within ‘Shut Your Mouth’ and reggae rhythmic elements in ‘Mo Stór ’, McHugh invites listeners to indulge in the myriad of unique sounds within each satisfying and richly textured track. McHugh knows when to blast his tunes with ballsy rock and heavy instrumentation and when to tease, lure and create brooding tension within his music. This skill provides refreshing jolts throughout the album, with raw crescendo’s erupting from seemingly tender and pining tunes. This is aptly shown in ‘Mo Stór ’ which sees McHugh movingly lay his heart on his sleeve “I was born to be alive, with you” over a buoyant guitar, and soft instrumentation that becomes more expressive with indie rock elements for the crescendo.

Lyrical honesty and storytelling is something McHugh has become known for. Most notably in ‘Such A Cow’. McHugh exclaims “you’re such a cow” over jagged guitar and punchy drums. He’s not one to mince his word. However, there is plenty of witty insights and thought-provoking idioms within his lyrics that leaves much to be admired about the artist’s talent as a songwriter.

‘Pretending To Wake Up’ is a fantastic and cohesive collection of tracks that marks McHugh as an artist to keep an eye on. The diverse blend of instrumentation teamed with catchy sweeping melodies and lyrical content makes ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ an exciting record ready for repeat plays.

Stream ‘Pretending To Wake Up’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Academic ‘Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)’

The Academic have announced details of a new EP. ‘The Community Spirit’ EP will be released on the 9th of July through Capitol Records. To coincide with its announcement, the band have released the first taste of the EP with their new single, ‘Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)’.’ The Community Spirit’ EP was written, recorded and produced by the band through lockdown.

Exuding a youthful persona, ‘Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)’ is an irresistible earworm that surges with The Academic’s thrilling indie sound. The rugged driving bass lines and punchy drum progressions create a gripping foundation while shimmers of guitar lift the track to majestic and ethereal heights. It’s a gripping and powerful number as the band flesh out their exhilarating musicianship with weighty instrumentation and honest lyricism. Craig Fitzgerald croons, “when I say I shine, I barely glow “ over a sweet melody while the indie backdrop builds for the anthemic chorus. The track is a joy to listen to and ready for repeat plays.

Showcasing crisp production and energetic instrumentation, The Academic are building their sound superbly and fast becoming one of Ireland’s finest indie gems.

About the song, vocalist Craig Fitzgerald explains: “Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me) is one of the first songs I remember writing back when I was a teenager. It was the first time that lyrics had come very easy to me. It’s written about the fear of not getting out of your hometown and amounting to anything. Thanks to the lockdown, I had plenty of time on my hands, but nothing to write about, so I started looking through all my old notebooks and found this song fully written. I had a gut feeling that it might come to life now with a few more years of living behind me since it was originally written.”

 Stream ‘Kids (Don’t End Up Like Me)’ below 


Author : Danu