German native Twonique has released his latest album ‘Factory Seconds’ which was written, recorded and produced entirely in his bedroom.Twonique has the listener at heart; his instrumentals are created entirely for his audience, with the intention of provoking emotion so that listeners can relate their own story to his soundscapes.
‘Factory Seconds’ is an electronic driven collection of tunes filled with 80’s fusions that showcase the growing musicianship of Twonique. Oozing indie pop melodies and buoyant rhythmic pulses in ‘Too Late’ and ‘Moving On’ while ‘Climb’ broods in intricate guitar lines, layered vocals and trotting beats this album displays the versatility within Twonique’s sound. Throughout ‘Factory Seconds’ the artist blends lofi bedroom pop tones with electronic flourishes and synth embellishments to create an engaging listening experience. The album is brimming with vibrant tracks however it is the emotional ‘Lost My Face’ that is the pinnacle moment within the album. Twonique coos over soft guitar strums and an echoed whistle refrain while allowing the bittersweet melody become the highlight of the track. ‘Factory Seconds’ unveils Twonique’s strong musical growth since his previous releases such as ‘Amity’ while also displaying the artists’ intriguing, immersive sound.
Bio: Mexican singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julian Lamadrid has released his new single ‘15 Minutes’. Lamadrid co-produced the new song along with Paul Meany.
Track: 15 Minutes
Why We Like It: It’s a souped-up pop tune that is sure to have you up and dancing within seconds. This catchy alternative pop track oozes chic, crisp production, dazzling electronics and infectious melodies. The track bounces along a groove infested foundation as shuffling rhythms and funky guitars glimmer between a hyper synth soundscape. It’s easy to get lost within the many layers, and tones within this song as Lamadrid spreads clap-along features between swirling sounds and flashing disco elements to create an intoxicating new single to listen to. Filled with lush melodies, smooth vocals and intricately weaved instrumentation, ‘15 Minutes’ is a euphoric sassy gem from Lamadrid.
Bio: Following the electrifying success of their single ‘Salami’ – which featured on BBC Introducing, BBC6, KEXP in Seattle and ‘Track of the Week’ on 2FM, Cork art-punk trio Pretty Happy have released their new wave, post-punk new single ‘Sea Sea Sea’.
Track: Sea Sea Sea
Why We Like It: ‘Sea Sea Sea’ is an electrifying whirlwind of post-punk as Pretty Happy simmer their heavy abrasive sound into one exhilarating concoction. Beginning as a breezy bop, the track takes sweet melodies, quirky vocals and chiming guitars and mangles it into a fiery expressive wall of sound. With soft verses leading into an angsty crashing chorus and psychedelic mind-melting crescendo, ‘Sea Sea Sea’ is a raw glorious assault on the senses.
Bio: Global pop superstar and multi-hyphenated artist, Amber Liu, has released a new music video for her latest single, “neon”, via EMPIRE. “neon” is released in both English and Mandarin languages simultaneously. Joining Amber Liu in the English-language version is popular Korean-American rapper Peniel of k-pop boy group BtoB, while the Mandarin-language version features Chinese-born rapper Blow Fever. The fresh track is the first of new original music released by Liu in a year and is just a taste of what is to come from the pop star in the following months.
Track: neon
Why We Like It: It’s a refreshing slice of electronic pop saturated in sweet melodies and lush instrumentation. Driving on an 80’s hued synth-pop soundscape filled with bubbling beats and chiming keys, ‘neon’ is one upbeat and catchy tune. Amber Liu’s vocals glide upon a dreamy melody exuding a cool effortless persona while Peniel’s rap adds a gritty edge to the synth heavy soundscape. Showcasing catchy melodies and deft production, ‘neon’ is a satisfying and enjoyable new single from Amber Liu..
Bio: Following the critically-acclaimed album ‘Portraits’ in 2019, singer-songwriter Greyson Chance is gearing up to release his second album with his new single ‘Hellboy’.
Track: Hellboy
Why We Like It: This frisky, chic single boasts the tight and catchy musicianship of Chance. The song sashay’s upon a luring bassline while slinky electronics and funk guitar sets the rhythmic pace. With bubbling beats creating a muggy atmosphere for the sweltering verses while disco drizzled synths create a euphoric sweetness before the catchy chorus kicks in, ‘Hellboy’ is one irresistible earworm. As Chance’s soulful vocals slip between warm whispers and lush falsetto, he presents a well-crafted swagger-filled number that is difficult to resist.
Bio: Wolf Alice have shared the second single from their upcoming new album ‘Blue Weekend’, which is set for release on June 11th.The London group premiered the new track on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show. It follows the release of February’s ‘The Last Man On Earth’.
Track: Smile
Why We Like It: It’s an angsty blast of alternative rock saturated in psychedelic tones. With a driving bass line wriggling through a punchy drum backdrop, the band create a powerful and mosh ready concoction for listeners to indulge in. This song balances sweet, lush pop tones with raw rock superbly to create an abrasive dreamy tune sure to have you singing along in no time. With eerie chimes on guitars, biting riffs and crashing instrumental builds, the track is an exhilarating rush to the head. Riding on swaggered bass lines and raw, unadulterated rock elements, ‘Smile’ is a fantastic new single from Wolf Alice.
Bio :.London-based, Irish-raised artist Etaoin has released her new single ‘For Her’ taken from her new EP ‘Bedroom Walls’
Track: For Her
Why We Like It: It’s an emotive and delicately arranged tune that showcases Etaoin’s heartfelt melodies and powerful vocal delivery. With soft finger-plucked guitar twinkling beneath warm vocal rasps and folk/pop elements the track is a unique and compelling listening experience. Etaoin has a remarkable ability to capture emotion through her songs and this gem is a wonderful example of her lyrical honesty, clever song writing and passionate musicianship.
I caught up with Monaghan singer-songwriter, Jim McHugh to have a chat about his upcoming album, ‘Pretending to Wake Up’ which is set for release on May 28th. We discussed the striking honesty within the lyrics, McHugh’s knack with catchy melodies and his fantastic and relatable storytelling within the songs.
Limerick-based five-piece, Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets are back with their new single, ‘days’. Once again, this track comes self-recorded and produced by the band themselves. The track is released under the Limerick-based collective, BitDepth, of which Flynn is a founding member. Flynn and The Dead Poets have had a busy start to 2021, putting out a single and a collaboration EP with Culla. The band have amassed nearly 10k streams in just 4 months and have more singles to come this summer.
Dripping in passionate melodies and powerful instrumentation, ‘days’ is a blistering, lushly arranged new single from Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets. From the icy synth intro to the soaring chorus, the band layer and craft the song superbly. The song builds emotion right from the get-go while chiming guitars forge an ethereal and lonely soundscape for the verses. However, in true Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets manner, the song unfolds swiftly into an anthemic powerhouse filled with lively guitars, punchy drums and rampant bass lines that exude a mighty alternative rock persona. Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets have a captivating ability to capture emotion through their deft lyrics and sweet melodies, and ‘days’ is a perfect example of this. The lyrics of the song detail the state of the housing crisis in Ireland at the moment, and the band package this raw and powerful theme in expressive, dynamic and catchy musicianship to create a potent and enjoyable song to listen to.
About the track Flynn said – “This song is one I have had for a while now, and I feel it holds a strong message. I have never really written about social issues in my music before, but this track just ended up coming out of me. We are all really proud of this one and feel it’s one of our best productions to date. It’s been over a year since our last gig, so we can’t wait to get out and play this new music for people.”
Complete with a harder edge and fuller sound, ‘Halves’ is the second EP to come from British songwriter Rachel Myall. Inspired by extensive travel, a love of storytelling, and the unexpected passing of a collaborator and confidant, the songs explore separation, sin and unrequited love across soul, country and pop. The EP was recorded at Buffalo Studio in London with vintage sound pioneer and producer JB Pilon, with closer ‘You & I’ dedicated to David Jimenez.
‘Halves’ is a wholesome collection of country-pop tunes that display the emotional songwriting and powerful storytelling of Rachel Myall. Myall uses rich and diverse instrumentation to depict tales of love, loss and inner conflict. With twanging guitars, organ keys and warm fiddle in ‘The Gambler’, cosy cello, and intricate rhythms in ‘You & I’, the backdrops of the songs provide a satisfying and engaging flow to the EP. Myall’s rasped, powerful vocals tie the songs together. Her voice ventures from a luring and smoky tone in the mysterious ‘Save Our Souls’ to soft coos within the pop sprinkled shuffle in ‘Great Divide’, creating a diverse and expressive listening experience. ‘Halves’ gives an intriguing glimpse into the multiple facets of Rachel Myall’s musicianship while providing some enjoyable and passionate tunes to bop along to.
Irish artist and multi-instrumentalist rvstless has released his new single ‘Wanna Be Free’. rvstless is the new moniker of Steven McCann, an R&B/Soul project which found its feet throughout lockdown 2020. No stranger to the live music scene, McCann has played Electric Picnic, Body&Soul, Latitude in the UK and a whole host of festivals and tours, with his previous artist project TooFools and as an in-demand session musician. After touring extensively over the past few years as a session musician, previously working alongside the likes of JyellowL, Melina Malone, Phil Coulter, Booka Brass, Ralph Rolle (Nile Rodgers & CHIC), and Lisa Hannigan to name a few, rvstless will release a debut EP later this year.
Within ‘Wanna Be Free’, rvstless spreads infectious laid back electronics over a mellow R&B backdrop to make an ambitious and incredibly catchy new single. The song has a sleek coating with an energetic underbelly as a skipping rhythm and rippling bassline pairs well with McCann’s smooth vocal performance. Featuring a dreamy melody and carefree sun-kissed atmosphere, the song is masterfully poised and crafted to balance chic cool and emotional sincerity in one buoyant, infectious gem. Exuding jaunty guitar, echoed soundscapes, and tight grooves weaved between lush pop melodies ‘Wanna Be Free’ is the perfect summer chilled bop.
Dublin-based The Crayon Set have released their second single ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ taken from their forthcoming album ‘Downer Disco’ which is set for release in September 2021, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.The first line-up of The Crayon Set released their eponymous debut album in 2013 – it was recorded with Nick Brine (Teenage Fanclub, Super Furry Animals). It’s follow-up ‘Lost Languages’ was recorded with Gavin Glass (Lisa Hannigan, Villagers) and released in 2017 and featured Kate Dineen on guest vocals who later became a permanent member of the band.
Driving on a pulsing bassline and rippling electronics, ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ is a shimmering disco ball of alternative pop. The song fleshes out The Crayon Set’s lush sound with layers of palpitating synths, propulsive rhythms and a dash of Americana glimmering through on guitars. As the song progresses, it slips into psychedelic hues, creating a laid-back, carefree vibe that ebbs and flows throughout. The Crayon Set have become known for their hook-laden sound, and ‘Don’t Step Back Too Far’ follows this trend wonderfully. Press play and enjoy.
Speaking about their new single, Robert explains “I was pleased when this song came along – I think it helped signal a new direction for the band. It had more of a groove to it – and it had a melancholic atmosphere that drew you in. Lyrically it is about feeling down and losing a sense of yourself and your role in the world. It probably inspired the ‘Downer Disco’ album theme – a bit depressing, but you could dance to it…”.
Candy’s Guilt are set to release their new single ‘Ruby Blue’ on May 7th. Candy’s Guilt is a four piece band from North Dublin. The band was founded by Sean Walsh (guitar) and John Kennedy (vocals) when they met in secondary school. The band also consists of Mark Mitchell (drums) and Pearce Fitzpatrick O’donovan (bass).
‘Ruby Blue’ is a bittersweet tune that displays the gentle and emotive side to Candy’s Guilt. The band flesh out their sound by sprinkling delicate piano between warm, steady guitar strums to create a soft and tender soundscape for listeners to indulge in.Within the track a melancholic melody is gently caressed by hushed lulling vocals and supple harmonies, which is quite comforting to the ears while lyrics such as “sometimes I get the feeling that there’s nothing to believe in and when the day came calling it was all for nothing in the end” stir emotion within the listener. Candy’s Guilt focuses on the beauty of melody and touching songwriting to create a time-stopping, nostalgic piece of music that is a wonderful example of their evocative musicianship.
Brighton duo Royal Blood have released their eagerly anticipated third album, ‘Typhoons’. Their previous two albums both went straight to #1 in the UK, in the process accumulating 2 million global sales. The duo have won the BRIT Award for Best British Group, two NME Awards and a Kerrang! Award. Their debut album was also nominated for the Mercury Prize.Not easy achievements to follow but Royal Blood take the bull by the horns in an attempt to create a body of work like no other.
Royal Blood presents an album dripping in gritty rock hues, psychedelic tones and disco for their third instalment. In true Royal Blood manner, the duo pulls it out of the bag, developing their sound into something exciting while giving us heavy rock heads something tantalizing to mosh to. ‘Typhoons’ announces a different sound for the band that is steeped in swagger and sleekness. Thirst quencher singles ‘Typhoons’, ‘Trouble’s Coming’ and ‘Limbo’ mix funky dance-infused production with gritty, heavy rock to create a resounding and ballsy wall of sound that exudes an air of refinement we haven’t seen before from the band.
As for heavy riffage, there is plenty on this album. Mike Kerr slips those beefy bass riffs into the sweltering blues-tinged ‘Who Needs Friends’ and Josh Homme produced ‘Boilermaker’ with the former taking a euphoric dance stance. The duo blend flamboyant disco elements with sleek rock, funky grooves and raw angst masterfully to create irresistible tunes for listeners to indulge in. However, among this genre fluidity, Ben Thatcher’s tight relentless drumming remains the anchor. He masterfully flexes his thunderous drums through the lighter pop smacked ‘Either You Want It’ and pounds with strutting swagger through the 70’s- esque ‘Mad Visions’. With catchy melodies and mighty instrumental builds, the songs within the album maintain hype and vigour throughout. Even the 80s slapped ‘Million and One’ which boasts flashing synths and a dazzling soundscape doesn’t feel out of place on the album.
‘Typhoons’ is brimming with anthemic chic tunes that display a more confident stance from the band. Kerr pivots the tracks around his lusty bass while his vocals slip into a sweet falsetto between warm coos. This is most apparent in the infectious ‘Hold On’ while his vocal croons lather the beautiful closing track ‘All We Have Is Now’ in tenderness. Luxuriantly adorned in soft echoes and lamenting piano, this song is immaculate. Kerr’s vocals delicately caress a tender, soothing melody that is a welcome emotional calm after the groove-infested storm of its predecessors. This song, for me, is the pinnacle moment within the album. It feels more real, earnest and emotional with less production, fuss and flamboyance, showing another facet to Royal Blood’s ever-evolving sound.
Royal Blood have shown they are not a one-trick pony. Within this catchy, upbeat and infectious album, the band push boundaries and expectations while maintaining their alternative rock edge. The rich and utterly lush production on the tracks is something to be admired and the dynamic energy within each song is irresistible. Each track warrants its place on the album creating a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable body of work.
Irish singer-songwriter David Keenan has released his new single. ‘Peter O’Toole’s Drinking Stories’. The song heralds Keenan’s eagerly awaited second studio album, due later this year. Keenan’s breakthrough debut album, ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery’, arrived in January 2020 and immediately ascended to #1 on the official Irish Independent Album Charts as well as #6 on the overall National Album Charts. Fueled by such finely etched tracks as “Unholy Ghosts,” “Tin Pan Alley,” “Altar Wine,” and “The Healing,” the album proved among the best-selling vinyl album releases by an Irish artist in 2020. The release of A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery was celebrated with a sold-out headline show at Dublin’s world-renowned Olympia Theatre, an unforgettable performance captured for posterity in the acclaimed documentary, Alchemy & Prose : A Concert Film
‘Peter O’Toole’s Drinking Stories’ announces the spectacular return of David Keenan. Moving on from his debut album ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery’ the artist is fleshing out his sound superbly. Jangly folk elements build over a driving rhythmic instrumental as Keenan creates a vibrant backdrop full of vitality. The song oscillates from tense verses to a lively chorus with ease, immersing the listener in a rich soundscape of lush guitar, buoyant rhythms, grand strings and lively percussion. All the while, Keenan’s warm vocals maintain a commanding presence. His ability to capture and hold the listener’s attention with his eloquent storytelling, well-coined phrases, and wit is masterful and is greatly enhanced by the instrumentation. A perfect example of this is the lyric “Tiptoe towards immortality laughing into the wind” – the instrumentation quietens to mirror Keenan’s hushed tone creating hair-raising tension for the jubilant infectious chorus to follow. ‘Peter O’Toole’s Drinking Stories’ is an exciting glimpse into what Keenan has in store for us with his upcoming album, and it’s looking like it’s going to be one heck of a treat.
Watch the video for ‘Peter O’Toole’s Drinking Stories’ below.
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
