Tag Archives: Pretty Happy

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks -featuring Julian Lamadrid, Pretty Happy, Amber Liu, Greyson Chance, Wolf Alice and Etaoin

Julian Lamadrid

Genre: Alternative pop

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. 

You can follow Julian Lamadrid on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/JulianLamadridOfficial

Watch the video for ‘15 Minutes’ below

Pretty Happy

Genre: Post-punk

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. 

You can follow Pretty Happy On Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/prettyhappyband/

Stream ‘Sea Sea Sea’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/prettyhappycork/sea-sea-sea-2

Amber Liu

Photo credit Uplifted Visuals

Genre: Electronic Pop

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..

You can Follow Amber Liu on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/ajol_llama/

Stream ‘neon’ below 

Greyson Chance

Genre: Alternative pop

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.

You can follow Greyson Chance on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/GreysonChance

Stream ‘Hellboy’ below 

Wolf Alice

Credit: Jordan Hemingway

Genre: Alternative

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. 

You can follow Wolf Alice on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/wolfalicemusic

Watch the video for ‘Smile’ below

Etaoin

Genre : Singer Songwriter

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. 

You can follow Etaoin on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/etaoinnn/

Stream ‘For Her’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Here

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/32jNQJPiYaLG1fMWMUGPtn?si=3f8e215b55264fd2


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk

Pretty Happy ‘Salami’

Pretty Happy have returned with their new single ‘Salami.’Pretty Happy are an Art-Punk three-piece from Cork with a growing reputation for their dynamic live performances and electric eccentricities. Made up of Abbey Blake (Guitar), Arann Blake (Vocals, Bass Guitar), and Andy Killian (Drums), the trio have established themselves as one of the most exciting acts on the Cork music scene. They use a combination of absurdist lyrics, demented emotions, and idiosyncratic melodies to create an all-consuming noise rock sound.

‘Salami’ is an abrasive whirlwind of post-punk as Pretty Happy spread raw instrumentation over psychedelic flashes to create one exhilarating frenzied smasher. Coarse jagged guitar lines gash through a rugged drum and bass foundation while exuding a hypnotic thumping tempo until the chorus announces itself with a roar of frenzy. Within the chorus crashing guitars, wailing vocals and barbed bloodthirsty bass slaps create the song’s instant spiral into chaos. However light shoegaze guitar breaks up the frenzy, as the band masterfully blends wild barbaric post-punk with dreamy moments to create a thrilling savage listening experience. 

Pretty Happy have an intense and blustery sound. They know exactly how to craft their quirky madness to create a wonderfully expressive wall of sound. They meld and mangle haunting vocals, spoken quips, and screams between a harrowing onslaught of gnawing guitars and a rumbling rhythmic section to create unruly, and absolutely thrilling music. 

Stream ‘Salami’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/prettyhappycork/salami/s-QmsG9wja2db


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks

Some Sprouts

Genre: Indie 

Bio: Hot off the heels of their second EP “IMMT”, German quintet Some Sprouts have released their new single Someone You Love.

Track: Someone You Love

Why We Like It: It’s a melodious sweet indie pop delight drenched in laid back sunny tones and sparkling instrumentation. With jangly dreamy strides on guitar cruising blissfully through a steady beat and twinkling soundscape the band create a mellowed gem glimmering with a light and refreshing wall of sound. With velvety vocals caressing a hazy sweet melody this effortless lush track is the easy listening tune ready to take you to a cosy summer utopia created by Some Sprouts.

You Can Follow Some Sprouts on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/somesproutsmusic/

Watch the video ‘Someone You Love’ below

Pretty Happy

Genre: Noise punk

Bio: Cork noise-punk trio Pretty Happy have released their new single ‘Arkansas’. Pretty Happy were included in the first round of announcements for iconic Cork Festival ‘Quarter Block Party’ and the fledgling act show no signs of slowing down, following on from support slots with Dublin grunge group Bitch Falcon and Limericks own Bleeding Heart Pigeons in recent weeks.

Track: ‘Arkansas’

Why We Like It: It’s an unsettling number – dark in its presentation. The band delve deep into a sinister work of gritty punk, smudged in blood stained aggro and chilling hysterics. The backdrop creeps and bloops with a sublime ominous bass and steady beat. The lyrics are narrated to us with a gravelly rasp=laced voice while slicing raw guitars cut deep into a dangerous backdrop filled with tension. There is an ‘American Psycho’ vibe to this track, as if we are listening to a harrowing psychotic break spiraling into a striking scene of frenzy. Its well crafted with some humorous lyrics and haunting backing coos throughout however it’s the band’s ability to create a groove filled, tight number that can chill and yet lure you in all at once that is utterly compelling and marks this band as one to watch.

About the track Arann Blake (Vocals, bass) said: “It’s a lot darker than our usual stuff, but that seems to be the direction the music is going. We didn’t want to reign in Abbey as such so she’s making all sorts of noise on the track. The vibe is kind of like a funny nightmare, disgusting, but fun.”

You can follow Pretty Happy on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/prettyhappyband/

Stream ‘Arkansas’ below

Chris Wilson 

Photo by Gareth Stack

Genre: Singer songwriter

Bio: Chris Wilson is a singer/songwriter originally from Swords. Having traveled all over the world busking solo and with bands and other artists he has honed his craft as a performer and songwriter.

Track: ‘Now I See You’

Why We Like It: It’s a delicate number that stops time as Wilson creates a nostalgic dream capsule of tender soft musicianship and powerful, sweet lyrics. With warm guitar soothing and creating a glowing radiance throughout, Wilson provides a cosy bubble for us to rest in. It’s emotional and tender as his velvety vocals coo delicately over the melancholic yet calming melody. There is a wonderful freeing atmosphere of safety and tranquility as Wilson provides a moment to stop and reflect through beautiful musicianship and feathery light melodic flows. Simply stunning.

You can follow Chris Wilson on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/imchriswilsonmusic/

Watch the video for ‘Now I See You’ below

Minutes To Midnight

Genre: Alternative

Bio:’13 Days’ is  taken from Minutes To Midnight’s debut solo album ‘After 1989 – A Trip To Freedom’. After a long stint as an audio professional in the gaming industry, Simone (Minutes to Midnight) has now turned his focus into music production. After extensive experience working with other artists, arranging, co-writing, and mixing, M2M has decided to tell a very personal story of his in the medium of a concept album. ‘After 1989 – A Trip To Freedom’ is a thoroughly crafted concept, it’s the result of a personal journey through a painful family legacy during World War II, and the tumultuous decades that followed.

Track: 13 Days

Why We Like It: This striking number provides a gritty more groove rooted side to Minutes To Midnight’s sound. With stinging guitar melodies and a rooted bass line the track takes a sultry sinister turn as the bass coils around the drums allowing Simone’s vocals to glissade upon the velvety melody. The track wriggles and creeps with a chilling sense of mystery as it builds to a heavier crescendo with a steamy guitar solo and punchy drums.

You can follow  Minutes To Midnight on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Min2Mid/

Stream ‘13 Days’ below 

Heavenly Faded

Photo Credit : Jamary Bobe

Genre: Alternative Rock

Bio: Heavenly Faded are a New York City band who  have been writing and recording since 2018. The band have a Brooklyn Bowl performance under their belt and have released their new single ‘Constellations’.

Track: Constellations

Why We Like It: It’s a blistering swagger-drenched rock number with an explosive wall of sound and catchy melody ready to revolve in your head for days. With fuzzy sharp guitars venturing from sweet piercing jingles to crashing ballsy blasts this track swarms in locked and loaded. With powerful passion-filled vocals, pulverizing drums and dynamic bass the track is a scorching lightning strike of adrenaline and classic rock power. The tight production and biting instrumentation make ‘Constellations’ a knock out and sublime track.

You can follow Heavenly Faded on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/heavenlyfaded

Stream ‘Constellations’ below 

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Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music

Pretty Happy ‘EGO, NO EGO’ EP

Hot off the release of single ‘Mr Crabs’ in February of this year, Cork based indie-punk trio Pretty Happy have released their debut EP, ‘EGO, NO EGO’. The group, consisting of brother/sister duo Arann (lead vocals, bass) & Abbey Blake (Guitar) and Andy Killian on Drums have built a solid reputation as one of Cork’s most charismatic and creative live bands over the past 18 months.

There is a lot of character and intriguing elements to ‘EGO, NO EGO’ as Pretty Happy finely blend some punk rawness with indie melodies and lush instrumentation. It’s a refined body of work, unique in its obscurities and filled with refreshing tunes, quirky interludes and catchy as hell melodies. ‘Note To Self: Don’t Buy Any More Skittles’ – a spoken snippet with delusion inducing sounds takes us into the sublime world Pretty Happy have created. There is a groovy shimmy from ‘Shut Up’ as the bass wiggles through a punchy drum beat while suave guitars jangle about the track. The lush backing vocals hold that infectious melody while the screaming, needy main vocals yelp hysterically. The lyrics are humorous and the track seamlessly wanders between brain crashing frenzy and sweetly mellow creating a thrilling psychotic sense of comfort.Indie Buddie favourite  ‘Mr. Crabs’ follows with its swagger drenched persona pounding though your brain with no shame. There is a theatrical flavour to these tunes and Pretty Happy blend this drama with absolutely mesmerising instrumentation and rhythms. Each track is unforgettable, unique and wholly mind boggling. ‘Eugene Completely Sold Me Out, Even Though I Let Him Give Me a Skittle for a Ride Home. Hell Yeah!’ is an interesting interlude that has to be experienced to be believed. ‘Delay’ peppers the EP in indie rock with vibrant guitars glistening with scintillation strengthened by the rooted foundation and thumping beat. The track builds into a dreamy pop speckled chorus. This song meanders from 60’s tones of flower power to reggae- esque hues before its dazzling psychedelic crescendo. A truly trippy and engaging journey, this track is where Pretty Happy showcase their musical prowess. The EP finishes on another obscure number- the short ‘That’s Over- Crooked Man’ another dramatic ditty with snide eerie vocals over a deep bass groove. It’s short but very absorbing ( I  wish there was more of that tune).

These guys have the entertainment down to a tee. Each track is witty and filled with character while the instrumental quality is top notch.  ‘EGO, NO EGO’ is a wholly satisfying and bewitching experience.

About the EP Arann Blake said : “We wanted to release an EP that was fun. Something that captured our personality but also had the energy of our live performance. We were also able to get a bit creative with our drummer Andy Killian producing. Andy was able to do our songs justice whilst still experimenting to make an EP that’s a bit different.”

Stream ‘EGO, NO EGO’ below


Indie, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk

Pretty Happy ‘Mr. Crabs’

Cork based indie/ post punk rogues Pretty Happy have released their new single ‘Mr. Crabs’ from their upcoming EP. This raw track is a groove slapped number that throws unruly punk rock into your face while coarse guitars shred and saw through gravel coated vocals and buoyant rhythms. It’s unique presentation and catchy quirkiness with witty lyrics make this track one entertaining tune. With a punchy backdrop and rowdy soundscape battered through screams and slick instrumentation this trio present a theatrically ominous track that wails with obscure harmonies and a stomping beat.Its pretty thrilling.

Stream ‘Mr. Crabs’ below

https://open.spotify.com/track/3lkVZjmSXo8Tb831TOSxDG?si=nGdwdbpUTPGsAK-Mtn1WOw