Tag Archives: Psychedelic Rock

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Savage Hearts ‘Gang War’ 

15 Comments

Formed in 2022 and headed up by Evan Walsh (former drummer with The Strypes) The Savage Hearts have made several exciting appearances on the Irish scene including sets at Electric Picnic (2022 & 2023), Sea Sessions, Kaleidoscope and others. The band have performed support slots including a notable appearance as special guests of The Boomtown Rats in July 2023 (Evan later joined the Rats onstage for a jam of Mary Of The 4th Form and John Lee Hooker’s Boom Boom). The band have now released their first single ‘Gang War’(co-authored with Ste Kelly of Dublin’s own indie powerhouse Raglans). The track is released in collaboration with Galway-based Blowtorch Records, an Irish indie record label whose previous credits include Adore, Turnstiles, Search Results, TV People and The Swedish Railway Orchestra.

‘Gang War’ is a top-notch record. It is a thrilling concoction of garage rock, psychedelia and gritty rock and is an intriguing glimpse into the exciting potential of this band. The song opens on slinky keys, and sleazy howls on guitar while the drums stomp throughout; laying down a swaggering foundation that complements the 60’s psychedelic element on keys. With blasts of harmonica injecting a warm tone; the band create a prism of sounds that is both dazzling and tantalizing to the ears. ‘Gang War’ is an exciting new release from The Savage Hearts. Keep an eye on these guys. 

Stream ‘Gang War’ below 


Author:Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Savonarola ‘Byrds Gone Bad’

Savonarola have released their new single ‘Byrds Gone Bad’.Formed in 2017, Savonarola knew that they had found something special from the get-go. Defined by a delicious blend of alternative rock and psychedelia, writing and recording oozed out of them, and they effortlessly created seven songs in less than a year. Since then, they have released their critically-acclaimed single, ‘Might Be Bad’, and 2020 EP, ‘Dischordant’.

‘Byrds Gone Bad’ showcases Savonarola’s swagger driven music as they delve deep into a psychedelic 60’s/70’s -esque sound to create a blistering tune for listeners to enjoy. Driving on a pounding rhythm, resounding bass and scorching guitars the track warps to become a mind-melting psychedelic listening experience. The track oozes a dynamic rock persona while a dark ominous atmosphere seeps in for the instrumental as the band introduce a Danish monologue executed by their bass player. Well crafted and brimming with vigour ‘Byrds Gone Bad’ is an energising new tune from Savonarola.

Stream ‘Byrds Gone Bad’ below 


Author: Danu

Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘The Righteous One’

Sun Mahshene have released their new single, ‘The Righteous One.’ Sun Mahshene’s collective years of experience have helped them deliver some incredible live shows, including appearances at Whelan’s Ones to Watch 2018 and 2019, Ireland Music Week 2019, and high-profile support slots including Black Doldrums (UK), Magic Shoppe (US), Stony Sugarskull (DE) and Wand (US). Releases to date include three self-published EP’s, followed by three critically acclaimed singles on Reckless Records IE. Spotify and extensive national and international airplay supported these singles with playlists on the BBC and RTÉ Radio radio.

‘The Righteous One’ is an exhilarating psychedelic rock anthem that fizzes with the luring musicianship of Sun Mahshene. The track effortlessly weaves between hazy shoegaze, crashing indie rock, and dazzling psychedelia to create a high-quality gem that is a joy to listen to. Layering fuzzed guitars over agile rhythms the band provide an expansive and biting wall of sound. The whirring on guitars creates an ominous and mysterious quality within the band’s brand of psychedelic shoegaze whilst also capturing the most captivating sonic elements of 90’s guitar music.

The blazing instrumentation swirls around a sweet, delicate melody while supple vocals from Nathan Henderson anchors the listener within the musical maelstrom. He coos through the bewitching soundscape with a cool, emotive tone while bass rumbles, and pounding drums, wrestle for dominance in the thrilling background. Frenetic distortion covers the atmosphere in a crazed frenzy of crashing guitars, agitated bass and resounding drums as the harsh backdrop becomes aggressive for the building crescendo. At the same time, Henderson’s vocals echo gently, creating a blissfully dreamy, hypnotic contrast for the listener to indulge in.

‘The Righteous One’ is a glorious assault on the senses. Sun Mahshene have a masterful ability to express emotion through the medium of music. This is what makes them so special. They have a remarkable sound that entrances the listener from the very first note. ‘The Righteous One’ takes their music to a new level of achievement as Sun Mahshene continue to explore the depths of their unique, mesmerising musicianship.

Stream ‘The Righteous One’ below


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

doops ‘deflections’ EP

Reading-based alternative three-piece doops have released their new EP ‘deflections.’ In true doops manner, the band weaves their refined alternative indie into a first-rate tapestry of musical mastery. 

Simmering in dark, ominous soundscapes, ‘The Things We Are,’ and ‘Shangri-La’ set the EP’s tone. Psychedelic, sweet, and shrouded in mystery, the band blend 60’s dreamy melodies with ethereal guitar and reverb vocals to create a whimsical intro before the tracks unfold into a punchy punk rock display.  Almost rap-like vocals rapidly spit over rolling, fuzzed bass lines and snappy drums. There is a sense of innocence in ‘The Things We Are,’ which is enhanced by the vibrant instrumentation, whereas ‘Shangri-La’ takes on a more sultry tone. These two wonderfully dark tracks are meticulously layered and announce doops new EP with triumphant vigor. 

Perhaps my favourite track on the album is ‘Loopholes’; deep brooding vocals croon over a building disoriented instrumental while a tearful guitar laments in the background. The guitar mirrors the lyrics’ theme of entrapment as it wriggles in panic through the chorus while the sweet melody and steady beat succumb to the hazy musical bewilderment. 

Just as the ghostly waft of ‘Loopholes’ reaches a cinematic end, the brash drone of ‘Rehash’ enters like a fire-spewing demon of alternative rock. The buzzing on guitar builds, becoming more distorted and harsh as the bass stomps with destructive tendencies in the backdrop. The vocals are urgent and race with an echo of drama and mania as the track spirals to its explosive crescendo. The song is a mesmerising display of deft musicianship.

Filled with cinematic soundscapes and impressive guitar hooks, doop’s ferocious alternative sound is well crafted. They allow it to blossom and venture down a path of sweet psychedelia in ‘Pull Back The Shades’ before firmly wrenching it back into a shredding maelstrom of emotional chaos.

There is a residue of electronic dance within the haunting ‘F.W.W.M’ before the harrowing strides on guitar billow out into a more funk impulse. This lighter tone contrasts the haunting vocals and lyrics, “It’s killing me. Is it killing you. So who’s killing who”. Building to a compelling guitar solo, the track is a fantastic and prodigious finale to the EP.

doops have knocked it out of the park with ‘deflections’. The EP is a breathtaking display of proficient musicianship. The pacing, attention to detail, and sheer beauty within this EP is captivating. The songs are confident, slick, and riddled with tangled emotion. ‘deflections’ is a magnificent glimpse into the artistic mind of doops. 

Stream ‘deflections’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, New Music

Honeybone ‘Spheres’ Album

Honeybone have released their new album ‘Spheres’. Bringing you a collection of songs written between 2015 and 2019, ‘Spheres’ split the writing equally between drummer Rachel Trainor and guitarist Drew Handcock. Recorded in 2019, the band took a DIY approach, mostly recording at their home studio and Three Phase Studios in Brunswick, Melbourne, with Drew producing and mixing the album. Honeybone is a three-piece Psychedelic/Garage Rock band based in Melbourne, Australia, and hail from the city of Dunedin, in the deep south of New Zealand. The band is formed of drummer and vocalist Rachel Trainor, bass and backing vocalist Peter Jermakoff, and guitarist/vocalist Drew Handcock. Since their debut EP release in 2010, Honeybone have shared a stage with Beastwars, Wofat, The Datsuns, Dragon, and Luger Boa and released their first full length studio album in 2013.

Submerged in psychedelic shoegaze, ‘Spheres’ is a pool of rich musicianship as Honeybone delve deep into their heavy multi dimensional sound. The band blend Rachel’s and Drew’s vocals to create a diverse and wholly engaging collection of tracks. Edgier rock smattered tunes ‘Bruises’ and ‘Stratosphere’ surge with energy and allow the band to explore their more abrasive side as the swirls on guitars, pummeling drums and expansive blasts of distortion create a swagger-drenched rock soundscape. There are ample shredding guitar moments on the album as the band flesh out their expressive guitar prowess in ‘Sands’ and ‘Metathesiophobia’ with thick bluesy riffs and strut ready confidence. These tracks are ballsy and powerful.

There is no shortage of mighty courses within ‘Spheres.’ Honeybone display their ability to create eargasmic melodies and anthemic choruses with ease; the dreamy progressions and instrumentals within the songs capture the band’s musical vigor as wild solo’s and pounding drums create a hefty wall of sound for the slinky bass to weave between. Each song on ‘Spheres’ carries weight and power as the band tease, entice and lure between fantastic mosh pit worthy instrumental drops.

The band explain:“There’s an undercurrent theme throughout the album of unease with the state of the world, alongside concerns for the environment and relationships”


‘Spheres’ is a well-crafted album and a joy to listen to. The second album to come from Honeybone shows real growth and maturity in their sound and songwriting style.

Stream ‘Spheres’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

The Burma ‘Sugar Moonlight’ EP

Photo Credit : Ciara O Toole

Rising Indie Rock band The Burma have just released their new EP ‘Sugar Moonlight’. At various stages over the past year the Irish indie band have holed up in Monique Studios with producer Christian Best (Mick Flannery, O Emperor, Jack O’Rourke, Marlene Enright) writing and recording their latest release. 

‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a tidy collection of tracks exuding passionate pop melodies and blazing alternative rock with a healthy dose of indie rock at its heart. The band go all out with this EP – luscious textures and melodious highs, psychedelic rawness and tender broods create a well rounded enjoyable listening experience.

The jubilous indie guitar jingle of ‘Same Again’ kick starts the EP. It is light and infectious as the ethereal guitars create a wonderful animated bounce. The Burma construct tracks with a rich rhythmic foundation of rippling bass lines and buoyant snappy drums allowing the charming guitar refrains to soar and flourish off this backdrop with majestic tonalities. The band swoon smooth melty melodies into their vibrant indie sound effortlessly. ‘Quicksand’ shows this superbly as the soft bubbly melody wisps delicately through a crashing psychedelic backdrop of airy stings on guitar and rumbling drums.

With a refreshing bite, each track rolls coolly into the next. Whether it’s the icy sting of the melancholic ‘When You’re Gone’ or the darker synth swirling prance of  ‘Phoney Personality’, the band use their ability to intricately weave multi layered synth textures and melodies to create a seamless transition between tracks while still maintaining each songs own identity. Final track ‘Buried Alive’ closes the EP on a high. It’s not a sugar rush but a sweet tender and mesmerising high as The Burma present their most delicious emotive and beautiful melody yet. Caressed with soft tender vocals and slow brooding instrumentation the track flurries on a light airy soundscape of glistening guitar and pulsing beat. Each timeless twinkle and bass wriggle coils and curdles the backdrop in sombre wistful tones. The track builds superbly becoming more dynamic as, in true The Burma fashion the song reaches its hair raising crescendo.

The Burma have a wonderful ability to create rich proficient tunes with first rate instrumentation, exhilarating guitar lines and intricate bass lines that surge with character. Their melodies are irresistible, oozing emotive, dreamy and sweet tones while the lo- fi grooves and heavy rhythmic pulses provide the element that hooks your ears and leaves you craving more. ‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a mature and impressive EP that makes The Burma ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Sugar Moonlight’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Jooce ‘Lazarus/Disarray’

Dublin based psychedelic rock band Jooce have released their new double A side release ‘Lazarus/Disarray’. ‘Lazarus’ and ‘Disarray’ take Jooce’s blissful psychedelic rock down two different trippy avenues.

‘Lazarus’ cruises along with vibrant swirling soundscapes while hazy guitars weave a warm toned golden thread through this ethereal track.It’s prismatic layers create an enthralling lustrous listening experience as the track wanders off into a glorious and hypnotic instrumental piece. The raspy vocals coo and dynamically call out the anthemic chorus and punchy verse as a buoyant rhythm bounces through the swirling lush soundscapes.

‘Disarray’ mellows the tone as it ventures down a delicate ballad side to Jooce. Soft guitar strums between emotional and fairy-like light soundscapes. It’s a sweet reverb laced dreamy number that builds as it progresses. The guitars jangle with a zesty biting sting through the chilling atmosphere and sway-like melody. They weave the psychedelic tones through this track sublimely while sprinkling a dash of pop over the melody.

Moving and deeply enthralling Jooce showcase their fine musicianship and exquisite melodies through both these mesmerising tracks.They are instantly addictive.

Stream ‘Lazarus’ and ‘Disarray’ below


Alt Rock, Hypnotic, Indie Psychedelic, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, psychedelic

Sun Mahshene’s ‘Come Alive (Leave This City)’ single launch at The Grand Social Dublin with support from The Thrash Blues

Nestled in the heart of a rainy Dublin city The Grand Social Dublin host psychedelic band Sun Mahshene’s ‘Come Alive (Leave This City)’ single launch. A projected mirage of kaleidoscopic colours, swirls and patterns decorated the stage wall creating a prismatic dreamy atmosphere as we eagerly waited for the nights music to begin.

Rock n’ roll duo The Thrash Blues cooly take to the stage to ignite the night with their burly grooves and slick riffs. Not one’s for banter they whack into each track with surety and vigor loosening up the crowd’s hips with their swagger steeped richly developed tunes. Liz and Ro have finely chiseled their sound for maximum impact. The beefy riffs, slick guitar licks and melodic purrs weave their way suavely through the punchy drums superbly to create a thrilling contrast. Their raw yet refined sound is perfect to dance to. The Black Keys – esque ‘Wicked Man’ blasts out the energised and playful loose musicianship of this band with an edgy punk whack that hits you in the mouth half way through. There are lush guitar twangs, riveting drum rumbles and warm smooth vocals throughout the set filling each track with its own unique and vibrant character. For bluesy tinged, punk slapped rock n’ roll The Thrash Blues are the ones to call.

Poised on stage amidst the purple hued smoke of dry ice, Sun Mahshene stand ready to melt our mind with their glorious psychedelic drenched tunes. The dim lighting causes their silhouettes to haunt through the smoke providing a spooky, eerie atmosphere.Their set is brimming with malleable elastic soundscapes weaving their way through sharp slinky guitars, elastic bass grooves and chiming keys as Nathan Henderson coos and warmly caresses the euphoric melodies with his velvety vocals. The distorted whines introduce opening track  ‘Making The Call’ as the band peer through the shadowing mist. These guys bend their shredding raw rock and delightful sweet psychedelia seamlessly making for a gritty and diverse listening experience. Sun Mahshene are musical guru’s who leave a trail of sugary sprinkles throughout their tracks which lead you down a delicious rabbit hole craving for more. ‘The World Will Grind You Down’ and ‘This Girl I Know’ are mesmerising live as the band entwine each track in glorious layers adding rich depth to each component. There are three guitarist on stage Ryan Daffy, Ian McGinn and vocalist Henderson – this brings a new dimension and thrilling intensity to each track. These guys are also fun to watch on stage bassist Darren Hughes dances, executes all the suave guitar poses and hair flicks known to man while hopping, bopping and wiggling along to the tunes – he only stops to place a can to his brow to cool himself down while Dave Murray’s proficient drumming is a joy to watch and listen to. Backing vocals and percussion were provided by Ray Burke while Rob Crosbie took to the keys to help flesh out and adequately translate Sun Mahshene’s stunning sound.

‘The Righteous One’ is one beautiful 60’s – esque gem. Distortion on guitars fizz and bubble over a dreamy vocal and euphoric melody while punchy drums and enchanting soundscape create a dizzying sweet wall of sound to encapsulate your mind, soothing, sedating and enlightening you all at once. It’s pretty magnificent. I forgot where I was for a brief moment – the tracks are so luscious and consuming. The new single ‘Come Alive (Leave This City)’ was equally as gripping. Its anthemic chorus had members of the crowd jumping and throwing their arms in the air while that defiant beat thumped through our chests invading and controlling every bounce and bop. There was no lag or cavity in their set. Every track was engaging and blissful on the ears. These guys are growing and flourishing beautifully and with a sound that leaves you thirsty to hear more their live show is the perfect medium to guzzle up their dazzling sound and refreshing tunes.

The band closed their set with the effervescent ‘When The Bomb Drops’. However the crowd refused to allow that be the end, they demanded the band return for an encore. As they shouted for “No Control”  Henderson shrugs and timidly obliges “Right we’ll do it”. ‘No Control’ takes the roll of the final track in its stride. Sulky and brooding it swarms in with dark tones, shrilling guitars, reverb vocals and a magnificent wall of sound that rushes adrenaline and fiery intensity into your veins. This exhilarating track was the perfect closing tune.

‘Come Alive (Leave This City)’ is released on 15/02/19 make sure to check it out. These guys have something special.


Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Constant Supply ‘The Misanthropic Phase’

Donegal, alternative rock/pop band Constant Supply have released their new single ‘The Misanthropic Phase’. The band consisting of James Gillen(Vocals, Guitar), Conal Sweeney(Bass, Piano),  Eoin Gildea(Guitar, Synths) and Justin McDaid(Drums) are set to release their third album ‘Isn’t Life Great’ in June. The album was recorded and co-produced by Tommy McLaughlin (Soak, Villagers). The first single from the album, ‘Sanguine Lane’, was played by Steve Lamacq on his BBC 6 Music Recommends show.

‘The Misanthropic Phase’ is a groovy slice of psychedelic alternative rock. Constant Supply unfold this track perfectly, brooding through the verses with rich rhythms flickering and slapping through chiming twangy guitars while the synths flurry and wisp around creating a dreamy narcotic atmosphere. The vocals croon over a 60’s – esque melody while the bass creates a meaty foundation. The track wanders off a bit with a brass solo shredding and pining through a simple “do do do” backing vocal line. It’s shimmy chic as confident vocals lure over the darkly smothered instrumentation. Well crafted and perfectly blended, Constant Supply hold your attention throughout the gripping enticing track. It’s extremely catchy and hypnotic with an air of mystery throughout making this track quite compelling and fun.

Stream ‘The Misanthropic Phase’ below


Alt Rock, Funk, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic

Munky ‘You’ve Got Male’

Dublin’s Munky have returned with their new single ‘You’ve Got Male’. The band who spent 2018 touring Ireland and the UK present another effervescent psych-punk track that is sure to have you frothing from the mouth as you dance along while convulsions take over your body. On this latest effort the band lacerate the track with fizzing acid saturated guitar-lines dipped in wobbly dizzying psych while an infectious bass weaves an elastic foundation for the pulverising drums to batter off. It’s groovy, manic and bitterly harsh all while a catchy melody glissades through Zac Stephenson’s reverb laced, expressive vocals sweetening the biting delivery. With slinky guitar lines dripping swagger into each lick, stroke and solo this savage thrilling number is saturated in Munky’s kinetic boisterous and cheeky brand of dance-tinged, razor sharp delight with all the energy and raucous adrenaline their live shows explode with. These guys write catchy tracks that display their fine musicianship and proficient instrumental display. Munky sear their sound deep into your head leaving you branded… theirs.

Stream ‘You’ve Got Male’ below

https://soundcloud.com/user-34644906/youve-got-male/s-iEWQd?fbclid=IwAR1moAlZzeSfkMrSL8EdpidCsiNzC3RIQBEbeh3O09_WCy9uga4ixRHAlkc