Tag Archives: psychedelic

Munky ‘Megaton’

Artwork by Barra Carlin

Dublin Disco-punks Munky have returned with their new single ‘Megaton’ produced by Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C, Somebody’s Child), and boy it is a doozy.Following quick on the heels of their debut EP, released in April, which saw them tour Europe with the Meat Puppets the band present a shiny new tantalizing alternative rock track to sink our teeth into.

Wrapping eerie, chilling guitar squeals in groove-rooted, dark menacing soundscapes ‘Megaton’ haunts, creeps and coils with spine chilling ferocity. Zachary Stephenson’s agonising vocals reel and writhe through the gritty backdrop as he spits out the lyrics in an almost rap-like manner. Dizzying, delusion-filled distortion saturates the track in deep thick tones of despair and manic psychedelia. The whining guitar is like something out of a chilling horror movie as it stings and pierces through the ominous atmosphere while the rooted bass-groove fluctuates and festers  beneath like a dangerous steamy vapour that evaporates off the smashing and at times frenetic drums.The track builds superbly into an intense clamorous crescendo as Munky creates and ferments one immense, thrilling and irresistible track.‘Megaton’ is a dark concoction formed out of curdling rancid emotions however, it is how these fine musicians portray these emotions that is mesmerising and outstanding. 

The band has this to say about the track: “We really embraced the studio on this track. After our first release this year we were excited to get back in and further carve out our sound to tape. This track was built off the drum and bass groove. We threw any semblance of music theory out the window, and just wrote what felt right. The lyrics came from the music, I was singing a lot of non-sequiturs when we’d jam, and certain themes emerged. Sam says it sounds like earth but not earth. Like we teleported into the future and found the remnants of a world that looks like earth but dead. Conor started throwing down some wild ‘far out maaaaaan’ sounds from his guitar which perfectly fit the mood. Don’t ask us how he made the airplane sound at the end of the track. To be honest I think it sounds like My Chemical Romance did a song with Dr Dre”

Stream ‘Megaton’ below 

Munky recorded a live session at Ravensdale Lane Studios which includes a live rendition of ‘Megaton’ check that out below


Author : Danu

Father! ‘Desire Lines’

Dublin based Jangle Pop outfit Father! have released their new single ‘Desire Lines’. Taking its name from the famous Douglas Reynholm quote; ‘Father!’ and beginning as the solo bedroom project of multi-instrumentalist Sean Brunswick – Father! became an outlet of creativity for Brunswick and an escape from the high intensity of Architecture School. The release of ‘Beach Cloud Daze’ (2018) marked the transition of ‘Father!’ from bedroom project to live band recruiting fellow architecture student Stephen Allen on bass and drummer Declan Behan. The upcoming sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’ (which is mixed and mastered by Mark Chester of Autre Monde, Ginnels, No Monster Club) is set for release this September.

‘Desire Lines’ is a lo fi dreamy haze of reverb swirling electronics and chiming guitars as Father! present their tight and intricate musicianship through a kaleidoscopic prism of psych hued indie. Well layered and crafted this track weaves glistening guitars into a labyrinth of electronic indie to create a piece of work that is both chilled and mind crushing. The track builds from its luscious pop tinged beginnings to a heavier crescendo as the instruments progress becoming more raw and frenzied adding layers of distortion into the dazzling soundscape. The sweet melody delicately coos throughout as the reverb laden vocals murmur and soothe throughout. This hypnotic treasure is filled with wonderful glistening facets of alternative psychedelic pop that create one superb gem. 

‘Father!’ make their Workman’s Club debut with a launch show for the upcoming sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’. Tickets priced €5 went on sale Wednesday 14th August. Support on the night from ‘The Elephant Room’ and ‘Civic Party’.

Stream ‘Desire Lines’ below 


doops ‘The Lost’

Reading based alternative three piece doops have released their new single ‘The Lost’. This intense luring track weaves and wriggles around a spacious creeping atmosphere and rich intricacies creating a psychedelic labyrinth of melodies and soundscapes. Twinkling guitars entwine the track in an eerie yet sweet melody that meanders throughout the spine chilling backdrop. The sinister vocals whisper while the steady beat creates a constant to hold on to as the song spirals into a shoegaze hued psych trip. Laced in wispy ethereal vibes doops create a bottomless abyss as they lead you into this mesmerising track with light airy tones meaty rhythms and haunting reverb. The track builds becoming more perilous as the instrumentation and vocals intensify for the crashing crescendo. Well crafted and superbly fermented this track carefully coils and simmers for an almost claustrophobic effect as each component part wraps you more tightly in its entrapment and darkly smothered depths. A magnificent and chilling track from doops. 

Stream ‘The Lost’ below 


Indie Buddie Introducing : Pity of the Sea

Limerick alternative indie band Pity of the Sea have released their new single ‘Headscarf’ which was mastered by Richard Dowling. The track was inspired by EVA 2018 International Artist, Mina Talaee. Mina’s sculpture Rapunzel & Roudabeh is featured on the cover of the single.

‘Headscarf’ is a whirring blast of tight alternative indie twisted through synths and mangled beneath a psychedelic hue to create the most thrilling and exhilarating listening experience. Pity of the Sea meticulously layer and build the track into a mind frazzling trip of euphoria from a simple synth loop with the entwining synth creating a hypnotic constant while the steady beat slaps and grooves through the spiraling soundscape. The track builds becoming more intense and epic as its progresses introducing sweet melodies between dazzling distortion and crashing instrumentation and that is all before the vocals kick in. With almost spoken vocals and sweet harmony on backing vocals the song increases in intensity as it leads you down its golden path to an epic crescendo. Clearly a lot of time was spent developing this track as each new section of the song introduces a new dimension and texture while still maintaining that simple loop throughout. The band tease and slip the synth melody through rich soundscapes and wonderful guitar and bass elements creating a very diverse and tantalizing listening experience. Keep an eye on these guys.

Stream ‘Headscarf’ below 


Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Something Leather

Brighton alternative rock band Something Leather have released their new single ‘Velvet’ on We Can Do It Records.In such a short space of time Something Leather have secured support slots with a multitude of upcoming bands including Black Midi, Phobophobes, Madonnatron, Saint Agnes and JOHN.

‘Velvet’ is a dark luring number with smothering muggy entrapment and eerie atmosphere as Something Leather build and layer the track in a searing sultry psychedelic sound with unique and intriguing instrumentation. The haunting organ elements tease and bounce like a chirpy Halloween theme tune throughout the sinister atmosphere. Sultry vocals coo and almost whisper the soft melody as deep backing vocals and moody guitar whines douse the background in ominous tones. The track, which is a cynical song about love and fantasy, builds becoming more frantic and sinister as crashing cymbals and guitar distortion create tension and a mysterious sense of danger. This is one hair-raising number. It’s perfectly crafted for maximum impact as Something Leather tease, ferment and curdle their instrumentation creating a bewitching almost perilous tune with vaporous aspects and groovy shimmy glimpses throughout. It’s a doozy.

Stream ‘Velvet’ below 


SAD FUNERAL ‘Gone’

SAD FUNERAL is set to release their debut single ‘Gone’ on June 7th.This psychedelic number flows like liquid gold bliss into the ears with a velvety dreamy texture as chiming guitars wobble through the prismatic floaty soundscape.With lush vocals cooing and caressing the melty smooth melody this kaleidoscopic daydream is a tight trippy bubble of delight. A soft beat taps and bounces behind a mesmerising bass line which delicately rumbles creating a hypnotic atmosphere for the wispy soundscapes to drift beautifully around. Well crafted and sublimely chill ‘Gone’ is a lava lamp of captivating psych pop.  

Stream ‘Gone’ below


Sun Mahshene ‘This Girl I Know’

After the success of their last single ‘Leave This City’, and a busy summer of festival appearances ahead. Dublin’s Sun Mahshene have released their powerful and poignant new single ‘This Girl I Know’. This is the band’s third single to be taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. It was recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty.

‘This Girl I Know’ wraps your ears in Sun Mahshene’s melodically rich musicianship. A psych hued shoegaze wall of sound delicately caresses the soft verses while Nathan Henderson’s vocals melt upon the sweet nostalgic melody. This track seeps deep into the brain with a fuzzy dreamy atmosphere as ethereal guitar distortion and soft rhythms whirl with heart stopping vigor while creating a marshmallow comforting effect. The melancholic tone sweetly wisps about the track as Sun Mahshene display their musical finesse effortlessly. These guys have some serious talent. Their ability to create a wholly invigorating track while showcasing tender emotion as well as  building and layering their music in intricate instrumentation is mesmerising and oh so lush on the ears. The shrills and pines on guitar are majestic as graceful keys, warm bass and subtle percussion jingles all create the intricate and utterly profound sound that is the glorious delight of Sun Mahshene’s tunes.

Stream ‘This Girl I Know’ below


Thumper ‘In My Room’

Dublin’s Thumper have released their new single ‘In My Room’. With major radio support across Ireland and the UK and stretching as far as Brazil, these guys are currently riding high on Spotify’s Hot New Bands playlist.

‘In My Room’ is an erosive blast of psych pop that corrodes with blistering guitars and pummeling drums creating an exhilarating wall of sound while the pop smacked melody coats the track in sugary fizz. This frenzied track froths with shrilling distortion and abrasive instrumentation as the rumbling elastic bass slaps and grooves infectiously behind the crashing majestic guitar-burns while the smooth vocals bounce along the bubblegum melody. The track builds into a sonic blast of pounding rhythms and mania for the thrilling crescendo as this adrenaline-inducing song shows Thumper at their most intoxicating. It’s one hell of a tune made for playing as loud as possible.

Watch the video for ‘In My Room’ below


Mini Mansions ‘Hey Lover’

Mini Mansions have shared a video for their new song ‘Hey Lover’, starring The Kills’ Alison Mosshart. The song follows their recent single ‘Gummy Bear’, which was released earlier this year and both tracks will feature on the trio’ s upcoming third album ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’

‘Hey Lover’ is a bittersweet libation for indie and psych lovers alike. It is as beautiful and delicate as it is raw and sharp. This guzzle of pop shimmered delight is that breathtaking slow burner that glimmers with emotion and pristine melodies on a sizable instrumental backdrop. A 60’s pop melody floats and swoons over a buoyant beat and twinkling synths while Michael Shuman’s smoky whispers caress the lyrics with steamy seduction as he coos and blends perfectly with Alison Mosshart’s sultry tone. The elegant guitar weaves majestically through the rich rhythms while the jangly keys playfully bounce about the track creating a sugar sweet quality and wonderfully light texture to the song. The band meander from a graceful innocence to lustful messy arrangement with grace and refinement as the track progresses to a psych-blasted crescendo of distortion and intensity. The track flows with a twinkling fluidity that is masterful, each component part adds a new dimension to the track making each subsequent listen just as exhilarating as the first. With a sweet melodic bridge leading to the final chorus-explosion Mini Mansions tease their upcoming album with another mouth watering tune.

Mini Mansions are set to release ‘Guy Walks Into A Bar…’ on July 26 via Fiction Records. Ahead of its release, they will embark on a UK headline and festival tour. Shuman’s Queens Of The Stone Age bandmate Jon Theodore will be joining them on drums for the live dates.

You can catch Mini Mansions Live at :

May 2019

4 – Leeds, Live At Leeds Festival

5 – Newcastle, Hit The North Festival

6 – Glasgow, King Tuts

8 – Dublin, Whelans

9 – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds

11 – Brighton, The Great Escape Festival

12 – Southampton, Joiners

13 – Exeter, The Cavern

14 – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach

16 – Bedford, Esquires

17 – Cambridge, Portland Arms

18 – Norwich, Waterfront Studio

20 – Sheffield, Picturehouse Social

21 – Tunbridge Wells, The Forum

22 – London, Islington Assembly Hall

23 – Liverpool, District

24 – Manchester, Dot To Dot Festival

25 – Bristol, Dot To Dot Festival

26 – Nottingham, Dot To Dot Festival

Watch the video for ‘Hey Lover’ below


Badhands ‘Voices’

Badhands have released their new single ‘Voices’. Badhands is the musical project of Dublin songwriter and musician Dan Fitzpatrick. Having played for years with artists such as The Mighty Stef, The Last Tycoons, Paddy Hanna and Maud in Cahoots, he recently released his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Predictable Boy’. The record features musicians Tom Cosgrave, Aoife Ruth, Chris Barry and Ken Mooney, and upon release received much praise from critics.The band’s first two singles, ‘Waves’ and ‘Monday Morning’, have both received considerable airplay on national radio and have been performed live in session on shows such as Arena on RTE Radio 1.

‘Voices’ is a dark contorted number that chills with eerie instrumentation as Fitzpatrick’s vocals haunt through the psychedelic backdrop. With its heat stricken, western, lone ranger vibe and sliding guitar whines this track is compelling and extremely absorbing. The song travels on a dream-like delusional vibe with pulsating drums and strong piano chords strengthening the ominous foundation for the curdling bass lines to twist around. Filled with plenty of passion and rich emotional tones- this track is a spine chilling beauty with country hues and tumbleweed lonesome vibes peering through the hallucinogenic atmosphere and sweltering instrumental stings.

After a busy year of gigs in 2018, including two packed headline shows at The Workman’s Club Dublin, and supports slots with acts such as Michael McDonald, the band began work on album number two at the start of 2019 and is set for a headline show on April 13th in Whelan’s along with several dates around the country to be announced soon. These shows will feature songs from Predictable Boy, and also new material from the recently begun second album.

Watch the video for ‘Voices’ below