Tag Archives: punk rock

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

Sister Ghost ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’

Belfast-based punk act Sister Ghost are set to release their new single ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ On October 21st. Sister Ghost, aka Shannon Delores O’Neill, has a background playing in bands from the age of 12. In early 2014, she began writing and demoing – singing and playing everything herself – before enlisting a band to bring Sister Ghost to completion. She has been recognised for mentoring and encouraging other female-identified musicians to perform in the Northern Irish scene, having also set up the Girls Rock! NI chapter in 2016. Sister Ghost has garnered high profile support slots with Shellac, Pussy Riot and Le Butcherettes as well as airplay on BBC 6 Music and a Next Wave Artist slot on BBC Radio 1. As of Spring 2019, O’Neill has teamed up with producer Cahir O’Doherty (Frank Turner, Fighting With Wire, New Pagans) to work on the debut Sister Ghost album, set for release in 2020.

‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a brisk swarm of punk rock as Sister Ghost blast out their blistering high energy wall of sound with ease and vigor. From fiery guitar riffs and rooted rumble on bass to the pulverizing drums the band set down an infectious foundation ready to set a live audience alight. With attitude soaked vocals tight harmonies and dynamic melody this powerful onslaught is a force to be reckoned with. The track takes aim at oppressive systems both in Northern Ireland as well as those abroad as O’Neill spits and bellows the lyrics with intensity creating a hyper active atmosphere as well as making the song relatable beyond the political confines of Belfast. ‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is a wallop in the face of infectious fierce punk rock at its raw and exhilarating best. 

‘Fake Friends Run This Country’ is set for release on October 21st for more follow Sister Ghost on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/sisterghost


Author : Danu

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

Vulpynes ‘Dye Me Red’ EP

Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting new Irish rock bands in recent years. They have released their second EP ‘Dye Me Red’. Vulpynes’ self titled debut EP was released on UK indie label Headcheck Records last year. Since then, the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.

‘Dye Me Red’ is Vulpynes most thrilling EP to date. The duo have refined their battering rock with acid garage elements and punk persona with such precise detail its awe inspiring. The ferocity and explosive energy shoot like acid soaked missiles from each track as the dark and foreboding wall of sound consumes you and traps you in their brand of alternative rock. ‘I Can’t Sit Still’ kicks off the EP. The gritty riffs suffocate and scorch the track in a humid harsh atmosphere while the bruising assault on drums creates a flexible and powerful foundation. Molly’s vocals are commanding throughout and possibly the most compellingly forceful female punk vocals on the Dublin scene at the moment. She has depth and subtlety in her voice that adds genuine weight to the punk rock anthems, The razor cut guitar chords in ‘Bitches Are Like Waves’ lacerate with a majestic quality while Kaz on drums keeps the rhythm fast and furious. The high intensity of their tracks make them flow together seamlessly as Vulpynes present this four track EP in a quick poisonous dose. The duo have always moved through their tracks with relentless stamina, bashing their thunderous sound through each release. However this EP showcases a shift in perception, they maintain their raucous style from previous singles like ‘OCD’ and ‘’Silica’ but now they have polished and sharpened their sound to create something more intoxicating. The second half of the EP shows this superbly. ’It Washes Out’ crawls under your skin with distortion-filled verses before the chorus strikes you into submission. There is equal measure of rough punk and smooth slinky rock to create a fierce wall of sound that encompasses Marilyn Manson with some Jack White glittering throughout. ‘The Hunt’ brings the album to a frantic close. I have never heard this band exude more swagger and brutality before. There is a hint of The Prodigy in this savage number as the drums pulverize between the dizzying guitar lines to create a brain frothing sinister number. It’s absolutely outstanding. 

Vulpynes have come a long way since their early days. They display their most intense gnawing sound yet in ‘Dye Me Red’. It’s a spitting,lacerating, compelling and utterly enjoyable EP.

Stream ‘Dye Me Red’ below 


Author : Danu

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

SPRINTS ‘The Cheek’

Dublin’s upcoming alternative rock band SPRINTS have released their sophomore single ‘The Cheek’. Comprised of Karla Chubb, Colm O’Reilly, Sam McCann and Jack Callan, SPRINTS released their debut single ‘Pathetic’ in April to rave reviews, receiving both national and international press coverage. The song was playlist on Irish radio as well as featured in the ‘An Alternative Eire’ official Spotify playlist. 

‘The Cheek’  is a brisk raw blast of SPRINTS punk-whacked alternative rock. With gritty guitar cutting through the jagged tense soundscape the verses crash in ready to rumble. The driving bass travels at floor shaking relentless stamina while Karla Chubb’s powerful vocals add sarcasm and fire into the track. It’s catchy with a manic ferocious chorus that is sure to be epic live. With pummeling drums and a blistering raucous wall of sound ‘The Cheek’ is one frenzied anthem and another smasher from SPRINTS.

About the track the band say : “Whether they think they own the place, or think they own you, we are all too familiar with those dickheads at the bar.  Male or female, I know a lot of friends have shared the same experience. To have your sexuality, or your worth questioned, to be berated or harassed for turning someone so ‘impeccable’ down, is an unfortunately too regular occurrence.”

SPRINTS will celebrate the track’s launch on Saturday September 28th with a show in Bello Bar.

Stream ‘The Cheek’ below 

Author : Danu

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

Slyrydes ‘Out Patience’

Galway band Slyrydes have released their new single ‘Out Patience’. The band comprised of Marc Raftery (Vocals), Mark Comer (Guitar), Fuz Reilly (Bass Guitar), Paul Clarke (Drums) have had support slots with Fight Like Apes, Palma Violets and PEACE, on top of festival appearances and regular headline shows around Ireland. The band have also been played frequently on Today fm, 2fm, RTE radio one, Radio Nova, BBC radio Foyle and Radio X in the UK as well as many regional stations.

With shrilling distortion and a thumping beat pounding adrenaline into your veins ‘Out Patience’ displays Slyrydes commanding robust sound in all its powerful might. Gritty, sharp and laced in acid soaked guitar lines this corrosive blast of raw punk rock hits hard and bulldozes into your brain. The guitars weave from rough acute lacerations to refined wails while the rooted bass groove rumbles beneath creating a fluctuant foundation between the pulverising drums. With screaming vocals and an all round dark eerie atmosphere it’s one hell-raising belter. There is refined guitar moments within this track as they slink, slither and weave between the verses and sleek solo before the track breaks into all out anarchy. ‘Out Patience’ is one exhilarating whirlwind from Slyrydes.

Watch the video for ‘Out Patience’ below 


Blues Rock, Indie, Indie Punk, New Music, Punk Rock

The Thrash Blues ‘Halo’

Dublin Band The Thrash Blues have released their new single ‘Halo’ via Tailbone Music.With its suave retro punk coating The Thrash Blues present their raw energy and dynamic musicianship through the cool breezy medium of ‘Halo’. The infectious riff rumble and punchy drums set the foundation for this enticing track as the sweet vocals coo and effortlessly float over the gritty backdrop. The track builds seamlessly into a rolling rock infused blast as the guitar becomes heavier leading into a shredding solo. ‘Halo’ both scorches and cools with effortless swagger as The Thrash Blues display their groove infested slick sound.

Stream ‘Halo’ below


Indie Punk, New Music, Punk Rock

Arcadian Shadows ‘Valediction’

Dublin indie punk band Arcadian Shadows have released their debut single ‘Valediction’.This punchy punk number stomps about with jagged guitar riffs slicing through a steady drum thud while raspy vocals spit out the attitude soaked lyrics. The track drives through, gritty and raw as the sharp instrumentation provides a lean mean backdrop for the vocals and melody. With a lush falsetto chorus and shredding guitar solo , ‘Valediction’ is a solid debut from  Arcadian Shadows.

Stream  ‘Valediction’ below


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


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

CITYLIGHTZ ‘PROOF’

Indie Band CITYLIGHTZ have released their new single, ‘PROOF’. Following heavy support and being named the sound of 2019 by BBC Introducing West Midlands, receiving a nomination as Best Indie/Alternative band in the Birmingham Music Awards, performing on the Marshall stage at Introducing Live not to mention racking up over 35,000 streams of their debut single, CITYLIGHTZ are fast becoming juggernauts of the UK music scene.

‘PROOF’ is an erosive attitude slapped number with shredding guitar lines blistering through punchy drums creating a hyper agitated atmosphere. The lyrics spit through a fluid rap as CITYLIGHTZ tackle the issues of modern society while they pack the song with anthemic power and gusto. With a rooted bass groove jabbing behind the abrasive slick guitar lines this snappy track is another corrosive banger from CITYLIGHTZ.

Stream ‘PROOF’ below


Alt Rock, Fuzz Rock, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock

Chinese Newspaper ‘Are You Bored?’

Navan four piece fuzz punk band Chinese Newspaper have released the new video for their single ‘Are You Bored?’. This blustery, battering track is brimming with aggro and the turbulent punk rock these guys do so well. Chinese Newspaper provide a deluge of fuzz-filled punk laced in soaring distorted guitars as they meander from mind crashing to psychedelic whines. The pulverising drums batter and pound throughout with relentless stamina and fire fueled intensity as the howling, gritty and moody vocals exclaim the lyrics of boredom and isolation. There are some really refined moments within this track. Its outer shell appears boisterous, bitter and outraged and for the most part it is however, the band provide glimpses and flickers of finesse through the sublime nimble guitar work- adding a multi texture to this blistering number. ‘Are You Bored?’ is another fierce,infectious and raw track from Chinese Newspaper.

Watch the video for ‘Are You Bored?’ below


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll, Worth A Listen

Worth A listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Rezner

New indie / alternative rock four piece The Rezner are set to release their debut single ‘Micky’ on March 29th through AWAL on JamX Recordings.Formed at Truro College in 2016, Sam Stone (vocals and guitar), Redley Flowerdew (guitar and vocals), Liam Palmer (bass) and Ze Barradas (drums) have rapidly garnered a sterling reputation for their high energy performances impressing the likes of Sarah Gosling at BBC Introducing Devon and Cornwall as well as Lee Trewhela from Cornwall Live.The Rezner have played the likes of Leopallooza, Looe Music Festival and were on the BBC Introducing Stage of Boardmasters in 2017, and also grabbed themselves main stage slots at Boardmasters and The Great Estate festival the following year.

‘Micky’ was produced by Ben Woods and Julian Able who produced The Velvet Hands debut album and mastered by John Cornfield.This abrasive track is a raw battering of indie garage rock flourishing in a rock n’roll swagger-filled persona. It’s vibrant, catchy and brimming with adrenaline fueled instrumentation to create a wholly satisfying listening experience. The sharp guitars shred, soar and scorch through the crashing assault that is the chorus while flurrying delightfully through the verses. Punchy drums and a fantastic bass groove lays down the irresistible hyper foundation to the track while the expressive vocals whack a touch of punk flavoured aggro into the mix.There are intense screamy vocal moments where the instrumental chaos is at its most thrilling however, this band blend and refine their melodies and instrumental refrains perfectly creating pockets of release through the ferocity. The Renzer melded together their garage-rock roots with pop smacked melodies and propulsive rhythms making this an exciting debut. Keep an eye on these guys.

The Rezner will be playing a gig at the monarch in Camden for The Zine and musicians against homelessness on the 26th of march so make sure to catch them there.

Stream ‘Micky’ below