Tag Archives: shoegaze

Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Munky ‘Closed Door Policy’

Artwork Credit :  Barra Carlin

Dublin’s disco-punks Munky have released their new single ‘Closed Door Policy’. For this new single the quartet teamed up once again with producer Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C., Damien Dempsey, Somebody’s Child).2019 saw the band release their debut EP, tour Europe with the legendary Meat Puppets and release post-apocalyptic single Megaton.

Saturating their sound in a cool hazy shoegaze coating ‘Closed Door Policy’ shows strong growth in Munky. The quartet create a new dreamy and mellow texture within their sound as they brood and cultivate the track meticulously with funk flavoured bass lines and distilled shuffling drums which provides a slinky elastic texture that wobbles and warps the track’s underbelly.

Beautiful melodious guitars weave and twinkle while coiling around the infectious rhythmic bounce creating a wonderful sense of subtle tension within the ethereal airy soundscape. The band allow the guitars to elevate off the fluctuant bass and drum foundation before returning for the dynamic crescendo while Zac Stephenson’s soulful vocals caress the lamenting melody with a velvety croon, adding to the marshmallow bounce of the track. As the song progresses the sublime Toisín and Sinead McConville take to backing vocals to drive the track home. The massive crescendo packs oodles of punch as here we finally see the heavy vigor we know Munky for. The band have layered this track sublimely teasing and foreshadowing their powerful crescendo through light sprinklings and darker undertones to create a full bodied and utterly thrilling listening experience. 

About the track the band said:: ”The song was written about isolating oneself from others, for fear of overexposing yourself, for fear of growing stale”

Stream ‘Closed Door Policy’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Sun Mahshene ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ EP

Sun Mahshene, Ireland’s premier shoegaze / noise-rock band have released a new digital EP , ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’. Coming off the back of a successful 2019, the EP contains two previously unreleased Sun Mahshene tracks along with their three critically acclaimed singles, Tales of Fiction, Leave This City and This Girl I Know. All tracks were recorded at Darklands Audio, Dublin and co-produced with Daniel Doherty (Fontaines DC, Vulpynes, Slyrydes, Damien Dempsey, Sombodys Child).

With psychedelic adrenaline-filled highs and fuzz fueled intensity smudged into sweet melodies and a thrilling wall of sound ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is laced in Sun Mahshene’s first rate and exhilarating musicianship. The EP is the prismatic swirling home of ‘Tales of Fiction’, ‘Leave This City’ and ‘This Girl I Know’ – three sublime singles previously featured on Indie Buddie. The composition within these tracks are rich and thoughtful as dreamy melodies drift above a fizzing underbelly of dynamic, crashing and frenetic instrumentation.  It is easy to get lost in the layers of intricate wobbly guitars lines, rooted bass grooves and punchy drums as acid soaked distortion swirls prismatic facets of blinding scintillation between the effortless cool vocal delivery by Nathan Henderson.

The band warp, dazzle and bend genres with tracks like ‘Ride The Wave’. Opulent textures create a psych pop mirage through a heavy alternative sonic sheen while a moody grunge – esque melody floats lucidly over this dazing harsh backdrop as if aloof to the bubbling mania beneath. ‘Demons Gold’ closes the EP on a high. The band craft wonderful component parts to produce a mellowed gem brimming with intricacies. From the lamenting guitars weaving elegantly between thumping drums and shimmering keys the track maintains the band’s majestic intense sound with a level of grace and prowess only Sun Mahshene can do.

‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ is an impressive display of musicianship from Sun Mahshene.Their ability to create implosive epic tunes which exude exquisite production is mesmerising.

Stream ‘Contradictions and Tales of Fiction’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Cabbage ‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’

Cabbage return with their new single ‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’.Since forming in 2014, Cabbage have occupied provocative territory by promoting progressive politics and supporting charitable causes through their live shows, leading them to be featured the BBC Radio Four documentary ‘The Art of Now: Band Politics’. At the same time as headlining sell-out UK tours, the band played Edgeley Park with Blossoms in 2019 and launched their debut album with a one-off, specially-curated exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery.

‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’ fizzes with a sweet sugary splash as Cabbage splurge melodic indie pop over an edged post punk canvas. The band create one nectarous irresistible gem as they swirl sharp buzzing guitars over a punchy acute wall of sound while the lush honeyed melody and soft backing vocals sweeten the blistering backdrop with a hazy shoegaze tonality. The band melt a hefty dose of psychedelia over the track creating a multi layered song that bubbles and broods within a prismatic sunny glow of delight while an acidic sting ferments beneath this rosy hue. The lyrics discuss the theme of mental health and suicide as Cabbage use gripping, woozy and blazing musicianship to create a truly invigorating track. 

About the track the band’s co-frontman and songwriter, Joe Martin says its a “brutally honest exploration of mental health and suicide within young men and the survivalist, Victoria Wood-esque juxtaposition of salvaging a smile through dreariness and despair. After much deliberation, we feel that the time is right to share this. The chorus line actually originated in a ‘Coronation Street’ script in 1988, with Deirdre remarking to Ken: ‘I wonder what advanced state of dither we’ll find you in today, Ken, you make an art form from falling to pieces.’  We don’t mind sharing our complete love and adoration for those old, hilariously crafted dialogues.”

Watch the video for ‘You’ve Made An Art Form (From Falling To Pieces)’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen – Honey Lung

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Honey Lung

Honey Lung have released their new single ‘Be My Friend’. Newly-signed to the cult indie label Big Scary Monsters (American Football, Martha, Orchards), ‘Be My Friend’ marks the first offering from the band this year as their plans begin to take shape, with a London headliner and several festival appearances already lined up over the coming months.The shoegazers have spent the last two years mastering the live circuit, combining JAWS and Basement tour supports with notable festival slots at the likes of SXSW, Reading & Leeds, Latitude and The Great Escape.

With guitars whirring through a scuzzy grunge backdrop ‘Be My Friend’ announces Honey Lung’s return with raw refined beauty. A sun kissed daydream melody melts effortlessly upon the effervescent backdrop with a shoegaze tonality while the sweet coos and deep gravel on vocals provide character and charm. The glistening melody on guitar weaves and coils zealously between the pummeling drums to create a clamorous fuzz-filled indie-rock foundation that is utterly thrilling. The band presents a tight and sun speckled track overflowing with rich, vibrant, blistering instrumentation. With the perfect bitter sweet ratio ‘Be My Friend’ is a triumphant return. 

Discussing the ideas behind their new single, Batten explained: “Lyrically Be My Friend makes a joke of trying to impress someone you admire. We wanted it to be an ironic song that pokes fun at awkward social situations and the funny ways we act just to be liked or feel accepted”.

Stream ‘Be My Friend’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/honeylung/be-my-friend


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Zeros & Ones ’15 to 1 (feat. Tiny Murder)’

Galway alternative rock band Zeros & Ones have released their new single 15 to 1 (feat. Tiny Murder). The release of 15 to 1 will be accompanied with a music video and the band will play a series of live shows to support the launch.The song was recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Roger Kelly at Galway Rehearsal Studio. Zeros & Ones have played countless shows around Ireland to date, highlights include two EP launches on the main stage of Galway’s famed Róisín Dubh and an appearance at Whelan’s annual Ones to Watch showcase to name a few.

‘15 to 1’ is a breezy shoegaze number as Zeros & Ones layer intricacies within a laid back fuzzy backdrop. With sweet twinklings on guitar and an energetic buoyant beat that becomes almost drowned in mellowed hazy melodies, the band create a wonderful prism of sun kissed indie pop.Zeros & Ones deeply immerse the track in an effortless soundscape as the guitars clang and rattle with a honeyed tonality building the joyously effervescent noise pop layering. The brilliant vocal interplay between David McDonagh and Tiny Murder creates a wonderful and delicate element to the track, as their voices coo against the guitar noise while complementing each other perfectly. ‘15 to 1’ is a sublime return from Zeros & Ones.

Stream ‘15 to 1’below 


Author : Danu

Brit Punk, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Shoegaze

Jake Regan ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’

Photo Credit : Liam Farrell.

Dublin multi-instrumentalist Jake Regan has released a new double single ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’. Jake Regan used to be the frontman of the band Segrasso. Early last year he decided to end the band and start making music on his own. Regan has been playing gigs with a band under the name Jake Regan and the Loverboys, but when he records music, he plays all the instruments himself.

‘Unfair’ is a sulky whack of abrasive alternative punk as Jake Regan fleshes out his unique songwriting in a pop smacked yet raw track. The wailing, stinging guitar cuts into the pulverising drums and grit smudged wall of sound. Moaning, gloomy vocals murmur through the verses while a stomping beat reinforces the anguish and fury however the depressed tantrum-soaked chorus is superbly contrasted with a breezy infectious melody and lighter tone. With its 70’s-esque Brit punk hues and shredding musicianship Regan displays his frustration at the “sell out “ copycat bands with a hint of comical irony.

‘Stay’ dollops on some shoegaze into Regan’s sound. Hazy and wrapped in a bitter sweet hue of nostalgia this lo-fi ditty broods in a wistful melody as Regan’s reverb lace vocals pine and coo in a blanket of sorrow. Doused in psychedelic tones the guitar-stings pierce throughout while the punchy drums batter in the background. This raw, heart-bleeding track grooves with a grunge backdrop against mopey pop elements. The soft melody wisps about the track melting into the downcast atmosphere.The warm biting guitar jingles and glimmers – lighting the chorus with its spark of luminosity through the mist. Utterly mesmerising and compelling this track hits you in the chest with passion and longing while also packing in some sublime and refined instrumentation.

Both ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ showcase how mature, passionate and exquisite Jake Regan is as an artist. He blends genres beautifully creating tracks that majestically blossom into a fine body of work.

Stream ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ below 


Author : Danu

EP Review, Indie, New Music, Shoegaze

Goldkey ‘Background’ EP

Goldkey has released his first full length EP ‘Background’. Goldkey is the musical alias of New York artist Mike Horn.Working with producer Ben Rice (Norah Jones, The Candles, Queue, Daughter) at Degraw Sound in Brooklyn, Goldkey has crafted tunes that are one part indie pop, one part indie folk. His first single ‘Mountain’ was featured on Spotify playlists Tune Core The New, Indie Mono Indie Folk. Goldkey followed this release with the driving psychedelia of ‘What Am I Supposed To Do?’, which led to dates supporting artists Eighty Ninety, Elliot & the Ghost and a headline appearance at the 2017 Official Jeff Buckley tribute concert.

‘Background’ is a chilled collection of tracks that flow beautifully between elements of indie, surf, garage and shoegaze to create a complete and wholesome EP. From the opening guitar jangle of ‘In The Background’ Horn places you into a peaceful and mellowed world of his creation as the hazy soundscape of soft beats and steady delicate guitar work flood you with pacifying lo-fi tones of bliss. The zesty guitar elements in ‘Rabbit Hole’ and  ‘Afraid Of Love’  add a refreshing zest to the tracks while the sweet as honey melodies soothe the ears in a warm coating of euphoria. Horn’s laid back vocals caress each track with delicate tenderness as each easygoing gem drifts along creating a lazy summer’s day atmosphere. ‘Galaxy’ is a lonely delight that sits almost solitary in the middle of the EP. Horn’s tender vocals coo with sweet emotion while soft instrumentation grace the background, broken at times by a lamenting guitar melody that has a lone ranger feel. Incredibly melancholic and heartbreaking the track builds becoming more heavy as a gentle piano twinkle is introduced creating a bittersweet innocence and elegant air to the song.Filled with soft tones and supple, refined musicianship ‘Prominent Moon’ brings the EP to a delicate and wholesome conclusion as warm guitar injections add speckles of scintillation through the sombre sweet tones and tender melody. 

With its lo-fi approach and soothing instrumentation Goldkey’s ‘Background’ EP is a marshmallow of comfort and delicacy with glorious and intricate instrumentation glistening throughout.

Stream ‘Background’ below


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

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 


Alt- Pop, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Pop, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, Psych-Pop, psychedelic, Shoegaze

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


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Pompadour ‘Oh Honey’

Three-piece rock band Pompadour have released their second single, ‘Oh, Honey!’ which was recorded and mixed at J&J Studios in Bristol. Pompadour co-produced the single with Nathan Long. It was mastered by Tom Cory, who has also worked on tracks for Adidas, and his own band; Novatines. Pompadour was founded in January 2018 after college friends and bandmates, Tamsin Sayers (vocals, bass) and Kearney Day (guitar) left their previous band and created their own project with their best friend from college. After a lineup change in early 2019, Rob Beresford joined Pompadour on drums, adding a whole new dynamic to the band.

‘Oh Honey’ is a dynamic surge of indie rock as Pompadour blend their smooth melodies with blistering instrumentation. Sharp guitar bursts jangle between a snappy beat while Tamsin Sayers’ powerful vocals ooze expression and warm tones. The track has an ethereal atmosphere as the easy on the ears melody melts upon a stormy backdrop. The song builds into a fiery chorus as the guitars crash and rebound off the buoyant beat while the gritty bass slices through this gripping wall of sound.Filled with adrenaline and oodles of energy ‘Oh Honey’ is another exhilarating track from Pompadour.

About the track Tamsin Sayers said: “Oh, Honey is written as a love song of sorts, in whichever capacity that may be, It’s about how the right person can have a big effect on your disposition. In this case, they bring out the fun, kind of crazy side of them. On the flipside, it could be a love song to themself, and how they love the carefree, energetic part of themselves. They can’t quite summon the energy inside them to be like that all of the time.”

Stream ‘Oh Honey’ below