Monaghan singer-songwriter Jim McHugh is back with his new single ‘Dave’ and a first taste of what’s to come from his upcoming third album ‘Pretending To Wake Up’, due for release May 28th. Working alongside producer Alex Borwick (Parliament Funkadelic, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Niamh Regan, Lankum) and session musicians Paul McCabe (bass) Paul Sherry (Electric Guitar) and Butch McNeill (Drums), McHugh brings a new dynamic and alluring sound to the rock genre.
‘Dave’ is a rousing rock number showcasing a darker side to Jim McHugh’s sound. Spreading bluesy guitar riffs over a hip seducing rhythm ‘Dave’ is a wild, infectious banger. The verse wriggles with rich percussion, dark bass rumbles, and deep vocals from McHugh hooking the listener instantly. Then without any warning, the chorus swarms in on a wave of rock n roll bravado. Clamorous guitars, punchy drums, and a thrilling vocal display from McHugh ensure the chorus isn’t leaving your head anytime soon. Blending funky guitar elements, with mosh ready frenzy, ‘Dave’ is a blazing new single from McHugh. Love it.
About ‘Dave’ Jim says….“In an original story of misspent youth, Dave unveils my interactions with a friend who was known for being on the wrong side of the law on numerous occasions.”
NI Music Prize Nominee Sam Wickens has released his new single ‘Murky Waters’ along with his new EP ‘Watson.’ The first single from the EP, ‘Strange.24’ was released on 24th November 2020 to much critical acclaim. The five-track ‘Watson EP’ is the second major release since his critically acclaimed debut album ‘All I’ve Seen’ in 2019.
There is no denying the depth of earnestness in Wickens’ songs. Within ‘Watson’, the listener is invited to delve deep and explore the crevices of his artistic mind through masterful songwriting and compelling musicianship.
The auto-tuned synth drone of opener ‘Sunday Smile, Pt 1’ introduces the EP. Wickens’ rich vocals flow over a jaunty guitar and buoyant rhythmic bounce, while subtle country warmth mangled within R&B hues and icy electronic soundscapes display the EP’s tight, dark, and intriguing production. ‘Watson, Pt 2’ elegantly chimes with lamenting picked guitar as thumping drums pulse in the background, creating the track’s increasing heartbeat through a skilful use of synths and static noises.
Deft use of production sees Wickens increase the EP’s intensity as each song progresses, as if building to a massive pinnacle point…. ‘Murky Waters.’ This raw, rumbling maelstrom of mental torment is a fantastic display of Wickens’ first-rate musicianship. Shadowy drum rumbles, and bubbling electronics haunt in the background while a distorted guitar wail and chilling backing vocals express a harrowing sense of struggle within the music. A suffocating, muggy soundscape constricts and smothers an innocent twinkling on keys which at times rises to break free only to be pulled under and smothered again. The light, gentle keys provide a wonderful contrast to Wicken’s beautiful deep vocals which exude a soulless sense of sorrow. ‘Murky Waters’ is pain, struggle and release personified through music. It is utterly sublime and an enthralling piece of music.
Although ‘Murky Waters’ is a powerful and stand-out gem on the EP, within each track there is something special that allows them to shine just as brightly. My favourite track on the EP is arguably ‘This War of Mine‘. The raw emotion, hope, and pain expressed through Wicken’s lyrics is heartbreaking. “In time ill find some peace of mind. In time, I’ll lose this war of mine”. Suspenseful ethereal synths maintain an uplifting, hopeful tone while the pulsing beat covers the backdrop in an ominous shadow that is difficult to shake as Wickens coosa heartbreaking lyric “buried in the earth the last line of belief”.
Brooding electronics merge with country tones and oodles of soul in ‘Strange.24’ tobring ‘Watson’ to a perfect and epic finale. This song comforts, soothes, and caresses the visceral wounds of the tracks that went before. Maintaining its innocence and sweet tones an uplifting hopeful piano, which was smothered in other tracks such as ‘ Murky Waters’, comes to the forefront. Wispy synths and ethereal soundscapes raise the song’s atmosphere as Wickens’ warm rasped vocals discuss the acceptance of recovering from a battle with mental illness. “Feeling strange, it all just went away.” As the track drifts into its cinematic crescendo Wickens leaves us with hope and more tears, but these tears are of relief and joy this time.
‘Watson’ is an EP that reveals more and more with each listen allowing the listener to experience emotion, hope, pain, and mental anguish through the artist’s eyes. Wickens delivers this through heartfelt, honest, and passionate musicianship. His ability to stir the soul on such a deep level with his lyrics and music is exquisite. Sam Wickens is a rare talent. He has come a long way since his critically acclaimed debut album ‘All I’ve Seen’ in 2019 and has shown strong musical growth. Wickens has created an EP of solid, sincere, and equally compelling songs that carry the hallmarks of poetic, lyrical, and musical genius.
About his new single Sam Wickens says: “Murky Waters is the realisation that I was raised and put through terrible circumstances. Constantly feeling alone through every obstacle that was placed in front of me. Traumatic events seemed to follow me no matter where I ran, I started to believe that I was some sort of gatekeeper, that my purpose was to absorb the terrible things so others didn’t need too.”
Following on from the laid back vibe of previous single ‘Summertime Somewhere’, Dublin multi-instrumentalist Sam Ludlow has released his new single ‘Cruise.’Sam Ludlow spreads hip hop elements over a dreamy melody filled with soft, intricate instrumentation. The song exudes an instant soothing charm with jazz-drizzled piano twinkling between radiant guitar licks and warm melodies as Sam’s vocals venture from velvety croons to rap. Blending themes of escapism and reality through rosy-hued, witty lyrics, ‘Cruise’ is a well-crafted display of refined musicianship from Sam Ludlow.
‘The Barrios (The Mask Mixes 2)’ is the fresh new single to come from Australian progressive pop act SweetCell. A remix of a single from their 2020 debut album, ‘The Barrios (The Mask Mixes 2)’ was initially inspired by a series of photographs depicting a Spanish neighbourhood. It is the second single to be released in the Mask Mixes series.
Cinematic and doused in psychedelic hues ‘The Barrios (The Mask Mixes 2)’ is an engaging remix from SweetCell. The track swirls through a darker soundscape for the remix as SweetCell spreads synths over an icy backdrop of jaunty guitars and punchy drums to create a striking and eerie rendition that contrasts the anthemic rock sound represented in the original. Melodically lush and well crafted ‘The Barrios (The Mask Mixes 2)’ provides an intriguing glimpse into the versatility of SweetCell.
‘2020 Reprise’ is the latest single to come from Canadian singer-songwriter Norine Braun. Initially released in 2020 on bandcamp, ‘2020 Reprise’ takes the reflective song and gives it the full band treatment. Norine Braun is an award-winning artist (Canada Council For the Arts Award, Los Angeles Music Awards) based in Vancouver, Canada. From New York City to Quebec City to Tokyo and beyond, Braun has performed at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, at theatres, festivals, coffeehouses, casinos, and clubs.
Electronic soundscapes swirl through a punchy alternative setting in ‘2020 Reprise’ -aptly expressing Braun’s powerful songwriting. With sharp whines on guitar cutting through a muggy synth backdrop, the track creates a gripping atmosphere. Heartfelt vocals provide the song’s emotional core while turbulent and edgy instrumentation curves and pivots around a strong drum beat creating a dynamic and emotional listening experience. The song progresses to a shredding guitar solo and expressive crescendo as Braun displays her engaging and passionate musicianship through this emotive gem.
Macca Taylor has released his new single, ‘How It Goes.’Growing up with a healthy obsession for music, Macca started to write and produce original material from his Birkenhead loft in early 2017. He released three singles in 2020 and received support from BBC Introducing via Dave Monks on Radio Merseyside and Tom Robinson on Radio 6 Music, crowned ‘Waters Unknown’ as Macca’s ‘strongest release to date.’
‘How It Goes’ is a soothing lo-fi pop track glittering with the bright and deft songwriting of Macca Taylor. Coating the song in soft, comforting tones, Taylor drifts a sweet, dreamy melody over a cushioned beat, and catchy guitar refrains to create a buoyant and mellow tune. From the laid-back bedroom pop hues to acoustic sounds and electronic embellishments, ‘How It Goes’ is a joy to listen to. Accompanied by ethereal synths Taylor’s velvety vocals provide an airy, light texture to the song allowing the infectious groove on bass and drums to anchor the listener within the song’s breezy atmosphere. With elements of nostalgia and melancholia blended among the cheery foot-tapping instrumentation, ‘How It Goes’ is a well crafted delight for listeners to indulge in.
New Yorker Sophia B has released her debut single ‘Boys are So Overrated’. After living in Bangkok and Prague as a child, Sophia B and her family settled in the Upper East Side of New York City. Sophia B certainly uses her heritage and multi-cultural experiences as well as her extensive experience in musical theatre to her advantage in her songwriting.
Sophia B blends pop with indie riffs to create a tight debut with ‘Boys are So Overrated’. With catchy lyrics and sweet vocals, the track is compact and relatable. Looking forward to hearing more from this budding new artist.
Wicklow based artist Nylophone has released his new single ‘Shy One’ to mark the death of W.B. Yeats. The lyrics are taken in modified form, from a poem called ‘To an Isle in the Water’ by W.B. Yeats.
‘Shy One’ is a beautiful display of Nylophone’s emotive musicianship. Soaked in sweet, dreamy melodies the track floats elegantly upon supple finger-picked guitar provided by Jonny Dillon (who also goes by Automatic Tasty) while the intricate shaken percussion by Rian Trench (of Panic Attacks and Solar Bears) chimes in the background. The soothing vocals caress a lamenting melody with a silken tone creating a calming atmosphere within the track. Tightly weaved and oozing pristine production, Nylophone creates music that is rich in tonality and texture, providing mystical soundscapes that touch the soul and ‘Shy One’ is a magnificent example of this. An utterly captivating piece of music.
Dublin artist James Lonergan is set to release his new single ‘Braid’ on January 29th. Lonergan joined his first band, aged 10; since then, he has steadily fronted bands – most notably as the vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the recently disbanded progressive band, Synk.
‘Braid’ is an elegantly evolving work of art. Exuding rich folk textures and lush melodies the mystical atmosphere created by Lonergan is masterful as he takes a nimble guitar hook and builds a compelling soundscape around it. An array of rhythms flutter through the track as Lonergan unravels grand orchestral arrangements to create an expansive and ethereal wall of sound. As the guitars freely dance through the song, the atmosphere meanders from a celestial earthy nature to moody dark brought on by a swift key change.
A gravitational pull within the song seems to lure the listener into the bewitching and vibrant psychedelic soundscape as Lonergan’s smooth vocals drift with ease upon the folk hued melody while haunting harmonies wisp in the background.
‘Braid’ is an absolute treasure that displays Lonergan’s mesmerising musical ability and production skills. Lonergan proves he is one to watch with this beautiful and compelling track. Love it!
Edinburgh-based musician Craig McMorrow has announced the release of his new electro-acoustic single, ‘These Times’ on January 29th. The single, which follows McMorrow’s debut ‘Home’ was written and produced over Zoom during the lockdown.
‘These Times’ is an emotive uplifting number of electronic pop from Craig McMorrow. Through his country- esque vocals and motivational lyrics McMorrow oozes charm and emotion and shows strong musical growth from his debut ‘Home’. Soft acoustic guitar and elegant keys chime through a warm ethereal soundscape as beats bubble in the background. The use of pulsing expressive electronics creates a passionate and expansive soundscape that is both soothing and vibrant. With a catchy anthemic chorus and moving verses, ‘These Times’ is well crafted and wonderfully presented.
‘These Times’ is set for release on January 29th for more you can follow Craig McMorrow on Facebook here
