Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘Voodoo Belladonna’. Joyce continues his brooding darker sound with ‘Voodoo Belladonna’ as he blends sombre tones with energetic indie superbly to create a track that is a simmering delight on the senses. Boasting the artist’s agile lyrical ability and refined instrumentation, the song showcases the singer-songwriter’s maturing sound. Joyce opens the track with an intriguing contemplation, “does your tongue go numb as you swallow the sun” while thudding rhythms and chiming guitars adorn the backdrop. Hisquirky labyrinthine lyrics weave random thoughts together through a whimsical dream-like melody as Joyce’s distinctive vocals express the songs conflicting emotions “break, break my heart, don’t leave me alone please leave me alone”. Filled with haunting backing vocals, punchy drums and jangly guitars ‘Voodoo Belladonna’ is a confident and expertly presented tune from Jack Joyce.
Fast-rising duo World’s First Cinema return with their new single ‘Supernatural’. World’s First Cinema’s origins begin back in 2019, when Fil Thorpe, a founding member of Neck Deep, the multi-award-winning rock outfit that also cracked the #2 spot on the US album charts, chose to leave his formative outfit in pursuit of a career in production. Having now relocated to Los Angeles he met John Sinclair, alternatively known as Saint Claire, who had previously collaborated with Macklemore on his 2017 single ‘Excavate’.
‘Supernatural’ is a dark and sonically epic new tune from World’s First Cinema. The duo knock it out of the park with this release. Brooding verses creep through crawling bass grooves and light guitar, oozing tension from the outset. As the song progresses, it becomes more dynamic, with the duo unleashing their deft melodic prowess by blending rich textures superbly to create powerful indie-rock soundscapes filled with cinematic production and darkly smothered pop sensibilities. World’s First Cinema don’t do anything by half measures, and ‘Supernatural’ is the perfect example of this. Boasting a dramatic synth build and heavy, almost EDM slapped crescendo, this pulse-racing tune continues World’s First Cinema’s run of massive, passionate and utterly awe-inspiring singles.
About the track, the band said: “‘Supernatural’ is a nod to the cinematic roots where this project first began. We feel that we’ve grown so much since we released our debut EP and we feel our music is reflecting that. Our songs will always have a cinematic element but ‘Supernatural’ really revives the overtly epic tones of our first EP. We wanted this track to be a sign to our fans to always expect those sonics from us as we explore different styles in our writing.”
Edinburgh singer-songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘Milk and Flowers’. It’s a catchy tune that shows a more angsty side to the singer. I caught up with Wallace to chat about the new single and what he has planned in the coming months.
“The song came to be from events that happened during lockdown. Being treated as a lesser priority after putting in so much effort with someone was really getting to me, and this song was my way of getting that anger out.”
Wallace has a wonderful knack for storytelling within his songs and ‘Milk and Flowers’ is an excellent example of his witty lyrics and compelling storytelling.‘Milk and Flowers’ is a great title with an interesting lyric, “I brought you milk and flowers to say I love you”. The flowers make sense, but I wondered why he brought the milk.
“I genuinely picked up the lyrics when my mum was saying her shopping list underneath her breath! This usually happens, titles pop out from nowhere and I run with them!”
“All of my songs are written from my own life experiences! There is no song I have written that didn’t directly happen to me. This makes it very easy as I am telling a story that I know inside and out!”
The B side track ‘Not Tonight Honey (skit)’ is cringey but very funny. It gives a vivid insight into the narrative behind ‘Milk and Flowers’.
“Yeah I wanted to mimic a one-sided phone call, where one person is trying their hardest and the other is just not interested. Based on true phone calls I have had, of course!”
The stomping rhythm and woodblock element give an edgy quality to ‘Milk And Flowers’. I wondered if Wallace has an idea of how he will fill out his songs when he is writing them, or does that come when in the studio.
“I really put a lot of effort into the drum arrangement for this. Being a drummer first and foremost, I always like to take time crafting the right groove! As for the rest of the instrumentation, I always hear in my headwhat the finished article is going to sound like, and with the help of my producer Cam Hunter, we bring it to life with added extras that we discuss in studio.”
“I have always played everything on my records, and my own parts to all instruments. There have been a few exceptions of course; My good friend and percussionist Jordan Ferguson featured on the demo of ‘Jane’, and the bass line for ‘I Talk Too Much’ was inspired by a bass line that my bassist, Lukas Christie, played while we were jamming through the tune!”
Wallace has a distinct smooth vocal delivery, which he has honed over the years through gigging. I wondered if he was always a confident singer.
“I started my solo career almost 3 years ago to the date of my writing this. Before that point I used to play pub gigs but I would mostly play cajon and maybe do two or three songs, but I was shaking with nerves when I did! I think doing more of those pub gigs by myself and gigging more with my solo project got my vocals to where they are today, my voice definitely didn’t sound like it does now 3 years ago!”
Melodies are something Wallace has proven to be proficient at creating. Tracks such as ‘Aftershave’ and ‘Cherry Baby’ have infectious choruses and vibrant melodies that are difficult not to sing along to and highlight just how talented Wallace is at creating earworms.
“With ‘Cherry Baby’ that melody did just come to me, but I changed my method for a while; I would get my chords and then write a riff on the guitar over it and then transfer lyrics into that melody, I just found it easier to write melodies on guitar at the time. Right now its kind of a mix of both!”
The lull in shows due to the pandemic and lockdowns has resulted in many artists writing a bucket load of songs and some struggling to find inspiration to write anything. I wondered did Wallace find he was writing a lot during the lockdowns and if he has any shows lined up in the coming months.
“I have actually been writing less because of lockdown. Lack of experience is lack of writing material for me. I didn’t write a lockdown song, I don’t agree with them. Everyone went through lockdown, and a lot of people used music as a kind of escape to forget it all, so I never understood why people would write a song about the one thing that people want to get away from. But that’s just my opinion!”
“Other areas of my music life are taking precedence at the moment, so I don’t have any shows in the diary right now, but I’m okay with that! I am very happy where I am musically just now, everything seems to just be falling into place!”
I wondered if ‘Milk And Flowers’ is the first taste of an EP or album from Wallace and what he has planned for the coming months.
“I can’t promise anything but I’m building up material for an album, but I am in no rush to get it done, I also don’t have the funds for it!”
“More releases! I’m loving the creative process just now and I want to get more stuff out soon!”
Jonnie Wallace is a talented artist who creates vibrant, witty tunes brimming with passion and infectious melodies. His relatable storytelling and deft musical prowess make his songs a joy to listen to. I’m looking forward to seeing what Wallace has in store for us in the future.
Bio: Dublin-based Four Nights has released his debut EP ‘Bed’. Four Nights (the moniker of Cork-born Tommy Buckley) has amassed over 3500 monthly listeners on Spotify, and combined streams of over 150k.
Track: Let’s Stay Up
Why We Like It: It’s an ethereal slice of alternative pop that display’s Buckley’s tight production skills and impressive musicianship. Flashing electronics and a bubbling beat creates an intoxicating soundscape while airy keys and dreamy melodies provide a refreshing edge to the track. Filled with smooth vocals, sweet melody and finger-clicking rhythms ‘Let’s Stay Up’ is an invigorating new tune from the talented Four Nights.
Bio: Static Vision are a three-piece rock band hailing from Limerick, Ireland. The band consists of 2 brothers, lead/singer, songwriter and guitarist Cian O’Dowd, bass player Tom O’Dowd and drummer Toby Shane.
Track: Grapevine
Why We Like It: This buoyant tune is the perfect example of Static Vision’s quirky and well-crafted sound. The band spread an infectious riff over groovy bass lines and punchy drums as the song ventures between a bright indie backdrop and heavier punk-ish rock sound. Cian O’Dowd’s expressive vocals exclaim the vivid lyrics, “Have you ever felt this burning fire, casting from the flame of desire”, over the building instrumentation while sunkissed embellishments on guitars inject vibrancy into the soundscape of the track. ‘Grapevine’ is a thrilling new single from this promising band.
Bio : After completing a medical degree in pursuit of the ‘ideal’ life, Ian (O’SULLIVAN) turned his back on a doctors’ life to become a recording musician in Budapest, Hungary. Starting out as part of a band he toured through Europe and even ended up as far afield as the border of North Korea at the DMZ Peace Train Festival, and in 2020 he launched his solo project – O’SULLIVAN. In November 2020 O’SULLIVAN released his first single ‘Little Bird’ entering the Top Viral 50 charts on Spotify, and received over 100,000 Spotify streams. ‘Little Bird’ also gained extensive radio play on Radar FM (Portugal) and Romania, in addition to plays in Ireland, Germany, Greece, Hungary & more.
Track: Dig Gold
Why We Like It: It’s a beautiful number laced in laid back vibes, soft, mellow guitar and subtle percussion. O’SULLIVAN creates a delicate and expansive atmosphere as he swirls supple keys and reverb moments into the track to create a wonderfully sweet and compelling listening experience. ‘Dig Gold’ is an absolute joy to listen to and showcases O’SULLIVAN’s deft musicianship.
Bio: Train Room has released his new single ‘Delicate Bones’. Train Room is the brainchild of Co Mayo songwriter, musician and producer Joe Monaghan.
Track: Delicate Bones
Why We Like It: Train Room gives us a glimpse into his more Country-Americana style with ‘Delicate Bones’. He sprinkles warm twanging guitar and smooth melodies over an elegant piano feature and subtle beats to create a bright and wholesome soundscape for listeners to indulge in. The song builds superbly for the crescendo with a rumble on drums and shredding guitar solo as Train Room displays his passionate and well-crafted musicianship.
Bio: Ciaran Lavery shares his infectious new offering ‘I Love the Inevitability of Death’. Offsetting one of his biggest fears with a generous dose of deadpan humour, Ciaran Lavery offers a sarcastic take on facing up to one of the only certainties in life. Recorded just before lockdown, ‘I Love the Inevitability of Death’ is the second collaboration to be revealed with Brighton based two-piece, Soft Sports.
Track: I Love the Inevitability of Death
Why We Like It: Lavery creates a spectacular piece of music with ‘I Love the Inevitability of Death’. Boasting a lush soundscape drizzled in twinkling guitars, glimmering keys and rich rhythms the song unfolds superbly. The track becomes more expressive and vibrant as the tune progresses while Lavery’s smooth vocals caress the warm, wholesome melody to create a charming quality to the song. Filled wIth brass elements, retro tones and euphoric builds, ‘I Love the Inevitability of Death’ is a catchy and masterfully crafted tune to indulge in.
Zach James Douglas has released his second single ‘Even As The Knife Went Through’ on ZJD Records via Faction Records. Zach James Douglas is an indie/alternative producer and songwriter, hailing from the South Dublin suburb of Tallaght.
‘Even As The Knife Went Through’ is a beautifully arranged tune that balances tender emotion with experimental electronics. Zach James Douglas layers the track spectacularly. He introduces fresh new sounds through guitar embellishments, twinkling sounds, elegant piano and synth flurries with each verse to create a constantly evolving listening experience. The track has an ethereal quality to it that is enhanced by the soft, soulful vocals from guest vocalist Saoirse. She coos over a dreamy melody while tropical tones and wispy atmospherics build throughout. Zach James Douglas is an impressive and extremely talented artist who uses rich and diverse soundscapes to create wholly immersive and engaging tunes that are simply a joy to listen to.
About the song Douglas says…“Even as the Knife Went Through explores the scarred mental state of someone who’s been hurt by a previous partner. It details the intimacy and trust issues that a person develops within future relationships and how despite being the target of such abuse, they still tend to carry a sense of guilt and a deeply hard wired love for their ex partner.”
Under Starling have released their new single,’ Purple Heights’ Under Starlingare an alternative rock band originating from Dungarvan, Waterford comprised of brothers Danny (lead vocalist and guitarist) and Tommy Dunford (Drums, Vocals) as well as Colin Drummey (Bass) and Alex Pollock (Keys, guitar and vocals).’Purple Heights’, is a unique release in commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of the end of the Irish War of Independence.
‘Purple Heights’ is an atmospheric cinematic tune that boasts the first-rate instrumental prowess of Under Starling. The band begin the track with auto-tuned vocals and light indie instrumentation filled with bright guitar and buoyant beats before expanding into a more ethereal and tense electronic soundscape. The band build and layer the track superbly, injecting more alternative heavy instrumentation between traditional lilts to create a consuming and unique listening experience. ‘Purple Heights’ is a vivid and musically lush tune that showcases a diverse and sonically intriguing side to Under Starling.
About the track, the band said: “Purple Heights was written in commemoration of the 100-yearanniversary of the end of the Irish War of Independence. Danny, lead singer, was inspired by his great-grand-uncle, Pat Keating, who was killed in an event during the War known as the Burgery Ambush (March 18th-19th, 1921) just outside of our hometown of Dungarvan.”
Soda Blonde have released their debut album ‘Small Talk’ via Velveteen Records, the entirely self-produced album sees the group reflecting on their twenty-something experiences with refreshingly honest transparency. All four band members (Faye O’Rourke, Adam O’Regan, Dylan Lynch and Donagh Seaver-O’Leary) are seasoned musicians, despite their youth. They have been playing together since their early teens, with their previous band – the internationally renowned Little Green Cars, whose seminal debut album skyrocketed to number one on the Irish album charts.
‘Small Talk’ is a collection of musical marvels that showcases the magic and brilliance of Soda Blonde’s artistic musicianship. Filled with cinematic undertones and heart-rushing emotional moments, the four-piece have created a body of work that seems to flow like a soundtrack to a movie. ‘Tiny Darkness’ acts as the prelude to the album. Opulent soundscapes of elegant staccato strings, lush harmonies and lamenting piano introduce the listener to the musical wonder that is Soda Blonde while O’Rourke’s sweet, lulling vocal brings to life the vivid imagery within the lyrics “They said that I could be a star, But I bent out of my shape, I’m like a washed-up tv host, Watching back old tapes”. The track is a fine example of the band’s blossoming sound and poetic lyricism and a fantastic opener for a debut album.
There is an air of mystery and a relatable theme of self-discovery within the tracks on the album, however, hidden beneath the instrumentation is an undercurrent of melancholy. This aspect is deftly expressed throughout the album in different ways for example the spacious brooding atmosphere in ‘The Dark Trapese’ exudes a deep sense of loneliness while dark synths and the eerie, shimmery lustre of ‘In The Heat Of The Night’,and hypnotic guitar refrain within ‘Terrible Hands’ all allude to the element of sadness within the tracks while O’Rourke’s lyrical mastery cuts deep with honest tales of heartbreak and insecurities.
An intriguing aspect of Soda Blonde is O’Rourke’s storytelling ability which takes the listener on a journey through the inner workings of the singer-songwriter’s mind. Through poignant lyrics and effective use of stream of consciousness, the listener begins to truly understand the artist’s thoughts and emotions. This is shown in the utterly magnificent ‘Holy Roses’ – “so many fights, so much nothing in the bed, so many railroads that don’t lead to anything…” and ‘Try’ as O’Rourke aptly describes the complexities of navigating through the constant tasks of modern life – “Gotta get a job, Gotta go to work, Gotta find yourself? Then Meet me afterwards”.
Throughout the album, Soda Blonde display their deft musical prowess. Each track is lavishly adorned in shimmering synths, sensual basslines and virtuoso guitar embellishments that is simply a joy to listen to, however, ‘I Still Have Feelings For You’ highlights the power within the band’s minimalist arrangements. Combined with gentle guitars and a soft beat beneath O’Rourke’s emotive vocals, the song ventures into the band’s more folk-pop sound and is a time-stopping moment on the album that leaves the listener dumb-struck by the tracks lyrical beauty and musical grace.
‘Choices’ brings the album to a close similar to how it started with cinematic, swooping strings and vivid soundscapes that pulse and surge with emotion while a bittersweet melody drives the songs catchy alternative pop sensibilities. The band bring the album full circle, however within the lyrics we get a sense of empowering confidence as the four-piece leave us on a pondering thought that our choices can lead to a sense of liberation. Interestingly, as the last notes of the track fade to silence the album doesn’t feel as if it’s a conclusive end. It resembles more of a cliffhanger which is quite refreshing to experience on an album.
Small Talk is an emotional and beautiful work of art. The band have been honing their craft meticulously, and the result is a breathtaking debut that cements Soda Blonde’s position as one of Ireland’s most exciting bands. Press play and enjoy
Hailing from Ireland, Singer/ songwriter Keith Coleman has released his latest single, ‘Hangover’. From starting to write music at the age of sixteen, Keith Coleman has gone from recording demos in his bedroom on a regular basis to recording a full record in a studio setting – ‘Hangover’ being the very first release under his name. The album is only the beginning of his musical journey, and he is ecstatic to show his fans what he has planned for the future.
‘Hangover’ is a catchy ditty sprinkled in Coleman’s infectious, upbeat and wonderfully melodic songwriting. Laced in bright, jaunty guitar refrains and perky rhythms, the track has an instant charm and uplifting quality. Coleman adds a shuffling beat and danceable swagger to the track as he fleshes out his alternative pop to create a relatable and fun tune to indulge in. Coleman’s smooth vocals melt over the sweet melody as he coos over playful lyrics which discuss drinking to get away from a naggy relationship. His cheerful delivery, glorious melodies and vibrant instrumentation makes ‘Hangover’ a catchy anthem sure to have you singing along in no time.
Subterranean Sessions – Songs From Beneath The Surface Of The Earth
Airs on RTE 2 on Thursday, July 15th at 22.30h
Filmed In The Spectacular Surrounds of the Mitchelstown Cave
Featuring Stunning Performances from Lisa Hannigan, Gavin James,
Paul Noonan, Lyra, Talos, Eve Belle, Moncrieff and Róisín O
Filmed in the atmospheric and awe-inspiring caverns of the Mitchelstown Cave, Subterranean Sessions will air on RTE 2 on Thursday, July 15th at 22.30h.
Subterranean Sessions: Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth, is presented by Róisín O and Barry Murphy (Hermitage Green) and features stunning performances from Lisa Hannigan, Gavin James, Paul Noonan, Lyra, Talos, Eve Belle, Moncrieff and Róisín O.
Recorded live, Subterranean Sessions was filmed in the beautiful Mitchelstown Cave in December 2020. The superb acoustics and the vast natural auditorium of the cavern makes for a unique and unforgettable concert experience.
With a diverse and talented range of artists performing, this is sure to be a spectacular night of music. From the passionate and ever-changing sound of Moncrieff, the mesmerising alternative pop of Lyra, and Eve Belle to the timeless vocals of Lisa Hannigan, Róisín O and Paul Noonan, it’s one not to miss.
Producer Shane Dunne says: “At the point this was recorded we as an industry hadn’t worked or seen our colleagues for months. While we are still very much in the worst impacted industry of the pandemic, recordings like this were such a special few days for artists and crew alike. It was a chance to feel normal, to feel valued and to see brilliant artists express themselves in a beautiful location. Now as we hopefully see green shoots and look to the future, it’s nice to look back to those dark December days in South Tipperary and believe this time, that some summer night we’ll see our friends again.”
Subterranean Sessions was part-funded by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media through the Live Performance Support Scheme.
Subterranean Sessions: Songs from Beneath the Surface of the Earth will air on RTE 2 on Thursday 15 July 2021 at 22.30h.
23-year-old Irish songwriter Papa Rua has released his new single ‘G.B.T.M’.Starting out as a Dublin busker, Papa Rua diverges from the Glen Hansard / Dermot Kennedy sound, identifying more with the burgeoning grassroot Irish hip hop / Drill / Afrobeat scene, with Papa Rua holding the torch for Soul and R&B. His past two releases ‘Lorna’s Song’ and ‘Not In My Name’ were released as part of live sessions, earning Papa Rua a growing dedicated online and local fanbase. His debut EP ‘103’ is expected to drop later this year. Written spontaneously during a session for his upcoming EP ‘103’, ‘G.B.T.M’ portrays male vulnerability with sincerity and care. Finding the market saturated with hyper-masculinity, Papa Rua wanted to shine a light on real experiences that contradict this narrative.
‘G.B.T.M.’ is a tune that displays the soulful sound of Papa Rua. This charming track flows with mellow soundscapes to create a dreamy laid back listening experience. Papa Rua layers the song superbly as he creates supple textures through luxuriant melodies and infectious grooves, while the elastic bassline, intricate percussion, and beats add a gritty edge to the song’s soundscape. ‘G.B.T.M.’ showcases Papa Rua’s impressive, mature and irresistible soulful sound and marks him as an artist to keep an eye on.
Stream ‘G.B.T.M’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
