Category Archives: indie rock

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Feuds ‘Until It’s Done’

Feuds have released their last ever single ‘Until It’s Done’ and music video as a band. Feuds started in the small town of Kilcoole, Wicklow. After going through many lineup changes they settled on their final lineup in 2016. 2017 saw the band release the single ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’ and playing Electric Picnic after being voted one of the winners of the 2fm ‘Play the Picnic’ competition. 2018 saw the band release their debut self titled ep which was received well on radio. Following the EP the band gigged in venues like Whelans, the Roisin Dubh, the Lighthouse and an EP launch in The Workman’s Club. ‘Until it’s Done’ was recorded and mixed by Eoin Whitfield of Ehco in the Hive Studio, Kilcoole in September 2018. 

‘Until It’s Done’ is a bittersweet indie track as Feuds provide us with one last guitar twinkling gem to indulge in. With ethereal soundscapes, light guitar refrains and a punchy rhythmic backdrop, ‘Until It’s Done’ drifts elegantly through a nostalgic and moving wall of sound. The band build the tracks indie rock sonics allowing them to unfold and blossom beautifully becoming more heavy as it progresses. A braided bass groove weaves into the songs tight underbelly as the tracks rhythmic pull remains grounded and elastic for the refined guitar to flourish off and lift the song into an airy, breezy atmosphere.With a biting guitar solo and hair raising refrain ‘Until It’s Done’ allows Feuds to go out with a bang. It’s a tear jerking farewell to a talented Irish band. We wish all the guys all the best for the future.

Stream ‘Until It’s Done’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

7Levels ‘Hard Drive’

Following the success of debut release ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ in April, manic Waterford rockers 7Levels return with the explosive ‘Hard Drive’. With ‘Did You Ever Really Listen to Yourself?’ receiving support from RTÉ 2fm’s Dan Hegarty, 7Levels have made a very quick impression on the Irish music scene. The band consists of Ger Reid, Mike Fox, Caela Murphy, Cian Dalton, Adam Cullen Stafford and Lou Bennett.

With a bloodthirsty rhythmic backdrop, ‘Hard Drive’ is quite the blazing second single from 7Levels. Guitars rampage through the backdrop with blazing fury and majestic scorches while the rooted demon-summoning bass lines curdle through the tracks underbelly. The jagged stomps, raging drums and spitting punk vocals drive home the songs theme of the dangerous world of online personas while adding a murky dark undertone to the track’s scorching rock coating and mosh pit ready mania. With an all out anarchy drenched crescendo ‘Hard Drive’ displays a wild and raw side to 7Levels powerful and compelling musicianship. 

Stream ‘Hard Drive’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Benji and the Saltwater Sound System ‘Lights and Smoke’

Benji and the Saltwater Sound System have released their new single ‘Lights and Smoke’. ‘Lights and Smoke’ is the third single to be released from the upcoming Benji and the Saltwater Sound System EP, ‘Ripples of Thunder’. Benji and the Saltwater Sound System draw from Ben Fowler’s recent immersion into islander flavours and fuse these with the jazz, reggae and African roots of its members past musical projects.Benji and the Saltwater Sound System have played acclaimed festivals including Woodford, the National Folk Festival, Mitchell Creek Rock N’ Blues.

Exuding a soft layering of folk, pop and indie ‘Lights and Smoke’ is a lush unfolding of Benji and the Saltwater Sound System’s wonderful musicianship. With guitar twinkling over a rumbling beat the track begins light and radiant before the chorus introduces warm melodies on cello provided by Sivan Agam of the April Maze. ‘Lights and Smoke’ lyrically draws from frontman Ben Fowler’s experience of living in the Solomon Islands.The song oozes passion within its roots as the foot tapping rhythmic pulse surges warmth and cosy vibes while the light guitar and keys lift the track to ethereal heights. ‘Lights and Smoke’ is quite the time stopping number as the listener is lulled by Ben Fowler’s dreamy emotive vocals which gently coo over the songs organically flourishing soundscape. With a sweet melody melting over this softly bubbling backdrop Benji and the Saltwater Sound System present a lush and intricately rippling sound full of rich textures and intriguing musicianship.

Stream ‘Lights and Smoke’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Folk, indie rock, New Music

The Star Prairie Project ‘Panacea’ Album

The Star Prairie Project has released a 10 song album titled ‘Panacea’. The album follows on from the success of their single ‘Sophia’ which has amassed more than 110,000 streams on Spotify and reached #48 on the DRT Top 50 Adult Contemporary chart. The Star Prairie Project gets its name from the village of Star Prairie outside of Minneapolis and the AlanParsons Project. The Star Prairie Project is made up of Nolen R. Chew Jr. and Rick J. Vogelpohl. Their upcoming album ‘Panacea’ sees them teaming up with more vocalists and musicians as they create a truly collaborative and highly polished album.

‘Panacea’ is a wholesome and accomplished album that ventures from alternative rock to country and folk with some Americana peppering throughout. The album steadily blends heartwarming musicianship with slick instrumentation with ease as The Star Prairie Project present their powerful and refined sound through the rock-filled and mighty opener ‘Do What You Do’. The sultry rock n’ roll of ‘Frantic Mind’ and witty twang of ‘My Dear Lady’ display the bands ability to rein the might of their wild alternative rock and embellish their deft sound with more emotive and cheeky elements. This is shown particularly well in soft romantic ballads such as ‘So Beautiful’.

However it is within the intricacies of the guitar and piano work that this band truly excel. The guitars inject majestic qualities, raw power and sharp vigor into the tracks while the piano provides more haunting tones in tracks such as ‘Nowhere Bound’ with its mysterious soundscape and jazz elements.

‘Panacea’ boasts a sound brimming with catchy melodies and clean production with a healthy dose of rock spread throughout. There are warm Americana elements fused throughout creating a smooth fluid album filled with emotive vocals and passionate musicianship. Each song is structured and well crafted with steady punchy drum progressions and refined guitar lines that add lamenting elements to nostalgic tracks like ‘Bygone Days’ with its sweet dreamy classic rock coating and shredding solo while ‘My Heart Strings’ takes the bands more piano pop persona and flourishes into a disco hued bop. 

‘Panacea’ is a satisfying album laced in folk/ country influences and sublime rock elements. The Star Prairie Project have built a strong repertoire of music filled with charisma, cheeky charm and refined intricate musicianship. It’s a solid new album.

Stream ‘Panacea’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Locklin ‘Setting Sun’

Locklin are set to release their new single ‘Setting Sun’ on 31st July. The band Locklin is the brain child of Barry McLoughlin and hail from Tipperary in Ireland. Mcloughlin, in a previous band called The Rumours had the honour of playing Electric Picnic on two occasions in 2006 and 2007. Under the pseudonym of Locklin, the band released their debut EP in late 2018, entitled “Never Forget”. Locklin was joined by Eoin Ryan (guitar) and Cian Cronin (drums) in the recording and promotion of the EP. The band have performed in Crane Lane in Cork, as well as support slots from the likes of Seskin Lane in Whelans, Dublin and Hermitage Green on their tour in January 2019 at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles.

‘Setting Sun’ is solid classic rock doused in laid back summer vibes and rich instrumentation. Locklin spreads spaghetti western guitar lines over a punchy rhythm and warm soundscape to create a healthy dose of easy listening rock. With a smooth melody gliding over the sharp sting on guitar the band provide a velvety mellow texture between an edged shoegaze hue. It’s very chill and relaxed with luscious musicianship between charming lyrics and warm vocals. The soft keys and elastic bass elements fill out the songs sound creating a tune that is sweet and well crafted with a residue of Oasis glimmering through the track. Locklin are building their sound perfectly and displaying significant musical growth. ‘Setting Sun’ is a well paced 90’s rock gem to indulge in. Enjoy.

‘Setting Sun’ is set for release on 31st July. For more you can follow Locklin on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/locklinmac/


Author : Danu

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

Ten Hands High ‘6 Weeks’

Leeds indie four piece Ten Hands High have released their new single ‘6 Weeks’.After releasing their debut single in January 2019,Ten Hands High have played several packed out shows in their hometown of Leeds. The band were in creative overdrive, releasing 5 singles in 5 months, selling out their debut London headline at the Hope and Anchor in Islington along the way. Having supported Split Milk Society, The Clause and Luna Bay, Ten Hands High are quickly becoming a live act to be reckoned with. 

Saturated in light guitar lines and summer vibes, ‘6 Weeks’ presents Ten Hands High’s tight indie in all its glowing infectiousness. A buoyant beat bubbles in the backdrop providing sweet punchy rumbles while the intricate bass weaves and wiggles creating a spongy foundation.The band use warm guitar refrains to provide subtle bursts of scintillation as the song progresses to the chorus.With a catchy melody and laid back vocals ‘6 Weeks’ is the perfect sing along indie tune. 

Ten Hands High are cultivating their sound perfectly. Each track they release shows strong musical growth and impressive musicianship. I can not wait to hear more from this band. 

Stream ‘6 Weeks’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Jack West ‘Forever’

Jack West has released his new single ‘Forever’. The song was recorded remotely from Virginia, New York, Rochester and Seattle using ProTools and Logic with fellow band members and co-writers keyboardist Abe Nouri and drummer Matt Bent (both graduates of the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Jack’s hometown) – along with Barrett Jones [Nirvana, Foo Fighters], who produced West’s debut album ‘For the Record’.

With a nostalgic 90’s alternative pop melody combined with an indie doused backing ‘Forever’ is a tune to treasure. The song shows natural growth and maturity to West’s sound as he builds the track slowly allowing it to blossom into a sweet indie pop delight. With light twinkling guitar and buoyant beat this track flows smoothly into the ears with subtle bursts of jubilation bubbling beneath a dreamy soundscape. West’s vocals are charming and confident as he warmly coos over the earworm melody. The track maintains a soaring guitar refrain that provides an ethereal quality to the song as West surges adrenaline, emotion and youthful bliss into this exceptionally crafted track.

Jack West is building his sound superbly bending and blending his rock origin into a sound that is truly special and passionate. Keep an eye on this dark horse.

Stream ‘Forever’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Covasettes ‘Be Mine’

Exhilarating Manchester indie-rock band The Covasettes have released their new single, ‘Be Mine’ today. Firm favourites on any indie music fan’s playlists, the four-piece have totted up an impressive 1 million streams on Spotify alone, after being added to ‘The Indie List’ and ‘Summer Indie’ playlists. The Covasettes have already had a game-changing start to the year – previous single ‘Spin’ buzzed through the airwaves in February and in April they made the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition longlist.

With adrenaline pouring from the curdling rhythm, blazing guitars and dirty bass rumble, ‘Be Mine’ is another irresistible anthem from The Covasettes. There is swagger dripping off every note as the band flourish a raw driving indie rock backdrop with scorching guitar refrains and sultry licks while the rampant beat stamps the track firmly into your head. With cool vocals spread upon a catchy blues-hued melody the band present a chilled attitude driven sound brimming with confidence and blazing instrumentation. The Covasettes are building and crafting their sound superbly creating pockets of refined splendour within their blistering indie rock format. These guys write vibrant tunes for you to dance and mosh to. Another absolute smasher from the quartet.

About the track the band said: “Be Mine is one of our favourite tracks ever. As soon as we’d written it, we couldn’t wait to play it live and get it recorded in the studio.Every time we play Be Mine at gigs, it gets such a lively reaction and creates a real buzz in the room, so when it came to deciding our next single, Be Mine was the clear favourite. We think it follows on really well from Spin as it has a raw, gritty sound that is more rock driven than some of our previous releases. We’ve had Be Mine ready to go for a long time now and we can’t wait to get it out there for everyone to hear. We hope that people get behind it like they have with our other releases and come and sing it back to us at the live shows.”

Stream ‘Be Mine’ below


Author : Danu

Blues, Blues Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Finnian ‘Fly’

After Three extremely successful single launches, Finnian has released his new single ‘Fly’ taken off his debut album ‘Under The Influence’ which will be released on July 24th. Growing up in Dundalk, Ireland, Finnian has carefully nurtured his songwriting to the point where he is now being lauded by his peers as one of the most exciting talents in the country.

Saturated in bluesy swag and jazz elements ‘Fly’ is a bright number steeped in the sleek and engaging songwriting of Finnian. The song is anchored by the jazz piano refrains while elements of blues rock and retro soul adorn the track in lush tones. With banjo twangs between a foot moving rhythm, jaunty organ and warm guitar the track has a strutting sass all of its own. Finnian’s clever turn of phrase and passionate songwriting are at the forefront of his powerful, intricate musicianship. This is best shown when the listener admires the song as a whole – the instrumental backdrop flourishes behind Finnian’s rasped vocals giving the track a fluctuant and kinetic texture that is vibrant and uplifting without becoming overpowering.His beginnings as a folk based songwriter have now truly evolved and this song is a fine display of Finnian mastering his craft.

Stream ‘Fly’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Fly the Nest ‘Borrowed Time’

Irish pop/rock singer-songwriter Fly the Nest is set to release his new single, ‘Borrowed Time’ on July 24th.Dublin native Fly the Nest (Stephen Cooper) started playing music at a young age, performing in various bands. Last year he started solo project Fly the Nest, under which he writes and releases his own music. Stephen also writes for sync, and says that writing for film and TV has opened up another facet of his creativity. The name Fly the Nest came from travelling and moving on from a previous musical journey to the one he’s currently on. 

‘Borrowed Time’ is filled with lush instrumental surprises as Fly the Nest crafts an anthemic rock track laced in heartfelt passion. From warm string laments to triumphant brass the song drifts through a majestic arrangement with ease. Cooper allows the track to unfold beautifully. The anthemic rock remains at the forefront creating emotive tones through dusty drum beats and steady guitar strums however its the brass that lifts the song into an adrenaline induced state of jubilation.

The song is a journey through someone’s life and finding their purpose. The lyrics talk about giving life everything you have while you are on this earth, appreciating what you have, and embracing every opportunity. Coopers emotive rasped vocals portray this message perfectly while powerful progressions and a catchy pop-rock melody ensures the track will stay in your head all day. ‘Borrowed Time’ is well paced with Cooper taking his song writing to new heights – looking outside the box to bring a track that is sweet, sincere and bursting with cinematic energy.

‘Borrowed Time’ is set for release tomorrow July 24th you can pre-save the song below https://ffm.to/borrowedtimeflythenest

For more you can follow Fly the Nest on Facebook below https://www.facebook.com/flythenestofficial/


Author : Danu