Hawke The Band was formed in 2018 by two friends in the shadow of the world-famous Guinness Brewery (in the south of the city) and features Richie Power (vocals/keyboards) and Eoghan MacMahon (vocals/guitar). Irish rock legends Aslan quickly declared themselves major fans, with frontman Christy Dignam proclaiming Hawke The Band “the next big thing” to emerge from a country that consistently punches above its weight in terms of quality music.
Hawke The Band blends together irresistible melodies, refined musicianship, and emotive songwriting to create a heartfelt and cinematic sound. Their tracks ooze passion while the use of subtle pop embellishments and folk undertones create tunes that are bursting with energy. These guys are extremely talented, and ones to keep an eye on. Looking forward to this takeover.
You can stream Hawke The band’s new single ‘Gonna Be Alright’ below
Dublin songwriter Laura Elizabeth Hughes has released her new single ‘Days’. ‘Days’ is taken from Laura’s upcoming EP ‘We, Myself I’, due for release on 5th March. Laura’s last single, “Pandemonium”, reached over 80,000 streams since its release in May and was featured on major playlists such as Spotify’s “New Music Friday UK” and “A Breath of Fresh Éire”, Amazon Music’s “Acoustic Chill” and Deezers “Chill Out” as well as airplay on RTE Radio 1 and BBC Radio Ulster. The build-up to the release saw Hughes perform an intimate live show across her Instagram account as part of Culture Ireland’s #IrelandPerforms series.
With just nimble plucked guitar accompaniment and lush backing vocals, ‘Days’ is a beautiful piece of music that showcases Laura Elizabeth Hughes’ mesmerising ability to convey emotion through unembellished instrumentation and deft songwriting. Without overpowering the listener’s ears Hughes’ ethereal soundscapes lie within the spacious elements of the song; the pauses for breath, the sweet tone of Hughes’ voice, and soft, almost haunting backing vocals all create an expansive wispy atmosphere. The song discusses the nothingness and mundane moments when Hughes was out of work. She gracefully translates those feelings into intimate moments of personal emotion through the spectacular use of guitar which mindlessly roams throughout the track as if searching for an elusive meaning, purpose, or distraction. Composed, elegant and precise, Hughes’ vocals hold a steady pace. Her sterling voice conveys the emotion buried deep within the crevices of the song through a few short yet powerfully evocative words, “Breathless, lost it to the distance”.
Laura Elizabeth Hughes is a songwriter to treasure. She is a master of her craft. There is a richness, depth and maturity to her work that is simply awe-inspiring and exceptional to behold. I’m looking forward to the ‘We, Myself I’ EP.
Speaking about the record ‘Days’, Laura explains: “Days was a step at confronting the nothingness routine that hit when I was out of work for 4 months. It’s repetitious, a choral of my own voice, my own thoughts, day in and day out. It’s the losing sense of time. It’s that limbo between Christmas and before New Year’s but in the middle of May. It’s all work and no play freneticism.”
‘Escape’ is the brand new track to come from singer-songwriters L.T.P Duo. Wanting to leave us with a sense of fulfillment, L.T.P Duo teamed up with JG Mind Doodles to create the emotive and moving video, featuring a cute little character, named Splodge by their Instagram fans.The video serves to bring out the emotion of the track and reminds us of the strength and comfort that we can all find in music. Standing for Less Than Perfect, L.T.P Duo is formed of Nik (guitarist, songwriter, producer) and Naomi (singer, lyricist). Following the success of their debut EP ‘The Voices in Our Head’ last year, L.T.P Duo are pushing their music further in their new single, seeking to connect with people’s emotions. They have received radio play from BBC Upload and their single ‘Rain’ was played on BBC Introducing.
‘Escape’ is an emotional number laced in delicate instrumentation and soothing melodies. Filled with ethereal keys and warm guitars, the tune floats on a supple bed of tender soundscapes and soft beats. The track builds softly with bubbling electronics fluttering through sweet vocals coos which creates an enchanting and relaxing atmosphere for the listener to indulge in. Radiating a smooth, uplifting and hopeful melody, ‘Escape’ is a delicate and well-crafted number from L.T.P Duo
Limerick indie-Pop band Lost Boys have released their debut EP ‘Honey Mustard.’ Starting initially as an indie band back in 2018 – Lost Boys have consistently looked at new ways to create more meaningful and modern music, most recently with the introduction of Hip-Hop/New Wave instrumentation into their songs.
‘Honey Mustard’ is a beautiful EP. Lost Boys display their exquisite musicianship by putting together a satisfying and cohesive collection of tracks that are sensitive and carefree while richly displaying the band’s musical prowess. They showcase their ability to find the sweet spot between genres to create luscious tunes for the listener to indulge in. Each track is saturated in lovable heartfelt melodies and peppered in reggae rhythms, 90’s rock embellishments, and sweet indie-pop with hip hop and new wave blending everything together. Even though the band move through different genres, it’s a seamless transition each time.
Slick R&B and hip hop elements create a smooth glossy soundscape in ‘Hindsight’ and the groove-infested ‘Best Friend’ whichkeeps the EP’s atmosphere light to begin with. However ‘Karma Girl’ kicks things up a notch. Thick electronics flurry around a hypnotic guitar refrain throughout the song while sticky pulsing beats create a suspenseful and intense backdrop. With reverb vocals, a cinematic chorus, and gripping instrumental builds, ‘Karma Girl’ is a magnificent track and a pinnacle moment in the EP.
The beautiful ballad-esque ‘Sadie’ brings the EP to a wonderful finale. A warm acoustic guitar strums atop elegant strings and delicate picks on electric guitar. The mellow soundscape is tender, evocative, and simply divine. Oozing lush harmonies and a subtle country tone, it’s an emotive end to a magnificent EP.
Lost Boys have outdone themselves with ‘Honey Mustard.’ Boasting rich soundscapes, skillful use of instrumentation, and lush harmonies, teamed with earnest lyrics, ‘Honey Mustard’ marks Lost Boys as a band to keep an eye on.
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Flawed Design’. ‘Flawed Design’ is an absolute groove fest coated in shimmering disco vibes and funky basslines. With melty infectious melodies gliding between shimmering synths, jaunty guitars, and intricate percussive shimmies, this sparkling gem is infectious and irresistible to the ears. Thrillhouse surge a chic strutting quality into the track through smooth vocals that ooze panache and charm while lush harmonies and catchy melodies will have you bopping in no time. Boasting sleek production, witty lyrics, and the musical mastery of Thrillhouse, ‘Flawed Design’ is a dance-inducing earworm ready for repeat plays.
N.O.A.H have released their eagerly awaited second single ‘Darkest Hour’, featuring Booka Brass. The single follows their first release “Shine” which received extensive airplay across both national and regional radio and was featured as 2FM’s Breakfast with Doireann & Eoghan’s Track of the Week. The band made their international debut with a featured live performance on Laura Whitmore’s BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast show. N.O.A.H is comprised of three lifelong friends, Ryan Hill,Adam Rooney and Ronan Hynes. The band was formed in January 2020, after the band decided to reform a previous musical endeavour. The band have taken inspiration in its naming, from the biblical story of ‘Noah and the Ark’, which is centralised around the theme of new beginnings. This idea is fundamental to the band’s vision and core values.
Filled with catchy hooks, a sing-along ready chorus and energetic instrumentation, ‘Darkest Hour’ is a sleek, edgy, and fantastic new single from N.O.A.H. The band create an eerie and tantalizing wall of sound while warm vocals coo in the backdrop. A driving rumble on bass and drums seduce through a muggy soundscape while luring guitar licks exude a dark indie tone. The triumphant rich elements provided by Booka Brass fill out the song’s backdrop with massive brass blasts while N.O.A.H injects psychedelic-hued distortion on guitars to create a confused and harrowing soundscape to match the vast brass sound. With shredding guitar embellishment and kick-ass rock bravado, ‘Darkest Night’ is a magnificent new single from N.OA.H.
Speaking about the track, N.O.A.H said: “Once you emerge from this mind spinning rock tune, its meaning is left starring you in the face. Broadly speaking it is about mental health, and how a sane mind quickly begins to deteriorate, we experience a person’s descent into their “darkest hour.”
Dublin indie folk rock band, Blue Fish Diamond have released their new single ‘Sunshine In My Brain’. Produced by Gavin Glass in Orphan Recording studios, ‘Sunshine In My Brain’ uses vivid imagery to speak of the desperation that many people experience and the hope that each new day will bring some sunshine to their lives.Formed in 2016 by Jim Murphy, Blue Fish Diamond released their debut album From Dark to Light in 2018.Their music has been played on radio stations across Ireland, including on RTE Radio 1, Radio Nova, Cork’s Red FM, KCLR and Shannonside/Northern Sound. They’re also a staple of the Irish live scene having played Electric Picnic, Whelans, The Workmans and The Grand Social to name a few.
‘Sunshine In My Brain’ is a delicate and soothing number saturated in the heartfelt and beautifully expressive musicianship of Blue Fish Diamond. The song broods at the start with the use of lamenting ethereal instrumentation while elegant piano meanders between a steady beat and soft vocals. The track builds superbly. As the song progresses the melancholic atmosphere lightens with the introduction of a warm cello and glittering guitar melodies to create an uplifting atmosphere. Haunting backing vocals change to soothing coos as the song lifts into its vibrant crescendo. The attention to detail in this track is stunning. Blue Fish Diamond have knocked it out of the park again with this mesmerising track. ‘Sunshine In My Brain’ is a captivating, expressive and utterly moving piece of music.
About the song, Jim Murphy says….”We live in a time where anxiety and despair are increasingly commonplace but also a time where there is greater openness about mental health issues and where hope exists through communal support. A song for today’s world, I hope listening to Sunshine In My Brain has a cathartic effect against the challenges that we all face whether ongoing or from time to time.”
Bio : LI.LAC is the alias of Southampton raised songwriter and producer Sam Curtice. Sam has performed for over 10 years as a guitarist and songwriter in various projects, however LI.LAC marks the first outing as a solo artist.
Track: ‘Kiwi’
Why We Like It: Filled with punchy beats, swirling guitars, and lush pop melodies ‘Kiwi’ a glorious and vibrant introduction to ’LI.LAC’s sound. With smooth vocals and tight disco-infused elements blended into infectious indie-pop, there is no denying the talent of Sam Curtice. The track is a fun-filled infectious delight.
Bio : Jessie Reid’s latest single has earned support from Spotify editorial curators, BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson and Chris Hawkins, BBC Wales’s Janice Long and BBC Introducing. Jessie was shortlisted for last year’s Glastonbury Emerging Talent competition and received support from the Alan Surtees Trust fund to record and release her new EP. Jessie travelled as far as New York and Brazil in the promotion of her debut singles, as well as supporting and touring with the likes of Seafret, Dan Owen, Ciaran Lavery and Brooke Bentham closer to home.
Track: ‘Whole Heart’
Why We Like It: Wrapped in emotive vocals ‘Whole Heart’ is a beautifully haunting new indie folk single. The track exudes an earthy soundscape as warm guitar strums and plucks through a richly weaved tapestry of rhythms. Reid’s warm rasp coo’s over a supple guitar for the delicate verses however as the song progresses a cello warms the backdrop enhancing the rhythmic pulls and vibrant textures within. Rich in tone ‘Whole Heart’ is a compelling new single from an extremely talented songwriter.
Bio : Intervene are an Alt-rock five-piece from South Yorkshire who mix post-punk influences with a 90’s UK Indie sound.
Track: The Conquering
Why We Like It: It’s an abrasive storm of alternative post-punk. Jagged guitar riffs slice through a resounding bass rumble and punchy drum battering as Intervene showcase their refined chaotic sound in all its glory. The maelstrom of crashing instrumentation breaks momentarily for light guitar embellishments that whine in psychedelic turmoil – simply wonderful. With aggressive shouted vocals and 60’s-hued organ-esque meanderings on keys ‘The Conquering’ is a fantastic new single.
Bio : Cassia start 2021 by treating us to their new ‘Powerlines’ EP, which features a brand new song in the shape of its title track. The EP is a sun-soaked collection which explores dealing with an uncertain future. Having previously been nominated for Best Live Act at the AIM Awards alongside IDLES and DMA’S, 2019 saw them embark upon an intensive run of touring. Their acclaimed live shows won new admirers wherever they went, from some of Europe’s biggest festivals to major headline shows in London, Manchester and beyond.
Track: Powerlines
Why We Like It: It’s a laid-back radiant gem boasting the infectious smooth melodies and tropical tones we have come to love from the band. This slick song flows upon funky guitar lines and elastic bass grooves that evoke a hip moving charm while the buoyant drums bubble in the backdrop. With subtle, chic 70’s elements blended between vibrant indie tones, and catchy chorus ‘Powerlines’ is a glorious new single from Cassia.
Manchester-based Rock band Gallaher’s Green, are set to release their debut album ‘Lucky 13’ on 12th February. Showcasing warm ballads, fiery anthems, and oodles of swagger within each track ‘Lucky 13’ takes the passionate and dynamic rock n roll sound of Gallaher’s Green to new heights.
Boasting sweltering guitars, powerful drums, and bass ‘Black Beast’ introduces the album with vigor. Oozing panache from every note it sets the album up magnificently while a shredding solo and fiery crescendo teases and keeps the listener wanting to hear more. Gallaher’s Green express the energy of their live shows superbly throughout the album through the use of steamy guitar moments and razor-sharp rock n roll bravado. From the anthemic ‘Cut Right In To Me’ to the spirited ‘Ballad Of The One Eyed Bastard,’ the band evoke images of a live audience swaying and singing back the lyrics.
The multi genre-blending within ‘Lucky 13’ is compelling. The band mix county tones into their infectious rock to create jaunty heartfelt bops in ‘Feel So Real’ (who can resist that ‘do do do’ lyric) and foot-tapping ‘To Be With You’ to make a full rounded and hearty sound.
‘Lucky 13’ is also a majestic display of the band’s melodic prowess. Gallaher’s Green douse each song in sweet, catchy, and easy on the ears melodies that weave and blend beautifully between the blistering and brooding instrumentation. This is particularly evident in the delicate warm ballads ‘Prodigal Son’ and ‘Light Inside Of Me’, which feature beautiful guest vocals from Courtney Duncan.
Throughout the album, the sweet and powerful undertones of each track are magnificently balanced – delicate songs such as ‘Until I See You Again’ are followed by fiery rock tracks like ‘Satellite’ which is perhaps my favourite on the album. Exuding blazing jabs on guitar which soar between raw bass grooves and galloping drums, ‘Satellite’ is another fantastic expression of Gallaher’s Green’s animated wall of sound.
There is something mesmerising about this band’s sound that wrestles your ears into submission. The fun, energy, and rich musicianship within creates an album ready for repeat listens. ‘Lucky 13’ is a tight, well-crafted, and thoroughly enjoyable debut album from Gallaher’s Green.
Manchester’s Cultures have released their new single ‘Ghost’. Bridging the gap between alt-rock and indie pop, Greater Manchester’s Cultures have been plying their trade across the region for the last four years, and their intelligent and idiosyncratic brand of indie has been turning heads and picking up traction ever since.
‘Ghost’ perfectlydisplays the engaging indie rock sound of Cultures. The track pulses with dynamic synths that rush around a buoyant beat while warm guitar sizzles in the background. There is a beautiful blend of tension and powerful release within this animated tune between the twinkling guitar and punchy snap on drums. Smooth vocals caress a dreamy melody while the swirling uplifting backdrop bubbles and rushes with adrenaline over a rumbling passionate bassline. Cultures have created a tight and mature sound to tantalise listeners with and it gets better with each release. Looking forward to hearing more from this band.
About the track, frontman Josh Spivey said, “For us in the band, the song has come to represent a huge number of different feelings and concepts as it’s developed. The lyrics “you never needed someone to take you home” refer to coming to realise that you are more capable of being independent than you knew and in “she never saw you as skin and bones” I try to tackle the idea of how people’s perceptions of each other can be completely different from our own ideas of ourselves. I think we have a habit of assuming that people think the worst of us when people are actually really good when given the chance.”
Stream ‘Ghost’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
