Bringing us a fresh and innovative sound, 3-piece Surrey band Lavender Hill have released their debut album release, ‘Lavender Hill’. The tracks reflect the band’s broad musical influences gathered in a collection ranging from pop to hard(ish!) rock. Lavender Hill began life as a few friends jamming together on acoustic guitars with a beer or two, gradually growing the line-up to include bass and drums. Like all good rock and roll stories the band went through multiple line-up changes before crystallising into a trio composed of original members Razz Betts (Drums), Silver (Lead Guitar and Vocals): and Rob Gwynn (Bass) who joined them 3 years ago.
‘Lavender Hill’ is an energetic album brimming with Lavender Hill’s engaging musicianship. The tracks flow on powerful classic rock soundscapes filled with sweeping rhythms and punchy melodies. Oozing sharp riffs through ‘The FIre; and rock n roll bravado of ‘Picture’ the band create a dynamic and edgy sound softened by melodious tones and rich textures, while the country twang of ‘Chainsaw’ shows a more swagger element to the band’s sound.
The band surge their own brand of quirky rock into the tracks creating a sultry dark soundscape while songs such as ‘Temptation’ exude jazz elements on piano which glide through the tunes luring backdrop and rooted bass. The lyrics are as diverse as the music, addressing emotions as far apart as love and anger with a little humour thrown in.
‘Lavender Hill’ is a strong collection of tracks which display the fun genre-blending and songwriting of Lavender Hill.
‘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.
Big Sleep have released their new single ‘Tall Stories.’ Big Sleep are a Dublin-based indie-alternative band who have spent the last two years playing to packed out rooms of an ever-growing fanbase until lockdown came along. The four-piece formed when frontman, Rónán, entered a Battle of the Bands as a singer-songwriter. He reconnected with some old bandmates and was introduced to some new ones to form the current lineup: Matteo Poli on percussion, Evin O’Connor on lead guitar, Rónán Connolly on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Dougie Sealy on bass.
‘Tall Stories’ is a mellow groove-driven gem. Big Sleep spread a warm, dreamy melody over a soft bubbling backdrop to create the ultimate hazy day-dream escape. Soothing vocals drift sweetly over the velvety melody, while a groovy bassline and playful drum combination drive the track’s funky foundation. With lush surf-rock guitar adding a dash of zest into the mix, this warm refreshing tune is euphoria to the ears. Big Sleep have created a sunkissed treasure for the listener to enjoy with ‘Tall Stories.’
props has released his new single ‘Domino.’ props’ debut tracks have been making their way into the world since the start of lockdown last year, with radio play from BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio.
Vibrant and upbeat; props displays his deft musical prowess through new single ‘Domino’. Beginning with jaunty guitar and energetic beats, (which, as the song progresses becomes more animated between the smooth reverb vocals ), the track is a delicious burst of lo-fi indie pop. The jump stop stammer instrumental is an intriguing and fun element that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. As the song develops, props lets loose his juicy indie-pop sound allowing chiming keys to blossom into dynamic melodies while the strikes on guitar expand, becoming more lush, lustrous, and energetic. ‘Domino’ is a fun-spirited song filled with dreamy melodies and smooth vocals. props has a beautiful ability to create fantastic earworms that get stuck in your head all day, and ‘Domino’ follows this trend superbly. Can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next. Press play and enjoy.
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.
After a short break from releasing music, Dublin soul-infused pop-funk sextet Toshín have released their new single ‘She’.This release marks a new and exciting change in direction for the band, both sonically and in aesthetic.
Encased in velvety soul, ‘She’ is an alluring and emotive single from Toshín. Portraying a message of self-awareness and self-love despite obstacles and insecurities, this silken track flows upon a bed of elastic bass, steady cushioned drums, and elegant keys. Toshín coos delicately over an enticing melody while zinging guitar lines and warm horns inject funky elements and retro R&B hues into the musically rich soundscape.
Toshín have shown strong musical growth over the last year. ‘She’ displays this perfectly – a mature, refined sound laced in delicate melodic builds and sensual first-rate musicianship. Looking forward to hearing more from Toshín.
Sun Mahshene have released their new single, ‘The Righteous One.’ Sun Mahshene’s collective years of experience have helped them deliver some incredible live shows, including appearances at Whelan’s Ones to Watch 2018 and 2019, Ireland Music Week 2019, and high-profile support slots including Black Doldrums (UK), Magic Shoppe (US), Stony Sugarskull (DE) and Wand (US). Releases to date include three self-published EP’s, followed by three critically acclaimed singles on Reckless Records IE. Spotify and extensive national and international airplay supported these singles with playlists on the BBC and RTÉ Radio radio.
‘The Righteous One’ is an exhilarating psychedelic rock anthem that fizzes with the luring musicianship of Sun Mahshene. The track effortlessly weaves between hazy shoegaze, crashing indie rock, and dazzling psychedelia to create a high-quality gem that is a joy to listen to. Layering fuzzed guitars over agile rhythms the band provide an expansive and biting wall of sound. The whirring on guitars creates an ominous and mysterious quality within the band’s brand of psychedelic shoegaze whilst also capturing the most captivating sonic elements of 90’s guitar music.
The blazing instrumentation swirls around a sweet, delicate melody while supple vocals from Nathan Henderson anchors the listener within the musical maelstrom. He coos through the bewitching soundscape with a cool, emotive tone while bass rumbles, and pounding drums, wrestle for dominance in the thrilling background. Frenetic distortion covers the atmosphere in a crazed frenzy of crashing guitars, agitated bass and resounding drums as the harsh backdrop becomes aggressive for the building crescendo. At the same time, Henderson’s vocals echo gently, creating a blissfully dreamy, hypnotic contrast for the listener to indulge in.
‘The Righteous One’ is a glorious assault on the senses. Sun Mahshene have a masterful ability to express emotion through the medium of music. This is what makes them so special. They have a remarkable sound that entrances the listener from the very first note. ‘The Righteous One’ takes their music to a new level of achievement as Sun Mahshene continue to explore the depths of their unique, mesmerising musicianship.
Kynsy has released her debut EP ‘Things That Don’t Exist’ alongside a video for her latest single, “Elephant In The Room”. Kynsy is the solo project of rising 23-year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Ciara Lindsey. Written and co-produced by the artist, the tracks were mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer (Interpol / Sorry / Parquet Courts) and Barny Barnicott (Arctic Monkeys / MIA / Bombay Bicycle Club). Having previously performed on the Other Voices Music Trail and at Ireland Music Week, the Dublin artist kicked off this year with a whole host of 2020 Hot List features.
‘Things That Don’t Exist’ is a confident and expertly crafted collection of tracks. Kynsy laces the EP in guitar-based thrills, electronic embellishments and agile lyrics which evoke emotion within the listener. This first-rate EP is overflowing with superb elements and details from exquisite guitar refrains and splintery bass manoeuvres to poignant narrations and soothing vocals.
An organ -esque intro leads us into EP opener ‘Elephant in the Room’ a darkly glamorous and brooding number smothered in razor-sharp guitar work and building rhythms. Kynsy balances raw indie rock with dazed electronics to create a sweet sting within the track. As swirling flutters on synths wisp about a pulsing beat and subtle elements of distortion the song simmers before the chorus explosion hits. Kynsy’s vocals coo and drag through the nostalgic woozy number with sweet tones ( which at times becomes aggressive ) offsetting the pop melody.
Kynsy is a master of melodies warping them into the moods and atmospheres she creates. Providing dramatic soundscapes, the EP elegantly shifts between the ethereal backdrop of ‘Elephant in the Room’ to the fizzy indie rock bravado of ‘Happiness Isn’t a Fixed State’.Blending cinematic soundscapes throughout, the song has a Tarantino residue while the smooth yearning melody cools the blazing instrumental backdrop. However, ‘Dog Videos’ is where Kynsy slaps us in the face with a sound unlike its predecessors. Brighter and with a sun-kissed radiance, this foot-tapping track is a refreshing gem. With triumphant horn elements, slinky bass lines and a breezy melody the track injects a dash of cheer into the EP. This liveliness is undercut by the sharp lyrics which describes the doom of time wasted and living within the Youtube/social media world.
Throughout ‘Things That Don’t Exist’ Kynsy excels at constructing settings and engulfing them in a dramatic, catchy melody. While exploring themes of struggling through modern life, the songs maintain an upbeat and engaging tone and exude an air of finesse and rawness that showcases the deft songwriting and musical ability of Kynsy. There is no lag within the EP just smasher after smasher until ‘Cold Blue Light’ ignites the EP in a fiery finale. A siren on guitar announces the track while the slap on drums drags through the swaggered soundscapes. The sultry, dark atmosphere unfolds into a blazing indie rock track as Kynsy coos over a smooth melody. Kynsy’s delivery is cool and nonchalant, allowing the rich instrumental backdrop build and slither into psychedelic territory toward the thrilling crescendo – a triumphant close to the EP.
Within ‘Things That Don’t Exist’ there are elements of The Strokes with flavours of The Kills and St. Vincent peppered on top, but they are subtle. It is more like Kynsy is tipping a musical hat to their sound, then swiftly moving on to do things the Kynsy way – personally I’m glad the artist does not linger in any style for very long and because of this the EP is heavily brushed in the musicians raw creative thought process. It is a rare glimpse into a talented creative mind. Kynsy’s sound is brilliant and mesmerising in every way. ‘Things That Don’t Exist’ is a wholly consuming collection of tracks which sets the bar high for 2021.
Talking about the EP Kynsy said: “A lot of the songs are based around the idea of how we as people are either being followed or chasing after things that don’t exist. We are followed by the things we see through technology, television, the news – things that derail and confuse our sense of reality. We also chase things that don’t exist. We ignore the fact that things could change in a blink, or chase idealistic dreams of the future based on things we’ve seen on TV or on phone screens. I found there to be a juxtaposition in the positive and negative aspects of things that don’t exist; how having hope can change peoples lives for the better, how art is made from things that were previously non-existent and how these life fulfilling aspects as well as the things that can derail us are constantly fighting each other in our thought processes.This EP is a dialogue between those positive and negative thoughts and emotions. I wanted the music to create a world of freedom, hope and playfulness while the lyrics focus on the struggle of fighting, running and coming to terms with all of the good and bad we find in things that don’t exist.”
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.
Stream ‘Shy One’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
