Tag Archives: alternative rock

Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

The Burma ‘Sugar Moonlight’ EP

Photo Credit : Ciara O Toole

Rising Indie Rock band The Burma have just released their new EP ‘Sugar Moonlight’. At various stages over the past year the Irish indie band have holed up in Monique Studios with producer Christian Best (Mick Flannery, O Emperor, Jack O’Rourke, Marlene Enright) writing and recording their latest release. 

‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a tidy collection of tracks exuding passionate pop melodies and blazing alternative rock with a healthy dose of indie rock at its heart. The band go all out with this EP – luscious textures and melodious highs, psychedelic rawness and tender broods create a well rounded enjoyable listening experience.

The jubilous indie guitar jingle of ‘Same Again’ kick starts the EP. It is light and infectious as the ethereal guitars create a wonderful animated bounce. The Burma construct tracks with a rich rhythmic foundation of rippling bass lines and buoyant snappy drums allowing the charming guitar refrains to soar and flourish off this backdrop with majestic tonalities. The band swoon smooth melty melodies into their vibrant indie sound effortlessly. ‘Quicksand’ shows this superbly as the soft bubbly melody wisps delicately through a crashing psychedelic backdrop of airy stings on guitar and rumbling drums.

With a refreshing bite, each track rolls coolly into the next. Whether it’s the icy sting of the melancholic ‘When You’re Gone’ or the darker synth swirling prance of  ‘Phoney Personality’, the band use their ability to intricately weave multi layered synth textures and melodies to create a seamless transition between tracks while still maintaining each songs own identity. Final track ‘Buried Alive’ closes the EP on a high. It’s not a sugar rush but a sweet tender and mesmerising high as The Burma present their most delicious emotive and beautiful melody yet. Caressed with soft tender vocals and slow brooding instrumentation the track flurries on a light airy soundscape of glistening guitar and pulsing beat. Each timeless twinkle and bass wriggle coils and curdles the backdrop in sombre wistful tones. The track builds superbly becoming more dynamic as, in true The Burma fashion the song reaches its hair raising crescendo.

The Burma have a wonderful ability to create rich proficient tunes with first rate instrumentation, exhilarating guitar lines and intricate bass lines that surge with character. Their melodies are irresistible, oozing emotive, dreamy and sweet tones while the lo- fi grooves and heavy rhythmic pulses provide the element that hooks your ears and leaves you craving more. ‘Sugar Moonlight’ is a mature and impressive EP that makes The Burma ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Sugar Moonlight’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Easy Tide ‘Carpet Grave’

Easy Tide have released their new single ‘Carpet Grave’ which was recorded by the band in Fennor Lane Studios. Easy Tide are a DIY Garage band hailing from Navan Co Meath. Members include Aaron Dunphy on Bass and Vocals , Steven Rafferty on Guitar and Vocals and Mark Carolan on Drums and Vocals. 

‘Carpet Grave’ presents Easy Tide’s punchy alternative rock through a hazy laid back garage rock filter. The band cruise through light ethereal guitar melodies and warm rumble on bass with a sluggish lazy day attitude. The track bops with an airy texture as the buoyant drums create both a spongy cushion for the verses and a punchy bite for the chorus. Glistening guitars ricochet off the heavy drum progression as the track drifts effortlessly from moody verses into the dynamic chorus and crescendo. Well crafted and exuding shoegaze elements, ‘Carpet Crave’ is a sun speckled sulky number that is just as sharp and punchy as it is melodic and dreamy. 

Stream ‘Carpet Grave’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Escape The Box ‘Grey’

London alternative rock band Escape The Box will be releasing their new single ‘Grey’ on May 1st. The band comprised of Ziey Kizzy (Vocals),LouZy Hero (Drums), Stephen Smith (Bass) and Aaron Maullin (Guitar) formed in  November 2018 and released their debut EP towards the end of 2019.

‘Grey’ is a robust alternative rock track that boasts Escape The Box’s frenetic crashing wall of sound. Raw, jagged guitar slashes through a punchy rhythmic backdrop as the band present a sound full of vigor. They swirl a catchy pop smacked melody over the brawny instrumentation to soften the punk aggro while the smooth expressive vocals hook the listeners ears. The verses bubble and build on a bright sun speckled indie backdrop while the chorus hits like a bolt of lightning setting the track ablaze with heavy guitars ricocheting off the meaty drums while the vocals soar above with thrilling intensity. The band utilise the raw bass and drum interaction to provide something to mosh and headbang to.

Escape The Box have created a tune that is loaded with rock heavyweights and immense intensity with short moments of release. 

‘Grey’ is set for release on May 1st for more you can follow Escape The Box on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/escapetheboxuk/


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Synth Rock

Columbia Mills ‘CCTV’ Album

Columbia Mills have released their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘CCTV’. 2019 saw the band release two singles from the album; ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ which garnered huge radio support here at Indie Buddie and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, RTE Radio 1, Ed Smith (Today FM) choosing the band as his Play Irish Artist of the week and ‘Recent and Decent’ on Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week, and heavy rotation on Paul Mc Loones Today FM show, as well as heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. 2020 has already seen the release of ‘UNDERSTAND’ (31/01/20), the third single from ‘CCTV’ which also received huge radio support. 

With passion exuding from each melty, infectious melody, rich rhythmic progression and superb guitar lament ‘CCTV’ is quite the first rate body of work from Columbia Mills. These guys don’t pull punches, they give this album their all, entwining electronic elements into their alternative indie rock to create an album that holds you in animated suspense while the spinning sublime instrumentation, intricate layering and wonderful pacing intoxicate and invade your mind.

From the start this album is a whirlwind. The gripping heartfelt ‘Car Crash TV’ begins our breathtaking journey into the album. To be honest, I was totally consumed within this track’s melancholic tone, soft instrumental build and utterly beautiful, raw presentation. The twinkling ethereal guitars encase Fiachra Treacy’s warm emotive vocals in a wispy delicate coating as the track progresses to its more distorted electronic half. Like a masterful puppeteer Treacy’s vocals control the tone and ambiance of the tracks within this album. He has the power to pull tears from your eyes as he digs beneath the surface and unravels the listeners joy, pain and thrills and it is from here the tracks flourish from.

The band use synths and dizzying electronics to build the songs and ferment them into either a dazing dark crescendo like in ‘Car Crash TV’ or spiral into an intoxicating, dance-evoking whirl as in the infectious pulses of ‘Understand’. The synth elements within each track either flicker with tantalizing illumination providing sweet flirtatious moments between the rich indie backdrop or drape the songs in crashing twisting and asphyxiating soundscapes. 

‘Isolate’, ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ and ‘The Greatest Love’ are a mesmerising display of artistic flair and proficient musicianship, evoking complex themes and emotions of lonliness, guilt and depression.

The band flood their tracks with emotive instrumentation as they surge smoky downcast atmospheres with lamenting pines or western- esque warm tones on guitar. The guitars soar and ooze rich textures and almost convey the characters within the tracks while braided beneath are rooted bass lines and pulsing drums. ‘You’re Not The Answer’, ‘Strange Game’, ‘Heart And Soul’ and ‘Trees’ convey this perfectly as Columbia Mills immerse striking earnest lyrics in time stopping soundscapes.

The lyrical content in this album is profoundly poetic. Lines like “You said watching you control yourself, Is like watching blood dry”, “Crawled through the shit of old romance” and “Or is it in the vacuum of the struggle Where our love always thrives”  shroud the album in dark times and griited struggles. Columbia Mills present these honest and gripping themes with outstanding elegance and grace. At times Treacy’s vocals are icy and almost matter of fact in his portrayal of these lyrics however he still manages to depict heart breaking emotion through his delivery.

Columbia Mills bring the album to a sublime end with ‘Mirror On The Front Seat’. The track blossoms superbly with glistening guitars and a brooding indie rock ballad -esque soundscape. It is beautifully crafted, lush in its intricacies yet simple in its approach. There is a warm country element to this track that evokes images of a dry desert night while the glistening airy guitar paints the sky an indigo hue. The loneliness and isolation is briefly lightened with warm instrumental builds while a sustained fuzz and steady beat trap tension beneath the emotive velvety vocals. Once again the band build the track allowing it to unravel for the dynamic thumping crescendo. It’s a spine tingling and utterly superb finale. 

There are so many textures, sounds and wonderful elements within ‘CCTV’. Columbia Mills are only on their second album and their maturity and ability to grasp your very soul with their tunes is so precise and powerful it is mesmerising. ‘CCTV’ is a moving, intoxicating album with solid musicianship. The listener beholds musical majesty, depth and a mystical quality which bewitches with every track. The bands layering and building of the songs is first rate and clean while the indie rock, electronic hybrid sound is seamless and exquisite. This is a band you need to know, they have achieved so much with ‘CCTV’. It is exciting to imagine what Columbia Mills will release next

Stream ‘CCTV’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Chinese Newspaper ‘Cola (Synge Street Version)’

Artwork by : Arielle-Jayne Arnold

Due to the lockdown, Navan fuzz pop band Chinese Newspaper have released their unreleased single ‘Cola (Synge Street Version)’. A little more clamorous than the ‘Late Night Pharmacy’ EP version the band take one of their most exhilarating and catchy tracks and add a refreshing new gritty edge to it. The moody verses are pushed into a jogging pace by the kinetic bass rumble and stomping kick drum while the rasp filled vocals smother the track in a sultry angsty sulk. It’s a vibrant indie track with blistering strides on guitar oozing sunny day humidity while the band’s frenetic wall of sound asphyxiates the chorus with scorching intensity.This band have a knack with creating rich textures and the perfect blend of cool, calm brooding moments between their whirlwind explosive soundscapes to produce a truly invigorating and first rate sound that is just as raw and intense as it is majestic. Love this track. 

Stream ‘Cola (Synge Street Version)’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Long and Greasy ‘The Rock/Pop Show’ Album

Alternative rock quartet Long and Greasy have recently released their new album ‘The Rock/Pop Show’. Formed in school during a music module, the band instantly clicked on their musical influences and began jamming and writing. Made up of members Naoise May, Elias Dempsey (guitars and vocals), Tim Sweeney (bass) and Paul Gleeson (drums), the band have a blistering, exciting and unique sound.

Drenched in slinky guitar lines, meaty rhythms and dripping in panache ‘The Rock/Pop Show’ is an unbridled collection of Long and Greasy’s infectious sound. The band shake things up a lot in the album, weaving between genres, making for a refreshing listening experience. ‘Missing Out’, Hide Your Grin’ and ‘Doubt’ are the indie rock punk flavoured back bone of the album. Jaunty guitars, vibrant drum and sublime rumbles on bass embroider the track in a dark groove rooted wall of sound while quirky vocals and smooth catchy melodies inject vibrant energy into the tracks. As well as their knack with pop melodies and catchy sing along refrains the band showcase some beautiful guitar flourishes in ‘Na Na Nah’, Lads’ and ‘Couch to Couch’. ‘Worse Off’ is the sultry gem within the album with sleek smoky guitars and dark undertones while ‘Skidmarks’ exudes a cheeky country and “Sweet Home Alabama” vibe.

The album flows with an effortless charm and bubbling texture that keeps the listener engaged. Long and Greasy manage to make every track fun and jubilant while packing in some refined instrumentation and swagger. These guys aren’t all fun and games though. The brooding guitar twinkling in ‘Climbing’ takes the mood down with the aid of whispered vocals before the band build into their psychedelic-hued chorus. This brooding number cools the EP, introducing the lofty ethereal side to the bands sound with lush harmonies and moody melodies. However the band leave the best for last with ‘Long and Greasy’. This rampant instrumental number steamrolls in on fiery riffs ricocheting off the crashing wall of sound as the drum pulverizes throughout. It’s a sticky mosh ready track which bleeds out into psychedelic lush textures and swirling dizzying soundscapes before returning to its frantic mania – its a well crafted, diverse and ever changing number and an intelligent finale for an album.

‘The Rock/Pop Show’ is an invigorating, wonderful collection of exciting tunes. Long and Greasy display a fun, refined and blistering sound with rich intricacies and sublime groovy moments. 

Stream ‘The Rock/Pop Show’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Slyrydes ‘I Claim To Be Intelligent’

Galway four piece band Slyrydes are set to release their new single ‘I Claim To Be Intelligent’ on March 26th. In 2019 Slyrydes released their first four singles from March to October (Mental Health, Point of view, Out Patience & Dangerous Animals) The singles collected much critical acclaim nationwide and in the UK. Paul McLoone (Today fm/ The Undertones) has championed the band since the first single “Mental Health”. They have worked with Daniel Doherty in Darklands studio Dublin city (Fontaines DC/ Vulpynes/ Damien Dempsey) on every single so far. Slyrydes are currently working on their debut album while playing select shows around Ireland.  

‘I claim to be intelligent’ is one snappy chilling live wire as Slyrydes take their engaging sound to a thrilling new level. The deep ominous vocals mutter through the verses while the punchy drums and dynamic bass maintain the bands elastic rumbling foundation. I for one have come to love this bands bass and drum interaction. They tightly entwine them together to add a rooted, brawny yet steamy and ominous quality through the tracks. The song jogs to its frantic crescendo, building tension and angst, ready for its mosh pit frenzied end. There is a sweet lamenting guitar refrain that holds a sense of vulnerability throughout the verses before the crashing chorus erupts.

‘I claim to be intelligent’ walks a fine line between masterfully sophisticated musicianship and unruly anarchy with ease – it’s an impressive and thrilling listen. 

‘I claim to be intelligent’ is set for release on March 26th for more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/slyrydes/


Author : Danu

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

Indie Quick Picks -Featuring Zooni,Thrillhouse, MONAD, Shane Joyce and Demons Of Ruby Mae

Zooni

Genre : Indie Art pop

Bio : Zooni are an art pop band from Brighton.

Track: Dissolve

Why We Like It: This track slithers with a darkened sense of mystery against a grooving, flickering beat and bubbling atmosphere.The band disperse a pop melody into a constantly evolving soundscape of twitchy edged guitar, mellow keys and funky bass lines to create a dreamy gem that is utterly enthralling. There is a rushing sense of urgency within the track while the sweet vocals and luscious melody cool the bubbling backdrop – it is a puzzling delight to the senses.

You can follow Zooni on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/zooniband/

Watch the video for ‘Dissolve’ below 

Thrillhouse 

Genre : Alternative indie

Bio :  Brighton’s alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their second single, Lesser. The track follows debut single One of These Days, which grabbed the attentio of all who heard it, including Radio X’s John Kennedy, half of the DJs at KEXP, and Amazing Radio. 

Track: Lesser

Why We Like It: It’s an uplifting indie track that becomes vibrant with each flourishing element. With jaunty synths ricocheting off the snappy beat and wispy soundscapes the track creates a sweet sense of positivity and hope. As the song progresses it becomes more dynamic instrumentally. The sultry guitars inject a scorching desert vibe as the track relentlessly travels to its striking synth solo. The vocals coo through the peppy buoyant backdrop as the band create a thrilling emotive track which has an 80’s – esque quality. The song is a reflection on the ups and downs of life and how it can often feel like an uphill struggle however the playful and cheery instrumentation creates a light heartwarming effect that is utterly charming.

You can follow Thrillhouse on Facebook here www.facebook.com/thrillhouseok

Watch the video for ‘Lesser’ below

MONAD

Genre : Indie shoegaze

Bio : Tel-Aviv based artist and producer Eshchar Nachmany (AKA MONAD) reveals the final single from his sophomore project with ‘Dawn Chorus’.Beginning his first musical project in an isolated house in the Moshav, Israel, Esh built a studio from scratch, remodelling broken tape machines and synths to construct layers of dreamy soundscapes. Again, Esh returned to nature for this project – renting a small cabin not far from the sea to set up his studio.

Track: Dawn Chorus

Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering kaleidoscopic slice of laid back shoegaze that melts and fizzes upon a pop sprinkled backdrop with psychedelic hues. With flashing effervescent soundscapes evaporating off glistening guitars and wonderful blasts of distortion the track creates a dazed fuzz-filled sound of bliss. The smooth dreamy euphoric melody and sweet vocals dissolve into the ears with a nostalgic melancholia to create a wonderful daydream track ready to submerge yourself in. 

You can follow MONAD on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/monadmusic/

Stream ‘Dawn Chorus’ below 

Shane Joyce

Photo credit : Ken Farrell

Genre : Singer Songwriter

Bio : Kilkenny singer songwriter Shane Joyce built up a strong and loyal fanbase last year playing a number of high profile shows both at home in Ireland and abroad, including a slot at Glastonbury and a number of festivals throughout Europe.2020 will see the release of Shane’s much anticipated 2nd album entitled “The Desert & The Rain”

Track: I Won’t Run

Why We Like It: It’s a foot tapping ditty that thrives on Joyce’s heartwarming songwriting. With a buoyant beat, warm guitar jangles and catchy cosy melody this track has an indie folk tone with a charming country outer shell sure to soothe the soul. With velvety vocals, clap along feature and scorching guitar solo Joyce presents a cheery number filled with passion and charisma. 

You can follow Shane Joyce on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/shanejoycemusic/

Watch the video for ‘I Won’t Run’ which was shot and edited by Joyce himself below 

Demons Of Ruby Mae

Demons of Ruby Mae, London, November 2019. Photo by: Carsten Windhorst

Genre : Indie 

Bio : After releasing their self-titled debut in 2018 and signing to North American and European labels Anti Fragile Records and Long Branch Records respectively in 2019, Manchester indie duo Demons Of Ruby Mae take things to the next level yet again, with their eagerly anticipated new single ‘This Is Your Time.’

Track: This Is Your Time

Why We Like It: This anthemic track rushes with ethereal soundscapes, glistening guitar and a sweet sense of suspenseful euphoria as Demons Of Ruby Mae use intricate musicianship to create another gripping track. The track flurries with a wonderful sense of positivity as the passionate vocals encourage the listener through a pulsing beat and warm melodies. 

About The Track The Band said : “it’s a song about inclusion and acceptance. No matter who or what you want to be, it shouldn’t stop you achieving what you want to in life.” 

You can follow Demons Of Ruby Mae On Facebook Here https://www.facebook.com/demonsofrubymae

Stream ‘This Is Your Time’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist On Spotify Below


Author : Danu

A Chat With, Alt Rock, indie rock, Interviews, New Music, Video Interviews

A Chat With : Emily 7

We sat down to have a chat with Scott Bellew and Kyle Bellew from Dublin alternative rock band Emily 7 in The Button Factory Dublin. We talked about their recently released EP ‘Minty’s Indie Club’, their relentless gigging and what it’s like being a new band in Ireland.

Watch The Interview Below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

SLEEPTAPE ‘NO’

SLEEPTAPE have released their newest single ‘NO’. SLEEPTAPE are a four piece band based in the North East of England and consist of Jonathan Lott (Lead Vocals / Guitar), Luke Rogers (Lead Guitar), Stephen Wetherall (Bass) and Daniel Butterworth (Drums).

‘NO’ is a blistering wallop of alternative rock as SLEEPTAPE drape intense melodies over scorching frantic instrumentation to create a smothering thrilling soundscape. With ethereal  ominous jingles on guitar piercing through a relentless drum progression the band create a frenetic and crashing wall of sound. The rooted rumble on bass strangles and twists around the massive resounding drums while the band use the light guitars to create a slight relief from this heavy mania. It’s a raw beast pounding with adrenaline as SLEEPTAPE return with a mammoth track brimming with finesse and might. 

About the track the band said : “’NO is a song about feeling as if you’re running out of time to achieve what you want to, whilst struggling to cope with the noises and thoughts in your head of inadequacy.”

Stream ‘NO’ below 


Author : Danu