Tag Archives: Alternative

Old Glory & The Black Riviera ‘Subtle Reminder of Somewhere’ EP

Stoke-on-Trent band Old Glory & The Black Riviera have released their new EP ‘Subtle Reminder of Somewhere’. The band create a blazing wall of sound within this EP filled with swaggering riffs, blues-soaked bravado and oodles of energy. From the stomping drums and shredding guitar embellishments of ‘Had It All’ to the sulky ‘Waiting for You (To Come Home)’ each song showcases the band’s refined musicianship as they lace catchy melodies in steamy blues tones while rock-dipped guitars and pounding drums provide a gritty edge throughout. Old Glory & The Black Riviera meticulously craft each track to create a thrilling listening experience that is a joy to listen to from start to finish.  

Stream ‘Subtle Reminder of Somewhere’ below 


Author: Danu

Minus Ten Thousand Hours ‘Could Be Worse’ EP

Photo Credit : Arielle Croitor

Minus Ten Thousand Hours have released their new EP, ‘Could Be Worse’.Minus Ten Thousand Hours are a Dublin-based band. Formed in 2013, MTTH has evolved from a punk/metal band to a hard-hitting, hook-focused alternative rock band. The band have built a reputation as a live force on the Dublin music scene and are starting to show that around the country.

Blazing on a crushing wall of solid no-nonsense riffs and pounding rhythms, ‘Could Be Worse’ is a mammoth EP from Minus Ten Thousand Hours. The band deliver an onslaught of lean mean alternative rock throughout this EP to create a mosh-ready listening experience. Each song exudes attitude and power from roaring angst rock vocals to catchy melodies and blistering crescendos; it’s a mighty collection of tracks. This EP screams with slick guitar work and insatiable bass grooves. With tunes like ‘Wicked’ and ‘The Fear’ full of smouldering emotions, fiery guitars and ravaging drums the band create a full-bodied soundscape that is thrilling and explosive to listen to. 

There is a dark undertone within the tracks especially through ‘Fad Haircut’. The band creep a chilling grunge tone over jagged slicing guitars and pummeling drums while a moody melody haunts throughout. It’s a memorable moment within the album as the crescendo builds becoming more harsh and harrowing with fierce vocals and aggressive riffage. 

Minus Ten Thousand Hours present a rip-roaring EP that is exciting to listen to. These guys are a talented bunch and their gritty alternative rock will thrill you to your core and send shivers down your spine with their dynamic musicianship. Keep an eye on these guys.

Stream ‘Could Be Worse’ below 


Author: Danu

Columbia Mills ‘Momentum’

Columbia Mills have released their new single ‘Momentum’. Columbia Mills are regulars at festivals such as Indiependence, Longitude, and Electric Picnic and have supported world-class acts like Ride, Public Service Broadcasting, and Palace. On top of this, they have also toured Ireland & the UK with a string of headline shows at venues such as Whelans, King Tuts, and Sebright Arms. On the band’s previous tracks ‘Heart Of A Nation’, ‘Addiction’ and ‘Nevada’  they have garnered huge support from the UK and Irish radio such as BBC Radio 6, Radio X, Amazing Radio, Radio Nova, 8 Radio, Indie Rocks, RTÉ 2FM, Today FM and RTÉ 2XM. 

Dripping in hypnotic electronics and infectious grooves ‘Momentum’ is a euphoric number from Columbia Mills. In true Columbia Mills manner, the song is richly textured and contains numerous musical treats that are revealed with each subsequent listen. Eerie, dark undertones brood throughout the track contradicting the upbeat dance soundscapes that effortlessly draw the listener further into the song’s expressive immersive sound. As ‘Momentum’ builds the band release lush sounds and textures into the soundscape that is simply goosebump-inducing; pulsing bass lines, chiming keys and intricate guitar melodies are just the tip of the iceberg of the musical delights that await the listener as the band’s deft musical prowess leaves much to be admired. Columbia Mills have knocked it out of the park once again with ‘Momentum’ the track is irresistible and leaves the listener craving to hear more.

Speaking about the track, ‘Momentum’, Fiachra Treacy said: “Momentum is all about keeping the mind occupied and avoiding the traps that an idle mind can set for us.  Sometimes it just takes one person to come along and lift us from that deluge, but there are dangers in having your happiness dependent on one person.  The music is upbeat to represent that momentary feeling you are hoping will last forever, gaining momentum as we go.”

Stream ‘Momentum’ below 


Author: Danu

TV People ‘Circle’

Dublin’s postmodern, post-punk indie outfit TV People have released their new single ‘Circle’.‘Circle’ was recorded and mixed at Battery Studios London by Grammy award-winning Caesar Edmunds (QOTSA, ST Vincent, Foals) and assistant engineer Joshua Rumble. The track was mastered by Christian Wright (Radiohead, FONTAINES D.C) at Abbey Road Studios. Since forming in 2019, the band have honed their craft across the live scene, playing in some of Ireland and the U.K’s most iconic venues.

Filled with expressive soundscapes and immersive tones ‘Circle’ is a striking new single from TV People. Within the track, there are many contrasting elements at play that contort and blend throughout. A fine example of this is the ethereal guitar flurries and haunting vocals that interplay with dark bass rumbles and pounding drum progressions – the result is a compelling and evocative atmosphere for the listener’s imagination to indulge in.  ‘Circle’ is an exciting musical marvel, a thrilling listening experience, and an excellent example of TV People’s ever-evolving sound.

Of their new single, singer Paul Donohoe says, “We wrote ‘Circle’ as a tribute to our loved ones and friends and to the countless times that we have relied on each other in times of difficulty. It explores the feeling of being lost within yourself and how you can find identity and meaning in the shared experiences and compassion of those around you.”

Stream ‘Circle’ below 


Author: Danu

Under Starling ‘Mongrel’ EP

Alternative rock band Under Starling have released their new EP ‘Mongrel’.The EP was recorded and produced with Graham Byrne & Christian Best. The band are having a launch party for the EP upstairs in Whelans on July 16th. The band has played support to many famous acts throughout the years such as Walking on Cars, Fangclub, and Bitch Falcon to name a few. Their own tours have seen packed-out shows in the likes of Fred Zeppelins, Dolans, Roisín Dubh, and Whelans.

In true Under Starling manner, ‘Mongrel’ overflows with passionate melodies, sincerity and refined musicianship. The band has a knack for creating compelling, infectious earworms that ooze cinematic arrangements and ‘Mongrel’ is a glorious collection of these powerful soul-igniting tunes. Throughout the EP we see the band showcase their sound in all it’s glory – an eclectic blend of indie and alternative rock with filtrations of R&B and intriguing pop undertones.

Boasting chiming guitars, ethereal synths, big choruses and buoyant beats,  ‘Icarus’ and ‘Big Fish’ capture a heart-fluttering rush of emotion through eloquent musicianship. The band craft each song wonderfully, allowing each element to flourish within the track’s expressive soundscape. Whether it is a bubbling beat progressing into a thunderous outburst within ‘Arrows’ or gritty guitars building into mosh-ready riffs in ‘Mongrel’; the band don’t rush the instrumentation. Instead, they carefully craft each component to create a cohesive and thrilling listening experience.

With themes of love, heartbreak, adversity, and perseverance, Under Starling build on natural emotion and past experiences to create a collection of tracks that ooze passion, sadness and love from every note. Each song on the EP discusses the emotions of adolescence and is inspired by life events the band experienced while growing up.

‘Mongrel’ is an exquisite EP from the heart set to intricate, cinematic arrangements and emotive vocals. Under Starling have nurtured their sound and allowed it to blossom into something beautiful.

Stream ‘Mongrel’ below 


Author: Danu

Jimbo Wimon ‘In the Seam’ EP

Jimbo Wimon has released their debut EP ‘In the Seam’. Jimbo Wimon was established from the creative mind of singer Théo Simon who collated a quintuple of talented musicians – attendees of the ‘American School of Modern Music’ in Paris in 2018. The name was creatively coined by combining the names of two of the band’s favourite artists – Jim Morrison and David Bowie – with ‘Wimon’ relating to Théo’s surname ‘Simon.’ The band onsists of guitarist Romain Bridot, bassist Pierre Quesnel, pianist Renan Bridot, drummer Baptiste Masson and the previously mentioned singer Théo Simon.

‘In the Seam’ is a blistering EP laced in alternative rock bravado and shredding instrumentation. Jimbo Wimon infuse ‘I Need To Sleep’ and ‘Spell Of Mine’ with blazing guitar refrains, pummeling drums and resounding bass grooves to create a tight and mighty wall of sound ready for the live mosh pits. This EP showcases the frenetic rock of Jimbo Wimon in all its might while tracks ‘In The Seam’ and the 60’s speckled psychedelia of ‘Opium’ take a melodic and more gentle stance on the band’s hefty sound. This subtle facet to the band’s sound is especially evident within ‘Crowstown’. With chiming guitars, eerie vocals, ethereal piano and at times sweet melodies; the band’s raw emotional side roars between intense grunge-esque moments and interspersed frenzied outbursts throughout.

Blending sweet refrains and slick guitar melodies between diverse and powerful musicianship ‘In the Seam’ is a dynamic new EP from Jimbo Wimon.

Stream ‘In The Seam’ below 


Author:Danu

Crosslight ‘Influenzers’

Crosslight have released their new single ‘Influenzers’. Dropping a new EP and coming off a UK tour, Crosslight will be lighting up multiple festivals this summer such as the Mangata Festival. After releasing their debut album, EP and supporting bands such as Scarlett Riot and The City Is Ours, Crosslight have prepared to take 2022 by storm with multiple releases ready to go.

‘Influenzers’ is a mighty alternative rock banger from Crosslight. The band create a catchy fierce tune that boasts gritty riffs, pounding drums and dark soundscapes. Heavy alternative rock elements blend with metal moments and electronic embellishments as the band create a thrilling wall of sound filled with angst. Crosslight display their refined and expressive musicianship throughout as mammoth outbursts and growl-filled screamer vocals inject ferocity between the smoother vocal elements and pop flirtations on melody. ‘Influenzers’ is an invigoration listening experience.

Stream ‘Influenzers’ below 


Author: Danu

Cory Pensa ‘Night Light’ Album

Cory Pensa has released his debut album ‘Night Light’. An album which has taken 3 years in the making to be released, Cory created the entire album himself, playing each instrument and mixing the album afterwards. Using his own home studio in Northern NJ, Cory has been able to build his album from the comfort of his own home.

‘Night Light’ is a blazing album of alternative rock that boasts the tight, cohesive and mighty sound of Cory Pensa. Pensa takes catchy melodies and backs them with shredding guitar hooks, pounding drums and vibrant bass grooves to create an album that explodes with an array of pop-punk anthems, rock smashers and dark brooding grunge moments. The album flows seamlessly to create a satisfying listening experience. From the heavy onslaught of thrashing drums and soaring guitars in ‘Satisfied’ to the gritty rush of  ‘Afraid Of The Dark’, the album surges with adrenaline and vigour. As ‘Night Light’ rolls through themes of resilience, youthful fun and hope the instrumentation remains tight throughout and with heavy outbursts and little anthemic gems such as ‘Bonfires’ keeping a sing-along vibrance. It’s a thrilling album to listen to.

Cory Pensa has created an impressive mosh ready album brimming to the seams with rich, dynamic musicianship.

Stream ‘Night Light’ below


Author: Danu

TV People ‘You Were Loved’

TV People have released their new single, ‘You Were Loved’.  TV People are an alternative rock band from Dublin. Since forming in 2019, the band have honed their craft across the live scene, playing in some of Ireland’s most iconic venues, including Whelan’s, Mike the Pies and The Button Factory. The band have collaborated with Dan Doherty (Darklands Audio), Christian Wright (Abbey Road Studios) and Grammy-award winning mixing engineer Caesar Edmunds (Battery London), and have garnered support from the likes of BBC Radio 6, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Ulster, Amazing Radio, RTÉ and 98FM, and more. The band will release their second EP later this year, with continuous singles to be released in the coming months. 

Deeply personal and rooted in dark undertones ‘You Were Loved’, is a compelling track from TV People. The band layer chiming guitar over jabbing drum progressions, pulsing rhythms and jarring basslines while the lyrics depict the pain inflicted by the loss of a close family friend. The instrumentation wrestles between soft twinkling guitars and heavier tones throughout, as deep baritone vocals ask “I’ve tried to leave this behind, Why can’t I?

TV People are a musical marvel, the band’s ability to create expressive soundscapes that mirror the emotion within the lyrics is awe-inspiring. ‘You Were Loved’ is a fine example of this. The tracks soundscape twists and coils with dark punk elements and grunge-like tones highlighting the themes of anger, sadness and confusion wonderfully. ‘You Were Loved’ is a heartbreaking and beautifully crafted tune from TV People.

About the track, Paul said: “The lyrics of ‘You Were Loved’ were written after the death of a close family friend who took their own life during the past year. Writing them was a way for me to process the feelings of anger, sadness and confusion that overwhelm me when I think of their life and death. The song helped me to get a lot of anger out of my system and express the underlying heartbreak and love that I feel when I think of them.” 

Stream ‘You Were Loved’ below 


Author: Danu

InRetrospect ‘Safe Haven’

UK metalcore band InRetrospect have released their fourth single ‘Safe Haven’ from their new EP.InRetrospect have shared stages with Lastelle, Invisions, Death Blooms, Graphic Nature, Blood Youth, Monasteries, Gassed Up and more, and also played at Burn It Down Festival in 2021. The band’s previous singles have deservedly garnered support from BBC, Amazing Radio, Primordial Radio, Distortion Radio, and more. Furthermore, the band have had support from Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Pandora, Tidal and Apple music, surpassing 200,000+ streams on Spotify alone. 2022 sees the band continuing to tour intensely, sharing stages with the likes of We Struck Gold, Tyrants and more.

‘Safe Haven’ roars with the intense and compelling sound of InRetrospect. The band take their heavy metalcore sound and flourish it with melodic choruses and raw brooding verses to create a thrilling listening experience. With gravelly vocal screams over jagged guitar riffs and pummeling drums, the track boasts a heavy and thunderous wall of sound. The song travels at a neck-snapping speed up to the soaring emotive chorus which provides a slight release from the dense instrumental onslaught. Blending angst, rampant basslines and emotive lyrics; “An event so disturbing even earth began to give, What happened to love, What happened to peace” with expressive soundscapes ‘Safe Haven’ is a fantastic new single from InRetrospect.

Stream ‘Safe Haven’ below 


Author:Danu