Tag Archives: Alternative

90's Grunge, Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Forty Foot ‘Zeros’

Following the release of their debut track ‘Drugs’, Dublin grunge band Forty Foot are back with their second track, ‘Zeros’. The band formed in 2019 following a friend and previous collaborator’s sudden death, with much of their initial work written and inspired by the bands’ loss. ‘Zeros’ expresses feelings of sadness, empathy, vulnerability and how people come together at a time of loss. 

Smothered in an intoxicating 90’s grunge soundscape, ‘Zeros’ surges with Forty Foot’s raw and passionate musicianship. The track is driven by a relentless drum rumble and rooted bass that boils and bubbles beneath a rasped eerie vocal line while a moody melody drifts upon a heavy backdrop of crashing guitars and mammoth rhythms. The contrasting elements within the song is a powerful stimulant to the senses as the band balances tender emotion with torrential instrumentation to create an intense tune for the listener to indulge in. The sombre lyrics display the band’s deft songwriting ability and is greatly enhanced by the tracks shredding wall of sound, ” Today, bury our coat of arms to, Hold on to it. She stands wasted, under armed to, Hold on to it”. ‘Zeros’ is a mosh ready grunge rock anthem that boasts Forty Foot’s talent and musical prowess. Keep an eye on these guys.

Stream ‘Zeros’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, electro - rock, New Music

Royal Blood ‘Limbo’

Photo Credit : Mads Perch

Royal Blood have released the video for their new single ‘Limbo’, which is taken from their forthcoming third album ‘Typhoons’. The track has been premiered as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World, making it the duo’s third consecutive release to be rewarded with that accolade. The band’s return has been further heralded with ‘Trouble’s Coming’ hitting #1 on US rock radio (their fourth single to achieve that feat) and achieving the highest US alternative radio chart position of their career to date. It has also provided their biggest moment so far in Canada, where it became their first #1 on the rock chart and remains at #3 after a 24-week run. 

‘Limbo’ provides a disco stomp and glam rock shimmer to Royal Blood’s immense sound. With battering drums holding down the lean, mean foundation while glittering synths swell, ‘Limbo’ is the band’s most genre-fluid track yet. This dynamic tune boasts the raw rock bravado we have come to love from the duo, with flirtations of electronic dance and disco bolstering the duo’s crashing wall of sound. Mike Kerr coo’s the infectious melody while Ben Thatcher’s tight relentless drumming remains at the helm for the verses, controlling the heavy mosh rhythms with his battering assault before luminous dance floor elements flash through for the chorus. The movement from dark luring verses to the lustrous chorus is invigorating to the senses and a joy to listen to. As the song progresses, the gritty fuzzed bass slices through the soundscape with abrasive gashes leading to the tracks spiralling crescendo that contorts all the songs previous musical elements into an almost acid-soaked psychedelic trip. ‘Limbo’ boasts a full-throttle wall of sound that glimmers with the sleek and raw rock facets to Royal Blood’s sound.

About the song, Royal Blood commented, “It is without a doubt the most ambitious and wildest we have allowed ourselves to be, and we can’t wait to invite you this far down the rabbit hole with us.”

Watch the video for ‘Limbo’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Paddy Casey ‘Won’t Take Much’

Paddy Casey has released his new single ‘Won’t Take Much’, taken from his fifth album ‘Turn This Ship Around’, a double album due to be released this summer. Having been at the forefront of the Irish music scene since his multi platinum-selling debut album ‘Amen (So Be It)’, Paddy Casey’s career has taken him all over the globe touring with acts like The Pretenders, R.E.M, Ian Brown, Blondie and Tracy Chapman to name a few. Closer to home he has played all over Ireland, including a sold-out Dublin Castle, RDS and a record-breaking week-long run in The Olympia Theatre, alongside special guest spots with U2, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan and more. 

‘Won’t Take Much’ is a vibrant guitar-driven anthem exuding the heartfelt and dynamic songwriting of Paddy Casey. With swagger laced guitar lines and thrilling bass rumbles, the track holds an edgy rock hued bravado while triumphant bass and lush strings lift the song to soaring new heights. This bright and energetic track surges with good vibes and elation as a swoosh on synths exude expansive and richly textured soundscapes. Casey layers this song superbly providing an infectious feel-good anthem that is sonically lush and utterly irresistible. His warm vocals drift over the uplifting melody while the rattling rhythm and sing-along chorus create that adrenaline rush that is sure to ignite a live audience. ‘Won’t Take Much’ is a fantastic new single sure to brighten anyone’s day. 

Speaking of the single, Paddy Casey said: “‘Won’t Take Much’ is an independent production, recorded and produced in my own home studio. To capture the energy of a new song ‘coming to life’ the single was written and recorded in the same day with friends and bandmates being called on later to add strings and horns.”

Stream ‘Won’t Take Much’ below 


Author : Danu

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

School Disco ‘Echoes’

The Brighton-based School Disco have released their new single ‘Echoes’.The song follows on from the three-piece self-titled debut, which was highly regarded by fans new and old. ‘Echoes’ is the first track off the band’s second album, which will be announced soon

Within ‘Echoes’, School Disco display their fizzing blend of indie rock with mind-numbing psychedelia to create one thrilling tune. Melding abrasive guitar riffs with pounding drums, the band create a raw and heavy sound that stomps with glam rock panache and 60’s swagger.

The band have refined their sound into one intoxicating concoction. The riffs are catchy; the drums pound a body moving beat while the elastic bassline weaves lusty grooves throughout. As the song develops, it dissolves its heavy soundscapes into ripples of psychedelia. With lighter guitar embellishments, this hypnotic break in the song creates a numbing release before the crescendo brings a space rock onslaught of mania. Teaming deep hypnotic vocals with shrilling guitars and mind-crushing frenzy, ‘Echoes’ is a spectacular tune.

School Disco have constructed a solid sound. It is confident and loud, but the lyrics are full of mystery and vulnerability. Within short phrases of poetry such as, “Echoes Drone in the night, A sublet dream takes flight, Moving with the air above, Never giving his love Away”, the band capture a sweetly romantic yet eerie scene while the haunting instrumentation pulses around these echoed phrases.

‘Echoes’ is organic, sharp, and layered to perfection, making School Disco a band to keep an eye on.

Speaking on ‘Echoes’ School Disco frontman and producer Rory Lethbridge said. ‘‘Echoes is a really unique song for us and was the start of the new crop of songs from our 2nd album. Usually we write all the music first but this one started off as a poem. It also features one of my closest friends Elliot singing a dual lead harmony, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and he has an amazing ability to write and sing harmony. He really adds a unique dimension to the song’’

Stream ‘Echoes’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Funk, Funk and Soul, New Music

Jungle ‘Keep Moving’

Photo Credit : Anna Victoria Best

The producer duo, Jungle, have returned with their new single ‘Keep Moving’. The track is taken from their forthcoming album ‘Loving In Stereo’ due for release in August this year. In their career to date, Jungle have gone from selling-out London’s 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace to filling the Hollywood Palladium some 9,000 kilometres from home. They’ve performed on multiple continents, headlining shows from Sydney to Moscow while also winning new fans at festivals such as Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza. Their Mercury Prize-nominated, Gold-certified debut and 2018’s follow-up ‘For Ever’ both entered the UK Top 10. Those two records have since amassed 750,000 equivalent album sales and close to a billion streams.

Doused in strutting swagger and disco soul, ‘Keep Moving’ is a magnificent new tune. The track rides on a funky bass groove and rich percussive bounce while shimmering synths and 70’s chic disco elements create an infectious and vibrant soundscape. Jungle experiments with lush sounds to develop their dynamic songs, and ‘Keep Moving’ follows this trend superbly. Tropical steel drum tones exude a sweet sun-kissed radiance between danceable grooves as the duo spread velvety soulful vocals and tight harmonies over a chic melody. With balmy sweet guitar refrains creating an upbeat, positive tone to mirror the song’s uplifting theme of accepting who you are and moving forward positively, the track is a well-produced delight.

‘Keep Moving’ is ambitious, indulgent and above all, fun. Jungle display an exceptional level of attention to detail within the song, subtly swirling and blending new sounds and luxuriant instrumentation into ‘Keep Moving’ to create a fresh and invigorating listening experience.

Watch the video for ‘Keep Moving’ below 



Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, New Music

Maxwell-Thomas ‘Daisuki Baby’ Album

‘Daisuki Baby’ is the brand new 10-track album from Chicago based alternative rocker Maxwell-Thomas. Featuring the new single ‘Gaslighter’, this album sees Maxwell-Thomas teaming up with drummer James Mozina.

‘Daisuki Baby’ is a melodic collection of alternative rock that displays Maxwell-Thomas’ emotive and vibrant musicianship. This lush album is drenched in sun-soaked tones with bright guitars and buoyant rhythmic sections making each song a joy to the ears. The album is balanced superbly to create a collection that is stunning and musically rich. It’s clear ‘Daisuki Baby’ is designed to be enjoyed as a whole body of work as each song flows beautifully into the next. Blending dynamic alternative rock soundscapes with lush pop melodies and driving percussion, ‘Black’, ‘Gaslighter’ and ‘Collateral’ showcases Maxwell-Thomas’ tight and refined sound.

The phenomenal drumming of James Mozina holds the tracks together. He creates that brawn and power through the songs forming that sturdy lean mean backbone that is sure to ignite a live audience as well as cushioning the more tender moments within songs like ‘Closer. Here the steady drums contain the tender emotion and subtly lift the song to create an anthemic power rock ballad.

‘Daisuki Baby’ exudes energy throughout as Maxwell-Thomas fuses hook-filled sentiments of pop music with punk rock elements throughout the fiery ‘Hollywood’ while ‘Scattered’ ventures into a more grunge style. With dreamy melodies and smooth expressive vocals, Maxwell-Thomas creates a satisfying listening experience with ‘Daisuki Baby’.

Even the brooding ballads create a cinematic chill of goosebumps. The smoky melancholic ‘Goodbye, Goodnight’ is perhaps the most captivating example of this. Maxwell-Thomas builds the somber melody and lamenting backdrop of pining guitars and punchy drums to create an emotional tune that intensifies to a teary-eyed movie scene crescendo filled with oodles of emotion.

‘Daisuki Baby’ is a beautifully crafted album that showcases the deft songwriting and diverse musicianship of Maxwell-Thomas.

Stream ‘Daisuki Baby’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Jim McHugh ‘Hey Jimbo’

Jim McHugh has released his new single ‘Hey Jimbo’. The track is the second offering from his forthcoming third album ‘Pretending to Wake Up’ due May 28th. With two albums already under his belt, McHugh has garnered an impressive list of supporters with multiple singles added to the RTE 1 Recommends list and being chosen as the ‘LMFM All Out Local Song Choice’ as well as Roddie Cleere’s ‘Song of the Week’.’Hey Jimbo’ was recorded, produced and mixed by Alex Borwick (Parliament Funkadelic, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Niamh Regan, Sput Searight, Lankum) at Black Mountain Studios, Jenkinstown and Wynne Wynne Studio, Dundalk. It was mastered by Fergal Davis (Sinéad O’Connor/Muse) and features Paul McCabe on bass, Butch McNeill on drums and Alex Borwick on trombone.

’Hey Jimbo’ is a lively, gritty tune as McHugh propels raw riffs over a thunderous drum display to create his punchy rock backdrop. Following on from his tantalising release, ‘Dave’, the song continues McHugh’s venture into a darker, more raw rock aesthetic. Brimming with energy and a relentless percussive onslaught, ‘Hey Jimbo’ spirals into motion as the clamorous drums lead into the bluesy soaked riffs and beefy bass lines, creating a thrilling soundscape for the listener to indulge in. Throughout the song, themes of desperation, tension and yearning come to the fore and are deftly expressed through biting arrangements and instrumental embellishments. However, it is through the lyrics and McHugh’s expressive vocal delivery where the themes truly hit home. McHugh sings “Hey Jimbo She don’t love you, Hey Jimbo you’ll see, In the morning, she will leave you.” – the hard-hitting, earnest lyrics skillfully express the distress and uncertainty within the song which is greatly enhanced by the instrumental backdrop.

McHugh is developing his passionate and edgy sound superbly, creating tunes that exude an infectious swagger and anthemic might. Boasting an impressive full-bodied sound and slick musicianship, ‘Hey Jimbo’ is a lean, mean well-orchestrated tune from Jim McHugh. Love it.

Stream ‘Hey Jimbo’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, New Music, Rock

Davy Williamson ‘Down By The Fire’ EP

Encapsulating harsh feelings of anger, betrayal and frustration within his music, Davy Williamson has released his new EP ‘Down By The Fire’.Raised in North Carolina, Davy Williamson began his musical career co-founding various regional acts. Today, he sets off to launch his solo career, flying the flag for Hard-Rock while exploring themes fueled around broken homes, struggles with relationships and loss of friends. Working with names such as Shawn Adkins (Back-A-Round Records), Steve Hardy (RockMixer.com) and Andy Vandette (The Engine Room) on his latest project, Davy Williamson recently released his debut single, ‘Thin Disguise’ from his forthcoming EP. This release alone approached 10k followers and over 47k streams.

‘Down By The Fire’ is a raw rock EP laced in Davy Williamson’s emotional and powerful musicianship. Dowsing melancholic melodies in a vast soundscape of blazing guitars, pounding drums, and dynamic basslines the EP swarms in on a relentless wall of sound. Williamson creates cinematic moments and thrilling eerie atmospheres through his compelling tunes. ‘Thin Disguise’, ‘Cliche’ and ‘Sick Thoughts’ all boast anthemic crescendos and mosh-worthy elements while tracks like ‘Down By The Fire’ surge with powerful alternative rock brawn and emotive lyrics. Williamson’s cutting lyrics touch on themes of relationships and struggles which is expressed through dynamic vocal exclaims. His raw gravelly vocals exude emotion as he coos with sombre tones through the verses of ‘Fault Line’ and ‘Same Place’ before bellowing with passion alongside the crashing instrumentation of the exhilarating choruses. ‘Down By The Fire’ is a gritty and instrumentally rich, rock EP sure to have you headbanging and singing along in no time.

Stream ‘Down By The Fire’ Below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Last Of The Wonder Kids ‘Weakness’

Last Of The Wonder Kids have released their new single ‘Weakness.’ Last Of The Wonder Kids are a three-piece alt/indie band based in Grimsby. Over the past few years, they have gigged up and down the U.K. and built a solid fan base across many major cities, garnering huge support from the likes of BBC Introducing and 6Music and securing slots at major festivals such as Kendal Calling.

Blazing with relentless indie rock energy, ‘Weakness’ is an exhilarating new single from Last Of The Wonder Kids. The band swirl a blitz of whirring fuzzy guitars over a savage drum assault to create their heavy mosh-ready wall of sound while a scorching bass warps the song’s energetic tone into a dark, relentless groove. The track ventures from crashing raw indie rock to lo-fi pop with ease as the band display their diverse and lush musicianship. With rampant hooks burrowing through the acute frenzied rhythm and piercing guitar, ‘Weakness’ is a force to be reckoned with. The band coat a dreamy melody with smooth vocals, tight harmonies, and biting instrumentation to provide a youthful animated new single that accelerates as the song progresses. ‘Weakness’ displays Last Of The Wonder Kids’ magnificent alternative sound in all its fizzing glory.

Stream ‘Weakness’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, EP Review, New Music

AUDIOCHROME ‘One’ EP

‘One’ is the exciting debut from new alternative rock artist AUDIOCHROME. Beginning this project in the Spring of 2020, ‘One’ presents just four of the twenty songs AUDIOCHROME is preparing to release. Composing melodies since the age of six, AUDIOCHROME is the artistic moniker for Zack Melkonian.

‘One’ is a cinematic collection of alternative rock as AUDIOCHROME melds emotive melodies into dark dynamic soundscapes to create an enthralling listening experience. Exuding rumbles on drums alongside dramatic backing vocals in ‘Daisies’ and anthemic soundscapes in ‘Believe,’  Melkonian announces the EP triumphantly.

Melkonian’s passionate vocals wail and growl through the songs as he injects shadowy and eerie tones into the song’s edgy rock. ‘No Goodbyes,’ oozes poignant melodies and dramatic soundscapes with a theatrical undertone showcasing Melkonian’s musical diversity. As each song unfolds, the artist layers guitar refrains, urgent synths, and expressive heavy rhythms into the songs to create an all-consuming sound. 

‘One’ comes to a close with the moving ‘All My Senses.’ The track broods and haunts with wispy soundscapes and lulling backing vocals allowing the passionate raw vocal delivery and intricate rhythm create the luring dark atmosphere. This compelling and striking track is a fantastic and emotive finale to a thoroughly enjoyable EP.

Stream ‘One’ below 


Author : Danu