Tag Archives: indie pop

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

The Riptide Movement ‘Fall a Little More in Love’

Photo Credit Dara Munnis

Dublin four-piece The Riptide Movement are back with their eagerly anticipated new single ‘Fall a Little More in Love’ which was co-produced in Attica Studios with Tommy McLoughlin (Villagers, SOAK).Hailing from Lucan, The Riptide Movement’s music has taken them all over the world from Main Stage at Electric Picnic to Glastonbury and Benicàssim. Their extensive recent ‘Something Special’ tour included a blistering headline performance at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. From busking on their native Grafton street to playing with the BBC Orchestra, Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, music has taken the band from Lucan to India, America, Russia, Australia and everywhere in between.With six critically-acclaimed studio records to their name – most notably The RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominated, Gold selling, Number 1 Album “Getting Through” – The Riptide Movement are renowned for their energetic live shows and soaring, guitar driven anthems, like “All Works Out”, “You & I” “Elephant in the Room” “Changeling” and “Something Special”. They also released an environmentally conscious web series called “Plastic Oceans” in 2018.

‘Fall a Little More in Love’ is honey to the ears as The Riptide Movement drizzle heart skipping indie-pop over a dreamy infectious melody. Jaunty guitar refrains add a buoyant lift to the track while the snappy beat and synth swirls create an intoxicating soundscape to perfectly accompany the beautiful melody. There is nothing sweeter than a heartfelt ditty and The Riptide Movement know exactly how to write one that is destined for repeat plays.They don’t over do it, adding just enough of each element to create a well blended mix of musical delight. The production on this track is superb as the synths effortlessly slip in between the full band sound to create the perfect harmony while Mal Tuohy’s warm vocals melt upon the catchy melody. With elements of country rock, indie, electronic and pop The Riptide Movement make a triumphant return with ‘Fall a Little More in Love’.

Stream ‘Fall a Little More in Love’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, Indie, New Music

Dave Quackenbush ‘ICE’

Written over a number of years, ‘ICE’ is the debut album to come from indie singer songwriter Dave Quackenbush. Growing up Mormon, Dave Quackenbush developed his love of singing in church and continued his love of music discovering New Wave with his siblings. After a life changing trip to Japan as part of a Mormon Mission, Dave Quackenbush reclaimed his life and his music, devoting it to writing his experience into memorable and catchy music.

‘ICE‘ is an upbeat and uplifting album which oozes character and radiance. Through bubbly indie pop Dave Quackenbush displays his ability to produce bright heartfelt tunes. With jangly guitar refrains, buoyant drums and catchy choruses each track is a delight to listen to. Quackenbush has a knack with infectious melodies. Through ‘The Hustle’ he spreads an earworm melody over a country-esque backdrop while sprinkling elements of swagger and joy between sassy soundscapes to create a zealous start to the album. The more indie pop element to his sound kicks in for ‘Rock Room’ which takes a sweet delicate melody and melts it upon a rich rhythmic backdrop and jaunty indie pop guitar. Writing on themes of love, friendship and loyalty, Quackenbush presents a sweet and positive soundscape that will brighten your day.

‘Move Along’ with its reggae rhythmic bounce is quite the power pop song as Quackenbush’s vocals ooze passion and emotion while ‘Another One’ shows a more sultry and dark side to his songwriting. Filled with mystery and a more edgy indie sound the track adds a refreshing enigmatic tone to the album. ‘Go Away’ closes the album on a chilled pop backdrop with elements of R&B/Soul flickering through an elastic bass groove, lush backing vocals and sultry beats. 

‘ICE’ is a well rounded collection of vibrant indie pop. Each track is hook-filled with melodies that stick in your head all day and Quackenbush’s warm confident and dynamic vocals ignite the passion within each song. ’ICE’ is a superb introduction to Dave Quackenbush.

Stream ‘ICE’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Joyce ‘56 Roadster’

Up and coming unsigned Irish singer-songwriter Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘56 Roadster’. Jack first embarked on his music career at the age of sixteen when he began performing and booking gigs in local pubs and clubs. Jack released his debut demo EP, Get Down, in October 2018 and spent the summer of 2019 busking through Europe. Following his return he sold out The Vintage Room in the Workman’s Club and the Whale Theatre. He followed this by opening for Cassia in Whelan’s and playing a slot at the New Year’s Festival in Dublin. ‘56 Roadster’ is taken from his upcoming EP ‘Big Sexy EP which is set for release early September.

Laced in rock swagger and witty charm ‘56 Roadster’ is a fun and infectious display from Jack Joyce. With a catchy chorus, jangly guitar and steady beat this smooth charmer bops in brimming with radiance while a country hue twinkles over the indie rock backdrop. The lyrics roll with effortless fluidity onto a melty pop melody allowing Jack’s warm voice to add quirky lilts and ooze character into the track. ‘56 Roadster’ is a sweet laid back cheeky track that displays Jack’s ability to distil and refine his songwriting into something enjoyable and yet overflowing with texture and vibrancy. ‘56 Roadster’ is a sleek beauty designed for summer weather and good times and a sublime earworm from Jack Joyce. 

Stream ‘56 Roadster’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

SODAPOP ‘Looking Like That’

SODAPOP has released his new single ‘Looking Like That’. SODAPOP is the artist project of Kane Nania, a Santa Barbara, CA native who spent two years abroad working on songwriting and production. He lived in Thailand for 7 months and Serbia for a year in an effort to save money so he could focus solely on music. The first two singles released have picked up traction, landing on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Bedroom Pop playlists,

‘Looking Like That’ is a catchy laid back gem which drifts effortlessly along SODAPOP’s luscious musicianship. His bedroom pop is infectious and upbeat as he lavishly spreads intricate danceable rhythms over sweet melodies while synths and zesty guitar refrains shimmer and sprinkle the track with sun kissed radiance. His smooth vocals are honey to the ears as he coos the catchy melody over a bubbling indie backdrop. ‘Looking Like That’ is meticulously layered and well produced with relatable songwriting. The mellow earworm melodies display just how talented Kane Nania is. ‘Looking Like That’ is a polished lustrous anthem, sure to brighten anyones day. 

About the track Kane Nania said :  “While I was living in Thailand honing my skills as a writer, I adopted this mindset that I felt a lot of the locals had, perhaps as a result of the Buddhist influence. For me it’s the idea of not letting negative outcomes in your life affect you too much emotionally. After leaving that beautiful country, I felt that mentality start slip away. This song is mostly a reminder to myself to not worry too much about the past (or the future). You hear that all the time, but the catharsis of writing this song helped me really reestablish that frame of mind.”

Stream ‘Looking Like That’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Benji and the Saltwater Sound System ‘Lights and Smoke’

Benji and the Saltwater Sound System have released their new single ‘Lights and Smoke’. ‘Lights and Smoke’ is the third single to be released from the upcoming Benji and the Saltwater Sound System EP, ‘Ripples of Thunder’. Benji and the Saltwater Sound System draw from Ben Fowler’s recent immersion into islander flavours and fuse these with the jazz, reggae and African roots of its members past musical projects.Benji and the Saltwater Sound System have played acclaimed festivals including Woodford, the National Folk Festival, Mitchell Creek Rock N’ Blues.

Exuding a soft layering of folk, pop and indie ‘Lights and Smoke’ is a lush unfolding of Benji and the Saltwater Sound System’s wonderful musicianship. With guitar twinkling over a rumbling beat the track begins light and radiant before the chorus introduces warm melodies on cello provided by Sivan Agam of the April Maze. ‘Lights and Smoke’ lyrically draws from frontman Ben Fowler’s experience of living in the Solomon Islands.The song oozes passion within its roots as the foot tapping rhythmic pulse surges warmth and cosy vibes while the light guitar and keys lift the track to ethereal heights. ‘Lights and Smoke’ is quite the time stopping number as the listener is lulled by Ben Fowler’s dreamy emotive vocals which gently coo over the songs organically flourishing soundscape. With a sweet melody melting over this softly bubbling backdrop Benji and the Saltwater Sound System present a lush and intricately rippling sound full of rich textures and intriguing musicianship.

Stream ‘Lights and Smoke’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Electronic, Indie Pop, New Music

PureGrand ‘Timeline’

Relaunching for 2020, PureGrand (part time popstar and photographer Luke Faulkner) releases his new single ‘Timeline’.The song was written and produced by Faulkner and is the first single from PureGrand’s debut album which marks a shift in his sound from the synthpop influence of his previous work towards a pop sound with a broader palette of flavours. It is being released alongside a new body of visual work photographed by Faulkner that will tie in with the album campaign as singles are released along with music videos.

‘Timeline’ is a 90’s hued pop number swirling in dark soundscapes and repetitive hooks as PureGrand uses a rich tapestry of electronics and earnest songwriting to create a chilled and haunting track. A blanket of synths cover the backdrop in dark airy tones while the skittish beats and breathy backing vocals fill in the tracks gaps amplifying the unease in the verse. With R&B elements which drift between hip hop rhythms and smooth vocals the track has a clean and polished shell. The lyrics shed light on the frustrations felt by many young millenials about being stuck at a point in your life beyond your control and the pressures and conflict between different generations that come with that. There are elements reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys within the track but PureGrand adds a modern pop shimmer to their sound as he weaves ominous tones and fluctuant, coiling textures through pop melodies and crisp production to create an engaging and passionate number. 

Stream ‘Timeline’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Ten Hands High ‘6 Weeks’

Leeds indie four piece Ten Hands High have released their new single ‘6 Weeks’.After releasing their debut single in January 2019,Ten Hands High have played several packed out shows in their hometown of Leeds. The band were in creative overdrive, releasing 5 singles in 5 months, selling out their debut London headline at the Hope and Anchor in Islington along the way. Having supported Split Milk Society, The Clause and Luna Bay, Ten Hands High are quickly becoming a live act to be reckoned with. 

Saturated in light guitar lines and summer vibes, ‘6 Weeks’ presents Ten Hands High’s tight indie in all its glowing infectiousness. A buoyant beat bubbles in the backdrop providing sweet punchy rumbles while the intricate bass weaves and wiggles creating a spongy foundation.The band use warm guitar refrains to provide subtle bursts of scintillation as the song progresses to the chorus.With a catchy melody and laid back vocals ‘6 Weeks’ is the perfect sing along indie tune. 

Ten Hands High are cultivating their sound perfectly. Each track they release shows strong musical growth and impressive musicianship. I can not wait to hear more from this band. 

Stream ‘6 Weeks’ below 


Author : Danu

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

Jack West ‘Forever’

Jack West has released his new single ‘Forever’. The song was recorded remotely from Virginia, New York, Rochester and Seattle using ProTools and Logic with fellow band members and co-writers keyboardist Abe Nouri and drummer Matt Bent (both graduates of the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Jack’s hometown) – along with Barrett Jones [Nirvana, Foo Fighters], who produced West’s debut album ‘For the Record’.

With a nostalgic 90’s alternative pop melody combined with an indie doused backing ‘Forever’ is a tune to treasure. The song shows natural growth and maturity to West’s sound as he builds the track slowly allowing it to blossom into a sweet indie pop delight. With light twinkling guitar and buoyant beat this track flows smoothly into the ears with subtle bursts of jubilation bubbling beneath a dreamy soundscape. West’s vocals are charming and confident as he warmly coos over the earworm melody. The track maintains a soaring guitar refrain that provides an ethereal quality to the song as West surges adrenaline, emotion and youthful bliss into this exceptionally crafted track.

Jack West is building his sound superbly bending and blending his rock origin into a sound that is truly special and passionate. Keep an eye on this dark horse.

Stream ‘Forever’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Arthur Valentine ‘Fruit Juice’

Arthur Valentine is delighted to announce the release of his latest single, ‘Fruit Juice’, ‘Fruit Juice’ was born out of quarantine, the making of which has been described as a “cathartic exercise” by Arthur. Recorded over two weeks between tea and basketball breaks in the back garden, Fruit Juice is the brain child of Arthur and fellow Hausu collaborators-turned-roommates Actualacid and Automatic Blue.Despite relative newcomer status, Arthur has already clocked up a lot of ‘gig-miles’ on the Irish circuit including headline slots at the Button Factory’s Crowbar, Cork’s Cyprus Avenue, Bodytonic’s Pot Duggans and a sold out Ruby Sessions show. In addition to this, he has performed numerous times in Cork’s Plugd (The Roundy) and Coughlan’s, as well as an additional performance in Cyprus Avenue supporting Sorcha Richardson.

‘Fruit Juice’ blends Arthur Valentine’s intricate, velvety sound with R&B elements and smooth pop to create a luscious summer track. The melody and sugary production seeps into the ears with ease while the bubbling electronics and jaunty guitar provide zesty bursts of scintillation throughout. A buoyant bass weaves through the tracks elastic backdrop while rich percussive spurts and vibrant beat lay down a hip hop hued foundation for the swirling soundscapes to flourish off.

Arthur Valentine has a wonderful ability to create ear-worm worthy tracks which ooze subtle sonic intricacies and ‘Fruit Juice’ is a perfect example of this. It is a wholly satisfying, irresistible track that is both wonderfully euphoric and masterfully crafted.With elements of Lauv glimmering through the sweet emotion and a Mac Miller sprinkling on top, Arthur Valentine has created a sound that builds on the balmy bliss of lo fi debut single ‘Selfish’ – ‘Fruit Juice’ is a fantastic example of the suave musicianship and precise alternative/pop of Arthur Valentine.

Stream ‘Fruit Juice’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Thrillhouse ‘Wild Child’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Wild Child’. It’s a refreshing slice of indie pop exuding chic infectious musicianship with fluctuating beats and kinetic electronics which adds buoyancy for the suave vocals and chorus to ricochet off. A heavy 80s sound creates an ethereal quality to the track while the sweet melody and smooth guitar injections flesh out the bands panache and “ooh lala” flamboyance.

With elements of The Killers and Talking Heads coursing through the tracks sultry pulse, Thrillhouse have created another sun kissed earworm set to tantalise and seduce the listener.

Stream ‘Wild Child’ below


Author : Danu