Monthly Archives: April 2018

Album Review, New Music

The Fierce And The Dead ‘The Euphoric’ Album

The  Fierce  And The  Dead are an internationally acclaimed 4  piece  instrumental  rock  band  from  London  formed  in  2010.  Their  sound  has  constantly  evolved  since  debuting  with  a  19  minute  one  track  EP,  Part  1,  that  combined  epic  post  rock  with  electronica,  krautrock  and  psychedelia.  2011’s  debut  album  ‘If  It  Carries  On  Like  This  We  Are  Moving  To  Morecambe’  added  hardcore  punk,  jazz  and  ambient  influences  into  the  mix.  Over  the  course  of  these  two  releases  and  a  handful  of  live  performances  the  band  began  to  gain  a  cult  following and  critical  acclaim  from  the  underground  and  mainstream  music  press. They will release their third studio album “The Euphoric” on May 18th 2018, when they will play a sold out release show at The Black Heart, London.

‘The Euphoric’ is a nine-track collection of blissfully melodic mind dissolving tunes that burrow their way into you brain filling you with lush mellowness doused in gritty mosh worthy heaviness. Tracks like the jagged frenzy inducing ‘Truck’ and ‘48k’ slap you in the face with some slick rooted bass lines that unearth your inner rock deity while shredding guitars dance all over the punchy crashing drums with such prowess and swagger it leaves you gob smacked. These guys know their instruments and each track is a fluid example of their proficient ability to whack out some genre bending gems. ‘1991’ has a lightness that is one to be admired, this track is so nimble and sparkly yet locked down by a hefty anchored rhythm section. Jangly guitars twinkle and flutter about jittery keys creating a spacey trippy experience that would float away in a mirage of obscurity were it not for that meaty foundation keeping it grounded whereas ‘Dug Town’ bounces a sweet classic rock element off this brawny foundation. The synth start to ‘The Euphoric’ blends wispy trippy soundscapes with heavy grooves as the band layer and layer these, building in intensity then cooling down again to give those live moshers a small breather before beginning the mania again. ‘Dancing Robots’ is one hell of a track, it slithers, grooves and bops with sweet guitar melodies weaving between some skull bashing heavy injections. It’s never too much with these guys they walk the fine line between bulky, meaty rock and beautifully melodic seamlessly creating melodies that have you bobbing along headbanging and just going crazy with some swaying breathers in between. ‘Cadet Opal’ features a glorious keyboard refrain that shimmers and glistens about a steady beat. It’s a short little gem that is a little bit spacey and groovy with flickering scintillation throughout. The band then snap you out of the euphoria and calmness of ‘Cadet Opal’ with the dizzying distortion of ‘Verbose’ with its stinging guitars and vibrant rhythm. ‘Parts 7 & 8’ closes the album cool and smooth with some dazzling heavy interruptions to create a choppy wholly satisfying end to what is a mind boggling thrilling album.

‘The Euphoric’ is a tight album, it’s cool well crafted and one wild ride and is sure to be awesome when performed live.

The Fierce And The Dead  ‘The Euphoric’ album is out on May 18th make sure to check it out.

Watch the video for ‘Truck’ below


Uncategorized

No Tie Friday ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ EP

No Tie Friday is a four piece Indie Pop / Alternative band from Wicklow. The band consists of Keith Molloy (Vocals + Rhythm Guitar), Matt Morgan (Drums), Niall McGurk (Bass) and Barra MacMahon (Lead Guitar). With only a few gigs under their belt they have already started making an impression on the Irish music scene. The band have recently released their debut EP ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’. A five track collection of sweet tunes and intricate glistening instrumentation, this EP is pure wholesome honey drizzled indie pop. From the first crashing intro of ‘Seasons’ No Tie Friday have you firmly hooked. This bouncing little gem rumbles and rushes through with a driving rippling rhythm while glistening jangly guitars create the perfect glossy backdrop for the vibrant infectious melody. It’s anthemic and punchy wrapped up in a whirl of youthful adrenaline rushing instrumentation. They definitely kicked the EP off with the right track- it’s sun soaked and vibrantly dynamic. This little charmer has you eating out of the palm of their hands eager for more. ‘Forest’ continues the indie pop buoyancy, as thumping drums set a steady foundation for the shimmering golden guitars to sparkle between. There are plenty of blissful guitar moments in this EP and the quartet show off their knack for crisp sweet toned guitar lines throughout each track creating special little luscious twinkles that lift each tune and add glorious scintillation throughout. Title track ‘Long Drives And Sunsets’ marks the halfway point in the EP with a fluctuant rhythm and delicate instrumentation to start. Ethereal guitars lament behind a sombre tender melody while Molloy’s vocals reach their most emotional we have heard yet. It’s a passionate display as sharp guitars and punchy drums bring us to a powerful intense crescendo. If you are looking for the perfect hazy sunny day tune filled with mellow tones with some melancholic hues ‘Working Title’ is the one for you. Again it features some sublime guitar work and a smooth, silky melody while the vocals add a hint of soul, its soothing, chilled, breezy bliss. ‘Delay’ which fast became my favourite track, closes the EP much like ‘Seasons’ began it – with a surge of peppy jangly indie intricately weaved and tightly compact to create a satisfying listen. It is  filled with dazzling soundscapes, whirring guitars, an infectious chorus and a stomping singalong ready bridge that will have a live crowd bellowing out at the top of their lungs.

‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ is a wholly enjoyable, charming collection. This bands laid back, dreamy approach gives each track space to flourish and blossom and this really adds something special to the overall enjoyment of the EP. These guys have created something glorious. It’s perfect for summer days and youthfulness. Keep an eye out for No Tie Friday.

Stream ‘Long Drives and Sunsets’ below

 


Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Father John Misty ‘Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All’ and ‘Just Dumb Enough to Try’

Father John Misty has released two new songs, ‘Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All’ and ‘Just Dumb Enough to Try’ from his forthcoming album, ‘God’s Favorite Customer’ which is due out June 1st via Sub Pop/Bella Union.

These two tracks follow the cool, love drenched suave with gloriously dark undertones that Father John Misty does so well. ‘Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All’ follows the swoony sound and delicacy we have come to adore with a melty luscious melody mournfully caressing the jazzy- esque piano jangles reminiscent of Elton John while a steady beat and concise guitar strums in the background. However, this track isn’t soppy and lovesick as it first appears. Though sonically lavish, the piano strikes add a harshness and sneering quality while the lyrics, “Like a pervert on a crowded bus / A glare of love bears down on us” opens up a whole new meaning to the track. Father John Misty croons and howls between his sweet falsetto  and the stomping, cinematic instrumentation. Though the track is cynical of romance it’s still beautifully written in the most dreamy fashion. The track broods and builds to an outstanding crescendo with a dramatic brass instrumental finish. It’s got a delightful bounce and some heart skipping a beat moments yet lying underneath is a more sombre tone.

‘Just Dumb Enough to Try’ is your sweet, heart felt ballad that hits you right in the chest and would make even the toughest of people shed a wee tear. It’s tender with honest lyrical content that stops time and makes you feel every painful line. He croons and pines over a brooding lamenting piano melody which caresses the fuzzed guitar whines and steady beat. Sweetly melodic and hard hitting it’s a beautiful new addition to our much treasured Father John Misty collection.

Stream ‘Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All’ and ‘Just Dumb Enough to Try’ below


Album Review, Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Moon Loves Honey ‘You Drift Away From Me’

Danish  dreamy  alt.  rock/pop  band  Moon Loves Honey have released their highly anticipated  debut album ‘You  Drift  Away  From  Me’. The album takes  the  listener  on  a  colourful  journey  through  uncertainty,  loneliness  and  finally  hope  via  nine  finely  crafted  songs  –  three  of which  have  been  released  as  singles  and  enjoyed  radio  airplay  and  acclaim  from  media  across  the  globe.  Moon Loves Honey functions  as  a  band  in  concert,  but  in  the  studio,  its  Jeppe  Dengsø  as  a  one-man-band.  The album was  in  the  making  for  a  year  and  a  half  and  took  huge  dedication  to  complete  because  of  Jeppe͛s  growing  obsessive  attention  to  detail.  In May  2016  –  shortly  after  the  release  of  the  band’s  debut  EP  ‘Apart’  –  Jeppe  started  recording  songs  in  Aarhus  with  friend  and  mix engineer  William  Brinch.  The initial plan  was  merely  to  record  a  couple  of  single-ideas,  but  the  plan  of  creating  an  entire  album  slowly  manifested  itself.  Over the  next  year,  the  entire  album  was  finished

‘You Drift Away From Me’ displays huge emotional and musical  variety with every song  differing from the next,  while the album  still has a unique  sonic character  throughout. There is a lot of blissful juicy sounds packed into this album yet it doesn’t seem over the top each track cruises along blending together becoming a sweet glorious component of the mellow and euphoric entity that is the ‘You Drift Away From Me’ album. From the electronic and chill wave-tinged  pop of opening track ‘To Be Without You’, Moon Loves Honey completely consume you in a luscious dreamy state of soft delicate melodies wrapped in a fluffy cloud of euphoria. The delicate vocals soothe while subtle flickering soundscapes lure you deeper into a trippy sweet state of psychedelia. The tracks that follow lead you down a glistening path of discovery as delicious melodies snappy soft beats and swirling electronics radiate sun kissed vibes. ‘Lonely Day’ and ‘Before I Crash’ provide images of summer sun, chill vibes and azure blue sky’s. It’s easy going yet brimming with silky intricate instrumentation to provide a satisfying listen. It’s almost like these guys create a little world within this album to loose yourself and just recline into as it soaks away all your problems in soothing tunes. Title track ‘You Drift Away From Me’ adds a perky little bounce and swirling adrenaline to the album while the atmospheric ballad ‘I’m Falling Out Of Love With You Baby’ glides along with a honey drizzled melody and lo fi vocals. ‘Blå’ acts as the wispy electronic intermission before the shoegazey  rock- esque ‘Is It Just A Dream?’ and ‘Should Have Waited’ spiral in a hazy whirl with subtle anthemic bursts over subdued crashing instrumentation. Moon Loves Honey bring us to the end of this glorious album with the twinkling ‘Replaced’. Flickering electronics sparkle glimmers of scintillation through a melty emotional melody while lush vocals coo over the melancholic tones.

‘You Drift Away From Me’ blends sun kissed chilled dream pop with shoegazey rock and atmospheric electronics effortlessly to create a wholly mesmerising dreamy listen that relaxes, soothes and tranquilises while throwing in some groovy bops and sublime textures on top. It’s magnificently crafted and leaves you refreshed and vitalised.

Stream ‘You Drift Away From Me’ below


Alt- Pop, electro- pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

London King ‘A Kind of Love’

London King has released the fourth single ‘A Kind of Love‘ from her EP ‘Antichrist Child’. King’s first moment in the spotlight occurred when she was just 4 and her first song ‘Sinking in The Darkness’ was penned at 11 years old and even features on her first EP. King started her career as the frontwomen of Rancid before turning solo at age 18.She released her first EP ‘Golden Edition’ in 2014 working with award winning producer James Colah. Her follow up ‘A Kind of Love’ was produced by another award winner, Aubrey Whitfield, who has worked with the likes of Little Mix and Kelly Clarkson.

‘A Kind of Love’ twinkles and glistens with swirling electronics from the start creating a delicate sweetly toned backdrop for Kings emotive, powerful vocals. A snappy beat gently whacks, pulses and slaps through the flashing electronics while lush backing vocals and sparkling keys inject an ethereal elegance and dreamy quality to the track. It’s a tightly compact and highly emotive song that softly and sweetly glides along at a steady pace pouring honest, heartfelt emotion into every silky glorious note.

Stream ‘A Kind of Love’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Central Hall ‘Social Awareness’

Waterfords alternative four piece Central Hall have released their new single ‘Social Awareness’.The band which consists of members Jordan Gough (Lead Vocal), Eamon Ganley (Lead Guitar), Alex Gough (Drums and Vocals) and R.J Kavanagh (Bass) have evolved constantly over the last two and a half years, from their young indie darling beginnings to consistently bringing the house down in all their gigs. Having recently being crowned winners of the prestigious UCC Battle Of The Bands 2018, Central Hall have developed a name for themselves in the Cork music scene as well as holding down their roots in the Waterford scene. Starting as a two piece ambient jam band project between Eamon and Alex the group quickly added Ross and Alex’s brother Jordan to create a more varied and fuller sounding group.

‘Social Awareness’ spreads out catchy vibrant indie jangles evenly upon an alternative backdrop of crashing alternative rock with some hip hop elements thrown into the mix. The track gradually builds -fermenting with sweet toned guitar weaving between a progressive snappy rhythm while dynamic vocals move between rap and singing. It’s brisk yet infectiously melodic as swift jagged soundscapes dart in between luscious cruising melodies. This track ventures from smooth, vividly golden tones to rushing mosh ready heaviness, creating a unique enthralling listen. The production on this track is outstanding, compact and dense keeping the listener engaged in suspense right up to the shredding shrilling guitar laced crescendo. These guys display their fine musicianship creating a track that groves with a slinky swagger as well as battering with some gritty rough instrumentation. It’s a refreshing track that makes these guys ones to watch out for.

Stream ‘Social Awareness’ below


Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From MeMe Detroit

Since her 2016 debut album release ‘Live to Love You’ll Love to Live’, MeMe has been pulling in fans with a magnetism that is both eloquent yet effortlessly cool. With previous support slots that include bands such as Dead Sea Skulls, Piano Wire, Fun lovin’ Criminals, Asylums and stand out shows which include The main stage at Moto GP, Silverstone, The O2 Academy, Dublin Castle, The Finsbury pub for ‘Get in her ears’ and Jurassic Fields festival MeMe’s energy and sleazy grunge is one to take note of. She has now released her new single ‘Soc Med Junkies’. This grunge smothered track oozes and seeps with dark gritty tones and fiery attitude. Sultry guitars shred and lacerate with relentless stamina through the rapid shuffling rhythm while MeMe’s luring vocals coo and entice for the verses before belting out the fiery chorus. It’s lean, mean, power indie that makes you want to jump kick, wiggle and groove all at once. Swallowed up in a chilled, cool persona and hypnotic melody mixed with heavy angst and crashing instrumentation this track kicks ass, wrestles you to the ground and mesmerises you in its hazy muggy hook driven charm. MeMe has a knack for writing tracks that slash bash sizzle and steam all at once while packing in some striking lyrics. ‘Soc Med Junkies’ is definitely worth a listen.

Stream ‘Soc Med Junkies’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock and Roll

Miles Kane ‘Loaded’

Miles Kane is back with a new solo album, his first in five years. ‘Coup De Grace’ follows 2013’s ‘Don’t Forget Who You Are’ and is set for release June 8th via Virgin EMI. He has now released the lead single, ‘Loaded’ as a mouth-watering appetizer. Recorded in Los Angeles and produced by John Congelton (St. Vincent), the track was co-written with Lana Del Rey and Jamie T. ‘Loaded’ is a laid back melodic track dripping in flaunty swagger and slick coolness. A pop laced rock and roll sprinkled melody melts upon steamy T-REX-esque sultry guitar licks and spongy beat. The track becomes anthemic and ethereal as it builds to its passionate crescendo as Kane croons over breezy soundscapes. The verses slap a nice dose of punk-ish attitude while chiming keys twinkle between the steady beat. Lush backing vocals add a sweetness and celestial quality to this charming effortlessly cool number while the sizzling guitar drives the track with sharp stings and smothering scorching strides. ‘Loaded’ cruises, bops and blisters all while riding a mellow wave of infectious melodies, rich rhythms and swayable grooves. If this track is anything to go by ‘Coup De Grace’ is going to be one heck of an album.

Stream ‘Loaded’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

The Kerbs ‘Creep’

The Kerbs are a four piece independent rock band from Foxford, Co. Mayo, Ireland that formed Spring 2017. Growing up in a rural town with a strong counter-culture music scene the lads found common interests in bands like Pearl Jam, The Doors and Stone Roses which remnants of this is evident in their sound. The last 5 months have seen them release 2 hotly received singles (‘Changes’ and  ‘I Am Zeus͟’) which have received support from iRADIO, RTE 2XM, KCLR 96 FM, 8RADIO, Mid-West Radio. After a successful few months on the road, and number of sold out shows on both East and West coasts of Ireland, the lads are already proving that the best is yet to come with planning their first full Irish/UK tour, lots of new music and have already been invited to do sessions on radio. The band comprised of members Mark McHale (Vocals and Guitar), Alex Stupar (Lead Guitar), Noel Gallagher (Bass Guitar) and Kevin Holmes (Drums) have released their new single ‘Creep’. The single  has already received airplay on WLRFM, Spin 1038, KCLR 96 FM, Cork 96FM,Dublin City FM, U Radio, 8RADIO, a live performance on FM 104 and published on the IMRO Ireland website.

‘Creep’ is a spine chillingly dark concoction from the four piece as it crawls in with eerie guitar riffs biting between a rooted groovy bassline and steady beat. This track slithers in with enchanting luring verses while raspy vocals coax with an alluring temptation before building in intensity and becoming more emotional. The soft tapping beat lulls you into a false sense of security while the twinkling mournfully sweet guitar laments behind the whiskey soaked catchy melody. With a dash of jazzy tones thrown in by the buoyant beat this track is perplexing and mesmerising all while chilling you to the core. It’s superbly composed as The Kerbs slowly build the tension relinquishing a bit more as each verse progresses- brooding and fermenting into a mighty thrilling crescendo. This is an impressive piece of work, these guys are ones to keep an eye out for.

When asked about the track the band said : “At its core the song speaks about rejection and the aftermath effect it has on our emotions, thinking and behaviours. Lyrically it tells a tale of a guy striving for attention from a girl he is attracted too but her thoughts lay elsewhere, which in turn sparks a feeling of self doubt and vulnerability bringing the song to its climatic finish. “

You can catch The Kerbs live at:

April 23rd– RTE 2XM interview and live acoustic performance

April 27th– Headline gig in The Sound House, Eden Quay, Dublin

May 5th– Support gig in the Roisin Dubh, Galway

May 6th– Charity Gig (SERVE) in The Hideout, Foxford, Mayo

Watch the video for ‘Creep’ below


Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, electro- pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Synth-pop

Submariner ‘Ghosts’

Submariner have released their new single ‘Ghosts’. After a strong 2017 where they sold out headline slots on the South Coast, made their major festival debuts at Common People and Victorious festivals, released their debut music video for “Closer” and gained attention from BBC introducing and The Line of Best Fit; Submariner are primed and ready to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as 2018 promises tours, a debut EP and further festival appearances.

‘Ghosts’ is a catchy feathery light dash of indie pop that is dreamy, luscious and bright yet holds a deeper foundation. The political lyrics shows the bands maturity and awareness without dragging the track down while vibrant ethereal guitars jangle about swirling synths and a snappy steady beat. The delicate sombre toned melody laments over the heavenly aerial soundscapes with a heart warming sweetness that carries both hopeful tones and melancholic nostalgia. The velvety smooth vocals caress the melody with a gentle tenderness and emotional power while the twinkling guitars flicker glimpses of bright scintillation throughout, creating an optimistic vibe. This track is subtly anthemic and ambient as lush harmonies and breezy effortless cool tones mixed with burning emotion rush through the song filling you with adrenaline and passion to keep pushing through. A sublime track that both glistens and shimmers with sun kissed aerial instrumentation combined with catchy golden melodies and heartbroken realism.

When asked about the track the band said: “The song is spiritually inspired by last year’s general election. The narrative involves a woman who gives her life to fight for other people, the oppressed and the broken. She is haunted by the ghosts of those she and the system failed to save. The chorus addresses her opponents and details the flaw in greed, especially the lines ‘reap the seeds, there’s no where for them’ & ‘I’ll be dead, long before you live’ indicating that the oppressor seeks wealth only in financial sense, but without compassion and kindness, has no real quality to life. In the fictional sense, the story ends on a note of hope, with the ghosts of the failed haunting the consciousness of the heroines enemy, leaving you with the line ‘In the dark, you’ll remember me’ and in turn, spurring the person into action.”

Stream ‘Ghosts’ below