Monthly Archives: February 2019

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Sam Wickens ‘Falling’

Co. Down singer songwriter Sam Wickens has released the first single ‘Falling’ from his breathtaking debut album set for release in May/June 2019. Having wowed legendary producer Tony Visconti with his Jeff Buckley-esque voice and mesmerising performances, he was picked up in 2018 to appear on Sky Arts Unsigned Heroes, being mentored by Stuart Copeland, Nitin Sawhney and Imelda May.

‘Falling’ is a deeply moving melodic track that pulses and buries itself into your head as Wickens’ passionate vocals create that spine chilling ”stop in time” feeling. A throbbing beat cuts deep into the flickering soundscape as Wickens takes a simple approach allowing his emotion-filled crisp and mesmerising vocals wrap you in a soft snuggle, shielding you from the biting backdrop. The track builds gradually as twinkling guitars lament through the gripping beat and brooding backing vocals. The song reaches its cinematic, wholly absorbing crescendo as Wickens pines and broods over a haunting atmosphere. It’s a well crafted, immersing track that chills and soothes all at once. Wickens’ vocals are outstanding and every note he sings holds its own depth. His voice is filled with passion and oodles of emotion – he’s is quite the outstanding singer.

On his new release Wickens says “I wanted to create a family of songs, I needed an open space to be able to get different aspects of my mind out! I wanted to make something new, something not everyone will like, but they all will respect. Music is my way of communicating with people and the world.  – ‘Falling’ is honesty, when you don’t want to be honest or simply you can’t.”

Stream ‘Falling’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Photo credit: Braverijah Gregg

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From TWIN XL

TWIN XL have released their new single ‘Friends’. The band are no strangers to musical success. Ex-The Summer Set members and brothers Stephen and John Gomez and Nekokat’s Cameron Walker-Wright comprise this alt-pop trio. Collectively, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and Fox’s Lucifer.The accompanying music video to ‘Friends’ was directed by Jade Ehlers (Panic!, Weezer, MAX), choreographed by Kayla Kalbfleisch (The Ellen Show, Backstreet Boys), and conceptualized by TWIN XL themselves in collaboration with Ehlers.

‘Friends’ is a silky sun kissed delicious can of fruity alternative pop filled with refreshing carbonated synths and an infectious groove. Laid back smooth vocals glissade upon the melty sweet melody while and glucose soaked beat slaps and rolls between the elastic bass and lush backing vocals. It’s a tutti fruity gem swirling beneath a rich effervescent synth progression while zesty sharp guitars sting between the catchy melody. It’s a chic, slick, well crafted song that oozes sunshine from every note while a joyous catchy whistle feature injects a dash of peppy delight through the dance-able rhythms. With touching lyrical depth highlighting emotions of self-doubt, insecurity, and anxiety TWIN XL provide darker flickers of emotion through this tasty track adding a beautiful contrast to their refined, crisp musicianship

TWIN XL says of “Friends,” “We really wanted to find that happy balance between writing a catchy pop song that still had a lot of depth lyrically and also had a dark sonic undertone. The lyrics in the first verse talk about our desire for isolation and the internal conflict of an introvert. As the story progresses, we find sanctuary in the presence of strangers in strange rooms completely outside our comfort zone – here, we are free of judgement and we are free to be whoever we want.”

Watch the video for ‘Friends’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

The Covasettes ‘Like You’


photo credit : Ianthe Warlow

Manchester indie-rock band, The Covasettes have released their fifth single ‘Like You’.The band enjoyed great success in 2018, achieving over 300,000 Spotify listens and played sold out shows all over the UK, including a performance at Leeds Arena after winning ‘Most Exciting Band’ at the ARIA’s awards.

‘Like You’ is a fresh bright indie track that floats delicately around a sweet melody and biting ethereal instrumentation. With an anthemic chorus and adrenaline inducing guitars entwining through a punchy rhythm, this charming sun kissed song is heartfelt and passionate with the perfect indie backdrop. The zest filled guitar riff radiates vibrancy throughout the track while the smooth vocals and thumping sing along ready crescendo give this track that youthful rush and heart stopping power of first love. With lush harmonies and sweet tones it’s a well crafted passionate gem to transport you to the springtime of your life.

Commenting on the track, vocalist Chris Buxton said: “Like you is different to anything we’ve released before. It sounds bigger than any of our other tracks and it definitely shows a different side to us; a side that we’re more than happy to embrace. It’s a classic love song, but with all the elements we look to add to our music, verses that are easy to settle into, lyrics you can scream and a chorus you can jump around to. We judge our songs on the reaction they get live, and whenever we play Like You, people always seem to get behind it. It packs a real punch and gets the crowds moving, so it feels great to be releasing it to the world”.

Stream ‘Like You’ below


A Chat With, Interviews, New Music, Video Interviews

A CHat With : Gorilla Troubadour

We sat down to have a chat with Dylan Kearns, James O’ Connor, Eamon Ganley and Eric Walsh from Gorilla Troubadour after their ‘Tom Cruise Does All His Own Stunts’ single launch in Whelan’s Dublin. We talked about the new single, how they come up with their sound, college and what Gorilla Troubadour have planed next.

Watch the interview here


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

Pin Ups ‘Lunchtime’

London indie three piece Pin Ups have released their new single ‘Lunchtime’.The track which is inspired by Donald Trump’s comments of arming teachers in order to prevent school shootings sees drummer Jesse Baker deliver the lead vocals. This snappy track is a barbed pop sprinkled number doused in light-hearted irony with a catchy chorus and vibrant soundscape.The smooth melody sweetens the bitter sting on guitars as they intricately weave and slice through the punchy drums and swirling synths. It’s dynamic and edgy with a hip – hop element peeping through the indie pop coating. With attitude soaked vocals rapidly rolling over the brisk verses before springing into the anthemic crowd-friendly chorus it’s one sun speckled richly layered tune.. ‘Lunchtime’ is a well developed track that shows just how superbly this band are growing.

Stream ‘Lunchtime’ below


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

Scally ‘Filthy Animal’


Photo credit : Nicholas O’Donnell Photography
Design: Stuart Hayes Photography

Mullingar rock n’ roll artist Scally has released his intense video for his new single ‘Filthy Animal’. The video which was directed by Karl O’Reilly of Bunsen Media stars Sorcha Herlihy, Dmitry Vinokurov and Ethan Scally himself. The visual tells the frenzied story of lust, jealousy and rage.

The track itself is another riveting rock n ‘roll number from Scally. With a hypnotic bass groove creeping in behind the thumping drum beats and sultry guitars, this track travels on an exhilarating frisson of hysteria. It’s another in your face, swagger dripping track doused in the exceptional instrumentation we have come to expect from this band. These guys blend the sweltering enticing vibes with all out anarchy meticulously to create a mosh ready blood curdling number that will have you hanging on the edge of your seat craving and frothing for more. With panache plunged vocals and an invigorating wall of sound driving that body moving beat and vaporous sizzle this is one well crafted track. A shredding guitar solo blisters through the punchy slick backdrop – Scally has created another searing number that seeps shrewdly under your skin itching right to your bones.

Watch the video for  ‘Filthy Animal’ below


Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Dres ‘LYSNE’ EP

Houston, Texas anthemic, grungy indie rock/pop band Dres have released their new EP LYSNE. LYSNE (pronounced “LISTEN”) is an acronym for “Last Year’s Summer Never Ended” and was
created straight out of high school.

‘LYSNE’ is a summer soaked EP sparkling with richly hued multi – genre facets and good times. Brimming with zealous guitar riffs buoyant rhythms and pop sprinkled goodness these tunes are instantly likeable. ‘Just a Thought’ kicks off this delightful adrenaline rush with catchy melodies, smooth vocals, glorious guitar lines and a vibrant rhythm. These guys flood every track with kinetic energy and youthful fun. There is a hint of the band Magic! wiggling its way between the indie pop as ‘Wake Up’, ‘Road Trip’ and ‘Oh (Florida) You Got Me’  are criminally catchy and easy on the ears. Glorious guitar lines weave lush zest filled tones throughout the EP carrying that sun kissed ethereal vibe joyously in each track. These songs are not for the cynics or grumpy as their intense jubilant atmosphere can be a little overwhelming. Each song explodes with this inferno of happy feeling and elated instrumentation. Things get slightly more rock and roll with the gritty bass in ‘What I Want’. With swagger dripping off the scorching guitar this anthemic sing along ready number would be great at a pool party. But it is final track ‘Cobain’ that brings a shift in the EP. The verses are more moody and grunge drizzled, however the chorus returns to that vibrant mass sing along.

‘LYSNE’ shows some sublime instrumentation from Dres that brings the summer in one short treasure chest EP. However like pandora’s box, once opened you have to suffer the consequences – you won’t be able to prise the tracks from your head and that youthful sun kissed glow will radiate from every pore in your body.

Stream ‘LYSNE’ below


Alt Rock, Blues Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Broozer ‘Son of Man

Wolverhampton based duo Broozer have released their new single ‘Son of Man’. This blistering track stomps about with meaty drums pounding through hefty riffs and attitude soaked vocals. Its swagger drenched persona struts in while the pulverizing wall of sound shatters through your ear drums with relentless energy and mighty stamina. Filled with gusto and rowdy power, the drums assault and throttle through the slinky blues-flavoured sharp guitars with a no nonsense attitude and charisma. With screaming vocals and rough rawness in tow- it’s a lean mean machine from Broozer.

Watch the video for  ‘Son of Man’ below


Alt- Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Faraway Martin ‘Falling In Your Sleep’

Faraway Martin has released his second single ‘Falling In Your Sleep’. Faraway Martin hails from the West of Ireland, via Doha, Qatar, where he remains until this summer. He spent the past three years performing throughout the Middle East, USA and Ireland. Venues he has graced the stage of include the QNCC Arena in Doha, supporting international artists.

‘Falling In Your Sleep’ is a delightful melodic tune as Faraway Martin lays out a warm romantic spread with a sweet melody to devour. Richly crafted this track carefully blossoms from a twinkling cheery number to a heartfelt treasure. His warm vocals lilt and pour tender emotion over the honeyed melody while a cosy guitar jingles behind cherry whistles and a peppy beat. It’s a heart on your sleeve, longing track that is catchy and wholesome. Charming and mushy this song builds to its cinematic crescendo that embraces your ears with good vibes, vibrant instrumentation and a cosy horn feature. ‘Falling In Your Sleep’ is infectious, light, fluffy and sweet as angel cake.

Watch the video for ‘Falling In Your Sleep’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Distant Blue ‘Tongue Tied’

Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue are set to release their new single ‘Tongue Tied’. The track is taken from their EP which is going to be out later this year. ‘Tongue Tied’ is a boisterous wallop to the jugular of exhilarating alternative rock. Luring darkly hued verses smoulder through an intense backdrop of angular guitars and buoyant, punchy drums as Distant Blue whack out a slick, swagger soaked number. With muscular riffs, riot-inducing breakdowns, and a ferocious chorus these guys clock you around the head with their brawny slick sound. Raspy vocals growl through the catchy sing along ready chorus while a crashing wall of sound and sublime bass line pummels its vigorous sound into your brain. It’s thrilling material that will evoke carnage in a live setting and sounds pretty impressive blasting through your ears. Keep an eye out for these guys.

‘Tongue Tied’ is set for release on the 25th February make sure to have a listen when its released – its a cracker.

You can follow Distant Blue on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDistantBlue/