Monthly Archives: March 2021

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Inhaler ‘Cheer Up Baby’

Dublin quartet Inhaler have released their new single ‘Cheer Up Baby’ alongside the announcement of their debut album, ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This,’ which will be released on July 16th. The band comprised of Elijah Hewson (vocals and guitar), Josh Jenkinson (guitar), Robert Keating (bass), and Ryan McMahon (drums), have already released a string of captivating singles. Their fevered live shows have earned them a diehard fanbase – on their last tour, they sold over 10,000 tickets and played to sold-out crowds across Europe. Their tracks have been streamed over 50 million times globally.

‘Cheer Up Baby’ is a golden ray of sunshine as Inhaler builds their infectious indie sound to create a timeless heartfelt gem. In true Inhaler manner, the track pivots around a sweet guitar refrain. Within ‘Cheer Up Baby,’ this bright guitar melody flickers with catchy indie-rock hues while a groove-stricken bassline and dynamic drums exude the band’s brand of glittering indie finesse over the verses. The sun-kissed soundscape creates a wonderful state of nostalgia enhanced by Hewson’s warm vocal croons “oh, how to kill these February blues.” …“When I think of all the things, I didn’t do, Oh, I can’t help but blame it on you…..cheer up baby you’re not on your own”. His vocals cling to the evocative lyrics oozing uplifting emotion while at the same time embracing a sense of sadness and longing.

However the song does not remain lamentful for long. The brooding verses lead into a chorus eruption as a thunderous upsurge announces the anthemic blazing sound of Inhaler. The bright guitars swell around the punchy drums to create an expansive soundscape for the dizzying synths and rampant bass to fill with exhilarating tones and reverberations.The expressive instrumentation is a joy to the senses and compels the listener to press repeat.

Inhaler are cultivating their sound beautifully to create an intoxicating brand of indie rock, and the result is an anthemic, perfectly executed song in the form of ‘Cheer Up Baby’. Press play and enjoy.

About the track, the band say: “It’s just a great pop song,” says Hewson. “I think it really takes us back to our roots as a band.” “I think it just has that classic, feel-good, anthemic, hopeful feeling that everyone seems to relate to on some level,” says McMahon.

Watch the video for ‘Cheer Up Baby’ below.


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Rory & The Island ‘Miss This’

Irish singer-songwriter Rory & The Island has released his new single ‘Miss This.’ Rory & The Island has had 12 Top 20 iTunes singles in Ireland in the past decade. His most recent single, ‘When The Lights Go Down (Valhalla),’ reached Number 1 in early November 2020 and raised a few eyebrows when it kept Miley Cyrus, Lizzo, and Dermot Kennedy off the top spot for the weekend. The single also climbed to Number 8 in the UK iTunes Songwriters chart. ‘Miss This’ explores the basic little joys we all miss during this crazy situation and has become a firm favourite during Rory & The Island’s successful weekly Facebook Live broadcasts, which have built up something of a cult following with an average of 30,000 weekly views over the past year.

While previous release, ‘When The Lights Go Down (Valhalla),’ displayed Rory & The Island’s rich, energetic, and full-bodied sound in all its glory, ‘Miss This’ takes a different, more gentle approach. Minimalistic instrumentation creates a warm ambient atmosphere as the track highlights another aspect of Rory & The Island’s expressive yet moving musicianship – the track is a comforting bittersweet tune exuding passionate and evocative songwriting enveloped within a dreamy melody of twinkling keys and warm acoustic guitar. With a foot-tapping rhythm created on percussion, the song has a supple texture while the lyrics depict the gatherings and carefree life we are all yearning for at the moment “stadium crowd, watching the home team singing so proud, living their own dream, I miss this.“ 

‘Miss This’ is a beautifully crafted, wholesome tune that comforts the ears in lush tones, sweet melodies and earnest songwriting. Love it.

Stream ‘Miss This’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Brí ‘More Than’

Photo Credit by Constance Vance, edit by Brí

Irish indie pop artist, Brí has released her fourth single ‘More Than’.Hailing from Offaly, Brí has previously released 3 singles, debut track, ‘Low Supply’, ‘Polite’ and ‘Burying’. From the success gained from these releases she sold-out her own Whelan’s headline show, received high praise from a multitude of blogs and radio and was selected to perform at Beatvyne’s Music X Tech Experience. While 2020 saw performances from Brí at the esteemed Whelan’s Ones to Watch, The Ruby Sessions, headliners in The Sound House, Spirit Store, festival line-up announcements such as Vantastival and the radio success of her recent releases, Brí hints at her debut album and a big year ahead in 2021.

‘More Than’ is an atmospheric song doused in the refined and emotive musicianship of Brí. The song drifts upon flickering beats and rippling soundscapes that expand and grow as the track progresses. The song moves seamlessly between soulful R&B and subtle folk-pop to create a captivating wall of sound filled with brooding ethereal synths and icy instrumental elements. Brí’s pristine vocals coo through the backdrop injecting warmth and emotion as she sings, “my soul is longing for something more than this,” mirroring the song’s expansive, airy soundscape with lyrics of loneliness and yearning. As the song builds into its cinematic crescendo, Brí intensifies the instrumentation to create a spine-chilling pinnacle moment within the track that is simply a joy to listen to.‘More Than’ is a well-crafted and beautifully presented song from Brí.

About ‘More Than’ Brí says…”More Than’ is about craving more than the situation you currently find yourself in. It’s a place where passion and emptiness meet, the point where two conflicting paths overlap and where all that is cloudy becomes clear.’

Stream ‘More Than’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jamie Button ‘Told You Things’

Jamie Button has released the second single, ‘Told You Things’ from his forthcoming EP,. The song follows in from the iTunes no.3 chart hit ‘Flashbang’ released at the tail-end of 2020.Recorded in Paisley at Jamie McGrory’s (Bay City Rollers) studio JJ Recordings, ‘Told You Things’ features recent iTunes No.1 artist Scott Forsyth on drums and guitars whilst Gordon Burn (bass), Gary Hornsby (lead guitar) and Roo Geddes (violin) complete the record. The song was produced by Glasgow-based Ross Hamilton (Texas, Saint PHNX, Seafret).

Cinematic and beautifully arranged ‘Told You Things’ showcases Jamie Button’s wholesome and melodic musicianship. With elegant string swoons and warm acoustic guitar backed by buoyant drums, Button presents his song sweetly and passionately. Button’s poetic lyrics drift easily into ears with subtle guitar embellishing the backdrop in tropical hues as he laments, “ I’ve got a suitcase of stories, but I don’t want to bore you.” 

Button’s knack with irresistible bittersweet melodies has won the hearts of many, and the dreamy, melancholic melody within ‘Told You Things’ is too sweet to resist. With smooth vocals, a time-stopping crescendo, and catchy chorus, ‘Told You Things’ is a fantastic addition to Button’s collection of compelling tunes. 

Stream ‘Told You Things’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Githmi ‘Don’t Go Away’

Githmi has released her debut single, ‘Don’t Go Away’.Githmi is a 25 year old Sri Lankan/Australian from Melbourne who started playing guitar at the age of 13 and has been playing music ever since. Githmi is also the lead guitarist in the band Freddie Jones, who alongside her high school best friend Rosie Eve, have been making music together for 5 years and released their self-titled debut EP in April 2020.

‘Don’t Go Away’ is a sun soaked number doused in the edgy indie rock of Githmi. Githmi creates an engaging, full-flavoured tune as she melts a dreamy melody over blistering instrumentation to provide a fine balance between hazy shoegaze and crashing indie rock. Exuding a bright guitar refrain and buoyant rhythmic backdrop, the song’s soundscape is full of energy and vigor. Githmi’s lulling vocals caress the melody with a smooth and almost nonchalant tone giving the song a moody grunge element which enhances the tracks overall appeal.

‘Don’t Go Away’ is a confident and well-crafted tune that boasts the talent and refined musicianship of Githmi.

Stream ‘Don’t Go Away’ 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

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Wild Youth ‘Can’t Say No’

Irish indie-pop band Wild Youth have released their latest track, ‘Can’t Say No,’ which will be taken from their forthcoming new EP ‘Forever Girl,’ set for release on March 26th. Comprised of lead vocalist David Whelan, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conor O’Donohoe, lead guitarist Ed Porter and drummer Callum McAdam, Wild Youth have collected over 10M streams on Spotify alone, as well as supported the likes of Mumford and Sons, The Script, and Niall Horan on international tours.

‘Can’t Say No’ is a satisfying cinematic collision of disco, funk, and R&B. The track expands on Wild Youth’s irresistible, indie-pop sound to create one explosive bop for the listener to indulge in. The song radiates a tense and dark persona as gravelly backing vocals meander through the verses and haunting spacious soundscapes.

Doused in the stomping swagger of Wild Youth, the chorus boasts the bands lush musicianship in all its grandeur. A rich rhythm bubbles through the chorus with ground-shaking potency while a dark, pulsing bass seduces in the background. With glitzy 80’s hued synth and funky guitar providing an edge to the track, ‘Can’t Say No’ is remarkably infectious. The upbeat synths and funky guitar embellishments contrast the lyrical content within. Lyrically the track calls out an unfaithful partner. There is an ache to Whelan’s resilient, soulful vocals as he sings, “ Saw you delete the message on your phone, Swear I can even smell him on your clothes.”

Versatility is key in the music industry, and Wild Youth have demonstrated that they are more than adept at using various styles. ‘Can’t Say No’ is a genre-blending tune that surges with the earnest and rich musicianship of the band without becoming overpowering. The precise layering, rich percussion, and deft use of instrumentation make the track absolutely thrilling.

Stream ‘Can’t Say No’ below. 


Author : Danu

New Music

Episode Two of RTÉ’s bi-lingual series ‘My Tribe’ will follow Tallaght band Emily 7

Episode Two of RTÉ’s bi-lingual series ‘My Tribe’ will follow Tallaght band Emily 7 on their daily trials and tribulations of being in a indie band this Monday, March 15th at 7:30pm.

Consisting of brothers Kyle and Scott Bellew, Emily 7 create ferocious, heavy, indie rock tunes filled with deft lyrical content. These guys pour their heart and soul into their songs and the result is magnificent gritty tracks full of rich sounds and oodles of emotion. 

At 21 and 18 respectively, the duo have been creating music together as Emily 7 for over two years now, breaking the mould and creating waves across Ireland and beyond. The band have been busy creating raw indie-fuelled guitar hooks and sharp lyricism to articulate their trials and tribulations of growing up. Kyle and Scott’s eye for their unique sense of cultural style has earned them partnerships with brands like Fred Perry, among others.

Establishing a clear ’90s image, and an even clearer ’90s rock sound, the band have curated opportunities to reflect their nostalgic influences. Being asked to take part in an RTÉ documentary show is undoubtedly a next-level launch for the pair.

Stream Emily7’s latest single ‘Stay’ below 


Author : Danu