Cork native singer-songwriter Jen Ella has released her new single, ‘Eyes For You’. Now based in Glasgow, the soft-rock song is her first release of 2021.The song was recorded in Venice of the North studios in Glasgow with Andy Sheppard.
‘Eyes For You’ is a beautifully emotive new single from Jen Ella. Jen’s warm velvety vocals soothe through a mournful guitar while the soft beat pulses in the backdrop, cushioning the earnest tender lyrics. “Clouded mind I cannot hide, This love that’s a danger, I need to avoid”. Jen’s lyrics are vivid and striking as she poetically describes the battle between head and heart. The vulnerability and heart breaking delivery of the track is moving and marks Jen Ella an artist to keep an eye on. ‘Eyes For You’ is an utterly compelling and exquisite new single from Jen Ella.
About the track, Jen says, “The song is quite personal to me, it’s about a battle between head and heart. It’s about chasing something that’s not good for you. Though you know it’s not right for you, you continue to chase it anyway. As hard as it is, the experience brings you on a journey of recognizing your own self-worth. Though it’s dragging you down, it forces you to realize that you deserve better.”
Critchley & Simmons have released their new single ‘Heave Ho’ which was recorded remotely, with the vocals recorded in New York by Philosopher Simon Critchley and the music recorded by John William Simmons in Melbourne.
‘Heave Ho’ is a dramatic, haunting track which displays Critchley & Simmons’ unique and sinister sound. With eerie keys, throbbing beats, and melancholic saxophone, the song drifts between smoky jazz and quirky experimental horror movie tones to create a unique, cinematic listening experience. An innocent melody on keys resounds through a carnival-esque waltz while haunting deep vocals chant “heave-ho” in a tired dragging manner. The duo use this gripping tune to display the constant daily thud and restriction of life while creating a spine-chilling, musically lush number for the listener to indulge in.
Chay Snowdon have released their debut EP ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably? (Then We’ll Begin)’.Chay Snowdon are a four-piece alternative rock outfit based in the South West of England.
Boasting anthemic tunes and blazing instrumentation ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably? (Then We’ll Begin)’ is a relentless onslaught of Chay Snowdon’s powerful sound. Setting a strong foundation the band’s previously released, spectacular singles; ‘What the Kids Want’, ‘Tough Guys Die First’, ’Loud Shirts’ and ‘Men Cry Too’ grace the EP. These are the tantalizing singles that have secured Chay Snowdon’s strong and devoted fan base. With soaring guitar licks, solos, and riffs embellishing the tracks, each song has crafted a fiery and impressive pathway for the EP.
The band’s enthusiasm pushes the album along at a relentless, breathless pace. Spreading soaring choruses over an energetic indie rock backdrop ‘Tough Guys Die First’ and ’Loud Shirts’ surge with adrenaline and anthemic rock vigor – the latter displaying the band’s magnificent frenzied crescendo’s and blues-hued rock in all its glory.
Chay’s rasped vocals glide over the smooth melodies with ease injecting emotion and charm into each song. This is perhaps most noticeable within ‘Men Cry Too’. His passionate vocals hold a strong stance over the bubbling backdrop and jaunty guitar jabs. With rumbling drums and an insatiable groove on bass, ‘Men Cry Too’ is an exceptional display of musicianship and a noteworthy highlight on the EP.
Chay Snowdon create their songs to deliver on all fronts making their infectious indie bangers timeless and utterly enjoyable – this is perhaps best shown within the four piece’s lyrical content. Throughout ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably? (Then We’ll Begin)’ the band display their deft, witty and catchy songwriting. The clever lyrical content is expressed through beautiful storytelling and sharp turn of phrase. This is most prominent within ‘Cash Only’“I met her in the park she caught my eye, you know it started with a spark oh my my and we talked until the dark I proclaimed I’m lonely with the deepest of regrets she said cash only “.
‘Are You Sitting Comfortably? (Then We’ll Begin)’ is an exhilarating collection of glam rock, indie, and rock n’ roll. The wailing guitars, thrilling vocals and slick rhythms all feel like a treat just waiting for eager live crowds to unwrap and enjoy. This EP is extremely well put together and cements Chay Snowdon’s reputation as an exciting band to keep an eye on.
Stream ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably? (Then We’ll Begin)’ below
Bullets & Knives has released their new single ‘Fuel’.Based in Gembloux, Belgium Bullets & Knives are a hard hitting rock band. Taking inspiration from the band’s founder Julien Delaye’s day job at a petrol station, ‘Fuel’ exposes the frustration felt towards this job.
‘Fuel’ is a smashing alternative 90’s rock track consumed in the expressive and dynamic musicianship of Bullets & Knives. The band surge raw riffs through a pounding drum and bass backdrop to create a dark and intense wall of sound. The raw rumbling bass lines wriggle through the track while the resounding heavy drums surround the song in a harsh mosh-ready fury. There is a cinematic quality to the song as the crashing guitars shrill with dramatic grandeur through the thick muggy soundscape. This magnificent display shows the band’s ability to express emotion through their brawny alternative rock. With a catchy melancholic melody and passionate vocals, Bullets & Knives showcase their energetic and heartfelt rock through this anthemic power tune, and it’s impressive.
23 years old, Polish-born and Dublin-raised artist Mateusz Kosnik of Shaky Shack, has released his debut single ‘Soakie’ under the moniker Poor Petal. The track is the first single off his debut EP ‘zzz’, which is set for release on March 26th. Poor Petal is Kosnik’s solo project. He writes, produces and masters everything himself in his bedroom (recently upgraded to attic studio) with the occasional collaboration and/or sample of his friends.
‘Soakie’ is a hypnotic gem from Poor Petal. The track exudes a soothing persona that is heightened by delicate guitar melodies which loosely weave into the song’s vast, airy soundscape creating a tranquilizing listening experience. Kosnik uses subtle metronomic beats and a constant warm guitar refrain to anchor the track’s ethereal atmosphere allowing the sweet whispered vocals fill out the song’s spacious backdrop. With lush backing vocals and a marshmallow-soft melody, ‘Soakie’ is a beautiful and calming single from Poor Petal.
Dublin’s own indie-rock sensation Somebody’s Child have released their latest 4-track EP ‘Hope, Amongst Other Things’ along with their new single ‘Brother.’ Inspired by lead-singer Cian’s own experiences, the record’s candid narrative seeks to observe the challenges with mental health prominent amongst people in their early twenties and more specifically those who are struggling to establish their own identities.
Steeped in intense energy and cinematic bursts of indie rock, ‘Brother’ is a passionate display of musicianship from Somebody’s Child. Cian Godfrey’s rasped vocals exude emotion as he injects a sense of desperation and intensity into the atmospheric backdrop. With ethereal guitar melodies weaving a melodic thread between expressive drum progressions and dynamic bass grooves, the track is a sleek and powerful anthem.
Somebody’s Child craft the song superbly – brooding verses exude dark undertones of rumbling bass and light glimmers on guitar before erupting into the rock-smattered anthemic chorus. With a scorching solo and choir backing vocals leading to the kinetic crescendo, this remarkable track showcases Somebody’s Child’s refined and beautifully crafted sound in all its glory. Love it.
Luke Power has released his latest single, ‘Drinks’. After touring with Irish pop and rock band Picture This and performing in venues like The Olympia, Luke Power returns after a three-year hiatus with an arsenal of over 20 tracks ready to go. Born in 1999, Power grew up in Dublin, Ireland, surrounded by music. Both his uncle & grandfather are experienced vocalists and heavily influenced his decision to pursue music. Power started playing the guitar at the age of eight and began learning the basics of production when he was ten. Becoming skilled at Logic X and Pro Tools, he then began to mix and master tracks for various artists in Ireland.
‘Drinks’ is an energetic electronic pop track dripping in the tight musicianship and lush melodic prowess of Luke Power. Spreading swirling synths around bubbling beats and flickering electronics the track has an effervescent soundscape that surges with adrenaline. Throughout this dance floor smasher, Power adds emotional lyrical content to provide a satisfying listening experience. His smooth vocals caress the dreamy melody while the dynamic production flurries with a hurried urgency behind his moving lyrics “ I don’t feel real”.
Power displays his ability to craft an engaging and musically deft tune that exudes heartfelt lyrics and emotion at its core. Keep an eye on Luke Power.
About the track Power said, “It is an ode to the good times pre lockdown, where you can go out to create new memories with friends”.
Chris Wise and The Hidden Revolution are set to release their new single ‘Don’t Belong’. Recorded at Paul Weller’s prestigious invite-only Black Barn Studios in Sussex, with support from Ireland’s MCD Productions, this infectious toe-tapper kicks off what promises to be an epic year for the band. Naturally progressing from the band’s last two DIY-styled video releases, “Don’t Belong” is released alongside a charm-filled stop-motion animated video by Gold Brick Studios, bringing this rare and unique art form back into the fold of popular music. An exciting 2021 is planned for Chris Wise and The Hidden Revolution, with more releases and post-pandemic live shows to come.
‘Don’t Belong’ is a colorful upbeat bop saturated in Chris Wise and The Hidden Revolution’s melodically lush musicianship. Introduced by a rhythmic bounce and infectious guitar refrain, the track shuffles in on a bright wave of jittery guitar pop. The band layer the track superbly with elegant jangly keys, vibrant percussion, and intricately weaved basslines to create an instant earworm gem. The clean, sleek production and emotive songwriting make ‘Don’t Belong’ a stunning and radiant delight. With lush harmonies creating a joyous sing-along element while the uplifting soundscape builds to create a wonderful sense of ecstasy, ‘Don’t Belong’ is an absolute joy to the ears.
Robert O’Connor has released his new single ‘Too Late’ to celebrate the release of his deluxe nine-track EP ‘Transcendence.’ The EP was originally released in November 2020 to a rapturous response from fans and widespread critical acclaim and this expanded edition celebrates that.
‘Too Late’ takes O’ Connor’s infectious sound to a darker, more sombre dimension. With swirling electronics creating a thick muggy atmosphere while soft lamenting synths glisten throughout, he crafts an infectious, melancholic brooding number for listeners to indulge in. O’Connor keeps the dance momentum from his previous releases going in ‘Too Late’ with bubbling beats and infectious hooks weaving between the icy electronics while his warm vocals coo the catchy melody. With intense verses building to an anthemic chorus and energetic crescendo, ‘Too Late’ is a well-crafted, electronic pop tune that boasts the lush musicianship of Robert O’ Connor.
Sarah Deegan of Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra performs an acoustic set for Our Indie Buddie Sessions.
Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra are a Dublin-based three-piece consisting of singer/guitarist Sarah Deegan, bassist Alice Grollero and drummer Danni Nolan, who came together about three years ago after meeting through gigging around the Dublin underground music circuit.
This talented three-piece have a poignant and passionate sound oozing brooding melodies and biting instrumentation. Sarah Deegan showcases the band’s magnificent indie rock sound and deft lyrics through this mesmerising and thoroughly enjoyable session.
