Neon Atlas have released ‘Your Mistakes Have Got Nothing On Mine’ – the first single from their upcoming, as yet untitled, 3rd album. This radiant indie-pop tune is saturated in jangly guitar and buoyant rhythms as Neon Atlas flesh out the more raw side of their sound. With lo-fi soundscapes providing a haze over the track, the band create a sunkissed atmosphere while edgy guitar and rich percussion lace the song in scorching indie undertones and grunge elements. Well-crafted, catchy and brimming with energetic instrumentation ‘Your Mistakes Have Got Nothing On Mine’ is a fantastic new single from Neon Atlas.
Stream ’Your Mistakes Have Got Nothing On Mine’ below
Following a sold-out headliner at the famous Cobblestone Venue, Luke Clerkin has released his highly anticipated ‘Owl Compass’ EP. Owl Compass was recorded remotely between Dublin and Berlin with producer jaako. This will mark the culmination of their work together, a partnership which began in late 2020. Three singles from the EP ‘Lost in Translation’, ‘Normal People’ and ‘Fall in Line’ have already gained critical and radio success getting support from Spin, RTE and BBC amongst others.Clerkin has decided to donate funds from the release to SCOOP Foundation Ukraine Emergency Response.
‘Owl Compass’ is a beautifully crafted EP. Luke Clerkin displays his exquisite musicianship by putting together a satisfying and cohesive collection of tracks that are sensitive and carefree while richly displaying his musical prowess. Throughout the EP Clerkin showcases his ability to find the sweet spot between genres to create luscious tunes for the listener to indulge in. His previously released singles, ‘Lost in Translation’, ‘Normal People’ and ‘Fall in Line’ all flood with lush melodies and cinematic soundscapes that blend electronic pop with indie while ‘Catch Up’ glimmers with folk tones and heartfelt songwriting. Each track is a joy to listen to and flows into the next with ease while also revealing hidden musical gems on each subsequent listen from subtle catchy refrains, clever lyrics to deft production. ‘Owl Compass’ is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
Talking about the release of ‘Owl Compass’, Luke said ‘‘I can’t believe it’s finally coming out! We’ve been working on these songs and these releases since late 2020. SO much love has gone into this project, and so much growth has come from it! I’m also excited that people will finally be able to listen to ‘Catch Up’, it’s both mine and jaako’s favourite song, and possibly the most personal song I’ve ever written!’.
Stephen James Smith has released his debut album ‘See No Evil’. The 9 track album was recorded during lockdown in Co. Wexford, after Stephen found himself moving there from Dublin during the pandemic which presented the opportunity to work with Gavin Glass in Orphan Recording Studios. Stephen was awarded the Music Industry Stimulus Package under the Recording Stimulus fund to help with the making of the album which is due for release on ‘Nymphs & Thugs’ an independent record label based in the UK. Stephen is the first Irish artist they are working with. The album is produced by Gareth Quinn Redmond and features a host of other artists such as; Conor O’Brien (Villagers), Jess Kav, Laura Quirke (Lemoncello), Cormac Begley, Camin Gilmore (Sun Collective / Crash Ensemble), Aidan Murphy, Conor Cunningham and Albert Karch.
‘See No Evil’ is an absolute delight. Throughout the album, Stephen James Smith creates vivid imagery through the medium of evocative poetry and expressive instrumentation. ‘An Ode to Tony MacMahon’s Den’ is a fine example of this; through eloquent lyrics and supple instrumentation ( enhanced by traditional lilts ) Stephen James Smith brings the exciting scene to life “come gather round and listen there’s a ramblin session beginning, Kerry is descended upon Dunlin in Tony MacMahon’s Den“. The pieces of composed music behind his stirring poetry is at times cinematic while at other times brooding and bubbling with tension underneath – his depiction of isolation in ‘Iomramh’ is wonderfully emotive and the icy piano and eerie soundscapes within ‘I’ve’ Had Lovers’ is simply a joy to listen to.
The characters within his tracks are relatable and James Smith narrates his stories with flawless commitment. Perhaps this is best displayed in ‘The Gardener’ – a powerful display of James Smith’s musicianship. Lines such as “her hands are warm, the flesh loosened by age….. Her eyes are still young, still, life to be lived” are combined with soft twinkling piano to express the artist’s complicated relationship with his mother “A sick child and a broken marriage all this and I don’t know how to speak to her. I always want to hug her and I don’t know how. So a veiled kiss laced with courtesy will do“. It’s one of many heartbreaking and earnest tracks on the album, that spark contemplation within the listener. Another line within the track that leaves the listener in lasting grimaces is the hard-hitting “nor did I expect to be knocked by the answer to my question, would you like grandchildren? I asked my father. I’d have liked a daughter, he said” – the lingering music and pause after this line enhances the emotional weight behind the lyric. It is an excellent display of James Smith’s deft musical prowess that creates a sense of shock and leaves the listener aghast by the words themselves.
‘See No Evil’ is a powerful thought-provoking album. James Smith creates poems filled with honest moments and emotive chills. There is much to admire from this album from sincere emotive lyrics to cinematic soundscapes and expressive instrumentation. Love it.
Stream ‘See No Evil’ below
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
