Northern Ireland two Piece Fagash McCann have released their new single ‘Black Lipstick Kiss’. A slinky ambitious track ,‘Black Lipstick Kiss’ is a riff driven lusty mammoth that showcases Fagash McCann’s ability to create a satisfying powerful number. The duo rein in their wild wall of sound binding it with tight muscular bass riffs and punchy drums. The bass weaves steamy elastic melodies through the drum beat while attitude soaked vocals exude swagger. The track boils and burns beneath the robust blues-hued rock instrumentation while the sleek melody seeps into the ears with ease creating the perfect balance between sensually smooth and razor sharp.This rough and tumble gem has a Royal Blood vibe without leaning too heavily on the comparison. There is a lot blistering and sizzling beneath the depths of this track and as a drum and bass duo these guys create and layer their sound superbly.
Bio: Perth four-piece The Limbs formed in 2013, The Limbs became a popular fixture on the WA live scene, quickly locking in shows alongside the likes of Tired Lion and Pat Chow, as the release of their debut EP Beginner put the band further on the radars of many.The band’s sophomore release, Dive In, made an impact all its own, setting the foundation for The Limbs’ sound in 2019. The charging sounds of single ‘Caught Me At A Bad Time’ signaled a new chapter for the band, bolstered by the introduction of new band member Clayton Brown (guitar) and successful shows supporting Jebediah and Abbe May
Track: Here
Why We Like It: It’s a blistering grunge dipped track laced in the sweet ethereal sting on guitars as they wail, stride and flood the track with aerial tones and a piercing raw texture. The punchy rhythm maintains a meaty and buoyant foundation for the guitars to ricochet off. Melty melodies speed gracefully into the ears as the smooth reverb vocals caress it with tenderness. It’s a sublime adrenaline inducing track filled with exhilarating musicianship and fantastic production. With its hazy dreamy tones and intricate polished guitar melodies The Limbs have created a wholly satisfying track to get excited about.
Bio: Still are a Los Angeles-based act comprised of Daniel McDonough, Adrian Johnson and Julian Johnson. The band have released their first single ‘Divinity’ off their upcoming debut EP.
Track: ‘Divinity’
Why We Like It: It’s a hazy cloud of shoegaze delight wrapped in twinkling indie elements and wonderful melodies. The ethereal guitar sweetly drifts about the track in a daydream of bliss while the soft innocent vocals coo over the candyfloss wistful melody. The track has a mopey and melancholic hue lying in the undercurrents of this floaty number. With a punchy drum beat keeping all the wispy components in place Still have created a mesmerising track that seeps into your very core. A sublime debut.
Bio: Hailing from Ballymahon in Co. Longford, Irish singer-songwriter KTG – aka Katie Gallagher has steadily become a rising star to acknowledge over the last 3 years.
Track: Don’t Tell My Mother
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate warm track with an exquisite guitar melody deeply weaving and wiggling underneath KTG’s mature and moving vocals. With lush baking vocals, rich rhythm and beautiful melodies this track is a tender and moving ditty filled with sublime musicianship, poignant song writing and infectious melodies. There is oodles of passion seeping from every note and folky hue while KTG presents her sound with grace, elegance and an edgy quality that is admirable.
Bio: After playing in numerous bands, Dublin artist Watchy has decided to go solo. He has released his debut solo EP ‘Double Retired’. On drums is Dara Walsh. Mick Richards at Trackmix Recording Studio recorded, mixed and mastered while artwork was done by Caitlín Gallagher.
Track: ‘Double Retired’
Why We Like It: It’s a feisty number bursting from the seams with fierce alternative rock. A gritty frenzied bass line pummels through the track bouncing energetically off the thunderous drums. This track throttles through at full neck snapping speed. Its catchy, blood thirsty and filled with shredding instrumentation – that instrumental break alone is of epic proportion as the shrilling guitar lacerates through the robust wall of sound with slick precision. With epic triumphant moments glimmering throughout and rough shouty vocals this mammoth blaster is one thrilling slap in the face of raw shredding alternative rock that is sure to send a live audience into a chaotic frenzy.
Bio: Vulpynes are a two piece band that create a fusion of heavy and melodic hooks, snarling vocals and a visceral rhythm section. ‘Bitches are like Waves’ is the first single from Vulpynes forthcoming EP ‘Dye Me Red’, which is out on limited multi coloured 10” vinyl from FOAD Records/Advance Records on the 28th of September
Track: ‘Bitches are like Waves’
Why We Like It: It’s a gritty razor sharp gash of frenzied alternative rock with slick riffs pounding drums and feisty attitude. This track batters and bruises with its feisty persona and blasting instrumentation. The melody seeps with a sultry moodiness into your ears with ease while the abrasive guitar and pulverising drums storm in to ruffle some feathers and kick your ass. It’s another exhilarating number from the duo.
Dublin rock duo New Valley Wolves have released their new single ‘All You Do Is Talk’. Comprised of Jonny Lucey ( vocals/guitar) and Baz Joyce ( drums) New Valley Wolves have toured extensively around Ireland, UK, Netherlands and Canada since releasing their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Refusal is our Weapon’ in 2015. They have become festival favorite’s for their raucous and high energy live shows. In April 2018 ‘Cut-Throat’, the first single from their ‘Gospel’ EP went straight to #1 in the Irish Rock charts. New Valley Wolves have also toured with ex-Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss bassist Nick Oliveri as well as rock legends Black Stone Cherry.
‘All You Do Is Talk’ builds on New Valley Wolves’ fiery, enraged sound as they batter the track in their signature lancing guitar riffs and savage drums. This band has a knack for creating a hell raising, blood curdling tune. ‘All You Do Is Talk’ ferments beneath a gritty slick riff while a pounding rhythm creates the perfect backdrop for summoning your inner demons. It’s a catchy, dark track with intricate guitar elements weaving between the acute riffs while Baz Joyce’s’ drumming pummels through your skull with relentless groove infested stamina. Jonny Lucey’s authoritative vocals howl through the stomping beat, wild and mercilessly while the crashing and powerful wall of sound created by this duo compels you to mosh and go absolutely crazy. These guys have crafted one raw mean machine of chaos in ‘All You Do Is Talk’.
To celebrate the new release New Valley Wolves will be playing a run of shows you can catch the band live at:
Thurles band Jester have released their new single ‘Summertime’. Jester are Colly Dempsey, Mark O’ Dwyer, Tomas Maher, Niall O’ Shaughnessy and David Fitzpatrick. In 2018 they signed a publishing deal with UK based independent record label Velvet Moron Records, the brainchild of Dave White (Biffy Clyro, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kasabian, etc.). Their debut album ‘’Shadows Need A Light’’ was released in March 2019 on the label. The release coincided with an Irish tour culminating in a sold out show in their home town of Thurles at the Source Arts Centre in mid-March.The band formed over ten years ago in county Tipperary, Ireland and have had a lot of success over the years playing festivals and club gigs the length and breadth of the country and beyond, sharing the stage with some of the biggest acts in the country and beyond including The Fun Lovin Criminals, The Blizzards and Paul Weller amongst others.
‘Summertime’ drifts in on balmy guitar twangs and a sway- like tempo as Jester venture into their sweet sentimental side. Wrapped in romantic tones this delicate number floats on acoustic guitar and radiant hazy electric guitar pines. The track builds and unfolds beautifully into a classic rock crescendo as the guitars develop becoming more sharp and expressive while the drum kicks in. There is a sublime instrumental break which will have live audiences punching the air in dramatic passion as they lilt that shredding lamenting guitar solo with oodles of gusto. It’s a compelling track filled with cosy Bon Jovi – esque tones as the band take their catchy rock sound and strip it back into a snug charming number.
The band are currently back rehearsing their set list for a string of dates around the country over the coming months in support of their upcoming single ‘’Summertime’’.
You can catch Jester Live at:
De Barra’a Clonakilty . Cork July 27th
Feile Beag, Thurles Aug 4th
Tipp Classical , Semple Stadium, Thurles September 21st
Cork Indie Pop/Folk artist Bland Orlando has released his new EP ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’. This three track collection floats and swoons in Bland Orlando’s delicate and emotive musicianship. From the brooding fluid groove of opening track ‘Blue’ the EP sets up a tranquil scene with relaxing vibes and sweet lush melodies. With soft warm guitar accompaniment and a steady beat slap this track allows Bland Orlando’s vocals to become the main focus point as he coos with raspy tones over the delicate tender melody. ’Hold’ has a lighter more buoyant quality as the twinkling soundscapes flutter about the rich rhythm and infectious melody. It’s charming and a joy to listen to. There are intricate subtle melodies through out that create a mesmerising and peaceful tone to the track making it perfect for evening listening. This EP in brimming with passion and luscious melodies. Bland Orlando’s simplistic approach gives a special and magical effect to his tracks. ‘Wasted’ closes the EP. Haunting backing vocals lull and whine behind Orlando’s deep vocals. Passion and emotion radiates through out the track – building becoming more jittery until it transforms into a tropical- esque delight. The guitars add a dash of zest and sun-speckled scintillation as the rhythm becomes more shaky and vibrant. It’s a chilled cruising track to bring the EP to a mellowed out hazy summer end.
Bland Orlando has created an emotive EP that is set to ease the mind and relax the soul with his superb musicianship.
Leeds indie rock band The Sheratons have released their new single ‘Part of a Picture’.The band is fronted by singer and lead guitarist Kane Bulleyment with Caty Labbett playing bass, Finley Ryan on guitar and the secret weapon powering the band, Emma Liu on drums. Since their formation they have caught the ears of BBC 6 DJ Steve Lamacq and BBC Introducing DJ Alan Raw.
‘Part of a Picture’ is a fluttering swoon of nostalgic indie at its most invigorating. Zest filled jangly guitar weaves radiant golden sunshine through the punchy drums and groove laced bass to create a youthful rush of adrenaline. The laid back vocals drift effortlessly over the melty melody while the vivid instrumentation floods the track in suspenseful bliss and kinetic energy.Its a catchy and instantly likeable number from The Sheratons.
Dublin’s Fangclub have released their eagerly awaited sophomore album, ‘Vulture Culture’, on Vertigo Records. The band kick off their headline UK and European tour this October, opening in Liverpool and closing in Dublin’s Button Factory. They will also play Indiependence Festival, Cork on August 4th.
‘Vulture Culture’ is an experience – each track spirals towards the next in a gush of frenzy and turmoil while Fangclub showcase their expressive, explosive and majestic musicianship. Within this album Fangclub refine their sound, lacing each track with intricate guitar, raw bass lines and dynamic drum progressions. The album lulls into motion with ‘Last Time’. This beautiful track is made up of extracts from a confessional note that vocalist Steven King wrote his girlfriend, (which he sang to her in a lamp-lit studio). The band ease us into the album encompassing tender emotion and turmoil in one sublime slow burner. This delicate gem stops time and introduces the fragile aspects of the album with glistening guitar, reverb whispered vocals and a dreamy nostalgic melody. The track builds superbly becoming more vigorous as the drums and guitars crash into motion bringing about that powerful expressive sound we have come to love from this trio. What a track to introduce the album it’s everything the album contains and more. Title track ‘Vulture Culture’ has the trying job of following and boy it doesn’t disappoint. Stomping in swagger soaked and filled with bravado ‘Vulture Culture’ struts on slinky guitars, pulverising drums and snide vocals. With its jagged gallop and creepy carnival jingle on guitar, this light fun track is a daring cocktail of sinister and dark with a cynical zesty twist to add a sting to the palate.
Epic choruses and a robust wall of sound flood through the darker ‘Nightmare’, ‘Hesitations’ and ‘Kingdumb’ concreting the mosh ready hair raising effect of the album as each track takes you further and further into this glorious festering experience. ‘Viva Violent’ adds a steamy flourish to the album with its jangly guitar infectiously weaving between the elastic beat and rooted bass groove leading to the feisty chorus eruption. The melodies in the album, as always are catchy delicious spreads of honey that roll and drift into your mind in sweet easy doses. Each track has its own slinky raw manner which adds a sublime character and lovable quality to each song. Themes of fear, paranoia, addiction, love and despair all spew, ferment and curdle through ‘Every Day’ ‘Heavy Handed’ and ‘All I Have’ while the band use their musical prowess to create an instrumental whirlwind of shrilling guitar, beefy bass lines and mammoth drums creating the most thrilling and commanding backdrop. ’Black Rainbow’ is another gem within this treasure trove. This adrenaline inducing track drives through the gritty darkly smothered verses setting the tune up for another blasting chorus however, strikingly the band break into a sweet, light, fluffy chorus with King cooing over a dreamy, euphoric backdrop. There is of course a heavy crescendo but the track winds down into repetitive soft vocals, acoustic guitar and piano end – allowing us a glimpse of a more elegant side to Fangclub as we are lulled into a whimsical state of bliss. This track is fast becoming my favourite on the album. Its opium soaked melody and rich peppy rhythm mixed meticulously between the contrasting, brain-frazzling mania is masterful. ‘Slow’ closes the album ensuring our thirst for more is unquenchable. A beefy beat, luring guitars and attitude soaked vocals end the album on a massive high. You can’t get bigger, better or more frantic (well these guys probably will ) but it’s an enticing, vaporous and anthemic number that I can imagine is utterly mind blowing live. The track is raw, endearing and filled with enormous moments from crashing slick guitar to ground shaking bass lines and first class drumming.
Fangclub have created a phenomenal album with ‘Vulture Culture’. Once you listen to the album you will never be the same again. It is brimming with passion and curdling themes of confusion, sadness and violence. The band express this through fiery intense instrumentation that surrounds you and consumes you in a world created entirely by Fangclub. The tracks reach deep into the crevices of your subconscious and lay bare your emotions and experiences – raw and exposed but contained within this powerful medium. ‘Vulture Culture’ is pretty potent musicianship.
Dublin three piece alternative band LateNight Pharmacy, have released their new music video for their track ‘Texlahoma’ which is taken from the bands latest EP, ‘Flamingo’.The track has already proven very popular, with airplay from 98FM’s John Barker on Totally Irish and Indie Disco on Phoenix FM, as well as being selected for playlists by Caltify MX and Luna Collective on Spotify and the video features internet sensation Big Man Tyrone.
‘Texlahoma‘ is a jangly indie number laced in sublime guitar work with a catchy melody as Late Night Pharmacy pepper their punk -esque sound with light speckles of pop. With glorious sun sprinkled verses buoyantly leading the way to the gritty chorus the trio build the track perfectly, creating a wholly invigorating sound. A zest-filled guitar injects a biting rawness into the track while the punchy drums and quirky vocals add rich texture and vibrancy. Its a laid back smooth number that packs some serious punch as the track builds to its sublime crescendo.
Dublin four piece Bedrooms formed in 2019 and have spent the early months of the year locked away in a rehearsal studio creating their sound. They have now released their debut single ‘Chico’s Bodega’. .
‘Chico’s Bodega’ introduces Bedrooms with ethereal nostalgia dripped in bliss as chiming edged guitars flood the track in a bitter sweet melody that flutters the heart and douses it with teary euphoria. The melty 90’s steeped melody adds a wistful tone to this gem while the buoyant beat and driving bass surges the track with adrenaline. It’s an invigorating slice of indie pop that charms its way on repeat every time. With fuzz peppered guitars and that instant rush of heartfelt emotion while laid back vocals coo over the compelling backdrop, Bedrooms have the recipe that takes you through a lifetime of nostalgia with one sublime debut tune. Keep an eye on these guys.
We sat down to have a chat with Steven King from Fangclub to discuss what we can expect from the bands new album ‘Vulture Culture’ which was released today. We discussed the themes running through the album and the emotional and intricate aspects of ‘Vulture Culture’ as well as what it was like to support The Smashing Pumpkins and Metallica.
Watch the interview below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
