Category Archives: indie rock

Pretty Happy ‘Salami’

Pretty Happy have returned with their new single ‘Salami.’Pretty Happy are an Art-Punk three-piece from Cork with a growing reputation for their dynamic live performances and electric eccentricities. Made up of Abbey Blake (Guitar), Arann Blake (Vocals, Bass Guitar), and Andy Killian (Drums), the trio have established themselves as one of the most exciting acts on the Cork music scene. They use a combination of absurdist lyrics, demented emotions, and idiosyncratic melodies to create an all-consuming noise rock sound.

‘Salami’ is an abrasive whirlwind of post-punk as Pretty Happy spread raw instrumentation over psychedelic flashes to create one exhilarating frenzied smasher. Coarse jagged guitar lines gash through a rugged drum and bass foundation while exuding a hypnotic thumping tempo until the chorus announces itself with a roar of frenzy. Within the chorus crashing guitars, wailing vocals and barbed bloodthirsty bass slaps create the song’s instant spiral into chaos. However light shoegaze guitar breaks up the frenzy, as the band masterfully blends wild barbaric post-punk with dreamy moments to create a thrilling savage listening experience. 

Pretty Happy have an intense and blustery sound. They know exactly how to craft their quirky madness to create a wonderfully expressive wall of sound. They meld and mangle haunting vocals, spoken quips, and screams between a harrowing onslaught of gnawing guitars and a rumbling rhythmic section to create unruly, and absolutely thrilling music. 

Stream ‘Salami’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/prettyhappycork/salami/s-QmsG9wja2db


Author : Danu

Shadows of a Silhouette ‘Religion Is a Drug’

Alternative rock four-piece Shadows of a Silhouette have released their new single ‘Religion Is a Drug’. Much has changed for Shadows of a Silhouette over a seemingly long break since the release of their last single, ‘Closing For Good’, back in August. The two founding members of the band, Nathan Brown (Lead vocals, Rhythm guitar) and Reece Carter (Lead guitar) have since reformed the band and created the strongest line up to date, bringing in a drummer with over 10 years of experience in the scene with Tyler Henderson and recruiting a unique and aspiring musician in Fergus Murtagh to occupy the role of bassist. 

‘Religion Is a Drug’ is a slick riff-heavy number doused in Shadows of a Silhouette’s exhilarating musicianship. The band flesh out their sound with lush harmonies, popping bass lines, and crisp, finger-lickin’ guitar lines. Gliding between funky flexes and raw rock bravado the track wriggles in on an infectious groove and big brawny rhythm while jaunty smooth vocals caress a slinky melody. There is a lot going on in this song – from pummeling drums and rampant bass lines laying down the groove to the shredding guitar wails and scorching solos, Shadows of a Silhouette display their immense and energetic sound in all its glory. 

With a fun, catchy chorus and upbeat youthful sound ‘Religion Is a Drug’ is a badass smasher ready for repeat plays

Stream ‘Religion Is a Drug’ below 


Author : Danu

Chay Snowdon ‘Loud Shirts’

Chay Snowdon have released their new single ‘Loud Shirts’, via CD Baby. ‘Loud Shirts’ is taken from their forthcoming debut EP, ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably? (Then We’ll Begin)’ currently slated for mid-March release. Chay Snowdon are a four-piece alternative rock outfit based in the South West of England. 

‘Loud Shirts’ is a mammoth rock track saturated in the raw, energetic musicianship of Chay Snowdon. The track steamrolls in on a powerful wall of sound as thumping drums ricochet off a gritty foundation. The track exudes an irresistible glam-rock persona while showcasing the band’s deft musical ability. Desert western-esque guitars and sharp riffs pirouette and spring around the frantic brawny bass rumbles and pounding drums with such precision it’s magnificent to behold. With a rasped dynamic vocal delivery, searing verses, and blood-pumping chorus, ‘Loud Shirts‘ is a neck-snapping alternative indie powerhouse sure to have you frantically moshing in no time.

About the new single frontman, Chay says,‘“Loud Shirts’ it was the first song written that solely had the live shows in mind. Its purpose is to get the crowd down the front and going for it. It’s a song that has been in our set for a few years, but never gets old to play! It has become one of those songs’ that our regular gig-goers all know and anticipate in our sets, it has most definitely been a tune that has been gagging for a release. So, we finally felt it deserved to be recorded so fans can dance around at home and drift away into a dream world of mosh pits and chanting. “

Stream ‘Loud Shirts’ below 


Author : Danu

Greywind ‘Am I Asleep?’

Following the success of their acclaimed debut album, Greywind are back with their brand-new single ‘Am I Asleep?’. Making little secret of their ambitious global plans, Greywind, which is formed by siblings Steph (vocals) and Paul O’Sullivan (guitar), are fast proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Raised in the Irish town of Killarney, their mutual passion for expansive, stadium-sized rock music has since propelled them beyond the confines of stifled opportunity and into realms of superstar potential. 

Greywind take their sound to cinematic heights with new release ‘Am I Asleep?’. Sprinkling light guitar over a brooding ethereal soundscape while punchy drums provide a biting edge, the duo showcase their first-rate musicianship in all its glory. The band carefully layer soft sonic textures into lush guitar melodies and supple bass grooves which gracefully swirl around Steph’s soothing vocals, while the dreamy melody exudes an otherworldly atmosphere. The duo slowly build the song allowing it to blossom within the spacious instrumentation until finally introducing an explosive and celestial post-rock crescendo. 

Greywind are known for creating heartfelt tunes that evoke emotion within the listener and ‘Am I Asleep’ is a prime example of this – it is an utterly moving and captivating piece of music. The duo have triumphantly returned and given listeners a tantalizing taste of their exciting and spell-binding sound. 

Watch the video for ‘Am I Asleep?’ below. 


Author : Danu

Fly the Nest ‘Old Street Lover’

Singer/ songwriter Fly the Nest has released his new single, ‘Old Street Lover’.Dublin native Fly the Nest (Stephen Cooper) started playing music at a young age, performing in various bands before starting solo project Fly the Nest, a name inspired by the many adventures music has led him on. As well as writing and releasing his own music, Stephen also writes for sync, and says that writing for film and TV has opened up another facet of his creativity. Stephen now spends his time between Ireland and Denmark, and gigs regularly across Scandinavia.

 ‘Old Street Lover’ is a rush of adrenaline as Fly the Nest uses intricate layering and deft musicianship to create a massive cinematic number for the listener to indulge in. The song holds you in suspense and hanging onto every word as Cooper’s powerful rasped vocals drift over a brisk catchy melody and dynamic indie-rock soundscape. In true Fly the Nest manner, the chorus announces itself with a dramatic wall of sound – instrumentally robust and masterfully layered the chorus is catchy, vibrant, and sure to be stuck in your head all day. 

Fly the Nest delivers a fantastic, full-bodied sound in ‘Old Street Lover’. He weaves rich percussion through the tight expansive wall of sound along with shredding guitar moments and heart-stopping melodies – its heaven to the ears. ‘Old Street Lover’ is an exciting new addition to Fly the Nests impressive and evocative repertoire. Love it.

About the track Fly the Nest says, “This song is about having a connection with someone that’s ultimately lost. Though it hurts to see it end, you really do wish them the best and hope they find what they’re looking for.”

Stream ‘Old Street Lover’ below 


Author : Danu

Lost Boys ‘Honey Mustard’ EP

Limerick indie-Pop band Lost Boys have released their debut EP ‘Honey Mustard.’ Starting initially as an indie band back in 2018 – Lost Boys have consistently looked at new ways to create more meaningful and modern music, most recently with the introduction of Hip-Hop/New Wave instrumentation into their songs.

‘Honey Mustard’ is a beautiful EP. Lost Boys display their exquisite musicianship by putting together a satisfying and cohesive collection of tracks that are sensitive and carefree while richly displaying the band’s musical prowess. They showcase their ability to find the sweet spot between genres to create luscious tunes for the listener to indulge in. Each track is saturated in lovable heartfelt melodies and peppered in reggae rhythms, 90’s rock embellishments, and sweet indie-pop with hip hop and new wave blending everything together. Even though the band move through different genres, it’s a seamless transition each time.

Slick R&B and hip hop elements create a smooth glossy soundscape in ‘Hindsight’ and the groove-infested ‘Best Friend’ which keeps the EP’s atmosphere light to begin with. However ‘Karma Girl’ kicks things up a notch. Thick electronics flurry around a hypnotic guitar refrain throughout the song while sticky pulsing beats create a suspenseful and intense backdrop. With reverb vocals, a cinematic chorus, and gripping instrumental builds, ‘Karma Girl’ is a magnificent track and a pinnacle moment in the EP. 

The beautiful ballad-esque ‘Sadie’ brings the EP to a wonderful finale. A warm acoustic guitar strums atop elegant strings and delicate picks on electric guitar. The mellow soundscape is tender, evocative, and simply divine. Oozing lush harmonies and a subtle country tone, it’s an emotive end to a magnificent EP.

Lost Boys have outdone themselves with ‘Honey Mustard.’ Boasting rich soundscapes, skillful use of instrumentation, and lush harmonies, teamed with earnest lyrics, ‘Honey Mustard’ marks Lost Boys as a band to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Honey Mustard’ Below 


Author : Danu

Thrillhouse ‘Flawed Design’

Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Flawed Design’. ‘Flawed Design’ is an absolute groove fest coated in shimmering disco vibes and funky basslines. With melty infectious melodies gliding between shimmering synths, jaunty guitars, and intricate percussive shimmies, this sparkling gem is infectious and irresistible to the ears. Thrillhouse surge a chic strutting quality into the track through smooth vocals that ooze panache and charm while lush harmonies and catchy melodies will have you bopping in no time. Boasting sleek production, witty lyrics, and the musical mastery of Thrillhouse, ‘Flawed Design’ is a dance-inducing earworm ready for repeat plays.

Stream ‘Flawed Design’ below 


Author : Danu

Dr. Craves ‘Free It’

‘Free It’ is the anthemic new track from Mexican artist Dr. Craves. Created in the full spirit of DIY recording, ‘Free It’ was recorded on a laptop with bathroom reverb and cheap microphones. After years of experimenting with music and playing in punk bands, Dr. Craves is stepping out on her own with her slick new sound. Creator of electronic music with slick audio production, Dr. Craves refuses to be boxed into one genre and consistently pushes the boundaries of her creativity. 

‘Free It’ is a raw piece of experimental electronic rock. With an intricate sticky beat slapping between acute swirling electronics, the track has an edgy wall of sound. Dr. Craves’ rasped vocals provide a rock vibe to this attitude driven track while dark guitars rumble through the reverb laced soundscape. Written as a “way to confront her demons”, the track exudes 90’s dance elements soaked in electronic rock with unique wobbly and distorted synths interspersed throughout. Pushing through to a crazed crescendo ‘Free It’ is an engaging and energetic debut from Dr. Craves. 

Stream ‘Free It’ below 


Author : Danu

N.O.A.H ‘Darkest Hour’

N.O.A.H have released their eagerly awaited second single ‘Darkest Hour’, featuring Booka Brass. The single follows their first release “Shine” which received extensive airplay across both national and regional radio and was featured as 2FM’s Breakfast with Doireann & Eoghan’s Track of the Week. The band made their international debut with a featured live performance on Laura Whitmore’s BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast show. N.O.A.H is comprised of three lifelong friends, Ryan Hill,Adam Rooney and Ronan Hynes. The band was formed in January 2020, after the band decided to reform a previous musical endeavour. The band have taken inspiration in its naming, from the biblical story of ‘Noah and the Ark’, which is centralised around the theme of new beginnings. This idea is fundamental to the band’s vision and core values.

Filled with catchy hooks, a sing-along ready chorus and energetic instrumentation, ‘Darkest Hour’ is a sleek, edgy, and fantastic new single from N.O.A.H. The band create an eerie and tantalizing wall of sound while warm vocals coo in the backdrop. A driving rumble on bass and drums seduce through a muggy soundscape while luring guitar licks exude a dark indie tone. The triumphant rich elements provided by Booka Brass fill out the song’s backdrop with massive brass blasts while N.O.A.H injects psychedelic-hued distortion on guitars to create a confused and harrowing soundscape to match the vast brass sound. With shredding guitar embellishment and kick-ass rock bravado, ‘Darkest Night’ is a magnificent new single from N.OA.H.

Speaking about the track, N.O.A.H said: “Once you emerge from this mind spinning rock tune, its meaning is left starring you in the face. Broadly speaking it is about mental health, and how a sane mind quickly begins to deteriorate, we experience a person’s descent into their “darkest hour.”

Stream ‘Darkest Hour’ below


Author : Danu

Gallaher’s Green ‘Lucky 13’

Manchester-based Rock band Gallaher’s Green, are set to release their debut album ‘Lucky 13’ on 12th February. Showcasing warm ballads, fiery anthems, and oodles of swagger within each track ‘Lucky 13’ takes the passionate and dynamic rock n roll sound of Gallaher’s Green to new heights.

Boasting sweltering guitars, powerful drums, and bass ‘Black Beast’ introduces the album with vigor. Oozing panache from every note it sets the album up magnificently while a shredding solo and fiery crescendo teases and keeps the listener wanting to hear more. Gallaher’s Green express the energy of their live shows superbly throughout the album through the use of steamy guitar moments and razor-sharp rock n roll bravado. From the anthemic ‘Cut Right In To Me’ to the spirited ‘Ballad Of The One Eyed Bastard,’ the band evoke images of a live audience swaying and singing back the lyrics. 

The multi genre-blending within ‘Lucky 13’ is compelling. The band mix county tones into their infectious rock to create jaunty heartfelt bops in ‘Feel So Real’ (who can resist that ‘do do do’ lyric) and foot-tapping ‘To Be With You’ to make a full rounded and hearty sound.   

‘Lucky 13’ is also a majestic display of the band’s melodic prowess. Gallaher’s Green douse each song in sweet, catchy, and easy on the ears melodies that weave and blend beautifully between the blistering and brooding instrumentation. This is particularly evident in the delicate warm ballads ‘Prodigal Son’ and ‘Light Inside Of Me’, which feature beautiful guest vocals from Courtney Duncan.

Throughout the album, the sweet and powerful undertones of each track are magnificently balanced – delicate songs such as ‘Until I See You Again’ are followed by fiery rock tracks like ‘Satellite’ which is perhaps my favourite on the album. Exuding blazing jabs on guitar which soar between raw bass grooves and galloping drums, ‘Satellite’ is another fantastic expression of Gallaher’s Green’s animated wall of sound.

There is something mesmerising about this band’s sound that wrestles your ears into submission. The fun, energy, and rich musicianship within creates an album ready for repeat listens. ‘Lucky 13’ is a tight, well-crafted, and thoroughly enjoyable debut album from Gallaher’s Green.

‘Lucky 13’ is set for release on 12th February. For more, check out Gallaher’s Green on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/GallahersGreen


Author : Danu