Dublin’s punk garage rock duo Vulpynes are one of the most exciting Irish rock bands in recent years. Since the release of their self titled debut EP and their sophomore EP ‘Dye Me Red’ which was released last year the band have gone from strength to strength supporting the likes of Deap Vally, Doyle (Misfits), Marmozets, Stiff Little Fingers, Sleaford Mods and the Interrupters.
The duo have a slick, raw and majestic way of presenting their blood thirsty rock and this Thursday they are treating us to a few acoustic versions of their tunes. It is a set not to be missed.
Our Worth A Listen This Week Comes From Bitch Falcon
Dublin grunge-rock trio, Bitch Falcon have released their new single ‘Gaslight’ on Small Pond Records.The track premiered on BBC Radio 1 last Sunday and is the band’s debut release of 2020 and their first since signing to Brighton’s Small Pond Records. Formed by front-woman Lizzie Fitzpatrick with her friends in a small kitchen in 2014, the lineup has galvanised around the rhythm section of Barry O’Sullivan on Bass and Nigel Kenny on Drums. To date they have performed several headline and support tours around the UK along with frequent visits to the Benelux countries and North America. From the early days of their first single, Wolfstooth to their most recent release Damp Breath, an evolution in sound can be heard as the group perfect and refine their raw, fuzz-laced offerings over six singles and one EP.
‘Gaslight’ is Bitch Falcon’s most exciting release to date. The band unleash an alternative rock maelstrom filled with raw guitars, powerful vocals and heavy barbed bass lines. The hefty tight rhythmic foundation anchors the listener through the tracks crazed agitated atmospherics as Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s bewitching vocals haunt over brooding sound rumbles and pummeling drum progressions.
Bitch Falcon have a deft ability to create wonderful calm moments of respite in between their chaotic sound which is a difficult task to achieve and yet they do this with such ease that the listener can not help but be in awe of their musical prowess. They are one of Ireland’s most exciting alternative rock bands at the moment. The refined layering and dark chilling atmospheres created within their tracks is utterly thrilling and a joy to listen to.
With gritty riffs and a dark all consuming soundscape, ‘Gaslight’ is an epic return from Bitch Falcon.
About the trackLizzie Fitzpatrick commented “I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. Gaslight is a song that came together quite fast. Barry started playing his riff and I played along messing rhythmically, just making noise. It sounded so weird and intense so quickly. I remember us all looking at each other and saying this is the one. I think this song was a change in our writing together. We knew we wanted a heavy sound with melodic intricacies.I recorded the vocal layering at home, building up chords with my voice. When we recorded it in the studio, I wasn’t able to sustain my voice for the whole section, Rían (Trench), and I decided to record it in a wave, one-note resting while the other picks up, so it sounds like a living, breathing thing.
I wanted to describe the feeling of what you see is not necessarily what you get. The holy grail of public display, and worth to others. Expressing yourself puts you in a vulnerable position, and I think a lot of people embellish the truth. In that way, an unachievable status is shoved down our throats, and we play into the game every day.”
Dublin indie-rock/pop artist Somebody’s Child has released his new single ‘We Could Start A War’, taken from forthcoming debut EP ‘20-something’ out August 7th. ‘We Could Start a War’ is the second single from the Irish newcomers debut EP, it follows the success of first single ‘Hold Me Like You Wanna’, which has been featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday, plus editorial playlists The Indie List, alt-pop and more, steamrolling past 50,000 streams in just 2 weeks. The single has also been supported by BBC Radio 1 (Jack Saunder’s Next Wave Artist), Radio X, RTE Radio 1 (Recommends), RTE 2FM, Today FM and has been added to the A-list on Amazing Radio, amongst other stations.
‘We Could Start A War’ is a passionate and infectious slice of indie pop flavoured with R&B elements against an effervescent 80’s pop backdrop. The track packs in oodles of energy and 80’s rock gusto as a shrilling guitar soars over the swirling fizzing soundscapes.
The track begins brooding and mournful with soft guitar mirroring the melody’s lament before the suave production kicks in giving the track glitzy swagger and a polished sheen. The danceable foot tapping beat and chilled tempo of the track provides an ethereal quality while the rasped vocals venture into a soulful tone as the emotion and intensity of the song builds.
There is a laid back quality about ‘We Could Start A War’ as the 80’s synths flood with nostalgia while the refined blend of catchy sounds and powerful lyrics takes the song to its epic moments. ‘We Could Start A War’ showcases Somebody’s Child is an artist creating dynamic music with real heart and passion at its core.
Mechner has released his new single ‘Wasted’ which is part three of his upcoming mini-LP ‘Club Idem’. Mechner is the latest foray for Cork based artist Jack Ahern, Mechner has supported the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Delerentos and The Coronas amongst many others.
‘Wasted’ is quite the bewitching tune. Ahern pursues a more mysterious and conflicted form of songwriting with ‘Wasted’ as he drowns his sorrows in cinematic eerie soundscapes while the lyrics express self doubt “It’s easy to see that you’re wasted on me”.
Ahern’s vocals venture between soft whispers and melodic coos before becoming more intense as the song builds. The track swirls almost out of control delving into a dark abyss of coiling, confused emotions expressed through crashing cymbals and pounding drums. The airy rhythmic taps and swirling soundscapes between this emotive frenzy expresses an uncontrollable rush of panic and pain. ‘Wasted’ is a mesmerising piece of work, I can’t wait to hear more from Ahern.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sea Girls
Sea Girls have released the stunning animated video for their anthemic fan favourite and new single, ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’, taken from their forthcoming debut album Open Up Your Head – out August 14th on Polydor. The band also embark on a huge headline tour this November, including sold-out dates at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowlands, Manchester Academy and Birmingham’s O2 Institute, as well as the band’s biggest headline line show to date at London’s Brixton Academy.
‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ is an effervescent guzzle of refreshing indie rock. This anthemic track kick starts the frenzy with a cool guitar chime and pulsing beat. The band cruise into the song before erupting into the dynamic chorus which is sure to be epic live. The band spread a bitter/sweet melody over crashing guitars, punchy drums and blazing bass grooves to create an instant shot of adrenaline-fueled indie. Henry Camamile ventures from wistful coos for the verses to passionate exclaims for the chorus building the tracks emotive quality. The intensity builds as the song progresses towards the frantic crescendo. The band have a knack for writing earnest ear-worms with clever lyrical content and ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ follows this trend. Sea Girls’ music is expanding and getting better with each release. Their anthemic musical prowess provides a wholling invigorating sound sure to charm all who hear it.
The animated video was directed by acclaimed Korean-Swedish duo Tjoff Koong Studios (Tezo Kyungdon Lee and Magnus Lenneskog). The video takes the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster. Lead singer Henry Camamile perfectly describes the video, “When I wrote this song I was trying to channel some emotional highs and lows of the likes of Kurt Cobain.” He continues, “Full of visual adrenalin, it builds with rushes of excitement and lack of control. Someone build a rollercoaster through the city and we’ll get on it.”
You can watch the video for ‘All I Want To Hear You Say’ below
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From THUMPER
Dublin noise-pop sextet THUMPER have recently released their brand new single, ‘Topher Grace’. With a raw flaky rhythm battering through distorted guitars the track kicks off with abrasive sonics while THUMPER mangle acute post punk into a psychedelic rock mirage to create a confused and intense atmosphere. Oisín Leahy-Furlong spits a mostly spoken monologue which highlights themes of self-destruction. Sonically the track whirlwinds through the lyrics with manic tendencies while the rampant yet steady bass, drums and guitars hold a constant anchor of sanity throughout the chaos.
The scrupulous layering of this track displays THUMPERS adept ability to create controlled chaos while venturing out of their comfort zone. The usual bubble pop melodic flurries we are used to from THUMPER are absent as the band delve into lyricist territory replacing vocal melody with venom-filled words and yelps in between breathy exclaims. It is only when the song fades at the end that we get a glimmer of a gentle melody as Leahy-Furlong sings a bittersweet lament “I hide in bars. I drown in words. It seems absurd that I’m lonely. Make a safe bet – If I left, this party continues without me”.
What makes THUMPER great is their deep, intelligent grasp of style and genre. ‘Topher Grace’ is an erosive, acid soaked frenzy smushed into a thrilling six and a half minute track. It is a fantastic, bold and daring display of musicianship from the band.
When I spoke to Oisín Leahy-Furlong about the track he said : “It was written over the course of a couple of months which is sort of different for me, normally these things are written in bursts. I suppose the song makes several allusions to a culture which is fairly present, in Ireland anyway of airing your problems in public with a pint in your hand rather than in a friend’s sitting room. I guess it’s about the idea that maybe you are going through destruction or by unraveling yourself you will find some sort of ultimate truth or something. Which of course is bullshit but I suppose the deeper you are into that lifestyle the easier it is to convince yourself that it’s the way for you.”
The Rezner are set to release their new single ‘The Jive’ on 3rd of July. Conquering just about every corner of the UK, The Rezner have already become stalwarts of the Festival Scene impressing crowds across the nation. Playing the likes of The Isle of Wight, Leopallooza, Port Eliot & Beautiful Days following 2018’s main stage slots at Boardmasters and The Great Estate as well as support slots with VANT, SUM 41 and King Nun.The bands previous releases ‘Micky’ and ‘Wouldn’t You Like To Know?’ have proven popular building up over 10,000 Spotify streams on each track as well as gaining traction from ‘Huw Stephens’ at Radio 1 and Sarah Gosling over at BBC Introducing.
With all its blustery riffs, rock and roll sleekness and adrenaline fueled gusto ‘The Jive’ is a swagger slapped indie anthem that travels full throttle with The Rezner’s explosive sound. Surrounded in a whirring flurry of sharp guitars, dynamic bass and pummeling drums the track erupts into the bands vivid and full bodied sound without any hesitation. The sleek verses buoyantly triumph through an elastic display on bass as the band flesh out their rock n roll panache.The Rezner meander between the polished and the crazed as they blast out a manic raw indie rock track with confident control and maturity. This quarter remain as dedicated as ever in their mission to serve us an earworm of exhilarating musicianship as the kinetic chorus and vibrant instrumentation keep the song traveling at neck snapping speeds. With a ruckus wall of sound, catchy chorus and exuberant vocals, ‘The Jive’ is another smashing indie anthem from The Rezner.
Speaking about the track, frontman for the band ‘Sam Stone’ said :’’We like it because whilst it smacks you in the face from the get go. ‘The Jive’ is also a song that you can dance to. Now that might not sound like much but the thing about dancing is that when you’re doing it, you’re completely in your own little world and right now I think people need that little world. Because right now we are surrounded by so much anxiety and fear, it’s nice to be able to give people at least 2 minutes to forget about that. Maybe have a jive, who knows…”
Liverpool’s POLAR STATES are set to release their new single ‘2020’ on July 3rd. The band recorded the song remotely during lockdown, working from their bedrooms.Since forming in 2015 the band have had strong support from Radio 1 including a feature on the best of BBC introducing playlist, entered Spotify’s Viral 50 Chart, and have played a number of major UK festivals, supporting Wolf Alice, The Japanese House, and Clean Cut Kid.
‘2020’ is an anthemic whirl of the vibrant, passionate and refined indie rock POLAR STATES do so well. The invigorating riff sends adrenaline through the body as the band adorn this track in jagged running riffs and soaring guitar lines set to ignite a live audience. Bursting with more energy than a can of Red Bull, the chorus erupts into an arena-ready anthemic vocal line evoking images of bellowing crowds. With a rooted bass line and punchy drums creating the buoyant foundation POLAR STATES present one intense indie banger, however, the band smooth the track in cool ethereal tones and chilled crisp production. With guitar refrains chiming over the hearty crescendo and infectious melody POLAR STATES present a tight, well crafted slice of indie rock.
On the song, and the experience of recording remotely vocalist Paul Tong commented: ‘’The experience of recording a song when we can’t be in a studio together has been weird, but ultimately, the message of the song hasn’t changed, and we wrote it together in a room, so it’s still us. The message of a song always matters more than how it’s recorded anyway. We actually wrote 2020 before our tour, back in October. We wanted to document how we felt about going into a new decade. It was written in about 15 minutes and came from a really introverted moment. The world was overwhelming, and it felt impossible to appreciate what really mattered. The last few months have given the song a life of its own, taking on a new relevance that nobody could’ve seen coming. At the start of the lockdown we setup a Discord group where we could chat to fans, and give our community a place to connect from a distance. By being able to speak to our fans on such a personal level, and also give them a space to be themselves made us realise why this song was so important to so many of them. It was at that point we knew we had to release the song no matter how we recorded it.’’
Askies are back with their brand new single, ‘Easy’.The band have already made a name for themselves on the live circuit- most notably growing a following in their hometown of Leeds with 2 sold out shows in 2019 and the release of their last two singles ‘Subject To Change’ and ‘Catch Up’ .
Relentless rhythms and chiming guitars abound on this tight yet chaotic track as ‘Easy’ boasts the chilled yet blustery rock of Askies. The band walk a fine line between light ethereal indie and explosive alternative for their new single. The verses meander through a mist of whining guitars and sultry teasing strums while the chorus erupts into the bands crashing and exhilarating wall of sound. Their ability to tease and lament through the rock-infused verses while weaving a rich rhythmic underbelly of refined guitar work and intelligent songwriting is what makes Askies an impressive and proficient band. The flurries on guitar soar above the rumble on bass and drums while the passionate vocals and enticing catchy melody slide into the ear with ease. Askies are building their sound beautifully and the result is this dynamic track brimming with refined, mature musicianship.
About the song the band said : “it’s a common situation in relationships, and most people would be able to relate to the same type of anger’s voiced through the lyrics, and the overall sound of the song. Easy beautifully encapsulates the complex idea of retrospection and the feelings surrounding a dissolving relationship.”
Punk rock duo Vulpynes have released their new single ‘Sister’. A week before Covid19 struck, the duo were half way through recording their debut album in Black Mountain Studios with James Darkin. Due to travel restrictions and Ireland being in complete disarray, they were unfortunately unable to finish it. After much consideration, Vulpynes have decided to release the first half of the album as a single sided limited edition 12″. The EP, entitled ‘Us Against Them’ will be released via Ireland’s premier punk rock label F.O.A.D/Advance Records.
‘Sister’ is another no nonsense smasher from Vulpynes. It’s a speed battering of the duo’s frantic punk rock at its most potent and all consuming best. The thrashing guitars and rapid pogo slaps on drums create that lean mean sound we have come to love from the band.
Molly’s powerful vocals are the heart of the song. The sheer attitude, ballsy fire and grit in her compelling voice gives her such a dominating presence it leaves much to be admired.
‘Sister’ is quite the razor cut anthem. Kaz’s jackhammer assaults on drums is the most beautiful battering ever to bruise your ears as her fast and poisonous whack creates the track’s all authoritative foundation.
Vulpynes’ music is always a joy to listen to. The duo produce some of the most visceral and kinetic forms of music on the Dublin scene at the moment. They have a slick, raw and majestic way of presenting their blood thirsty rock and ‘Sister’ is a fine new example of this.
Stream ‘Sister’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
