Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Academic
The Academic have released their new single ‘Anything Could Happen’.The single is the first new release from the band since signing a global record deal with Capitol Records. The band were hand-picked by Mick Jagger to support The Stones here in Ireland and with a number 1 album to their name and sold out shows all over the country, the band’s music is already finding very willing ears much further afied. They are heavily pencilled for more international tour dates when this lockdown lifts.
‘Anything Could Happen’ is a seamless perky indie-pop hit. The Academic display their knack for infectious melodies with this bright sharp track which is bursting with cool chic energy. With inspirational glimmers of Prince and Thin Lizzy the track ricochets off an elastic bass and irresistible guitar hook.The Academic have created one heck of a joyous bop. It’s cool and crisp with tasty little elements in between to keep it refreshing and intriguing. From sweet guitar licks, lush backing vocal coos, 80’s pop sheen and a driving infectious groove, the band weave wonderful intricate elements to keep this track subtly explosive. It’s a vibrant, upbeat and oh so catchy musical gem of euphoric bliss.
‘Anything Could Happen’, produced by Nick Hodgson, was released simultaneously with the accompanying video premiere on Youtube. Directed by Ronan Corrigan and Hope Kemp, the video is a real reflection of the current times we’re living in under lockdown, giving a brief insight in the lives of quarantined couples around the world
About the track the band said :.” Anything Could Happen’ is a rallying cry to the people in our lives who find themselves stuck in cycles of mundanity and monotony. We hope it inspires people to be kind to themselves and take control of their futures.”
Limerick Alt/Electronic/Indie duo Pity of the Sea have released their new single ‘A Swarming’ which was taken from the forthcoming debut album.Pity Of the Sea are comprised of Ger Cremins (Vox/Bass Synth) and Tony Monahan (Producer, Guitars, Synths, Bass and drum programming). The track follows the band’s last release ‘Headscarf’ which received plays on both national and local radio and was very well received.
Fizzing and swirling through dizzying synths and a crashing wall of sound ‘A Swarming’ is an energetic punk slapped track from Pity of the Sea. The duo consume your ears with an onslaught of shrilling guitars that churn through a groove-filled rumble on bass. The band use acid soaked psychedelia to create a track brimming with organised chaos while a punchy drum machine loop surrounds the backdrop. The band blend a raw post punk soundscape with sharp alternative rock to create an invigorating listening experience. The shimmering ethereal synths rush with adrenaline while the dynamic spoken vocals pound out the catchy chorus of respetitive lyrics. ‘A Swarming’ is a fantastic assault on the senses.
whenyoung have released a powerful single as a show of empathy and support to people around the world that are experiencing so many different emotions right now. ‘The Prayer’, a brand-new song written and recorded by the band at their flat in Ramsgate where they’re currently all in lockdown, came as a response to the daily news reports filtering in and the overwhelming feelings evoked by the ways coronavirus is affecting everyone’s life.
A delicate and emotive ballad ‘The Prayer’ flows with whenyoung’s powerful, striking and pure songwriting. Aoife Power’s immaculate vocals coo and lament over gentle piano accompaniment while light percussion adorns the backdrop with a mystical and soothing tone. Power’s vocals carry the ethereal sweet melody with a clean and mesmerising grace while the airy guitars chime and echo with a wistful yearn.’The Prayer’ is a tranquil lullaby exuding melancholic tones of loneliness and soothing tones of comfort all at once. It is a calming, time stopping gem from the Irish trio.
About the track the band explain “We wanted to create something meditative to soothe the anxiety and fear we are feeling. Reading through the news every day and hearing stories of grief and sadness filtered into the writing. It’s a song about our immediate reactions to being quarantined, imagining the pain of others and our own being unable to see loved ones. To coincide with the release of ‘The Prayer’ we will be raising money for Women’s Aid Ireland and U.K. with the sale of a limited-edition t-shirt and other events on our social media.”
As well the proceeds from the limited edition t-shirt the band will be making a donation from the money raised from the release to Women’s Aid UK and Ireland.
Cork based solo effort, Mechner has released his new single/music video ‘Do You Wanna Go?’.Mechner; is the latest foray for Cork based artist Jack Ahern, completely self-funded and self-produced, Ahern had great success with debut single “Surfacing”, notable for its music video which garnered over 25k views and was included in Indie Cork’s Film Festival to great crowd reaction.’Do You Wanna Go?’ is the first glimpse into CLUB IDEM a mini-LP which will be released later in 2020. Mechner has supported the likes of Dermot Kennedy, Delerentos and The Coronas amongst many others.
With a catchy guitar refrain biting down into the alternative stained backdrop ‘Do You Wanna Go?’ presents Mechner’s enticing sound with an anthemic punch and irresistible melody. The guitar weaves its buoyant way through a swirling soundscape while the snappy beat and cinematic tension create a tantalizing listening experience. Mechner uses unique and dramatic musicianship to entice the listener. The rumble on bass coils beneath the light dance infused agitation as if foreshadowing an ominous event while the irresistible melody ferments through the verses. This push and pull effect creates sublime apprehension before the track erupts into its exhilarating chorus. The layering is superb, we see glimpses of pop, smeared upon jaunty indie rock while a bracing alternative soundscape brews a thick sticky concoction through the tracks underbelly, this is all seasoned with a fleshy light coating of tempestuous dance elements. Mechner displays a sublime ability to provide tantalizing intricacies within this track and he does this with dark atmospheric brooding that asphyxiates beneath light pop flashes and chilling vocal manoeuvres. ‘Do You Wanna Go?’ is an infectious, thrilling, juicy and well crafted track from Mechner.
London alternative rock band Escape The Box will be releasing their new single ‘Grey’ on May 1st. The band comprised of Ziey Kizzy (Vocals),LouZy Hero (Drums), Stephen Smith (Bass) and Aaron Maullin (Guitar) formed in November 2018 and released their debut EP towards the end of 2019.
‘Grey’ is a robust alternative rock track that boasts Escape The Box’s frenetic crashing wall of sound. Raw, jagged guitar slashes through a punchy rhythmic backdrop as the band present a sound full of vigor. They swirl a catchy pop smacked melody over the brawny instrumentation to soften the punk aggro while the smooth expressive vocals hook the listeners ears. The verses bubble and build on a bright sun speckled indie backdrop while the chorus hits like a bolt of lightning setting the track ablaze with heavy guitars ricocheting off the meaty drums while the vocals soar above with thrilling intensity. The band utilise the raw bass and drum interaction to provide something to mosh and headbang to.
Escape The Box have created a tune that is loaded with rock heavyweights and immense intensity with short moments of release.
Barcelona indie pop band Hola Chica have returned with their latest album, ‘Marbella’. The five piece have been on tour since the release of their first album ‘Magnetism’ in 2016. Playing at Taubertal Festival and BIME Festival, as well as all over Spain they have been creating an energetic and psychedelic live show that is communicated through their latest release.
‘Marbella’ is a wonderfully colourful display of Hola Chica’s indie psychedelic pop as the band ease you into their smooth sound with intricate musicianship which leads effortlessly into their massive bag of sonic tricks. The band conjure disco funk and snappy beats to create a clean polished sound. With beautifully manicured synths weaving between floaty melodies and zesty radiant guitars, tracks like ‘Asleep’,Off My Mind’ and ‘Feels Like’ rush with a danceable groove that is infectious while velvety vocals coo through prismatic soundscapes and dreamy melodies.
‘Free Your Soul’ wraps layers of shimmering synths over catchy pop melodies while scorching guitars and humid beats intoxicate and smother the buoyant and vibrant background.The band glitter the album in 70’s disco elements and 80’s pop sheens as they inject a hazy shade of hippie splendour and trip hop hues through ‘Same Old Thing’ and ‘Falling Apart’. Hola Chica have managed to create a psych album that is so drifty and light however, they use dazzling soundscapes and adrenaline rushing instrumentation to keep the album rushing along.
‘Never Gonna See You Again’ slows the pace a little as brooding melodies float over a subtle bubbling soundscape and chiming light atmosphere. The lamenting guitars pine over the dreamy backdrop with a piercing sting while the keys twinkle through a steady beat creating a rich and wistful number brimming with emotive qualities.The detailed production and rich instrumentation throughout the album adds a dash of sunshine in each track. From the soft rock groove and elastic bass line of ‘Make It’, the glistening epic guitar in ‘Your Time’ to the glimmering suave charm of final track ‘Fade Away’, Hola Chica make sure you are bouncing and swirling in their trippy soothing sounds and lush instrumentation all the way through.
‘Marbella’ is a luminous album laced in fresh, sun kissed vibes, good times and utterly mesmerising instrumentation as Hola Chica blend, refine and brew their fruity, floaty psychedelic pop with a dash of indie and a hint of funk to create a euphoric and vibrant listening experience.
Columbia Mills have released their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘CCTV’. 2019 saw the band release two singles from the album; ‘Strange Game’ and ‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ which garnered huge radio support here at Indie Buddie and in the UK including John Kennedy Radio X, RTE Radio 1, Ed Smith (Today FM) choosing the band as his Play Irish Artist of the week and ‘Recent and Decent’ on Today FM, Dan Hegartys (2FM) Track of The Week, and heavy rotation on Paul Mc Loones Today FM show, as well as heavy airplay across all national and regional radio stations. 2020 has already seen the release of ‘UNDERSTAND’ (31/01/20), the third single from ‘CCTV’ which also received huge radio support.
With passion exuding from each melty, infectious melody, rich rhythmic progression and superb guitar lament ‘CCTV’ is quite the first rate body of work from Columbia Mills. These guys don’t pull punches, they give this album their all, entwining electronic elements into their alternative indie rock to create an album that holds you in animated suspense while the spinning sublime instrumentation, intricate layering and wonderful pacing intoxicate and invade your mind.
From the start this album is a whirlwind. The gripping heartfelt ‘Car Crash TV’ begins our breathtaking journey into the album. To be honest, I was totally consumed within this track’s melancholic tone, soft instrumental build and utterly beautiful, raw presentation. The twinkling ethereal guitars encase Fiachra Treacy’s warm emotive vocals in a wispy delicate coating as the track progresses to its more distorted electronic half. Like a masterful puppeteer Treacy’s vocals control the tone and ambiance of the tracks within this album. He has the power to pull tears from your eyes as he digs beneath the surface and unravels the listeners joy, pain and thrills and it is from here the tracks flourish from.
The band use synths and dizzying electronics to build the songs and ferment them into either a dazing dark crescendo like in ‘Car Crash TV’ or spiral into an intoxicating, dance-evoking whirl as in the infectious pulses of ‘Understand’. The synth elements within each track either flicker with tantalizing illumination providing sweet flirtatious moments between the rich indie backdrop or drape the songs in crashing twisting and asphyxiating soundscapes.
‘Isolate’,‘Who Am I Supposed To Talk To Now?’ and‘The Greatest Love’ are a mesmerising display of artistic flair and proficient musicianship, evoking complex themes and emotions of lonliness, guilt and depression.
The band flood their tracks with emotive instrumentation as they surge smoky downcast atmospheres with lamenting pines or western- esque warm tones on guitar. The guitars soar and ooze rich textures and almost convey the characters within the tracks while braided beneath are rooted bass lines and pulsing drums. ‘You’re Not The Answer’, ‘Strange Game’, ‘Heart And Soul’ and ‘Trees’ convey this perfectly as Columbia Mills immerse striking earnest lyrics in time stopping soundscapes.
The lyrical content in this album is profoundly poetic. Lines like “You said watching you control yourself, Is like watching blood dry”, “Crawled through the shit of old romance” and “Or is it in the vacuum of the struggle Where our love always thrives” shroud the album in dark times and griited struggles. Columbia Mills present these honest and gripping themes with outstanding elegance and grace. At times Treacy’s vocals are icy and almost matter of fact in his portrayal of these lyrics however he still manages to depict heart breaking emotion through his delivery.
Columbia Mills bring the album to a sublime end with ‘Mirror On The Front Seat’. The track blossoms superbly with glistening guitars and a brooding indie rock ballad -esque soundscape. It is beautifully crafted, lush in its intricacies yet simple in its approach. There is a warm country element to this track that evokes images of a dry desert night while the glistening airy guitar paints the sky an indigo hue. The loneliness and isolation is briefly lightened with warm instrumental builds while a sustained fuzz and steady beat trap tension beneath the emotive velvety vocals. Once again the band build the track allowing it to unravel for the dynamic thumping crescendo. It’s a spine tingling and utterly superb finale.
There are so many textures, sounds and wonderful elements within ‘CCTV’. Columbia Mills are only on their second album and their maturity and ability to grasp your very soul with their tunes is so precise and powerful it is mesmerising. ‘CCTV’ is a moving, intoxicating album with solid musicianship. The listener beholds musical majesty, depth and a mystical quality which bewitches with every track. The bands layering and building of the songs is first rate and clean while the indie rock, electronic hybrid sound is seamless and exquisite. This is a band you need to know, they have achieved so much with ‘CCTV’. It is exciting to imagine what Columbia Mills will release next
Keywest have come together with Heroes-Aid to put together a music video with frontline workers at its heart, to raise vital funds for our Healthcare Heroes. The music video for ‘Ordinary Superhero’ features medical professionals Dr Matthew O’Toole, Nurse Emma Coughlan, Paramedic Steven Mangan and his daughter Saoirse. Heroes-Aid.com is the brainchild of Mary Leahy, Public Health Nurse & National Coordinator for Nurse/Midwife Safety, Health, & Welfare Reps and Damien Nee, a member of Covid-19 Expert Advisory Group The initial aim of Heroes-Aid is to raise funds through gofundme to provide practical support such as PPE and other resources to keep our healthcare heroes safe as they care for us. The fund also intends to provide longer-term psychological, educational and practical support for frontline healthcare workers, their children and families who have been negatively impacted by Covid-19.
‘Ordinary Superhero’ is an emotive passionate ballad as Keywest present their rich full bodied sound through this motivational tender number. With twinkling keys innocently wandering through a progressive backdrop the band evoke a sense of strength and resilience. With a cinematic crescendo and catchy chorus ‘Ordinary Superhero’ is that motivating anthem to rally the country together, making it the perfect track to support frontline workers.
Speaking about ‘Ordinary Superhero’ Kav of Keywest said: “We are honoured to be able to contribute in any way we can. It’s an achievement if we can move people to understand and empathise with what our frontline heroes face on a daily basis. It’s even better if we can remind a healthcare worker that we are thinking of them and what they are doing for us. And it’s amazing if we can help raise funds to protect them while they are exposed to covid-19.”
Speaking about the release of the Video and the launch of Heroes-Aid, Doug Leddin said “This Moving song & video uniquely captures the Fears and Emotions of Health Care Workers as they bravely go to work every day”
Rain have released two new singles ‘Punk Nakka’ and ‘Gemma Rose’. Rain are a four piece band from Newcastle. The band consists of Patrick Ashurst on Vocals and rhythm guitar, Luke Anderson on lead guitar, Lexxie Liddle on Bass and Ben Mitchell on Drums.
With a vibrant indie soundscape, infectious bass and smooth melody ‘Punk Nakka’ is saturated in Rain’s jaunty musicianship. The track drives freely upon an elastic bassline while the punchy drums pack oodles of might into the songs brawny backbone.There is a melancholic hue staining the melody while raspy vocals coo over the dynamic instrumental backdrop. It’s an anthemic indie dazzler as Rain flesh out their brand of indie rock with earnest songwriting.
The band roll out a swaying sweet number with ‘Gemma Rose’. Jangly guitars lament behind a spongy beat while the sweet melody creates a delicate almost doo wop bounce as the band inject a sing along friendly chorus into this sombre toned ditty. The foot tapping rhythm, gentle guitar strums and soft chiming soundscapes create a light and dreamy atmosphere. ‘Gemma Rose’ is a mature, well crafted and emotive track that is sweet on the ears and charming to its very core.
Rain display musical growth with new tracks ‘Punk Nakka’ and ‘Gemma Rose’. The bands emotive musicianship is blossoming and getting more vibrant with each new release.
Influenced by rock and roll from a young age, New York alternative rock n’ roll artist Jack West taps into Nirvana, Neil Young and The Doors whilst he pays his own homage to rock and roll. He might be only 15 but he has amassed over 10,000 streams on his debut single, and joined Eddie Vedder on stage to perform to 30,000 in Nashville. Jack West is set to go far he recently released his new EP ‘Jack West – Live at Easy Street Records’.Recorded live and mixed by renowned producer Barrett Jones, the EP includes polished covers of ‘Sick Love’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and ‘Like a Stone’ by Audioslave as a tribute to the late Chris Cornell. The EP also includes his latest single ‘Bring the Records Back’ and perfectly captures the raw energy of Jack’s live performance. Judging from the EP this live takeover is going to be great.
You can stream the EP below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
