Irish indie-folk band Rowan have released their new single ‘Big Wave’. Rowan is made up of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Dylan Howe, with Fionn Hennessy-Hayes on drums and Kevin Herron on Guitar. The individual members of the band have worked with world renowned artists such as TOUCAN, Tiz McNamara, Ariel Posen, The Frank And Walters, Clare Sands, Stephanie Rainey and Little Hours, as session musicians performing to crowds of thousands in some instances.
With melodies that hook you from the start ‘Big Wave’ delves deep into your skull and massages your brain with Rowan’s infectious luscious musicianship. The band carve a vibrant indie edge into the track as jaunty guitars slice through a buoyant backdrop and peppy rhythm. With a groove mangled bass, clap along feature and instant rush of vitality the track lays down an energetic foundation. This band swirls sweet glistening melodies into refined musicianship to create a heartfelt number that charms and warms the cockles of your heart while quick lyrics add both sweetness and a touch of humour. There is a folk element richly blended into the mixture of indie rock with a glorious sprinkling of pop on top.The band use wonderful percussive elements to flesh out the track and create a wholly invigorating sound with tropical undertones. With velvety vocals and lush harmonies ‘Big Wave’ is a tasty tune that I just can’t get enough of.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From The Killers
The Killers have released their new single ‘Caution’, taken from their forthcoming, highly-anticipated sixth studio album, ‘Imploding The Mirage’. Featured artists on the album include Lindsey Buckingham, kd lang, Weyes Blood, Adam Granduciel (War On Drugs), Blake Mills, and Lucius.
With powerful imploding instrumentation and a gripping heartfelt melody ‘Caution’ announces The Killers return through anthemic chords and fist pump might. The nostalgic melody drifts sweetly upon a bubbling backdrop of effervescent drums, shimmering synths and shredding guitars. The band find the sweet spot between previous albums – Sam’s Town’s indie edge, Battle Born’s warm country hues and Wonderful Wonderful’s disco infectiousness. Brandon Flowers’ unique powerful vocals exude tender heartwarming emotion. The track pushes through with relentless stamina and refreshing pizzazz as the rhythmic pulse and slinky guitars ooze kinetic vigor. It’s a song to empower the down beaten as the whirlwind of ethereal synths, euphoric guitars and mighty drums ignite the fighter within. With a masterful guitar solo The Killers once again knock it out of the park with ‘Caution’
London/Irish band Indian Queens have released their new single ‘Shoot for Sexy’.The band are fronted by sisters Jen and Kat O’Neill and were personally invited by Robert Smith of The Cure to play his Meltdown Festival in 2019. They also have fans in Tim Wheeler of Ash and Theresa Wayman of Warpaint, both of whom have taken the band out as tour support. This track is taken from their debut album ‘God Is A Woman’ which is set for release on 3rd April via Cool Thing Records.
‘Shoot for Sexy’ is a luring number as Indian Queens present an almost upbeat track warped through a rich concoction of bewitching musicianship. A sultry, rumble on bass grooves and seduces through warm toned guitar embellishments and steamy shrills against the danceable hip moving beat.The harmonies haunt, enticing you into the darker elements of the track while the sweet falsetto lulls the listener into a trance-like daydream. The band swirl psychedelic elements into the track to create a meticulously layered, thrilling listening experience. The song ripples and twinkles like a mesmerising bottomless lake, flickering prismatic speckles of scintillation to draw you into its beautifully created yet eerie abyss. Another sublime track from Indian Queens.
Brighton’s indie quartet Koala Club have released their newest offering ‘No Surprise’ on 13th March. The release of ‘No Surprise’ follows the January release of single ‘360’,which garnered support from the likes of BBC Introducing, and is the first in a series of new singles that will be released this year.Koala Club consists of James Grimsdale (Vocals, Guitar), Doug Stokes (Guitar), Lewis Phenix (Bass) & Toby Jones (Drums, percussion).
‘No Surprise’ is a jaunty indie track laced in sprightly zealous guitar lines as the band create an upbeat infectious delight that is sure to have you bopping and dancing around the room. With an animated beat, wiggling rooted bass and infectious melody teamed with witty lyrics these guys hook you from the start. Well crafted with an energetic wall of sound blistering around the velvety vocals and eargasmic melodies Koala Club have an exhilarating, charming sound that is crisp and polished with enough edge to keep you craving for more.
Frontman James Grimsdale said of the track: “It’s about seeking truth and honesty. About losingthe lies that are spoken to make you feel better momentarily, moving on and getting rid of toxicrelationships in your life.”
Macclesfield Indie trio Cassia have returned with their new single ‘Do Right’. ‘Do Right’ is their first release since their debut album ‘Replica’ last year. Laced in laid back summer vibes the track follows the bands infectious mellow melty sound as they sprinkle sweet balmy guitar melodies over a rich buoyant rhythm and suave bass. It’s good times and sunshine as the band’s upbeat chorus drifts in like a cold drink on a scorching day ready to quench with juicy freshness. Lush backing vocals lull over a subtle tropical backdrop while Rob Ellis’ easy going vocals coo at a leisurely pace. For me the intricate guitar lines are the most sublime feature on the track. They majestically weave and entwine with zesty flourishes and sweet tones adding a wonderful warm element to the track with a playful undertone and Caribbean Island quality. Cassia have returned with another smashing, polished and catchy number.
Alternative rock quartet Long and Greasy have recently released their new album ‘The Rock/Pop Show’. Formed in school during a music module, the band instantly clicked on their musical influences and began jamming and writing. Made up of members Naoise May, Elias Dempsey (guitars and vocals), Tim Sweeney (bass) and Paul Gleeson (drums), the band have a blistering, exciting and unique sound.
Drenched in slinky guitar lines, meaty rhythms and dripping in panache ‘The Rock/Pop Show’ is an unbridled collection of Long and Greasy’s infectious sound. The band shake things up a lot in the album, weaving between genres, making for a refreshing listening experience. ‘Missing Out’, Hide Your Grin’ and ‘Doubt’ are the indie rock punk flavoured back bone of the album. Jaunty guitars, vibrant drum and sublime rumbles on bass embroider the track in a dark groove rooted wall of sound while quirky vocals and smooth catchy melodies inject vibrant energy into the tracks. As well as their knack with pop melodies and catchy sing along refrains the band showcase some beautiful guitar flourishes in ‘Na Na Nah’, Lads’ and ‘Couch to Couch’. ‘Worse Off’ is the sultry gem within the album with sleek smoky guitars and dark undertones while ‘Skidmarks’ exudesa cheeky country and “Sweet Home Alabama” vibe.
The album flows with an effortless charm and bubbling texture that keeps the listener engaged. Long and Greasy manage to make every track fun and jubilant while packing in some refined instrumentation and swagger. These guys aren’t all fun and games though. The brooding guitar twinkling in ‘Climbing’ takes the mood down with the aid of whispered vocals before the band build into their psychedelic-hued chorus. This brooding number cools the EP, introducing the lofty ethereal side to the bands sound with lush harmonies and moody melodies. However the band leave the best for last with ‘Long and Greasy’. This rampant instrumental number steamrolls in on fiery riffs ricocheting off the crashing wall of sound as the drum pulverizes throughout. It’s a sticky mosh ready track which bleeds out into psychedelic lush textures and swirling dizzying soundscapes before returning to its frantic mania – its a well crafted, diverse and ever changing number and an intelligent finale for an album.
‘The Rock/Pop Show’ is an invigorating, wonderful collection of exciting tunes. Long and Greasy display a fun, refined and blistering sound with rich intricacies and sublime groovy moments.
Villa in France have released their 3rd single ‘Man on a Bridge’. Villa In France are a 4-Piece indie rock band from the North Coast of Northern Ireland consisting of Aidan Davidson (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Nino Morelli (Lead Guitar, Backup vocals), Adam Moore (Bass) and Matthew Gillan (Drums)..Their debut single ‘1990’ released on September 13th 2019, gained over 7000 streams with their nationwide tour opening them to a growing audience.Their 2nd single also gained popularity in the media, being put on the 2019 Northern Irish songs of the year.
‘Man on a Bridge’ is a jaunty yet chill indie number which shows Villa In France’s mature songwriting. With slicing sharp guitars, rumbling bass and punchy drums the bands buoyant backdrop is steeped in their usual energetic style.The theme of suicide is presented with dry matter of fact vocals as the rippling bass and lamenting guitar entwine on a sweet melodic foundation – creating a conflicting turmoil and bitter sweet contrast. With a shredding solo soaring over the bands biting soundscape ‘Man on a Bridge’ is an impressive track from Villa In France.
About the track the band said “The song is our take on mental health/suicide awareness and the thought process of a person going through this, we were inspired to write this song after Matthew Gillan (drummer) and I Nino Morelli (Guitarist) went through a personal experience, talking a stranger of a bridge in Derry a few months ago, seeing the effects of this person’s mental health first hand was very eye opening for us and after telling the story to Aidan (Singer) he used our unique perspective to write a song about the culture surrounding it. Our hope for this song is that people can connect with the lyrics and story and hopefully spread awareness about mental health in Northern Ireland especially in Derry.”
Galway four piece band Slyrydes are set to release their new single ‘I Claim To Be Intelligent’ on March 26th. In 2019 Slyrydes released their first four singles from March to October (Mental Health, Point of view, Out Patience & Dangerous Animals) The singles collected much critical acclaim nationwide and in the UK. Paul McLoone (Today fm/ The Undertones) has championed the band since the first single “Mental Health”. They have worked with Daniel Doherty in Darklands studio Dublin city (Fontaines DC/ Vulpynes/ Damien Dempsey) on every single so far. Slyrydes are currently working on their debut album while playing select shows around Ireland.
‘I claim to be intelligent’ is one snappy chilling live wire as Slyrydes take their engaging sound to a thrilling new level. The deep ominous vocals mutter through the verses while the punchy drums and dynamic bass maintain the bands elastic rumbling foundation. I for one have come to love this bands bass and drum interaction. They tightly entwine them together to add a rooted, brawny yet steamy and ominous quality through the tracks. The song jogs to its frantic crescendo, building tension and angst, ready for its mosh pit frenzied end. There is a sweet lamenting guitar refrain that holds a sense of vulnerability throughout the verses before the crashing chorus erupts.
‘I claim to be intelligent’ walks a fine line between masterfully sophisticated musicianship and unruly anarchy with ease – it’s an impressive and thrilling listen.
‘I claim to be intelligent’ is set for release on March 26th for more you can follow the band on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/slyrydes/
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Dizzy
Photo Credit: Pooneh Ghana
Produced by Dizzy and mixed by Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Florence & The Machine), ‘Sunflower’ is the first release from the Canadian four-piece since last year’s Heavy / Twist EP, which followed their 2018 debut album, Baby Teeth which won the Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year in 2019.The band have toured with the likes of Death Cab for Cutie and Tokyo Police Club and appeared at London’s All Points East Festival in 2019.
‘Sunflower’ is a laid back sun-kissed number that drifts beautifully on infectious, ethereal soundscapes. Katie Munshaw’s sweet vocals caress the dreamy melody with a tender, comforting ease while the lush rhythm maintains a peppy foundation. The track holds a vibrant, airy poise as twinkling guitars wobble and weave gloriously between a groovy bass creating a hazy psych hued tone to the radiant indie sonics. There are wonderful lush textures and layers to the track creating blossoming moments as the track unfolds with bursts of sweet scintillation. The lyrics contrast the blooming effervescent instrumentation superbly as they meander between self-loathing and tender self-talk, depicting raw sensitivity and sweet, self-deprecating humour. ‘Sunflower’ is a glowing track intricate in its composition but beautifully luminous and delightful to the ears.
Speaking about the track, frontwoman Katie Munshaw says, “‘Sunflower’ is a three and a half minute ‘snap out of it!’ to myself when I’m feeling low, unconfident or not myself.”
Why We Like It: This track slithers with a darkened sense of mystery against a grooving, flickering beat and bubbling atmosphere.The band disperse a pop melody into a constantly evolving soundscape of twitchy edged guitar, mellow keys and funky bass lines to create a dreamy gem that is utterly enthralling. There is a rushing sense of urgency within the track while the sweet vocals and luscious melody cool the bubbling backdrop – it is a puzzling delight to the senses.
Bio : Brighton’s alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their second single, Lesser. The track follows debut single One of These Days, which grabbed the attentio of all who heard it, including Radio X’s John Kennedy, half of the DJs at KEXP, and Amazing Radio.
Track: Lesser
Why We Like It: It’s an uplifting indie track that becomes vibrant with each flourishing element. With jaunty synths ricocheting off the snappy beat and wispy soundscapes the track creates a sweet sense of positivity and hope. As the song progresses it becomes more dynamic instrumentally. The sultry guitars inject a scorching desert vibe as the track relentlessly travels to its striking synth solo. The vocals coo through the peppy buoyant backdrop as the band create a thrilling emotive track which has an 80’s – esque quality. The song is a reflection on the ups and downs of life and how it can often feel like an uphill struggle however the playful and cheery instrumentation creates a light heartwarming effect that is utterly charming.
Bio : Tel-Aviv based artist and producer Eshchar Nachmany (AKA MONAD) reveals the final single from his sophomore project with ‘Dawn Chorus’.Beginning his first musical project in an isolated house in the Moshav, Israel, Esh built a studio from scratch, remodelling broken tape machines and synths to construct layers of dreamy soundscapes. Again, Esh returned to nature for this project – renting a small cabin not far from the sea to set up his studio.
Track: Dawn Chorus
Why We Like It: It’s a shimmering kaleidoscopic slice of laid back shoegaze that melts and fizzes upon a pop sprinkled backdrop with psychedelic hues. With flashing effervescent soundscapes evaporating off glistening guitars and wonderful blasts of distortion the track creates a dazed fuzz-filled sound of bliss. The smooth dreamy euphoric melody and sweet vocals dissolve into the ears with a nostalgic melancholia to create a wonderful daydream track ready to submerge yourself in.
Bio : Kilkenny singer songwriter Shane Joyce built up a strong and loyal fanbase last year playing a number of high profile shows both at home in Ireland and abroad, including a slot at Glastonbury and a number of festivals throughout Europe.2020 will see the release of Shane’s much anticipated 2nd album entitled “The Desert & The Rain”
Track: I Won’t Run
Why We Like It: It’s a foot tapping ditty that thrives on Joyce’s heartwarming songwriting. With a buoyant beat, warm guitar jangles and catchy cosy melody this track has an indie folk tone with a charming country outer shell sure to soothe the soul. With velvety vocals, clap along feature and scorching guitar solo Joyce presents a cheery number filled with passion and charisma.
Watch the video for ‘I Won’t Run’ which was shot and edited by Joyce himself below
Demons Of Ruby Mae
Demons of Ruby Mae, London, November 2019. Photo by: Carsten Windhorst
Genre : Indie
Bio : After releasing their self-titled debut in 2018 and signing to North American and European labels Anti Fragile Records and Long Branch Records respectively in 2019, Manchester indie duo Demons Of Ruby Mae take things to the next level yet again, with their eagerly anticipated new single ‘This Is Your Time.’
Track: This Is Your Time
Why We Like It: This anthemic track rushes with ethereal soundscapes, glistening guitar and a sweet sense of suspenseful euphoria as Demons Of Ruby Mae use intricate musicianship to create another gripping track. The track flurries with a wonderful sense of positivity as the passionate vocals encourage the listener through a pulsing beat and warm melodies.
About The Track The Band said : “it’s a song about inclusion and acceptance. No matter who or what you want to be, it shouldn’t stop you achieving what you want to in life.”
