Category Archives: indie rock

Indie Quick Picks

Neverwait

Genre: Alternative rock

Bio: Brian Rudkins (lead guitar, vocals), Cian Ferguson (bass,keyboard) and Keelan Gannon (guitar, vocal) are Neverwait – a three piece alternative rock band based in Ireland. The band have released their debut album ‘Blind’ which was recorded and produced by the band themselves.

Track: Blind

Why We Like It: This tight mirage of electronic alternative rock wiggles and creeps with lo-fi tones and hip hop beats to create something organic and truly engaging. The verses tease and slowly seep through creating tension while the taping beat remains the constant behind the vaporous melody and quivering reverb vocals. The track builds superbly to its expressive chorus and dramatic crescendo with horn elements adding a dash of soul. The psychedelic hues flirtatiously meander through the thick electronics adding a dark smudge over this tantalizing number. Well crafted and fantastically layered ‘Blind’ is an utterly captivating and emotive track presented beautifully and majestically by Neverwait.

You can follow Neverwait on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/neverwait15/

Stream ‘Blind’ below 

Red Sun Alert

Genre: post-hardcore punk/ alternative

Bio: Red Sun Alert are an up and coming band from Cork City, Ireland. Since forming in late 2017, the band have been busy making a name for themselves around the country. They have supported artists such as The Altered Hours, Making Monsters, Cherym and many more.

Track: Live Laugh Love

Why We Like It: It’s a gritty riff heavy mammoth that stomps and rampages through with raw jagged guitars and punchy assault on drums. With a rugged bass weaving between the harsh head-bang ready bursts and brisk guitar runs, the track fluctuates between the fluid elasticity of the verses and heavy throbbing chorus. With coarse growl- ish vocals, a scream here and there and a mosh-ready bridge laced in frantic guitar lines this brutish battering assault on the senses is one hell of a track. Don’t let the acute rough lacerations fool you though. There is refinement and swagger within ‘Live Laugh Love’ especially in the suave and precise guitar work. The band’s upcoming EP ‘Red Sun Alert’ is set for release October 3rd – looking forward to it.

When asked about the track Julia Pawlak said: “ While writing the lyrics to this song I was feeling extremely overwhelmed by how it seems that women are still seen as lesser in the music scene. There’s so many wonderful girls in the creative community and simply they’re not getting the notice that they deserve. This song is about acceptance of my gender and what it means. I don’t want to spend my time here complaining and wishing I would get the same treatment as my male friends in bands. I’m going to fight for it and do everything I can to create that space of non-judgement and equal treatment.” 

You can follow Red Sun Alert on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/redsunalert/

Watch the video for ‘Live Laugh Love’ below 

Tracy Gallagher

Genre: Indie folk

Bio: Mayo born singer songwriter,Tracy Gallagher is one of Ireland’s finest emerging indie folk artists. Tracy is set to release her debut EP ‘The Fallen’ later this year. Her debut single ‘Sit With Me’ received national airplay and praise from well-known Irish radio personalities. Tracy is soon to announce a national tour to coincide with the release of her EP.

Track: The Fallen

Why We Like It:  It’s a passionate warm track that flows beautifully into the ears with a melancholic sense of ease as Tracy Gallagher’s emotive and pristine vocals coo over the tender melody. With sultry guitar injections, the song drifts innocently over a sense of mystery. The catchy chorus is sweet as taffy as the steady beat creates the soft backdrop. There is oodles of character portrayed through the delicate jangle and deep rumble on guitar adding a conflicting twist and sublime contrast to Gallagher’s expressive crisp vocals. Wonderful and emotional ‘The Fallen’ is a superb piece of musicianship.

You can follow Tracy Gallagher on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/tracygallaghermusic

Stream ‘The Fallen’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/tracygallaghermusic/the-fallen-original

The Wha

Photo credit: Nick O’Donnell

Genre: Alternative

Bio: Kilkenny band The Wha have released the video for their debut single ‘Innocents’ – out via Chess Club. The band have also announced they will play a string of shows in September with Two Door Cinema Club in Dublin and Belfast. ‘Innocents’ has already attracted the attention of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, Radio X’s Gordon Smart and Felix White and a host of press tastemakers. All aged just 18-years-old The Wha are dual vocalists and guitarists Finn Cusack and Sam Cullen, joined by Marek Lech (bass) and Abe G. Harris (drums). The video for ‘Innocents’ was shot in Kilkenny by director Conor Dockery at Dock Visual

Track: ‘Innocents’

Why We Like It: It’s a fantastic debut track which thrives on an exhilarating bass while piercing guitars slice and jangle through a punchy beat and carefree punk-hued attitude. With an ethereal catchy melody and vibrant vocals this invigorating number boasts impressive laid back swagger. There is a retro rock ‘n’ roll vibe about this track as the band take their blistering guitar-driven sound, coat it in an infectious melody, slap on a dash of indie and pepper it with a Brit-pop seasoning, and the result is something to shout about. This is a band that you need to know and listen to now. 

You can follow The Wha on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/thewha17/

Watch the video for ‘Innocents’ below 

LEWIN

Genre: Alternative\Indie

Bio: LEWIN is an Alternative\Indie music project by Mitchell Lewin. His newly released single ‘Learn To Love/Love To Live’ has been received greatly having multi air-times on worldwide radio stations and local stations such as BBC Introducing in Shropshire. 

Track: Learn to Love/Love to Live

Why We Like It:  This breezy indie track sails gracefully upon a buoyant vibrant foundation while Lewins’ warm vocals exude emotion and tender tones.It’s a cosy song with luminous guitars glistening with glorious scintillation while the smooth melody coats the track in cosy tones.With a heart-pounding bridge and sing along ready chorus this indie dazzler is ready to warm the soul and comfort the ears. Its catchy and uplifting as Lewin crafts his sound with sweetness, passion and sublime instrumentation. 

You can follow LEWIN on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/lewinofficialmusic/

Stream ‘Learn to Love/Love to Live’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist on Spotify Here 


Author : Danu

Distant Blue ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ EP

Nottingham alternative rock band Distant Blue are set to release their Debut EP ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ on October 25th. With refined instrumental intricacies smooth steamy melodies, gripping lyrics and chaos-riddled soundscapes ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is explosive and unforgettable in equal measure. Distant Blue blend their fiery boisterous alternative rock in dark sultry tones with opener ‘Tongue Tied’. In ‘Lucid Liar (Novocaine)’ beefy riffs drizzle on steaming bass lines which develop into one aggressive smasher. Muscular riffs, riot-inducing breakdowns, and ferocious choruses batter your head from every angle with the instrumental interlude of ‘blue.noise’ providing only a brief relief. The tracks on this EP build superbly to dizzying crashing crescendos that are sure to be epic live. Distant Blue have created an EP made for the live setting. With their gritty edge in the more hardcore rock sounding ‘Come and Join The Party’ and blistering take on a emotional number ‘Opiate’ the band roll out everything you need to mosh, bounce and jump to in one brisk exhilarating EP. Switching between a creamy tone, a robust, ferocious growl and rapid almost spitting rap, frontman Ed Binding presents himself as a versatile and engaging vocalist. The guitars glitter with character throughout the EP. They twinkle with sensitivity through the verses in ‘Opiate’ while smashing and crashing throughout the choruses. The guitars add a majestic yet robust quality to each track allowing the pulverising, energetic drums and bass to create that rich and vibrant foundation.

‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is a sublime debut sure to ignite the mosh pits. Distant Blue are gaining momentum with their punchy and straight to the point tracks which are jam packed with catchy powerful choruses and meaty hooks. ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ EP is an engaging listen and doesn’t disappoint. 

‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ is set for release on October 25th. For more you can follow Distant Blue on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDistantBlue/

You can also pre order ‘MYMINDISOUTOFME’ here https://lnkfi.re/mymindisoutofme

Stream ‘Lucid Liar (Novocaine) below


Author : Danu

Father! ‘Queen of Spain’ Album

Dublin based Jangle Pop outfit Father! have released their sophomore album ‘Queen of Spain’ which is mixed and mastered by Mark Chester of Autre Monde, Ginnels, No Monster Club.

‘Queen of Spain’ is a woozy psychedelic trip as Father! entice and lead you down a jangly lo-fi path into their dream pop labyrinth. ‘to Stockholm’, ‘Carcassonne’ and ‘Liebe’ frazzle with distortion and tightly woven soundscapes while the sweet jingle on guitar breaks through the deft backdrop with a hazy bright melody as the lo fi vocals murmur throughout. The tracks lead you deep into Father!’s heavy psychedelic sound before the light  ‘Left You This Morning’, ‘Feeling So’ and ‘Desire Lines’ provides some relief. With chiming guitars, indie dream pop melodies and retro soundscapes the tracks create a daydream world to chill and mellow out in. The band showcase their fine ability to blend and ferment their sound to create something truly mesmerising and hypnotic. ‘Queen Of Spain’ and ‘Devotion #2’ bring the album to a close. With enthralling intricacies weaved through the instrumentation Father! create tunes exuding character and vitality while maintaining a breezy laid back tone. Each track is meticulously layered and crafted to create a streamline effect while showing flashing glimmerings of dazzling scintillation through their psychedelic tones and wobbly mirroring instrumentation. 

Father! have taken all the vibrant and dark intricacies from their ‘Beach Cloud Daze’ release in 2018 and refined it into a pure concoction of new wave indie before saturating their sound with heavier psychedelia. Each track is doused in luscious pop elements and indie tones making ‘Queen of Spain’ a vivid trip filled with lucid rich musicianship. ‘Queen of Spain’ is an enjoyable, interesting and fascinating sophomore album from Father!

Stream ‘Queen of Spain’ below 


Author : Danu

Chappaqua Wrestling ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’

Brighton band Chappaqua Wrestling have released their new single ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’. The band have had a hectic year supporting Sports Team and Black Honey as well as playing Latitude, Green Man and Live At Leeds amongst others. They were also invited to record at Abbey Road for BBC Introducing and will be interviewed on Radio 1 next Monday to launch this new single.

‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’ is a sweet can of indie pop flavoured with Americana hues fizzed to perfection. Chappaqua Wrestling have finely brewed their melodic smooth sound into something truly captivating. With a bubble gum “bah bah dah bah bah” vocal hook between the sweet mellow melody, the band create a dreamy tune that drifts delicately into the ears. With lush harmonies and velvety vocals the track flows fluidly. The band however take this sweet candy floss element and back it with a warm sting on guitar to add a dash of zest. The west coast groove wiggles its way throughout creating something to shuffle and jiggle to while the Americana hues add sweltering heat to the track. This rich instrumentation makes the track tantalizing to the senses and ensures repeat plays. With a shredding solo, exotic guitar flurries and a western- esque humidity between the laid back effortless atmosphere Chappaqua Wrestling have created a track that immerses you in a blissful world completely crafted by them. Honing in on their breezy retro sound of their last single ‘Cry Every Time’ and refining it to polished perfection Chappaqua Wrestling are fast becoming a band to keep an eye on.

Stream ‘Is She Happy Turning On Her Side?’ below


Author : Danu

Runaway Hounds ‘Strangers’

Photo Credit : Sam Mines Band Photography

Wolverhampton indie rock four-piece Runaway Hounds have released their new single ‘Strangers’. Comprised of twin brothers Owen (vocals/guitar) and Kent (lead guitar) Stavenuiter, Dan Glover (bass) and Callum Ford (drums).The band have played several headline sets in venues in the West Midlands and have taken their sound across the UK, performing to crowds as far as London.Their debut single ‘Rattlesnake’,gained airplay and support from the likes of BBC Introducing along with their second and third single ‘Sophie’ and ‘Nightlight’.

Warm ethereal guitar melodies glisten and adorn ‘Strangers’ with beaming glimmers of illumination as Runaway Hounds hone in on their tightly weaved and biting indie sound. With a buoyant, deft drum and bass foundation the track packs in a meaty punch while still maintaining a feathery light texture within a subtle dazed atmosphere. Nonchalant vocals coat the sweet melody in a breezy yet passionate topping. The band explore the concept of love at first sight, both embracing and questioning the feelings encountered at this moment with gentle fluttering instrumentation which twists through darker dizzying soundscapes. The song builds gently to its catchy chorus as the guitars cultivate the majestic and refined tone with a sweet sharp solo while the groove-laced bass accompanies, playfully bouncing and wiggling between the biting guitar. Runaway Hounds are maturing and blossoming beautifully into a band with a sturdy tight and refined sound that is both exciting and enduring.

Stream ‘Strangers’ below


Author : Danu

The Rosadocs ‘Concrete’

Sheffield’s based four piece indie rock band The Rosadocs have released their new single ‘Concrete’.The live reputation of the band is growing fast, with good reason. So far they have sold out not only their own shows but have played alongside The Pigeon Detectives, Twisted Wheel, Glass Caves, Vida, PLANET, Oddity Road and Louis Berry. The Rosadocs have recently sold out their hometown headline show at the 500 capacity Sheffield O2 Academy 2. After playing Festival slots at Tramlines (Main arena) and YNOT? and support slot in Leeds on The Sherlocks upcoming album tour. The Rosadocs have announced their fourth headline show in Sheffield to follow on February 15th 2020 at the 900 capacity Leadmill.

‘Concrete’ presents The Rosadocs’ vibrant indie sound complete in all its youthful bliss. Intricate sweet guitar lines blaze and flicker throughout providing a zesty electrifying burst of adrenaline through the punchy rhythmic backdrop. The track flows smoothly through the passionate melody and laid back tempo creating an effortless cruising listen. ‘Concrete’ is catchy and builds superbly to the blistering chorus as the lush backing vocals and melty melody are charming and instantly likeable. With warm raspy vocals and a radiant energetic wall of sound The Rosadocs flesh out their dynamic indie rock and channel it into a heart thumping anthem. These guy are ones to keep an eye on. 

Stream ‘Concrete’ below 


Author : Danu

Munky ‘Megaton’

Artwork by Barra Carlin

Dublin Disco-punks Munky have returned with their new single ‘Megaton’ produced by Dan Doherty (Fontaines D.C, Somebody’s Child), and boy it is a doozy.Following quick on the heels of their debut EP, released in April, which saw them tour Europe with the Meat Puppets the band present a shiny new tantalizing alternative rock track to sink our teeth into.

Wrapping eerie, chilling guitar squeals in groove-rooted, dark menacing soundscapes ‘Megaton’ haunts, creeps and coils with spine chilling ferocity. Zachary Stephenson’s agonising vocals reel and writhe through the gritty backdrop as he spits out the lyrics in an almost rap-like manner. Dizzying, delusion-filled distortion saturates the track in deep thick tones of despair and manic psychedelia. The whining guitar is like something out of a chilling horror movie as it stings and pierces through the ominous atmosphere while the rooted bass-groove fluctuates and festers  beneath like a dangerous steamy vapour that evaporates off the smashing and at times frenetic drums.The track builds superbly into an intense clamorous crescendo as Munky creates and ferments one immense, thrilling and irresistible track.‘Megaton’ is a dark concoction formed out of curdling rancid emotions however, it is how these fine musicians portray these emotions that is mesmerising and outstanding. 

The band has this to say about the track: “We really embraced the studio on this track. After our first release this year we were excited to get back in and further carve out our sound to tape. This track was built off the drum and bass groove. We threw any semblance of music theory out the window, and just wrote what felt right. The lyrics came from the music, I was singing a lot of non-sequiturs when we’d jam, and certain themes emerged. Sam says it sounds like earth but not earth. Like we teleported into the future and found the remnants of a world that looks like earth but dead. Conor started throwing down some wild ‘far out maaaaaan’ sounds from his guitar which perfectly fit the mood. Don’t ask us how he made the airplane sound at the end of the track. To be honest I think it sounds like My Chemical Romance did a song with Dr Dre”

Stream ‘Megaton’ below 

Munky recorded a live session at Ravensdale Lane Studios which includes a live rendition of ‘Megaton’ check that out below


Author : Danu

THE SUNSETS ‘Space Love’

THE SUNSETS have released their new single ‘Space Love’. The Sunsets are an American alternative rock band from Alabama & Georgia. ‘Space Love’ is the first recording showcasing the bands current line up of Torsten Dryden on synth and vocals, Breihan Dryden on drums, Jack Vermuth on bass and guitar with Trent Johnson on guitar. They are also joined live by Hannah Culpepper on backing vocals and Quincy Chapman on saxophone.2017 brought the band to new heights as they performed at high-profile engagements such as “Destination Okeechobee 2017” (Gainesville, FL) and the Cutting Edge (CE) Music Business Conference (New Orleans, LA). The band also provided direct support for notable acts in Atlanta, GA such as She Wants Revenge (Interscope Records/Universal Music Group), Alvarez Kings (Warner Bros. Records / Sire), and Emarosa (Hopeless Records / Rise Records) at the Masquerade. The Sunsets are currently working on their sophomore record as well as playing shows across the USA.

‘Space Love’ is a swaggering rock number intensified with invigorating synths and slinky guitars as The Sunsets belt out their exhilarating sound. With powerful drums and an adrenaline soaked atmosphere the band develop their mighty wall of sound. The guitars shrill, pine and whine with vaporous humidity while the groove rooted bass wiggles its way beneath creating a flexible slithering foundation for the guitars to ricochet off. The jagged riffs and silky licks add panache and charm to the song while the passionate rock ‘n’ roll vocals drive through that classic rock persona. The synths add a futuristic twist to the otherwise smoking rock track. ‘Space Love’ is another energetic roaring number from The Sunsets.  

Stream ‘Space Love’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie Quick Picks

TEN OUNCE MOUSE

Genre: Indie pop/rock 

Bio: TEN OUNCE MOUSE are a 4-piece Indie Pop/Rock outfit from Enniscorthy comprised of Luc Power (vocals), Brandon Murphy (guitar), Syzmon Dobrowolski (bass) and Michael O’Connor (drums). Constantly gigging nationally and currently working on their debut album, they are quickly making a name for themselves in the Irish independent music scene.

Track: Echoes

Why We Like It: It’s a bright bubbly number that oozes passion and charm. With pulsing driving rhythms and light jingly guitar riff the track has a thriving meaty foundation and hearty atmosphere. Their is a hint of traditional Irish camaraderie in the melody as the chorus powerfully boasts pride and warm pub sing-along vibes. The track builds becoming more hefty as the mighty crescendo brings an alternative rock grit to the track however the band rein this in with their sublime harmonies and joyous melody. It’s an earnest soul nourishing track sure to have you singing along in no time.

You can follow TEN OUNCE MOUSE on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/TENOUNCEMOUSE/

Stream ‘Echoes’ below 

Saytr Play

Genre: Indie

Bio: Indie-pop makers Saytr Play return with new single ‘Second Hand Emotion’ following the release of their ‘Bang Average’ single in January which appeared on Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’, ‘The Indie List’, ‘All New, All Now’, ‘Unknown Songs That Should Be Known’ playlists and was played by Amazing Radio and Radio X.

Track: Second Hand Emotion

About the track frontman’s Fred said : “The image explores the vulnerability I feel in today’s society and this idea that we have a voice. In my opinion we don’t have a voice or at least a voice that will be heard. The abstract nature of the image provokes thought. What ever that may be is irrelevant because it’s your own unique thought! Your second hand emotion.”

Why We Like It: Its a slinky indie rock anthem bursting from the seams with fiery attitude and strut quality. A gritty rooted riff creates the rumbling foundation while the battering drums power blast throughout. Its a groove infested chic number laced in sweltering adrenaline and swagger soaked guitar lines. With a sing along chorus and vibrant vocals its sure to run riot in your head for days.

You can follow Saytr Play on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/Saytrplay

Watch the video for ‘Second Hand Emotion below’

Slender Pins

Genre: Post-punk

Bio: Emerging on the London live music scene in late 2018, Slender Pins’s first release, ‘Where’s the Money’, bagged airplay on BBC Introducing Music in London

Track: Not Long Now

Why We Like It: This raw slice of indie rock is laced in sweet acid soaked guitar lines that lament and pine through the track with relentless stamina while the brawny attack on drums and hypnotizing bass rumble create a frantic pace. The track has a dark undertone however the catchy chorus, intriguing bridge and stop and start elements keep the track refreshing and quirky. With oodles of punk energy fermenting on an indie soundscape this exhilarating tune is a must listen as Slender Pins mark themselves as ones to keep an eye one. 

You can follow Slender Pins on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/slenderpins/

Stream ‘Not Long Now’ below 

Earlybird

Genre: Electronic alternative synthpop

Bio: Earlybird comprise of Leamington Spa trio Andy Mort, Ben Munday, and Jon Mort. ’Late Again’ is their debut single and was mixed and mastered with John Rivers at Woodbine Street Studio.

Track: Late Again

Why We Like It:  This mesmerising track swirls with electronic dance elements before drifting and blending beautifully into a crisp cathedral-esque wall of sound. A bubbling, blooping and gloopy beat creates a fluctuant danceable foundation and hypnotic soundscape. The synths wisp and soar around this backdrop majestically building sublime and climatic layers to the track before it breaks into a pristine church-like choir crescendo. The lush harmonies are enthralling as the track flickers and glitches. Its a fantastic display of musicianship. Unique and well crafted ‘Late Again’ is a multi dimensional track with an 80’s pop sheen sure to keep you on your toes. 

You can follow Earlybird on Twitter here https://twitter.com/helloearlybird

Stream ‘Late Again’ below 

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks Playlist on Spotify Here 


Author : Danu

Jake Regan ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’

Photo Credit : Liam Farrell.

Dublin multi-instrumentalist Jake Regan has released a new double single ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’. Jake Regan used to be the frontman of the band Segrasso. Early last year he decided to end the band and start making music on his own. Regan has been playing gigs with a band under the name Jake Regan and the Loverboys, but when he records music, he plays all the instruments himself.

‘Unfair’ is a sulky whack of abrasive alternative punk as Jake Regan fleshes out his unique songwriting in a pop smacked yet raw track. The wailing, stinging guitar cuts into the pulverising drums and grit smudged wall of sound. Moaning, gloomy vocals murmur through the verses while a stomping beat reinforces the anguish and fury however the depressed tantrum-soaked chorus is superbly contrasted with a breezy infectious melody and lighter tone. With its 70’s-esque Brit punk hues and shredding musicianship Regan displays his frustration at the “sell out “ copycat bands with a hint of comical irony.

‘Stay’ dollops on some shoegaze into Regan’s sound. Hazy and wrapped in a bitter sweet hue of nostalgia this lo-fi ditty broods in a wistful melody as Regan’s reverb lace vocals pine and coo in a blanket of sorrow. Doused in psychedelic tones the guitar-stings pierce throughout while the punchy drums batter in the background. This raw, heart-bleeding track grooves with a grunge backdrop against mopey pop elements. The soft melody wisps about the track melting into the downcast atmosphere.The warm biting guitar jingles and glimmers – lighting the chorus with its spark of luminosity through the mist. Utterly mesmerising and compelling this track hits you in the chest with passion and longing while also packing in some sublime and refined instrumentation.

Both ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ showcase how mature, passionate and exquisite Jake Regan is as an artist. He blends genres beautifully creating tracks that majestically blossom into a fine body of work.

Stream ‘Unfair’ and ‘Stay’ below 


Author : Danu