Not I is the project of Dublin based musicians Ian Meagher (drums/vox) and Thomas O’Reilly (guitar/vox). They have released a new music video for ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’, taken from their forthcoming debut album of the same name. The music video, which was directed, produced and shot by Redemption Film’s Niall McCann, Matthew Boyd, and Greg Dunn (the team behind feature films Lost in France, and The Science of Ghosts), sees the band embark on a humorous adventure in (or outside) the realm of Dublin’s bingo scene.
With gritty biting guitars pulsing adrenaline to the very core of ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’, Not I craft a wonderful exhilarating whir of alternative rock that ferments and curdles with sublime intensity. The pounding drums progress from a steady background thud to an anarchy calling blitz as the track leads to its massive crescendo. With quirky baritone vocal bursts from moody verses to falsetto yelps and shouted exclaims, this track exudes character and swagger. It’s dark and smothered in raw instrumentation and the sharp guitars venture from acute strides to crashing frenzy along with the punchy drum progression, With its minimalist approach the band create a wholly invigorating shattering track. With psychedelic dazzling hues and just sheer gritty rawness ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’ marks Not I as a band to keep an eye on. This track is sure to be epic live.
Watch the video for ‘Please, No Kindness, Please’ below
After their stellar performance at the 2000trees Xtra Mile Recordings takeover in July, Northern Irish five-piece Brand New Friend have released their new single, ‘The Letter A’. They have played shows throughout the UK and Ireland, both headlining and with veterans or peers like Snow Patrol, Ash, Starcrawler, At The Drive-In, Pretty Vicious, RAT BOY, Feeder and Xtra Mile Recordings label mate Seán McGowan – plus a host of festival slots at Reading and Leeds, 2000trees and others.Their debut album ‘Seatbelts for Aeroplanes’, spawned several singles all of which garnered plays on the likes of Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart shows on Radio 1, John Kennedy on Radio X and 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq as well as sessions and interviews on the Across The Line show on BBC Ulster.
‘The Letter A’ is a punchy track with a smooth melody wrapped in a biting indie rock soundscape as Brand New Friend blister and swarm through the track with relentless stamina and infectious vigor. With jagged striking guitars slicing through the bouncy bass line and snappy drums this track has an infectious energetic buoyancy that is sure to have a live crowd going wild. The pop smacked melody and 50’s-60’s classic melodic hue gives a sentimental familiarity and charm to the song. The vocals exude confidence with a youthful sense of urgency as the band flesh out their tight and dynamic sound. With an explosive chorus, The Strokes- esque verses, sharp instrumental backdrop and gritty crunchy element presented beautifully on guitars, this adrenaline-inducing number is sure to have you singing along in no time.
Dublin’s alternative rock band TOYGIRL have released their new single ‘Reign’. The song’s earliest conception came about in April 2018 when British/French frontwomen, Hannah Worrall, was experimenting with bass and string loops on Garageband. The song wasn’t finalised until much later in February of this year (2019) after the collaborative input of Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar) and Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar). ‘Reign’ was recorded in Temple Lane Studios with the help of engineers Jack Mulligan and Tadgh Maw. The track was professionally Mixed by Stuart Grey at Jealoustown Studios and Mastered by Billy Farrell at same.
‘Reign’ is a groove driven number that burrows you deep into TOYGIRL’s passionate, crisp sound. Sublime guitar work fleshes out the bands classy, jazz side while the rooted elastic bass weaves warm slinky elements and golden vibes into this refreshing number. With a steady beat and Hannah Worrall’s soulful vocals, this track is a mellowed out delight with refined instrumental backing. Each component part steadily grooves and drifts perfectly into place to create a superb track to immerse yourself in.
According to the band “The single is a sarcastic and passive aggressive presentation of the mask we all wear in order to make others happy, and in attempts to convince ourselves of our own happiness. The regal imagery accentuates the idea that with great (self-induced) power comes great responsibility. We all strive for normality to fit in and from that we lose everything that makes us unique.”
TOYGIRL are celebrating the release of their debut single with an Irish and UK tour, withdates in Levis’s of West Cork (Sept 28th), the Roundy Cork city (Sept 29th), Roisin Dubh in Galway (Sept 30th), McHugh’s of Belfast (Oct 2nd) and the Workman’s Club Dublin (Oct 3rd).
Indie surf-rock band Blue River are set to release their new single ‘Sugar White Sand’ on the 27th September. After bursting onto the scene, Cornwall’s Blue River are now two albums deep and have firmly won their place amongst some of the most exciting up and coming groups around. Made up of Perran Nicholls (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Marc Willoughby (lead guitar/vocals), Adam Knuckey (bass guitar/vocals), and Brett Buddy (drums/percussion), Blue River have carefully crafted a formula that has won over the ears and hearts of fans all over the country.
This shimmy-grooved, sun-soaked, surf rock number drifts effortlessly on a smooth laid back melody and warm vocals while the jagged guitars and punchy rhythm create a gritty, rock-infused backdrop. With equal doses of mellow bliss and swagger-dipped indie rock ‘Sugar White Sand’ is locked and loaded for live show sing-along’s and easy listening lazy days in the sun. The melty melody and spaghetti western guitar injections make this track charming and liquid euphoria ready to brighten any day. A perfect new addition to Blue River’s sound.
On producing the track, the band said:“Sugar White Sand’ came from a bad night’s party, where one person became everything I hate and was the loudest person in the room! So, I started a chant with a group of lads, the famous ‘Oggi oggi oggi’ chant (being from Cornwall everyone instantly joined in)-it seemed to shut this person up for a bit. Then I wrote this tune! “I don’t wanna be like you” is a powerful line I think. As well as Cornwall vernacular, ‘Oggi Oggi Oggi’ is also a very well-known Welsh chant, used at international rugby matches to rouse the Welsh team forward and popularised by folk singer Max Boyce.”
Bio: Pacific are making a name for themselves with their blend of alternative rock and indie nuances.This year has seen strong radio support, with 10 BBC Radio plays, a 30-minute, live-on-air gig on BBC Introducing, as well as a live session on XS Manchester. The band also joined All Tvvins as support, performed at Dot to Dot Festival in May and Blackthorn Festival in July.
Track: Time to Forget
Why We Like It: It’s an effervescent indie pop anthem swirling with fermented, sparkling synths and glorious jangly guitar while the buoyant rhythms create a vibrant foundation for this sublime wall of sound to rebound and playfully ricochet off. With a refreshing peppy piano feature this track is instantly likeable and brimming with vigor. The catchy melody bops its way into the brain with ease as the smooth vocals exude confidence and passion. It’s a vibrant and an engaging track from Pacific.
Bio: Lithuanian native Dj / Producer Jovani has announced the release of his latest single “Figure it Out” available on all digital retailers now. As one half of the acclaimed Dj duo Radistai, it’s safe to assume that Jovani has already had his fair share of success. Despite millions of downloads, his own radio station, and countless sold out arenas, the young Dj decided to take a leap of faith and try his wings as a solo artist. ‘Figure It Out’ is the follow up track to the hit single “Keep it to myself” featuring Jazzu that charted in several countries and earned him a “Song Of The Year” nomination at the Lithuanian Grammys. The track feature a performance by up and coming group “Youth Appeal”
Track: Figure It Out
About the track Jovani says :“This new single is about mending a broken heart, it’s a concept that I can really relate to, and so can my fans.”
Why We Like It: It’s a sun glazed EDM anthem with lush melodies and rich production. Featuring Youth Appeal on vocals, this track splashes tropical house and trap into its sugar coated melody to create a wholly satisfying listening experience while the sweet vocals floods passion and tender tones into the track. It’s a catchy number, well written and meticulously crafted to have you singing along and dancing to this bitter/sweet ditty in no time.
Bio: Insolace, an Alt-rock band from London, released their debut single “Calm” on the 6th of September 2019. The band consists of Millie Cook (Vocals), Regan Wharton (Guitar), Conor Hyde (Guitar), Sam Bryant (Bass) & Onyi Olisa (Drums). Penning their tracks around the daily struggles of negative thoughts, addiction and self-medicating, they aim to offer hope and positive guidance to their fans.
Track: Calm
Why We Like It: It’s a blazing, gritty alternative track that travels on a fire ball of fury as scorching guitars shrill and pine between a brawny rhythm and crashing wall of sound. The band blend tender twinkles with blistering instrumentation effortlessly to create a refreshing and powerful track. With attitude soaked vocals and aggro riffling through the refined backdrop it’s a compelling and emotive track to wrap your ears around.
Bio: Five piece Indie Rock band Rivers consist of Cathal (vocalist), Ciaran (guitarist), Shauna (vocalist), Oscar (drummer) and Vince (bassist). Their first single ‘Runaway’ is out now.
Track: ‘Runaway’
Why We Like It: It’s a jaunty indie track featuring soaring ethereal guitars pounding drums and an airy wall of sound. The tight intricate guitar work weaves between the buoyant backdrop adding a dash of zest and giving a biting quality to the song while the infectious melody and smooth vocals give the song a slinky coating. The anthemic chorus and creeping verses contrast beautifully as Rivers create a tight and well developed track.
Southampton indie-rockers Pioneers have released their new single ‘I Don’t Think I’ve Changed’.Following on from their debut single, ‘Take Time’, which was crowned BBC Introducing Track of The Week, Pioneers have emerged as one of the UK’s most promising acts selling out three headline shows including the 400 capacity The Engine Rooms in Southampton and added to Amazing Radio’s daytime playlist.
‘I Don’t Think I’ve Changed’ is an invigorating guzzle of indie rock shaken with fizzy guitar elements, catchy pop melody and bubbling rhythm section as Pioneers display their rich emotive musicianship. With the lamenting melody caressed by singer Sam Watts’ velvety vocals this track glistens and thrives on the band’s refined ability to create passionate melodies that evoke youthful adrenaline and sweet nostalgia,Lustrous guitar radiates glorious rays of light into the track lifting it into majestic heights -the track instantly races the heart and pumps a rush of emotion into your veins. With a driving rhythm of elastic bass and animated drums this arena ready anthem is one smashing number from Pioneers.
Adam & Elvis have released their new single ‘Doctor Bad Touch’. The bands live shows combine a love for delectable walls of sound and a natural primitive punk energy. So far they have supported 60 legends The Zombies, Splashh, The Correspondents as well as played three separate sets at Y-Not Festival and several shows for BBC introducing Berkshire as well as many other shows around the south of England.
‘Doctor Bad Touch’ is a sinister, darkly twisted number that flickers with a bright sax melody before the murky guitar and smothering synths suffocate the track in ominous cinematic delusion. Its perilous carnival backdrop dances about with quirky soundscapes creating a crazy sort of clamorous atmosphere as the track throbs and creeps in with a Halloween – esque vibe. With pernicious guitars and threatening keys ‘Doctor Bad Touch’ is both euphoric and haunting. The striking keys create a horror movie vibe as the track spirals into motion, like the chugging cogs of an old funfair ride. The morbid lyrics are portrayed by growly gritty vocals that revel in mystery and obscurity. With a weaving bass line and dramatic percussion the track builds – veering from dark to almost cheery as the track reaches its itchy crescendo. It’s superbly chilling. As happy and equally creepy as a clown doused in blood. ‘Doctor Bad Touch’ is going to give you the Halloween vibe – A fantastic new track from Adam & Elvis.
To support the release the band play : 13th September The Victorian , Dalston
UK noisemakers Perfectparachutepicture have released their new single ‘The Hold’.The track is taken from the band’s killer debut album, No Modern Desire, out on Friday 13th September. Perfectparachutepicture, stylised as PPP, hail from Sheffield and were born in 2013. The emerging noise rock duo consist of bassist Edward James and Kyle Ernest on drums and lead vocals. The twosome have developed a stellar reputation for their high energy and sonically powerful live performances. An explosive main event appearance at this year’s Tramlines Festival, in Hillsborough Park Sheffield, as well as support slots with Turbowolf, Dinosaur Pile Up, Heck, Fangclub and Darlia, has only added greater stock to the band’s recent growth.
‘The Hold’ is an abrasive gash of garage rock as PPP take their rough and tumble sound mince it up and smooth it off to create an exhilarating, raw yet melodically polished track. Verses creep and tease while a gritty bass riff meticulously shears through the track with relentless stamina. The drums pummel and pound creating a beefy groove infested foundation as the band showcase their musical prowess and majestic quality through the sharp, rough yet slinky bass. The melody seeps along as soft vocals coo caressing it with an eerie quality. With a spine chilling edged soundscape the band blend smooth, dark and haunting tones with an acute thrashing assault perfectly to create a mesmerising and adrenaline-inducing listening experience.
The twosome remark about the single “The Hold is the lead single taken from the debut album ‘No Modern Desire’. It is a song about unity and hopefulness. The track has feelings of past despair and sadness, and the want for a better future.”
Glasgow female-fronted alternative rock Quotes of the Dead are set to release their new single ‘Twist or Stick’ on the 13th of September. Searing with sharp guitar lines, gritty bass and punchy drums ‘Twist or Stick’ is a smothering alternative number brimming with sassy swagger. The track drifts along a bright, energetic melody that evokes a retro shimmy while the dark instrumentation and eerie atmosphere slap on a gritty heavier tonality to the track. With powerful vocals, slinky guitar solo and rumbling bass- these guys pack in oodles of vigor and intensity to create a satisfying listening experience. It’s alternative rock with a funky twist to create an invigorating sound that marks Quotes of the Dead ones to keep an eye on.
Rock & roll artist John O’Shea has released his new single ‘Rock Is Alive’.The track was recorded at Miloco Studios by Darren Jones (The Last Shadow Puppets, The Coral, The Maccabees) and was later mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Frank Arkwright( Joy Division, Johnny Marr, The Charlatans).
‘Rock Is Alive’ is a blazing slinky rock & roll number as John O’Shea stomps, struts and blusters through gritty guitars and blood pumping drums. This track whirlwinds in, pouring slick swagger over the catchy melody as sizzling guitars glisten and flamboyantly pierce through the powerful backdrop. It’s lean, sharp and steaming from the first note right through to that infectious chorus which pounds anthemic passion into you veins. With fiery guitar work including one shredding solo ‘Rock Is Alive’ is an exhilarating track from John O’Shea.
Stream ‘Rock Is Alive’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
