Category Archives: indie rock

Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Sea Girls

Sea Girls have released their new single ‘Open Up Your Head’, another glimpse from their highly anticipated debut album, due later this year. The track which was premiered as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record is their first to be released since their BBC Sound of 2019 shortlist nomination at the end of last year.

‘Open Up Your Head’ continues Sea Girls exhilarating sound and passionate youth- filled melody. Shimmering soundscapes create a breathtaking backdrop for the ethereal guitars to soar over while punchy drums create a rhythmic dynamic foundation. Filled with anthemic power and warm emotional vocals teamed with lush backing vocals and a shredding guitar solo – this thumping rush of adrenaline is ready for stadiums and mass sing-alongs. Another compelling track from Sea Girls.

Vocalist Henry Camamile describes the song: “‘Open Up Your Head’ is about being your own worst enemy but having someone believing in you unconditionally. Some people struggle with self-esteem, some people party too hard, and some people feel stuck from making wrong choices. It can be crucial having someone who offers a hand out of those places we don’t want to remain in”


Stream  ‘Open Up Your Head’ below                 

https://soundcloud.com/sonicseagirls/open-up-your-head


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, indie rock, New Music, Post Punk

Stupid Son ‘Bread’

Dublin based noisy introverts, Stupid Son have released the video for their new single ‘Bread’. Fresh out of college the band self-produced their video with a budget of €15.

‘Bread’ is a raw anguish stricken blast or organic home grown garage rock as a legion of distorted guitars pierce, shrill and crash through pummeling drums and distressed mournful vocals. This explosive track whines and blasts through a moody melody and mopey atmosphere while the rooted bass and shredding guitars add a dash of spice and razor sharp vigor. The guitars thrash and batter through the track rebounding and ricocheting off the brawny drums and infectious buoyant rhythm showing a refined quality to the mayhem of Stupid Son’s musicianship. It’s a thrilling, barbed debut.

Watch the video for ‘Bread’ below


Alt Rock, Atmospheric Music, Experimental Rock, Hypnotic, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Runway Lights ‘Broad Strokes’

Dublin experimental, alternative rock band Runway Lights have released their new single  ‘Broad Strokes’. In their short time together they have already graced the stages of a number of prestigious Dublin venues including The Workman’s Club, Whelan’s and The Button Factory, earning a reputation for their ferocious live sound. The band’s debut single ‘Crash’ was released in July and was marked by an appearance at the Whelan’s ‘Summer Watch’ festival.Their new single ‘Broad Strokes’ tells a dark tale of an unwanted encounter. It’s release was followed by an appearance at Whelan’s Ones To Watch festival and is the first track to be taken from their debut EP, due for release in early 2019.

With it’s soothing purr of delicacy and ominous mystery ‘Broad Strokes’ is a sweet daydream that has a chilling undertone. Twinkling guitars gently pepper the lulling verses while swirling soundscapes wisp about, luring behind the cooing vocals. The track builds becoming more sinister and compelling as sharp guitars whine and distort over the hypnotic rhythm and icy soundscape. The melody flutters and innocently dances between the biting entrapment of the instruments. With beautiful and compelling guitar lines meandering through the biting soundscapes Runway Lights create a unique and compelling track that immerses you in their mesmerising sound.

Stream ‘Broad Strokes’ below


Blues, Blues Rock, Funk, Funk and Soul, Indie, Indie Blues, indie rock, New Music

Barefoot Magicians ‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’

Barefoot Magicians have released two new juicy singles ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ which were recorded in Hellfire studios. Forming in early 2017 after a recording session In Dublin’s prestigious Windmill Lane Studios Barefoot Magicians comprise of Dave Greene (Vox/ Harmonica), Graham Stewart (Guitar), Fergal Mulligan (Bass), Brian Steemers (Drums/Percussion) and Hugh Caren (Piano/keys. The band dedicates itself to writing and performing original material based around a high energy blues funk groove, or as producer Alwyn Walker formerly of Westland Studios called it, “A Post Blues Groove”.

‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘It’s All Take’ are a dynamic funk/blues slapped duo made for wiggling and dancing to. These guys are instrumental pros as they blend out their delicious sounds to create a rich wholly satisfying listening experience

‘I’m Hooked’ brings a 70’s disco flavour to the bands groovy sound as the elastic bass wiggles and weaves its way through a feet shuffling foundation while jazz sprinkled piano and suave guitars slide and playfully dance between the strutting beat and swanky soundscape.It’s an animated rich track that showcase’s the meticulous instrumental refinement that goes into this bands tunes. This infectious track cools for a sultry guitar solo that builds the tempo for the hyper crescendo. With glorious harmonica injections and raspy vocals it’s one panache soaked, sing along ready tune.

‘It’s All Take’ is another groove infested number that bounces along sweet guitar melodies, rooted bass lines and an energetic rhythm. Catchy with a vibrant instrumental backdrop – this track travels with an energetic tempo. With elegant piano, delightful blasts of harmonica and expressive vocals it’s another swagger soaked track that is sure to have you strutting around like a dizzy peacock.

There are sublime guitar moments that weave an enticing golden thread of sweet delight through these tracks and that is the bait that gets you hooked on Barefoot Magicians tasty home brewed sound.

The band are set to release their new singles in Sin É on March 8th make sure to check them out

Stream ‘I’m Hooked and ‘It’s All Take’ below


Alt Rock, Fuzz Rock, Indie Punk, indie rock, New Music, Punk Rock

Chinese Newspaper ‘Are You Bored?’

Navan four piece fuzz punk band Chinese Newspaper have released the new video for their single ‘Are You Bored?’. This blustery, battering track is brimming with aggro and the turbulent punk rock these guys do so well. Chinese Newspaper provide a deluge of fuzz-filled punk laced in soaring distorted guitars as they meander from mind crashing to psychedelic whines. The pulverising drums batter and pound throughout with relentless stamina and fire fueled intensity as the howling, gritty and moody vocals exclaim the lyrics of boredom and isolation. There are some really refined moments within this track. Its outer shell appears boisterous, bitter and outraged and for the most part it is however, the band provide glimpses and flickers of finesse through the sublime nimble guitar work- adding a multi texture to this blistering number. ‘Are You Bored?’ is another fierce,infectious and raw track from Chinese Newspaper.

Watch the video for ‘Are You Bored?’ below


Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music

Badhands ‘Voices’

Badhands have released their new single ‘Voices’. Badhands is the musical project of Dublin songwriter and musician Dan Fitzpatrick. Having played for years with artists such as The Mighty Stef, The Last Tycoons, Paddy Hanna and Maud in Cahoots, he recently released his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Predictable Boy’. The record features musicians Tom Cosgrave, Aoife Ruth, Chris Barry and Ken Mooney, and upon release received much praise from critics.The band’s first two singles, ‘Waves’ and ‘Monday Morning’, have both received considerable airplay on national radio and have been performed live in session on shows such as Arena on RTE Radio 1.

‘Voices’ is a dark contorted number that chills with eerie instrumentation as Fitzpatrick’s vocals haunt through the psychedelic backdrop. With its heat stricken, western, lone ranger vibe and sliding guitar whines this track is compelling and extremely absorbing. The song travels on a dream-like delusional vibe with pulsating drums and strong piano chords strengthening the ominous foundation for the curdling bass lines to twist around. Filled with plenty of passion and rich emotional tones- this track is a spine chilling beauty with country hues and tumbleweed lonesome vibes peering through the hallucinogenic atmosphere and sweltering instrumental stings.

After a busy year of gigs in 2018, including two packed headline shows at The Workman’s Club Dublin, and supports slots with acts such as Michael McDonald, the band began work on album number two at the start of 2019 and is set for a headline show on April 13th in Whelan’s along with several dates around the country to be announced soon. These shows will feature songs from Predictable Boy, and also new material from the recently begun second album.

Watch the video for ‘Voices’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Shoegaze

Jake Regan ‘Over It’

Dublin singer songwriter Jake Regan has released his debut single ‘Over It’. Regan who was previously in the band Segrasso has now gone out on his own and is recording his debut album where he plays all the instruments on the recording.

‘Over It’ is the first taste of Regan’s solo work. With nonchalant vocals breezing over a crashing backdrop of grungy shoegaze this track is a charming biter. He blends the laid back hazy vibes of the verses perfectly with the shredding chorus. Blistering guitars lacerate through the punchy drums with knife edged precision while Regan sweetly broods over this raw backdrop. There are some refined moments as the track takes a unique sweet turn half way through. The guitars spiral into a luscious melodic motif that features sublime guitar work from Regan as he meanders through a tight piece of musicianship filled with honeyed tones and gritty elements. This is meticulously blended to create a mind melting listening experience. This track frizzles and distorts while soothing with its sweetly melodic moments and moody tones. It’s quite the roller coaster.

Stream ‘Over It’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Photo credit: Braverijah Gregg

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From TWIN XL

TWIN XL have released their new single ‘Friends’. The band are no strangers to musical success. Ex-The Summer Set members and brothers Stephen and John Gomez and Nekokat’s Cameron Walker-Wright comprise this alt-pop trio. Collectively, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and Fox’s Lucifer.The accompanying music video to ‘Friends’ was directed by Jade Ehlers (Panic!, Weezer, MAX), choreographed by Kayla Kalbfleisch (The Ellen Show, Backstreet Boys), and conceptualized by TWIN XL themselves in collaboration with Ehlers.

‘Friends’ is a silky sun kissed delicious can of fruity alternative pop filled with refreshing carbonated synths and an infectious groove. Laid back smooth vocals glissade upon the melty sweet melody while and glucose soaked beat slaps and rolls between the elastic bass and lush backing vocals. It’s a tutti fruity gem swirling beneath a rich effervescent synth progression while zesty sharp guitars sting between the catchy melody. It’s a chic, slick, well crafted song that oozes sunshine from every note while a joyous catchy whistle feature injects a dash of peppy delight through the dance-able rhythms. With touching lyrical depth highlighting emotions of self-doubt, insecurity, and anxiety TWIN XL provide darker flickers of emotion through this tasty track adding a beautiful contrast to their refined, crisp musicianship

TWIN XL says of “Friends,” “We really wanted to find that happy balance between writing a catchy pop song that still had a lot of depth lyrically and also had a dark sonic undertone. The lyrics in the first verse talk about our desire for isolation and the internal conflict of an introvert. As the story progresses, we find sanctuary in the presence of strangers in strange rooms completely outside our comfort zone – here, we are free of judgement and we are free to be whoever we want.”

Watch the video for ‘Friends’ below


Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Pin Ups ‘Lunchtime’

London indie three piece Pin Ups have released their new single ‘Lunchtime’.The track which is inspired by Donald Trump’s comments of arming teachers in order to prevent school shootings sees drummer Jesse Baker deliver the lead vocals. This snappy track is a barbed pop sprinkled number doused in light-hearted irony with a catchy chorus and vibrant soundscape.The smooth melody sweetens the bitter sting on guitars as they intricately weave and slice through the punchy drums and swirling synths. It’s dynamic and edgy with a hip – hop element peeping through the indie pop coating. With attitude soaked vocals rapidly rolling over the brisk verses before springing into the anthemic crowd-friendly chorus it’s one sun speckled richly layered tune.. ‘Lunchtime’ is a well developed track that shows just how superbly this band are growing.

Stream ‘Lunchtime’ below


Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll

Scally ‘Filthy Animal’


Photo credit : Nicholas O’Donnell Photography
Design: Stuart Hayes Photography

Mullingar rock n’ roll artist Scally has released his intense video for his new single ‘Filthy Animal’. The video which was directed by Karl O’Reilly of Bunsen Media stars Sorcha Herlihy, Dmitry Vinokurov and Ethan Scally himself. The visual tells the frenzied story of lust, jealousy and rage.

The track itself is another riveting rock n ‘roll number from Scally. With a hypnotic bass groove creeping in behind the thumping drum beats and sultry guitars, this track travels on an exhilarating frisson of hysteria. It’s another in your face, swagger dripping track doused in the exceptional instrumentation we have come to expect from this band. These guys blend the sweltering enticing vibes with all out anarchy meticulously to create a mosh ready blood curdling number that will have you hanging on the edge of your seat craving and frothing for more. With panache plunged vocals and an invigorating wall of sound driving that body moving beat and vaporous sizzle this is one well crafted track. A shredding guitar solo blisters through the punchy slick backdrop – Scally has created another searing number that seeps shrewdly under your skin itching right to your bones.

Watch the video for  ‘Filthy Animal’ below