Thurles band Jester have released their new single ‘Summertime’. Jester are Colly Dempsey, Mark O’ Dwyer, Tomas Maher, Niall O’ Shaughnessy and David Fitzpatrick. In 2018 they signed a publishing deal with UK based independent record label Velvet Moron Records, the brainchild of Dave White (Biffy Clyro, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kasabian, etc.). Their debut album ‘’Shadows Need A Light’’ was released in March 2019 on the label. The release coincided with an Irish tour culminating in a sold out show in their home town of Thurles at the Source Arts Centre in mid-March.The band formed over ten years ago in county Tipperary, Ireland and have had a lot of success over the years playing festivals and club gigs the length and breadth of the country and beyond, sharing the stage with some of the biggest acts in the country and beyond including The Fun Lovin Criminals, The Blizzards and Paul Weller amongst others.
‘Summertime’ drifts in on balmy guitar twangs and a sway- like tempo as Jester venture into their sweet sentimental side. Wrapped in romantic tones this delicate number floats on acoustic guitar and radiant hazy electric guitar pines. The track builds and unfolds beautifully into a classic rock crescendo as the guitars develop becoming more sharp and expressive while the drum kicks in. There is a sublime instrumental break which will have live audiences punching the air in dramatic passion as they lilt that shredding lamenting guitar solo with oodles of gusto. It’s a compelling track filled with cosy Bon Jovi – esque tones as the band take their catchy rock sound and strip it back into a snug charming number.
The band are currently back rehearsing their set list for a string of dates around the country over the coming months in support of their upcoming single ‘’Summertime’’.
You can catch Jester Live at:
De Barra’a Clonakilty . Cork July 27th
Feile Beag, Thurles Aug 4th
Tipp Classical , Semple Stadium, Thurles September 21st
Cork Indie Pop/Folk artist Bland Orlando has released his new EP ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’. This three track collection floats and swoons in Bland Orlando’s delicate and emotive musicianship. From the brooding fluid groove of opening track ‘Blue’ the EP sets up a tranquil scene with relaxing vibes and sweet lush melodies. With soft warm guitar accompaniment and a steady beat slap this track allows Bland Orlando’s vocals to become the main focus point as he coos with raspy tones over the delicate tender melody. ’Hold’ has a lighter more buoyant quality as the twinkling soundscapes flutter about the rich rhythm and infectious melody. It’s charming and a joy to listen to. There are intricate subtle melodies through out that create a mesmerising and peaceful tone to the track making it perfect for evening listening. This EP in brimming with passion and luscious melodies. Bland Orlando’s simplistic approach gives a special and magical effect to his tracks. ‘Wasted’ closes the EP. Haunting backing vocals lull and whine behind Orlando’s deep vocals. Passion and emotion radiates through out the track – building becoming more jittery until it transforms into a tropical- esque delight. The guitars add a dash of zest and sun-speckled scintillation as the rhythm becomes more shaky and vibrant. It’s a chilled cruising track to bring the EP to a mellowed out hazy summer end.
Bland Orlando has created an emotive EP that is set to ease the mind and relax the soul with his superb musicianship.
Leeds indie rock band The Sheratons have released their new single ‘Part of a Picture’.The band is fronted by singer and lead guitarist Kane Bulleyment with Caty Labbett playing bass, Finley Ryan on guitar and the secret weapon powering the band, Emma Liu on drums. Since their formation they have caught the ears of BBC 6 DJ Steve Lamacq and BBC Introducing DJ Alan Raw.
‘Part of a Picture’ is a fluttering swoon of nostalgic indie at its most invigorating. Zest filled jangly guitar weaves radiant golden sunshine through the punchy drums and groove laced bass to create a youthful rush of adrenaline. The laid back vocals drift effortlessly over the melty melody while the vivid instrumentation floods the track in suspenseful bliss and kinetic energy.Its a catchy and instantly likeable number from The Sheratons.
Dublin’s Fangclub have released their eagerly awaited sophomore album, ‘Vulture Culture’, on Vertigo Records. The band kick off their headline UK and European tour this October, opening in Liverpool and closing in Dublin’s Button Factory. They will also play Indiependence Festival, Cork on August 4th.
‘Vulture Culture’ is an experience – each track spirals towards the next in a gush of frenzy and turmoil while Fangclub showcase their expressive, explosive and majestic musicianship. Within this album Fangclub refine their sound, lacing each track with intricate guitar, raw bass lines and dynamic drum progressions. The album lulls into motion with ‘Last Time’. This beautiful track is made up of extracts from a confessional note that vocalist Steven King wrote his girlfriend, (which he sang to her in a lamp-lit studio). The band ease us into the album encompassing tender emotion and turmoil in one sublime slow burner. This delicate gem stops time and introduces the fragile aspects of the album with glistening guitar, reverb whispered vocals and a dreamy nostalgic melody. The track builds superbly becoming more vigorous as the drums and guitars crash into motion bringing about that powerful expressive sound we have come to love from this trio. What a track to introduce the album it’s everything the album contains and more. Title track ‘Vulture Culture’ has the trying job of following and boy it doesn’t disappoint. Stomping in swagger soaked and filled with bravado ‘Vulture Culture’ struts on slinky guitars, pulverising drums and snide vocals. With its jagged gallop and creepy carnival jingle on guitar, this light fun track is a daring cocktail of sinister and dark with a cynical zesty twist to add a sting to the palate.
Epic choruses and a robust wall of sound flood through the darker ‘Nightmare’, ‘Hesitations’ and ‘Kingdumb’ concreting the mosh ready hair raising effect of the album as each track takes you further and further into this glorious festering experience. ‘Viva Violent’ adds a steamy flourish to the album with its jangly guitar infectiously weaving between the elastic beat and rooted bass groove leading to the feisty chorus eruption. The melodies in the album, as always are catchy delicious spreads of honey that roll and drift into your mind in sweet easy doses. Each track has its own slinky raw manner which adds a sublime character and lovable quality to each song. Themes of fear, paranoia, addiction, love and despair all spew, ferment and curdle through ‘Every Day’ ‘Heavy Handed’ and ‘All I Have’ while the band use their musical prowess to create an instrumental whirlwind of shrilling guitar, beefy bass lines and mammoth drums creating the most thrilling and commanding backdrop. ’Black Rainbow’ is another gem within this treasure trove. This adrenaline inducing track drives through the gritty darkly smothered verses setting the tune up for another blasting chorus however, strikingly the band break into a sweet, light, fluffy chorus with King cooing over a dreamy, euphoric backdrop. There is of course a heavy crescendo but the track winds down into repetitive soft vocals, acoustic guitar and piano end – allowing us a glimpse of a more elegant side to Fangclub as we are lulled into a whimsical state of bliss. This track is fast becoming my favourite on the album. Its opium soaked melody and rich peppy rhythm mixed meticulously between the contrasting, brain-frazzling mania is masterful. ‘Slow’ closes the album ensuring our thirst for more is unquenchable. A beefy beat, luring guitars and attitude soaked vocals end the album on a massive high. You can’t get bigger, better or more frantic (well these guys probably will ) but it’s an enticing, vaporous and anthemic number that I can imagine is utterly mind blowing live. The track is raw, endearing and filled with enormous moments from crashing slick guitar to ground shaking bass lines and first class drumming.
Fangclub have created a phenomenal album with ‘Vulture Culture’. Once you listen to the album you will never be the same again. It is brimming with passion and curdling themes of confusion, sadness and violence. The band express this through fiery intense instrumentation that surrounds you and consumes you in a world created entirely by Fangclub. The tracks reach deep into the crevices of your subconscious and lay bare your emotions and experiences – raw and exposed but contained within this powerful medium. ‘Vulture Culture’ is pretty potent musicianship.
Dublin three piece alternative band LateNight Pharmacy, have released their new music video for their track ‘Texlahoma’ which is taken from the bands latest EP, ‘Flamingo’.The track has already proven very popular, with airplay from 98FM’s John Barker on Totally Irish and Indie Disco on Phoenix FM, as well as being selected for playlists by Caltify MX and Luna Collective on Spotify and the video features internet sensation Big Man Tyrone.
‘Texlahoma‘ is a jangly indie number laced in sublime guitar work with a catchy melody as Late Night Pharmacy pepper their punk -esque sound with light speckles of pop. With glorious sun sprinkled verses buoyantly leading the way to the gritty chorus the trio build the track perfectly, creating a wholly invigorating sound. A zest-filled guitar injects a biting rawness into the track while the punchy drums and quirky vocals add rich texture and vibrancy. Its a laid back smooth number that packs some serious punch as the track builds to its sublime crescendo.
Dublin four piece Bedrooms formed in 2019 and have spent the early months of the year locked away in a rehearsal studio creating their sound. They have now released their debut single ‘Chico’s Bodega’. .
‘Chico’s Bodega’ introduces Bedrooms with ethereal nostalgia dripped in bliss as chiming edged guitars flood the track in a bitter sweet melody that flutters the heart and douses it with teary euphoria. The melty 90’s steeped melody adds a wistful tone to this gem while the buoyant beat and driving bass surges the track with adrenaline. It’s an invigorating slice of indie pop that charms its way on repeat every time. With fuzz peppered guitars and that instant rush of heartfelt emotion while laid back vocals coo over the compelling backdrop, Bedrooms have the recipe that takes you through a lifetime of nostalgia with one sublime debut tune. Keep an eye on these guys.
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Something Leather
Brighton alternative rock band Something Leather have released their new single ‘Velvet’ on We Can Do It Records.In such a short space of time Something Leather have secured support slots with a multitude of upcoming bands including Black Midi, Phobophobes, Madonnatron, Saint Agnes and JOHN.
‘Velvet’ is a dark luring number with smothering muggy entrapment and eerie atmosphere as Something Leather build and layer the track in a searing sultry psychedelic sound with unique and intriguing instrumentation. The haunting organ elements tease and bounce like a chirpy Halloween theme tune throughout the sinister atmosphere. Sultry vocals coo and almost whisper the soft melody as deep backing vocals and moody guitar whines douse the background in ominous tones. The track, which is a cynical song about love and fantasy, builds becoming more frantic and sinister as crashing cymbals and guitar distortion create tension and a mysterious sense of danger. This is one hair-raising number. It’s perfectly crafted for maximum impact as Something Leather tease, ferment and curdle their instrumentation creating a bewitching almost perilous tune with vaporous aspects and groovy shimmy glimpses throughout. It’s a doozy.
East Manchester indie band Palava are set to release their new single ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ on the 5th of July. This invigorating indie number drifts effortlessly on a breezy soundscape and vivid instrumentation as Palava flesh out their sun sprinkled sound. With ethereal stings on guitar creating a refreshing bite and lofty atmosphere the track slices and dices with an edgy rawness through some glorious dreamy elements. A smooth melody and expressive vocals glide into the ears effortlessly as the track leads seamlessly into the catchy dynamic chorus. With punchy drums and rooted elastic bass groove creating a meaty buoyant foundation this aerial number floats with elegance yet packs quite the punch all at once. ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’ is another enthralling number from Palava.
We sat down to have a chat with Luke Reilly and David Anthony from Otherkin before their show in Whelan’s Dublin about their new tracks and what they have planned for the rest of the year.
Alt-Rock artist RV Monroe has released the music video for his latest single ‘Supergirl’. ‘Supergirl’ is the first track to be released from RV Monroe’s upcoming EP, ‘More Milk’.
‘Supergirl’ is a powerful raw number as RV Monroe builds the track from a delicate tune to a mighty power ballad – esque display. Brimming with passion and emotion Monroes’ raspy vocals coo and expel over the catchy bittersweet melody as the track builds from its stripped back intro to an all out mega rock blast. The steady beat is a constant throughout however the track intensifies with shredding guitars and a blistering wall of sound. The soft, elegant piano sets the track up to be a pining little ditty – sweet, somber and nostalgic. However Monroe has other ideas introducing gritty electric guitar, backing vocals and a powerful instrumental explosion. The track continues to build as the guitars majestically and vigorously inject scintillation and a wonderful sense of triumph and jubilation into the track. Its a sublime spectacle for sure.
Watch the video for ‘Supergirl’ below
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
