Innovative pop artist Jack Rua has released his debut single ‘Scarlet A’ which was produced by fellow BIMM Dublin alumni Tenderhook. and the nationally-lauded Michael Heffernan. Jack Rua has plans already in motion to collaborate with more prominent Irish artists, as well as to release an EP in late 2019/early 2020.
‘Scarlet A’ is a sultry dark concoction of luring entrapment as Jack Rua blends catchy pop elements with mysterious fermenting electronics to create an invigorating dance pop number. With sticky pulsing beat slaps supporting the infectious foot tapping foundation while subtle flashing electronics create an enticing soundscape its a wholly riveting song. This track captivates you within its polished clean production while the enslaving melody shackles this tune into your mind as Jack Rua’s smooth passionate vocals whisper, coo and seduce throughout. It’s a steamy, catchy number with a compelling edge that charms and bewitches with sublime musicianship.
About the track Jack Rua said : “Scarlet A’ unapologetically questions the nature of human attraction and monogamy, whilst simultaneously evoking its listener to contemplate modern fascination with superficial things.”
Dublin based The Elephant Room have released their new single ‘Bad News (For Good People)’which was recorded with Joe Mulcahy in Open Door Studios in Limerick city. Formed in 2017, The Elephant Room is a Lo-Fi, Indie-noise band composed of Frank, Shane and Ian. Their DIY approach to their music bleeds through to their art work and videos also, with everything being done in-house to create the bizarre, noir world that is The Elephant Room.
‘Bad News (For Good People)’ is a blissful swirl of melodic, intricate indie pop. With it’s sweet like honey melody floating delicately on an intoxicating bed of crashing sharp guitars and punchy rhythms this track is a tasty delight to tantalize the ears. Smooth vocals caress the melody with a moody laid back tone while the tasty guitars weave and wonder about the verses with a daydream stroll before blasting into the crashing rush of the chorus. The track has a grungy vibe while flurrying gracefully upon a delectable indie backdrop. It’s one for those lazy too hot to move days in the summer. The refined tight rhythms hold this fantastic track together with a binding of meaty grooves and punchy drum whacks as the guitars fester into a wailing wall of distortion. With its addictive melody, tight musicianship and thought provoking lyrical content ‘Bad News (For Good People)’ is another impressive, well crafted track from The Elephant Room.
You can catch The Elephant Room live at :
6th April – Wexford Art Centre, Wexford w/ The Motives
20th April – The Thomas House, Dublin 8 w/ Easy Tide and Father!
26th April – Odd Mollies, Drogheda w/ Hatchlings
Watch the video for ‘Bad News (For Good People)’ below
Manchester post-punk four-piece Little Avis have released their second single of 2019 ‘Ghalib’.While the band has been around for a number of years the run of singles which started in January 2019 with “So Pretty” marks a resurgence for them and a commitment toward a post-punk sound.
With blistering guitars and stomping drums ‘Ghalib’ bulldozes Little Avis’ swagger steeped musicianship into your ears. It’s a chilled yet sweltering brew of alternative rock, indie and punk- splattered rock’n’roll. Scorching guitars slice through the snappy buoyant rhythm allowing this infectious number to blend the bands laid-back style with spiky attitude effortlessly, making for an exhilarating listen. With smooth panache-filled vocals, lush backing vocals and a catchy melody- this slicked back number is instantly like-able and cool.
About the track Frontman Lee Hunter said, “Ghalib is a homage to the Indian poet of that name containing a mixture of the poets own words and my own inspiration came from my research into my own Indian roots. The lyrics delve into the angst of loss, a longing for retribution and honest introspection, concluding the fragility and volatility of existence and the certainty of what comes to all that exist.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From MESSIMER
MESSIMER have released their new single ‘Loose’.Hailing from Boise Idaho, MESSIMER is comprised of friends Luke Messimer, Dalton Mace, and Reggie Mace. 2019 will see them release a plethora of exciting new music as well as performances in many cities West of the Mississippi.
‘Loose’ is a groove-filled vibrant slap of swagger drenched rock n roll at is most dynamic and blistering. It’s an infectious charmer brimming with slick panache-drenched guitars that glissade, soar and elegantly weave sun kissed golden vibes through this riveting number. With a pounding punchy foot tapping beat and rooted elastic bass line this flamboyant track is instantly likable. A 70’s glam rock stomp surges adrenaline through your veins while the falsetto vocals, anthemic energy, luscious melody and strut ready persona make this track one hell of an explosion in your ears. With its tasty guitars, shimmy ready deliciousness,mighty/flaunty power and frantic refined musicianship ‘Loose’ makes MESSIMER one heck of a band not to miss.
Cork singer songwriter Eoin has released his new single ‘Chalk & Cheese’.The track is the first single off his upcoming album, ‘Reverie’.He has played headline slots in venues like DeBarra’s Folk Club and The Poor Relation as well as support slots in the Crane Lane and Roisin Dubh.
‘Chalk & Cheese’ is a smoky glide of blues rock that boasts the slick clean musicianship of Eoin. The verses smoulder with simmering twinkles on guitar and a foot tapping beat while Eoin’s raspy warm vocals exude passion and soul in every note. The track erupts into the fiery chorus which sees the guitars become more dominant and sharp as the drums pummel and pound. Eoin builds this track perfectly as he teases through the verses creating intensity with each section before the massive crescendo. It’s a refined, thrilling number that scalds and burns with exhilarating passion and charm.
London’s Ten Fé have released their sophomore album ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ via Some Kinda Love/PIAS. Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse returned to London from touring Ten Fé’s debut album ‘Hit The Light’ – what had begun as a duo had evolved on the road into a fully formed band with Rob Shipley, Johnny Drain and Alex Hammond completing the line up. Sold-out shows across the US and Europe, along with tens of millions of Spotify streams, had yielded a new-found confidence and a raw, emotional and expansive new sound. Singles ‘Won’t Happen’, ‘Not Tonight’, ‘Coasting’ and ‘Echo Park’ from the album have all been New Music Friday in multiple territories at Spotify and Best Of The Week globally at Apple Music.
‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a dreamy whoosh of refreshing tunes that cruise along at a steady wholesome pace as Ten Fé flesh out their soul fulfilling musicianship through beautiful melodies and soothing instrumentation. There is depth in every track as the band wear their hearts on their sleeves displaying tender moments and delicate vulnerabilities through sweet tones and elegant writing. ‘Won’t Happen’ kicks all this lusciousness off with a melancholic melody floating delicately through warm guitar jingles, soft drums and soothing vocals. Ten Fé’s ability to create wholly satisfying tracks through consoling instrumentation is captivating. Each track is a breath of fresh summer air with campfire evening nights glimmering between joyous, sombre musicianship. Each song is simple and delicate with immense richness and depth driving it right into your heart.Pure and relaxing the tracks lead you further into a sedating and uplifting state of bliss. ‘Isn’t Ever A Day’ ‘No Night Lasts Forever’, ‘Can’t Take You With Me’ and ‘Caught On The Inside’ drift along into your ears. Laid back and effortless the meaningful songwriting is passionate yet calm and fluid. It’s easy to find a place in your heart for all these little gems. They quickly become a part of you and this is the delightful side effect of Ten Fé’s musicianship.
The impeccable vocal contrast of Leo Duncan and Ben Moorhouse creates a distinct and rich texture to the album. Moorhouse’s deep baritone showcases raw emotion perfectly while Duncan’s sweet and emotional vocals are that comfy blanket that soothes and caresses your ears delicately. This subtle shift in vocals for tracks like ‘Echo Park’ and ‘Coasting’ is what keeps the album refreshing and vibrant. There is a melodic Fleetwood Mac flow to ‘Caught On The Inside’. It’s heartfelt melody and lush harmonies make this sombre tune a treasure while the elegant yet dark piano in ‘To Lie Here Is Enough’ strips everything back leaving just simple emotion and another tender vocal melody to leave you in tears.
Ten Fé’s ability to wrap you up in lavish majestic melodies is sublime. The buoyant cheery ‘Here Again’ and swoony ‘Not Tonight’ display this perfectly. With sweet toned guitar injections and soft percussion these tracks add a dash of zest into the sugary delightful flurry of the album while radiating sun kissed glows throughout. The band choose to bring the album to a close with ‘Superrich’ a stomping number that presents a more swaggering side to the band as the clever lyrics hop through smooth vocals as strong chords on keys add a spring into the tracks step while subtle guitar whines inject a sting to this honest and somewhat lyrically brutal number.
‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’ is a well thought out, mature album that encompasses all the rich depths of Ten Fé‘s musicianship. It’s deeply romantic, melancholic and soothing with luscious melodies, refined instrumentation and wholesome goodness. These guys take us through a varied journey that leaves you feeling regenerated and wiser after.
London band Alexis Kings were playing their first ever Dublin show last night.This was a show I couldn’t miss. The blustery weather, traffic nor an old woman slowly crossing the street could stop me from getting to The Workmans Club ( I did wait patiently for her to cross though ). Walking through the venue I could hear the blistering melodic sound of the end of Galway band D – Day’s set. These guys are spectacular live. I only caught the last two songs but Darragh Whyte’s vocals are pretty impressive and this stylish four piece sure can write and perform some slick tunes.
Alexis Kings take to the stage. They waste no time in getting straight into their sweet tunes. Brendan Aherne has become quite the frontman. Mesmerising to watch he struts about the stage spinning the mic around his waist and into the air. ‘The Enemy’ starts their set. Once the drum kicks in and the track begins the entire atmosphere blossoms into a mellow balmy haze of delight. These guys are professional on stage and their love for performing radiates profusely. Sam Privett’s honey dripped guitar lines are even more delicious within the live setting. While drummer Fabio Bocca and bassist Kalyan Rogers allow their groove infested sound, pound through your body coaxing and enticing you to dance. There is power behind these tracks as Alexis Kings weave their bewitching enticing tunes into our very souls.
Live, the tunes take on a heavier sound giving a meatier grit to their nectarous sun kissed tunes. ‘Addict’ in particular translates superbly live with the rumble on drums and weaving guitar echoing through a darkly coated atmosphere. The shrilling psychedelic guitar is mesmerising. We get an exciting glimpse of some new tunes ‘Johnny True Love’ has a reggae feel to it as a sultry groove rebounds and slaps off the steamy guitar whines while ‘Spaceships’ brings that exhilarating rush of indie, injecting youthful adrenaline into your veins. Aherne’s vocals are filled with passion which smoothly caress the velvety melodies with hints of soulful tenderness.
‘Squire’ was received by tremendous applause. A melodic luscious rendition of this beautiful track has the crowd swaying bopping and singing along as Aherne reaches out as close to them as he can. Who can resist the divine guitar melody in ‘Squire’ it’s as close to God as most of us will ever get. I for one was eagerly awaiting ‘Velvet’ and boy it didn’t disappoint. The London boys play this track with a particular air of class and chicness as Aherne flaunts about the stage while the crowd sing along to the infectious chorus. It’s the perfect show closer. The crowd had other ideas though, they demanded ‘Brothers’ as they shouted the lyrics “get in your taxi”. It was quickly apparent the band would not get away without whacking out the fiery track. So, in true rock and roll manner the band belt out this boisterous track with slick precision and swagger-drenched attitude as the audience bellowed the lyrics back joyously.
It was a fantastic night of live music. If you haven’t seen Alexis Kings perform live I highly recommend it. They radiate an effortless aura of relaxed charisma while executing slick, polished and absolutely thrilling tunes.
Bristol based three-piece Air Miles have released their new single ‘Friends’. This gritty cocktail blends alternative rock with hip hop influences and anthemic vibes to create a wholly satisfying listen. Jagged guitars slice and carve their way through the flashing beat heavy soundscape with slick precision while the smooth raspy vocals coo over the catchy melody and lush harmonies. Perfectly layered the sharp fuzzed guitars meander and shift between grainy, rough to light and ethereal seamlessly creating rich textures while the hip hop influences gives a refreshing flavour and dance-able groove to this sublime new track from Air Miles.
Cork based indie/ post punk rogues Pretty Happy have released their new single ‘Mr. Crabs’ from their upcoming EP. This raw track is a groove slapped number that throws unruly punk rock into your face while coarse guitars shred and saw through gravel coated vocals and buoyant rhythms. It’s unique presentation and catchy quirkiness with witty lyrics make this track one entertaining tune. With a punchy backdrop and rowdy soundscape battered through screams and slick instrumentation this trio present a theatrically ominous track that wails with obscure harmonies and a stomping beat.Its pretty thrilling.
Brighton based alt-pop quartet BELLES have released their debut single ‘Electric’.The track, which is solely produced by bassist Sam Missing, is the first in a series of nostalgic tinged singles to be released this year. A combination of childhood friends and coincidental meetings, the Brighton newcomers comprised of George Clark (Vocals), James Westerman (Guitar), Sam Missing (Bass) and Alex Mold (Drums) formed at university and have already made a name for themselves along the south coast for their high energy and engaging live performances.
‘Electric’ is a kinetic youthful shot of adrenaline that uncoils it’s tasty indie sound delicately with each rich segment. The verses bounce and springboard with jangly guitars rebounding off punchy drums and an elastic bass feature while the chorus blisters and scorches with crashing guitars against an exhilarating backdrop. It’s upbeat with a melty catchy melody and an ethereal atmosphere laced with hyper energy. With a combination of dreamy love and angst-fueled lyrics that speak of a better time and smooth vibrant vocals this animated vivacious track is an impressive debut from BELLES.
About the track BELLES said: “‘Electric’ is about taking control of your life and allowing yourself to feel like you’re living again. It was the first song that we wrote together professionally and we love how natural it feels to us.”
