London-based indie rock band Halloween Jack have released their new single ‘Musica Da “Giallo In Albion”’.After a hiatus of a few years following the release of their first album back in 2015, band members Adam Camm and Ian McEwan have sustained Halloween Jack’s strong industry position and rock’n’roll identity, whilst also progressing its sound through heavier production and undercurrents of pop music. In preparation for the return of live music, the duo are set to release a wealth of new music in the year ahead.
‘Musica Da “Giallo In Albion”’ is a thrilling display of rock n roll as Halloween Jack mix their swagger-drenched sound through dark soundscapes to create quite the infectious bop. With shredding guitar slicing through a strutting bass and punchy drums, the track stomps in full of energy. This dynamic wall of sound soars over a wave of 70’s chic panache while smooth melodies and rich percussion layer the track in vibrancy. The rasped vocals coo through the building backdrop as the song becomes more intoxicating and psychedelic. With swirling synths injecting an ominous tone into the track while the resounding rhythmic thumps drive the infectious disco tones, ‘Musica Da “Giallo In Albion”’ is a well-crafted sultry banger from Halloween Jack.
Taking influence from the nostalgic, paperback thriller aesthetic of 70s Italian ‘Giallo’ movies, ‘Musica Da “Giallo in Albion”‘ sees the band take the unease and malevolence of these early cult films and mirror it both instrumentally and melodically in the track’s eerie music box chime, strange backing vocal, and highly crafted lyrics to create a tantalizing listening experience.
Star Comedy Democrats have released their debut EP ‘Imitation Road.’ A catchy and powerful modern rock band, Star Comedy Democrats, is a tight three-piece outfit based in Kilkenny, fronted by Mark Bolger with Briain Casey on Bass and Rory Cooper on Drums.
‘Imitation Road’ is a bright and raw collection of alternative rock from Star Comedy Democrats. The band create an EP of lush melodies and refined instrumentation that becomes more radiant and exciting with each subsequent listen.
With clean jangly guitars driving the radiant energy between the punchy and rhythmic ‘Ghost’ and title track ‘Imitation Road’ Star Comedy Democrats display their tight and slick sound in all its glory. The songs are well-paced and brimming with intricate guitar embellishments, elastic flirtation on bass, and infectious alternative rock-esque melodies. Each song flows fluidly into the next with ease as Bolger’s warm, rasped vocals inject a dash of grit into the band’s energetic aesthetic.
Star Comedy Democrats have crafted a melody-rich EP that you can croon along to as well as mosh manically to. They build laid-back tunes like ‘Fire and Teeth’ with brooding lush harmonies and sullen verses while vibrant biting choruses and heartfelt air-punching crescendos drive the trio’s dynamic sound with vigor. However, the grunge-hued ‘Happy Valley’ is perhaps the EP’s pinnacle moment. A dark luring bass rumbles alongside a resounding drum while a steamy guitar pines, stings, and crashes throughout. This meticulous layering creates a sound that is fresh and intoxicating.
Star Comedy Democrats have created a tight well rounded, and enjoyable EP. For a debut, the EP showcases the growing talent and raw, authentic sound of Star Comedy Democrats. Love it.
‘He Knows’ is the debut single from Kilkenny-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Ali Comerford. Having toured the world performing viola in classical ensembles for 14 years, Ali moved back to Kilkenny in 2020 and has recorded her debut album of original folk-based but classical influenced songs.
‘He Knows’ is a luscious piece of rich musicianship as Ali Comerford creates a delicate tune wrapped in intricate instrumentation and sweet tones. Comerford’s lulling vocal caress a dreamy melody while a blossoming string arrangement, provides a pristine and innocent atmosphere. As the instrumentation grows in volume, the song becomes more vulnerable and expressive.
Lyrically the track oozes sincerity and heartfelt emotion “Oh but there must be a way out, Of this maize that I’ve been working on, But I’ve built the walls so high with doubt, Do I keep on building ’till he’s gone”. ‘He Knows’ is a stunning listening experience. Filled with intriguing folk tones and pop appeal. Comerford’s compelling musicianship and deft lyrical ability is impressive and a joy to listen to.
About the song Ali says “He knows’ is a lilting song about leaving an unfulfilling relationship, the ups and downs of seeking support elsewhere and the resignation that the truth will always come out.”
Bio : Jonny Starkes is a singer/songwriter from Hare Bay, Newfoundland who now resides in Toronto, Ontario. Jonny released a single in July 2020 “These Four Walls” which reached the International market, including Ireland and the UK
Track: Lay It On
Why We Like It: Passionate and utterly moving ‘Lay It On’ displays the earnest, poetic and beautiful musicianship of Jonny Starkes. As warm acoustic guitar coats the backdrop in soothing laments the steady beat holds a strong and steady pace allowing Starkes emotive vocals to carry the heartfelt atmosphere. His rasped country tone exudes a smoky quality as he croons “broken telephone distorted lines.” His powerful lyrics capture the tug of war of a relationship.These evocative and vivid lyrics are doused in a moving and heartfelt melody while pining electric guitar whines in the background. It’s a fantastic and compelling single that marks Jonny Starkes as an outstanding artist to keep an eye on.
Bio : Dublin-based singer/songwriter Apollo Monroe has released his debut single, ‘soda pop’. Monroe solely wrote the song, and co-produced it with artist/producer Viscose. During the COVID lockdown, Monroe built a home studio and self-recorded, so that the collaboration could continue long-distance – essentially becoming a bedroom pop artist.
Track: soda pop
Why We Like It: It’s a vibrant electronic pop hybrid with EDM, dance, and trap, all melded into an infectious earworm. Blending sweet melodies with biting 808’s machine beats, and dizzying electronics, the track has a chaotic yet refined soundscape. The EDM beats and trap elements drive the song forward while the smooth vocals and bright melody make the track easy on the ears. With cheeky lyrics, reverb vocals, and sleek production, ‘soda pop’ is an infectious well-crafted debut. This experimental concoction surges with fun upbeat vibes, attitude, and sun-soaked tones to create a satisfying listening experience.
Bio : Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra are back with punchy and honest new single ‘I didn’t love you when I said I did and I don’t now’.Recorded by Sean Montgomery Dietz at Annesley House, and mastered by Blanka at Kasablanka mastering, the song depicts the relatable experience of disappointing relationships.The Dublin-based three-piece consists of singer/guitarist Sarah Deegan, bassist Alice Grollero and drummer Danni Nolan, who came together about three years ago after meeting through gigging around the Dublin underground music circuit
Track: I didn’t love you when I said I did and I don’t now
Why We Like It: It’s a brooding and haunting indie rock track. The song simmers through the lonely verses with Sarah Deegan’s lulling vocals holding the main focus. She coos over the melody while soft guitars adorn the backdrop. The verses dissolve into the lush cinematic chorus as Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra’s intricate acute arrangement rushes to compliment Deegan’s nonchalant yet powerful vocals. With majestic guitars soaring through the punchy drums and rumble on bass Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra cultivate a thrilling and compelling soundscape. ‘I didn’t love you when I said I did and I don’t now’ is a gripping, powerful, and striking display of musicianship from Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra.
Stream ‘I didn’t love you when I said I did and I don’t now’ below
Lena Morris
Genre : Blues Rock
Bio : Lena Morris is a French (of Armenian/Russian descent) Blues-Rock singer-songwriter and bass player, born in Brussels, raised in Hong Kong and based in Brighton (UK). Lena Morris mixes Blues, Rock, Soul and Jazz. Massively influenced by The Beatles, Queen and David Bowie, Lena Morris adds a special ingredient to her blues in the English scene: a hint of French accent.
Track: Little Bird
Why We Like It: It’s a brisk catchy number boasting the tight and powerful sound of Lena Morris as she spreads dynamic blues over a gritty rock backdrop. A sharp trot on guitars dictates the pace leading the punchy drums and elastic bass to follow at a rapid jogging speed. Morris’ powerful, commanding vocals surge attitude over this energetic backdrop while the lyrics tell the story of a confident, dominant woman taking ownership of her body and sexuality.’Little Bird’ is a fiery well-crafted track sure to be stuck in your head for days
Bio : Seán Finn is a multi-instrumental songwriter grounded in pop and jazz. Seán is classically trained on piano, self-taught on guitar, and has been writing music for the last 6 years.
Track: Mexican Beauty in Red
Why We Like It: This quirky track floats on Seán Finn’s charming songwriting as he blends sweet melodies, samba rhythms and rich percussion through a jazz-infused retro atmosphere to create a fun and easy listening gem. His smooth vocals caress the melody with a velvety tone, while the lush backing vocals and jazzy piano inject a dash of finesse and chicness into the track. The joy of this tune is its clean, soft romantic arrangement and production. There is no fuss or fluff within the track, just beautiful piano, lush vocals, and shaking/clapping percussion to make an organic and retro soundscape that is simply divine. Love it.
Bio : Following on from an array of bright and euphoric singles including ‘Until I Fall’, ‘God Only Knows’, ‘Killing Me Softly’, ‘Midnight’, and ‘Almost The Same’ throughout last year, fast-rising Irish singer and songwriter Curtis Walsh has now returned teaming up with fellow vocalist Anna Pancaldi to deliver his first offering of 2021, ‘Bend’
Track: Bend
Why We Like It: ‘Bend’ oozes sweet emotion and lush soundscapes as Curtis Walsh and Anna Pancaldi douse the track in wispy synths, suspenseful tones, and heartfelt melodies. Soft piano twinkles between the ethereal electronics, exuding a delicate sense of innocence while the pulsing beat creates a tense atmosphere. The duo’s vocals blend superbly to create a heartfelt and warm tone to the song while the melancholic melody drifts upon the bubbling backdrop. With mature earnest songwriting and evocative musicianship, this sincere and beautiful ballad marks Curtis Walsh and Anna Pancaldi as artists to keep an eye on.
You Can Follow Curtis Walsh and Anna Pancaldi On Facebook Here
Oregon Pop-R&B artist Noah Elliott has released his new single ‘Never Know,’ produced by Nashville hit-maker Jon Santana (Phangs, SuperM).
‘Never Know’ is a piece of softly glittering pop prowess as Elliott swirls sweet melodies through bubbling electronics to create an ethereal and tender number. With R&B elements weaved through fresh synths and spacious soundscapes, Elliott builds the track superbly. Weaving soft guitar between bubbling beats and a laid-back tempo, the song floats into a dreamy atmosphere allowing the electronics to unfold and create a soothing sense of nostalgia.
Elliott’s soulful vocals coo throughout, creating a melancholic and sweet tone to the track. His lush falsetto and velvety tone adds to the track’s overall sulky yet dreamy atmosphere. As Elliott builds the song, he layers bouncy synth elements into the catchy chorus and airy soundscape. Here the electronics become a little darker and sticky while the R&B elements kick in for the finger-clicking beat and the smooth vocals.
Elliott’s songwriting excels in setting vulnerable, personal themes and lyrics to his minimal radio-friendly pop. It’s this exposure of his heart that gives the track its power and beauty “Romeo and Juliet I envy what they had, thought we would have that or was it unrealistic “….. “But your doors are always closing when I keep mine cracked open waiting for you to walk in”. Elliott wears his heart on his sleeve for each song he releases, and ‘Never Know’ is a superb example of this.
Elliot’s spacious yet intricately weaved musicianship and heartfelt lyrics make each release engaging and utterly compelling. Within ‘Never Know,’ we see this through beautiful melodies, meaningful, honest lyrics, and a gripping wall of sound.
About the track, Noah Elliott said “The song is about the confusion and heartache that results from having no idea as to why someone left you.”
Hawke The Band have released their new single ‘Pinch Me (Am I Dreaming?)’. The young Dublin act was formed in 2018 by two friends in the shadow of the world-famous Guinness Brewery (in the south of the city) and features Richie Power (vocals/keyboards) and Eoghan MacMahon (vocals/guitar). Irish rock legends Aslan quickly declared themselves major fans, with frontman Christy Dignam proclaiming Hawke The Band “the next big thing” to emerge from a country that consistently punches above its weight in terms of quality music.
Anthemic and powerful ‘Pinch Me (Am I Dreaming?)’ is a stunner as Hawke The Band present their refined and spirited sound through 90’s rock energy, a cinematic chorus and invigorating soundscapes. The band’s melodic mastery is something to be admired. A bright guitar refrain introduces the song. Twinkling throughout it becomes the main thread tying the vibrant instrumental embellishments together. Deep pulsing grooves anchor the listener within the ethereal atmosphere while a euphoric melody floats upon a lush soundscape filled with soaring guitars, accelerated drums, and chiming keys that continually expands as the song progresses. This lively assault on the senses is eargasmic and fills the listener with the sense of heart-rushing elation one feels at arena-worthy gigs. The duo showcase their deft lyrical abilities with this tantalizing number. They are honest, catchy, and powerfully moving “how could someone like me have you right by their side”. This is greatly enhanced by the warm emotive vocal delivery and sweet vocal harmony that coos the heart-felt lyrics.
‘Pinch Me (Am I Dreaming?)’ is a brilliant example of Hawke The Band’s breathtaking musicianship. This enthralling track boasts the duo’s sublime ability to pour heartwarming pop sensibilities over a dynamic indie rock backdrop to create a satisfying listening experience. The passion and youthful adrenaline surging through their sound is impressive and is equally as compelling. With each exciting release Hawke The Band are proving themselves ones to keep an eye on.
Having cut his teeth in one of the most well-loved live bands of their time on our festival circuits and live scene, former Hot Sprockets frontman Wayne Soper is no stranger to the Irish music scene. Now focusing on his solo artist project, Midnight Wayne, Soper returns with ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’.
‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ boasts the impressive genre-blending musicianship of Midnight Wayne. Melding 80’s synth-pop with crisp sparkling production, Soper adds layer upon layer of beautiful luxuriant sounds for the listener to indulge in.
The song flows upon a kinetic groove and pulsing bass while sweet synths chime throughout. Soper uses a tight beat to pull against a funky flex on guitar, and loose electronics to create a tantalizing, irresistible sound to tease and entice the listener with. The result is a mesmerising display of musical prowess and an enjoyable listening experience.
From panache-soaked breathy whispers to velvety croons, Soper’s vocals ooze a charming tone while delivering the uplifting lyrics “seek the fire that you’ve lost inside”. The upbeat lyrics are highlighted further by the tracks infectiousjangly guitars and rhythmic bounce.
‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ is a gem to treasure. Midnight Wayne is refining his sound into something special and something to get excited about. Looking forward to hearing more from Midnight Wayne.
Conor Scott has released his highly anticipated new single ‘Life Now’. Fresh from returning to Belfast after a period of time spent forging a music career in London, Conor Scott is back with a large online following, and recent support and praise shown by Mahogany Sessions.
Conor Scott displays his bright indie folk-rock and compelling songwriting with new release ‘Life Now’. The track exudes an energetic aura as Scott creates a vibrant soundscape filled with chiming guitars, lush chanting backing vocals and ethereal keys while an elastic bass weaves between a punchy drum foundation.
Scott’s warm vocals coo with a cosy, soothing quality over the infectious melody injecting a folk-rock tone into the radiant indie rock aesthetic. His voice smoothly bounces over the honest lyrics as he puts a positive spin on some of his realisations over the past year.
“Hitting twenty-six, it hit me like a ton of bricks maybe I should roll with it”
‘Life Now’ superbly displays the talent and earnest beauty within Scott’s songwriting. Boasting lush harmonies and a tight rhythmic pull, Scott has created a wholesome and passionate tune brimming with first-rate musicianship. His ability to richly blend textures and tones to create heart-stopping music is mesmerising and a joy to listen to.
Speaking of the track, Scott says: “This is the first song I’ve written that is mainly stemming from an objective view of the world, and not so much based on relationships. I wrote it right in the middle of the first lockdown so it was hard not to look at all the things that were happening. That said, I didn’t want to have something totally doom and gloom, and I think you can take quite a few positive affirmations out of the song also. Hope, I suppose”
Formed in 2017 and with a plethora of headline and sold out shows under their belt including a sold out show at the iconic Deaf Institute in Manchester.and festival appearances at Dot 2 Dot, Tramlines Fringe, 110 Above and Y Not Festival, Manchester-based Freeda, have released their new single ’5AM’. All their singles have received extensive backing from BBC Introducing, and continued support from XS Manchester and Amazing Radio.
Exhilarating guitar lines swirl through a vibrant anthemic indie backdrop as ‘5 AM’ pulses with the engaging and dynamic sound of Freeda. Blending bustling bass grooves with punchy drums and a soaring rush on synths, the track exudes an intense kinetic soundscape. Smooth, emotive vocals drift over a rich percussive groove that embellishes the track’s vibrant wall of sound and brisk catchy melody – a joy to listen to and a feast for the senses. The band create and layer the anthemic synth-rock soundscape to mirror the lyrics within the song which draws a comparison between a busy, hectic lifestyle and a more settled content frame of mind.
Racing with intense musicianship and boasting refined songwriting, ‘5 AM ‘ showcases strong musical growth in Freeda. Their sound is becoming more compelling with each release. ‘5 AM ‘ is a fantastic new single from Freeda.
Arthur Valentine has released his latest single, ‘Dream About You’, the lead single from his forthcoming debut EP, ‘Splitscreen’.
‘Dream About You’ blends Arthur Valentine’s luscious alternative pop with bubbling R&B and hip hop elements to create a cohesive, mellow, and infectious number for listeners to indulge in. The song maintains a sunkissed dreamy soundscape throughout filled with woozy synths and bright glistening indie guitar. As the track progresses sticky beats are added into the mix to flesh out the song’s expansive sonic sound.
Valentine layers the backdrop in thick hip hop beats and rippling bass and contrasts this with a wistful melody. The wispy, light texture of the melody immerses the song in a carefree, laid-back tone as Valentine displays his tight and ambitious production skills. Valentine’s soulful vocals ooze tenderness throughout as his laid back tone and the care-free instrumental backdrop gently paces the listener into the songs hypnotic crescendo.
‘Dream About You’ is an irresistible gem and a fine display of Valentine’s cool musicianship. His alternative pop aches with sincerity over sugary arrangements and deft production. There is a compelling and soothing effect to Valentine’s songs and ‘Dream About You’ follows this trend superbly. Arthur Valentine is an artist to treasure.
Stream ‘Dream About You’ below.
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
