Indie pop artist Mustafa Sal has released his debut single ‘Wait For You.’ Mustafa flew to Ireland in 2018 and spent the early part of 2019 writing music and finding his sound. Under his old pseudonym, Sal the Musician, Mustafa released four singles in 2019/20 to great avail, with the tracks getting plenty of radio play and press buzz. Mustafa also spent the latter half of 2019 playing a number of support shows for touring artists, including Australian alt-rock legends “You Am I.’
‘Wait For You’ boasts the bright electro-pop and emotive songwriting we have come to love from Mustafa Sal. The song has a soothing and romantic tone enhanced by bubbling beats that cushion the sunkissed synths over a dreamy smooth melody. Within the melody, intricate layers of electronics provide a rich and engaging sound for the listener to indulge in. The song ripples and pulses through the verses with a wistful tone as Mustafa Sal coos, “Though we’re far away And I am here to stay, Love me for forever, Love me for today.” The lyrics of longing contrast the upbeat and catchy chorus and make for a satisfying listening experience. Rich in texture and tone, ‘Wait For You’ is a beautiful and charming new single from Mustafa Sal.
Indie rock n roll band, The New Republic have released their new single ‘Rose Marie’.The New Republic have a knack for writing slick songs laced in witty lyrics and deft instrumentation and ‘Rose Marie’ is a fine example of this. Dripping in funky guitar riffs and an energetic wall of sound, ‘Rose Marie’ is a vibrant, well-crafted song. The band drift a silken melody over a bubbling backdrop while punchy drums and a groovy bass lay down the fluctuant and dynamic foundation. Sharp guitar licks and a shredding solo bounce off this rippling rhythmic foundation to create an elevated and exhilarating soundscape brimming with swagger and panache while the velvety vocals and bright melody carry a sun-kissed radiance throughout.‘Rose Marie’ is a dynamic and refreshing new single that displays the tight, fun, and refined musicianship of The New Republic.
Pretty Happy have returned with their new single ‘Salami.’Pretty Happy are an Art-Punk three-piece from Cork with a growing reputation for their dynamic live performances and electric eccentricities. Made up of Abbey Blake (Guitar), Arann Blake (Vocals, Bass Guitar), and Andy Killian (Drums), the trio have established themselves as one of the most exciting acts on the Cork music scene. They use a combination of absurdist lyrics, demented emotions, and idiosyncratic melodies to create an all-consuming noise rock sound.
‘Salami’ is an abrasive whirlwind of post-punk as Pretty Happy spread raw instrumentation over psychedelic flashes to create one exhilarating frenzied smasher. Coarse jagged guitar lines gash through a rugged drum and bass foundation while exuding a hypnotic thumping tempo until the chorus announces itself with a roar of frenzy. Within the chorus crashing guitars, wailing vocals and barbed bloodthirsty bass slaps create the song’s instant spiral into chaos. However light shoegaze guitar breaks up the frenzy, as the band masterfully blends wild barbaric post-punk with dreamy moments to create a thrilling savage listening experience.
Pretty Happy have an intense and blustery sound. They know exactly how to craft their quirky madness to create a wonderfully expressive wall of sound. They meld and mangle haunting vocals, spoken quips, and screams between a harrowing onslaught of gnawing guitars and a rumbling rhythmic section to create unruly, and absolutely thrilling music.
Alternative rock four-piece Shadows of a Silhouette have released their new single ‘Religion Is a Drug’. Much has changed for Shadows of a Silhouette over a seemingly long break since the release of their last single, ‘Closing For Good’, back in August. The two founding members of the band, Nathan Brown (Lead vocals, Rhythm guitar) and Reece Carter (Lead guitar) have since reformed the band and created the strongest line up to date, bringing in a drummer with over 10 years of experience in the scene with Tyler Henderson and recruiting a unique and aspiring musician in Fergus Murtagh to occupy the role of bassist.
‘Religion Is a Drug’ is a slick riff-heavy number doused in Shadows of a Silhouette’s exhilarating musicianship. The band flesh out their sound with lush harmonies, popping bass lines, and crisp, finger-lickin’ guitar lines. Gliding between funky flexes and raw rock bravado the track wriggles in on an infectious groove and big brawny rhythm while jaunty smooth vocals caress a slinky melody. There is a lot going on in this song – from pummeling drums and rampant bass lines laying down the groove to the shredding guitar wails and scorching solos, Shadows of a Silhouette display their immense and energetic sound in all its glory.
With a fun, catchy chorus and upbeat youthful sound ‘Religion Is a Drug’ is a badass smasher ready for repeat plays
Chay Snowdon have released their new single ‘Loud Shirts’, via CD Baby. ‘Loud Shirts’ is taken from their forthcoming debut EP, ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably? (Then We’ll Begin)’ currently slated for mid-March release. Chay Snowdon are a four-piece alternative rock outfit based in the South West of England.
‘Loud Shirts’ is a mammoth rock track saturated in the raw, energetic musicianship of Chay Snowdon. The track steamrolls in on a powerful wall of sound as thumping drums ricochet off a gritty foundation. The track exudes an irresistible glam-rock persona while showcasing the band’s deft musical ability. Desert western-esque guitars and sharp riffs pirouette and spring around the frantic brawny bass rumbles and pounding drums with such precision it’s magnificent to behold. With a rasped dynamic vocal delivery, searing verses, and blood-pumping chorus, ‘Loud Shirts‘ is a neck-snapping alternative indie powerhouse sure to have you frantically moshing in no time.
About the new single frontman, Chay says,‘“Loud Shirts’ it was the first song written that solely had the live shows in mind. Its purpose is to get the crowd down the front and going for it. It’s a song that has been in our set for a few years, but never gets old to play! It has become one of those songs’ that our regular gig-goers all know and anticipate in our sets, it has most definitely been a tune that has been gagging for a release. So, we finally felt it deserved to be recorded so fans can dance around at home and drift away into a dream world of mosh pits and chanting. “
Irish Act FYA FOX has released her new single ‘Body’. Inspired by sparse electronic pop with emotive lyrical themes ’FYA FOX is a new exciting artist from Ireland. Her successful debut release of ‘White Lies ‘received radio play across Ireland and the UK with a world exclusive play on BBC Across The Line by Gemma Bradley (BBC Radio 1).
Masterfully crafted and shrouded in dazing psychedelia, ‘Body’ showcases the mesmerising alternative pop of FYA FOX. Blending layered vocals with intoxicating electronic soundscapes, the song builds superbly. Delicate synths ripple between pulsing beats as the track unfolds into a gloriously dark and luring tune. FYA FOX’s sweet vocals coo and whisper with a velvety texture while her sharp yet pristine falsetto echoes through the enticing soundscape.‘Body’ is an enthralling and wholly consuming new single from FYA FOX. Her magnetic sound and compelling musicianship mark her as an alternative pop starlet to keep an eye on. Love it.
Ward has released his new single, ‘In Two Minds’.Ward is the alias of Sean Ward, a Waterford-born and based multi-instrumentalist. The 17-year-old became proficient in guitar, bass, piano and drums in recent years.Ward writes, performs and produces each element of his bedroom-pop injected tracks. Signing to Waterford’s independent Egg Twelve Records at the top of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 saw Ward cut his teeth with his debut single ‘Romeo’, followed shortly thereafter by his Summer sophomore single ‘Light Switch’.
‘In Two Minds’ is a mellow bedroom pop track that cruises into West Coast/Hip-hop territory as Ward fleshes out his infectious chilled sound. Exuding swagger and charm, this effortlessly cool track drifts upon lush melodies, breathy percussive embellishments, and biting beats. Ward displays his intelligent songwriting through witty lyrics which artistically tell the story of an unsettling love triangle. His warm vocals rap over a jaunty guitar for the verses creating a humid sun-kissed atmosphere before a refreshing swoosh on keys chills the song, making way for the catchy laid back chorus. Boasting intricate layering and warm guitar flirtations within a dreamy melody, ‘In Two Minds’ is a satisfying and fun new single from Ward.
Following the success of their acclaimed debut album, Greywind are back with their brand-new single ‘Am I Asleep?’. Making little secret of their ambitious global plans, Greywind, which is formed by siblings Steph (vocals) and Paul O’Sullivan (guitar), are fast proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Raised in the Irish town of Killarney, their mutual passion for expansive, stadium-sized rock music has since propelled them beyond the confines of stifled opportunity and into realms of superstar potential.
Greywind take their sound to cinematic heights with new release ‘Am I Asleep?’. Sprinkling light guitar over a brooding ethereal soundscape while punchy drums provide a biting edge, the duo showcase their first-rate musicianship in all its glory. The band carefully layer soft sonic textures into lush guitar melodies and supple bass grooves which gracefully swirl around Steph’s soothing vocals, while the dreamy melody exudes an otherworldly atmosphere. The duo slowly build the song allowing it to blossom within the spacious instrumentation until finally introducing an explosive and celestial post-rock crescendo.
Greywind are known for creating heartfelt tunes that evoke emotion within the listener and ‘Am I Asleep’ is a prime example of this – it is an utterly moving and captivating piece of music. The duo have triumphantly returned and given listeners a tantalizing taste of their exciting and spell-binding sound.
Bio : sweethearts are a new indie band comprised of Niall Tennison on lead vocals, guitar, and piano, Toby Needler on guitar, and Josh Drury on bass, drums, and additional percussion.
Track: do you love me?
Why We Like It: It’s a woozy sun-soaked whack of 90’s alternative rock. Doused in fuzzy guitars, punchy drums, and resounding basslines ‘do you love me?’ is a fantastic debut single. The band sprinkle a dreamy pop melody over raw instrumentation and lush harmonies to create a sweet and sour banger. With a clap-along rhythm, pop-punk tone, and subtle moody grunge elements sweethearts give us a glimpse into their impressive sound. Enjoy.
Bio : Eighty Ninety is the indie-pop project of NYC-based brothers Abner (vocals, production) and Harper (guitar, production) James. Abner and Harper James debuted the Eighty Ninety project in 2016 with their first single, “Three Thirty,” which climbed to #2 on Spotify’s Global Viral Charts. The duo released their debut EP, Elizabeth, later that same year. Since then, Eighty Ninety have gone on to release a steady stream of singles, garnering over 26 million cumulative streams
Track: Forever
Why We Like It: This dreamy indie-pop track drifts beautifully upon the clean, infectious and well-crafted musicianship of Eighty Ninety. The band create an ethereal atmosphere with wispy synths and sweet melodies while the sticky bubbling beat and bright guitars give the track an edge. Oozing heartfelt emotion expressed through soft vocals and lush harmonies ‘Forever’ is a wonderful listening experience from Eighty Ninety.
Bio : Since completing their line-up in the early stages of 2019, Suave Martyrs have gone from strength to strength, quickly building their reputation as one of Manchester’s most exciting prospects.Comprised of Brad Miller: Vocals, Ben Greenhalgh: Vocals + Guitar, Sam Brunt: Vocals + Guitar, Stu Maxwell: Bass and Biscuit: Drums, Suave Martyrs have headlined some Manchesters best-known venues, including Band on the Wall and Academy 3.
Track: Cascades of Gold
Why We Like It: It’s a mind fizzing psychedelic trip as Sauve Martyrs create a prismatic 60’s infused tune with distorted guitars and dreamy melodies. The track rides on a brisk guitar hook while swirling soundscapes create an expansive trippy atmosphere. The song is anchored by the punchy drums, buoyant percussion, and elastic bass groove which becomes frantic and intoxicating at times while sweet harmonies and hazy melodies give an ethereal hypnotic quality to the track. With alluring vocals, a shredding solo, and indie rock edge ‘Cascades of Gold’ is quite the irresistible number from Sauve Martyrs.
Bio : Santa Barbara, CA artist SODAPOP has released his new single ‘Skate to San Francisco’
Track: Skate to San Francisco
Why We Like It: Sun-soaked and melodically rich, SODAPOP presents his light radiant indie-pop through this chic funky new bop. Twinkling synths exude a cool tone while sticky beats and catchy chorus create the carefree fun atmosphere SODAPOP is becoming known for. Teaming bright indie guitars with a funky bass groove and 70’s- esque disco vibe ‘Skate to San Francisco’ is a treat for the ears.
Singer/ songwriter Fly the Nest has released his new single, ‘Old Street Lover’.Dublin native Fly the Nest (Stephen Cooper) started playing music at a young age, performing in various bands before starting solo project Fly the Nest, a name inspired by the many adventures music has led him on. As well as writing and releasing his own music, Stephen also writes for sync, and says that writing for film and TV has opened up another facet of his creativity. Stephen now spends his time between Ireland and Denmark, and gigs regularly across Scandinavia.
‘Old Street Lover’ is a rush of adrenaline as Fly the Nest uses intricate layering and deft musicianship to create a massive cinematic number for the listener to indulge in. The song holds you in suspense and hanging onto every word as Cooper’s powerful rasped vocals drift over a brisk catchy melody and dynamic indie-rock soundscape. In true Fly the Nest manner, the chorus announces itself with a dramatic wall of sound – instrumentally robust and masterfully layered the chorus is catchy, vibrant, and sure to be stuck in your head all day.
Fly the Nest delivers a fantastic, full-bodied sound in ‘Old Street Lover’. He weaves rich percussion through the tight expansive wall of sound along with shredding guitar moments and heart-stopping melodies – its heaven to the ears. ‘Old Street Lover’ is an exciting new addition to Fly the Nests impressive and evocative repertoire. Love it.
About the track Fly the Nest says, “This song is about having a connection with someone that’s ultimately lost. Though it hurts to see it end, you really do wish them the best and hope they find what they’re looking for.”
Stream ‘Old Street Lover’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
