Category Archives: Indie

Alt- Pop, Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Soda Blonde ‘Love Me World’ Single Launch

Soda Blonde presented a visually stunning and musically majestic performance last night. With a setlist adorned with their captivating alternative pop tunes along with artistically clever visuals, they pulled out all the stops to provide an awe inspiring livestream which sets the bar high. The band played in a beautiful period house, performing in different rooms throughout the set while changing lighting and clothes for some of the tracks creating almost music-video quality footage for each song.

Soda Blonde meandered through their musically rich and diverse sound with warmer Fleetwood Mac tunes like ‘June’ seeing jazz-hued wizardry on keys while the disco drizzled ‘Motion’ and emotive melodic swoon of ‘Terrible Hands’ sees bassist Seaver O’Leary swagger through elastic grooves and rhythmic hooks with ease. The band make the most of this live stream freedom using various lighting effects to create a sultry, dazzling and atmospheric ambiance to enhance their enticing alternative pop. Each song flows like a scene from a movie as the band use sharp clips and deft use of framing to add depth and perspective to their performance. At times we see the band shrouded in dense lighting which paints their dark silhouettes against a deep red backdrop, each songs visual drizzles layers of mystery into the performance as a whole while highlighting the band’s musical prowess at the same time.

This platform presents Faye O’Rourke as a spectral beauty. She swishes in a red leather-like dress on a raised platform with Donagh Seaver O’Leary poisly placed behind her like a watchful angel for the sumptuous new single ‘Love Me World’ while Dylan Lynch lays down the bubbling beat on drums and Adam O’Regan struts on guitar. O’Rourke’s vocals are something to behold. Her sultry coos, haunting rasps and powerful tones make her voice bewitching and seductive. There is a residue of Kate Bush about her performance while shimmers of 70/80’s icons such as Debbie Harry pepper the bands synth pop gems in panache. ’Swimming Through The Night’ brings the performance to a close. Just as gripping and exhilarating as ever, the song drifts with ethereal synths floating through a rich tapestry of percussion and drums. The chiming guitars and intricate bass tie all the elements together while adding a dash of edge and raw vigor.

Soda Blonde have a timeless enthralling sound that blends warm elements of folk with clean synth pop sensibilities. Their first class musicianship, masterful songwriting and vibrant soundscapes teamed with passionate vocals make Soda Blonde a band to keep an eye on. 

Stream the new single ‘Love Me World’ below


Author : Danu

Check Out Some More Images From The Show Below

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Pete Mac ‘Disappear’

Pete Mac has released his new single ‘Disappear’. Disappear’ is the first original solo track released by Paradox frontman Pete Mac in over 10 years since the release of his first solo album ‘In Limbo’ in 2009.Recorded at Wavefield Recording Studios in West Cork ‘Disappear’ takes a different direction to the usual harder sound of Paradox featuring Brian Casey on grand piano and keys and Peter O’Sullivan on drums. The track was written during the lockdown period with Pete experimenting with different sounds. Pete has also been kept busy in 2020 recording some of his favorite cover versions at his home studio and releasing them on Spotify aswell as collaborating with other musicians such as drummer Mick Cross from Bunnosionn via long distance recording on such tracks as REM ‘Man on the Moon’ and The Smashing Pumpkins ‘Disarm’.Pete Mac plans on recording and releasing more original music this year with the plan of releasing a full length album next year.

‘Disappear’ is a tender track which spreads delicate and moving melodies over a building rhythmic backdrop. There are subtle elements of alternative grunge flickering through the warm powerful vocals with rock ballad aspects oozing from the melody while the lonely desert pine on guitars, buoyant rhythm and acoustic guitar strums flood the track in rich textures. The piano embellishments fill out the track’s wispy backdrop creating an ambient and ethereal atmosphere for the melancholic melody to brood within. A joy to listen to, ‘Disappear’ is a fantastic display of Pete Mac’s refined and beautiful musicianship.

Stream ‘Disappear’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Atmospheric Music, Electronic, Hypnotic, Indie, Indie Psychedelic, indie rock, New Music, psychedelic, Psychedelic/Folk, Singer/Songwriter

James Lonergan ‘Brendan Valeʼ

James Lonergan is set to release his debut single ‘Brendan Valeʼ tomorrow September 25th. James began playing guitar and writing music aged 9 when, amidst a recently admitted period of “unexplained, unwarrented childhood depression”, his father brought him home a battered old classical guitar. This awoke James into the current stream of conciousness he now exists in. Inspired by his father, who worked as a gigging musician in pubs around the county, James immediately began writing music – joining his first band aged 10. Throughout the years James has fronted a range of bands, as a vocalist, guitarist & keyboardist, most notably being the vocalist, guitarist & principal songwriter of the recently disbanded progressive band, Synk. Now self-producing his debut solo album, James is seen to be furthering the development of his own breed of contemporary alternative/ folk/electronic music.

‘Brendan Valeʼ is an immersive track which exudes ambient electronic soundscapes and the spellbinding songwriting of James Lonergan. Lonergan’s ability to weave wonderfully rich textures and tones through haunting sombre melodies and intricate progressive guitar flurries is mesmerising. The track seems to carry the listener into an otherworldly utopia of melancholy as Lonergan effortlessly draws the listener further into the songs rippling depths. With wispy electronics hovering over the soothing guitar and cushioning beat, Lonergan creates an eerie contrast to the song’s tranquilizing outer shell. A trotting rhythm embellishes the backdrop in a country hue while Lonergan’s vocals soothe and coo with tender and soft tones, however there is a tense and slightly asphyxiating undercurrent to the track which is displayed through the electronic pulses and brooding alternative rock elements. ‘Brendan Valeʼ is a richly crafted number with varied emotions presented through psychedelic flourishments, thought provoking lyrics and bubbling rhythms. Lonergan’s ability to create such emotive and expressive music is what makes him such a treasured talent. 

‘Brendan Valeʼ is set for release tomorrow 25th September for more you can follow James Lonergan on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/James-Lonergan


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Black Violets ‘Rebel’

Black Violets are set to release their second single ‘Rebel’ on the 25th September. The band released their debut single ‘Falling on the Radio’ to much acclaim, peaking at No.2 in the iTunes Alternative charts in Ireland. The song received airplay across on 2fm, Classic Hits 4fm, Corks 96fm, KCLRFM and Red Fm as well as in the UK (Newcastle) and US (San Diego 91X).

Swirling through a vivacious soundscape of fizzing guitars, punchy drums and dizzying electronics, ‘Rebel’ continues Black Violets’ onslaught of exhilarating alternative rock. With razor-sharp guitars soaring through the dark bass rumble and pounding drum foundation the band create a biting and thrilling wall of sound reminiscent of Kasabian while maintaining their own unique edge. The track travels at a relentless brisk speed as the delusional swarm on guitars warp and ricochet off the galloping rhythm with relentless stamina while the power rock vocals bounce off this kinetic backdrop, thriving within the musical chaos. The acid soaked synths give the track an 80’s vibe as the band blend alternate rock with an effervescent shot of electronic pop before slapping some punk attitude on top. Black Violets have created an energetic raw new anthem that is sure to revolve in your head for days. 

‘Rebel’ Is set for release on 25th of September for more check out Black Violets facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/weareblackviolets/

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, New Music

Jacqueline Kennedy ‘Your Friend’

Dublin artist/songwriter and producer Jacqueline Kennedy has released her new single ‘Your Friend’. This dark pop tune revels in swirling atmospheric electronics while lush R&B elements blend and entwine with smoky dream-pop to create quite the compelling piece of music.The innocent lamenting keys provide the track with petal-like delicacy and vulnerability as Kennedy subtly adds layers and rich textures to this brooding song. With sweet longing vocals pining over a delicate melody the track maintains a melancholic tone while dark fragmented beats create the songs pulsing underbelly. Kennedy builds and crafts this song superbly to create an enjoyable, emotive piece of electronic pop.

Stream ‘Your Friend’ below


Author : Danu

90's Grunge, Alt Rock, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Thom Southern

Thom Southern, a Belfast based singer, songwriter and producer, has released his debut single ‘Shivers’. Recorded in Southern’s Belfast based home studio, ‘Shivers’ has been co-produced by iconic producer and 2 time Grammy Award winner Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, Feeder). Thom Southern started his musical career busking in Belfast aged 16. After winning a national competition he was awarded a trip to Nashville and some recording time in a studio. The resulting material saw him awarded ‘Songwriter of the Year’ by Belfast City Council. He teamed up with his sister Lucy to form the band Southern. In 2012 they signed to Marathon Artists.Within 18 months they had toured with the likes of Jake Bugg, Bastille, Hudson Taylor, Catfish & The Bottlemen and The Kooks, saw their work used in international campaigns by ESPN, Netflix and Channel 4 and performed events around the world for brands such as for Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry. In 2016 the duo took some time off to launch another project – a self recorded psych-rock project called MMODE – before Thom made the decision to move back towards recording his own work.

Encased in a 90’s haze of sun kissed alternative grunge and the beautiful songwriting of Thom Southern, ‘Shivers’ is a captivating debut. With dizzying distortion on guitars swirling around ethereal sonic flourishes the track maintains a buzz of heightened emotion. Southern’s velvety vocals coo with reverb whispers over the dreamy melody while the steady drums and psychedelic embellishments create a colourful prismatic wall of sound. The song rushes with intensity as the blazing backdrop and impenetrable guitar onslaught provides a raw, alternative grunge edge to this gem. The pulsing bass gently protrudes though the hazy melody as Southern displays his flair for melodious, breezy, memorable compositions. ‘Shivers’ is a solid debut from Thom Southern.

About the track Thom Southern said : “Shivers is the concept of love feeling like a drug, a sensation of being outside one’s own body, floating and observing oneself from a different perspective. I wanted to embody this meaning within a dense sounding track, to mainly focus on one swollen guitar sound which never stops throughout and accompany that with repetitive beatnotic drums” 

Stream ‘Shivers’ below 


Author : Danu

electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

Noah Elliott ’Selling Out’

Noah Elliott has released his new single ’Selling Out’. Noah Elliott is a 23-year-old artist based in Los Angeles. In 2018, Noah released a stream of self-produced singles resulting in over 700k listens on Spotify. In fall 2019, he joined forces with producers Dylan Bauld (Halsey, Bea Miller), Rune Westberg (Colbie Caillat, Daughtry) and Jon Santana (SuperM) to finalize his first record. The 7-song project titled Songs for the Optimist will debut as singles over the next 6 months. Along with his artist project, he is putting the finishing touches on a 5-song EP for sync (co-produced by Jordan Frye of Position Music), and writes for other artists such as Mackenzie Bourg (American Idol), Stela Cole and Ben Hon.

‘Selling Out’ is a lush electronic pop tune which showcases Noah Elliott’s emotive songwriting, crisp production and grand musicianship. With deep grooves wriggling through ethereal synths, subtle tropical hues and intricate percussive shuffles the track has a bubbling backdrop which exudes an upbeat tone while the melancholic dreamy melody and velvety vocals create an addictive bittersweet sonic contrast. The breathtaking production and warm guitar refrains ensure the track hits you to the core while the electronic soundscapes glide into the ears with an effortless lo fi tone that is utterly soothing. The earnest lyrics deal with themes of love, manipulation and how harmful it can be to give up who one is for romance. This is what makes Elliott stand out as an artist – his ability to create a musically vibrant track that reaches out and touches the listeners soul through wonderful melodies and relatable themes. 

About the track Elliott said : “ Themes of love, manipulation, and shame all come to mind when I think back to writing Selling Out. It’s about realizing how much of myself I was willing to give up for romance and how harmful that was for my own mental health.”

Stream ‘Selling Out’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – Featuring Springs, Somebody’s Child, Le Boom,Charles Connolly, Ailbhe Reddy,PAULI

Springs

Genre : Indie 

Bio : Springs are a band from Birmingham who are releasing their highly anticipated EP “3:17am” on October 3rd this year.They have released their new single ‘Desire’ as a taste of what’s to come

Track: Desire 

Why We Like It: It’s a blazing indie track laced in scorching guitars, punchy drums and sweet melodies. The band build the song superbly to create an invigorating youthful indie sound. A melancholic bitter sweet melody drifts on a sharp indie soundscape while groovy bass lines and warm vocals ooze charm and oodles of energy into the track. ‘Desire’ is an impressive new track from Springs. 

You Can Follow Springs on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/wearesprings/

Stream ‘Desire’ below

Somebody’s Child, Le Boom

Genre :Indie

Bio : Somebody’s Child have shared Le Boom’s remix of “We Could Start A War” which is an exciting addition to the recent catalogue of songs released on the indie rock bands’ debut EP 20-Something. Le Boom duo (Aimie and Christy) are warming up with a string of remixes between now and the end of 2020. This highly anticipated remix is their first release in over a year as they have been working on new material.

Track: We Could Start A War

Why We Like It: Le Boom meticulously blend their lush melodic pop and tropical elements into the track creating a rich new aspect within the song. Originally the song broods and laments through dark soundscapes however Le Boom’s influence paints the dynamic soundscapes in a light breezy indie-house tone while highlighting the moving lyrics and Cian’s passionate vocals. The buoyant groove and summer electronics weave into the songs moodier elements delicately enhancing and highlighting the masterful elements of this compelling track.

You can follow Somebody’s Child and Le Boom on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/SomebodysChildartist/

https://www.facebook.com/weareleboom

Stream ‘We Could Start a War’ Remix below

Charles Connolly

Genre :Indie Pop

Bio : Charles Connolly makes melodic pop songs for the masses. He writes and produces all the music himself aswell as singing, playing, arranging, recording and mixing.

Track: Never Said Goodbye

Why We Like It: It’s a smooth chilled pop number which drifts on smoky R&B elements and mysterious soundscapes. The lush vocals coo for the catchy chorus while reverb vocals and a chic finger clicking beat embellishes the verses.The arrangement of this song is subtly grand as we hear glimmers of horns, intricate twinkles on synths with a rich broad percussive filling – a compelling listening experience.

You Can Follow Charles Connolly on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/connollytunes

Stream ‘Never Said Goodbye’ below

Ailbhe Reddy

Genre : Alt -folk

Bio : Dublin alt-folk artist Ailbhe Reddy is set to release her debut album ‘Personal History’ on October 2nd and has recently released her new single ‘Looking Happy’.Currently on the BBC 6 Music playlist (Lauren Laverne’s a massive fan), Ailbhe’s already got tour supports confirmed for 2021 alongside Big Thief, received backing from Consequence of Sound, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash & Wonderland, as well as having played the likes of Glastonbury, Primavera and Latitude amongst many others.

Track: Looking Happy

Why We Like It: Reddy’s distinctive warm vocals coo the honest lyrics in this jaunty infectious track which exudes glorious guitar riffs, buoyant rhythms and a pop smudged melody. The track has an icy dream-like nonchalant tone to it. However the steady guitar strums maintain the vibrant indie sound which contradict the lyrics (which navigate through break-ups in the age of social media) while a smooth lush chorus surges with sweet vibes and retro hues. It’s an infectious number brimming with rich musicianship and clean production.

You can follow Ailbhe Reddy on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/AilbheReddy

Watch the video for ‘Looking Happy’ below

PAULI

Genre : Indie 

Bio : PAULI is a brand new Irish artist. Inspired by lockdown the Cork born, Galway raised and now Dublin based musician took his song writing to the bedroom where he wrote and produced a three track EP delving into everything from self isolation, to binge drinking as well as dreams of love and loss. Lead single ‘Cocoon’ got video treatment from award winning animation director Marc Corrigan who has worked with Irish and international acts including Hamsandwich, The Academic, I’m From Barcelona, The Futureheads, and Dan The Automator. The video tells the simple story of self-isolation and life while cocooning, hopeful that we will emerge from it all the better for it.

Track: Cocoon

Why We Like It: It’s a heartwarming catchy track brimming with passionate musicianship and emotive songwriting. With sharp guitar refrains, steady beat and twinkling elements teamed with echo backing vocals and a blazing indie rock chorus this infectious hearty track hits you right in the chest. The warm electronics create a hazy dreamy atmosphere of summer sun while the velvety vocals soothe the tracks bubbling bright undertone to create a lush easy listening gem.

You can follow PAULI on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/PAULIMUSICIE

Stream ‘Cocoon’ below

You can follow Our Indie Quick Picks On Spotify Here


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Rowlette ‘Cucumber & Ice’

Mayo indie pop artist Rowlette has released her new single ‘Cucumber & Ice’. The single is her third release of 2020 and marks what has been a very impressive breakthrough in her music career with her previous singles being added to Spotify editorial playlists (including Fresh Pop, Pop Right Now and New Music Friday), performing alongside Jack L, being RTE Culture Tune of The Day twice and packing out her first headline show.

‘Cucumber & Ice’ is a shimmering pop anthem that drifts on the fun, clean and dynamic songwriting of Rowlette. This track radiates sunny vibes through a warm guitar refrain, buoyant rhythmic drive and a vibrant bubbly melody. Rowlette’s soothing vocals ooze character and charm while the freeing catchy melody ensures the song will stay in your head for days. This upbeat track is an instant ray of sunshine as the twinkle on guitar saturates the verse in a luminous glow before leading the song into its blossoming earworm chorus. ‘Cucumber & Ice’ is that catchy pick me ready to put a smile on your face when you need it. 

About the song’s creation Rowlette says “I was with Graham and Rob in the studio and we were writing a very serious/sad song when we decided to just switch it up. Graham started messing with a riff on guitar and I had the Cucumber and Ice idea in my notepad and we went from there. It was a lot of fun writing it.” The song was later mixed by Vasileios Gourgourinis and mastered by Fergal Davis to add the final gloss to an already sparkling tune.”

Stream ‘Cucumber & Ice’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Brass Phantoms ‘What We Leave Behind Us’

Dublin five-piece, indie rock band Brass Phantoms have released their new single ‘What We Leave Behind Us’, taken from their upcoming album ‘Holding Out For Horrors’. So far, the band have released their well-received single ‘Waiting Up’, which garnered national airplay. Their guitar driven, drum fuelled track ‘City Of Wolves’ was used to promote Irish television coverage of the UEFA Champions League this year, as well as being added to Spotify’s editorial Hot New Bands playlist.Their music featured on the likes of BBC Radio 6 with Steve Lamacq, RTÉ, Today FM, 98FM, Radio Nova, Amazing Radio and more. No strangers to the live scene, Brass Phantoms have toured throughout Ireland, the UK and the United States, having been listed as one of the top acts to see at MONDO NYC Festival. They have a host of major festival appearances under their belts plus support tours for the likes of Delorentos and The Slow Readers Club.

‘What We Leave Behind Us’ is a prime example of how Brass Phantoms’ sonic flourishes have gradually grown more nuanced and refined with each release. These guys are on fire, each track they produce provides an exciting glimpse into a band pushing and merging the sonic boundaries of indie rock to create something truly mesmerising. Strident stings on guitar soar above a building swarm on synths creating a frenetic ethereal atmosphere while a fantastic bass groove lures the listeners mind into the tracks swirling abyss. As the track progresses the kinetic soundscape becomes a tangible force of nature of epic and cinematic proportion supported by a buoyant drum foundation.

The funky flex of the track provides swagger and a strut element however this gives way to the chorus which shimmers with a celestial melody and delicate vocals provided by Colleen Heavey. Ryan Cashell’s deep sinister vocals exude a haunting, theatrical and dark tone which contrasts the sweet innocence of Heavey’s vocal coo’s. She is a breath of fresh air within the tracks spiraling soundscape.

‘What We Leave Behind Us’ sees Brass Phantoms lean into their rich sound more boldly than ever before adding a duet style dialog and cinematic aspect to their songwriting. With chiming keys and resounding percussion the track is laced in rich layers and textures while maintaining that indie rock bite we have come to love from Brass Phantoms. 

Stream ‘What We Leave Behind Us’ below


Author : Danu