MTN BEATS has released his second EP, ‘Infinite’.The title ‘Infinite’ reflects the endless, awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. ‘Infinite’, a solo project, was created in a home studio overlooking the mountains of Colorado.Trained as a classical musician, MTN BEATS creates instrumentals that incorporate hip hop drums, chill synths, and electric guitar. His sound combines elements of trap, EDM, and lo-fi into a unique musical blend.
‘Infinite’ is a chilled three track instrumental EP brimming with ambient and vibrant tones as MTN BEATS displays his musicianship and meticulous attention to detail to create a wholly consuming listening experience. The songs flow effortlessly into one another with twinkling keys, swirling delicate electronics and buoyant groove-infected beats as MTN BEATS fleshes out the dreamy melodies and pacifying soundscapes. Each layer unfolds beautifully from the vibrant and radiant ‘Perspective’ with its 80’s pop tones and chilled synths to the sultry flow of title track ‘Infinite’, and warm golden guitar in ‘Reflection’. It’s a tight and well crafted EP. The sun kissed ethereal textures fuse with hip hop beats and subtle EDM seamlessly to create a spacious rich collection of tracks. MTN BEATS is continuing to define his sound creating wonderful music within a laid back lo fi medium.
Martha Hill has released her new single ‘Grilled Cheese’. The track is the first single off her upcoming EP ‘Summer Up North’. After being tipped as one of BBC Introducing’s “ones to watch”, followed by a feature on Jools Holland, Martha Hill is one of the most exciting upcoming artists of 2020. Funded by the coveted PRS’s Women Make Music Fund, and also a Rebalance finalist, Hill released her debut EP “Be Still” in October 2019 which received support from BBC 6music, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and Spotify Playlists (amongst others).
Thriving on a deep rhythmic beat, ‘Grilled Cheese’ presents Martha Hill’s engaging and edgy musicianship through a blend of soft pop and biting indie. The light verses are presented with hypnotic guitar strums between bouncy drum beats while Hill’s soft rasped vocals caress the melody. The track becomes dynamic as it builds to its harsher chorus. Crashing guitars slice with angst while a rampant bass groove and intensifying drums create the tracks raw backdrone. The song is surrounded with melodic hooks and vibrant soundscapes to create an effervescent expressive number which lyrically dissects the tumblings of a relationship. Hill crafts her music superbly and this invigorating tune is a glimpse at the potential of this talented artist.
Askies are back with their brand new single, ‘Easy’.The band have already made a name for themselves on the live circuit- most notably growing a following in their hometown of Leeds with 2 sold out shows in 2019 and the release of their last two singles ‘Subject To Change’ and ‘Catch Up’ .
Relentless rhythms and chiming guitars abound on this tight yet chaotic track as ‘Easy’ boasts the chilled yet blustery rock of Askies. The band walk a fine line between light ethereal indie and explosive alternative for their new single. The verses meander through a mist of whining guitars and sultry teasing strums while the chorus erupts into the bands crashing and exhilarating wall of sound. Their ability to tease and lament through the rock-infused verses while weaving a rich rhythmic underbelly of refined guitar work and intelligent songwriting is what makes Askies an impressive and proficient band. The flurries on guitar soar above the rumble on bass and drums while the passionate vocals and enticing catchy melody slide into the ear with ease. Askies are building their sound beautifully and the result is this dynamic track brimming with refined, mature musicianship.
About the song the band said : “it’s a common situation in relationships, and most people would be able to relate to the same type of anger’s voiced through the lyrics, and the overall sound of the song. Easy beautifully encapsulates the complex idea of retrospection and the feelings surrounding a dissolving relationship.”
Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From modernlove.
Photo Credit : David McGeary
Ireland’s rising Indie Pop act modernlove. have released their new single ‘If You Wanna See Me’. The band have rapidly become one of indie-pop’s brightest and most talked about new bands. 2019 saw the release of singles ‘Bop’ and ‘Liquorice’ and the bands streaming figures are at nearly half a million on Spotify.’Bop’ was also featured in a recent episode of the Channel 4 series ‘Made in Chelsea’ and earlier this year the band performed a SOLD OUT Dublin headline show in The Sound House in February.All of modernlove’s singles to date have picked up national radio support in the UK and Ireland including ‘Play Irish Artist of The Week’ by Ed Smith on Today FM, Track Of The Week on XS Manchester, radio premieres on 2FM and spins on BBC Ulster, Across The Line and Radio X
‘If You Wanna See Me’ is a cohesive ethereal electronic number that sparkles with light indie and rich rhythmic fluctuations as modernlove. provide a glimpse into their spacious, ambient and mood shaping musicianship. This track holds the vibrance and clarity of its predecessors however, ‘If You Wanna See Me’ exudes cooler tones and lo-fi textures. The track radiates ambition and tactile energy as the labyrinthine synths shimmer through the buoyant cushioning beat. As the track progresses it blossoms becoming more lush and expressive.
I have to hand it to these guys ‘If You Wanna See Me’ has beauty even within its harsher psych infused moments as well as in the shimmering lo – fi pop coating. The track is a fine example of mature, rich songwriting and immaculate production. The expanding soundscapes masterfully unfold with each musical progression teasing and seducing the listener while soft vocals caress a dreamy melody which twinkles with elements of distortion on guitars and bass.
A sublime new single from modernlove. They are a band worth keeping an eye on.
You can catch modernlove. perform their headline show in The Grand Social, Dublin on Oct 31st as part of the rescheduled Eastbound Festival.
5-piece Art-Rock band Sylvette have released their new single ‘Kelpius’. The band joined forces with New Order guitarist Phil Cunningham and fellow Bad Lieutenant band mate and producer Jake Evans to produce their upcoming album.During their four years as a band they have released a debut album, completed 2 UK tours, had support from BBC introducing, BBC 6, and had live sessions at BBC Bristol and BBC Kent. In 2019 they appeared on the festival circuit playing Dot to Dot and Kendal Calling festival. As warm ups to their new album release the band has released 3 singles over the past few months, Panel of Glass, Surrender and Memories (falling), each track pushing boundaries and creating evocative soundscapes.
‘Kelpius’ continues Sylvette’s organically progressive sound as they create wonderful textures and psychedelic mirages through soft and at times crashing soundscapes to provide a hair-raising and intriguing listening experience.The title of the track comes from the name of a cave in America which the first ever doomsday cult hid in as they awaited the end of the world.
This song is another mesmerising and evocative track from the five piece. A dark canvas is splattered with sparkling glimmers on synths while bubbling drums slap and spatter through a thick muggy atmosphere of humid electronics. The tribal whines between intimate rhythmic grooves and thrilling pulses ruminate in the background with conflicting emotions and eerie fluctuations while the warm guitar and earthy ambiance creates a sweet innocence within the track.
Vocally the band set themselves apart from their contemporaries. Charlie Sinclair’s unique vocals have a classical tone. His emotive voice not only guides and grounds the listener through Sylvette’s twisting frenetic blend of futuristic electronics and spacey psychedelia but also urges and encourages the track into its epic moments with ease.
Sylvette are masters at creating a labyrinth of texture, melody and sound within their tracks. They allow each element to flourish, blossom and build to the song’s inevitable and thrilling crescendo. Sylvette have created a sublime new track that is both hauntingly mystical and celestial all at once.
Props has released his new single ‘You & Me’. Props’debut ‘wired EP’ seeped into the world last month with nice words across the blogosphere, radio play from BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio and a spot on Tom Robinson’s Fresh Faves.
‘You & Me’ infuses smooth indie and intricate electronic beats with eclectic textures and psychedelic distortion to create a wonderful pop tune. Hyperactive keys jingle through a beat heavy flutter as Props throws sweet pop melodies over a vibrant explosive sound. The bursts of synths create a juicy, radiant atmosphere in the track as Props uses lo-fi and a rich, intricate electronic backdrop to create a dazzling and lush listening experience. The tracks’ cynical lyrics contrast the cheery bouncy soundscapes superbly which adds to the songs appeal. With a deft beat drop creating harsh edgy elements between the sun kissed sugar pop melody ‘You & Me’ is an upbeat and fun track from Props.
About the song Props said : “You & Me is an observation of human beings clearly sleep walking to self destruction. Not particularly cheerful,but hopefully the music makes up for that…’”
Santa Barbara, CA artist SODAPOP has released his second single ‘Watered Down’. Presenting a laid back upbeat indie/bedroom pop sound ‘Watered Down’ shows just how infectious SODAPOP’s sound is. From the jaunty guitar melody, buoyant beat and twinkling elements this infectious tune is a summer dream. Locked and loaded with a sweet melody and sunny atmosphere teamed with smooth vocals and richly intricate rhythm, this instantly charming track has everything to get you up and bopping all day long. ‘Watered Down’ is a wonderful display of indie-pop gold.
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Ready When You Are’. It’s quite the fizzing psychedelic pop anthem. This shimmering bite of indie pop surges with mouth watering sugary melodies, doused in effervescent synths and a whirring fuzz on guitar. The swagger and funky bass weaves between a kinetic soundscape of chiming and soaring guitars making for an utterly invigorating listening experience. Whispered vocals coo with a Brandon Flowers charisma as the band sonically slide between Depeche Mode and Soft Cell adding their own unique edge and buzz into the mix. With a sun sprinkled melody, lo fi effortless persona and illustrious soundscape ‘Ready When You Are’ is a fantastic synth pop earworm from Thrillhouse.
Jack Rua, the ambitiously bold and innovative Irish Glam-pop artist, is set to release his debut eight-track mini-album, ‘Narcissus’ on June 26th. ‘Narcissus’ sees Jack Rua team up with producers Porridge, LOGUOS, Mattu, Tenderhook. and Rouleaux. Following the internationally-praised releases of ‘Scarlet A’, ‘Ego’, ‘Rise’, ‘Curious’, and the albums fifth and final single ‘Reflection’ released earlier this month the album charts the singer-songwriter’s journey after he graduated from college, moved away from home to New York City and broke up from a long-term relationship.
‘Narcissus’ wraps, contorts and dazzles as Jack Rua brings a vivid array of influences from glam rock, house and pop to create a full bodied, shimmering and utterly infectious collection of tracks. There is much vibrancy within as Rua entices the listener right into the album’s dark epicentre while keeping the danceable infectiousness alive throughout with wild dance explosions and slick glam rock swagger. It’s quite the enjoyable power pop gem.
‘Narcissus’ sets the Jack Rua experience in motion. He doesn’t do anything in half measures and his debut album is a sublime example of how Rua has mastered his craft through meticulous attention to detail and layering. Luring dark and eerie, Rua entices with flashing beat pulses before erupting into an implosive, tense EDM soundscape. ‘Narcissus’ is an intriguing start to the album and a fine display of Rua’s musicianship. He superbly teases and builds tension in his tracks, fermenting thrilling electronics to create bubbling coiling soundscapes of fragmented synths and dramatic electronic progressions. The talented Darce joins Rua for the sultry ‘Rise’.Well placed risqué lyrics are cooled by Rua’s soft vocals while the sticky electronics smother the backdrop in a humid haze. Darce’s raps punch through the sensual electronics as the track simmers and smoulders in a bubbling pop vapour.
Lyrically ‘Narcissus’ is a coming-of-age album which juxtaposes the joys of self-discovery with the personal and global anxieties you feel when you get a bit older.‘Curious’ playfully challenges binary thinking in terms of sexuality, beckoning you to “stop paying so much attention to your labels” and embrace “a new world” while ‘Ego (with LOGUOS)’ expresses a newfound appreciation that the artist began to feel for himself. The theatrical finger clicking and sultry ‘Scarlet A’ marks a turning point in the tracklist where Rua dives beneath his ego and explores the deeper and darker parts of himself. All this is set to an invigorating backdrop of dubstep elements, punchy rhythms and intoxicating electronics.
LOGUOS and Rua are quite the musical dream team, creating a shimmering summer pop anthem with crisp, infectious production and the passionate, euphoric musicianship of ‘Ego’ is quite the radio ready summer bop.
The artist’s scramble to be remembered in ‘Forget Me Not’ is deftly expressed through gripping, intense, intricate layering embellished only by the incomparable musical flair of Jack Rua. Each song exudes vibrancy and expressive musicianship to create the ultimate dance pop album ready to tantalize the listeners ears.
The album takes a turn with the melodious ‘Reckless Abandon’, however rather than brooding through a moody ballad Rua whacks out a dance infused 80’s anthemic number with lamenting guitar strides and power pop gusto. The harsher guitar elements slice through the pop mirages as the song spirals into a disco hued swirl of confusion. There is still composure within the track which is impressive. It’s a song about the despair that can occur in a situation wherein one can suddenly lose complete control. Rua displays passion through the coiling entwinement of this music. His vocals remain emotive yet composed.
The beautiful ‘Reflection’ brings the album to an end. Rua cools the tone for his finale ruminating on who he is and whether or not he likes what he sees in the mirror. With wispy electronics and a heavy thumping beat he closes the album after a whirlwind of acceptance, experimentation and self doubt to almost start it all again. Rua’s vocal delivery is simple with as little fuss as possible allowing the lyrics and his soft tone drift over the ethereal backdrop. It’s a powerful thought-provoking song to close a frantic and colourful album.
‘Narcissus’ is a fabulously fun and deeply personal album. Jack Rua announces his debut album with musical flair, prowess and compelling dance pop. This talented artist is fearless. He is not afraid to express his vulnerability and that is a quality to be admired. He is certainly an artist to keep an eye on. His tunes are a rebellious, catchy and wholly satisfying listening experience. I’ve witnessed Jack Rua blossom as an artist. Each track he has released to date has grown and built his rich, bold and intriguing sound to create a moving and unique collection of tracks that is polished and refined. He has become quite the dance pop connoisseur.
‘Narcissus’ will be released on June 26th until then you can stream Jack Rua’s recent single ‘Curious’ below
Dublin- based singer/songwriter Kevin Casey has released his new single ‘It’s Alright’.Long standing regular in the Irish music scene, Kevin Casey has released several singles, two EPs, and a full length album since 2014. He has done two European tours and gigged extensively across the country as well as in Germany, the U.K and the USA, including two consecutive years at Electric Picnic. He is known for his raw vocals, versatile songwriting, and for keeping Irish rock and roll alive and well.
Casey has warm tones and oodles of passion flooding through his indie rock tracks and is sure to make for a enjoyable evening of tunes.
Kevin Casey has just released his new single ‘Alright’ check it out below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
