Jack West has released his new single ‘The Last Arcade’.15 year old Jack West has already performed with grunge icon Eddie Vedder before 30,000 at a festival in Nashville as well as collaborated with renowned Seattle producer Barrett Jones ( Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Jawbox) at his famed Laundry Room Studio on West’s debut eight song offering ‘For The Record’.
‘The Last Arcade’ takes a step away from West’s rock n’ roll style and ventures down a psychedelic-tinged rabbit hole into more 80’s synth pop/ rock. West’s smooth vocals coo and drift softly over the melty melody with breezy tones and feathey lightness as he creates a cool and chilled atmosphere through tightly layered musicianship. Weaving synths and wispy soundscapes encase the track while a steady beat and sprightly retro synth refrain brood in the backdrop. The bubbly keys and cheery buoyancy of the track contrasts the breezy tone of West’s voice and lush harmonies superbly. ‘The Last Arcade’ is a well crafted delight on the ears.
Jack West is developing his style and sound superbly. He has already shown he can rock out like the best of them but ‘The Last Arcade’ glimmers with a rich timeless capacity. West takes his time to groove and slide with precision utilizing synths and 80’s pop rock with a retro jazzy piano tone to flesh out his unique and ambitious sound. You can expect great things to happen for this budding young artist.
Bio : Longcoats are an Indie/Pop Rock band from Bath, Somerset. The band’s debut single has nearly 5K listens and their second has 2K with its official lyrics video at 12.4K and still counting. The band plan to release their debut EP at Halloween 2020.
Track: Drag
Why We Like It: This jaunty indie gem is filled with passionate musicianship and exhilarating instrumentation which is sure to set a live audience alight. It’s fun, buoyant and brimming with oodles of youthful energy. From zest stricken guitar jabs to intricate bass rumbles and punchy drums this track has an instant likability. The band saturates a melty melody in an effervescent backdrop while laying down catchy potent lyrical content and a bellow at the top of your lungs chorus. With raspy passionate vocals and tight production Longcoats have created a refined engaging track that is satisfying to listen to.
Bio : Black Violets formed at the beginning of 2017. Based out of Cork city, the 4 piece have spent the majority of that time forming their alternative/electro/post punk sound. They have achieved airplay on radio stations in Ireland such as 2fm, Classic Hits 4fm, Red FM, WLR FM, KCLR Fm, 2xm as well as a UK (Newcastle) and US (San Diego 91X) radio station.
Track: Falling On The Radio
Why We Like It: It’s an infectious slice of electronic rock. The band create an adrenaline inducing number oozing a catchy chorus, driving guitars and shimmy ready percussion teamed with punchy drums and a fuzzy swirling soundscape. With an infectious sweet vocal refrain cooing over a deep bass rumble and dynamic vocals, ‘Falling On The Radio’ blends 80’s pop rock with an electronic soundscape to create a well crafted engaging earworm.
Bio : Kelan Galligan is an alt-folk artist from Derry in Northern Ireland. He has recently released his new single ‘Shadows’ .
Track: Shadows
Why We Like It: ‘Shadows’ is an evocative piece of music. A soft twinkling on guitars and elegant piano provides the light first half of the track which leads into the clouded darker tone of the crescendo. The warm emotive vocals softly melt upon the dreamy melody while the track builds and blossoms as strings are introduced. This track flows with an effortless feathery lightness allowing the tender vocals to sparkle.The song darkens as it progresses, becoming more ominous. It feels like Galligan actually removed the sun from your day with a dark cold rain cloud. The warm horns, lamenting strings and rich production is impressive and marks Galligan as an artist to keep and eye on. His ability to create such rich and expressive music is masterful and sure to give you goosebumps.
NYC/Philadelphia-based band, Palmas, comprised of Kurt Cain-Walther (vocals/keys), Matthew Young (guitars), and Andrew Torre (drums, percussion, programming), announce their self-produced, debut album, ‘Endless Season’, with the release of first single, ‘Bad Dream,’ via Lost Colony Music.This new track is the band’s first in two years. It follows their 2016 EP, To The Valley, as well as 2017 single ‘Flowers’ and ‘Floating in the Dark’ and 2018 single, ‘Where Are You Going?’
Immersed in chilled funk flavoured grooves, ‘Bad Dream’ announces Palmas’ return with new wave, psychedelic textures and ruminating lyrics. The band pivot the track around a funky bass line and rich percussion while the warm glistening guitars weave threads of sun kissed delight throughout.
Though the lyrics are melancholic the track’s sonics bubble and bounce throughout giving a laid back upbeat atmosphere to the song as the melody drifts freely over the beautifully evolving instrumentation and R&B elements. Kurt Cain-Walther’s passionate vocals saturate ‘Bad Dream’ in sweet, lush and warm tones. His soulful voice suits this track perfectly as his supple falsetto glides seamlessly over the sleek melody.
The trio take a step away from the retro melodic sound we saw in ‘To The Valley’. They have refined the lush intricacies within their musicianship to create a new wave, indie pop gem coated in sombre R&B hues.This R&B element adds a night-time cool undertone to the song providing a wonderful contrast to the sultry, rich backdrop. There are musical residues of The Weeknd blended through the bands mature cultivated sound and clean production however ‘Bad Dream’ takes the band’s summer sound to a different level with darker undertones and a cooler approach.
Versatility is a key element to success in the music industry. Palmas have demonstrated they are more than adept at adjusting to various genre styles without losing their identity. Palmas keep getting better and better with each new release. Their ability to create rich tantalising music is mesmersing and a joy to listen to.
About the track The band said : “Bad Dream” is about realizing you’re in a place you never should have been. The protagonist is experiencing the same thing over and over again and it’s driving them insane. It could be a long winter, a relationship that has deteriorated, or a job that you hate going to day after day after day. The lyrics and the idea of an “Endless Season” became a focal point for the narrative and eventually went on to become the title of the entire record. At its roots, this track felt like an anthem to a period of depression and the self-realization of needing to confront it.”
Following the critical success of ‘Stones’, Dublin singer-songwriter Luke Clerkin is set to release a new single on June 5th. ‘Nocturnal’ will be the second release from Luke’s upcoming EP, ‘What Little Time We Have’, with this release seeing him tread into a more full-band sound. Luke Clerkin has been playing and releasing music for the last five years, gaining international airplay and support, whilst also topping the Irish Singer-Songwriter Charts on multiple occasions. Clerkin has headlined famous Dublin venues such as Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club, and The Button Factory. His music has brought him all over the world, with multiple tours of Germany, as well as festival slots in America, The UK, and Ireland.
‘Nocturnal’ presents Luke Clerkin’s wholesome songwriting in all its glory. The track oozes sweet melodies and a full bodied sound with warm guitar refrains glittering in the background while a rooted bass groove and punchy drums weave a foot tapping rich quality into the track. Clerkin’s sweet passionate vocals drift along this wonderful soundscape as the track builds for the dynamic chorus. The instrumental backdrop radiates a golden hue over the track while the bitter sweet nostalgic undertones give a nod to the songs lyrical pondering of ‘whether a relationship should have ended the way it did’. It’s a light indie pop track with elements of funk presented through the playful bass line. ‘Nocturnal’ is another heartfelt gem from Luke Clerkin.
Talking about the release, Clerkin said, ”Like most of the songs from ‘What Little Time We Have’, ‘Nocturnal’ is quite a personal song. It’s about me reflecting on a past relationship, from the first night of meeting the person – the nerves and anxiety that can occur – to it becoming something that turned into an ‘almost love’. Then it moves on to looking back on the relationship a few months after it ending, and wondering if it should have finished when it did. The lyric ‘Is it my blame, things always end the same’, is me questioning this, and also looking back on other relationships in comparison.”
Multi instrumentalist and singer songwriter Liam Geddes has recently released his new song ‘All I Need Is You’.Liam Geddes has had his fair share of experiences with the music industry and, over the years, has performed on live TV in Ireland for numerous singing competitions including ‘X Factor’, ‘Euro-song’ and ‘The Voice Of Ireland’. After departing The Voice, he threw himself into the live music scene and has been very busy performing all over Ireland and parts of Europe with his acoustic guitar or his number one instrument – the piano. Since departing reality TV he has focused on writing and building his live shows, and in late 2019 while at a writing camp in Capitol Records in LA, Liam was scouted by multi grammy winning producer ‘Robert Cutarella’ and former head of Sony U.S, Warner Brothers and Virgin Records ‘Philip Quatarero’ to manage him and bring his music to the masses.
‘All I Need Is You’ is lighthearted sun sprinkled pop as Liam Geddes coats the track in his passionate sweet song writing and catchy melodies. With shimmering production, soft twinkling keys and wispy heart fluttering soundscapes Geddes provides a clean slice of radio ready pop. The infectious chorus flows through a fruity refreshing atmosphere while the sweet upbeat melodies seep into the ears. There is a Lanny / Lauv residue about the track as Geddes hones in on the emotive and charming side to his musicianship. It’s a sweet and upbeat ditty that is heartwarming to the core. Geddes soft velvety vocals carry the track as his warm tones coo and caress the dreamy melody lifting the track to euphoric heights. ‘All I Need Is You’ is a laid back and gloriously melodic summer tune.
About the track Geddes says “it just makes so much sense to release this now. These last couple of months have put everything into perspective for me and really made me realise what are the most important things in my life. So hopefully it’s something many of you will be able to relate too”
The Stoned Crows have released their new single ‘Madman’. The Stoned Crows formed in 2017. Aged between 21 and 23, The Stoned Crows have developed a unique, jet-fuelled Rock N Roll sound with matching energy and attitude. The band are preparing to release their debut album, ‘Urban Delirium’, this year and they have already released two singles alongside music videos which will also feature on the album.
‘Madman’ is a swinging rock n’ roll number with a heavier alternative twist brewing underneath as The Stoned Crows put their swagger stamped musicianship over a 60’s slicked back backdrop. With steamy guitar lines, gritty riffs and a foot shuffling beat the band lay down an infectious charming foundation. They surge the track with oodles of energy and panache as slinky guitars weave between a sassy melody and dynamic vocals.The brisk guitar and bass injections flood the track with swanky flamboyance and sleek tones while the tight instrumentation and vibrant wall of sound scorches through with enough edge to keep the track refreshing and fun. There is a touch of The Clash and The Rolling Stones within this bands sound as they create a sleek well rounded track which showcases their talent and powerful musicianship. With oodles of vigor and rich production teamed with finely blended alternative rock n’ roll tones ‘Madman’ is a wild thrilling ride for sure.
Bio : Bromley, Kent band Desmerelda have released their new single ‘Welcome to the Establishment’. The band comprised of Max Broggio, Alex Cripps and Fraser Currie released their first official single, ‘This Time’ in 2019 which was premiered on Boogaloo Radio on Max Goodman’s evening show and also garnered attention from the likes of Abbie McCarthy on BBC Introducing Kent.
Track: ‘Welcome to the Establishment’
Why We Like It: It’s a raw fuzzy beast of alternative rock. With razor sharp guitar riffs slicing through the coarse backdrop of pummeling drums and resounding bass this track packs a hefty punch. The song surges with a rapid melody and spit fire lyrics which blasts the crashing wall of sound with swagger and aggro. Its a manic mosh pit frenzied track to get your blood pumping and go insane to.
Bio : Delights are an unsigned band from Manchester made up of four 19-20 year-old best friends who formed the band in May 2017 while at college together. Since their formation they have gone on to gain acclaim in Manchester; most recently selling out their headline show at the Deaf Institute in January.Delights success in Manchester has earned them slots at major UK festivals including Kendal Calling 2019, as well as airplay on BBC Introducing Manchester with their releases “Sun Visor”, “Sun Lounger”, “Paradise”, “Sometimes, Lately”, and “One Step Forwards (Two Steps Backwards)”.
Track: Loverboy
Why We Like It: It’s a funk flavoured indie pop track that floats into the ears with a laid back mellow melody and rich groove. Jangly guitars add a dreamy haze to this pop sprinkled gem while the funky bass line and bouncy suave beat ground the track. With smooth vocals and a summery euphoric sheen, ‘Loverboy’ is a swagger dipped rhythmic track that boasts Delights refined and well crafted musicianship.
Bio : Limerick trio Bleeding Heart Pigeons have released their new album ‘Stir’ and ‘All for the Best’ is the 3rd single from the album. Leaving their major-label past behind them (they signed to Virgin Records as teenagers in 2013), Bleeding Heart Pigeons have redefined themselves as part of the burgeoning Limerick independent music scene.Four years after their critically acclaimed debut Is, the new album ‘Stir’ marks a new, independent chapter for the band.
Track: All For The Best
Why We Like It: Wrapped in intricate soundscapes and lush pop sensibilities this laid back number boasts Bleeding Heart Pigeons’ ability to create soft scintillating evocative music. A rich and free flowing soundscape of supple synths and tight sonic elements blends seamlessly with strong chord progressions on guitars and lamenting brooding bass lines while velvety vocals, tight harmonies and a bitter sweet melody delicately caresses the bubbling backdrop. ‘All For The Best’ is another sublime well crafted song from Bleeding Heart Pigeons
Bio : Turfboy are an Irish grunge/alternative band. They have just released a new single called “(L)earn” from their upcoming album “At Tension” on Horn & Hoof Records Manchester. The album was recorded in Trackmix Studios Dublin by Michael Richards late last year and will be released on 08/08/20.
Track: (L)earn
Why We Like It: Saturated in moody grunge the track revolves around a melodious sulky guitar refrain as the band create a catchy number sure to stick in your head for days. With a Nirvana – esque residue over the chorus this track trudges through an infectious vocal hook while sharp guitars crash and ricochet off the punchy might on drums before slipping into a slick solo. The track builds to an intense blasting crescendo wrapped in manic heavy instrumentation and screaming vocals. Turfboy have created an invigorating track that balances chill laid back 90’s grunge moments with alternative rock mania superbly.
Bio : Currently based out of London,Kid Violet is made up of Billy on vocals, Pawel and Charley on guitar, Tom on drums and bassist Matteo. They have been named as one of the breakout bands of 2020.With their new EP about to launch on Pin Badge Records, the boys are planning a tour of England for 2021, bringing their sound to as many people as possible.
Track: Release
Why We Like It: Saturated in passion and emotion ‘Release’ is a raw alternative rock track that boasts Kid Violet’s explosive and refined musicianship.The band smoulder the song over a moody backdrop of fermenting bassline rumbles, punchy drums and biting guitars before the track erupts for its frenetic chorus. Wrangled in exasperated emotions Billy Cotter’s vocals brood and expel with menacing quality over the bitter sweet melody while the band lace his vocals in icy reverb. With light chimes, pining laments and ethereal stings on guitar Kid Violet layer and cultivate this track superbly, right up to the frantic crescendo. Oozing oodles of gusto, sulky elements and massive outbursts while boasting precise, intense craftsmanship ‘Release’ is an invigorating new single. Keep an eye on Kid Violets
Dublin duo Hudson Taylor have released ‘Favourite Song’, the new single from their number one album ‘Loving Everywhere I Go’. Following the chart-topping success of ‘Loving Everywhere I Go’, new single ‘Favourite Song’ takes up the baton from runaway radio smash ‘What Do You Mean?’, which has been an airwaves fixture since January.
Hudson Taylor delve deep into their catchy pop musicianship with ‘Favourite Song’ creating a bright, bubbly, catchy number. With a pulsing beat and rock n roll bass that has a ‘Stand By Me’ residue, the track exudes foot tapping infectiousness. ‘Favourite Song’ is simple, fun-fair joy filled with shaky percussion, warm jangly guitar and a melty ice cream-sweet melody.
This duo have the deft ability to create pop tunes that are sure to put a spring in your step and a smile on your face. The twinkling guitar melodies chime in the effervescent backdrop creating refreshing bursts of scintillation to rejuvenate the listener. The clever, clean production emphasises velvety melodies teamed with tight harmonies. The track is a joy to listen to, the cheery pick me up we all need. It’s one of the more upbeat and danceable tracks which adds charm and radiance to Hudson Taylor’s rich, refined and beautifully crafted album ‘Loving Everywhere I Go’. Its a sublime choice for a single.
Hudson Taylor have always had a knack for writing radio ready pop rock with infectious emotive melodies and ‘Favourite Song’ is no different. The heart racing adrenaline portrayed through the ebullient soundscape and glowing twangs provide a light hearted fun atmosphere. Lyrically its simple harkening the listener to memories of care free times but the track has a full bodied sound which oozes character, charm and summer vibes. So I’ll indulge happily, I need some vitamin D.
About the track Harry and Alfie said: “Sometimes things don’t need much explanation, ‘Favourite Song’ is simply about loving someone like you love your favourite song.”
Laura Elizabeth Hughes has released her first single of 2020, Pandemonium’.The song was recorded live in one-take at Dublin’s Camden Recording Studios, the song features Cork producer 1,000 Beasts on piano. She has received amazing support from radio across Ireland including RTE Radio 1, 2FM, Today FM and BBC Radio Ulster and was recently announced in the Top 5 highest played independent releases on Northern Irish radio in the first quarter of 2020.
Hughes’ writing can bring so much out of the listener and her latest release is a perfect example of this. Encased in the tender and strikingly emotive songwriting of Laura Elizabeth Hughes, ‘Pandemonium’ is a time stopping gem. Hughes utilises her immaculate vocals to comfort, soothe and caress. Her rich tones have a magical power to light you up all while showing melancholic glimmers of longing and loneliness. She needs nothing more than her voice to reduce the most harsh and resilient of us to tears and ‘Pandemonium’ is a bitter sweet reminder of this. The song expresses that feeling we all have become so familiar with; being alone and the longing to see, hold and interact with our loved ones again, but that at the end of the day we’re all going to be ok. There is such comfort and perfection within this simple arrangement it’s utterly compelling. It’s a rare ability to be able to convey so much emotion and make such an impact with so little and in such a short space of time. Laura Elizabeth Hughes is a songwriter to treasure.
Derry/Belfast based quartet Sugarwolf have released their new single ‘Changes’. Led by front woman Emma Gallagher the band previously secured a reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting rock outfits and plan to continue to do so. Sharing the stage on tours with the likes of Fightstar, Black Peaks, Queen Zee, Employed To Serve and Skindred helped earn the band the reputation as one of the best live acts in the country and have since gained the support and endorsement deals with Jägermeister, Orange Amps and Ruach Music.
‘Changes’ is a robust, raw number dripping in Sugarwolf’s coarse and ferocious musicianship as the band swirl exhilarating soundscapes into abrasive rock to create an electrifying new single. There are rich and explosive elements packed into this fiery track however the band manage to rein it in and control the eruption within their masterful thrilling soundscape. The pulverising demonic rumble on drums splinters the track while the darkly smeared guitars soar, crash and ricochet off the merciless backdrop.
There is a The Prodigy feel to this frenetic track. Emma Gallagher’s vocals are powerful, she bellows, coos and screams through the catchy melody. This band exude scorching swagger while maintaining a cool yet mysterious aura as they present a song with oodles of power both sonically and vocally. The turmoil and frustration presented within the music is complimented by the lyrics which depict emotions of loneliness, yearning, heartache and anger “I need somebody somebody to love You’re alone like me…Wish i, wish i could hate you” . It’s utterly mind blowing.
Sugarwolf have a full bodied, relentless and savage sound. They merge the gusto of Bring Me The Horizon with clever ambient soundscapes reminiscent of Wolf Alice with some Within Temptation sprinkled on top. I love how this band build and layer the track for maximum impact. The raw strikes on guitar teamed with wriggling bass create a superb ominous atmosphere as the track flourishes into a frenzy of mammoth alternative rock. The deft musicianship within this song is outstanding. Sugarwolf are ones to keep an eye on. Their ability to flood a track with so much angst and emotion with rich textures and shimmering undertones is a joy to the listeners ears and impressive to say the least.
Stream ‘Changes’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
