Category Archives: New Music

Indie, Indie Quick Picks, New Music

Indie Quick Picks – Featuring Priorland, Strangers With Guns, props,Marilyn Manson and Tame Impala

Priorland

Genre :Indie 

Bio : Dundalk based band Priorland are Calvin McManus, Tommy Hughes, Davie Boyle and Conor Kavanagh. In 2020, Priorland recorded their debut EP at Orphan Recording Ireland, produced by Gavin Glass (Paul Brady, Lisa Hannigan, David Keenan, Brave Giant, Hot Sprockets).Priorland released the lead single ‘Moving To The Beat’ in April 2020. The track was picked up by several Spotify playlists including ‘Made In Ireland’ and ‘New Music Mondays’. The band have been well received at Liverpool Tall Ships Festival, Sligo Live Festival, Hilden Brewery Festival, Ted Fest and Drogheda Arts Festival.

Track: Seasons

Why We Like It: Exuding a rich percussion and rhythm section teamed with passionate melodies and tight beautiful harmonies, ‘Seasons’ is another polished and delightful tune from Priorland. The track oozes zest stricken guitar lines which inject vibrant scintillation through the buoyant backdrop and mellow sweet melody. These guys have an instant charm and likeability to them. Their mature, well-crafted music makes for a compelling listen and the sheer joy in this track makes ‘Seasons’ the perfect pick me up on a dull day.

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

You can stream ‘Seasons’ below

Strangers With Guns

Genre : alternative rock, metal 

Bio : Strangers With Guns are a 3 piece metal band based in Dublin. Although they formed in January 2019, they already have toured all over Ireland and have supported acts as diverse as “Cherym” and “The Soap Girls” to playing on punk bills up North and even playing with stoner and doom metal bands in Limerick and Cork.

Track: Somebody Needs A Hug

Why We Like It: With a slick gritty riff paving the way for the foot tapping beat and grounded bass groove ‘Somebody Needs A Hug’ is a fluid rock banger. Strangers With Guns presents a raw swagger steeped track that is fun, lucid and edgy through nonchalant spoken vocals, witty lyrics and a blazing instrumental backdrop. A steamy guitar solo breaks up the track’s heavy soundscape while the nimble drum beat, taps and prances through the attitude driven guitar and bass adding a fun strut-like quality to this infectious track. What’s not to like? It’s moody, flaunty, gritty and groovy as hell, all at once.

You can follow Strangers With Guns on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/yobfrut

Stream ‘Somebody Needs A Hug’ below 

props

Genre :Indie 

Bio : props’ debut tracks have been making their way into the world since the start of lockdown, with radio play from BBC Introducing & Amazing Radio. 

Track: Easy

Why We Like It: It is an infectious indie track which travels on a brisk soundscape of zealous guitars and dazzling electronics. The sticky beats and techno elements rush through the tracks undercurrent providing adrenaline-inducing energy while infectious melodic pop hooks make this earworm utterly contagious. With intricately layered electronics weaving intensity and rich textures through the hyper melody, props has created another outstanding track with ‘Easy’. 

You can follow props on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/propsongs/

Stream ‘Easy’ below

Marilyn Manson

Credit: Perou

Genre : Alternative 

Bio : Marilyn Manson has announced the release of his eleventh studio album WE ARE CHAOS out September 11 via Loma Vista Recordings. Co-produced by Manson and GRAMMY® Award winner Shooter Jennings [Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker], the ten-track opus was written, recorded, and finished before a pandemic blanketed us all. Manson heralds the record’s arrival with the title track and lead single “WE ARE CHAOS”. Manson teamed up with director/illustrator Matt Mahurin for the accompanying video.

Track: WE ARE CHAOS

Why We Like It: Shrouded in epic production and almost anthemic energy ‘WE ARE CHAOS’ marks a new era for Manson. The melancholic melody chimes through a jogging rhythm and guitar strum as the track twinkles into fruition. While Manson’s deep gravelled vocals provide the grit to this more pop rock anthem it’s bravado and power lies within the tracks chorus which erupts to the sound of crashing guitars and pounding drums. This gusto-infused soundscape fills the track with darkly hued sorrow and acceptance all at once. It’s well layered with innocent keys, echo-backing vocals and a massive climactic build however the lamenting undertone is a chilling element which is difficult for the listener to shake, providing depth within this brighter new track. 

You can follow Marilyn Manson on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/MarilynManson/

Watch the video for ‘WE ARE CHAOS’ below 

Tame Impala

Photo Credit: Neil Krug

Genre : Electronic, alternative pop

Bio : ‘The Slow Rush’, Kevin Parker’s fourth album as Tame Impala was released in February to wide-spread acclaim. With it, Parker scored his second #1 in Australia, his highest charting album to date in both the U.S. and U.K. and 14 top 10 chart positions around the world. He has released the official music video for the album track, “Is It True.” The vibe-heavy clip conjures up the visuals often seen in Tame Impala’s live sets. This week, Parker’s previous album Currents achieved RIAA-certified Platinum status in the U.S. with more than 2.5 million copies sold worldwide.

Track: Is It True

Why We Like It: It’s an irresistible funk track laced in cool synths, psychedelic hues and a bad-ass infectious bass groove. With sparkling prismatic soundscapes flashing soft 70’s-esque colours of scintillation through a strutting rhythmic backdrop the track is perfectly layered in pristine production and a soft synth/pop coating. The track weaves through majestic waves of electronics and laid back pop to create a flamboyant and rich tapestry of music. ‘Is It True’ is a gem to treasure.

You can follow Tame Impala on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/tameimpala/

Watch the video for ‘Is It True’ below

You Can Follow Our Indie Quick Picks On Spotify Here 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Alt Rock, indie rock, New Music

Turfboy ‘At Tension’ Album

After the release of three preceding singles alternative rock band Turfboy have released their debut album ‘At Tension’. The album was released through Horn & Hoof Records Manchester and was recorded with Michael Richards in Trackmix Studio Dublin late last year. Coming from different parts of Ireland; Longford/Roscommon/Mayo-Galway/Wicklow, to be exact; the band is based in Dublin City, and is most often found playing shows there. 

‘At Tension’ is a blazing roar of alternative rock. The album’s moody grunge elements and crashing backdrop boasts a heavy sound that is not for the faint hearted. Turfboy have created a rock-filled album so explosive and powerful it will melt your brain leaving you on the floor twitching and frothing from the mouth.The acute lacerating guitar riffs gash through tracks like ‘Rageahol’ and ‘In Absentia’ with bloodthirsty stamina while being accompanied by an occasional desert-rock squeal and wail. The band use a battering onslaught on drums to pound their tracks forward while shredding guitar solos and scorching licks display the more majestic and refined side to the band’s savage sound.

However it’s not all fury and anarchy, ‘Holly Daye’ reverbs with an infectious punk pop melody over a slick riff while ‘(L)earn’ showcases a grunge Nirvana – esque side to the band. The gem of the album ‘(L)earn’ pivots around a sulky guitar refrain and moody catchy vocal refrain that will revolve in your head for days. The beauty of the angst in this track blended with sulken nonchalance and despair is masterful as the band build a powerful backdrop to encompass the dark emotion and rawness within the track.‘Idiocracy Is Reality’ is another smasher on the album. Doused in gritty jaunty guitar riffs and eerie bass lines this ominous mammoth displays Turfboy’s ability to build and cultivate a track. The soundscapes occasionally jolt into something more sinister and dark as the band allow each verse to raise the tension for the dramatic and crashing chorus release.

Vocally the band venture from all out fury-filled growls and howls to raspy passionate punk/pop bellows allowing the tracks to have their own identity on the album. We see this especially in ‘AttenDANCE’ where the vocals begin soft and almost lulling to start and venture into a howling scream as the song progresses. ‘Not Like You’ is probably as pop punk the band get on the album with a catchy melodic hook and lighter persona while ‘Millie The Jeff and Subh The Snail’ returns the album to a 90’s alternative rock tone for the finale. 

‘At Tension’ is a ballsy gritty album brimming with vigor and massive soundscapes. It is a thrill to listen to. The bands ability to blend anarchy-filled tunes with brooding tones, moody textures and a mosh-worthy sound is glorious and displays strong growth in Turfboy.

Stream ‘At Tension’ below


Author ; Danu

Alt- Pop, electro- pop, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Robert O’Connor ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)

Robert O’Connor has released his new single, ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’.The track is the third in a series of collaborations with EDM artist Skynem GT, who won a competition to remix Robert’s single “Real Good Fight” in 2019. The pair went on to enjoy streaming success with “Older ‘20”, which proved a slow burn hit, landing on Spotify playlists and receiving steady radio play.

Glazed in summer soundscapes ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ is a bittersweet electronic number from Robert O’Connor. A soft acoustic intro blossoms into a lush electronic jam as tropical synths shimmer around ethereal soundscapes and danceable beats to create a laid back radio ready track. O’Connor’s vocals exude a velvety tone while a soft tender melody bubbles in the backdrop. ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ is another emotive and full bodied track from Robert O’Connor.

Stream ‘Over (Before It’s Begun)’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Heist At Five ‘Friday Night’

Heist At Five are back with their new single ‘Friday Night’, featuring guest vocalist Francesca Confortini. ‘Friday Night’ is the third single released since their debut EP ‘The Blacklist’, this is the band’s most commercially accessible song yet.Heist At Five call London their home, but have their roots spread across Europe, with each member hailing from a different country.Regular gigging between releases has seen Heist At Five hone their live shows, and have played at venues such as The Black Heart in Camden, The Facebar in Reading, Phoenix Bar in High Wycombe and The Wheatsheaf in Oxford.

‘Friday Night’ is a vibrant anthem that blends Latin pop elements into Heist At Five’s dynamic glittering electronic rock. This feel good track is instantly infectious. The funky bass groove wriggles between jaunty guitar refrains while the Latin pop melodies and shimmering electronics weave throughout. Francesca Confortini’s vocals provide a sultry element to the track while the velvety pop melody and glossy soundscapes create a sublime contrast to the bands edgy guitar heavy sound. ‘Friday Night’ is a fun, richly textured track oozing swagger and dazzling luminosity.

Stream ‘Friday Night’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Joyce ‘56 Roadster’

Up and coming unsigned Irish singer-songwriter Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘56 Roadster’. Jack first embarked on his music career at the age of sixteen when he began performing and booking gigs in local pubs and clubs. Jack released his debut demo EP, Get Down, in October 2018 and spent the summer of 2019 busking through Europe. Following his return he sold out The Vintage Room in the Workman’s Club and the Whale Theatre. He followed this by opening for Cassia in Whelan’s and playing a slot at the New Year’s Festival in Dublin. ‘56 Roadster’ is taken from his upcoming EP ‘Big Sexy EP which is set for release early September.

Laced in rock swagger and witty charm ‘56 Roadster’ is a fun and infectious display from Jack Joyce. With a catchy chorus, jangly guitar and steady beat this smooth charmer bops in brimming with radiance while a country hue twinkles over the indie rock backdrop. The lyrics roll with effortless fluidity onto a melty pop melody allowing Jack’s warm voice to add quirky lilts and ooze character into the track. ‘56 Roadster’ is a sweet laid back cheeky track that displays Jack’s ability to distil and refine his songwriting into something enjoyable and yet overflowing with texture and vibrancy. ‘56 Roadster’ is a sleek beauty designed for summer weather and good times and a sublime earworm from Jack Joyce. 

Stream ‘56 Roadster’ below


Author : Danu

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

Noah Elliott ‘Never Feels The Same’

Noah Elliott has released his new single ‘Never Feels The Same’. 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.

‘Never Feels The Same’ is a groove driven dance number doused in cool R&B as Noah Elliott ruminates through dark electronics and honest songwriting. Elliott’s smooth vocals caress the infectious melody with a lonely tenderness as the track ferments through subtle mysterious layers of confusion and turmoil while an elastic bassline coils around a sticky beat and intricate synths. This glossy number is saturated in night time vibes boasting crisp production and a catchy melody and rhythm. ‘Never Feels The Same’ is an utterly irresistible earworm from Noah Elliott.

Stream ‘Never Feels The Same’ below


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Rebekah Fitch Live On Virtual

Belfast alternative pop singer/songwriter Rebekah Fitch was the star of last night’s Virtual show organised by Fluttertone and dootdoot Records. With her merch strategically placed on the wall behind her and basked in golden-hued lighting the multi-instrumentalist takes her place ready to perform. The first bars of ‘Another Show’ which opens her set, displays her soulful R&B voice which is a shock to the system – pitch-perfect and masterfully balanced between angel-like sweetness and powerfully demanding. She weaves a few lines from Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ into the crescendo before bringing the track to a hair-raising finale. It is a fantastic opening song, and the rest of Fitch’s set only gets better and better.

Utilizing loops, drum machine and keys Fitch provides a knockout set with a full uncompromising sound. Virtual once again pulls in another outstanding tech genius to perform and boy does it make a difference. There is something special about an acoustic set but it’s these engaging live performances filled with a full bodied sound that ignite the platform.

Fitch makes music composition look easy as she wonderfully blends flute melodies into alternative pop and R&B tracks.This clash of earthy almost classical pop with contemporary allows Fitch to create a collection of compelling music to delight listeners with. ‘Guns With Guns’ is the most acoustic we see Fitch. A simple emotive piano ballad, the track showcases her voice in all its beauty and glory.

Her tracks flourish live and for the first time we get to hear ‘Take Me Apart’ played on piano. This passionate and tender track discussing her feelings during lockdown is a real treat. Fitch possesses all the criteria for major alternative pop stardom, her ability to write songs ( which hit you hard in the chest, exposing feelings you never knew you even had ) is mesmerising while her ear worm melodies, expressive vocals and rich compositions leave all her contemporaries behind. The maturity and understanding in her songwriting is such a soothing and beautiful comfort while the refined layering and instrumentation displays her creative genius.

Fitch is an intense performer sprawling her arms out while soaring through her perfect falsetto and sultry lower range. From the power of ‘Fake Smiles’ to the haunting ‘Not Myself’ we get to see Fitch multi task between loops, flute and big drum and synth builds.This set list is a reminder of the fantastic tunes she has in her arsenal and the new unreleased track ‘Dust’ is an impressive display of her songwriting prowess. Words cannot express how special this song is. It floored me. It’s a  moving track about losing someone you thought you would always have and almost hurts to hear. Each word feels fresh and painful for Fitch as she lays emotion over a bittersweet melody while a building piano graces the backdrop in an equal measure of strength and tenderness.

‘A Love So Crazy’ brings the set to an epic end, leaving us craving for more. This was a professional, fun and engaging performance from a remarkable artist.

In true Virtual manner a Q&A follows the performance allowing fans to ask questions and get into the details of tracks. Fitch’s bubbly persona makes this a seamless and fun engagement as she discusses all from how she creates her tracks, the biggest obstacle she’s had to overcome and how she got into music as well as some technical intricacies about her set up for the live performance. Rebekah Fitch is an amazing artist and one everyone should check out. 

For a taste of the compelling songwriting of Rebekah Fitch check out her track ‘A Love So Crazy’ below


Author : Danu

New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Anton Mcloughlin ‘Leaving’

Anton Mcloughlin has released his new single ‘Leaving’.Edinburgh-based artist Anton Mcloughlin’s passion for experimentation was fostered by his musically driven family surroundings in Newry, Co. Down. A song written, recorded and produced during lockdown.‘Leaving’ marks the second release from Anton Mcloughlin.

‘Leaving’ is a punchy pop number showcasing wholesome songwriting and infectious melodies bubbling over a passionate, moving backdrop. The track is a clever blend of emotive pop as Mcloughlin’s velvety vocals ooze tenderness, comfort and positivity while electronic and warm guitar elements provide a dash of sunshine. The effervescent chorus and power pop soundscapes make ‘Leaving’ a charming new track from Mcloughlin.

Stream ‘Leaving’ below


Author : Danu

Alt Rock, electro - rock, Electronic, Indie, Indie Buddie Introducing, indie rock, New Music

Indie Buddie Introducing : Kynsy

Kynsy is the solo project of rising 23 year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Ciara Lindsey – who today has released her debut single, ‘Cold Blue Light. Having previously performed on the Other Voices Music Trail and at Ireland Music Week, the Dublin artist kicked off this year with a whole host of 2020 Hot List features.

‘Cold Blue Light’ is a fermenting blitz which evokes a thrilling sense of anticipation while Kynsy carries herself with a vivid coolness through a fizzing raw soundscape. The track is dark with a cold embrace as the song punches with effortless rock stamina through a nonchalant delivery. With sharp guitars saturated in distortion the track ventures into psychedelic territory.There is substance to this track as well, the wry lyrics depict fading chancers and their last grasp at relevance. The soft pop melody has a dreamy delicacy as shimmering synths sweeten the tracks ominous undertone which is provided by the sluggish drum beats and sinister foundation.

‘Cold Blue Light’ exudes a residue of St. Vincent flair albeit with more edgy rock elements as Kynsy builds and creates distinct moments of brilliance within the track which set the bar high. Kynsy is an impressive artist to keep an eye on. 

About the track and video, Kynsy said: ‘’Cold Blue Light’ is about the bullies we all encounter in life and looking for meaning in the darkness they create. I wanted to write a song that held some sort of balance between destruction and hope. It’s based on an encounter I had at a new year’s eve party where there was a guy spouting racist remarks at people and it was quite upsetting and stuck with me. The result was a rowdy pop song truck full of sticky anger and synth pop goo. The video was filmed just with a camera on a tripod in my back garden, I wanted it to be direct and simple so people could focus on the music.”   

Watch the video for ‘Cold Blue Light’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Feuds ‘Until It’s Done’

Feuds have released their last ever single ‘Until It’s Done’ and music video as a band. Feuds started in the small town of Kilcoole, Wicklow. After going through many lineup changes they settled on their final lineup in 2016. 2017 saw the band release the single ‘Anything I Wouldn’t’ and playing Electric Picnic after being voted one of the winners of the 2fm ‘Play the Picnic’ competition. 2018 saw the band release their debut self titled ep which was received well on radio. Following the EP the band gigged in venues like Whelans, the Roisin Dubh, the Lighthouse and an EP launch in The Workman’s Club. ‘Until it’s Done’ was recorded and mixed by Eoin Whitfield of Ehco in the Hive Studio, Kilcoole in September 2018. 

‘Until It’s Done’ is a bittersweet indie track as Feuds provide us with one last guitar twinkling gem to indulge in. With ethereal soundscapes, light guitar refrains and a punchy rhythmic backdrop, ‘Until It’s Done’ drifts elegantly through a nostalgic and moving wall of sound. The band build the tracks indie rock sonics allowing them to unfold and blossom beautifully becoming more heavy as it progresses. A braided bass groove weaves into the songs tight underbelly as the tracks rhythmic pull remains grounded and elastic for the refined guitar to flourish off and lift the song into an airy, breezy atmosphere.With a biting guitar solo and hair raising refrain ‘Until It’s Done’ allows Feuds to go out with a bang. It’s a tear jerking farewell to a talented Irish band. We wish all the guys all the best for the future.

Stream ‘Until It’s Done’ below


Author : Danu