Rachel Grace is a singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has been creating music from a very young age. At 13, she released her debut album and now at 18, she has just recently won the Four Star Pizza, Star Nation competition. Along the way she has also supported established Irish musicians such as Wallis Bird, Brian Deady, Don Mescal and Paddy Casey. She has also played a number of festivals including Vantastival & Electric Picnic.
Grace is a diverse and engaging performer who blends genres to suit her wonderful emotive style. Her mesmerising vocals showcase a warmth and maturity beyond her years, as do the passionate and well crafted tunes she writes. Grace stops time when she sings and her soulful songs and dreamy melodies are a joy to listen to.
You can stream Rachel Grace’s new single ‘Cry Me An Ocean’ below
SUNDOWN are back with their latest release ‘Dead In The Water’. The Dublin quartet sold-out a headline show in Whelan’s last year and have toured Ireland with gigs from Belfast to Cork, including their festival debut at Independence and supporting acclaimed artists such as Sion Hill and Larkin’s.
‘Dead In The Water’ continues SUNDOWN’s run of adrenaline-inducing, turbo-charged tunes. Boasting deft production and evoking a sense of youthful energy the band’s sound is mature and impressively tight. Burly riffs and a resounding rumble on drums introduce the track’s lonely desert atmosphere before the song begins to trot and then gallop into the chorus accompanied by blistering guitars and a rooted bass which ignites with roaring intensity. A passionate yet chilled vocal delivery drifts over the melody, simmering and bubbling with dramatic glimmers on synths, which at times peer through the epic stride on bass and relentless drums. The band rein in the songs ebullient tenacity allowing tense and utterly thrilling soundscapes to continually build until the blazing guitar solo finally announces the songs pinnacle moment. SUNDOWN have an exciting sound and the tunes they are whacking out are of a high standard and substance. Keep an eye on these guys, they are going places.
Dublin-based singer/songwriter/producer Dunluvly has released his new single, ‘Something On My Mind’.The song is the second release off Dunluvly’s upcoming EP, ‘Plethora’.
Exuding a chilled atmosphere, subtle R&B elements and indie pop melodies, Dunluvly crafts ‘Something On My Mind’ superbly. The multitude of textures created through looped guitar and meticulous attention to detail showcase just how talented Dunluvly is as an artist. Each subsequent listen provides a new treat to the ears as it reveals a new melody, rhythmic pull or electronic twinkle within the song’s rich sonics. With warm indie guitar peering behind a lo-fi beat and agitated percussive progression Dunluvly creates a vibrant backdrop for his smooth vocals and hook filled melody to flourish within. ‘Something On My Mind’ is wonderful track from Dunluvly. Looking forward to hearing more from Dunluvly.
About the track Dunluvly says, “I wrote the track when I was in the decision making process of trying to move out. I was going a bit mad living at home with my family, and feeling mounting frustration at the impossibility of moving out in the county that I grew up in. The song expresses the agitation of wanting to fly the nest but feeling chained. It felt impossible to work to afford a place to live and also have the time to pursue creative endeavours.“The main hook of the track is a looped melody that repeats quite a bit in the song. It mimics being caught in a mental loop and being haunted by the same recurring thoughts.”
Inspired by conspiracy theories and those that relish in spreading them comes the new single from UK pop punk artist Matt Warren. Tongue-in cheek ‘Bill’s A Fool’ takes on the character that we all see on social media with an opinion about everything. Cheshire based Matt Warren has carved out his own path in music, pushing the boundaries of hair metal and punk music. He played in bands throughout his teens, even getting scouted by a number of top-class labels and management companies that worked with artists like Deus and Space. His early band Smackwater Jack was formed in the 90’s and gained much critical acclaim before coming to a halt in the mid 2000’s. During the Covid-19 outbreak, Matt Warren once again picked up his guitar and returned to writing. This recent project has resulted in a debut solo album, made up from two months of rigorous writing and some 30 songs.
‘Bill’s A Fool’ is a sun soaked alternative pop/rock track oozing a glorious melody spread upon Matt Warren’s witty songwriting and hook-laced backdrop. With jangly guitars executing sharp riffs through a buoyant beat the track is an upbeat fun tune. Showcasing smooth vocals and lush harmonies, Warren pokes fun at society while providing an energetic catchy gem that is sure to make you smile.
Vulpynes are back with their latest EP ‘Us Against Them’ on FOAD/Advance Records.The four blistering tracks were initially penned as part of their debut album, however when Covid hit they decided to release the four tracks as an EP.
‘Us Against Them’ is a fantastic display of raw untainted alternative rock. Vulpynes lean heavily on a punk, abrasive attitude to create a knockout four track EP boasting some seriously heavy riffage. With fuzz-laced guitar riffs and pummelling drums ‘One Horse Mind’ is the perfect album opener. This adrenaline-fuelled song is sure to have you moshing within seconds.
Vulpynes douse their sound in sinister undertones, catchy melodies and vigorous hooks to make ‘Sister’ one of the pinnacle moments on the EP. This track is an invigorating blast of alternative rock which leaves the listener feeling pumped and craving for more.
However the frantic gallop of ‘This Motor Is Me’ and the dark, fuzz-saturated ‘Control Is Not What I Need’ deserve special attention. These two glorious tracks display the talent and musical growth of this duo, showing Vulpynes’ sound has fermented and curdled into something truely thrilling. The tight brisk riffs are executed with such precision and brawn it’s awe-inspiring while the groove presented on drums by Kaz is an otherworldly rampage of terror and delight as she shifts nimbly between raw rumbles, mighty thumps and thunderous bashes. Maeve Molly’s distinctive, raspy vocals anchor the listener within the musical maelstrom. She spits and bellows out the lyrics matching the all consuming wall of sound with her enticing tone.
Exuding a heavy dollop of riot attitude, Vulpynes have created a fiery alternative rock EP in ‘Us Against Them’. With tunes full of catchy melodies and addictive riffs Vulpynes are a force to be reckoned with.
Nashville Indie-pop, alternative band Nightly have released their debut album ‘night, love you’. In true Nightly manner ‘night, love you’ overflows with genuine, heartfelt warmth and refined musicianship. These guys write infectious earworms oozing lush intricate arrangements that create wonderfully melodious tunes.
Synths wisp and soar through the tracks creating an ethereal atmosphere which exudes sweet hues and lush textures that flourish through ‘the car’, ‘mess in my head’ and ‘not like you’. Indie jaunty guitar bursts add a dash of vigor through the tracks as the band allow each song show a new facet of their musicianship. The 80’s shimmering disco ball of ‘time online’ is a lonely bop with elements of auto tune on the vocals. The tracks bittersweet infectious melody is an instant hook which entices the listener into submission while a danceable shuffling beat coupled with cinematic production makes ‘time online’ a memorable track on the album.
A number of interludes embellish the album providing a The 1975 vibe for ‘(howitfeels)’ – exuding sparkling synths, bubbling beats and audio clips, this darker number displays a unique facet to the bands sound while the short ‘turnpike’ showcases Nightly’s heavier electronic side as they layer deft beats over an electronic soundscape. ‘whiskey’ displays the light-hearted and fun element of the album while paving the way for the ultimate summer tune, ‘summer’. This upbeat ditty is the gem. Though all the songs warrant a memorable place on the album there’s something special about ‘summer’. Maybe it’s the nostalgic vibe, radiant atmosphere or dreamy melody, the song emcompasses everything youthful and free. The band continue this knockout melodic flow through their slower ballads. ‘older’ which is my favourite track is an earnest account of growing up and the fear and expectation associated with it. A relatable theme set to beautiful music, it’s the most moving track on the album. The song is honest and filled with weaving electronics, soft beats and bubbling soundscapes which caress Jonathan Capeci’s soft coos as he perfectly delivers the lyrics with passion and tenderness. With warm guitar accompanying his voice this emotional tune is a captivating example of how well Nightly capture emotion within their lyrics and music.
The band build on natural emotion, expertly crafting it through this album to provide an incredibly powerful collection of sonic beauties. However they keep the tempo bubbly and bright with ‘so sly’ and ‘lose a friend’ while ‘the movies’ returns the album to that dreamy nostalgic melancholy that could make your heart bleed. The album comes full circle with ‘i got so much to tell you’. A minimalist track with reverb vocals and echoed soundscapes; the song builds tension ever so carefully. Themes of love, confusion and fear all flood through the song’s lyrics while the swirling electronics and lofty soundscapes create space between the clicking and pulsing beats.
There is a magical quality to Nightly’s melodic wizardry. Their ability to pull passion, sadness and love out of every note is masterful. The band have nurtured their sound and allowed it blossom into something beautiful and passionate. Emotion drives this collection of tracks. ‘night, love you’ is a catalogue of life and a journey of the heart set to intricate, cinematic sounds and emotive vocals – a wholesome, wholly consuming listening experience.
Irish Pop Singer/Songwriter Taylor Mas has released his new single ‘Bad News’.Despite ‘Bad News’ being Taylor Mas’s debut single as a solo artist, she has had many years of experience in the music scene in Ireland. Having completed a level 8 Degree in Songwriting at BIMM Dublin she has performed vocals for many different artists and bands across Dublin in multiple different recording studios as well as performing at Electric Picnic, Longitude, Knocken Stocken and many more Irish music events and gigs.
Exuding lyrical depth, ‘Bad News’ isa moving number which displays Taylor Mas’ ability to express emotionally powerful songwriting through beautiful musicianship. The delicate melody gracefully glides through an atmospheric backdrop of elegant keys and wispy synths creating a haunting and time stopping effect within the tune as Mas’ soft vocals give a tender earnest delivery on a heart-wrenching theme. With pop sensibilities weaving into powerful ballad-esque soundscapes Mas announces herself with a meaningful and utterly gripping number sure to pull a tear from your eye.
About the track Taylor Mas said: ‘’Bad News was written at a time in my life where I felt absolutely everything was going wrong for me. My career, my health, my relationships were all treading on thin ice and I was simply waiting for what would happen next to push me over the edge. I saw hope in nothing and felt like everyone was fine except me. I believe there are moments and times like this in every person’s life. I hope many people will relate to the song’s lyrics, especially now with how uncertain the world is. This song really highlights the importance of mental health and I hope people will listen and realise they are not alone in how they feel.’’
British singer-songwriter Conrad Ashton has released his latest single ‘The Longest Night’.Recorded at Blank Studios in Newcastle, the song was originally written in 2016, but was brought back to life in the studio with a little help from his production team, Chris Mcmanus and Mark Johnson. Championing the message of “it’s okay not to be okay” Conrad Ashton is releasing ‘The Longest Night’ in the hopes of helping other people who might be feeling the same way.
‘The Longest Night’ is a slick and upbeat number displaying Conrad Ashton’s emotive musicianship. The track is a dynamic passionate anthem which exudes an intense uplifting atmosphere. Edgy indie weaves between pop elements accompanied by jangly guitars, a buoyant beat and warm vocals with breezy, echoed, backing vocals reinforcing the biting quality of the chorus. With a shredding guitar solo and vibrant instrumental backing ‘The Longest Night’ is an impressive and passionate new single from Conrad Ashton
Soda Blonde have released their live performance film ‘Love Me World’ on YouTube. This is not just a live performance but an epic, cinematic, performance film, the band wanted to raise the bar when it comes to live streaming and created a true masterpiece. Fresh off the back of their 2nd EP release, being named as one of Ireland’s top music acts in The Irish Times, support from BBC Radio 1, BBC Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, RTE 1, Today FM and 2FM, and with an album on the way, Soda Blonde are one of the fastest rising stars in the Irish music scene.
This performance is a real treat with the band providing both a unique and mesmerising visual as well as a standout performance containing a mix of the bands released and unreleased songs.
About the film the band say….
“For the launch of ‘Love Me World’ we wanted to create a livestream like no other. To do so we took inspiration from Lila Avilés’ ‘The Chambermaid’ and Jonathon Demme’s iconic ‘Stop Making Sense’. In a playful nod to the sterilised times we live in, the show opens with Faye dressed as a hotel cleaning lady. On her hands and knees she sanitises her way across a festooned catwalk to a heightened new world of her imagination. ‘Love Me World’ is about the idea of bending to fit the zeitgeist in the pursuit of acceptance and love. With that in mind we wanted our performance to evolve with each song and eventually lead to a ‘Cinderella’ moment. A huge thank you to Kelly Campbell, Daniel Katz, Eugenia Genucci, David Crean and Ryan Hargadon – without whom none of this would have been possible! – Faye, Adam, Donagh, Dylan“
We had the pleasure of reviewing this amazing live stream back in September and were blow away by the bands ambition and talent.
AJ Wander has released his eagerly awaited debut single ‘Time Out’ following huge signings with the US-based Elevation Group and UK-based BDi Music during the pandemic. Produced by Brad Mair (Dean Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Kygo, Twin Atlantic), ‘Time Out’ is a prime example of London-based AJ Wander’s emotive, substantive pop songwriting. He is one of the British artists to watch in 2021. The song, written soon after an explosive breakup, offers an intimate take on a universally relatable topic – relationships. The catharsis that came from writing “Time Out” inspired Wander to continue down this creative path – resulting in the tracks “Eye to Eye”, “Way We Walk” and “Back to Back” – all recorded and produced in Barcelona by Mair just prior to the lockdown and scheduled to be released in 2021 as a part of Wander’s debut EP.
With emotive melodies, bubbling instrumentation and oodles of passion ‘Time Out’ is a captivating well crafted debut from AJ Wander. The track simmers upon a pulsing beat and progressive cinematic soundscapes as warm guitars, elegant piano twinkles and lush harmonies on backing vocals fill out the song’s dramatic wall of sound.Wander’s smooth emotive vocals glide upon the bitter sweet melody with ease as the lyrics reflect on a breakup. Wander provides an uplifting take on this tender theme. Although the verses bubble and brood with a dark undertone Wander provides relief for the chorus as it carries the track’s anthemic aesthetic. Looking forward to hearing more from AJ Wander.
Stream ‘Time Out’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
