Hailing from Belfast, the now Liverpool based, Irish songwriter Lucy Gaffney has released her new single ‘Send Me Away’,via Frictionless Music. The track was produced by The Coral’s James Skelly and featuring on the track alongside Lucy is Thom Southern (Electric Guitar, Bass) and Jim Sharrock(Drums).Previously, Lucy was part of Marathon signed band Southern, alongside her brother and consistent collaborator Thom. Her short solo career – with just the one single out so far – has already seen acclaim from the iconic Liam Gallagher (who called her music ‘celestial’), a collaboration with DMA’s and tours with Bill Ryder Jones and She Drew The Gun. Big supporters at radio have come in the form of BBC Radio 1, as well as BBC Introducing Merseyside and BBC Introducing Ulster.
‘Send Me Away’ is a dreamyslice of psychedelic shoegaze as Lucy Gaffney’s delicate vocals drift over an expanding swirling soundscape. The effervescent instrumental backdrop fizzes and swells to create an intoxicating wall of sound. With sweet guitar refrains piercing the thick euphoric bass ripples and driving beat, the track instantly lifts you into an ethereal state of bliss. The melody is saturated in irresistible hooks and syrupy textures. As the song progresses distorted guitars superbly build creating pockets of piercing scintillation through the dazing synths while Gaffney innocently coos over the tense edgy soundscape. Lucy Gaffney is a compelling artist and talented songwriter, showing strong personal musical growth from her days in Southern and MMode. I’m looking forward to hearing more from Lucy Gaffney in the future.
About the track Gaffney explains: “For me the track really encapsulates the dreamy element in the idea of love, getting lost in intoxicating moments and the electric excitement of the unknown. With the recording I wanted to capture the garage band rawness from when I wrote it in the rehearsal studio. There’s an honest naivety to it that fizzes with electric quirks and kinks from start to finish, igniting an in the moment carefree edge.”
Up and coming, unsigned Irish singer-songwriter Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’. Jack first embarked on his music career at the age of sixteen when he began performing and booking gigs in local pubs and clubs. He 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.
Once again Jack Joyce presents another sleek and breezy indie rock number that exudes charm while maintaining the irresistible infectiousness of his previous single ‘56 Roadster’. Boasting warm jaunty guitar, steady drums and a sun kissed soundscape ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’ is a quirky, lyrically witty and upbeat bop. With a balmy smooth melody draped over nimble guitar refrains and elastic bass groove it’s a buoyant gem sure to brighten anyone’s day. In fact, it’s the effortless laid back swagger and light flirtations on guitar that makes this track so enticing. Jack weaves sweet and nimble guitar lines into the songs foundation to create bright moments and zesty stings to delight the listeners ears with. His unique, cheeky vocals ooze character into the song while the irresistible bubbling backdrop makes ‘What’s A Boy Left To Do Ma?’ quite the ear worm. Showcasing refined tunes, sharp storytelling, and strong musical growth, Jack Joyce is becoming an impressive songwriter. He has limitless talent and ambition, keep an eye on Jack Joyce.
Bio : Following on from her debut release ‘Devices’ that drew attention from Stephen McAuley and Across The Line at BBC Ulster, as well as Dan Hegarty at 2FM, nicha (aka Lucy Robinson) is releasing her new single ‘Little Bird’ Oct 2nd.The song is a call to those who are subject to mental and physical abuse in any relationship. nicha hopes to let her listeners know that you have the strength to make yourself happy, let that be through making a difficult decision in escaping a toxic relationship. nicha hopes to spread hope and awareness to all genders and whoever may be facing both mental and physical abuse. “I feel there is a taboo around talking about domestic abuse, mental and physical. Women are suffering, men are suffering, there are so many victims even in this day and age. We need to raise awareness and remind people to talk more.”
Track: Little Bird
Why We Like It: This emotive track captures nicha’s powerful songwriting through an easy listening yet haunting number. With wisping electronics swirling eerie soundscapes into the jazz-like keys and buoyant guitar melodies the song melds warm soothing tones with biting icy tones to create quite the compelling track. nicha’s soulful velvety vocals comfort while distant wails and ghostly backing vocals chill the song’s atmosphere. This diverse and moving track is a sublime example of the expressive and mature songwriting of nicha.
Bio : Dublin-based singer/songwriter Graham O’Hara has released his second single, ‘If Only’. ‘If Only’ was recorded in Wavefarm Studios under the direction of producer Kevin Brennan. It is the latest release from Graham after his debut single ‘Unless I Say.’ Graham spent the last decade in different bands and projects before going solo a few years ago. He is building up a repertoire of songs to share with the world for when the time comes that gigging is part of normality again in Ireland.
Track: If Only
Why We Like It: It’s a passionate indie number drizzled in blues guitars and dynamic instrumentation. The track’s pulses with suspenseful beats teamed with intricate slick bass grooves. The song is both soothing and empowering with guitar refrains peppering Graham’s deep warm vocals in rock nuances. Exuding an energetic chorus and a refined balance of light soothing tones and uplifting elements, ‘If Only’ is quite the power anthem.
Bio : Alt pop wizards FLING have released their new single ‘Best Friend’, with a video to debut on their YouTube channel on Friday 9th October.This comes after last year’s debut album ‘FLING OR DIE’, the March standalone release ‘Windmill’, and the woozy lockdown single ‘Let’s Stay In’. The boys from Bradford have been acclaimed by the likes of Abbie McCarthy and Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Zane Lowe (Beats 1), Steve Lamacq, Gideon Coe and Tom Robinson (6Music).
Track: Best Friend
Why We Like It: It’s a melodic track surging with rich instrumentation. FLING blend raw rock swagger with heartfelt emotion seamlessly to create a wonderful, passionate track. The song begins with soft guitar twinkles, sweet backing vocals coos and nostalgia-filled lyrics. The track builds, becoming more anthemic with shredding guitar embellishments, dynamic drums and lush vocals while the dreamy, nostalgic melody coats the track in sweet tenderness. With warm harmonica blasts and an epic rock n roll crescendo ‘Best Friend’ is another first rate tune from FLING.
Bio :Bedside Manners are a five piece from The Wirral. After releasing their debut EP ‘(I Can Take A While To Heat Up) Please Be Patient’ in 2018, the band gained over 200,000 Spotify streams and multiple plays on BBC Introducing Merseyside & Lancashire. This success was capitalized on in 2019 as they began to sell out shows in the UK. Their second EP, ‘Powers That Be’, released in 2019, gained 10,000 streams on the day of release. Tracks on this EP once again garnered plays from BBC Introducing Merseyside & Lancashire and was featured on Spotify’s ‘Hot New Bands’ and ‘All New Rock’ editorial playlists.
Track: What It Seems
Why We Like It: It’s a swarm of blistering alternative rock as the band spread sharp guitars over a fiery rhythmic backdrop. This feisty assault is laced in gritty riffs and boasts a swaggering sleek guitar display. Punk elements ricochet off an alternate rock backbone while the raw vocals drive the catchy melody forward with vigor and power. ‘What It Seems’ is a fine example of the explosive musicianship of Bedside Manners.
Bio : Emerging from the steamy shadows of their debut single ‘Badlands’, pop-noir duo, Dark Tropics are back with their brand-new single/video, ‘Moroccan Sun’
Track: ‘Moroccan Sun’
Why We Like It: It’s a sweet upbeat gem that meanders around pop and retro 60’s elements. With elegant strings, supple buoyant beats and warm guitar refrains the song wisps and flutters through a dreamy melody caressed by soft vocal coos. This track is a refreshing venture from the duo’s usual dark aesthetic. It’s a climatic timeless track which flows with grace, elegance and charm. With soulful melodies and light indie elements this intricately crafted delight is a refreshing track and fine example of the precise and radiant musicianship of Dark Tropics.
Bitch Falcon have released ‘Martyr’, the 3rd single taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Staring At Clocks’, set for release 6th November 2020. The band have played with Girl Band, Fontaines DC, Torche, Black Peaks and Pussy Riot.
‘Martyr’ is a decisive onslaught of bittersweet chaos as Bitch Falcon take their grunge sound to a thrilling and haunting dimension. From the relentless bass rumble start, the track wriggles its way into your head grasping your mind with strident razor sharp guitar riffs. The track has a residue of Korn as the sweet pines on guitar contrasts the rumbling rhythmic flow. It’s eerie and ominous with lighter elements flickering beneath the asphyxiating bass assault. As the song builds into its tantalizing chorus the track becomes thick and darkly intoxicating as it oozes distortion and punk elements while the rippling bass coils around the rampant drums to create an airtight wall of sound. Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s mesmerising vocals haunt, bellow and scream over this frantic wall of sound. She is by no means drowned beneath the grungy rock mayhem. Holding her own, she exudes an icy, luring tone for the verses before the vocal shrill entraps the listener within the deep weaving instrumental chaos.
Bitch Falon’s skill to both haunt, chill to the core and blister with intense fury is awe inspiring. They posses the rare ability to capture and express beauty within chaotic musical composition. Their sound is glorious and majestic to say the least.
About the track frontwoman Lizzie Fitzpatrick said: “When writing this song, we wanted to achieve a post-punk vibe to it, but with modern influences. Nigel’s drumming reminds me of Warpaint in this, it has such a bounce to it. I tried to span my vocals from soft to cord ripping, a bid to show the aggression in the song.’
Harley & The Wolf have recently released their new single ‘For What It’s Worth’. Harley & The Wolf are an alternative rock band from Northern Ireland who create powerful and fiery tunes. With a heartfelt melody encased in a swarming wall of sound Harley & The Wolf present a dynamic new single ready to blast from your speakers. With a raw jagged guitar riff slicing through the pounding bass and explosive drums the track has that instantly kinetic rock anthem gusto. The rasped vocals surge passion into this alternative mammoth, building on the song’s adrenaline and heart racing pulse. Rich melodies weave a thread of earworm delight while the raw and energetic backdrop builds in intensity, ‘For What It’s Worth’ is a fantastic ballsy alternative rock number from Harley & The Wolf.
I sat down to have a chat with Thom Southern to talk about his debut solo single ‘Shivers’, how he forms his tunes, his home studio and what he has planned for the coming months
U.K. indie band The Loft Club have released their full-length debut ‘Dreaming The Impossible’, released by Lightyear Entertainment, through Caroline/UMG, in association with UK label So Let’s Talk. The Exeter-based quintet consists of Daniel Schamroth (guitar/vocals), Jamie Whyte (bass/vocals), Kieran Chalmers (drums), Josie Stoneman (vocals) and Sam Piper (lead guitar). Schamroth wrote the first 11 songs on Dreaming The Impossible and co-wrote the album closer, “Flicker,” with Lisa Loeb and the album was produced by James Bragg (Jack Steadman, The Skints).
Melding and weaving indie rock with warm folk hues and flashes of psychedelia, ‘Dreaming The Impossible’ is a compelling collection of tracks.The tunes are hearty and powerful with a driving rhythmic section, jangly guitars and irresistible vocal hooks adorning each song, especially in the dynamic opener and title track ‘Dreaming The Impossible’. There is no shortage of energetic bangers on this album as each track infuses the bands alternative pop sensibilities with their rich wall of sound and instrumental prowess. With elements of Oasis Brit pop, the band surge sweet melodies and lush harmonies into ‘Heard Her Say’ and ‘True Love’.There are sublime bass grooves throughout the album ‘I’m Just A Man’’ displays a nimble and mysterious bass with a shimmying beat, dousing the song in finesse.
Each track is diverse and unique in its own right, flowing effortlessly into the next to create a cohesive listening experience. From the country twang of ‘Baby You’ll Be Fine’ to the soothing laid back psychedelic tones in ‘Waves’, the band blend genres superbly. With tight harmonies, melty melodies and euphoric atmospheres in tracks like ‘You Are The Sun’ teamed with shredding guitar lines and punchy drums there is something for everyone to enjoy within this album. The Loft Club balance their mellow tracks with more vibrant anthems allowing songs such as the dreamy ‘Made In England’ and ‘Flat Broke’ sit next to the brisk uplifting ‘Flicker’ which features sweet vocals from Lisa Loeb.
‘Dreaming The Impossible’ defies your average indie rock band cliché as The Loft Club explore and expand their music and intricate genre knowledge to create a light, heartfelt and enjoyable album which showcases their promise and talent.
Madison Front have released their new single ‘Otherside’. Madison Front are an Indie/Alternative rock band who formed in 2015, with Luke O’Connor on Vocals, Patrick Murphy on Lead Guitar, Gary Murphy on Drums, Jack Shakespeare on Bass, and Conor Cullen on Rhythm Guitar. The group gained some notoriety during their first year, performing at Ireland’s well-renowned Longitude Festival, featuring alongside acts such as Hozier, Alt-J, and The Chemical Brothers. Following this, the band also appeared on Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ. They spent the next couple of years playing in well-known music venues across Dublin, including Whelan’s, The Academy, The Workman’s Club, and The Grand Social, establishing themselves within the local music scene. The band released their debut single, ‘Sleep Off’, and subsequent music video, in February of 2020, in-line with a single-launch gig in the same month in one of Dublin’s fastest growing venues, LoSt LaNe.
‘Otherside’ is a punchy energetic track dripping in alternative rock prowess and Madison Front’s expressive musicianship. The track chills with an eerie tone and sinister guitar refrain while the pulsing percussion, rumbling drums and creeping verses surround the track in an enticing atmosphere of haunting suspense. With smooth vocals, catchy melody and a building wall of sound, the band cultivate and simmer their sound superbly while embellishing the song with steamy guitar licks, icy refrains and slick licks. ‘Otherside’ is a well crafted new single which boasts the refinement and sublime songwriting of Madison Front.
Dublin band Emily 7 are set to release their debut single ‘Stay’ on October 9th.Hailing from the streets of Tallaght, brothers Kyle and Scott Bellew have been making waves on the Irish music industry as Emily 7 for over 2 years now. While only being 21 and 18 respectively, they have shared the stage with acts like U2, Glen Hansard and Imelda Mayat the Christmas Eve Busk, as well as supporting UK acts like Twisted Wheel in Whelans. Their 90’s image and sound even landed them a brand deal and interview with Fred Perry.The two brothers are also known from a viral video that went around the internet,where they met Liam Gallagher in Dublin, and he brought them to his show in The Olympia. This was one of the moments that influenced them to make the band a full time job.Emily 7 also headline Whelans (upstairs) on April 16th 2021. Tickets are available fromTicketmaster.ie and more info can be found frommcd.ie/artists/emily-7
‘Stay’ is a blazing debut from Emily 7. While telling a story of the trials and tribulations of falling in love, the duo create a ferocious, heavy, rock track swamped in the bands brawny, crashing wall of sound. With just a guitar and drums, the band manage to whack out a full-bodied, and all consuming sound sure to have a live audience moshing in no time. A guitar blitz soars through a rapid drum onslaught creating a thrilling sound of alternative rock with punk elements. Gravelly vocals contrast heartfelt, emotional lyrics which express sweetness and carry an undertone of vulnerability, displaying the bands ability to create diversity and depth within their tracks. ‘Stay’ is energetic, raw, and infectious – an impressive debut from a promising and talented duo.
Alternative Pop/Hip-Hop act Darce has returned with his new single ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ which is the first single from Darce’s upcoming EP ‘Rural Wi-Fi’.The track is an all-West Cork affair with the song being produced and mixed by rising female artist Blakkheart and all revenue earned from the track will go to Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) (https://inar.ie/). The Bantry artist has been featured in numerous top publications with Spotify Editorial Playlists (New Music Friday UK), performances at festivals (K-Fest), support slots for the likes of Le Boom and industry showcase sets (Ireland Music Week, Music Cork) along with international TV appearances in both Brazil and The Netherlands, where he appeared alongside The Rubberbandits and David McWilliams of all people.
Floating in ethereal, clean soundscapes with hip-hop beats and fluid rhymes, ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ takes Darce’s sound to a lofi airy dimension. With haunting backing vocals, sticky reverb beats and wispy synths the track has an intriguing spacious atmosphere while Darce’s sharp raps provide warmth and wit through the songs introspective lyrical content. Darce is becoming known for pushing boundaries and crafting his tunes in a unique and dynamic way and ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ reinforces this. It’s a sleek and cool number exuding rich lyrical depth, subtle tones and compelling musicianship. I can not wait for his upcoming EP ‘Rural Wi-Fi’, if ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ is anything to go by then, it’s going to be a doozy.
Stream ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
