Album Review, Indie, New Music

My Uncle Stoat ‘Tales of my misspent youth’ Album

Dublin based alt/folk/rock band My Uncle Stoat have released their long-awaited second album ‘Tales of my misspent youth’. The new album features 10 finely crafted tunes recorded between 2019 and 2020 at little bear studios Dublin. The album was produced by Cameron Doyle and Ryan Doyle and was recorded and mixed by Cameron Doyle at little bear studios. Additional recording and mixing by Sean Hurley and Ryan Doyle. Mastered by Sean Hurley at little bear studios.  

‘Tales of my misspent youth’ is an absolute triumph from My Uncle Stoat. This glorious album takes the listener on a musical journey filled with sweet melodies, exquisite musicianship and eloquent songwriting. From the magical soundscapes of ‘So this is life’ ( with it’s driving guitar, rich rhythms and ethereal atmospheres ) to the warm acoustic, ‘Which way to lose’, there is an instant likeability and charming aesthetic to this album. 

Ryan Taylor Doyle’s vocals sweetly croon over dreamy melodies while blistering instrumentation in tracks such as ‘Chaos’ and ‘Has it come to this’ capture a hazy sense of nostalgia. There is something utterly mesmerising about this bands sound. It’s comforting and wholesome while exuding passion and gusto at the same time from every note.

Throughout the album, My Uncle Stoat venture between light instrumentation and mammoth-heavy outbursts to create a fresh and dynamic listening experience. It’s quite the tantalising rollercoaster spectacularly presented through music. ‘Easy come easy go’ is a fine example of this. The track introduces a heavier musical approach than its predecessors as tense verses give way to a gripping cinematic chorus. The track is an absolute delight to listen to and a highlight on the album. Of similar fashion is ‘Flesh for the fleshless’. The track boasts dreamy melodies filled with twinkling guitars, soft lulling backing vocals and buoyant beats for the verses before the chorus roars with psychedelic rock tendencies and energetic outbursts of distortion on guitars. 


‘Tales of my misspent youth’ is a fantastic collection of tracks. Throughout the album, My Uncle Stoat display a deep understanding of their craft as each track highlights a different aspect of the bands sound and deft musicianship. Each song leads beautifully into the next and the album as a whole is a pleasure to listen to again and again.

Stream ‘Tales of my misspent youth’ below


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, EP Review, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

modernlove. ‘monochrome blue’ EP

Photo Credit: Marc Shelly

Irish four-piece modernlove. have released their new EP ‘monochrome blue’ on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). To celebrate the EP release, the band will be playing a Dublin headline show on November 6th in the Workman’s Club and their first London show at The Social on November 12th.

‘monochrome blue’ is creative, alluring and an utterly intoxicating EP that solidifies modernlove.’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting indie-pop bands. The four-piece are known for creating eargasmic tunes brimming with sugar-sweet melodies that hook the listener instantly and ‘monochrome blue’ follows this trend perfectly.

From the explosive rush of opener ‘2 Missed Calls’, the band flesh out their lustrous wall of sound with rich percussion, gleaming guitars and irresistible bass grooves that lure and entice from the start. Dealing with some heavy and intriguing lyrical content that details with the complexities of a love triangle the track is an excellent start to the EP.

The production throughout the EP is immaculate. The band venture between indie-pop bangers and synth-pop gems to create a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.‘Liquorice’ sounds fresh on the EP. This shimmering track with its glittering synths, punchy drums and rumble on bass sits comfortably on the EP and is a fantastic lead into the latter half of ‘monochrome blue’. Each song floods with adrenaline and youthful vigour. ‘come over x’ is a fine example of this where lush sonics, vibrant 80’s pop elements, and soaring melodies create that heart-racing effect and keeps the listener hanging on to every note. 

An exciting element of the EP is the hypnotic vocal aspect of each track. Barry Lally’s smooth vocals drift across bittersweet melodies effortlessly while conveying oodles of passion. He spits out brisk lyrical flows in ‘Bop’ while crooning with emotion through the cinematic ‘I know it’s tearing you apart’. The latter track is filled with chiming guitars, a tight rhythm section, soaring chorus and epic crescendo and is the pinnacle moment on the EP. Within this track modernlove. excel both musically and lyrically – from evocative turns of phrase to richly textured soundscapes and heart rushing melodies, the tune showcases the band’s boundless musical talent in glorious detail.

‘monochrome blue’ is a sublime collection of tracks that displays the blossoming sound of modernlove. Each track is a gem to treasure and beckons repeat plays. The band’s approach to songwriting, production and sound is a breath of fresh air and leaves much to be admired. Press play and enjoy.

Stream ‘monochrome blue’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Conor Furlong ‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’

Dublin solo artist Conor Furlong has released his new single ‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’.The song is the third single to be taken from his upcoming album, ‘Recurring Dream’, which is set for release on the 17th of September.

‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’ is a lush shoegaze tune bursting with ethereal soundscapes and Conor Furlong’s expressive, irresistible musicianship. Sweet guitar refrains drift through airy atmospherics for the brooding verses before becoming more animated for the chorus. The complex arrangement of the song and deft production leaves much to be admired; the lyrics exude a dark undertone that mirrors the building tension and aggression within the track, “On the trigger, itchy fingers, that’s right blow my brains out, and you just laugh alright” while elements of 90’s rock, psychedelia and shoegaze blend to create an utterly tantalising and refreshing soundscape for listeners to immerse themselves in. Filled with euphoric melodies and showcasing a smooth vocal delivery from Furlong, ‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’ is a gem to treasure.

Stream ‘Are You Gonna Sleep Tonight?’ below 


Author: Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jack Joyce ‘Black Cat by the Bins’

Jack Joyce has released his new single ‘Black Cat by the Bins’. The track follows on from Joyce’s sixth single release and current hit single ‘Voodoo Belladonna’ which was released back on 16th July 2021. Early last year (2020) Joyce featured on Mute The TV band’s hit debut single ‘With You’ which got airplay around Ireland. 

‘Black Cat by the Bins’ is a mysterious tune that pivots around sultry shivering guitars and chunky rhythms. The lyrics are a dazzling display of Joyce’s artistic talent: clever, poignant and packed with emotion, “let me know if I grow slow, I feel it turning baby something has changed…  I saw a black cat by the bins, and I haven’t been the same since”. Joyce injects a sense of unease into the track’s enticing soundscape through the use of sharp riffs and supple lofty pines creating a sinister undertone throughout the song. The complex blend of elements within the song are a joy to listen to and can only be truly appreciated with repeat plays. Joyce has put a lot into his latest release – the track is an expressive, bewitching number filled with character and rich instrumentation. 

Stream ‘Black Cat by the Bins’ below


Author: Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

AONAIR ‘Bad Decisions’

Fresh off the news of being selected to appear at this year’s Ireland Music Week, Irish multi-instrumentalist Aonair has released his second single, ‘Bad Decisions’, from his upcoming sophomore EP ‘, Loveheart Birthmark’ – due for full release later in 2021. 

‘Bad Decisions’ is a powerful, heartfelt tune that showcases Aonair’s melodic prowess and irresistible musicianship. Surging with epic 80’s drenched guitars, heart-racing rhythms, and Aonair’s warm vocals, the track is an ultimate power anthem that exudes a charming dynamic persona. The song is an absolute delight to listen to and beautifully captures escapism through rich instrumentation while the hook-filled chorus evokes images of a live audience jubilantly bellowing back the lyrics. ‘Bad Decisions’ is a fearless piece of music that marks Aonair as an artist to keep an eye on. Looking forward to the EP.

 Stream ‘Bad Decisions’ below 


Author: Danu

Event News

Event News: Seconds Away

Seconds Away is a five-part series of musician snapshots from Ireland, recorded live in the National Stadium, Dublin and presented by Gemma Bradley (BBC NI). The series was produced by Singular Artists and was made possible with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Kicking off on 1st September, new episodes will be uploaded to Nialler9’s YouTube Channel every Wednesday in September and featured tracks aired on The Alternative with Dan Hegarty on RTÉ 2FM every Wednesday from 10 PM.

Episode 1 of Seconds Away will feature A Lazarus Soul, Erica Cody, Gemma Dunleavy, SPRINTS, and Tandem Felix. 

Speaking about Seconds Away, Fin O’ Leary of Singular Artists said: “Seconds Away has been an exciting project to work on for all involved, it’s been amazing to bring together so many incredible artists to perform live again. The National Stadium is a fantastic venue, steeped in history, and really comes to life in the series.”

Seconds Away is an exciting new series featuring some amazingly talented artists. With acts such as Modernlove. Maria Kelly, Melts, Sam Wickens, Columbia Mills and much more on the lineup, it’s sure to be a fantastic series. 

Tonight’s lineup will feature A Lazarus Soul, Erica Cody, Gemma Dunleavy, SPRINTS, and Tandem Felix. Check it out from 8 pm on Nialler9’s YouTube Channel and aired on The Alternative with Dan Hegarty on RTÉ 2FM from 10 PM.


Author: Danu

New Music, Singer/Songwriter

David Keenan ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’

Photo Credit; Eli Penya

Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter David Keenan has released his new single. ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’, an official music video is streaming now via YouTube. ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’ marks the latest single from Keenan’s eagerly awaited second studio album, WHAT THEN?, due via Rubyworks on Friday, October 15th.Keenan will celebrate WHAT THEN? with a busy international live schedule, including a series of eagerly awaited US shows supporting GRAMMY®-Award-winning guitar virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela, set to get underway September 1 at Boulder, CO’s Chautauqua Auditorium. 

‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’ is a frantic scramble for life’s meaning expressed through the powerful medium of evocative musicianship. Keenan once again showcases his poetic skills with this vibrant and riveting new tune. The genre-defying artist expands on his opulent sound with a soulful melody basked in-country hues while a dark, smothering soundscape broods in the background. His warm vocals dwell comfortably within his deeper range as he utters the lyrics in a thought-rambling manner before animating the chorus with short yelps. The vivid lyrical imagery Keenan is known for shimmers throughout the track, as the instrumentation builds and becomes more frantic towards the crescendo he rasps, “A Zippo light in the darkness fed. Two gold teeth in a krusty head did sing”. Boasting expressive musicianship, eloquent lyrics and Keenan’s commanding vocals ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’ is an exciting teaser for his upcoming album. 

About the song, Keenan said, “This song details the desire for purpose and meaning in one’s own life, These are human struggles which I believe we can all relate to – we are all Jo Soap – heightened like never before as a result of the great trauma that has affected all our lives in countless ways since the pandemic began.”

Watch the video for ‘What Then Cried Jo Soap’ below 


Author: Danu

New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Ben Lazarus ‘Staying In’

Capturing the essence of the early days of the pandemic, ‘Staying In’ is the latest single to come from singer-songwriter Ben Lazarus. The song makes use of a wide range of instruments due to the pandemic affording Lazarus the time to play with everything in his vast musical “toy box”. Ben Lazarus grew up in Sunnyvale, CA, until April of 2005 when he moved to Los Angeles to attend film school, and where he has lived ever since. In March, the multi-instrumentalist signed with Napier Records, a label founded by Academy award-winning filmmaker Andrew Napier.

‘Staying In’ is a catchy folk hued indie tune from Ben Lazarus. The artist takes a bright buoyant melody and adorns it in twanging guitar, steady rhythms and intricate percussive elements. ‘Staying In’ provides a cheery tone and positive outlook to the pandemic lockdowns while soft bells and a layered tapestry of guitars create a sweet and charming backdrop for Lazarus’ unique vocal coos to drift upon. ‘Staying In’ is a quirky ditty that showcases the vibrant, irresistible songwriting of Lazarus.

Speaking of his new single, Lazarus explains “This song features the drumming of my late little brother John, and playing over his tracks makes me feel closer to him.” 

Stream ‘Staying In’ below 


Author: Danu

EP Review, New Music

Mouk. ‘Not For Me’ EP

Born out of life lessons and real experiences, ‘Not For Me’ is the debut EP from Australian Alternative Rock artist Mouk. This collection of five songs was written over an extended period of time, and covers a broad range of themes and emotions. Her debut single ‘Ready To Lose’ was released in 2020 and was written with friend and producer James Sully. Now taking her career to the next level, Mouk. prepares for her debut EP release, which has been independently written, recorded and released.

‘Not For Me’ is a catchy collection of indie rock that boasts the raw and blossoming sound of Mouk. The EP surges with luring guitar lines and groove laced backdrops as Mouk. writes about getting out of a toxic relationship, falling in and out of love, and dealing with conflict. From the sun-kissed radiance of ’Ready To Lose’ to the dark theatrical waltz of ‘Red’, Mouk. creates a diverse wall of sound. She blends lush harmonies and sweet piano between jaunty guitar refrains and rich rhythms to create a wholesome and charming collection of tunes. With tender emotional moments flickering throughout each track ( particularly within the cosy warmth of ‘Simple’ ) Mouk. provides a satisfying EP filled with sweet ditties and swagger-stomped indie. 

Stream ‘Not For Me’ below


Author: Danu

Indie, Live Music, New Music

Laura Duff ‘Wayside’

Limerick’s Laura Duff has released her new single, ‘Wayside’.‘Wayside’ is the debut single from her sophomore EP entitled ‘Heavy Summer’.The EP was recorded and produced by Christian Best of Monique Studios, Midleton Co. Cork, and mastered by Richard Dowling of Wav Mastering, Limerick. The band lineup features Laura Duff (vocals, keys, acoustic guitar), JJ Lee (bass), Christopher O’Sullivan (drums), Finn Fogarty (lead guitar). Laura is a past student of University College Cork’s Music Department and an award-winning songwriter. She was named the Paul Clancy Songwriter of the Year at 2015’s Irish Youth Music Awards. More recently, she was selected as Circuit Arts Festival Music Project Awardee in April 2021. Following the release of ‘Wayside’, the band are set to play Pot Duggan’s in Ennistymon, Co. Clare in October, with more shows and releases to be announced.

‘Wayside’ broods with intoxicating tones as Laura Duff presents her luring indie noir pop sound through this easy on the ears gem. This mellow tune balances dark smoky melodies with subtle glimmering guitar and keys to create an enticing rabbit hole of tantalising soundscapes. The song ventures between laid back psychedelia and indie effortlessly to create a fluid sultry tune for listeners to immerse themselves in. Duff’s smooth vocals smoulder throughout, while the sharp twinkles on guitar and layered backing vocals create a prismatic psychedelic effect with undertones of desert rock rumbling beneath. Within each verse and musical embellishment, ‘Wayside’ reveals new and captivating sounds that are a delight to listeners ears. Laura Duff is quite an exciting artist. 

Stream ‘Wayside’ below 

https://soundcloud.com/laura-duff-1/wayside/s-s6Rjlt1UGTo


Author: Danu

Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.

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