Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Neil Dexter has launched his solo career and released his debut single, ‘Loving You.’ A founding member of defunct indie-rock quintet Spies, and active contributor to Tandem Felix and Royal Yellow, Dexter’s experiences playing with these acts have broadened his sonic palette and informed his artistry today.
Dexter presents a richly textured prismatic wall of sound within ‘Loving You’ that builds to become one infectious groove-laden bop. The song pivots around an insatiable groove as a pounding beat and bass direct the song’s flow. Dexter layers shimmering synths, clapping rhythms and melodic electronics atop heavy grooves to create a kaleidoscopic 80’s synth-pop backdrop blended with elements of 90s techno-pop. This lush array of textures is a joy to the senses as Dexter’s mesmerising vocal anchors the listener within the song’s ever-growing and immersive soundscape. There is a dark undertone crawling through the track. This is reinforced by Dexter’s deep vocals and haunting wisps on electronics which contrasts the lustrous production and synths, while the lyrics explore the guilt that often comes from not being more present for your partner “I should have spent more time loving you.”
‘Loving You’ is an exciting glimpse into the vast tantalising sound of Neil Dexter, and I, for one, am looking forward to what the artist has in store for us next.
Liverpool band Murmurs have released their debut single ‘Not My Girl’. Murmurs came together through a sheer passion for music. The band is composed of lead singer and guitarist Kieran McKenna, drummer Kevin McKay, John Bradley on bass and Josh Ferrigan on lead guitar,
‘Not My Girl’ is a bright slice of indie rock that displays the catchy and tight sound of Murmurs. The band spread lush harmonies and warm vocals over a sweet radiant melody while weaving light indie guitar jingles through a buoyant drum backdrop to create an upbeat, bop-ready wall of sound that is a joy to listen to. This infectious tune is sure to have you singing along in no time with its catchy qualities and sun-kissed charm. Oozing a 90’s rock undertone and boasting a shredding guitar solo, ‘Not My Girl’ is a satisfying listening experience and strong debut single from Murmurs.
Irish four-piece modernlove. have announced their debut EP ‘monochrome blue’ and share their new single. ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ along with a music video. The EP is due September 1st on Akira Records (Henry Green, Zola Blood, Shura, CHINAH). Each of the 6 radio-ready tracks confronts issues like romance, rejection, 21st-century communication and the daily impact of all three.”lmk (if you wanna see me)” will be the third single on the EP, following on from “Liquorice” and “Bop,” both of which received strong playlist support, landing on NMF UK at Spotify, as well as Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List. Radio has come via 2FM, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line and Radio X.
modernlove. flesh out their sonically lush indie-pop to present a truly mesmerising gem in ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’. Steeped in a pool of synths, the track has a nostalgic and dreamy atmosphere that has a semi-conscious quality to it and creates a slow-motion, out of body effect throughout the verses. The song pivots around this hazy vibe with the mechanical vocal effects inducing a suspenseful tone through the use of soft coo’s. modernlove. have refined and honed their sound to create a tight song laced in interweaved melodies and textures that is simply divine to listen to. The band’s ability to pour emotion into every fibre of a song is masterful. They use a bubbling rhythmic backbone to create an agitated undertone in the soundscape of the track while surges of intense electronics ebb and flow throughout, quickly followed by a brief relief between jittery guitar interludes. The instrumentation is exquisitely designed to mirror the theme of being simultaneously overwhelmed and isolated. This intense instrumentation is greatly enhanced by the eloquent, emotive and well-coined phrases within the track – ”it doesn’t feel like I’m living, it just feels like I’m here” as the band poignantly capture the complexities of the modern lives of twenty-somethings through their earnest and striking lyricism.
‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is an excellent example of fine musicianship. Everything clicks within this song. The production, arrangement, lyrics and vocals all blend together spectacularly. modernlove.’s sound has blossomed wonderfully. The band’s deft musical ability balances insanely catchy indie-pop with emotive and thought-provoking lyrics to create compelling and impressive music. Love it.
About the song, the band say: “‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’ is about a formative period of your life ending. We wrote it during lockdown which inspired the somber, detached feel of the song.”
To celebrate the EP release, modernlove. will be playing their first London show at The Social on November 12 as well as a Dublin show in The Workman’s Club Cellar on November 5th.
Dublin-based alternative rock band Late Night Pharmacy are set to release their new single, ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ on June 11th. It is the band’s second single of 2021, following April’s ‘Too Late for the Rickshaws’. Recording the single was only possible due to the generous financial support of the Department of Culture, who last year announced the creation of a Music Industry Stimulus Package (MISP), intended to help keep the Irish commercial music sector afloat during Covid-19. In November 2020, Late Night Pharmacy were awarded funding under the MISP, and hired Aidan Cunningham (Wheatus, The Scratch, Nealo, Overhead the Albatross) to produce and mix three singles.
Riding on a jagged riff and machine-gun rhythmic jabs ‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is a heavy alternative rock tune that packs one heck of a punch. The song is a fantastic, intense, and thrilling sonic assault on the senses filled with crashing guitars and pounding drums that create a dense and mind bombarding soundscape that is simply a joy to listen to. An eerie undertone rumbles underneath the track’s kinetic soundscape and is greatly enhanced by the use of synths, jolting time signature changes and tempo shifts. This choppy effect within the track’s sound is an intriguing display of musical prowess and complements the lyrical theme wonderfully.‘Slacktivist (Normalise This)’ is an excellent display of deft songwriting and impressive musicianship from Late Night Pharmacy.
About the track the band said: “In Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language”, he described how journalists use clichéd, shopworn phrases to write sentences almost unconsciously (“They will construct your sentences for you – even think your thoughts for you”), hence psychologically protecting them from considering the full implications of their opinions. 1984 features a character who speaks so orthodoxically as to resemble an automaton: “It was not the man’s brain that was speaking, it was his larynx.” Today, most communication originates not in the brain, but in the thumbs: social media discourse is an endless deluge of the same handful of clichéd expressions repeated ad nauseum, and conveying no real sentiment other than smug condescension. In this environment, even the crudest artificial intelligence could pass the Turing test with ease. As a commentary on this trend, the lyrics of “Slacktivist (Normalise This)” are entirely made up of overused social media expressions, assembled in no particular order as a series of empty, vapid non sequiturs. “
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse have released their new single ‘Take Care’. ‘Take Care’ races to glory as Thrillhouse continue their run of anthemic, ethereal indie rock through this majestic tune. With an electronic glitzy soundscape that is broken by shimmering guitars and desert-esque elements, the band create a sun-kissed nostalgic gem that pulses within a heart-pounding backdrop. Rumbling basslines ride along snapping beats and whirring synths to create an all-consuming sound that oozes suspense while showcasing the band’s deft musical prowess. Boasting sleek production and tight musical layering that is teamed with a deep brooding vocal delivery, ‘Take Care’ is a rush of heartfelt indie that leaves you craving to hear more. Thrillhouse are fast becoming known for creating infectious, musically lush bangers and ‘Take Care’ is a sublime example of this.
Cold Comforts have released the first single,’ Turn Back Time’, from their debut album. In their first two years together, they have already released three singles, gone on a nine-date tour of the UK and been longlisted for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition.
’Turn Back Time’ is a driving 90’s alternative rock anthem that boasts the blistering sound of Cold Comforts. The song rides on dynamic guitar riffs while punchy drums and blazing bass grooves saturate the backdrop in energy and angst. Cold Comforts thrilling wall of sound is instantly vibrant and energetic, evoking images of live crowds jumping and singing along as the band blast out the catchy chorus. Lyrically,’ Turn Back Time’ is an anthem of defiance and never again living in fear of the past or the future. Cold Comforts present this theme through relentless, mighty musicianship and hook-laden soundscapes. Well crafted and drenched in exhilarating instrumentation, Cold Comforts knock it out of the park with this new tune.
KinetiX have released their new single ‘White Oil…’. The track is the third single released by the Offaly trio (consisting of brothers Arthur, Theodore, and Ademar Stones), ‘White Oil…’ is a drum and bass rallying call by KinetiX for listeners to retake the initiative within their lives.Before KinetiX formed in 2017, the trio started out as traditional musicians to great success, winning 23 All-Ireland at various Fleadh Cheoil na nÉireann competitions, as well as appearing on The Late Late Toy Show in 2010. Prior to KinetiX Arthur would go on to form Ruaile Buaile, which would release two studio albums, extensively tour North America, Europe, the UAE, and New Zealand. As KinetiX, the trio work out of their studio in Offaly, having previously worked in Diffusion Lab Studios alongside producers Chris Bubenzer and Marcin Ciszczon. The trio plan to release up to a dozen singles before the end of 2021, while continuing to perform gigs via live stream, with the aim of returning to physical gigs at the first opportunity ahead of the 2022 festival season.
‘White Oil…’ is a luscious pop anthem doused in the intricate production and sparkling electronic pop of KinetiX. The trio spread a dreamy melody over a driving drum and bass backdrop to create an energetic and irresistible bop for listeners to enjoy. The track oozes feel-good vibes as KinetiX swirl ethereal electronics through the bubbling backdrop to create light and airy elements throughout. With muggy verses that dissolve into the explosive and radiant chorus, ‘White Oil..’ is a well crafted and bright gem, ready for repeat summer plays.
A by-product of the ongoing pandemic, ‘White Oil…’ lyrically tries to look beyond this unprecedented period and encourages listeners not only to maintain connections with people but to use the easing of lockdown restrictions as a launchpad to start living in a way that makes life worthwhile: “We are trying to convey a simple message in this song…it’s time to open up your arms again and let people in. If you have had any negative thoughts or were being hard on yourself for the last few months, it is time to let that all go and start living your life again…get out there and start living your life for you.”
Irish avant-punk trio Nerves have returned with their new single ‘Leigue’. Having lit up their homeland with four well-received singles to date, the band began to earn a reputation as a must-see live act prior to lockdown with a series of sweaty DIY basement shows, sold-out headline dates and support slots with the likes of HMLTD, Turnstiles and more. Recorded over lockdown at Sonic Studios with Girl Band’s Daniel Fox, “Leigue” is a perfect snapshot of the band’s intense and borderless sound.
‘Leigue’ frizzles with the passionate and thrilling sound of Nerves. It’s a hard-hitting tune that displays Nerves at their most intense and emotional to date. The song has an asphyxiating and harrowing atmosphere that is greatly enhanced by a muggy panic-stricken soundscape filled with pounding drums, rampant bass wriggles and contorting wails on guitar. ‘Leigue’ is an immersive listening experience – the track broods and simmers with angst throughout as Nerves venture from light shoegaze moments to post-punk anarchy within a few brisk instrumental lacerations. The shoegaze, post-punk, krautrock blend of sounds is an exhilarating assault on the senses as Kyle Thornton’s reverb vocals speak about the dangers of trying to ignore grief and allowing unhealthy coping mechanisms to begin to rule one’s life. As the song reaches its crescendo, the guitars spiral and crash into the aggressive drums, creating an explosive and exhilarating moment for listeners to enjoy.
Nerves are meticulously crafting their powerful sound, and ‘Leigue’ is an exciting example of this band’s impressive musicianship.
Speaking about the single, Kyle Thornton says, “We feel as though Leigue was a bit of aturning point for us as a band, towards something more mature and cathartic. It’s paved theway for how our sound and attitude has changed over the course of the last year. It’s stillintense and still fun to play, but it means more to us now than I think it ever has.”
Formed in late 2019 following the dissolution of The Strypes – Cavan, Ireland’s The Zen Arcade have adopted an independent approach that extends far beyond their musical output. Today Friday 4th June via their own Dental Records they release the new EP ‘High Fidelity’; including the brand new single ‘High Fidelity’ alongside last year’s debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’, and an exclusive episode of their own podcast – ‘Higher Fidelity’. The band’s debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’ released in October 2020 saw The Zen Arcade pick up extensive airplay in Ireland and the US, peaking at no.1 on the Irish iTunes singles chart and ranking at no.12 on the Irish National HomeGrown Chart by end of trading on release day. Having started life as the intro to their ‘Higher Fidelity’ podcast, the band’s second single, ‘High Fidelity’ will be released on 12″ bubblegum pink vinyl as part of ‘High Fidelity EP’
‘High Fidelity’ is a musically striking and cleverly thought out EP that provides a keyhole glimpse into the boundless talent The Zen Arcade have to offer. The jingle, single and title track ‘High Fidelity’ kick starts the EP. Bright and drenched in sweet, catchy melodies with tight harmonies and infectious clap along feature, the band pull out all the stops to ensure this tune stays in your head all day. Driven by a punchy drum progression and raw bass grooves, the song surges with adrenaline. The Zen Arcade’s deft musical prowess is on full display in this charming gem. However, it is the well-coined phrases within the lyrics that steal the show “My heart will always pound in 5.1 surround sound” – love it!
The band’s debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’ swiftly follows. A favourite here at Indie Buddie, this brisk slice of musical mastery is sure to get even the most timid person up and dancing. Boasting sharp, resounding guitars and frantic bass lines, this tune is a thrilling burst of alternative rock with glorious pop sensibilities that will leave you craving for more.
The Zen Arcade also provide a unique experience, an exclusive episode of the band’s ‘Higher Fidelity’ podcast where they discuss the making of ‘High Fidelity’, the magic of vinyl, the lyrics, along with their Sonic Seconds segment. ‘High Fidelity’ is a real treat. The band put a lot into creating The Zen Arcade experience, and the result is insightful, intelligent and fun.
The Zen Arcade are honing their sound perfectly. Their artistic approach to music, clever lyrics and wonderful knack with melodies leaves much to be admired.
Speaking about ‘High Fidelity’, The Zen Arcade elaborate: “High Fidelity has gone from jingle to single and theme song to hit song. This piece of music originally heralded the start of an episode of Higher Fidelity but now heralds the start of an episode of success. The track was written indoors, recorded in vain and released in case. It details the relationship between a cinephile with a lot of boxsets and their partner with a lot to catch up on.”
Bio : Uxbridge band Bloxx have returned with their new single ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’.The song is the first piece of new material since Bloxx released their debut album ‘Lie Out Loud’ in August 2020 to critical acclaim. The track premiered with Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1, and is produced by Rich Turvey (Blossoms, Oscar Lang).
Track: Everything I’ve Ever Learned
Why We Like It: Riding on a driving bassline ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’ is an exhilarating new single from Bloxx. Jam-packed with irresistible hooks and dynamic instrumentation the song is an explosive whack of indie-pop. The track showcases the band’s deft musical prowess through a majestic display of soaring guitars, punchy drums and shimmering synths that creates a rich, sonic soundscape for listeners to indulge in. It’s a triumphant and exciting return from the Indie pop wizards.
Watch the video for ‘Everything I’ve Ever Learned’ below
Hook
Genre : New Wave Rock
Bio : Dublin-based new wave rock band Hook are set to release a new music video for, “Best Days,”.Shot and edited by the band. It includes slow shots of Dublin through a disorientating filter. The view is from the eyes of someone wandering the city at night; confused, lost, lonely which compliment’s the song’s message of going through difficult and complicated emotions. Hook are Eoin O’Donnell (vocals, guitar), Morgan O’Brien (drums) Danny Spelman (bass, vocals).
Track: Best Days
Why We Like It: It’s a swagger dipped tune that oozes the 80’s hued rock sound of Hook. The band sprinkle chiming guitars into a punchy drum and rippling bass backdrop to create a groove-driven tune that is a joy to listen to. The tracks laid back mellow melody is coated in Eoin O’Donnell’s rasped vocals while distortion and dark psychedelic undertones create a mysterious and eerie quality throughout. Boasting the band’s tight infectious musicianship, ‘Best Days’ is a tantalising new single from the Dublin-based three-piece.
Bio : Washington Electro Rock/Synth Pop band Color Palette have released their new single ‘Clear Water Blue’. The song will be included on Color Palette’s forthcoming EP, set to be released in summer 2021.
Track: Clear Water Blue
Why We Like It: It’s an expansive and earthy tune that exudes Color Palette’s refined and lush musicianship. The band drop sweet guitar melodies into a pool of ethereal synths to create a soft rippling soundscape for listeners to indulge in before the song builds and becomes more intense as the band ventures into psychedelic pop tendencies. There is an immersive quality to the song through the use of chiming keys and lush arrangements that weave into one another while a dreamy pop melody and echoed vocals create a space-like atmosphere. Tightly layered and richly arranged ‘Clear Water Blue’ is an exciting new single from Color Palette.
Bio : Cneasta is a three piece band from Listowel.The band have released their new single ‘Warrior’.the band is comprised of Peter O’Donoghue (singer songwriter), Danny Sparks (Drums) and David O’Connor (lead guitar).
Track: Warrior
Why We Like It: This punchy indie tune is brimming with passion and dynamic musicianship as Cneasta spread biting vocals over a building indie backdrop. With buoyant rhythms riding atop edgy melodic guitar refrains the track has a lush and vibrant soundscape that glimmers with sweet guitar moments and punchy drum progressions. Exuding emotion throughout, O’Donoghue’s warm rasped vocals flow over the bubbling backdrop with ease while anchoring the listener within the track’s kinetic and engaging sound. ‘Warrior’ is a fantastic display of musical prowess from Cneasta.
Bio : RUE is an Indie Pop Female Singer/Songwriter from Northern Ireland.RUE has released her debut single ‘Into The Woods’
Track: Into The Woods
Why We Like It: ‘Into The Woods’ showcases RUE’s refined and engaging indie-pop sound. Melting a sweet pop melody into a bubbling electronic backdrop of muggy beat slaps the track is a compelling and well-crafted experience for listeners to enjoy. As RUE’s smooth vocals glide over the melody the song ventures from brooding verses to a catchy bright chorus while the subtle electronics maintain a dark undertone throughout. Featuring warm guitar and a clap-along feature ‘Into The Woods’ is an impressive debut that marks RUE as an artist to keep an eye on.
