Following on from the release of their recent single ‘Copy’, the first release for Xtra Mile Recordings, London grunge trio BERRIES, are back with the news of their forthcoming EP, ‘Live Sessions from Big Smith Studios’.and the release of its lead track ‘Dangerous’.BERRIES have been turning heads up and down the country for a number of years; their vast array of singles earning the band crucial support from the likes of Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and John Kennedy, as well as online championing from Louder Than War and Fred Perry.
‘Dangerous’ is a dark bass-heavy tune that packs a mighty punch. BERRIES take their gritty grunge and spread it over an eerie backdrop to create on tantalising earworm for listeners to indulge in. Driven by a beefy bass riff, the song entices with an infectious groove while sharp, crisp guitar lines slither throughout, creating a luring web of musical delight. Holly’s smooth vocals caress the soft melody with a sweet coo, while the haunting backing vocals create a sense of danger. With pounding drums forming a magnificent rhythmic foundation this vaporous tune is a brooding and fantastic piece of music.
About the track, the band explain: “Dangerous was written after travelling home late one night from a gig. All of the thoughts and feelings of walking the streets alone at night and the different personalities you meet on the way”.
Bio: Rising Cork indie rock trio, Rowan, have announced their brand-new EP ‘Everybody Talks’. Due out on July 23rd, it’s their first release via their new Los Angeles based label, Beverly Martel. The band have also shared the title track. The single is accompanied by a new music video based on a ‘groggy morning after aesthetic’ and shot at an old Georgian mansion just outside of Dublin.
Track: ‘Everybody Talks’
Why We Like It: It’s an intense and exhilarating listening experience saturated in driving rhythms, pounding drums and a dizzying psychedelic blitz on guitar. Dylan Howe’s vocals croon the hypnotic melody while bubbling rhythmic pulses and ethereal synths create a bright atmosphere for listeners to indulge in before the song plunges into the swarming chorus. The chorus exudes a sense of paranoia and anxiety that mirrors the lyrics’ depiction of “the feeling you get when you’re having a bad day, and it seems like everybody’s out to get you.”. Showcasing refined, intoxicating musicianship, ‘Everybody Talks’ is a fantastic new tune.
Bio: Off the back off his most recent successful spell with ‘I Don’t Have To’, the addition of ‘Be Alright’ to Frank Turner’s Spotify playlist, a feature in the Channel 5 and Virgin Media One hit series, ‘Blood’, sold-out shows in esteemed venues in the Irish capital, such as Whelan’s and the Workman’s Club, and support to major Irish artists such as Damien Dempsey, Up and coming singer-songwriter, Graham Mitchell, has released his new track,’ St. Anne’s Romance.’
Track: St. Anne’s Romance
Why We Like It: It’s a charming tune laced in the sweet and observant songwriting of Graham Mitchell. The song drifts upon a gentle nostalgic melody filled with jangly keys and warm guitars. The song exudes a subtle folk tone nestled between heartwarming instrumentation and soft vocal harmonies. Mitchell’s earnest songwriting and vivid storytelling oozes charm and poetic depth as he tells the romantic story of a ‘school dropout lad’ who fell for a high school achieving girl in the majestic ‘St. Anne’s Park’ – meticulously crafted ‘St. Anne’s Romance’ is an enjoyable romantic gem from Graham Mitchell.
Bio: Santa Barbara, CA artist SODAPOP has released his new single
Track: Your Body Is Music
Why We Like It: This upbeat indie-pop tune melds luxuriant melodies with rich rhythms to create a bossa nova infused gem. Oozing delicate chiming keys, jaunty guitars, and sugar-sweet melodies, the track follows SODAPOP’s exquisite brand of musically delectable soundscapes that are lush with tropical tones and soft electronics. Boasting smooth vocals, a velvety melody and sun-kissed atmosphere ‘Your Body Is Music’ is an irresistible tune for listeners to indulge in.
Bio: Electronic duo All Tvvins have released their new single ‘Something Special’.Having been touted as indie-pop darlings on their self-titled debut and, with a sophomore album released, All Tvvins have been quietly working away on new music remotely during the lockdown.
Track: Something Special
Why We Like It: Saturated in hyper synths, driving rhythms and blistering guitars, ‘Something Special’ is an exhilarating new tune. The track travels at a brisk and intense pace as the soaring guitars and rush of electronics create a bracing and epic indie-rock backdrop that is quite refreshing. As the pounding beats slap through the expanding soundscapes, smooth vocals drive the racing melody into the ears. This catchy tune is well crafted for maximum impact and captures superbly an urgent sense of escapism. Shimmering with an ’80’s infused guitar solo ‘Something Special’ is an exciting new tune from this talented duo.
Inspired by Brexit, loss of family members, bullying, and celebrity ‘wannabe’ culture, Kent based alternative rock band, The Pastel Waves have released their new EP ‘The Influencers’.
‘The Influencers’ is laced in catchy melodies as The Pastel Waves flesh out their driving alternative rock sound. The band create a punchy collection of tracks that surge with 90’s rock bravado and blistering instrumentation. With bright guitar refrains glimmering between a tight, energetic bass and drum interplay, ‘Starts Right Here’ superblysets the EP in motion. There is an instant charm, and nostalgic atmosphere about the EP as the band take sweet buoyant melodies and smooth vocals to create a laid back contrast to the vigorous melodic backdrop. The Pastel Waves keep the glorious tunes flowing throughout the EP with the brisk pace of ‘I Wasn’t Convinced’ jogging through indie moments and ‘Freak Show’ oozing eerie dark musicianship and thrilling rooted bass lines. Each track warrants its place on the EP and showcases the refined and well-crafted sound of The Pastel Waves, with final track ‘Late September’ providing a finale that leaves you craving to hear more. ‘The Influencers’ is a thoroughly enjoyable EP as The Pastel Waves pepper their punchy expressive tunes with soft emotion and wonderfully tight instrumentation to provide a satisfying listening experience.
Irish singer/songwriter Hallie, has released her new single ‘Remedy’, the eagerly anticipated addition to her rising critically acclaimed discography. Hallie emerged in early 2019 with her debut single “Familiar Place” to critical acclaim, with rotation on multiple national radio stations. Hallie has made the ‘RTE Recommends Playlist’ with both her singles to date. Her online presence exploded, with her debut music video receiving over 100k views, and continues to steadily grow.
Beautifully crafted, ‘Remedy’ is a melodically lush and exquisite new song from Hallie. Dealing with the topic of heartbreak and reflecting on a toxic abusive relationship, Hallie takes her poignant and emotive lyricsand spreads them over a graceful backdrop of twinkling keys and soft electronics. Over a bittersweet melody she lays bare her pain as she coos “I lost myself by giving you all of me”. The song blends bubbling ethereal electronics with wispy soundscapes to create a moving and earnest tune that cuts deep while at the same time showcasing Hallie’s poetic and expressive musicianship. ‘Remedy’ is a powerful and eloquent new single from the rising artist.
Dürtbürd have just released a brand new live single/video called ‘gRimjob’. Dürtbürd are a four piece ‘dürtrock’ band based in Leixlip. The band have released six live singles to date along with live videos for each which have together amassed over 200k views on facebook.
‘gRimjob’ is a stirring display of alternative rock. The track has a sleek sound that fluidly flows upon a driving bass and scorching guitar lines that venture between rampant strides and gritty riffs while allowing the punchy drums form the brawny foundation. In true Dürtbürd manner, the song ebbs and flows with genre-bending progressions. From raw metal assaults to moody grunge verses and ballsy rock crescendos ‘gRimjob’ is a thrilling roller coaster ride. These guys present a sound that holds an air of musical majesty while providing that lean mean soundscape that evokes manic moshing. Dürtbürd show their growing talent through this infectious raw new single.
Lost Boys have released their new single, ‘Weak’. The Limerick/Cork based indie-pop band have been recording over multiple lockdowns from their homes. Over the last year Lost Boys have sold out two headline gigs, been featured twice on the New Music Friday UK Spotify Playlist, placed at No1 on the iTunes charts in Ireland for their single ‘Sunrise’ and the band reached 255,600 streams across streaming platforms. ‘Sunrise’ was also marked as RTE 2fm’s Song of the week.
‘Weak’ is Lost Boys most ambitious tune to date and marks an intriguing shift in their sound. The band venture into R&B territory with elements of hip hop drifting atop dazzling production and a chilled sonic wall of sound. Hints of indie glimmer through the tracks atmosphere which bounce off bubbling beats and elastic bass grooves while ethereal electronics creates space within the kinetic soundscape. Oozing smooth vocals this genre blending tune exudes Lost Boys laid back, cool persona while showcasing the bands strong musical growth.
Following the release of their latest single ‘I Don’t Love You All The Time’, critically acclaimed and supported by Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music, London desert-rockers The Howlers have announced their debut EP ‘The Sum of Our Fears’, due for release on August 26th with the release of their new single ‘Lost Without You’. Produced and mixed by Theo Verney (Lazarus Kane, FEET, FUR) and Tarek Musa. Doused in greased back swagger (Circa Waves, Kagoule) at Echo Zoo Studios, and mastered at Third Man Records, the EP tackles navigating through struggles in life by remembering to find light in darkness, searching for beauty in despair. The Howlers are Adam Young (vocals, guitar), Cameron Black (drums) and Guus ter Braak (bass).the East London trio have undertaken three UK-wide tours since their formation over a year ago. The band quickly established themselves as one of the UK’s must-see live acts, gaining much deserved praise from radio royalty including BBC 6 Music, KEXP and BBC Radio 1 as well as major programming on BT Sport, SkySports and SoccerAm.
The Howlers drizzle a scorching desert guitar riff over bubbling beats and groovy bass line to create a sleek tune exuding confidence and sass. The shimmying rhythm oozes 60’s swag and an infectious hip coaxing groove while Young’s smooth vocals croon “did you ever know what it’s like to be alone, now your friends are far from home and left you on your own where do you suppose you go?”. His vocals tie the scorching instrumentation together with a cool nonchalant tone while the bright guitars ricochet off the rich rhythmic backdrop. Boasting oodles of charm and blazing instrumentation ‘Lost Without You‘ is well crafted, insanely catchy and feverishly thrilling.
Speaking about the track, Adam Young says “‘Lost Without You’ represents understanding what you really want out of life, and realising what you may want might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Just because something is right for one person does not mean it’s necessarily right for you and that no matter how many times you may get knocked down you get back up, that you shouldnt be scared to fail and find the strength to face up to your fears and carve your own path through life.”
He adds “All of us have been picked on at some stage for whatever reason, we as a band know that better than most, the petty playground rubbish you should only have to put up with as kids, but in all that hate is where you find the confidence to form your own identity and believe in yourself.”
Ireland’s Dark Tropics return with their soulful third single, ‘Keep Searching’.The duo released their debut single ‘Badlands’ last summer, followed by the uplifting ‘Moroccan Sun’ late 2020, to widespread critical acclaim, even getting Billboard’s attention, who included it in their 10 Cool New Pop Songs. Radio support so far has included KEXP, Radio X and BBC Radio 1/Introducing in the UK and USA.
‘Keep Searching’ is a lush soulful tune dripping in dreamy melodies and Dark Tropics’ first rate musicianship. The song drifts upon a haze of soft instrumentation while Rio’s soothing vocals lull over the luxuriant smooth melody. This delightful track boasts grand expansive soundscapes as elegant strings, lounge bar piano and lush harmonies glide gracefully throughout. With soft R&B tones glimmering through the buoyant rhythms, Dark Tropics have created a cinematic track that showcases the duo’s refined song writing while providing the listener with an immersive and engaging tune to indulge in.
“‘Keep Searching’ was inspired by the vibrancy and romance of 60’s American soul music,” says the band. “It’s about not wanting to be left behind and having the strength and resolve to chase a dream no matter what.”
After a truly amazing reception to his debut album ‘Territories’ late last year, BK Pepper is announcing another magical project, in a four song live EP and accompanying video in the unique picturesque setting of the 16th Century Rathfarnham Castle in South Dublin. To celebrate the announcement, he released the video to his song ‘Need To Know’ from the project on May 13th. Dublin based composer BK Pepper recorded his debut album in a number of locations, from Abbey Road to a converted swimming pool and the hard graft paid off with acclaim from not only the Irish media but international radio and blogs too. Classically trained on piano and trombone, BK Pepper’s musical projects include composing for film and theatre as well as touring with both orchestras and rock bands.
Showcasing the wonderful acoustics of Rathfarnham Castle, ‘Need To Know’ soars to new heights in this fantastic live version.The beautiful track moves with elegance and timeless melodies as the lush strings and delicate keys exude the ageless quality of BK Pepper’s fine musicianship. Experiencing the reverb distant vocals and warm cello within this picturesque setting evokes a compelling and magical atmosphere that is awe-inspiring and a must see. Love it.
About the project Pepper says “I grew up in this area of Dublin and my parents still live around the corner from the castle. So I have a strong connection to the castle and the area. I would pass it 3 or 4 times a day growing up so filming a performance here has been really special.
We haven’t had the opportunity to perform the album live at all since its release. When you record something and release it, it’s time stamped, no going back to change it. Music is a living thing that develops and changes when you perform it. So it was great to record live versions in beautiful surroundings and acoustics. We had access to the whole castle so filmed in different rooms for different tracks and this all added to the dynamic of the performance. The castle’s squeaky floor also makes an appearance which adds to it too.”
Watch the video for ‘Need To Know (From an Empty Castle)’ below
Combining environmental Nordic soundscapes with lo-fi Hip-hop beats, The Seawolf has released his new album, ‘Niflheim’. Based in Los Angeles, The Seawolf worked with an array of contributors who helped produce this album to an extraordinary standard.Connecting with his Scandanavian heritage, ‘Niflheim’ is the 1st of the Nine Worlds of Norse, and The Seawolf is set to create 8 more after this has been released. Naming each song after one of the rivers of this Norse mythology, The Seawolf takes the listener on an ambient journey through this high concept album, in which he utilises the skills he has acquired by working in Hollywood’s TV and film, editing and crafting audio.
Filled with ambient soundscapes ‘Niflheim’ isan atmospheric and compelling body of work. Throughout the album The Seawolf explores hip hop, alternative and electronic lofi to create an engaging listening experience. From spacious synths and pulsing rhythms to echoed vocals and soft chants each song flows fluidly into the next while dark and heavy tones in tracks such as ‘Sylgr’ contrast lighter breezy elements in tracks such as ’Fimbulpul’. These contrasting elements within the album allows The Seawolf to evoke a push-pull of emotion within the listener while showcasing his ability to blend different genres with lush sounds and intricate instrumentation.
Stream ‘Niflheim’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
