electro- pop, Electronic, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Midnight Wayne ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’

Having cut his teeth in one of the most well-loved live bands of their time on our festival circuits and live scene, former Hot Sprockets frontman Wayne Soper is no stranger to the Irish music scene. Now focusing on his solo artist project, Midnight Wayne, Soper returns with ‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’.

‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ boasts the impressive genre-blending musicianship of Midnight Wayne. Melding 80’s synth-pop with crisp sparkling production, Soper adds layer upon layer of beautiful luxuriant sounds for the listener to indulge in.

The song flows upon a kinetic groove and pulsing bass while sweet synths chime throughout. Soper uses a tight beat to pull against a funky flex on guitar, and loose electronics to create a tantalizing, irresistible sound to tease and entice the listener with. The result is a mesmerising display of musical prowess and an enjoyable listening experience.

From panache-soaked breathy whispers to velvety croons, Soper’s vocals ooze a charming tone while delivering the uplifting lyrics “seek the fire that you’ve lost inside”. The upbeat lyrics are highlighted further by the tracks infectious jangly guitars and rhythmic bounce.

‘It’s Alright, Hold on Tight’ is a gem to treasure. Midnight Wayne is refining his sound into something special and something to get excited about. Looking forward to hearing more from Midnight Wayne.

Stream ‘It’s Alright Hold on Tight’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Folk, indie rock, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Conor Scott ‘Life Now’

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Conor Scott has released his highly anticipated new single ‘Life Now’. Fresh from returning to Belfast after a period of time spent forging a music career in London, Conor Scott is back with a large online following, and recent support and praise shown by Mahogany Sessions.

Conor Scott displays his bright indie folk-rock and compelling songwriting with new release ‘Life Now’. The track exudes an energetic aura as Scott creates a vibrant soundscape filled with chiming guitars, lush chanting backing vocals and ethereal keys while an elastic bass weaves between a punchy drum foundation.

Scott’s warm vocals coo with a cosy, soothing quality over the infectious melody injecting a folk-rock tone into the radiant indie rock aesthetic. His voice smoothly bounces over the honest lyrics as he puts a positive spin on some of his realisations over the past year. 

“Hitting twenty-six, it hit me like a ton of bricks maybe I should roll with it”

‘Life Now’ superbly displays the talent and earnest beauty within Scott’s songwriting. Boasting lush harmonies and a tight rhythmic pull, Scott has created a wholesome and passionate tune brimming with first-rate musicianship. His ability to richly blend textures and tones to create heart-stopping music is mesmerising and a joy to listen to.

Speaking of the track, Scott says: “This is the first song I’ve written that is mainly stemming from an objective view of the world, and not so much based on relationships. I wrote it right in the middle of the first lockdown so it was hard not to look at all the things that were happening. That said, I didn’t want to have something totally doom and gloom, and I think you can take quite a few positive affirmations out of the song also. Hope, I suppose”

Stream ‘Life Now’ below


Author : Danu

Album Review, New Music

Bluenose B ‘Harrowby Road’ Album

A semi-autobiographical depiction of his youth, ‘Harrowby Road’ is the debut album from Liverpool singer-songwriter Stephen Lawson, artistically known as Bluenose B. Written after his mother’s terminal illness diagnosis, ‘Harrowby Road’ sees Bluenose B making a return to his happy family home, looking out over Crosby Beach and Antony Gormley’s art installation. 

‘Harrowby Road’ is a warm and wholesome collection of indie rock tracks with electronic elements and country tones glimmering throughout. Lawson fills the songs with uplifting tones as he meanders between funky guitar refrains and light, nimble solos to create an upbeat listening experience. The album is well balanced with infectious bangers evenly spread between the soft lamenting ballads such as ‘Dark Inside’ where Lawson gives us a glimpse into his pain and anguish “the reason that I love myself because I know there’s no one else”. 

Throughout the album, Lawson expresses his pain through country-rock tunes accompanied by icy piano elements and deft clean production. From the sweet guitar pines and lonely tones in ‘Rodeo Clown’ to the infectious electronic hued disco stomp of ‘Where The Rubbish Collects’, the album is laced in dynamic and expressive tunes that discuss the themes of loss, love, and mental health. 

However, the sultry ‘Freak’ marks a shift in the album’s tone. A shadowy enticing guitar line glimmers between intricate rhythms and wild, darker soundscapes, allowing Lawson to explore a mysterious and wilder side to his sound.

‘Harrowby Road’ is a refined collection of tracks that displays Lawson’s earnest and powerfully emotive songwriting.

Stream ‘Harrowby Road’ below


Author : Danu

Indie, indie rock, New Music

Freeda ‘5 AM’

Formed in 2017 and with a plethora of headline and sold out shows under their belt including a sold out show at the iconic Deaf Institute in Manchester.and festival appearances at Dot 2 Dot, Tramlines Fringe, 110 Above and Y Not Festival, Manchester-based Freeda, have released their new single ’5AM’. All their singles have received extensive backing from BBC Introducing, and continued support from XS Manchester and Amazing Radio.

Exhilarating guitar lines swirl through a vibrant anthemic indie backdrop as ‘5 AM’ pulses with the engaging and dynamic sound of Freeda. Blending bustling bass grooves with punchy drums and a soaring rush on synths, the track exudes an intense kinetic soundscape. Smooth, emotive vocals drift over a rich percussive groove that embellishes the track’s vibrant wall of sound and brisk catchy melody – a joy to listen to and a feast for the senses. The band create and layer the anthemic synth-rock soundscape to mirror the lyrics within the song which draws a comparison between a busy, hectic lifestyle and a more settled content frame of mind.

Racing with intense musicianship and boasting refined songwriting, ‘5 AM ‘ showcases strong musical growth in Freeda. Their sound is becoming more compelling with each release. ‘5 AM ‘ is a fantastic new single from Freeda. 

Stream ‘5 AM’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Arthur Valentine ‘Dream About You’

Arthur Valentine has released his latest single, ‘Dream About You’, the lead single from his forthcoming debut EP, ‘Splitscreen’.

‘Dream About You’ blends Arthur Valentine’s luscious alternative pop with bubbling R&B and hip hop elements to create a cohesive, mellow, and infectious number for listeners to indulge in. The song maintains a sunkissed dreamy soundscape throughout filled with woozy synths and bright glistening indie guitar. As the track progresses sticky beats are added into the mix to flesh out the song’s expansive sonic sound.

Valentine layers the backdrop in thick hip hop beats and rippling bass and contrasts this with a wistful melody. The wispy, light texture of the melody immerses the song in a carefree, laid-back tone as Valentine displays his tight and ambitious production skills. Valentine’s soulful vocals ooze tenderness throughout as his laid back tone and the care-free instrumental backdrop gently paces the listener into the songs hypnotic crescendo.

‘Dream About You’ is an irresistible gem and a fine display of Valentine’s cool musicianship. His alternative pop aches with sincerity over sugary arrangements and deft production. There is a compelling and soothing effect to Valentine’s songs and ‘Dream About You’ follows this trend superbly. Arthur Valentine is an artist to treasure.

Stream ‘Dream About You’ below. 


Author : Danu

EP Review, New Music

The Immaculate Crows ‘Different Birds’ EP

‘Different Birds’ is the long-awaited debut EP from Australian alternative rock band The Immaculate Crows. Founding member Bruce Neilsen has reunited with former member Mark Hocknell for this recording project, teaming up with a collective of local musicians.

‘Different Birds’ displays The Immaculate Crows’ slick and intriguing music as they spread shredding rock over their melodious wall of sound to create a satisfying collection of tracks. With psychedelic hues weaving between the band’s raw alternative rock in ‘She’s A Mystery’ and country folk elements glimmering through ‘Business Girl’, the band flesh out their energetic sound. ‘Different Birds’ shows just how a diverse the band is. They take on various themes throughout the EP, from a protest song to a female empowerment song, each track showcasing a unique side to The Immaculate Crows.

‘Different Birds’ is a creative and energetic EP displaying the enticing sound of The Immaculate Crows in all its glory.

Stream ‘Different Birds’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Tadhg Williams ‘The Hope Song’

Almost a year after the release of his debut single ‘My Father’s Clouds’, Tadhg Williams returns with his second release ‘The Hope Song’ – a reflection on a trans-Atlantic relationship he experienced as he began to experiment with writing songs.

‘The Hope Song’ is a heartwarming number as Tadhg Williams displays his poetic and reflective lyrics over a beautiful melody and elegant instrumentation. The track floats upon a warm indie folk tone as soothing guitars, steady rhythms, and icy keys create a richly textured foundation. Williams fleshes out his honest songwriting by utilising poetic lyrics to create beautiful imagery and a sweet sense of nostalgia and innocence  “these droplets of moments better not melt too fast.”

‘The Hope Song’ is a wonderful example of Williams’ compelling musicianship and sublime songwriting. Exuding supple cinematic builds through catchy melodies and heart-stopping arrangements ‘The Hope Song’ is an earnest, and tender new single from Tadhg Williams.

Stream ‘The Hope Song’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Míde Houlihan ‘Without Me’

Photo credit :Simon Curran

West Cork singer-songwriter, Míde Houlihan (pronounced ‘Mee-dah’) has released her new single, ‘Without Me’.This is the first single from Míde in 2021, following on from the success of her 2020 offering, ‘Idle Words’, which was co-written with Mick Flannery. ‘Without Me’ which is released on Cork’s Unemployable Records, is taken from the EP, “Shifting Gears”, and was recorded by Christian Best in Monique Studios, Cork. Míde and band closed out 2020 with an appearance at the online incarnation of the Liverpool Irish Festival, adding to past performances at the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, The ExChange (Hosted by Folk Alliance International), Quiet Lights, and many more.

‘Without Me’ is a heartfelt number brimming with the emotive songwriting of Míde Houlihan. This melancholic slow burner is a well-crafted, tender tear-jerker. The track floats upon a bed of delicate instrumentation filled with country folk tones blended between smooth pop sensibilities.

Míde paints beautiful images with her poetic painful lyrics

– “feeding off our memories while you explore the seven seas without me” –

while injecting a sense of poignancy through the use of sombre tones. The sadness is greatly enhanced by Míde’s sincere and expressive vocal delivery which is backed by soft, innocent keys, steady beats, and sweet guitar laments.

‘Without Me’ is a captivating new single from Míde Houlihan. The track is a wonderful example of Míde’s musical talent. Simply divine.

Stream ‘Without Me’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Bobbi Arlo ‘Feel It’

22-year-old pop-rap artist Bobbi Arlo has released her new single ‘Feel It’. 2021 started off with a bang for new wave pop artist Bobbi Arlo with the announcement that she was selected by RTÉ 2FM as one of their ‘Rising Acts’ for 2021.

Saturated in infectious melodies and juicy pop, ‘Feel It’ is a glistening well-crafted gem from Bobbi Arlo. The song sparks into life with a dance-floor ready rhythm section before shimmering synths open up to provide a lush backdrop to Bobbi’s unmistakable vocal delivery. Her smooth, soulful voice glides effortlessly upon the bubbling foundation while the velvety melody seeps into the ears with a honey-sweet tone. Laced in swagger and upbeat, feel-good vibes, the track struts and flexes with funky grooves while oozing a 70’s chicness within the disco-esque rhythms, chiming keys, and jaunty guitars – Love it!

With lush backing vocals, catchy hooks, and infectious groove, ‘Feel It’ is an instant shot of enjoyable synth-pop at its finest. Bobbi Arlo is confirming herself as a diverse and compelling artist with each release. Looking forward to hearing more from Bobbi Arlo.

Speaking about the song Bobbi Arlo says: “Feel It is an infectious feel-good anthem for anyone who remembers the feeling of falling in love unexpectedly. When writing the song, I wanted to portray how it felt to fall in love with someone I never thought I would fall for. When I hear the song, it reminds me of how amazing that feeling really is”

Stream ‘Feel It’ below 


Author : Danu

Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Fears ‘vines’

Fears has released details of the highly anticipated upcoming album ‘Oíche’. The album is due for release Friday, 7th May 2021.  To celebrate, Fears has released her new track ‘vines’. This is the second single released from ‘Oíche.’ Fears’ first single ‘tonnta’ received staggering support on radio in Ireland and Internationally with plays on KCRW, NTS, Triple R in Australia, Tom Ravenscroft at BBC6 Music,  added to RTÉ Radio 1 playlist, added to BBC Radio Ulster playlist.  Support also came from RTÉ 2FM, Newstalk, Play Irish, Cork’s 96FM, Flirt FM, RTÉ 2XM, 98FM, KCLR 96FM, Raidió Na Life, Near FM, West Limerick 102 FM. 

‘vines’ ripples and pulses with the mysterious and enchanting sound of Fears. With tribal distant beats, palpitating between wispy haunting electronics, Fears creates an eerie and expansive soundscape for the listener to indulge in.

An intriguing aspect of ‘vines’ is the hypnotic effect it has on the listener: the dark tones and clean production draws you in, lulling you into a soothing, dream-like state. Fears has a unique and consuming style that builds upon layers of delicate melodies which in this case creates an ethereal yet muggy quality to the song. Fears’ pristine vocals anchor the listener within while cooing a melancholic melody that exudes a sweet sense of innocence and vulnerability. However, the listener is made aware of darker elements in the track. The soundscape quickly becomes ominous, heavy, and suffocating and the distant tribal beats become agitated and express a sense of panic which greatly enhances the message within the lyrics.

Depicting frustration, at times anger, and moments of clarity within confusion the lyrics give the listener a keyhole glimpse into the artist’s mind and emotions at the time.

– “I don’t wanna live my life like this” ….. “I dug that hole I buried those seeds, Now they’ve grown to fully fledged vines” –

The sincerity and poetic delivery in each lyric is powerfully evocative, hits hard, and carries such emotional weight it sets the pace and tone of the track.

‘vines’ is a superbly evocative number that boasts the enthralling and captivating musicianship of Fears. The track is such an enjoyable listening experience and is a mesmerising display of musical skill from Fears. The artist is certainly one to keep an eye on. Fears’ music keeps getting better and better with each release. Looking forward to the upcoming album ‘Oíche’.

About the track Fears says : “This track was written before a breakdown. It chronicles a stage where one blames themselves and sees that it is only them that is the problem in a situation. Listening back, I hear myself drowning in confusion as to why I can’t control my feelings and want to shed those thought patterns.” 

Watch the video for ‘vines’ below.


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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