RACHEL is a singer-songwriter from Mayo whose musical journey started at the young age of twelve writing original music while learning the guitar and banjo. She has performed, and competed in RTÉ’s televised ‘All-Ireland Talent Show’ and reached the final of the local talent competition. In 2019, she released her first single ‘Down Low’ which reached the number one spot in Ireland’s iTunes Charts.
RACHEL has a diverse and rich sound. She blends pop with some country tones and dark electronics to create a warm and rich soundscape for the listener to indulge in. Her unique rasped vocals surge emotion and subtle power into her catchy melodically lush tracks. RACHEL is an artist to keep an eye on.
Waterford songwriter and poet Tadhg Williams has released ‘The Story of Me and Them (In Three Parts)’. The piece is a collaborative project with acclaimed northern artist Matt McGinn. Having supported acts such as Glen Hansard in August 2017 and David Keenan in 2018, Tadhg’s work has not gone unnoticed. Having played venues such as Vicar Street and Whelan’s, stage craft is something Tadhg considers vital in his performances. Recently putting together The Council House to join him for live shows, his songs have discovered a new life with the band, maintaining the rawness of his solo performances but adding more energy and beauty to the overall sound.
‘The Story of Me and Them (In Three Parts)’ is a moving nostalgic piece of art. Tadhg Williams recalls his relationship with his grandparents through a spoken word video. Accompanied by soft piano and lush backing vocal coos, his relatable and sweet poetry flows beautifully over the elegant backdrop as each word pierces the hazy nostalgia with supple, sweet tones. Tadhg’s images are vivid, conjuring fond memories of cakes, lemonade and tea. It’s a time stopping piece and a comforting, enjoyable video to watch.
Speaking about the project, Tadhg said; “I love writing about people and communities. Writing a song or a poem for someone is a very special thing. After My Father’s Clouds did well I started thinking about other ways to write about my family, those closest to me. I was keen to explore my relationship with my grandparents over time, as I’ve grown up, and their relationship with each other.”
Speaking about working with Matt McGinn, Tadhg said; “I am really excited about this. Matt is one of my favourite songwriters. I met him at All Together Now a couple of years ago with Stevie Scullion (Malojian) and after listening to his then latest album, End of the Common Man, I totally fell in love with his music. Matt is one of these artists that has a really special view of the world and I think I share that with him. It is honestly such a thrill to be working with a man I admire so much.”
On composing music for the project, Matt said; “I found myself relating to so many different parts of this spoken piece once I heard it. Maybe that’s the reason why the music came so naturally. It was lovely to work on.”
Watch the video for ‘The Story of Me and Them (In Three Parts)’ below
Bio : Last Of The Wonder Kids are a three piece alt/indie band based in Grimsby. Over the past few years they have gigged up and down the U.K. and built a solid fan base across many major cities, garnering huge support from the likes of BBC Introducing and 6Music, securing slots at major festivals such as Kendal Calling.
Track: Doom & Gloom
Why We Like It: It’s an energetic blast of alternative rock swarmed in jaunty indie guitar, rumbling drums and groove-infested bass lines.The track has a charming tone with light guitar refrains providing glimmers of radiance through the buoyant rhythmic foundation. Exuding a 90’s alternative vibe, the breezy moody melody drifts along the bubbling backdrop with ease while the smooth vocals and cheeky lyrics make this track such a fun and blistering listening experience. With a shredding guitar solo and explosive crescendo, ‘Doom & Gloom’ is a well crafted invigorating gem.
Bio :Fresh from startling performances at Liverpool Sound City & The Great Escape in 2019 Family Jools were confirmed for SXSW 2020 until COVID.The band have released new single ‘U Got It Goin On’.One of their latest singles ‘Sister’ was premiered on national radio by Steve Lamacq who said The Bristol band have already been compared to the greats. Gram Parsons, The Beatles and the sound of classic Northern Soul and Big Star have all been mentioned as critics attempt to classify their impassioned live shows.Support for Family Jools has come from: BBC Radio 6, CLASH, This Feeling, Fred Perry, Daily Mirror, Radio X, John Kennedy, BBC Introducing to name a few.
Track: U Got It Goin On
Why We Like It: It’s an easy going number centered around a lively guitar refrain and steady beat, allowing Family Jools showcase their mellow and lyrically rich musicianship. With a nimble zesty guitar solo and laid back retro rock vibe the track glides with subtle swagger and warm emotion. Love it.
Bio :The Hunna have released their new album ‘I’d Rather Die Than Let You In’. The UK grunge rockers have been releasing a new track every month leading up to their album. The record packages their last two years, where they rid the ghosts of their past and celebrate a new journey/chapter. Working with Travis Barker, Josh Dunn, Pete Wentz and more, the new music showcases their anger, resilience and ultimate rebirth, as The Hunna states, “It’s okay to be angry but it’s time to move on.”
Track: Young & Faded
Why We Like It: This dark, smothering track entices and lures with hypnotic guitar refrains before building into a drum heavy explosion of alternative rock. It’s anthemic and powerful as the catchy chorus surges with arena ready energy while the slithering sinister verses intoxicate with electronic beats mangled beneath expressive drum rumbles and haunting guitars. ‘Young & Faded’ is a dynamic single from The Hunna.
Check out their new album ‘I’d Rather Die Than Let You In’. Its a doozy.
Bio :Seán Finn is a multi-instrumental songwriter grounded in pop and jazz. Seán is classically trained on piano, self-taught on guitar, and has been writing music for the last 6 years.
Track: Don’t You Wish
Why We Like It: It’s a charming buoyant ditty coated in jazz flavoured mellow guitar with a vibrant rhythmic section. Oozing a catchy chorus and organ-esque keys the song emits a retro 60’s hue. With smooth vocals and quirky lyrics ‘Don’t You Wish’ is a catchy, shimmy-ready, easy listening bop.
I caught up with Bobbi Arlo to chat about her new single ‘Signs’, how she writes her songs, being trained as a soprano and what she has planned for the coming months.
InBetween Honey are set to release their new single ‘One Home’ on October 16th. In Between Honey is an indie rock group consisting of five school friends who met in O’Carolan College, Nobber. The similarly-minded music heads jammed together in the music room at lunch breaks and they even appeared in some of the annual talent shows before they all finally graduated by 2017. Based in Gibbstown, County Meath, the band officially formed in June 2019 and have grown momentum over the past few months with a headline show in Whelans Upstairs, performing on the Trailer Park Stage at Electric Picnic 2019, playing to a sold out Workmans Club, Whelans “Ones To Watch Festival 2020” along with coveted support slots with Paddy Casey, Christy Dignam and Turn. With the release of their much awaited debut single “Beg, Steal & Borrow” and follow up single “How To Be Brave” and airplay on FM104 & by Dan Hegarty on RTÉ 2fm the indie outfit is only going from strength to strength. The group is Dylan Hickey, brothers JohnPaul and Matthew Melady, Ciara McManus and Blayne Moran.
Surrounded in youthful adrenaline, heartfelt lyrics and gripping indie soundscapes ‘One Home’ is an exhilarating slice of indie rock. This five piece have something special. The listener is treated to a keyhole glimpse of the bands musical potential through their latest release. InBetween Honey create and build the track superbly providing a sense of apprehension through the pulsing synths and chiming guitars while the smooth vocals, lush backing vocals and catchy chorus evokes images of arena crowd sing alongs. These guys have a powerful and passionate sound which translates beautifully through this heart-racing number. Well crafted and polished to perfection with a shredding solo and power punch crescendo, ‘One Home’ is an impressive new track from a very talented band.
Two of Ireland’s most exciting new acts, Enola Gay and PRS Techno Act Of 2020, Mount Palomar, combine on the visceral Black Lives Matter protest track,’The Birth of a Nation’. Written in the wake of the death of George Floyd, the original song was a response to the institutional racism that has plagued society for centuries. Having witnessed abhorrent prejudice aimed at a black friend on the streets of Belfast in the subsequent BLM protests, songwriters Joe McVeigh and Fionn Reilly felt compelled to call out the deplorable actions of those who stand in the way of unity and tolerance. Equally sickened by the rise of a jingoistic nationalism that has seen racism and fascism normalised once again, upon hearing the track, Berghain live act Mount Palomar stepped in to add his own unique, experimental twist on the punk anthem.
’The Birth of a Nation’ (Mount Palomar Remix)’ heightens the piercing angst of the original track. Mount Palomar smudges thick electronics onto the songs barbed soundscape while the shrilling whines on guitar soar through the dark rapid beats and flashing synths as Mount Palomar creates a manic frenzied soundscape with light glimmers of relief between. The remix maintains the tracks searing, ominous tones while enhancing the intensity and gnarly elements to create a wholly invigorating and tantalizing number for the listener to indulge in.
About the remix Neil Kerr aka Mount Palomar said “Before coming on board the remix, I questioned whether my input, as a white male living in Belfast, felt appropriate in dealing with such complex subject matter. However, given the appalling rise in jingoism worldwide and Trump’s willingness to fan the flames of division, I felt compelled to add my voice to those protesting against inequality and injustice. Without getting too heavy and self absorbed, as a gay kid growing up in Belfast in the 90s I unfortunately experienced the sense of shame that was almost inevitable in those days as a young gay male bullied for something out of my control. That feeling of self disgust that instilled a prolonged longing to be someone else, has had a lasting impact on my mental well being and to see that so many people are still persecuted due to their skin colour, sexuality, social standing etc… remains a source of huge frustration and disgust.”
Stream ’The Birth of a Nation’ (Mount Palomar Remix) below
SODAPOP has released his new single ‘Edge Of The Night’.This bright upbeat tune oozes feel good vibes as SODAPOP uses his radiant indie pop to provide that much needed pick me up. With bubbling synths, glistening guitars and shimming beats this track struts in ready to take you to the dancefloor. It’s a fresh, sweet guzzle of indie pop as SODAPOP creates a glucose-filled, luscious soundscape with shimmering electronics while adding a dash of zest through the sharp guitar lines. There is a tropical carefree tone to this song that is just irresistible. The smooth vocals drift over the dreamy melody while the chic disco vibes and indie pop subtly blend to create an infectious refreshing number that encapsulates summer.
About the track SOADPOP said: “I had been working on this song on and off for over two years, constantly rewriting it and trying to get it sounding like I wanted. One day I was out in the shed singing it and a little girl called from the other side of the fence, “Hey nice song!” There’s a school there, although it wasn’t in session. We couldn’t see each other at all.Thanks I said. We talked for a bit, then she asked me to sing the song again. I hadn’t quite worked all the parts out but I started playing it. I improvised the melody parts I still needed. I think knowing she was listening made me sort of simplify it towards something she’d wanna hear? Idk. But what I played there ended up being the version I went with for the record. Anyway, I’m stoked to have finally figured this one out.”
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘If It’s Important’. Laced in the retro charm of Thrillhouse ‘If It’s Important’ is a sweet, airy tune exuding an irresistible concoction of danceable beats and perky guitar lines. The band subtly slip the track into your head with a laid back attitude while the catchy chorus hooks you firmly within the bands grasp. A warm guitar refrain and shimmying rhythm drive the track to its infectious chorus creating a melodic and almost hypnotic breadcrumb trail for the listener to indulge in. With jaunty keys and soft vocals teamed with a building wall of sound, this luscious track is a fine example of the meticulous crafting and attention to detail Thrillhouse possess. ‘If It’s Important’ is a wonder to treasure.
Tasmanian rockers Meres have released their latest single ‘Finally’.Conceived in the perfect echo chambers of Canada’s cheap motel bathrooms, Meres is the solo writing project of Mary Shannon. With her band she is working on a new Meres album, produced by Australian Anna Laverty which is due for release later this year. Following on from the success of their previous singles, Meres have been Tasmanian nominees for the National Live Music Awards “Live Voice of the Year” award category for 3 years consecutively, and have this year been nominated for live act of the year.
A gritty and energetic grunge track, ‘Finally’ displays Meres’ ability to create blazing angsty tunes brimming with shredding musicianship. Raw guitar riffs pirouette into a shrilling stride of fury between light sun kissed soundscapes while pounding drums and simmering bass lines create the brawny riddled backbone. The band balance edgy grunge with explosive rock to create a catchy and compelling number. With powerful vocals driving the uplifting melody while the lyrics ruminate on finding yourself in the mess of someone else, this dynamic track is an instant shot of adrenaline.
Front woman Mary explains that some of the lyrics were “inspired by a person in my life who at the time I thought was worthy of dulling my own light to support them further.”
This serious subject matter is lightened with the fun filled video featuring two of the band’s dogs. Recorded at Audrey Studios in Melbourne with renowned Australian Producer, Anna Laverty, this was Meres’ first professional studio experience and it’s safe to say they knocked it out of the park.
Drew Thomas has released his debut EP ‘Early Hours’. Drew Thomas is a singer/songwriter raised in Nottingham and living in London. He has spent the past few years playing shows around the country including slots at Reading & Leeds festival, Y Not festival and Shepherds Bush Empire. Drew’s previous offerings have been heavily tipped and featured by the likes of BBC Introducing, Sofar Sounds, Atwood, God is in the TV and numerous other online tastemakers.
‘Early Hours’ is a moving collection of tracks as Drew Thomas uses his heartfelt songwriting and gripping soundscapes to create an emotional rollercoaster. With elegant keys, punchy drums and cinematic crescendo’s ‘Lying On The Concrete’ and ‘Running Reds’ kick start the EP with a multitude of emotions and rich textures.
The EP holds the listeners heart in suspense. Through the lyrics Drew tells uplifting, coming of age tales about finding yourself and the vices we hold that others don’t see. Using dark undertones, ethereal keys and indie pop melodies he balances themes of melancholy and feelings of loneliness with themes of hope to create a charming and compelling collection of tracks.
Drew displays his knack with beautiful emotive melodies through ‘Somebody You Needed’, the bittersweet melody drifts into an airy soundscape creating a tender tear-jerker. Soft keys wisps through pulsing electronics and steady beat, allowing the track to venture into darker territory while Drew’s clear warm vocals ooze soul and passion.
As ‘Early Hours’ progresses each song shows a different aspect to Drew’s musicianship. He simmers his emotive pop with subtle electronic elements to create a powerful and enthralling listening experience.This is shown most effectively in ‘High (On Our Own)’, the track whichbrings the EP to a gripping end. The song builds with power pop and indie elements as intense guitars blend with dramatic synths and snappy drums to create a hair-raising evocative finale.
‘Early Hours’ boasts the passionate and striking musicianship of Drew Thomas as he builds cinematic and powerful instrumentation around his gripping songwriting and velvety vocals to create a mature, earnest and uplifting collection of tracks.
Stream ‘Early Hours’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
