Bullets & Knives has released their new single ‘Fuel’.Based in Gembloux, Belgium Bullets & Knives are a hard hitting rock band. Taking inspiration from the band’s founder Julien Delaye’s day job at a petrol station, ‘Fuel’ exposes the frustration felt towards this job.
‘Fuel’ is a smashing alternative 90’s rock track consumed in the expressive and dynamic musicianship of Bullets & Knives. The band surge raw riffs through a pounding drum and bass backdrop to create a dark and intense wall of sound. The raw rumbling bass lines wriggle through the track while the resounding heavy drums surround the song in a harsh mosh-ready fury. There is a cinematic quality to the song as the crashing guitars shrill with dramatic grandeur through the thick muggy soundscape. This magnificent display shows the band’s ability to express emotion through their brawny alternative rock. With a catchy melancholic melody and passionate vocals, Bullets & Knives showcase their energetic and heartfelt rock through this anthemic power tune, and it’s impressive.
Irish, Cork-based progressive art rock artist Shane O Leary, also known as Harlow Lake has released his new single ‘Bell and Jewel’. No stranger to the stage, O Leary has toured extensively throughout Ireland over the last 15 years, as well as the UK and Sicily, with prog-rock outfits, Jezery and Lamp. Supporting such acts as Three Trapped Tigers, Adebisi Shank, Diane And The Shell and Ten Past Seven.
‘Bell and Jewel’ is an intricately weaved psychedelic-hued progressive rock track that displays the refined and deft musicianship of Harlow Lake. The track takes you down a meandering traditional folk rabbit hole of obscurity as mystical guitars merge into a backdrop of rhythmic pulses and slaps that unfold into a sinister melodic soundscape. O Leary builds and crafts the track meticulously adding textured beats and infectious bass grooves to lure you further into his enthralling sound. Blending bright guitars and pop sensibilities into darker tones, the song ventures into psychedelic territory with Celtic folk embellishments before bursting with alternative pop/R&B flirtations.
Utilising rich and varied sounds from percussive shakes to chimes and drum machines ‘Bell and Jewel’ is a vibrant new single from Harlow Lake.
About the track O Leary said, “I wrote this during a time I was doing a lot of intensive meditation practices, and having very intense weird experiences throughout my normal day as a result of it. The chorus part’s a funny one, because I originally wrote it about someone I felt was such a prick, yet cunning, that they’d be the type to get away with murder. And even though I didn’t end up writing the rest of the song about this person I decided to keep this section in, cause I felt what I saw in them must also be in me too. If you spot it you got it kind of thing. The shadow side of myself. So in a nutshell the song’s about learning to be aware of the all the different parts of myself. The good, the bad and the ugly.”
Star Comedy Democrats have released their debut EP ‘Imitation Road.’ A catchy and powerful modern rock band, Star Comedy Democrats, is a tight three-piece outfit based in Kilkenny, fronted by Mark Bolger with Briain Casey on Bass and Rory Cooper on Drums.
‘Imitation Road’ is a bright and raw collection of alternative rock from Star Comedy Democrats. The band create an EP of lush melodies and refined instrumentation that becomes more radiant and exciting with each subsequent listen.
With clean jangly guitars driving the radiant energy between the punchy and rhythmic ‘Ghost’ and title track ‘Imitation Road’ Star Comedy Democrats display their tight and slick sound in all its glory. The songs are well-paced and brimming with intricate guitar embellishments, elastic flirtation on bass, and infectious alternative rock-esque melodies. Each song flows fluidly into the next with ease as Bolger’s warm, rasped vocals inject a dash of grit into the band’s energetic aesthetic.
Star Comedy Democrats have crafted a melody-rich EP that you can croon along to as well as mosh manically to. They build laid-back tunes like ‘Fire and Teeth’ with brooding lush harmonies and sullen verses while vibrant biting choruses and heartfelt air-punching crescendos drive the trio’s dynamic sound with vigor. However, the grunge-hued ‘Happy Valley’ is perhaps the EP’s pinnacle moment. A dark luring bass rumbles alongside a resounding drum while a steamy guitar pines, stings, and crashes throughout. This meticulous layering creates a sound that is fresh and intoxicating.
Star Comedy Democrats have created a tight well rounded, and enjoyable EP. For a debut, the EP showcases the growing talent and raw, authentic sound of Star Comedy Democrats. Love it.
Following on from the success of their previous releases, ‘EP!C’ and ‘MASS!VE’, Birmingham anti-pop quartet Y!KES have released their new single ‘Long Gone Silver’.
‘Long Gone Silver’ is a shredding and tantalizing assault to the senses. The track bursts in on the raw, relentless alternative rock we have come to love from Y!KES. This rattling rock beast roars upon a bloodthirsty drum and bass foundation while kaleidoscopic shards on guitar splinter through the backdrop with sharp stings.
Y!KES have a deft ability to balance the refinement of their craft and create a mind-blowing spectacle all at once, and ‘Long Gone Silver’ achieves this magnificently. The verses tease, wriggle and ferment through fuzzy suspenseful instrumentation while the band’s explosive chorus introduces the dramatic and theatrical affair of a mosh pit frenzy.
Displaying a sharp sense of understanding, the band capture a sense of youth through their wild tracks. Oli Long’s vocals spit and growl “All We Do Is Escape Ourselves and Call It Fun” with swagger and a sense of disdain, capturing the global frustration at the moment through witty and honest lyrics.
This frantic, energetic track is a sublime example of Y!KES’ fun and gloriously chaotic alternative rock. Sure to have you jumping and dancing around the room, ‘Long Gone Silver’ is one for repeat plays with the volume booming.
About the track Liam Howard, Guitarist explains, “Written in the heat of global frustration, Long Gone Silver smacks against the rage with massive guitars, bass hooks, punchy drums & sinister vocals to remind the world that music is alive, kicking & screaming”.
Adding to Liam’s comments, Vocalist Oli says “Excuse the pun, but I guess we are all somewhat in the same boat now. So what should we have done? Sat around twiddling our thumbs… or turn our shared frustration into something we can sing and dance to? I thought so. We wrote this as an almost sarcastic reminder that although tempting to rid one’s inhibitions daily through a chosen vice or activity. Sometimes it’s a good idea to check what day it is & ensure that you and your friends aren’t bleeding out.”
Following the success of their acclaimed debut album, Greywind are back with their brand-new single ‘Am I Asleep?’. Making little secret of their ambitious global plans, Greywind, which is formed by siblings Steph (vocals) and Paul O’Sullivan (guitar), are fast proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Raised in the Irish town of Killarney, their mutual passion for expansive, stadium-sized rock music has since propelled them beyond the confines of stifled opportunity and into realms of superstar potential.
Greywind take their sound to cinematic heights with new release ‘Am I Asleep?’. Sprinkling light guitar over a brooding ethereal soundscape while punchy drums provide a biting edge, the duo showcase their first-rate musicianship in all its glory. The band carefully layer soft sonic textures into lush guitar melodies and supple bass grooves which gracefully swirl around Steph’s soothing vocals, while the dreamy melody exudes an otherworldly atmosphere. The duo slowly build the song allowing it to blossom within the spacious instrumentation until finally introducing an explosive and celestial post-rock crescendo.
Greywind are known for creating heartfelt tunes that evoke emotion within the listener and ‘Am I Asleep’ is a prime example of this – it is an utterly moving and captivating piece of music. The duo have triumphantly returned and given listeners a tantalizing taste of their exciting and spell-binding sound.
Hawke have released their new single ‘Gonna Be Alright’. The young Dublin act was formed in 2018 by two friends in the shadow of the world-famous Guinness Brewery (in the south of the city) and features Richie Power (vocals/keyboards) and Eoghan MacMahon (vocals/guitar). Irish rock legends Aslan quickly declared themselves major fans, with frontman Christy Dignam proclaiming Hawke The Band “the next big thing” to emerge from a country that consistently punches above its weight in terms of quality music.
‘Gonna Be Alright’ is a soaring heartfelt number boasting the refined musicianship of Hawke. The band use a bittersweet melody, smooth vocals and uplifting instrumentation to create a heart-stopping, soothing tune sure to have you swaying and singing along in no time. With warm guitars glittering over a lush blanket of swooning keys and buoyant bright drums, the track soars and sweeps the listener up in a passionate flurry of alternative rock. The track becomes more anthemic and atmospheric as it progresses, reinforcing the uplifting and inspiring nature of the song while the velvety vocals and backing vocal coos exude an easing comfort.
‘Gonna Be Alright’ is a spirited indie rock gem displaying the majestic songwriting and compelling sound of Hawke.
Richie says of the debut track, “We went for an uplifting melancholic anthem with this one. I don’t think lyrically it’s been any more relevant than what it is now during this pandemic – and, with another lockdown being announced, we figured it made sense for us to release it now.”
Bandmate Eoghan continues, “We wrote this song on a warm June afternoon, but at a time when personally I was feeling quite dejected and not in the finest of moods. The last thing I wanted to do was write songs, but we pushed ahead. About an hour later this little baby was written. I think that’s as good an epitome of life as you’ll get. Sometimes you just have to plough forwards, even if life is kicking you in the balls, Eventually it pays off.”
Big Sleep have released their new single ‘Tall Stories.’ Big Sleep are a Dublin-based indie-alternative band who have spent the last two years playing to packed out rooms of an ever-growing fanbase until lockdown came along. The four-piece formed when frontman, Rónán, entered a Battle of the Bands as a singer-songwriter. He reconnected with some old bandmates and was introduced to some new ones to form the current lineup: Matteo Poli on percussion, Evin O’Connor on lead guitar, Rónán Connolly on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Dougie Sealy on bass.
‘Tall Stories’ is a mellow groove-driven gem. Big Sleep spread a warm, dreamy melody over a soft bubbling backdrop to create the ultimate hazy day-dream escape. Soothing vocals drift sweetly over the velvety melody, while a groovy bassline and playful drum combination drive the track’s funky foundation. With lush surf-rock guitar adding a dash of zest into the mix, this warm refreshing tune is euphoria to the ears. Big Sleep have created a sunkissed treasure for the listener to enjoy with ‘Tall Stories.’
Sun Mahshene have released their new single, ‘The Righteous One.’ Sun Mahshene’s collective years of experience have helped them deliver some incredible live shows, including appearances at Whelan’s Ones to Watch 2018 and 2019, Ireland Music Week 2019, and high-profile support slots including Black Doldrums (UK), Magic Shoppe (US), Stony Sugarskull (DE) and Wand (US). Releases to date include three self-published EP’s, followed by three critically acclaimed singles on Reckless Records IE. Spotify and extensive national and international airplay supported these singles with playlists on the BBC and RTÉ Radio radio.
‘The Righteous One’ is an exhilarating psychedelic rock anthem that fizzes with the luring musicianship of Sun Mahshene. The track effortlessly weaves between hazy shoegaze, crashing indie rock, and dazzling psychedelia to create a high-quality gem that is a joy to listen to. Layering fuzzed guitars over agile rhythms the band provide an expansive and biting wall of sound. The whirring on guitars creates an ominous and mysterious quality within the band’s brand of psychedelic shoegaze whilst also capturing the most captivating sonic elements of 90’s guitar music.
The blazing instrumentation swirls around a sweet, delicate melody while supple vocals from Nathan Henderson anchors the listener within the musical maelstrom. He coos through the bewitching soundscape with a cool, emotive tone while bass rumbles, and pounding drums, wrestle for dominance in the thrilling background. Frenetic distortion covers the atmosphere in a crazed frenzy of crashing guitars, agitated bass and resounding drums as the harsh backdrop becomes aggressive for the building crescendo. At the same time, Henderson’s vocals echo gently, creating a blissfully dreamy, hypnotic contrast for the listener to indulge in.
‘The Righteous One’ is a glorious assault on the senses. Sun Mahshene have a masterful ability to express emotion through the medium of music. This is what makes them so special. They have a remarkable sound that entrances the listener from the very first note. ‘The Righteous One’ takes their music to a new level of achievement as Sun Mahshene continue to explore the depths of their unique, mesmerising musicianship.
Kynsy has released her debut EP ‘Things That Don’t Exist’ alongside a video for her latest single, “Elephant In The Room”. Kynsy is the solo project of rising 23-year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Ciara Lindsey. Written and co-produced by the artist, the tracks were mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer (Interpol / Sorry / Parquet Courts) and Barny Barnicott (Arctic Monkeys / MIA / Bombay Bicycle Club). Having previously performed on the Other Voices Music Trail and at Ireland Music Week, the Dublin artist kicked off this year with a whole host of 2020 Hot List features.
‘Things That Don’t Exist’ is a confident and expertly crafted collection of tracks. Kynsy laces the EP in guitar-based thrills, electronic embellishments and agile lyrics which evoke emotion within the listener. This first-rate EP is overflowing with superb elements and details from exquisite guitar refrains and splintery bass manoeuvres to poignant narrations and soothing vocals.
An organ -esque intro leads us into EP opener ‘Elephant in the Room’ a darkly glamorous and brooding number smothered in razor-sharp guitar work and building rhythms. Kynsy balances raw indie rock with dazed electronics to create a sweet sting within the track. As swirling flutters on synths wisp about a pulsing beat and subtle elements of distortion the song simmers before the chorus explosion hits. Kynsy’s vocals coo and drag through the nostalgic woozy number with sweet tones ( which at times becomes aggressive ) offsetting the pop melody.
Kynsy is a master of melodies warping them into the moods and atmospheres she creates. Providing dramatic soundscapes, the EP elegantly shifts between the ethereal backdrop of ‘Elephant in the Room’ to the fizzy indie rock bravado of ‘Happiness Isn’t a Fixed State’.Blending cinematic soundscapes throughout, the song has a Tarantino residue while the smooth yearning melody cools the blazing instrumental backdrop. However, ‘Dog Videos’ is where Kynsy slaps us in the face with a sound unlike its predecessors. Brighter and with a sun-kissed radiance, this foot-tapping track is a refreshing gem. With triumphant horn elements, slinky bass lines and a breezy melody the track injects a dash of cheer into the EP. This liveliness is undercut by the sharp lyrics which describes the doom of time wasted and living within the Youtube/social media world.
Throughout ‘Things That Don’t Exist’ Kynsy excels at constructing settings and engulfing them in a dramatic, catchy melody. While exploring themes of struggling through modern life, the songs maintain an upbeat and engaging tone and exude an air of finesse and rawness that showcases the deft songwriting and musical ability of Kynsy. There is no lag within the EP just smasher after smasher until ‘Cold Blue Light’ ignites the EP in a fiery finale. A siren on guitar announces the track while the slap on drums drags through the swaggered soundscapes. The sultry, dark atmosphere unfolds into a blazing indie rock track as Kynsy coos over a smooth melody. Kynsy’s delivery is cool and nonchalant, allowing the rich instrumental backdrop build and slither into psychedelic territory toward the thrilling crescendo – a triumphant close to the EP.
Within ‘Things That Don’t Exist’ there are elements of The Strokes with flavours of The Kills and St. Vincent peppered on top, but they are subtle. It is more like Kynsy is tipping a musical hat to their sound, then swiftly moving on to do things the Kynsy way – personally I’m glad the artist does not linger in any style for very long and because of this the EP is heavily brushed in the musicians raw creative thought process. It is a rare glimpse into a talented creative mind. Kynsy’s sound is brilliant and mesmerising in every way. ‘Things That Don’t Exist’ is a wholly consuming collection of tracks which sets the bar high for 2021.
Talking about the EP Kynsy said: “A lot of the songs are based around the idea of how we as people are either being followed or chasing after things that don’t exist. We are followed by the things we see through technology, television, the news – things that derail and confuse our sense of reality. We also chase things that don’t exist. We ignore the fact that things could change in a blink, or chase idealistic dreams of the future based on things we’ve seen on TV or on phone screens. I found there to be a juxtaposition in the positive and negative aspects of things that don’t exist; how having hope can change peoples lives for the better, how art is made from things that were previously non-existent and how these life fulfilling aspects as well as the things that can derail us are constantly fighting each other in our thought processes.This EP is a dialogue between those positive and negative thoughts and emotions. I wanted the music to create a world of freedom, hope and playfulness while the lyrics focus on the struggle of fighting, running and coming to terms with all of the good and bad we find in things that don’t exist.”
Dublin artist James Lonergan is set to release his new single ‘Braid’ on January 29th. Lonergan joined his first band, aged 10; since then, he has steadily fronted bands – most notably as the vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the recently disbanded progressive band, Synk.
‘Braid’ is an elegantly evolving work of art. Exuding rich folk textures and lush melodies the mystical atmosphere created by Lonergan is masterful as he takes a nimble guitar hook and builds a compelling soundscape around it. An array of rhythms flutter through the track as Lonergan unravels grand orchestral arrangements to create an expansive and ethereal wall of sound. As the guitars freely dance through the song, the atmosphere meanders from a celestial earthy nature to moody dark brought on by a swift key change.
A gravitational pull within the song seems to lure the listener into the bewitching and vibrant psychedelic soundscape as Lonergan’s smooth vocals drift with ease upon the folk hued melody while haunting harmonies wisp in the background.
‘Braid’ is an absolute treasure that displays Lonergan’s mesmerising musical ability and production skills. Lonergan proves he is one to watch with this beautiful and compelling track. Love it!
