Tallaght hard-rock trio Dead Manifest have released their new single ‘Blood’. No beginners to the Dublin rock scene, Dead Manifest have been playing music together, on and off, for ten years. The band consists of Aaron Nestor (vocals & guitar), Andy Rudd (bass), and Cathal Cullivan (drums).
Consumed in a vigorous concoction of metal, grunge, and alternative rock, ‘Blood’ boasts Dead Manifest’s refined and impressive musicianship. The track is a mammoth of slick, frenzied instrumentation as the trio take harsher elements of their music and blend these aspects with strong melodies to create a fantastic ruthless sound that is catchy as hell and utterly invigorating.
A raw bassline runs rampant through the track’s beefy foundation as Nestor’s vocals curdle and scream throughout unabated by the maelstrom of aggressive riffs and pummeling drums which rise and fall with each verse and chorus.The listener is simply left in awe and inspired by the brazen instrumentation and deft production within this thrilling single.
Dripping in dark melodic grunge, this raucous track is a prime example of the all consuming sound of Dead Manifest. Love it.
Reading-based alternative three-piece doops have released their new EP ‘deflections.’ In true doops manner, the band weaves their refined alternative indie into a first-rate tapestry of musical mastery.
Simmering in dark, ominous soundscapes, ‘The Things We Are,’ and ‘Shangri-La’ set the EP’s tone. Psychedelic, sweet, and shrouded in mystery, the band blend 60’s dreamy melodies with ethereal guitar and reverb vocals to create a whimsical intro before the tracks unfold into a punchy punk rock display. Almost rap-like vocals rapidly spit over rolling, fuzzed bass lines and snappy drums. There is a sense of innocence in ‘The Things We Are,’ which is enhanced by the vibrant instrumentation, whereas ‘Shangri-La’ takes on a more sultry tone. These two wonderfully dark tracks are meticulously layered and announce doops new EP with triumphant vigor.
Perhaps my favourite track on the album is ‘Loopholes’; deep brooding vocals croon over a building disoriented instrumental while a tearful guitar laments in the background. The guitar mirrors the lyrics’ theme of entrapment as it wriggles in panic through the chorus while the sweet melody and steady beat succumb to the hazy musical bewilderment.
Just as the ghostly waft of ‘Loopholes’ reaches a cinematic end, the brash drone of ‘Rehash’ enters like a fire-spewing demon of alternative rock. The buzzing on guitar builds, becoming more distorted and harsh as the bass stomps with destructive tendencies in the backdrop. The vocals are urgent and race with an echo of drama and mania as the track spirals to its explosive crescendo. The song is a mesmerising display of deft musicianship.
Filled with cinematic soundscapes and impressive guitar hooks, doop’s ferocious alternative sound is well crafted. They allow it to blossom and venture down a path of sweet psychedelia in ‘Pull Back The Shades’ before firmly wrenching it back into a shredding maelstrom of emotional chaos.
There is a residue of electronic dance within the haunting ‘F.W.W.M’ before the harrowing strides on guitar billow out into a more funk impulse. This lighter tone contrasts the haunting vocals and lyrics, “It’s killing me. Is it killing you. So who’s killing who”. Building to a compelling guitar solo, the track is a fantastic and prodigious finale to the EP.
doops have knocked it out of the park with ‘deflections’. The EP is a breathtaking display of proficient musicianship. The pacing, attention to detail, and sheer beauty within this EP is captivating. The songs are confident, slick, and riddled with tangled emotion. ‘deflections’ is a magnificent glimpse into the artistic mind of doops.
Nathan Mac returns with his new single ‘Domestic Wars’ featuring his sister Emily Hazel. The siblings create a fiery infectious alternative pop tune surging with vibrant melodies and suspenseful electronic bursts.
Emily’s sweet and warm vocals blend beautifully with Nathan’s while providing a dash of sass and power. ‘Domestic Wars’ marks a slight shift in Nathan’s sound as he uses an extensive instrumental repertoire to create an engaging and full-bodied listening experience. Boasting elegant strings, warm brass and shimmering 80’s hued synths the track packs one hell of a punch. Vocals glide upon a smooth melody with ease as the duo beautifully harmonise while an infectious bubbling rhythmic section creates a dance-infused backdrop.
Through quirky metaphors, the witty lyrics set the scene of the common sibling fights, Emily and Nathan play a lyrical tug of war which is engaging and fun to listen to. Love it.
When asked about working with his sister, Nathan had this to say: “I love my sister to bits. She’s one of the most talented singers I know, and I knew instantly that I wouldn’t have enough ‘attitude’ to pull this song off alone. Now it’s become a fan favourite, and I’m 100% sure that she’s the reason.”
Dublin alternative rock band VLLNS are due to release their third single of 2020, titled ‘I Fade Away’, on New Year’s Eve. The track was recorded by Dan Doherty in Darklands Recording Studio in Dublin and was mastered by Pete Maher in London.
Slick, gritty and riding on a wave of exhilarating alternative rock ‘I Fade Away’ is a powerful display of VLLNS exciting sound.These guys have some serious talent. A rumbling drum foundation creates a body grooving soundscape while piercing guitar pines with an ethereal quality over a thunderous rhythmic section. The song gains momentum with each verse as the band lure you down a dark rabbit hole of kinetic alternative rock. Ominous riffs slice through the songs heavy atmosphere as the band ferment and craft the track superbly draping their intensified wall of sound in sensual bass embellishments and nimble guitar work right up to the bloodthirsty crescendo. ‘I Fade Away’ is a thrilling riff heavy new single from VLLNS marking them as a band to keep an eye on. Looking forward to hearing more from these guys.
About the track the band said “ The track draws inspiration from the realisation that life is a limited resource, and from how our youth and innocence can be so suddenly pulled from under our feet when we first come face to face with death.”
Jason Payne & The Black Leather Riders has released his new song ‘Waking The Damned’. London based metal artist Jason Payne has taken 2020 to embark on a new journey in the form of ‘Jason Payne & The Black Leather Riders’, a culmination and reincarnation of his strongest rock compositions, with numerous releases ready and waiting. Jason Payne’s musical journey began at age 9, developing his musicianship for over a decade and solidifying his musical experience through years of rigorous practice! Between 2017 and 2020, Jason fronted the British rock outfit Louzada on guitar and vocals, achieving over 300,000 streams across Spotify & YouTube and amassing thousands of worldwide fans, all through a modest discography of just one single, and one EP.
An alternative soaked blast of nu-metal, ‘Waking The Damned’ is an explosive and powerful new song from Jason Payne & The Black Leather Riders. Shrouded in dark tones with crashing guitars, heavy bass lines and pummelling drums, the track is a mighty force to be reckoned with as Paynes’s growly vocals carry the song’s emotion and grit.A song of freedom and exploration Payne uses nu-metal dynamics to create a euphoric and adrenaline inducing atmosphere as the track ventures from luring verses to explosive choruses. With 90’s alternative rock elements and tight raw soundscapes ‘ ‘Waking The Damned’ is a thrilling new single from Jason Payne & The Black Leather Riders.
About the track Payne said “Waking the Damned is about being reborn and celebrating the birth of something new – the beginning of my career.”
Dublin based noise punks Bullet Girl delve into new musical territory with the release of their garage rock inspired new single ‘Panic 2020’. Bullet Girl are guitarist Dylan Keenan, singer Aaron Doyle, bassist Tony Keyes and drummer Noel Dempsey.Like many bands this year, they had high hopes for 2020, especially with regards to live shows. An all Ireland tour was booked, a slot at Aiken’s Eastbound had been secured, their debut performance at Electric Picnic and they were on course to sell out their first headline show at Thomas House. While all of this was evidently cancelled, Bullet Girl still managed to put out four singles, a handful of live performances and three music videos. In January, they begin work on their debut album and plan to tour a live show around Ireland and the UK. One that they’ve been working on since early this year.
‘Panic 2020’ is a swaggering track which slips from chic, cruising rock n roll to anarchy-driven garage rock while maintaining the powerful and refined musicianship of Bullet Girl. The track creeps in on a laid back shimmy rhythm with an elastic bass groove weaving playfully between a buoyant drum progression as the band ease you into a false sense of charm, security and boppy lightness. The sense of breezy, sunny day fun twists, changes and becomes muggy and asphyxiating for the chorus. The song unravels becoming more harsh and frenzied as the crashing guitars explode into the pummeling drums to create a chaotic wall of sound. The prance on vocals ventures from a swaggered charm to screams and gravely exclaims as the track reaches it’s frenzied crescendo. The skillful shift from cool nonchalance to utter turmoil is masterful as the band present their most engaging and thrilling song to date. Love it.
The song’s mantra “We’re just sensitive people after all..” has now taken on a new meaning for the year that 2020 represents. Here’s what the band have to say about it: “This song has been around exactly a year now, we were reflecting on the year that wasahead and predicting what the new decade might hold. We recorded this song live in our studio on one of the hottest day’s of the year – we literally couldn’t breathe in that room. That claustrophobic, sweaty effect definitely seeped into the final recording – unintentional but fitting.”
Bradford based alternative indie rock band Echoviolet are set to release their new single ‘City Of Impunity’ on 18th of December. Comprised of James, Rowan, Charlotte and George, the band are currently in the MASrecords program and will be releasing four new tracks over the next few months.
Dark, gritty and steeped in chilling instrumentation, ‘City Of Impunity’ displays Echoviolet’s refined and thrilling musicianship in all its glory. The track has an epic 80’s rock hue with soaring guitars and dark wild undertones. Ominous vocals whisper and haunt through a punchy drum foundation as the track relentlessly maintains an enticing driving force throughout. As the sharp guitar slices through the thick muggy soundscape the song builds becoming more dynamic and animated for the catchy chorus. The quartet craft this track wonderfully as they create frantic moments of alternative rock between creeping haunting elements to provide an utterly thrilling and intoxicating new single to indulge in.
‘City Of Impunity’ is set for release on December 18th for more you can follow Echoviolet on Facebook here
London/Cambridge rock band MAUVE have released their new single ‘Branches‘ which is taken from their recently released EP of the same name.The band comprised of Steve Campbell (Guitar/Vox), Leuan Smith (Bass/Vox), Ben Smith (Drums) formed through Gumtree in 2018 and have 2 EP’s to their name, countless shows and sessions/features on Punktastic, BBC Introducing and disorder TV.
‘Branches‘ is a powerful display of alternative rock as MAUVE deliver their exhilarating wall of sound through an explosive and passionate number. The track travels on a jogging bass line as the band create tension for the verses before unleashing a lightning strike of a chorus. Capturing the frustrations of being a band during the pandemic, lyrically it tackles inner struggles but also wider subjects such as climate change through adrenaline inducing soundscapes and tight instrumentation. The soaring guitars swarm around punchy drums and a kinetic bass foundation while Campbell’s warm expressive vocals carry the catchy vocal line with confidence and emotive strength. Well crafted and refined ‘Branches’ is an expressive force to be reckoned with.
Alt-rock band Pilots have released their debut single ‘We Shall Overcome’.A song for the times, the message within this release is that ‘we shall overcome’ despite the current uncertainty. Written before the pandemic however, this track is strangely prophetic.
Uplifting and anthemic ‘We Shall Overcome’ is a dynamic debut single from Pilots. Laced in sharp nimble guitar work the track has an epic soundscape driven by ominous undertones and deep vocals. The band builds the track superbly creating an intense and muggy atmosphere while the bright catchy chorus exudes fist pumping energy. The track has a classic 80’s rock vibe and boasts a catchy shredding guitar solo and driving rhythmic section. ‘We Shall Overcome’ is a raw, well crafted track oozing refined musicianship. Looking forward to hearing more from Pilots.
Dublin-based band FIRES. have released their highly anticipated debut EP ‘Close Eyes, Deep Breathe, Run’. The EP is a six song collection, and the culmination of three years of writing, demoing and recording. The project contains previous singles ‘Forgotten Sons’, ‘All For This’, and ‘Dream’ along with three brand new tracks.FIRES. were formed in 2017 by Michael and Alecksyy. Previously in a band together, the pair have spent three years relentlessly writing songs to hone in on their sound.
Dripping in raw alternative rock ‘Close Eyes, Deep Breathe, Run’ is an instant shot of adrenaline as FIRES. pack the EP with heavy instrumentation and acute songwriting. Coarse guitar riffs slice through each track while the battering drums lay down a thunderous foundation. The ground shaking wall of sound in ‘Change Your Mind’ and ‘A Life Worth Living’ could summon the dead as the band flesh out their passionate and powerful musicianship. Utilizing jabbing riffs, frantic synths and a tight rhythm the EP is a satisfying listening experience. Though the songs pack a punch the band’s lyrical content contains emotive and tender nuances as they deal with themes such as loss, grief, and self-esteem while curdling crescendos convey the conflicting despair and emotion through frantic spirals on guitars; ‘Dream’ is a prime example of this.
‘Close Eyes, Deep Breathe, Run’ is a cohesive collection of tracks brimming with blistering instrumentation ready for the bloodthirsty mosh pits.
Stream ‘Close Eyes, Deep Breathe, Run’ EP below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
