With their tongue-in-cheek lyrics, The Quantum Queefs are bringing back the true spirit of DIY punk with their debut single ‘Maserati’. The band recorded everything in-house with the mastering done at Soundmine Recording Studio in PA. Formed by Fish Fillet and Baby Hands, The Quantum Queefs was started as an attempt to release quality off-brand tunes with an emphasis on intensity, humor, and variety. Channeling the current age of information, or misinformation, The Quantum Queefs use their music as a source of light and positivity for anyone who wants to listen.
Driving on strident guitars and dynamic bass grooves, ‘Maserati’ is an infectious whack of punk from The Quantum Queefs. The track has an ethereal atmosphere filled with rampant bass, punchy drums, and a sun-kissed melody. Light twinkling guitars chime throughout while moving to acute crushing riffs as the song builds to its darker, more aggressive crescendo which boasts rapid, fierce instrumentation and gravelly shouted vocals. The contrast of airy lightness and aggression within the track is superb and makes for an engaging listening experience.
Singer/ songwriter Fly the Nest has released his new single, ‘Old Street Lover’.Dublin native Fly the Nest (Stephen Cooper) started playing music at a young age, performing in various bands before starting solo project Fly the Nest, a name inspired by the many adventures music has led him on. As well as writing and releasing his own music, Stephen also writes for sync, and says that writing for film and TV has opened up another facet of his creativity. Stephen now spends his time between Ireland and Denmark, and gigs regularly across Scandinavia.
‘Old Street Lover’ is a rush of adrenaline as Fly the Nest uses intricate layering and deft musicianship to create a massive cinematic number for the listener to indulge in. The song holds you in suspense and hanging onto every word as Cooper’s powerful rasped vocals drift over a brisk catchy melody and dynamic indie-rock soundscape. In true Fly the Nest manner, the chorus announces itself with a dramatic wall of sound – instrumentally robust and masterfully layered the chorus is catchy, vibrant, and sure to be stuck in your head all day.
Fly the Nest delivers a fantastic, full-bodied sound in ‘Old Street Lover’. He weaves rich percussion through the tight expansive wall of sound along with shredding guitar moments and heart-stopping melodies – its heaven to the ears. ‘Old Street Lover’ is an exciting new addition to Fly the Nests impressive and evocative repertoire. Love it.
About the track Fly the Nest says, “This song is about having a connection with someone that’s ultimately lost. Though it hurts to see it end, you really do wish them the best and hope they find what they’re looking for.”
Magnetik Zu has released her new single ‘Let You Go’.Magnetik Zu is the creator of the Zunique sound which is a blend of electric guitars with dark sexy edgy elements. Magnetik Zu is most known for her energetic live performances, often jumping up on the tables to dance with the crowd.
Doused in dark muggy electronics with an indie-rock edge ‘Let You Go’ is a luring new track from Magnetik Zu. The song floats through haunting melodies and melancholic atmospheres as deep whispered vocals reinforce the eerie mysterious tone while a lamenting piano exudes a sense of innocence in the background. Dynamic guitars provide a raw powerful element to the track alongside punchy drums and shadowy electronics which creates a thick muggy wall of sound. Well-crafted and intricately layered, ‘Let You Go’ is an expressive and emotive new song from Magnetik Zu.
Hawke The Band 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.
Hawke The Band blends together irresistible melodies, refined musicianship, and emotive songwriting to create a heartfelt and cinematic sound. Their tracks ooze passion while the use of subtle pop embellishments and folk undertones create tunes that are bursting with energy. These guys are extremely talented, and ones to keep an eye on. Looking forward to this takeover.
You can stream Hawke The band’s new single ‘Gonna Be Alright’ below
Dublin songwriter Laura Elizabeth Hughes has released her new single ‘Days’. ‘Days’ is taken from Laura’s upcoming EP ‘We, Myself I’, due for release on 5th March. Laura’s last single, “Pandemonium”, reached over 80,000 streams since its release in May and was featured on major playlists such as Spotify’s “New Music Friday UK” and “A Breath of Fresh Éire”, Amazon Music’s “Acoustic Chill” and Deezers “Chill Out” as well as airplay on RTE Radio 1 and BBC Radio Ulster. The build-up to the release saw Hughes perform an intimate live show across her Instagram account as part of Culture Ireland’s #IrelandPerforms series.
With just nimble plucked guitar accompaniment and lush backing vocals, ‘Days’ is a beautiful piece of music that showcases Laura Elizabeth Hughes’ mesmerising ability to convey emotion through unembellished instrumentation and deft songwriting. Without overpowering the listener’s ears Hughes’ ethereal soundscapes lie within the spacious elements of the song; the pauses for breath, the sweet tone of Hughes’ voice, and soft, almost haunting backing vocals all create an expansive wispy atmosphere. The song discusses the nothingness and mundane moments when Hughes was out of work. She gracefully translates those feelings into intimate moments of personal emotion through the spectacular use of guitar which mindlessly roams throughout the track as if searching for an elusive meaning, purpose, or distraction. Composed, elegant and precise, Hughes’ vocals hold a steady pace. Her sterling voice conveys the emotion buried deep within the crevices of the song through a few short yet powerfully evocative words, “Breathless, lost it to the distance”.
Laura Elizabeth Hughes is a songwriter to treasure. She is a master of her craft. There is a richness, depth and maturity to her work that is simply awe-inspiring and exceptional to behold. I’m looking forward to the ‘We, Myself I’ EP.
Speaking about the record ‘Days’, Laura explains: “Days was a step at confronting the nothingness routine that hit when I was out of work for 4 months. It’s repetitious, a choral of my own voice, my own thoughts, day in and day out. It’s the losing sense of time. It’s that limbo between Christmas and before New Year’s but in the middle of May. It’s all work and no play freneticism.”
Irish singer-songwriter Gavin Fox has released his new single ‘Make Me Believe’, ahead of his debut EP ‘On Second Thoughts’ due March 26th.
‘Make Me Believe’ is a moving indie-folk number announcing Gavin Fox’s powerfully emotive songwriting. Driven by a foot-tapping beat the track exudes a cosy and soothing tone as Fox spreads uplifting guitar melodies over soft lamenting keys while soulful rasped vocals coo the lyrics with incredible warmth. Within the lyrics, Fox deals with themes of freedom and empowering oneself. Fox certainly has a way with words. His poetic lyrics soothe and inspire all at once while displaying depth and a thought-provoking perspective “You find the courage from deep within to feel so alive under your skin“. Showcasing earnest songwriting and warm, passionate musicianship, ‘Make Me Believe’ is a stirring track from Gavin Fox. Looking forward to the EP.
‘Escape’ is the brand new track to come from singer-songwriters L.T.P Duo. Wanting to leave us with a sense of fulfillment, L.T.P Duo teamed up with JG Mind Doodles to create the emotive and moving video, featuring a cute little character, named Splodge by their Instagram fans.The video serves to bring out the emotion of the track and reminds us of the strength and comfort that we can all find in music. Standing for Less Than Perfect, L.T.P Duo is formed of Nik (guitarist, songwriter, producer) and Naomi (singer, lyricist). Following the success of their debut EP ‘The Voices in Our Head’ last year, L.T.P Duo are pushing their music further in their new single, seeking to connect with people’s emotions. They have received radio play from BBC Upload and their single ‘Rain’ was played on BBC Introducing.
‘Escape’ is an emotional number laced in delicate instrumentation and soothing melodies. Filled with ethereal keys and warm guitars, the tune floats on a supple bed of tender soundscapes and soft beats. The track builds softly with bubbling electronics fluttering through sweet vocals coos which creates an enchanting and relaxing atmosphere for the listener to indulge in. Radiating a smooth, uplifting and hopeful melody, ‘Escape’ is a delicate and well-crafted number from L.T.P Duo
Limerick indie-Pop band Lost Boys have released their debut EP ‘Honey Mustard.’ Starting initially as an indie band back in 2018 – Lost Boys have consistently looked at new ways to create more meaningful and modern music, most recently with the introduction of Hip-Hop/New Wave instrumentation into their songs.
‘Honey Mustard’ is a beautiful EP. Lost Boys display their exquisite musicianship by putting together a satisfying and cohesive collection of tracks that are sensitive and carefree while richly displaying the band’s musical prowess. They showcase their ability to find the sweet spot between genres to create luscious tunes for the listener to indulge in. Each track is saturated in lovable heartfelt melodies and peppered in reggae rhythms, 90’s rock embellishments, and sweet indie-pop with hip hop and new wave blending everything together. Even though the band move through different genres, it’s a seamless transition each time.
Slick R&B and hip hop elements create a smooth glossy soundscape in ‘Hindsight’ and the groove-infested ‘Best Friend’ whichkeeps the EP’s atmosphere light to begin with. However ‘Karma Girl’ kicks things up a notch. Thick electronics flurry around a hypnotic guitar refrain throughout the song while sticky pulsing beats create a suspenseful and intense backdrop. With reverb vocals, a cinematic chorus, and gripping instrumental builds, ‘Karma Girl’ is a magnificent track and a pinnacle moment in the EP.
The beautiful ballad-esque ‘Sadie’ brings the EP to a wonderful finale. A warm acoustic guitar strums atop elegant strings and delicate picks on electric guitar. The mellow soundscape is tender, evocative, and simply divine. Oozing lush harmonies and a subtle country tone, it’s an emotive end to a magnificent EP.
Lost Boys have outdone themselves with ‘Honey Mustard.’ Boasting rich soundscapes, skillful use of instrumentation, and lush harmonies, teamed with earnest lyrics, ‘Honey Mustard’ marks Lost Boys as a band to keep an eye on.
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new single ‘Flawed Design’. ‘Flawed Design’ is an absolute groove fest coated in shimmering disco vibes and funky basslines. With melty infectious melodies gliding between shimmering synths, jaunty guitars, and intricate percussive shimmies, this sparkling gem is infectious and irresistible to the ears. Thrillhouse surge a chic strutting quality into the track through smooth vocals that ooze panache and charm while lush harmonies and catchy melodies will have you bopping in no time. Boasting sleek production, witty lyrics, and the musical mastery of Thrillhouse, ‘Flawed Design’ is a dance-inducing earworm ready for repeat plays.
‘Free It’ is the anthemic new track from Mexican artist Dr. Craves. Created in the full spirit of DIY recording, ‘Free It’ was recorded on a laptop with bathroom reverb and cheap microphones. After years of experimenting with music and playing in punk bands, Dr. Craves is stepping out on her own with her slick new sound. Creator of electronic music with slick audio production, Dr. Craves refuses to be boxed into one genre and consistently pushes the boundaries of her creativity.
‘Free It’ is a raw piece of experimental electronic rock. With an intricate sticky beat slapping between acute swirling electronics, the track has an edgy wall of sound. Dr. Craves’ rasped vocals provide a rock vibe to this attitude driven track while dark guitars rumble through the reverb laced soundscape. Written as a “way to confront her demons”, the track exudes 90’s dance elements soaked in electronic rock with unique wobbly and distorted synths interspersed throughout. Pushing through to a crazed crescendo ‘Free It’ is an engaging and energetic debut from Dr. Craves.
Stream ‘Free It’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
