Harley & The Wolf have recently released their new single ‘For What It’s Worth’. Harley & The Wolf are an alternative rock band from Northern Ireland who create powerful and fiery tunes. With a heartfelt melody encased in a swarming wall of sound Harley & The Wolf present a dynamic new single ready to blast from your speakers. With a raw jagged guitar riff slicing through the pounding bass and explosive drums the track has that instantly kinetic rock anthem gusto. The rasped vocals surge passion into this alternative mammoth, building on the song’s adrenaline and heart racing pulse. Rich melodies weave a thread of earworm delight while the raw and energetic backdrop builds in intensity, ‘For What It’s Worth’ is a fantastic ballsy alternative rock number from Harley & The Wolf.
I sat down to have a chat with Thom Southern to talk about his debut solo single ‘Shivers’, how he forms his tunes, his home studio and what he has planned for the coming months
U.K. indie band The Loft Club have released their full-length debut ‘Dreaming The Impossible’, released by Lightyear Entertainment, through Caroline/UMG, in association with UK label So Let’s Talk. The Exeter-based quintet consists of Daniel Schamroth (guitar/vocals), Jamie Whyte (bass/vocals), Kieran Chalmers (drums), Josie Stoneman (vocals) and Sam Piper (lead guitar). Schamroth wrote the first 11 songs on Dreaming The Impossible and co-wrote the album closer, “Flicker,” with Lisa Loeb and the album was produced by James Bragg (Jack Steadman, The Skints).
Melding and weaving indie rock with warm folk hues and flashes of psychedelia, ‘Dreaming The Impossible’ is a compelling collection of tracks.The tunes are hearty and powerful with a driving rhythmic section, jangly guitars and irresistible vocal hooks adorning each song, especially in the dynamic opener and title track ‘Dreaming The Impossible’. There is no shortage of energetic bangers on this album as each track infuses the bands alternative pop sensibilities with their rich wall of sound and instrumental prowess. With elements of Oasis Brit pop, the band surge sweet melodies and lush harmonies into ‘Heard Her Say’ and ‘True Love’.There are sublime bass grooves throughout the album ‘I’m Just A Man’’ displays a nimble and mysterious bass with a shimmying beat, dousing the song in finesse.
Each track is diverse and unique in its own right, flowing effortlessly into the next to create a cohesive listening experience. From the country twang of ‘Baby You’ll Be Fine’ to the soothing laid back psychedelic tones in ‘Waves’, the band blend genres superbly. With tight harmonies, melty melodies and euphoric atmospheres in tracks like ‘You Are The Sun’ teamed with shredding guitar lines and punchy drums there is something for everyone to enjoy within this album. The Loft Club balance their mellow tracks with more vibrant anthems allowing songs such as the dreamy ‘Made In England’ and ‘Flat Broke’ sit next to the brisk uplifting ‘Flicker’ which features sweet vocals from Lisa Loeb.
‘Dreaming The Impossible’ defies your average indie rock band cliché as The Loft Club explore and expand their music and intricate genre knowledge to create a light, heartfelt and enjoyable album which showcases their promise and talent.
Madison Front have released their new single ‘Otherside’. Madison Front are an Indie/Alternative rock band who formed in 2015, with Luke O’Connor on Vocals, Patrick Murphy on Lead Guitar, Gary Murphy on Drums, Jack Shakespeare on Bass, and Conor Cullen on Rhythm Guitar. The group gained some notoriety during their first year, performing at Ireland’s well-renowned Longitude Festival, featuring alongside acts such as Hozier, Alt-J, and The Chemical Brothers. Following this, the band also appeared on Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ. They spent the next couple of years playing in well-known music venues across Dublin, including Whelan’s, The Academy, The Workman’s Club, and The Grand Social, establishing themselves within the local music scene. The band released their debut single, ‘Sleep Off’, and subsequent music video, in February of 2020, in-line with a single-launch gig in the same month in one of Dublin’s fastest growing venues, LoSt LaNe.
‘Otherside’ is a punchy energetic track dripping in alternative rock prowess and Madison Front’s expressive musicianship. The track chills with an eerie tone and sinister guitar refrain while the pulsing percussion, rumbling drums and creeping verses surround the track in an enticing atmosphere of haunting suspense. With smooth vocals, catchy melody and a building wall of sound, the band cultivate and simmer their sound superbly while embellishing the song with steamy guitar licks, icy refrains and slick licks. ‘Otherside’ is a well crafted new single which boasts the refinement and sublime songwriting of Madison Front.
Dublin band Emily 7 are set to release their debut single ‘Stay’ on October 9th.Hailing from the streets of Tallaght, brothers Kyle and Scott Bellew have been making waves on the Irish music industry as Emily 7 for over 2 years now. While only being 21 and 18 respectively, they have shared the stage with acts like U2, Glen Hansard and Imelda Mayat the Christmas Eve Busk, as well as supporting UK acts like Twisted Wheel in Whelans. Their 90’s image and sound even landed them a brand deal and interview with Fred Perry.The two brothers are also known from a viral video that went around the internet,where they met Liam Gallagher in Dublin, and he brought them to his show in The Olympia. This was one of the moments that influenced them to make the band a full time job.Emily 7 also headline Whelans (upstairs) on April 16th 2021. Tickets are available fromTicketmaster.ie and more info can be found frommcd.ie/artists/emily-7
‘Stay’ is a blazing debut from Emily 7. While telling a story of the trials and tribulations of falling in love, the duo create a ferocious, heavy, rock track swamped in the bands brawny, crashing wall of sound. With just a guitar and drums, the band manage to whack out a full-bodied, and all consuming sound sure to have a live audience moshing in no time. A guitar blitz soars through a rapid drum onslaught creating a thrilling sound of alternative rock with punk elements. Gravelly vocals contrast heartfelt, emotional lyrics which express sweetness and carry an undertone of vulnerability, displaying the bands ability to create diversity and depth within their tracks. ‘Stay’ is energetic, raw, and infectious – an impressive debut from a promising and talented duo.
Alternative Pop/Hip-Hop act Darce has returned with his new single ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ which is the first single from Darce’s upcoming EP ‘Rural Wi-Fi’.The track is an all-West Cork affair with the song being produced and mixed by rising female artist Blakkheart and all revenue earned from the track will go to Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) (https://inar.ie/). The Bantry artist has been featured in numerous top publications with Spotify Editorial Playlists (New Music Friday UK), performances at festivals (K-Fest), support slots for the likes of Le Boom and industry showcase sets (Ireland Music Week, Music Cork) along with international TV appearances in both Brazil and The Netherlands, where he appeared alongside The Rubberbandits and David McWilliams of all people.
Floating in ethereal, clean soundscapes with hip-hop beats and fluid rhymes, ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ takes Darce’s sound to a lofi airy dimension. With haunting backing vocals, sticky reverb beats and wispy synths the track has an intriguing spacious atmosphere while Darce’s sharp raps provide warmth and wit through the songs introspective lyrical content. Darce is becoming known for pushing boundaries and crafting his tunes in a unique and dynamic way and ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ reinforces this. It’s a sleek and cool number exuding rich lyrical depth, subtle tones and compelling musicianship. I can not wait for his upcoming EP ‘Rural Wi-Fi’, if ‘Vamos (Lofi-Dreams)’ is anything to go by then, it’s going to be a doozy.
New Jersey rockers Summit have released their debut single ‘Silent Sanity’.A family band made up of a father and four sons, Summit used the lockdown period to their advantage, taking the time to practice together and start to write and record their own music. Developing from a covers band to a fully fledged rock band with original material, they draw from a wealth of experience and influences ranging from alternative rock to classical music.
‘Silent Sanity’ is a blazing whack of alternative rock as Summit spread an emotional smooth melody over a bubbling angsty backdrop. The track exudes punchy drums, rumbling bass lines and raw gritty guitar riffage which drives the tracks brisk Blink-182 -esque wall of sound. With a moody vocal melody and tight harmony this track is a refined, full bodied taste of explosive rock which contemplates the intricacies of relationships.
Australian songwriter Angie McMahon has released ‘Piano Salt’ a beautiful stripped-down companion piece to last year’s debut album ‘Salt’. The Melbourne, Australia-based artist adapted with a return to the instrument that helped her fall in love with music in the first place – the piano. The new collection finds her reimagining five fan favorites from her debut album ‘Salt’
The soothing and beautifully arranged piano EP displays a new facet to McMahon’s poetic flair as she takes ‘Soon’, ‘Slow Mover’ and ‘Keeping Time’ and dips them into a delicate emotive soundscape without the aid of production and varied instruments at her disposal, in fact the lack of instruments is what makes theses versions come to life. It truly feels the songs flourish within this setting, free to breathe and speak for themselves as McMahon’s mesmerising and emotive vocals allow the listeners mind to ruminate on the heartfelt lyrics.
From classic piano embellishments in ‘Soon’ to simple chord progressions in ‘Slow Mover’ McMahon’s songs take flight within this ethereal EP. McMahon takes the bluesy ‘Pasta’ and creates a more delicate rendition that allows you to focus on the clever, emotive and lonely lyrics. This rendition becomes timeless on ‘Piano Salt’ as the sweet harmonies and sombre piano heighten the tracks more hair-raising moments as it builds to the powerful crescendo.
There are extra little treats within this majestic collection as well. A goosebump-inducing cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The River’ is ecstasy to the ears; soothing, nostalgic and powerful as McMahon’s soulful vocals sprawl over the beautiful melody with ease and such emotion. While maintaining the coldness of the original she provides her own magical tone, style and finesse to this beautifully painful song with a lofty whistle feature reinforcing the lament on piano.
A sublime, soft and heartfelt rendition of ‘If You Call’ features on the album with guest vocals from Leif Vollebekk. Their voices blend and melt together like butter on hot toast, it’s an utterly immaculate piece of music. Another delight is McMahon’s haunting cover of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Born to Die’ which showcases her deeper range while her pacifying tone highlights the track superbly.
McMahon’s ‘Salt’ is an album that was so impactful and compelling it garnered such huge praise and support. The beauty of ‘Piano Salt’ is it highlights the powerful and poignant lyrics within the songs while showcasing just how talented McMahon is. The listener gets a keyhole glimpse into the creative genius of a unique and intriguing artist.
About ‘Piano Salt’ McMahon said : “Piano is the first instrument I learnt and the one that made me first love singing. My favourite piano song when I was young was k.d lang’s cover of ‘Hallelujah.’ So this EP feels like a return to my piano-cover-loving inner kid. It’s been a really nice creative opportunity to recreate the feeling of some bigger songs off my first record, give them a new life, and cover some of my favourite songs too. It gave me something to do when we went into quarantine. The creative process also helped me shed some fear around sounding too cheesy on the piano, or too sad – I realised that doesn’t matter so much because I just love to play and sing.”
Dublin alternative rock band Kyro Jones have released their new single ‘Walk With Me’. Established in the summer of 2017, Kyro Jones have been working tirelessly on the Dublin live circuit refining their songs and perfecting their unique brand of fast, energetic music.Having shook the ground at headline gigs in The Workmans, The Underground, Whelan’s and Fibber Magees, the five piece are going from strength to strength.
‘Walk With Me’ is a blistering alternative rock track as Kyro Jones create a bone shaking, brain melting number designed for blasting from your speakers. It’s a dark rumbling concoction as the band blend raw basslines with pounding drums to create a curdling sharp wall of sound. With slinky guitars soaring and ricocheting off the brawny foundation ‘Walk With Me’ is a force to be reckoned with. The charismatic vocals cut through the tension and aggressive instrumental battering while the shredding solo saturates the song in a haze of vapour. With funky flirtations emerging between the pounding rock bravado, this attitude-driven track explores a war of words between two young lovers. It’s one whirlwind of fine musicianship.
Indie singer/songwriter Mark Hegan has released his new single ‘Another Kind of Blood’. Hegan has garnered industry interest and plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 (Introducing), BBC Radio 2 and Radio Ulster.
‘Another Kind of Blood’ is a driving infectious indie number locked and loaded with Mark Hegan’s polished, feel good songwriting. His passion flourishes through the track with a relentless upbeat radiance while the heart pounding drum beat, dynamic guitar and powerful chorus are an instant shot of adrenaline. This stirring anthem has a moving velvety melody. Hegan’s wholesome vocals add warmth and tenderness to the track as it builds to its compelling crescendo. With a sax solo and foot-tapping beat on drums this kinetic tune showcases Hegan’s earnest musicianship while turning it into something quite anthemic and powerful.
Stream ‘Another Kind of Blood’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
