Tag Archives: TOYGIRL

Alt- Pop, Indie, New Music

TOYGIRL ‘Poison’

Dublin-based five-piece TOYGIRL are back with their third single out to date, ‘Poison’.Comprising Cork natives Aran Hopkinson (Bass), Ciaran Whelband (Guitar), Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar), and Cian O’Leary Hegarty (Drums), and British / French lead singer Hannah Worrall the band have already notched up over 250K streams on Spotify and have been firmly established on the Irish music circuit, TOYGIRL is ready to extend their reach across international borders.

With layered ethereal synths shimmering over a rhythmic soundscape, ‘Poison’ ripples with the mesmerising musicianship of TOYGIRL. The majestic soundscapes fill the crevices of your mind with soft caresses while haunting whispered backing vocals lull in the backdrop creating a tranquil atmosphere for the listener to indulge in while the rich intricate drums build the tense and darker undertone.

TOYGIRL craft and layer their songs superbly so each listen reveals a new sound or hidden sonic delight which makes every replay just as compelling as the first. Chiming guitars delicately meander through the song’s vast pool of musical intricacies. Only for Hannah Worrall’s vocals (which exude passion, soul and rich tones) it would be easy for the listener to become lost within the track. Her sultry coos anchor and guide the listener through the tracks abyssal depths.The song builds in the later half. The intoxicating synths and bass intensify as the dark and sinister undertone bares its teeth and becomes more apparent.

‘Poison’ is an excellent display of the refined and immaculate musicianship of TOYGIRL. With each release TOYGIRL display musical prowess well beyond their years. Their music evokes a myriad of emotions and stimulates every sensory factor of the listeners imagination. ‘Poison’ is a joy to listen to again and again and again…

About the track Hannah Worrall said : “For me, this song is about deep infatuation, platonic, or romantic.The feeling that someone has accepted your purest form and loves you unconditionally. It’s one of the first songs that I wrote where my words felt transparent and straightforward, in some ways that makes me feel more vulnerable but also more connected to the song ” 

Stream ‘Poison’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Dream Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music

TOYGIRL ‘Moonlight Velvet’

TOYGIRL have released their second single, ‘Moonlight Velvet’ which was recorded at the legendary Windmill Lane Studios, was produced by up and coming Irish sound engineer and producer Daniel de Burca and was mixed by in-demand producer Cormac Butler (The Academic, All Tvvins, Coronas, Gavin James, Kodaline) and mastered by Deadeye’s Billy Farrell.TOYGIRL was formed by friends Hannah Worrall (Vocals/Keys), Fiachra O’Mahony (Guitar) and Ciaran Whelband (Guitar) in March 2018 with bassist Aran Hopkinson and drummer Cian O’Leary Hegarty finalising the line up later the same year. TOYGIRL have already gained a reputation for their exciting, hypnotic live performances. Despite their relative newcomer status, the band has clocked up a lot of ‘gig-miles’ on the Irish circuit including stints at the Button Factory, Levis’ Ballydehob, the Workman’s, and Roisin Dubh, Galway, to name a few, as well as the much-coveted support slot to Alice Phoebe Lou on Whelan’s main stage.The group has already been named in the line ups for this year’s Indiependence, K- Fest and We’ve only Just Begun music festivals amongst others.

‘Moonlight Velvet’ is a swoony gem which floats on a vintage bed of lush arrangements. TOYGIRL are developing their irresistible sound superbly. With a delicate yet lush backdrop the band twinkle guitars through soft soundscapes, angelic hushed backing vocals and a supple beat as the track softly wisps into an ethereal cloud of dreamy bliss. There is a faint yet deep flourish of jazz as soothing saxophone surges with a sweet loneliness through the hazy backdrop. The band masterfully create a delicate track which has depth and exudes rich rhythms without becoming overpowering.Hannah Worrall’s soulful vocals melt upon the bitter sweet melody with a pacifying comfort. Her voice is longing, sincere yet hopeful all at once.

‘Moonlight Velvet’ is utterly tender and sweet. The band provide comfort through melodic and sultry moments blessed with intricate guitar lines, glistening keys and an overall whimsical romantic soundscape. Presented with class and elegance ‘Moonlight Velvet’ is an immaculate emotive number that totally consumes you in the undeniably lush musicianship of TOYGIRL. 

Stream ‘Moonlight Velvet’ below 


Author : Danu

Alt- Pop, Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

TOYGIRL ‘Moonlight Velvet’ single launch in The Sound House Dublin With Support From Nicetry

On Friday night, Dublin based TOYGIRL had their ‘Moonlight Velvet’ single launch in The Sound House Dublin. A night of time stopping tunes, musical poise and fun this young band set the bar high. With only two released tracks so far they took The Sound House by storm and characterised themselves as a band to keep an eye on. 

Nicetry kick started the night. This band is utterly mesmerising. They create beautiful tunes that lull with sweet melodies and earthy qualities. Eunice Saraiva’s vocals soothe with calming tones as her vocals coo and caress the soft wispy melodies with elegance and passion. The backdrop exudes wonderful prismatic hues of scintillation, distortion and psychedelia – it’s amazing how this band provides such chaos and calm all at once. Danilo Ward’s bass weaves and rumbles with intricate grooves while Cian McDaid lets it all go on guitar – shrilling, dazing and crashing between the lush delicate vocal melodies and constant rhythmic pulse provided by Cam Teehan’s rich drumming. The contrast is so thrilling and superb. The band’s heavy moments are intense, vibrant and all consuming yet they maintain a noir-pop stillness throughout as they stealthily groove and weave between these moments of utter musical splendour. With tight spine chilling harmonies Nicetry are a joy to listen to. 

The crowd rush forward as TOYGIRL take to the stage. The bands soulful alternative pop reverbs through the venue creating a groove laced atmosphere that has the crowd dancing from the very start. TOYGIRL are a dark horse. Their vivid multi-genre blending, creates a sound truly unique which comes to life in the live setting. They ignite the crowd with funky grooves, R&B elements and a rich full bodied sound. Hannah Worrall’s vocals are truly spectacular; her ability to coo with warm depths and emotional tones as well as surge with soulful power is what ties the band’s compelling sound together. Her vocals puncture the atmosphere with sheer clarity. Yes the band have tracks that haunt, lull and stop time in an instant but boy! can they dance, groove and party as well. There is an effortless swagger about this band and a maturity on stage that is to be admired. If I wasn’t aware how new this band is I would claim their maturity is due to years of experience. They banter with the jubilant crowd between songs and jam through a pause in their set as Ciaran Whelband runs for his capo ( which was left in the green room). We even experience a bass mishap that requires Aran Hopkinson to borrow a bass from Nicetry, but this doesn’t really disrupt the night, the band jam and banter through it and within moments they are back into the set list.

There are a number of special moments in the set. Guitarist Fiachra O’Mahony taking to vocals was a pleasant surprise as Worrall’s haunting harmonies blend perfectly with his velvety lilt. TOYGIRL flesh out their sound with sublime bass lines intricate, vibrant drums and sharp, sweet guitar elements and within the live setting their tracks are mesmerising. The crowd knew every word and went crazy for the band’s debut single ‘Reign’. The magnificent new track that brought us all to this celebration ‘Moonlight Velvet’ (which was released only a few hours before the show) was bellowed back by the crowd while an impressive rendition of Estelle’s ‘American Boy’ had the crowd eating out of the palm of the bands hand. TOYGIRL succeeded in sending chills around the audience as well as bringing some infectious alternative pop and slinky grooves. Not only do they make strikingly beautiful music with their unique sound, they can switch between tenderness and intensity with such ease and fill a room with a warming radiance. 

By the time the last strum on guitar had faded, I was already hungry for more, Worrall’s vocals and the band’s hypnotic alternative neo-soul is highly addictive. They have some bangers in their repertoire which display powerful emotive musicianship and striking lyricism. Their music evokes a myriad of emotions while thrilling and tantalisng the imagination and senses of the listener which is a rare gift to possess. I should warn you once you see them live you will be hooked. This band have a lot more to offer and judging from the unreleased tracks the band played TOYGIRL are a band to get excited about.


Author : Danu

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Alt Rock, Alt- Pop, Indie, Indie Pop, indie rock, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

modernlove. At The Sound house Dublin With Support From TOYGIRL and BRIDGES

Indie pop quartet modernlove. had their first headline show with Aiken Promotions last Friday with support from TOY GIRL and BRIDGES.The band presented a firecracker of a show filled with synth pop anthems, R&B elements and jazz flavourings. 

Dublin based alternative band TOY GIRL kick start the night.Wholly mesmerising this band provides a sound filled with delicate intricacies and rich rhythms that submerge the listener in an endless pool of psychedelic hues and rippling undercurrents.With fragmented guitar pines that venture between crashing moments and funk elements to sweet lush indie tones the band layer their set meticulously, gradually bringing you further into a lulled stage of trance.These guys are fine musicians, the gentle and harsh biting elements are perfectly blended to drift and elegantly slip into each other with a majestic tonality that is utterly compelling. Exuding oodles of passion in each track, Hannah Worrall’s emotive crisp vocals are perhaps the most fascinating constant throughout the set. She lulls and broods with soulful tones as the wispy soundscapes caress and flutter around her immaculate voice. With their extremely tight sound, fine musicianship and calming stage presence TOY GIRL are a must see. 

Bridgwater / London band BRIDGES follow. I have a lot of respect for these guys. They provided warm powerful tunes with vigor while battling some frustrating sound issues and rude feedback interruptions coming through the speakers on the night. A set brimming with earnestness and passion the band flood the room with warmth. Ethan Proctor’s vocals glide effortlessly over cosy melodies with a soft rasp and powerful drive as the band flesh out rich bass lines, sweet guitar twinkles and chiming keys between the meaty drum foundation.Members of the crowd dance and request songs as the band play their hearty tunes with charming smiles and a cheerful radiance.With ebullient sing along ready choruses and pretty slick guitar work BRIDGES put on one dynamic and enthusiastic set.

As the crowd rush forward modernlove. take to the stage.This young band is becoming known for their infectious mature indie pop and catchy songs. I wondered how they would hold up in the live setting. As it turns out … pretty damn well. Barry Lally’s vocals never falter through their longest set so far, his vocals manage to become stronger and more potent as the set progresses. The four piece feed off the crowds enthusiasm delivering a vibrant show of bubbling tunes, massive sing along moments and a little banter. ‘Us’ and ‘Bop’ have the audience dancing as the bands illustrious indie pop shimmers and sparkles into the crowd, igniting them almost instantly.The bands sound is at its best live- more edgy and punchy the music surges into the body compelling you to bop along. Cian McCluskey deftly belts those drums like his life depends on it and perhaps he is the puppeteer making us all dance. The wonderful contrast between the fruity sweet guitar jingles and brawny pull on drums creates the perfect fluctuant soundscape to pull anyone up to dance. Their fans are perhaps just as jubilant as the band’s songs pulling strangers from the side of the stage to dance with them as the venue’s floor becomes buoyant and spongy from all the jumping and dancing. The band glance at each other with cheeky smiles confirming the night’s success as Graham Fagan executes glossy guitar riffs and licks with ease while nodding in acknowledgement to members of the crowd shouting his name. Half-way through the set the dancing hasn’t faulted one iota and neither has the singing along. The crowd knew every word, even the rapid tongue twister in ‘Liquorice’ was shouted back to the band with such passion and excitement. Bassist Daniel Rooney lays down that all important fluid elasticity that truly moves the soul with the body. He injects funky elements into their tracks with fruity stings on guitar as the synth elements and honeyed melodies create a candy-floss sweetness that wisps the venue into an ethereal cloud of delight. With each chorus there is an eruption from the audience as their eyes glisten through the glitzy indie pop atmosphere. modernlove. end their set with new single ‘Hard to Tell You’ leaving the crowd shouting for one more tune to which due to curfew the band could not oblige but hey it left us all craving to see another modernlove. show.

For a young band, moderlove. have a compelling stage presence. Their heartfelt, infectious tunes exceed all expectations within the live setting. The Sound House witnessed something special last Friday. These guys have a bright future ahead.   


Author ; Danu

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Indie, indie rock, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

TiLT Live Event In The Button Factory With TOY GIRL, Bullet Girl, Synk and Munky

On Tuesday night TiLT began its debut showcase event in The Button Factory Dublin in association with Totally Irish 98FM, Sound Training Productions and The Button Factory. This first edition featured four exciting Irish acts – Bullet Girl, Synk, TOY GIRL and MUNKY.

Alternative five piece TOY GIRL kick started the event. Hannah Worrall’s mesmerising vocals echoed around the venue with powerful sweet tones and rich depths of captivating proportions. She punctures the rooms atmosphere with haunting crisp clarity leaving the crowd stunned in her presence. TOY GIRL’s chilled indie fluidly oozes with an R&B quality as the band, unnerved, command the stage. Their darkly coated tracks create a smoky atmosphere as Worrall’s vocals coo and haunt over the rumbling drums and eerie, piercing guitar. With their tightly layered sound of twinkling keys and rooted bass grooves the band slowly seep their enchanting tunes into the venue- mesmerising the crowd. After a small request from Worrall to move closer the crowd rush to the front of the stage to sway to the bands hypnotic tunes. The hushed atmospherics of their songs flood with rich vitality and deep intricacies that can only be truly adored in the live setting. Utterly majestic and soul fulfilling TOY GIRL were superb.

Post Punk four piece Bullet Girl follow, tearing the venue to shreds with their raucous set and blistering instrumentation. Pulverising drums, crashing guitars and relentless bass hammer and pierce the atmosphere, consuming the audience in the band’s ferocious soundscape and battering punk assault. Aaron Doyle is the ever charismatic frontman as he prances about screaming, wailing and yelping into the mic. The tense sweltering bass and shrilling whines on guitar gash through your skull as Bullet Girl masterfully display their raw savage wall of sound. It’s an acute chaotic set brimming with tracks to set a mosh pit alight and the head banding and bopping from the crowd was a pleasant sight. This band is designed for blood thirsty moshing and utter anarchy. Bullet Girl are a fantastic raw live act. A must see. 

Electronic rock band Synk are up next. These guys bring an intense set to The Button Factory but on a different level to the previous act. The audience are swirled up in a psychedelic prism of rock with light indie facets and mellow glimmers to create a wholly submerging experience. These guys could melt your mind, frazzle the remains and solidify it again all in one rich tune. There are lush warm guitar moments wrapped delicately in laid back sweet melodies and dreamy soundscapes as well as crashing harsh rock moments throughout this bands set. The deeply nourishing melodies create a wholesome atmosphere while the lush harmonies and vibrant keys lift the tracks to ethereal heights. The rhythm throughout each song is mesmerising and pounds through your chest as this band weave between genres to create a sound all of their own. Very professional and proficient Synk’s sound is a bottomless pool of magical depth and the passionate powerful vocals are spine chilling. Synk are an outstanding and refined band that take you into a whole new universe with their sound and in a live setting they are enthralling to watch.

The fourth and final band to take to the stage are disco grunge group Munky. A band of vibrant charismatic characters these guys know how to put on a show. They steamroll through their funky infectious tracks with relentless stamina. With Taylor Maslanka and Sinead McConville on backing vocals and Andrea Louise Jones on saxophone the band were set and ready to create their dance-able setting. Stage presence and swagger-dipped persona’s in tow they jump, dance and wiggle around the stage as their tracks fluctuate from crashing grunge rawness to light disco funk with ease. The crowd dance and execute some very snazzy moves to the bands catchy tunes. Munky always put on a fantastic show. Their set is always vibrant and rich while exuding fun and energy. Bassist Niall Donnelly and guitarist Conor Lawlor have guitar poses down to a tee. The sharp guitar lines and intricate melodies are performed with precision while that hip grooving bass and pummeling drums keeps the crowd dancing. It’s not often there is a band as much fun to watch and listen to but these guys have it all. You will never be disappointed at a Munky live set.

TiLT chose four outstanding bands for their first showcase. There was something for everyone and more. Each band performed their set to a polished and professional standard however there was enough edge to keep them refreshing and interesting to watch. They all put on an exhilarating show. Versatile in their on right and greatly entertaining all four acts showcase the immense talent we have in Ireland. The sound on the night provided by the ninja’s at Sound Training Productions was flawless and of course The Button Factory is one sleek venue so it was sure to be one heck of a night and it was. I’m looking forward to who will play TiLT next month.

 


Author : Danu

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Alt Rock, Event News, Indie, Live Music, New Music, News

Event News : ‘TiLT’ – (Totally Irish Live Tuesdays)


‘TiLT’ – (Totally Irish Live Tuesdays)

In Association with Totally Irish on 98fm, The Sound Training College and The Button Factory.

The first ‘TiLT’ takes place on Tuesday Oct 29th featuring Munky, Bullet Girl, Synk and TOYGIRL. Admission is free and doors are at 7.30pm.

What is ‘TiLT’? 
Every month 4 acts are invited to perform at the event which takes place in The Button Factory. Each act gets a day of pre-production before the event takes place / a professional video of one of their songs from their performance on the night / a day’s recording in Sun Studios, Temple Bar / a chance to be featured on Totally Irish on 98fm / and, of course, the opportunity to play at The Button Factory.

With Munky, Bullet Girl, Synk and TOYGIRL performing this is going to be one hell of a show. 

Why We Like The Lineup 

Alternative band Bullet Girl are one exciting band to check out. Not only were they featured on one of our Indie Buddie Introducing articles their groove laced sound and invigorating tunes are sure to ignite the wiggle worms within you. 

Check out Bullet Girls’s debut single ‘The Rush’ below

Future Electronic Rock band Synk are one sleek smooth machine. Their live performance is known for being densely textured, and turbulently dynamic in it’s scope.

Check out Synk’s single ‘Out of The Storm’ below

Alternative band TOYGIRL have also been featured on Indie Buddie. These guys present a deep passionate and slinky sound with soul and some wonderful jazz elements. Seeing these guys live will be a special moment

Check out TOYGIRL’s track ‘Reign’ below

Disco grunge band Munky have been regular offenders on Indie Buddie and we just can’t get enough of their shows, They are fun, insane and their tunes utterly outstanding. 

Check out Munky’s track ‘Megaton’ below

All round it’s going to be an exciting night filled with dancing, moshing, grooving and lush tunes. A fantastic start to ‘TiLT’ – (Totally Irish Live Tuesdays)

If any acts want to get in touch about performing at future ‘TiLT’s they can email John Barker at john.barker@98fm.com.


Author : Danu