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Showing posts from May, 2020

Owen Lamont - You Single Review

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Owen Lamont is a singer songwriter from Belfast who leans towards pop, soul and folk. Owen is on the verge of releasing his debut album Just Smile and plans on releasing three singles in the lead up to that. The first of those singles is You . Listen here:  You is a soulful number from Owen. Theres a healthy dose of blues mixed in there too. Whilst Owen's voice is strong on its own, the addition of the fantastic brass section just elevates it to another level. This is easy listening at it's finest. Follow Owen Lamont: Spotify Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube SoundCloud

Lore - Homecoming Single Review

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Indie folk band Lore hail from Derry. Last November I reviewed their single More Than This  before they embarked on a UK and Ireland tour. Now the quartet are back with their latest single Homecoming . The band have taken a new direction inspired by Fleetwood Mac and The Dixie Chicks. For this single they have teamed up with producer Michael McCluskey at Zero Hour Studio. they have also released a music video which was shot before the lockdown. Watch the video here: The American influences are evident on  Homecoming with not only nods to Fleetwood Mac and The Dixie Chciks but I also detect a touch of Joni Mitchell in there. The band have a very accomplished and polished sound on this single and the strings deserve a special mention as they are just brilliant. A very enjoyable country folk style song from a very impressive band. Follow Lore: Twitter Facebook Official Website Bandcamp SoundCloud

Foot Squeaker - No Connection Single Review

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Foot Squeaker are a three piece rock band from Gorey, Wexford. The band is made up of Diarmuid Comerford, Mick Byrne and Mike Lynch. They formed in 2018 when Diarmuid and Mike wanted to start a band with one rule: keep it hard and fast. In 2019, Mick joined the fold and the band rehearsed for the next several months. Their first gig was at The Gap Arts Festival where they received a great reception. In January 2020, the band recorded four track at Hellfire Studios in Dublin. The first to be released will be the band's debut single  No Connection on May 29th. The song was tracked live during the recording session. The music video was shot on the deserted streets of Gorey within the 2km travel radius. Watch the video here: No Connection is a rip roaring hard rock song. The band's sound is immense with the bass being particularly delicious. The chorus is catchy as fuck and will be stuck in your head for ages after listening. Foot Squeaker are a really exciting ba...

Joshua Burnside - The Only Thing I Fear Single Review

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After the release of his stunning single Whiskey, Whiskey earlier this month, Joshua Burnside is back with The Only Thing I Fear. The Belfast songwriter has been gaining heaps of praise and that was no different for his last single. Joshua is looking to keep that momentum going with this latest release. About the song he says " The idea of this song is a simple one, that as we get older we realise that the really scary things in life are not external to us, but come from within - our darkest thoughts, irrational fears and insecurities, which if go unchecked can often lead to self destructive behaviours." Watch the video here: The Only Thing I Fear is nothing short of magnificent. Joshua's vocals are astonishing. The vulnerability in his voice highlights the fear and anguish in the lyrics. The whole track is beautiful from start to finish. Joshua is quickly becoming one of my favourite artists.  Follow Joshua Burnside: Spotify Official Website...

Sugarwolf - Changes Single Review

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Sugarwolf are a four piece alt-rock outfit from Belfast & Derry. The band is made up of front woman Emma Gallagher, Gary Todd, Brian Doherty and Damien Kivlehan. Since the bands formation in 2018 they have released three singles and played a multitude of live shows. Amongst these shows were festival appearances at Camden Rocks and Stendhal and also touring with And So I Watch You From Afar, Skindred, Fightstar, Sick Love, Black Peaks and Queen Zee. They were also named as Future Headliners by the BBC. They cite their influences ranging from Wolf Alice to Lady Gaga. Their latest single Changes was released on May 15th. Listen here: Sugarwolf · Changes Changes is big, bold and brash. The music is huge stadium rock music and the lead vocals are even bigger. Emma's voice booms and rasps over an atmospheric soundtrack with phenomenal drums. It's fairly obvious why these guys are making huge waves on the rock scene. Follow Sugarwolf: Facebook Spotif...

Waiting Space - Cocoon Single Review

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Waiting Space is an audio/visual project by Chris Falconer from Waterford. Chris self produces and records all of his songs himself whilst also creating artwork, short films and animations. The project began back in 2013 as a side project as Chris is also the lead singer for indietronica band Ghetto Amaretto. Waiting Space songs are ones that didn't fit in with the bands sound so Chris released them under an alias. After releasing six singles between 2014 and 2017 including an incredible cover of A Spaceman Came Travelling , it has taken Chris three years to follow that up with the recent single Cocoon. The song is quite obviously about the current situation and the video was shot by Chris using a drone over Waterford City in April.  Watch the video here: About the single, Chris says " Due to a heightened-risk arising from immunosuppressing medication I take for an autoimmune disease - like many others, I’ve been undertaking the practice of 'cocooning'...

Christian Cohle - Ghost Single Review

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Christian Cohle is a singer, songwriter, electronic producer and musician from Dublin. Christian released his debut single Breathe back in February and received can enormous amount of praise. The song was played on Today FM, 2FM and BBC whilst also collecting more than 40,000 Spotify plays. Christian also played the prestigious Ruby Sessions in Doyle's and was set for a show Upstairs in Whelans and Lost Lane before the pandemic put a stop to those plans. Christian's debut album Holy Trouble  is set for release later this year but first he returns tomorrow with his second single Ghost. About the single, Christian says "Ghost reflects an inner spiritual turmoil, when you find yourself in a state of collapse and the grasping for meaning that happens afterwards. When I was writing the lyrics , I kept seeing a falling tower, which became the motif of the song for me." Unlike the planet Mercury,  Ghost is brimming with atmosphere. The track exudes confidence and...

Logan J. Parker - Blue Single Review

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Logan J Parker is a singer songwriter from Portugal but currently residing in London. Just a couple of weeks ago I reviewed her single Cry Cry Cry and now she returns with her latest single Blue. About the song, Logan says " Blue is another sad song I wrote about the lockdown and it's dedicated to my mother and best friend Rita. Without her, I wouldn't be a musician." Watch the video here: Blue is a quirky upbeat jazz track and is Logan's first foray into the ukulele. The happy vibes of the music and Logan's vocal delivery masks the sadness in the lyrics. This song will put you in a  good mood for the rest of the day.  Follow Logan J Parker: Twitter Instagram Facebook Spotify Official Website SoundCloud YouTube

Modern Rome - At My Worst Single Review

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Modern Rome are a pop rock band from Belfast who formed in late 2017. The band is made up of Danny Boyle, Thomas Lowry, Matt Evans and Joshua Booth. The band list their influences as indie, progressive rock, chamber music and jazz which is an interesting mix to say the least. The band have spent their time perfecting their sound and also introducing theatrical and rock opera elements to their live shows. They have released two singles to date and spent last Autumn recording a debut EP. At My Worst is the first single from the EP. At My Worst sounds likes it's straight off the stage on Broadway. There is a huge sound going on here. The band have created a song that clearly showcases the theatrical, rock opera sound they are going for. Frankly, it's quite brilliantly ridiculous the amount going on. I need a sit down after listening. It's exhausting but in a good way. Follow Modern Rome at: Facebook Spotify Instagram Twitter

Brain Donation - A Graham Bell Single Review

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Brain Donation are a 3 piece rock group from Dublin. The band comprises of Dan McKenna, Alan Stapleton and Ollie Jordan Kelly. They have been working diligently and gigging relentlessly for several years now. Almost 5 years ago, I reviewed their debut EP for Street Ceol and was blown away by how good it was. In 2018 they released their second EP ingeniously titled The Second One.  Now they are on the verge of releasing their debut album The Movie with the first single being A Graham Bell. The song was written about an experiment by Alexander Graham Bell in 1874. The band made a video for the single using Zoom. A Graham Bell is a funky surreal rock song. With lyrics like "A Graham Bell screaming in a dead man's ear" you know you're in for a wild ride. The track descends into some downright good time music. It's a great first release from a very exciting debut album. Follow Brain Donation: Bandcamp Facebook Spotify Instagram YouTube Twitter Sou...

Dylan E. Crampton - Dylan E. Crampton EP Review

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Dylan E. Crampton is a singer songwriter from Greystones, Wicklow. He lists his influences as Steve Earle, Paul McCartney and Tom Petty. Since he emerged on the music scene in 2018, Dylan has released five singles, performed on The Late Late Show, was chosen fro Whelan's Ones To Watch 2020, supported Hazel O'Connor and also Christy Dignam & Joe Jewell. Dylan also played a sold out headline show at The Whale Theatre in Greystones. Dylan has just released his debut self titled EP which was recorded at Beechpark Studios. The EP begins with When I'm Sad which is a delightful pop rock song with a really satisfying musical track. There's no way anybody could stand still while listening to this. On & On is a little less upbeat but again the music is a joy to behold. Dylan's guitar playing is dazzling and he has the voice to back it up. Pretty Clothes is jaunty and vibrant. The Paul McCartney influence is super clear on this one. Another really enjoyabl...

Anti Depresants - Yer The One Single Review

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Anti Depresants are a four piece punk rock/ska band from Armagh. The band is made up of Ringo Lavery, Becca McCaffrey, Jenny McParland and Emmet Crossan. The band formed back in 2008 and list their influences as some of the greats such as Ramones, Thin Lizzy, The Clash and The Beach Boys. The band started out by releasing 4 session EP's titled The Prozac Sessions, The Tara Sessions, The Fa Joe's Sessions and The Aggression Sessions. These release have been followed up by several singles. The latest single from the band was released on May 14th and is Yer The One. Listen here: Yer The One is a ska song steeped in punk. It's got that groove to get people's feet moving before descending into heavy punk rock. The two styles blend seamlessly with epic guitar solo's interspersed with classic two tone. Pretty cool song. Follow Anti Depresants: Twitter Facebook Instagram Spotify Bandcamp SoundCloud

Cormac O Caoimh - Swim Crawl Walk Run Album Review

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Cork singer songwriter Cormac O Caoimh has released 4 studio albums to date. He has received a huge amount of radio play throughout his career and that was no different in the lead up to the release of his fifth album this weekend. Swim Crawl Walk Run was released on Friday 15th May. The album has already been named as Album Of The Week by RTÉ Radio 1. The album begins with You Won't Break Me which is a gentle relaxing opening.  When My Kids Grow Too Old To Hold Hands  has a Paul Simon's Graceland sound to it. The beat is melodic and engaging and downright enjoyable. Recent single I'm In Need is up next and is still just as beautiful as it was on the first listen. Desire Lines once again showcases Cormac's undeniable soothing style. His voice is like a pillow for your ears whilst his music literally hugs your soul. The mouthful Swim Crawl Walk Run Ride Drive Fly not only covers almost all forms of transport but it also transports the song into your mind for the ...

Tommy Cullen - More Than You Know Single Review

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Tommy Cullen is a singer songwriter from Dublin. Tommy is also the former frontman of alternative group The False And The Fair. Since the band parted ways last November, Tommy has been working on his solo music and has released two singles to date. Now he offers up his third single More Than You Know. The single, much like his previous two were recorded in his home studio and self produced. Listen here: More Than You Know has an eerie atmosphere running throughout which is offset by the honestly alluring guitar chords. Tommy's vocals are consoling. You feel like he is taking you on a journey whilst constantly reassuring you that it will be fine. Beautiful song. Follow Tommy Cullen: Facebook SoundCloud Instagram Spotify Bandcamp Twitter

Soda Blonde - isolation - content EP Review

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Since the formation of Soda Blonde last Summer, they have been going from strength to strength. Their debut single Swimming Through The Night was phenomenal and that was followed by the equally brilliant Terrible Hands.  Now the band have released their second EP isolation-content on Bandcamp with a streaming release on May 29th . Lead singer of the group, Faye O'Rourke wrote an amazing piece on life in lockdown and how the EP came about. Read it in full: "What happens behind closed doors? We are all behind them now. Time to be with family, new remote opportunity, creativity. Less money, more money. The loss of jobs, life, inhibitions. Time to appreciate every single thing. What was insignificant and mundane before now becomes sacred. A new era of late stage capitalism. At first it was only a whisper, a statistic. Something that was barely tangible. Now it’s more real than anyone could have comprehended or dreamed. Did we just have an election before all of this? Who c...

Train Room - Heroes Everywhere Single Review

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Train Room recently released his single Hurricane Of Love in April which was met with very positive reviews including my own. Not one for sitting still, Joe Monaghan is back with another single Heroes Everywhere.  The song was recorded just two weeks ago whilst Joe has been in lockdown. Listen here: Heroes Everywhere is a short acoustic track clearly written about the current situation impacting everyone's lives. The song is truly gorgeous. It's a much more stripped back approach than his last couple of releases which is nice to see as he mixes it up. Train Room is quickly becoming one of my favourite Irish artists. Follow Train Room: SoundCloud Spotify Twitter Facebook Bandcamp YouTube

Liam Geddes - All I Need Is You Single Review

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Liam Geddes is a singer songwriter from Mayo. Liam first came to prominence on the TV shows The Voice, X-Factor and Eurosong. Since those TV appearance, he has toured around Europe with his guitar and piano. Liam has recently supported The Blizzards and Hudson Taylor whilst performing in New York, London, Boston and an Irish tour. This year he was scheduled to play at SXSW, Vantastival and a Dublin headline show but all of those have been cancelled. Liam Geddes now treats us to his latest single All I Need Is You.   Watch the video here: All I Need Is You is an inspiring love song written during the current lockdown. The song tells us that we don't need all the things that we thought we needed. As The Beatles said, love is all you need. Liam has an undeniably strong voice and this is sure to be a pop anthem over the coming months. Follow Liam Geddes: YouTube Spotify Instagram Twitter Facebook

KOBARA - Your Heart Is Your Home Single Review

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KOBARA is a producer from Kilkenny who's name is an acronym for Keith O'Brien And Related Arts. He began his musical career playing with the trad group Comhaltas Éireann. During this time he also played in punk bands. Whilst working translating pop songs into Irish in Connemara, he met like minded musicians and the Irish language band Seo Linn was formed. With this band, he toured the world and played on national TV. When he got his hand on Pro Tools he began writing and producing his own music. KOBARA is on the verge of releasing his debut EP Five Lovely Poisons which is set for release in June but before that he has released the first single from the EP titled Your Heart Is Your Home . Of the track, KOBARA says "If you have demons in your heart your life is not going so well, but you should try treat your mind and your heart like you would a home, you keep the bad stuff out, it’s better to clear out the house, clear out heart, and move on.” Watch the video her...

Mulcahy - Frame By Frame Single Review

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Mulcahy is a singer songwriter from Tramore, Waterford. He cites his influences as Justin Vernon and Fionn Regan whilst also stating that The National's Aaron Dessner played a heavy part in shaping his style. Zach Mulcahy first played around with music when he was a kid recording himself playing guitar using the memo function on the family Dell PC. He's come a long way since then and has just released the first single from his upcoming EP. Frame By Frame is a very pretty folk love song that features some beautiful and often times enthralling backing vocals. Mulcahy's voice is gripping and his musical ability is on show in abundance. Follow Mulcahy: Facebook Twitter Instagram SoundCloud Spotify

Jonah Class - Summer Nights Single Release

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Jonah Class is an EDM artist based in Dublin. Jonah likes to focus on combining electronic and classical music to create new era dance music. He has already had success and has played festivals and at District 8 and the Trinity Ball whilst also supporting Jax Jones and Denis Sulta. Jonah recently released his latest single Summer Nights  which features the vocals of Weldon. Of the single Jonah says " Summer Nights has been a huge landmark in my journey as an artist. I haven’t been this excited to release a piece of music before and I really feel this one is something special." Listen to the single here: Summer Nights  is musically fantastic. The dance beats are brilliant and really enjoyable. I'm not so keen on the vocals though because they have that schmaltzy country music sound which I'm not a fan of. That being said the song works and is sure to get people dancing the world over. Follow Jonah Class: SoundCloud Facebook Official We...

Rebecca McRedmond - The Thorn And The Rose Single Review

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Mayo based folk singer songwriter Rebecca McRedmond is fairly new on the scene. Having only begun writing her songs in 2018, she has already notched up some achievements such as supporting Mundy on his Ireland and UK tour and has played in venues such as The Rósín Dubh in Galway. Rebecca has also performed with Mark Geary, Faraway Martin and John Blek. She is currently working on her debut album One Last Time  which is set for release this Summer. Last month Rebecca released her single The Thorn And The Rose. Watch/listen here: The Thorn And The Rose is a tale of love and fragility. The music is delicately arranged while Rebecca's vocals are tinged with hopefulness and regret. Given what she has offered in such a short career, the future looks very bright for Rebecca so make sure you tag along for the ride.  Follow Rebecca McRedmond: Facebook Official Website Spotify Instagram YouTube

Joshua Burnside - Whiskey, Whiskey Single Review

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Joshua Burnside is an experimental folk singer songwriter from Belfast. Joshua released his debut album Ephrata back in 2017 which earned him the Best Album award at the Northern Irish Music Prize. Following the UK and Irish tour of that album, Joshua went back into the recording studio and released an EP Wear Bluebells In Your Hat If You're Goin' That Way and a live album Live At The Elmwood Hall. Now after a a lengthy absence, Joshua returns with his new single Whiskey, Whiskey. Whiskey, Whiskey is a mellow acoustic guitar driven track which finds Joshua in a vulnerable anxious mood. The song is about this fear of flying and trying to overcome that by drinking whiskey. The guitar is beautiful whilst Joshua's vocals are melancholic and delicate. Of the track Joshua says " I wrote the lyrics whilst on a flight to London. I hate flying and would often suffer from mild panic attacks during flights. I occasionally self medicate by drinking whiskey which isn't...

1000 Beasts - WaistCoat (Feat. Lenii) Single Review

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After a quick return following his recent single 5 Points  last month, 1000 Beast (Cian Sweeney) is back with another single this time featuring the vocals of Lenii who is a multi instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer from Cork but now based in New York. The two artists almost met when Cian was in New York but it wasn't to be. However they met up in Ireland the following Summer and created WaistCoat together. Watch the video here: WaistCoat is another outstanding release from Cian Sweeney. The beat is replayable all day long and when combined with the playful vocals of Lenii, an exceptional track is complete. Cian has a knack for finding his "Beasts" and somehow always blending with them perfectly. Follow 1000 Beasts: Twitter Facebook Instagram YouTube Spotify SoundCloud Follow Lenii: Facebook Official Website Spotify SoundCloud Instagram