Album Review: Miss Lucid S/T Debut Album

by Danielle Holian Miss Lucid self-titled debut album is really something. There was a moment of uncertainty when I pressed play to hear ‘The Beast’, but that soon changed 20 seconds into the head-banging tune. It got my heart racing, feet tapping, singing along (humming until I knew the words) and ears popping towards the end …

Single Review: Zayn, Taylor Swift ‘I Don’t Wanna Live Forever’

by Danielle Holian Taylor Swift and Zayn joined forces for the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack with their single ‘I Don’t Wanna Live Forever’. The 1989 hitmaker wrote the song with R&B singer-songwriter Sam Dew and pop producer Jack Antonoff. The track gives off a seductive tone which is appropriate in relation to the themes of …

Single Review: Jack And The Darling Ones ‘Great And Terrible End’

by Danielle Holian ‘Great And Terrible End’ is a great beginning to Jack and The Darling Ones’ recording career. Ciarán’s scat singing and an aggressive snare-rim beat kickstart their psychotic first single. A dissonant, ear-catching guitar riff pulls the listener in and doesn’t let them go. The curtain has been raised on a freakshow you …

Live Review: Farmer Michael and Kathleen @ The Corralea Court Hotel

by James Fleming Two barstools set facing each other at slight angles on the stage, a microphone resting on each one. A three-quarters full room in a hotel in the centre of Tuam, Co. Galway. The scene is set for an evening of humour of the most low-brow sort… There’s an art to the insult, …

Album Review: VvvV’s ‘VvvV LP’

by James Fleming Jarring, repetitive synth lines clash with a propulsive, stop/start beat. Murky, accented vocals spit melodies at you from the speakers. VvvV’s untitled debut album is, shall we say, “a walk on the wild side.” Visceral is the word. “Raw” and “electronic” are not words that you see in the same sentence very …

Album Review: Cale and The Gravity Well’s ‘The Age Of Envy’

by Ciara Mannion On The Age of Envy, the true essence of Cale and the Gravity Well shines through.  Few musicians are as instantly recognisable as this band. Concise and fresh use of different genres, unusual lyrics and unconventional guitar chords are the most obvious hallmarks of their work.In this album, we are startled and …

Album Review: The Little Kicks’ ‘Shake Off Your Troubles’

by James Fleming Indie rock has always been a cathartic experience. Whether it was the feedback-drenched wall of sound of such noise mongers as Sonic Youth and Swans, or in the more melodic approaches of mid-to-late career Hüsker Dü or The Pixies. There was a terrific sense of emotional connection with the bands. The Little …

Album Review: Delicate Steve ‘This Is Steve’

by Danielle Holian The music speaks for itself. Delicate Steve has the power to capture the listener's ear with the first riff on 'Animals'. There are no words to describe his talent on This is Steve. He has accomplished letting the music speak for itself on the record, letting the melody come to life with …

Album Review: Melanie Martinez ‘Cry Baby’

by Danielle Holian Melanie Martinez made her first musical appearance on The Voice USA which is where she found her platform as an artist. Her unique voice has captured many listeners ears since her acoustic rendition of classic tune 'Toxic' by Britney Spears. The track listing on her debut album Cry Baby suggests a family-friendly …

Album Review: Torgeir Waldemar’s ‘No Offending Borders’

by James Fleming The record opens with a Nebraska style, acoustic-led track, complete with mournful harmonica playing. By the second tune, the album has morphed into Neil Young-style nastiness; gnarly guitar riff, solid rockin’ back beat, genuinely soulful, and I don’t use that word lightly, vocals. Torgeir Waldemar has crafted a stellar record in No …