Search results for

ATR

Kevin Walsh invites listeners into a sonic expanse of theatrical romanticism with his latest single, Ruby

Posted on 8 November 2024

Kevin Walsh’s latest single ‘Ruby’ resonates with a cinematic alchemy akin to the poignant melodies of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’. Orchestrally carved and piano-driven, the production underscores the Cork native’s virtuoso tenor octave range, which has led to the anticipation of him being hailed as a soon-to-be marvel of the West End. The minor-key ballad, delivered through Walsh’s emotive voice, serves not only to showcase his impressive vocal range but also invites listeners into a sonic expanse of theatrical romanticism.

Opening with the disarmingly simple contemplation of modern communication, the single spirals into a soundscape that captures the essence of lost love and longing. The elegiac piano by Dylan Howe, along with Maria Ryan’s string compositions, harmonises eloquently with Walsh’s classically trained vocals. This orchestration, arranged by Aine Delaney and peppered with Sarah Hickey’s background harmonies, encapsulates the nostalgic heartache that imbues the track.

Inspired by the likes of Tom Waits and Randy Newman, Walsh offers a plaintive plea for reconnection which will leave you choking back the tears. Drawing from the acclaimed music video for his reworking of Meat Loaf’s ‘Not a Dry Eye in the House’, which depicts young lovers torn apart, ‘Ruby’ carries forward this narrative of separation and the relentless pursuit of faded dreams.

The release of ‘Ruby’ on November 8th, available on Bandcamp and major streaming platforms, promises to be a touching addition to the modern orchestral pop landscape. Kevin Walsh’s narrative ambition stretches further still, as he plans to weave these themes into an EP that aims to culminate in a full musical film.

As Walsh prepares for an intimate performance at Al Spailpin Fanach, Cork, on November 13th, his journey—from a non-verbal autistic child finding his voice in music to a chart-topping theatrical performer—continues to be an inspiring testament to the power of persistence and the arts.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Atrionix painted a neon-lit skyline in his synthwave score, Nights

Posted on 5 October 2024

Sinking into Atrionix’s, standout single, Nights, is so much more than hitting play on an instrumental score; it is diving headfirst into a neon-drenched skyline after dusk.

Short, yet undeniably affecting, the retro-futurist single sets a high bar for anticipation of what’s next from the promising artist. With just over a minute of runtime, Atrionix, the stage name of 19-year-old Londoner Rahul Dasgupta, proves that brevity can indeed be the soul of wit—and of intrigue.

Nights sweeps you up in a rush of synth waves, echoing the energy of a city that never sleeps, each note painting streaks of light across the dark canvas of the listener’s imagination.

After earning his stripes as a pianist, violinist and guitarist at a young age, Rahul had naturally progressed into electronic production by 12; his creative ambitions and passion for sound palettes have never faltered. With his sights now set on becoming a hitmaker and his production style as honed as Empathy Test’s, his career path is going to be paved in gold.

Don’t mistake Nights as a short and sweet instrumental, recognise it as a bold statement of what’s to come from one of the most promising up-and-coming artists on the scene today.

Stream Nights on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unleash your demons and dance on the edge of madness with Patrice AorMelodicRock’s future-forward dance rock anthem, Crazy Night

Posted on 31 August 2024

Patrice AorMelodicRock’s new dance-rock anthem, Crazy Night, is an electrifying testament to the enduring power of rock, infused with a futuristic edge that makes every modern rock outfit sound positively antiquated.

With a pop-hooked production so slick it’s hypersonic, the track propels you into a sonic universe where the expansive presence of the vocals, which could lead a rock opera, meets the cutting-edge innovation of bands like Bring Me The Horizon.

The vocals soar just as high as the guitars which blaze through the synthetics of the track, embodying the futurism of a rock scene reimagined a century from now. Imagine what Shinedown would sound like 100 years from now, and you’ll get an idea of what the solo artist achieved with this hit which electrifies the mind, body and soul.

You’ll want to relive Crazy Night time and time again with its intoxicating synthesis of raw energy and sleek production which invites you to dance on the edge of madness and unleash your demons.

How Patrice AorMelodicRock, who started earning his rock stripes in the 80s, isn’t already at the top of the rock charts is one of the great injustices of our era.

Stream Crazy Night on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

From Earth to Utopia: Galactica Tranctica Fearlessly Innovated the Trance Anthem with the Cosmic Unconventionality of ‘Cleopatra’

Posted on 11 July 2024

One of the most fearlessly innovative forces in trance, Galactica Tranctica, has made a name for himself with his eclectically styled and unapologetically unconventional singles and EPs. His eagerly anticipated debut LP, Forgotten Forever, which hit all major streaming platforms in June, etched his legacy.

His intuitive exploration of a cosmos of styles, textures, tones, and emotions prises the listener from material reality into interstellar journeys through utopias of ecstasy. The standout single, Cleopatra, is a progressive tour de force which teems with euphoric energy and filters diverse layers of electronica into a cohesive soundscape of bass-swathed beats, transcendent ethereal motifs, and experimental synths, which showcase an artist unafraid to explore new territories to lead his listeners to the brink of nirvana and beyond.

Influenced by Grimes’ ability to obliterate aural boundaries with sound, Jason Poole, the mastermind behind Galactica Tranctica, follows suit with his intrinsically originated, expansive as a solar system, productions which have earned plaudits from BBC Radio Introducing, Amazing Radio, and Wigwam Radio.

Stream Cleopatra and the Forgotten Forever LP on Apple Music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kentucky penned a patriotic rock-licked love letter with ‘America, The Beautiful’

Posted on 21 April 2024

Kentucky’s latest single, America, The Beautiful, is a soul-imbued tribute to the multifaceted allure of the United States, delivered with a rock ‘n’ roll heart that pulses with a distinct Americana twang.

The love letter captures the sweeping landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of the USA, offering listeners a sonic road trip across its vast expanse with pop culture pitstops along the way. With an approach that will resonate with fans of Bruce Springsteen and Guns n Roses alike, Kentucky weaves a narrative rich with patriotic pride, crafting a soundtrack that is both a celebration and a reflection.

The production melds classic rock influences with a nuanced Americana style, making it an essential addition for those who adorn their playlists with heartland rock. Despite the stripped and simplistic instrumental arrangement, there is no lack of depth. Each acoustic guitar-led progression strikes a resonant chord, echoing with rich, cathartic timbres under Kentucky’s gravelly vocal delivery that resonates with an aura of sincerity.

America, The Beautiful invites listeners to feel the pride and beauty of the American spirit. Its release, which stirred enough emotion to briefly face a ban on TikTok, underscores its impactful message and the poignant exploration of American identity that Kentucky so masterfully encapsulates in this acoustic rock anthem.

America, The Beautiful was officially released on April 1st; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ben Fuller reworked Sinatra’s ‘It Had to Be You’ in superlatively sincere style

Posted on 16 April 2024

Jazz crooner, Ben Fuller, opened his debut LP, Reset, with the heavy cinematic artillery in his heart-wrenchingly impassioned single, It Had to Be You. Hopeless romantics will greet their kryptonite when they hit play on the timelessly resounding reworking of the Frank Sinatra record.

As classic and sincere as Sinatra’s iteration, you’ll instantly succumb to the vibrato in Fuller’s naturally oscillating vocal notes which add warmth and fervent richness to his register as it sweeps across the ornate classical strings and jazz piano keys.

With Batu Sener’s instrumental arrangement delivering the gravitas of a 50s Hollywood score and Fuller adding contemporary touches through his vocal melodies that pull you into the heart of the song’s emotional underpinnings, It Had to Be You is almost too profound for words. By balancing the magic of the original with his own ineffable talent, Ben Fuller unleashed so much more than a cover, the creative interpretation almost unravelled as a divine sonic intervention.

It Had to Be You was officially released on April 5th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ATR unleashed a gritty punk rock anthem of disillusionment with their latest single, Nothing Left to Say, ft Kellii Scott

Posted on 8 January 2024

ATR’s latest single, Nothing Left to Say, featuring the formidable Kellii Scott on skins, is a visceral journey into the underbelly of grungy punk rock. This raw, unfiltered expression of disappointment and betrayal, wrapped in a rancorous alt-90s aesthetic is as cathartic as it is evocatively ensnaring.

The song’s energetic guitar licks are reminiscent of Green Day’s as a contrast to the production and attitude, underpinned by the cutting, gritty edge of Leftover Crack.  It’s a powerful outpour of rage directed at the kind of people we all have the displeasure of knowing. The ones who turn away when you need them most and leave you to contend with the betrayal confounding the circumstances which compelled you to seek comfort within them. It’s a tale as old as time, yet one that makes us feel deeply alone when it is being told – ATR tore through the misconception that we are isolated in this alienation.

ATR, led by frontman Jesse, who recently triumphed over Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, channels this newfound lease on life into their music. The band’s transition to a new studio space has injected a fresh wave of inspiration and motivation, evident in the quality and intensity of Nothing Left to Say, which is augmented by Kellii Scott’s rhythmic furore to enhance the mercilessness in the tone.

Nothing Left to Say will rile up the airwaves on January 5th. Stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Joseph Batrouney gently deconstructed the monocultural mould with his jazz fusion score, At Hand

Posted on 16 December 2023

For his latest seminal piece, Joseph Batrouney collaborated with Niran Dasika, Flora Carbo, and Jacques Emery to orchestrate a beguiling instrumental serenade, which sees jazzy smoke signals billow through the progressions in the sublime score, At Hand.

At Hand stands as a beacon of his unique musical vision, seamlessly blending influences from Middle Eastern, jazz, and flamenco traditions. Batrouney, with his profound understanding of musical fusionism, presents a track that is as organic and fluid as a meandering river, gently challenging and deconstructing the monocultural mould. The track moves with a natural grace, each note and rhythm flowing into the next, creating a harmonious and captivating auditory experience.

Batrouney’s musical skills, honed under the tutelage of luminaries like Tony Moreno, Nate Smith, and Israel ‘Piraña’ Suarez, and through his studies at prestigious institutions like Monash University and New York University, shine brilliantly in this release. His ability to infuse his music with a rich tapestry of rhythmic textures and motions is evident in every beat.

The artist’s noteworthy performances, including appearances alongside the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and tours with Arte Kanela Flamenco, have undoubtedly contributed to his deep understanding of rhythm and melody. This understanding is palpable in At Hand, where every chord and rhythm seems to tell a story, inviting listeners into Joseph’s world of rhythmic exploration and cultural fusion.

At Hand was officially released on the 20th of November ahead of the EP of the same name, which subsequently reached the airwaves on December 8th. Stream the EP on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Millie Kirkpatrick spoke for us all with her disdain of flattering fallacies in her latest single, Lies

Posted on 4 August 2023

Suffolk-born singer-songwriter Millie Kirkpatrick is heartrate-quickeningly sensational on her melodious triumph of an indie-pop single, Lies. Lotharios with an aversion to truthful sentiments be damned in the revelation of an easy-chord-driven vignette of a protagonist that has reached their limit of endurance with flattering fallacy.

The simple yet razor-sharp hooks establish Lies as a song that you’ll hum along to on the radio until the emboldening lyrics tattoo themselves in your mind and become as much of a permanent fixture in your temporal lobe as the melodies that apply a sensuous touch to all of your senses while the progressions are in motion.

It is only a matter of time until Millie Kirkpatrick becomes infamous outside of the local Suffolk scene. She’s already well on her way after gaining support from BBC Introducing. Watch this space.

Lies hit the airwaves on July 21st; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ava Elay – Spell of the Heart: Poetry in Theatrical Pop Motion.

Posted on 13 July 2023

At 15 years old, Ava Elay is already proving to be an unreckonable talented force; her latest single, Spell of the Heart, arrestingly exhibits her unconventionally poetic composition style and the deft touches she puts on her histrionically melodic progressions, undoubtedly influenced by her time studying the dramatic arts in LA.

With vocal lines which carry the same mainstream pop appeal as Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus and swathes of darkly infectious ingenuity within the instrumentals to give her sound an irresistible mutant pop touch, Spell of the Heart is poetry in theatrical pop motion.

Ava Elay has been exploring themes of passion and love since 2019, with her official debut single, Eternity, arriving in 2021. She may be young, but clearly, the singer-songwriter and pianist has exactly what it takes to be as influential as Mitski and Lucy Dacus with the romantic depth within her sonorously beguiling hits.

Through Spell of the Heart, Elay paid homage to the all-consuming nature of obsession, and how impossible it is to escape it once you have embraced it. As many poets have observed, falling in love is the only socially acceptable form of madness; few wordsmiths allude to the visceral sensation as succinctly and viscerally as Elay.

Spell of the Heart debuted on June 30; hear it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast