Browsing Tag

Irish Singer Songwriter

Sarah O’Moore – Troubled Mind: A Soulful Reflection on Contemporary Tribulation

Posted on 8 April 2024

Sarah O’Moore’s latest single, ‘Troubled Mind’, from her upcoming debut EP ‘Social Paralysis‘, is a poignant exploration of mental health and the complexities of modern life. The powerful narrative challenges the listener to introspectively sit with societal expectations and personal struggles and proves that good songs make you feel, great songs inspire profound shifts of perception.

‘Troubled Mind’ is a testament to O’Moore’s exceptional ability to blend genres, fusing elements of RnB, Folk, and Soulful Jazz into an indie singer-songwriter production. Her vocal harmonies, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Macy Gray, carry endless emotional weight, resulting in a hauntingly affecting delivery as the instrumentals complement her voice perfectly, creating an eye-opening soundscape which addresses the disconnect in conversations about mental health. She delves into the reality of living with the scars of trauma and facing an uncertain future, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s climate. Her music offers a space to sit with struggles authentically, without succumbing to the pressures of toxic positivity.

Inspired by James Joyce’s “Dubliners”, O’Moore’s upcoming EP, ‘Social Paralysis’, promises to delve further into themes of social stagnation and the struggles of today’s youth. ‘Troubled Mind’ sets the tone for this journey, inviting listeners to confront the unspoken and find solace in shared experiences.

Troubled Mind was officially released on March 29; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Charlie O’Brien walks us through dreamy jazz pop nostalgia on ‘Ingrim Street’

Posted on 20 October 2022

Taken from his forthcoming fifth album, Fire and Foam, Charlie O’Brien’s mellow pop folk serenade, Ingrim Street, is a jazzy amble through sepia-tinged memories that allow you to revisit your own sentimental destinations of nostalgia.

His fifth album is Charlie O’Brien’s first departure from his trad Irish roots. The melodious ease of the dreamy soundscape has no obvious connotations of experimentalism through its delicious entrenchment in unbridled soul, noted through the lofty 50s pop vocals and the brass section, which came as a courtesy from the Mexico-hailing artists Luis Zautla and Alejandro Cristobal.

In a time of such rampant disillusion, records such as these are worth their weight in gold. We can’t wait to see where this album takes O’Brien and his achingly beautiful talent.

Ingrim Street will be available to stream from October 20th, along with the rest of his album, Fire and Foam. Catch it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dave Thomas O’Gorman gives us a taste of The Sweetest Blood in his ethereal indie-folk single.

Posted on 28 October 2021

Indie-folk singer-songwriter Dave Thomas O’Gorman’s latest single, The Sweetest Blood, will be accordance to the ears of anyone that finds themselves with a preference for the softer and ethereal side of folk.

It won’t just be his imagination that you will get to enjoy when you press play; his melodies are all too easy to slip into and get lost within while the vocals anchor you into the bitter-sweet sentiment of the affably lovelorn single.

Dave Thomas O’Gorman has exactly what it takes to become the Cat Stevens of this generation with his endlessly consoling melodies and vocals that parallel. After racking up over 1 million streams on YouTube, snagging a spot at Longitude Festival and featuring on BBC, RTÉ Radio 1, Newstalk FM, Radio Nova, FM 104, KCLR FM and Galway Bay FM, we certainly aren’t the only ones hyped by his sound.

The Sweetest Blood officially releases on October 28th. Check it out for yourselves via his official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kevin Neary invites the lost to find themselves in ‘Hopelessly True’

Posted on 8 April 2021

It feels like there’s been a seismic infusion of soul-baring sincerity on the airwaves since the pandemic began, yet, not many candid tracks can hold a candle to Kevin Neary’s, ‘Hopelessly True’.

If a global pandemic isn’t enough to make you feel lost and uncertain, I don’t know what is, so for those feeling disjointed and deflated; you’ll find plenty of comfort in Hopelessly True. The indie folk-pop offers an impossible-to-resist feeling of solidarity which is enough to remind the listener that feeling lost is part of the journey – metaphorically and literally.

The 25-year-old Irish singer-songwriter has picked up plenty of accolades and acclaim for his unique yet distinctly familiar style. With the same tender magnetism as Tom Odell, Hozier and Paulo Nutini, his sound that stemmed from busking roots soon feels like home.

You can check out the animated music video via YouTube, or you can add the track to your Spotify playlists.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Alt-folk alchemist, Bill E Daly, has pulled light from the darkness with ‘The World is Waiting’

Posted on 27 January 2021

In the same way you wouldn’t want to strike up a conversation with someone that had nothing to say, we should be mindful of which artists we take the time to listen to, any amount of time spent listening to Irish singer-songwriter, Bill E Daly will be well-invested.

The lifelong artist may have only just started to make waves as a solo artist, but after decades honing in on their craft and increasing the value of their introspection, there has been no better time to get acquainted with his unique alt-folk sound.

Their latest single ‘The World is Waiting’ was penned during the first lockdown in 2020 after sympathetically witnessing the impact of lockdown on young adults. While many struggle to see past their own plight, Bill E Daly extended his compassion to some of those hardest hit by the pandemic. Everything feels like it’s the end of the world to those still adjusting to adulthood, the levels of despair while the world stands still is unimaginable.

With reminiscences to Nick Cave, PJ Harvey and other alchemists of alt-folk who aren’t afraid to experiment with darker tones on the sonic palette, The World is Waiting atmospherically encapsulates the dull view which so many have taken upon the world. Lyrically, Bill E Daly finds unique ways to inspire optimism and instil confidence.

It’s a stunning single transpired from just as stunning sentiment.

The World is Waiting is now available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Joolz Jones is set to drop his entrancingly unpredictable genre-mashing hit ‘Lovesick’

Posted on 6 December 2020

Irish artist Joolz Jones is set to drop their most cutting single yet. ‘Lovesick’ merges a myriad of genres, from Big Beat to Blues to Pop to Hip Hop but it is the emotional dynamism which hits the hardest. Lovesick was penned and recording during lockdown as an aural ode to the epiphany which happened to many of us simultaneously. During our isolated months, we had the perfect opportunity to find perspective and realise what truly matters in life, Lovesick poignantly captures the torrid emotions which can manifest when we’re transfixed by desire which is fresh from its inception.

The evocative weight of the single is only matched by the intensity of the bass which creates a solid structure for Joolz Jones to experiment within. By mixing acoustic instruments with electronic effect, the instrumentals run through with no reminiscence to any artist, preceding or current.

Undoubtedly, Lovesick is one of the most entrancingly unpredictable tracks we’ve heard this year. There isn’t a chance this release will fall flat. You’ll get to hear the track for yourselves from December 10^th.

You can keep up to date with news of the release via the artist’s Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Feeling lonely in this distant world: Ireland’s Dubh Lee evolves her sound on ‘Carousel’

Posted on 20 November 2020

Set for audio release on the 20th November 2020 and with the music video dropping in December, this has an honest Bluesy-Rock feel that means you are hooked tight, with the intimate feel presented. The start is full of rhythmical melodies that you feel are so pure and fresh, just the way you like it. Soon we are thrown into a story of loneliness that is so way too normal this year, with the exquisite voice of Irish singer Dubh Lee’s new song called ‘Carousel‘.

Her voice grabs you and feel her pain, the year has been a whirlwind of emotions that has tested the patience of even the most chilled person in the world. The story of being by yourself, trying to be smart and keeping safe, soon you just can’t take it anymore, and you desire that human touch again from friends and your future lover.

With a Blues-Rock Garage style that has so much appeal, the bass-lines are so hot you might need to have a cold shower to cool off. You can’t help but feel the sadness attached, the frustration paramount, in this wild year of 2020. Her voice echoes through your soul, this is a musician that has evolved from Indie-Folk, to a more edgy and gritty sound.

‘Carousel‘ has that extra bit of quality attached and that fat bass is a blessing to our lonely hearts, the cries are heard loud and clear as Dubh Lee is so honest as so many of us can relate to her current predicament.

Life has been turned upside down so we need to find good habits to hold onto, and keep them close when the world resembles some sense of normality in 2021.

Hear this tremendous talent on her Soundcloud and follow her Facebook for more releases.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Geno Samuel puts a new spin on the old line “It’s Not You, It’s Me” with their latest single

Posted on 30 September 2020

Hearing the words “it’s not you, it’s me” is generally a soul-destroying experience, aside from when you’re soaking in the evocative lyrics in up and coming Irish singer-songwriter Geno Samuel’s latest single.

The acoustic rock track unashamedly spills plenty of old school romantic soul which wraps around the roots of rock n roll to create an ardour-soaked intense aural experience. With timeless tones which will appeal to any fans of Springsteen and Bryan Adams paired with Geno Samuel’s stylistically compelling Rock vocals, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more accessible Rock track which oozes contemporary appeal.

You’ll have to wait a little longer before you can check out the single for yourselves. In the meantime, you can head over to SoundCloud and check out their former releases.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Wexford singer Ronan Furlong brings forth spacey visuals for ‘Hades Nebula’

Posted on 17 August 2020

Ronan Furlong is back with a brand new song that shows us fantastic visuals and is called ‘Hades Nebula’.

Ronan is an Irish singer-songwriter who writes and performs his own material. He has been writing and playing music for over 30 years and has produced a broad repertoire of highly original and well-received original music.

After learning from Wexford guitar teacher author, playwright, musician and performer Billy Roche, the music bug bit hard. Ronan subsequently received lessons from Mexican guitar virtuoso, Rodrigo y Gabriella, whom he met after one of their early performances in Dublin. This is an artist who loves to learn.

With lots of solos, this is a guitar-featured track and that is always something that is welcome is this age of electronic music. This is all about opening up your mind and looking to the beauty in the sky. Instead of slouching on the couch with our phones, we should look to the galaxy for guidance in life.

Stream here on YouTube to see these wonderful visuals.

Head to Spotify to hear more.

Click here for the Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Dylan E. Crampton – Pretty Clothes: Psychedelically Sweet Indie Pop

Posted on 26 May 2020

Fans of the Beatles, the Zombies, and the Beach Boys, prepare to be enamoured by Dylan E. Crampton’s psychedelically sweet single Pretty Clothes which dropped in March 2020.

The melodies in the quintessentially affable single will win you over from the first verse, while Dylan E. Crampton’s harmonically soft vocals add even more magnetically captivating warmth to the soundscape.

The Irish Singer-Songwriter has an enviable skill when it comes to crafting efficacious guitar hooks and inventive melodies. Along with their tangible talent when it comes to writing solid, instantly accessible tracks, it’s easy to see big things in the pipeline for Dylan E. Crampton with his nostalgic yet authentic style.

You can check out Dylan E. Crampton’s latest single for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast