Ireland

Virgins Release New Single ‘Softer’

Feb 29, 2024 — Leave a comment

Virgins have quickly become one of Irelands most promising rising bands, flying the flag for Irish shoegaze since their sold out and critically acclaimed debut EP ‘transmit a little heaven’in 2023. They return with a momentous new single ‘s o f t er’, already a live fan favourite. A shoegaze tour de force built around a looping lead riff and the ethereal yearning vocals of Rebecca Dow. Gargantuan walls of dense, beautiful reverbs and dreamy fuzz, transport the listener to a world of abstract beauty and bliss. Michael Smyth and David Sloan’s guitar complement each other perfectly, adding layers of shimmering choral accents, glide guitar trem-arm rhythms, reverse reverbs and lush jet plane phaser sounds. All driven by James Foy’s thunderous drums and anchored by gloriously fuzzed out bass of Brendy McCann. While basking in this audio bath, Rebeccas vocals offer a guide point to navigate through the hazy requiem.

The single accompanies the announcement of their eagerly anticipated debut album, ‘nothing hurt and everything was beautiful’ due out April 11th via Blowtorch Records on a pressing of 300 starburst vinyl. ‘nothing hurt and everything was beautiful’ finds the band exploring a wider sonic palette, seamlessly moving between the gaze-pop of ‘s l o w l y, l o n g’ and ‘d i s a p p e a r e r’, to the dance influenced ‘s o f t e r’ and to the heavy, expansive and ethereal ‘p a l e  f i r e’ and ‘t e n d’. Their captivating sound doesn’t rely on recycling shoegaze tropes but brings a fresh and contemporary approach to the genre. The album follows the bands headline slot at GazeFest and the release of the hugely successful single ‘s l o w l y,  l o n g’ last August.

The band will play two album launch parties;

April 26th, Dublin – Sin E

April 27th, Belfast – Deers Head

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

pMad Releases New Single ‘Opinion’

Feb 1, 2024 — Leave a comment

Solo artist Paul Dillon brings us Gothic, Post-Punk pMad, based in Portumna, Co. Galway in Ireland.
pMad addresses themes of self -survival, personal growth and global concerns. His captivating sound reminiscent of New Order, The Cure and Joy Division.

All pMad’s music is self released on Zedakube Records. If you are into Depeche Mode, Rammstein, Killing Joke, Simple Minds, New Order, Joy Division pMad is the band for you!

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Vendetta Love Release New Single ‘Might As Well (MNDFVK)’

Dec 11, 2023 — Leave a comment

IRISH HARD ROCKERS, VENDETTA LOVE CONFIRM THEIR DEDICATION TO NO NONSENSE ROCK BANGERS WITH THEIR BLISTERING NEW SINGLE, ‘MIGHT AS WELL (MNDFVK)’

With a busy 2023 which saw the four-piece tour with Airbourne (amongst other things), Vendetta Love are gearing up for a huge 2024 and are finishing up the year with a new single/video. 

The new song titled, ‘Might As Well (MNDFVK)‘ contains the classic VL sound, albeit beefed-up with chunky Alice In Chains guitars, with vocalist Sean Mullen’s gritty, “heart-on-sleeve” lyrics, which follows in the footsteps of their bands stunning discography.
Check out the official video here. 

Speaking of the new single, the band says; “‘Might As Well (MNDFVK)’ came about while we were fucking around at a rehearsal for a show last year. It came together pretty quickly. I already had the lyrics more or less (they’re just written down waiting), which is pretty different to how I normally write lyrics, but it just seemed to marry really well.
It’s also the first one we’ve done that has shared vocals between myself and Neil (bass). He’s carrying the harmony through the verses and just goes fucking nuts towards the end. I love it…What the songs about? I think that’s open to interpretation.” 
– Shawn Mullen (guitars/vocals)

Guitarist, Chris Craig adds; “The build up in the middle section is one of my favourite parts to play live, it has a small dose of progressiveness to it before it kicks into the full riff between the way the guitar builds with the drums. The video was shot entirely in one day with Angel (Cosmopalace) in the Dunamaise theatre in Portlaoise, Ireland. 
We had talked about making it visually weird. Angel had sent me a message with the idea of wanting to create a tunnel around the lens, sort of like the James Bond, but more chaotic and claustrophobic. So, all the shots in the video with the “ring” around it are practical effects of reflective card duct taped to the lens, which we think turned out really great to give a sense of unease throughout the whole track.”

Vendetta Love are a four-piece Hard Rock machine that incorporate elements of ‘80s Hard Rock with ‘90s Grunge delivered, box-fresh in the 21st Century, dripping with swagger and real musicianship. 

Emily Marsden – Editor
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musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Skanger Releases New Single ‘Talk To Yourself’

Nov 22, 2023 — Leave a comment

SKANGER are an electro / alt indie band hailing from Dublin in Ireland, consisting of Mark Healy on Vocals and Guitar,  Terry Hackett on Drums and Ingmar Kiang on Bass Guitar.

The trio recently released their second single ‘Talk To Yourself’ to be taken from their upcoming  album ‘Love and Violence’ which is scheduled for release Spring 2024. 

‘Talk To Yourself’ is the second single to be lifted from the album and follows in the footsteps of ‘Dim The Lights’ which was released in April of this year. 

Skanger have amassed a large and loyal following in their native Ireland having received praise, features and repeated plays from the likes of HotPress, Rte magazine and Radio 1, Dublin City FM, The Irish Times, and TG 4 television to name but a few. 

The band are now looking to break out of Ireland and release their music on to a wider audience. 

The latest single release of ‘Talk to Yourself’ is a track that really showcases the band musically. It’s an upbeat sound coupled with melodic guitar riffs and a steady drum beat mixed with meaningful lyricism. The track really draws you in and asks you to pay attention and listen.  

Described by singer Mark Healy as

 “a simple message about a complicated problem that many people struggle with every day,” 

This song through the medium of music explores the deeper issues of mental health and its impact upon us and further seeks to remind us to treat ourselves and others with kindness and respect.  

‘Talk To Yourself’ is accompanied by a music video featuring Healy driving in and around Dublin City taking in all the familiar sights and landmarks along the way, his gaze often stopping to focus on the camera as he looks directly at the viewer asking them “Why don’t you be kind to yourself ? ” Watch the official music video here now 

‘Talk To Yourself’ was composed collectively by the band and was recorded in Dublin and produced by Ingmar Kiang.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

pMad Releases New EP ‘Sword’

Oct 5, 2023 — Leave a comment

Paul Dillon is a solo artist called pMad hailing from Portumna, Co. Galway, Ireland and produces Goth, Post-Punk, Indie Rock music. 

The albums ‘Who Why Where What’ and ‘I in Power’ showcase pMad’s captivating sound, addressing themes of self-survival, personal growth, and global concerns like the Climate Crisis.

The EP is filled with tunes from the heavier side of the latest pMad album ‘I in Power’. The EP includes the tracks ‘Down’, ‘Fire’, ‘Fury’ and both versions of ‘Sword’, the Radio Edit and Album Version. Bringing you through half the brilliant pMad new album ‘I in Power’.

If you like Rammstein, Depeche Mode, The Sisters of Mercy, Industrial, Post-Punk, Gothic, Indie, Rock music, then it is a must!!

Emily Marsden – Editor
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@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Raging Sons Release New Single ‘Feel Love’

Sep 15, 2023 — Leave a comment

RAGING SONS are the 3 piece alternative rock band from Limerick in Ireland consisting of Fint Tynan  on Vocals, Colum Kelly on Guitar and Adam Reeves on Drums.

The trio burst onto the scene in 2021 with their critically acclaimed debut album titled ‘20:20’; which was dubbed “a fire starter” by Hot Press Magazine. This followed a string of ear-catching singles, including RTÉ 2FM’s Track Of The Week ‘Breathe Easy’, which collectively amassed 200K+ streams on Spotify and all despite the band being a completely independent outfit.

March 2023 saw the release of ‘Talk’, the bands much anticipated first single since their debut album, which garnered much national interest and was picked as Spin South West Track Of The Week. 

Raging Sons are now on the cusp of releasing their second single of the year: ‘Feel Love’ which is  an infusion of electronic, industrial, and alt-rock that explores love from different perspectives. 

The new track showcases the band’s unique sound with a medley of dark, enigmatic synths, roaring guitars, driving bass and powerful drums all forming a hurricane around mercurial and absorbing vocals. It’s a track full of energy, angst, stoicism, heart, and honesty.

The band have said of the track:

“Lyrically, ‘Feel Love’ is a love song from different perspectives. Finding it, having it, losing it, trying to get it back. Right person, wrong time. Wanting someone to wait for you until you’re ready to make that step. It speaks to highs: “feel on high” when love is at its best, and to the lows: “falling to my knees” upon failure, finishing on the line “I feel love, now I’m crawling”, evoking a desperation to get back what you have lost. ‘Feel Love’ is about not looking back: “they say tomorrows on the run as today’s mystery”. Love is often guesswork, so you may as well keep moving.

Musically, we hark back to the debut album 20:20 on ‘Feel Love’, with a blend of electronic and industrial sounds sitting with our traditional alternative rock elements of gnarly guitar, big drums, and rolling bass. ‘Feel Love’ is inspired by the likes of Richard Ashcroft, Elbow and Nine Inch Nails in its electronic, industrial, rock distillation. Combined, ‘Feel Love’ is an infusion of electronic, industrial, and alt-rock that explores the theme of love from different perspectives.”

The track was written collectively by the trio and was Recorded & Produced by Ben Wanders at Wanderland Recording Studio in Limerick.

Previous Accolades

• “Absolutely fantastic” – Chris King (RTÉ 2FM) (On Raging Sons’ single ‘Breathe Easy’)

• “They could be the most exciting Irish band you will hear this year. With the pandemic providing a rare opportunity to get stuck into working on their new album ’20:20′, Raging Sons don’t just blend genres, they smash down walls to create a unique sound, with compelling lyrics driven by a knack for storytelling you’d struggle to find anywhere else. Think Nothing But Thieves, with more grit and more depth.” – Ali Dowey (RTÉ 2XM)

• “… like Arcade Fire, Coldplay and U2 got together to make and album” – The Sounds Won’t Stop

• “melodious and avant-garde” – Rowan Blair Colver (Sound Read Six)

• “gorgeous synth melodies, roaring guitars and meticulous drums” – Robin Mumford (Our Sound Music)

• “We can’t get enough of this band” – Jeremy Bregman (Indie Top 39)

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Raging Sons Release New Single ‘Feel Love’

Aug 31, 2023 — Leave a comment

RAGING SONS are the 3 piece alternative rock band from Limerick in Ireland consisting of Fint Tynan  on Vocals, Colum Kelly on Guitar and Adam Reeves on Drums.

The trio burst onto the scene in 2021 with their critically acclaimed debut album titled ‘20:20’; which was dubbed “a fire starter” by Hot Press Magazine. This followed a string of ear-catching singles, including RTÉ 2FM’s Track Of The Week ‘Breathe Easy’, which collectively amassed 200K+ streams on Spotify and all despite the band being a completely independent outfit.

March 2023 saw the release of ‘Talk’, the bands much anticipated first single since their debut album, which garnered much national interest and was picked as Spin South West Track Of The Week. 

Raging Sons are now on the cusp of releasing their second single of the year: ‘Feel Love’ which is  an infusion of electronic, industrial, and alt-rock that explores love from different perspectives. 

The new track showcases the band’s unique sound with a medley of dark, enigmatic synths, roaring guitars, driving bass and powerful drums all forming a hurricane around mercurial and absorbing vocals. It’s a track full of energy, angst, stoicism, heart, and honesty.

The band have said of the track:

“Lyrically, ‘Feel Love’ is a love song from different perspectives. Finding it, having it, losing it, trying to get it back. Right person, wrong time. Wanting someone to wait for you until you’re ready to make that step. It speaks to highs: “feel on high” when love is at its best, and to the lows: “falling to my knees” upon failure, finishing on the line “I feel love, now I’m crawling”, evoking a desperation to get back what you have lost. ‘Feel Love’ is about not looking back: “they say tomorrows on the run as today’s mystery”. Love is often guesswork, so you may as well keep moving.

Musically, we hark back to the debut album 20:20 on ‘Feel Love’, with a blend of electronic and industrial sounds sitting with our traditional alternative rock elements of gnarly guitar, big drums, and rolling bass. ‘Feel Love’ is inspired by the likes of Richard Ashcroft, Elbow and Nine Inch Nails in its electronic, industrial, rock distillation. Combined, ‘Feel Love’ is an infusion of electronic, industrial, and alt-rock that explores the theme of love from different perspectives.”

The track was written collectively by the trio and was Recorded & Produced by Ben Wanders at Wanderland Recording Studio in Limerick.

Upcoming Gigs/Tours 

• The Coppertap, Omagh (Supporting Ash)  – August 12th, 2023

• Conways Yard, Cork  – August 16th, 2023

• Soundhouse, Dublin  – August 17th, 2023

• Far West Festival, Mayo  – August 19th, 2023

• Playing Fields Festival, Kildare  – August 26th, 2023

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

Forge Hounds Release New Single ‘Sun Kissed Sky’

Aug 29, 2023 — Leave a comment

Forge Hounds is a thrilling hard rock project from Waterford, Ireland. Inspired by legends of Classic Rock, the band deliver a no-nonsense mature sound that hits you right in the gut – in a good way!

The band is Paul J Bolger (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Mick Wall (Vocals / Lead Guitar), Steve Roche (Bass), and Andy Kavanagh (Drums) – a group of seasoned musicians and songwriters’ hell bent on having a good time and are not afraid to tell you what they think.

Their first three singles have been embraced by the international rock community, receiving glowing reviews and airplay across the globe. Their music has struck a chord with fans and critics alike. Their first release “Damned If You Don’t” reached Number 1 on the Underground Music Charts Top 200 in the USA with the follow ups “Not The One” and “Redcoat” also charting and gaining positive reviews and airplay globally.

Their new single “Sun Kissed Sky” is a punchy hard rock song that is not afraid to shine its veneer with hints of pop and catchy choruses. Think Cheap Trick meets The Undertones, with a soaring guitar solo that lifts you up and carries you away to sunnier climes. 

From the driving guitars to the soaring vocals, this song ignites a fire within, ensuring that “Sun Kissed Sky” will leave you craving adventure. As the song says, “…summer’s here and it’s about time!”

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

pMad Release New Single ‘Fury’

Jul 14, 2023 — Leave a comment

Hailing from Portumna, Co. Galway in Ireland, pMad is Paul Dillon, a producer of Goth, Post-Punk, Indie Rock music.

With previous singles getting to number 1 in many independent charts worldwide pMad has gone on to release the fantastic new single ‘Fury’. It’s a unique blend of post punk, industrial and acid house, seamlessly blended to something that manages to simultaneously sound modern and timeless.

pMad is a fusion of punk, electro-pop and gothic rock with an underbelly of sombre metal, the result is something completely unique.

‘Fury’ is out now across all streaming platforms.

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com

pMad Releases New single ‘Fire’

Jun 6, 2023 — Leave a comment

Following on from the hugely successful debut album ‘Who Why Where’ pMad has a new Single ‘Fire’ and a new album ‘I in Power’.

pMad’s ‘Fire’  is about our planet which is on ‘Fire’, do we have the time or the will to save it?

The message in the song is ‘will those with the Power and the Money be willing to sacrifice their profits or will they wait until they can make a new fortune in telling us?’

‘I in Power’ is a collection of 8 original new tracks from pMad.

The album is out now as a download & on CD & is available on Bandcamp

pmad.bandcamp.com/album/i-in-power-album

For fans of Killing Joke, The The, Rammstein, The Sisters of Mercy, Suicidal Tendencies, The Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode and lots more

_________________________________________

Paul Dillon is a solo artist called pMad who is based in Portumna, Co. Galway, Ireland and producing Goth, Post-Punk, Indie Rock music.

Can we save the planet for future generations to enjoy???

Emily Marsden – Editor
#MusicSceneWales
@MusicSceneWales
musicscenewalescymru@gmail.com