Saturday, 2 May 2015

E.P.: Hawklion - 'Pressure'

Hawklion Pressure EP Dublin



Hawklion, 'Pressure'


Info: Dublin trio Hawklion have just released their second E.P. Pressure following last years debut Gold & Silver which received very positive views in The Irish Times, Hot Press and Nialler9. The title track, 'Pressure', (above) is a soothing piece of indietronica with earnest vocals, slow-burning echoing guitars and drum beats lead to a hopeful conclusion as the songs energy builds and the vocals soar. Second track 'Families' really digs deep into the band's strand of 80's sounds, and self-proclaimed influence of Duran Duran, with slightly subtle dark undertones reminiscent of the Birmingham groups debut album and tracks like 'Planet Earth' and 'Careless Memories'. 

The same can be said of what is one of my favourite songs on the E.P., the slick 'Soldier', which has lovely electronic nods to 80's cult maestro's The Units in parts and some lovely guitar riffage. While Pressure in it's entirety is a highly enjoyable E.P. the best is perhaps saved until last with the completely absorbing 'Africa', a track that a 'quote unquote' established act could easily release to much aplomb as a single. From the get go 'Africa' gets you in the groove, and the small but effective change in vocal tone adds greatly to the song, it's a great drift away and go with the flow musical time-out with the hypnotic beat and synths rippling along so nicely. The band are working on releasing their first full length album in the second-half of 2015 and based on this and their previous E.P. we have plenty to look forward to.


Hawklion, 'Africa'


Like / Listen & Follow: 



Single: Trails and Ways - 'Skeletons'

Trails and Ways Skeletons Oakland
Photo: David Wallace



Trails & Ways, 'Skeletons'


Info: Oakland band Trails & Ways release the second single from their forthcoming debut album, Pathology, which is released on the 2nd of June. The whole album was produced and recorded in drummer Ian Quirk's bedroom and the band are embarking on their U.S. Tour in June / July next month. 'Skeletons' is a joyfully upbeat and catchy electro-indie track that sounds remotely like a mix of French purveyors of the sound M83 and Twin Shadow. Rollercoaster beats and melodies abound on the track and indeed the other music I caught on the band's SoundCloud page, including an older track I particularly enjoyed, 'Nunca' from 2 years ago (below). 




In the words of the band themselves; 'On this one we went for a sound with lithe guitar lines & dungeony synth bass twisting over a heavy club groove. We wanted to make a dance banger that leaves nobody on the floor feeling alone, especially not for wanting something better for our planet than environmental collapse.

The song's origin is from a dream our rhythm guitarist Keith had. Basically, he was in a club hanging with Drake; Drizzy was wearing a gold Lycra suit and on acid. Suddenly the dream fast-forwarded a thousand years to what was left of the club on an ecologically collapsed earth. Then it spun back to our current time on the dance floor, but nobody else was there for Keith to talk to or warn about what he'd seen.'


Trails & Ways, 'Nunca'


Look / Like / Listen & Follow: 




Gig: Paddy Casey, The Shades & Alice Kiernan, The Cuckoo's Nest, Tallaght



Paddy Casey, 'Out of Control'


Info: Paddy Casey will be appearing live tonight in The Cuckoos Nest,
Tallaght, he is being supported on the night by two very talented up and
coming musicians, 5 piece band The Shades and solo artist Alice Kiernan, the show is presented by lekmk promotions. 

The incredibly affable Paddy Casey leads the line-up tonight alongside up and coming rhythm and blues Dublin band The Shades who will be playing at Canalaphonic next weekend, and 18 year-old singer songwriter Alice Kiernan for what should be a great evening of live music. If you're in the Tallaght area this evening be sure to pop in, doors will open at 7pm, first act on stage at 8pm. Here's some music from both support acts to give you a taster.



The Shades, 'Boom, Boom'



Alice Kiernan, 'Games Begin'