Wicklow Singer Songwriter Marie Keane, releases a new single "Shelter"

A Bit about Marie Keane...

Marie Keane is a singer-songwriter with eclectic themes, from environmental protection (Marie's a qualified environmental scientist) to Motown influenced love tunes. For 20 years she's performed in various blues, soul and jazz ensembles. From the main stage in the Cork Jazz Festival to performing traditionally inspired tunes in the Botanical Gardens, her music crosses more than a few divides.

Her debut album ‘Russian Doll’ is a mix of folk blues and soul with subtle classical and traditional undertones. The release of Russian Doll followed on from it’s launch to a packed out Sugar Club performance of the full album in 2019. Russian Doll is available on vinyl & CD in Tower Records, selected Golden Discs stores and independent record stores in Dublin, Kildare, Athlone, Cork and Galway and record shops throughout the country, supporting Irish music.

"Shelter" is a simple lament about shining a light in dark times. Written during the height of
the lock-downs as an ode to the suffering happening around the world and the uncertainty in my own life” said Marie. “It helped to release my worry and fear”.  The music video reflects its’ simplicity and features the wonderful Vyvienne Long, whose cello performance imbues a real depth of emotion to the music. Shot in the Cellar of the Workman’s Club in Dublin City Centre, the room itself captures the essence of the song’s mood and inspiration.

"Shelter" is the third single from Marie’s second album ‘MNÁ’. It offers a more serene glance into the artists more emotional perspectives and is a departure from the rest of the albums prominent soul and blues rock anthems. The album will be launched in the Workman’s Club on Sunday 26th February at 8pm, with support from Little Oak.

Marie Keane, the singer-songwriter from Greystones, Co. Wicklow, today releases the third single "Shelter" from her forthcoming album ‘MNÁ’.

Single: Shelter (3:54)
Album: MNÁ (February 2023)
Artist: Marie Keane

Listen to Spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0JyEpXJYMy0l7uD03C07hR?si=x4h4fAU3TN6vWG8wvfzlbQ&utm_source=copy-link

Watch the video for "Shelter" here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vxtFvRWsLI&t=6s


"Shy"is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify, from today, 30th November 2022.

Follow Marie Keane on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/marriekeane?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariekeanemusician
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marieke06959157?s=21&t=McH4H_FjeGXAJkh9EGwI2w

The Review... "Shelter"

This is totally an amazing track. This track starts out with beautifully played cellos and piano that introduces Marie Keane singing with a songbird kind of voice, " Somewhere In The Darkness I Call..." Marie is setting the stage up for the listener to understand the sense of sadness that she feels but, there is another in her life that always comforts her in her time of need. That is something we all are looking for in life. Drums are quietly introduced along with the cello. I tell you readers this is an absolutely beautiful track.

In conclusion, This is a kind of track that leaves it up to the listener to imagine who the person could be that is the one comforting the person in need. it could be a lover or a mother.
With the richness of the cello and piano compliments Marie Keane incredible voice. subtle percussion and bass along with the cello plus the piano at the bridge is simply fantastic! You could really feel the emotions throughout this track. I truly, I can't express enough how much I enjoyed listening to Marie Keane track "Shelter". And I am sure you will enjoy it too as much as I did. Simply a brilliant track.

Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic  

Chet Lam's new album... "Back to the Stars Again"

Getting to know Chet Lam...

Storytelling singer Chet Lam spent his childhood in Hong Kong’s gritty, inner city housing complexes with very little resources. As a gay kid growing up in a humble environment while trying to figure out where he fit in, he found solace in the poignant and poetic outlaw and brokenhearted narratives of 1970s Americana and country artists. Chet also saw in USA roots music similarities with Chinese pop, as both brimmed with strong melodies, sensitive stories, and careful attention to lyrical detail. Now, after becoming a highly-respected artist in the Asian market, Chet hopes to bring a heartfelt fusion of East-West pop sensibilities to the Western Hemisphere.
 

Chet is a worldwide known artist with 33,987 monthly Spotify listens, and a body of work spanning nearly 20 albums, featuring songs sung in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. He writes and sings sensually and sagely about relationships, heartbreak, and new love. “I like to ask the right questions in my songs instead of giving themes and content away. I like to challenge people a little bit,” Chet says.

Chet’s major accolades include winning “Best Folk Singer” at the 2012 and 2016 Top Chinese Music Awards; “Album of the Year (Cantonese)” at the 2012 Chinese Music Media Awards; “Best Folk Artist” at the 2004 and 2005 Chinese Music Media Awards; “Song of the Year” at the 2004 Global Chinese Music Awards; and “Best Original Film Song” at the 2003 Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards.

Back to the Stars Again is a magical folk album inspired by the classic French story “The Little Prince.” Chet wrote the songs from the perspective of the characters of the story and their relation to the story. “The Little Prince is a romantic, of course, The Fox is simply a drama queen, The Rose is spoiled, The Ghosts are actually everyday life people, The Snake is actually innocent,” says Chet. He utilized classic folk instrumentation like the acoustic guitar and soft beats, but he includes fantastical elements like wind instruments and intricate percussions.

Track Listing:
Chasing Sunsets
The Last Goodbye
Trust - The Prince
Nothing’s Changed - The Ghosts
Thanks For Setting Me Free - The Rose
Falling Stars
Just a Little Longer - The Fox
After the Pain - The Snake
When He Sings - The Pilots
From Turkey, With Love
Light Up Your Dreams

Links:
Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/album/56CpqTO0v7txzhRdNcA3HP?si=HxB7H6fYTaaEQEvq4B66gA

Connect with Chet Lam
Website: http://www.chetlam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chetlam/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chetlam/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiznIklBjCQ_kJ2ER2odkkQ?app=desktop
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0eE5MIp5hONB0TxIJS5H48?si=NoRX1u0ERrmzfq5KhFq1TQ
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/chetlamhk

The Review... "Back to the Stars Again"

This Album has eleven tracks. I'll be reviewing the two I like the most on this album followed by a conclusion of the album as a whole. So, let's get started.

The first song that I'll be reviewing is the fifth track on the album called, "Thanks for setting me free - The Rose. this song starts out Chet plucking a stringed instrument along with a rhythm guitar as he sings.."I Guess I Have To Sing, I'm Sorry For All The Love That you Gave Me, I Always Knew From The Start We're Never Meant To Be". As you can tell from the lyrics this is a  break up song. But not one of those angry break up songs. The way Chet Lam sings this track is a loving way, from a point of understanding. There is a bit of sadness in it, but there is also a anticipation of a new start to find what he is looking for which Chet does not even know what that is. This is a very pleasant song for a breakup song. It's has a beautiful message to this track that it does not have to be a knock down fight with breakups, it's all about letting go.

The next song that I am reviewing is the eleventh track on this album called, "Light Up Your Dreams". This song starts out so lovely with a guitar and bass playing in unison like they are dancing together in a blissful melody that introduces Chet Lam singing, "Stars are twinkling In Your Eyes That Are Going In My Mind." introducing a upright bass playing so smoothly in this track. this is a kind of track that the story of the track is if you are lonely just look up at the stars and think of happy things in your life or even all the fairy-tale things for you and me. Because Chet tells us in this track, things are not what they seem to be. I love this track the feel to it the rhythm of it. The way Chet uses his instrument's to set the mood of this track. This is a track for a dreamer. What a lovely track.

In Conclusion, This album is so unique. With all the different instruments Chet Lam uses gives his tracks a certain sound that makes you feel like no matter what though the ups and downs things will be alright. With his acoustic tracks and his endearing lyrics this is an album you can easily listen to time and time again.

Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic  

SchizoFranic has a new single....'Mists of Time'

I have a really good friend, Coen Rhys. He is a outstanding singer/songwriter and a good hearted person. This review was written by my good friend Coen, so lets see what he has to say about 'Mists of Time'.

Coens Review....

Mists of Time

If you know Schizofranic, this artist needs no introduction… if you have found this review by accident and you love general inner-souls feels: ignore this review and just listen here: Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/0IziSRvB0cm3HE0zYwyC8M?si=YkeCes3YQj2K-kYHz-HbMQ

Where do I start on this emotive and thought provoking track? Well the start surely?

An initial feeling of loneliness smothered with an almost instant instance of  togetherness, with diverse melodies blending together… this is what the world needs! Please!

Rhythms suggest variation or difference. Harmonies create the sense of a common goal. Time flows slowly in each moment but by the end you don’t realize time has passed… simply press play again and drive into a puddle of thinker listener music yet again from the awesome Schizofranic.

She is always writing, open for collaborations and has many more bangers up her sleeve!

Learn, love, leap of faith, and listen!

Review by: Coen Rhys
Link: linktr.ee/coenrhys

Caitlin McCarthy has a new single called ...... 'You & I'

Getting to know Caitlin McCarthy...

Caitlin is a 17 year old singer songwriter from Coventry, who has a powerful soulful voice way beyond her years and on 7th October 2022 released her latest single ‘Remember Tonight’ an energetic pop song with elements of EDM.

Named as a star of the future (Tony Collins hot music live) and dubbed a mini Adele (Pete Chambers Music Matters Coventry Observer) Caitlin’s Music is pop with hints of soul and R&B and she is fast becoming a rising star. Recently Caitlin headlined the iconic Bedford Pub in Balham London (past acts including Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith and George Ezra to name but a few.) and in September 2022 played the Godiva festival Main stage supporting The Feeling and Banarama.

Band Line up
Caitlin McCarthy (Vocalist)
Liam Hopkins (guitar)
Thomas Iliffe (keys)
Lewis Cutts (bass)
Ali Hutton (drums)

Links to Caitlin McCarthy
Social / Music Links:
Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/703oNUT51Oo5zBjXON4OAi?si=4InC7HlvSUqPO0_a3nq2bw&nd=1
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTIskDhfAK0


The Review of..... 'You & I'

 Oh my goodness...Wow from the start of this track... there are millenium style guitars that just sound absolutely amazing. They introduce Caitlin setting the stage for the story.  Caitlin tells the story with her 'Amazing Voice' about what we all possibly go though meeting someone and you click with them but your unsure. But you know there is a spark there and you want confirmation from the one you are into to become a couple, kinda like love at first site. This Track has a EDM feel to it mixed with pop, very brilliant sound. This track will definitely have you dancing either in you seat or just dancing period. Caitlin McCarthy and her band are just out of this world amazing. With their EDM sound mixed with their pop feel  is simple brilliant is all I can say.

In conclusion, I personally love this band. I love their sound and the topics they sing about. Love, Falling in love and all the emotions that you go through in the process of finding love.
I recommend you readers listen to Caitlin and her band. You will thoroughly enjoy their work and you will get wrapped up in the story that Caitlin McCarthy and her band and are telling you. And maybe you can relate to it, I know I did.

Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic

Saturn Saturn Saturn Has An New Release... "The Void EP!!"

                   Getting to Know Saturn Saturn Saturn also know as Ben Capper...

Following on from the global indie radio airplay and streaming success of recent singles such as 'The State We’re In' and 'Maybe Someday', 2022 saw Ben take to the studio to work on a new collection of songs, which has become The Void EP and will be released on Bandcamp exclusively on 11th November, with a wider streaming release a week later on 18th November.

The release of The Void is preceded by a lead single 'Don’t Ever Change', a love song to a home town and also features four more songs written and recorded from Autumn 2021 onwards. The Void EP explores our troubled and divided culture taking influences from the likes of indie and punk rock legends Teenage Fanclub, My Bloody Valentine, Built to Spill, Spoon, The Besnard Lakes, Mogwai, Sugar / Bob Mould, Pavement and Fugazi.

From social media shock jocks, to populist governments; our time is blighted by people seemingly going to extraordinary lengths to make people’s lives harder and worse. The Void calls out those people whose divisive rhetoric seems to them like a brave new way of communicating, but is in fact just the same old fascistic nonsense we thought we’d rejected as a society, a generation ago: “There’s a void at the heart of your thinking. Nothing new: your poisonous dream.” (The Void)

At times melancholic, the EP pleads with people to get back to understanding that, whatever our differences, “there’s such a thing as intrinsic human worth” (Getting By); and laments how people we have once cherished have been sucked into and radicalized by online ideological rabbit holes: “It makes me sad to see what’s happened to you, on your search for something true” (A Place to Belong).

As is Saturn Saturn Saturn’s way, there is a glimmer of hope amid the chaos, based on an inherent hope in humanity to overcome its divisions and the collective traumas of our age: “In my heart I know, when you feel so low, you’ve got to breath, so you know.” (Breathe)

The Void EP Track List:

1. The Void
2. Don't Ever Change
3. Getting By
4. A place To Belong
5. Breathe

The Void is Saturn Saturn Saturn’s first full EP since its debut EP “Hope and Heartbreak” from 2020, is available on Saturn Saturn Saturn’s Bandcamp page: saturnsaturnsaturn.bandcamp.com

Saturn Saturn Saturn - Links
https://saturnsaturnsaturn.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/saturnsaturnsaturnmusic
https://www.instagram.com/saturnsaturnsaturn000/
https://twitter.com/SaturnSaturnSa1
https://linktr.ee/SaturnSaturnSaturn

 
Streaming link here
https://soundcloud.com/saturn-saturn-saturn/sets/the-void-ep/s-yk8zxf9lO8w?si=e387e17acce54e4481ccd7545a4ec03c&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Gets Louder - Links
www.twitter.com/getslouder
www.facebook.com/getslouder
www.instagram.com/getslouder

The Review... Saturn Saturn Saturn's EP The Void

 
I'll be reviewing two tracks that I like the most off this EP, then follow up with a conclusion. So, lets get started.
The first  track that I'll be reviewing is, "The Void".  The Void starts out with warmly picked electric guitar that leads to the rhythm guitar playing bright chords introducing Ben Capper singing, "Where It Starts, The Freedom of Thinking..." is a pleasant voice.  What stood out in this track for me is Ben keeps singing about how things never change. He is so right about that. Take some time out and look around you environment and think to yourself is it the place that changes or is it you, or do we really ever change at all? Really, Really good track. This is a track that makes you think. Plus, Saturn Saturn Saturn sound is incredible.

The second track I'm reviewing is, "A Place To Belong". This track also starts out with warmly picked electric guitar accompanied by drums and bass that sets the mood of this track. The sound is incredible, like notes floating in the air. Ben Capper begins to sing, "Find your way, I bet its somewhere safe.." later he sings, " You'll Find Us Waiting, With Open Arms, You'll find a place to belong..." Now, I don't know about you but, seems to me that's what every one at least once or twice in their lives is looking for..."A Place To Belong". This has to be my favorite song on Saturn Saturn Saturn's EP The Void. I absolutely love the message of this song. A message we all can relate to because in a way we all are looking for a place to belong with all the diversity's of these social media groups now a days. Kinda makes it hard to know where you really belong.

In conclusion, Saturn Saturn Saturn's EP The Void is absolutely incredible. with the warm rich sounding guitars, incredible bass and drum lines that are  simply outstanding and well played. Ben Capper has a very inviting voice and the topics of their track you can relate to. This is an all around outstanding EP that everyone should take the time out and just listen to it. A see how much of what Ben is tell you that you can relate to.

Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic

Nick Duane, New Album…. “Broken Promises”

Getting to know Nick Duane...

Sitting somewhere between the edge of rock and the catchy appeal of indie and singer-songwriter music, Nick Duane is an artist who stands out for having put together a signature sound that is innovative and creative. In fact, it does not feel like a stretch to say that Nick’s music could be considered proof that great songs can be so much more than just flashy studio productions that only aim at capturing the short attention span of a narrow audience. Nick’s blend of indie rock has a sound that combines “old school” vibes with unique new ideas, at times classic and timeless, at times innovative and futuristic.
                                                           
Hailing from the landscapes of Providence, RI and the surrounding New England scene Nick Duane has been making music for decades. He has played both Bass and Guitar with several New England regional acts and writes and records his own songs that you can find at all the usual locations including Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and Pandora and YouTube.

Nick has currently produced a slew of singles and released 4 Albums
('Confessions', 'When We Said Goodbye', 'Before The Storm', 'Broken Promises') and 1 EP ('Remake Remix').

One of the founding members of the Backslap Blues Band..(the first band to appear at the now legendary Providence, Rhode Island nightclub,
'Lupos Heartbreak Hotel')
Former member of the rock band and WBRU battle of the bands winner 'DC Tenz'
Limelight Magazine Music Awards, Singer-Songwriter of the Year (Runner Up Award)

He is also a member of ‘Cold Shivers’ music collaboration and is featured on their 5 song EP ‘This That and No Other'.

Links:

https://nickduane.bandcamp.com/album/broken-promises-2
https://www.nickduane.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NickDuaneMusic/
https://twitter.com/nick_duane
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Nick+Duane&i=digital-music&search-type=ss&ref=ntt_srch_drd_B004Y8WC6Y
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nick-duane/433038435
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dmATLKJjRpKEYYaGYJlw5
https://www.youtube.com/c/NickDuanemusic

Music Collabs:
https://coldshivers.bandcamp.com/album/this-that-and-no-other

The Review... "Broken Promises"

This Album has thirteen tracks, I’ll be reviewing two out of the thirteen that I liked best.
 
The first track that I really like just so happens to be the first track on the album. The tracks name is “Anything” this track starts out with some amazing drumming along with bright guitars that introduces the vocalist Nick Duane singing, “Wondering what this union was...it all fits together much to conveniently...” with a voice that reminds me of David Bowie. At the verse the guitars play brightly as Nick sings,”Heart racing as we get through the night…. Hell bent on reaching… Some other side of this, with you my love” this is a track about a love that can defeat anything that this world throws at them. Might of fact Nick even states that in the chorus of the track. Wow, that break has a sort of synth wave feel to it, nice touch! It is also a nice touch with the vocal doubling. I like the way this song sounds, with bright guitars and a punchy drum beat that put together gives you the feel of a David Bowie track.

The Second track I reviewed is the twelfth track..”Tears Falling” This track starts out so smooth with rhythm guitar play along side the drums and bass as the lead guitarist plays this amazing rift again setting the stage for the vocalist Nick Duane to tell the story. Nick  started out saying, “The day winds down… The sky had a strawberry moon..” This track is a breakup track a track where you long for a person that you've been with and in a sudden they are gone leaving you missing them. The break is absolutely beautiful with the change up the guitars playing in harmonics. The drum and bass has you tapping you toes. This track is just phenomenal. It has to be my favorite track on this album.

In conclusion, Broken Promises by Nick Duane is a really outstanding album. Tracks of Love to Tracks of heartache.  With his David Bowie feel to his tracks really makes this album fantastic. This is an album for all walks of life.

Review by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic

SWELTR has a debut single ...What's It Gonna Be?

 A Bit About SWELTR...

SWELTR are a two piece band from the North Dublin region, officially announced to the world on Thursday the 27th of October and released the debut single on Halloween October 31st.
Taking inspiration from what they experienced as children, teens, and now somewhat adults, SWELTR are not afraid to embrace who they truly are.
Shaped by the sites and sounds around them, SWELTR are inspired by even the most outlandish thoughts and ideas, anything is food for thought to these guys.

Former members of the Dublin Post-Punk scene, Noel and Tony are back with a new and fresh understanding and take on the Punk sound, while maintaining the same gut wrenching energy and thump they carried in their previous project. The lads have worked extremely hard and are now ready to begin their journey starting with a ferocious debut single - “What's It Gonna Be?” produced by the band themselves and mixed and mastered by Tony Keyes.

Where to find SWELTR:
https://linktr.ee/sweltrband

The Review... "What's it Gonna Be?"

What's it Gonna be starts out with amazing roaring guitars introducing the vocalist. Tony sings "Clear as the day gets, clear as the mind could be." As the track go to the verse Tony signs as if he is facing adversity and how he feels about it, frustrated. In a strong belting voice gives the listener the feeling of what Tony is going through. Which I can relate to it I've been there once or twice in my life. the drums in this track is outstanding, well played! SWELTR does amazing vocals with guitars pausing then vocals come in sound outrageously good at the chorus. At the chorus Tony sings. "What's it gonna be...?" in a roaring voice. Singing like he just had enough of whatever the situation is, possibly a woman. Tony sounds as if he is taking a stand and wants to know, "What's it gonna be..?

in conclusion, This is a really outstanding punk duo. I really enjoyed this track because it is in your face truth. SWELTR'S  track is a track we all can relate to, possibly some might be going though what this track message is about. I really loved their roaring guitar's  all through the track. The drums and bass was phenomenal they get your head bobbin. In my opinion this is a really good punk band. If you want to jam this is the band that will take you there.


Article by: SchizoFranic
Link: https://linktr.ee/SchizoFranic