Benni releases lockdown-inspired music video for ‘Dance Again’

Today, folk-pop artist Benni released a music video for her single ‘Dance Again.’ The song was originally released last July but has taken on a new significance in 2020; it reflects our lives in the current lockdown in Ireland eerily well. Its uplifting lyrics are a reminder that even in the days we feel our worst, a brighter day will always come: “these days can be sad but everybody’s got them… keep holding on, keep being strong and we’ll dance again.”

The newly-produced video for ‘Dance Again’ features video clips of Benni’s friends and fans dancing, and was conceived of and edited entirely in quarantine. The video is a wholesome pick-me-up while we are still facing the effects of life in lockdown in Ireland. The song consists of glittering guitars, laid-back vocals, and snappy drums, while the video features some adorable dancing children and pets. What more could you want?

You can check out the video for ‘Dance Again’ below.

Sinead McConville to release moving love song, ‘Doorstep’

Sinead McConville is due to release ‘Doorstep,’ next Friday 29th May. ‘Doorstep’ is light and airy; it provides the perfect soundtrack to a summer romance. The track opens with tranquil birdsong and a carefree, fingerpicked guitar. Sinead is not shrugging off her Irish influence here. The jazz-folk track sounds Lisa Hannigan-inspired with its soft-spoken, tender vocals. The guitar and birdsong is also reminiscent of Hozier’s well-loved, outdoor recording of ‘Cherry Wine.’ The chords are intricate and jazz-inspired, and the arrangement is subtly complex. It is clear that Sinead is not a newcomer to the field of songwriting; Her years of composing and recording are evident in the expertise she displays on this track.

The intimate, carefully layered vocals in ‘Doorstep’ will wash over you with the warmth of a hug and the calm of a deep sigh. Carefully layered vocals float, dream-like and lingering in the masterful arrangement. The transitions between sections are smooth and the melody is refreshing. Wholesome lyrics depict a robust, sophisticated relationship: “the things that you do make me so proud of you.” Sinead’s maturity is brilliantly evident.

However, there is a shiver of melancholy that penetrates the song’s pure, pristine exterior. Descending melodies in the bassline at choice moments, and lyrics such as “you are a hard-playing fool and I lose every time to you,” provide a creeping feeling of worry and apprehension. Despite this, the song returns to an uplifting, hopeful note in the final, cascading guitar notes. ‘Doorstep’ provides a moment of serenity and unwavering calm at a time in which the modus vivendi is uncertainty and anxiety.

‘Doorstep’ will be released digitally on 29th May. You can pre-save ‘Doorstep’ on Spotify here.

FIRES. to Release Captivating Single, ‘Dream.’

Tomorrow, FIRES. will release their brooding second single, ‘Dream.’ It closely follows their first release, ‘Forgotten Sons,’ which was announced and swiftly released in April. ‘Dream’ is an unmistakeable contrast to their debut single. ‘Forgotten Sons’ is punchy from the moment it opens, with crisp drum hits and layered guitar riffs. ‘Dream,’ however, builds slowly, creating anticipation with a low, droning bass and robotic, high-pitched synths.

The lyrics portray a tender, exposed narrative of heartbreak, which complement the impassioned, punk-inspired accompaniment: “you say it’s over, I don’t really know the way that this ends.” Andy Kavanagh, the lead singer of post-hardcore band Clarity, has recorded the vocals for this track, and his fiery, intense delivery matches the song’s energy well.

The track largely consists of melodic, resounding guitar riffs steeped in distortion, and dynamic, blasting drums. The presence of bright, glittering synth in the outro provides an undeniable pop edge which introduces another layer, and a hint of fascination, to the song.

FIRES. is a project which Michael and Alecksyy, both Dublin-based musicians, have been quietly constructing for the last three years. The amount of time spent writing and recording for FIRES. is immediately apparent. The two songs sound cohesive, despite being different in theme. They are both distinctly packaged in a gritty, raw production which perfectly satisfies the image of a blazing, searing inferno which the name conjures. ‘Dream’ is the second release from their upcoming EP, Close Eyes, Deep Breath, Run.

‘Dream’ will be released tomorrow, 18th May, and is available to presave here.

Close Eyes, Deep Breath, Run. Is due for release later this year.