TBT: 'Perfect World' by Kodaline

Kodaline are an indie rock band from Ireland.

Today we'll be talking about one of Kodaline's early songs 'Perfect World'.

'Perfect World' was released in 2012 on the Kodaline EP and also on the band's debut album 'In A Perfect World' in 2013.

Some of you may already be familiar with this song as it has been featured on well known TV programmes as background music.

Starting with a vocal straight away, accompanied by an acoustic guitar that lays the foundation for the piece and a cheeky shaker, the track is built up by the addition of a pulsing drum beat (although this is not overpowering). Different guitar parts and patterns are added, along with a strong bass that cements everything together, to create an even stronger wall of sound.

New Music Monday: Rival State 'Impulses'

Rival State are a five piece rock band based in London, UK.

Two weeks ago, they released a new single called 'Impulses' that we are going to talk about today.

My first impression of this track was that it is a catchy rock song with a distinctive groove, defined by roaring guitars and thunderous drums.

After only hearing the track twice I can safely say that I know all the words to the chorus and can't stop humming the tune.

'I'm the animal, I'm the animal, acting on my animal impulses.'

(If you know the song, I can guarantee you hummed them words)

Starting off with the scratchy guitar pattern that forms the foundation of the track, strong vocals creep into 'Impulses' and the track starts to build. Gradually drums and counter guitar parts are brought in, increasing in intensity each time.

TBT: 'Getaway' by Mallory Knox

Today we look back to 2014 when British band Mallory Knox released the single 'Getaway'.

As any typical rock song would be, 'Getaway' is packed with soaring guitar riffs, intricate thundering drums and an emotive vocal performance.

Starting relatively softly with an arguably more subtle guitar part allows the vocal tone to be showcased right from the very start before things get a little bit more intense.

The crash of drums really gets the song going.

Throughout the first verse it's just the initial guitar, vocal, backing vocal and drums but then suddenly all instrumentation is taken away for one line portrayed with the tone of frustration, despair and longing.

'Cause you're dying just to tell me you're not.'

With a roar, everything comes back but ten times harder for the chorus.

New Music Monday: 'Blank Canvas' by The Brookes

The Brookes are a four piece band hailing from Grimsby, UK.


Today, we will be talking about The Brookes' track 'Blank Canvas', released on 9th September 2016.

The track is introduced with shattered guitar tones and a beat punctuated by the odd cymbal crash as momentum is enhanced with the addition of a throbbing bass line.


First impression: Reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys type vibes.


The song really gets going when the vocal enters.

Raw - Gritty - Laid Back


Having listened to 'Blank Canvas' a few times now, I would definitely say this is a song that I can imagine doing that slightly odd head bobbing thing to live.

TBT: Orla Gartland 'Roots'

Orla Gartland is an Irish singer/songwriter from Dublin who manages to combine folk and pop to make a unique sound.

This week I put my music library on shuffle and Orla's song 'Roots' popped up. It was a refreshing sound that I hadn't heard in a while so thought I would share it with you today.

'Roots' was released as the title track of Gartland's 'Roots' EP in 2013.

The track starts with a simple drum machine-esque beat layered with a classic guitar pattern - the folk pop fusion is already evident.

Orla's vocal enters in providing a really pretty, soft tone. I particularly like the fact that Orla's Irish accent comes through when she is singing, providing a sort of authentic feeling.

The song itself, in my interpretation, is about new beginnings, not being afraid to chase your dreams and having faith in yourself.

New Music Monday: Art Block - 'Borderline EP'

Today, we'll be talking about the 'Borderline EP' by London based alternative folk singer songwriter Art Block.

The four track EP kicks off with the relatively slow title track 'Borderline'.

This is a really nice introduction to the EP as a simple acoustic guitar part starts, allowing the vocal to be showcased.

A bass and other guitar parts are slowly added to build up the texture of the track. I particularly like the section after the initial verse and chorus where a drum kit is added, defining the beat, along with a mellow electric guitar solo.

Although there is a build up to the chorus, at no point does this becoming overpowering.

Art Block's vocal tone is suited to this type of music and makes you feel as though you are listening to someone just singing to themselves - it's natural is what I am trying to say.

TBT: 'Believe' by The Bravery

The Bravery were a band formed in New York in 2003 who made three main studio albums and were active up until around 2009.

One of the most recognisable Bravery tracks is the indie rock anthem 'Believe', released in 2007. This is what we are talking about today.

For some, 'Believe' is a bit like Marmite - you either love it or hate it.

Although it may not be the most complex song in terms of lyrics, the staple line of the song being 'give me something to believe', I feel the track is easy to listen to and enjoy.

I particularly like the intro, a heavy bass line that sets the tone of the song.

The vocals are dropped in with almost no effort. This provides a sense of 'relaxed-ness' - it's almost like 'Believe' is the narrator having a conversation with you.

In my opinion, 'Believe' is about having no goal, no aspiration for life and striving to find something fulfilling in the world.

Lyrics that describe this well are: