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Katrina Blue

Hypnotized

UK pop singer Katrina Blue studied Music at the British Academy of New Music in London, Hypnotized has just been released in a brand new video by Katrina.

This girl instantly reminds me of everything music should be today. Katrina hits all the perfect notes with this smash hit. The song is upbeat with a hint of mystery to it, the tune is a feel good hit. Katrina has a very distinctive voice that places her in league with the likes of Adele and Duffy. Katrina has the power to stop the world in its tracks with this sheer brilliant song.

Review by Jennifer Ormsby

5/6

http://www.myspace.com/katrinabluemusic

Kevin Bayliss

 

Quicksand

Quicksand is the brand new single from Kevin Bayliss forthcoming album The Project, the UK singer songwriter changed his profession from a graphic designer in the video game industry to a musician, to have such talent in music inside him for so long, Quicksand is one away to share his songwriting ability with the world, Quicksand is full of rock streaming melodies with some superb compositions, it's got uplifting vocals coming from Kevin and a sweet catchy chorus too, this is a great single to showcase a sample of what is to come from Kevin Bayliss, excellent song looking forward to hearing more.

Review by T.Halpin

5/6

http://www.reverbnation.com/kevbayliss

Kirby Howarth

 

My Life EP

Uk singer songwriter Kirby Howarth has been writing songs since the early age of fifteen, he now has a new EP called "My Life" consisting of three stunning tracks, the first song on the EP called "My Life" is very laid back with Kirby singing in a tone like David Bowie in his early days, very down to earth lyrics, deep and sad in parts, in some ways it's a very nice song about a best mate.

"She's Gone" mid tempo with Kirby singing in a indie punk style tone, lyrics are fantastic very easy to listen to and understand, I love the dirty sounding guitar riffs over such a sweet song, could be good runner for a classic Christmas song.

Final song on the EP is called "The One" almost similar style to the other two song, only this time you will hear Kirby singing rather than talking us through the tune, excellent voice and very well composed on this track, in the style of Coldplay meets Kirby Howarth, cracking EP and very enjoyable to listen too.

Review by T.Halpin

5/6

http://kirbyhowarth.vibesville.co.uk

Kasette

 

A Mixed Tape

Kasette, these girls are sheer brilliant. They blend classical and folk with a little subtle hint of pop which outweighs the brilliance of any genre I have heard in a while. Lyrically these songs are amazing telling a story with such simplicity.
With sounds of violins and cunning strums of guitars, I'm amazed these girls aren't reaping in the success that they deserve. "Fall into me" is the track leading us into their Ep "A Mixed Tape" and sets the tone for this release brilliantly. These girls deserve all the success they get.

Review by Jennifer Ormsby

5/6

http://www.myspace.com/kasettetape

Kyron and the Strangels

 

If We Were Kings
I must admit, all objectivity was lost when it came to writing this review. I didn't like the name. I didn't like the cover, a faux Last Supper, and if you flip on to the back, you'll see that instead of sitting at a grand table, there's just one geezer (Kyron) sitting in a dump. Hmm. "Strangels". Where did they get that? Hmmm. I'm ashamed to say I abandoned reviewing this album for such a long time because I was put off from the beginning. Irresponsible, I know. Well, onto the music, shall we.
The opener, The Actor doesn't do it for me. I disliked the synthesised sounding violins, and the jaunty beat irritated me. This is juxtaposed with Kyron Bourke's gravelly voice, which ambles around on each song; failing to convince me, save for on You You You, which I feel is the stand out track, with lots of nice stuff happening in the background, and a kind of folky, jazzy vibe. The second track, She's Not Particular, is much more ballsy and strutty with a nice acoustic riff at the start. Walking My Dog, Hanging on the Ground and Flesh & Blood I felt were overdone on schmaltz and made me feel a bit carsick. It's hard to pick out the band's true sound, as it meanders from Countryish rock, to Tom Waits growling...to Bono posturing...to John Lennon on Headless Chicken.
However: Walking Away, holds a beautiful instrumental towards the end, with accordions and banjos. As for the closing track, This Is the End Again, (of which I was most pleased), all I heard was some happy clappy people shouting "George Michael": Kyron, please share the in-joke. Not my cup of tea but I have read that they enjoy a good live following.

Review by Aoife Kiernan

2/6

http://www.myspace.com/kyronandthestrangels

King Modo

 

King Modo Hailing from Newbridge co. Kildare are Lenny Cahill and Paul Keogh. They're also freaking amazing! Not quite sure why they're not already signed. The two guys play all the instruments themselves? well saying that, it seems Lenny plays most of the instruments, leaving Paul with vocals and guitars. There?s a definite 70's progressive rock tint to King Modo. I'm picking out influences like, early Genesis, Steely Dan, Yes, Rush, King's X, Alan Parson's project and the like, but there's definitely a very cool modern edge to the band. Album art work is great as well, mostly down to Lenny Cahill again, does this guy sleep, I'm looking forward to checking this band out in 2011. I'm kicking myself that I missed them in Whelan's last October.

Review by Tobye Hillier

6/6

http://www.myspace.com/kingmodo

Kate O'Callaghan

 

Kate O'Callaghan
To You

Kate O 'Callaghan is a singer songwriter hailing from Donegal. "To You" is Kate's debut EP, on first listen I was not to intrigued with the EP. Across the six tracks on the CD Kate’s song writing ability shines through with deep and meaningful lyrics that relate to life.
Kate writes with a sorrowful lyric that has the ability to uplift people, this is always a good thing in the art of songwriting. The music to back up the songs was mixed with a feeling of blues and jazz but I personally felt that the music overshadowed Kate's perfect lyrics. I’m sure you will begin to like "To You" the more you listen to it.

Review by Jennifer Ormsby

3/6

http://www.myspace.com/kateocallaghanmusic

Kotadama

 

 

This two brother act from Australia knows the words to melt your heart. The name of the band is the Japanese meaning of ‘’spirit of words’’ which describes what their music is all about. These self-thought boys have a unique talent and passion for music that really shines through their EP. Lyrically the songs speak to this reviewers mind and soul with topics of love youth and everything in between. The beats that accompany the lyrics is really thought out an quite mellow suiting the lyrics perfectly. Vocally these boys have voices of angels. You can simply put this CD on and chill out to it.

Reviewed By: Jennifer Ormsby

5/6
http://www.myspace.com/kotadama

Kathy Crinion

 

Ups Downs & Merry-Go-Rounds

Singer songwriter Kathy Crinion from Meath/Ireland has a voice like no other on the scene at the moment reminiscence of Karen Carpenter and a touch of her own style, track one and two have the same style of sound easy listening jazzed up pop, until track three kicks in "Can't Get you off My Mind" upbeat with nice swing to the beat, very commercial in sound this is track that you could see doing well in the charts or maybe Eurovision? Kathy sings a lovely song written by Harmonica king Don Baker called "Never Let You Down" very country blues with some powerful emotion put into the vocals, sad song but that's country, Kathy also sings a song written by Irish folk singer Gerry Tully called "Sad Statistic" this is a real folk charmer.The final track on the album is "The Tale of a great Man" has a beautiful reel and jig to it with a mix of Irish trad and some gentle folk vocals.Overall it's very middle of the road stuff jazzed up pop with a touch of folk music.

Review by T.Halpin

5/6

http://www.myspace.com/kathycrinionmusic

Killian McGrath

 

Shine On

Shine On is the debut single from Irish singer/songwriter Killian McGrath which will be released in May 2010.

It's a piano/guitar/vocal lead track. First thing I notice is how Killian's raspy edged voice seems older than he is. 'Shine On' has a nice build up and production on the track allows everything to breathe within its own space.

About halfway through the track, some beautifully arranged strings and vocal harmonies take the song to another level, before a full band sound kicks in. Maybe this could have happened a little earlier.

Lyrically, 'Shine On' seems to be a tale of moving on from one situation to another. Again, McGrath's words make him seem older than his years.

It's a very good debut and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for McGrath.

Review by Nessy

5.5/6

This review is so fresh Killian's website isn't even up yet!

Kobayashi

Debut album Minus

South London UK has been nourishing this band from the beginning and now it's time for Kobayashi to let the rest of the world in on their sound! Minus is a debut album with eleven tracks of musical depth, perfect for the muso who love their chill out bands to listen to, each track has it's own story engraved in melody with twists and electronic curves, but this album is a great way to let go and relax to some super tunes reminds me of a new age Pink Floyd . Top marks for the production on the album each track is mixed to flawless perfections.
Review by T.Halpin
5/6
http://www.myspace.com/kobayashimusic

Kelley Dolan

 

"Molly Ozone"

Molly Ozone has ten tracks of alternative pop music candy coated with the talented Kelley Dolan, The album kicks in with "Tough Girl" melodic piano with soft easy flowing vocals, very catchy in parts as the song builds up to a funk styled groove. "La La Love" this is a pretty song, very colorful lyrics and Kelley's voice adds a lovely pop tone to the song, Catatonia meets The Cardigains...... "The Love of Molly Ozone" upbeat and quirky, this is a very experimental number but it works even though the song shifts from new age pop to old an school Beatles styled theme, great song. excellent album and very well produced by Kelley well worth checking out.

Review by T.Halpin

Rank: ***** 5 out of 6

www.myspace.com/mollyozone

Kochka

 

Dacha / Summer House EP

Kochka from Scotland/UK have one of the most unique sounds that I have heard this year to emerge, full of electric passion a groove that will have you dancing away to. The Dacha EP has four songs of experimental indie pop and the first track "Cowards & Kings" this is nice bright and funk driven song that changes its mood to a carnival styled theme, the vocals have a great tone almost reminds me of REM singer Michael Stipe, catchy and radio friendly.

Track 2 "Dacha (In The Summer)" I like the tango styled groove that flows under the rhythm in this song there is almost a 60's egoistic feel about this tune, cracking vocals from the lead singer Markk Donnelly.

Track 3 "Memory Box/Personal Effects" there is a nice swinging jazz mood coming from the rhythm in this song smothered with cultural vocals giving the song a punk twist and a very nice listener.

Track 4 "Black Cat" fusing electro pop with hard rock beats this works well in this song, the ska feel that the guitar creates on the melody softens this tune until it peaks into a hard rock solo it's very experimental but it's got potential.

Review by T.Halpin

Rank: ***** 5 out of 6

www.myspace.com/kochka

KYON

"Read Between the lies"

‘Read Between the lies’ is a remarkable instrumental album created and produced by Shane “Kyon” Talty. He uses his computer; drum machine, keyboard, guitars, bass, a synth and various other musical instruments to produce his sound.

The opening track is TMA-1. Close your eyes to this song. Imagine yourself being connected up to a heart monitor and you are testing how your body coincides with the sound and intensity of music. Your heart beat begins to speed up as the track gets faster, building you up to an almost climax, then suddenly the song breaks into an orchestra of electric guitars, bass, synths and drums. As you let yourself go, the music begins to slow back down and after that burst of adrenalin, your heart rate seems normal again allowing your body time to recover for the next track 1:4:9, which goes straight into that high speed drum and guitar bashing. It is then mid way through that it sounds more melodic, keeping in tune with the experimental elements of the album.

Read between the lies has that symphony of instrumental rock, which you would hear a lot in the English music scene. The title for track 4, Spatial Disorientation allows you to believe you’re going to experience something out of this world! It’s a real chilled out song and Kyon brings in that psychedelic tone that relaxes your senses making you want to wrap yourself up in the music and stay there.

On the song New Unit, it is the first time we hear Kyon singing. The final track is Faceless; this song title may have to do with the plain white mask Kyon wears during his gigs. Metal is blended with rock and other instrumental sounds on this one, you feel as though you are entering through three dimensions of music, so you better hold on tight. Track 5 is called Counter insurgency, which is a military term for the combat against an armed rebellion, so from the album cover where Kyon is dressed in camouflage and when listening to the album, there is definitely a military concept to it. I think “Read Between the Lies” would be a great soundtrack for everyday life considering any circumstance.

Review by Laura McGlynn

Rank: ***** 5 out of 6

http://www.myspace.com/kyonmusic
Kevin Barry

Before we start, a gentle round of applause ladies and gentlemen please for a solo artist completely writing, making and releasing their own album. Such is the mountain that Kevin Barry has climbed (I personally know how steep a path that this is). So, Kevin's album "Looking for Murphy" whats it like? Well its an excellently recorded, hand carved body of work that Kevin has clearly painstakingly nurtured, polished and tweaked throughout the whole process. What you get is a eclectic collection of very personal and personable songs in the same ballpark as Peter Gabriel or if Thom Yorke of Radiohead had been locked in a studio for a couple of months his own. There's no genre chasing or faddy fashionista posturing here, its just very compelling.

There are some seriously grown up emotions peppered throughout the songs such as the heart-wrenching dark balladry (and stand out track) "Under your spell" that is nudged slowly along by the clever use of some ethereal strings and piano which could easily be used as a Tim Burton film track. Kevin plays and experiments with sounds and instruments in his songs to provide the listener with a unique but compelling musical experience from the (slightly) more uptempo 'Pain in my head' to the 'Sledgehammer'-esque 'Tell it like it is'. Every song stands on its own merits and are hugely listenable.

This an album of the highest quality forged in the fire found only in the belly of someone who really believes in what they do. Buy it.

Review by Drumhead

RANK: ****** 6 out of 6

www.myspace.com/kevinbarrymusic

KIERNAN McMULLAN

LIVE REVIEW AT THE SUGAR CLUB

21/11/07

Kiernan has so much passion for music you could feel his music right through you on the night, his vocals had rhythm and a flow to them expressing every tone to the beat of the music, if you like Maroon 5 with a dash of Counting Crows then you would enjoy Kiernan live, at his best on the night is when he took up to play the keyboards this added even more soul to the night and showing off just one of his many musical talents, the band really gelled together at the gig it was pure soul and full of adrenaline, I could not find any flaws or in any way not to go and see Kiernan live again it was a great show and looking forward to his new album which is due for release in 2008

Review by T.Halpin

GIG RATE: ****** 6 out of 6

 

"NEW AGE ROBIN HOOD"

This album is full of surprises with some sleek r&b tones ringing out with plenty of jazzy feel, with his fantastic voice and lyrics Kiernan blends all of his tunes really well together, this album is surely a good listener.

LET GO JOHN DOE - This song has a lovely funky jazzy feel through out the tune, vocals sound great really strong and suited for this style of music,great song.

CREATION - Here is a good tunewith flowing melodic gutair, vocal glide over the song this is very well constructed, excellent.

review by T.Halpin

Star Rank - ***** 5 out of 6

www.kiernanmcmullan.com

KENNETH CONWAY

I got a chance to check a few tunes recorded by this artist from dublin great composure on his gutair and very constructed lyrics i would say we will hear a lot more about Kenneth Conway in this coming year.

WHERE WE USED TO GO - This song has a country blues feel coming from the gutair very well laid down over the mix vocals have a nice laid back feel complimenting the song very well, a Sunday afternoon song to chill out to.

GIMME A REASON LET U GO - Very strong vocals in this song really on top of the melody its got a great folk rock feel, gutair sounds great nice picking around the melody.

review by T.Halpin

Star Rank : **** 4 out of 6

www.myspace.com/kennethconwaymusic

KEITH OCONNELL

LIVE AT THE TRAM BAR, DUBLIN

It was a pleasure to be back to see keith live, Keith was supporting Picture House on the night he started the night off on keyboards with "Midnight Sun" and his melodic piano tune "Ment to be a dreamer" Keith moved from his keyboard to take up gutair and played some more of his cracking tunes like "Everybody knows" and "If i should fall". Keith was very enjoyable to watch, overall it was a excellent performance from Keith, he finished the night out with "At the end of the day" . After the gig i had a chat with Keith and he was telling me about his new album he is working on, Keith will be producing it himself and it will feature a lot of talented session players, this will be something to watch out for this year.

review by T.Halpin

Star rank - ****** 6 out of 6

www.keithoconnell.com