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Nama Naya

 

Shine On

NamaNaya is from Mullaghbawn, Co. Armagh and has travelled to many places around the world this must have been a big influence in crafting out the sound that can be heard on this album Shine On, ten tracks of roots and popular music and NamaNaya adds a twist of traditional Irish folk sound to this album with his unique voice.

The opening track is called "Go" the song boasts a real country blues sound with the traditional Irish flare, although unlike the second track Shine On this song has a complete different sound, sways more to the rock side, with the usual catchy chorus and melodies but one thing I can say "it sounds good" the more you listen the more you will get hooked, just like a beautiful vine that grows so rapidly NamaNaya is the musical vine that will grow on you.

Moving onto the track three "Western Way" this is a soft ballad style acoustic number, the lyrics have a very nice poetic side to them, telling a very interesting story, just how a good ballad should sound, I wasn't keen on the next tune called "Itaewon" ok I might be a bit harsh but the use of electric guitar with a distortion sound over a country folk sound does not work for me, clean the guitar at it would sound fine apart from that I feel this could be better than it is now.

Track five "Call on You" middle of the road kind of tune with some nice changes in the chorus, the lyrics are very well written and the way NamaNaya sings them they are very easily understood, great dynamics in the song with some catchy melodies, the next song called "The River" this song has a nice picking acoustic guitar in the background with NamaNaya telling a story over the melody, reminds me a bit like Christy Moore and the way he does his storytelling numbers.

Number seven on the album is called "Seraphim" the song starts with some fantastic airy tin whistle, creating a very Irish ambient tone, fabulous intro into this song; you will hear some rock tones coming from the rhythm guitar blending very nicely over this folk laid back song.

PLR is track number eight, upbeat with a steady tone, almost pop music with a twist of rock; I think it is the voice of NamaNaya that adds the Irish twist to the sound but it works well and sounds great, track number nine "Blaze Away" pulsating bass notes and thumping drums drive the natural sound coming from this tune, with the sound of uplifting guitar rhythm strums and electrifying licks Blaze Away offers a very nice listening for any music lover, great instrumental would have been nice to hear some lyrics over this.

The final track on the album called Call On You, this is an acoustic version of this track, only it is recorded with piano, it expresses a different take on the song, just shows how NamaNaya can offer some great variable sounds to his music, it also has a fantastic piano solo.

Review by T.Halpin
5/6

http://www.myspace.com/namanaya

Nathan Cameron

 

Hey Girl
Nathan Cameron is a singer/songwriter hailing from Liverpool, United Kingdom. He already has a huge following on social network sites such as twitter and YouTube so when his linked popped up this reviewer couldn't wait to hear what all the fuss was about. On first listen it brought me way back to the early 90's with fantastic pop beats with the hint of dance. Lyrically his songs are quite innocent but are really catchy. Speaking about loving girls and getting girls to like him, they speak to all teenagers around the world. Nathans voice is amazing with a little bit of soul in there and I'm sure anything he sings will sound amazing. His songs would easily lift your spirits and bring you back to your teenage years. This guy has it all wrapped up.
Review by Jennifer Ormsby
5/6

http://www.reverbnation.com/nathancameron

Niall O'Shea

 

Inner City Dogs
Niall O’Shea, Dublin singer songwriter’s album Inner City Dogs has ten tracks that will leave your musical taste palette wanting more, with songs like Chrissy! And Red Horizon, they showcase a beautiful angle that Niall has captured on this album, upbeat and very easy on the ear with the use of brass adds a nice commercial tone to these songs.
Better Days is a cracking tune on the album, vocals and lyrics are top notch, elements of jazz chords and some fantastic slide guitar playing, are only some of the elements that make this song, I have noticed the variety of styles that Niall is working with on Inner City Dogs, from blues to folk in Alleyways and hints of jazz back to rock with Sun Bleached Cans, it must be Niall’s musical influences and tastes of playing styles that inspired him to create such a great album, Inner City Dogs is a must for any pure music lovers collection.
Review by T.Halpin
6/6

http://www.niallosheamusic.com

Neil Nayar

 

Pencil Songs

Very rarely do I find an album that I like all the tracks on, I still haven't found that one yet, but pencil songs came pretty close. Neil Nayar has managed to construct an album that is clever, quirky, funny, and challenges the system like only a man with his guitar can.

Clearly Nayar excelled in guitar and decided to compliment that with lyrics. The album cover is very well designed but there are so many nice little touches that make the album more personal, such as the letter at the start of the lyric book that begins "Dear Listener, here are 11 survivors of a 4 moth recording session"

The gems of this album are clearly tracks like "Tesco Song" which takes a new, witty stance on challenging corporations and "Pencil Song" that is possibly the only love song I've ever enjoyed, the subtlety and caring attention to detail make this song a must hear.

Review by Philip Dalton

Review: 5/6

http://neilnayar.bandcamp.com

Nick Howard

 

Falling For You

This is the debut single from British singer song writer Nick Howard. I was quite interested in hearing this single as his other song ‘’Feel The Pressure’’ was used in hit American TV Shows like The Hills and Jersey Shore so surly this guy had to be good. On listening to ‘Falling for You’ it was so easy to sit back and just listen to the lyrics. Nick’s lyrics speak to anybody falling in love and you can simply hear the emotion through them. The backing music ties into the lyrics and Nick’s voice effortlessly with amazing guitar riffs and bang on time beats. This song picks you up and puts a smile on your face and simply reminds you if that one special person. This reviewer has a feeling that this guy is going to be huge.

By Jennifer Ormsby

Review: 5/6

http://www.nickhowardmusic.com

Noise Control

 

Our Life

I’m a firm believer that a good musician’s taste in music should be incredibly eclectic and Noise Control have drawn from a lot of different influences to create “Our life.”

Yeah, ok, it’s easy to say the lads are influenced by The Prodigy, sure they’ve even supported them. But their style is a lot deeper than that.

Yes you can expect to hear lots of samples and triggers… you can also expect to hear a rhythm section tighter than a Gnat’s bum, as well as some great guitar riffs, not to mention guest vocals from the amazingly talented Shahin Badar on the track “Take it.”

This new album from Noise control excites me. It raises the hairs on the back of my neck, it has me nodding my head and smiling and it tells me that original music is alive and kicking in Ireland.

Review by Tobye Hillier

5/6

http://www.myspace.com/noisecontrol4real

Neverwonder

Let it Out

From Garbage to Hole and all the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in between, alternative rock
bands fronted by women are always interesting.

Neverwonder are an LA based band fronted by former American Idol (near)finalist
Megan Bobo. And jesus that girl has some pipes on her! Bobo delivers soulful
Whitney Housten-esque vocals over a punchy rock backing.

Opening track “Help Me” gives a taste of things to come. Extremely impressive
layered vocal arrangements and an unrelenting instrumental make this track a
great start.

Title track “Let it Out” is more of the same, but not to its detriment.
Impassioned vocals are the order of the day. This time however Bobo shows her
versatility as its less Whitney Housten and more Layne Staley (Alice in Chains)
or Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) that are called to mind.

The rest of the album pans out as you may expect. “Wild Out”, “Edge” and “Is
this the End” all show off the band’s talents. Besides Ms Bobo, Andres and
Vincent Ramos and Scott Ramsey are a very tight rock band and I’m sure they
pack a big punch live.

There should be more bands like this around and especially in the charts: rock
bands with the vocal talent found in every pop star or group. The arrangements
are well thought out, the songs all equal more than the sum of their parts. My
only criticism is a lack of more “softer” songs, which may have let Megan Bobo
hang up her sexy rock chick persona for a more vulnerable one.

Overall though: this group deserve recognition. So give it!
Review by Kevin McCabe

5.5/6
http://www.myspace.com/neverwonder

Nigel Connell

 

Nothing Left To Say

This isn't the type of stuff I would normally listen to. Nigel Connell's album could be classed as classical almost Theatre – esque, big voice, big arrangements.

Connell is no stranger to the music business and has an impressive CV of supports and accolades with acts such as the legendary Tammy Wynette and Johnny Cash amongst others and currently a touring musician with Mummy's favourite, Daniel O'Donnell.

This is no D. O'D though, title track 'Nothing Left to Say', has an opening atmospheric arrangement of one and a half minutes of pure bliss that could easily be heard on a Ministry of Sound chillout album and quite reminds me of the Evanescence production on 'Bring Me to Life'.

The production and arrangement on the album by Navan Man Mark Cahill are spot on, and always sure that Nigel's voice is still the centre of attention.

Connel is clever enough know that he's looking at a slightly more mature audience. The inclusion of covers of 'Carrickfergus' and Colin Raye's country classic 'Love Me' not only do them justice but give them a new lease of life. His version of Colm Wilkinson's 'Bring Him Home' could easily give the man himself a run for his money.

The lead single from the album “Belief' is probably a more mainstream radio track and in style nods at Train and Shaun Mullins.

When I first heard the album, I wasn't quite sure if this would be my cuppa but I gave it a few listens and each time I heard something different. After three days of listening at different times, I've been converted. Actually, I think I've been more than converted, this is amazing.
Review by Nessy

6/6

http://www.nigelconnell.com

Nicole Maguire

Fight The Score EP
A smile fell upon my face when this cd landed in my hands, as I love reviewing Irish singer songwriters and Nicole didn’t fail. Immediately a pop/country vibe came to mind on first listen. This girl has a raw talent and it oozes into her lyrics. From talking about setting herself ‘’free’’ right down to ‘’remembering’’ various elements of things and a person you left behind. Nicole touched on the heart strings and emotionally conveys each and every word. The piano and guitars on all songs across the album compliant Nicole’s angelic voice. This girl really has a talent beyond belief and will appeal to everybody.
Review by Jennifer Ormsby
5/6

http://www.myspace.com/nicolemaguireireland

Nick Tate

Turn Into Twilight
Nick Tate UK singer songwriter has put all the right ingredients together to make a smashing album and Turn Into Twilight is it, Ten songs of good honest lyrics and vocals full of heart and passion, Nick has laid down some great tracks on this album "Good Life" upbeat with a hint of pop to drive the vocals this is a great little number. There is a real fresh tone coming from the album with some cool jazzy melodies and soft pop beats especially in track five "Unnecessary" moody with some nice changes in the song the chorus makes the song... very catchy, "Tongue Tied" is another one very laid back with a nice acoustic tone and some very passionate tones coming from Nick's voice, overall the album has got tons of potential superb stuff.
Review by T.Halpin
5/6*****
http://www.myspace.com/nicktatemusic
No Roller

 

"High Places by Narrow Roads"
Dublin five piece indie rock band No Roller have composed eleven tracks on this album with a different twist to each song but all branched from one leaf of indie rock, you can hear Stone Roses and Pink Floyd influences pouring from most tunes but the highlights for me is
"Easily Led" lyrics are fantastic in this tune and the melody on the vocal is full of passion, I love the way the guitar sound has real blues rock tone it give this song what it needs slow song with plenty of balls..
"Picture of Health" this song is pure rock driven with harmonies on the guitars Lizzy style and lazy grunge styled vocals with great catchy feel from the chorus cracking tune.
"Young" this is a nice mellow acoustic folk song with a twist of electronic pop, the vocals have a very unusual sound like semi reggae with that Bob Dylan tone but i like it.
"To The Back of My Mind" every instrument is used to its maximum capacity with harmonizing vocals the works this song is indie to the bone, No Roller have got some promising potential after listening to their debut Album I'm sure its gonna get better from here on in!
Review by T.Halpin

Rank: **** 4 out of 6

http://www.myspace.com/noroller

Neosupervital

 

Dance With You Single review
First plus point! 'Dance with You' is available as a free download from http://www.neosupervital.com Plus Point Number Two: Its a cracker of a track!

'Dance With You' kicks off with what can only be described as 80's throwback/futuristic sounds. This is a work of pure electronic genius. Three minutes and seventeen seconds of pure pop, taken from his forthcoming 'Proceeds' album, NSV is probably Ireland's best electronica artist. Clever lyrics, memorable hooks and FREE go to http://www.neosupervital.com now!

Review by Nessy

Rank:****** 6 out of 6

NEW YORK ALCOHOLIC ANXIETY ATTACK

 

Three piece outfit from Bradford, Northeast, United Kingdom might just be the next cult band to follow, frontman Mik Davis has your Rockstar image and vocal to go with it, the six track demo EP that they have released has some pretty exciting music of pure raw talent, with songs like "Guns and God" kicks in with your typical rock drumming floor tom to snare style and a mystical Mark Boland type of vocal this tune has got tons of potential with the right producer i think we got a winner here. "Sun Riders" this song has a got a grunge feel with punk styled vocals reminds me of early Nirvana very loose in parts but adds to the tunes character,this has to the rebirth of grunge...smashing tune and a cracking EP worth checking out, i feel this demo is a step to greater things for NYAAA.
Review by T.Halpin

Rank:***** 5 out of 6

http://www.myspace.com/newyorkalcoholicanxietyattack

NUGGET

 

EP Review

Nugget are a funk maestro band from Naas/Kildare Ireland after seen this band live last year at the Ballykockan music festival they were in the making of a great band, they now have released this three track stunning EP and the first song on the disk is "Smoking In The Back Row" funk/rock with some electro feel, reminds me of an early Chilli Pepper tune but has a great catchy chorus that will have you singing along with the song, I like the sleek guitar riff laid down it adds a colorful vibe to the tune along with the brass. Track two "Hold On" sounds like a funky Kings of Leon, maybe its the lead singer Craig Berkeley's voice but i like it! the brass sounds well it creates a nice bit of depth to the song unlike most straight forward rock tunes out there today this works well in the tune,super stuff. The final track on the EP is "Shakedown" this track has an early 80's feel with a modern funky twist I would say this would be a crowd pleaser at gigs, excellent stuff Nugget.
Review by T.Halpin

RANK:***** 5 out of 6

www.myspace.com/nuggetfunk

NELL BRYDEN

Second Time Around

EP Review

 

Nell Bryden from New York USA, Second time around EP has all the modern feel and commercial potential but it's rich in deep blues roots from gospel to bluegrass and back, this is one area that many singer songwriters fail to tap into as i can guarantee you... Nell will be accepted in the blues/jazz festival circles aswell as today's chart industry. I know this might be a bit of a stab or insult but Nell is doing what Cristine Agulara would love to be doing but Nell has just as equal voice and talent and is doing it better by far,I can hear some ragtime blues in a lot of Nells Voice "Late night call" is the track that is pouring with flavour of ragtime and it sounds great too... thumbs up to the arrangement and excellent work on the melody. "Goodbye" This track has more of the jazzy side of Nell, creeping a bit into the Sade neck of the woods but still has the passion and feel of Nell's voice, moving more toward today's market this has all the right ingredients.

Review by T.Halpin

Rank: ****** 6 out of 6

www.myspace.com/nellbryden

NERO

Nero are possibly the busiest band in Enniscorthy, Wexford. With over 30 gigs lined up in the same town this year, they either have a lot of friends to play too or a relative on the licensing committee. A three piece in the style of Arctic Monkeys, Dirty Pretty Things or Babyshambles they have a rather good vocalist and songwriter in Barry Murphy and they have posted up some tracks that push all the indie buttons and while big on idea are rather let down in execution . Timings and tunings slide in and out and the songs meander around well meant ideas. There's a good band in there fighting to get out and maybe with the extensive tour of Enniscorthy in the pipeline t he songs will take shape into something worthy of their potential.

Review by Drumhead

RANK: *** 3 out of 6

www.myspace.com/neroireland

Nick Carswell & The Elective Orchestra

 

At first glance, and by now the prospect of another folk/rock singer/songwriter from Ireland could easily pass me by, but Nick Carswell is anything but run-of-the-mill. I am listening to his demos that he's made with a string section (who go by the moniker 'The Elective Orchestra'). Even more reason for this rock aficionado and hard bitten reviewer to cringe?... wrong. The combination is sublime. Nick is a first class songwriter and interprets each and every song with soul, feeling and passion. The addition of emotive strings and piano only magnifies the overall experience and makes these demos something a bit special. Imagine if you will a modern, emotional spin on a song like Eleanor Rigby ('To all the small people') or Penny Lane ('Oceanview') such is the depth of style that Nick effortlessly summons up.
If these are only demos I can't wait to hear the finished article. Wonderful, heart-achingly good songs.

Review by Drumhead

RANK: ****** 6 OUT OF 6

www.myspace.com/nickcarswell

Nicollette Varanelli

A superb voice that has a edge over the rest, this is a artist that can really express her vocals with excellent songs like "I DONT WANNA KNOW"and "SO CONFUSED" .

 

I DONT WANNA KNOW - This is a real catchy number with a good groove to it, vocals sound excellent with real passion in them, very well produced and the lyrics are great too.

SO CONFUSED - This tune has got a real 80,s feel with a modern r&b groove vocal has a hard edge with excellent tones great voice.

review by T.Halpin

STAR RANK ******

www.myspace.com/nicollettesings

NIGEL PLACE

Live at the Aras Chronain Clondalkin dublin 02/05/07

 

Nigel made a very professional intro on to the stage and kicked off with his tune " Sad songs" a nice upbeat tune with some great vocal ability and with a country folk feel with a twist of irish trad, Nigel's next tune was "Bitter twist" a jazzy feel from this song with some moody vocals Nigel performed this song very well on the night,Nigel played other songs off his ep "Broadcast to anyone who'll listen" like "Lost dalliance" with its poetic lyrics and flowing rythem gutair and "The last resort" overall Nigel played a great gig on the night with his blend of folk blues and fantastic vocals.

review by T.Halpin

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

www.myspace.com/nigelplace