Monday, 9 March 2026

Hook - Black Hats - SONS

Hook - Blackline / I'm Your Man.

Based in Dublin, Ireland Hook are described as new wave indie rock which may seem a bit of a conundrum until you hear them, then each aspect falls into place.

Hook comprise of Eoin O’Donnell - vocals, guitars. Niamh Carmody - vocals, bass. Morgan O’Brien - drums, and like many other three piece bands pack a punch when needed, however with this comes some well crafted songwriting, and the ability to blend together contrasting and effective styles.

The band tell us that they have attracted comparisons with Pixies, The Smiths, Big Thief and the Velvet Underground, which until you actually listen to them is a pretty encouraging description for starters. In their words "They play direct, honest music about the small moments, the brutality of love and finding the beautiful in the simple".


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Black Hats - Witness To Everything.

Black Hats are an indie/new wave band from Oxford, UK.  Constructed around solid grooves, that are built on deft, reggae-infused bass lines and skittering drum beats. These grooves are then welded to razor wire guitars with an anxious energy and melodies with the same sharp and melodic punk edge that also served the likes of The Jam so well. Finish it all off with witty and catchy lyrics and you have all the ingredients for a great band.

Part of a four track single release for 2026, “Witness To Everything” is a tack sharp song, with an energy built on hope and then despair and a need for change in a world gone mad. 

Black Hats are Mark, Budd & Nick and have worked with Grammy Nominated producer Sam Williams (Supergrass and Plan B) on their first single, “Kick In The Doors”.  They’ve supported named acts including; Reef, Dodgy & Stornaway and have played top UK Festivals and venues, including;  Wychwood Festival, Truck Festival & the 02 Academy Oxford. Their second single,  'No More Smoke’ featured in both Shameless and The Magicians on US TV.

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SONS - Surfin'.

Following the success of 3rd album Hallo, Belgian 4-piece SONS deliver an electrifying ode to the dizzying high of new love. That moment when everything feels brighter and you’re simply riding the wave. "Surfin’" kicks off with a sharp surf guitar riff before locking into a tight groove. 

The chorus captures the breathless euphoria of falling hard and fast. It’s lean, punchy and undeniably danceable and produced again by Dave McCracken (Depeche Mode, dEUS, A$AP Rocky). The video was written and Directed by Romy Water, Jules van Eijs with cinematography and DOP again by Romy Water.

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