We Speak Music

Pants On Fire Ignites Ireland’s Indie Scene with ‘Vodka Shampoo’

Published

2 years ago

August 31, 2024

Emerging from the vibrant heart of Ireland’s indie music scene, Pants On Fire are set to turn heads and turn up the volume with their electrifying new single, “Vodka Shampoo.” This release marks a bold new chapter for the band, who have undergone significant changes in both their lineup and sound, promising to take their music to unprecedented heights.

A Journey of Reinvention

The creation of “Vodka Shampoo” has been a transformative journey for Pants On Fire, starting about a year ago during a jam session with former members Mel and Matt. The song’s infectious chorus quickly became a staple in the band’s rehearsals, sparking a creative fire that would continue to burn brightly even as the band evolved. With the addition of new members Jeff and Kaelig, the band decided to revisit and refine the track. This fresh infusion of talent led to a series of key changes and creative experiments, ultimately resulting in the dynamic version that’s set to be released.

Recorded last month at Orchard Studios in Wexford, the process of bringing “Vodka Shampoo” to life was as smooth as it was collaborative. The band credits producer Brendan and his two dogs for creating a relaxed and enjoyable recording environment, allowing them to fully explore the track’s potential.

The Band’s Evolution

Pants On Fire are no strangers to evolution. Since their formation by frontman Finn and guitarist Ollie, the Dublin-based indie outfit has continually pushed the boundaries of their sound. Known for their energetic performances and genre-blending style, the band has captured the attention of audiences with a unique mix of influences that range from punk to alternative rock. Originally a three-piece cover band focused on Arctic Monkeys tunes, Pants On Fire quickly transitioned to creating original material after Ollie’s arrival, which culminated in their debut album.

The addition of Jeff and Kaelig has brought a heavier, more dynamic edge to their music, reflecting the band’s growth and maturity. This new lineup has infused the band with a fresh energy, one that is perfectly encapsulated in “Vodka Shampoo.”

A Bold New Sound

“Vodka Shampoo” is more than just a new single; it’s a declaration of the band’s evolution. Fans can expect a heavier, more eclectic sound that builds on the band’s earlier work while pushing into exciting new territory. The track is poised to be a fan favourite, with its catchy chorus and dynamic instrumentation showcasing the band’s newfound energy and creative direction.

For those familiar with Pants On Fire’s previous releases, “Vodka Shampoo” represents a bold step forward. It’s the sound of a band that’s not afraid to experiment, to evolve, and to push their music to new heights. As they prepare to bring this new sound to life on stage, fans can look forward to an unforgettable live experience that promises to capture the raw energy and excitement of their latest work.

Looking Ahead

As “Vodka Shampoo” gears up for release, the future looks bright for Pants On Fire. Their growing discography, available on Spotify and Soundcloud, is a testament to their ability to continually reinvent themselves while staying true to their roots. With each release, the band has pushed the boundaries of their sound, and “Vodka Shampoo” is no exception.

Dublin’s indie scene has long been a hotbed of talent, and Pants On Fire are proving themselves to be one of its brightest stars. As they embark on this exciting new chapter, there’s no doubt that their music will continue to resonate with fans both old and new. Whether you’ve been with them since their cover band days or are just discovering their music, “Vodka Shampoo” is a track you won’t want to miss.

Pants On Fire are set to ignite stages across the country with their new sound, and if “Vodka Shampoo” is any indication, the best is yet to come.

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We Speak Music

Michele Ducci teases new album with uplifting indie single ‘Woman Like You’

Published

23 hours ago

April 17, 2026

Don Reed

Michele Ducci has unveiled the second single, ‘Woman Like You’, from his forthcoming album and animated film ‘Snail in the Clouds’.

‘Woman Like You’ pairs bright distorted electric guitar with an electronic drumbeat, adding in Ducci’s soulful vocals and a catchy uplifting chorus with Letizia Mandoleisi’s sweet vocal harmonies. A vintage organ pedalboard operated by Ducci simultaneously generates chords, bass and rhythm, like a one-man band. Shane Kennedy (Girl in the Year Above) joins in on guitar. Simon Milner (Is Tropical, Ysing) recorded and produced the track at his 4am Studios in London.

The album and film tell the story of a planet called ‘Snail’, inhabited by hybrids – primarily a mixture between scorpions, snails and humans – who lead a life according to the style of Pythagoras, devoted to music. There is also a cloud man named Agostos, a writer of musical operettas, who together with a talking smoke machine called Doctor Subtilis, begins to kill all hybrids, targeting in particular the hybrid musician Diodoros and his band, in an effort to steal the ark of melodies, an ancient ship that allows the whole planet to survive with music and joy.

The video for the single, created and animated by Ducci and Mandoleisi, delves further into the realm of planet ‘Snail’:

Says Ducci, “The ark of melodies, after various attempts, finally starts to work and fly in the planet Snail, while the shady Doc. Sub. and Agostos, with their platoon of soldiers made of foggy smoke, spy the miracle, planning to steal the ark for their evil and tyrannical purposes.”

About the track, Michele says, “I wrote this song for my love Letizia. Love seen from the mind is the sound we make. Sound is the love of matter.

We used a Technics synthesizer organ from a flea market. I tried to find a mood that was right for the song and I started using the bass of the pedal board together with the synth and the drums, and it was magical to hear the song reveal itself all coming from a single instrument. Leti was singing with me and we recorded everything live in one shot. Then we made Shane do the guitar flight, as if he came out of the window. The idea was to maintain disproportions, guitar thrust and synth drum thinness a la Haroumi Hosono, so as to create an estrangement, but naturally: it’s about how I listen, with close up something that captures me in its nuance as element of a larger orchestra somewhere. I’m glad we decided in the studio with Simon to use the layers of arrangement as the close-ups in the cinema; they look like strange enlargements that perch on parts of a mutated orchestra. I’m happy to come back with this love song at a time when everything seems to opt, even my labor in managing the flows of selfishness that have poured out on me while doing this album, for the sound of war. I’m here happy to be able to say that the sound of love always wins as did for me. Snail in the clouds is one of the most important works in my life and I am glad to start from pure love for this album that is my son.”

The album and full-length film will be released on the 5^th of June on Monotreme Records.

Michele and Letizia’s previous musical short film, ‘The Great Book of Nature’, is an official selection for the 2026 Venice Shorts Film Festival.