Sean MacLeod comes with a slice of guitar-driven perfection that reminds us why we fell in love with indie rock in the first place. His new single, “Cool Charisma,” is a straight-up, no-frills banger that delivers everything you want from a classic indie track: glistening riffs, a solid, foot-stomping beat, and melodies that bury themselves deep in your brain after the first listen.
Hailing from Dublin, MacLeod is no newcomer to the scene. This is an artist with a history that’s as rich as his sound. Before going solo, he was a key member of the Dublin-based group Cisco, a band that earned its stripes with critical praise in Ireland and the UK. After that chapter closed, he navigated the post-band landscape with the Bowie-esque project Faceless and later became a major figure in the production world with Sonic Eye Media, working with the likes of Steve Walker and acts on Reekus Records. This dude has been in the trenches (musically), and that seasoned, road-tested expertise shows in every second of “Cool Charisma.”
The track weaves its way through a range of iconic styles, with the melodic genius of The Beatles, the sunny harmonies of The Beach Boys, and a distinct British indie sensibility. The guitar work is a standout—glistening, catchy, and driving the song forward with a tempting energy. It’s the kind of riffage that makes you air-guitar without a hint of shame. Locked in with a rock-solid rhythm section, the track creates a foundation that is timeless and utterly fresh.
The title “Cool Charisma” itself is a vibe, a feeling—the kind of track that soundtracks a moment of confident stride. It’s clear that MacLeod has poured his years of experience—from the stage to the studio to the lecture hall at Limerick College of Further Education—into a song that is meticulously constructed yet feels effortlessly cool.
“Cool Charisma” is an indie rock anthem with pop smarts and a rock and roll heart. Just prepare to be charmed. Sean MacLeod has just delivered a serious dose of cool, and your playlist is begging for it.