Best of Irish – May

As May passes and we move into June, we’re celebrating another month of great new Irish music. Aaron Cunningham and Ben Magee select some of their favourite releases of the month, including cover artist Conchúr White, all handily found in our rotating playlist.

Conchúr White – Dreamers

Conchúr White follows up the softly spoken ‘Go Easy’ with his most visceral release ahead of a new EP. ‘Dreamers’ is a dynamic, indie rock song that threatens to fall apart as White sings of big dreams and aspirations, from a small town perspective. White is carving out a great track record under his own name. AC

Kojaque – Wickid Tongues

Second single from new album on the way shows the diversity to expect. Going back to his jazz rap roots, this gentle departure to the alt-punk of his first single is a welcome diversion. BM

Malaki – The Riddler

The Dublin MC plays the villain in his newest. Dark, sinister beats compliment the malicious spitting vocals. Tense from start to finish. BM

Fya Fox – SUNSET

Fya Fox grows her body of fire pop songs with the more brooding ‘SUNSET’. A proponent of the quiet/loud approach, slow verses briefly jump into life in the song’s main hook, with the whole thing lifted by Fya Fox’s rich vocals. AC

Maria Kelly – eight hours

Gorgeous keys and understated percussion line the sides of this gentle indie pop/folk track. Kelly’s low-key vocals are the star of the show, keeping the pace and energy consistent throughout. BM

Skinner – Beer Me, Jim

Janky indie music from Dublin ‘slouch rock’ artist Skinner. ‘Beer Me, Jim’ slinks along with angular guitar and touches of saxophone to elevate the whole thing. AC

Biig Piig – American Beauty

Forever dynamic, American Beauty samples from indie rock, lo-fi hip and alternative electronic. Real Massive Attack vibe from one of Irelands most exciting exports. BM

Susan O’Neill – Give Me Good Reason

A real stripped down and soulful number from the multi-instrumentalist. Soft piano and percussion carry the song gently forward, with O’Neill’s gospel refrain of ‘give me good reason to stay’ calling out. AC

Elephant – Envy

The latest single from Dundalk’s Shane Clarke features a rhythm section provided by Belfast’s own Robocobra Quartet to whet one’s appetite. A woozy indie rock reflection on jealousy, money and career decisions. AC

Gaptoof – Polymer

Resident beatmaker at Soft Boy Records does not miss (Please press some vinyl x). His newest project is a collaborative monster and this is the highlight – essential listening for this month. Nuanced songwriting. Subtle and intoxicating production. One of Gaptoof’s best yet. BM

Tolü Makay – Aye

Irish-Nigerian Makay brings her Yoruba heritage into latest single ‘Aye’. Celebrating and exploring childhood and life, Makay was unable to travel due to the pandemic and worked remotely with both a choir of children and a percussionist in Nigeria, alongside collaborator and producer Enda Gallery to create the unique, worldly ‘Aye’. AC

Royal Yellow – Until

Bright, experimental electronic music. Buoyed by colourful waves of electronica and chip tone samples. The edit is perfect for vibing, while the full version literally saved my life after a particularly heavy night. Pulsating vibrant art-electronica. BM

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