Summer is here as we move into June but here’s a look back at May as Aaron Cunningham and Ben Magee select some of their favourite releases of the month, including cover artist Aoife Nessa Frances. All handily found in our rotating playlist.
Aoife Nessa Frances – Emptiness Follows
Frances has never been one to be predictable and the thread continues. Glittering, smooth early 70’s rhythms earn comparison to Carole King and an absolute commitment to melody over hook gives this track an appeal equally magnetic and nostalgic. Harps, horns and keys make up the rest of a psych-folk landscape that swirls and pitches with beautiful imagery. An electric tune from start to finish. BM
Sorcha Richardson – Archie
Deliciously dreamy songwriting from Sorcha Richardson on her latest release, the first from her forthcoming second album. ‘Archie’ is downtempo folk that shimmers with Richardson’s soft vocals and a sense of nostalgia, that sits somewhere between Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten. A song that rises and falls with beautiful moments. AC
EFÉ – Lime
Lo-fi bedroom pop is the flavour of the newest food named track from EFÉ. Impossibly summery in both rhythm and delivery, with barely lucid guitar licks and shouty/smiley hooks for days. Quickly becoming one of my favourite artists. BM
Daithí – Sunset ft Ailhbe Reddy
Irish producer Daithí enlists Ailbhe Reddy on new track ‘Sunset’ as he announces new album I’m Here Now. Euphoric synths blend and contrast with Reddy’s bittersweet lyrics which evoke an emotional moment in the sun, swept along on a wave of beats and crescendos. AC
Talos – dance against the calm
I had a Google alert set up for new Talos music. It’s been a long time so allow me this moment. Ethereal, cinematic electro-folk from one of Ireland’s best composers was to be expected, but Talos has always been excellent at loading each stanza and shift with a Bon Iver-esque level of emotion and weight. Nothing in this track is accidental, and all roads lead to a horizon of beautiful music. It’s been worth the wait. BM
Just Mustard – Seed
Taken from the highly anticipated and well received new album ‘Seed’ is a show stopper from the five-piece. Its dark and brooding with industrial edged guitars that clatter and collide but Katie Ball’s sweet vocals remain clear above the noise and chaos. AC
Yard – Lawmaker
Gripping electro rock and noise from the nation’s capital, YARD’s debut soundtracks a nation in crises. Aggressive, confrontational basslines and dark, sheer acoustics take from Dublin’s noise rock and Belfast’s hardcore dance scene. Vocals are whispered above it all, as if instigating the noises into a further rage. Frightening and engaging stuff. BM
Katie Kim – Mona
A big, ambitious soundscape propels one into another world entirely in Katie Kim’s ‘Mona’. The siren-like intro fades into Kim’s vocals and a resounding snare before the swirling textures and synths take over and surround everything in an intense haze. A very compelling listen. AC
Wastefellow – Post Credits Scene
Dublin producer and vocalist with a penchant for the alternative. There’s no two-ways about it, this is a tremendous song, one that ebbs and flows through anxious waves, found sounds, iridescent production and vocals. Go in with an open mind and see where you end up. BM
Aoife Wolf – The Woman Who Shot Andy Warhol
Inspired by Valerie Solanas, ‘The Woman Who Shot Andy Warhol’ is Offaly songwriter Aoife Wolf’s first release in two years. Claustrophobic guitars held together by steady percussion are driven by Wolf’s vocals that rise in intensity and urgency. AC
Ye Vagabonds – An Island
Your favourite folk artists’ favourite folk band, the standout from their latest album is a showcase of all that Ye Vagabonds can bring to the table. Expert multi-instrumentation, intimate yet widescreen arrangements, magnetic vocal harmonies and a folk sound that’s impossibly contemporary and nostalgic. One of the most beautiful tracks released this year. BM
Seba Safe – I’m on Fire
Hushed tones and gentle rhythms make up the latest single from Seba Safe, his second release since signing to label Nettwerk. An intimate portrayal of self doubt and a relationship ending. AC
Travi the Native – IShouldBeSleeping
The latest step in Travis Gilbert’s rise is a new single by the name of ‘IShouldBeSleeping’, out last Friday. ‘IShouldBeSleeping’ is about the tired limbo and longing of a long distance relationship, fed through the smoothly crafted pop with emotional yearnings that he’s been polishing over the last number of years. AC
Khakikid – Woodstock
One of Ireland’s hottest new rappers, the Crumlin musician has all of the sunshine and summer vibes you need on Woodstock. This track should be played at every gathering you have in the next few months. A frisky and comical track with its teeth bared wide. BM
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