Every month we take a look back at the best new releases from Northern Ireland in our featured playlist. A showcase for the sheer amount of talent coming out of the North, and a playlist worthy of repeat listening. This month’s cover artist is LipGloss.
FEATURED TRACKS
LipGloss – Better Off This Way
There’s an inescapable late night gloss amongst the reverb heavy debut single from new Belfast trio LipGloss. A track that recalls 80s and 90s alternative rock with the vocal melody swimming amongst heavy bass and throwback sounds, as the band cite influences including The Cranberries and Alanis Morrisette. It’s a fine start.
Sasha Samara – Under My Skin
Those who have followed Sasha Samara over the years have seen a slow evolution, expanding beyond her lone ukulele sound with the help of producer Si Francis and leading to her debut EP. Lead single ‘Under My Skin’ displays her lean towards alternative pop, with atmospheric synths crafted around a song that’s grown into an engaging lament against desire.
Tabitha Smyth – Sad About Nothing
A debut single following from an artist who’s teased with an occasional live performance since she emerged. ‘Sad About Nothing’ is a song of two halves in its composition but Smyth’s vocals remain the draw throughout.
Anderson Nightmare – Sleep
A new project from General Fiasco’s Strathern brothers, Anderson Nightmare’s first release comes in the form of ‘Sleep’, An indie track with an easy-going vocal and polished production from Daniel Morgan Ball. ‘Sleep’ and B-side ‘Nobody Has To Know’ are the first tracks from a promised EP.
Robyn Maddox – Pity Party Parade
‘Pity Party Parade’. is taken from an ambitious concept EP from Belfast songwriter Robyn Maddox. A soft acoustic number that brings in the character driven themes of love, loss and loneliness on Maddox’s Midnight-15 EP.
Ryan Vail – Silhouette
Derry electronic artist Ryan Vail is back with his first release in a few years. Vail has dipped his toes into various sounds over the years, with the reflective collaborative Borders receiving renown. ‘Silhouette’ is a much dancier track from its vocal samples to its persistent percussive tempos.
Playlist:
