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 Ethan Hollan. Words by Aaron Cunningham and Martha Greer.
Ethan Hollan – Valentine
The long-awaited return of indie alternative artist Ethan Hollan points listeners towards a new musical journey. ‘Valentine’ propels Hollan into a 90s shoegaze cosmos amongst heavy reverb and spacious vocals. A twisted love song, it is the perfect mixture of grunge and gentle. MG
Tramp – The Birds (Lowered Suspension)
The best from the North West, Tramp have yet miss whether its their impassioned live performances or their first two single releases. Single number three has been long-awaited, and it delivers. A tongue-in-cheek commentary on lad culture and ‘not all men’ with biting riffs and Siânna Lafferty’s powerful vocals. AC
Lord Jane – Harmonia
Dynamic five-piece Lord Jane spiral onto the scene with their third single of the year ‘Harmonia’. Inspired by overheard conversations between mothers and their daughters, the emotional alt-rock track pinches at listeners ears with a sound that is crafted by charming guitar riffs and personal lyricism. MG
Susie Blue – Stop At Any Time
Derry’s Susie Blue returns with her first release in three years. ‘Stop At Any Time’ is a vehicle for the queer artist’s strong, emotive voice with a big rock sound resplendent in guitars and keys and backed by some powerful drums. AC
RUA – Freedom (Strength in Numbers)
RUA’s stripped-back style beautifully compliments their latest single ‘Freedom (strength in numbers)’, a song that refers to the thread binding women together through their life experiences. It is raw, whimsical, swelling with harmony and delivered by an intricate plucking guitar that will leave listeners in awe. MG
Becky McNeice – All My Love
Becky McNeice has been fairly prolific in the last couple of years, and judging by the numbers her latest is the best received. And that’s well deserved. That bed of RnB is still there but the electronic pop sound on ‘All My Love’ pushes her evolving music even further. AC
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