Every month we take a look back at the best new releases from Northern Ireland, showcasing the sheer amount of talent coming out of the North in our featured playlist. This month’s cover artist is Lemonade Shoelace. Words by Aaron Cunningham & Will Mac Aoidh.
Lemonade Shoelace – Forget to Remember
It feels like forever since 2024’s ‘Violet’s Song’, now two years on we welcome back Lemonade Shoelace. ‘Forget To Remember’ has everything that makes Lemonade Shoelace great: trippy, layered production behind a catchy, singalong vocal melody. This one takes root in your brain and makes itself at home there. WMA
The Davids – Celestial
‘Celestial’ is the second double single release from indie rock piece The Davids, a band who impressed at our latest GIFTED last week. They hit all the right notes again after their impressive debut, as they show they’ve a real ear for a melody and a big, uplifting chorus. The B-side isn’t too bad either. AC
Sophie French – Little Bird
A proper feel-good tune, blending neo-soul with the energy of mid-2000’s optimism a la Corinne Bailey Rae or Jack Johnson. ‘Little Bird’ has such effortless musicality supporting its laid-back energy, perfect for a sunny evening lying on the grass. WMA
Monday’s Child – Over Again
There’s a lot to love about Monday’s Child, a band who seem to be on a real upward trajectory following last year’s Modern Affair EP. ‘Over Again’ keeps that bite, from the guitars to Jen McKay’s aggressive vocal that’s essential to the band’s 90s alternative sound. There’s a real catharsis here. AC
Sister Ghost – Not Your Toy
There’s nothing hiding behind the curtain in ‘Not Your Toy’, the blistering, unpretentious single from Sister Ghost. There’s no subtext in these lyrics, just straightforward proclamation of Shannon Delores O’Neill’s intent – ‘I am not your fucking toy’. The neo-punk instrumentation is tons of fun and packed with energy, extremely cool and totally unapologetic. WMA
REFLECT – Bulletproof
Four-piece REFLECT emerged last year into a Belfast music scene that was ready to listen. Their music, four singles since their debut in June 2025, takes its lead from the likes of Lord Jane, with well worked guitar lines and riffs weaving around vocalist Tay Layno. ‘Bulletproof’ sounds like their most polished yet. AC
Chalk – Tongue
Excitement is building for Chalk’s debut album, Crystalpunk, available everywhere in March. That excitement has only ramped up with the release of their newest single, ‘Tongue’. What Chalk always get right is crafting a huge atmosphere and bringing an intense energy, akin to Nine Inch Nails or Gilla Band. ‘Tongue’ harnesses all that and more, it’s a frenetic experience that I can only imagine goes extremely hard live. WMA
Doveyy – Ew.
‘Ew.’ is just the second release under her Doveyy project, following her debut in January. A pop song at heart, Doveyy’s take on the end of a situationship is ramped up by a big beat and and eclectic guitars. AC
Playlist
