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 Anna’s Number. Words by Aaron Cunningham & Éimear Gallagher.
Anna’s Number – Simple Change
Perhaps best known around Belfast and the North for their infectious live sets, Anna’s Number’s own music flies under the radar a bit despite their following. New EP It Doesn’t Have To Be Like This is proof this needs to change. Much of the EP sounds at home on an 80s dancefloor, but ‘Simple Change’ adds a little mystery and playful, disordered range to proceedings. AC
Morgana – Fix Your Heart For Free
Morgana’s star continues to rise, with her first release of 2026 closely followed by a string of Snow Patrol supports. Her penchant for pop songwriting is feeling pretty effortless these days as ‘Fix Your Heart For Free’ takes a few notes from the likes of Kate Bush with its wonderful refrain and Morgana’s artful vocal. AC
Reevah – Take What You Can
Two years on since we last heard new music from Derry’s Reevah, she returns with ‘Take What You Can’. From the visuals to the pedal steel guitar, Reevah is taking a step into country pop territory. While lyrically she reflects on trust and betrayal, the light melodies and bright chorus takes this one into breezy summer listening. AC
JulieJulie – Alma
JulieJulie’s debut single ‘Alma’ has a touch of a nostalgic feel. A song that blends the typical indie sound with a more pop feel. Reminiscent of Chappell Roan and CMAT, but with a hint of The Cure and Aurora in influence. ‘Alma’ is upbeat and extremely catchy, with Julie’s expressive vocals adding a unique draw to the music and sound. EG
Dark Tropics – It All Leads Back To You
‘It All Leads Back To You’ begins with a melancholy chord progression on the piano. Rio McGuinness-McCay’s vocals, so raw and gorgeously crafted, emphasise the emotion behind Dark Tropics’ clever lyricism and portraying the story so perfectly. A musical duo for any The Velvet Underground or Aretha Franklin fans out there! EG
Mucker – Big Man
There’s an infectious positivity around Belfast group Mucker and their lynchpin Brendy Seamus. They’ve worn their heart, sensitivity and joy on their collective long sleeves since they arrived in 2024. ‘Big Man’ continues to carry that same flag of encouragement through hard hitting drums, driven guitars and shouted gang vocals. AC
GhoulGirl, How R U – Sparkles like a Horse
‘Sparkles like a horse’ takes plenty of influence from Alex G. It’s complex in feeling, while the guitar chord progression adds a glimmer of hope to its slow-core, alternative aesthetic. The instrumental breaks throughout the song adds a sense of reminiscence touch before the vocals return. Repetitive and drawn back lyricism only adds to the theme behind the track. EG
Ava Brogan – Seeing Stars
A bisexual awakening on a dancefloor, ‘Seeing Stars’ is the fourth release from Belfast based Ava Brogan. Her music seeks to join the hands of celtic folklore with hyperpop but ‘Seeing Stars’ hits furthest into the dance music. It’s a glitchy, pulsating experience, unlike much we’ve heard in a hot minute. AC
Playlist
