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 Alana Henderson. Words by Aaron Cunningham, Will Mac Aoidh & Éimear Gallagher.
Alana Henderson – Appetite
The return of Alana Henderson, one of our most gifted songwriters has been a real highlight of the past year. October’s ‘Once in a House on Fire’ was a moody single first in six years and now as she builds to a debut album, here is new single ‘Appetite’. The first recorded with producer George Sloan and enlisting a country feel with shades of banjo & pedal steel (hello Joel Harkin), it sees Henderson questioning her own desires and hesitation around what she really wants. AC
Aoibha, Ciaran Lavery – Albatross
A collaboration between two incredibly well-respected songwriters is a very special thing. ‘Albatross’ manages to do so much at once – it’s delicate like crystal but with an iron-like determination. Sparse production initially gives breathing room for Aoibha’s immense vocal talent but, like a wave, ‘Albatross’ swells with instrumentation until it eventually crashes on the shore. Hers and Ciaran Lavery’s vocals are just so seamless together also. Certainly one of the standout tracks of this year, in my opinion. WMA
The Thing Is – Logic
‘Logic’ starts off quite acoustic but builds in anticipation as the drums join in. There’s an intensified vigour as the song continues alongside Eva Rowan’s brilliantly crafted and heart-wrenching lyricism. Logic is filled with metaphorical intensity with a hint of ardour and subtle feelings of hidden hatred. One for all the romantic ragers! EG
SOAK – death valley fridge magnet
“The snow came down like a demolition
Threw a rug on the road
From mine to St. Stephens
I can admit there were stars in my eyes”
Can you imagine writing a line like that? If I wrote a line like that I would literally never shut up about it. It’s all in a day’s work for SOAK though, an artist who’s made their reputation on crystalline lyricism and a spectral voice. death valley fridge magnet is a welcome return for SOAK, whose last solo release was four years ago now. Good to see that SOAK’s name is still a quality seal for considered, beautiful songwriting. WMA
Makeshift Art Bar – Discipline
The undeniable influence of producer Daniel Fox (Gilla Band) permeates the hard exterior of Makeshift Art Bar’s first releases since their 2025 debut EP. On ‘Discipline’, the scattered guitar work of those early releases takes a back seat here with their frenzied energy now exploding on top of a heavy beat and synth line. It’s a pulsating return that further opens the band’s horizons, while their spiky art-rock still finds a place on the new EP. AC
Eimile – 18th c bbygrl
The owner of one of my favourite voices in the North is back with a new name, new music and a new project. Eimile, better known as Emily McCormick or previously Bairie, is making the first steps towards debut album Period Drama. A labour of love over the past few years, ’18th c bbygrl’, much like the album itself, sees Eimile explore the treatment of women and medical trauma echoing her own experiences of endometriosis. Richly produced, Eimile’s smooth vocal feels at home in music that sees influence from pop, jazz and soul. AC
Polar Bolero – In Spite Of It All
Are Polar Bolero the hardest-working band in Northern Ireland? It was only February when they released the Singing and Sailing Away EP and now, like my DPD driver, they deliver yet again. In Spite of It All has such a genuinely joyous, last-drink-of-the-night feel to it, supported in no small part by elaborate instrumentation blending jazz, folk and pop together like it’s no big deal. I would recommend going for an evening walk while listening to this track for a big serotonin boost to end your day right. WMA
Pinsleep – Independance
Pinsleep, whether in live or recorded form, takes her listeners on a journey quite unlike any artist I’ve ever heard. Independance is no different: a cinematic experience so full of character, it feels like flying in a spaceship that someone’s already decorated for you. If you get the chance, I’d really recommend hearing Pinsleep live – it’s an ethereal experience. WMA
GUSH – Constance
Adding a new twist to their uniqueness, Gush’s latest single ‘Constance’ is a brilliant psychedelic rock tune filled with passion and emotion. Chelsea Andrews’ vocal style scratches the right parts of the brain, aided by the fuzz-drenched guitar tones played by Robby McCammon. Darren Clarke’s drums, encapsulate the underlying feeling of rage while Rab Millar’s bass backs this up with thunderous yearning bass accompaniment. Like every GUSH song, ‘Constance’ is something special. EG
The Davids – Knees
Northern Ireland has a rich tradition of four lads and guitars making music and hitting the stage. One of the latest bastions of indie rock is The Davids who’ve impressed with their first couple of releases. Latest single ‘Knees’ however gives new texture to their output. The band are in more contemplative form; slower, touches of piano and with emotive songwriting at its heart. AC
