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 Fresh Music From NI Playlist.
Words by Daniel Graham, Eimear Gallagher & Will Mac Aoidh.
VERA – Don’t Look At Me Like That
VERA’s newest single weaves pop with alt-rock in a way that no other local band is doing at the moment. This single is so insanely original that it is hard to compare it to any other single out there! Sarah Toner’s vocals are so incredibly emotional and her natural tone is to die for. Their chorus is so catchy and gets stuck in your head for days! EG
The Falls – Fáilte Ar Ais
The Falls’ newest single ‘Fáilte Ar Ais’ is incredibly introspective and so unlike anything any other band is doing at the moment. They have clear influence from the likes of Kneecap but have their own spin on singing in the Irish language that is so incredibly rock-influenced with a combination of rap, rock and a bit of pop. For anyone ranging from a gaelgeoir to anybody interested in the Irish language, this tune not only has great music but incredible lyrics. EG
Klyda – Calm Down
Belfast alt-rockers Klyda kick off their new EP It’s All I’m Seeing with ‘Calm Down’ atmospheric alt-rock track packed with larger than life vocals and hazy, alternative inspired guitars. Constant tempo changes keep the track moving, shifting between immersive moments and heavier bursts of energy. It” is a huge, atmospheric introduction to the EP and another strong statement from Belfast’s growing alt-rock scene. DG
Susi Pagel – Part Of Me
‘Part Of Me’ is the first taste of Susi Pagel’s highly anticipated new EP Worry Dolls, coming straight out of the gates with crushing guitars, a slow burning tempo and Susi’s distinctive vocals and harmonies. Taking clear cues from the early 2000s nu-metal and alternative rock scene, the track packs plenty of weight without losing its melodic edge. A dark, heavy opener that sets the tone nicely for what looks set to be a seriously exciting EP. DG
Conchur White – Lungs
Armagh-native Conchúr White is known for being a talented songwriter with a plethora of exceptional singles behind him. This time however, he borrows the writing of another exceptional songwriter – the great Townes Van Zandt. White takes the grim, economic writing of Van Zandt and, to it, adds his own atmospheric spark. It’s one part Americana, another part art-pop, meandering without climax and letting the lyricism do the heavy-hitting. WMA
Morgana – You Are Never Gone From Me
We’re in the final month countdown before Morgana releases her new album The Whole Thing Was Very Emotional. Since September last year, we’ve been served a salvo of singles from this album with You Are Never Gone From Me marking single number five. It’s far more singles than I often see for an album release but, then again, if I was writing art pop of this calibre I’d be eager to show it off as well. Top-tier stuff from an artist that never misses. WMA
Tom Gee – Belfast
You can hear every milli-litre of heart that Tom Gee poured into Belfast, a gorgeously written and wholeheartedly performed single. It’s funny to listen to this while also living in Belfast. Suddenly I feel a happy-ending kind of fondness for the place when Tom Gee sings with such warmth about his son being born here and how much the city means to him. I’m going to go and hug a Glider, I’m gonna give the Big Fish a little smooch. WMA
