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 & Robert Brown.
Jealous of the Birds – A Book About Pompeii
Three years on from her incredible Hinterland record, there were concerns we might not see another JOTB record. Those fears proved unfounded as Naomi Hamilton has shared the first single from her next album due in April 2027. ‘A Book About Pompeii’ delivers that intellectual lyricism we’ve come to expect from Hamilton as she charts the disintegration and fall out of best laid plans. Sonically understated yet wrought with emotion, we can tell this record is going to put us through the wringer. RB
Alana Henderson – Not Going Anywhere
An unflinching exploration of how a relationship collapsed and what might come next, it is a spell binding dose of indie folk. While it is rooted in a brooding, weighty darkness, the vocal harmonies are striking, think Marling crossed with the Staves. ‘Not Going Anywhere’ quietly confirms our suspicions that Alana Henderson is about to deliver one of the standout records of the year. RB
Foreign Mornings – Where We Started
Foreign Mornings were no strangers to wearing their hearts and emotions on their sleeves but they’re dialing it up another notice on their new single. ‘Where We Started’ contemplates the weight of additional responsibilities that comes with getting older. Sonically it has that big stadium alt rock feel, jangly guitars and relatable lyrics that beg to be sung while swaying in the pit. RB
Robyn Maddox – Score
Belfast indie pop artist Robyn Maddox continues to turn heads on the local music scene with her standout single Score. The track weaves cinematic flair with sharp evocative lyricism pulling listeners straight into its atmospheric world from the very first note. It is a compelling stylish release that firmly cements her status as one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting rising talents. DG
Alice Sloan – Within You
Within You begins with a melancholy chord progression that tugs at the heart strings. Her vocals are incomparable to anyone else in the NI scene at the moment and her overall sound has nuances of Mannequin Pussy and Trophy Wife, all whilst having her own introspective alt-rock aesthetic. The chorus of the tune will get stuck in your head for days and the bridge out of the chorus is so extremely beautiful and satisfying! EG
BFrank – Jennifer
BFrank are a lesbian pop duo consisting of Susie Blue and Audrey Blue. Daniel Keown is on the bass. Their newest single has a catchy beat with beautiful harmonies in their vocals. The song is rather chill but in an interestingly different and beautiful manner. The instrumental sections of the song are incredibly reflective of the lyricism and really add to the overall vibe! EG
Chalk – Heaven
Chalk’s newest single is the perfect example of post-punk industrial dance music. Heaven has a technical beat throughout it and the guitar plays exceptionally stylish and jagged riffs. The tune builds in momentum and the vocals create an upbeat dance track that just makes you want to get up and boogie! EG
