Every month sees more and more great Irish music released to the world. Aaron Cunningham selects some of his favourite releases of last month, including cover artist Kynsy. All found in our rotating playlist.
Kynsy – Money
Confirming her signing to Nice Swan Records (Sprints, Chalk), Kynsy returns with her first release in two years and a song about ‘the depths of love’. A track full of imagery, ‘Money’ is guitar driven indie-pop song in the vein of Soccer Mommy.
of all living things – If I’m Honest
Leading a new EP on 31st May, Dublin band of all living things release a meditative new track, ‘If I’m Honest’. The slow burn is a hallmark of the four-piece’s sound, and it’s used to full effect here, with introspective vocals occasionally punctured by a shoegazey shot of heavy guitar, and an uplift in both pitch and mood.
His Father’s Voice – Arm’s Length
Limerick’s His Father’s Voice kickstart a new era with new single ‘Arm’s Length’, alongside an Irish tour last month. A pulsing new wave track driven by strong bass, a rising chorus and vocalist Ash O’Connor’s energetic performance that reflects the band’s live shows.
Fontaines D.C. – Starburster
Continuing their rapid ascent from the last few years, Fontaines begin what could be a big 2024 for them with new single ‘Starburster’. There’s bold sounds inspired by a panic attack frontman Grian Chatten suffered. From the exagerated breaths, beats last heard on ‘Skinty Fia’ and fever dream feeling, there’s a lot to take in.
Ezra Williams – Socks
Ezra William’s, Choice prize nominated for their debut album last year, releases latest single ‘Socks’ and new EP of the same name. Shimmering guitars and Williams’ emotive voice tackle emotional pain.
DREAM BOY – Crying Wolf
A real dreamy debut single from the aptly named Dublin band. ‘Crying Wolf’ is a real heady song about being “led on by someone’s lies”. The vocals fall into place amidst reverb-soaked guitars and a sense of the cinematic.
Louise Gaffney – Slow Violence
Following a couple of singles last year, Louise Gaffney is back with ‘Slow Violence’. It’s contemplative and arresting, with Gaffney’s musings on love, all wrapped in analogue atmospherics atop raw and slow piano.
Stray Planets – I Liked You Better Before
There’s a real charm to the soft indie melancholy of the third release from Stray Planets, a Dublin based group led by songwriter John Butler. ‘I Liked You Better Before’ reflects on “how some people are more likeable when they are miserable”.
Seba Safe – 2020 (Somewhere)
A first release in a year for Seba Safe with ‘2020 (Somewhere)’. There’s a genuine quality to the songwriting here, with candid storytelling paired alongside jaunty indie-folk that rises into a full jaunt with an alluring hook.
Pillow Queens – Heavy Pour
Taken from the Irish heavyweight’s third album Name Your Sorrow, ‘Heavy Pour’ has Pillow Queens on top form. A stirring track with big hooks and emotive songwriting at its core, undoubtedly where the band shine.
PostLast – Connect 4
A new musical collaboration between Julie Hough (Havvk) and Stephen McHale. It’s a danceable indie-pop song about making friends growing up, an escapist departure from the duo’s usual musical projects.
Beauty Sleep – BIG + BAD
Another duo making a return with their first release in two years is Beauty Sleep. There’s a change in sound since their last record but ‘Big + Bad’ retains their knack for indie-pop, on a track that takes aim at toxic masculinity amongst beats, synth hooks and guitars.
Playlist:
