Every month sees more and more great Irish music released to the world. Aaron Cunningham and Martha Greer select some of their favourite releases of last month, including cover artist Lydia Ford. All found in our rotating playlist.
Lydia Ford – Leave The Country
The pinnacle of upbeat pop, Lydia Ford’s newest single ‘Leave The Country’ tells a familiar tale of self-reflection. The feel-good song merges shades of indie, pop, and singer songwriter style with lyrics that create a pensive mood. MG
Smythy – Figure It Out
On latest offering ‘Figure It Out’, Smythy’s vocals are carried on a wave of gorgeously smooth production. A really charming indie pop track taken from his upcoming debut EP out early next month. AC
Aoife Nessa Frances – Fantasy
‘Fantasy’ is the dreamy and borderline psychedelic single from Dublin based singer-songwriter Aoife Nessa Frances. Sprinkled with synths and flurries of harp, the vocals are softly distinctive as the song grows to reach a rich sensation of sound. MG
Joel Harkin – Is Iomaí Lá Sa Chill Orainn
Joel Harkin’s latest release sees him collaborate with fellow Belfast based artist Aoife Wolf for one of his finest tracks to date. Wolf’s vocals match the darker atmosphere and the message that life is short, your time in the grave is long. The track’s second half raises the stakes with frenetic energy. AC
HAVVK – Expiry
Indie-grunge three-piece HAVVK are fervently expressive during ‘Expiry’, a punky tune about ageing as you wish whether that be graciously or not. Punchy and passionate, it is captivating. MG
TV People – Die Down
Deep vocals dominate the post punk of TV People’s first single in a year. Reflecting on cyclical patterns in a relationship, the track transitions through different movements, retaining its dark mood throughout. AC
The Fae – 2004
Dublin three-piece The Fae’s third single ‘2004’ melds two distinct sounds in three movements. The dreamy, laid back first half floats along before the fuzz-driven middle abruptly kicks into gear and through to the outro. AC
Brand New Friend – Stars Bleed
A song about pain & loss, inspired by the likes of Pavement, its a considered and sparkling effort that leads us into the band’s new album Grandstand out 15 September. ‘Stars Bleed’ and June’s ‘Talk It Out’ show a new approach to the band’s maturing songwriting. All hands on deck for the new album and a UK/Ireland tour in late September & early October. AC
Orla Gartland – Kiss Your Face Forever
Orla Gartland makes her comeback with her first single in a couple of years. Erratic guitars and an upbeat tempo align with Gartland’s knack for pop songwriting, in a song that shows two sides to falling in love. AC
Oscar Blue – Second Nature
An uplifting pop track with a big chorus hook from Clare native Oscar Blue. His second single of the year as he builds up to an Irish tour this October. AC
Super Extra Bonus Party ft Emma Hanlon – Line Before the Line
Formed back in 2006 with a Choice Music prize for their debut album a year later, Super Extra Bonus Party are set to release their first album in 14 years later this month. ‘Line Before the Line’ marks the second single from the album. The easy rhythms and diverse instrumentation of the single are augmented by the voice of Silverbacks’ Emma Hanlon. AC
Scoth – Candyman
A new discovery this month, Scoth have been releasing music since 2019 with ‘Candyman’ their second single of 2023. A tribute to a mentor lost to Alzheimer’s, it’s a beautifully melancholic folk track with stirring acoustic guitars, violin and whistles. AC
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