Every month sees more and more great Irish music released to the world. Aaron Cunningham and Will Mac Aoidh select some of our favourite releases of last month, including cover artist . All found in our rotating playlist.
And he, the fool – Cliseadh
I would like to live in the world And he, the fool conjured in ‘Cliseadh’. Unbelievably beautiful and incredibly virtuosic songwriting sets ‘Cliseadh’ apart as an absolute work of art by a group who continue proving themselves as Irish powerhouses. WMA
Ramper – Mothers
“Sad songs from Donegal” is Ramper’s motto, and he’s certainly nailed it on debut album Loner. ‘Mothers’ was written for a film that never materialised but songwriter Declan McClafferty needs scarcely more than gentle guitar and voice to set the scene. He plays the Black Box on 25 May. AC
J Smith – Tattoos for Fun
Fans of Dublin’s Gyspies on the Autobahn will recognise the distinct voice of James Smith in this delicate, classic ballad. Intense songwriting skill & sheer, vulnerable love are poured into ‘Tattoos For Fun’, reinforced by excellent guitar and string arrangements. WMA
Zoé Basha – Gamble
March release ‘Gamble’ precedes Basha’s debut album of the same name releasing 17 April. The songwriting from the French-American Dublin based artist weaves various influences, often traditional, into the mix but ‘Gamble’ with its jaunty rhythms and fiddle leans into country and folk. Zoé Basha plays the Duncairn on 26 April. AC
Cliffords – Bittersweet
A new group from Cork, with their first release coming just over a year ago, Cliffords have already created plenty of buzz. ‘Bittersweet’ is their first since the turn of the year, a big indie tune full of nostalgic feeling. AC
Delivery Service – Ghost
A debut from Dublin four-piece Delivery Service that takes its cue from the Riot Grrrl scene. More directly, ‘Ghost’ has all the hallmarks of a Breeders influence with its bass heavy sound. The band have only a handful of live shows under their belt with an EP on the way. AC
Search Results – Wrinkle
Distorted vocals dance on top of gritty, hectic guitar work in Search Results’ ‘Wrinkle’. At only 1m 40s long, it proves that – sometimes? Less is far, far more. I love the attitude and atmosphere conjured in this song, an immediate favourite for me. WMA
Mhaol – DM:AM
Mhaol are back with new single ‘DM:AM’ and gearing up to album number two. The band has been through some changes since their 2023 Attachment Styles but now operating as a three-piece, drummer Constance Keane is leading their fiery post-punk edge. The musical urgency of ‘DM:AM’ contrasts sharply with Keane’s conversational vocal delivery. AC
I Dreamed I Dream – Fags
A peculiar mash up of synth pop and Irish traditional melodies on I Dreamed I Dream’s first release in a couple of years. ‘Fags’ has the four-piece on romantic form for an alt generation. Their second EP BOYOPOISONING is set for release in April. AC
Red Stamp – Dancing With My Baby
A new supergroup sees Aoife Nessa Frances, drummer Brendan Doherty and Catalan songwriter Núria Graham combine on first single ‘Dancing With My Baby’. A merging of music and voices, both Irish and Catalan gives their debut a rich sound ahead of a Primavera appearance and two Irish dates this summer. The start of a no doubt fruitful collaboration. AC
Robyn Maddox – Margot
Dreamy, dramatic & full to the brim of Hollywood charm. ‘Margot’ is both quietly witty in its lyrics but still as bombastic as a musical showstopper, showing off Maddox’s powerful vocals, clever musicality and innate gift for the theatrical. WMA
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