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 Sarah Crean. All found in our rotating playlist.
Sarah Crean – The Subtle Art of Past
Indie pop songwriter Sarah Crean rounds off a big 2023 with new single ‘The Subtle Art of Past’. A gorgeously lush, soft pop song that follows hot on the heels of Crean’s Death by Laundry EP back in August. An artist delivering on her early promise. AC
Pillow Queens – Suffer
Beyond the Irish Sea, Pillow Queens continue to reach new audiences on the back of two brilliant albums and consistent touring. Over a year since their last release, the band have returned with ‘Suffer’, a single that shows a slightly darker edge while retaining their knack for a good hook or two amongst their emotive songwriting. AC
Still Blue – I Hope It’s You
Their first single release after a stellar debut EP, Still Blue’s ‘I Hope It’s You’ is a rhythmically punchy, vocally enthusiastic, and lyrically wholesome hit that delves into the varying emotions of blossoming romance, made only more impressive by the bands own recording, producing, and mixing skills. MG
Sprints – Shadow of a Doubt
The often fiery Sprints burn slowly on new single ‘Shadow of a Doubt’ before vocalist Karla Chubb’s scream is met by a fierce wall of sound. It’s a more polished tone than we’re used to but the energy remains high. ‘Shadow of a Doubt’ is released ahead of their debut album on 5th January, and a huge tour through early 2024. AC
The Rosecaps – Ocean Floor
‘Ocean Floor’ is The Rosecaps atmospherically gazing ode to the fear of commitment. Having been tipped as one of the most promising Irish acts of the year, it is no surprise that this resonating indie-rock declaration has grasp the attention of audiences world-wide. MG
Lemonade Shoelace – Soul Syndrome
Psychedelic bedroom pop producer Lemonade Shoelace leaves us with one final single from a successful 2023. With a debut EP of previous singles released back in April, ‘Soul Syndrome’ is a new release. On the dreamier end of the spectrum with its floating production, ‘Soul Syndrome’ is a track about the power of positive thinking and aspirations. AC
Honas – Everyday Life
Building on his following through his 2020 collaboration ‘Control’, Honas releases his debut single. Vibrant alt-pop production allows Honas’ voice to bloom with it, with the west coast songwriter looking through the perspective of someone else’s relationship. AC
Ro Yourell – How My Heart Beats
Paving a fresh path musically, former Delorentos singer Ro Yourell plucks at heartstrings with his second single ‘How My Heart Beats’. The intimate song explores the “intangible quality of love” and is pieced together with compact harmony and the light touches of piano. MG
Anna Mieke – Ornament
Another Irish artist that has been touring halfway across the world this year, Anna Mieke marked November with ‘Ornament’. Her first single in a year, Mieke’s gorgeous vocals sit along gentle drones, contemplative guitar and instrumentation that rises in urgency towards the track’s conclusion. AC
Jena Keating – B P D
London based Cork artist Jena Keating combines R&B and pop on new single ‘B P D’. Keating’s rich voice is paired with interlocked beats and smooth production that gives this track its edge. AC
Anamoe Drive – Out Like A Light
Oisín Leahy Furlong aka Anamoe Drive follows up his September debut with the dreamy ‘Out Like A Light’. The laid-back indie folk of his second single is resplendent with synths and shimmering guitars to transport the listener. The single released alongside the announcement of a debut album in March 2024. AC
Megan Nic Ruairí – Twenty Two
The third single release from Megan Nic Ruairí, ahead of a debut EP in January, is the emotive ballad ‘Twenty Two’. A soft bed of vocal and piano is enhanced by swirling strings that give the themes of young love a sense of cinematic romance. AC
Playlist
