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 Lifts. All found in our rotating playlist.
Lifts – Wrapped Up
Lifts’ use of instrumentation elevates their latest release ‘Wrapped Up’. An intriguing and at times chaotic musical bed is laid for the angered vocals, with strings, keys and dynamic percussion really driving it all on.
Rachael Lavelle – Travel Size
The third single from the Dublin born artist’s upcoming debut album, out next week, is another melding of influences. ‘Travel Size’ is about wanting to leave but having to stay, with Lavelle’s ethereal vocal at the fore. A typically unique offering. Her Irish tour kicks off in Belfast on 23rd November.
Elkin – Alright Darling
Stylised alt-pop from duo Elkin, who return from an 18 month hiatus. Described as a song that’s gone through a lot of different iterations, the production on this one gives it a lightness from soft keys to birdsong.
Midnight Wayne – Moment
Former Hot Sprockets frontman Wayne Soper explores new sounds on latest EP Ouroboros. Closing track ‘Moment’ is a softer departure from the more psychedelic tracks that precede it, but its this soulful mix that lets this one shine.
Kojaque – Johnny McEnroe
Taken from the ever rising Kojaque. Teaming up with New York’s Wiki, there’s a tongue-in-cheek bravado around the track’s beats and playful instrumentation. Kojaque heads out on an Irish & UK tour from next week.
Elaphi – Diamond Walls
The debut single for Dublin four-piece Elaphi is an accomplished alt-rock effort. From the vocal to the hypnotic guitar work, there’s a clear influence from the likes of Warpaint.
Makeshift Art Bar – Inertia
‘Inertia’ is the striking first single from Makeshift Art Bar, blending the elements of post- punk and noise-rock to create their very own ambient soundscape. Stark vocally, the song is defined by the haunting bass echoes and constant swell of industrial guitars. It is pierced by a vociferous ending with percussion that evokes a sense of unease. MG
girlfriend. – Subconscious Acts
A debut album eight years in the making, the result is a 14 track record of the band’s journey. Sitting towards the end of the album, ‘Subconscious Acts’ showcases the quiet/loud dynamic prevalent throughout the album, with heavy guitars kicking in at a moment’s notice.
Naoise Roo – Silent Halls
Naoise Roo’s latest album is getting an extended release but is out now on digital platforms. Nestled in the eclectic tracklisting is ‘Silent Halls’. Its straightforward beat drives the track forward, building to the song’s strong, repeat-worthy chorus.
Reevah – Daylight Savings
The opening track from Reevah’s album of the same name, ‘Daylight Savings’ sets the tone for a debut that shows how far the Derry artist’s songwriting has come. Lyrically, the track, and album as a whole, marks Reevah’s own personal journey amongst textured pop production. Reevah heads to Derry this week to mark the release.
Tandem Felix – I Don’t Feel Welcome When You Bring Me To Your House
A country-folk track inflected by David A. Tapley’s knack for softly humoured lyricism, ‘I Don’t Feel Welcome…’ describes an unwelcome friendship to the soft sounds of pedal-steel. Taken from Tandem Felix’s second album There’s a New Sheriff in Town, released last month.
Amy Ellen – Dead & Gone
Indie songwriting fare from Amy Ellen, ‘Dead & Gone’ takes influence from the likes of Soccer Mommy with a grittier edge than her previous material. Recorded in her home studio in the French Alps, the guitar lines meld gorgeously with Ellen’s vocal melodies.
Playlist:
