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 Sorcha Richardson. All found in our rotating playlist.
Sorcha Richardson – Map of Manhattan
Sorcha Richardson continues her rise with latest single ‘Map of Manhattan’. Recorded with Chris Ryan, it’s another clear marker of her sublime songwriting. It’s no surprise when Richardson says the track emerged almost fully-formed from the start. The soft-retro tones pulse under themes of second-guessing yourself in a relationship. AC
Ways of Seeing – Hasn’t Happened Yet
The project of multi-instrumentalist James O’Donnell, Ways of Seeing’s moody single ‘Hasn’t Happened Yet’ navigates the anxieties felt in today’s world. With floaty vocals, synth heavy groove, and fascinating percussion choices, the song is dreamlike. MG
Four Faces – Better Option
‘Better Option’ is a passionate and thrilling tune from Dublin indie-rock group Four Faces. The song explores themes of conflicting relationship perspectives with punchy punctuated guitars and a recognisable melodic line, not to mention the elements of psychedelic sound presented by the lively synths. MG
John Francis Flynn – Mole in the Ground
John Francis Flynn announced the follow-up to his acclaimed debut album with lead single ‘Mole in the Ground’. A cover of an American anti-establishment folk from the 1920s that aligns with Flynn’s thoughts on the state of Dublin, Flynn’s deep voiced delivery aids the hallucinatory feel of the music with the persistent acoustic picking drums given colour through off-kilter guitar and strings. AC
Miranda Faul – Summer
Influenced by the likes of Hozier and Jorja Smith, ‘Summer’ by Miranda Faul is a beautiful acoustic piece with poignant lyrics brought to life by infectious harmonies that make for a very intimate listen. MG
Robert John Ardiff – September Road
The aptly named ‘September Road’ is the final single from singer-songwriter Robert John Ardiff’s new album. A track that’s been stripped back to its base elements, Ardiff’s vocal pulls you in alongside bare guitar and sparse embellishment from harmonica and trumpet. Album Once I Was releases on 20th October. AC
Ro Yourell – Freedom
A debut solo single from Delorentos guitarist Ro Yourell. ‘Freedom’ is about the lack of agency one can feel up against war, poverty, the climate emergency and the systems around us. The subject matter is met with a jaunty and colourful track. AC
CABL – B.1.
The third single from four-piece CABL announces their debut EP See You in a Year and a Half, set for January. Recorded in Belfast with Chris Ryan, the songs throws out alt-rock guitar with moments that pair an abrasive tilt with dreamier notions. AC
Negro Impacto – MAYBE
A first release in two years for Dundalk duo Negro Impacto. ‘MAYBE’ is soulful and resplendent with rich production and sweet vocals. A track that that spans a real mix of sounds. AC
The Burma – Holiday
The Burma return with the easy listening indie-rock single ‘Holiday’ taken from their anticipated sophomore album. Fuelled by an array of fluttering synths and striking guitar echoes, it is a “feel good summer tune” that you will keep coming back to. MG
Bobbi Arlo – Ode To Ü
Heavily soaked in a late-night, dance floor feel ‘Ode To Ü’ is the Glasgow & Dublin based artist’s second release of 2023. Heavy beats and textured production paired with the electro-treated vocals underline the feeling of euphoria. AC
Chubby Cat – KISSIN’ IN THE VALLEY-O
The latest from the Belfast based artist is an eclectic melding of sounds as Chubby Cat presents the trials of the housing crisis in an alt pop package. Sharp production elevates the clipped sounds, beats and vocals. AC
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