Aaron Cunningham and Ben Magee select some of their favourite releases of the month, including cover artist Farah Elle, all handily found in our rotating playlist.
Farah Elle – Play It By Ear
Farah Elle has built a name for herself around Ireland over a number of years, but new single ‘Play It By Ear’ marks a forward step into a new era accompanied by news of a debut album FATIMA later this year. The Libyan-Irish songwriter’s distinctive vocals and the quirks of her piano playing breathe unique personality into a song about taking life as it comes. AC
Vernon Jane – Origami
An eclectic mix of jazz beats, soul vocals, punk sensibilities and alternative production, Vernon Jane are impossible to pin down in the best possible way on their latest. Unapologetically feral in intent and delivery, the Dublin band veer headfirst between unrestrained harmonies and airtight, highly-strung melodies. BM
Ailbhe Reddy – Inhaling
Her first standalone single since the release of her debut album Personal History back in 2020, ‘Inhaling’ marks a significant development in sound. A song mixed with turmoil and modern restlessness, all shimmering around a hypnotic bassline. AC
49th & Main – Streetlights
Basically the only artist you will ever need when the Sun comes out, 49th & Main continue to evolve their full-bodied sound on ‘Streetlights’. A magnetic blend of indie, lo-fi, electronic and dance, they’re smack dab in the middle of the zeitgeist and they’re not going anywhere soon. My only issue with this track is that it seems like its over far too soon – drop the 10-minute edit you cowards. BM
Monjola – Extrovert
One of the most talented lyricists and rappers in the country dropped his hardest track yet this month. Monjola has mastered the balance between understated and in-your-face that many of his contemporaries fail at, as illustrated on the low-key intensity of ‘Extrovert’. For fans of good music. BM
Paddy Hanna – Yoko Ono
If ever a track had a hungover heartbeat, this is the one. Jangly keys and guitars sashay between art-pop verses and jerky pre-ludes. A true original in its composition, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything quite as insanely memorable as Paddy Hanna’s newest single. BM
Jackie Beverly – Analog Radio
Subtly warbling guitar with vocals and vibes strongly reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers’ more plainly melancholic moments, ‘Analog Radio’ sees Jackie Beverly take in new sounds but retain the soft songwriting she excels at. AC
TRAMP – Frankenstein
A debut release from the North West’s TRAMP, ‘Frankenstein’ is the perfect start. An indie rock track with heart delivered with the confidence of a Derry Pillow Queens. Catchy guitar riffs and quiet/loud dynamics draw you in, but Siânna Lafferty’s spirited and accented vocals bring soul and wonder. AC
Naked Lungs – Why Do People Change?
One of the few standouts to have emerged from Gilla and Murder Capitals shadow amongst the masses. Naked Lungs stake their claim as one of the heavier, more exciting post-industrial bands we can boast about. Dogmatic in their delivery, sheer and striking in their acoustics, they fit the mould in a perfect way. BM
Abbacaxi – Move Me
The latest from Dublin multi-instrumentalist is shimmering and soulful, throwing various grooves all over the track’s runtime. The second of two singles from 2022, and part of a debut EP out later this month. AC
Nixer – Decisions
Dancey electro-rock taken from the school of IDLES, Silverbacks and Parquet Courts. Artsy enough its int production to keep things interesting and colourful but with a heavy backbone of tight, crunchy riffs. BM
Sinead O’Brien – There Are Good Times Coming
Another single from her upcoming debut album Bend And Break The Bower in June, Sinead O’Brien once again flies the punk poet flag. A stream of consciousness alongside jittery instrumentals. AC
James Vincent McMorrow – The Less I Knew
A quietly spoken track from McMorrow that strips back to a subtle piano line and unadorned, emotively led vocals. McMorrow’s songwriting shines through the simplicity. AC
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