A new year beginning with much of the same old restrictions and difficulties for the music community. Of course, that hasn’t deterred Irish artists releasing wonderful new music. Once again, Aaron Cunningham and Ben Magee pick out some of the best from the last month.
For Those I Love – Birthday/The Pain
Probably the best Irish artist you didn’t realise you missed, For Those I Love continues to defy expectations of genre, sound and ceilings. Their latest, a stunningly raw and evocative record that tackles grief, PTSD and growth, has not been off my phone since I first heard it. BM
New Pagans – Harbour
It’s hard not to include New Pagans again as they build to their debut album this month. Penned by frontwoman Lyndsey McDougall and channelling a gamut of emotion that comes with pregnancy and childbirth, ‘Harbour’ still features what could be the band’s most relatable, anthemic chorus. AC
J Smith – I’m Sorry
Taking a break from Gypsies On The Autobahn and YURN, J Smith turns his attention to the spacious, the lo-fi and the psychedelic. A textured and intrciate track with beautiful harmonies – a very promising debut from a songwriter unafraid of pushing his boundaries. BM
Robert John Ardiff – Tightrope Walker
‘Tightrope Walker’ is a vibrant folk song full of personality, and the masks one wears. Ardiff’s voice sings true over a beautifully layered base of pared back instruments. AC
pixie cut rhythm orchestra – I Didn’t Love You When I Said I Did And I Don’t Now
Sombre and cutting, those who reach through the murky guitar tones and fully capture the lyrical content of PCRO’s new single will be rewarded with a track that’s as witty as it is immersive. Shockingly cinematic despite their status as a trio, this is essential monthly listening. BM
Havvk – Home
A tipping scale between the grungy and the ethereal, it’s another well produced alt rock track, this time ahead of a new album later this year. Vocalist Julie Hawk sings of appreciating those we love in a tone that leans between the delicate and the soaring, like the song itself. Cranberries-esque. AC
Greywind – Am I Asleep
Slow building anthemtic emo rock that has hints of nostalgic 2000’s rock sounds sprinkled throughout. Stunning vocals on this one as per usual from the duo who just announced their headline London show. BM
Cherym – Kisses on my Cards
The Derry trio’s knack for infectious as hell pop punk has taken them to Alcopop Records with new singles ‘Kisses on my Cards’. A new bolstered sound that adds to their propensity for a hook and youthful vigour. This one moves. AC
Olympio – Camp Fire
Someone I’ve only discovered in the last week, Olympio is fearless at tearing down walls between genres. Fusing elements of rock, pop-punk with rap, this track features sonic maverick Outsider YP and is magnetic in its gloom. BM
AE MAK – Jamie
Perhaps Ireland’s finest purveyor of alt pop, AE MAK’s latest burst of creativity returns with the first single from a new EP in March. ‘Jamie’ is a simple, sweet and hypnotising few minutes of AE MAK’s forever off-kilter, always essential pop music. AC
Ward – In Two Minds
Blending electronica and funk, Ward brings some much-needed sunshine for this months edition of Best Of Irish. Bright wavey synth and thick bass lines give the track a tangible heartbeat and sway. BM
LAOISE – To Do:
One fifth of her wonderful new EP, ‘To Do:’ is the ballad of the piece. The piano led intro subtly rises with soft tones and backing vocals into a gorgeous, melodic study of introspection and self doubt. AC
sun.set.ships – Truth
With a widescreen sound that sits comfortably in both the synthetic and analogue worlds, Truth could be the soundtrack to the next Plant Earth. With deep breaths of keys and sharp percussive pulses, there are layers of sound to peel back in this record. BM
Fears – Vines
London based Dublin artist Fears continues her melancholic campaign with new single ‘Vines. A moody rumination of the weight of past experiences, reflected in the self directed music video. A sparse, beautifully produced track from an artist with a clear identity and vision, and a debut album on the way this summer. AC
CMAT – I Don’t Really Care For You
International Irish superstar continues her run of stellar singles. Her latest, a bouncy pop meander with both country and indie sensibilities, has a delightful swagger and bite to it. CMAT remains the most entertaining one woman show in Ireland right now. BM
Newdad – Slowly
West coast four-piece Newdad knock it out of the park again with new single slowly. Thick bass undercuts wavy guitar dream pop with an engaging pulse. Quickly becoming one of Ireland’s most exciting bands. AC
Franki – are you gonna
Distorted, chunky indie-pop from Dublin native that pinches from lo-fi production, found sound spheres and 80’s pop melodies. Has me missing sticky dancefloors and swollen nightclubs because this is a track made for throwing shapes. Franki is one of my surprise discoveries this year and I’m really enjoying everything they’ve come out with – and this is as good an introduction as any. BM
Midnight Wayne – It’s Alright, Hold On Tight
A mesh of sounds and styles form the fun part of the debut single from the former Hot Sprockets’ frontman. 80s synths, funky guitar lines and throwback vocals make this track a genuine joy. AC
Wyvern Lingo – Sydney
The final single from their Wyvern Lingo’s second album (out now!) features a snaking guitar and gospel-esque vocals. A heady, melancholic sounding track that fights against the release of its bigger guitar moments. AC
Laura Elizabeth Hughes – Days
Strong but delicate songwriting from Dublin’s Laura Elizabeth Hughes ahead of a new EP out this week. Proof that all you need sometimes is some reverb on your guitar and graceful vocals. AC
Playlist
