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.
Kynsy – Elephant in the Room
Taken from Kynsy’s debut EP and the latest proof that her star is on the rise. ‘Elephant in the Room’ is atmospheric, from drama to the indie playfulness and change of pace she’s already imbued in the handful of tracks she released so far. One to watch, without a doubt. AC
A. Smyth – When It Calls
A Dreams-esque bassline leads into superb, radio-ready folk songwriting. Flush with lush instrumentation and a chorus that will stay with you, it’s a great intro to his February debut album. AC
Orla Gartland – More Like You
Never one to be anything less than interesting, the pulsating pop backline that pairs to Gartland’s pervasive vocal delivery is transfixing stuff. BM
Hannah Peel – Emergence in Nature
Hannah Peel refuses to sit still. ‘Emergence in Nature’ is the latest exploration in sound from a composer, songwriter & artist who excels in eclecticism. A pulsating, twisting journey in electronic sounds, reworking 70s library music from KPM into a modern spaced out release. The first from upcoming album Fir Wave. AC
Toshín – She
With vibrant vocals, wavey effects and seriously impressive instrumentation, this latest release from the Irish 6 piece is a championship haymaker. Wonderfully gentle and bursting with colour and sway, She flits between neo-soul, wavey funk and jazz rock with insulting ease. My favourite Irish track of 2021 so far. BM
Ye Vagabonds – I’m A Rover
A true blast from the past with modern sensibilities, Ye Vagabonds consistently deliver unique takes on ancient melodies and scores with modern melodies – a tradition continued in I’m A Rover. bright, warm and smoky, the vocal harmonies transport you to a gentler time. BM
Anna’s Anchor – Derelict
Taken from a new album set for release in April, ‘Derelict’ is fiercely honest but with a tinge of hope, reflecting on a tough year. Lifted by strings and Marty Ryan’s earnest vocals into a stirring single. AC
New Pagans – Christian Boys
Released alongside the announcement of their debut album coming in March, and their signing to Big Scary Monsters. ‘Christian Boys’ has them on understandably fiery form, singing against hypocrisy, misogyny and problematic Christian leaders. A band doing big things this year. AC
7th Obi – Highschool
The highlight from Obi’s latest album Love & Goodluck (which I cannot recommend enough) has the rapper stake his claim as the islands premier underground talent. Woozy autotune and sharp delivery gives the track its magnetic coldness. BM
Carrie Baxter – Pray
A soulful tune from the London based Irish songwriter. A cinematic grade of quality, Baxter’s vocals and undoubtedly the slick production are the winners here. AC
Sal Dulu – Girl
Dublin producer Sal Dulu’s ‘Girl’ is fresh. A woozy, layered and textured track of sampled vocals, beats and jazzy inflections. A collage of a track taken from his upcoming album. AC
Big Sleep – Tall Stories
Indie soul from Dublin band Big Sleep. ‘Tall Stories’ is soulful with just the right mix of psychedelia dropped into the track’s mellow grooves. AC
Nylophone – Shy One
A beautifully unique breeze of a folk song from the Wicklow songwriter, the lyrics are taken from the poetry of W. B. Yeats (and released on the anniversary of his death). Vibrant fingerpicked guitar plucks through a dreamy haze of gorgeous vocals, slide, trumpets and melodies. AC
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