Every month we’ll be rounding up some of the best new tracks from north and south in our best of Irish feature. With so much incredible new Irish music every month, there’s a lot to keep up with. Here are some of this month’s best, with words by Aaron Cunningham and Ben Magee.
Joshua Burnside – and you evade him/born in the blood
Not one to rest on his laurels, Joshua Burnside’s most recent single is a dark and twisting portrayal of what folk music can be as he veers into new territory. The latest from his upcoming second album Into the Depths of Hell out this September. AC
ROE – Marco
‘Marco’ comes with a new upbeat swing to ROE’s usual sad pop, musically at least, and with the promise of a new EP Things We Don’t Talk About on 21st August, available on limited edition vinyl. AC
Wyvern Lingo – Don’t Say It
Addictive soul-infused indie pop from the Dublin trio. Their first release in a number of years shows that they haven’t lost a step. Huge vocal chorus gives this track its identity, one that will have you joining in from the rooftops. BM
Malaki – You Told Me
Dublin rapper Malaki’s serious lyricism chimes with the smooth beats and instrumentation and the familiar, welcome vocals of Gemma Bradley in the chorus. A raw flow on mental health and society, and a beautiful track from his collaborative Cocoon project. AC
Archy Moor – The Long Road
Dublin based rapper fuses jazz and rap in his wavy collaboration with London based artist Osquello. A fiercely unique artist with a sound to match, Moor gives us a taste of future projects with this hazy, easy listening release. BM
Demigosh – IBI
A true artist with links to Blackfish Collective, Demigosh is well and truly in a zone with ‘IBI’. Expressive and experimental beats blend with his idiosyncratic delivery and standout presence. A vivid track with serious personality and intent. BM
Brién – Sundried
The lead single from the Northern Irish producer’s new DIY VOL I release, ‘Sundried’ is well named. It radiates summer cool with a laid back beat and vocal. Hypnotic and woozy. AC
Rejjie Snow – Cookie Crisps
His first release since the choice award-nominated ‘Dear Annie.’ Ireland’s most prolific rapper joins forces with his hero MF Doom and Cam O’bi on this bright, joyful tune. Embodying the summer we wish we had, this release soundtracks someone living their best life. BM
Rachel Mae Hannon – Be In Love
‘Be In Love’ from Monaghan’s Rachel Mae Hannon could easily be a vehicle for her wonderful voice, filled with textured vocals but ‘Be In Love’ itself is vibrant and gorgeous. An exciting debut single. AC
Ailbhe Reddy – Between Your Teeth
The second single from her upcoming debut album, ‘Between Your Teeth’ embodies Ailbhe Reddy’s introspective and guitar drivein songwriting. Personal History will be with us in early October. AC
Nobody Famous – Wisewords
Experimental pop artists make the most out of empty spaces and found sounds. Liquid and vibrant with a guitar pop/hip hop infusion create a soundscape so vivid, you could eat it. New, moody and addictive. BM
Aislinn Logan – What Everybody’s After
The Belfast turned London artist’s music has evolved over the years, and this pick from new EP Look, I’m Flyin’ shows what she’s about nowadays. Quirky synth-pop in the production, Logan’s strong vocals and a love song with a hook. AC
1000 Beasts – Tokyo
One of Ireland’s most underrated songwriters and composers, this bright new track from 1000 Beasts has an undeniable colourful groove that will have even the most stern of cynics shimming along. BM
