With July well behind us, we’re looking back at July’s releases. Better late than never, Aaron Cunningham selects some of their favourite releases of the month, including cover artist Mhaol. All handily found in our rotating playlist.
Mhaol – Bored of Men
Amongst a busy summer of live shows and festival dates, Mhaol find time to release new single ‘Bored of Men’. Sharp and frenetic despite its structured beat, the lyrics are fuelled by frustration despite the tongue in cheek attitude.
Gilla Band – Eight Fivers
The first single since the hugely influential band’s name change, ‘Eight Fivers’ is “being out of touch with modern circumstances while feeling socially limited”. The return sees the band playing with dissonance and dynamics while Dara Kiely’s vocal ring out largely unaffected by it all.
CHAMELEON – Show Me Where Your Heart Is
The latest from Dublin’s Chameleon is a sublime meld of genres including hints of R&B and slacker rock. Chameleon’s unique vocals and the inspired production elevate it all to something special. His best release to date.
Aoife Nessa Frances – Way to Say Goodbye
A masterful second single of 2022 from Aoife Nessa Frances, ‘Way to Say Goodbye’ features a lush and cinematic medley of instrumentation that perfectly compliments her vocals. A love song born from the end of a relationship, released alongside the announcement of a new album this October.
Caoi de Barra – Skirting Board Bonfire
Known best as one part of Wyvern Lingo, Caoi de Barra dropped her first solo tracks last month, led by ‘Skirting Board Bonfire’. Raw and stripped back, De Barra’s voice rings out alongside sparse guitar and strings, with de Barra declaring Jeff Buckley as a key influence.
Elaine Howley – Silent Talk
The first single from Howley’s debut album out this week on Touch Sensitive Records, ‘Silent Talk’ is dreamlike with subtle shades of voice and synth while sharp but soft guitar cuts through the mix.
Maija Sofia – O Theremin
Beginning with the gentle plod of keys, ‘O Theremin’ is an otherworldly track with Maija Sofia’s dreams visited by ‘Professor Theremin’. Her first release for three years, alongside an equally captivating video from Zoe Greenway.
Frankenstein Bolts – Your Father
Laid back indie in the same vein as Swimming Tapes. The dreamy indie of ‘Your Father’ gleams with shimmering guitar parts and almost whispered vocals for the most part.
The Murder Capital – Only Good Things
Post-punk five piece The Murder Capital are back with a different sound than their 2019 debut When I Have Fears. ‘Only Good Things’ is brighter and less concerned with conflict, an unexpected turn from the band.
Local Boy – Crazy Stupid Love
A message of solidarity and togetherness in the face of economic inequality. Local Boy captures a diverse range of influences in this upbeat and vibrant new track.
piglet – it isn’t fair
A striking and powerful release from Belfast born, London based artist Charlie Loane aka piglet. ‘it isn’t fair’ holds a critical and personal spotlight on trans healthcare provisions in the UK. A rousing call with the emotion heightened through angered vocals and the unique, varied production. Profits from Bandcamp, merch and a London September show will go towards to the We Exist charity.
ROE – Cold Feet
Ahead of her full debut album release next month, ROE gives us a taste of the album’s second half with the brilliant ‘Cold Feet’. The combination the track’s piano led melancholy and ROE’s emotive vocals make for a stirring mix.
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