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, all handily found in our rotating playlist.
Saint Sister – Karaoke Song
The Irish two-piece announce a second album with this wonderful single. Adding a retro feel to their folk harmonies, ‘Karaoke Song’ is light-hearted in nature and a soft pop song at heart. Of course, the harmonies of Morgan MacIntyre and Gemma Doherty remain ever present. AC
Soda Blonde – Small Talk
The titular single from their upcoming debut, ‘Small Talk’ is a shimmering step in the right direction. 80’s style production, particularly on the backline (LOVE the percussion), makes this track much larger than it appears and I’m here for every second of it. Shades of Kate Bush. BM
Susie Blue – May God Forgive You
The latest single from Derry artist Susie Blue upholds her penchant for a big, emotive chorus. The track simmers in the verse, building to the knowing anger of the refrain. One fourth of new EP Boys Boys Boys. AC
Sprints – Swimming
Garage and noise find a complimentary home on the latest from Dublin band SPRINTS. In-your-face with a spiralling fury and political charge, SPRINTS might just be the most exciting band in Dublin right now. BM
Slyrydes – Boy in the Debs Suit
Chunky post-punk vocals with alt-rock sensibilities. A claustrophobic take on young lives at risk, the production mirrors that of Darklands era Fontaines and has a similar bite. BM
Manamon – In A Frame
The Dublin songwriter, who has worked with the likes of AE Mak and Kynsy, pours a number of influences into a guitar driven debut single. ‘In A Frame’ is dynamic and big in scope, an indie rock song at its core. AC
49th & Main – Good Life
As lockdown progresses, I find myself drawn further into the zero-nonsense grooves of 49th & Main. Effortlessly cool and breezy, this is a track for everyone as lockdown looks to draw to a close. Sunshine personified. BM
Neptune M. – AA
Letterkenny’s as yet largely undiscovered gem has made waves in the North long before her first single, ‘AA’ is the first from a debut EP. Possessing an incredible voice and not one for genre limitations she incorporates elements of jazz, pop and the grace of our saviour Jeff Buckley. A chorus that transports to higher places. AC
For Those I Love – To Have You
This album has gripped me, and it seems the musical nation within Ireland, since its release and rightly so. It’s absolutely electrifying. Samples and alternative electronic production should take the centre stage, as its amongst the best I’ve heard this year, but the spoken word of vocalist/producer David Balfe is utterly magnetic. Less a single and more a sermon, this is an album for everyone at all times, and you should start with this track. BM
Kojaque – No Hands
Dublin king Kojaque returns with a look back on childhood, hardship and growing up after his father’s death. Lyrically poignant with typically great production, Kojaque is one of Ireland’s finest. AC
NewDad – Waves
Darlings of the BBC Radio 6 playlist, the standout from NewDads 6-track EP is easily ‘Waves’. With the fingerprints of production maverick Chris Ryan all over this record, the woozy psych and biting indie is addictive. With little kernels of Wolf Alice and Soccer Mommy to be found interspersed, there’s also an idiosyncratic shimmer, little whoops and created sounds that give this record its identity – amazing stuff. BM
Tim Chadwick – Favourite Song
Tim Chadwick’s ‘Favourite Song’ shimmers and grooves like the biggest pop hit. Born from a break-up, the song’s sadness is both heightened and washed away by the retro radio mood that bubbles up in the chorus. Honestly feels like a classic. AC
Ailbhe Reddy feat Sacred Animals – City Unfolds
Going heavy on the keys on her latest for this ballad-esque song, the choice nominated artist adopts some dark & stormy pop tones. An accomplished and textured pop track that feels like it never stops building. BM
Seba Safe – Lamont Lament
Seba has always had a knack for making the gentle engaging – happy to say this has been carried lovingly forward. Indie-songwriting melds with minimalist pop production and acoustic traditions. Melodies have shades of ‘jackal’ era villagers and the odd pulses of electronica in the production are gorgeous. BM
Moon Paw Print – Black Coffee
A new cut taken from an upcoming new album from the Glasgow based producer. ‘Black Coffee’ is a soulful instrumental with a strong bass that reclines through various changes in the outro. AC
Maria Somerville – Seabird
A part of her label 4AD’s initiative that sees artists cover each other, Somerville’s haunting brand of atmospheric pop and indie-folk gives a creepy urgency to this track. Found and created sounds shift in the background like groaning ancient colossi, guided at all times by ethereal vocals. Stunning stuff. AC
Clannad, Denise Chaila – In A Lifetime
Given that the original was one of my favourite songs growing up, it’s lovely to see a new version fill the shoes of the former in such a brilliant way. Chaila’s singing is every bit as good (if not better) than her rapping and Clannad have not missed a beat – still sounding like a band far ahead of their time. BM
The Clockworks – Feels So Real
My notwithstanding battle against the bands visuals and merch aside (c’mon like), the Galway four-piece know how to put a banger together. Vocals and guitars are as snarlingly sharp as each other, with weller-esque urgency and a relentless drive. BM
