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.
CMAT – I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby!
I couldn’t pronounce the name if my own fate depended on it, but that doesn’t take away from the brilliance of CMAT, one of 2020’s best surprises. An alt-country rhythm with pop sensibilities, the pop-singer’s latest has an addictive swing and swagger. BM
Rebekah Fitch – Dust
The now London based songwriter has never shied from personal emotion in her music, but there’s an extra vulnerability in her latest single ‘Dust’. A look back on the ending of a relationship through the prism of powerfully and emotive pop music. The lyrical depth and the stunning production is another big step for Rebekah Fitch, accompanied by the cinematic story-telling of the music video. AC
AE Mak – Wedding Day
Capping off a series of eclectic releases, the art-pop of AE Mak remains one of Ireland’s most unique and arresting voices. An idiosyncratic mix of hypnotic rhythms and clear electro-pop vocals, Wedding Day is the burst of colourful pop that you need in your life. BM
For Those I Love – I Have A Love
From the head and heart of multi-instrumentalist David Balfe, ‘I Have A Love’ is a emphatic and moving tribute to a departed friend. Taken from an album released, then unreleased last year, For Those I Love is set for something bigger in the near future. As it is, ‘I Have A Love’ is a beautiful ode to former bandmate and friend Paul Curran. Sampled voices, warbled piano and spoken Dublin word are given greater depth by the poignant video. AC
Farah Elle – Sunblock
A new release from the Libyan-Irish songwriter, ‘Sunblock’ seems to have flown under the radar. Strong but sweet vocals, idiosyncratic songwriting and piano deliver a unique performance. All very much evident this latest track, taken from her upcoming album FATIMA. AC
Emma Langford – Birdsong
Limerick’s Emma Langford treads various sounds, always sprung from her roots in folk and traditional. ‘Birdsong’ is her latest single and a great introduction to her all encompassing second album, Sowing Acorns. She’s joined by a chorus of female voices on the largely a capella track with its repeating, empowering mantra – “I am strong as my bones”. The gorgeous video starring young dance Lila Courtney is a wonderful companion to the song. AC
Denise Chaila, Sorcha Richardson, God Knows, MuRli – Out The Gaff
Has there been a louder voice in Irish music this year than that of Denise Chaila? With strength to strength firmly under her belt, the Irish rapper teams up with MuRli, God Knows and Sorcha Richardson on this track (produced by James Vincent McMorrow). Breezy, energetic and laden with vibes and agency. Essential listening. BM
Post Punk Podge and TPM – Hard Man
Tinged with the same subtlety and grace that both Post Punk Podge and TPM have been known to employ, the relentless pace of ‘Hard Man’ is a sight to hear. The soundtrack to the showdown with your local skinhead, both Podge and TPM declare open war against Ireland self-proclaimed Hard Men. BM
Mark Loughrey – Nothing on a Truth
Some very welcome new music from the Berlin dwelling Mark Loughrey. The imaginative and thoughtful folk songwriter is gearing up for a new EP On Through the Veil Anew, and ‘Nothing on a Truth’ is an incredible start. Loughrey’s latest displays typically lush instrumentation as strings and guitars collide over an open letter to a kind and resilient San Franciscan character he once met. AC
April – Watching You Disappear
Caught April at Output 2020 and have been a huge fan since. Her latest is a slow-building indie-pop tour-de-force, which wields restraint like a spiked mace. A tasteful, zeitgeist capturing track with a unique personality and plenty to say. BM
NewDad – Blue
Hailing from the west coast, NewDad embrace the dreamy side of the indie rock spectrum. The Warpaint-esque ‘Blue’ is their latest single. Hypnotic and melancholic in equal measure, ‘Blue’ describes the divide in a relationship over an understated groove. AC
0Stella – Fire (Callistan Remix)
The closest I have come to an actual happy dance in the last 8 months. Bright electronic pulses form the top-line over this lush and colourful track. Something to push the shadows back. BM
Kean Kavanagh – Street Lights
Bridging that oh-so desired gap between Indie, Lo-fi and Jazz, Kavanagh’s stand out track from his statement debut album is a wavey chill out with an irresistible groove. Vivid and colourful with an independent voice, drop what you’re doing and get this track on now. BM
Soda Blonde – Love Me World
A shimmering demand for universal validation, ‘Love Me World’ is the latest single from the four piece alt pop band, formed from the former Little Green Cars. A gorgeous pop song that slips Faye O’Rourke’s enticing vocals on top of a slick retro groove. AC
Playlist
