Every month we take a look back at the best new releases from Northern Ireland in our featured playlist. A showcase for the sheer amount of talent coming out of the North, and a playlist worthy of repeat listening. This month’s cover artist is New Pagans.
FEATURED TRACKS
New Pagans – There We Are John
Preceding a UK tour and kicking off the second album cycle, ‘There We Are John’ continues the evolution of the New Pagans sound. Inspired by artist, filmmaker, activist Derek Jarman, sharp guitar lines and thudding rhythms drive this track to its engaging and heavy conclusion.
Arborist – Dreaming in Another Language
Another artist building to a new album, Arborist marks a long awaited return. ‘Dreaming in Another Language’ is led along by hypnotic rhythms, dipped in psychedelia and dreamlike motions, unconcerned with urgency. Arborist’s sound takes another exciting turn.
Sarah McCreedy, AOIBHA – garden ghosts
Two Northern Irish songwriters collaborate on Sarah McCreedy’s new single ‘garden ghosts’. Stirring but soft, there’s an ethereal nature brought upon by the dual, whispered vocals of the pair and the track’s bare but dreamy acoustic sounds.
No Oil Paintings – Rise
A regular favourite of their live set, the captivating vocals of ‘Rise’ is a fitting opener for the band’s debut album. A track that quickly moves into the Americana and folk they’ve long made their staple, with room for banjo, guitar breaks and vocal harmonies.
Manukahunney – Overcomer
A renewal as Manukahunney moves into new territory following increasingly well received live shows. Frequently championed by our friends at YEO, Manukahunney’s soulful pop, a little disco and strong vocals come to the fore on ‘Overcomer’.
Hatchet Field – Run On
Taken from a new project named after Belfast’s Black Mountain, these songs mark Hatchet Field’s change from solo project to partnership. ‘Run On’ showcases the stripped back folk tradition that inhabits the release, laid bare to acoustic rhythms and voice.
Playlist:
