We love to focus our attention on musicians and bands from Northern Ireland, we receive submissions from all over the world. Our No Fixed Abode feature shines a light on artists and bands from further afield that we think you should hear.
The Human Man – White Knuckle Holiday
Admittedly we haven’t looked too far for our first pick. Dublin native The Human Man smashed it with his latest single ‘White Knuckle Holiday’. Set against the mindset of constantly learning on life’s journey, its full of jangly guitar and wistful vocals that wouldn’t look out of place on a War on Drugs record.
Conal Kelly – Help Me Out
Conal Kelly is a perfect example of a DIY artist and his latest release perfects the art of bedroom pop. He played all the instruments on the track while also recording, mixing and releasing it on his own. ‘Help Me Out’s’ upbeat tempo and constantly shifting dreamscape leave this is indie pop heaven.
Izzy S.O – Lost the Feeling
If you’re nostalgic for the early noughties pop scene then Izzy S.O has you covered. Born in the West Midlands but now based in London, she is tapping into the and paying homage to the styles of Alanis Morissette and Avril Lavigne. It’s a gentle number that leaves plenty of room for Izzy’s vocals to shine amongst the synths and and guitar.
Bocce – Look Me In The Eye
Across the Atlantic and into LA now for the gritty and pulsing single from Bocce. Evoking thoughts of the edgy alt rock that dominated the 2000s. ‘Look Me In The Eye’ is a likely product of a collaboration between the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Queens of the Stone Age. The vocals are powerful and edgy and the riffs hit home, lovely.
The People Versus – Ocean Family
We are back in indie pop territory with The People Versus but with a difference. This one stood out due to the strength of the vocal performance with a soulful yet haunting aura. The Oxford outfit have a tendency to reference Greek Mythology in their songs and this one is no different focusing on Achilles and Patroclus from the perspective of Thetis, Achilles mother.
Glass Temples – I’m Torn
Glass Temples manage to strike the right balance between brooding and melodic on ‘I’m Torn’. The Oxfordshire band manage to meld facets from Nothing But Thieves, London Grammar and Fleetwood Mac into a captivating release. It is a bit of a slow burner but one that stays with you.
Wez King – We Were Young
Mention indie rock and things can get a bit controversial especially if you use the term ‘landfill’. Wez King needn’t worry though as while there’s certainly a few call backs to those days, the artist manages to sound both fresh and authentic on ‘We Were Young’. Yes, it’s about partying, learning from mistakes, growing up and friendship but they’re universal themes and ones that are important to reflect on.
FNTN – Impossible Summer
We’re now well into September and the summer seems a while ago. Remedy that with a listen to ‘Impossible Summer’ from FNTN. It is a typically hazy surf rock number perfect for a drive while reminiscing about lost romance. Beautiful vocals and sleek guitar make this a winner in our book.
Katie Kim – Eraser
Six albums in and the quality of releases is yet to diminish for Katie Kim. ‘Eraser’ is taken from new album Hour of the Ox and its a treat for the senses. While there is a lingering darkness across the track, its hypnotic in nature. There is lush strings, a range of synthesisers and minimalistic drums and of course those vocals. The Dublin native has a knack for the atmospheric and this is true late night listening.
Blue Lupin – Soak
Blue Lupin is the musical project of singer songwriter Joanna Wolfe and ‘Soak’ marks an accomplished debut single. Tinged with shoegaze, its an ethereal and dreamy effort that captures the sense of simply letting go. It is dreamy and reflective without being overly self indulgent with vocals that stop you in your tracks.
Completions – Ornamental
When a press release highlights that a band features members of Death Cab, Father John Misty, & Laura Stevenson, it certainly warrants a listen. We were certainly glad we did. Reflecting on a difficult childhood and the impact therapy has had on healing those traumas, lyrically it is perhaps a little heavy. But stick with Completions for empathetic indie rock that fans of Sufjan Stevens and Pedro the Lion will certainly enjoy.
Artio – Pyrokid
Artio are a Leeds trio and if ‘Pyrokid’ is anything to go by, we are going to have to keep an eye on them. An alt rock trio at heart, there is a healthy dose of electronica on offer here. It is an aggressive statement of intent with storming riffs and a pulsating tenacity across the board. We can only imagine the energy and chaos in their live performances.
The Howlers – The Boy I Was Before
The Howlers offer up more straightforward rock fare for us on ‘The Boy I Was Before’. The East London trio have produced a foot stomping number that ticks all the boxes for their future success. Taken from their second EP ‘Further Down The Line’, this further evidences their growing maturity but commitment to their musical roots. See the Black Keys and you’re pretty close.
Spotify Playlist
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