love to focus our attention on musicians and bands from Northern Ireland, we receive submissions from all over the world. Our new No Fixed Abode feature will shine a light on some of these other artists.
The Moving Stills – Throw Me A Line
Taken from their debut album, Throw Me A Line is that perfect slice of summery pop that you didn’t know you needed. Probably helps that the sun is shining while we write this but if you got a kick out of MMODE’s album from a few years ago, it’ll likely tug on your heartstrings too.
Splendid Fake – Scrapbook Saint
We know this feature is meant to be songs from further afield but the debut release from Scrapbook Saint caught our attention and was too late to feature in our regular Best of Irish column. Fans of Belle & Sebastian will get a kick out of this with the slightly lo-fi aesthetic punctuated with just the right amount of harmonies, snyths and layered guitars.
Craig Irving – Wake Up
An ode to a love or potentially lust that is all encompassing. Glaswegian Craig Irving leans a little heavier into pop territory than we’re used to but ‘Wake Up’ left our finger hovering over the repeat button.
Letting Up Despite Great Faults – She Spins
It wouldn’t be a No Fixed Abode without some shoegaze thrown in for good measure. There is a real jauntiness to proceedings that regular listeners to The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart will no doubt appreciate. Lyrically it is just the right side of introspective without feeling overwhelming.
NOVACUB – Our Little World
We were clearly on a bit of a pop fix this time round as NOVACUB wouldn’t look out of place on the commercial pop charts. Featuring two members of Bloc Party (Louise Bartle & Russell Lissack. Centred around a faltering relationship while lyrically it is unsure, musically it’s bold and confident.
Matt Whytcross – The Tormented Heart
Compared to the other songs this time, this entry is a little left field. The Australian Whytcross delivers a bluesy number that considers our impending demise. While not the cheeriest of topics, the vocals and musicianship ensures it delivers.
Youth Sector – Is Blood
Angsty, trippy and relentless. Suitably edgy indie rock that makes good use of synths and witty lyrics to make sure they aren’t loss in a genre that is chock full of wannabes.
Jack Vamp & the Castle of Creep – Felix the Cat
Our next stop is to Belgium to check on the alter ego of Arthur Boussiron. Lifted by soaring guitars and a generally up tempo mannerism, it is another track to add to that summer feel good playlist. An impressive attempt in what is only their second release.
Soft Top Intrepid – Lemon Lung
Describing themselves as a pop band, but sonically you’re probably more likely to find them under lo-fi indie rock. The guitars bounce proceedings along while the drums punch on through. Think Chapel Club fused with the Strokes and you’re partially there.
Alta Falls – The Fire
One final trip to Australia before we close out another No Fixed Abode. Alta Falls offer up spacy, melodic indie rock. It has a danceable quality and leaves plenty of hooks to ensnare you.
Spotify Playlist
We would recommend that you subscribe to our new rotating playlist which features all these artists below:
