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.
Mary Middlefield – Summer Affair
Summer Affair is a joyous and bouncing indie rock anthem that is all about celebrating life and living in the moment. Middlefield’s vocals make for a captivating listen and the rather delicious guitar riff at the 2 minute 12 second mark really hits the spot.
Mercury Trip – Sunshine
Hereford trio Mercury Trip are a unique prospect. Blending jazz, rock and indie influences might be a risk for some but the end product here is undeniably catchy. It delivers up a subtle dose of melancholy and bonus points as their single is from Belfast.
Colin Andrew – Phosphor
There is no shortage of talented Irish artists who deliver indie folk ballads but you can safely add Colin Andrew to the list. The soft nature of the guitar playing paired with his evocative vocal delivery, makes us ache and relate to his significant and deeply personal loss.
Tebi Rex – Not with a fizzle fr
All good things come to an end and Tebi Rex went out with a bang. The standout single from their final record, it features beautiful piano, dashes of saxophone and ultimately poetic lyrics that chart the bittersweet act of letting go.
Fulton Lights – These Notes Don’t Break
Andrew Spencer’s Fulton Lights charm and mesmerise in equal measure. Gentle experimental layering conjures an enjoyable soundtrack for late night listening even if the subject matter focus on mental health challenges.
Bea Stewart – Set On Loving You
Stewart continues her rise with another emotional and heartfelt ballad characterised by a beautiful vocal performance. ‘Set On Loving You’ examines a previous relationship that was based on love, but ultimately was unhealthy.
Andrea Magee – Maybe I’m Ready
Based in Austin, Texas it is clear that Magee hasn’t forgotten her roots. Full of Celtic soundscapes, it is an uplifting indie folk effort. The real striking moment comes just after the 4th minute when she lets loose on the vocals with a show stopping performance.
Siúcra – Pedro Pascal
Galway sextet Siúcra are something of a unique proposition. Often genre fluid, their latest single fluctuates between a sultry and soulful with a particularly epic closing riff that is sure to catch your attention.
Dubinski – Back to Basics
Full of exuberance, Scottish quartet Dubinski are doing their best to fly the flag for indie guitar rock. Sounding like a mix of The Cribs, The Wombats and The Enemy, it is driving indie rock that will have you ready for the moshpit.
Matt Woodman – As Good As Me
Reflective indie folk from Mancunian Matt Woodman. There are drippings of Americana here with a distinctive twang to the guitar playing and it features some gentle strings to further add to the ambience.
The Marra – Falling Off
Their strongest release to date. ‘Falling Off’ finds the Derry band in racuous form. Driving guitar with a slight lofi tinge and a huge singalong chorus will surely see them a plenty of festivals this summer.
Left Iris – Escitalopram
Straight out of the gate ‘Escitalopram’ hits hard. Offering a more poppy take on shoegaze, the vocals are clear and compelling while the riffs are force to be reckoned with.
Cadbury Get the Jet – HB Pencil
Belfast has another guitar band to watch out for. HB Pencil is the fourth release from the band and after a slow opening, soon finds its stride. There is a nice confidence in the vocal delivery and plenty of energy throughout proceedings.
Erica Knox – Growing Song
Knox confronts doubt and insecurity on the charming ‘Growing Song’. Gentle guitar playing, the odd flourish and captivating vocals, make this one to remember.
Countervela – Everything All
An empathetic statement of intent from Countervela on their debut release. Big, brooding alt rock is the order of the day. Huge guitar riffs, blitzing drumming and emotive vocals make us keen to see them live.
SAOL – Ghosts at a Disco
SAOL is the musical project of Zoë Gough. Lyrically and sonically, there are clear parallels to Jealous of the Birds. Immersive and sonically stimulating, this is well constructed indie folk.
Max Montanaro – Flesh Out
‘Flesh Out’ is a track that demands your full attention. The intro lulls you into a full sense of security but as we reach the 40 second mark, it takes flight. Melding jazzy interludes with an indie rock feel and later some persistent and unrelenting vocals, it is one you won’t forget in a hurry.
Spotify Playlist
We would recommend that you subscribe to our new rotating playlist which features all these artists below:
