Every month we take a look back at the best new releases from Northern Ireland, showcasing the sheer amount of talent coming out of the North in our featured playlist. This month’s cover artist is ROE. Words by Aaron Cunningham.
ROE – New Year, New Me
Written at the very start of 2025 and released as the year is drawing to an end, ROE reflects on those resolutions we set ourselves. The Derry’s artist’s songwriting has continued to evolve, with ‘New Year, New Me’ the latest of some gorgeous releases this year. An honest but warm hug of self-reflection and looking forwards.
Eamon Daly – Something Else
An alt folk song from Vancouver based Irish native Eamon Daly, just the second single ahead of a debut album early next year. A weaving track that leans into finger-picked roots, with sonic flourishes and Daly’s vocals lending a darkness to proceedings.
Tessio – So
Derry’s favourite duo released their debut album this time last year. 2025 has understandably been a quieter year for releases but they’ve snuck a couple of singles in before the year ends. ‘Christmas No.1’ is worth a listen but they’ve followed it up with another. ‘so’ is an intimate yearn with the boys’ voices and intricately picked guitar strings in touching distance.
Wynona Bleach – (Don’t Know Why) I Wish You Merry Christmas
Wynona Bleach are usually delivering their brand of heavy alt rock, but their new single feels a little different. The chime of bells in the intro heralds the band’s new Christmas single. ‘(Don’t Know Why) I Wish You Merry Christmas’ may not seek to capture the full joy of the season but its still wrapped in festive spirit, with the band’s sound adorned with jingles and strings.
Consolers – Play
Consolers may still be pretty fresh-faced, emerging in 2024, but within their ranks are musicians who’ve earned their stripes in the music scene. ‘Play’ is the band’s fifth single in that time, and this one brings news of a debut album, Deep Breaths, in February. It’s a track that plays with dynamics and sharp guitar parts, moulded together into something bigger.
Playlist
