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 AOIBHA. Words by Aaron Cunningham and Will Mac Aoidh.
AOIBHA – Art of Delusion
Infinitely large but tentatively fragile, AOIBHA’s ‘Art of Delusion’ fits the whole world in a little crystal bottle. Enormous instrumentation and production set a spacious backdrop for AOIBHA’s solemn and beautiful vocals, like a stage piece that stays with you long after you’ve left the theatre. WMA
Cathal Francis – Pattern
Wistfully pretty, ‘Pattern’ is a breezy track incorporating some very clever chords & melodies to conjure a mood that’s completely charming. There’s a touch of Elliott Smith there & a dash of the Beach Boys here, but the end result is so totally distinct & full of personality. WMA
Monday’s Child – Problem Child
Four-piece Monday’s Child release just their second single with ‘Problem Child.’ The track distils the band’s undeniable 90s alt-rock influences into snaking alt-rock. The inner turmoil and conflict is charted through fuzzy guitars and some big vocal moments. The band play our next Gifted in the Empire later this month. AC
Pedal & Lever Society – Emily & Scott
A gorgeous and silky instrumental piece finally uniting the warring houses of lever harp and pedal steel. As a piece, it’s delicate and fantastical, showing off the beauty of both instruments. ‘Emily And Scott’ feels like the pilot to a beloved series – the first look at what the PALS are all about, flexing their musical muscles with aplomb. WMA
Múlú – Is Locht Ormsa é
A 12-bar blues tune as Gaeilge isn’t something I knew I needed, but in retrospect I don’t know how I ever got by without it. The blues hallmarks of repetition & witty guitar work are met with Múlú’s distinctive voice & signature flute melodies to create something truly unique. WMA
Neil Burns – Golden Sunsets
North-West songwriter & composer Neil Burns moves from his Comrade Hat moniker to his own name for a project he describes as years in the making. The vibrant ‘Golden Sunsets’ has Burns embracing jazz, chamber music and undoubtedly much more. A track that may sound at home on the streets of Paris, but for now Burns brings his live show to the Black Box this weekend. AC
Clara Bella – Lately
Clara Bella’s debut single ‘Lately’ is scarcely more than piano and voice but those two elements are an immediate draw. Clara’s show-stopping voice shines through alongside gorgeous piano on this cinematic ballad about moving on from a relationship turned bad. AC
Midnight Housework – If You Find Me
‘If You Find Me’ is the e second release from new Belfast band Midnight Housework. In the same vein as their debut, the four-piece are at home with their reverb-driven alt-rock which all comes together with their love of a big chorus. AC
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