Every month we take a look back at the best new releases from Northern Ireland in our featured playlist. A showcase for the sheer amount of talent coming out of the North, and a playlist worthy of repeat listening. This month’s cover artist is Tomcat. Words by Aaron Cunningham and Martha Greer.
Tomcat – It’s Not Always Gonna Be Like This
A poignant debut single from Derry four-piece Tomcat, ‘It’s Not Always Gonna Be Like This’ covers the bases of soft indie-folk and spirited pop-punk. Instrumentally the song leaves room for the effortless lyrical flow whilst offering moments of glory for each member to display expertise. The reverberating ambience of the drum heavy ending is particularly captivating. MG
Conchúr White – 501s
Co Armagh songwriter Conchúr White exudes teenage love and nostalgia on ‘501s’, taken from his debut album Swirling Violets. From White’s vocals to the vibrant and bright instrumentation, it’s a gorgeous track that sits right at home on White’s well crafted and well received debut album, out on Bella Union. AC
Wynona Bleach – Swim In The Bay
Wynona Bleach’s latest single ‘Swim In The Bay’ marks the beginning of the quintet’s adventure into their second album, and what a start it is. Immediately we are thrown into the gratifying recital-like chorus by a distinct riff. Overflowing with vigour, a continual stream of lush instrumentation is heightened by enchanting vocal arrangements. MG
PiNKSLiPS – Young Blood
Four-piece PiNKSLiPS released their debut single ‘Young Blood’ back in early December, following their formation back in 2021. There’s a few familiar faces in the line-up with vocalist Gerry Norman (A Plastic Rose, Tour Alaska) doing what he does best and fronting an alternative rock band. Norman’s distinct vocals feel at home within the track’s big moments. AC
Lucy Gaffney – Locked Up Never Fade
‘Locked Up Never Fade’ takes listeners on a vulnerable journey through friendship and love. A bittersweet sense of nostalgia is conveyed through Lucy Gaffney’s polished vocal
performance, their airy emotion being trance-like. The song is universally relatable hence its ability to tug the heart strings. MG
Lilla Vargen – Belong
It would be remiss not to mention new music from Lilla Vargen which marks a new chapter for the songwriter. Her music first caught our attention way back in 2015, and following years of industry highs & lows is setting out again on her own terms with ‘Belong’. Working with producer George Sloan (No Oil Paintings), it’s a stunning track with a soft, retro sound. AC
Fraulein – Wait and See
Northern Irish/ Dutch duo Fraulein exhibit a razor-edged style with ‘Wait and See’, an alt-rock tune about managing anxiety without dealing with its cause. Verses are punctuated by the crisp drum sounds that pinch at the characterising moody bass tones. The choruses offer a perfect explosion of sound, flawlessly indicating the shift between mystery and angst. MG
Polar Bolero – The Rain
Derry group Polar Bolero garnered plenty of attention last year with a handful of singles going hand in hand with a live reputation that saw them shortlisted for Best Live Act at the NI Music Prize. The alt-folk of new single ‘The Rain’ continues that promise, with mature songwriting pairing with layers of stirring instrumentation. AC
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