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 Fresh Music From NI Playlist.
Words by Daniel Graham, Dylan Bradley, Robert Brown & Will Mac Aoidh.
Try Trapeze – Massacre
Massacre is the masterful debut single from Try Trapeze a.k.a Cahir O’Doherty (Fighting With Wire, Jetplane Landing and New Pagans.) Whilst a major sonic departure from what he is best known for, it still evokes Colonel Blood gem “Run For Cover.” The track perfectly bridges the gap between the chiller side of 90’s indie rock and modern alt-country, creating a best of both worlds cocktail. Massacre is dreamy, thought provoking, nostalgic and probably my favourite single of 2026 so far. DB
Growing Pains – Monday
Growing Pains make a positive impression with their debut single, Monday. Packed with emo influences, honest lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation that creates a larger than life listening experience. The track explores regret and self reflection with maturity beyond a first release. It’s an emotional, memorable debut that marks the band as one to watch. DG
Reflect – Feeling Everything
Feeling Everything is the latest single from alt rockers Reflect, in anticipation of their debut EP, releasing in August. Pushed on by heavy guitars, explosive energy and a sensational vocal performance, this track screams alternative. The dynamic vocal range oozes emotion and makes this an intense but memorable listen of a band who have found their sound. DG
Dea Matrona – A Rebel Song
Dea Matrona have been a staple of the NI music scene for a long time now, evolving from buskers to an established artist. Two years on from their debut album, the pair are still evolving as songwriters too – A Rebel Song marks their first dabble in political songwriting. It’s a skillful song musically, summoning a lot of rock & roll spirit in its complex guitarwork and simple vocals and lyricism. WMA
New Leaves – Homesick Hymnal
The good folks of Carlingford Lough have been hard at work crafting this gorgeous ode to Fleet Foxes’ White Winter Hymnal. Resplendent in harmonies while summoning the great spirit of Americana, Homesick Hymnal is a love letter to a whole blend of folk traditions. You can catch those crazy kids in Belfast’s Black Box on the 22nd – and you should! WMA
Good Swim – A Mark On You
A Mark On You has the pulse of a chugging travelling song with a soft, poetic heart. It’s been a prolific year for Good Swim, who just released the Many as One EP in May. It seems, after such a long hiatus, Good Swim has creative energy bursting from him like a thunder cloud. Long may it continue, says I. WMA
Mark Hegan – Shadow
The first track from Hegan’s new EP delivers a bit of a shock. Our expectations were for more full hearted indie rock anthems in the vein of Sam Fender but instead we find Hegan entering his ‘Nebraska’ era. The emotional reigns are off and we have a front row seat for this deeply personal and affecting transformation. Captivating. RB
Brigade – Hear You Say
Hear You Say sounds like an offering from a well established band rather than a debut offering. There are nods towards Manchester Orchestra and The War On Drugs but ultimately Bangor duo Brigade conjure up a quietly captivating soundscape that explores the challenges, uncertainties and resilience of modern relationships on their own terms. RB
