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 Cairo Station. Words by Aaron Cunningham.
Cairo Station – Menace
‘Menace’ is only the first single from Cairo Station but their name has certainly been getting around since late last year built on their well received live sets. The debut from the young band carries the menace of the track’s title, with strong vocals and a QOTSA rhythm. A promising start.
Sasha Samara – Simmer
An exciting new era for songwriter Sasha Samara leaning deeper into the electronic sounds of last year’s ‘Under My Skin’. Samara’s vocals sound at home on this late night romance, full of quiet anticipation and intoxication.
Caolán Austin ft Our Krypton Son – Walking Into the Furnace
A well known name around Northern Irish music, Caolán Austin is perhaps better known for production duties but ‘Walking Into the Furnace’ is his first release under his own name. Featuring Our Krypton Son, it’s an otherworldly and contemplative debut from the Derry man.
Dearest – Flowerbed
‘Flowerbed’ is our first look at five-piece Dearest, led by songwriter Shea McAuley. Their self profession of indie twang pretty much nails it, with soft indie and vocals with the odd country lick à la the likes of Pinegrove.
And So I Watch You From Afar – North Coast Megafauna
Northern juggernauts And So I Watch You From Afar release a fitting next step towards their forthcoming seventh album Megafauna. A tribute to their two homes of Belfast and the North Coast. Through the opener’s six minutes the band are in fine form through intricate duelling to bass heavy breakdowns and the odd respite.
Ciaran Lavery, Morgana – Oh My God (No, Your God)
Ciaran Lavery recruits Morgana for newest single ‘Oh My God (No, Your God)’, tackling the effects of inherited beliefs. There’s never a dull moment in Lavery’s recent songwriting, delving further into the meta amongst smart production.
Anthony Layde – God Bless the Dancers
Yet another debut this month with the first single from queer Belfast artist Anthony Layde. Layde’s lent his production skills to Garrett Laurie’s recent releases, and that talent is evident here. That penchant for retro beats and synths envelopes the track underneath Layde’s vocals.
Playlist
