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 Vera. Words by Aaron Cunningham and Will Mac Aoidh.
Vera – Skinbag
I hear Vera’s name everywhere in Belfast these days and that’s for good reason – the four-piece have already proven themselves a factory for catchy, thumping indie-rock that’s as fun to listen to recorded as it is to dance to live. ‘Skinbag’ is no exception; witty, raucous and dense with musical goodness. I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing this one live yet; my downstairs neighbours can confirm I’ve been practicing my dancing every time I hit play on this infectious tune. WMA
The Thing Is… – Disconnected
The second Kickstart shortlisted artist releasing new music in June, The Thing Is… are also fresh off an appearance at our last Gifted show in the Belfast Empire. ‘Disconnected’ combines the band’s undoubted musicianship with a knack for writing an indie tune in their own distinct style. The five-piece’s third release that continues their high standards. AC
Madrai – Turn It Around
Always a pleasure to hear from the lads at Madrai, pop-rock purveyors that they are. ‘Turn It Around’ has the storytelling chops of an NI Bruce Springsteen, combined with the lighthearted, bouncy arrangements you might expect from the 1975 or Kings Of Leon. ‘Turn It Around’ is a tune you’ll be singing to yourself all day and still humming a few days later. WMA
cosign – Bagpuss
Martha Greer has kept details of her new project scarce but things are off to a great start. Debut release ‘Bagpuss’ sees Greer pivot away from her singer-songwriter approach and towards an exciting new sound. Greer’s voice has found a perfect setting amongst chilled out swirls of synth and indie electro pop, co-produced with Chris Ryan. AC
Daisy Johnston – Maiden Name
You’ve never heard such a gorgeous ballad as Daisy Johnston’s ‘Maiden Name’. Such an impressive voice shines best inside delicate, simple arrangements – a single piano is the entirety of Johnston’s accompaniment here. Incredibly raw, moving songwriting that could just break your heart two times over. WMA
Ciaran Lavery – Ida
You’d be hard pressed to convince me that Ciaran Lavery doesn’t deserve a seat at the table with Ireland’s finest songwriters of recent years. His songwriting has often pushed and pulled at expectations, but ‘Ida’ sits Lavery at a piano and lets an emotive, personal tale roll out through his lyrics. ‘Ida’ follows last November’s Light Entertainment, with a hint of more on the way. AC
Lorcan Nelson – Easy Love
One of two artists on our Kickstart shortlist with a new release this month, ‘Easy Love’ is actually a debut single from Lorcan Nelson. The Belfast born, Liverpool based artist has been around playing shows for a few years now, but the debut has been worth the wait. A sweet love song, the vibrant production allows Nelson’s voice to shine through. AC
Middler – A Martyr Beneath
‘A Martyr Beneath’, the latest release from Belfast four-piece Middler proved timely. The band’s heavy industrial sound carries the weight of unease on a track that was written as they were caught up in last year’s riots, and released as anti-immigration rioting hit Northern Ireland again this summer. Middler are gearing up to a debut album later this year. AC
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