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 Esmeralda Road. Words by Aaron Cunningham and Martha Greer.
Esmeralda Road – I Think
Esmeralda Road, formerly Moonboot, throw a range of styles into the mix for the third single ‘I Think’. There’s an intensity in the track led by insistent vocals, quick bass and percussion and of course the splashes of trumpet and sax. Multiple influences have come to the fore with the band retaining their love of soul, while looking toward post-punk and indie. AC
Garrett Laurie – No Warning
Garrett Laurie’s ‘No Warning’ explores the investment in a relationship once it has ended through a cinematic lens. The beautifully thoughtful lyricism is delivered by a striking vocal range, sprinkled with captivating harmonies and backing vocals. MG
Ciaran Lavery – Honeybun
‘Honeybun’ is Ciaran Lavery’s first release of new music in a couple of years, following last year’s revisiting of Not Nearly Dark. Building on a new approach that really began to emerge on 2020’s Plz Stay, bb, it’s the blend of smart production and Lavery’s irrepressible and unique songwriting that marks the start of new chapter for Lavery. AC
Klyda – Right Now
The youthful joy of ‘Right Now’ encapsulates Klyda’s alternative indie world to perfection. The song is an explosive opener to the up-and-coming five piece’s debut EP, as the catchy instrumentation collides with more mature lyrics. MG
Lord Jane – I Did It To Myself
New band Lord Jane have made a fast start with a debut surprise show quickly followed by ‘I Did It To Myself’, their debut single. The Paramore-esque track is led by vocals from Clodagh May and a pleasing alt-rock guitar riff. A supergroup of sorts, May is backed by members of Ferals, Mob Wife, Wohn and Big Daisy, so their strong debut and energetic live presence should come as no surprise. AC
Casual Riots – Honey
The familiar sound of Belfast’s Casual Riots is warped with jangly guitars and twisting dynamics during their recent single ‘Honey’, a high energy track that builds on a melancholy undertone with echoing falsettos and thrashing drums. MG
Susi Pagel – R U in Luv?
‘R U IN LUV?’ reaffirms Susi Pagel’s title as Belfast’s alt pop princess. The killer twisted love song is production perfect, jumping from place to place amongst pulsating scratches of guitar and crisp yet distorted vocals. MG
RUÁ – Springtime
Following on from last December’s cover EP, ‘Springtime’ is the first original single from RUÁ, a new project from Derry songwriter Rebecca Mulhern. ‘Springtime’ is a quiet, intricate and stirring folk track that reflects on grief and the new life that spring brings. AC
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