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 VERA. Words by Aaron Cunningham and Martha Greer.
VERA – No Help From You
VERA certainly make their mark with debut single ‘No Help From You’, an indie-rock force to be reckoned with. Short and sweet, the song is unbelievably thrilling with 70s psychedelic grooves and a vocal performance brought to life by atmospheric backing and shouts. MG
Strange New Places – Foreign Cities
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Strange New Places’ last release, with line-up changes and one or two live performances in the time away. ‘Foreign Cities’ sets out their return, with the band’s idiosyncratic power-punk and affecting lyrics delivering again. AC
Moon Landing – The Last Two People On Earth
A delicate love song, Moon Landing’s ‘The Last Two People On Earth’ will transform listeners to a different planet full of rich orchestration and soaring melodies. Jake McCrea successfully fuses an indie songwriting style with string soundscapes to deliver goosebumps. MG
JC Stewart – Hey Babe, I’m A Mess, I’m Sorry
A new chapter following his years with Warner Records, ‘Hey Baby, I’m A Mess, I’m Sorry’ was recorded in Stewart’s makeshift Portrush studio. A piano ballad about a difficult time for the artist, with production that compliments Stewart’s voice and bare piano. AC
SX70 – Past Joys
SX70’s guitar heavy ‘Past Joys’ is a mighty indie assortment of thumping drums paired with a sturdy bassline and grasping whimsical guitar melodies. The chorus is massive, and the following repeated lyricism is delivered by vocals that haunt the track. MG
Conn Thornton – Georgia O’Keeffe
‘Georgia O’Keeffe’ is beautiful through and through. Conn Thornton delivers an emotive and poetically dark performance embraced by stirring acoustic guitar and shimmering piano. It is like a cool breeze on a warm summer’s day. MG
Sarah McCreedy – Older (nostalgia version)
Taken from the Holywood songwriter’s debut album released this week, ‘Older’ sees Sarah McCreedy joining voices with AOIBHA for a second time, following last year’s ‘Garden Ghosts’. A real atmospheric, slow burn, the minimalist track puts their harmonies in full focus. AC
Sarah Ann Rée – Life In Pink
Appearing on her debut EP of the same name, ‘Life in Pink’ is only the second single from the Bristol based artist. Breezy songwriter fare, this is an easy going jaunt of a track, full of Sarah Ann’s personal reflections and the end of a relationship. AC
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