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 Lemonade Shoelace. Words by Aaron Cunningham and Martha Greer.
Lemonade Shoelace – Soul Syndrome
Psychedelic bedroom pop producer Lemonade Shoelace leaves us with one final single from a successful 2023. With a debut EP of previous singles released back in April, ‘Soul Syndrome’ is a new release. On the dreamier end of the spectrum with its floating production, ‘Soul Syndrome’ is a track about the power of positive thinking and aspirations. AC
Hotel Maze – Jellyfish
The debut single from the five-piece alternative-indie Hotel Maze, ‘Jellyfish’ has heavy influences of punk with an almost Cramps or Stooges like vocal line with a sharp guitar melody that drones through the song. This is embellished with occasional backing vocals and an unassuming synth instrumental. MG
YINYANG – Kill Jester
Distorted hip hop artist Lauren Hannan delves further into her alter ego YINYANG on latest single ‘Kill Jester’. Her fiery and eclectic sounds continue to impress on this track about killing off older versions of yourself. 2023 was the year YINYANG built on their music, bringing her live act to new audiences. AC
The Thing Is – Earwax
‘Earwax’ is an undeniably exquisite showcase of musical expertise from Downpatrick’s “whimsical” The Thing Is… with its demanding vocal performance, shredding guitar solo, all centred around a chorus that will simply become engraved in your memory. MG
Cherym – It’s Not Me It’s You
Derry’s Cherym head straight towards next year’s debut album with ‘It’s Not Me It’s You’. The band show a little of their softer side, with Hannah, Alannagh & Nyree all contributing lead vocals throughout. Perhaps it’s the vocal melodies, the bass led verses or the vocal duty switch up, but it’s a track reminiscent of Blink 182. AC
AOIBHA – Muddy Water
Emerging as one of Belfast’s most anticipated indie-pop artists, AOIBHA adds to her ever-impressive repertoire with the eerie yet beautifully tender ‘Muddy Water’. Fronted by striking vocals that are enriched harmoniously, the song tells a story relatable to most of being stuck between friendship and something more. MG
The Daisy Chain – Holibobs
Two years in the making, ‘Holibob’ is the opening extravaganza off The Daisy Chain’s second glorious album. The infectious groove surrounding this 60s psychedelic flash-back with thrilling lyrics that parallel those of David Byrne is set to put a smile on the grumpiest of faces. MG
Moonlanding – Haze
The musical genius of Jack McCrea, Moonlanding rounds up an impressive year with the release of his debut EP which included the soft touches of ‘Haze’. The song takes us on a vast musical journey with a solemn beginning that erupts into an orchestration of strings and hammering electric guitar, all of which contrast floaty yet explosive vocals. MG
Banshee – Good Life
There’s a real retro feel to the debut single from new Belfast band Banshee. ‘Good Life’ sees a range of vintage influences brought to the fore, with soul and bluesy psych rock the order of the day. Strong vocals are underlaid by laid back guitar, with percussion and backing vocals that borrow from ‘Sympathy for the Devil’. AC
Playlist
