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 Reevah. Words by Aaron Cunningham and Martha Greer.
Reevah – Daylight Savings
The opening track from Reevah’s album of the same name, ‘Daylight Savings’ sets the tone for a debut that shows how far the Derry artist’s songwriting has come. Lyrically, the track, and album as a whole, marks Reevah’s own personal journey amongst textured pop production. Reevah heads to Dublin, Belfast & Derry this week to mark the release. AC
Lipgloss – Anna (Walks Along the Street)
Revolving around a repetitive 80s guitar melody and hollow drums that emulate those of Joy Division, ‘Anna (Walks Along the Street)’ tells the tales of teenage experiences when growing up on the edges of Belfast. Lipgloss convey these emotions with showstopping vocals that lead into an explosive chorus of reverberating magic. MG
Makeshift Art Bar – Inertia
‘Inertia’ is the striking first single from Makeshift Art Bar, blending the elements of post- punk and noise-rock to create their very own ambient soundscape. Stark vocally, the song is defined by the haunting bass echoes and constant swell of industrial guitars. It is pierced by a vociferous ending with percussion that evokes a sense of unease. MG
Problem Patterns – Advertising Services
Problem Patterns released their long awaited incendiary debut last Friday with a packed out Belfast show. ‘Advertising Services’ is one of the new tracks on the album, with guitarist Beverley Boal taking lead vocals. It takes direct aim at the political classes and the inequality of the rich. AC
Madams Last Discovery – No More
Fronted by roaring vocals that power through a sea of hypnotic 70s psychedelia, ‘No More’ is the second single from Belfast four-piece Madams Last Discovery. The guitar heavy tune feeds into Madchester influences with its gutsy chorus, clashing bassline, and buzzing solos. MG
Jock – Moving
The raw and powerful world of Jock is rediscovered during their recent single ‘Moving’. A spoken ecstasy of powerful lyricism, with mesmerising effects of jarring guitars and felicitous playing of the drums, it is rather impossible to not want to jump around as this “little slice of rage” slides through listeners ears. MG
Ciaran Lavery – Lovers Who Make Love (10 Years Later)
For those who have followed Ciaran Lavery’s music since its beginnings, it may be hard to imagine that Not Nearly Dark has just turned ten years old. One of NI’s finest songwriters over those ten years, Lavery has revisited ‘Lovers Who Make Love’ with an orchestral arrangement. It’s the first from an EP of reworked versions out later this year. AC
Tessio – Hang It On My Back
There’s a sweeping urgency to the fastly strummed acoustics of Tessio’s ‘Hang It On My Back’. It’s a clear evolution from much of 2021’s EP1, with music that recalls a mix of Ye Vagabonds and the Everly Brothers. A new release that matches their live allure. AC
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