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 The Wood Burning Savages. Words by Aaron Cunningham and Ben Magee.
The Wood Burning Savages – Grind Your Teeth
Derry boys The Wood Burning Savages return with their first release in over a year. Following vocalist Paul Connolly’s health issues, ‘Grind Your Teeth’ sets them back on the path to a February 2025 follow up to their 2018 NI Music Prize winning album Stability. Never short on something to say, ‘Grind Your Teeth’ channels that anger into a fiery new single. AC
Tramp – FREE SAFE LEGAL
A multicoloured and faceted debut EP from the Derry up-and-comers that delivers on its promises. Siânna Lafferty is a vocal revelation, scorching and piercing at every corner. Juggling between art-punk, DIY and alt-pop, this is the sound of band that doesn’t care if you know how good they are. Back of the line mate. BM
Chubby Cat – Got Hope
Remaining one of the more interesting singers we have seen in years, Chubby Cat walks a fine line between hyper pop, alternative and dance music. New track ‘Got Hope’ keeps this trend up, with titillating production and guitars that will put your windows through. BM
Chalk – Tell Me
Chalk have scarcely had a rest since their emergence, with tour and festival dates coming thick and fast. ‘Tell Me’ marks a new cycle ahead of Conditions III and hot on the heels of their second edition. A track that starts dark and seductive through pulsating bass, it soon kicks into jittery higher gears. AC
Morgana – I’ll Cry When I’m Dead
Emotional and cinematic from one half of Saint Sister, just what the doctor ordered and the masses expected. Morgana’s solo debut is world’s apart from the music that launched her, and we’re all the better for it. Janky acoustics and booming rhythm section makes this track an addictive one. BM
Laytha – Autumn’s Amphora Wine
Laytha’s calling card harmonies have never been stronger than on their newest EP, with this track as the highlight. Channelling Mythos, Stevie Nicks, First Aid Kit and plum wine, the lyrics and melodies on this track will cut straight through you. BM
AOIBHA – Little While Ago
At the heart of ‘Little While Ago’ sits a bare piano line and AOIBHA’s stirring vocal. Recorded in Half Bap Studios through our own Kickstart competition, it’s a track that showcases AOIBHA’s deft indie melancholy songwriting in its simplicity. AC
Jock – Joe Duffy
A line-up change and a move to Brighton later, and Jock are back with new single ‘Joe Duffy’. Their raw power hasn’t wavered, with a persistent beat and distinct vocals leading their garage punk sound. AC
J Shields – The Blue In Between
There’s been a real progression to Belfast artist J Shields’ music since their early singles a few years ago. ‘The Blue In Between’ is the ethereal and melancholic middle of a debut EP that documents that shifting songwriting and production. AC
Lminl – Breathe
Those of a certain NI vintage may remember songwriter Deci Gallen’s previous band The Jane Bradfords but it’s been quite a journey to new project Lminl. The loss of hearing in one ear, and partial loss in the other due to a virus and a tumour lends extra poignance to Gallen’s return, an album swirling with gentle beauty. AC
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