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 Thom Southern. Words by Aaron Cunningham.
FEATURED TRACKS
Thom Southern – To Be Loved By A Fool
Thom Southern follows up his debut album with new EP To Be Loved By A Fool featuring his latest single by the same name. There’s a retro feel to Southern’s indie musings on falling in love, with fuzzed out bliss careering the song along.
piglet – it isn’t fair
A striking and powerful release from Belfast born, London based artist Charlie Loane aka piglet. ‘it isn’t fair’ holds a critical and personal spotlight on trans healthcare provisions in the UK. A rousing call with the emotion heightened through angered vocals and the unique, varied production. Profits from Bandcamp, merch and a London September show will go towards to the We Exist charity.
Garrett Laurie – Have Fun
Songwriter Garrett Laurie steps further into dreamy cinema on newest single ‘Have Fun’, following a string of singles in the last couple of years. Originally released in demo form in 2020, Laurie has revisited it with renewed vigour and artistic self confidence.
Oomska Mirth – Deep Six’d
A completely new one for us, ‘Deep Six’d’ is the first release from Aidan Gallagher under the name Oomska Mirth. Gallagher runs Belfast’s Bailey Park Studios and Oomska Mirth is a step into his own music. There’s a unique and likeable quirk to ‘Deep Six’d’ with its unusual production and hooks.
The 1930s – Part One
A re-release of a 2012 EP from folk duo The 1930s. Jonny Solari and Andrew Cameron-Braithwaite (nowadays heading up Smallmint) have put their 2012 Blood & Water I EP back online alongside the announcement of a one-off return to the stage in October to support their boys Emerald Armada at their farewell Limelight show.
ROE – Cold Feet
Ahead of her full debut album release next month, ROE gives us a taste of the album’s second half with the brilliant ‘Cold Feet’. The combination the track’s piano led melancholy and ROE’s emotive vocals make for a stirring mix.
