It’s a memorable song, with a certain ease to it that’s reflected in the accessible, uncomplicated title of Good Morning. A single that’s non-confronting and lovely in its honesty and softness of delivery.
Ireland--Europe
For The Love Of Trees is an instrumental, neo-classical folk project, following intimate and organic live cello arrangements, occasionally with piano and other strings, through serene, sometimes melancholic, always evocative and beautiful melodic expressions.
Something completely different to kick off the August collection of indie gems. On the surface, a passionate and colourful chaos of genre-fusing originality, but underneath this, a multitude of slick riffs, funky grooves, vocal refrains, and distinct moments that are vast and fearlessly eclectic.
Dark alternative vibes in strong supply but a beating heart of effective, engaging songwriting always provided as the centrepiece – pMad excel themselves with this album, and NineFortyFive is the fascinating and rather addictive new single that’s easily one of the most interesting, ambient and enjoyable post-rock tracks to hit the scene this year.
Beautiful songwriting, humble musicianship – piano and a clapped rhythm, raspy vocals and short lines reflecting on war and the painful repeats of history. Patrick McMenamin leads with a voice and writing style that feel evocative, honest, and powerful, for the timeless and passionate folk single The More Things Change.
An absolute jam, in my own reactive terms – Michael P O’S captures an instant earworm and groove, with the infectious energy and reggae vibes of Words.
Introducing a beautifully unmistakable, instrumental love song – a clear melodic gem from his catalogue, and a fine ode to both the skill of the player and the emotional intentions of his work – guitarist and composer Joe Hodgson releases the highly-anticipated, guitar-led single You I Think Of.
Introducing a timeless traditional set-up and a brilliantly original song – Brendan McKinney & the 99 Brown Dogs made a hearty first impression, with the unbelievably catchy folk-rock anthem James Dunn’s Daughter.
Ten original songs weave together this story of the Mystic Code, and while there’s plenty to unpack and explore conceptually, which rewards and provides insight and reflection, the music is also – and importantly – an impressive and enjoyable place to escape into for a while.
Irish composer and producer Gavin Murphy, known for his contributions to releases from David Gray, Van Morison, and plenty more, presents this summer a deeply introspective instrumental project of his own.
Huge vocals and heartfelt songwriting, a clear sense of rising anticipation and emotion – an impassioned ode to a broken heart. Singer and songwriter Craig O’Keeffe masters the craft with meaning and power, for Without You.
From the mellow to the outright untraceable in pace and presence, Joe’s guitar-work shines with natural charm throughout this seductive gem of a blues-folk track. The voice and guitar feel born to perform together in this way, and underneath we get a simple, nostalgic blues groove, a meandering bassline and beat combination, with some modest keys and synths adding a sleepy gospel vibe to an already alluring fusion of traits.