Bell X1 – Out Of Love
One of the few Irish bands who have lasted beyond the average lifespan that this limited country offers most, the Bellies are striving out into the world once again on their seventh album Arms (due October 14).
The album was recorded with Tommy McLaughlin and Glen Keating in Donegal and Dublin and was introduced with the downbeat song The Upswing. Out Of Love is a song built on a taut rhythm and new textures for the band.
Ivy Nations – Disintegrate
With Two Door Cinema Club returning, it might be the best time to release that indie dance pop song your band have been harbouring. This Dublin four-piece have done just that with their new single, a catchy song that should at the very least be all over Irish radio.
Rocstrong – Show Off What You Got
Andre J.P Bangala has only released a few singles but he's already had his music placed in a Hollywood film trailer and a supermarket campaign. Show Off What You Got is undoubtedly sync-ready but that doesn't belittle The Pharmacist-produced track's rocking earmworm chops.
Beauty Sleep – Living Right
The Belfast dreamy pop three-piece lead with melody on the pleasingly hazed second single, officially out on August 19, that strives for a life less ordinary.
The Riptide Movement - Elephant In The Room
Continuing their quest to make the most anthemic rock'n'roll they can, the Dublin band have released the first single from forthcoming album Ghosts (October 21). What it lacks in edge, it makes up for with radio-friendly singalong gusto.
Skinner - Skinner
So this is what you get if you cross a bored lippy teenager on the cusp of adulthood, a basic bedroom recording setup and a penchant for lo-fi indie music. Skinner's main concerns are primarily of an escapist nature: paying for overpriced cocktails, sneaking cans past the bouncer, dealing with louts on the bus, bumming rollies and takeaway fracas.
With song titles like Shit Night Out, Amber And Tins, Spare Smoke? and One More Rollie, it's obvious we're not going to get any deep insight but despite that the jangly King Krule-esque vibe of the music keeps things ticking over.
It might be the closest encapsulation of that kidulthood life that was the mark of another Skinner, Mike, of the Streets at the turn of the century.
Farah Elle
It's early days for this 21 year-old singer-songwriter with a BIMM education, but Farah Elle's music is unusual for an Irish artist in its mix of bright pop and Middle Eastern-style phrasing. That can be attributed to the Dubliner's Libyan background and means her music is more exotic than most of this island. Elle is currently writing her debut album and is playing gigs regularly.
Morrissey & Marshall – Stand Down
Director: James Skerritt
This new song from the Dublin rock'n'rollers with the wall of sound behind them takes aim at Machiavellian politicians and counters an opposition to an “end justifies the means” mindset, a la Trump. The malevolent politician is here played by a young kid who loses his grip on the people.
