AS SUMMER DRAWS to a close, it’s sometimes comforting to think of all the warm, inviting albums that await us this autumn.
On this month’s New Found Sounds, we take a look at releases that hopefully will be part of your autumn listening, while also taking a peek at some Irish bands who will be playing the Electric Picnic this weekend.
Two albums that evoke feelings of cosiness are The Ural Winter by Northern Ireland's Tom McShane (who recorded it live in Belfast's inspiring Oh Yeah! Centre – tommcshane.co.uk) and 3, the latest EP from Galway's Yawning Chasm ( yawningchasm.bandcamp.com).
While McShane has a jaunty-yet- heartfelt sound that nods more than once towards Americana at its best, Yawning Chasm makes me think of Elliott Smith during his most fragile moments.
Another intimate record is House of Cosy Cushions' ( houseofcosycushions.com) Haunt Me Sweetly, from which the podcast takes Bleed the Need, which has a wonderfully soft, gauzy feel.
For something edgier, there's Niamh de Barra's ( niamhdebarra.bandcamp.com) offbeat Spooked from her full-length release Echo, which has more than a few people comparing her to the late, great, Arthur Russell.
Speaking of voices, the two that entwine on west of Ireland-based Christian Bookshop’s song Singing Freebird are those of couple Aisling Walsh and Jimmy Monaghan. That jangling track bodes well for what we can expect from their forthcoming full-length.
Finally, ending the podcast on a high note are Jogging ( jogging.bandcamp.com), who have just released Take Courage on Out on a Limb Records. If you like your blues to be blasted away by a band who nod towards the Jesus Lizard and Sonic Youth, then grab their album with both hands.
Listen to the NEWFOUNDSOUNDS podcast at irishtimes.com
