Irish album of the week
I Am Niamh - Wonderland
Niamh Parkinson is a classically-trained musician who has ambitions beyond that realm. She released her debut EP in 2013 and has been bestowed with praise that ranged from "idiosyncratic" and "a more engaging Julie Feeney."
Parkinson is more interested in the song than the delivery sure. That's evident on her just released debut album Wonderland, recorded with Conan Wynne at Skuzzi Port studios in Dublin 8 and launched in the Grand Masonic Lodge of Ireland last Saturday night. Parkinson uses a palette of voice, digital piano, cello, percussion and a loop pedal to create a very contemporary classically-informed chamber pop with flashes of modern electronic production.
New artist of the week
Tomorrows
With just two songs to their names, this Dublin-based band are looking towards the future, which may be bright.
Formed with members of Biggles Flys Again, The Chapters, Jethro Pickett and Woodheart,Tomorrows takes its inspirations further back than the more indie sound of those bands, seeking refuge in late '60s and early '70s prog, psychedelic,pop and folk music.
They've just two songs so far – 'Free' and 'Another Life', the former a percussive string-laden shuffle, the latter taking on a more hypnotic cloak which seeps into krautrock. An EP is coming shortly.
Songs of the week
All Tvvins – Too Young To Live
Flipping the title of the Sonny Boy Williamson song Too Young To Die (also a Jamiroquai and Panic At The Disco song title), the Dublin duo All Tvvins' second single continues the idea that channeling '80s Aha-esque pop and effects-laden guitars can create superior radio-friendly rock music.
Pleasure Beach – Go
This new Belfast band formed in January and consisting of, on a first name basis only, Lisa, Rachel, Kat, Alan and Richard; have come out of the gates with a fine galloping debut single which the influence of Arcade Fire and Springsteen can be detected among its synthesizer pop production. Pleasure Beach play their first show in The Menagerie, Belfast on June 5th.
Rocstrong – Hold Ya
Rising Dublin singer songwriter Andre J.P Bangala's draws from his Congolese background with this light and bright funk rock single.
