SONGS OF THE WEEK
Owensie - Dramamine
For his first song in three years, the former heavy rocker is sounding more comfortable in his finger-plucked folk music style than ever before. With a gentle falsetto that's been tried and tested (and with none other than Conor O'Brien on backing vocals),
Dramamine
is a layered acoustic song that is reminiscent of José González.
Rejjie Snow - Blakkst Skin
Having fallen between authentic Irish rap and one that was too indebted to the US zeitgeist, Dubliner Rejjie Snow has found a timbre and sound that fits him best. Joined by vocalist Rae Morris on the hook of a bouncy Kaytranada beat, Snow addresses his skin colour in a track that maintains a pop swerve.
Talos - In Time
Yet another beaut from the Cork man Eoin French. His particular brand of singer-songwriter electronic music holds much beauty and sway.
Wounded Healer - Panic About Love
A new project from Sorcha McGrath (Ships), Wounded Healer is an attempt for the musician to complete the entire process - writing, recording, producing and mixing. What emerges has a singular feel – hypnagogic sustained notes, sparse percussion and lyrics that are helping the author figure out her place.
RELEASE OF THE WEEK
Girls Names - Arms Around A Vision
For their third album, the Belfast-based band have transitioned from expansive post-punk to a space between it and their former garage-rock jangle. The band say they approached the album with a view that they had nothing to lose. "We've got nothing. We've never had anything. And we don't expect to. The only person I ever wanted to impress was myself,” said frontman Cathal Cully. In that regard,
Arms Around A Vision
is indulgent in the best way possible with the band soaking up the weight of their alternative retro influences and embracing their own visions in the process.
NEW ARTIST OF THE WEEK
[ New Valley WolvesOpens in new window ]
Jonny Lucey and Baz Joyce know how to blow your cobwebs away and they employ bluesy distorted rock riffs and crashing drums to do so. Last weekend at Hard Working Class Heroes, the duo battled an ill-equipped soundsystem in Hangar (it's more suitable for dance music) and knocked out some classic-leaning guitar music that sounded like AC/DC and Jack White. There's plenty more of that on their debut album
Refusal Is Our Weapon
, released earlier this year. It doesn't break the mould but it should break your mood.
