Playlist 2014 - 2019: Thank You! From REMY

I was quite sad a few weeks ago when I decided to call time on what began in July 2012 as mostly a film review blog with a few pieces here and there on bands I love from the 60's and 70's. But I am very, very happy with how the last 6 years in particular turned out, and even moreso, incredibly lucky to have ended up meeting so many amazing and inspiring people, seeing god knows how many bands live who blew my mind, and in a nutshell, living a dream. 

The over-riding reason I've decided to wrap up is purely time, in this game you are either all-in and 100% committed, or you're better off out, in my own view there's no in-between. The last thing I would want is for me to stop enjoying this, finding it a burden, and worst of all (which I had noticed on occasion over the last number of months) to start writing reviews devoid of passion and which are rushed, it's not fair on anyone, particularly the artist.

Music is my number one passion, and to somehow find myself witnessing the best period of Irish music, well, for wont of a better turn of phrase, doing this blog has been the best thing I've ever done on a personal level. A joy-filled adventure I will never forget, and which never would have happened unless there was an avalanche of incredible music flowing out from all over the island of Ireland.

So, enough of the sop, and I know this isn't the Oscars, but I do have a few people I'd like to be on the record thanking and yes...*CLICHÉ KLAXON!* sorry if I forgot anyone! Briefly though, the above Playlist contains 150 songs by Irish artists from 2014 - 2019 which have featured on these pages in the past, each track holding a specific and happy memory for me, it's in chronological order of when they were reviewed, a little archive for me to revisit when I'm feeling nostalgic! Thankfully I got to see 93 of the 150 live, #blessed.

Huge thanks go to the following people who provided massive support to me;

Irish musicians (all of them!), David Judge of Abner Brown's Barber Shop for too many opportunities over the years, Jim O'Donoghue Martin (VIDEO BLUE - for sending me my very first review request and inadvertently turning this blog on its head as a result!), the boys at Oh Joy! (once The Journals - the first time I brought a camera to a show was at one of their gigs and I used flash photography - didn't do it ever again after!).

The Dundalk family - a ridiculous amount of support and good-will came from people I now consider friends, Jim (already mentioned!), Gavin Murray (Trick Mist), Just Mustard (my favourite Irish band), the beautiful human that is Shane Clarke (Elephant), Aoife McCann (AE Mak), Nix Moon, Third Smoke, Larry & wordsmith deluxe David Keenan.

Takes breath....

Stef Edwards and Jenny Headen who facilitated some amazing live music memories (WeAreRedHead), likewise Emma Harney of Orchestrate PR who helped me hone my interview skills long ago! Jawdropper crew (John & Maya et al!) My absolute bae Dwayne Woods (Butter Wouldn't Melt PR), Liza Geddes & Linda Coogan Byrne, Naoise Roo, James McGregor (The Clockworks) and Noël Duplaa (CFIT and 20 other bands) for contributing amazing reviews to these pages in the past, my best buds in photography and beer Sarah Ryan and Niall O'Kelly, Margaret O'Sullivan (Femmepop), THUMPER, Dave Conway (Gigonometry), Tim Clifford (K-Fest), Andrea Keogh (The Sound House, DQF), Callum Browne, James Strain (Auxiliary Phoenix), Greg Whelan, Ryan Cashell, EllyD and Emma (Xx), James Geraghty & Adam McCabe (Brass Phantoms), Montauk Hotel (keep shimmering!), MUNKY (Xx), David Anthony McGeown (BODIES), Alien She, Brendan Miller (Zombie Picnic), Molly Sterling (heart-breaker), Laura McCabe (cello lady), Joey (Heroes in Hiding), Darragh O'Connor & Jack O'Flaherty (Exiles), Sick Love, Kevin Nolan, Herb Magee (Arvo Party), Ronan Kealy (Junior Brother), The Felonies, Classic Yellow, Silverbacks, Sean O'Brien (FIELDS), Chris Ryan (Robocobra Quartet), EHCO, and anyone who invited me to their shows, sent me their music.

All of the amazing photographers I met and who contributed to the last two end of year photography galleries, Zoe Holman, Ciara Brennan (SheBopImagery), Glen Bollard, Moira Reilly, Dara Munnis, Ruth Medjber (for also fixing my camera at HWCH 2017!), Nicholas O'Donnell, Jack Farrell, Aaron Corr,  Kieran Frost, Billy Cahill, Faye Bollard, to name a few. 

A very special thank you to Stephen White of The Last Mixed Tape, a man who understands the lonesome but happy life of the solo music blogger and gave me a lot of sage advice over the years, someone whom I have endless respect for, and a perfect companion at so many gigs and festivals. Also Nialler9 and The Thin Air for the shout outs and support, it meant a lot.

Last but not least, my wife Anna, who educated me on music from the 60's / 70's and 80's, she's the Skynet of music databases and trivia. She never once complained about the amount of time I spent out and about at shows, or at home blogging, and her support was the most valuable of all. I look forward to getting to know her again ;)

Go to local shows, buy local music, and be happy!

Grá mór,

REMY Xx

New Irish Albums (May): Mongoose, RUNAH & The Man Whom

Mongoose - Photo: Abigail Denniston Photography

In our latest round-up of new Irish album releases which have come out over the past month, we feature the sophomore albums Suck the Wound from Dublin contemporary folk quartet Mongoose, and The Dancer From the Dance by Wexford's The Man Whom. We also have a wonderful debut LP via Dublin-based atmospheric art-folk artist RUNAH, titled Strange.

1) Mongoose - Suck the Wound

Few Irish bands carve apart modern folk and put it back together again with so many different layers for the listener to explore in the manner that Mongoose do. Following on from their hugely successful self-titled debut in 2015, the four-piece open plenty of new doors for us to peep into on Suck the Wound. 

The opening title track is an empowering behemoth that sweeps away any feelings of anxiety or doubt right from the start, the dark tones and their seamless harmonies catch you in their trap in the most willing way early on on the LP. 'Hard Ground' shifts key in an instant, a confident jazzy strut which bursts apart at the 1:16 point, again that inspiring and assertive tone is so energising, there is sass everywhere.

More melancholic moods unfurl on the sad but beautiful 'Draw the Line', a slow rhythm and tempo ease themselves across the track, and her the lead vocal and harmonies take on an almost medieval ballad hue, hearts are broken, but new chapters open. A very warm highlight arrives on the wistful dirge of 'Sister', steeped in bare classical folk á la Pentangle, the deep hum of the cello is brief but impacting, there is a lot of room for your ears to breathe here and soak it all up. 'While Away' picked me up and dropped me unceremoniously off at a dimly lit club in 1970's Greenwich Village, Joni vibes abound and every note trickles effortlessly off their instruments.

Lead single 'Body & Soul (For Cara)' arrives near the album's end, like what has come before, they execute the build expertly, but with more restraint, the melodies are enchantingly colourful as the percussion alternates between trundling passages and a slow metronome beat, it's a strangely beautiful and other-worldly experience. And that for me sums up in many ways Suck the Wound, it's a sprawling canvas of sounds, moods and themes, like one of those massive paintings you see taking up an entire wall in a French museum, you have to stand fully back to appreciate it (and attempt to) take it all in.

Key tracks: 'While Away', 'Suck the Wound', 'Body & Soul (For Cara)', 'Sisters', 'Draw the Line'

2) RUNAH - Strange

Another act that excels at arranging mysterious landscapes is Tara May, aka RUNAH, her sophomore EP Ghosts which was released towards the end of last year came from a place you'd never tire of wandering around. Strange is markedly different in many ways, from the jazz-tinged opener 'Winter' whose bass recalls Sneaker Pimps and early Massive Attack vibes, RUNAH tears up her own songbook on these 10 tracks.

Gently trembling strings vibrate in the background on second track 'Shame', the bass rumbles and those early shy strings push themselves into a position of prominence giving added energy and power to her vocal, not that it was needed. There is so much to delight in on 'Ground', like a modern day Connie Francis, we're in spaghetti-Western soundtrack territory here, the music ambles in a lethargic yet purposeful manner as the vocal stares deep into our eyes and souls.

The tenderness and alluring beauty of 'Something Like a Prayer' is nothing short of heart-breaking, the enchantress possesses our entire being, a potion of deep and heavy piano keys, almost inaudible strings and ominous bass that kicks in at 2:32 take the listener hostage and the Stockholm syndrome is strong and cannot be unbound. Majestic. Closing with its title-track (above video) a rare moment of brevity which provides both a release of tension and also a platform for the artist to show another hand in her musical deck. This is utterly contemporary sonically, bordering on electronic, one last imprint on the listener's brain that won't be erased anytime soon. Escapist, hypnotic, mystique, power and a harrowing beauty, RUNAH's debut album has an individuality and uniqueness whose abstract creativity must be celebrated.

Key tracks; 'Ground', 'Winter', 'Shame', 'Something Like a Prayer', 'Strange', 

3) The Man Whom - The Dancer From The Dance

Wexford's Ian Doyle, The Man Whom, released his much-lauded debut album The Greatest Event back in 2011, a mixture of melancholic and upbeat folk tracks with an alt-country hue, during which time the artist also made an appearance at Other Voices. Old man time has been nothing but kind to his song-writing in that 8 year intervening period, a glorious string-led introduction on the fittingly titled 'Time Reprise' makes a powerful opening impact, this is how you get back in the game.

'Saturdays She Plays Her Piano' is a thematically heavy and very real affair, opening with the line; "Once she was a singer in a jazz band, but that all ended when the kids came along, her piano now sits silent in the corner, locked key lost, buried in a drawer, and she says 'evidently I'm afraid of failure....'" Observance of the less happy twists and turns in life are a key feature in Doyle's lyrics, respectfully delivered with a benevolent vocal and moving musical passages.

'Pennies for the Poor Basket' is an interesting moment on the LP, a fulsome introduction makes way suddenly to the barest of bones, a delicate vocal and sparse acoustic guitar lead towards a meandering bass and piano sequence. A recollection of childhood memories seen through the prism of adulthood, and importantly leaving aside rose-tinted glasses.

For an album which regularly gravitates around a focal point of minimalism, The Man Whom is equally adept at producing grandiose orchestral flourishes, which are best captured on the captivating crescendos of 'Time', a track which initially disarms before pulling you out of your slumber to great heights. Towards album's end comes a key highlight in the form of 'Two Voices', an unusually morose warmth with a rich acoustic glow, again Doyle embraces simplicity in sound and rhythm because sometimes that just works far better than over-cooking. For a genre that I would probably not normally run to for gratification, The Man Whom has created an album which has far more depth than is initially noticeable on the surface, and more importantly, The Dancer From The Dance provides more than enough diversity to ensure longevity and repeated listens.

Key tracks; 'Time Reprise', 'Saturday She Plays Her Piano', 'Time', 'Pennies for the Poor Basket', 'Two Voices'

For our previous new Irish Album round-up for April, go here https://thebestofmusicandfilm.blogspot.com/2019/04/new-irish-albums-old-hannah-jamie-adam-deaf-joe-arms-that-fit-like-legs.html

Irish Playlist #057: Nix Moon, Cinema, Nealo w. God Knows, Trick Mist, Patricia Lalor & more

Nix Moon - Photo: Curtis Morris

I've been away from home the last three weekends in a row, this is when I usually have time to catch up on reviews, so the latest Irish playlist is a bit of a bumper affair featuring 21 tracks which were released over the last few weeks, plenty to dip your wee ears into, lots of wonderful variety and then some! I recommend shuffle play, because there is no hierarchy of talent on this playlist.

1) Nix Moon - 'Ceremony'

One of the finest acts to emerge from Dundalk over the last number of years, Nix Moon share their latest single 'Ceremony' which will feature on their debut LP which is due for release later this year. Drawing on the best elements of 60's psychedelic folk-rock, trippy kaleidoscopic vibes wash over everything like a golden summer stream, a gorgeous aural balm.

2) Cinema - 'Temptation'

Peter Fleming aka Cinema released new single 'Temptation' with an accompanying video on the 2nd of May which he shot himself. A huge success on streaming platform SoundCloud over the last four years, his individualistic brand of lush ambient electronic music has amassed tens of thousands of streams. 'Temptation' is, to my ears, absolute heaven, disarmingly chill and subtly upbeat, Fleming masterfully melds old-school trip-hop with a contemporary flourish.

3) Nealo feat. God Knows - 'Questions'

I'm a late-comer to the music of Nealo who I caught live for the first time a number of weeks ago at Molly Sterling's headline show in Whelan's. The jazzy backdrop glistens with retro 70's funk and keys, Nealo's vocal is smooth and the best kind of nonchalant and despondent, and when Rusangano Family's God Knows joins the fray he balances that mood with more assertive tones, it's a doozy of a track from the pair.

4) Trick Mist - 'Scribble'

Cork-based experimental electronic artist Trick Mist has been such a musical gift to me over the last number of years, few acts have progressed their sound with such rapid pace, I'm still getting my head around last year's debut LP Both Ends. 'Scribble' is another leap forward, Gavin Murray's imagination and desire to dig deeper into his creative well and push himself is admirable. The track is dark, textbook hypnotic, and powerfully pushes the listener to expand their own boundaries.

5) Patricia Lalor - 'Anymore'

It's astounding to me that Wexford indie-pop / jazz tinged act Patricia Lalor is a mere 13 years of age, her single 'Anymore' was released last month, and it's so easy on the ear, with its greatest strength emanating from her smooth and endearing vocal delivery. She has already received high-praise from Hozier for her cover of his track 'Cherry Wine' and amassed over 100k views of another cover of Mac DeMarco's 'My Kind of Woman'. This is a classic but rare case of a huge talent that can go anywhere over the next number of years is she is already writing songs of this quality.

Patricia Lalor

6) Adam Garrett - 'On / Off'

Kildare act (now Dublin-based) Adam Garrett's debut single 'On / Off' can be summed up in two words, disco chic. Sultry keys, bass and an amorous beat wrap their arms around this retro 70's zinger.

7) Caleb & Walshy - 'Terminal 27' 

South East London and Dublin hip-hop producers Caleb & Walshy shared latest single 'Terminal 27' a few weeks ago. The musical canvas reminds me of the jazzy movements of St. Germain's Tourist album, but with a heavy dollop of enjoyable retro disco glimmer.

8) BODIES - 'Roses'

David Anthony McGeown, aka BODIES released a compilation album of covers and new original material titled Glue a few weeks ago, and it's quite different to the wonderful debut album Drench he released last year. 'Roses' is far more upbeat and groove-laden to what we have become accustomed to from BODIES to date. Sleepy bass-lines and percussion set the scene on what is a very disarming and at times haunting piece of beauty that arches into bright and hopeful territories in its latter stages.

BODIES

9) VIDEO BLUE - 'Guts'

The third Dundalk act to feature on our playlist, U.K.-based Jim O'Donoghue Martin is another act who seems to be effortlessly able to blow apart boundaries in his song-writing. A master at connecting indie-pop with the most colourful and uplifting electronic palette, 'Guts' tempers its brevity with a calmly emotive and morose vocal by VIDEO BLUE.

10) The Vercettis - 'Cradula'

Cork-based The Vercettis have dropped their third single, 'Cradula' recently, from their forthcoming EP (due 17th May), based on the pov of vampire Cradula, and self-described as a sleazy alt-rock number with hip-hop influences, it has one of the most surprisingly and brilliant twists at its half-way point. A ska-heavy affair that bursts from it's lumbering tempo into an all-out blues-funk guitar jam, I am in love with every second of this track.

11) In Their Thousands - 'Water'

Donegal indie-rock outfit In Their Thousands are set to share their debut album Arcasia with a launch at The Grand Social this coming Friday. The most recent single 'Water' confirms their well-earned praise from the likes of Hot Press and The Last Mixed Tape. Their control of mood and emotion in their song-writing coupled with the broad atmospheric horizons they paint on this single indicate we could be sitting on an Irish album of the year.

'Arcasia', the title-track from In Their Thousands' forthcoming debut album

12) THUMPER - 'In My Room'

My favourite noise-makers of the last number of years, THUMPER released latest single 'In My Room' last month, a delightful slice of thrashing guitar-pop with little strands of Weezer-esque be-bops and rhythm. Retaining their trademark caustic distortion, the group do shed just the slightest amount of the dizzying wall of sonic mayhem as they proffer a more pop-focused sound. Their best single in my opinion from the last 12 months.

13) Ghostking is Dead - 'Deflector'

The freshest sound-maker to emerge from Cork recently, Ghostking is Dead's sound is already becoming recognisable as his very own. 'Deflector' is a devilishly entertaining hybrid of electro-funk and dark-wave electronica, bubbling with a vibrancy that is notably different to his immense 2018 EP This is Doubt. It's a word I have used extremely sparsely over the years, but there's a definitive genius to the music Matt Corrigan is making right now.

14) A. Smyth - 'She Kicks'

Ahead of the release of his debut album later this year, alt-pop act A. Smyth shared latest single 'She Kicks' on the 1st of May. His metamorphosis from indie-rock band member at the beginning of his musical journey to solo act continues apace, an homage to the women who continue to break down barriers, the Bruce Springsteen-inspired track grows rapidly on you after only a few listens.

15) ELKAE - 'I Feel'

'I Feel' is only the second single from Dublin electro-pop artist ELKAE, but she is already making a big name for herself among her peers. Her debut single 'Sold' received airplay on all of the major Irish radio stations, and she was in the Top 10 of IMRO's 2018 Songwriting Competition, and now a slew of major Irish festival performances await. The track is a fusion of classic 80's synth with modern escapist downtempo dance notes littered throughout, this is a really nice and addictive little pop pill from Laura Keane.

ELKAE

16) Ferals - 'TwentySevenOne'

Continuing the line of brash and hard-rock that Ulster has gratefully flown the flag of over the last few years in Ireland, Belfast post-rock outfit Ferals released latest single 'TwentySevenOne' at the end of April. A really fine homage to the golden 90's era of the genre (a little bit Idlewild 100 Broken Windows album) there is a very endearing bedroom-DIY rock feel to the crunching guitars, bad-ass bass and drums. Stop-start motion and rhythm abounds and a superb vocal from Shane acts like the anchor in the storm, this is by far their best single that they have shared to date.

17) Rêves - 'Short Dress'

Dublin indie-pop band Rêves (dreams) fucking kill it on new single 'Short Dress', this is like a synth version of an Old Hannah track, you can take it two ways, float away with the fun vibes, or slip underneath and let the deeply understated and almost unnoticeable melancholy of the vocal and lyrics grip you in another manner. An emotional dance-floor filler with great depth on a number of levels.

18) Shrug Life - '2009'

If I may blow my own trumpet a little here, one of my favourite song descriptors that I ever wrote was about Shrug Life's 2016 single 'Marvin Gaye' which went; "This is how I'd imagine Weezer and Morrissey combining after the The Smiths frontman finally found his bag of Xanax which he misplaced back in '83." '2009' drops Weezer but still has that Morrissey tint courtesy of lead singer Danny Carroll's personality-filled vocal. A joyous swarm of anarchic drums and guitar riffage, if you don't like this song, even if Dua Lipa or Michael Bublé are your normal bag, I think you are going to live a very unfulfilled life.

19) Paj - 'Yemanja'

Following debut single 'Friends Confused' shooting its way onto the 'Breath of Fresh Éire' Spotify playlist, Paj drops the outrageously funk-laden follow-up 'Yemanja' without delay. Dubliner Paddy Groenland is immersed in world music, which soaks into every pore of this track, an ode to the Afro-Brazilian sea goddess of the song's title. Loosely it reminds me of The Isley Brothers, The Meters and a lil bit of Sly & The Family Stone, but lathered with a culturally diverse veneer. One of the most heart-wrenching soul vocals in Ireland obviously adds infinitely to the supreme pleasure of his music.

20) Tanjier - 'Days'

Tanjier push themselves further into well-produced haute-pop commercial enclaves with latest track 'Days'. It's a bone-fide top-down sunshine state three-minutes plus road trip that hits our ears just in time for (the Irish) summer. Whilst my inner-hipster tells me "I preferred their earlier stuff, maaaaan" one of the hardest-working Dublin-based bands are so deserving of a wider audience and bigger stages.

21) Danny G & The Major 7ths - 'Believing'

Danny Groenland, yes, you guessed it! Brother of above soul-brother Paj (side note: I envy how handsome those two dudes are), was one of the first Irish acts I saw live when I started the blog, and I'm pretty sure the first musician to invite me to a live show back in October 2014 in The Grand Social. Anyway, the music, 'Believing' literally sings to me, if in an alternative universe I could only listen to three genres of music for the rest of my life they'd be rock, blues and soul. Danny G has an almost scientific ability to deliver the smoothest and most velvetine soul sound, this man knows his shit when it comes to honouring the genre in the most respectful and brilliant way. 

At 1:16 when the flute and singer Gráinne McCarthy enters proceedings the banger starts to bang bang bang. The track is an antidote to sadness, melancholy and dark personal times, music is a drug that remedies so many ailments, and you'll spend days, weeks and months trying to find a better prescription than 'Believing'.

One night in 2014, Danny G & The Major 7ths @ The Grand Social.

To listen to our last Irish independent playlist, go here! https://thebestofmusicandfilm.blogspot.com/2019/04/irish-playlist-lux-alma-daniel-john-paxton-sprints-in-their-thousands-runah.html

The VidList #016: LE BOOM & Æ MAK, Paddy Hanna, Third Smoke, The Murder Capital & Laura Duff

Photo: Tim Shearwood

Our regular series of The VidList captures the best music videos (and tracks!) released over the past few weeks. Below we have new music videos across varied styles, from dance, indie, electronic, blues-rock and contemporary folk.

1) Æ MAK & Le Boom - 'Dancing Bug'

What a combo, Le Boom and Æ MAK, two of the most progressive and artistic acts of the last few years merge their talents on 'Dancing Bug' which they recorded and wrote together over the course of a mere few hours. The combination of Le Boom's trademark bubbling electronic dance beats and Aoife McCann's vocal are highly complimentary, to the point you'd hope this isn't a once off. On many moments during the track, even though it's just under 3 minutes long, each act shares the best of what they do. Fun fact: the video was shot on Carnew Street in Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 and is the same location where pop queens The Spice Girls made their own video for their single 'Stop' back in 1998!

2) Paddy Hanna - 'Frankly, I Mutate'

From what was easily one of the best Irish albums of last year, Paddy Hanna shares the title-track music video for 'Frankly, I Mutate', directed and produced by Niall McCann. It's a majestic visual that acts like a microcosm of his song-writing, theatrical drama, brevity, humour and awkwardness acting like a thinly layered bubble surrounding the deep themes of his music. As always the lyrics are poetic and provide huge scope for the listener's interpretation and imagine to run off with, and there's also a melancholy feeling of isolation which reveals itself right at the end.

3) Third Smoke - 'We Run in Bare Feet'

I haven't been able to stop listening to the latest (and best?) single from Third Smoke since its release a few weeks ago, and now there's a music video by Greg Corcoran to accompany it which captures their individual and collective live power. From our recent review of 'We Run in Bare Feet', feel the power.

"A much more intense indie-rock affair from Third Smoke compared to their previous singles, the quintet opt for rattling columns of sound on 'We Run in Bare Feet'. With multiple injections of joy coming from all angles, I'm tempted to say this is their best single to date, but it's a tough call as their sound varies enough across their tracks. A pounding drive of bass, percussion and electric guitar first push and then drive frontman Hugh Donlon's vocal to celestial heights. I love it."

4) The Murder Capital - 'Green & Blue'

It's a tough spot to find yourself in before you've even released your first single, The Murder Capital were already being piled on by a small but vocal number of cynics before they'd even released debut single 'Feeling Fades' earlier this year over the hype they were generating locally. This is the type of shithousery we've seen with fellow Dublin band Fontaines D.C., the classic Irish trope of "look at that fucker up there on the top of the hill, grrr". After seeing an arresting and kind of intimidating in a memorable way (this is what you want) performance of theirs last year I could see first hand that they deserved any success that was coming their way. You have to judge bands on their abilities and their music, and of course how that translates on stage. 

Latest single 'Green & Blue' is a doom-laden post-punk affair that doffs its cap to the gothic sounds of The Cure's 80's output such as Pornography and Disintegration. Rumbling hypnotic percussion and crisp yet thick bass-lines ensure the mood stays sombre, yet engaging through the entirety of the track, the sparseness of the instrumentation allows lead singer James McGovern's domineering vocal to provide the unsettling discomfort that is quickly becoming a hallmark of their sound.

5) Laura Duff - 'Up To You'

Singer-songwriter Laura Duff released her single 'Up To You' towards the end of 2018, and now shares the accompanying music video directed by Róisín Little. This is a wonderfully colourful and addictive slice of psychedelic indie-pop, which is given the most fitting visual companion between the mid-60's pop lighting, rhythmic movement of the contemporary dance and kaleidoscopic backdrops. Duff has that easily loveable escapist vocal style that produces a nonchalant and disarming effect on the listener, haute-chill. 'Up To You' is taken from Laura Duff's promising debut EP For Your Company which was released on the 27th of February, listen here.

Check out our previous VidList, No. 015, here https://thebestofmusicandfilm.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-vidlist-015-jafaris-otherkin-cfit.html

Irish Playlist #056: Lux Alma, Daniel John Paxton, Sprints, In Their Thousands, RUNAH & more

Above and below are a selection of Irish singles which were released in the last week or so that I have taken much enjoyment from. Familiar faces, debut singles, blasts from the past! I hope you enjoy too.

1) Lux Alma - 'The Visit'

Alma Kelliher, aka Lux Alma continues to experiment with varying soundscapes, with previous singles such as 'The Tomb' incorporating a deep electronic sound, now on 'The Visit' the focus is more on the ambient and mystical. Like an ancient Irish pagan incantation spoken in the dark forest, it's a celestial experience, culminating in the sky above opening to reveal the secrets of the universe.

2) Daniel John Paxton - 'Meadows'

I've been surprised at how quickly Daniel John Paxton has found his own groove since going solo, with 'Meadows' only the second release, it feels like he's settled in with great ease. The track is a very bright sliver of indietronica, the pensive beat and soaring sound effects accompanying his emotive vocal make for a most enjoyable and wholesome listening experience.

3) Sprints - 'Pathetic'

YAWSS!! I was real excited to hear that Sprints were emerging from the ashes of  Kevyn, and their debut single 'Pathetic' is a no holes barred scything rock blow out. Savage guitar riffage which harks back to the golden age of the 70's and assertive vox / lyrics are the perfect launch-pad back into the Irish music consciousness. Fans of Bitch Falcon will enjoy this very much. Their single launch party is tonight in The Sound House on Eden Quay.

4) In Their Thousands - 'Sit and Breathe'

It's nice not to have to show personal bias towards a band from Donegal, In Their Thousands' new single 'Sit and Breathe' is a powerful statement of intent ahead of the release of their debut album ACRASIA which is released next month. A trundling indie-pop tunnel of muted guitars, slick percussion and wonderfully energising and impassioned vocals, with the briefest soft passages. Though stylistically very different, I would predict that their debut album will sit very favourably with music critics in the same was as We Cut Corners' Impostors LP did in 2018.  

5) RUNAH - 'Strange'

The final single to be released before the release of her album of the same name next month, 'Strange' is RUNAH's best to date. From that skulking soft bass intro to RUNAH's as always crisp vocal, the track breaks into a funky groover with buzzing electronic effects. I love how her vocal controls and directs the rhythm and motion of the song, there's a lot going on, throw in the bongo effect and lethargic pace and you have a track that mixes chilled-out passages with wonderful confidence.

RUNAH - Photo: The Rose Mill

6) Lady Landscape - 'Kitsilano'

Meath-based indie-pop quintet Lady Landscape released their debut single 'Kitsilano' (a neighbourhood in Vancouver, Canada where one of their founding members resided for some time). First off this tickles much of my indie-inklings from over the last 15 years, a warm indie glow shrouds everything that is accentuated by the inconsolable vocals. I love music that casually expresses an apathy with its subject matter (in this case an aversion to dating!), and here Lady Landscape nail that mood. The happy tempo of the music clashes with the vocal, and this conjures up pictures of a broken character lost in a crowded street who just wants everything to go way. 

7) The Late David Turpin - 'Unsolved Mystery'

Rest my weary head, and take away all my troubles. The music of The Late David Turpin thankfully came into my life recently with his last single 'Concubine' feat. Elephant. 'Unsolved Mystery' doesn't ask you to be, or feel any way, but without choice you experience beauty in its sheerest form, an embrace of the ears that is simply stunning, few people can write music and compositions such as this, and the vocal of jazz-singer Jaime Nanci wandering in the background just pushes it over into genius territory, an artist that must be cherished.

The Late David Turpin - Photo: Ruth Medjber

8) A Scene From Jaws - 'Keep Calm and Carry On'

Cork natives and now Berlin-based, film graduate Declan Hyland and Kay Finan released third single 'Keep Calm and Carry On' this weekend. Lots of interesting things happening here, firstly their vocals strangely sound like a cross-over between choir and contemporary folk, secondly the gear shifts between twinkling tender music and (not too much) in your face bursts of energy are a tight and invigorating experience. I talk a lot about builds and crescendos in songs, but, here you go, this is the thing!

9) Skins F.C. - 'Flash Photography'

Over the last few years all the talk from Louth has been about Dundalk acts, you know who they are! But Drogheda, whilst not pumping out the volume of music just yet, can be overlooked. Local act Skins F.C. released their debut single 'Flash Photography' on the 5th of April and at just under two minutes in length, it achieves its objective of screaming for the attention of your ears. Rapid guitar riffs, chunky bass-lines, rapid-percussion, these are all fine, but need to be combined coherently, which Skins F.C. manage. It's punky, rollicking, angry and fluid, it's early doors, but it seems like they're getting their ducks in a row in the right way.

10) Sarah Buckley - 'Wedding Bells'

Cork singer-songwriter, now Dublin-based, Sarah Buckley has taken the road less travelled of Robert Frost's poem. Starting out a number of years ago, life took hold as it often (always) does with independent artists, career stymies time to create art. Lately she has re-emerged, and is writing music that matches the desire to pursue it full-time. 'Wedding Bells' is emotion-heavy, filled with optimism and regret, and deeply personal. Hopes and dreams shattered in the most cruel manner, her vocal calmly tells the story without trying to influence the listener. It's a beautiful dirge steeped in the traditional folk story-telling of generations past, and her vocal at track's end is a haunting moment.

To listen to our last Irish independent playlist, go here! https://thebestofmusicandfilm.blogspot.com/2019/04/irish-playlist-qwasi-ganiyutlg-fields-god-knows-nerves.html

The VidList #015: Jafaris, OTHERKIN & CFIT

Our regular series of The VidList captures the best music videos (and tracks!) released over the past few weeks. Below we have new music videos across varied styles, from rap, indie and alternative rock.

1) Jafaris - 'Invisible'

"Invisible is me entertaining my ego with no filter," explains Jafaris. "I’m shouting about my accolades, my gifts and my work ethic. I wanted this video to be the first time people see the darker side of me". Casting himself as the kingpin in an organised crime epic, the 'Invisible' video sees Jafaris on the wrong side of the law. Directed by Nathan Barlow, the cinematic visual follows Jafaris as he leads boxing matches, gambles and reconciles himself with therapy.

In the video for 'Invisible', the latest single from his excellent debut album Stride, Jafaris takes a satirical pop at both himself, and the tropes of music videos from the past decade or so by artists such as Sisqo and 50 cent for example (from my perspective). Bling, wannabe gangsters and amour propre. References to the screen may also be taken in the shape of the likes of Goodfellas (discarding of corpses), Carlito's Way (the club) and The Sopranos (therapy). It's a culturally interesting and entertaining synopsis of the glory that ultimately consumes in the end.

2) OTHERKIN - 'All That Remains Won't Be The Same'

Of the new song, front man Luke Reilly says: The lyrics to 'All That Remains Won't be the Same' were written at the end of 2017 as the horror stories emerged of everyday abuse and sexism perpetrated by men of power in all walks of life. The song is a rejection of anyone who feels they can behave that way and the title itself is a declaration for change, a statement that these vile actions have no place in society today."

On a micro-level there may be part-inspiration from an appalling incident that occurred at an OTHERKIN show in London in late 2017 where a young girl was sexually assaulted in the mosh-pit during their live show at Camden Assembly. OTHERKIN released an immediate and stern rebuke of that incident, heart-broken that the young victim was in tears and felt the need to apologise to the band for 'ruining' their show, the band fully aware these types of incidents are not infrequent in all walks of life.

3) CFIT - 'End This Year'

Noël Duplaa, aka CFIT releases the first single from forthcoming album CFIT vs. Gravity. In summary; "The track is a poppy upbeat number about how, upon review, having given it a few months, maybe we should just wrap up 2019 altogether." The global political and social turmoil that has been unravelling since 2016 is reaching peak-Black Mirror right now, infantile populist world leaders, mass movements based on untruths and hyper-paranoia, where facts are made out to be lies, and lies made out to be facts. 

Footage comes courtesy of director Cecile B. DeMilles' original silent version of The Ten Commandments (1923) which he later rebooted in technicolor in 1956 with a then whopping budget of $13m in 1956 with one Charlton Heston playing Moses. The colourful bop of the perky guitar riffs and upbeat percussion backdrop a despondent vocal, a self-reflective monologue to the self that has been shared with the rest of us, but it's not all doom and gloom, with the message placed in a spinning capsule that we could actually "end this year on a high", here's hoping! All you have to decide is whose team you're on, Rameses or Moses!

Check out our previous VidList, No. 14, here https://thebestofmusicandfilm.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-vidlist-014-jamie-adam-grainne-cotter-fat-pablo.html

Irish Playlist #055: qwasi, GaniyuTLG, FIELDS, God Knows, Nerves & more

qwasi - Photo: Peggie McKeon

Above and below are a selection of Irish singles which were released in the last week or so that I have taken much enjoyment from. Familiar faces, debut singles, blasts from the past! I hope you enjoy too.

1) qwasi - 'Skip'

Cosmic sonic sparks and flames burst sharply throughout the latest single from Dublin electronic ambient act qwasi on new single 'Skip', rapid-fire clicks and beats are sprinkled with glistening chimes and a mechanical rhythm that is at once both calming and energising.

2) GaniyuTLG - 'Around Here' feat. Klaudia Gasowska

Dublin's GaniyuTLG comes back with a dark and imposing new single in 'Around Here' accompanied by Klaudia Gasowska on additional vox. A reflection on the sinister underbelly of the urban environment, GaniyuTLG strafes effortlessly between rap passages and trap. Its bumpy rhythm is hypnotic and the overall feeling is of a creeping inertia that crawls under you skin and into the veins.

3) FIELDS - 'Border Boys'

A lot has changed in the North of Ireland since the GFA, but I recall travelling as a child to Donegal via the Six Counties and British soldiers ordering our family out of our car before it was hoisted up in a corrugated barracks shed to search for explosives in the under-carriage, it was very intimidating as a child. Even without that personal experience I find the background to FIELDS' new single 'Border Boys' engaging, in the words of frontman Sean O'Brien;

"The song was inspired by a yarn of my Grandfather's about a night in the late 50's where he and a friend were detained by the police at Middletown Barracks, Co. Armagh overnight, after they were meeting by the border junction of Ballagh-bridge, north of Mullan, Co. Monaghan. While there was no wrongdoing at play, such was the climate they lived in where you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become complicit in a situation not of your own creation."

It's a gorgeous and emotive ballad that is very timely, once again they excel at relaying story into music so tenderly. The video by Paul Kelly adds perfectly to this sense of tension.

4) God Knows - 'Crown'

Rusangano Family's God Knows released a brutalistic and aurally jarring affair (these are positives) in the shape of new single 'Crown' this weekend. Clunky and haphazard beats swarm his references to local and international hip-hop artists, with respite coming from breaks such as at 1:44. Perhaps the most pleasing thing about this single is how it shines a light on God Knows' personality musically and it's going to be enjoyable to discover more on future releases.

5) Nerves - 'Slow Drive'

Earlier this week we featured the excellent debut single 'Faces' from Dublin trio Nerves, sophomore single 'Slow Drive' builds on that promising introduction with a slick AF moody guitar and heavy bass intro. Here Nerves summon the new wave dark-rock sounds of the likes of Depeche Mode, INXS and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. It's a gloriously enjoyable track which seeps out effortless cool from multiple points, peaking with the grating distortion of the riff at 2:58, the two singles to date suggest something big could be in the offing for the band before long.

6) Will De Burca - 'Dance in the Sun'

Follow the universal praise for his 2017 album Embedded, experimental electronic artist Will De Burca's latest offering, single 'Dance in the Sun' retains the sunshine pop of elements of that album, whilst going hard at it in terms of a colourful and bursting 80's electro-synth homage. The pattern of the music all springs outward from a core of dance and house beats to create an uplifting and high tempo gem.

Daz - Photo: Conor McGuinness

7) Daz - 'Keep it Real'

Man am I enjoying the debut single from Dublin hip-hop act Daz in conjunction with producer F.O.B.. There's a lovely easy-going flow to 'Keep it Real', the eternal struggle, Daz uses humour to communicate the anxieties surrounding the decision to be honest about your feelings with those closest to you, or suppress them. A mellow, mellow chorus and tight rhymes that match up with great ease make for an exciting intro to the Tallaght artist's talents.

8) lullahush - 'If Spring Had a Spare Room I'd Rent It With You'

One of the most gifted producers and musicians on the Irish landscape over the last few years having worked with the likes of AE Mak, Elkin and Bad Bones, lullahush shares debut single 'If Spring Had a Spare Room I'd Rent It With You'. I have to admit, that despite it's jovial upbeat delivery, it took me a few listens to fully appreciate the track, I wouldn't expect anything less however from an act who clearly thinks deeply about marrying a variety of sounds and changes in pace. This is what it would sound like if Animal Collective wrote the OST for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A broader picture will unfurl with the release of his debut album A City Made Of Water And Small Love due out later this year. See below the single's accompanying video directed by Tim Shearwood, it's lullalush. (*I'll get my coat*).

9) Lyndsey Lawlor - 'Eat the Money'

Another debut comes from 21-year-old Dublin songwriter Lyndsey Lawlor's 'Eat the Money'. Inspired by an article she read on how little time is left on the ticking clock of the impact of human behaviour on the planet, a melancholic guitar and earnest vocal set the stage. This unexpectedly gets blown out of the water with a crashing rock grenade and defiant angst-ridden vocal explosion. From early mysterious beginnings, 'Eat the Money' rockets upward and into punk territory, a sonic reflection of an apocalyptic end game.

Lynsdey Lawlor - Photo: SheBopImagery

10) Cry Monster Cry - 'High'

Cry Monster Cry released the stripped-down single 'High' on Friday, the pair aiming to get closer to the live sound which they feel suits their music better than over-polished production. The result is a swaying dirge dealing thematically with your entire self being subsumed by someone close to you over a long period of time, and the sometimes detrimental effect it can have on your well-being and individuality. Customary sweet harmonies and heart on sleeve emotions run to the fore all across its 3 minutes.

To listen to our last Irish independent playlist, go here! https://thebestofmusicandfilm.blogspot.com/2019/04/irish-playlist-damsel-jj-lee-susie-blue-feibhar-otherkin.html