OTHERKIN - Photo: Debbie Scanlan
REMY's latest independent Irish playlist features a long-awaited brand new single and video from Dublin rock outfit OTHERKIN, also a video for her sophomore single 'The Fly' via LUX ALMA.
1) OTHERKIN - 'Tombstone'
Back to their sabre-rattling best, OTHERKIN's new single 'Tombstone' sheds a little bit of the guitar-pop that appeared on previous singles, and sees the four-piece embrace a more sinister and darker alternative-rock sound, Therapy? meets Depeche Mode meets Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The slickness of the rhythm and snaking guitar riffs also give added strut and ultra-coolness served up on a platter.
2) LUX ALMA - 'The Fly'
The second single from LUX ALMA is a delightful and captivating experience, rolling electro-pop beats sparkle and wisp their way majestically around the tenderness of the vocals. The measured approach in delivering utter calmness whilst also shining with positivity creates quite the dream-like ambience, and an alluring gentleness that is brought firmly home by the sweet piano solos.
3) Mob Wife - 'Captain Care A Lot'
In recent times, no band has executed frenetic builds much better than Belfast's Mob Wife, latest single 'Captain Care A Lot' is just quite simply fucking brilliant. Reminiscent to neighbours Abandcalledboy (I miss them), once again Mob Wife place an aggressive vocal to the fore of their music, and there is no let up, the chaotic mania reaches breath-taking heights of noise in it's final 30 seconds, excellent stuff.
4) TADGH - 'I Am The Champion'
An outrageously infectious live performer, TADGH makes a marked leap forward on 'I Am The Champion', drawing the funky soul party vibes of the stage all together in one track. Little bits of Republic of Loose rhythmic grooving, some tongue-in-cheek humour in the lyrics and an OUTRAGEOUS funk-bomb in the closing 40 seconds, you just can't feel anything but good after this.
5) Orla Gartland - 'Why Am I Like This?'
The latest single from Dublin's Orla Gartland 'Why Am I Like This?' reaffirms her position as one Ireland's finest pop artists. Gentle and sombre folk beginnings are joined by Gartland's pained and rueful vocal, a restrained synth and drumpad backdrop open the door for a swirling and impassioned finale. It's catchy but moody, unique yet familiar, and ultimately a very enjoyable latest track.
Orla Gartland
6) The Elective - 'Let Me'
Taken from their forthcoming debut EP, Dublin indie-rock band The Elective shared the first single from the release, 'Let Me', last week. It's a no frills, exactly what it says on the tin indie trundler. Taking small cues from old school psych-garage, the lyrics relay a well trodden theme of teenage first love and uncontrollable emotions, which is the perfect fit for the homage to 60's rock n' roll paired with a sweet indie-rock solo.
7) Electric Shore - 'Darkness Of You'
Meath band Electric Shore released their first single since last year's 'Something New' on Monday. 'Darkness Of You' shows solid progression in both song-writing and maturity. The most important thing for a new band is that their first release to the world is at the very least good, the second most important thing is that a new phase shows notable progress, and that's what we have here, for me their best song to date. A thick rumbling bass-line and rhythmic percussion set a nice wistful tone alongside the morose vocal, really enjoying the pace and mood here very much. In a ridiculously crowded space for indie-rock acts, Electric Shore could be starting to elbow their way firmly into the mix.
8) Tanjier - 'Crave'
Tanjier continue to refocus their sound towards a strong pop-oriented direction on latest single 'Crave', and it's something they are getting more and more adept at. Colourful rn'b style vocals provide the overlay for big snapping beats and synths, continental summer festival vibes galore from the trio!
9) Adam Fleming - 'Victory'
Dublin singer-songwriter Adam Fleming released his debut single 'Victory' towards the end of last year, and it is full of interesting and enjoyable moments. From it's general breezy demeanour to the drift into country-folk guitar spreads, it's the perfect mental cast-off of a sunny winter afternoon.
10) S-Koa - 'Just As I Am'
Dublin-based folk-pop act S-Koa shared her second single from her debut EP this week. 'Just As I Am' is a bittersweet introspective and self-analysis of ones own character, a past-time most of us would rather not indulge in. Embracing her key influence Kate Bush, both musically and vocally, S-Koa builds toward a more contemporary indie-folk flourish to close out the track.
To listen to our last Irish independent playlist, go here! https://thebestofmusicandfilm.blogspot.com/2019/02/irish-playlist-sive-all-tvvins-Daniel-john-paxton-stupid-son.html
