• Sound of Belfast programme launched

    October 23, 2014 - By 

    The programme for the inaugural Sound of Belfast in mid-November has been launched at the Oh Yeah Centre. Set to see twenty-five events take place throughout Belfast across the eight days – November 7-15 – the series of events will be kickstarted with a solo gig by Tim Wheeler (picture) and culminate in the presentation of the Oh Yeah Legend Award to alt-rock gurus Therapy? Speaking of Sound of Belfast, Stuart Bailie, CEO of Oh Yeah said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better beginning for Sound of Belfast. Tim Wheeler has written two number one albums and has an Ivor Novello…

  • Stream: Mmoths – Yago

    October 23, 2014 - By 

    Having been taking some time off to focus on the writing and recording of his second studio album, Jack Colleran AKA Mmoths has dropped the rather lovely ‘Yago’. Bearing the marks of some serious transformation over the last twelve months, the track is a subtly ecstatic electronic trawl, culminating in a sigh of quietly shattering, skittering noise. Speaking ahead of the release, Colleran said, “I’ve spent the past twelve months writing this album. ‘Yago’ and ‘Santo’ were both written during that time although they aren’t a representation of the record itself = they come from the same place in a way they’re a sign…

  • Stream: Subplots – Future Tense

    October 20, 2014 - By 

    Having reared their head after a five-year absence back in June with the release of ‘Colourbars’ – one of our favourite tracks of the year, no less – Dublin duo Phil Boughton and Daryl Chaney AKA Subplots have announced they release a new album, Autumning, on January 30. The second single to be taken from that, ‘Future Tense’ is an unravelling art-pop gem, marrying juddering, Interpol-esque bass lines with bubbling synth lines and exquisite vocals contortions. exceptionally-produced. The result is three-and-a-half minutes of sonic majesty that ends too soon. Stream ‘Future Tense’ below via Bandcamp, where you can also pre-order Autumning. Autumning by…

  • EP Stream: Silences – Sister Snow

    October 20, 2014 - By 

    Having experiencing a very encouraging 2014, Armagh indie-folk outfit Silences is the harmony-driven, effortlessly impressive brainchild of one Conchúr White. With a voice instantly conjuring two of the band’s biggest influences in Villagers and Death Cab For Cutie, there is an earthly, delicately pastoral allure to their craft; something that is in abundance on their second EP, Sister Snow. Over four wonderfully wistful tracks, the release never strays too far from its source – a distinctly provincial air of yearning, propelled by subtly hypnotic acoustic instrumentalism and White’s breathy meditations upon home, belonging and adulation. The fact that the band manage to set themselves apart…

  • The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets

    October 20, 2014 - By 

    Held in partnership with the NI Science Festival, Simon Singh will host a downright unmissable show for all Simpsons aficionados at Belfast’s Black Box on Friday, October 24. Based on his critically-acclaimed book of the same name, The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets will see Singh reveal how the legendary show’s mathematically gifted team of scriptwriters have used the series to explore everything from pi to primes, from calculus to geometry, from infinitesimals to infinity. Sounds fun, right? We’d be inclined to agree. Tickets – priced at £6 or £3 concession – can be purchased here.

  • Hey Symmetric by Karolin Reichardt @ Pollen Studio

    October 20, 2014 - By 

    Hey Symmetry, an exhibition showcasing the recent work from Berlin based artist Karolin Reichardt, will take place at Belfast’s Pollen Studio on Wednesday, October 22. In her work, Karolin – who lives and works in Berlin but has studied at Belfast’s University of Ulster – plays with the precariousness of change and chance. Her art is inspired by personal observations and reactions to the built and natural environment  and is informed by means of scientific data display such as maps, plans and models. Check out some of her work here. Hey Symmetric is open from 6-9pm but the exhibition will also be open…

  • Stream: Southern – Cool Kid

    October 20, 2014 - By 

    With new Irish dates expected to be announced soon, Belfast-derived, Liverpool-based brother and sister band (Thom and Lucy) Southern have really grown in stature and repute over the last few months. Currently doing the rounds supporting Jake Bugg on his UK and Irish tour, the band – also featuring Eoghan Clifford on drums – really hit home with their new single, ‘Cool Kid’. At just under three minutes in length, the track is all business – catchy, digestible, immediately familiar, it bears no sonic fat to trim, encouraging repeated listens from the get-go. We’re also a fan of the claps. Where…

  • Stream: OneKnown – JST BKZ

    October 19, 2014 - By 

    With the recent announcement that his previous outfit UNKNWN are no more, Belfast-based electronic producer Chris Hanna has wasted no time in getting back on his feet. Released under his new moniker, OneKnown, ‘JST BKZ’ is sweet cut of skittering, arpeggiated instrumentalism, conjuring the shadowy electro doom of Lorn. OneKnown is part of Belfast-based electronic imprint Champion Sound, who hold a showcase at Belfast’s Menagerie on November 15 (also featuring a DJ set from Hanna). Stream ‘JST BKZ’ below. Why? JST BKZ. Sorry.