• Inbound: Skymas

    November 7, 2013 - By 

    In the latest installment of Inbound, we talk to Martin Corrigan, main man with new-fangled Belfast-based electronic three-piece Skymas. With collaboration at the heart of the project, Corrigan tells us about the band’s musical manifesto, the influence of philosophy and the band’s debut double A-side, Primer. Hi Martin. Firstly, how did Skymas come about? Did you all know each other before getting together as a musical unit? Nick owned a clothes shop that I was buying a T-shirt in. He was standing behind the counter playing air bass to ‘Elephant Talk’ by King Crimson. We started talking. Three weeks later…

  • Therapy? – Infernal Love Listening Party

    November 6, 2013 - By 

    On Wednesday, November 13, we will be holding a special Belfast Music Week listening party of Infernal Love, the landmark third album by Northern Irish alt-rock heroes Therapy?. Originally released in June 1995, the eleven-track release – featuring singles including ‘Stories’, ‘Loose’ and ‘Diane’ – it was the final album to feature the original line-up of Cairns, McKeegan and Ewing and is considered by many to be the band’s true masterstroke. Starting at 12.30pm in Laverys Back Belfast, the band’s bassist Michael ‘The Evil Priest’ McKeegan will be joining us for an exclusive play through of the forthcoming remastered version…

  • Watch: Deadlights – Glass Houses

    November 6, 2013 - By 

    Lisburn alt-rock four-piece Deadlights have unveiled the video to their new single, ‘Glass Houses’. Directed by Tommy Keery of Dog Kennel Productions, the video features the band playing in what appears to be a disused warehouse, flashing lights becoming an increasing feature as the song progresses. The track- recorded and produced by Mike Mormecha of Mojo Fury at Millbank Studios and mastered by Jon Moorehead – can be downloaded via Bandcamp here. Watch the video for ‘Glass Houses’ below.

  • Inbound: The Twenty

    November 6, 2013 - By 

    One of a few up-and-coming Northern Irish bands whose music straddles vehement punk and straight-up garage, underpinned with straight-up, socially conscious lyrical content, Belfast-based four-piece The Twenty embody the rigorously no-frills approach that they’ve bestowed upon their music. In the latest installment of Inbound, we catch up with their frontman Colm Warren to learn where he and the rest the band stand on influence, success and the so-called scene. Hi Colm. Firstly, how did the band first come together? Well, Paul (Leggett, guitarist) and I have been mates since school and have been writing songs together more or less since then…

  • Video exclusive: The Soft Look – Stay In the Dark

    November 6, 2013 - By 

    Fresh from for his debut show in Belfast this weekend at Belfast’s Start Together studio, we have an exclusive first look of the brand new video from ex-Cutaways and Morning Claws member Paul McIver AKA The Soft Look. Now based in London, the self-proclaimed weirdo-pop musician has embarked on a considerably darker and introverted sonic journey than his previous full-band endeavours at home. ‘Stay In The Dark’ is the sixth single to be released via the Start Together Singles Club, which comes with a pocket mirror and download codes for the track and a bonus song. Buy the single –…

  • Watch: Ryan Vail – Free

    November 6, 2013 - By 

    Derry electronic duo Ryan Vail (comprised of Katie Cosgrove and Vail himself) have unveiled the video to their new single, ‘Free’. Directed by Giles Labarbe, the typically shadowy and nocturnal video is, in the director’s own words, “about the freedom that one might experience while losing a connection with someone close. Its aesthetics reflect the various styles blended in Ryan Vail’s track.” Watch the video for the song – released via Champion Sound Records – below.

  • The Thin Air Belfast Music Week Showcase: Our Krypton Son, Arborist, The Wood Burning Savages & Rory Nellis

    November 6, 2013 - By 

    As part of this year’s Belfast Music Week we will hold a special showcase featuring some of the country’s finest songwriting talent at Belfast’s Pavilion on Wednesday, November 13. Headlining by Derry-based singer-songwriter Chris McConaghy AKA Our Krypton Son (pictured), the bill will also feature fast-rising Belfast-based band Arborist, Derry quartet The Wood Burning Savages and frontman of Belfast indie rock band Seven Summits, Rory Nellis. Go here for the show’s Facebook event page. Doors at 8pm, £5 in.

  • EP Stream: Sea Pinks – Exploded View

    November 5, 2013 - By 

    Released via frontman Neil Brogan’s own label – CF Records – Belfast band Sea Pinks have unveiled their new EP, Exploded View. Featuring the double A-Side ‘An Exploded View’ and ‘Magpies Eyes’, the release also features the tracks ‘PST’ and ‘Pretty Pass’. The follow-up to last September’s fantastic Freak Waves, the EP is limited to 100 7″s. Purchase one here. Stream (or buy) the digital EP via Bandcamp below.

  • Four Tet – Beautiful Rewind

    November 5, 2013 - By 

    Having remixed and collaborated with some of the most influential artists of his generation (Aphex Twin, Thom Yorke and the xx to name a few), it’s a relatively safe assumption to say that Four Tet, aka Kieran Hebden, is a man who gets around.  That’s not to say he’s some sort of musical village bicycle, but he’s certainly not short of admirers or musicians willing to take the proverbial ride (ahem).  It’s with good reason though. Should you find yourself flicking through Hebden’s back catalogue, there is more than enough evidence to suggest that the man has both a swell…

  • Interview: French For Rabbits

    November 5, 2013 - By 

    Ahead of their debut Belfast show at the Pavilion on Thursday, November 7 – supported by Sons of Caliber, no less – Brian Coney chats to Brooke and John from New Zealand dream-folk duo French For Rabbits about recent touring, sonic influence and their joint love of the sea. Hi guys. So, how did the band first come together? John: Hello! It all came about when we uprooted our lives in Christchurch in between earthquakes and moved to Wellington. The real reason for the move was because Brooke had decided she needed to start singing – in her previous bands she…