Feist live at the National Stadium in Dublin last night. Photos by Ian Davies
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Arlo Parks live at the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin with support from Vagabon. Photos by Monika Ruman
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The only thing in Ireland faster than the church dropout rate seems to be the growth of its queer and trans punk scene, with Dublin trio Touch Excellent being one of the latest, brightest prospects in the movement. Featuring Amber Excellent on drums, Lenny Hennessy on bass and vocals, and Ló Boyle on guitar, they’re a political band in the purest way that one can be: by simply existing as themselves – and themselves are as full of wit as they are passion. Both engaging and engaged, they’re a direct product of representation. “A big aim is writing songs that…
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In the latest installment of Vault Lines, Hannah Richardson from fast-rising Derry pop-punk trio Cherym sings the praises of a stone-cold Northern Irish classic, 1977 by Ash Photo by Jane Donnelly I was introduced to Ash as a teenager by a friend. By this point in time I was well into my wee punky teenage-angsty phase, but I’d also started taking an interest in local bands and Irish bands in general. My friend grew up with ‘cool parents’ who listened to a lot of music and they had a bookshelf that occupied a space in their back hall, dedicated entirely…
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Galway-based folk artist Brigid Mae Power fondly remembers Sinéad O’Connor’s incomparable influence and authenticity Illustration by Loreana Rushe When people ask me in interviews, “Who are your musical influences?” I usually respond with the same people who come to mind. “Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Joni Mitchell, Tim Buckley’ etc. Recently I wondered, why don’t I ever say “Sinéad O’ Connor”? I have realised that Sinéad has been far more of an influence and inspiration to me than the above artists and for a much longer time. I feel like her music, singing, songwriting and personality is embedded in me so…
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Elaine Malone is nothing if not prolific. Whether it be the improvised folk horror of Mantua, Land Crabs’ punk noise, the Krautrock stylings of Soft Focus or the experimental sounds of Lisbon-based Pot Pot, Malone keeps herself busy in an outrageously diverse number of music projects with her multi-instrumental gifts. This vast and varied output over the years proves to have been ideal preparation for a full-length debut, as Malone executes a dazzling array of sounds on Pyrrhic that encompass plenty of the genres she has explored previously and an abundance of fresh ideas too. In the space between the…
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L.A. indie-pop heroes MUNA, live at the Limelight in Belfast. Photos by Niamh Barry
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It’s an insanely abundant Bandcamp Friday here in Ireland. Delve into essential LPs by Natalia Beylis, Maija Sofia and Crying Loser, and new stellar releases by Problem Patterns, The Mary Wallopers, Moot Tapes’ latest and much more Natalia Beylis – Mermaids Mermaids by Natalia Beylis Maija Sofia – True Love True Love by Maija Sofia Crying Loser – Oaf Milk Oaf Milk by Crying Loser Problem Patterns – Lesbo 3000 / Poverty Tourist Lesbo 3000 / Poverty Tourist by Problem Patterns Elaine Howley/Linda Buckley – Moot Tapes: Signs of Life Part 6 Signs of Life: Part 6 by Elaine Howley/Linda…
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The line-up for the inaugural SCANRA: Samhain at the Cellar has been announced. Coming to The Workman’s Cellar on Saturday, 4th November, 2023 at 7pm it’s a new immersive night of music, myth and storytelling celebrating the Irish origins of Samhain through the voices and mediums of modern creators. Presented in collaboration with Workmná and The Thin Air, the night will feature live performances from acclaimed Belfast-based songwriter and pianist Clara Tracey, industrial-electronic artist Coolgirl (Lizzie Fitzpatrick, formerly of Bitch Falcon) and haunting acapella soundscapes from the Dulciana Vocal Ensemble—each set specially curated to evoke elements of the supernatural and…
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In the ever-changing landscape of Belfast’s increasingly diverse music scene, few institutions have stood taller than Lavery’s. From its long-time home on Bradbury Place, the bar and venue has played a vital role bringing grassroots solo artists, bands, DJs, producers and a whole host of wonderfully eclectic nights to the heart of Belfast. It’s a well-established, far-reaching and carefully curated commitment that has rarely felt more locked-in. Off the back of first-rate events from the likes of local drum ‘n’ bass heroes Crilli in recent times, Lavery’s is doubling down to underscore its status as one of Belfast’s very best…