Off the back of her extraordinary debut album, Sea Legs, Limerick-based artist Laura Duff takes us on a guided tour of some of her all-time favourite tracks, from Big Thief and Laura Marling, to Irish acts Joshua Burnside, Buí and beyond. Photo by Laya Meabhdh Kenny.
Buy Sea Legs via Bandcamp here
Big Thief – Cattails
Big Thief are a constant source of inspiration for me, they definitely influenced the shaping of our album, and soundtracked many of our studio mornings. I could easily fill this list with Big Thief or Adrianne Lenker songs. This is a favourite of
mine from one of their earlier albums. That “You don’t need to know why when you cry” refrain… so good.
Ben Howard – The Burren
I’ve been a huge fan of Ben Howard for over a decade. I’m obsessed with his writing and his live show is always a cathartic one. He released a 10th anniversary edition of his second album, I Forget Where We Were last year. It includes previously unreleased tracks from the album’s era, ‘The Burren’ being one of them. I had only ever heard live versions up until that point, such a gift to have an official release of this one.
Laura Marling – Caroline
I think Laura Marling’s latest album, Patterns in Repeat is her best yet. This song in particular. When I first heard it I thought it was a cover, it feels like such a classic. Gorgeous lyrics, guitar playing, her voice – just timeless.
Joshua Burnside – Up and Down
It had been a while since I became enthralled with an album and had a whole discography to delve into. Joshua Burnside’s Teeth of Time was just that for me this year. Similarly to Laura Marling, another songwriter who manages to write songs that
sound like old folk songs that have stood the test of time. ‘Up and Down’ is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Go and listen to this album start to finish.
Buí – Are You Listening/Ruminate
Buí, our friends. Belfast’s best. I have their new album, 24 on repeat since it arrived. Josh Healy’s writing will floor you. I’ll say no more.
Ellie O’Neill – Peter’s Song
Ellie O’Neill has treated us to two singles over the past 6 months or so, released on Bandcamp. This one is a live performance of ‘Peter’s Song’, such beautiful melodies – just perfect songwriting. I’m very excited to see what’s coming next from Ellie.
Babehoven – Dizzy Spin
An AOTY for me last year, Water’s Here In You from Babehoven. Perfect emotive indie/folk rock.
Daughter – Swim Back
I was so happy for Daughter’s return in 2023 with Stereo Mind Game, their first release in 6 years. Sadly they never toured this one. ‘Swim Back’ is a standout for me. Elena Tonra never fails.
