• Album Premiere: Joshua Burnside – Ephrata

    May 5, 2017 - By 

    Ever since the release of his masterfully lo-fi 2012 EP The Winding Straits (and the string of memorable local shows that accompanied that release) Joshua Burnside‘s inimitable brand of alt-folk has commanded our attention like few others. Having really made a dent a year later with the release of his stellar five-track EP If You’re Goin’ That Way, the Belfast songsmith has evolved from wistful folk contender to a fully-fledged artist whose sound incorporates electronica and first-rate experimentalism in fine fashion. The full-length culmination of that evolution, his brand new debut album Ephrata is a real triumph of the spirit. Testament to refusing to be bound…

  • Watch: Come On Live Long – In The Still

    May 5, 2017 - By 

    Ahead of the release of their sophomore album In The Still on May 19th, Come On Live Long have released a video for the title track. With additional production duties from Solar Bears’ Rian Trench, it’s a cut that showcases the group’s penchant for  tempered atmosphere with Louise Gaffney’s vocal carrying it through to its conversely distorted peak, all brash Kalimba and agitated drums. The track is accompanied by an equally excellent video directed by Albert Hooi and starring Robyn Byrne and Laragh McCann.

  • Watch: Mons Olympus – Incognito

    May 4, 2017 - By 

    Ahead of releasing their long-awaited debut album, Vampyroteuthis, at Belfast’s Empire Music Hall tonight, space-prog quartet Mons Olympus have unveiled one of the downright funnest music videos from an Irish act that we’ve seen in quite some time. The accompaniment to riff-fuelled new single ‘Incognito’, the cosmically-inclined visuals were filmed on location at The Burren in Co. Clare, and other locations.  Stream the album in full and check out the video – directed and edited by Mervyn Marshall and Chris McConnell, with after FX by Paul McGrath – below. Vampyroteuthis by Mons Olympus

  • Premiere: Silverbacks – What’s In Your Bag?

    May 4, 2017 - By 

      Set to release their Sink The Fat Moon EP upstairs in Whelan’s on Saturday, May 27, Dublin lo-fi indie rock quintet Silverbacks couldn’t be more up our street. With an aesthetic stemming directly from the source U.S. alternative rock’s heyday of the late 80s and early 90s, they weave slack tales with killer Jazzmaster shapes and spirals of glassy melody like few others in these parts. Following on the heels of last month’s ‘Dirty Money’, new single ‘What’s In Your Bag?’ is another stellar effort from probably our favourite Irish band at the minute. Have an exclusive first listen to the single…

  • Watch: Robocobra Quartet – You’ll Shrug (Live)

    May 4, 2017 - By 

    Ahead of a string of Irish and UK dates over the summer, Belfast’s Robocobra Quartet have unveiled a live video of ‘You’ll Shrug’, a highlight from Chris Ryan-fronted band’s debut album, Music For All Occasions. Filmed at the launch of said release at Belfast’s Reedemer Central Church back in November, the track’s sprawling tangents and sax-laden primal scream is captured in slick multi-shot monochrome courtesy of Belfast artist Stuart Calvin. Have a peek and endeavour to make one of these dates: May 12: Dublin – Whelan’s May 19: Brighton – Great Escape Festival (Hope & Ruin) May 19: Brighton – Great Escape…

  • Video Premiere: Hornets – Threads

    May 3, 2017 - By 

    On May 20, Belfast hardcore punk quartet Hornets will launch their long-awaited debut album, Witch Hunt, as part of one of the finest local heavy bills we’ve seen in quite some time. Ahead of that, we’re pleased to present an exclusive first look at the first video for a track taken from the release, ‘Threads’. Filmed and edited by band member Craig McCloskey, it’s a suitably menacing, monochrome accompaniment, driving home the track’s vengeful attack and tone. Witch Hunt is released via Solid Choice Industries on May 19.

  • Premiere: Fox Colony – Patterns EP

    May 1, 2017 - By 

    Ahead of its release on May 4, we’re delighted to premiere the new EP from Belfast-based emo-tinged indie rock trio Fox Colony, Patterns. Associates & former bandmates of indie-pop outfit Brand New Friend, the young band recorded Patterns with Start Together Studios’ Rocky O’Reilly and have the uncanny ability to craft a tune without the usual fear of wearing their hearts – or accents – on their sleeves. The EP takes some cues from the current emo-pop revival of Modern Baseball, with slight glimmers of early ’90s alt. rock sophistication & dischordance seeping in that belies their youth. Patterns will be available from Bandcamp – both digitally on…

  • Stream: Vogelbat – Lithx (feat. Sad Mermaid

    April 27, 2017 - By 

    From 2015’s ‘Miw’ right through to ‘Ovl’ – a stellar single released back in September of last year – we’ve been closely following the output of Berlin-based Kilkenny producer and soundtrack composer Dave Sheenan AKA Vogelbat. New track ‘Lithx’ continues his run in fine fashion. Featuring Sad Mermaid – who featured on both the aforementioned singles – it’s another first-rate slice of ambient-leading electronica, melding shuddering pockets of rhythm, synth swells and abstracted vocals over nigh on five minutes. We dig it. Check it out.

  • First Acts Announced for Stendhal Festival

    April 28, 2017 - By 

    The first wave of acts have been announced for this year’s Stendhal Music and Art Festival. Set to return to Ballymully Cottage Farm in Limavady across August 11-12, Ash (pictured), Ulrich Schnauss ft. Nat Urazmetova and Ciaran Lavery are amongst the main names. With many more to be announced, here’s the full first line-up: ASH, Sharon Shannon, Ulrich Schnauss ft. Nat Urazmetova, Ginkgoa, Ciaran Lavery, The Four of Us, Anthony Toner, Jealous of the Birds, Ryan Vail, Ryan McMullan, Paddy Nash, Joshua Burnside, Rosborough, Susie Blue, No Oil Paintings, Roe, Hiva Oa, John Street Band, Emma Lusby, Bror, Chloe, McAllister, Basork, Conor Mason,…

  • Little Dragon Set For Dublin Hallowe’en Show

    April 27, 2017 - By 

    Touring in support of their recent fifth full-length studio album, Season High, Swedish electronic quartet Little Dragon will play their first Irish show in three years when they hit up Dublin’s Vicar Street on Hallowe’en night (October 31 – just in case). Tickets for the show are priced at €24.50 (incl. booking fee) and go on sale at 9am on Thursday, May 4.