• Watch: Tim Wheeler – Vigil

    October 29, 2014 - By 

    Over twenty years on from forming Ash, Tim Wheeler has unveiled the video for his debut single, ‘Vigil’. Taken from his forthcoming debut album, Lost Domain, the track deals with Wheeler coming to terms with the loss of his late father, George, to dementia. “It was a really hard time, it was a beautiful time as well, with the closeness of the family,” said Wheeler. We were glad that we all got to be there and share that time together.” Lost Domain is released on November 10. Wheeler will play the following dates over the next fortnight: November 4:  London, Bush Hall November…

  • Watch: Underline 1 ft. Ten Past Seven, Turning Down Sex & Crowhammer

    October 24, 2014 - By 

    Underline is a brand new series of live performances brought to you by the makers of our favourite video this year and exquisitely shot under a railway line in North Dublin, hence the title. Part one features the likes of Ten Past Seven, Turning Down Sex and Crowhammer. Here’s what Sean Zissou had to say about it: ‘Underline was shot in the cavernous Guerrilla Studios, under a railway line in North Strand. The studio itself is run by John ‘Spud’ Murphy and he’s been recording several Irish acts there over the past couple of years. The recent Hands Up Who Wants to Die…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • Watch: 7.5 Tonnes of Beard – The Fear

    October 19, 2014 - By 

    Comprised of expertly gruesome artwork by Rich Stuart and live footage of the band performing, Belfast-based sludge metal five-piece 7.5 Tonnes of Beard have unveiled the aptly-accompanying video for their pulverizing new single, ‘The Fear’. Released ahead of a run of Irish dates with Hornets, the band – comprised of Johnny Adger and Rory Friers of And So I Watch You From Afar, Blane Doherty of Gacys Threads, Andrew Coles and Micky Higgins – comprehensively pummel over the track’s six-and-a-bit minutes, conjuring everyone from Eyehategod, Burning Witch, Down and Converge in the process. 7.5 Tonnes of Beard play the following shows over the next…

  • Exclusive: Floor Staff – Gift Horse (Live)

    October 17, 2014 - By 

    Set to perform the Oxjam Takeover in Dublin this evening, we’re pleased to present the first of three exclusive live videos by one of the city’s finest alt-pop bands, Floor Staff. Filmed at Elektra Studios, the video – featuring the band performing the earworming ‘Gift Horse’ – was directed by Bob Gallagher. The music was record by Chris Barry and James Feeney. Go here for the Oxjam Takeover Facebook event page and watch the video below.