• Stream: Sorcha Richardson – Last Train EP

    Released via German label Crosswork Records, Dublin folk singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson is streaming her wonderfully understated new EP, Last Train. A five-track release of delicate, confessional folk including remixes courtesy of Lexer and Rauschhaus, it is the follow-up to the New York City-based songstresses promising debut EP, Sleep Will Set Me Free. Stream Last Train via Crosswalk below.

  • Blue Whale – Blue Whale EP

    Having released three wonderfully wayward “in the studio” live tracks last year Belfast-based four-piece Blue Whale are steadily earning their stripes as one of the country’s most thoroughly forward-thinking bands of a generation. Almost exclusively instrumental in nature, their wonderfully unorthodox brand of hook-filled jazz-punk betrays a collective mentality to stretch the confines of standard deviation, with fun (and having it) unmistakably at that mentality’s root. The question remains, however: how accurately does their four-track self-titled debut EP capture the sheer energy and ingenuity of their live shows? Opening on teasing lead single ‘Was’, there is an immediate sense of transition…

  • The Last Generation – Torann EP

    The first thing that pops into your writer’s head when hearing Torann’s opening gambit, ‘Chromosome’, is how properly likeable it all is. Sabbath-esque riffing married to a short and sharp alternative package that, while obviously verging on nostalgia for some, such is its proximity in places to the nineties alt-rock influences it proudly wears on its sleeve, its rawness and sheer drive and verve lift it above the usual yarling and wordplay. Post-hardcore and math influences subtly make themselves known, and go surprisingly well with the double-bass assault that peppers the song’s undercarriage, before the whole thing goes into a…

  • EP Stream: The Last Generation – Torann

    Having come on serious leaps and bounds over the last few months to establish themselves as one of the most promising rock acts in the country, Mid-Ulster four-piece The Last Generation have unveiled their new four-track EP, Torann. Displaying a more progressive, decidedly metal-influenced sound, the four-track follow-up to last year’s Revelation EP is the band’s first release with new drummer Conchobhar Ó Dochartaigh, also of Mid-Ulster acid-prog band The Institute*. The Last Generation hold their hometown launch of the EP tonight (Friday, September 6) at Draperstown’s soon to be sadly-missed Cellar Bar. The EP will see its Belfast launch…

  • Pixies release surprise EP

    Despite losing a founding member in Kim Deal a couple of months, Pixies have released a surprise EP titled EP-1 – their first multi-track release of original material in twenty-two years. Set to be the first in a series of EPs by the Frank Black-fronted (above) band over the next year or so, the four-track release is available to purchase digitally and on vinyl here. To accompany the release, the band have also unveiled the video to its lead single, the (actually pretty good) ‘Indie Cindy’. Check out the video and the tracklisting for the release below! 1. ‘Andro Queen’ 2.…

  • Pre-murmurings: REM and Chronic Town

    Some records become bigger than the music contained on them. The infamous Exile on Main St. sessions are more mythologised and discussed than the music they produced. Chinese Democracy will always be better remembered for its protracted development than for its songs. REM’s debut release, Chronic Town, brings its own baggage to the table: the birth of college-rock as we know it. The record that breathed new life into the electric guitar as a creative instrument in an era awash with New Wave synths. A reputation for being enigmatic and inscrutable, with secrets hidden in every groove. The stories surrounding…

  • Download: Psychojet – Flights EP

    Belfast-based instrumental quartet Psychojet have released a two-track EP titled Flights, a parting gift of sorts following their farewell on Sunday night. Comrpised of the aptly-titled ‘Swansong’ and ‘Epic Succeed’ the tracks – which reveal a marked compositional progression from the band – was recorded and mixed by Clark Philips at Great Northern Productions. Artwork came from Ryan Taylor. The band released their superb debut album – The Sea Is Never Full – last December. You can check that out here. Stream/download Flights via Bandcamp below. Flights by Psychojet

  • A Fight You Can’t Win – A Fight You Can’t Win EP

    Having been earning their stripes on the Edinburgh live circuit over the last few years, alt-rock quartet A Fight You Can’t Win have been threatening to unleash their barraging, uniquely wrathful craft for some time now. Off the back of last year’s altogether promising Every Last Breath EP – itself worth a cursory listen, at the very least – the foursome have returned with a brief but vehement self-titled effort that could well see break new ground beyond the would-be confines of their whereabouts and serve as inspired springboard of sorts for a potential full-length release. Fronted by Ballycastle native Matthew…

  • Stream: Joshua Burnside – If You’re Goin’ That Way EP

    Comber-based experimental folk singer-songwriter Joshua Burnside is streaming his new EP, the exquisite If You’re Goin’ That Way. Launched at Belfast’s White’s Tavern last week, the five track EP comes off the back of the success of its lead single, ‘Black Dog Sin’ and features additional instrumentation from Rachael Boyd and Connor Burnside. Stream (or pay what you like for) the EP via Bandcamp below. If You're Goin' That Way by Joshua Burnside

  • Stream: The Rupture Dogs – Wake Up

    Northern Irish alt-rock band Rupture Dogs are streaming their new single, ‘Wake Up’. Taken from the band’s long-awaited debut album, Feral, the single will be officially released on June 20 at Belfast’s Limelight 2. Support on the night will come from Spies, Kill Goliath and Safe Ships. Stream ‘Wake Up’ and the single’s b-side via Soundcloud below.