Dead Languages

A few years ago, any compilation of Irish artists outside the canon of the usual suspects was a rarity. In the last two years, the format has been omnipresent, including fantastic collections from Frontend Synthetics and Mango Music.

Dead Languages is yet another must have that documents some of Dublin’s best DIY stalwarts. Regular scene activists The Dudley Corporation, NPB, Joan of Arse and The Connect 4 Orchestra strut their finest sonic moves alongside new guns such as Clancy and the Bucklebunnies, Glennjammin Bones, Rockcoach and Neo Super Vital. Everything from inventive electronica to bruising noise pop and back again gets a look in.

My personal favourite award goes to the delicious ‘At the Country Fair’ by one man electro genius Somadrone, by far the most unique and individual contribution here. Redneck Manifesto frontman Richard Egan shows another side to his song-writing, in this case having a real ‘song’ rather than four minutes of instrumental insurrection!

Deputy Fuzz prove that at its best the lo-fi aesthetic doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality.

Settler swoon us off to blissful lands with ‘The Movies We Try to Make’, the highlight from their debut EP.

Good Time John adds to the promise of a fab EP with ‘Lights Off’, auguring well for his imminent debut album. Joan of Arse cap off the selection perfectly with the closing track from last year’s Distant Hearts, A Little Closer album, wonderfully entitled ‘Watching Films With the Sound Down’.

A perfect night cap to a wonderful statement of independent intent from the dirty ‘auld town.