News Sounds From N. Ireland Vol. 1

Following on from ‘08’s Oh Yeah Sessions, the Belfast music hub have put together this latest release which is intended to shine a spotlight on some of the North’s new leading lights. As with most compilations, it’s a bit of a mixed bag with the Vaudevillian-tinged rattle of Ram’s Pocket Radio and Silhouette rising head and shoulders above most of the other acts. Other bands’ efforts aren’t quite as strong unfortunately and the likes of A Plastic Rose and the normally incendiary Axis Of fail to impress. Still, it’s good to see the likes of blues-rock behemoths Here Comes The Landed Gentry get a much needed moment of recognition beside the usual suspects. Ultimately, if someone finds one new favourite band from this 12 track affair then their work is done.
Key Track: Rams’ Pocket Radio ‘1+2’