Inhaler, 'Just To Keep You Satisfied'

The opener of the Dublin band's sophomore album Cuts & Bruises is arguably the strongest on the entire project, delivering lush synths and a compelling guitar riff from the first notes. "It was early in the morning, the first day of the week / I couldn't face the faces in my personality / Maybe I'll be stronger, maybe I'm a freak / Maybe I'll be faithful even if I was a cheat / Angels falling my your side," Eli Hewson sings. "Just to keep you satisfied," before a blistering guitar line emboldens the rich, addictive chorus. The pace is perfect, building steadily to an anthemic indie-rock banger around mid-way, that's destined for arena play and singalongs with roaring fans. Cuts & Bruises, out today, earned acclaim from Hot Press reviewer Will Russell, and is set to match the success of 2021's debut It Won't Always Be Like This.

Ezra Williams, 'Deep Routed'

The 20-year-old Cork-based musician has shared a new single via AWAL, alongside the news of a Workman's show in Dublin on March 25th. "Something's stopping me / Something shutting my mouth," Williams sings on intensely moving single 'Deep Rooted'. "Every time you say things first / I say them backward, it doesn't count / Deep routed, but I don't remember why / your hand on my lap made me shake and on the train home I cried," the beautiful, down-tempo song starts. ‘Deep Routed’ examines the struggle to shake loose the weight of figures from the past in order to commit completely to somebody new. The track showcases Ezra’s softly affecting vocals, intricate instrumentation and flair for poignant, relatable songwriting. "I like your skin, just not on mine / If I can't let you in am I wasting both our time?"

Offering a brief glimpse of the song’s inspiration while leaving space for the listener to make it their own, Ezra says: “I wrote this about trying to deal with things from past relationships while also trying to give your all to someone new.”

Photo credit: Colette Slater Barrass.

Niall Horan, 'Heaven'

The first single from the One Directioner's upcoming third solo album The Show landed today, and it's another infectiously catchy love song. "Let's not get complicated, let's just enjoy the view / It's hard to be a human, so much to put an answer to / But that's just what we do," he sings in the pre-chorus. The textured harmonies in the chorus are a perfect backup to the sleek production and soaring pop melody. 'Heaven' marks Horan’s first release since singles 'Our Song' and 'Everywhere,' his 2021 collaborations with Anne-Marie. Heartbreak Weather, Horan’s previous LP.

“This album is a piece of work I’m so proud of and now it’s time to pass it over to you to go and make it your own,” Horan wrote on Instagram, captioning a post that featured the album’s official cover, a photo of him leaning on a window sill and staring up at the album’s title. “Thank you so much for being there for me all this time and I can’t wait to share the next couple of years of this new era with you. I’ve missed you all so much. It’s good to be back.”

Pat Lagoon, 'Jungle'

Marking the Waterford hip-hop/R&B artist's first single of 2023 and the follow up to 2022's only track 'Let the Sun', the smooth 'Jungle' is as groovy as it is hypnotic. Pat Lagoon, real name Patrick Alabi, has been knocking on the door for years now in the Irish scene. "Not enough chaos in the air, but Imma cause it," he declares. "It's funny how we always find beauty in a struggle...it's funny how we always find peace in the jungle," he sings. Fusing his laidback rap flow of confident lyrics with alluring vocals in the chorus, the multifaceted artist is not to be slept on. We're excited to see what the rest of the year brings for Pat, who first emerged after a collaboration with RikShaw ('Shining', reviewed by Anthony Fantano) and Anomaly group in Waterford a few years ago. In 2020, Lagoon finally released his first full length EP,  The Box Room. The Mac Miller/Daniel Caesar affect is all over 'Jungle', which has traces of Miller's funky Anderson Paak. collaboration 'Dang'.

Fräulein, 'Pet'

The Northern Irish/Dutch duo are kickstarting their year with new single 'Pet', released via indie tastemaker label Submarine Cat Records. 'Pet' was born from an explosive riff hoping to melt your face off, with the lyrics tightly focusing on the feeling of trying to stand up tall but failing because you crave people’s approval and external validation. The pair's unique approach to grunge and alt-rock transports the listener back to decades past, with a contemporary, genre-blending edge weaving through. Lifted from a three-day session with producer Ali Chant (Yard Act, Sorry, Soccer Mommy), ‘Pet’ is the band’s first release since their debut EP A Small Taste, which heard the duo throw down the gauntlet and solidify their early sound; cathartic 90s alt-rock influenced by the likes of The Breeders, PJ Harvey and Big Thief.

“The word ‘pet’ means a lot to me” explains Northern Irish vocalist and guitarist Joni Samuels. “I love it because it can be a term of endearment, but it can also be slightly patronising. This theme fits nicely with the cyclical riff of the track, a kind of pattern that you can’t get out of.”

Fräulein by Shea McChrystal.

The Wood Burning Savages, 'Hand to Mouth'

The Derry quartet have returned with a blistering new single. 'Hand to Mouth' marks the first piece of new music from the rock four-piece since their Northern Ireland Music Prize winning album Stability. The track is a bruising blast of pent-up vitriol, driven by jagged guitars and rapid drums. It creates further anticipation for The Wood Burning Savages' forthcoming UK and Ireland tour in the Spring. Written in the shadow of austerity and crippling economic despair, 'Hand to Mouth' sees frontman Paul Connolly unleash a raw tirade of frustration. Matching guitar noise with the anger at people struggling to live day-to-day, the rocker's vocals manage to sound more captivating than ever before.

"I regularly talk to people who tell me more and more that they feel like they have been forgotten about or left behind." says Connolly. "This song is a signal fire to say that things haven't been right for a long time, but enough is enough. We're not going to stand by and let generations of hard work and community collaboration be ripped apart. People deserve dignity, and it's not up for negotiation."

Plantain Papi, 'Wheels Fall Off'

Following on from 2022 singles 'Longitude' and 'Alone with You', the Irish artist and producer returns with 'Wheels Fall Off', a fun-filled offering that builds electronic strings into a fast-paced Afrobeat. "I be lovin' you til the wheels fall off," he sings on the chorus of the love banger. "Way back then you used to give me read, now you're sleeping in my bed / now we're connected, wi-fi, infrared." The song is about Papi's ride or die, and the journey they've been on. No stranger to the big stage, Plantain has opened headline shows for the likes of YBN Gang, Sneakbo, Yxng Bane and Maleek Berry. The Dublin sensation has independently produced and released an army of singles and features that have accumulated over 800,000 streams and counting, and we're hoping he'll release an EP at some stage in the future (please?).

Modernlove., ‘Only Ever Only You’

The Louth indie darlings are sharing a new alt-rock pop banger ahead of their debut US Tour in March. They've managed to sell out Chicago, New York and Los Angeles already (wow) so the ticket sales are living up to the hype. "I'm talking to your face but no one's home / What are we, I need to know," they ask on the love-driven banger, bursting into full throttle fro the jump with a blur of rapid-fire pop-punk melody and an instantly addictive emo-tinged hook. Barry Lally’s vocals describe realising - just that bit too late - that the object of your desire isn’t as infatuated as you are. If The 1975 meets Sum 41 is your jam, Modernlove. are sure to be your new favourite outfit.

The band commented, “‘Only Ever Only You’ chronicles the breaking down of communication in a relationship. It’s about being in love when it’s too late and trying to communicate with someone who has moved on and simply isn’t there anymore. It’s probably the most sincere and direct we’ve been as a band in a song and the music speaks to that. We’ve taken from our early inspirations and gone straight up pop punk on this track.”

Dashoda feat. Jackie Beverly, 'Sultan'

To herald the release of his EP next month, Irish electro-pop producer Dashoda's sultry new single ‘Sultan' has dropped, propelled forwards by dreamy synths and rain sounds. The talent (real name Gavin MacDermott) tapped Jackie Beverly to duet the track, which traces a relationship falling apart. The subject may be one of discord, but the pair’s voices sublimely complement each other. The Never Enough EP will arrive on March 15th 2023, alongside a launch at The Workman’s Cellar show in Dublin.

"You breathe, I breathe too / It's sad but we're in it to lose," MacDermott and Beverly's voices sing in unison. "...we're drifting silently / We can't keep our head above the waves / Searching for another storm to blame." Dashoda says of the song: “‘Sultan’ came from a place of heartbreak and the subsequent loneliness and confusion. I had this archetypal image of the ‘fallen king’ in my mind, somebody who believes they have it all in a relationship but then sees it unravel dramatically and unquestionably. The Blue Nile are my favourite band and the outro is a humble nod to their beautiful second album Hats.”

All The Brave Hunters, ‘Sing Out West’

Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alain McFadden is a current member of award-winning folk group Ye Vagabonds. His forthcoming EP Painted Glass is due to land on April 5th, making his debut solo release. Following his first single ‘Rising’ in November, McFadden has unveiled down-tempo second offering ‘Sing Out West’. Opening with haunting accordion, a gentle acoustic guitar melody ensues before McFadden sings softly: "I am a soldier / Marching with his gun / Pointed at the sun / Someone else’s fun." It's about needless suffering as a pawn for another's power trip, ultimately. His vocals are beautiful, it's easy to see why he knew it was time to step into the solo spotlight.

“This is the second single from the upcoming EP Painted Glass. It was a song inspired by the idea of: Through the flames of war, a soldier is marching futilely towards his end. He is forged and lost within the inertia of someone else’s choices. This song is a juxtaposition between a small Sparrow and a soldier hallowed by his life and death through the horrors of war.”

David Keenan, 'Aldente Pasta'

Beginning strongly with a jangly piano chord as it settles into a rich melody, the Dundalk native declares: "Demonstrations I set out to bridge the gap from head to mouth and as the wind stank from the south / We turn to face the morning." Keenan shows no sign of slowing down after the independent release of his Crude album a few months ago. "No one's to blame for wanting to be loved / We want to be with love," he belts on 'Aldente Pasta', featuring his usual eye for everyday vignettes and social commentary. "The city reeks of sex and weed / The narrow minded streets recede." The inclusion of saxophone, double bass, piano and jazz chord combinations create new textures for the folk singer-singwriter and poet, who will release his Crude Boyo EP in March via Barrack Street Records. Known for his guitar accompaniment largely, 'Aldente Pasta' instead throws heart into the piano, with excellent, compassionate results. His vocals and observations on the world around him sound even more intimate with the instrument's support.

The new songs explore such things as a couple's defiance, an ode to hometown tribalism, and coping with digital bombardment. As well as offering a study on human connection, 'Aldente Pasta' also gives us an example of the new musical dynamics being explored. Catch David live on his Crude tour in Ireland and Europe this year.

David Keenan. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Les Salamandas, 'Plastic Barbies'

Taken from their new album There's a Sea Between Us, the gentle track is a tongue-in-cheek, confessional song about dating and disappointment. It's definitely not your usual heartbreak or love song, instead fusing their ethereal harmonies to commentate on their experiences of feeling inadequate. "The boys who use their parent's money are the best lovers / But they don't get what's in my head, it took some time to discover / I fetched and fished for their approval, of that I won't recover / and I've learned they were looking for another mother," the Ballydehob duo sing. The duo – made up of Julie O’Sullivan and Colyne Laverriere, who hails from France – have embraced a sound that embodies the wild yet harmonious spirit of the West Cork village’s diverse community, according to Hot Press' Lucy O'Toole in her album review. "They present a compelling blend of folk, indie-pop and soulful elements on their eagerly anticipated debut album."

Caoivín, 'Do Them Proud'

Following a string of festival appearances during the summer at the likes of All Together Now and Electric Picnic, Caoivín returns with 'Do Them Proud'. The single arrives after 2022 tracks 'A New Age' and 'Home By Bearna', and was written for the musician's grandmother who recently lost her lifelong partner. "When your spirit drains from all your sorrow / and your weary limbs begin to seize / May you be nourished by the land and all her offerings," he sings on the magnetic, slow builder 'Do Them Proud'. "May you be fluid like the oceans and the seas." The uplifting track features a blend of traditional and contemporary elements and touches on the theme of loss. The producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist is currently based in Limerick. Born into a musical family, he began playing traditional Irish music at the age of five and spent the majority of his early childhood summers travelling to and from various different fleadhs and music weeks. In his late teens and early twenties, he discovered electronic dance music and its many forms, eventually forging his latest, fascinating style.

King Cedar, 'Songbird On The Gray Hill'

The Bangor-based folk singer-songwriter (real name Stephen Macartney) has dropped the first single from King Cedar's debut album Everything More, & Other Stories, due for release on 24th March. 'Songbird On The Gray Hill' was recorded in September 2018, in a house on a mountain, "somewhere in Montana" the singer notes. His captivating vocals and intimate lyricism on the new single would stop you dead in your tracks. With only a soft acoustic guitar melody cushioning his vocals, that's all he needs to amplify the delicate story and empathy behind the number. Known for his alt-folk band Farriers, who had critical and commercial success with their album Years Ago in Our Back Yard, Macartney started King Cedar in 2015. He recorded his forthcoming album with Grammy Award winner Andre De Santanna in Los Angeles, who produced the project.

“'Songbird On The Gray Hill' was written for a friend of mine, who was in hospital and needed cheering up. She’d broken her arm pretty bad, so I sent her the song in a little voicemail on my phone, and I think it worked," says Macartney. "We found this old 1940s Recording King in the basement, and it just played so beautifully. It was a magical time on that mountain, so much joy and creativity. It really felt like the perfect moment to record Songbird.”

King Cedar.

Lemonade Shoelace, 'Hopscotch In The Sky'

Young psych-pop shoegaze producer/songwriter (Ruairí Richman) has released the first track from his upcoming debut EP, Do Whatever Makes You Happy. Written entirely before the inception of Lemonade Shoelace and recorded within the confines of his bedroom studio, this five-track EP expands on the imagery and worlds built in his previous single. Tackling self-esteem, isolation, relationships and introspective themes through stonerisms, highly portable mantras and inverse negativity, 'Do Whatever Makes You Happy' delivers on the promises of the former singles whilst showing promise and potential for the future. It's all loose grooves, wavey production methods and surround sound melancholic indie-psych that urge the listener not to take life too seriously.

"The song was created nearly three years ago which I find crazy to me," Richman explains. "It still gives me nostalgic images of looking out at the sunny beach and wanting to be immersed in it instead of being inside. The fact that I live in Ireland, with such a lack of good weather, whenever the sun presents itself we feel guilty spending it indoors. If I were to spend a day sheltered from the sun then I may as well embody it into a piece of music. The intention behind this song is to create joy, fun, excitement and playfulness within the listener’s mind."

Ria Rua, 'I Want You'

The rising alt-pop artist is hitting 2023 with all guns blazing on the bass-heavy new single. Ria Rua, who's also a talented drummer and producer aside from her killer vocals, is showcasing her expansive skillset on 'I Want You'. "I got places we can go, somewhere no one else will know," she offers in the pre-chorus. The predominantly theme of lust is effortlessly built into the song's DNA. With a decisive rock edge infused between electronics, the dark pop taster pushes and pulls at the listener as we're drawn into Ria Rua's foreboding creative space. Yearning to turn fantasy into reality, the track tackles sexual desire through a cacophony of pulsating drums, synths, and soaring vocals. It marks another snapshot from her forthcoming debut album set for release later this year. She released her first single 'I Can't Sleep' back in May 2020.

Sloucho, 'Everything'

The Irish producer entered the dance music circuit last year with cinematic-stepper 'Hold It Down', injecting influences of hyper-pop, future-R&B and post-dubstep and lends inspiration from Burial to Two Shell. They're back with a new video for 'Everything', a fresh take on futuristic, modern electronic music with emotions on its sleeve. Exploring the concept of duality, Sloucho (much like fellow Irish musician pigbaby, co-signed by Frank Ocean collaborator Vegyn) is exploring various forms of identity which allows them to express themselves in a way that their typical human form could not. The artist’s latest video sees them shapeshift into an oxymoron - a devilishly angelic horned-creature (costume designed by friend and collaborator Ríon Hannora). Manipulated, warped vocals and Gen-Z avant garde inspiration blend a kaleidoscope of colour on the sugary, SOPHIE-inflected song.

“Creating new identities allows for new stories and tales to emerge and intertwine, and those stories will eventually create an interconnected world where I can hopefully retire to some day”, Sloucho says. “Escapism sometimes comes with negative connotations but real life is boring, I want to create my imagination and then live in it.”

Five to Two, 'Talk Soon'

The title track from the Dublin band's new album follows the release of previous singles, ‘Moretartar!’ and ‘Song 50,000’ with jarjarjr. The trio, consisting of Matthew Breen (piano), Jonah Byrne (double bass) and Finn Mac Anna (drums), continue to create something fresh from jazz tradition on this new outing. After the three band members graduated from university, they were inspired to create the LP after finally being able to see each other and play live music again. 'Talk Soon', therefore, is about the release of reconnection. Their signature clash of telepathic playing and infectious energy is earning them a big name on the live circuit, too. The swirling 'Talk Soon' is comforting, warm, playful and unique all at once.

Speaking on the album, Jonah of Five to Two says: “Each track on the album is a different character, joke or memory we have from us hanging out or playing music together.” He adds that the “Last time we spoke, we said we'd talk soon, and it was sad because we knew it would be a while until we had the chance to catch up again, and now we're catching up, laughing about old memories, listening to the shit we've been through, we're flyin, and it's like when we used to have all the time in the world. And we'll talk about our plans, what's next, and we'll say talk soon again.”

New Pagans, 'Better People’

The opening track off the outfit's new album Making Circles of Our Own is a scorching thumper of Paramore-esque pop-rock and powerful vocals. Armed with a great hook and killer riffs, the rising rockers are hoping to explode into the mainstream with the project. "What are you thinking of? You're in the right time, in the right place...you had to wait a little while to find your way and make it right," they encourage on 'Better People'. "Working together makes us strong." Making Circles of Our Own is New Pagans' successor to the globally-lauded debut The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All (released in March 2021 via Big Scary Monsters), which led to tours with Skunk Anansie and Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls. Ultimately, their second album details the journey to self-assurance, deftly led by reflective singer and wordsmith Lyndsey McDougall.

Kill 'Em Charlie, 'Sundays Unwell'

The cut from the five-piece indie-rock group's new EP No Ties to the Morning opens with vocalist Eoghan McGuigan stating: "Remember the good times 'cause I sure do, they come to me so out of the blue / Remember the night trip that we once made..." before an explosive guitar riff and wall of noise propels the track to the chorus. Each song on the Cork band's debut EP shows a different side of the band's personality as they want to get across how versatile they are with their sound and songwriting attitude. The band's previous releases are a glimpse into their foundations and their influences. The songs on No Ties to the Morning were recorded at Claycastle (Youghal, Cork) by producer Triss. Their inspirations include the likes of Kings of Leon, Fontaines D.C., Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand. They've come a long way from playing Green Day covers in a garden shed in their school days.

Kill 'Em Charlie.

Qbanaa, 'Creative Perfection Pt.1'

Landing after 2022's 'Truth and Desire', singer-songwriter Qbanaa has shared a funky, genre-blending new single. "Creative perfection, that's my intention / Winning or losing, that's where I want to be / Forget what they're thinking, leave their heads spinning / State fo delusion, that's what I want to do." Blending spoken word, near-rap with sultry, honey-toned vocals atop a groovy guitar riff, it's packed full of soul and R&B elements as well as an alt-pop energy. Named after her Cuban heritage, Qbanaa is setting the Irish scene alight with her diverse gifts. After spending time in school choirs, as a dancer (salsa was frequent) and growing up in North Frederick Street Flats in Dublin city, Qbanaa moved to London to pursue music. Her debut track 'Truth and Desire' was produced by Mickzart.

Flynn, 'Older'

The Mullingar talent has dropped a coming-of-age piano ballad that bursts into pop melodies as it moves forward. "Everybody told you that one day you'll be older, but you'll be alright / Don't grow up too fast 'cause these times won't last, no," he belts. The talented musician, whose real name is Darren Flynn, hails from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, but has spent the past few years honing his craft in the UK. Since he flew the nest at the age of 18, Flynn has made a name for himself as a singer and songwriter, and has already collaborated with the likes of Lost Frequencies and Hayden James - plus 2023 single 'I Need To Know' with Alle Farben. His killer vocals on 'Older' should continue to get him noticed, and ability to compile a universal theme into a catchy number that begs for radioplay. "Nobody could ever reach me, I was lost inside." He follows down the path of fellow Irish singer-songwriters and label signees like Cian Ducrot and Moncrieff.

Nixer, 'Pleasure'

The first new music since the London-based Irish duo's 2022 EP PEOPLE FEELER is as fast-paced and gripping as their past catalogue. Atop a sci-fi synths and a rock beat, Nixer begin: "Hold me, tease me, please me, tell me that you love me / show me that you need me." The Valentine's Day single from the dance duo is ultimately a bass-bombing ode to sexuality and sensuality. It's a track with its genesis from a playful jam session amongst friends riffing on different themes, frontman and lyricist Seán Keenan noted. Production wizard Gearóid Peggs and Keenan have delivered a taut, menacing electronic monster that traps the demons of the Catholic Church and juxtaposes that weird guilt with modern sex positive culture. A sound informed by clubs, socialising, electro, cold wave, fiction and artists like Boy Harsher, The Stone Roses and King Krule; Nixer's new track 'pleasure' encapsulates the unique hybrid musical stylings of the pair. Self-produced, self-informed DIY music is the essence of what Nixer do.

Nixer playing The Road to the Great Escape at Workmans. Monday 9th of May 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Adam Garrett, 'It Might Be Alright'

A session musician and producer for many of your favourite Irish artists and a former member of jazz troupe INNRSPACE, Adam Garrett released his first solo music with 'Casual' on andfriends records a few years ago. He's back with new single 'It Might Be Alright' this week, it's the multi-instrumentalist first new single since 2022's 'Make It Easy'. Infusing neosoul, jazz, lofi bedroom pop and 70s disco to creates rich soundscape with irresistible grooves. "You're giving me crazy, I'm asking for more / Try doing this daily, lately I'm sure / It's easy to fake it... " he croons. "What's in your head?" he asks. "It might be alright". Adding layers of Tom Misch and Jordan Rakei guitar melodies, he's a force to be reckoned with on the sunny new anthem. Full of inquisitive notions about love, existential questions and fear; there's a summery comfort within each note. We can't wait to see what the rest of 2023 holds for the ridiculously talented act.

The Walls, 'Lucky Charm'

The Dublin band is composed of former veteran members of Irish rock outfit The Stunning - brothers Steve and Joe Wall. The group's debut album Hi-Lo was released in 2000, with U2 offering them a support slot at their 2002 Slane Castle gig. 'Lucky Charm' is taken from the duo's upcoming limited-run album Stray Sparks. "Who would want to live in a perfect world? Give me room and board / I promise I won't snore / I won't wake you, baby," Steve Wall sings. "I'll give no attitude, and I'll praise all your food / so uncomplicated." His lyrics land atop of glistening guitar melodies and a down-tempo percussion backing, acting as a country/folk number with pop undertones. The band's fourth album Stray Sparks is released in March 2023, a collection of rarities and previously unreleased material.

Chósta, 'As The Rain Fell'

Twilight Transmission, the debut album from Chósta, is a concept record about a fictional network of interconnected radio stations. For fans of Four Tet and Leon Vynehall, the young Irish producer is making his mark on the creative, self-released project. Brooding in atmosphere and combining a huge variety of genres and inspirations, the range of synths and beats chosen - alongside samples - is a superb indicator of his progress. Twilight Transmission was written and recorded over much of the past 18 months beginning in bleak lockdown. Think trip-hop era Portishead, Boards of Canada, post-dubstep, jazzy 1990s hip-hop production, William Basinski, Tim Hecker’s ‘Radio Amor’ and Madvillian.

"During that period of isolation and social depravity, I got back into listening to radio for the first time in years but found much of what I heard here in Ireland was painfully bland and filled with the same handful of major label artists shoved down my throat," Chósta notes. "This Sheeran-fication was a far cry from my childhood growing up with late night shows such as Donal Dineen’s Small Hours to educate and expand musical taste. Eventually I discovered digital radio and NTS+DDR shows that presented the eclecticism I’d missed. I regularly discovered music, both new and old, that blew my mind, and radio once again acted as a companion in lonely times. The LP, which features electronic artist Fears, is a tribute to those days when commercial radio here had variety and space that catered to different tastes.

Chósta by Molly Keane.

ferna & Joshua Burnside, 'Morning After'

"You took the morning, you took the morning, you took the morning after pill / and it wasn't easy, but you made sure it was harder on yourself than it was on me / so I keep my mouth shut / It's not for me to speak of / you've had quite enough today, you need rest..." ferna sings in her delicate yet crystal clear vocals. ferna is the work of composer, Hannah McPhillimy who cut her teeth on the Belfast music scene, appearing alongside artists such as SOAK, Foy Vance and The Gloaming. Her partnership wit Joshua Burnside couldn't be more perfect. ferna's debut album Understudy should be ready for release this Spring. The collaboration follows Burnside's hauntingly beautiful Late Afternoon in the Meadow (1887) EP. His ability to add songwriting, musicianship and storytelling skills to those he teams up with is commendable, and his turn with ferna is just stunning.

Paul McCann, 'Call Off The Dogs'

Taken from the Cavan singer-songwriter's new album Alter Ego, rock offering 'Call Of The Dogs' begins with a bang. "After the city fell the lights went down / There was nothing anyone could have done / We rummaged through what was left take / An open mind only hurts those who can feel their own mistake." Following many years of performing with numerous artists and bands (backing songstress Aine Cahill and touring Ireland's Prisons with Johnny Cash tribute ‘Get Rhythm’), Paul has been carving a solid solo career for himself since 2015. Following two acclaimed EPs (The Magician in 2015 and Beginning to End in 2017) and the wonderful murder ballad single ‘Widow Maker Blues’, Paul released his debut album Here Comes the Rapture in 2018. Where previously McCann had played most of the instrumentation himself, the recording process for Alter Ego features guest appearances from several high-profile musicians including Jason Falkner (St. Vincent, Beck, Paul McCartney); Roger Joseph Manning Jr (Beck, Jellyfish, Air); Charlotte Hatherley (Ash, Bat for Lashes); Gary Lucas (Jeff Buckley, Captain Beefheart), Sylvie Lewis and many others.

sistir, 'bridge'

Aisling McCarthy (aka Sistir) has toured Ireland, the UK and Europe with various artists and outfits over the last few years. Now flying solo, the alt-pop artist has shared an absolute gem in the form of the compelling single 'bridge'. With impeccable, ghostly vocals and a driving beat, McCarthy continues exploring heartbreak, trauma, sexuality, femininity and living in emotional urgency. "After all this time, it'd be nice to know you again / 'Cause your love, it holds me it holds me / In my dreams, you would meet me by the palm tree," she sings over glittering synths. Celestial soundscapes, chilling 80s synth and haunting harmonies are glued together for an uplifting, positive sonic force. "We will be reminded every day," she chants over the electro-pop beats. Keep an eye out for her progress in 2023...

Listen to the playlist in full below.