9 Irish songs you should hear this week
This is only a selection of new music – dig into more or follow the Spotify playlists.
1.
Tooka – Bogotá
Tooka are a new three-piece electronic band from Dublin who formed this year made up by Ben Higgins (vocals/guitar), Jack Gamble (vocals/guitar) and Dónal Sharpson ( piano/vocals/production) – the same guy who dropped Bonobo-esque upbeat feel-good track ‘Sheikah’ earlier in the year. Elements of Dónal’s production style can be heard on ‘Bogotá, a vibrant energy that is emotionally laced with a harmonious flow and piano riffs. The track is from their three track self-titled EP.
2.
Pillow Queens – Puppets
On their way to dominating the current Irish indie-pop scene Pillow Queens release ‘Puppets’ their second release this year as follow on from ‘Favourite’. The title of their forthcoming EP out on March 16th State of State was inspired by ‘Puppets’. The track does not fail to deliver that infectious quality that Pillow Queens embody in their music, while at the same time dealing with the issues present in a post-recession Ireland and the effect that can have on your mental health.
3.
The Hot Sprockets – Cold Cold Sweat
Dublin soul-rock four-piece The Hot Sprockets are teasing the sound of their new album Dream Mover with an impactful tone on this first release ‘Cold Cold Sweat’. The added brass elements and afro-beat influence on the track sees a step up in soulful energy for the band. Excitement for the new sound on the album builds.
The album launch takes place at The Button Factory on April 14th.
4.
Slow Skies – Dancing
Slow Skies is the musical project of Dublin musician Karen Sheridan. ‘Dancing’ is an ambient folk-pop track that captivates attention with Karen’s angelic vocal delivery. Her debut album is set for release in May.
5.
Days_S – Elbows
This is Dublin-based singer-songwriter Dave Costello or Day_S, second release via Diffusion Lab as a follow-on from his debut release ‘Last Night’. ‘Elbows’ is another soulful electric pop track delivery from the 22-year-old musician. A stripped back acoustic version of the track is also out.
6.
Montauk Hotel – Hands
Dublin-based indie-pop four-piece band Montauk Hotel made their debut with ‘Sense of Place’ last year. ‘Hands’ is an 80s-inspired pop track with a beaming melody.
You can catch them live at The Paddy’s Weekender at The Workman’s Club this Saturday March 17th.
7.
Sequence – Stunna
Athlone-based hip-hip artist Sequence’s new track ‘Stunna’ is his first release from his EP Take Time which will be released this July. The track is an upbeat feel-good track with a UK afrobeat tone.
8.
Super Silly – Here
Hudis, Grvz, SolBas and Glory make up the Dublin-based group Super Silly. ‘Here’ is a modern R’n’B track with a soulful-pop melody, produced by Tunde Esho and recorded with Rian Trench of Solar Bears.
The video was directed by Sean Clancy.
9.
Sorcha Richardson – Can’t We Pretend
Dublin-native, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson’s latest release represents a slightly more stripped back and slower-tempo sound than her previous release ‘Waking Life’. In 2015 Sorcha released an acoustic demo recorded in her bedroom titled ‘I Can Be Your Friend’ via YouTube. It appears that this same track has been developed into the harmonious electro-pop track ‘Can’t We Pretend’.
