A lot of Irish music comes Nialler9’s way and there’s little time to feature everything we think is worthy of a thumbs up or more ears. Every week, we collate the songs that pass our writers that deserve to be heard by you. For more extensive Irish coverage, follow our Spotify playlist or hit up the Irish section.
1.
Odd Morris
Lilac Leaves
‘Lilac Leaves’ is a post-punk rager from Odd Morris that shows more restraint than its contemporaries. Tinkering percussive elements skitter their way through the track whilst slowly building guitars rumble below a hard-fought vocal performance. Irish post-punk has been striking a chord this year and Odd Morris are next in line for the crown.
2.
Ganiyu TLG
Quincy
Kildare based rapper Ganiyu TLG‘s tribute to Quincy Jones is a dark trap blast. Eerie, atmospheric production provides a base for Ganiyu TLG’s impressively natural flow. ‘Quincy’ has all the right ingredients – a refrain that’s infectious in its simplicity, lyrical hooks and an impeccably polished sheen packaged together with a cool ease that its namesake should be proud of.
3.
Danny G & the Major 7ths
Time The Healer ft. Fehdah, Zaska
Dublin neo-soul crew Danny G & the Major 7ths have teamed up with funkster Zaska for an expectedly smooth time on ‘Time the Healer’. Channelling major jam session energy into four minutes of groove-heavy bass and breezy guitar riffs, ‘Time The Healer’ is an exceedingly pleasant bounce featuring a charismatic vocal turn by Fehdah.
4.
Jack Murphy
Polarity
‘Polarity’, the latest single by Cork artist Jack Murphy, is a subdued production lead by soulful, thoughtful lyrics. Mellow synths and a gently shuffling beat propel this promising number forward.
5.
Synthia Nixon
Kota
Right from the off, Synthia Nixon is a fantastic name. Despite its humorous name, Synthia Nixon is definitely a serious project – a minimalist take on club music, ‘Kota’ takes traditionally explosive elements and dials them back to create an airy and measured build-up before enveloping the listener in a euphoric final zenith.
6.
Dirty Dreamer
The Only One
Dirty Dreamer‘s debut self-titled EP is a wonderful melding of analogue synth work, post-rock guitars and intricate patterns. ‘The Only One’ is a particular highlight – an ever-growing bed of samples and synths give way to an explosive rock finish. It’s vast, impressive and drenched in emotion and reverb. Exactly the type of track to get the goosebumps going.
7.
Citrus Fresh
Teeth
Limerick rapper Citrus Fresh returns ahead of his upcoming EP SMILE with lead single ‘Teeth’. Featuring AKIA on production duties, Citrus Fresh continues his left-field rap trajectory with another disconcerting cut. ‘Teeth’ sounds like the MC is going to war with himself – duplicated vocals and unwinding phased samples allow the track to fall out of control before recovering to hit you over the head with blistering bass.
8.
Sorcha Richardson
Red Lion
Sorcha Richardson‘s debut album First Place Bravery is a charming journey through vividly detailed personal stories. Nowhere is this as effective as on the striking ‘Red Lion’. Recalling a tale of the “perfect week in LA.”, Richardson meanders lightly over a carefree acoustic guitar while she shares the specificities of time well spent with friends.
9.
Kaé
No Love ft. Ojo The Kidd, Offica
Dearfach Records’ Kaé recently released her debut album Just Another Love Letter, a wonderfully polished sounding set of R&B pop bangers. ‘No Love’ is a highlight with a harder edge and Kaé’s vocals standing out with a chart leaning appeal. Kaé is a pop star in waiting and ‘No Love’ has heaps of crossover potential.
10.
Evan Miles, Newfoundland
Hourglass
Anomaly’s Evan Miles improves with each release and ‘Hour Glass’ is no exception to that rule. An introspective electronic number, ‘Hour Glass’ realises the sound that Miles has been hinting at until now. Newfoundland’s distant vocals lend themselves to this spacious, ambient inspired track that showcases Miles as one of Ireland’s most promising young producers.
11.
Jyellowl
Quote Unquote
2019 has been a big year for Jyellowl with a FIFA 20 appearance and a series of solid singles under his belt. Not one to rest for long, he’s back again with new release ‘Quote Unquote’. A hype building, statement of intent, ‘Quote Unquote’ doesn’t waste any time before tearing into an energetic flow that sees the Dublin rapper showing off his lyrical prowess.
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