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.
Rosie Carney
Orchid
Rosie Carney’s ‘Orchid’ is a moving piece of gloom pop. Based in Donegal, Carney’s music is interwoven with melancholy expression. ‘Orchid’ is a bittersweet love ballad, a tone which suits the wintery vocal delivery from the artist perfectly. Starting intimate, with just a lonely guitar and the vocal line, the track gradually swells into grand proportions. The string movements that begin at the song’s three-quarter mark would move even the most stone-hearted.
2.
Conor Mason
We Watched The Sky Rotate
Derry native Conor Mason seriously impressed us this week with the dreamy and atmospheric ‘We Watched The Sky Rotate’. A contemporary post-rock tune, laden with reverb and ambience. As the title might suggest, there’s a strong cosmic element to Mason’s music. The stirring acoustic piano parts still the show on ‘We Watched The Sky Rotate’, which slips in and around the artist’s mellow vocal performance.
3.
Bouts
Love’s Lost Landings
Time now for some proper indie rock. Bouts’ ‘Love’s Lost Landings’ is a cutting track from the Dublin four-piece. Complete with an exceptionally well put together music video, the track presents a sonic avenue which harkens back to the great indie wave of the late 00′ while retaining its own unique character. An uplifting and inspired piece of music.
4.
Pale Rivers
Caught In It
Cork-based five-piece Pale River’s self-titled debut EP is a seriously strong release. Laden with the sort of synth-infused indie music groups like White Lies and Editors are famed for, the group have shown an aptitude for crafting moving and intelligently put together songs. ‘Caught In It’ is the closing track from that EP. Fair deuce must be given to the lead vocal delivery on the track, which evolves from frail to massive proportions during the course of the song’s runtime. Produced by Gavin Glass of Orpheus Recordings, Pale River’s debut EP deserves your attention.
5.
Áine Cahill
Water Into Wine
Warner Music signee Áine Cahill’s ‘Water Into Wine’ is a powerful pop ballad. The Cavan native has clearly been studying her Lana Del Ray, with a dreamy vocal delivery during the verse. Though the song’s raison d’etre lies in its chorus, which allows the artist to fully show off her singing ability. High-quality pop music.
6.
Clare Sands ft.Jimmy Smyth
Dance X3
The most upbeat of all the tracks on this week’s list, ‘Dance X3’ is a jubilant celebration of groove and Motown songcraft. Cork native Clare Sands absolutely kills it on this funky cut. Filled with lush horn lines and a razor-sharp rhythm section, ‘Dance X3’ has instantly recognisable mass appeal. Producer Jimmy Smyth does a stellar job of making all the part sing against one another too.
