Here’s a rundown of new releases on DSPs and physical releases in record shops this week.
New Albums
John Francis Flynn – Look Over the Wall, See the Sky
Look Over The Wall, See The Sky is the second album from the artist to be released on River Lea Recordings.
John’s new spoken-not-sung single “Mole In The Ground’ marks a different sound away from the more traditional folk sound of his debut album Would Not Live Always, which was one of our favourites of 2021.
Flynn is inspired by his contemporaries in the traditional music scene in Ireland, many of whom contributed to the album, as well as those outside of it, such as noise-rockers Gilla Band and Rising Damp. On his last record, I Would Not Live Always, John was much more conscious of bringing acoustic instruments and weird synthesized sounds together as a concept. But now with his unique musical language fully formed, “I feel freer within that language to experiment and take it further without it being too conscious or premeditated”.
Rachael Lavelle – Big Dreams
I’ve been describing Big Dreams as most anticipated Irish record of the year, and the reason is because Rachael Lavelle is a world-building artist, creating unique liminal spaces for her off-kilter music to occupy, with sounds that recall Weyes Blood, Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush.
Big Dreams features the singles – ‘Let Me Unlock Your Full Potential’, ‘Perpetual Party’ and the title track , which features Luas announcer Doireann Ní Bhriain. Bandcamp.
David Holmes – Blind On A Galloping Horse
David Holmes has announced details of his first solo album since 2008’s The Holy Pictures, his first in 15 years.
Blind On A Galloping Horse is to be released on Heavenly Recordings, and is a 14-track “interrogation of the last decade, time spent watching a decaying, fraying Britain visibly buckling in real time while tending to his own battles with mental health.”
“Love songs to leap the barricades to,” is how it’s also pitched.
PinkPantheress – Heaven Knows
Debut album from the pop artist who broke through sampling garage, drum & bass and pop music of the 2000s-era. Album features Central Cee, Kelela, Rema, Ice Spice.
Beirut – Hadsel
Zach Condon’s first new full-length record since 2019’s Gallipoli is inspired by a church organ he encountered in Northern Norway. ‘So Many Plans’
Lord Apex – The Good Fight
Madlib, Freddie Gibbs, Green Tea Peng and Eyedress feature on the full-length from the UK MC. ‘The Good Fight’
Winter Aid – The Wisp Sings 10th Anniversary
Irish music writer Shane Culloty released music as Winter Aid 10 years ago, and had an immediate result with his debut song ‘The Wisp Sings’ now has over 300 MILLION song streams, a mighty impressive feat for an independent artist.
To mark those 10 years, Winter Aid is releasing The Wisp Sings 10th Anniversary Edition, releasing the original EP’s three tracks on vinyl for the first time via Bluestack Records, with 10 additional songs: rarities, alternative versions, demos and remixes.
Quantic – Dancing While Falling
New York-based musician Will Holland aka Quantic makes anthems drawn from disco, gospel, soul and jazz music. Features Connie Constance and Andreya Triana. Bandcamp.
Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions
Ninth solo LP from the American underground dexterous rapper. ‘Infinity Fill Goose Down’
Wiki & Tony Seltzer – 14k Figaro
NYC rapper hooks up with recent Kojaque producer on a 14-track album.
The Clockworks – Exit Strategy
London-based Galway indie rock band’s album features Bernard Butler on production, and was recorded at Abbey Road Studios and Love Electric Studios. ‘MayDay Mayday’
Reylta – Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost
Galway alt-folk musician’s debut album.
Ten Speed Racer – Eskimo Beach Boy
23rd Anniversary edition reissue from the Irish band kicks off a series of reissues of their full catalogue on streaming.
Albums also released today:
- Baby Queen – Quarter Life Crisis
- Bad Boy Chiller Crew – Influential
- Bear’s Den – White Magnolias
- The Beatles – 1962 – 1966 (2023 Edition)
- The Beatles – 1967 – 1970 (2023 Edition)
- Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert
- Moritz Von Oswald – Silencio
- Foodman – Uchigawa Tankentai
- François J. Bonnet & Stephen O’Malley – Cylene II
- HAAi – DJ Kicks
- Holly Walker – Unsung
- Phil Kieran – The Strand Cinema Live
- Pure Bathing Culture Chalice
- Rain Jamerson – A House Where The Light Is
- Rick Ross & Meek Mill – Too Good To Be True
- Scuba – Digital Underground
- Shackleton – The Scandal of Time
EPs also released today
Really Good Time – Escape from The Mountain Of Spit EP
Dublin indie rock band aka “Dublin’s hottest post-crunk apré-garde super group,” have released their debut EP. ‘Mountain Of Spit’
Coolgirl – Failed Reboot
Lizzie Fitzpatrick’s synth-wave project releases a debut EP. ‘Silverlight’
Other EPs out:
- Desire Marea – The Baddies of Isandlwana EP
- George Riley – Un/limited Love EP
- Dee Fitz – Loose Ends EP
- Special Interest – Endure Remixed EP
- Yo La Tengo – The Bunker Sessions EP
