9. Kate Boy – ‘Open Fire’
There’s a very clear pattern/formula emerging in the Swedish three-piece’s music. Propulsive rhythms, uplifting singalong chorus and gurgling synth-lead electronics. It’s still working but we’ll find out if they’ve other great shades on their debut album next year.

Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.