Cathal Coughlan – The Knock-Out Artist
No show without punch.
Ex-Microdisney and Fatima Mansions firebrand Cathal Coughlan (top) provides the killer (left) hook in the third single from his new album Song Of Co-Aklan.
The video was directed by George Seminara.
Nick says: Upper cut above the rest.
Wyvern Lingo – Only Love Only Light
Forever blowing bubbles.
It’s child’s play for Bray trio Wyvern Lingo in the cryptic video for the latest single to be released from their new album Awake You Lie.
The band – top from left: Caoimhe Barry, Karen Cowley and Saoirse Duane – recorded the album in Berlin.
Nick says: Bray of light.
Apella – Buried You
What’s another year?
Dublin pop sensations Apella – Dara Quilty on drums and Ronan Nolan on guitar (top) have released a limited edition vinyl and CD version of their hit album 1963, which has raked up half a million streams and counting.
The video for the new single Buried You comes courtesy of Ray Keogh.
Dara writes:
“We’ll be donating 100% of all the physical sales proceeds directly to The Marie Keating Foundation. Up against COVID-19 and BREXIT, I am delighted that production is complete and we can finally release our beautiful Vinyl and CDs! I am eternally grateful to everyone who has pre-ordered and we’ll continue to donate sales after the release date!”
The donations go specifically to help fund the outstanding support services the foundation provides to women affected by breast cancer.
Nick says: A good year.
Supertonic Sound Club – The Hump
Come dancing.
Dublin 9-piece soul/funk ensemble Supertonic Sound Club get jiggy with it on this joyous instrumental that can be found on their new double A-side single alongside Let’s Get Arrested on AMTY Records.
Led by Hammond organ devotee Jim Pipe – our answer to Booker T – the group will release their debut album in the autumn.
The video was filmed and edited by Mick White.
Nick says: Jive stars.
Daoiri Farrell – If Ever You Go To Dublin Town
Poetic champions compose.
Keeping the flame of traditional Irish music burning bright, Daoiri Farrell (top) and his trusty bouzouki serenade Patrick Kavanagh by Dublin’s Grand Canal.
The song is an old Kavanagh poem and evokes ye olde Baggotonia.
Nick says: Where old ghosts meet.
New Pagans – Harbour
Daydream nation believer.
Belfast post-punk indie darlings New Pagans will have old Sonic Youth fans rejoicing with the latest single from their new album The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots And All out now on the Big Scary Monsters label.
The artful video comes courtesy of the band’s Claire and Lyndsey.
Nick says: Finding my religion.
John Murry – Oscar Wilde (Came Here To Make Fun Of You)
My life as a doll.
The inimitable John Murry (top) is Kilkenny’s favourite adopted son and his new video is directed by the one and only Aidan Gillen, and features a striking life-size doll of the Mississippi-born singer.
Bonus points for the memorable title.
Nick says: A man of some importance.
Bk Pepper – Alerts
We hope you all enjoy the show.
I chose Dublin composer and virtuoso pianist Brian Pepper‘s Territories was one of my Top 10 albums of 2020. It’s tremendous.
And now there’s a striking new video for one of the pieces on the record – Alerts – directed by Hector Romero.
Nick says: A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
Thom Southern featuring Sonic Boom – Soul Singer
Boom at the top.
Belfast-born, Liverpool-based alt.rocker Thom Southern (top) teams up with legendary Spacemen 3 frontman Sonic Boom on his expansive new single.
It’s got a groove goin’ on.
Nick says: Southern star.
Soda Blonde – Small Talk
Blonde ambition.
Formed out of the ashes of Little Green Cars, electro-pop savants Soda Blonde have announced their new album Small Talk will be released by Velveteen Records on July 9 with a UK and Ireland tour penciled for August and September.
The sumptuous title track dropped today as the lead single.
Singer Faye O’Rourke (top left) writes:
“To put it simply, Small Talk is about life in our 20s. Every part of us is in here, both subliminally and literally. Lyrically, this record is like a collection of my flaws and insecurities. “They’re lingering awkwardly by the bar at a crowded social gathering, waiting to integrate with the wider world.”
Nick says: It’s good to talk.
