Jinx Lennon – North Louth
Please be seated for the Wee County’s premier punk-poet.
Jinx Lennon (top) takes no prisoners on this Spitfire-tirade about the Louth hinterlands from his wonderfully named new album Border Schizo Fffolk Songs For The Fucked.
Mark E Smith is smiling down from above.
Nick says: Louth and proud.
Nealo & Uly – You Can’t Go Home Again
Smooth.
Dublin hip-hop acolyte Nealo (top) and his friend Uly’s collaboration displays a great contrast in vocal styles over a slinky, soulful tune which can be found on Nealo’s forthcoming debut album.
Nealo explains:
“You Can’t Go Home Again is about leaving. It’s a song about missing both a person that you love, and a city that you love. No one stands untouched by emigration. We have all left cities and friends behind, or have had friends leave in search of a better life, an adventure, or a future for themselves.
“This one is an ode to the people and cities that I had to leave behind, and that each time I left, I never felt like I was the same person after. Everything changes with the miles and years.”
The video is directed by Bobby Zithelo.
Nick says: Home truths.
Luan Parle – The Ghost Of Martha
If you enjoy spooky ghost stories, you’ll love Wicklow singer Luan Parle’s new single.
Told with aplomb over a gorgeous Gretsch twang, this is a supernatural born thriller.
The album Never Say Goodbye is available on 180mg white vinyl from Luan’s website.
Nick says: I ain’t afraid of no ghost.
Miles Graham – Give It Up Now
Fancy a slow-motion jog around Dublin?
Then Peter Cooney‘s video for Miles Graham’s new single will be right up your street.
The song, from his new EP All The Right Things, was chosen by Bank of Ireland to feature in their TV and radio ads.
Miles (top) says:
“Give It Up Now is about being free of the turmoil that comes with antagonism. It has conversational lyrics that give a fly-on-the-wall insight to break-up.”
Nick says: Take it to the bank.
Together Animals – Kings And Queens
“We were kings and queens; we were idols.”
The second single from the forthcoming debut EP by Together Animals (comprising Dave, Chris, Hank and Paul) is an amped-up rocker that has an important message about melancholy and redemption.
The thought-provoking video features “a King and Queen leaving their castle behind them as they wander through a dangerous wilderness, plagued by dark forces and lost souls”.
Nick says: Animals magnetism.
Kynsy – Cold Blue Light
Not so fast, Eddie.
Dublin newcomer Kynsy aka Ciara Lindsey (top) delivers some harsh truths to an ageing lech on her new single.
The 23-year-old songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer has performed at Other Voices Music Trail and Ireland Music Week.
Nick says: The Kynsy report.
God Knows featuring MuRli and BONY – We Move The Needl
Limerick-based rapper God Knows (top) and friends give their take on recent events on the first single from the forthcoming Who’s Asking, Vol 2 EP.
The video is directed by Stephen Hall of Hallway Media.
God Knows says:
“The essence of hip-hop was there as a result of the art made by the lads in Cork as a response to what’s going on in the world.”
Nick says: Fear of a Limerick planet.
James Shannon featuring Lisa Dooner – Self Love
The party’s over.
There are shades of The Streets and Frank Ocean as rapper James Shannon (top) experiences writer’s block on this track from his new album The Night Before The Morning After.
The video was directed and edited by Ciarán McGrath.
Nick says: Love hurts.
Banyah – Watch You Go
Together in electro dreams.
Pop duo Paul and Aisling Jarvis (top) knock it out of the park with their new single.
Banyah say:
“Watch You Go itself is a song about complicated relationships and heartache; Aisling and Paul both pulling influences from their past experiences. Whether it be romantic or platonic, love has many grey areas.”
Nick says: Romantica.
The DC Experiment – Come On
Don’t let the lockdown get you down.
That’s the message from The DC Experiment, who wrote and recorded this ska-influenced call to arms in various locations remotely.
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Conway (top) was joined by Robbie Stanley (bass), Paul Maguire (guitars) and Kirk Ricketts (sax).
Dave says:
“The song celebrates the coming together of musician friends using new found technology to creatively collaborate in both audio and video formats.”
The song is available at bandcamp and the usual digital platforms.
Nick says: The ska’s the limit.
