Swedish Railway Orchestra – Brendan Gleeson
Action!
One of Ireland’s leading DJs and dance gurus Rob Smith pays tribute to one of our finest actors (top) with a pulsating floor-filler that has a distinct ’90s feel to it.
Taken from SRO’s self-titled album, due later this month.
The video is directed by Barry B. Bulletbelt.
Nick says: The Brendan voyage.
Pic: Rollingnews
Elaine Mai – Somewhere Else
There’s room for two up on the roof.
The Irish queen of electronica follows her star turn on the Irish Women In Harmony’s chart-topping cover of Dreams with a soulful and brooding single that burns slowly.
Elaine says:
“This song is about that feeling of not belonging and everything that comes with that. I think most of us have felt that way at some point, especially growing up.
“For me, this song captures that sadness and uncertainty, but there’s also a feeling of hope in it, a feeling that things are going to get better.”
The visuals are by HearOne, One Productions.
Nick says: Mai day.
Brian Houston – Ivory Tower
Sometimes home truths need to be said.
Belfast singer/songwriter Brian Houston (top) goes for the jugular with brutal honesty on his new single.
Brian says:
“Naked and bare, trembling but unafraid, Ivory Tower is a fragile tale of unrequited love and betrayal. A simple story that says so much in a few lines.”
Nick says: Tower of song.
Nicha – Devices
Log out, turn off, step back.
That’s the message of the debut single by Nicha (top), a 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Holywood, County Down.
A commentary on the negative aspects of social media and our growing obsession with our smartphones, Nicha takes inspiration from the likes of Moloko and Bonobo.
Nick says: The star of the County Down.
Clodagh – You Got Me
Ready to jump on the soulful pop train?
Born in Rhode Island, USA, but long a native of Macroom, County Cork, Clodagh’s new single is a polished gem with an arty lyric video by Tara Murphy.
Clodagh (top) says:
“You Got Me is about growing as a person and the struggle that can present when you have to let people go in life, that feeling of people being infatuated by a person that you shouldn’t and resisting temptations.”
Nick says: Macroom at the top.
BECAH – Forget
Breaking up is hard to do.
That’s the message of the new single by BECAH, a promising young singer/songwriter from Lurgan, County Armagh.
BECAH says:
“Forget’ tells the story of a messy break-up. It reflects on how one person in the relationship can be left still loving the other, whilst having to accept its bitter end and making that difficult return back to the strangers you once were.”
Nick says: A Northern star is born.
My Sweet Beloved – The Invitation
Who could refuse an offer like this?
Former Skindive singer Danielle Harrison Byrne (top) rises like a phoenix from the flames with her new band My Sweet Beloved.
Alongside band members Derek Byrne, Anton Hegarty and Dan Devlin, Danielle creates a haunting soundscape that grips the listener from the first note on this first single from their forthcoming self-titled album.
The atmospheric nocturnal video is by Laura Sheeran and Danielle.
Nick says: Invitation accepted.
Kooskoos – Connie
“sup?
This heartfelt requiem for a dear departed pooch may bring a tear to your eye.
Singer and multi-instrumentalist Topher Joe and guitarist Jordie Sunshine remember the much missed golden retriever with a rousing anthem and a poignant video to match.
Nick says: Paws for thought.
Quinn – Trespasser
How to ward off intrusive, negative thoughts.
That’s the theme of Belfast songsmith Quinn’s memorable debut single which wraps an important message in a naggingly catchy melody.
Quinn (top) says:
“Trespasser aims to be a hard-hitting message about mental health. If you have negative thoughts that trespass on self-image, self-esteem or everyday life, do not listen to those trespassing thoughts!”
Nick says: You ain’t heard nothing like the mighty Quinn.
Jack Devlin – Summer
“Are you ready for summer?” asks County Down singer/songwriter Jack Devlin (top) on his debut single.
With echoes of Jeff Buckley and Paolo Nutini, the 21-year-old can certainly hit the high notes.
Jack says:
“This song is about how life carries you through the years, how things within life evolve, drafting moments and memories from past summers and admiring the future in those moments of euphoria.”
Nick says: Seasoned.
