The Wha – Blue For You

Do you like guitars that go jangle?

Then you will love the new single by Kilkenny indie kids The Wha, which was recorded by legendary Smiths producer Stephen Street.

The video animation by Cameron West is a ray of sunshine too.

Singer Finn Cusack says:

“We were inspired by The Beatles ‘Yellow Submarine’ but wanted to put our own twist on it. Initially it started off as just a lyric video and then we got a bit carried away and then we ended up as cartoons.

“Abe from the band is a great illustrator and some of his sketches of the band made it into the video among locations from our hometown of Kilkenny.”

Nick says: Young Marble City giants.

The Wha

Paddy Goodwin and the Holy Ghosts – Jesus Is My Vaccine

A bluesy meditation on the strange times we are living in.

Paddy says:

“Plague Doctors played a significant part in spreading, not curing , the plague during the Middle Ages. Certainty in Ignorance was a significant problem both then and now…”

Video by Enda Whyte and artwork by Conor Casby.

Nick says: A religious experience.

Paddy Goodwin And The Holy Ghosts

Cormac O Caoimh – Swim Crawl Walk Run Ride Drive Fly

Bright and breezy is the title track from Cork singer/songwriter Cormac O Caiomh’s new album, with echoes of Simon & Garfunkel and Nick Drake.

Here’s a talent that deserves much wider exposure.

Nick says: Going swimmingly.

Cormac O Caoimh

Lugosi – The Owls

Hoot sweet.

Dublin rockers Lugosi take David Lynch as an inspiration for this single from their album Rise From The Grave.

JM Burr, Jimmy Rooney, Neal Wright and Alan Morton turn the heat up on Bohemian Grove and Masonic rituals in Angel Croitor’s video.

Nick says: Owl at the moon.

Lugosi

Soda Blonde – June

It’s not easy for bands to keep their creative juices flowing while sheltering in place.

But Soda Blonde have shown us just how. Faye O’Rourke and friends hurdle over the logistical problems to produce a bittersweet hymn to resilience during lockdown.

The 4-song EP ‘isolation – content’ (top) is now available on bandcamp.

Nick says: Faye of hope.

Soda Blonde

Shona Blake – Daughter

O mama.

Clare singer/songwriter Shona Blake (top) is a bit special.

This ode to her daughter has the depth and feel of Tim Buckley and Shona’s voice is as pure and true as Judy Collins.

Paul McCabe adds sensitive guitar.

The video is the perfect fit too.

More please.

Nick says: Blake’s heaven.

Shona Blake

Owen Denvir – This Could Be Love

Even better than the rail thing.

Belfast singer/songwriter Owen Denvir (top) takes us on a high-speed train journey for his new lyric video.

Taken from his new Stones EP (released May 29), Owen recorded all the parts himself in his home studio during lockdown.

Nick says: Love on the tracks.

Owen Denvir

Earlier: A New Age of The Train