Barry McCormack – You Will Understand, In Time
Paranoia in the key of E.
Our surreptitious, shadowy surveillance culture is explored with a droll sense of humour in the new video by former Jubilee Allstars guitarist Barry McCormack (top).
Taken from last year’s album Mean Time, the promo was shot in Helsinki, Finland and Killiney, County Dublin and edited by Raymond Beggan.
Nick says: Start following Barry.
ELM – Golden
This morning.
Fluffybiscuits writes:
Heavy rumours this (above) is the Irish Eurovision 2020 entry
It’s Tropical House lite..think Years and Years live in the Caribbean…
Nick says: it’s a douzy.
Monday: The Smell Of Victory?
Update:
We hit a very beautiful #Eurovision milestone today. Team Ireland is not playing about. We are here to COMPETE. 👊🏻🇮🇪🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/pQDK8aELQm
— Philly McMahon (@McMahonPhilly) February 20, 2020
Frank writes:
Pink? I hope it’s not a flamingo, we’ve already sent a turkey…Latest Eurovision fan rumour is that Wicklow-based FLAVIA will sing our 2020 entry!
More as we get it.
Video Blue – What Have You Got
And relax.
Video Blue is the musical project of Jim O’Donoghue Martin (top) from Dundalk, County Louth, and based in Hackney, east London.
In Freddie Leyden’s video, Jim larks about in a dinosaur costume, holding balloons that read Breathe Easy.
It’s a spoken word piece that circles around themes of anxiety and self-care with a smart ambient electronica soundtrack.
Look out for the forthcoming album Night Painting.
Nick says: Blue is the warmest colour.
State Lights – Let You Go
Size matters.
That’s why this big emotional synth-rock anthem works so well. It reaches for the sky.
Singer Shobsy (second left) gives it socks and is ably assisted by, from left: Joe Regan (guitar), Paul Ridgeway (drums) and Noel Perry (bass).
The song is released as a double ‘A’-side alongside their cover of The Blue Nile’s Tinseltown In The Rain (great choice, lads).
The video by Paul Barnes was shot partly on Sandymount Strand, Dublin 4.
The band, who met at the BIMM music college, play the Button Factory, Dublin, on April 25.
Nick says: State of the art.
Ryan McMullan – Ruthless Cupid
Cometh the arrow, cometh the man.
Ryan McMullan (top) quivers at the mythological matchmaker on the title track of his new EP.
The singer from Portaferry, County Down, says:
“These songs reflect a handful of times where it felt like Cupid has been toying with me. Amusing himself by throwing me into situations where I’m either out of my depth, hoping for reconciliation, or unable to escape the truth that even at the end, I’m still holding on to even the worst of my attempts at love.”
You can catch Ryan live on his Irish tour in May.
Nick says: A fine romance.
The Remedy Club – I Got You
Irish Americana never sounded so good.
Husband-and-wife duo KJ McEvoy and Aileen Mythen aka The Remedy Club deliver a heartfelt hymn to romance on the new single from their second album True Hand True Heart, due on March 27.
Recorded in Nashville with pristine production from Ray Kennedy, the song features guest appearances by Lex Price on bass and Lynn Williams on drums.
Catch them live at The Crown, Wexford, on March 27.
Nick says: Cultured Club.
Meabh O’Leary – Beatha (Life)
For your consideration.
A too-short, gorgeously cinematic orchestral instrumental by Dublin-based composer Meabh O’Leary
Spring is nearly here!
Previously: For Your Consideration: Meadbh O’Leary
Free tomorrow?
Dublin indie guitar supremos The Dinah Brand (Top) play a free gig in the newly sprung Bloody Marys bar on South William Street in the capital on Saturday night.
Support comes from Oh Boland and Johnson.
Formed from former members of Pet Lamb, Jackbeast and Legion Of Two, The Dinah Brand’s 2019 album Thank You Driver was a hit with the critics.
Their most recent video (above) was directed by Brendan Talbot.
Nick says: I’m with the Brand.
Marty Mone – Truck And Roll
Fancy a road trip?
Then climb in to Marty Mone’s big red rig and take in the sights of the open road.
Imagine a cross between The Saw Doctors and Smokey And The Bandit (1977) and you’re nearly there.
The press blurb says:
“It’s a compelling summary of the ups-and-downs of a working-class touring musician, but also a look into the life of what happens in between — going to truck shows and exploring the countryside in his Scania R580.”
The journey in the video saw Marty – a native of Castleblayney, County Monaghan – burn 50,000 miles of rubber.
Nick says: Wheels of fortune.
Ultan Conlon – Sparks Of The Divine
Do you wanna dance?
Then here’s some moves to practise in the video for Ultan Conlon‘s new single as Julia and Varun get jiggy with it.
It’s the first taster from his forthcoming fourth album There’s A Waltz which was recorded in Los Angeles with top session players.
Catch Ultan live on Sunday at the Black Gate Cultural Centre in Galway.
Nick says: A holy show.
