Thanks Brother – Call It Love

Looks like Tony Bennett wasn’t the only one who left his heart in San Francisco.

The new song from Roisin O (top left) and John Broe (top right) aka Thanks Brother is a love-gone-wrong tale with a video shot while on tour in the US including panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the shining West Coast city by the bay.

Call It Love features on the duo’s new debut EP.

You can catch them live tomorrow night in Dundalk’s Spirit Store with Ham Sandwich; in Galway’s Roisin Dubh on December 5; and supporting The Coronas in Killarney INEC on December 29.

Nick says: Thanks, Thanks Brother.

Thanks Brother

Pic: Miguel Ruiz

Amy Ellen – My Heart

A lesson from the school of rock.

Dublin-based singer/songwriter Amy Ellen (top) joins forces here with her fellow students from the BIMM music school to create a compelling cri de coeur.

The video was shot in Dublin’s Displace Studios as part of the Gust Sessions.

The song is now available on all major streaming platforms, and Amy is set to release her debut EP next year.

Nick says: Top of the class.

Amy Ellen

The Darkling Air – Octogenarian Mermaid

Fancy a swim?

Then dive in to the new video by Northern Irish duo Rachel McCarthy (top left) and Michael Keeney (top right) aka The Darkling Air.

Based in Bangor, County Down, the Darkling Air have teamed up with the Arco String Quartet to produce lyrical chamber pop par excellence.

Rachel, who filmed and edited the video, was inspired by the healing power of swimming in Belfast Lough and her convivial chats with fellow waders.

Their second album Ancestor is out this month.

Nick says: The craic was 80.

The Darkling Air

Moogle – Fighting For You

Moogle is Dublin singer/songwriter Michael O’Connor and his new single is a slow-burning acoustic ballad that wears its heart on its sleeve.

Recorded in Darklands Audio it features Daniel Doherty on drums.

The animated lyric video was directed by Muhammad Ahmed.

Nick says: Moogle it.

Moogle

Previously: Moogle on Broadsheet

Aodán Coyne – Honey Wine

We get by with a little help from our friends.

That’s the message behind the new single from folk-pop singer/songwriter Aodán Coyne.

Hailing from Ennis, County Clare, Coyne’s second album Gaps Between Stars (top) is released today with a launch show in The Sanctuary in Ennis, County Clare tonight.

Aodan also regularly tours with his band Socks In The Frying Pan.

Aodán says:

“Honey Wine is a song which recalls the best times spent with the best friends, those amazingly good days spent playing music, laughing, drinking and sharing memories around West Clare.

“Some of those friends are now living their own lives abroad. Others have since tragically died to suicide. These friends influenced my life choices, be it with pursuing music as a career or simply soaking up the juice of everyday life.

“The key takeaway is about cherishing those happy memories that you still have.”

Nick says: Honey talks.

Aodán Coyne

Monster, monster!

Shimmering pop duo Frankenstein Bolts play the first of two shows in Mackens Bar in their home town of Wexford this evening.

Justin Cullen (centre pic left) and Dan Comerford right) have mastered a smooth chilled-out sound that is just begging to be played on the radio.

Tonight the Bolts play their first album Slow Season right through and tomorrow night they perform their 2017 album Aglow & Spark right through.

Go South-East, young man.

Nick says: There’s a thriller on the loose.

Frankenstein Bolts

Soda Blonde – Terrible Hands

Welcome to the strange new world of Soda Blonde.

Born out if the ashes of Little Green Cars, the Dublin alt.pop stylists return with an enigmatic video directed by the band’s own Adam O’Regan.

Front and centre is Faye O’Rourke (top) who stars as a glamorous lounge singer.

The band play Galway Roisin Dubh on November 23; Limerick Dolan’s, 29; Belfast Black Box, December 6; and Dublin Whelan’s, December 15 and 16.

Nick says: Delicious Soda pop.

Soda Blonde

Orla Gartland – Figure It Out

Lyric videos are all the rage – but here’s one that offers an innovative new twist.

Director Ryan O’Connor projects the deeply felt words of Orla Gartland’s new single onto the back of her head.

It’s a simple but clever way of illustrating the message in the song: in case it’s not clear, now you can literally read my mind.

The London-based YouTube star (top) returns to her hometown to play a not-to-be-missed headlining show in Whelan’s of Wexford St, Dublin 2, tonight at 9pm.

Nick says: Breaking up is hard to view.

Orla Gartland

Odd Morris – Lilac Leaves

Odd Morris have hit a purple patch with their new single Lilac Leaves.

Joining the dots between Joy Division and Interpol, the band from Swords, County Dublin, have honed a moody, introspective sound that fits well with singer Daragh Griffin’s thoughtful lyrics.

The video is directed and edited by Cashmere Media.

Odd Morris play Whelan’s, Wexford Street, Dublin 2 on January 31.

Nick says: Morris major.

Old Morris

David Rooney – Home

Wait for it…

Sung and drawn by Wicklow-based illustrator and musician David Rooney, who writes:

I am better known as a visual artist but have in recent years released my debut album produced by Declan O’Rourke and now I’m working with God is an Astronaut’s Torsten Kinsella.

This is the first single with Torsten as producer and features Susan O’Neill on harmony vocals and Floriane Blancke on harp.

Watch to the end for a surprise ending!

Nick says: I’m strangely drawn.

David Rooney