Every so often here at Goldenplec we do a round up of some new Irish releases about to hit your earholes, here’s this week’s edition:
The Aftermath: Lost Possession
Taken from their second album, ‘Lost Possession’ is an uptempo track with a flavour of Brit popness that tinges The Aftermath’s sound. Production on this drum driven track is top notch and after a few listens, it’s is a definite grower. The Band have a knack of writing memorable lyrics and along with Johnny Cronin’s distinctive vocal style, make this one to watch out for.
John, Shelly and The Creatures: Fools
The new single ‘Fools’, shows another side to John, Shelly and The Creatures. It’s rockier than ‘Long May You Reign’, the music from ad from the Northern Irish tourist board and proves they’re more than a one trick pony. ‘Fools’ shows JSATC as a tight well produced act with good musicianship. It also features a bass/drum combo that tip a hat at U2’s “Where the street have no name’. For a band starting out they are building up a good repertoire.
Eleanor McEvoy: Look Like Me
‘Look Like Me’ is the new single, taken from McEvoy’s eighth album ‘I’d Rather Go Blonde’. McEvoy takes her brand of folk and mixes it up with minimalist but very effective production, drumbeats and the sound of plucked violin strings, giving the track a playful feel. McEvoy’s lyrics and vocals are as charming as ever, catchy as hell. One of Ireland’s underrated talents.
Gavin Mulhall: Surrender to Reason
Dublin based Gavin Mulhall releases ‘Surrender to Reason’ on September 10th. Although he’s a singer-songwriter the track has a band feel and an almost Duran Duran ‘Ordinary World’ vibe, helped along by a subtle bass line and quirky sparse effects. Good harmonies and production make this stand equal with many ‘signed’ counterparts. At 4.47 ‘Surrender to Reason’ may be a tad long for radio but given the structure and style, a radio edit shouldn’t make the track suffer.
Frantic Jack: Hold On
This is the third single from Offaly band Frantic Jack, following two previous chart successes. The track intro builds up from a simple guitar riff and gravel vocals, reminiscent of Counting Crows. It’s a well structured track with good production and is the best we’ve heard from the band so far. Good melody and memorable chorus, it’s polished, professional sounding and stands head and shoulders above their previous releases.