This week we're hearing loads of synth and guitar sounds, with a bit of trad-folk thrown in for good measure and a throwback to one of the biggest selling Irish albums of all time. For all the latest and greatest in Irish music, check out Irish Beats with Rob O'Connor every Sunday at 8pm on Beat 102-103. [Photo credit - Sam Hiscox]
SOAK
Last July
SOAK has announced their third album If I Never Know You Like This Again, which will be released on 20th May of this year. If the lead single Last July is a taster for the full record, we’re in for a treat!
Whozyerman?
The Year (…)
Whozyerman? is the musical alter-ego of Paul Savage, the former frontman of Choice Music Prize winners O Emperor. Taken from the album Blink, it’s a philosophical exploration set to a soundtrack of lo-fi synths and beats.
Thumper
Overbite
Thumper is one of the bands leading Ireland’s 21st century guitar sound. Their latest single Overbite is full of fuzzy tones that jump from loud to quiet to loud again. An absolute belter.
Clare Sands
Carry My Song
Fearless fiddler, bilingual singer, and multi-instrumentalist Clare Sands has just released an EP collecting her eclectic explorations of Ireland’s sights and sounds throughout 2021. The ‘Tírḋreacha agus Fuaimḋreacha’ (Landscapes & Soundscapes) EP is out now and features collaborations with Susan O’Neill, Tommy Sands, Brídín and Liam Ó Maonlaí.
Throwback: Damien Rice
Cannonball
O, the debut album from Damien Rice was released 20 years ago this week (1st Feb 2002). It went on to receive universal critical acclaim and sold over 2 million copies - a staggering amount for an independent record. O contained the single The Blowers Daughter, Volcano and Cannonball and tracks were featured in TV shows Lost, House and The Affair, as well as movies such as Closer and I, Am David.
To hear the likes of these tracks and more, listen to Irish Beats on Sundays at 8pm on Beat 102-103
