Ailbhe Reddy describes ‘Kiss Big’ as a breakup record that covers the ‘liminal space where you’re equal parts sad, hopeful, terrified and probably a bit delusional. Written between Dublin, London, New York and the American Midwest, it’s an honest account of a confusing and emotional time. ‘Align’ is a slow-burning, electro-tinged opening to the album…
Cork’s rising stars Cardinals have shared ‘I Like You’ ahead of the release of their debut album ‘Masquerade’ on 13 February bus So Young Records With an accordion at its core and Conor Oberst-esque angst around the edges , there’s a traditional and anthemic feel to the song – coming across as the love child…
Following shows with Adore, US Girls and The Belair LipBombs, Dublin-based duo Burglar have shared new single ‘Lovey’. Originally written a week after Eduardo Pinheiro went through a break-up, he revisited the words a year later by commenting on the embarrassing first thoughts – although there’s an underlying tenderness shining through the Tigers Jaw-esque soundtrack:…
Dominie Hooper has shared a live performance video of ‘No Name’, one of the highlights of her phenomenal debut album ‘In This Body Lives’ (out now on Lost Map Records). Recorded at the Goods Shed, Stroud with her band, ‘No Name’ flits between avant-garde folk, agit pop and Arab Strap-style experimentation as Dominie declares ‘You…
Bleech 9:3 have shared their third single ‘Cannonball’, a song that vocalist and guitarist Baz Quinlan says is ‘a reflection of how bad worship in the form of a lover has made life itself into something else’. Starting with shoegazey guitar hooks before morphing into something heavier in the vein of Oceansize, it finds Baz…
Nottingham trio Bloodworm have shared ‘Bloodlust’ ahead of an extensive tour of the UK supporting Suede – after being personally invited by guitarist Richard Oakes after he caught one of their London shows. With a devilishly brooding bass line and darkly tinged lyrics – ‘You come for me, I’ll come for you’ – this is…
London punks Rifle have unleashed their debut record, with its focus on giving a voice to the working class who are all too often ignored in the current, divisive climate. ‘Rifle’ opens the record and with the same name as both the band and the album, it’s a frenetic and focuses statement of intent –…
Mirah has shared ‘After the Rain, her first single in seven years and first to be taken from upcoming seventh album ‘Dedication’, which will be released via Double Double Whammy and Absolute Magnitude on 20 February, 2026. Covering a turbulent time in her life that included relationship worries and a bout of writer’s block, the…
Halifax-based singer-songwriter Ellur has shared ‘Dream of Mine’ ahead of the release of debut album ‘At Home in My Mind’ via Dance to the Radio on 6 February, 2026. A song about ‘feeling selfish for wanting to pursue a career that requires a lot of sacrifices’, it finds Ellur ruminating on the insecurities that come…
The Reds, Pinks & Purples have returned with ‘New Leaf, a suitably restrained slice of melancholic indie rock that finds Glenn Donaldson in wistful mood: ‘Between the earth and the sea, always a mystery, always unknown’. There’s a touch of The National in the atmospheric guitar work while gothic undertones add an expertly pitched uneasiness.
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