Niall Byrne (aka. ) joined Rigsy and Stu to talk new music including:
– Le Club
Niall: “It’s finally about to come out next week on their album…I’m looking forward to hearing it.”
– Logical Love
Niall: “They are a Dublin six piece…this is from their second album and, where their first album was kind of folky and indie, this is much more starry eyed…a bit more funk going on…and quite escapist as well.”
– Firewalk
Stuart: “She was in the final of The Big Music Project…the only Northern Irish contender. She’s from Draperstown and has been having a lot of help and encouragement from Paddy Glasgow and The Cornstore project up there. I think musically she’s been going in different directions and trying out new things…but her assurance and her presence is already well established.”
– Courage
Niall: “It’s the third album from Conor O’Brien and I think for me it might be the most important. Primarily because, as a songwriter, he’s addressing things about himself…and the whole album is entirely stripped back. For me, it might be his best album yet.”
Rigsy: “It’s incredible really.”
Stuart: “I can just feel the pain in those songs without knowing about his own context…there are moments that just reach out and grab you.”
Colour Canyon - Open Your Heart
Niall: “So to tie in with Record Store Day, this is the fourth iteration of this ‘Record Store Gay’ event…basically it’s a compilation that’s put together by a guy called Andy Walsh from Dublin and he asks bands to do covers. You may know the original is by The Human League.”
– Black Palace
Niall: “Leo Drezden are a band from Wicklow who just released their debut album and that’s a live version from Smalltown America in Derry. I guess the band is a bit jazzy, some cinematic influences as well. They’re a really interesting band…furthering and continuing Ireland’s penchant for instrumental rock music.”
– Goji Berry Sunset
Stuart: “To be that good and that nonchalant at that age and writing those great lyrics…it’s just so impressive, and I just think it’s all to go for now. Sounds a little bit like Mouldy Peaches or Feist, but just brilliant.”
Rigsy: “This is just remarkable…and the whole EP is incredible as well…what potential.”