Interview: Naz & Ella

Having been charming our ears for some time now with their beautifully poignant creations, and having been guests on the radio show back in 2019, alt-folk duo Naz & Ella have now announced a new EP set for release this Spring.

Taken from the new EP, latest single ‘No (Doesn’t Mean Convince Me)’ reflects on the all-too resonant theme of sexual harassment whilst oozing a gritty, grunge-infused aura alongside the duo’s traditional folk-inspired musicality. Tinged with an eerie majesty with shades of grunge pioneers Alice In Chains, it’s a beautifully stirring offering, exuding a subtle, stark power.

We spoke to Naz and Ella to find out more about the song, their songwriting and inspirations, and what plans they have for the rest of the year…

Hi Naz & Ella, welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and what you do?
Hi Get In Her Ears! We are an alt-folk duo from north London and are currently in the process of releasing our second EP. Naz is the lead vocalist and Ella is lead guitarist, but we both sing and play guitar. Our music is sociopolitically focused and we’re currently transitioning from a more acoustic folky sound to something more post-punk and grunge influenced, whilst retaining some of the folk influence. Our sound is like The Cranberries meets Nirvana, with a dash of Simon & Garfunkel.

How did you both initially decide to start creating music together?
Naz: We met in our English class after our teacher made a new seating plan. We were 15 and I was starting a band and asked if Ella wanted to join – she said yes! We played together in a band for a few years but disbanded when everyone went off to uni, but Ella and I stayed in touch and continued making music as a duo. 

We love your gritty, folk-strewn sounds, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
We are inspired by all types of music, from traditional English folk to metal, but some of our current influences which have inspired our upcoming EP include The Cranberries, Nirvana, PJ Harvey, The Raveonettes, Marika Hackman and Big Thief.

You’ve just released your poignant new single ‘No (Doesn’t Mean Convince Me)’. Dealing with themes of sexual harassment and gender-based violence, it seems especially resonant right now. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to focus on this theme? 
Naz: It is especially resonant at the moment which is interesting. We’re glad people are talking more about this stuff because these conversations need to be had and we really need to start working together to make the world safer for everyone. In terms of this song specifically, the violation of women’s bodies and that of marginalised genders at the hands of cis-men is so normalised within society that we tend to just brush it under the carpet. I wanted to write something that addressed this bluntly. As a queer woman, I’ve had countless experiences on nights out – and I didn’t even go out much before COVID – where straight men would harass me. Telling them I’ve got a girlfriend made it worse because queer women are both fetishised and seen as a fun challenge or game because we “just haven’t met the right guy yet”, apparently. That’s where the initial inspiration came from for the song.

The powerful sound of the track seems a slight step away from some of your other material –  was this heavier sound intended to fit with the track’s subject matter? 
We’ve been experimenting with our sound for a while now, veering towards a grittier and slightly heavier sound. It was particularly fitting to go with a dark grungy feel for this track as we wanted to convey the intensity of the atmosphere in those situations, whilst through the melody and lyrics we wanted to get across holding onto or taking your power back.

The track is taken from your upcoming EP (DE)HUMANISE – are similarly poignant themes running throughout the collection? 
Absolutely – we have more personal songs about identity and autonomy on the EP: ‘Exotica’, which is a song about the exotification of women of colour, ‘Internalised’ which we released in February about overcoming internalised queerphobia and ‘We Are The Enemy’ which highlights the hypocrisy of speciesism. One of the messages we intend to convey in this EP is that for anyone who feels dehumanised, that they don’t have to tolerate it or participate in their own dehumanisation to comply with social norms.

As you know, we’re extremely dedicated to and in support of creating safe spaces for women and gender non conforming people at gigs. What more do you think can be done to help ensure safe environments and prevent the all-too-common instances of sexual harassment at events? 
The main way to prevent this type of behaviour is education from a young age. We hate to say it as we’d like to think it’s obvious, but unfortunately there are many instances where people don’t realise that their behaviour is threatening or considered sexual harassment or assault. However, this does not absolve people from taking responsibility for their behaviour. Perpetrators of this behaviour are usually men and we need more men willing to call out this behaviour and explain why it’s not okay, especially if it’s one of their own friends. Once this is normalised, perhaps gigs and clubs will be safer.

How have you been connecting with your audience and other musicians during the pandemic?
The main way we’ve been connecting with our audience is through social media. We’re kinda shy when it comes to social media, but we started using Instagram a bit more and recently decided to make use of the ‘Close Stories’ function to connect with people who want to see what we get up to behind the scenes, that we wouldn’t usually share on our main stories – that’s been quite fun! We’ve also been attending online talks and networking with other musicians in chats and groups – it’s been reassuring to hear about other peoples’ experiences during this time and learn from each other.

And has there been anything/anyone specific that has been inspiring you, or helping to motivate you, throughout these strange times?
Naz: One thing that really inspires me is discovering a song that makes me feel – it’s hard to explain! I’ve discovered so many cool artists over the past year or so – mostly post-punk and goth rock – and that’s really motivated me to push myself creatively. Music documentaries have also inspired us to create music. 
Ella: Setting up our home studio last summer and figuring out how to use Logic was a huge motivator as we had never recorded ourselves before and we really learnt a lot, and it helped having more spare time to do so. I also read a lot of music books, most recently ‘Revenge Of The She Punks by Vivien Goldman and Carrie Brownstein’s autobiography, which really motivates me.

As we’re a new music-focused site, are there any other upcoming artists that you’d recommend we check out?
Naz: So many! Los Angeles-based band Aurat who are darkwave/goth-influenced and sing in Urdu, grunge/pop-punk band Pinkshift from Baltimore, grunge band Passionless Pointless from Berlin and UK-based post-punk band Ghum.
Ella: We created a playlist which we update regularly with new artists we’ve discovered! Some recent additions include Belfast-based politically-minded rock band New Pagans, Leicester “sad punks” Kermes, London Dreamy grunge-pop Gold Baby, and Faultress whose music includes lots of layered harmonies and intricate sounds.

Finally, what does the rest of 2021 have in store for Naz & Ella?
Our EP (DE)HUMANISE is out on 7th May which we’re looking forward to! And we’re hoping to do a few gigs, so we can share the songs in real life. We have one gig booked so far this year which was rescheduled from last year for Colchester Pride on 28th August! A lot of our time is actually going to be spent rehearsing as our setup has totally changed – we have so much to learn with pedals and samples which is both a bit daunting, and also very exciting…

Massive thanks to Naz and Ella for answering our questions!

(DE)HUMANISE, the upcoming EP from Naz & Ella, is out 7th May.

Photo Credit: Poppy Marriott

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ALBUM: New Pagans – ‘The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All’

An intuitive rumination on the personal and the political, New Pagans’ debut album The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All is a gritty, deeply poetic consideration of inequality and social injustice. Released via Big Scary Monsters, the Belfast band’s first full length record dives into the paraphernalia surrounding religion, romance and women’s pain, and resurfaces having transformed these tired archetypes into aural talismans of strength and defiance.

Formed of Claire Miskimmin, Cahir O’Doherty, Conor McAuley and Lyndsey McDougall, New Pagans blend elements of post-punk, grunge and pop to explore internal & external conflict in their music. On their 2020 debut EP Glacial Erratic, the band crafted six abrasive, yet melodic tracks that have formed the foundation for their first full length record. With the addition of five new songs, The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All is a sharper, fully fleshed out vision that sees the band’s scathing, yet sensitive approach to song-writing flourish with defiant flair.

“The demand for perfection is disturbing,” sings vocalist Lyndsey on opener ‘It’s Darker’. Based on a real life confrontation she had at a party with an aggressive male musician, the track will strike a chord with anyone who has had their opinion publicly devalued. “Everyone’s looking and I’m upset” she reveals, working through the unsettling feeling of being spoken down to via relentless riffs and commanding percussion.

Informed by overheard conversations on a Belfast bus, ‘Charlie Has The Face Of a Saint’ flows with a stream-of-consciousness narrative. Throwaway phrases like “I’m doing my part” or “You’re easy to have when you’re down on your knees” float above the loud/quiet verse/chorus structure, with the conflicting voices unable to provide answers, they simply exist in the ether. The spiralling ‘I Could Die’ follows, with its manic riffs and urgent vocals, before the powerful ‘Bloody Soil’ breaks through. It feels like the soundtrack to a social uprising, with its intense riffs and chant-able chorus.

A tribute to the sister of artists William Butler and Jack Butler Yeats, ‘Lily Yeats’ is an aural confidence boost to the song’s protagonist, and to the women who need encouragement to step out of their brother’s shadows. “My daughter needs to know that she can do the same,” sings Lyndsey over erratic riffs and pummelling beats, before dual male/female vocals drive home the message that it’s everyone’s responsibility to amplify the volume of women’s stories.

Lyndsey’s sharp focus on weaving her own stories of pain, self-autonomy and motherhood with other historic female narratives is the lyrical lifeblood of the album. She allows her own joy, grief and frustration to run parallel to others, with the band’s driving rhythms creating a musical space for the resilience and strength of these women’s histories to shine through. Singles ‘Harbour’ and ‘Yellow Room’ epitomise this.

On ‘Harbour’, Lyndsey celebrates the joy and the struggle of her own pregnancy, while on ‘Yellow Room’ she unravels the conversations around women’s mental health and the lack of support that new mothers often receive. Inspired by Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s semi-autobiographical short-story The Yellow Wallpaper, ‘Yellow Room’ is a racing, urgent exploration of female isolation. Through the medium of Gilmans’ text, the band traverse these underlying doubts via crystalline vocals and charged, powerful riffs, challenging and updating the narrative around women’s mental health.

A humble, shimmering ode to the perseverance that’s needed to keep a long-term relationship going, the band’s treatment of love and its many faults on ‘Admire’ is far more romantic than any Valentine’s bouquet. “Let’s preserve our old ways / let’s preserve them always” sings Lyndsey, her voice floating above atmospheric guitars and swirling bass lines. The song builds to a cacophony of shoegaze noise, removing all sense of doubt about remaining faithful to your partner.

On ‘Ode To None’, the band rip up more outdated traditions of conventional storytelling, declaring “We’re the new pagans / dedicated to nurture”, while on the aspirational ‘Natural Beauty’, Lyndsey dismantles what it means to be an ambitious artist. It serves as a reminder to take your art seriously and to have confidence in your abilities, which is wonderfully expressed in the empowering sentiment: “It’s in her destiny to be better than you.”

A riotous, refreshing call for accountability and a take down of sexist double standards, ‘Christian Boys’ seethes with righteous fury against the unfair judgement of women who are involved with hypocritical men. Based on the experiences of Lyndsey’s friend – who had been having an affair with a Christian leader in Northern Ireland before his marriage to a virgin bride – The urgency in the repeated lyric “Christian boys are the worst I know / Christian girls should take it slow” exposes the hypocrisy underscoring the track’s narrative, calling out those who blame others for their own mistakes. It’s a powerful and necessary statement to close the record with.

On The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All, New Pagans uproot musical genres, challenge stunted narratives around social history, gender and relationships and manage to cultivate a powerful sonic resilience against them. It’s a hugely refreshing and impressive album that deserves all of the praise it’s received so far.

Order your copy of The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All here.

Follow New Pagans on bandcamp, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook & Spotify

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PLAYLIST: St. Patrick’s Day 2021

We know the option to publicly celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Ireland and here in the UK is currently not an option, but the Get In Her Ears team would like to help keep the virtual party going by spotlighting tunes from some of our favourite Irish artists on this epic playlist!

From slick rap verses, to dream-pop choruses, to post-punk bangers; our track choices provide a snapshot of just some of the talented Irish women and non-binary artists creating eclectic and exciting music right now. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of our Irish friends!

Take some time to scroll through the tracks below and make sure you hit play on the Spotify playlist at the end of this post.

 

HAVVK – ‘Home’
The first single to be taken from the new album (produced by Rocky O’Reilly) from GIHE faves, Dublin-based HAVVK, ‘Home’ is a stirring reflection on appreciating those closest to you. Propelled by a shimmering ethereal fuzz, the track showcases the soaring celestial majesty of front woman Julie’s vocals, as they float with an impassioned splendour over scuzzy hooks and a gritty, driving energy. Oozing the band’s own unique poignant grace, it’s a truly captivating soundscape. (Mari Lane)

Bitch Falcon – ‘Gaslight’
Is it even a GIHE playlist if I don’t include a Bitch Falcon track? The Dublin trio shared their immense debut album Staring At Clocks via Small Pond Records last year, and ‘Gaslight’ is my favourite track on the record. (Kate Crudgington)

New Pagans – ‘Yellow Room’
Inspired by the short-story The Yellow Wallpaper, by American feminist author Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Belfast’s New Pagans penned this track to highlight the need for a specialised parent-and-baby mental health unit in Northern Ireland. Through the medium of Gilmans’ text, the band channel their frustrations via clear, cathartic vocals, crashing percussion and charged, powerful riffs. I’m so excited to hear New Pagans’ debut album, The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All, when it’s released on 19th March. (KC)

M(h)aol – ‘Laundries’
A brooding reflection on the grim realities that “fallen women” faced in Ireland’s infamous Magdalene Laundries, this track from inter-sectional feminist post-punk band M(h)aol is a poignant reminder to Ireland and to the rest of the world that challenging oppression and misogyny is a collective responsibility. (KC)

Grave Goods – ‘Juice’
Sarah, Lois and Phil aka Grave Goods were kind enough to speak to me on our GIHE radio show last year about this track ‘Juice’, which features on an incredible compilation album of Irish artists called A Litany Of Failures: Vol. III. Definitely check it out. (KC)

Percolator – ‘Freshin’
Some serious noisy, shoegazey, alternative goodness from Dublin trio Percolator here. ‘Freshin’ is also featured on A Litany Of Failures: Vol. III. I should’ve just added the whole album tbh. (KC)

Pretty Happy – ‘Salami’
A raucous, wise-cracking anthem about the complexities of processed meat, ‘Salami’ is the latest single from Cork art-punk trio Pretty Happy. Full of sardonic lyrics, gutsy vocals and crashing percussion, it’s a ridiculously good off-kilter banger that rambles through the band’s many absurd thoughts and feelings about the pork-based snack. (KC)

Sprints – ‘Swimming’
Big thanks to The Irish Jam team for introducing me to Sprints! This is the latest single from the Dublin four-piece and I love its thumping beats, no nonsense vocals and raucous riffs. (KC)

Problem Patterns – ‘TERFs Out’
Mari & I absolutely love Belfast’s Problem Patterns, who happen to be some of the cutest and most ferocious punks we know. They’re dedicated to raging against inequality for all women and gender non-conforming people, and ‘TERFs Out’ is one many anthemic tracks showcasing their passion for this. When it’s safe to do so, we’re definitely going to book them for a GIHE gig! (KC)

Gender Chores – ‘Fuck The Patriarchy’
With a swirling, grunge-infused twang, this track from Belfast’s Gender Chores reminds me of DIY Riot Grrrl cassettes of the ‘90s, which is no bad thing. Taken from 2019’s immense, and fantastically entitled EP Womansplain, it’s short and sweet, but explicitly clear in its snarling, unashamed message to ‘Fuck The Patriarchy’. This track features on The Fight Is Not Over, a collaborative record addressing the need to continue pushing for more inclusive and diverse spaces in Northern Ireland. (ML)

Strange New Places – ‘Mr Gumble’
Propelled by a quirky, playful energy, ‘Mr Gumble’ addresses issues of gender dysphoria and the misconceptions that often surround sexuality. A catchy slice of power-punk from the Belfast band, they explain: “Mr Gumble is a uniquely transgender-tinted track, riffing on gender dysphoria and how it stops the narrator from having the confidence to pursue romantic relationships. This track also features on The Fight Is Not Over, a collaborative record addressing the need to continue pushing for more inclusive and diverse spaces in Northern Ireland. (ML)

Vulpynes – ‘Sister’
Having shared a stage with the likes of Sleaford Mods, Dublin duo Molly and Kaz – aka Vulpynes – have been firm favourites for a few years now. Last year’s ‘Sister’ is driven by swirling, reverb-strewn hooks, pounding primal beats and a raging energy; a fantastically fierce, empowered slice of ferocious rock magnificence. (ML)

Sister Ghost – ‘Bruised Fruit’
Previous winners of ‘Best Live Act’ at Northern Ireland’s Music Prize, Sister Ghost excel in creating scuzzy riffs with an impassioned, seething energy. With an underlying gritty power and the soaring raw power of the vocals, ‘Bruised Fruit’ is a wonderfully raucous example of what this band do best. This track features on The Fight Is Not Over, a collaborative record addressing the need to continue pushing for more inclusive and diverse spaces in Northern Ireland. (ML)

REWS – ‘Today We’re Warriors’
REWS’ Shauna Tohill was one of the first people I met when I started working in London six years ago. I was blown away by her incredible voice when she performed live on the first GIHE radio show I co-hosted, and I’ve been an avid REWS follower and friend of hers since then. Shauna is one of the kindest, most passionate people I know and I feel very lucky to have her in my life. Go and listen to her second album, We Are Warriors, it’s a cathartic burst of energetic pop-rock. (KC)

Kynsy – ‘The Elephant In The Room’
This is one of the four superb tracks that make up Dublin-based multi-instrumentalist Kynsy’s debut EP. Her succinct lyricism and jagged riffs offer fresh perspectives on everything from heartbreak, to pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, to partying too hard. I had a lovely chat with her for GIHE earlier this year and I was so impressed by her humble and direct approach to making music. (KC)

NewDad – ‘Slowly’
Galway-based dream-poppers NewDad are gearing up to release their debut EP Waves on the 26th March and I’m excited to flood my ears with their lush vocals and lucid guitar riffs. (KC)

Smoothboi Ezra – ‘My Own Person’
Smoothboi Ezra is an 18 year old songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Greystones. This song is about “not being happy but not being able to do anything about it” which is the over-riding sentiment for most of 2020/21. (KC)

Dott – ‘Extra Introvert’
A tender, buoyant guitar tune designed to playfully shake off the “Lockdown Anxiety” many of us have been dealing with throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Galway-based dream-poppers Dott provide a breath of fresh air on ‘Extra Introvert’. (KC)

Big Daisy – ‘Bee Mine’
A fuzzy guitar ode to those who embrace emotional labour in a relationship without hesitation, this track by Belfast four-piece Big Daisy features on charity compilation album Bangers & Breakups. It’s is a lo-fi appreciation of the selfless acts of love and support we receive in a relationship, even if past trauma makes us feel like we don’t deserve them. (KC)

PowPig – ‘Pretty Woman’
PowPig are Irish DIY at its best, I was totally blown away when I found out that they were still at school. ‘Pretty Woman’ is jam packed with indie harmonies and grizzly guitars. Loving it. Here’s to hearing more from them in the future. (Tash Walker)

Ailbhe Reddy – ‘Between Your Teeth’
A tentative rumination on the struggle to communicate your true feelings in a relationship, I love this track from Dublin alt-folk artist Ailbhe Reddy. Lifted from her beautiful debut album Personal History, she blends soft vocals with atmospheric guitars to overcome feelings of frustration and sadness on ‘Between Your Teeth’. (KC)

Aislinn Logan – ‘Never Stay Low’
An a lush little pop gem from Belfast-born, London-based artist Aislinn Logan here. ‘Never Stay Low’ is a breezy offering full of smooth vocals and shimmering synth sounds, designed to gently dismiss the weight of unfair expectations. (KC)

SPIDER – ‘Water Sign’
Dublin-born, London-based twenty-one year old SPIDER blends sultry electronics and brooding guitar riffs with her distinctive vocals to create her evocative sounds. Her focus is on how a track makes you feel – whether that’s a feeling of power, fluidity or chaos – and on ‘Water Sign’ she weaves these emotions into a cohesive, stirring electronic soundscape. Filled with atmospheric synth textures and heady beats, the track is inspired by the Goddess Olokun of the Nigerian bini tribe, who presides over the darkest depths of the ocean. (KC)

Elaine Malone – ‘You’ (1000 Beasts Remix)
A blissful lo-fi offering from two of Cork’s freshest talents, ‘You’ is a beaut collaboration between songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Elaine Malone and electronic artist & producer 1000 Beasts. Led by Malone’s original beguiling vocals and lullaby-esque lyrics, 1000 Beasts has tentatively transformed the track with his distinctive percussion, and the result is a magnetic soundscape that acts as an aural tonic. (KC)

Loah, Bantum – ‘NGLA’
A collaboration between Irish-Sierra Leonean songwriter Loah and Cork-based producer Bantum, ‘NGLA’ flows with sweeping rich vocals and a twinkling uplifting energy. Featuring on last year’s EP Sweet Sorrow, it fuses together elements of hip-hop, scuzzy electronica, and funk-fuelled neo-soul, creating an enlivening, smooth groove. (ML)

Cosha – ‘Do You Wanna Dance’
A previous favourite of mine Bonzai, now known as Cosha, teamed up with producer Rostam for this single ‘Do You Wanna Dance’. I’ve been keeping my ears and eyes peeled for their new music ever since. (TW)

Malibu Shark Attack – ‘Better Off As Friends’
An oldie but a goody, I just couldn’t not mention this completely infectious track from one of my favourite ever albums when thinking about the Irish music scene. A side project of Rocky O’Reilly’s, Malibu Shark Attack are a real ‘super group’ offering their own unique brand of transatlantic indie-rap. Consisting of Rocky, American rapper Tribe One, Belfast-based Bee Mick See and vocalist Yellowbridge, they’re responsible for one of the most joyous and memorable nights of live music I’ve ever had at The Windmill back in 2014.
Rocky O’Reilly has helped produce and elevate so many of our faves (including HAVVK, Problem Patterns, Queen Zee), offering a special space to record in his Belfast-based Start Together Studios, and is a real legend in the DIY Irish community. (ML)

Æ MAK – ‘Hey Driver (!)’
I love this single from Queen of lockdown kitsch-pop bangerz Æ MAK. ‘Hey Driver (!)’ is a vibrant, catchy tune made with “100% childsplay and solo belly laughs” with a dance routine that’s a joy to mimic. (KC)

CMAT – ‘Another Day (KFC)’
I think I fell in love with CMAT when she declared “I’d rather drink piss than drink Pepsi Max” during an Instagram Live challenge where she consumed 80 pieces of popcorn chicken. She’s released banger after banger over the last year, and I’m praying it’ll be safe to go and see her live at The Troubadour in November with Mel from The Irish Jam! (KC)

Denise Chaila – ‘Anseo’
Since falling in love with Denise Chaila’s unique style of hip-hop last year with the eclectic sounds of her debut album GO Bravely (which has since been nominated for Ireland’s Choice Music Prize), I have been pretty-much addicted. With flowing keys accompanied by her distinctive spoken-word vocal, ‘Anseo’ oozes a completely infectious groove and vibrant empowering energy, with an additional healthy serving of playful wit. The Zambian-born Limerick-based artist reflects on identity, borders and misogyny in her work, and – having recently been featured as ‘One To Watch’ by The Guardian – looks set for further success in 2021. (ML)

CAMI x LEEM – ‘Inside Out’
Working alongside producer LEEM, Dublin-based rapper CAMI has crafted this super trippy, laid back tune. Tash & I love this track and recommend that you check out CAMI’s latest single ‘Tipsy’ too. (KC)

Celaviedmai – ‘Reckless’
This BANGER from rapper Celaviedmai sets my ears on FIRE, it’s such an ANTHEM! I heard it for the first on The Irish Jam when Mel was interviewing Celaviedmai about her involvement with the Black Lives Matter movement in Galway last year. She’s an incredible artist and activist, and I can’t wait to hear more from her in the future. (KC)

YINYANG – ‘Bloodhound/Earthbound’
With her previous single ‘Black Mamba’ being awarded the title ‘Best Song In The World’ from Across The Line with BBC Radio Ulster last year, Irish hip-hop artist Lauren Hannan – aka YINYANG- has now blasted into our ears with immense new tune ‘Bloodhound/Earthbound’. With shades of GIHE fave Noga Erez, the track oozes a gritty energy as the angst-driven power of Hannan’s vocals seethe alongside attitude-fuelled glitchy beats, building with a soulful, soaring splendour. (ML)

Rachael Lavelle – ‘Perpetual Party’
Like many of the artists on this playlist, I discovered composer & Rachael Lavelle through listening to The Irish Jam radio show. ‘Perpetual Party’ sends shivers down my spine every time I listen to it. (KC)

Rising Damp – ‘Cannibal’
A creator of brutal yet captivating soundscapes, Dublin based artist Rising Damp contributed this track ‘Cannibal’ to A Litany Of Failures: Vol. III. Her dystopian visions are fleshed out with hypnotic electronics, dense drum beats and deadpan vocal delivery. (KC)

Hilary Woods – ‘Orange Tree’
I’m a big fan of everything Hilary Woods releases and was moved to distraction when I saw her perform live at St Pancras Old Church in London in 2018. This track ‘Orange Tree’ is taken from her incredible second album Birthmarks, which she released last year via Sacred Bones. (KC)

Fears – ‘vines’
Another poignant meditation on some of her darkest hours, Dublin-born London-based musician Fears aka Constance Keane penned her latest single ‘vines’ before she experienced a breakdown. Through her tentative beats and soft vocals, Fears taps into her pain and offers listeners a chance empathise and heal alongside her. I can’t wait to hear her debut album Oíche when it’s released on 7th May via her own label, TULLE. (KC)

Sive feat. Dowry – ‘Storybook Moon’
A collaboration between songwriter Sadhbh O’Sullivan – Sive – and string musician Éna Brennan – Dowry – ‘Storybook Moon’ is a twinkling slice of alt-folk. Written during a time when Sadhbh was suffering with insomnia, it’s a stirring offering that’ll captivate the ears with its delicate exquisite grace and deep, shimmering melancholy. (ML)

Maija Sofia – ‘Flowers’
Taken from a split 7” with Kerry Devine (The Baby Seals) that was released via Trapped Animal, ‘Flowers’ oozes an uplifting sparkling energy. With a nostalgic, lilting musicality it’s a truly enchanting listen propelled by beautiful folk-strewn melodies and Sofia’s rich, luscious vocals. (ML)

Tolü Makay – ‘Don’t Let Go’
This is an understated, beautifully soothing listen from Tolü Makay. The Nigerian-born, Ireland-based artist gently reassures her listeners to let go of their fears through her smooth vocals, tender lyricism and jazz inspired instrumentation. (KC)

Clara Byrne – ‘Conflict Bound’
A poignant reflection on the pressures and contradictions we encounter living under capitalism, ‘Conflict Bound’ is the debut single from Bray songwriter Clara Byrne. Lifted from her upcoming debut album Handstitched, Byrne finds refuge from these overwhelming thoughts via her atmospheric alt-folk guitar sounds and patient vocal delivery. (KC)

Party Fears – ‘Time In Space’
A gentle, hazy musing on trying to stay afloat in an unpredictable time, Northern Irish born, Berlin-based artist Party Fears aka Maggie Devlin is a firm favourite here at GIHE. Released via Babywoman Records, ‘Time in Space’ is an other-worldly offering that stretches the boundaries of self-perception, but in true Party Fears style it remains charmingly optimistic. (KC)

The Cranberries – ‘Dreams’
I couldn’t really not include The Cranberries on an Irish-themed playlist… In addition to being consistently moved by the heart-breaking, crystalline vocals of the late Dolores O’Riordan, throughout the past year’s many lockdowns, I have sought comfort in watching Derry Girls for the umpteenth time, which is perfectly soundtracked by the majority of The Cranberries’ back catalogue! (ML)

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Track Of The Day: The Paranoyds – ‘Egg Salad’

Following the release of 2019’s album Carnage Bargain and tracks such as ‘Pet Cemetery’ and ‘Hotel Celebrity’, LA four-piece, Staz, Laila, Lexi and David – aka The Paranoyds – have now shared a new video for album track ‘Egg Salad’.

Oozing a jangling post-punk scuzz fused together with a sunny surf-rock energy, ‘Egg Salad’ is filled with fuzzed-out hooks alongside the band’s trademark languid insouciant vocals. Propelled by a seething angst-fuelled drive, it juxtaposes poignant lyrical observations and a scathing wit with a compelling, playful musicality. Building in tempo throughout, a striking grunge-fuelled anthem is created, with shades of the raw grit of the likes of Courtney Barnett.

Of the band’s name, The Paranoyds explain:

“We’re living in the dystopian future. Our lives are completely tracked and programmed, our extension of ourselves is a handheld computer with a microphone and camera that stays on while were unaware, and, on top of everything, the extreme right is gaining continuous world power… What isn’t there to be paranoyd about?”

‘Egg Salad’ is accompanied by a brand new video depicting “the glitzy & glamorous world of a teenage girl who, after accidentally catching a beauty pageant on TV, dreams of her rise to stardom & subsequent downfall…” (director Nicole Stunwyck). Watch here:

 Carnage Bargain, The Paranoyds’ latest album, is out now via Suicide Squeeze. Listen here.

Mari Lane 
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Little Ghost

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