CD Reviews
David Punch - In This Together (single)
Lloyd John - Time Machine (single)
Lloyd John is a 19 year old singer/songwriter/pianist/producer from Limerick newly living in Cork city to study music full time in Cork School of Music. He started his music journey at a young age but only released his debut single Forget in October 2018 followed by his first headline show in Castletroy Park Hotel in Limerick. He has recently done his Cork debut in Cyprus Avenue with his 4 piece band.
Greg Clifford - Open Fire (EP )
Greg Clifford is a Dublin based independent musician. His style is an authentic synthesis of Indie-pop rock fused with electronic aspects and 'classical' guitar fingerpicking. 2017 saw Clifford release a new LP entitled Quodlibet, as well as play 17 gigs across Ireland as part of a 3-act showcase called the 'Back to Basics' Tour.
Aside from his solo endeavors, Clifford works as a session musician, producer and arranger. He has also toured internationally with a classical guitar ensemble, scored for the RTE Concert Orchestra and holds a Masters in contemporary composition.
Robb Murphy - Choose Your World (single)
Belfast’s Robb Murphy brings his devilishly sexy signature style to all of his adventures in the music scene. He is an Irish singer-songwriter whose journey has taken him far and wide to hone his craft as a master storyteller. Robb’s solo career began with the recording of his internationally acclaimed debut album Take A Stand, officially released in April 2012. His 2nd studio album, Sleep Tonight launched in March of 2015 and has kept him busy with radio, TV and live performances. Recent successes include a variety of sessions, festivals and competitions; 4 successful tours of The Netherlands, a feature on BBC Two, The Arts Show and appearances at the Belfast-Nashville Songwriters Festival to name a few.
Little Butler - Little Butler (EP)
Little Butler is a singer/songwriter from County Meath, Ireland. He has played shows throughout Ireland as well as UK, America, New Zealand, Australia and Japan. Having traveled to Adelaide, Australia in 2017 to begin recording his debut EP, it was here he teamed up with renowned producer and mix engineer, Mick Wordley in Mix Masters Studios. During January, February and March of 2018, the Little Butler EP was recorded with the help of local Adelaide musicians, Kelly Menhennet, Chris Parkes, Julien Ferraretto and Richard Coates. The Irish proverb, “Music is what emotions sound like” really is something that can be found in Little Butler’s lyrics and music and the EP is something that will surely pull the heart strings of the listener.
Strings & Things - Jigtime (single)
Strings & Things are a four-piece neo-trad band based in Tipperary with one member in Galway who meld genres of rock, folk, pop, and trad to create their unique sound. They have been entertaining the audiences with energetic live performances, a huge repertoire of traditional music, and thoughtful, innovative original music. Now they release their first single “Jigtime” off there highly anticipated second original album dubbed “The Unsolicited Dance” which is due for release later on in the year. Jigtime” started as a poem by Ethel Mongey, mother of band member Sean, who approached the band and asked them to put music to the poem. The poem is about the unconditional love of a mother for her children, and a mother's realization that her kids are growing up and don't need their parents as much. The band is currently managed by Impact Promotions Ireland.
Soda Blonde - Isolation - Content (EP)
Joe S - The Lockdown (Stay With Me) (single)
Joe S is the self-proclaimed Anti-Folk artist from Co.Laios, Ireland. He played a show 150 feet undergournd in Mitchelsotwn Cave in April 2018, released the Kings & Kaisers EP in February 2017, supported Mundy at the 2016 Ourland Festival and also was the youngest ever performer at the festival, as well as headlining some of Ireland's most prestigious venues such as Whelan's, The Sugar Club and the Roisín Dubh. Joe S has three previous studio releases under his belt including his ethereal 2019 single The Mountain, which featured a beautiful Irish Sign Language interpretation by the Midlands ISL Learners Choir in its video. He has spent the current Covid-19 crisis recording his latest single The Lockdown (Stay With Me) as well as its accompanying music video.
Kooskoos - Connie (single)
Leave a generous helping of pop music to simmer for eight decades and stir through with a crooner harmony, serve with a cold pint of your choice. Since 2018, the band has been about providing soulful tunes to the Belfast public. Comprising of a two-piece – Topher Joe and his guitarist Jordie Sunshine (Dandelion Tea). The band has featured regularly in venues such as The Dirty Onion, and also helps charities such as MACS Supporting Children & Young People. Now, Topher is letting his creative side shine. KOOSKOOS is about celebrating the love of pop music from the past and reflecting the subjects we miss, so don’t be surprised if you hear 50’s rat-pack harmonies and modern melodica lines seasoning a unique vocal tone.
Rowlette & Shane Steven - Coffee Hill sessions (single)
Rowlette is an indie-pop artist, hailing from Co. Mayo in the west of Ireland. As a solo performer with an acoustic guitar, she is known for her powerful vocals, inspirational lyrics and captivating performances. Rowlette’s releases have received radio play on stations across the country, and racked up tens of thousands of plays on Spotify. Well known on the Irish live scene, Rowlette performed a packed-out headliner in Crowbar last Autumn. She then proceeded to join Jack L on his latest tour, performing in venues across the country, including a solo set in Cork Opera House on New Years Eve. Following the success of her track “Letters”, Rowlette is releasing two live tracks “Runaway” and “Nostalgic” with Shane Steven. They met in BIMM (contemporary music college) and have stayed good friends. The tracks are performed in Coffee Hill studios.