New Music From Northern Ireland (Two-disc Compilation)

Planetary Group Release
Rating: 3.5 Guns

Review by: Hilary Hughes

There’s a force in Northern Ireland more explosive than the political unrest that’s wracked the region for decades, and it’s emanating from the country’s amps and turntables. The most recent release by Planetary Group showcases the best talent and the incredible versatility of these artists making names for themselves in Belfast and beyond.

New Music from Northern Ireland is an all-inclusive and eclectic selection of the best work coming out of Northern Ireland’s music scene, featuring seasoned favorites (Snow Patrol, Ash and Divine Comedy), newcomers who’ve been working the global circuit (like Oppenheimer, Iain Archer, and Duke Special) and a slew of rock star rookies whose tracks span every genre.

Need the perfect background noise to blare over your speakers while you’re driving with the windows down? The Tides’ All Good for Me will surely suffice. Feel like trading in throaty voices and sultry guitar (of the likes of Cashier No. 9 and Claire Sproule) for something that sounds like it’s been jacked from a northern-Irish nightclub?

Beats brought by the Japanese Popstars on tracks like Dirty Popstars (On Your Radio) shake up the previously mentioned acoustic sets that are heavy on the six-string. Passion is prevalent in Northern Ireland no matter how you slice it, and New Music from Northern Ireland’s arrival proves that with the push of the “PLAY” button.