Eoin Dolan - Mirror Liver

Released: 29 Oct 2021
Label: _

Listen and Buy Here

Eoin Dolan, from Galway, Ireland is a recent discovery for me. I was drawn in by his superbly melodic and catchy psych/guitar pop. It is also worth checking out his older songs - 'Ocean Girl' and 'Superior Fiction' if you are new to his music.    

His sound drew to mind the 90s indie of Super Furry Animals. The new album is a wonderful listen and has the unusual theme of Neolithic/Bronze Age Europe.

It opens with an atmospheric instrumental before launching into 'Amulet of Love' which is acoustic folk at its finest. The lyrics are quite pastoral and is about gathering Harvest. 

'I Have Got It Wrong (Again)' is my favourite here and is  instantly memorable with an anthemic chorus. The electronic, keyboard sounds make it unique, as well as the subtle melodies. 

Other highlights include 'Mirror Liver' which is sweet guitar pop with hints of The Beach Boys, and more recent band Real Estate. 'One World Of Mine' is beautifully heartfelt and stripped back, with some lovely harmonies. 'Blackcurrant Wine' is more atmospheric pastoral folk, with hints of Psych. It has experimental vibes, slightly reminiscent of Pink Floyd.  

A superb album, with a variety of sounds - from more ambient sounding Folk to Electronic and Psych pop. Highly recommended.

Ian M Bailey - Songs To Dream Along To

Released: 15 Oct 2021
Label: Kool Kat

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Ian M Bailey is back with a new album after the superb Shots of Sun EP from earlier this year. It features the songs on that, including the sublime 'Slow Down River' and 'Take it or Leave It'. His sound is heavily influenced by The Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash.   

The album is co-written by Daniel Wylie of Cosmic Rough Riders, whose recent album 'Atoms and Energy' from this Summer is also well worth checking out!

It opens with 'This is Not A Feeling' which is uplifting guitar pop at its finest. It has some lovely harmonies and Americana vibes, with hints of The Jayhawks and later Teenage Fanclub.  

Other highlights include 'The Sound of Her Voice', a lovely ballad with hints of Gram Parsons. The orchestral production is wonderful. 'I'm not The Enemy' has a slightly heavier edge, reminiscent of Neil Young. 

Closing song 'The Best Out Of Me' is one of my favourites here. A heartfelt ballad of the highest standard which is guaranteed to get you emotional.

A superb album, full of beautifully melodic, well crafted songs. Highly recommended.

Shebeat - Remember Love

Released: 6 Aug 2021
Label: _

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Shebeat is the work of songwriter Jodie Schofield originally from Liverpool. This is her heartfelt new single and it shows simplicity is often the key with music.   

The sound is quite lo-fi and vaguely reminiscent of The Velvet Underground. It has 60s vibes and brought to mind some of The Beatles earlier, more stripped back music too. There aren't many words, but sometimes its not needed and it still manages to be full of emotion. It is a beautiful ballad and instantly memorable. 

As far as I can see, there is no album yet but there are more songs to check out on her Bandcamp. Highlights include 'So into You' which has a similar vibe and is quite laid back and atmospheric. Again, it has lo-fi production and sea sound effects. 'Believe' is an uplifting pop song of the highest standard. 'Catch Your Breath' is another favourite here, its simplicity brought to mind Daniel Johnston.

A wonderfully unique new Artist, with some lovely songs and hopefully an album will come soon.  Highly recommended.