PARTICIPANT

The ambient alias of Stephen Tiernan is Ireland’s answer to Bon Iver – praise indeed, you might say, but entirely merited too. His combination of electronic elements and atmospheric soundscapes with earnest and heartfelt songwriting certainly has similarities to the work of Mr. Vernon, and last year’s single ‘Leave Me Here’ was unequivocal evidence of his talents. EPs Bit Slow and Content have also earned props from plenty of those in the know, while his life performances benefit from a restlessness that sees samples, props, additional musicians and new arrangements combine to frequently mesmerising effect. There have also been a ton of new tunes showing their faces along the way – so we can look forward to more releases in the coming months.
HEAR: Huge amounts of music, including both EPs in full, at soundcloud.com/participantste
SEE: twitter.com/participantste for details on live dates, releases and plenty more besides

AILBHE REDDY

The Dublin indie-folkster may not yet have a full-length album under her belt, but already her name is being spoken in hushed tones as one of the brightest prospects in Irish music. Mind, she snagged top spot in a public vote to appear at Other Voices last year, proof positive that the secret is well and truly out. While debut EP Dwell served as a mouthwatering appetiser, last year’s Hollowed Out Sea was a fully-realised portrait of a musician with plenty to say – along with the talent to say it in stunning fashion. Having graced stages at Electric Picnic, Body & Soul and Knockanstockan, Reddy’s journey towards the top is already moving at some speed. The UK, and beyond, is in her 2017 crosshairs already.
HEAR: The outstanding recent EP Hollowed Out Sea, available on iTunes
SEE: Her play The Sugar Club on February 22

NAOISE ROO

If you could bottle conviction, Naoise Roo would be making a mint. Instead, she’s climbing the ranks of Irish music with considerable intent. 2015’s Lilith was an extraordinary statement; an album that flits from the psychedelic and the rocking to the languid and jazzy, with the commanding voice of its creator front and centre throughout. Since then, it’s been the live stage that’s been the focus, where Ms Roo’s presence is, predictably enough, as imposing as could ever be imagined. Stops in the past 12 months have included a showstealing appearance at Hard Working Class Heroes, as well as a tour promoting her single ‘Whore’. With a new song or two popping up in her setlist, we can be optimistic that 2017 will see more from this unique artist.
HEAR: The debut LP Lilith, available at littlelrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lilith
SEE: ‘Whore’ get the video treatment on YouTube

SEARCH PARTY ANIMAL

Having made the decision to leave their Bagels moniker behind (a sensible call, dare we day), the Dundrum five-piece decided a new name wasn’t enough, and set about their assault on the scene with renewed vigour. Having made a splash at Canadian Music Week, the math-rockers locked themselves away to write new material, popping up for energetic sets at Electric Picnic, HWCH, Other Voices, and supporting the likes of All Tvvins and Enemies to update us that yes, things were going very swimmingly indeed. For those still in mourning over the much-missed Adebisi Shank, these youngsters might well be the bright new hope you’ve been waiting for – and with a truckload of new tunes at their disposal, 2017 could well be the year they explode.
HEAR: A selection of their tunes on soundcloud.com/searchpartyanimal
SEE: searchpartyanimal.ie for news on upcoming gigs

SLOW RIOT

Standing out (brooding, naturally enough) from the crowd, the Limerick post-punks are currently locked away working on their debut album – and signs are very positive indeed. ‘Trophy Wife’, their single released last March, garnered a mountain of airplay both here and abroad, with the band regularly being compared to NYC legends Interpol. New single ‘Absent Dreams’ was a thoroughly satisfying way to say goodbye to 2016, a year which also saw them sign on the dotted line with Killing Moon to launch an assault on the UK. With the prospect of that first full-length effort landing in the coming months, as well as more opportunities to catch their moody majesty live, these guys should be rocking from stages and stereos across the country long before 2018 rolls around.
HEAR: The blistering ‘Trophy Wife’ on YouTube
SEE: Them celebrate The Last Mixed Tape’s 3rd birthday at The Sound House on February 2

SUN MAHSHENE

The dark side of the sun, to coin a phrase? A solo vehicle for multi-instrumentalist Nathan Henderson, the project soon became a sprawling collective including a three-pronged guitar attack – not for the faint of heart then. But while they’re skilled at creating immense psych-rock soundscapes, there’s also a deft touch on show when things move towards shoegaze-y territory. Drones That Don’t Kill, a contender for 2016’s most drolly titled release, landed on New Year’s Eve, the third EP to further the impression that a serious musical force may be in our midst. 2017 should see further releases along with an eagerly awaited string of live shows. A spellcheck’s nightmare they may be, but prepare for them to leave your ears ringing with joy at some point this year.
HEAR: The new EP at sunmahshene.bandcamp.com
SEE: The retro-tastic promo for ‘No Control’ on YouTube