--------------------
I Am The Cosmos – Wide Awake
Rigsy: ‘Big squelchy 115-bpm disco vibes off this track, which makes it right up my street.’
Niamh: ‘I just love the real 80’s vibes about it… I haven’t been able to stop listening to it this past month.’
We Cut Corners – Best Friend
Niamh: ‘It’s a disgustingly catchy track, I can’t get it out of head.’
Rigsy: ‘If you like this then you’ll definitely like their other stuff as well. A very varied band, they make a lot of different rackets and that’s obviously a great thing.’
Drew Edgehill – Nothing Matters
Rigsy: ‘We have strangely developed a hip-hop scene over in Belfast…the whole track is proper old-school “gangsta” rap. You can draw comparisons to Dr. Dre and Eminem.’
Niamh: ‘I really enjoyed that, I can’t believe that is someone who is based in Belfast,’
Go Swim – Call Sign
Rigsy: ‘Big Foals vibes on the tracks which is no bad thing. That vocal delivery is really frantic which is super engaging.’
Niamh: ‘A Cast Of Cheers influence. It’s great to hear some female vocals in there and see how they work so well with the male vocal.’
The Young Folk – Way Home
Niamh: ‘They are absolutely incredible live and I do think this is a gorgeous track. They are due to play SXSW and I really do think we’ll see and hear a lot more from this year.’
Rigsy: ‘It’s kind of a sweet spot between Arcade Fire and Mumford & Sons.’
Girl Band – Busy At Maths
Niamh: ‘Last time I saw them they were supporting And So I Watch You From Afar, and I though they put on a great show… I think Girl Band could be a top contender for outstanding Irish Band of 2014.’
Land Lovers – Where It Begins
Niamh: ‘ They quite unique. They are apart of the wonderful Popical Island label. There’s just a real sixties vibe there and I don’t think there is anybody else in Ireland who is doing that.’
R51 – Slowhound
Rigsy: ‘This is a real big step up. You can tell straight away this is a band at their most confident, definitely found a sound they’re really happy with. A cleverly produced track.’
