10 releases we can't wait for


It sucks waiting for your favorite band to release a new album. The endless expectation of that 'new sound' they've been promising, that leaked 30-second sound-check some guy recorded on his Nokia that you just have to hear properly...the adrenaline of brand new art-work! It's a beautiful and heartrending experience for any music lover and here at Encore NI we get that too. So here's a list of 10 releases we've been pining for, forever!


#10. A Northern Light ~ tbc.

Electronic starlets A Northern Light have been brightening our stages since 2010, but it was their latest single 'Kill It' which really cemented their place as one of NI's strongest acts. Coming in at just under 4 minutes, it's a minuscule snippet of what their debut album will potentially sound like, but even so, it's promise is clear for all to see.

 

#9. The Sea, Close By ~ 'Duke'

A DIY release in it's purest form, The Sea, Close By's debut EP may well see them return to the acoustic roots of front-man Alastair Greyson's earlier band 'Vampires & Secrets'. That's if first single 'The Modern Mercury' is anything to go by. Beautifully produced, few bedroom tapes will be as sought after as this.



#8. Pretty Child Backfire ~ tbc.

The hugely successful Pretty Child Backfire may return under a new name, but at this stage, their fans are unlikely to be bothered ~ they just want them back! With a mammoth catalogue of indie-pop crossover gems at their disposal, Pretty Child's nostalgic take on love and life will undoubtedly make for a brilliant debut album. Let's hope it's not too far away now.



#7. SOAK ~ 'Before We Forgot How To Dream'

Bit of a cheat this one, because this debut from Derry City's pride and joy has technically just gone on sale. Still, for an artist so young this is truly a marvelous achievement, and with the freshly recorded 'Sea Creatures'  now rubbing shoulders with the rest of Radio 1's A-List it promises to be one of Rough Trade's finest moments.



#6. BLOOM ~ tbc.

BLOOM are just getting better and better. The groovy instrumentalists have been making waves since arriving on Belfast's music scene last year, their live show a mixture of Pink Floyd cosmic energy and The Door's electricity. Now encompassing some vocals into their finely tuned sound, a debut EP is surly on the horizon; but what will make the final cut? 'Kepler's Glass Eye'?  'Tropical Edge Of The Storm'? It'll be fun finding out!



#5. Affleck ~ tbc.

Another hugely talented electronic act, Affleck's clever instrumentation and fascinating melodies have gained them many fans across Ireland both North and South. The video game affection-ado's debut eponymous release was met with resounding praise, the emphatic 'Cat King Lightning'  the biggest indicator that they are on to something quite special. We can't wait to see them back!


#4. Runaway [GO] ~ 'Alive'

Mysteriously and frustratingly, the brilliant Runaway GO dropped latest single 'Ashes' straight out of nowhere at the end of last year with promises of an album to follow. Six months down the line and we're still no closer to hearing the finalised work of Dave, Fiona and co. On the plus side, if you're gonna keep a nation in limbo 'Ashes' is the way to do it; a snapshot into a band never short of ideas, we still can't wait for debut album 'Alive'. 



#3. Snow Patrol ~ 'Broken Bottle Forms A Star'

It may well be that this tiny fraction of Snow Patrol's 'Fallen Empires' was never destined to be more than a cute interlude; but regardless, it is truly stunning! With the rumor mill insisting that it is destined to open album number seven, Gary Lightbody would be truly letting a gem go if this particular symphony remained open ended.



#2. The Couth ~ tbc.

Not yet content with the work of latest EP 'Bloodbreaker', Lisburn's The Couth are due to start work on a follow up within the next few weeks. With catchy tunes flowing from all directions from the four piece, there's every reason to believe this next EP could be their best yet.



#1. Joshua Burnside ~ tbc.

Now with that pesky degree out of the way, Northern Ireland's most exciting experimental-folk artist can finally begin work on his debut album. Last single 'Catalina' was far and away one of last year's best releases. Provided he can maintain the soothing intensity of his earlier work Joshua Burnside will have a debut album of real beauty on his hands.



Taylor Johnson

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