January 2024: Here’s our updated playlist of local talent and some fresh discoveries from further afield. Listen on Spotify
ASTIL – Amy Montgomery
The latest release from Amy is my favourite track of hers to date – arresting vocals, layered harmonies and a soaring, dissonant guitar solo, all over an unyielding industrial groove. This track is one that needs to be heard to be believed. Be sure to check out the new EP of the same name here.
Long Runs The Fox – The Bonnevilles
‘Long Runs The Fox’ was recently featured in Reacher – the on-screen adaptation of Lee Foley’s book series. Kudos are in order to the guys with this being their second appearance of the year in a popular TV show (following their prominent appearance in the Northern Irish police drama ‘Blue Lights’). This track comes from their 2018 album Dirty Photographs (listen here) and you can catch The Bonnevilles on tour in Feb/March.
Good Life – Banshee
Newly formed Belfast band’s debut single lives up to the hype built up by their live appearances this past year.
Follow @Bansheeband1 for more!
Far Away – Alicia Raye & Becky McNeice
After helping out with the Irish collaborative duo’s recent launch night, we haven’t stopped listening to the ‘Love Letters’ EP, with the track ‘Far Away’ standing out as a personal favourite – Becky really shines in the verse and Alicia’s chorus hook has taken up permanent residence in my mind.
Wide Open – Winnie Ama
Lush production and some classic r&b vibes provide the perfect stage for Winnie’s delivery and style on this track. I’m particularly in love with the chorus here, huge!
Kill Jester – YinYang
Brand new release from the Belfast/London artist is the most impressive exhibition yet of her lyrical abilities and vocal range. Production is crisp, exciting and cool in a way that’s become characteristic for YinYang. The music video is in the works and is expected to be out this month!
Mick Foley – Mindesigns ft. DOHFADA
Mindesign’s debut album ‘devil wears claddagh’ is a stylish tour de force for the Belfast rapper – great production and sampling underlay some seriously poignant observations that might be all too familiar. “My head’s in the shed – fuck that, it’s in the blender”. Features include some fresh faces alongside some bigger names but our favourite was ‘Mick Foley’, featuring a huge chorus from Dohfada, another name that’s been exciting to hear more of recently.
Keep Talking – Steve Loc
2023 saw the release of Steve Loc’s latest album Heavy Eye Lids. The follow up to 2022’s Nameless Brain Fart (a personal favourite) is his seventh listed album on Spotify. Steve is a prolific writer, and that experience shows in his rhymes – its good shit.
Send us your music! contact: zoolrecs@gmail.com Listen to the full playlist on Spotify here .
zoolrecords.co.uk 