Oh Boland - Western Leisure

 

Exact portions are unknown, and vary among the tracks, but the music created by Oh Boland for Western Leisure seems comprised of powerpop, garage, punk, jangle, barroom sing-a-long, chaos, and maybe, just maybe, a bit of whisky. The band sounds like they are on the precipice, and we are on the edge of our seats -- or standing and jumping around the room. From start to finish it is original, captivating and so full of vibrant storytelling that we want to grab our coats and head out on the town. Of course, we would take the music with us.

The main man here is Irish musician and songwriter Niall Murphy. Western Leisure is Oh Boland's third album, and is out now via Meritorio Records an Safe Suburban Home. Niall deserves your ears, and you deserve this album.

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"Grass Walls" and "A Power of Wides" by Oh Boland

 

With each singles release from the upcoming Western Leisure from Oh Boland we get more excited to hear the entire album. We realize that you may be reading that first sentence and thinking 'buy WYMA has only feature one single'. Well, you wouldn't be wrong. But we are correcting that right now by posting the final two singles, "Grass Walls" and "A Power of Wides". It seems to us that what Niall Murphy, aka Oh Boland, does very well is blend garage, power pop and a touch of punk into a rousing tune that prompts us to pump our fist and move about. Check out the tunes below and note that Western Leisure will be released May 31 via Meritorio Records most everywhere and Safe Suburban Home in the UK.

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"Here Comes the Order of Malta" by Oh Boland

 

This makes back to back posts for Meritorio Records artists, but there are no apologies from us. When a track makes us feel as alive as "Here Comes the Order of Malta", then we will promote it as if we are paid to do so (which we certainly are not). A couple of bars in we want to climb into the car, roll down the windows and crank up the music. To keep peace in the neighborhood we might also start the car and drive -- just kidding, this song demands that we drive. It reeks of vitality, of adventure, of 'get out and do something'. 

The song is the first single from the upcoming Western Leisure, the third album from Oh Boland.  band-now-solo-project of Irishman Niall Murphy. Western Leisure will be released May 31 via Meritorio Records most everywhere and Safe Suburban Home in the UK.

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David Long & Shane O'Neill - And You Can't Dream That

 

David Long & Shane O'Neill have been at this music thing for a long time. In the '80s David fronted Into Paradise and Shane fronted Blue In Heaven. In the first decade of this century they played together in Supernaut. Their most recent collaboration as David Long & Shane O'Neill produced albums in 2021 (Moll & Zeis) and 2022 (Age Of Finding Stars), and on July 21 And You Can't Dream That. So what are these oldsters doing? Well, we will tell you what they aren't doing. They aren't going through the motions or trading on nostalgia. They are crafting nuanced and insightful pop music with keen observations, reinterpreted memories, rays of light, and just enough dark shadings to know that they are real. Or to put it another way, we think this is the kind of music a talented young band would be immensely proud to write and perform if they only had enough life experiences and perspectives to write that well. But most don't, so David and Shane have us covered.

And You Can't Dream That is out now as a digital release via Country Pylon Records.

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Sir Bobby Jukebox - Sir Bobby Jukebox in the Organ Loft at Midnight

 

As Yanks, we generally aren't impressed with royalty and associated titles like "lord", "duke", or "sir". However, we are strong proponents of initiative and confident self-promotion. Accordingly, we applaud the decision of Dublin musician and songwriter Bobby Aherne of No Monster Club to award himself a title and brand his solo effort as Sir Bobby Jukebox. His second album as Sir Bobby is the recently released Sir Bobby Jukebox in the Organ Loft at Midnight. And we are featuring it here because it might be some of the most fun and satisfying pop music you have heard in a long time. It is infused with humor, joy, and a childlike sense of wonder coupled with an adult sense of the absurd. We have never had the experience of venturing to an organ loft at midnight. But if we knew that the climb up the stairs would lead us to a wonderful jukebox such as the one Sir Bobby offers here, we would happily make the trip daily.

The album is out now via Popical Island. For purchase information, see the Bandcamp link below. You can purchase the digital album, but a physical is only available via a purchase of bubblegum cards with the associated right to stream and download the album. The cards reflect the artwork of Sir Bobby's younger self, and are much better for the environment and easier to mail than vinyl and CD.

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No Monster Club - Deadbeat Effervescent

 

Ireland's Bobby Aherne is a pop savant who entertains in various styles via several different projects. His musical guises over the years include Sir Bobby Jukebox, Popical Island (a collective of multiple talents), and No Monster Club. It is the last of the three that draws our attention today to listen to their recent LP, Deadbeat Effervescent. We must admit that we don't know the reason for "deadbeat" in the album title, but the music more than earns the term "effervescent". But that has been a recurring and appealing attribute of Bobby's music. It is upbeat and full of hooks, often with an almost circus quality. Humor is a common component, as is a variety of instruments and other sonic details, creating a sonic collage that dazzles and surprises the ears without appearing overstuffed.

The songs on Deadbeat Effervescent are classic No Monster Club creations, only tighter (as tight as NMC gets, that is) and seemingly more polished than previous records. They take the listener on an entertaining musical trip the almost leaves one breathless, and we highly recommend it to end your week on a positive note.

On this outing No Monster Club are Bobby, Tim Falcon Prime, and Mark Chester. Deadbeat Effervescent is out now via Emotional Response Records.

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Saint Sister - Shape of Silence

We are catching up on some albums that we liked very much this year but didn't find the time to write about earlier.  One of such albums is Shape of Silence by Irish duo Saint Sister.  Working the intersection of folk, indie pop, and electronica, Gemma Doherty and Morgan MacIntyre combine deft songwriting with gorgeous voices.  The sound is atmospheric and dreamy, yet intimate and embracing.  The Shape of Silence isn't holiday-themed music, but we can't think of a better time to fill everyone's ears with these pristine pop gems than when family and friends are together.








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The Academic - Tales From The Backseat

The Academic is growing up quite nicely, in our opinion.  The Band consists of four young men from just outside of the metropolis that is Mullingar, Ireland.  Their sweet spot is upbeat guitar pop, and their secret sauce is comprised of innate charm and infectious enthusiasm.  You don't need to be told that these four young men love being in a band and creating music, because it as clear as a billboard in each song.  Tales From The Back Seat is their sophomore effort, and it is delicious.  In fact, I think "effort" is a poor word choice because the melodies and harmonies sound as effortless as the hooks are plentiful.  The band evinces much of the playfulness and pop smarts of the late Scottish band Dogs Die in Hot Cars, but with a bit more youthful vigor and rock groove.  We chose this album to be our first album of 2018 music to be featured this year, because it evinces the optimism and confidence we still have that 2018 will be a better year than 2017.  Want to start the year right?  Try some Tales From The Backseat.

The Academic are Craig Fitgerald (vocals/guitar), Matthew Murtagh (guitar), Stephen Murtagh (bass), and Dean Gavin (drums).  Tales From The Backseat is out Friday, January 12.








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Half Forward Line - The Back of Mass

Our second offering today is from Irish band Half Forward Line.  The trio consists of the type of guys who can be found at the back of Mass on a Sunday morning, coming in late and noisily, leaving early and equally noisily, and perhaps either not singing or singing a bit too loud.  So quite appropriately their songs hit with a blast and don't stay too long.  But like the lovable lugs at the back of mass, the songs are charming and fun, and you can enjoy 12 of them on their debut album.  Oh, the title?  Quite appropriately, it is The Back of Mass.

If speedy power pop, poppy punk and buzzsaw pop is your thing, get out of your pew and head to The Back of Mass.  A change of perspective is a good thing, and so is this album.

Half Forward Line is Brian Kelly, Hiall Murphy, and Ciaran o Maolain.  The Back of Mass is out now in digital and CD formats.  North American fans can source through Jigsaw Records.  European fans can buy it in cassette form as well.








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Bandcamp for The Back Of Mass

"Mario Lanza" by Paddy Hanna

We always are happy to hear the Dublin musician Paddy Hanna is releasing more music.  Today we can provide you with a stream of his new single "Mario Lanza", and news that Paddy's Frankly I Mutate LP will be out February 16.  Both releases are via Strange Brew.

The single has an upbeat, even jaunty vibe, although its roots are in found in Paddy's feelings about his father's recent serious illness.






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Shrug Life -¯\_(ツ)_/¯

As those California boys with deplorable dress sense sang, "fun fun fun 'til her Daddy takes the T-bird away".  Well, we aren't female and, sadly, we don't have access to a vintage Ford Thunderbird, but we love fun.  Everyone loves fun.  So today's feature is the new album from Dublin's Shrug Life. We note that the album is self-titled, but the trio prefers to use a series of keystrokes as a stand in for the letters.

What Danny Carroll (vocals/guitar), Keith Broni (bass) and Josh Donnelly (drums) deliver is Weezer's hook-infused choruses and Dogs Die In Hot Cars' manic energy.  The songwriting is smart and humorous, and the lad's battles with first world problems and modern complacency are colorfully illustrated.  Take, for example, a song in which Danny's job in the cancellation department of a satellite TV and broadband provider results in comparing his manager with Benito Mussolini ("Temp Life").   In fact, my only complaint about this album is not having the lyrics, but the vocals are high enough in the mix that you probably can work it our well enough.  Aurally and lyrically, this is a real treat, and don't you deserve a treat this week?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ is out now in digital and CD formats via Jigsaw Records and Little L Records.  Check the Bandcamp link below for details.







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No Monster Club 2017 encyclopedia project

We write about No Monster Club with some regularity here.  Why?  Because they entertain us with well crafted indie pop that enters from the wacky side of the stage.  The brainchild of Bobby Aherne, the Dublin-based band is in the midst of an interesting year-long project.  Every month they are releasing a single that was written and recorded in its entirety in the previous month.  The aim is to have an encyclopedia-like collection of singles by the end of 2017.  The August and July offerings are below.  Previous months can be found at No Monster Club's Bandcamp site.

Aherne is a prolific and versatile songwriter, and that alone should draw listeners to his recordings.  But the emphasis on having fun is the cherry on the Sunday.  The dude may be sad from time to time -- we all are -- but he never makes music to make us sad.  How does he do it?  A good attitude, of course.  And cheesy instruments and tropical-tinged arrangements don't hurt in the least.

Despite the world's problems, here is your chance to be happy.  Don't blow it like you did with your in-laws last Christmas.






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"Dancing" by Slow Skies

With a busy day in the office, we wanted to start the day with a bright song, and the winning entry is "Dancing" by Slow Skies.  The project of Dublin's Karen Sheridan, Slow Skies has crafted a song with sunny tones and pop smarts that builds appealingly from folky beginnings to a full blown party in your brain.  Stream it below and check out other songs from the artist at the following Soundcloud link.


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No Monster Club - Aardvark - Blessing

Dublin's No Monster Club has released their first record of the year.  It is titled Aardvark - Blessing, and in the spirit of peace, love, and who the hell needs to eat, it is available as a free download (although you are allowed to pay something for it if you choose, and if you do you are allowed unlimited Bandcamp streams).  So start out the year with Bobby Aherne's madcap indie pop.  By the way, Bobby wrote track 1 - "French Revolution", and Vince Collins and Lewis Motisher wrote track 2 - "Life Is Flashing Before Your Eyes".




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No Monster Club - Where Did You Get That Milkshake

Oh happy days -- we have a new record from Dublin's No Monster Club.  Where Did You Get That Milkshake only has four tracks, but Bobby Aherne packs so much melody and fun in every track that no one will complain, and we're always happy to feature them (most recently his fine I Feel Magic album here).  Bobby's brand of music is art pop played by the Beach Boys on amphetamines with additional toy instruments to freshen the sound.  It is euphoric, upbeat, surreal and irresistible.

And in our opinion, Where Did You Get That Milkshake is a very special edition of No Monster Club's deluxe tunesmithing.  Starting with the surf pop opener "Do The Mess Around" and closing with "Hippocampus Circus Maximus", it offers four A-side quality tunes.  You can stream both the songs named above in this post, but for a real dose of fun, view the video for "Do The Mess Around".  A lurid, blood soaked tale of double-crossing and an unfortunate encounter with a depraved weirdo, all played for dark laughs, it begs for repeated views.  And of course you can listen to the entire album at the Bandcamp link below.

You can find the digital version of the EP at the Bandcamp link, and the vinyl at the Emotional Response Records link.  If you are in the UK or Ireland, Norman Records is your source.

And for the United States contingent of readers, No Monster Club has invaded us for nine shows.  See the dates and locations of the seven remaining shows at the bottom of this post.








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Bandcamp for Where Did You Get That Milkshake (for digital)
Emotional Response page for release (for vinyl 7")
Norman Records (UK purchase)

9/26 Pinky Swear, Chicago, IL
9/27 Stone Tavern at Michel’s, Kent, OH
9/28 Coyote Joe’s, Dubois, PA
9/29 The Dev, Utica, NY
9/30 Midnight at Otto’s Shrunken Head, Manhattan, NY
9/2 Candy Apple Island, Bloomfield, NJ
10/5 New Funky Jungle, Providence, RI

"Mixtape 2003" by The Academic

We are a scholarly bunch here at WYMA.  Our office is replete with books, magazines, newspapers and PR statements about bands and albums.  Mort of our staff can, and sometimes actually does, read.  So we feel that The Academic is a band that we should support, as we would any fellow scholars.  Fortunately, the Mullingar, Ireland four-piece makes our support completely painless, as they make the kind of indie rock of which we are very fond.  And that leads us to their latest fuzz bomb of reverb and energy, the single "Mixtape 2003".  Stream it below.

The Academic are Craig Fitzgerald (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Matt Murtagh (lead guitar/backing vocals), Stephen Murtagh (bass/backing vocals), and Dean Gavin (drums/backing vocals).




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"My Twin Sister" by Cruising

Neil, Benni, Claire and Sarah, who variously are members of Sea Pinks Logikparty, Girls Names and September Girls, all too infrequently put our music as the Ireland/Northern Ireland band Cruising.  Their latest is the swaggering "My Twin Sister", a digital release which is available to purchase, but is free if you buy a Cruising tote bag.  Both are offered at the Bandcamp link at the bottom of the post.




And just because it is such an awesome blast of music, here one of their prior releases, "You Made Me Do That".




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No Monster Club - I Feel Magic

Do you feel magic?  Bobby Aherne of Dublin's No Monster Club feels magic.  So much so that his new album proclaims I Feel Magic.  And how is this magic manifested?  Upbeat melodies, delightfully off kilter touches, show tune flourishes, wacky stories, good humor, and all of it packed with sonic details and colored in bright, tropical-pop tones.  Trying to isolate elements is like walking into a child's playroom filled with toy chests, drawers, and cabinets.  You open the containers finding one interesting artifact after another, showing the multifaceted interests of the (obviously wealthy and completely spoiled, but I digress) child.  But the genius of Mr. Aherne is that he puts it all together so adroitly that the finished songs virtually defy genre classification.

On "Sion" Aherne sings "I hadn't thought I'd be having so much fun...", and while it is modified by "that night" and relates to a performance at a sparsely attended gig, it is a wholly believable summation of the entire album.  Because the sense I get listening to I Feel Magic is that perhaps no one in indie pop music had more fun than Bobby in making his album.  And the result is that it is hard to imagine having more fun listening to an album.

I Feel Magic is out today via Popical Island in digital and CD formats and Already Dead Tapes & Records as a cassette.






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"Wallflower" by Martha Ffion

Irish girl heads to Glasgow to find artistic fame and fortune on today's True Stories On WYMA.  OK, that may not be entirely and completely true at this point in time, but listen to Martha Ffion's "Wallflower" and "So Long" below and understand that it is only a matter of time.





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Michael Knight - Physics Is Out To Get Me

How are you dealing with Monday?  We're dealing with it with some orchestral, '60s influenced indie pop via Michael Knight, and their new album is Physics Is Out To Get Me.  Cue it up the instruments swell, the choruses soar, and your spirits lift as if the weekend hadn't abandoned you like your last girlfriend/boyfriend - and the girlfriend/boyfriend before that one.  Comparisons have been made '60s popsters the Left Banke and to the more recent Canadian band Hidden Cameras, or perhaps the Magnetic Fields on uppers, but whether they remind you of past favorites or not, this album is an excellent way to get holiday cheer without actually listening to holiday music.  That alone should earn a nomination to the Nobel Peace Prize.

Michael Knight was founded by Richard Murphy, an Irishman transplanted to Berlin, Mike Cleare, Henrike Rabe and Martin Petersdorf.  But you don't make orchestral pop with just a few musicians, and many friends helped with Physics Is Out To Get Me, adding strings, horns and additional vocals to the duo's already varied and vibrant creations.

Physics Is Out To Get Me is out via Jigsaw Records, and is available to stream/obtain at the links below.









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