Reverie
Amble
It’s hard to believe that this Irish band only started playing music in 2022 and already have attracted a global fan base. This is not only thanks to the power of social media but Amble’s reflective music is exactly what listeners need in these uncertain times.
Their new album Reverie has 14 songs that unleash the imagination evoking dreams of heather-filled mountainsides, misty islands and large ocean waves. The music itself has Irish traditional vibes just on the cusp of pop that succeeds in drawing in a more diverse audience.
I went from being in the dark about Amble to hearing and reading about them everywhere across multiple media sources. A lover of all music genres, a true test for me is when I can write with an album softly playing in the background, and Amble certainly passes this test.
The band members Robbie Cunningham, Oisin McCaffrey and Ross McNerney have hit the sweet spot that many musicians find difficult to achieve. Often walking down Grafton Street in Dublin I hear bands playing that sound as good as Amble but few talented Irish musicians can muster up the right combination to make it big. Amble’s good song writing, lyrics and humble introduction to the music scene have somehow created the magic formula.
With a sold out tour coming up in North America, Amble’s meteoric rise is reminiscent of the days when The Cranberries catapulted into fame back in the 90s. And I have a feeling that the band will remain true to themselves and their music no matter where this new journey takes them.
Songs Of A Live World
The Cure
I listened to this recent album from The Cure for the first time last week and was immediately taken in. It has the distinctive sound of the band but somehow they have managed to subtly evolve their music to fit the diminishing alternative rock era we now live in.
A long time coming, this is The Cure’s first studio album in 16 years and it has definitely been worth the wait. With 8 tracks, each song has the band’s signature sounds along with an orchestral production quality, long instrumental breaks and the recognisable haunting voice of Robert Smith.
Many music critics have lauded this album, some saying that the band’s work over the past four decades has led to this point. Others agree that it is the best music that the band have produced since the Disintegration album (1989).
The album conjures up dark and personal melancholia that takes listeners on a journey to desired rhythmic depths. My favourite is Track 6 - I Can Never Say Goodbye, but honestly, each track is as good as the next.
There are whispers of a major world tour this year - dates and locations to be announced.
Flying With Angels
by Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega's recent Instagram announcement on 4 March tells followers about her new upcoming album saying “Flying With Angels is my first studio album of new songs in eleven years. Each song on the album takes place in an atmosphere of struggle. Struggle to survive, to speak, to dominate, to win, to escape, to help someone else, or just live.” Sounds intriguing?
This is Suzanne's tenth studio album since she began her musical career in 1982. Probably best known for her debut album ‘Suzanna Vega’ released in 1985 that included Marlene on the Wall and Undertow followed by album ‘Solitude Standing’ released in 1987 with the well known hits Luka and Tom's Diner.
Some of us might be guilty of unintentionally losing touch with Suzanne Vega's music over the last two decades which may have been a result of poor marketing or label choices, the timing of the musical genre or maybe other female artists singing out that bit louder. But it is clear that Suzanne Vega hasn’t gone anywhere and to me, there is something special about the release of this new album. I was lucky enough to see her live at The Olympia Theatre in 2015 and if I’m lucky again, I might try to get tickets for the Flying with Angels tour if it makes it to Ireland.
There are three songs now streaming on Spotify to give us a flavour of what's to come - Speaker’s Corner, Chambermaid (adaptation of Bob Dylan's 'I Want You') & Rats. The album was produced by guitarist & Suzanne’s long term collaborator Gerry Leonard and is due for release on 2 May by British independent record label Cooking Vinyl.
Rushmere
by Mumford & Sons
This new album from Mumford & Sons is only their fifth studio album, although it feels like this British folk band has been around for a long time. Their new album Rushmere is named after a pond in Wimbledon Common in London where the band first set out on their musical journey. After taking a short break during which time the lead vocalist Marcus Mumford released a solo album in 2022 named ‘Self-Titled’, the three members are now back together which is literally music to the ears of their many fans. Having spent time in Nashville and Savannah RCA Music Studios between 2022 and 2024, they have described working on this album as "the most prolific two years" they had ever experienced.
The album includes ten tracks with the opening track Malibu perfectly reacquainting us with the band as it starts off slow, gradually adding the melodic harmonies of instruments and voices that eventually crescendo into a beautifully loud finale with a full band jam. It is almost symbolic of their comeback and reminds us why we liked the band in the first place.
Each song has a unique quality and although recognisable as the Mumford & Sons trio, the band have definitely evolved and matured after their brief hiatus from the spotlight.
Rushmere by Mumford & Sons, Official release date 28 March 2025
SABLE fABLE
by Bon Inver
Bon Iver is an American indie folk band that was founded in 2006 by Justin Vernon. Originally intended to be a solo project, Bon Iver soon evolved into a band with other members joining Justin. They became popular in 2011 following the success of their second album Bon Iver, Bon Iver which won them a grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album. One of my favourite songs on this album is Perth, a beautiful song that was written as a tribute to actor Heath Ledger following his death.
Although not mainstream on the airwaves, the band has 16.9M monthly listeners on Spotify. The new album SABLE fABLE is their first release since 2019 and is much anticipated by their fans. It includes 12 tracks with preview songs now available for listening on Spotify.
Love You All Over Again
by Tunng
Tunng is an English six-piece folk band that has been recording since 2003. New on my radar, they are very easy listening with mellow soft sounds using layered techniques and alternative percussion instruments. They recently released their ninth studio album 'Love You All Over Again' that has subtle notes of Simon & Garfunkel with dreamy, melodic and almost fairy tale sounds. The band's voices harmonise beautifully throughout the album and each song is as mysterious as it is poetic.
Romance
by Fontaines DC
This album is one of the best around at the moment. Completely different from their previous work, each song has its own unique sound. The album just gets better & better with every listen.
Read review (NME - Author Sophie Williams)
A La Sala
by Khruangbin
I recently discovered this band from Houston, Texas. The music of this trio, who were nominated for a Grammy in 2024 for Best New Artist, has been described as funk, soul and electronic. Many of the songs are instrumental with ambient & chill out waves. It's the perfect background listen on a Summer's day lounging in the garden. Or lying on the couch looking out at the garden on a rainy day in May.
The song May Ninth is a good introduction to the band.
Interference
- DELUXE EDITION -
If you're a fan of the late Fergus O'Farrell and his great talent, this new album from Interference and other collaborating artists was released on 2 February. It includes 17 tracks, some that have never seen the light of day. The last song on the album '88 Today' is an interesting listen. And of course 'Gold' & 'Vaj Vaj' are great tunes.
Available on Spotify, Bandcamp and other music platforms.
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
Reach for New Heights
Sharon van Etten is a successful American singer/songwriter who has been active since 2007. Her lyrics are as empowering as they are earnest. Her new album does not disappoint particularly the first song on the album 'Live Forever'.
Read review (No Depression Music Journal - Author John Amen)