Editorial TeamAnother week, another stack of songs worth your attention. This edition of Don’t Miss Them travels from Montréal to Melbourne, Portland to Cork, uncovering everything from swirling psychedelia and indie anthems to heartfelt folk and boundary-pushing hip hop. Whether you’re looking for your next favourite artist or simply a great new song, we’ve got you covered.
“Fascists Killed Yer Rock’n’Roll”, by Elephant Stone
Elephant Stone hail from Montreal in Québec, Canada, and have been blending rich Indian textures with psychedelic rock since 2008. Fronted by sitar player Rishi Dhir, the band have built a distinctive sound that sets them apart within the modern psych scene. The band returns with their new single “Fascists Killed Yer Rock’n’Roll”, ahead of their new album ASHAR coming out on 28 August.
The track opens with gritty, hazy guitars that establish a sombre mood before gradually building in intensity. As the sitar enters and the pace quickens, the song evolves into a swirling psychedelic finale. As the title suggests, the lyrics serve as a warning in the current global political climate. “You’d have to be living under a rock to ignore what’s happening,” explains Rishi Dhir. But as the lyrics go : “All you fascists, you’ve all come and gone / We know yer game, we’ve all heard that song”
“Aero”, by Wills Van Doorn
Wills Van Doorn comes from Portland, Oregon, and produces a nice uplifting power pop. Ahead of his sophomore album Enduro coming out on 14 July, the artist released his latest single “Aero”. The song starts deliciously with a slide guitar that is not without reminiscing George Harrison‘s melodic sensibilities. As it progresses, lush vocal harmonies enter the mix, bringing to mind the sun-soaked sound of The Beach Boys. Blending catchy melodies with warm, timeless arrangements, Van Doorn delivers a delightful pop gem. Definitely check him out.
“Long Stretch”, by Whozyerman?
Whozyerman? (aka Paul Savage) returns with his new single “Long Stretch”. It follows “Miles Away”, released a couple of month ago, the first single ahed of the new album coming up in autumn: Belly of the Beast. “Long Stretch” opens with a few sparse electric piano chords before bursting into a wonderful dream pop arrangement. The track is all in restraints, gradually building up on the choruses as Paul Savage’s vocals soars above the jangly guitars and shimmering piano. The lyrics tackle the experience of being a musician in a gentle caricature way. It goes through the struggle, and the determination of one artist to hanging onto what he likes and believes in despite all odds. And because an artist is also at the mercy of an industry that needs changing, Paul Savage fiercly boycotts Spotify. So run onto his bandcamp here and Don’t Miss It !
“Stampede”, by Genesis Owusu
Ghanian-Australian rapper Gensis Owusu is back with his next album REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE. It’s sharper, more energtic and filled with biting criticism. The single “Stampede” is one of those songs that gets your feet moving off the floor immediately. Pressing, rallying and clever, Owusu riles the listener into a flurry of energy that demands movement. The whole album is brilliant but this single jumps out as it entraces the listener with the catchy cadence of the chorus. Interesting darker synths keep the energy flowing, polished with the insghtful lyrics, it’s a track you need to hear.
“SOMEONEUKNOW”, by Conor Kinsella
A debut single release from Irish genre bending songwriter, producer, instrumentalist Conor Kinsella. With the ferentic, sleazy blast of Car Seat Headrest-like vocals, paired with the jazzy saxphone groove you’re in for a treat. The bridge forces itself into the song in a mercurial fashion with blazing metal guitar and forboding drums. But nevermind! We are back into the fun jazzy section again. Take this formula and repeat for five and a half minutes and you’ve just listed to Conor Kinsella’s new masterpiece! That was fun right? With slight baroque pop vocals interweaving itself with heavy rock guitar and shouting – think Panic! at the Disco meets Judas Priest. A refreshingly new take of non-conformity when it comes to new Irish music.
“Burn Daylight”, by McGrath
Donegal-born, Belfast-based songwriter McGrath continues his promising journey with “Burn Daylight”, a dreamlike meditation on love, distance and longing. The track expands on the sound of his debut single “Rotha” while retaining the lyrical intimacy that first drew attention to his music. Built around a warm melody and McGrath’s beautiful, expressive voice, the track unfolds gently before bursting into a more intense and uplifting chorus. Another strong offering from one of Ireland’s most intriguing emerging songwriters.
“Pulling Up Roots”, by Sera Cahoone
Ahead of the release of her new album I’ve Missed You All These Years, Sera Cahoone shares “Pulling Up Roots”, a warm and inviting track that sits somewhere between blues and country. Driven by a laid-back groove and subtle twang, the song carries the easy charm of a barroom jam while reflecting on resilience and moving forward after difficult times. Cahoone’s understated delivery and the track’s rich instrumentation give it a timeless quality, making “Pulling Up Roots” a quietly compelling listen.
“Chosen Ones”, by Diveboy
Cork indie-rockers Diveboy continue their run of nostalgia-soaked singles with “Chosen Ones”, a soaring indie-pop anthem taken from their upcoming album In Orbit set to come out on 2nd October. The track opens with shimmering synths and slowly unfolding guitars before bursting into an expansive chorus. As the instrumentation intensifies, a memorable guitar melody answers the vocal line, adding another layer of uplift to the song’s infectious energy. Drawing on the spirit of 90s pop and rock while sounding thoroughly contemporary, “Chosen Ones” has all the makings of a crowd-pleasing anthem.
“When the Night Falls”, by Nicole Atkins
Nicole Atkins returns with “When the Night Falls”, the first taste of her upcoming album Drama and her first new full-length project in over six years. Blending timeless songwriting with a cinematic flair, the track showcases perfectly what makes Atkins such an interesting voice. Built around a rich, atmospheric arrangement, the song evokes the grandeur of classic pop and torch songs while remaining firmly rooted in the present. Atkins’ powerful, expressive vocals take centre stage, transforming a tale of heartbreak into something both elegant and defiant. A striking return.
“Buenos Aires”, by Antoni O’Breskey
One of Ireland’s most singular musical voices, Antoni O’Breskey returns with “Buenos Aires”, a solo piano piece taken from his forthcoming retrospective 50 Years of Music. Built around a simple yet deeply affecting melody, the track unfolds with quiet elegance. O’Breskey’s piano conveys a profound sense of longing and melancholy, making for a truly moving listen. The story behind the composition adds even greater emotional weight. Dedicated to his daughter, from whom he was separated for seventeen years, the piece was written months before O’Breskey discovered that she was living in Buenos Aires—the very city that inspired its title. A heartbreaking and beautiful composition.
