:: Paper Tigers – Moloko (single, self-released)
THOSE irrepressible Paper Tigers are back with the latest song to be released from their imminent EP, Graceless, which is due in April.
Musically, Moloko finds the Belfast rockers pinball entertainingly between sub-ska pop, noisy post-punk and nasty biker grunge as singer Hayley cuts a wailing swathe through the lot with her powerful, emotive voice.
Yes, as you might have gathered, Moloko sounds nothing like the turn-of-the-century dance pop act of the same name (Sing it Back et al): indeed, the title is Paper Tigers giving a metaphorical nod to the word's origins in Moloko Plus, the milk-based intoxicant supped by the Droogs in literary classic / controversial film favourite A Clockwork Orange.
As they explain: "Moloko Plus offers a chance to lose yourself, step outside of your normal character and give yourself over to what flows in your blood."
Sip it and see at Papertigersni.bandcamp.com, and mark up your diary with the band's next live show which is happening tomorrow night at the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast.
:: Junk Drawer – Railroad King (single, Art For Blind)
JUNK Drawer have dropped the latest single from their imminent new EP, Dust Has Come To Stay.
Railroad King is a super-catchy confection of woozily psychedelic chiming guitars and rolling, shuffling beats which percolated within the songwriting mind of Drawer singer/drummer/guitarer/synther Jake: apparently it "concerns the feelings that preceded his realisation that he has Autistic Spectrum Disorder".
Well, at least he got a cool song out of it, which comes with a new diorama-tastic video clip by regular JD visual collaborator Matty Killen featuring the band in paper cut-out form.
That's available for your viewing pleasure on the YouTube right now, so go give it a watch, then immediately pre-order the EP at junkdrawerbelfast.bandcamp.com.
:: Soft Gut Song Camp
ONWARDS to news of a new 'song camp' created for local musicians by singer/songwriter Ciaran Lavery, Nikki MacRae from Help Musicians NI and manager/producer Jo Wright.
"Soft Gut was created primarily out of the desire to support a healthier and functioning music community that can encourage collaboration and healthy competition in the north of Ireland," explains Lavery of the event which will run between April 14 and 16 at Analogue Catalogue studio in Newry.
"With the effects of Brexit already leaving a cloud over talk of touring visas, there is no time like the present to support artists here and help to nurture a music scene that encourages them to flourish."
Hard to argue with that. Applications for Soft Gut are open until March 24 to musicians in Northern Ireland aged 18 and over. The fee to attend is £225, see Facebook.com/softgutsongcamp for more info.
:: Kate Nicholson – On The Record
FINALLY for this week, we grill Co Derry-born singer/songwriter Kate Nicholson about the making and release of her debut album Fallen From Grace, which is out now on limited CD and coming soon to streaming service near you.
:: How did last Friday's album launch show go at Oh Yeah in Belfast?
I had the time of my life at the album launch. I'm not going to lie, I have wanted to record and release an album since I was about 17. I have been busy with other things in the meantime, but the combination of a global lockdown with new motherhood gave me the space I needed to get it done. Hurrah.
I am a big fan of The Bonnevilles and of Andy McGibbon's solo album, so it was a complete honour to have him as a special support for the night. I also can't say enough good things about my band who were phenomenal.
And that's all before we start talking about the audience. I am overwhelmed by the efforts people made to be there for the launch and to make it a sold-out headline show – they travelled from all over Northern Ireland, in a storm no less.
:: What was the recording process like for Fallen From Grace?
I worked with producer Michael Mormecha. I have been a fan since I was about 17, when I saw his band Mojo Fury at the Cellar Bar in Draperstown (where I'm from). He has produced really wonderful work over the years and is an amazing solo artist and a member of the traditional trio Trú.
I feel like the stars aligned to bring us together to make the album at the right time. Being in the studio was such a special experience. To explain the process, I write my songs on acoustic guitar, but in my head they were always meant to be for a band and big harmonies. So, to be able to bring them to life the way they were intended was just incredible.
:: Do you have a favourite song on the record?
At the moment my favourite is the title track. It has a primal rhythm which makes you feel like you could be dancing around a prehistoric campfire. So, it's very much stuck in my head since the album launch.
But I'll be honest: I love each and every song on the record otherwise they wouldn't be on there. The brilliant thing about being an independent artist is that you have autonomy – I had 100 per cent input into every little micro-decision about the album, from the writing, to the production, mastering, choosing the running order and the sleeve design.
The songs are all very different which reflects my taste in music. I could be listening to Americana, 90s indie, folk, alternative all in the one sitting. I would get bored if my songs all sounded the same. So it's safe to say they don't.
:: Are your lyrics mostly autobiographical or do you also write 'in character'?
I use emotions I have had and tap into those for sure. But I also blend that with a lifetime of hearing of other people's trials and tribulations, of observations of real life and from travel.
However, for this album, the songs all came to me: I would pick up the guitar and a riff, a melody, a chorus, and often some initial lyrics or a theme would present itself.
I will never say which parts are autobiographical and which are not though.
:: You collaborated with Cormac Neeson for recent single Wrong Side of The Town, has that whetted your appetite for future team-ups?
One of the things I love most about music is connecting with listeners, as well as other musicians. Collaborations are one of my favourite things, when people bring their special sparkle to the table and mix it with yours.
I knew Cormac's voice would be incredible on Wrong Side of The Town. I do have some more songs in the arsenal and have some ideas as to who would be great on them, but I should probably ask them first.
:: Will there be any more singles from the record?
Yes, we are releasing Smile Through My Tears which is inspired by travels to Nashville. We were going for the Eagles in terms of harmonies, so if that sounds interesting, please do tune in.
:: Do you have any plans to tour?
Yes – you can't make an album and not do a tour. I will be announcing some special dates soon. Firstly though, if people would make a big effort to listen to the music that would be swell!
:: Fallen From Grace is available now on limited edition CD from Katenicholson.co.uk and will be available on Spotify and all streaming platforms from March 1.
