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Your Thursday Playlist: From Cabra & Canada & Mali with love

Arcade Fire are back, to kick your weekend off with some seriously killer tunes.
Arcade Fire are back, to kick your weekend off with some seriously killer tunes.

This week’s tracklist is really eclectic and as always, full of new sounds. It’s like having a mini Other Voices fest in your headphones...

1. Gypsies on the Autobahn – Hidden

This promising four piece from Cabra, on Dublin's Northside, aren't afraid to rock out, and we're definitely feeling it. It's high-pitched vocalist James Smith, however, who makes this tune really pop - as pop as the pink wall behind him in the video. Hidden has more than a touch of the Paramores about it, which is okay with us - it's taken from their debut album Born Brief, released on February 24th.

2. Arcade Fire – I Give You Power

The Canadian legends return after four years with a bang, and a Trump-inspired protest song infused with eclectic influences, from soul and gospel to electronica and hip-hop - the beat owes a serious debt to Grandmaster Flash’s The Message. The real power comes from legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples, whose unmistakable voice reverberates throughout the tune. The video is basic, to say the least, but the old school vibe sets the atmosphere nicely for one of 2017's most eagerly anticipated albums. Can’t wait!

3. Julie Byrne – I Live Now As A Singer

Singer-songwriter Julie Byrne sounds like she could have been Irish.  But no, we checked, she’s 100%  American. And this song is kind of unique. Her angelic sound reminds us of Irish traditional music. Her voice wouldn't sound out of place on the soundtrack to a Lord of the Rings movie. Very relaxing. Her album Not Even Happiness is out this Friday.

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4. Sohn – Rennen

Vienna based soundscape merchant Sohn returns with his new album Rennen - the title track is a perfect showcase for Christopher Taylor's emotional, soulful electronica. A unique artist, with a unique sound - catch up with his 2014 debut Tremors, and take things from there.

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5. Awa Poulo – Djulau

Good vibes, to set you up for the weekend... Awa Poulo is a Peulh singer from Mali, acompanied by her band playing N’goni ( lute), flute, guitar, bass guitar and calabash - Awa calls the tune, however, with her fierce but melodious vocals. Combining Peulh and Malian sounds, the fusion of politically-informed lyrics (in favour of the Peulh community) and Saharian riffs, give this roots sound a profoundly modern feel. More importantly, this song will make you dance! Play on repeat, and get your groove on:

 

 

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