New Irish music

Every year is an exciting year for Irish music - or any music for that matter - so we won't go overboard about 2013, but still; there really is a lot to look forward to over the coming months. We put together five Irish albums we're particularly looking forward to here. And that's without even mentioning new albums from Ham Sandwich, Fight Like Apes, Codes, Solar Bears and, possibly, Adebisi Shank. Along with the host of albums from new Irish bands, like Come On Live Long, who we have only heard murmurs from as of yet. You can also listen to some of the bands mentioned (plus a few more) on the free Deezer playlist below. We might even see some at Castlepalooza later in the year... Kodaline By the end of the year these Swords lads are almost definitely going to have fulfilled the promise of their Sound of 2013 nod from the BBC. Their album is out in June 10th, expect to hear plenty of tracks featured on plenty of shows. O Emperor Album of the Year nominees back in 2011, this could be the album to put them over the top. Hopefully we’ll catch them at a few festivals – on top of their solo appearances – later in the summer. Bell X1 Without knowing how ‘Chop, Chop’ will sound yet, it’s an achievement in itself for an Irish band to be big enough to launch an album in the National Concert Hall (June 29th). Little Green Cars Kodaline have probably edged ahead in the race for column inches, but the other Irish band to get a place on the Sound of 2013 shortlist look set to fulfill their promise - starting with an album release on July 13th. Enemies May 25th brings an important date in the calendar for Ireland’s healthy instrumental rock scene with the release of math-pop foursome Enemies second album.