We are back with another hearty helping of some of the best up-and-coming acts we have here at Townsend Music. From gritty 70's-inspired rock and mellow indie-pop to punchy spoken-word punk and raging hardcore, say hello to your future festival headliners and multiple award-winners today.
Dea Matrona - Glory Glory (I Am Free)
For Fans Of: Joan Jett, Fleetwood Mac
Belfast-born Dea Matrona was formed in 2018 by school friends Mollie McGinn and Orlaith Forsythe. The band received support through their viral busking videos and have since racked over 6.9 million views online leading to an appearance on Ireland's RTE Late Late Show. Live shows have included opening up for the likes of Van Morrison and Gerry Cinnamon and a slot at the Reading and Leeds Festival. With their hard-hitting riffs and musical intensity, the pair have established a rare, sensational sound - gritty and real.
The duo's next single 'Glory, Glory (I am Free)' is a melodic and soft-rock-tinged ballad, gracing the airwaves on 25th February. Speaking on the new single, which was written during lockdown, the band say the song is about "making sacrifices for the people we love. Following the new single, the duo will then embark on their debut Irish tour.
"Being separated from those close to you only makes you realise how badly you would do anything to be able to spend time with them." - Dea Matrona
Pre-order Glory, Glory (I Am Free) on limited edition red vinyl, including a Dea Matrona comic book, alongside exclusive merchandise.
Alfie Templeman - Mellow Moon
For Fans Of: Circa Waves, Cassia
British singer-songwriter and indie boy-wonder Alfie Templeman is on the cusp of releasing his highly-anticipated debut album Mellow Moon, following on from a string of successful EPs and 2021 project Forever Isn't Long Enough.
The 19-year-old musician draws inspiration from the likes of Steve Lacy, Leon Bridges, and Todd Rundgren and has co-written songs with The Vaccines frontman Justin Young and Kaiser Chiefs drummer Nick Hodgson. Speaking on the latest single 'Broken' from the album, Alfie reveals: "It's a bit of an anthem for people my age really, all the wobbles of being a teenager and figuring yourself out."
"It feels like I'm on a different planet. I've gone somewhere new and I'm discovering fire for the first time." - Alfie Templeman
Mellow Moon is available to pre-order on exclusive and signed formats from the official store, including lunar glow vinyl and signed cd, alongside mixed-format bundles with limited edition signed print.
Sinead O'Brien - Time Bend And Break The Bower
For Fans Of: Fontaines D.C., Kae Tempest
Irish newcomer Sinead O'Brien has announced her debut album Time Bend And Break The Bower, set for release on June 10 via Chess Club Records. The album includes 2021 singles 'Girlkind' and 'Kid Stuff', as well as the brand new single 'Holy Country'.
Since 2020, the artist has garnered international critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, DIY, Dazed, and more along with the support of BBC Radio 1's Jack Saunders and 6 Music's Steve Lamacq and Amy Lamé. The debut 11-track album was produced by Dan Carey and recorded at his South London studio Mr Dan's.
"The story of the album is built up in layers; one song giving context to the next... working myself out across themes of identity, curiosity, creative process." - Sinead O'Brien
Pre-order the debut album on multiple formats from the official store and receive exclusive access to pre-sale tickets for the UK Tour in October.
Cage Fight - Cage Fight
For Fans Of: Employed To Serve, Eths
Hardcore, thrash crossover band Cage Fight have announced their self-titled debut album. The band initially started out as a bedroom project by TesseracT guitarist James Monteith and bassist Jon Reid to unleash some frustration and pay nostalgic tribute to bands like Slayer, Terror, and Hatebreed. Quickly, though, the idea began to grow, and then they brought in drummer Nick Plews and former Eths vocalist Rachel Aspe.
Speaking on the debut album, Jon Reid explains: "It seemed perfect stimulus to write lyrics that confronted the continued world of systemic racism, cultural divide and an antiquated class system wrapped up with personal mental health issues and the challenges of modern living."
Cage Fight's debut album is available to pre-order on limited edition black & red splatter vinyl from the Candlelight Records Store.
Priscilla Block - Welcome To The Block
For Fans Of: Lainey Wilson, Ashley Cooke
Country musician Priscilla Block has released her highly-anticipated debut album Welcome To The Block. The 26-year-old singer previously self-released her EP Different Route in 2017, before landing a contract with Mercury Nashville in 2020 after her song 'Just About Over You' went viral on TikTok.
Welcome To The Block is a lyrically driven album that blends country-pop and southern rock, with each track on the album written by Block herself. The New York Times described the album as a "refreshing and accomplished pop-country debut album, and an ambitious one too."
Welcome To The Block is available on CD and streaming services now. The album will also be available on black vinyl from 4th March.