We start things off with Limerick rockers Windings (above), who team up with Dublin's Land Lovers for a split album that's a first for Out on a Limb Records. With a Choice Music Prize nomination behind them, Windings have a solid reputation that is only set to be strengthened with this release. outonalimbrecords.com

Cork's Shaker Hymn's second single, The Runaway , has an Americana twang, drums that skitter and vocals that have just enough drawl to
balance out the plaintiveness. theshakerhymn.bandcamp.com

Another Corkonian is Bantum, who these days is based in Dublin. For his new Live at Mabos EP, he teamed up with Ger Mangan, the Ten Past Seven drumming powerhouse, to record a special live set. Dim the lights and you could almost be there. Download it for free at bantum.bandcamp.com

Superblondes are a five-piece based around Tipperary and Cork who make grungey rock with a touch of surf. Their latest single, Take And Take ,
is available for free download from March 14th, and notably was recorded and mixed with the help of Kieran Lynch (who has worked with U2,
REM and Elvis Costello. facebook.com/superblondesband

Naturally, I Draw Slow released their new single, Valentine , on February 14th, followed one week later by their new album, White Wave Chapel . Melding Appalachian folk with Irish trad and a touch of Americana, there's a lot of great stuff going on here. Catch them live for the full effect. idrawslow.wordpress.com