A Litany of Failures Vol IV: Indispensable listening for any Irish music fan with a modicum of taste

Every scene needs a good compilation. Warp’s Artificial Intelligence series of releases in the early 1990s introduced artists such as Autechre, Aphex Twin, Alex Patterson and Speedy J to a brave new electronic world. In 2000 We Love You ... So Love Us acquainted listeners with I Am Kloot and Clinic – and also featured a terrific sleeve by Banksy years before he became a big star.

A Litany of Failures began in 2016 with a cassette EP showcasing the work of Junk Drawer, Oh Boland, Shrug Life and That Snaake. Every volume got more expansive, extensive and progressive. Volume IV features 22 tracks and artists, showing the most innovative and compelling sides to music on this island that you can find.

Some of the acts will already be familiar to discerning and adventurous listeners, such as Junior Brother, M(h)aol, Junk Drawer, So Cow, Naoise Roo, Myles Hanley, Elaine Howley and the inimitable underground stalwart that is Jinx Lennon, who chips a collaboration with Baby Nits called Fred Perry Far Right.

There are also tons of fresh gems from new artists, such as The Reunion by Laurie Shaw, Hana’s House by Icebear, I’m in Your Car by Search Results, Not Another Word by Bog Band, and Saturday Night’s Alright (for Reading) by Hamer Place, which is the latest project from Ross Hamer.

Bowel cancer: ‘I truly know what it means to live and am genuinely loving life’

---

That They May Face the Rising Sun: The best Irish film in a very long time

---

‘When our last embryo failed, the clinic told us there was nothing more they could do for us’

---

Take That in Dublin review: ‘Whose idea was it to have stairs?’ puffs Gary Barlow as the band roll back the years with dazzling show

---

A Litany of Failures Volume IV, available from September 8th on luscious double vinyl or digitally from Bandcamp, is indispensable listening for any Irish music fan with a modicum of good taste.