Single Review | Sheerbuzz | Darkside

There's something in the water on the North West of Ireland.

Donegal, Letterkenny and it's surrounding areas have finally emerged from the alien lanes of Irish musical no-mans land, with a hotbed of new talent coming to the fore. There's always been a close affiliation with the neighboring maiden city, but for every hype engrossed Derry band plying their trade across the border, there was a distinct lack of breakthroughs for the locals; but that's all changing now.

Sheerbuzz are the latest in a growing line of bands from the North West to capture what it's like growing up, losing friends and the universal disconnection the world is feeling right now. The 'All Our Time and Money' EP sounded like a funky incarnation of Scottish breakthroughs The Snuts, using Andy Rourke inspired bass-lines and witty one-liners to devastating effect ("I can be everything you want me to be, unless it's taller, or stronger or a county baller"). New single 'Darkside' is a marked improvement, keeping the clever, conversationalist prose, but nurturing a richer, fuller sound.

Warm synths lift a melody tantalisingly close to falling in the river Foyle, only to be pulled back to the dance floor at the very last moment. Textually, Sheerbuzz have found a sweet spot somewhere between lush 80's pop and Irish emo. It's a refreshing blend, and one completely of their own making.

Though not the finished product yet, Sheerbuzz show signs of a band in bloom and enjoying the moment. If they can continue to tease out their potential, anything is possible.

Taylor Johnson