Best of 2023 | Best albums | Best songs | Irish albums | Best Of Podcasts | Guest lists |
Lolz is Laura O’Connell, DJ and Gash Collective co-founder, and party runner of Blush, Thursdays at Roisin Dubh in Galway.
Roo Honeychild
Grease Monkey (Gash Trax Vol 2)
I feel immensely proud of our second Gash release which came out in April this year. The compilation fully embodies the ethos of what we are trying to achieve with Gash and showcases some of the most exciting club and experimental music coming out of Ireland at the minute. Roo’s Grease Monkey is definitely a standout track for me. This one got rinsed many times this year and goes off everytime.
Ron Morelli
Heart Stopper (L.I.E.S Records)
Heart Stopper by L.I.E.S label head Ron Morelli stands out as one of my favourite releases of 2023, featuring heavily in many of my sets throughout the year. The album is made up of tracks recorded between 2012 and 2022 and feels like a culmination of Morelli honing his craft over the years. The result is raw, gritty House music designed for the dance floor. For me, ‘Tangled Trap of Love’ just about wins through as my favourite with its EBM-y beat and emotive vocals.
Belacqua
Gunnish (Apartment Records)
A driving off-kilter banger from Galwegian Belacqua that goes off on the ‘floor.
Silent Servant
M-87 (Tresor)
In Memoriam, the newest EP from Silent Servant, is a homage to different pivotal points in electronic music that span Juan Mendez’s 30-year career. The EP navigates between Detroit Electro and Techno, EBM and Wave, Dub Techno, and the sounds of early 00s Techno. My favourite track M-87 pays tribute to Mendez’s love of Detroit Techno and Electro.
ANZ
Clearly Rushing (Hessle Audio)
Jagged arpeggios meet breakbeats and bass making this a fun track to drop to a peak time dancefloor.
Toumba
Istibtan (Hessle Audio)
I first encountered Toumba earlier this year via his EP on Hessle Audio. He combines traditional Jordanian sounds with percussive club music. ‘Istibtan’ is a twist on traditional Jordanian wedding music, combined with percussive rhythms and sub bass- a certified slow-mo banger.
Rainy Miller & Space Afrika feat. RenzNiro & IceBoy Violet
Sweet (I’m Free)
I caught Space Afrika’s amazing live set at Haunted Dancehall this year and was absolutely blown away. A much-needed cathartic experience. Their latest release A Grisaille Wedding is absolute fire and combines Trap, Noise, Drill and other experimental club sounds into a completely unique release. Very hard to pick a fave but ‘Sweet (I’m Free)’ just about wins out.
John Francis Flynn
Within a Mile of Dublin (River Lea Recordings)
A late contender but I instantly loved this track from the minute I heard it. The track begins with a traditional tin whistle reel over drones before it breaks into a pulsating rhythm of drums accompanied by Kaija Kennedy’s vocals. Refreshing stuff.
ALYXIS
Leader (Gash Trax Vol 2)
Another one off GASH Trax Vol 2. ALYXIS is making some of the most exciting club music in Ireland at the minute. Very excited to see what’s to come for this young producer.
Charli XCX
Speed Drive
Fun energetic hyperpop from the best. It’s Charli bb.
See all Guestlist of 2023 choices
Best of 2023 | Best albums | Best songs | Irish albums | Best Of Podcasts | Guest lists |
