Criticism

Uncommon Roscommon Uncommon Roscommon Brendan Finan 'The Golden Cassette', a recording of work by prolific outsider artist Caoimhín Breathnach, includes his subliminal tapes, which he subjected to odd physical processes, from burning them to screening kung fu films for them. The experience of listening goes beyond the music, writes Brendan Finan.
Once Was Dust Once Was Dust Don O'Mahony Exploring scientific theory, natural phenomena and human behaviour, 'In Clouds' is a new collaborative performance directed by composer Peter Power. Commissioned by Cork Midsummer Festival and Triskel Arts Centre to mark 40 years of the venue, the work was performed on 15 June. Don O'Mahony reviews.
Honesty and Vulnerability Honesty and Vulnerability Anna Murray Chamber Choir Ireland, conducted by Nicolas Fink, created a programme of sacred but intensely personal music with Between Us. Anna Murray reviews their performance at Hugh Lane Gallery.
Irish Stew Irish Stew Anna Murray As he tours, experimental vocalist Damo Suzuki creates ad hoc bands, formed only for each performance. In Dublin and Cork, he gathered a rare mix of artists from the Irish indie and improvisation scenes – Anna Murray reviews.
A High-Wire Act A High-Wire Act Toner Quinn The debut album from The High Seas trio contains feverish music and some classic moments, writes Toner Quinn.
Emanating Sparks Emanating Sparks Brendan Finan At this year's Drogheda Arts Festival, Louth Contemporary Music Society presented a spectralist work from the 1970s alongside a postminimalist one from the last decade and a series of techno-inspired shorts. Brendan Finan finds the connections.
Glorious Shambles Glorious Shambles Adrian Smith Gerald Barry's inspirations come from many sources – his new Organ Concerto, performed in Dublin in May, was partly inspired by a cat mourning the loss of atonality – or was it? Adrian Smith reviews.
An Otherworldly Destination An Otherworldly Destination Shannon McNamee Composer Judith Ring's first body of work featuring her own singing is both gentle and complex writes Shannon McNamee in her second Journal of Music/Galway City Council Music Writer Mentoring Scheme review.
Reimagining Belfast Reimagining Belfast Toner Quinn Fiddle-player Conor Caldwell's diverse new album is inspired by both the historic work of collector Edward Bunting and the sounds of contemporary Belfast, writes Toner Quinn.
Hamilton's Relentless Pursuit Hamilton's Relentless Pursuit Adrian Smith Andrew Hamilton's 'music for people who like art' was the nearest thing to a smash hit in contemporary music, writes Adrian Smith. A new recording on the NMC label includes works composed either side of it too.

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