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Two Door Cinema Club
There's no sign of new songs, but under the tongue-in-cheek guise of a tribute act the Bangor boys make a long-awaited reconnection with their roots -
U2
For all their waning studio powers, Bono and his merry band still hit the mark on a politically poignant return to Belfast -
Disquiet
Therapy? release 'a sequel of sorts' to 1994's seminal Troublegum, a fearsome album that deals with addiction, ageing and expectation with typical vigour -
Goons
The remnants of Fighting With Fire and LaFaro incorporate synths in new supergroup but ultimately stay true to their alt-rock roots -
NI Music Prize
Robyn G Shiels scoops album of the year, while alt-metal icons Therapy? perform Troublegum -
Lost Domain
Ash frontman Tim Wheeler produces a cathartic solo album following his father's battle with dementia -
Southpaw Niños
Mick McCullagh's trad debut features songwriting worthy of The Waterboys -
Race With The Tide
PØRTS release three offcuts from their forthcoming debut album which suggest greater things to come -
Albatross
Andrew Farmer and Sons of Caliber ride the alt-folk wave with a debut album of highs and lows -
Arborist
Mark McCambridge continues to impress with rich tunes and a hard-earned earthy croon