Every March – To Stay Above Ground (2026)
Every March’s mastermind, Barry Shields, may be new to my ears, but he is by no means a newbie in the industry. Northern Ireland’s singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist made a name with the Belfast band, The Vals, touring extensively and playing alongside acts like Turnin Brakes, Ocean Colour Scene and The Zombies. With Every March, he takes a more experimental and innovative stance with several well-received singles and albums to their name, each differing from the other – conceptually, at least. Shields (vocals and rhythm guitar) is not the only person behind Every March, as he is joined by Tom McShane (lead guitar and synths), Gerard Brennan (bass), Brian Steenson (drums), and Gillian McLeon (piano). The latest addition to their discography is the single, ‘To Stay Above Ground’.
Following their nine-track album, Alphabet Thin, ‘To Stay Above Ground’ is a brush of soft rock-tinged music with flecks of folk dancing at the edges. Dragging us back to the 1980s, there is a nostalgic whisper of life into yesteryear; however, Every March retains this timelessness, bringing a contemporary flair to the track and looking at the ageless vulnerability of “staying above ground”.
Soothing and charming, ‘To Stay Above Ground’ has a gentle, mellifluous flow that is entirely comforting and warm. The rhythm guitar drops from the sky while the soaring lead guitar lifts the mood and holds you close. Drums beat in the background – both gently and with confidence – as the piano flutters along and clips at the melody with tenderness.
One element that is particularly intriguing, and speaks to the skill of the players, is the fact that this single was recorded live, with each individual given “carte blanche”. In other words, the song was placed in front of everyone, and they did what they thought would sound good. A beautiful showcasing of the artists’ camaraderie and instinctual understanding of music. Add Shields’ calm, almost shy vocals, and the soft, chilled-out song demands attention without that brashness of “look at me”; the beauty of something almost silent yet holding the quality of a deafening shout.
Find out more about Every March on their Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Old Crows Promotions.
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