Album Review: Iona Zajac, Bang

Iona Zajac recently toured North America as guest vocalist with The Pogues, but this debut proves the Glaswegian songstress of Polish and Ukrainian heritage has far more strings to her bow than as an interpreter of other people’s songs, even those as great as Shane’s.

Zajac is an accomplished songwriter in her own right, from the hypnotic chant and sway of ‘Bowls’, through the Mazzy Star-meets-Bat For Lashes of the stately ‘Dilute’ and the angry edge of ‘Anton’. The latter is a dissection of toxic relationships that breaks down into a cacophony of distorted guitar and guttural screaming, which wouldn’t be a million miles away from early Polly Harvey.

Then there’s the pastoral folk of ‘Summer’; the confessional whispers of ‘Ridiculous Hat’ and ‘End Of The Year’; the surreal ‘Chicken Supermarket’; and the tender ‘Salt’. ‘Murder Mystery’ begins with Chris Isaak vibes courtesy of tremolo guitar, before going full-on rawk for the ending.

The title track is a joyous celebration of sexuality wrapped up in ’90s indie vibes, which reminds this listener of The Sundays, and that can only be a great thing. The closing ‘Loving Is Rough’, meanwhile, is one of the most beautiful love songs you’ll hear all year.

An exciting new talent. Looking forward to watching her rise in 2026.

8/10