Cork singer/songwriter Lyra is back with a new single on Polydor Records. ‘Never Let Go’ follows up the musician’s appearance on the finale of Ireland’s Got Talent, and is yet another demonstration of her electro-pop prowess. Vocals take centre stage as Lyra glides over dark, sweeping electronica and vibrant melodies.

Lrya explains that the song is “a bit of an apology,” saying that she was inspired by a story from her love life wherein she “finally got [herself] away from ‘Mr. Cheaty McCheaterson’ and met ‘Mr Dreamy McDreamerson’” only to end it because of “stupid rumors.” It’s an emotional one for her, and something that “still hurts” for her to think about. This visceral feeling comes across in the intensity of the song’s delivery, bringing the listener straight into that world, into that pained headspace.

Kate Bush’s influence on the track is obvious, but Lyra manages to add her own spin on those classic ‘80s theatrics, taking the soaring vocals and piercing balladry and contextualizing them anew against a more modern pop backdrop.

‘Never Let Go’ is the culmination of several years of experimentation, with Lyra reaching out to several different producers and songwriters including Phil Cook and Carey Willets who – collectively – have worked with a wide range of pop artists including Birdy, Ellie Goudling, and Dermot Kennedy. In fact, she recently opened for Kennedy during his show at The Marquee in her hometown. Lyra has also announced a couple headlining shows of her own, which you can find more details about below, along with the official audio for ‘Never Let Go.’