New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Hxney, ‘Sweet Spot’

Dublin RnB artist, Hxney, has hit the ‘Sweet Spot’ with her latest single. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera, Frank Ocean, and Beyoncé, her latest single oozes noughties nostalgia with smooth guitar rhythms and effortless vocals. ‘Sweet Spot’ hits that timeless note – where any age and any generation will happily sing along and groove to it – the kind that you only typically see from well established artists.

Speaking about the track, the artist remarked: “‘Sweet Spot’ is about a friendship, the highs and lows of a friendship but especially about when it’s going really well and the two of you are flowing. It’s an in-depth confessional to a loved one about how hard it gets when both of you are on bad terms and apart from each other so instead of repeating the same cycle The song talks about just letting go of control and just enjoying the version of the person that’s presented in front of you in the moment. That way you’ll ‘float’ in that sweet spot a little longer…”

Spearside, 'Trendsetters'

“I wish my friends were all trendsetters, I wish my songs were so much better” sings frontman Oisin Walsh in Spearside’s newest indie-rock banger, as gritty guitars plunge their way through hooks and riffs that channel the 70s power pop aesthetic. The fast-rising three-piece constantly remind you why they’ve made a name for themselves in the Irish underground scene, as they channel influences like The Exploding Hearts, MC5 and Slow Pulp. ‘Trendsetters’ is a nod to the wave of US garage rock, like artists Jay Reatard and Young Guv, but retains a sound that is completely their own.

PEARCE, 'Heartache'

Belfast DJ Pearce returns with a rousing remix that immediately transports you to your nearest nightclub. Having recently signed with the iconic Atlantic Records, ‘Heartache’ is a fast-paced club banger, synths and drumbeats building to satisfying drops that will lift your feet off the ground.

The Neon Cars, 'The Way It's Always Been'

The Cork-based indie rock four-piece released their uplifting new single this week, the first single from their upcoming EP this Autumn. With a distinctly Sam Fender, The Killers-y sound, ‘The Way It’s Always Been’ is a bubbly, positive track with energetic indie riffs and an infectious melody. It embraces a more positive spin on life and exemplifies how The Neon Cars’ songwriting is just getting better.

Under Starling, 'Wojtek'

Under Starling prove they deserve a space in the alt-pop sphere with their gritty, glitzy new track. Passionate, catchy vocals ponder social anxiety via a symbol of a retreating white rabbit after which the track is named, and its fading mantra, "it's all in your head" is a succinct representation of the increasing emotional weight of holding it all in. The song is just an example of their distinct musical niche, drawing clear influences from U2 and The 1975 while maintaining their unique sound.

Under Starling

Naoise Roo, ‘Sacred Cow’

After the wide success of her singular debut album Lilith, Naoise Roo is back with her latest single leading up to the release of her new record, Emotionally Magnificent. It’s a psychedelic, layered experience of a song, as she waxes Western-inspired metaphors with her unique, swelling vocals. Accompanied by a surrealist cowboy-themed music video, directed by filmmaker Caoimhe Clancy. A departure from Roo’s previous musical inclination, the track exists in its own world, which is sure to be expanded in the rest of her newest record.

Jacknife Lee x Lol Tolhurst x Budgie, ‘Los Angeles’

The iconic Dublin producer/multi-instrumentalist Jacknife Lee is back with a new collaborative project with heavy hitters Lol Tolhurst (The Cure), and Budgie from Siouxsie & The Banshees. The trio are set to release their debut album together, Los Angeles later this year, with the title track, featuring Peter Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, out now. “Los Angeles eats its children, Los Angeles eats its young,” cries Murphy over the title track’s powerful heartbeat of synths and drums. Almost futuristic in its sound, the track is a clear indication of how much we needed this super-collab.

Glen Hansard, 'The Feast of St. John'

A welcome return from the iconic Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, ‘The Feast Of St. John’ is a powerful track that features Warren Ellis of The Dirty Three and The Bad Seeds on violin. The track was released this week along with a dark, direct-to-camera performance video that matches the song’s grand urgency. Hansard, whose December Vicar St. gig is already sold out, delivers powerful vocals with a sound that is arguably his most rock-influenced since Burn the Maps-era The Frames.

Isaac Butler, 'On The Run'

The fast-rising pop-rock artist Isaac Butler has released his latest track this week, a single that gets the genre absolutely dead on. With a solid emotional core and an anthemic sound that’s sure to reach the back wall of even the largest venues, it’s a perfect example of why Butler has already amassed an impressive 2.5 million Spotify listens with his previously released music. Set to headline The Academy this December, ‘On The Run’ is proof Butler is only getting better.

Isaac Butler

St. George, ‘Sweet Scenes’ featuring Aoife Meade

St. George (Michael Meleady), the Texas-based artist hailing from Limerick, has released his dream-like second single, ‘Sweet Scenes’, featuring the angelic vocals of Laois artist, Aoife Meade. Combining heartfelt lyrics, soulful harmonies, and a captivating melody, this track delves into the experience of meeting someone you've been missing in a dream. Meade’s well-established, hauntingly beautiful vocals perfectly complement St. George’s introspective storytelling, resulting in an absolutely seamless blend of voices which transport the listener into a new world of longing and connection.

The two have a long history of working together, as St. George’s previous band, Lost Boys, worked with the Laois singer-songwriter quite frequently – and therefore developed an undeniable chemistry ahead of this ethereal venture. The line: “My bedsheets laced with tears and drops of wine/I wonder do I even cross your mind” perfectly demonstrated the familiarity the two voices have to each other, the key element for creating a must-listen duet.

Van Panther, ‘A History Of Violence’

Van Panther have released the second single from their upcoming album. ‘A History Of Violence’ oozes pop-punk melodies, with experimental instrumentation adding an interesting and fresh element to the track. Based in Limerick City, Van Panther fuse intricate elements of punk with pop-orientated sensibilities adding a twinkle of indie-rock. There’s something nostalgic about the expertly placed riffs and guitar solos which draws the ear back to early Evanescence and, somehow, Green Day, while simultaneously standing alone as an independent mix. Recorded between Limerick’s Wanderland Studios and Dry Lanes Studios, the track was mixed by Ben Wanders, and expertly mastered by the wonderful Richard Dowling.

Faoi Bhláth, 'Witches'

The newest release from Faoi Bhláth is a dark, unique rock song with an enthralling sound you can’t quite place. ‘Witches’ is a track off her forthcoming debut EP, Hymnus, due for release this August. Dramatic and melancholic, the track is a blazing effort from the Cork-based indie artist, whose delicate yet powerful vocals explore power and femininity.

Revue, 'Love's Executioner'

The upcoming folk duo have released the first single from their highly anticipated debut album, Why Can't You Stay, due for release this Autumn. It tells the age-old tale of someone trying to navigate their fear of commitment, constantly finding themselves ending things before a relationship can fully begin. Evocative instrumentals and passionate vocals intertwine with the group's intricate storytelling, creating a sound that is as haunting as it is captivating.

Revue. Credit: Charlie Benson

Dave Nulty, 'All Just A Dream'

After the success of his two earlier 2023 releases, Dave Nulty has returned with a new single. An eerie deep house track whose unsettling synths have a Stranger Things feel, it's a deeper exploration of house music than that of Nulty's previous tracks. Made up of hypnotic soundscapes, arps, stabs and vocals build to a heavy-hitting drop. It's a track for those early hours of the morning, when time alters and reality is distorted.

Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly, ‘The Beautiful Road’

This is the title track off the duo's brand new record, which was also released today via Claddagh Records: a blend of folk, traditional and ambient music that is the culmination of years of experience. It is a record that comforts, a refuge from everyday life in song form. Their debut album Tá Go Maith was warmly received, and the new album is sure to be a welcome addition to their discography among their ever-growing fanbase.

Man Alive, ‘Colours’

The newest project from Kodaline's Mark Prendergast is a departure from his previous chart-topping successes. The track is a sunny, decadent delight that sounds more similar to the psychedelic production of Tame Impala than Kodaline's classic indie niche. It's personal and tender, perhaps even echoed in the song's lyrics as Prendergast sings, "You don't have to change who you are when you're with me." Man Alive's EP of the same name is due this September and is sure to cement Prendergast as a captivating solo artist in his own right.

Rebecca Winckworth, ‘Young, Brave and Free’

The former member of ANÚNA, the Irish vocalist Rebecca Winckworth has emerged with an anthem for those who have been forcibly displaced. Her soaring vocals over a swelling instrumental remind us that everyone has the power to make a difference – that "young, brave and free is never guaranteed."

Rebecca Winckworth

Ard Ó, ‘Peaceful Illusion’

The Irish London-based alternative artist Ard Ó released his moody new single this week, the second track off of his upcoming EP. The track continues the journey begun in his previous single 'Sensory Seeker', following a protagonist intent on masking his emotions and struggling with substances. Channelling the deep textures of Bon Iver and the complicated electronic synths of Muse, the track builds slowly and reaches a climax filled with distorted guitars and emotional lyrics that you can feel deep in your chest.

Conor Furlong, ‘Can I Make You Realise?’

Dublin solo artist Conor Furlong's new single is taken from his forthcoming album, Undo The Past, due for release this September. Having been written, arranged, performed and produced by Furlong, the track is a soaring, visual tune. Its sound is layered and dreamlike, one that fills up space as it builds to a swelling climax complete with electric guitars and powerful backing vocals.

RHOSHI, ‘LIKE I CARE’ feat. Isaac Jones

‘LIKE I CARE’, the new track by RHOSHI, featuring Isaac Jones, falls at four and a half minutes of pure mastering genius. Overlapping vocals are complemented by insane techno breakdowns, sombre silences allowing the listener to feel the ebb and flow of the track fully. This tripped out piano ballad follows hot on the heels of RHOSHI’s comeback single ‘ICARUS’ – well and truly proving he’s back and better than ever.

Aislinn Logan, ‘Tír na nÓg (The Other Side)’

After touring Europe with CMAT and supporting Imelda May in London, Aislinn Logan has released her new single ‘Tír na nÓg (The Other Side)’. Based on one of the most famous stories in Irish mythology, the track displays sublime folk-infused vocals, a soaring string section, joyous brass, and booming synth. According to the singer-songwriter, the track began as an ode to a faraway best friend and took on deeper meaning when Logan lost her mother and close cousin in quick succession. The track captures infectious melody and driving rhythm – clearly a nod to the musician’s heroes: Talking Heads, Paul Simon, and Bruce Hornsby – as well as contemporaries like Jessie Ware, Alex G, and Caroline Polachek.

Lee Rogers, 'Peace of Mind'

Belfast's Lee Rogers released his first solo recording this week since his second album, Gameblood came out in 2022. It's a warm, positive song about relationships – about sticking by a partner through hardship and revelling in the realisation that staying together is possible. Released alongside a video about Roger's fond memories of his boyhood summers featuring Roger's young son, it fits in naturally with the track's summery, joyous vibe.

R.O.B., 'YOUFORIA'

The Drogheda underground hip-hop artist R.O.B. has been making his mark on the scene. His newest track, the lead single from his upcoming mixtape Welcome 2 Da Last, acts as a bit of a musical departure from an artist who has already carved out a distinctive sound for himself. A more emotional, melodic track that still channels his classic Trap influences, 'YOUFORIA' is a futuristic delight.

Roisin El Cherif, ‘Daylight’

The Irish-Palestinian artist hails from Galway and fuses ambient pop melodies with other overlapping influences like RnB, neo-soul, and folk. Her newest track, out this week with collaborator Yescene, is steady and melodic. It almost feels tribal, with interesting percussive beats and even a Michael Jackson, 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'' sample featured in its midst. It's an addition to her discography that further cements her status as a songwriter who knows exactly what she's doing.

Roisin El Cherif

Moncrieff, ‘Love Somebody’

The Irish singer-songwriter has returned with a rousing, stadium-sized single that isn't afraid to take up space. Off of the massive success of last year's Warm EP and his most recent EP Highways and Hurricanes, Moncrieff's newest track off of his upcoming debut album lives up to his previous success. Catchy pop hooks and thick drums emphasize his anthemic sound, as its lyrics detail love and regret, warning that "if you're gonna love somebody, better go ahead and let them know."

Ryan Mack, ‘Fling For The Summer’

Kildare-born Ryan Mack is back (hah) with a chilled-out, sunny tune about a short-term summer relationship for which he had different expectations. The lyrics are coy, Mack laughing as he paints a picture of a hot summer romance, with the occasional pop culture reference sprinkled in (including a little Taylor Swift namedrop). Channelling contemporaries like Dominic Fike's hip-hop/pop/rap niche, the song is thoroughly summery as groovy beats and smart lyrics invoke vivid images of relaxing with a drink by the side of a pool.

Kean Kavanagh, ‘Wrestling Music’

Opening with the signature audio of a wrestling match, ‘Wrestling Music’ immediately dives into upbeat indie-funk, capturing the listener from the opening riffs. Heavy, bluesy bass fills the track, accompanied by fantastically distorted vocals. ‘Wrestling Music’ comes from Kavanagh’s EP of the same name, released today.

Speaking on the EP, Kean explains: “In May 2022 I suffered a vocal injury which meant that for the majority of the last year, I haven’t been able to sing or record. While I’ve been working on a lot of different music and writing a lot of songs, it has been heartbreaking and depressing at times to not be able to realise their full potential and to sing them how I hear them. On the 1st of May 2023, I wrote and recorded “The Magic” at home in Portlaoise and it helped me to embrace whatever the last year was and point me in a direction to go towards. It felt important to me and I didn’t want to just sit on it, so I gathered some instrumentals I had and worked quickly to create this EP, the Wrestling Music EP, as a timestamp of this period of my life and the loops of arrogance, introversion and acceptance that I’ve been spinning.”

Sick Love, ‘Holly’

"I just know I never knew nobody like Holly," proclaims frontwoman Rebecca Geary in the Irish rock band's infectious new track that becomes an instant classic during the first listen. 'Holly' is ambitious and fresh, with electric guitars and clean vocals blending to create an authentic piece of rock at the forefront of the Irish music scene. It waxes and wanes, and begs to be played at full volume and screamed along to.

Credit: Glen Bollard / Sick Love

Kid Apollo, ‘fantasise’ feat. dexter in the newsagent

A lovely new piece of electro-indie pop, 'fantasise' is a calm, steady single that doesn't quite define itself by any one genre. The Derry-based artist (who writes, records and produces all of his own music) is complimented nicely by soft vocals from South London's alt-pop star dexter in the newsagent. It's an ambient and catchy track, with layered production that makes good use of melodic vocal hooks and tender soundscapes.

Jessie Ware & Róisín Murphy, ‘Freak Me Now’

The iconic Irish disco-pop queen Róisín Murphy is back for a high-powered collaboration with English pop star Jessie Ware. The new track is a disco-infused dance tune that is a reworking of Ware's track of the same name from her most recent album, That! Feels Good!. It's infectious and groovy – and will be right at home on a bumping dance floor. The tune comes along with a fun, bonkers music video featuring the two artists, and it's clear both had a blast working with each other.

Jordan Adetunji, ‘THINGS YOU DO’

The Belfast-based alternative hip-hop artist is dedicated to creating his own sound, and that has never been more clear than on his newest single, out today. Infusing rap and r&b with punk influences, Adetunji has created a high-energy track that combines passionate vocals with complicated, highly-produced instrumentals. It's dramatic and forward-thinking, cementing Adetunji's well-earned place in the scene as one to watch.

Rebitual, ‘Elevate’

A strong debut single from Dublin's Rebitual, 'Elevate' is a hip-hop track that combines beats and flows with a spiritual vibe. As a Reiki Master herself, Rebitual reminds you to 'elevate your mind' over a spacey beat that compliments her low vocals. A collaboration with Sheree, the track was released with a lyric video posted to her YouTube. Her flow is solid as she raps about wellness, and it's a promising start to the Irish artist's musical career.