New Irish Songs to Hear this Week

Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets, 'when i was young'

After a barnstorming 2023, 'when i was young' marks a foray into a darker sound for Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets. Blending elements of Country and Indie Rock, the song opens with an immediate drum beat, which, when paired with a swirling slide guitar, brings the reflective tune to life.

“We started writing new material straight after we released our album back in March, and this track was one of the first to appear,” says Dylan Flynn. "I was reflecting on the past year, and thinking about how busy everyone’s life is now, all the people who aren’t around anymore, and longing for the simplicity that you take for granted when you are young."

 

Pillow Queens, ‘Suffer’

This new drum-driven single from Pillow Queens is an aching and emotive exploration of love and self-deception. ‘Suffer’ is the band's first release since their 2022 album Leave The Light On. This new tune was certainly worth the wait.

Recalling the making of the track in their home city, "We wrote it in the depths of winter at our rehearsal studio in Dublin, and the cold really penetrates the song." The band cites inspirations for the track including Alt-J, Hozier, Feist, Black Pumas and Lana Del Rey.

 

TRUBL x BUTLER, ‘Georgy Porgy’

Irish House producer TRUBL has teamed up with BUTLER to deliver a modern take on Toto's late 70's smash hit 'Georgy Porgy'.

Speaking on the track the duo explained: “We're both huge fans of the soul & disco 70's era, and have childhood memories of this track being played in our parent's houses over the years. We were bouncing a few ideas from that era in the studio off of each other during a writing session and both landed on Georgy Porgy... we got to work straight away & wanted to reimagine what the song would look like in today's musical landscape. We hope our version will bring both old and new fans to this club classic.”

 

Megan O'Neill, 'All Those Yesterdays'

With a new collection of songs on the way,  acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill shares single All Those Yesterdays. Characterised by her trademark sweet vocals alongside tasteful guitars and striking piano chords, it’s a deeply personal track which compares the seasons of youth with adulthood.

“When we're young (in most cases), life is all about exploration, opportunities and looking ahead,” says O’Neill. “We're not quite as easily scarred and we don't have the baggage of the past to carry around. During the season of adulthood, more worries set in, responsibilities can take over and the losses of loved ones usually become something we have to deal with.”

 

 

John Francis Flynn, 'Kitty'

Releasing his much-awaited sophomore album Look Over the Wall, See the Sky today, ‘Kitty’ is the lead single from self-proclaimed “Dublin man, singer of folk songs” and “player of windy instruments,” John Francis Flynn. It's a contemplative cut steeped in Celtic shades of traditional lyricism and folk sensibilities, as Flynn’s melancholic sean-nós vocal delivery rings out over a placid, yet mournful soundscape; an enveloping sonic tapestry of droning strings, driving drums and rich, reverberating winds. A dislocated and darkly distorted modern reflection of Irish tradition, Look Over the Wall, See the Sky is perfectly revelatory Irish music for our tempestuous times…

 

AVA JAY, 'Nice Girls'

Emerging singer-songwriter AVA JAY emphatically hurtles into the fold with her debut single, and powerhouse girlhood anthem, ‘Nice Girls.’ On a charm-filled wave of glittering vintage keyboards and jangly electric guitar, AVA JAY expresses an appreciation of friendship, self-confidence and true, uncompromising authenticity. “That feeling of being awkward and not yet standing in your power shadowed me in school,” an experience that informed the song, says AVA. “I wished I had written this song back then. I would have sung it loud and proud, wearing my turtle back, oversized school bag, and my rolled-up ankle-length skirt.”

 

John Doherty, ‘Fighters’

Hailing from Donegal, John Doherty’s latest ‘Fighters’ is an emotionally heartfelt and uplifting singer-songwriter power ballad. Formerly known as Little Hours, John penned the track during lockdown; “I wanted to write something positive about the resilience of people and how we’ve come together,” says Doherty, “particularly over the last few years – to create hope in very uncertain times…” With a soaring display of powerhouse vocality, ‘Fighters’ is well worth a listen.

2 DAYS TO GO #Fighters pic.twitter.com/YAPwmvbDBB

— John Doherty (@JohnDoherty_) November 8, 2023

 

The Clockworks, ‘Lost In The Moment’

The Clockworks’ new album Exit Strategy, out today, is one of the most anticipated debut records out of an Irish artist in the scene. Bred in Galway and now based in London, the band’s passion for storytelling and pop culture amalgamated in a record that wanted to embody the world of film. Having supported some of the biggest acts around including Inhaler and Pixies, this new record is set to see them reach new heights– and with a sound that’s both confident and singular, they’ll deserve it. Set to tour all around Europe at the start of the new year including a hotly tipped show at Dublin’s Button Factory, they’re not an act to miss out on.

 

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Greywind, ‘Antidote’

Killarney-based brother and sister duo Greywind are back with their signature alternative emo this week, their fiery new single ‘Antidote’ a welcome return to form. Their first release since September’s acoustic Roses Grown In Hell EP, they channel to the noise they became so well known for after their debut record Afterthoughts in 2017. Afterthoughts had a viral moment this year, seeing multiple songs reaching millions of new fans around the world, so ‘Antidote’ is a highly anticipated new era for Greywind. It’s a high-energy, guitar-heavy banger channelling the likes of early Paramore that demands to be jumped to: “Hush now darling, just don’t say a word/’cause you’ll get, you’ll get what you deserve.”

 

David Holmes, ‘Yeah x3’

Renowned DJ and producer David Holmes has released an album this week called Blind On A Galloping Horse. A prolific musician in both the world of film scores and producing, he’s been attached to some of the biggest projects out there– but he has a firm dedication to his solo work. His scoring experience shines through in the record’s blissful and almost ethereal sound, only enhanced by gorgeous guest vocals from frequent collaborator Raven Violet. To top it off, the new record’s artwork is a nod to the passing of Sinead O’Connor, who was a close friend of Holmes and collaborated with him musically.

 

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Stephanie Rainey, ‘Woman’

With over 27 million views on TikTok, Stephanie Rainey’s anthemic songwriting has earned the singer-songwriter a dedicated following, her poignantly written music resonating with audiences the world over. An emotionally charged track, ‘Woman’ was written by Rainey in tribute to her mother's courageous battle against cancer in 2019. The track is lovingly dedicated to all the powerful and inspiring women in our lives. Stephanie’s track ‘Breathe Easy,’ imparts a similar articulation of tragedy, written about a girl who died from Cystic Fibrosis in Rainey’s hometown. The track has also unexpectedly been nominated for 2024 Grammy consideration.

Honas, 'Everyday Life'

Born on the west coast of Ireland, Honas draws his creative spirit from the unique years of his childhood. A portion of his early years were spent living in Guyana, South America, where his obsession with music was ignited.  He exhibits his tender, intimate vocals and emotionally charged songwriting on the romantic, synth-washed debut single ‘Everyday Life’.

“I had this idea to write something from the perspective of someone else,” says Honas. “It felt almost intrusive to get into someone’s head like that, but it was one of those moments where my heart rate sped up as I realised I was writing something that felt really special I had seen the relationship between these two people up close, so I really hoped I could capture the essence of it.”

 

Pa Sheehy, 'Abigail'

Love it or loathe it, it's that time of year again… and Kerry native Pa Sheehy’s latest ‘Abigail’ is an intimate festive ballad, steeped in delicate, folky instrumentation. A cut from Sheehy’s forthcoming Christmas EP, ‘Abigail’ is the singer-songwriter’s first wholly independent release. The track sees Sheehy crooning over a heartfelt arrangement of welling strings, sleigh bell percussion and soft, sustained piano – it’s emotional stuff! A Melancholic lyrical rumination on the festive season and the close relationships we’ve loved and lost within our lives, ‘Abigail’ is a suitably wistful track, as we had unceasingly towards December – guaranteed to make even the strongest amongst us misty-eyed.

 

AikJ, 'Petite Fleur'

A slick, soulful cut steeped in shades of ‘90s R&B and funk-driven musical sensibilities, ‘Petite Fleur’ sees AikJ deliver his razor-sharp lyricism over a bossa nova-esque acoustic guitar accompaniment. Taking inspiration from the likes of Labrinth, Timbaland, Miguel and many more, AikJ’s music is equal parts edgy and sonically eclectic. Ruminating on relationships, AikJ’s latest is a thoughtfully penned love note to your significant other, that person who matches your 80% and understands you completely. ‘’It can be hard to find the entity that feels like a completion of your being,” explains AikJ. “It could manifest as a purpose or some long to find that in a person. Petite Fleur is that special little flower in your garden you spend the most time watering and taking care of. Awakens your spring and Brightens your summer, Protects your autumn and comforts your winter…”

 

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Letterbox Kid - Rainbow Song

Isaac O’Sullivan, via his adopted moniker Letterbox Kid, has released a brand new single this week, a genre-elusive track that takes you by surprise. In Cork City-based O’Sullivan’s own words, ‘Rainbow Song’ is “a story that’s gonna break your heart.” It’s admittedly strange musically, with interspersed wind instruments sampled over a pulsing piano-laden beat, but Letterbox Kid not only makes it work but elevates it. His sixth single this year, his sound is fresh and ambitious, ‘Rainbow Song’ embodying that.

 

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Aimée, ‘Grafton Street Lights’

A soaring pop ballad from Dubliner Aimée, ‘Grafton Street Lights’ channels the cozy winter spirit as we enter the colder months. A song about longing and homesickness, she sings about longing for the lights of the ever-crowded Grafton Street in Dublin. Aimée delivers clean, emotive vocals over heartstring-tugging piano chords, taking cues from the likes of Christina Aguilera and P!nk.

 

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HAWKE THE BAND, ‘If I Made The World’

The Dublin City-formed HAWKE THE BAND has had an excellent year– from being tapped to open for iconic rockers Aslan at Iveagh Gardens over the summer to a series of well-received live shows, it’s no wonder some are predicting great things for the future of HAWKE THE BAND. Their latest track is their first official release this year but they’re gearing up for more after the holidays after signing with Paragon Records/FUGA. It’s a slow-paced, well-written indie tune from the perspective of a homeless person in Dublin, demonstrating the band’s ability to create songs that perform well both live and in the studio.

📣 NEW MUSIC

Friday NOV 10th. “If I Made The World”.

If we’re being honest, it’s probably not one of the ones we would’ve released as a single but the reactions from you guys when we’ve played it live has encouraged us to do so. This is a gift from us to you.

The Lads X pic.twitter.com/TKYoMtmePj

— HAWKE THE BAND (@hawketheband) November 3, 2023

 

Samuel Blaney, 'Paradise'

With painterly strokes of singer-songwriter introspection, Samuel Blaney’s newest single ‘Paradise’ seems to channel the sonic qualities of folk heavyweights like Big Thief and Nick Drake. A quiet and intimately recorded mix, ‘Paradise’ leaves just enough room for Blaney’s lyrical storytelling, excellent vocal delivery and acoustic guitar playing to take hold. Its an instantly enrapturing soundscape of transcendent folk excellence – a listening necessity this Friday.

 

Jena Keating, 'BPD'

Hailing from the rebel county, Jena Keating’s newest single ‘BPD’ tackles the nitty gritty effects of mental health, with a whirlwind of scathing poetics and effervescent instrumentation. Currently based in London, Keating has been at it since 2021, shaking up the Irish scene with performances at Forbidden Fruit and Cyrus Avenue. An eclectic and mind-bending soundscape of whirring synth and hypnotic drumbeats, BPD sees Keating level a wickedly sharp societal critique and reflective dissection of mental health. It’s a distinctly off-kilter track, a perfect storm of emphatic vocality and slick, unique style.

Partland, ‘Last Chance Hero’

‘Last Chance Hero’ is the first single from Partland’s forthcoming album The Empty Atlantic. This heartfelt ballad tells the story of the helplessness felt at the breakdown of a relationship. The music video for the single interprets the title from a different angle, that of an ageing superhero who is struggling with becoming old and the decline of his powers.

Partland’s folky sound has carried him all over the world – gigging in various countries over the years such as Canada, Germany, France, Scotland and England, including support slots with the likes of Damien Dempsey, Ham Sandwich, Picturehouse and Heathers.

Really Good Time, 'Plant Milk'

A four-piece supergroup from Dublin – Really Good Time make music which has been described as “vertigo era U2 covering Viagra Boys, or early Pixies records and LCD Soundsystem mashed in a blender with a bag of cheap speed.” ‘Plant Milk’, from their latest EP Escape From The Mountain of Spit, satisfies this description entirely – with gnarly fuzz bass,  addicting atonal guitar strokes and screaming vocals.

With a reputation for being a hair-raising and eardrum-smashing live act, Really Good Time lived up to their name with a raucous couple of nights supporting fellow Dublin noisemakers The Scratch in Vicar St this week.

 

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Darren Kiely, 'Blood Red'

Pulling inspiration from Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers and Noah Kahan, Darren Kiely masters his own distinctive sound on his new Lost EP.  ‘Blood Red’ details a nostalgic yearning for love while building with a euphoric, driving tempo. The sonic evolution throughout the project mimics Kiely’s personal growth, wrapping each song with a hopeful melody that promises brighter times ahead.

“The EP is the first time I’ve been cohesive with an idea for a group of songs,” said Kiely in a recent interview with Hot Press. “They all have that underlying sense of being lost, which ties them together in a nice way. It’s different to what I’ve done before.”

 

The Henry Girls, ‘Not Your Fight feat. Ríoghnach Connolly’

The Henry Girls have joined forces with the current BBC Folk Singer Of The Year, singer Ríoghnach Connolly, to release the powerful single 'Not Your Fight’. The track was born from a writing collaboration between Ríoghnach and Karen McLaughlin of The Henry Girls. ‘Not Your Fight’ is a moving message for all those who find themselves helplessly witnessing a world torn apart by ceaseless conflict and violence. The single serves as a reminder of the shared human experience and our capacity for compassion and understanding in a world too often marked by discord.

 

Gemma Cox, ‘Behind Your Eyes’

After the success of last year’s debut EP, Gemma Cox returns with a fire this week with her newest single, ‘Behind Your Eyes’. A mediation on being both in and out of love, she channels melancholic indie contemporaries such as Phoebe Bridgers and the Japanese House with a sweeping, dramatic soundscape. Having supported some big artists like Soda Blonde and Calum Bowie, Cox is now gearing up for a headlining show in Whelan’s Upstairs in Dublin tomorrow, Saturday 11th November, a must-attend for anyone who loves their sad music fix.

In her own words, "'Behind Your Eyes’ is a cinematic insight into falling in and out of love. From the exciting days wondering if they feel the same way, to it finally happening, only to learn that the feelings are no longer mutual."

 

Evie, 'Devil'

A rather haunting track with a dark folk heartbeat, ‘Devil’ is Evie’s ethereal exhibition of bells, drones, fiddle and vocals. The tracks mark an exciting new era for Hot Press Y&E 2023 performer, shining a light on her upcoming EP Shiny Things - recorded in Sun Studios, Dublin, produced by Jack Joyce and mastered by Killian Taylor.

"I hope it gets under your skin,” says Evie. “I wanted it to feel like you are inside my head – or that I am in yours.”

 

Cardinals, ‘Roseland’

The Cork six-piece has mastered the blend of traditional Irish folk with their alternative shoegaze vibe. Their stellar new track ‘Roseland’ is the perfect showcase of the band’s signature sound. With live gigs popping up all over the place, it doesn’t seem as though Cardinals plan on slowing down anytime soon – and we are not complaining.

Euan had the following to say about the single: "'Roseland' is the name of a ballroom in NYC, I took it from a Portishead poster I had hanging on my wall growing up. I think I was trying to write a folk song about Cork City and a story that took place there. It touches on some new aspects of our music, so it felt right to have it as our next release."

 

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Post-Party, ‘LAP AROUND THE SUN’

Three-piece Dublin indie rock outfit Post-Party share their newest single ‘LAP AROUND THE SUN’ today, a layered, lush anthem. Lyrically, the track navigates the growing pains of letting go and moving forward; it’s fast-paced and energetic, calling back to the quick indie guitar riffs and synths of the early ‘00s.

Frontman Keelan O’Reilly shares of the single, “The song is about the struggle and strife, but ultimately the relief of letting go of something in order to move forward…We worked really hard to reshape some old ideas and found ourselves falling in love with them in a new light.”

Quick to rise after the release of their debut EP, Post-Party has spent this summer playing before Irish festival crowds and opening for the likes of Miles Kane, Lovejoy, Wild Youth and Inhaler. 2024 is shaping up to be a high point for the band, with their forthcoming EP due soon.

 

Conor Furlong, ‘You Know Me’

Prolific Dublin musician Conor Furlong recently released his new album Undo The Past, and his latest single is taken from it– though not without a few exciting changes. A brand new version of ‘You Know Me’, the changes to the track were inspired by Lou Reed’s album Transformer. It’s anthemic and epic, almost six minutes of Furlong showing off his ability to pull you deep into a song.

 

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Toshín, ‘Defence’

Led by the powerful vocals of Tosin Bankole, six-piece Dublin-based pop-funk ensemble Toshín mark their return with their new single, ‘Defence,’ a vibrant track laced with notes of modern pop-funk. After a creatively-fueled hiatus, Bankole seems to have found her distinct sound: fresh but full of soul. The frontwoman’s distinctive songwriting skills and euphonious vocals still come to play on the single, which precedes the group’s next EP, I Own Everything.

Toshín has been making waves in the Irish music scene since 2019, following the release of their soul-infused EP Get Your Life along with a stream of fiery live performances. Their new single marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the self-expressive, genre-bending group, maintaining their status as one of Ireland’s most exciting new musical voices.

Toshín plays Monroes, Galway on Saturday, November 25 – tickets available at the link here.

 

Iann Brennan, ‘Game Over’

The birth of ‘Game Over,’ the new single from the emerging Irish singer-songwriter Iann Brennan, began on a train ride; eavesdropping upon a couple’s argument, Brennan heard the line, “I’m done, it’s game over,” and the rest is history. The result is a heartfelt, melodic track with pop-rock radio potential, yet still full of folksy dips.

After 7 years of gigging around the country, Brennan was inspired by his grandfather’s words to, “Follow your heart and start as you mean to go on,” finally quitting his full-time job to pursue music. ‘Game Over’ is the lead single from Brennan’s forthcoming album, the aptly-titled Start As You Mean To Go On, recorded and produced by the renowned Ray Traynor.

 

Kingfishr, 'Vancouver'

Fastly rising Irish indie-folk group Kingfishr release their new single ‘Vancouver’ today, after a summer spent supporting the likes of Bruce Springsteen, George Ezra and Dermot Kennedy. The low-burr of Eddie’s vocals on the track blends seamlessly into a vibrant, upbeat guitar melody, bursting at the seams with energy. With emotionally resonant lyrics, the listener is both drawn to feel and to groove.

Vocalist Eddie recalls meeting an ex in the airport, an event which served as the canon for the track, “She was moving to Vancouver, we just happened to be on the same flight. I hadn’t seen her in years, I couldn’t help thinking about how it all played out, the way things were and how much life has changed since.”

Kingfisher will embark on a Canadian tour in mid-November, before kicking off their UK & Ireland tour next year. Tickets for their headline gig at the 3Olympia, Dublin are on sale now!

 

Noah Kahan feat. Hozier, ‘Northern Attitude’

A folk music collab of dreams arrives today with Noah Kahan’s remix of his song ‘Northern Attitude,’ featuring Irish musical sensation Hozier. New England native Kahan, whose hit album Stick Season has spent much of this year occupying the charts, initially teased the collab with the Bray-born musician on TikTok, before confirming the release with a heartfelt video which shows the pair performing onstage together and, now, recording the updated ‘Northern Attitude.’

Kahan’s lyrically expressive tune centres around a fearful approach to relationships as a result of growing up in an isolated environment, with Hozier expanding upon the original with his own lyricism and soul-stirring vocals. Their distinctive voices unite on the chorus, raw and riveting, fueled by a sense of deep, shared nostalgia for a certain time and place.

Kahan will bring his folk hits to Dublin’s National Stadium next week on November 15, as part of the European leg of his album tour. Hozier is set to play a series of Irish dates in December, before his extensive Unreal Unearth world tour.

@noahkahanmusic Northern Attitude (with Hozier) out Friday 11.10 #newmusic #hozier #noahkahan #northernattitude #noahkahanmusic #stickseason #fyp ♬ original sound - Noah Kahan

 

Good Strangers, ‘War In My Head’

Fresh off Irish indie ensemble Good Strangers’ new EP Adult Teenage Novels, out today, lead single ‘War In My Head’ is a soul-stirring, evocative track penned amidst lead songwriter Quinn’s personal battle with mental health. Quinn shares, “I wrote 'War In My Head' while finalising mixes for the EP. It poured out quickly amidst the chaos of life and my struggle with mental health."

The track begins in the calm waters of folksy Americana, layering sound and vocals until it reaches an all-out rock anthem, juxtaposing hopeful sonics with heavier lyrical content. That’s Good Strangers’ knack, and what has made them an Irish act to watch: their ability to come together and create moving soundtracks which harness personal turmoil and transform it into a cathartic, sonic experience.

 

The Amniotics, ‘HMPB’

Rising Irish feminist alt-rockers The Amniotics share their sophomore single ‘HMPB’ today, the follow-up from their debut ‘Boomerang,’ which generated golden buzz upon its release earlier this year. Inspired by everything from Pavement and Le Tigre to riot grrrl, to more contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift and Courtney Barnett, this four-piece alt girl band have carved out a name for themselves with their riveting live performances and advocacy for women and non-binary members of the music industry.

The track starts off sizzling and slow, tending to the flame with distorted guitars and lilting vocals. Charged drums take it to a peak, with a feel-good beat and too-relatable, ironic lyricism. "The song is about immaturity,” the band explains. “From the ages of 15 to 20 I followed every good and bad impulse I had, and got used to some aspect of my life always being in chaos. Also, I was sick of dealing with lads who thought taking inspiration from both Megadeth and the Sex Pistols was groundbreaking."

 

Jack Dora, ‘Lovely Day’

Jack Dora is back and in feel-good form with his new single, a cover of Bill Withers’ ‘Lovely Day.’ The release is the indie-pop artist’s first since his acclaimed debut EP Take What You’ve Been Given, released in 2021. Bringing a modern twist to Withers’ timeless tune, Dora blends pounding drum machine beats with sleek, funky guitars and ‘80s-inspired synth and horns on the track, produced in his bedroom. Featuring a tongue-in-cheek freestyle rap by MC Breeze, the cover radiates infectious joy.

Dora shares, “Recording covers is one of my favourite ways of learning about production and testing myself. The joy of this is that it’s supposed to remove any pretentiousness about how I should release music. It was purely an exercise in fun and complete silliness. Myself and my housemate, who’s actually a doctor, sat down one evening, had a few beers and wrote some new lyrics and created this persona of MC Breeze and just had an absolute ball.”

 

A Lethal Black Ooze, ‘Waiting On My Own’

Waterford garage punk-rockers, A Lethal Black Ooze, have released their fourth single of the year. Although they are somewhat newcomers to the Irish music scene, the band do not scrimp on energy. ‘Waiting On My Own’ is a grungy, foot-tapper with the perfect amount of edge. Alternative and fresh while dancing on the line of that old-school rock sound, A Lethal Black Ooze have a great thing going here.

 

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R.F. Chaney, ‘Sunspots’

This experimental new electronic track from R.F. Chaney is nothing short of fascinating. Building into an ambient release of contemporary sounds, ‘Sunspots’ is a gripping debut from Chaney. The accompanying music video is a visual tribute to the humble ritual of porridge preparation, ‘pushbikes’ and a particular German filmmaker. The track is from his upcoming album, Tropism, out on November 23 via Split Decision. You can see the Irish composer in action at his album launch at The Cobblestone on November 23.

 

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1000 Beasts, ‘Baiser’ feat. Joe Fellaga & TOUCAN

Smooth French bars, a catchy beat and fantastic vocals. 1000 Beasts, Joe Fellaga and TOUCAN have created something fresh and exciting. This collaboration is a solid offering from 1000 Beasts. The Irish producer has been releasing tracks from his sophomore album starting with the single ‘Burning Flower’ back in February. With each new release, we are anticipating this album more and more.

 

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Tomike, ‘A Good Time’

Currently based in London, Irish singer Tomike, has been making moves in the music scene since her debut in 2019. Her music has grown with her as an artist. Her latest offering ‘A Good Time’ is a feel-good dance track that makes you wanna get up on your feet. The laid-back vocals and fun beat make this track super fun and one you’ll want to have on repeat.

 

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Sonsie, ‘I Feel Alive’

Sonsie’s debut single ‘I Feel Alive’ is the first look into their upcoming EP. This track is raw, honest and relatable. A great first offering and insight into what’s to come for the emerging artist.

“The song started as a demo during the pandemic, written in an escapist haze on a day when the 5K walking restrictions were starting to wear thin. It is an optimistic call for simple freedoms, connection and friendship. It speaks to the constructed and sometimes flimsy nature of our identities, imagining a magical transformation that allows you to become somebody else in a moment and without restriction.”

 

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ORIAN, ‘Hometown’

From ORIAN’s album Hometown, released today, the title track is filled with pure, raw emotion recalling lost love. A great track from a solid debut album.

“Hometown is a collection of my best songs, that were written over the last two years. It is an autobiographical reflection on my life and the places I have lived, and the changes in me that each place brought about. In a way, it feels almost therapeutic and relieving to get these stories and music off my chest, and allow myself to move on.”

 

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Rachael Lavelle, ‘Night Train’ 

From Rachael Lavelle’s new album Big Dreams, 'Night Train’ is an equally haunting and enchanting pop ballad. Lavalle’s voice is ethereal, like it’s been pulled from an unearthly realm. The siren-esque sound makes for the perfect November listening in the month dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. ‘Night Train’ opens with Lavelle’s melodic vocals, but around the 3-minute mark the track breaks down into a rhythmic piece of supernatural-sounding electropop. The song is a soaring success, taking listeners from beyond their normal confines and into a ghostly world. Fans can catch Lavelle performing her new album across the country from November 24th -December 9th.

 

Sarah Crean, ‘The Subtle Art of Past’. 

The newest release in the dreamy Sarah Crean cinematic universe, ‘The Subtle Art of Past’ feels both fresh and vintage at the same time making use of funky drums and keyboard synthesisers. ‘The Subtle Art of Past’ reminds listeners of an Aldous Harding track in its cool tones and bassline, but there’s something distinctly clean about Crean’s unfaded vocals. Having just finished as an opener for Haley Blais’ UK tour last night, ’The Subtle Art of Past’ released on Monday of this week, is a track of an artist actively working on her craft, and getting better and better.

 

One Morning In August, Those Days,

One Morning In August is the sweat, blood and tears of the music duo of John F. Phelan and Stephen Byrne. From the new album released today on Bandcamp, ‘Those Days’ is a gentle folksong to soothe listeners on cold winter mornings. One Morning in August have paired up with Oliver Cole, lead singer/songwriter of Turn, to release the stunning offering 'Those Days'. Taken from the group's forthcoming album to be released later on in 2023, the track features Cole on electric guitar and bass as well as backing vocals and production. The song is a beautiful testament to grief as the track has been released in honour of the passing of both One Morning in August's John Phelan's dad and Oliver's father who both passed away in the past few months.

 

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Patrick Dexter, ‘The Two Sisters’

Cellist Patrick Dexter is known for recording videos of his performances outside his old stone cottage with his faithful companion Nisha, his pet dog. From his EP of the same name, ‘The Two Sisters’ is a luminous and eerie homage to the West, a place that Dexter keeps near to his heart- and his artistic practice. The warm timbre of the cello can be fully appreciated when listening to the Two Sisters as Dexter masterfully plays the traditional murder ballad which has been covered by everyone from Bob Dylan and Pentangle to Tom Waits and Julie Fowlis. However, Dexter still maintains his own unique twist. The artist said of his new EP that “‘The Two Sisters’ is a collection of songs dear to my heart, written about memories that glow and keep you going”.

 

Nancy Kate- Sticky

With a warm and strong Americana drum beat opening the track, listeners can take relish in Nancy Kate’s crooning vocals. ‘Sticky’ is a fun and upbeat tune to get your feet tapping this weekend. If you are a fan of the artist’s recent debut EP Above the Water and new track 'Sticky', Nancy Kate playing a show in Top Deck at The Lighthouse, Dún Laoghaire. Grab a ticket for a lovely warming evening of wintery folk.

 

Soulé, ‘Runnin’

RNB pop artist Soulé has today dropped a new single ‘Runnin’ about the thrills of being in love ‘just in time for cuffing season according’ to the artist herself. Infused with Soulé's signature twist of flirtatious and fun energy, ‘Runnin’ is a catchy pop song that will have you swooning this weekend. With French vocals and a catchy beat, this song has been described as a ‘chill, mellow and romantic’ track by the star herself who concluded ‘it’s the perfect winter song’.

 

Coolgirl, ‘Overturned’

Coolgirl is the electro-pop project of composer Lizzie Fitzpatrick, an artist based in Dublin whose new synth-soaked EP, Failed Reboot, has dropped today. ‘Overturned’ is the fourth track in the EP and combines a mixture of vaporwave, 80s synthesiser and a healthy sense of doom. ‘Overturned’ makes for an anxious dance track that will wriggle in your ear for days after listening. To launch the release of the EP Failed Reboot, Coolgirl will be, in very cool girl fashion, playing a secret gig tonight somewhere in Dublin. Mega fans can DM the musician on Instagram for details.

 

Tim V. Smyth, ‘Love’s Not Through With You Yet’

Tim V. Smyth has been involved in the Irish music scene for many years under a variety of monikers including Hidden Highways. His latest musical offering as Tim V. Smyth has produced his own unique sound of ‘handmade music’ in ‘Love’s Not Through With You Yet’. A sad but sweet song, it brings to mind a crossover episode of Spiritualised and Eels. The looped guitar line sounds like the piano in “Last Stop, This Town’. Smyth’s voice soars over the repetitive loop, and the harmonica line acts a foil to all this. ‘Love’s Not Through With You Yet’ makes for a bittersweet anthem to get you in a sentimental mood this weekend. Smyth is set to open for American Musician Chris Stamey tonight in Phil Grimes Pub tonight in Waterford.

 

Listen to our New Irish Songs playlist below!