NewDad, ‘Nightmares’

Less than two months away from the release of their debut record MADRA, Galway rockers NewDad have given fans another glimpse of it with this week’s ‘Nightmares’. Released alongside a dreamy music video, the song is hazy and yearning, its echoey production and a healthy dose of synth marrying beautifully with signature riffs that stick. “We’re so proud of how it turned out,” said the band, “hope ye love it as much as we do.”

Nealo featuring Shiv & Willhouse, ‘I Know’

Neal Keating A.K.A Nealo’s sophomore album, November Medicine, emerges from a turbulent phase in the Dublin rapper’s life, providing a powerful blend of raw emotion and blossoming positivity.

The record is an introspective journey of self-love and healing, with the rapper also addressing contemporary societal issues with unflinching honesty.

‘I Know’ sees Shiv and Willhouse join Nealo, as he discusses his struggles with properly processing his emotions following the disintegration of a relationship. A spooky, bass-heavy, synth-washed song, Shiv’s soothing soul vocals bring a lightening contrast to Nealo’s dark, gripping lyrics.

 

Offica, ‘Yahoo’

The opening track to his new EP Hokage Pt 2 : Hokage in Lagos , the Naruto-isnpired Offica exhibits his ever-increasing catalogue of bars with trademark execution on 'Yahoo'. Released in conjunction with his debut album Hokage Pt: 1, which came out last month, the EP embraces his African roots, taking greater influence from afrobeat sounds - both old and new.

A pioneer of Irish drill, the rapper has been making efforts to break out of that box. “In general I don’t really listen to drill”, he said in a recent interview with Hot Press. “I I’m just trying to see what works for me, and I’m trying a lot of new things.”

Mount Palomar, 'Embers'

Hot on the heels of his critically praised collaboration with Enola Gay, Belfast-based producer, and DJ Mount Palomar teams up with Harry Wilkinson of Maruja for new track ‘Embers.’ An unyieldingly frenetic whirlwind of driving drums, pounding bass and hypnotic synthesisers, ‘Embers’ syphons the energy of the underground electronic scene, in an effervescent blend of liquid drum and bass, alternative hip-hop and experimental dance music.

Palomar’s brooding electronic soundscapes prove to be the perfect complement to Wilkinson’s razor-sharp lyricism, as he seamlessly blends spoken word and rap in the track’s slickly delivered verses. "Embers came about as a reaction to a difficult year that left me feeling exhausted and a bit lost,” says Palomar. “At points writing the track felt uncomfortable, I didn't want to hear, let alone work on, anything melancholic and frenetic but I felt that I needed to try to channel the frustrations of the year into a new work, in order to leave some of that anxiety behind…”

Silver Branch, ‘The Long Goodnight’

A punchy, fuzz-infused anthem, sonically inspired by the late great David Berman of Silver Jews, ‘The Long Goodnight’ is the title track from Silver Branch aka Kieran Mulvhill’s forthcoming debut LP. “It's the title track of the album would you believe and one of the last songs I pinned for the record,” Mulvhill explains. “It took a bit of twisting and turning to get it right, and thanks to Karl Odlums reassurance and guidance, I think it's my favourite of the lot.” Following the release of ‘Even Out’ and ‘Today,’ The Long Goodnight is shaping up to be a stellar solo debut from Silver Branch.

 

SPRINTS, ‘Shadow Of A Doubt’

Chief Irish noisemakers SPRINTS are back with the slow, intensifying ‘Shadow Of A Doubt’, rife with crashing drums, loud swirling guitars – culminating in a captivatingly chaotic climax. Exemplifying a terrifying fall into darkness and an unheard call for help, the track deals with feelings of abandonment and exile.

"'Shadow Of A Doubt' is our most vulnerable moment to date,” said SPRINTS’s Karla Chubb.” It very bluntly deals with the experience of trauma, depression and the aftermath. It was written quite selfishly - to take the weight of some of those feelings off myself by placing them on a page in an attempt to feel like I was healing, or ridding myself of them.

Dermot Kennedy ‘Two Hearts'

‘Two Hearts’ is the latest from Dublin singer-songwriter and pop maestro, Dermot Kennedy. A tender ballad steeped in folky instrumentation, ‘Two Hearts’ wistfully ruminates on relationships. Showcasing his signature powerhouse voice and breathy vocal delivery, the track’s atmospheric and triumphant wash of acoustic guitar, gentle piano and lilting percussion allow for Kennedy’s introspective songwriting to assume centre stage. Of the new track Kennedy says: "I love this song so much, a story plays out scene-by-scene in my head when I sing it and I love that, it reminds me of when I first started writing music. Played this one for the first time on a lake in Switzerland a few months ago…”

Davie Furey, ‘The Rose of Bohermeen’

To conclude a busy year that began with the release of 'Stargazer' and a Spring tour with the legendary Paul Brady, singer-songwriter Davie Furey returns with a seasonal offering, his latest single ‘The Rose of Bohermeen.’ A collaboration between Davie and Bohermeen born playwright Richard Ball, the new track is an enthrallingly haunting love song, steeped in wistful shades of seasonal melancholy, as Davie’s crooning vocals and atmospheric acoustic guitar combine seamlessly with Richard’s evocative songwriting. "This song came as a complete surprise to me,” Davie explains. “I have never recorded a song I haven’t written so to be able to work on The Rose of Bohermeen with my former English teacher, Richie Ball, was a great joy. I was enthused by the story behind the lyrics and it was a great privilege to be able to blend Richies’ beautiful, gentle lyrics to music.”

GALVO, ‘These Waves’

‘These Waves’ is the latest single from Swords-based folk singer-songwriter GALVO, and track eight from his forthcoming debut album, which was funded through months of hard graft working long hours in factories. A self-taught lefty guitarist, GALVO previously played in alternative outfit September Sun, living in Spain for a period after their disbandment, during which he pursued a more thoughtful, introspective songwriting style. The new single is a soaring, uplifting cut, seeing GALVO’s wistful lyricism accompanied by an eclectic arrangement of strummed acoustic guitar, plucky banjo and emphatic drums.

eyejust, ‘I don’t mean to be this way.’

eyejust is the latest project from David Clarke. With ‘I don’t mean to be this way’ only being the second single under the pseudonym, Clarke has a very good thing going here. The band have been going from strength to strength with 2023 being filled with gigs. They are throwing a release party in Siné to celebrate the release of the single – so if you’re free tonight, do yourself a favour and see what eyejust have to offer.

 

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Cable Boy, ‘When I’m with you’

Cable Boy have released another shimmering dream-pop masterpiece. ‘W.I.W.Y (When I’m with you)’ paints an endearing view of desire with colourful twinkling synths and a nostalgic groove that lies beneath Lead singer, Semilore’s, longing vocals.

In Semilore’s own words, “The song tells the story of the desire for that special person, constantly thinking about you and them together. Building it up in your head, till you can't tell if it’s imagination or if it’s who the person actually is.”

 

Ye Vagabonds and Boygenius, ‘The Parting Glass’

Irish folk duo Ye Vagabonds have joined forces with the 6-time Grammy-nominated boygenius, to release a version of the classic ballad ‘The Parting Glass’.

A traditional gathering song popular in Ireland as well as Scotland, it was also recorded by Sinéad O'Connor in 2002. The late singer features on the track’s cover art, which falls in line with Phoebe Bridgers annual tradition of releasing a charity cover in the lead up to Christmas.

All net proceeds from the track will be donated to the Aisling Project at the behest of the Sinéad O’Connor Estate.

 

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lowkick, 'Heartbeat Pt. 2 (feat. half pipe)'

Lowkick’s newest single featuring half pipe is out today. ‘Heartbeat Pt. 2’ follows on from its predecessor, ‘Heartbeat’, with hard-hitting verses traded atop an experimental instrumental – ‘Heartbeat Pt. 2’ is driven by one main sample which is creatively transformed and paired with uncompromising percussive elements which are omnipresent in lowkick’s portfolio of beats.

This track sees rappers Mats (lowkick) and half pipe delve into the pitfalls of being an artist in this day and age. Through fast but fluid delivery, both rappers seamlessly blend into the track.

Still Blue, ‘I Hope It’s You’

Still Blue, indie-pop rising stars, are back with a bang, releasing their latest single, 'I Hope It's You’. This much-anticipated track delves into the uncertainties and excitement of a blossoming relationship, exploring the myriad of emotions that accompany the early stages of love. To celebrate the release, Still Blue will be hosting a single release show at Whelan's Upstairs on November 18th, 2023.

The indie-pop quartet is known for their heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies. With an upbeat and playful tone, the song tackles the common questions that arise in the early days of a relationship, leaving the listener to ponder: Do they feel the same? Is it going to last?

pôt-pot, ‘No Friends’

Not only is this new track from pôt-pôt an absolute banger, but the band are also donating the money they make off Bandcamp to a very important cause. They took to Instagram to explain: “All proceeds from the track on Bandcamp will go to Medical Aid for Palestine so we encourage you: do that instead. If you don’t like the song/us, donate anyway.”

Cork’s Mark Waldron-Hyden created pôt-pôt initially as a solo project but during lockdown, he met and recruited bassist Joe Armitage and guitarist Michael Oliver Smith during an artist residency. Since then they have been making waves in the music industry.

Download ‘No Friends’ on Bandcamp here.

 

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Shygirl, Cosha, ‘thicc’

When we found out Shygirl and Cosha were collaborating again, we knew it was going to be good. Irish singer-songwriter, Cosha adds her breathtaking vocals to this electric dance track. Catchy and lively, this track is about to be a club anthem. The lyrics are sultry and fun and pair perfectly with the infectious beat.

Shygirl expressed how she enjoys performing the song: “I’ve enjoyed teasing this one at festivals and shows while still in demo mode for over a year already with the idea of somehow infusing the energy of the crowd into this final version of the song.”

 

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KNEECAP, ‘Better Way To Live’ ft. Grian Chatten

Right off the back of a headline North American tour, Irish rap trio KNEECAP share their Toddla T-produced debut single for Heavenly Recordings, ‘Better Way To Live,’ featuring Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten, joined by bandmate Tom Coll on drums.

The tune kicks off with a quirky bassline, leading into Chatten’s stony vocals on the hook. Coll adds a bit of background chaos to the tightly-produced number, while Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap take over on the verses with their articulate blend of Irish and English.

The new, relentless track is accompanied by a Peadar Gill-directed video filmed in Belfast’s Madden’s Bar, where Chatten and the KNEECAP entourage first met. The group describes this new track as, “all about finding that little spark of joy in the monotony, in the day-to-day things that you barely bat an eye at…underneath that constant noise, there is a silence that can breathe new life and inspiration breaking through the mundane.”

Lucy McWilliams, ‘Plastic’

Irish alt-pop gem Lucy McWilliams breaks away from her typically tender and warm aesthetic and leans into a grungier sound on her new single, ‘Plastic.’ With vibrant production and her rich vocal prowess, the track orbits around twisted verses and a grizzled, guitar-led chorus. But, as always, McWilliams is a songwriter who bares her heart-on-sleeve soul – even in a track built by the frustration of longing.

Speaking of the song’s inspiration, the 23-year-old Dublin-born singer-songwriter shares, “I wrote this song coming from a place where I was upset with myself for allowing a version of me to take over that I wasn’t comfortable with, wanting to be loved…It’s exploring the desperation of love, and the anger you can have towards someone who holds it.”

Foy Vance, ‘Guiding Light (Anniversary Edition)’ feat. Ed Sheeran, Elton John & Keith Urban

Foy Vance has brought together some of the biggest names in the music industry for a new single in honour of the 10th anniversary of his song ‘Guiding Light’. While the original 2013 track featured vocals with Ed Sheeran, this new version also includes vocal and musical contributions from the likes of Elton John and Keith Urban, who have expressed their admiration for Vance. The song is a melting pot of talent that makes good use of its compiled musical chops, updating the song while preserving its beauty.

Said Elton John about the collaboration, “It’s the most beautiful song. When Foy asked me to do it, it was a no-brainer for me because I’m such a huge fan of his.”

Disclosure, ‘Higher Than Ever Before ( yunè pinku remix)’

Talented Malaysian Irish producer yunè pinku puts her spin on the latest hit from British electro titans Disclosure with her remix of ‘Higher Than Ever Before’. A dreamy, fast-paced dance track, the song allows for introspection and Terpischore in equal measure.

The young artist has gained a reputation for her buttery vocals and rave-centric, garage-tinged production, which has seen her gain over 400k monthly listeners on Spotify since her first release on the platform in 2021.

Biig Piig, ‘Watch Me’

Irish sensation Biig Piig (also known as Jessica Smyth) put out her newest track ‘Watch Me’ this week, a pulsing, electronica club track that is sure to set dance floors alight. Known for her bilingual lyrics and immaculate production, she’s one of the biggest artists to emerge from the Irish music scene due to her never-wavering ability to connect with listeners. Her first solo offering since this year’s excellent mixtape Bubblegum, Biig Piig’s sound is refreshing and shimmering with promise.

Left On Read, ‘Dreams’

Hailing from Limerick, indie alt-rockers Left On Read share their fifth single today, ‘Dreams.’ A heart-tugger of a tune, revolving around deep and heartfelt lyrics, the band continues to go from strength to strength, building a soul connection with their audience onstage and off.

“I didn’t really have any goals or expectations for this song to start out,” shares Steven Tynan, the band’s lead singer. “I sort of wrote it for myself, to help come to terms with losing my grandfather. It wasn’t until years later, when the guys heard it, that they convinced me that people needed to hear it.”

And so did their summer live circuit. After previewing the track on their setlist throughout the better half of this year, Left On Read finally gift their listeners the crowd-favourite they’ve been waiting for – and it is well worth the wait.

Seán Parnell, ‘What Can I Do’

Rising Cork singer-songwriter Seán Parnell unleashes his highly-anticipated sophomore single today. Created alongside the skilled mind of producer BRIEN (Kojaque, Kean Kavanagh), ‘What Can I Do’ adds layers to Parnell’s distinctive sound and emotive storytelling capabilities, capturing a unique blend of influences and emotions.

The Cork native merges a narrative of frustration with Irish weather with recurring thoughts of someone, set against smooth RnB guitars and a catchy pop melody. Building on his debut single ‘Over Feeling Down,’ Parnell’s music is rightfully gaining speedy momentum outside of the eclectic Cork music sphere he emerged from.

Pigeon Millers, ‘We Always Do’

Dublin four-piece on the rise Pigeon Millers continue their musical evolution with their newest single, ‘We Always Do,’ which sees the genre-crossing band tap into their folkier side with delicate guitar work and deeply personal, searing lyrics. The track builds in force, with each sonic layer propelled by a sense of growing optimism evoked through heartfelt acoustics and symphonic strings.

Singer Dough Sheridan describes how the song originated, sharing, “Myself and my partner, who I’d been with for a long time, had hit one of those rough patches…Feeling exasperated, I said, ‘I hope we can turn this around.’ She replied, ‘We always do’ – that immediately made me more hopeful. I framed the song around people who had to emigrate for work after the crash and the people they had to leave.”

CODYY, ‘Darkest Winter’

Returning from his debut single ‘Time 2 Be,’ which garnered hefty radio support after its August release, Waterford native singer-songwriter and producer CODYY returns with the eagerly anticipated ‘Darkest Winter.’ Filled with poignant lyrics and enchanting harmonies, the multi-talented artist takes listeners through a raw and honest journey of his own mental health struggles, ultimately finding hope among the blackest moments.

Having worked with world-class producers like Phil Magee (The Script, Kodaline, The Academic) and Eliot James (Two Door, Bloc Party, The Coronas), CODYY has moulded his own unique sound: a fusion of organic instrumentation laced with electronic undertones and emotionally charged lyrics. His newest track is a comfort to those it graces and promises to remain with its listener long after the final note.

KLDD, ‘Star Crossed’

Emerging Irish indie rockers KLDD release their blistering new single ‘Star Crossed’ today. Formed by four schoolmates, the eclectic band has built a formidable catalogue of new wave, psychedelic, groove-based rock and indie, with a penchant for dirty riffs, thumping bass lines and soaring melodies. A tad gritty, while simultaneously riding on a tenacious rock beat and coiled guitars throughout, their newest tune hits a breathtaking and cathartic crescendo on the chorus.

"Star Crossed is the first time we got into the studio to serve a tune to its full extent and take our time to round off a finished product, take risks by adding elements that listeners who are familiar with our work or people who have come to see us live haven’t yet heard from us,” the band shares of the new release. “Star Crossed is the way we’ve always wanted to sound.”

wornoc, ‘Patterns’

Dublin-based producer Conor Walsh (aka wornoc) shares his newest track ‘Patterns,’ as a part of a compilation album curated by renowned downtempo artist Emancipator. Having only formed in April 2021, wornoc has since carved out a name for himself in the Irish electronic scene – by standing out. From his home studio where the creation of his music began, to now, there remains something special and handcrafted about wornoc.

His future-driven, alt-electronic sound is characterised by infectious grooves, lush ambient textures, and melodic guitar riffs, resulting in cinematic and gripping tracks. ‘Patterns’ starts off soft, with an emotive tension running throughout which is slowly released in pieces, with each diversion into unexpected sonic territory.

Layzee Gold, ‘STUCK ON REPEAT’

Wicklow’s indie-pop group, Layzee Gold have released their 10th single of the year with “STUCK ON REPEAT’. This catchy offering is another track solidifying the lad's determination in the Irish music scene. Their distinctive, unique sound has landed them on multiple Spotify editorial playlists and gained them thousands of streams. Layzee Gold are definitely one to watch.

milk., ‘Emotionally Abusive’

Four-piece alt-pop Dublin band milk. share the final single before the release of 3, The Ep, on December 1. Released earlier this week, ‘Emotionally Abusive’ follows their most recent single, ‘London,’ and sees the band branch out into ambitious songwriting territory, creating high anticipation for their forthcoming EP release.

‘Emotionally Abusive’ is a romance song for cynics. Built on acoustic, sombre guitar, vocalist Mark McKenna sings such sentimental yet self-deprecating lines as, “If it feels like you’ve been waiting for me your whole life, I’m sorry, that doesn’t sound right.” Witty lyricism and indulgences in wordplay cut across the painful, though cynically self-aware narrative of being too young for a healthy relationship. The outro veers off into more upbeat, floaty instrumentals, yet the persistent undertone of melancholy strings foreshadows an irrevocable ending.

Niamh Evans, ‘Fingers Crossed’

If you’re a fan of Phoebe Bridgers, Gracie Abrams or Taylor Swift then Niamh Evans is going to be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. ‘Fingers Crossed’ is a heartfelt ode to a past relationship. The heart-wrenching lyrics bring you on a journey, paired with Evans’ soft vocals, it’s a match made in heaven. With this being the artist’s debut single, the only way is up for Niamh Evans.

 

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Fiona O’Connell, ‘In The End’

Fiona O’Connell has released her second single and the singer-songwriter has us impressed. Fiona’s storytelling abilities shine bright in this indie ballad. Her effortless vocals float across the beautiful guitar instrumental. With a second release like ‘In The End,’ we’re sure 2024 is going to be a big year for Fiona O’Connell.

 

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New Jackson, ‘Acid Jackson’

New Jackson is giving us that Friday feeling with ‘Acid Jackson’. The electronic dance track is funky and atmospheric. After the release of his Sanyo Shinkansen EP we have been eager to see what's next for the artist and he did not disappoint. He has been described as making “nocturnal house jams with a ghostly disco tint” – and we couldn’t have explained it better.

Yurmah, 'Juvenile'

'Juvenile' is a jazz-infused, fun, and laid-back debut single from emerging indie-trio Yurmah. As the title suggests, the track captures a particular teenage nostalgia, accompanied by booming drums, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, dynamic guitars and soothing harmonies – ending in an entreatingly messy outro jam.

“The song is about being young but being aware that shit isn’t always gonna be good in the future, but where’s the fun in dwelling on that,” said the band. “Rather have a coke and a smile while I can right now.”

Yurmah is comprised of Michael Murphy, Tay and Eoin Killian. The gang met five years ago while performing in a school musical.

AOIBHA, ‘Muddy Water’

Belfast indie-pop artist, AOIBHA, lays it all out on the table with ‘Muddy Water’. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Lizzie McAlpine, the singer-songwriter’s lyrics are vulnerable but her sound is still 100% her own. This is only the beginning of AOIBHA’s journey with ‘Muddy Water’ only being her fourth offering.

“‘Muddy Water’ is a song about being stuck in the ‘grey area’ between friendship and something more. It encapsulates the tension and anxiety that arises out of not knowing where you stand with someone and being lured from one sense of reality to another.”

 

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New Rules, ‘Might Ruin Christmas’

It might still be November but New Rules are getting festive with their newest single ‘Might Ruin Christmas’. This light-hearted track is fun and is sure to spread some Christmas vibes. The tune is a fresh take on a Christmas song, it’s unique and new while still being catchy, what more can you ask for? The B-side of the single is a jolly cover of ‘Santa Claus is Coming To Town’ – gotta love a classic!

Not Wrong, ‘No Photos’ 

A collaborative project between Shane Nolan and Conor Eades, Not Wrong originally set out to write songs for fun in their shed studio out the back of Shane’s family home, eventually bonding over their common admiration for classic songwriting and not taking oneself too seriously. With a love for the finer things in life – namely chunky guitar riffage, stomping drum patterns and creamy pints of Guinness – Not Wrong’s music prioritises wholesome and uplifting sonics, anchored by finely crafted satirical lyricism. Accompanied by a funk-inflected arrangement of wailing electric guitars, driving drums, groove-heavy bass and triumphant brass, ‘No Photos’ sees the pair deliver a farcical account of the morning after the night before, in all its various headaches and lamentable woes.

Pagan, 'Falling'

A stellar cut of fever-pitch techno and euphoric trance melodics, ‘Falling’ is the latest single from Dublin-based producer and DJ Pagan. Following a breakout year in 2021, with the release of his Wash Away and Butterfly EPs, Pagan has firmly cemented himself amongst Ireland’s most exciting artists on the dance circuit. Pagan has also drawn the eye of some of the industry’s biggest names, garnering the enviable support of TSHA, Bicep and Prospa to name a few. A hypnotically frenetic soundscape of pounding drum and bass beats, vocal samples, and brooding synths, ‘Falling’ is well worth a spin this Friday.

Disfreq & Daniel Miller, ‘Purely From Instinct’ 

Masters of trippy vocal samples and tech house rhythms, bona fide analogue prodigies, Disfreq – aka Irish brothers Joe and Cahir Kelly – return with their latest single ‘Purely From Instinct.’ The new track sees legend of British electronic music and pop Daniel Miller deliver a wistful, retrospective account of his scene, vis-a-vis Daft Punk’s Giorgio by Moroder, the duo looping Daniel’s spoken words to create a resonant soundscape of acidic synths, pulsing beats and muddy synthesised bass.

ASH, ‘Oh Yeah (Teenage Years)

Northern Ireland-born ASH has been on tour with their pop-punk compatriots The Subways for the last few months. Both bands have a popular song ‘Oh Yeah’, so what else was there to do but record two rival covers of each others’ songs? ASH covered The Subways’ 2005 teenage anthem, nostalgia filling every strum and fill in the track. Both covers will be available on their Oh Yeah Squared limited 7" vinyl release, which is now available.

For the Ash vs The Subways tour we joined forces with the The Subways for the Oh Yeah Squared limited 7" vinyl release, each covering the others Oh Yeah single. Our cover of the @TheSubways' 2005 single dedicated to teenage years is newly up for streaming TODAY! pic.twitter.com/Hez4Wxr1hR

— ASH (@ashofficial) November 15, 2023

VARLEY, ‘Footsteps’

Berlin-based pop trio VARLEY have a brand new single this week, and it’s as sonically unique and captivating as ever. Consisting of Dublin-born Claire-Ann and her Berliner bandmates Joschka Bender and Matthias Heising, the band have found a perfect balance between pop, dance and indie that have drawn a wide audience from around the world. ‘Footsteps’ is unexpected and lingering, strong and vulnerable in VARLEY’s distinct style.

 

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Monjola, ‘WOOWOO’

Dublin alt-R&B pioneer Monjola’s newest offering ‘WOOWOO’ is an excellent addition to his storied discography, embodying the exciting, futuristic sound he’s become known for. Repeating a chorus of, well, “woo-woo”s the song is named after, Monjola lends the song tender vocals over a relentless drum track, creating a sound that is a step ahead of anybody else in the scene around him. Along with a teaser for a cinematic music video, the release lives up to the hype.

 

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John Gallen, ‘You’

John Gallen made a fine rattle and hum with his 2022 debut 1970s, which boasted expertly crafted songs and artful musicianship. Its impact reverberated from his native Dublin as far as Mexico. His second collection once again nudges the genre boundaries, and has been well-flagged with tasty singles, notably ‘Miracle Without Shoes’.

Read the rest of Hot Press’ 8/10 review of his new album HERE.

Col Paterson, ‘Online Adventure’

Singer-songwriter Col Patterson provides a synthesiser-driven uplifting three minutes of pop with ‘Online Adventure’ – traversing themes of loneliness caused by modern society’s obsessions with the virtual realm.

“It's my synth poppy side again,” said the artist on social media.  “I've lost a few people in my life this year and everything else seems small at the minute. But I'll shake my tailfeather and get it out to radio with fingers crossed soon.”

Mr Irish Bastard, ‘All My Friends Are Idiots (Ten Green Bottles)

Celtic folk-punk heroes Mr Irish Bastard add to their catalogue of fun, rocking, drinking songs with ‘All My Friends Are Idiots’. A catchy, old-school sounding song with some modern rock sensibilities, the banging drums, flute solo and singalong choruses are sure to have pub-goers across the world singing along.

Having played over 800 shows across the globe since 2006, the German-based band have shared the stage with numerous celt-rock legends, including The Pogues, Flogging Molly and The Dropkick Murphys. Their music captures the drink-drenched feelings of the Irish diaspora, with infectious tunes that often contain darker underlying themes.

 

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Tragedy Vampires, ‘Killing Fields’

The title track from Tragedy Vampires' new album, ‘Killing Fields’ is an unapologetically badass goth-rock tune. Opening with slow burning drums and gnarly, flanged power chords, the song bursts into head-banging chorus.

Thematically, as the title suggests, ‘Killing Themes’ is as dark as they come, with the graphic lyrics suitably matching the song’s heavy music and artwork. The LP is available now on Bandcamp and CD, and will be released to all digital streaming platforms in the new year.

Dollface, ‘Waiting’

Dollface’s new track ‘Waiting’ is a song dedicated to the art of feminine yearning from the Dublin-born Aimée Rose. A reflective and morose track on what it means to feel like you’re good enough, ‘Waiting’ is the perfect girly lament for the Instagram generation. ‘Waiting’ comes off the back of Dollface’s new EP titled ‘Baby Steps’, which features all of Dollface’s current musical output and one bonus new track which Dollface says she “debated releasing the last track for a long time”. The singer-songwriter continues: “But I think it’s necessary to close off that chapter of my life neatly”. That track was ‘Waiting’ and we are very glad the musician decided to drop it.

The Rosecaps, Ocean Floor

With energetic riffs and infectious melodies, it’s no wonder that the Dublin band The Rosecaps are said to be one of the most promising up-and-coming artists for 2023. This new track is evocative of the Stone Roses but with a lighter, Dubliner touch. The lyrics are considerably heavier than the song sounds, with lines like ‘because I’m tied to the ocean floor/ And I’m dragging you overboard’, the guitar riffs carry this heaviness and make for an easy listening track. ‘Ocean Floor’ is a dreamy indie soundscape that dropped today just before the band’s upcoming headliner in Whelans upstairs next month. Fans of Rosecaps, or of being able to say you ‘knew them before they were cool’ can get tickets here.

Ro Yourell, How My Heart Beats'

Delorentos principal guitarist and lead singer Ro Yourell has today dropped a sentimental new track ‘How My Heart Beats’ as part of his solo catalogue. The track brings to mind the same feeling that Bright Eyes’ ‘First Day of My Life’ does, a sort of gentle and slight melancholia. Ro Yourell’s solo work emerged for the first time this year, debuting with his track ‘Freedom’, which Yourell describes as “my state of the nation address”. ‘How My Heart Beats’ is a complete 180, instead of addressing larger societal issues, it’s a domestic and warm song, dealing with what is deeply personal and for sure is worth a listen before kicking off your weekend.

Michael Kerr, ‘Firefly’

Belfast’s Michael Kerr burst onto the Northern Irish music scene in 2018 with the release of his debut EP ‘Treasure Chest’. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength establishing himself. ‘Firefly’ is a testament to this. With melody-driven songs that are built on a foundation of swelling guitars, complete with heartfelt lyrics, Kerr has asserted himself as songwriter of substance. ‘Firefly’ is a romantic track that could be featured in a coming-of-age film when the character has that breakthrough realisation, the perfect sentimental crooner to get you in the feels this Friday.

 

Joel Harkin, ‘Ho Chi Minh’

‘Ho Chi Minh’ is an old-fashioned ballad, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a time you’ve never known or places you’ve never been to. A song for melting into, ‘Ho Chi Minh’ was released today off Joel Harkin’s new EP titled ‘Sham Supermarket’, who describes as a ‘miserable Irish socialist’. The four-track EP has a beautiful mix of songs for losing yourself in, but none quite like closing track ‘Ho Chi Minh’ which offers six minutes of musings and observations on Irish life and how far we have come, detailing characters such as James Larkin, and uncles. So buckle up, and let yourself be courted by the beautiful serenading guitars of Joel Harkin.

 

Niamh Bury, ‘Wexford Lullaby’

Irish folk musician Niamh Bury has today released ‘Wexford Lullaby’ featuring intricate guitar plucking, and detailing the relationship between mother and child. Her music has an organic feel, that rather than have been recorded in a studio to be listened to on a streaming platform, they are part and parcel with nature itself. Along with doom folk group ØXN, Bury is a member of an exclusive group of artists that have been signed to the prestigious Claddagh Records in the last 20 years. Bury herself shared the track on Instagram saying “It’s a song I picked up from my aunties – a brilliant lyrical reinterpretation of ‘The Wexford Carol’ by the great John Renbourn of Pentangle. It’s a lullaby of sorts, but speaks much more about the experience of being a new parent imagining the life in store for their child”.

 

SIIGHTS, ‘Miss you’

Half Irish, half Scottish duo SIIGHTS have today dropped a sad pop banger titled ‘Miss you’. With an upbeat melody, the song has a desperately sad meaning, on the struggle of grief. Sharing the song on Instagram the duo said ‘If we’re being honest we didn’t want to talk too much about the meaning behind this song for us - we always want to uplift people and help you feel good with our music!” however after they shared the song, the pair received a lot of interest from fans, to which the band says “there can be a real shame attached to struggle & a lot of people do it in silence so we want to remind you that it’s ok to have the bad days; to miss someone, to grieve; it's a totally normal part of life & moving forward - you’re not alone”.

Cathal Murphy, ‘My Girl’

A suave lofi jazz-inspired track, ‘My Girl’ is a smooth song for the lovesick. ‘My Girl’ evokes the sense of what it is like in the early days of dating, the swooning, the constant phone checking and the oh-so-intoxicating feeling of falling in love. With dirty bass, and an undeniable groove, Cathal Murphy has masterfully put together a song that draws from his two favourite genres- funk and jazz, but there’s that modern twist, technical guitar playing and controlled drums make ‘My Girl’ feel like an effortless track. Murphy is currently completing a German Tour, and set to play Berlin tonight - it’s unclear when the Edinburgh-based Irish musician is set to play Ireland. Watch this space.

Paro Pablo, ‘Comfort in the Chaos’

Opening with Emmet Kirwan’s viral speech from his 2018 appearance on The Late Late Show, ‘Comfort in the Chaos’, is a powerful piece of protest music, dealing with the growing socio-economic divide in Ireland. Spitting harsh bars that hit hard, Paro Pablo teamed up with Vanessa on backing vocals, and Willa Lee on music to bring together this track. Kirwan’s words hit as impactfully as they did 5 years ago, if not more so. Paro Pablo is a Finglas rapper who re-entered the music scene in 2019 after a 5-year hiatus, since then he’s been back and bolder than ever with tracks like ‘Comfort in the Chaos’.

Listen to our New Irish Songs playlist below!