Melts, 'Clouded'

Dramatic and relentless audible enjoyment is what’s on the table with Melts’ ‘Clouded’. Fitting snugly with the rest of their acclaimed sophomore LP Field Theory, addictive synth patterns and a sprinting drumbeat buttress singer Eoin Kenny’s atomic lyricism. With some lush, screeching guitars thrown in for good measure, it’s no wonder why the Daniel Fox-produced project was so well received by our very own John Walshe in his recent review.

Speaking to Hot Press about the album in our April issue, Kenny described the subject matter as being  “about how our relationship with the outside world is coloured by our interpersonal relationships, the insular relationships between everybody around us, and the importance of different people within our lives…”

LYRA, ‘Love Me’

Cork artist LYRA has released her powerful pop-diva debut LP, titled LYRA today.  While LYRA will have listeners strutting into the weekend with its roaring dance numbers, the record also provides cathartic tear jerkers, and none better than the epic ballad ‘Love Me’. Led by mournful and dramatic keys, ‘Love Me’s sees LYRA’s rich deep vocals shine as she belts with reckless abandon, yet complete vocal mastery. About coming to the end of a relationship when one party has lost feelings and the other is holding on desperately, ‘Love Me’ captures a plethora of emotions in a tidy 4 minutes.

His Father's Voice, 'Arm's Length'

The fast rising indie-punk outfit His Father’s Voice have dropped their latest single, ‘Arm’s Length,’ showcasing a pummeling approach to lust that draws influence from the likes of The Cure, Alvvays and Interpol. After garnering widespread support with their 2019 debut Context and Perspective, the Limerick shoe-gaze band is back with a newfound energy.

“I've always wanted to try my hand at capturing what lust sounds like lyrically,” said lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Ash O’Connor. To me it's claustrophobic and crushing, yet somehow, at the same time it's utterly exciting and euphoric. This song has a go at exploring those contradictions - it's dreamy yet catchy, it's hesitant yet can't help but urgently keep driving forward. The guitars and rhythm section create a pummeling ending giving it a sense of release while still clinging onto an overarching frustration.”

Brian McGovern, 'Hey Mom'

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Brian McGovern has just dropped his latest heartbreaker ‘Hey Mom,’ written last year after the passing of his partner’s mother, Helena. Opening with a recording of Helena’s voice, the song serves as a reminder to cherish the memories we have of those who have passed. Featuring artwork created by McGovern’s young son, Helena’s grandson, the song is a beautiful example of how music can be used to keep loved ones in our hearts and comfort those grieving.

“It's impossible to put into words the heartbreak and pain you feel when somebody you love passes,” McGovern explained, “so this is my attempt to try to put those emotions into a song."

Rachel Goode, 'Keg of Brandy'

Emerging folk talent Rachel Goode has unveiled her latest cover single ‘Keg of Brandy,’ a traditional Irish ballad written by Robbie O’Connell. A timeless tune of love and loss, the song follows a heavy drinker who has fallen for a woman named Molly from County Clare. 

A classically trained soprano, Goode’s immense vocal talent and technical skill is evident throughout the aching folk melody, recorded live in studio to maintain its raw authenticity. Alongside a band of stellar musicians including Bill Shanley and Enda Dempsey on guitar, James Blennerhassett on double bass, Robbie Casserly on percussion and Stephen Doherty on box, Goode immerses listeners in the pleasures and pitfalls of alcohol consumption while expertly navigating O’Connell’s stunning arrangement. 

Ten Hail Marys, 'I Had A Dream'

Fast rising alt-rock Dubliners Ten Hail Marys have dropped their latest headbanger, 'I Had A Dream,’ a guitar driven single off the band’s upcoming summer EP. The new release comes just before the band’s Academy 2 debut on Friday 19th April.

"'I Had A Dream’ discusses themes of heartbreak and desperateness as a relationship comes to an end,” the four-piece explained. “The opening line, ‘Hold my hand, break the bones… but just don’t let go of what we’ve got,’ conveys how a significant other wants to continue the relationship regardless of the toxic environment that the relationship has become. The song ebbs and flows from verse to chorus to an instrumental section before a big closing chorus in true ‘Indie Anthem’ fashion.”

Tommy Cullen, 'B Movie'

Dublin indie songwriter Tommy Cullen is back with his new single ‘B Movie,’ featuring guest vocals from London-based singer-songwriter Yazmyn Hendrix. The latest advance release from his debut album Enjoy The Glow, ‘B Movie’ is an exploration of duality and communication infused with a lush, molasses-thick groove.

The culmination of his artistic life to date, Enjoy The Glow, out April 19th, explores the beauty of everyday life, recounting tales of true love, UFO sightings and trips to Ikea.

Jesse June, 'Yesterday'

Rising Dublin artist, Jesse June, has released his new single ‘Yesterday’. This Nigerian-born artist has quickly made his mark on the Dublin music scene with his emotional lyrics and dreamy melody. ‘Yesterday’ has a nostalgic feel that is emulated by the echoing lyrics.

This track follows June’s experience through his first heartbreak. His art, which extended into music, poetry and art, will now also move into filmmaking with the release of his accompanying short film First Love. This trailer is being released with the track and is part one of the upcoming film. The other parts will be released as June released new tracks to tell the complete story of his heartbreak.

Post-Party, I Didn't See Before, But I See Now

Rising group, Post-Party has released their second EP I Didn’t Before, But I See It Now. The indie band has released one single from the record entitled ‘Negative Energy’. This catchy pop anthem with its electric guitar riffs reminds the listener about the importance of a positive perspective.

The band was formed in 2018 when members Matthew and Keelan met in college from a roll call issue since they coincidentally share the same middle and last name. Post-Party will celebrate this release with a debut tour through the UK and Ireland. This four date tour will bring them to Belfast on April 11 and then to The Button Factory in Dublin on April 13. Then they will head to Cleveland for April 20 and 21.

Back To Winnipeg, 'Jeronimo'

Back To Winnipeg has released their new single ‘Jeronimo’. This track comes on the heels of their debut single ‘Slowdown’. This four-piece rock band has created a hard-hitting track with its all put guitar riffs and steady, direct baseline.

Hailing from Galway, the band formed in the summer of 2022, and have become rising stars in the Irish music scene. With their DIY approach to music, Back To Winnipeg creates these bedroom tracks with the help of their sound engineer and producer, Eoghan Barrett. Their new song is a “love letter to the Galway music scene - and to the people that ultimately saved the song from being forgotten.”

The Henry Girls, 'Don't Fear The Night'

The beloved Donegal trio of Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin are back with a new mesmerising folk track entitled ‘Don’t Fear The Night.’ Pulling at our heartstring once again, The Henry Girls’ latest release is filled with the sisters’ trademark harmonies and evocative songwriting. Pushing the boundaries of Irish folk, the trio continue to solidify their standing as masters of their craft. 

Produced by Tommy McLaughlin at Attica Audio in Co. Donegal, The Henry Girls’ new single comes paired with the announcement of their upcoming Irish tour, which is slated to run from April 11th to June 14th. 

Theo Fitzgibbon, 'Caroline'

Alt-pop singer Theo Fitzgibbon follows a dazzling string of festival slots and a headline show at The Soundhouse with a cracking fourth single.

‘Caroline’ is an anthemic pop number that deftly boasts a catchy hook and vibrant backing of flickering guitar and an anthemic rhythm section. With its beaming, sunlit instrumentation, the track continues to build the anticipation for more staggering releases from the South Dub artist. Line the mind with this new Theo Fitzgibbon release then, a real treat for the ears, as expected.

So, don your glad rags, strap on your dancing shoes and hit play.

shiv, 'limerence'

‘limerence’ is the first offering from Irish singer-songwriter and producer shiv’s debut album the defiance of a sadgirl, out 27th June. Written, produced and recorded during a writing trip in her parent’s home in Uganda, the single is shiv’s compelling reentry into the independent scene after parting with label Warner Music Ireland.

With its bubbly instrumental, braiding several sonic threads layered under shiv’s powerhouse vocals, the track offers a playful perspective on unrequited love and one’s own self-delusions.

“I wanted the song to sound cheeky and fun, to be a song to add to your getting ready playlist, that would inject some confidence into your energy,” shiv remarks. “Even though it is about an unrequited crush, it still has this bold and sassy edge to it.”

Fee Gray, 'i might be drunk but at least i'm in love'

Imagine: You’re walking [nay, stumbling] home from a night out, just after throwing back who knows how much, of who knows what. Treading a straight line seems too herculean an effort, so you lean on your partner’s shoulder for support. The stars are out, and you’re clearheaded enough to know they aren’t just in your eyes. The buzz may wear off, but the glow of that euphoria, of love, remains.

Fee Gray conjures such an image in their new single ‘i might be drunk but at least i'm in love.’ With swampy basslines, prismatic harmonies and pastel-hued synths, the track forcibly captures the pie-eyed, yet romantic mood.

Exploring new soundscapes, Fee continues to experiment with their style, offering anything from hot-tempered pop punk to soul-stirring ballads which deal in the evocative.

King Cara, 'Eden Quay'

Up and coming alternative rock band King Cara has released their second single ‘Eden Quay’. This follows their track ‘Favourite Crusade’ which was released in March. The track opens with a snappy guitar riff. Each member blends their instruments together to create a song that has a hard-hitting base, danceable melody and emotive lyrics.

King Cara consists of members Jimmie Byrne on vocals and guitar, Ignas Baranauskas on guitar, Eoin Kinahan on bass and Samuel Eliasen on drums. To celebrate the release of their new single, the band will be playing a gig at The Workman’s Club Main Room on Thursday, April 11.

 

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Greg Tisdall and Bloom Imán, ‘Beauty Sleep’

Greg Tisdall and Bloom Imán have come together to create their new track ‘Beauty Sleep’. This lo-fi pop track with elements of R&B. The track is emotive and sad with its echoing chorus. This song was released after the death of Tisdall’s co-producer and good friend Raphael.

In an Instagram post talking about the track, Tisdall wrote, “‘Beauty Sleep’ is a song Raph and I were very proud of…I then built the whole beat around this sample, adding drums and 808s…so being able to see how he works was yet another joy that I owe to Raph.”

 

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Green Gurl, 'Monsters'

Green Gurl have released their new single ‘Monsters’. Hailing from Dublin the band is fronted by Dessa Vanuci, a Brazilian singer who moved to Dublin to pursue her music career. She is joined by songwriter Steven Kennedy, as well as bassist Sammy and drummer Colm to create a track that is a perfect punk-rock mix with its prominent baseline and invigorating guitar riffs.

When talking about the goals of the band, Green Gurl says, “our goals for our first single are to establish our digital footprint through different media outlets and reach a larger audience which will provide us with a strong portfolio of publicity moving forward.

Chameleon, 'The Ransom'

Hot on the heels of ‘Who’s That Girl’ - his viral collab with KhakiKid and CARSTEN2X - Chameleon, aka Matthew Harris, returns with his first original offering in two years.

With warm guitar riffs, labyrinthine production and Harris’ emotive falsetto, ‘The Ransom’ deftly opens this new chapter for the 24 year-old singer-producer. Accompanying the release is an enthralling B&W noir music video directed by Iarla McKeon. With its dazzling cinematography, the film is a fitting capture, apropos of the track’s haunting mood.

“What you might hear as abrasiveness and spite in the lyrics and instrumentation, is really a fragile coating over a deeper pain,” Chameleon says of ‘The Ransom.’ “I wanted to explore the perspective of someone who has been hurt in a relationship - who is having their freedom held for Ransom - but who cannot be fully exempt from blame or fault.”

Stop Throwing Lemons, ‘This Means Nothing’

Galway alt-rock band Stop Throwing Lemons bring the octane on their new single ‘This Means Nothing.’

Replete with vim and vigour, the track sees the four-piece - Liam Carton [vocals], Jack Qualter [guitar], Liam Liddane [drums] and Jack Silke [bass] - crystallise their sound further and further.

From humble beginnings in college, Stop Throwing Lemons displays a unique sonic chemistry, which is on full display on ‘This Means Nothing.’ With pummeling basslines, rousing drums, infectious vocals and electrifying guitar, the offering blends the fiery sound of Fontaines D.C. with the anthemic punk threads of The Psychedelic Furs.

Alfie Hudson-Taylor, 'Plastic Song'

Alfie Hudson Taylor has released his new soothing love track, ‘Plastic Song’. Formerly known as part of the Hudson Taylor duo, Alfie Hudson Taylor is breaking out into a new solo career. Songs like Plastic Song are heartfelt and tranquil as it features not only Taylor’s vocal skills but his musical talent on the guitar.

To celebrate the start of his solo career, Taylor will be performing live, acoustic shows across Ireland this month. He will be in Limerick on April 17 and Wexford on April 19 before the final show on April 21 at The Workman’s Club in Dublin.

Jessica Brett

Jessica Brett has released her new single ‘It’s Always Been You’. This new love song fits perfectly into this Irish pop stars’ discography. The track opens with Brett singing the title of the track, ‘It’s Always Been You’ like she’s directing talking to someone she loves. The track feels like a real, heartfelt profession of love.

Hailing from Tipperary, Brett has been making music for years. She started focusing on her solo career in 2022. Her creativity shows when she mixes genres like R&B and alternative pop together and matches these tunes with lyrics written from the heart.

THEO, 'Infected'

THEO is back with the sultry new offering ‘Infected,’ an empowering blend of feminine energy and gritty electronics that showcases the young singer at the height of her talents. The perfect blend of R&B, neo-soul and pop, ‘Infected’ sees THEO as she unapologetically succumbs to self-destruction, telling a story of reckless devastation and unwavering confidence. 

The budding star was discovered back in 2021 by Grammy award winning artist and producer Naughty Boy. Now long-standing collaborators, the pair will be releasing a new EP together later this year. 

Ian Lynch, 'Severed From The Light'

Lankum mainstay Ian Lynch has released his latest project: an ominous soundtrack for the upcoming horror flick All You Need Is Death, out April 19. The new album, which shares the film’s title, marks Lynch’s debut in the world of soundtracking. Peaking with feature track ‘Severed From The Light,’ Lynch’s record is the perfect blend of Irish folk traditions and nerve-wracking horror.

“My main guiding idea was to use traditional instruments in unusual ways to suggest something primal and chthonic,” explained Lynch. “I often envisioned people living in pre-Christian Ireland getting a hold of these instruments somehow. I wondered about how they would make sense of them, how they would hold them, how they would use them and what sounds they would make to accompany their religious observances, their chants and their rituals.”

Ryan Mack, 'I Love You More'

The latest release from Ryan Mack is romance at its finest. A sweeping declaration of adoration, ‘I Love You More’ is the modern-day equivalent of holding a boombox outside your bedroom window, complete with idyllic melodies, heart-on-sleeve lyrics and soaring refrains. After scoring a social media breakthrough on TikTok last year, the Irish singer-songwriter continues to shine while bearing his soul to listeners across the country. 

“One of my main goals this year was to hit 1 million streams in one day across my Spotify catalogue,” Mack wrote in a recent Instagram post. “To get there, I decided I needed to release more music, so I made a plan to release one song every two weeks for the rest of the year! But you all went and streamed my songs over 1 million times in one day already and it’s only April!”

Cosha, 'MurMurs Interlude'

Cosha’s latest release, ‘MurMurs Interlude,’ comes as the final preview for her highly anticipated May EP MurMurs, an emotionally charged musical journey that sees Cosha step into a new era of songwriting and performing. One of the most raw and potent moments on the record, ‘MurMurs Interlude’ dances between pain and joy as Cosha navigates love, lust and longing.  

“I’d never felt the way I was feeling before, I was having panic attacks all the time, I’d never had panic attacks, just brimming with emotion. Like if you’d touched me, I felt like I’d have just popped and burst into tears at any moment,” Cosha said of the creative journey behind MurMurs. “I liked the idea that ‘murmurs’ are always there humming along whether you want to tune into it or not, like a shadow following you. Also if you listen to a heart on a stethoscope, it’s a sign of damage, which is cheesy but kind of cute."

Gavin Fox, 'Dreamers And Believers'

Irish singer-songwriter Gavin Fox has released the new infectiously upbeat "rock-n-rootsy" single ‘Dreamers And Believers,’ an exciting blend of Americana, folk and rock that seeps into the hearts and minds of his listeners.  

With a vintage rock and roll sound and provocative attitude, ‘Dreamers And Believers’ is a rejection of the conventional norm, embodying the ethos of rebellion and independence. A song for those brave enough to turn dreams to reality, Fox’s latest release is a wake up call that you can help but tap your foot to. 

Dea Matrona, 'Every Night I Want You'

Belfast duo Dea Matrona have released their newest single ‘Every Night I Want You’, the third offering from their highly-anticipated debut album For Your Sins. The mellow offering comes accompanied by a grainy-toned music video inspired by the feel-good vibes of the ‘70s. 

“The guitar chords in ‘Every Night I Want You’ were inspired by some of the jazz standards I’d learnt as a teenager after going through a bit of a jazz phase,” the duo said of their new track. “We both wanted to honour The Cranberries with their iconic ‘doos’ which we added into the bridge. This is probably the most pop rock song of the album. We both thought that if this was in a Fleetwood Mac album, it would be a Christine McVie song. We wanted something that was feel-good in between the darker stuff on the record.”

Gavin James, 'Heavy'

Irish powerhouse and national star Gavin James is back with his latest offering 'Heavy,' a transcendent TK. Staying true to his lovelorn balladry and heart-swelling anthems, James' newest track showcases the songwriter's poignant lyricism and hair-raising vocal prowess, featuring impressive belts, sailing falsettos and sweeping riffs.

“This song has been living on my phone for ages,” James wrote in a recent Instagram post. “I’m so happy it’s yours now. Can't wait to play it live this summer!”

Daughter of A Drum, ‘Heal Me’

The alias of Aoife McAtamney, Daughter of A Drum  is better known for energetic live performances blending song and dance. ‘Heal Me’ is the artist’s first published recording. Making good use of her sultry vocals and enchanting horns, ‘Heal Me’ is an intoxicating hip sway-er of a track. A track which masterfully builds sounds to create an ambiance, ‘Heal Me’ is more of an experience than a single and bodes well for future sonic projects by the artist.

Oscar Blue, ‘Bloodstone

Following up ‘What If This Is All Okay?’ with the second release off his forthcoming EP, Oscar Blue shares ‘Bloodstone’ , a moving tribute to a dearly departed childhood friend.

Speaking of the track the musician said: "For me it's about trying to move forward in the wake of loss, grief and memories I have about a childhood friend whom I lost a couple of years back. I stumbled across the term 'bloodstone' by almost complete chance when I was writing this song and learned that a bloodstone is an ancient gemstone that's said to have strengthening properties and the ability to instil courage. This finding felt serendipitous considering the character of my friend and the mark his memory has left on me. For that reason, I think this song is one which I hold closer to my heart than any other."

JaXson, ‘Love of My Life’

The final song off of JaXson’s life in its purest form EP, ‘Love of My Life’ acts as an earnest closer to a lovingly crafted project. Speaking on the single, the Wexford singer songwriter said: ‘Continuing on with the story of the EP ['Love of My Life'] is kind of the last breath or moments when it’s just you and the person you love appreciating the last moments you have together and realising that maybe it’s not the worst way to go’. A profound and beautifully crafted song, ‘Love of My Life’ is a testament to what it means to love.

 

Virgins, ‘d i s a p p e a r e r'

Belfast shoegaze band Virgins are back and with another Cocteau twins inspired single in the form of ‘d i s a p p e a r e r’. The single comes from the band’s debut LP nothing hurt and everything was beautiful released yesterday. A reference to Kurt Vonnegut, the LP is filled with gargantuan walls of dense fuzzy reverbs, with ‘d i s a p p e a r e r’ being on the dreamier side sonically. The Northern group possibly hold the distinction of being one of Ireland most promising fuzz guitar bands since My Bloody Valentine.

CARSTEN2X & Joe Butler, ‘★SLEEPY★’

Following up from Dublin artist CARSTEN2X latest single ‘Blow!’ is a single that could almost be described as a hip-hop lullaby. A sultry R & B track that makes good use of acoustic guitar, ‘Sleepy’ sees CARSTEN & Joe Butler traverse genres. The collaboration is a masterful mesh of two distinct styles producing a single that’s harmonious and creatively interesting. If you’re on the lookout for some mellow Friday evening listening, ‘Sleepy’ has you covered.

Annmarie Cullen, ‘Your Ex’ feat. Mundy

A heartfelt track on keys, ‘Your Ex’ sees Annmaire Cullen lament the loss of a lover- which she says is ‘reduced’ to the word ‘ex’. A protest against the callous and minimalist way society refers to former partners, Cullen’s emotional single is a compelling ballad. A duet featuring Mundy, ‘Your Ex’ is an expertly crafted song where the musicians tango at the injustice of such limited vocabulary. ‘Your Ex’ succinctly illustrates our consumerist tendency to dispose of former relationships, and so richly as the track builds in a stirring crescendo.

rex mundi, ‘lone gunman’

The first single off rex mundi’s upcoming album, ‘lone gunman’ offers a tantalising teaser for the LP. Using a recurring piano line as the backbone of the track, mundi lays deft bars and slick wordplay on this short but perfectly formed track. Speaking on the single the artist said: “This is the first track off a 13 track project which you will hear more about in the near future. This is not any standard release from me, my friends I have only been warming up. In fact, everything you've heard so far was just me dipping my toes in”.

 

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Aimee Cuffe - ‘Before We Were Us’

Introducing herself to the world with her brave new debut single ‘Before We Were Us’, Aimee Cuffe exhibits a Maggie Rogers inspired vulnerability in this song. About being in the throes of re- figuring yourself after the heartbreak of first love, ‘Before We Were Us’ is the coming of age song for your second puberty in your early twenties. With gentle vocals and lush instrumentation, Aimee paints a vivid portrait of the bittersweet beauty of following one's heart in ‘Before We Were Us’.

Listen to our New Irish Songs playlist below!