RíRá, ‘Magnetic’

Veteran rapper RíRá - formerly of pioneering hip hop outfit Scary Éire - arrives with his latest LP, Notes Of Distinguished Ghosts today. ‘Magnetic’, the project’s second track, puts all of his experience on blast. A paunchy beat and spooky, wailing instrumentation accompany the bar spitter’s intricate wordsmithery. The ‘90s-evoking chorus and hook meanwhile, will likely be taking up some real estate in your head for the next while.

 

Jinx Lennon, ‘Mad For Mass’

Prolific Dundalk artist Jinx Lennon plays a tongue-in-cheek fly-on-the-wall church goer on ‘Mad For Mass’. The experimental tune, featuring skirling synths and rabbling musings on the Sunday morning happenings in your local steeplehouse, wittily paints an image of the ridiculous ceremony of organised religion.

The song is off of the prolific songsmith’s latest record, The Hate Agents Leer At The Last Isle Of Hope - a whopping 26-track effort which received a 9/10 on the Hot Press Critical Mass-o-Meter.

 

Small Church, ‘Mould’

Limerick rockers Small Church return with their scintillating EP Sock Puppets, a flurry of four certified bops.

Track 3, ‘Mould’ offers a fitting focal point for the project, with its hellbent riffage, crystalline vocals and an infectious rhythm section that is sure to induce some headbanging.

Junk Drawer, ‘Nids Niteca’

Belfast’s psychedelic art-rock quartet Junk Drawer introduce their upcoming album Days of Heaven with a fiery new single. With inspiration from artists like Gram Parsons, The Byrds and The Grateful Dead, the guitar-heavy track explores the passage of time.

“There was this empty shopfront we constantly drove past that said 'NIDS NITECA' in bold red on the way back from practice in the centre of Belfast,” the band said. “It began as a sort of rumination on that, a tribute to this little in-joke that exists to a specific type of Belfast person, but really is about the meaning and decay of these structures and the sort of associations that get drawn to them, and how it all exists as much mentally in this hilarious fucking mess of a localised consciousness, that will be forgotten in time.”

Fans can catch Junk Drawer on their Irish co-headline tour with Cola and M(h)aol beginning in May.

Mount Palomar, 'L'Aliment' (feat. Karla Chubb)

The North’s electro polymath, Mount Palomar, has dropped the intense new track "L’Aliment," featuring the powerful vocals of Irish punk songwriter and SPRINTS frontwoman, Karla Chubb.

A propulsive slice of hardware-driven electronica - teeming with raw and raucous energy - the track seems to fit perfectly among low-lit rooms and towering soundsystems, inspired by the metallic angst that only pure romance can stir.

“When writing the song, I sketched out a couple of initial verses, drawing on a vocal rhythmic sensibility that in some senses reminded me of early Janet Jackon material,” the artist says.

Elaine Mai, ‘Aim’ feat. Faye O’Rourke

The first single off of Elaine Mai’s upcoming record For Us, ‘Aim’, released in collaboration with Soda Blonde's Faye O’Rourke, is a pulsing electronic tune of scintillating synths and heavy rhythm, complete with ethereal vocals that offer the track otherworldly and emotional textures. Speaking of the upcoming record on Instagram, Mai comments: “Creating this album has been quite the adventure, made (and still being made) in pockets of time in what is a busy and full life, better than anything I could have imagined.”

NewEra, ‘Crazy’ feat. Nines

Coming fresh off the heels of their latest hit single ‘Generation Love’, NewEra’s ‘Crazy’, released in collaboration with Nines, is another vibrant number from the DJ duo. With high pitched vocals and a dramatic, groovy and bass line, complete with deft bars in the bridge, the tune is destined to instigate a t-step or two on dancefloors across Ireland and beyond.

Mute the TV, ‘Depression Session’

Co. Wicklow four-piece Mute the TV return with indie-rock banger ‘Depression Session’.

Despite its title, the track has a feel-good sound that contains multitudes: there is something of MGMT and Empire of the Sun in the verses, and a bit of Young the Giant in the first pre-chorus, while the chorus has the strength of Foals’ ‘My Number.’

The song’s carefully crafted, energising production features acoustic and electric guitars, bass, several kinds of 2010s synths and leads, and even a Motown beat at some point.

‘Depression Session’ is about two people who grew up together through trying times. Although life takes them through very different paths, they manage to always remain connected.

Search Results, ‘Be Laurel’

Dublin-based garage rockers Search Results have released ‘Be Laurel’, the second single from their upcoming second album Go Mutant, out on May 23.

‘Be Laurel’ is a bouncy, nimble indie-rock track, with a percussion that is agitated but does not feel overwhelming, and an electric guitar whose quick notes and chords go back and forth.

The song goes into a breakdown at the end, with a nervous snare drum and flute-like lead synth that are reminiscent of Vampire Weekend.

Talking about their upcoming album in an interview for Hot Press’ upcoming issue, the band said: “With Go Mutant, we’re mixing things a bit more than usual.

“Compared to our last album, there’s more experimentation, and greater variety in the sounds and in the way we recorded things. The quality of the recordings has also improved—it’s clearer, more hi-fi.”

Softdrink Millionaire, ‘Pillow Talk’

Softdrink Millionaire’s bassy new song ‘Pillow Talk’ evokes an intimate atmosphere, gradually expanding into an explosion of drums and guitar. The track explores the musings of a failed romantic, with Josh Fortune’s soft vocals pairing beautifully with their droning instrumentals.

“It’s like ‘Death Of A Ladies Man,’ not that you were ever even one in the first place,” he said.

Softdrink Millionaire will perform in Wicklow later this month and Dublin in May.

Evan Miles, ‘It’s On Me’

Waterford producer Evan Miles returns to the influences of his early career in ‘It’s On Me’, an experimental hip-hop track driven by a submachine gun-like chopped vocal sample, atmospheric synths, and thick EDM-style leads.

"It's On Me came about last winter, when I had the desire to make something more break-y and just overall hard hitting,” said Miles. “The track starts off with the atmospheric vibe you’d be used to with my older music, but then it transitions into more of a club track which is the style I'm excited to be leaning into now.”

“The last few months I have played a lot more shows which have broadened my musical horizons in a way,” he added. “I was able to experiment and see the reaction from real life people, who loved the club style tracks. I brought that to the studio and began releasing songs I am very proud of, which is an unreal feeling."

RikShaw, ‘Garden Of Eden’

RikShaw brings the heat with his new hip-hop track, ‘Garden Of Eden.’ The groovy song speaks to the power of romance, with the rapper referring to his love interest as “the flower from the Garden of Eden.”

The track kicks off with punchy drums that hook you in. Layered vocals and heavy bass add to the atmosphere, building a world for the listener to lose themselves in.

Anemoia, ‘cowboy’

Co. Mayo shoegaze/noise-rock band Anemoia have released ‘cowboy,’ a track with a soundscape as unsettling as the alien-like figure on the single’s artwork.

‘cowboy’, which navigates a haze of co-dependency, was originally written on Enniscrone beach, exploring the old Irish diaspora in London.

The song starts off with an eerie sound that quickly gives way to initially soft and later distorted guitars. Vocal melodies and screams then follow as the track unleashes its noisy angst at top volume.

Kapayja, ‘Crack a Smile’

Dublin-based indie rock band Kapayja have released ‘Crack a Smile’. With a sound they define as “spook rock,” their latest track is the final single before the release of their debut EP Age of the Open Book, set for release on April 22.

The atmospheric, haunting guitar wailing of the track is reminiscent of The Smiths’ ‘How Soon Is Now?’ while the choruses sound like a grittier version of a track from Arctic Monkeys’ Humbug (2009).

“I wanted to write a song that thumps through your chest and swings you by the ears,” said frontman and songwriter Joshua Neary. “Now I have.”

Kiruu, ‘Kyanite’

Irish-born and East Africa-raised artist Kiruu has released ‘Kyanite’, an uptempo song with a story of lifelong, unrequited love captured in its hook’s lyric: “I never saw you as a friend.”

'Kyanite' blends catchy pop melodies with rock instrumentation, while the chorus features a prominent disco feel.

“I wanted to create a song that would resonate with the universal feeling of unspoken longing, but that would also make you want to dance,” said Kiruu.

Kean Kavanagh, ‘The Whistle’

Kean Kavanagh shares his new track ‘The Whistle’, a blend of Americana indie rock and Irish trad inflections in a way that feels instinctive, unexpected and unmistakably his own. Marking the musician’s first original material release since the 2023 EP Wrestling Music, ‘The Whistle’ is “a song about the tricks that the mind can play on you when looking back on the death of a relationship,” Kavanagh says.

“I think this type of reminiscing can be an easy salve for people - they can place all of their hopes and dreams of salvation on this one person who’s ever so slightly out of reach rather than truly mourning them, moving on and owning your own life, good, bad and all.”

Eve Buckley, ‘Atlantic Way’

Eve Buckley’s strong vocal ability is put on full display with the introspective new track, ‘Atlantic Way.’ The song speaks to new beginnings and unfamiliar journeys. With simple instrumentals dancing in the background, the real highlight is Buckley’s soft yet powerful voice.

“Settling down on an unknown road, and make a home of their own,” she sang. “They said let's make the most of what we got to share.”

David Murphy & Ether Ensemble, ‘The March Of The King of Laois’

Guitarist David Murphy and Ether Ensemble offer a cinematic interpretation of the traditional Irish tune ‘The March of The King of Laois’. Led by the atmospheric sounds of the pedal steel guitar, the track blends modern-classical and contemporary Irish music thanks to unique strings, smooth piano textures and pulsating synths.

Jonathan Nangle & Crash Ensemble, ‘Bláth Bán’

Irish composer Jonathan Nangle collaborates with Crash Ensemble on the fantastical new track ‘Bláth Bán’, the openender to their new album Blue Haze of Deep Time, out now. The record marks the culmination of Nangle’s residency with Crash Ensemble, and is Nangle’s first commission for the full ensemble.

Speaking about this release, Jonathan says: “What does the sea sound like? Blue Haze of Deep Time is a profound and immersive musical exploration, a sequence of journeys that seeks to answer this question, at least from my perspective. The piece consists of six movements, each designed to capture the sound and colour of the sea, evoking a journey through my creative imagination.

“The inspiration for the work came from several field recording trips, which provided unique snapshots of specific times and places that are forever etched in my memory. As I listen to the recordings, I can vividly recall where and when I captured the sounds of the various seashores. Through this piece, I hope to convey the same sense of calm that these moments brought me.”

Data.Soul, 'My Data Soul'

Dublin’s Data.Soul has released his debut single, ‘My Data Soul.’ The track kicks off with fast-paced drums and an unrelenting guitar. Fronted by Shane Regan of Akrobat, the artist employs eccentric lyricism to create a unique atmosphere.

“I’ve got a soul deep down,” he sang. “It runs the data through me.”

Go Bury Your Monsters, 'Science Of The Heart'

'Science Of The Heart' is the debut release from the Irish alternative project Go Bury Your Monsters. The track is an exploration of the unanswerable question; why do people break each others' hearts?

With energetic guitar from Brian Murphy, pulsing bass from Daragh J. Gleeson, Stephen Young's evocative vocals and Shayne Byrne's drums tying it all together, 'Science Of The Heart' is a must listen for fans of Peter Gabriel, The War On Drugs or The Killers.

The first single from their upcoming EP, Body Language, 'Science Of The Heart' takes fragments of Byrne's old demo tapes and transforms them into new, unique sounds.

Brian McGovern, 'Girl From New York'

Former frontman of Saarloos and The Fallen Drakes Brian McGovern has released his latest solo single, 'Girl From New York'. The instrumentals, which are mostly acoustic guitar, allow McGovern's strong voice to shine in this track about falling in love abroad.

While McGovern has performed the song live a few times over the years, this is the first time he has recorded 'Girl From New York' in the studio.

"This song has travelled the world with me," he says. "And I'm delighted to finally release it."

The Null Club, '14 Hours' feat. Faris Badwan

The Null Club released a powerhouse of a song, ‘14 Hours,’ featuring Faris Badwan of The Horrors. The track begins with extremely heavy bass, before introducing distorted vocals. Alan Duggan Borges, guitarist of Gilla Band, started this musical project with inspirations from techno, experimental hip hop and post-punk.

"Faris had reached out to Gilla Band to say hello a while back and I managed to convince him to guest on this track,” said Borges. “I've been a massive fan of The Horrors since I was in my teens so it was really cool to work with him on this. I flew over to London to hang out with him for two days and we wrote and recorded the melody in his apartment during that trip.”

“This track uses an MRK drum machine for the beat. This is a piece of gear I have long been obsessed with and when I got one, this track came together very quickly," he added.

Fin Furey, 'Dogs of War'

In his latest single, 'Dogs of War', Dublin singer-songwriter Fin Furey tackles what he views as society's inability to learn from past mistakes through acoustic guitar, gentle vocals and poetic lyricism.

His second release of the year, Furey condemns the appearance of progress without meaningful change, taking on the long tradition of performers challenging ruling powers through artistry. In a time of growing war and civil unrest, he criticises the cyclical nature of violence that arises when the root causes of conflict are left unaddressed.

NE$I, ‘Fly Away.

R&B-pop merchant NE$I’s latest number is all about love and the want to escape with your significant other. Opening with delicate, romantic piano, the track kicks into a sensual strut, with trap percussion and layered, buttery vocals a lá The Weeknd. A talent worth keeping an ear on.

Ryan McMullan, ‘In This Room’

Co-written with global superstar Ed Sheeran, ‘In This Room’ is the lead single from McMullan’s highly anticipated new EP.

The track offers a raw, heartfelt vocal performance that blends delicate melodies, beautiful piano, and rich harmonies with soaring emotion, digging into themes such as love, loss, and hope.

Speaking on the track Ryan said: “‘In This Room’ was originally written for a 2018 film called The Delinquent Season, starring Oscar winner Cillian Murphy.

“It was co-written with Grammy Award winner Ed Sheeran on a guitar that once belonged to none other than Johnny Cash. I still can’t quite wrap my head around that, but I’m thrilled that this song is finally seeing the light of day!”

Virgins, ‘B l o o m s’

The latest release from Belfast-based band Virgins sees them continue to evolve their sound, moving into darker and more dynamic territory while holding onto the euphoric textures that have defined their place in the shoegaze scene so far.

Produced by Simon Francis and mastered by Simon Scott of Slowdive, ‘B l o o m s’ combines reverb-drenched guitars, tight drums, grounding bass and cascading fuzz. Shimmering verses give way to swirling choruses, with soaring vocals layered over a dense, atmospheric instrumentation.

Songwriter and guitarist Michael describes the track as “the band redefining our sound while delving to new emotional depths. A sonic exploration of tension and release, accented by reverse delays and glide guitar. Lyrically, it explores themes of reflection and self-confidence.”

Birthday Problem, ‘For Now’ feat. Stephen McCauley

Returning with a powerful spoken word piece, this latest single is taken from Volume 1 of the ongoing collaborative project between producers and musicians Matt Harris and Rocky O’Reilly known as Birthday Problem.

Titled ‘For Now’, the track is written and performed by broadcaster Stephen McCauley.

The song builds gradually before reaching an explosive and emotional final stretch, exploring a sci-fi electronica realm whilst reflecting on the state of society and its future through a dark lens.

“We live in extremely challenging times in which society has become divided, atomised, and disconnected,” McCauley says. “‘For Now’ is a reflection of that but not without some ‘stubborn hope’ too.”

Harris adds: “For me, Stephen’s words cut straight to important concerns but also do what so much public discourse fails to do in providing optimism about the future. I hope it feels that way for listeners too."

Think.pMad, 'Chance'

Merging dark rock energy with post-punk and alternative influences, this bold new single sees Italian artist Think (Marco Menazzi) team up with Irish alternative rock artist pMad for a collaborative release.

Titled ‘Chance’, the track blends Think’s vibrant creative style with pMad’s signature grunge sound, resulting in an authentic and emotive anthem. Driven by atmospheric production and introspective lyrics, the song explores themes of resilience, hope, and the courage to embrace new beginnings.

"This collaboration was a natural fit," says Paul Dillon (pMad). "Think brought an inspiring perspective to the track, and together we created something that truly resonates."

Neosupervital, ‘I.S.T.H.I.S.L.O.V.E’

Marking the second single from upcoming third album Transporter, this release leans into hypnotic electronic beats and an instrumental structure, designed for late-night drives and house-party soundtracks.

The track comes from Neosupervital, the project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Tim O'Donovan, who has also previously toured with Bell X1 as their drummer.

Tim said: "For ‘I.S.T.H.I.S.L.O.V.E.’ I wanted to veer away from the verse / chorus / verse type pop song and stretch out a little with a mostly instrumental track. I wanted to make something to nod your head to…

"The phrase "Is this love" is certainly a question I've asked myself in my time, and I'd imagine I wouldn't be alone in that. It's a hard one to answer, but I think when you know, you know."

He added:  "After releasing Factory Presets earlier this year, I wanted to release a completely different type of track for the second single off the upcoming album 'Transporter'.

"It's a pretty eclectic album where no two songs sound the same, but they still all hang together nicely as Neosupervital tunes."

The Kyd G, 'Lay Low' feat. $ONA BLU€ and V-Sensei

A collaborative new single from Dublin's The Kyd G, 'Lay Low' features Cornwall producer $ONA BLU€ and underground hip-hop artist V-Sensei. Continuing The Kyd G's style of experimenting with new sounds and ideas, 'Lay Low' features simple backing tracks with soft yet punchy digitized vocals. A rap verse from V-Sensei early on sets the energy high, followed by slower, more tempered hip-hop sounds through the rest of the track.

"Always a pleasure working with $ONA BLU€," says The Kyd G." And thank you to V-Sensei for blessing the track with a cold verse."

Listen to our playlist on Spotify below: