New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

KNEECAP, ‘Sayōnara’ feat. Paul Hartnoll

After performing the highly anticipated track over the summer, KNEECAP have released ‘Sayōnara’ featuring Paul Hartnoll of Orbital. ‘Sayōnara’ sees the iconic Belfast-Derry rap trio move further in their electronic, industrial direction rather than their quintessentially hip-hop past works.

The track is relentless in every way; intense, heavy and unbelievably catchy. It’s built for raves and mosh pits, full of a gritty edge that would lend well to strobe lights at some underground party. They make reference to a similar image in the bilingual Irish-English lyrics: “Damhsú go maidin ó thús na hoíche (English: dancing from dusk to dawn), so I'm not sure when I'll see ya.” They also touch on their wild journey to fame, from playing dim pubs in Belfast to selling out tours and making headlines practically on the daily. “Tá rudaí i ndiaidh a' athrú go mór (things have changed a lot)," they rap under grungy vocal effects.“Before, bhí mé a' seinm os comhair tríocha duine (was playing in front of thirty people), fast forward, nah, it's not like before, no more tickets on the door.”

The tone of the song is just as high-stimulation as what the lyrics describe, with some of the most boundary-pushing mixing yet from KNEECAP. Musically, lyrically and contextually, it’s a reminder that KNEECAP is not going anywhere— or rather, they’re only going up.

Pillow Queens, ‘Be A Big Girl’

Dublin’s Pillow Queens return with the defiant ‘Be A Big Girl’ - a track that tackles the urge to shrink, whether as a woman, a musician, or simply someone living in Ireland today. It’s a raw, urgent reclamation of strength, with gritty guitar chords, powerful vocals and layered harmonies, complete with the band’s inimitable melodic flair.

Speaking about the track, the band explains, “I think people expect ‘being a big girl’ to mean keeping your chin up, not making a fuss, and politely ignoring the fact you’re being shoved towards the door. For us, it’s the opposite. It’s staying exactly where you are when you’re told to leave, making a fuss, and taking up more space in the process. Living in Ireland, making music here, and not hopping on the first flight out is already an act of stubborn optimism. And yeah, sometimes you’re crying in Lidl or planning a better life in Australia, but at least you’re still standing. That’s the kind of ‘big girl’ we’re interested in being.”

Florence Road, ‘Break The Girl’

Already a fan favorite at live shows, ‘Break The Girl’ is Florence Road’s latest addictive release, arriving as part of their debut mixtape Fall Back, a project that captures the raw intensity of youth in all its highs and lows. Fresh and modern, the track fuses grunge haze with slick indie riffs into a sound that is both timeless and forward-looking; rooted in rock tradition yet unafraid to push boundaries.

Junior Brother, ‘Old Bell’

Kerry alternative folk singer-songwriter Junior Brother has released third album The End, with track ‘Old Bell’. His distinctive voice with all its extensive range is on full display, with a trad-fueled mix of vocal melodies, twangy strings and Irish traditional instruments cut through with more contemporary rock drums and and a composition unlike anything else.

The song builds up gradually, adding more and more different instruments up to a soaring cacophony of a peak. The latter half of the song sees his voice transform from full-chested belt to a softer tone, with the inclusion of whistles and soft guitar melody that pulls the whole art piece together. There is no other artist to compare to Junior Brother, and no genre that could hold down his spirited, heart-driven sound.

SPRINTS, ‘Better’

Hailing off of Sprints’ upcoming album All That Is Over, ‘Better’ is a gritty yet atmospheric rock tune, complete with ethereal, layered vocals and the band’s signature melodic intensity.

All That Is Over delivers what the band describes as a more dynamic and emotionally complex collection of songs. Lead singer Karla Chubb said the writing process was influenced by personal upheaval and global events, noting the record was written during a time of major change in both her personal life and the wider world.

Pastiche, ‘Body Clock’ feat. Celaviedmai

Dublin pop riser Pastiche shares the feminist anthem ‘Body Clock’ released in collaboration with Celaviedmai and taken from the upcoming EP Femme Fatality, due out October 16. Produced with Liam Geddes, the new single brings more of the defiant and honest songwriting, radio ready hooks and infectious, danceable production that has seen Pastiche acclaimed previously. The track touches on the complexities of the female experience, an overarching theme that defines the songwriting throughout Femme Fatality.

Talking about the track, Pastiche explains: “Pastiche, for me, is what I always wanted to be as a woman - strong, independent, confident, all the things that I wish I was but that I feel like I’m not. ‘Body Clock’ came out of a really raw place. I was diagnosed with endometriosis at 25 and froze my eggs thinking I was doing really well, and then this year I found out I also have adenomyosis — basically I was told I needed to have a baby soon or I risk it never happening for me.

“The track is about the pressure, the fear, and the frustration of feeling like your body is on a timeline you didn’t choose.”

hikii, ‘SKATIN THIN’

Dublin beatmaker hikii has released ‘SKATIN THIN’. It’s a masterclass in mixing, with ambient synths under perfectly rhymed and rhythmed flow in hikii’s distinctive voice.

Rappers hit me for that smoke, I’m that bloke,” hikii raps. “Sayin, that’s a hikii beat, give me deets.”And he’s not wrong in the slightest. His production talent is undeniable, and now so too is his lyrical skills. ‘SKATIN THIN’ is low-key and memorable, catchy without insisting upon itself. hikii is the man to know for quality beats, but his solo work has proven itself to be just as class.

Mother of Pearl, ‘Flood Street’

Limerick shoegaze band Mother of Pearl have released their latest album So Long to Knowing, featuring a solid track one in ‘Flood Street’.

‘Flood Street’ opens with harsh, garage-y guitars that lead into crashing drums and heavy, dark bass. The intro gives way to ethereal vocals that feel almost too delicate and gentle for the grungy instrumental mood, but manage to foot the balance between dream pop and edgy hard rock in a perfectly striking manner. It’s gritty, it’s beautiful, it’s stirring. There is something for everyone. Mother Of Pearl are in a class of their own.

The Kyd G, ‘Dis Side’

The Kyd G has released his new single ‘Dis Side’ ahead of his upcoming EP Still G.

The track blends genres with its constantly evolving style.

It opens with bouncy procession and an electronic style grounding beat set over the artist's classic rap sound.

As the track goes on, the ever-changing beat keeps the song interesting and unexpected, creating a truly enjoyable listing experience.

Throwing Shapes, ‘Lo and Behold’

The closing track to Throwing Shapes’ new self-titled album, out today, ‘Lo and Behold' is an atmospheric and moving number weaving intricate instrumentals, otherworldly electronic arrangements and delicate harp melodies, for a seven-minute-long instrumental piece which is as transporting as it it striking, slowly building in intensity and density throughout its run.

Jack Dora & Gonzo Fever ‘Bloodsuckah’ 

Rising psych rock band Jack Dora & Gonzo Fever release their new song ‘Bloodsuckah.’

The track comes alongside their debut EP Enter Gonzo, which is described as “an invitation to a distorted reality – one that mirrors our own but drags out the darker, stranger parts of ourselves.”

The single is a synth punk tune with a chaotic edge. Its interesting blend of blistering grooves and pulsing riff are courageously catchy and invigorating. One to catch live. 

The Divine Comedy, ‘Invisible Thread’

The Divine Comedy have released the new single ‘Invisible Thread’, which was written, produced, and arranged by Neil Hannon and recorded at Abbey Road. Through waltzy rhythms and delicately catchy piano and guitar instrumentals, the track wrestles with the highs and lows of parenthood and that dreaded moment when you realise your children must make their own way in the world.

“It’s about that pang of worry when they board the bus for a camping trip,” says Hannon. “The heart tug when they go on their first date. It’s not as simple as ‘the ties that bind’. They are a part of you.” Fittingly, the backing vocals on the track are courtesy of Hannon's daughter Willow.

Elle Leon Gallagher, ‘A Chara’

Kildare’s Elle Leon Gallagher has released her single ‘A Chara’ ahead of her sophomore album.

“The song looks inward to the heart-space where cherished friendships are held regardless of physical closeness… a love-song about friendships that feel like forever is a given,” said Gallagher.

‘A Chara’ opens with a slow bass beat as the track eventually builds. Gallagher’s soft, high voice seamlessly pairs with the tracks overall calm and serene tone.

Ash ‘Which Do You Want?’/h3>

Northern band Ash have released a new pop single ‘Which Do You Want?’

This comes ahead of their forthcoming album Ad Astra, out on October 3.

'Which One Do You Want?' dates back to the New York days, making it the oldest song on the album by far,” said drummer Rick McMurray.

The guitar pop track swoops and jangles with soaring vocals and an immense riff. The band’s sound leads them down a path of sing along tunes that are as catchy as they are fitting.

Michael D. Higgins ‘The Truth of Poetry’

Michael D. Higgins has released his new album Against All Certainty today, including the opening track ‘The Truth of Poetry.’ 

“Because the poet happens to be President of Ireland should not distract from the fact that these poems are written with all the precision and fervour of a free soul, and one that has made no bargain with rectitude or even the meaner sorts of discretion,” said album label Claddagh Records.

Born in Limerick in 1941 and raised in Clare, Michael D. Higgins is known for his political voice outside and inside his work of writing and poetry. 

“A good place to begin” says the poet at the start of his verse and indeed it is. ‘The Truth of Poetry’ recalls how a poem can be connected to memory or a place in time and what is truth in the face of memory? As spoken often does, the poem offers the listener their own interpretation of the words and the truth. Softly spoken, the song reminds of the truth within poetry, and its fragility.

WASPS vs HUMANS, ‘Death Chamber Visits’

Punk-folk duo WASPS vs HUMANS have released their new single ‘Death Chamber Visits’, which covers the topic of capital punishment.

WASPS vs HUMANS was initially a solo project, however, punk poet and drummer Carl Antony Plover later joined forces with his wife Linda Plover to form the group.

The couple released their debut album Scratchcard Empires in 2024.

‘Death Chamber Visits’ is an upbeat, anthem-like track with heavy lyrics. The song uses a punk inspired tone with a folk-like lyrical style that paints a distinct narrative for listeners.

Bantum ‘Carousel’ 

Bantum is back with the single ‘Carousel’ from his forthcoming self-titled album. 

The electric Cork artist has two performances at this year’s Sounds From a Safe Harbour festival, including double bill with Arveene on the opening night, Thursday 11th September, at The Pav, Cork.

"Having played numerous live shows since last year's album release, I noticed that ‘Carousel' kept getting a reaction from the crowds, " said the artist.

“I felt that this track deserved an extra boost as a single. I've reworked it for live shows, but the single remains the same,” expresses Bantum.”

The track is a genre blending groovy soundscape. Funk undertones alongside the electronic beat make for an old school sounding dance tune. The single is unsure what it is, but it's for the better, as it makes for a song that is unafraid to push boundaries, and succeeds at providing something distinctive and fresh.

Aoife Ní Bhriain & Cormac McCarthy, ‘Crowley’s'

Aoife Ní Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy, today release a new single ‘Crowley’s’ - the second from their upcoming collaborative album Cosán Casta, due 7 November 2025. ‘Crowley’s’ is based on Master Crowley’s Reel, a staple in traditional repertoire. Recorded and popularised by fiddle player Michael Coleman in 1935, the piece was later played by the great Dublin fiddle player Tommie Potts, whose expressive freedom and innovation have greatly influenced the duo’s approach on this recording.

On this background, the duo felt it fitting for the track to start “with a nod to the respect Potts had for Monk, starting with a jazz piano solo that then melts into the Potts version of Master Crowley’s.”

“Potts rarely played with piano accompaniment”, add the pair, “however, there are stories from the session in the North Star in Dublin where Potts himself would sit at the piano and play the most outlandish music and chords which we now know he had learned from the playing of T. Monk and other jazz artists he would have heard on the wireless. This leads us to believe that had the opportunity been there to play with a jazz pianist he might have taken it…”

Conor Furlong, ‘I’m Not The Only One’

Dublin artist Conor Furlong has released ‘I’m Not The Only One’, ahead of upcoming album A Twist of Fate (out on September 26). The track is written, arranged, performed and produced all by Furlong, and he doesn’t miss a beat anywhere.

His breathy voice and spacey sound recalls some combination of Phil Spector and The Smiths, while the atmospheric build to a cinematic release reminiscent of David Bowie’s ‘Starman’. Similarly to Ziggy Stardust, his shining chorus is accompanied by soaring strings and roaring guitar. However, the driving guitar strums and deeply vulnerable lyrics feel more like The Smiths’ ‘Please, Please, Please’, not to mention the harmonious vocals and ambient quality of the bridge. Though his musical inspiration shines through, ‘I’m Not The Only One’ is indelibly Furlong. And his talent is not to be ignored.

Jess Young ‘Nobody’s Love’

Jess Young has shared the new single ‘Nobody’s Love.’

Her latest release is a vibrant, upbeat track that delves into the excitement and spontaneity of summer romance.

The track invites listeners to embrace the joy of living in the moment, celebrating the thrill of new love and the freedom of keeping things light and casual.

The upbeat melodies of the track are warm and airy. The fun loving energy of the song pegs it as a summer soaked pop belter. 

Curfew, ‘Francis’

Three-piece rock band Curfew have released their new single ‘Francis’.

The track explores the loss of innocence and the need for clarity in adulthood.

Curfew formed in 2024 and have since performed at venues such as Whelan’ s and The Grand Social.

‘Francis’ opens with a gentle blend of bass and guitar and powerful yet fragile vocals.

Halfway through the track, the tone shifts as a track takes on a classic rock style. An intense drumbeat initiates the shift as the singer’s voice raises pitch, lifting above the complex electric guitar riff.

Brassneck Saints, ‘Roller Coaster’

High-octane Tyrone/Donegal five-piece folk and roots band Brassneck Saints have released their debut single 'Roller Coaster' —a powerful and emotional cover of the Dutch hit by Danny Vera, reimagined through the band’s signature blend of Irish folk, Americana, and gritty folk rock.

“We first came across the song when a friend played it in the car,” recalls frontman Kiel Cathers. “I think we all were humming it on the plane home, so we decided to learn it for our next time playing in Holland. It was amazing how people responded just to the first few notes—we didn’t realise how popular it was. So we thought the wider world deserved to hear it, and it’s something different. We hope people enjoy it, including fans of the original, and hope they appreciate what we’ve done with it.”

Rodney Owl ‘Sea of Hypocrisy’ 

Rodney Owl has unveiled electric folk single 'Sea of Hypocrisy'.

The single was inspired by Palestinian poet Samih al-Qasim’s Enemy of the Sun.

“I feel like the song was waiting there for me,” said Owl.

“It revealed itself quickly and easily. It’s about the tension between life and death, freedom and oppression – and the hypocrisy that often lies in between.

The song is both thought-provoking and whimsical, opening up a discussion that’s as political as it is personal. The soft strings pack a punch alongside ethereal folk vocals.

June, ‘Will We Dance?’

Laois’ June has released her new single ‘Will We Dance?’.

The track discusses the uncertainty of whether a relationship will begin.

‘Will We Dance?’ is the artist's third single after this year’s release of 'MerryGoRound' and ‘Up’.

The song opens with a snappy drum line and clapping sounds that ironically make you want to dance. It has a heavy folk-feel and features June’s light yet steady voice which lifts even higher above the rest of the track on the chorus with ethereal vocalising.

Niall Breslin, ‘Be The Sky’

Following previous single ‘The Credence Frequency’, Niall Breslin has released ‘Be The Sky’. Both tracks come from his upcoming album The Place That Has Never Been Wounded (out October 24) and each is more transcendent than the last. ‘Be The Sky’ is a poignant tapestry woven of intricate piano melodies, stirring string movements and atmospheric production. It has an immersive cinematic quality to it, inspiring images of celestial dreamscapes and breathtaking natural beauty. For any lovers of contemporary classical: Breslin is a talent to watch.<

Van Panther, ‘The Old Country

Irish alt-rock outfit Van Panther release their brilliant new single 'The Old Country', coming ahead of their debut album Icarian, due out October 3. Incredibly intense, gritty and raw, the track blends melodic vocals and guitar riffs with dense instrumentals for a haunting balance.

“The Old Country confronts themes of emigration, national identity, and cultural repression through the lens of modern Irish disillusionment,” the band comments. “Drawing on the lyrical legacy of post-punk, it erupts with post-hardcore urgency - discordant guitars, a hammering rhythm, and noise-rock aggression under a bitter vocal delivery. A stylistic shift, it captures the tension between rage and restraint, defiance and displacement..”

Síomha Hennessy, ‘Building Character’

Comedian and singer-songwriter Síomha Hennessy has released her new single ‘Building Character’ ahead of her upcoming EP of the same name.

The track features Self-aware, comedic lyrics depicting her ‘character building’ misadventures.

"Some people spend their early adulthood building careers, houses, and savings. The only thing I’ve been building is ‘character’ which doesn’t get you very far in a mortgage application. But hey, at least I’ve got some good songs out of it!” said Hennessy.

‘Building Character’ opens with jazzy, almost circus-like, instrumentals; heavy on bass and piano. Hennessy’s strong voice holds a musical-sounding style as she compares her character building against other’s milestones.

Lú Ke x CAiNOOO, ‘CREW KNiT'

Irish rapper Lú Ke has teamed up with friend and producer CAiNOOO for a five-track EP BLOOD, SWEAT & YEEEARS with lead track ‘CREW KNiT’. The LP as a whole shows what happens when two artists truly click; it’s full of experimental beats under witty lyrical flow.

Lú Ke simultaneously embodies thoughtful introspection and indelible confidence with his unique style of rapping, while CAiNOOO creates one-of-a-kind soundscapes somewhere between UK grime and American hip-hop. Together, they’ve created a signature sound that is as unique to the two friends as it is unique to the Irish underground scene.

Their edge is at its sharpest in ‘CREW KNiT’. Lú Ke’s bars are quick-witted and cerebral, set perfectly to CAiNOOO’s atmospheric, industrial mixing. Sci-fi-ish synth and grungy drum sounds keep it fly and hip. It’s surreal, it’s sharp, it’s smart.

Pedestrian Traffic ‘Sunset’

Ballymun band Pedestrian Traffic have released their sophomore single ‘Sunset.’ 

This comes after their debut single ‘Sister Mysterious.’ 

The new track from the indie quartet is a high energy rock song that flips between lights and shade. 

The single has a heartfelt tone with jagged edges. Its swanky guitar and husky vocals make for a classic rock belter with all the bells and whistles.

Eamon Brady, ‘Our Hands’

Eamon Brady has released debut single ‘Our Hands’. Ahead of Brady’s first album Half Light (out November 7), ‘Our Hands’ is an intricately crafted art piece of a track to introduce his solo releases.

Brady has moved quietly in the Irish music scene for over two decades. His time producincing and collaborating with various artists has included contributions to works by Junior Brother, David Kitt, The Whileaways and far, far more. Now, his own voice is in the spotlight — and oh, what a voice it is.

‘Our Hands’ is a gradual, hypnotic build built around an ornate guitar line at an odd meter that could only be the work of someone with monumentous musical talent and expertise. Measured, driving drums and tidy yet passionate bass propel the song along, up to an instrumental section that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. Brady’s voice has a signature warm quality to it, delivering a clear, mesmerising melody with introspective lyrics about the imbalances we all carry with us whether we like it or not. Eamon Brady is a force of nature.

Sinéad Whyte, ‘You’re Still Here’

Sinéad Whyte has released her new single ‘You’re Still Here’.

The track is a piano ballad written for the artist's sister discussing her mental health journey.

Whyte got her start in 2019 when she began releasing covers on YouTube. In 2021 she released her debut single ‘Kills Me Now’, marking the start of her solo career.

‘You’re Still Here’ is a piano heavy track that highlights the artist’s deep, emotional voice with its lyrical density.

Myriad Things ‘There Is Nothing There’

Myriad Things have released their second track ‘There Is Nothing There’ from the album Sanctuary, released earlier this week. 

“Nothing is capitalised here, as a challenge to the monotheistic notion that some transcendent, supernatural entity is watching and judging or caring for that matter,” says vocalist Jonnie Rice of the song. 

The single opens up to humble beginnings with a simple guitar line but ramps up with pummeling drums and fragrant guitar hooks. The Zeppelin-esque thump beats through the single with heartfelt rock n’ roll soul.

Silk, ‘July’

Silk, the new project from Virgins guitarist/songwriter, Michael Smyth, releases the new single ‘July’, the most focused and realised release to date, moving between shimmering choral guitars to a tsunami of fuzz as Michael sings of subtle betrayals. Building upon and refining the sound presented on previous releases which caught the attention of fans.

The impetus for the project is described by Michael, “I constantly feel like I am rushing towards the inevitable infinite oblivion. Further exacerbated by the marking of years spent circling the sun. To that end, it’s important that I fill the time remaining with joyous, creative acts. The sharing of ideas is an essential part of that, which brings us to Silk.”

Inni-K, ‘Still A Day’

Irish singer-songwriter Inni-K has released ‘Still A Day’, the title track of her upcoming album out later this month.

Inni-K is like no other. She is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer and lyricist with tremendous talent in every facet of her creativity. Her background in sean-nós and traditional Irish music is not lost on listeners as she creates more contemporary, genre-defying works.

‘Still A Day’ is something beyond this world; it’s ethereal from the start, opening with soft piano that recalls Debussy’s ‘Clair De Lune’ (a product of her extensive composing experience, no less). Her dreamlike vocals, expertly drifting between pitches, lend perfectly to haunting lyrics that vividly describe a natural setting and the vulnerable contemplation that goes with it. The song captures a moment of transformation. Something that feels like growing up, or perhaps, just realising you already have grown up. The song encapsulates both fragility and resilience — a quiet strength — that her stripped-back sound and deeply authentic voice feels made for. The song moves like the lake water she describes in the lyrics; powerful yet gentle, alive and perpetually in flow.

ALKY, ‘How Do You’

Dublin indie rock artist ALKY has released ‘How Do You’.

The single comes ahead of an album release in November and a run of live shows around Dublin. Out of his most recent handful of singles, ‘How Do You’ is perhaps the most reflective; it’s an intimate, acoustic ballad, made romantic with gentle string arrangements and ethereal female backing vocals.

ALKY’s lyrics take on the dichotomy of closeness and estrangement in a relationship; his sonourous baritone voice lends well to a poignant description of how it feels to watch a relationship unravel. ALKY does have skills in upbeat rock, yes, but ‘How Do You’ is a gem of his discography for its ability to pull at heartstrings and draw out genuine emotion.

NewDad ‘Everything I wanted’ 

The Galway trio NewDad are back with new song ‘Everything I wanted’ from their soon to be released album Altar.

The single was written nearly two years ago by vocalist Julie Dawson, who was missing Ireland and dealing with the realities of being away from home.

The shimmery shoegaze track has just a hint of sweetness in Dawson's pop-leaning vocals, but grit-infused rock cadence grounds the song where it belongs. NewDad can almost draw no comparisons as they reach forth in this exciting new chapter, with a sound that to its core, is their own.

Scustin, ‘Drinking Cans In A Field With Matt Damon’

The indelibly clever Scustin are at it again with ‘Drinking Cans In A Field With Matt Damon’. They are once again putting humorous, vibrant storytelling to their signature jazzy funk slash indie rock sound in this latest single.

While just as fun and danceable as past favourites ‘The Ick’ and ‘I’m Never Flying With Ryanair Again’, it’s a distinctly different sound. It’s expressive voice driving the narrative, in which Matt Damon — “with an air of rascality to his demeanour” — joins the lads in Bray with SuperValue bag in hand for a surreal discussion of COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Swinging guitar, groovy bass and funky drums drive the lyrics along with the indelibly catchy chorus of “Nothing makes sense anymore, we’re drinking cans in a field with Matt Damon.” For anyone who considers themself a fan of the fondly weird side of Irish indie rock, Scustin ought to be on your radar.

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