New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Madra Salach, ‘Blue & Gold’

One of the most talked about acts coming up in Ireland at the minute, Madra Salach have been selling out shows and drawing droves at festivals, before they’ve even released any music.

That is until now, with their debut ‘Blue & Gold’. It’s a powerful introduction to their distinct style, which fuses Lankum-esque Celtic drones with an emotive chord progression, and a drawling lament about singer Paul Banks’ not-so-healthy habit of buying scratch cards.

“In the absence of any lucrative career path or generational wealth, I started habitually buying scratch cards in the hope of running into a small fortune in my early twenties,” Banks explains. “I usually opted for a €2 All Cash, a small ticket coloured blue and gold. My ‘get rich quick’ scheme proved unfruitful, but I did get a song out of it.”

Confamm Charlito, ‘NOWADAYS’ feat. AO x Ben Billz x Forg.ie

A number of rappers team up on this juicy number, with AO, Ben Billz and Forg.ie swapping bars over an laidback beat (bolstered by a delicate bassline) delivered by Dublin-based producer and DJ Confamm Charltio, who has a track record of tying together tight collaborations.

The tune is our choice pick from his new EP CNFM,  a four song project that boasts a number of Irish rap heavy-hitters and introduces the producer as a distinctive musical force in Ireland and beyond.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mr.Confammm🎲 (@confammm)

Dug, ‘Katie’

From buskers in Dublin to one of the nation’s folk must-hears, Dug have wasted no time in giving the people what they want with a cracker of a debut album Have At It!, which we duly described as “quite simply, one of the finest albums of the year.”

Listen no further than, ‘Katie. This bouncy tune drives forward with its stomp-clamp percussion, providing the foundation for an Americana collage of banjo, fiddle and lyrics which wittily deal with having to face consequences.

Cuan, ‘On a Ship’

Donegal troubadour Cuan combines his passion with seafaring and storytelling with a ditty that might come off as lighthearted as first, but proves to be a country-hued, Townes Van Zandtian portrait of a life shaped by cycles of departure and return.

“Working on a ship is something I never really envisaged myself doing, but that's the way things pan out sometimes,” Cuan explains. “The old school style of management in the job has come with its challenges, but I write my way through things and this situation was no different. The song’s lyrics came to me while keeping watch alone on the bridge of the ship one hazy morning, after three weeks of illogical orders, insecure men shouting at each other and the lack of sleep which often accompanies sea faring. About a year later I realised it might be a song."

Big Sleep, ‘Don’t You Wanna'

Dublin-based Big Sleep’s new single is another impressive entry to their steadily growing catalogue of alt-rock belters. Sweet harmonies, dark guitars, and a fat, intermittent bassline are the order of the day, creating an indie intensity that harks back to the 2010s giants MGMT.

Beauty Sleep, 'Send It Out To Sea'

“Send It Out To Sea” by Beauty Sleep is a lush dream-pop track that washes over the listener like a tide. The duo wrote the track during a road trip across Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. With its lush production and layered vocals the song captures the sense of letting go - entrusting all your worries into the vastness of the Ocean.

Beauty Sleep have become known for crafting rich, atmospheric soundscapes, and this single is no exception. Built on soft synths, airy guitar lines and gentle rhythms, it draws listeners into its soothing tide. 'Send It Out To Sea' is both confessional and calming, leaving space to breathe.

Beauty Sleep will release their second album, The Whole Damn Cake, on 17th October 2025

NIYL, ‘Chain of Fools’

Limerick artist NIYL has released new single ‘Chain of Fools’.

Bending genres once again, NIYL is pushing boundaries of with sharp-edged electronic soundscapes, dark rhythms and powerful vocals that undulate from soulful, raw tones to a scorching, visceral rage. It’s a breakup song line no other— while holding close themes of yearning and vulnerability balanced with defiance and betrayal, it introduces a modern edge that is both cinematiclly classic and experimental. The lyrics describe clear sight and reclaiming one’s freedom, according to NIYL.

“‘Chain of Fools’ is the moment where heartbreak turns into armour,” said NIYL of the track.

“It’s not just about betrayal, it’s about refusing to let someone else write the end of your story. This track is me standing tall in the wreckage and saying, ‘You don’t get to define me anymore.’”

One thing’s for certain: NIYL is undefineable.

Nevvv, ‘Let The Boys Wear Lace’

London-based irish artist Nevvv has released new single ‘Let The Boys Wear Lace’.

‘Let The Boys Wear Lace’ is fresh, modern, gutsy and indelibly cool. It’s rich with an eccentric electronic production reminiscent of SOPHIE with clever, sharp lyrics and straight-up delivery that recall 2010s-era Lorde.

Albeit, Nevvv’s signature is all over the track. The layered vocal harmonies and soaring backing vocals shine through. Nevvv is, as the lyrics go, “fucking iconic.”

Dani Larkin, 'End Of It All'

Dani Larkin’s 'End Of It All' is a haunting and intimate ballad that showcases her exceptional storytelling and emotive vocals. The track's use of limited instrumentation allows Larkin’s voice to take centre stage. The song focuses on the themes of love, loss and the passage of time.

'End Of It All' is a must listen for those of you who love the likes of Adrienne Lenker and Phoebe Bridgers, storytellers whose vocals allow the listener to sink into their sheets and immerse themselves wholeheartedly into the music.

The Savage Hearts, ‘Radio Silence’

Irish Band The Savage Hearts have release new single ‘Radio Silence’ off of their new EP.

“I’m a great man for overthinking at the best of times, mind racing to the point where it can be like radio or TV static in your head if you don’t stop yourself and step back into living for the moment, the day and get into a more enlightened mind set, so that’s where the concept of ‘Radio Silence’ came from, basically,” said drummer Evan Walsh of the track.

“Symbolising the feeling when your mind could be going a mile a minute but you are struggling to break out and articulate yourself. But I’m not a fan of when lyrics are overly literal or linear so I tried to inject a bit of psychedelic obscurity into proceedings.”

The grungy energy of 1960s psychadelic rock and scrappy tones of 80s punk shine through as inspirations. The lyrics are just as wonderfully enigmatic as Walsh described: Sonically, the song is signature to The Savage Hearts. Lyrically, it’s open to interpretation. It’s a song for the listeners.

Soda Blonde, ‘Less Than Nothing (Live with the National Symphony Orchestra)’

Dublin alt pop band Soda Blonde have released ‘Less Than Nothing (Live with the National Symphony Orchestra)’.

Captured during their sold-out performance at the National Concert Hall, Soda Blonde has reached new heights with this rendition of ‘Less Than Nothing’. It is cinematic yet intimate, and stirring beyond compare. While the orchestral arrangement introduces a new emotional depth and reflective weight to the track, it still holds the same distinctive mood of Soda Blonde’s sparkling discography.

With their full orchestral album Dream Big live with the National Symphony Orchestra on the way, we can’t wait to see this new era of Soda Blonde.

Black Dog Moon, Neon Queen

Irish rockers Black Dog Moon have released their newest track ‘Neon Queen’.

Black Dog Moon are an Irish five piece blues-infused rock and roll band that proudly wear their influences on the backs of their denim jackets but bring their own unmistakable swagger and perspective to their sound.

‘Neon Queen’ stands out from the crowd as the band turn up the energy, fusing driving guitars with moody synth textures. ‘Neon Queen’ is bold, dynamic and continues the band’s line of rock hits.

Scustin, ‘Social Scene’

Dublin and London-based post-funk band Scustin have released their new concept album Confessions of A Pub Talker, featuring track ‘Social Scene’.

Scustin are once again in a league of their own, showing off their unique blend of post-punk, rock, funk, disco and spoken word. It’s quirky but hard-hitting as they pay tribute to modern Irish culture while taking aim at the housing crisis and the internet culture that has seized Gen Z.

‘Social Scene’ tells one of the band’s typically witty, cheeky stories, this one about a shoreside pub. Frontman Joe Hearns fills it with various vocal impressions for different characters and sensory details — a deep breath as he describes breathing in sea air — but the instrumental talent isn’t lost on listneers. The shining guitars and driving drum rhythms keep it going, with backup vocals that remind you that this isn’t just a spoken word track, it’s a rock song. The melodies soar and the chorus is undoubtably catchy. Scustin has taken a small look into a moment at a pub and turned it into art.

As Hearns puts it, “It’s not about the pint. It’s about the people around it.”

Asophonics, ‘Summer’

Indie duo Asophonics have announced new single ‘Summer’.
This new track exhibits Asophonics’ signature blend of light indie rock and warm folky tones, with introspective, reflective lyrics. The open-tuned guitars create a melodic, comforting sound that evokes the transition from the titular season. The lyrics discuss a similar feeling of transition, reflecting on the feeling of waiting for change — whether that’s the climate, personal growth or larger social themes. Between the deep meaning and the intimate sound, Asophonics have created art.

Noelle O' Sullivan, Tumbleweed

Noelle O'Sullivan serves us a tear inducing song titled 'Tumbleweed'. The song serves as a tribute to Philomena Lee and her son Anthony, reflecting on the injustices of Ireland's Mother and Baby Homes. Inspired by the film Philomena, the song is a story about the devastation suffered by women and children in these institutions and a call for societal understanding of the consequences of such actions. Noelle O'Sullivan will host a launch for the single tonight, Friday 19 in St John's Cathedral.

Paddy Smith, ‘Hard Luck Blues’

Paddy SMith has released his new album Could Have Found Grace with track ‘Hard Luck Blues’.

Armed with a twangy harmonica and a knack for blues piano, Paddy Smith is reminding listeners why he’s one of Ireland’s most enduring voices in the rock and blues scene. Driven by jazzy drum rhythms and Smith’s soulful vocals, ‘Hard Luck Blues’ delivers the gritty spirit that is in the lifeblood of blues fans. It would lend wonderfully to a jam session in a groovy, warmly lit blues bar.

While Smith holds space for the traditions of blues and rock in Ireland, there is no doubt that he has planted a flag on the scene with his timeless talent.

Gerr Walsh, Silverfish

'Silverfish' is a dreamy indie folk song that blends indie-folk storytelling with a modern pop. The song reflects on the nature of creative inspiration and showcases Walsh's heartfelt lyricism and lush acoustic textures that he curates in his music.

Johnluke, Pretty

'Pretty' is a feel-good anthem that celebrates hidden beauty. It captures the magic of meeting someone whose natural charm they don’t even realize they have, while telling the story of someone stepping forward to say just how truly pretty that person is.

Laura-Mary Carter, Four-Letter Words

Guitarist and Songwriter Laura-Mary Carter, best known as one half of UK alternative duo Blood Red Shoes, returns with her striking new single 'Four Letter Words'. The accompanying video, shot in a West Wales farm shop, shows Carter waiting for someone who never shows and turning the empty shop into her own private stage. The track comes ahead of her debut solo album Bye Bye Jackie, due September, 26, 2025, and an extensive run of headline shows across the UK and Europe this winter including a show at Dublin's Grand Social Ballroom.

Kabin Crew, Hiccup

A young rap collective based out of Cork City's northside, Kabin Crew are pushing the boundaries of what hip hop is all about. Their songs, which have grown out of weekly hip hop workshops at the Kabin Studio, have quickly put them on the map through word of mouth and viral videos of them performing. Their incredible talent and energy got the kids parts in The Young Offenders (BBC), the film Christy and The Late Late Toy Show (The biggest TV event of the year in Ireland) .

'Hiccup' is part of their new EP titled Up The Kabin, comprised of seven songs which are sure to make you feel good.

Scattered Ashes, ‘We Sell Silence’

Following a run of show in the United States and France, Dublin’s Scattered Ashes have released their new single ‘We Sell Silence’.

The track discusses political impotence against injustice and uses synth patterns to bring a darker tone to the tune.

‘We Sell Silence’ features punk lyrics with a more pop rock delivery. It highlights deep tones with prominent drums and bass as well as the singer’s low, almost monotone, voice.

The song’s repetitive lyrics and catchy guitar riff bring lighter, more pop-like elements to the otherwise dreary song.

Danny Groenland, ‘work out’

Soul singer-songwriter Danny Groenland has released his new single ‘work out’.

The track, originally written for his friend after a break-up, serves as a reminder of hope.

Previously, the singer has independently released three albums and two EPs.

His most recent album burning rome focuses on issues including climate change, the environment, war, inequality, homelessness and police brutality.

It is now available on Bandcamp and has a staggered release on streaming platforms, with each track being released as a single.

'work out’ contains slowly delivered optimistic lyrics, brought to life by the upbeat jazz tune. It’s full of funky piano and repetitive vocal harmonies. 

SELL EVERYTHING, ‘girls, girls, girls’

Dublin’s psychedelic indie band SELL EVERYTHING have released their new single ‘girls, girls, girls’.

The group is known for mixing indie rock, jazz, grunge and hip-hop to create a distinct sound.

Formed in 2023, the band is led by guitarist and songwriter Tom Kelly.

‘girls, girls, girls’ delicately blends jazz, electronic and pop to create a truly unique track.

The song opens with a funky bass line that remains the focal point of the track. The soft, almost diluted, vocals give the song a more modern edge.

The song’s unique blend of genres keeps the song interesting and ever changing despite its light, calm tone.

Gavin James, ‘Where Are You Now’

Gavin James has released his fourth studio album Goldrush, featuring 'Where Are You Now’.

The 13-track record is split into two halves, one with high-energy pop songs and the other featuring more intimate tracks.

“This album has been two years in the making, and it’s the first time I’ve fully thrown myself into the production side of things — which was an amazing learning curve,” said James.

“The opening track, Goldrush, felt like the start of something new I’d been searching for. The record has all the bells and whistles I love as a producer, but also the raw, imperfect moments that make it feel truly human.”
The singer-songwriter got his start in 2015 with his debut album Bitter Pill and has since amassed over 2.5 billion global streams and toured with Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Niall Horan.

The passionate pop song ‘Where Are You Now’ reminisces on a past relationship with a fast-paced feel and booming, staccato bass.

Lauren Wallace, ‘Ghost’

17-year-old singer-songwriter Lauren Wallace has released her new single ‘Ghost’.

The track closes off the extended edition of her debut EP Salt Stained Lungs, released in July.

The song looks into the mind of a teenager struggling to come to terms with the everyday challenges she faces.

‘Ghost’ features low, dark piano chords and slow lyrical delivery, creating an ominous tone that reflects the track’s lyrics. It picks up speed on the chorus, once again pairing with the lyrics, this time in a more optimistic, hopeful tone.

Venus Grrrls, ‘Ivy Tree’

Alternative rock group Venus Grrrls have released their new single ‘Ivy Tree’.

“Ivy Tree is a song of reclamation and sisterhood, referencing the strength and unity between the coven-turned-band,” said the five-piece band.

“Painting a dreamscape of a matriarchy where there is liberation, it is a juxtaposition of a danse-macabre that so often is the reality for women. Siphoning paganistic imagery and nods to the divine feminine, Ivy Tree stands as a battle cry for fury and redemption.”

The song’s punk-like lyrics create a fast paced, aggressive tone that is built up throughout the course of the track.

The strong vocals are paired with classic rock instrumentals on the chorus after toned down versus, almost catching the lister off guard.

SexyTadhg, ‘Think Of Me’

SexyTadhg has released their debut EP Sexy featuring ‘Think Of Me’.

The new five track EP explores the dualities of LGBTQ experience.

“Sexy is an introduction to the persona, the drag, the power that allows me to own a stage,” said the artist. “The armour that has protected Tadhg. These songs are moments of self discovery that have strengthened me as a person and now lay the groundwork for my future.”

‘Think Of Me’ takes on a theatrical, musical style as the artist delivers lyrics over staccato piano, drums and trumpets.

Polar Bolero, ‘The Bride’

Polar Bolero have released their new single ‘The Bride’ ahead of their upcoming EP Singing and Sailing Away.

‘The Bride’ is a jovial, musical theatre-esque song, that we thought would be a really fun first release from our upcoming EP,” said co-writer Pearse Donaghy. “It’s basically a character song. I came up with the idea of this character of the bride. As I wrote the song and the lyrics, she kind of revealed bits of herself to me, I suppose.”

The track merges pop, jazz, folk and trad, creating a unique sound.

‘The Bride’ pairs folk instrumentals, featuring a long fiddle solo, with a sprinkle of jazzy brass. It follows a narrative style, telling the story of a bride with slow, soft lyrics.

The Butterfly Graveyard, ‘Steal Every Drop From The Day’

Alt-rock artist The Butterfly Graveyard has released his new single ‘Steal Every Drop From The Day’.

“The idea behind this track is a simple one, basically that life is short so make the most of it,” said the artist.

“We are all given a certain amount of heartbeats when we are born, so this track is a little reminder to try and make the most of the time we are given. Mindfulness is everywhere these days but it's difficult in a busy world ... It's easy to sleepwalk through your day and miss out on the small important moments, being present and awake is hard to do but if it was easy they'd all be doing it.”

‘Steal Every Drop From The Day’ features calm, delicate vocals and piano; reflecting its theme of being present.

anamoe drive, ‘walking the cow’

Indie-folk artist anamoe drive has released his new single ‘walking the cow’ ahead of his sophomore album thank god it's friday.

“walking the cow is a cover of one of my favourite songs by Daniel Johnston,” said the artist. “I think that balance of taking the work seriously, and injecting it with a sense of play and discovery, is something I learned from Daniel’s records early on - so it’s a nice full circle moment to include this small tribute.”

anamoe drive has opened for artists including The Murder Capital and has performed at Electric Picnic and All Together Now.

‘walking the cow’ has a light, acoustic sound. Taking on a Tame Impala, Cavetown feel but with a more lo-fi, muffled tone.

Cardinals, ‘Masquerade’

Cardinals have shared the title track for their upcoming album Masquerade, due out February 13 via So Young Records. A transporting, soft and melancholic rock tune which blends nostalgic guitar riffs with beautifully layered vocals, the track offers an incredibly enticing look into the upcoming record.

NewDad, ‘Misery’

Hailling from NewDad’s new album Altar, ‘Misery’ is a deliciously intense and slow building tune, kicking off with soft vocals, accompanied by gentle guitar arpeggios, before taking a dive into heavy soundscapes and gritty chords and powerful bass riffs, without ever loosing any of its otherworldly and somber tone.

hikii & Mick Jenkins, ‘HICK N MICK’

Hikii collaborates with Mick Jenkins for new track ‘HICK N MICK’, a delightful rap tune flavoured with a Japanese lo-fi production, accompanying chilled-out bars with transporting beats and glistening saxophone melodies, making for a slightly dark but wonderfully relaxing two-minute-long song.

pôt-pot, ‘I AM!’

Hailing from Irish / Portuguese quintet pôt-pot’s new album Warsaw 480km, out today, ‘I AM!’ is a delightfully americana flavoured psych-rock, with layered guitars and vocals offering a hypnotic, almost otherworldly energy to the track, which meets at the crossroads between a summer road-trip anthem and a sinister ballad.

Speaking of the record, pôt-pot’s Mark Waldron-Hyden said: , “I wrote the first batch of songs while not really living in one place, so I think they have a kind of transient feel to them – developing them with the band helped me process an era in which I was emotionally freewheeling, so they remind me equally of the beautiful experience we shared as a creative unit and the difficult times that inspired them.”

Unique Freaks, ‘Corkagh Park’

Dublin Psych Pop duo Unique Freaks (aka THEE U.F.O) have released their brand new single ‘Corkagh Park’, hailling from their new album Enjoyment Planted, out today. The track gorgeously disorienting electronic tune mixing heavy synth sounds with otherworldly vocals for a completely transporting listen.

Speaking of the single, the band’s Darragh William Hansard, “Throughout my teens years I spent nearly every weekend in Corkagh Park. Mostly drinking with friends and often running into the older blokes from our school who were p***ks. I was a chubby kid and usually got slagged for it, in reflection this means nothing to me but at the time I felt pretty defenceless.Though this tune takes a slightly fictional/whimsical approach to the story, it is very much rooted in real stories.”

The Divine Comedy, 'Rainy Sunday Afternoon

The Divine Comedy, aka Neil Hannon, has released his brand new album Rainy Sunday Afternoon, including the delightfully pensive, slightly tongue-in-cheek track evoking piano bars and long autumns. With bouncy piano melodies and jazzy textures, the track is as sweet and catchy as it is melancholic.

“My musical output is, for better or worse, a representation of my personality,” Neil Hannon comments. “A good chunk of that personality revels in the rumbumptious; celebrates the silly. And I made ample use of that for the Wonka songs. I have, though, like everyone, a darker, more melancholy side. And for one reason or another it has been much in evidence of late.

“I needed to use this album as an outlet for those feelings. To work through some stuff. Mortality; memories; relationships; political and social upheaval. Everyone should get to make an orchestral pop album once in a while. It should be available on the NHS.”

D Cullen, ‘City Soundscapes’

The title track from alt-rock Dublin musician D Cullen’s new album, ‘City Soundscapes’ is an introspective, reflective tune, flavoured with orchestral soundscapes, and gorgeously catchy percussions and synthy production giving the tune a grandiose and transportive feel.

”City Soundscapes is the best album of my career,” says D Cullen. “This is the album I can stand behind the most and say “this is who I am”. My biggest goal while writing and recording this was to make an album that the 10 year-old me would have adored, full of big guitars, big drums, inventive sonics, lyrics that come from the heart, and catchy, pop melodies that come wrapped up in massive, noisy arrangements.”

Jack Devlin, ‘Skin In The Game’

Irish singer-songwriter Jack Devlin has returned with new single ‘Skin In The Game’.
It’s a vulnerable, heartfelt track in which Devlin’s soulful vocals perfectly capture the strain of family struggles and the strength it takes to persevere when live feels overwhelming.

“This is about my life and growing up with deep family problems, and my mum trying her
best to hold everything together,” said Devlin of the track.

“It’s basically me telling her that I need her and that I’m also here for her at the same time. For the average listener, I think it’s a song of hope—a helping hand when times are hard. It could also be about losing someone close.”

It’s a departure from his joyful debut single ‘Radio’. Devlin is taking on the hart pard parts of life, with a heavy feeling that reflects the burdens we all carry, as well as a hopeful tone that recalls the resilience that comes from loved ones supporting each other. It’s a duality of a song; melodic yet gritty, personal yet universal. Between his lyrical and sonic talent, Jack Devlin has the power.

Peer Pleasure, ‘Rooms’

Peer Pleasure have released their new single ‘Rooms’, a track made up of uninvited wisdom lead singer Brandon has been given, and snippets of overheard conversation from Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous to addresses the tumultuous relationship an artist can have with substance use. It was recorded while the band had some down time when appearing at the prestigious New Colossus festival in New York.

Franklin, ‘Tiny Chairs’

Rising Belfast band Franklin have released new single ‘Tiny Chairs’.

It’s a genre-bending track from an innovative band, blending the dreamy melodic fuzz of Johnny Marr and Smashing Pumpkins do the harsh viscera of Title Fight and Black Sabbath. Franklin manage to blend these sounds into a cohesive track that is entirely their own, with cathartic lyrics delivered by frontman Kevin Hillick about the struggle of dealing with mental illness and the feeling of being misunderstood that comes with that.

It opens with quiet, picky guitar before kicking up to thrashing drums and gritty bass and guitar, along with scorching vocals. The sound is a combination of acoustic chords and loud, soaring rock sounds. The instrumentals are full of tension and release, and the lyrics describe the same on an emotional level. This is talent.

Robert Grace, ‘John Wick’

Irish artist Robert Grace releases expansive new pop track ‘John Wick’ a dark yet anthemic tune, showcasing Grace’s incredible melodic flair and his capacity to write both light and sulfurous sounds, letting the quality of his silky smooth vocals shine through the intensity of the song’s chorus.

Wallfella, Blonde In The Black Dress

Bringing back old school hiphop, Wallfella drops 'Blonde In The Black Dress' the last song to drop from his forthcoming EP, The Coop is Full.

The Dublin rapper delivers another hit, pairing his signature smooth vocals over a moody beat. Wallfella blends old-school charm with a modern flair making his music feel both fresh but nostalgic. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by wallfella (@wallfella)

Listen to our playlist below: