New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Bricknasty, ‘imperet illi deus’

Off of their new EP Black’s Law, genre-defying four-piece Bricknasty have released ‘imperet illi deus’.

Winding between organic, analogue samples and distorted digital production, ‘imperet illi deus’ is chalk-full of the experimental sound Bricknasty has made their own. Groovy off-beat drums lead into frontman Fatboy’s raw, revenant vocals. It takes a turn to jazz for the middle third of the track, with meandering piano and saxophone melodies, before re-introducing a sound somewhere between hip-hop and electronic pop. While still exhibiting the unique chaos-embracing tones of the band’s previous works, the emotional charge and instrumental experimentation in Black’s Law mark a new sonic era for Bricknasty. This is a band in a league of their own.

Chanele McGuinness, ‘You’re A Liar’

Donegal singer-songwriter Chanele McGuinness has released her latest single, ‘You’re A Liar’.

McGuinness has captured the lonliness of loss in a song with 'You're a Liar'. It's an appropriately stripped-back track, with McGuinness' gentle, emotive voice blending with soft acoustic guitar strums and occasionally punctuated with droning synth. While the sound is soft, the lyrics cut right to the heart, discussing the feeling of being stuck in a pit of grief day after day. For anyone needing a good cry, this is the soundtrack for it.

Lankum, ‘Ghost Town’

Contemporary folk outfit Lankum have released their new cover ‘Ghost Town’.

Originally by The Specials, ‘Ghost Town’ is given a new, moody tone by the Dublin band. Just in time for Halloween, too; with breathy vocals, trembling synth, ominous electronic samples and dark basslines, “spooky” is an appropriate descriptor for the track.

“Ghost Town came to us through some curious circumstances" explained the band.

“Oona Doherty, who we were familiar with through her phenomenal dance work on the video for Gilla Band’s ‘Shoulderblades’, contacted us and told us about a new show she was putting together.

“She wanted a new piece of music for the show, for a party scene set on Halloween night, and told us she wanted it to start out indistinguishable and woozy, before developing into the very recognisable track by The Specials.”

It stays true to the original lyrical themes of working class frustration and urban decay, while lending a unique timeless touch with both modern techno and 190s electronic sounds from various synthesisers and drum machines. It's dark, it's persistant, it's powerful. It’s some of Lankum’s best.

Belters Only, ‘Tunnel Vision’ feat. Jane’

Electronic duo Belters Only have joined forces with North Dublin singer-songwriter Jane for ‘Tunnel Vision’.

While we know and love Belters Only, Jane is a new voice. She’s already a platinum-selling songwriter from her work with Jazzy, and her brother is Belters Only’s RobbieG. Their collective experience and talent in house and electronic music has resulted in an infectious track ready for dancefloors from Dublin to Ibiza. Jane’s vocals shine, melding perfectly with the upbeat production of Belters Only, which is rich with 90s-esque synth and drum kit segments. Even more 90s are the disco inspired distorted vocal samples, heavily reminiscent of Daft Punk. R&B influences seep through in Jane’s more natural vocalisations, though the song’s essence is dance. Another class track from Belters Only, and a fantastic vocal debut for Jane.

Slouch, ‘Honda’

Off of their new album Who Do You Think You Are? I Am, Dublin alt rock outfit Slouch have released ‘Honda’.

With earworm guitar melodies and distorted vocalisations from the start, ‘Honda’ is one of the most unforgettable tracks of Who Do You Think You Are? I Am. Crashing drums and layered vocals are reminiscent of The Avalanches and King Crimson, while the bright guitar lines and groovy bass recall The Beach Boys. The track hooks at every chorus - full of melodic harmonies and gritty prog rock influences, while still showing off plenty of retro psych-pop moments like the careening bridge with its droning synth and funky samples. It’s nostalgic and new all at the same time, and altogether unforgettable right to the scorching guitar outro.

Awkward Z., ‘YOUNG & GROWN’

Can’t you just give Awkward Z. a break? The Wexford-raised artist usually takes the hip-hop route, but his new single ‘YOUNG & GROWN’ is an indie-pop confessional. On the track, he discusses insecurities and mistakes, recognising the ups and downs of young adult life.

Awkward Z.’s vulnerable lyrics paint loneliness as an inevitable symptom of living, creating a space free of judgement. The track is authentic and relatable. ‘YOUNG & GROWN’ is the singer’s first single since releasing his debut album, Great Potential, Room For Improvement, in 2024.

Séan Feeny, 'Western Roads'

Inspired by his family’s connection to the Irish diaspora, Donegal singer Séan Feeny has released ‘Western Roads’. With vulnerable lyrics and wistful vocals, he portrays a first person narrative, placing himself in the shoes of his Great-Grandfather who left home to take on the Rocky Mountain lifestyle.

Feeny made his debut earlier this year, with his first single ‘1969’, with much of his songwriting inspiration coming from his relationship with his family history. ‘Western Roads’ plays into the hardness of abandoning what you know in search of identity and new experiences. Feeny also released an accompanying music video, shot on the Fintown Railway in Donegal and directed by Charlie Joe Doherty.

“This song is as much about my family as it is about celebrating those who dug deep and emigrated in hope of a better life, but never forgot their roots,” said Feeny. “Our diaspora should always be celebrated.”

Some One’s Sons, ‘The Chance To Feel Alive’

‘The Chance To Feel Alive’ comes as folk quintet Some One’s Son’s third single of the year, ahead of the release of their debut EP coming next year. The Mullingar natives provide listeners with a contemporary new pub song, with lyrics that present heavy topics such as the housing crisis, all while emphasising the comfort of a pub stool for solace. Traditional instrumentals offer a nostalgic feeling, like a soft jumper on your arms and a warm fireplace at your toes.

You can catch the group for a live performance at the Cobblestone in Dublin on December 6.

Rebecca Lane, ‘Sweet Tooth’

Right on time for Halloween, Rebecca Lane returns with ‘Sweet Tooth’. On this upbeat pop track, Lane explains that just like sugar, love can be addictive. The Irish-French singer is fresh off her Three Ireland’s City Stages competition win, which lead her to perform at Electric Picnic this past August. The single showcases the multi-instrumentalist’s swing influences, honing in on her studies of Jazz Musicology at Toulouse University in France.

“I’ve been writing across so many genres over the years, and that’s really helped shape my sound,” said the singer. “This track marks a new direction - more pop, more fun, but still rooted in storytelling and groove. I’m excited for people to see this different side of me.”

Lane is a self-taught musician and recorded all of her own vocals for the track.

Pilgrims, ‘Bright & Bold’

Bell X1’s Paul Noonan and Brian Crosby have reunited to form their new musical project ‘Pilgrims’, debuting with ‘Bright and Bold’. The track comes off their upcoming full length album to be released on January 30, 2026. ‘Bright and Bold’ uses humour and self-deprecation as a method for opening up the band’s true feelings, pointing out the tragic realities and disappointments of everyday life.

The track is intimate and mellow, as Noonan’s is unable to conceal the emotion within his voice. This new project showcases the musicians in their purist form, relying on vocals and piano to exhibit a sonic yearning. Honing in on Crosby's talents in score composition, the group use instrumentals that present a unique and atmospheric individual sound.

The duo are set to take on an Irish tour commencing in January, with dates in Dublin, Louth, Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Galway, Cork, Wexford, Sligo and Donegal.

Stray Planets, 'Artificial Love'

‘Artificial Love’ by Stray Planets is a psychedelic new track that draws you in like falling under a trance, as the sound of the 60s comes through with contemporary sound. After debuting in 2023, the group fronted by Dublin musician John Butler, has gone on to feature several Irish names such as Dara Kiely of Gilla Band and Bray songwriter Sinead McConville.

‘Artificial Love’ comes off of Stray Planet’s upcoming EP Are You Real, Cristobal Leedy, set for release on November 7.

The Guilteens, 'The Monolith'

Cork-based quartet The Guilteens bring us 'The Monolith' straight from their hotly anticipated debut EP Heavy Letters.

The band's sound creates a cinematic atmosphere, blending sharp-edged modern rock with a haunting sense of storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the grit of garage rock, the looseness of psychedelia, and the moody aesthetics of French New Wave cinema, The Guilteens craft a sound that captures a sense of nostalgia.

The four-track EP highlights the band's growth with the fuzzy tones of 'The Monolith' acting as the beating heart. The band demonstrates a sense of freedom, a willingness to push the boundaries of their sound and a commitment to making music that is melodically accessible yet experimental and challenging.

"In this band, we're all into artists that have a variety in their sound. So this EP is very much down that line of mixing it up and keeping it interesting and showing a few of the different sides to our music."

Kean Kavanagh, ‘Jimmy’

Kean Kavanagh releases the anthemic and emotional new single ‘Jimmy’, a moving pop tune flavoured with grandiose guitar riffs and a gorgeously rousing rhythmic section, making for the perfect accompaniment to Kavanagh’s bold and transporting vocals and evocative lyricism.

Rosie Carney, ‘Fragile Fantasy’

A deliciously catchy and quietly emotional pop tune, Rosie Carney’s ‘Fragile Fantasy’ blends atmospheric but danceable production with the singer’s delicate and otherworldly vocals, creating smooth and stirring soundscapes while never losing its fun and captivating quality.

Nevvv, ‘Unconditional Love All of the Time’

Boasting atmospheric and deeply distinctive production, Nevvv’s ‘Unconditional Love All of the Time’ is a light and gorgeously catchy electro-pop tune, where honey-smooth and joyful vocal melodies are underlined with synthy and vividly bright soundscapes.

Inhaler, ‘Hole In The Ground’

Inhaler release their sweeping new single ‘Hole In The Ground’, an emotional anthem blending melancholic hooks, layered guitars and gauzy atmospherics underpinned by a hypnotically pulsing groove.

“To us, ‘Hole In The Ground’ is a song that was born out of our stream of consciousness. Some time away from writing allowed us to go into the studio with a sort of blank slate which felt inspiring,” frontman Eli Hewson says. “It can be hard to talk about the meaning of your own songs sometimes but we see it as something fragile growing amongst a wreckage. Or that last blurry memory you have of a person. It’s sort of a meditation on hope and keeping yourself awake to life.”

Dani Larkin, 'Morning'

Dani Larkin has given us the latest treat from her new album, Next Of Kin, set for release on January 30, 2026.

'Morning' is an arrangement of Eleanor Farjeon's 1931 hymn ‘Morning Has Broken’ and is revealed to be the opening song for the upcoming album, acting as a “nod to the mystery of where we come from and who we are.”

The track serves as a commentary on the separation of church and state.

“I wanted the record to start with the first breath of darkness into morning light, indulging in the concept that morning is indeed broken. says Larkin “The fragmentation of our current existence into something altogether different. The old world into the new.”

Ailbhe Reddy, 'So Quickly, Baby'

Ailbhe Reddy has released ‘So Quickly, Baby’, the second single to be released from Kiss Big, following September’s ‘Align’.

“This is the meltdown track. The album’s neurotic heartbeat," Reddy says. "It's a tug-of-war between grace and chaos.

The verses attempt to be the bigger person, while the choruses unveil the question at the heart of it, “How are you already fine and when will I be?”

"It’s about the push-pull between wanting to be gracious and wanting to scream. That weird neurotic whiplash when someone seems totally fine while you feel like you’ve been dropped in the middle of nowhere without a map."

The album will discuss endings, beginnings and all the chaotic beauty in between.
“It’s about the aftershock of a breakup,” Reddy explains. “That liminal space where you’re equal parts sad, hopeful, terrified and probably a bit delusional.”

Étáin, ‘combustible!’

Edinburgh-based Irish artist Étáin returns with ‘combustible!’, the first single from her upcoming 2026 debut album. Framed by warm, folk-leaning vocals and a quietly determined edge, the track explores desire, agency, and the uneasy search for validation through intimacy.

Speaking about the song, Étáin says it reflects “the short-term rush” of seeking approval from others while also finding power in letting go of shame, particularly having grown up within a culturally Catholic backdrop.

Originally from the northwest of Ireland, Étáin is also a member of PopGirlz, Hen Hoose and The F List for Music.

Edwina Van Kuyk, ‘Tailspin’

Singer-songwriter Edwina van Kuyk returns with new single ‘Tailspin’, a grounded reflection on what happens when life veers off course. Using the image of an aircraft spiralling downward, the song leans into the discomfort of losing control and the clarity that can follow when you stop fighting the inevitable.

‘Tailspin’ opens her new three-track EP Feels So Right, a project shaped by themes of surrender, connection and trusting your instincts. Across the release, van Kuyk pairs warm, nostalgic vocals with polished, soulful production, tracing the journey from uncertainty to creative freedom.

Seán Fox, ‘Penny for the Stranger’

Wicklow singer-songwriter Seán Fox returns with his new solo single, ‘Penny for the Stranger’. Best known as the frontman of The Year Grunge Broke, Fox shifts focus for this track, leaning into a more intimate songwriting style.

The song is inspired by a story passed down from Fox’s grandfather about meeting a young busker more than 50 years ago, a brief encounter that left a lasting impression. Through that memory, the track explores empathy, connection, and the way music can linger long after the moment has passed.

“I was struck by how a single encounter, with a stranger or with a song, can stay with you your entire life,” Fox says. “That’s what I wanted to capture.”

The Exact Same Kid, ‘Empty’

Dublin indie artist The Exact Same Kid releases his new single ‘Empty’, a sharp take on being in your thirties and feeling like everyone else is moving on faster than you are.

Blending upbeat indie rock with a dry sense of humour, the track reflects on fading youth, friends leaving home, and the monotony of work, while finding a strange comfort in acknowledging the slump.

The Exact Same Kid has roots in the Dublin folk scene, evolving his sound toward a fuller, guitar-driven indie style while keeping the focus on relatable, everyday storytelling. ‘Empty’ marks a confident new step for a project built on humour, honesty, and the ability to celebrate life’s less glamorous bits.

Madra Salach, ‘I Was Just A Boy’

Deliciously intense and breathless, ‘I Was Just A Boy’, the second single from up-and-comers Madra Salach, slowly builds in ferocity across the course of its 7-minute run, where minor chords and relentless instrumentation gorgeously accompanies gritty and powerful vocals, making for an incredibly mysterious and atmospheric trad track.

Sun Mahshene, ‘Life Is Joy’

Shoegaze psych-rock band Sun Mahshene have released their new single, ‘Life Is Joy’.

The track comes after the group’s debut album, 2024’s A Place We’ve Never Been.

In February, they supported American shoegaze band The Brian Jonestown Massacre at Dublin’s 3Olympia theatre and Belfast’s Ulster Hall.

‘Life Is Joy’ is a rejuvenating song with a speedy, booming bass line and a lively tone.

Its drawn-out vocals glide over the tune’s fast-paced rhythm, grounding the chaotic track with invigorating lyrics.

Todd Kessler, ‘Lost Or Found’

Folk-rock artist Todd Kessler has released his new single, ‘Lost Or Found’.

The track “is the story of a person who had to return home to face their past and confront their future, about the push & pull dynamic of existential questions and what the future holds,” according to a statement.

“When a songwriter can tell a story that is specific to them, yet allows the listener to hear him or herself in it, that’s the pinnacle for me,” said the artist.

‘Lost Or Found’ takes on a folk-pop sound with rhythmic guitar strums and melancholy, raw vocals.

EDEN, ‘Trophy Hunting’

Dublin born alternative-indie artist EDEN has released his new album DDAARRKK featuring track ‘Trophy Hunting’.

‘Trophy Hunting’ is an atmospheric blend of EDEN’s soulful pop vocals and innovative glitchy production. The balance of dark tones and catchy melodies is present throughout the whole of the album, but ‘Trophy Hunting’ is by far a highlight. Soft guitar strums weave between unique digital drum kits and video-game-esque electronic samples. This is a new phase for EDEN, and he’s doing it well.

“I am so thankful that this album got to live,” said EDEN of DDAARRKK.

“And I am so thankful to feel like there is a future for me in all of this again. Excited for whats to come, after everything. I'll take my luck when it comes. And I'll keep it moving when it doesn't.”

SWELTR, ‘Noodles’

Two-piece DIY rock band SWELTR have released their new single, ‘Noodles’.

The track was born after the two ate a meal of extremely spicy noodles and started a jam session to try and distract themselves from the heat.

“Some songs come from heartbreak, others from spicy noodles. ‘Noodles’ is both,” said guitarist and singer Tony Keyes.

‘Noodles’, mimicking the band’s experience with spicy noodles, starts off soft and builds.

The track opens with a snappy, driving guitar riff with a glam rock feel before escalating into a swelling, aggressive tune as “Noodles” is screamed throughout the chorus.

Fred again.., KETTAMA & Shady Nasty, ‘HARDSTYLE 2’

Ahead of his surprise gig in Dublin tomorrow, Fred again.. collaborates with Irish artist KETTAMA for a remix of Shady Nasty’s ‘HARDSTYLE’, ‘HARDSTYLE 2’. Hard-hitting and strangely atmospheric, the track oscillates between bone-rattlingly intense production and quietly powerful, ethereal instrumental sections, marking Fred again..’s sixth release from his ten-track USB002 series.

Matthew Devereux, ‘Halloween’

The Pale’s Matthew Devereux has released his new single, ‘Halloween’.

“There were a lot of scorch marks from Halloween bonfires left behind on greens, fields and roads when I was growing up. Everyone in my area donated to the bonfires for weeks beforehand and local anticipation really built as the stacks grew higher. This song is about the beauty in the anarchy of Halloween night in Coolock,” said the artist.

‘Halloween’ takes on a peaceful, retro feel with jumpy synth notes and deep vocals.

The reflective track features simple yet deeply nostalgic lyrics, as Devereux takes his time with every word.

Grooveline, 'GO HECTIC'

Funk Fusion band Grooveline are inviting everyone to 'GO HECTIC' with their latest single.

This bilingual frenzy of energy and sound takes inspiration from the likes of The Prodigy with dirty electronic bass lines and driving backbeat rhythms.

Although 'GO HECTIC' has the Grooveline signature sound of neo funk, it aims to create an EDM-influenced, ravelike atmosphere.

anamoe drive, ‘idle mind’

Indie-folk artist anamoe drive has released his new single ‘idle mind’ ahead of his sophomore album thank god it's friday. The track follows the artist’s previous singles ‘the irish wolfhound’, ‘the rip’, ‘walking the cow’ and ‘hurry up & wait’.

‘idle mind’, masks its somber lyrics, about struggling to move on after a breakup, with a playful, lighthearted tone. The tune features light, airy vocals with melancholy undertones, as the artist takes his time with each lyric. Instrumentally, the song employs simple, soft guitar strum, further enhancing the mood of the track.

Fangclub, ‘Devotion Sickness’

Alternative rock band Fangclub have released their new EP Half Life, featuring ‘Devotion Sickness’, complex, layered rock tune featuring a snappy, back and forth electric guitar riff.

The vocals, taking on a pop-rock feel, stabilise the otherwise chaotic track.

The group formed in 2013, with their debut self-titled album released in 2017. They have also supported a slew of rock titans, including Pixies, Kings of Leon and Muse.

 

Crybabyamy, ‘This Is Gonna Hurt’

Crybabyamy has released her new EP This Is Gonna Hurt, featuring her title track of the same name. The artist, known for her highly emotional tunes, started writing music at the age of 14.

Her debut single ‘process’ came out in 2020. ‘This Is Gonna Hurt’ is a Gracie Abrams-style tune with a driving, bass beat. Despite its upbeat ultra pop tone, the track contains deeply personal lyrics about an ex moving on.

Bronagh Gallagher, ‘Turn the Temperature Down’

Irish soul singer Bronagh Gallagher has released her new single ‘Turn the Temperature Down’.

Gallagher knows soul and disco. Her knowledge and passion for the works of Quincy Jones, The Bee Gees, Nile Rogers and more shine through in ‘Turn the Temperature Down’, a joyful sunray of a song that simply begs for a light-up floor and a mirror ball. Right from its breathtaking cinematic intro, the track is mesmerising. Gallagher’s voice is timeless; her groovy melodies could be from 2025 or 1975. The thumping drum kit and bright guitar lines meld through with the funky basslines of Motown and CHIC. String arrangements and layered vocal harmonies soar over the instrumentals, with an irresistible earworm chorus and a bridge that demands a dance party. Now that’s what I call groovy!

“The dance floor is a place of union and love of people, the celebration of dance and the human body, and the unification of people with no judgement, borders, racism or homophobia,” said Gallagher of the track, adding, “So here is my humble offering to the dancefloor.”

Listen to our playlist: