New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Fred again.. Feat. Sammy Virji and Reggie, ‘Talk Of The Town’

Fred again.. has released his new remix of Dundalk rapper Reggie's track 'Talk of the Town', featuring English DJ Sammy Virji.

The release comes fresh off of Fred again..'s sold-out show at Dublin's RDS Simmonscourt, where Reggie made a surprise appearance to perform the song. It’s an absolute firestorm of a track; the collaborators’ chemistry is simply magic. Something about Fred again..'s dance-driven textures lends fantastically to Reggie’s smart lyricism and sharp delivery. In his original 2022 version of the track and now in Fred’s remix, Reggie has an undeniable cool factor.

Fred and Virji lend a futuristic rhythm as support for Reggie’s vocals; it’s reminiscent of the digital-driven tones of Daft Punk’s best, with the occasional disco-esque synth feel. However, Reggie’s drill affinities root the track in hip-hop and Fred’s infectious mixing takes it to a new level in electronic dance. ‘Talk Of The Town’ is true to Reggie’s talents as one of Ireland’s favourite rappers, but at the same time, it’s altogether new and different. Altogether, it’s one of our favourite collaborations of the season.

Olan Monk, ‘10 Days’

Connemara-born musician Olan Monk has released their new album Songs for Nothing with track ‘10 Days’.

Songs for Nothing is timeless. It pays respect to the traditions of Irish songcraft while delving into new territory for the world of art rock. Monk’s previous work tended to be more electronic driven, while this latest album is more gothic and experimental. There are elements of shoegaze, goth house and, notably, Irish trad, all melding into a dark, moody mix of guitar runs and vocal displays of talent.

‘10 Days’ is the best marker of such evolution for Monk. A step away from their distorted arrangements cut through with sharp digital textures in the past, this track is a moody, reverberated vocal-driven lament punctuated by resonant guitar strums and gritty rhythm lines. ‘10 Days’ comes right from the heart, and from Monk’s background: “I’m driving ‘round Connemara / Going nowhere fast,” they sing. Slightly distorted string movements near the end add to the cinematic feel, the message of being unable to ever fully move on from aspects of one’s past. This is a new era for Monk, full of clear intention and a distinct recognition of heritage. Don’t want Samhain to end? Just listen to this.

Jordan Adetunji, ‘Smoke n Drank’

Irish R&B and rap artist Jordan Adetunji has released his newest single, ‘Smoke n Drank’.

Following his previous project A Jaguar’s Dream, released earlier this year to vast praise, ‘Smoke n Drank’ is yet another piece of art from the Grammy nominee and collaborator of the greats. The track introduces a more cooled down mood than previous tracks. The lyrics explore themes of escape, desire and toeing the line between love and lust. Adetunji’s smooth vocals lend perfectly to the subject matter, delivering captivating verses over fresh, modern mixing. This is some of Adetunji’s most interesting work yet; and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Ultras, ‘The Dream’

Indie rock band Ultras have released their powerful new single, 'The Dream'.

Formed just four months ago, Ultras are comprised of vocalist Jay O'Donoghue, lead guitarist Luke Whearity and bassist Matthew Gaffney, along with Bernard McDonnell and Jack Kelly on both drums and guitar. It's Kelly's and McDonnell's sharp guitar rhythm and crashing percussion that drive 'The Dream’, with Gaffney's deep bassline drawing out a poignant sense of urgency. Whearity’s gritty riffs remind us of the band’s homemade roots in the rawest form of indie alternative rock sound. O'Donoghue’s vocals are, of course, in the spotlight, and deservedly so. His emotive sound lends perfectly to the chaos and beauty of the subject matter.

The lyrics tell a tale of feeling lost and burdened under the weight of growing up, with the mad, wild desire of chasing something big and just out of reach. It’s a story many can relate to. The band’s electric chemistry creates a track that is powerful, heartfelt and anthemic. 'The Dream' would lend itself well to live performance — and we can ‘Dream’ that we’ll hear it at Ultras' gig on Saturday night at Whelan's in Dublin!

Ben Reel, ‘Bring It Back To Life’

South Armagh singer-songwriter Ben Reel has released his new single, ‘Bring It Back To Life’.

Reel has been called “the Irish Springsteen,” and ‘Bring It Back To Life’ shows why. Blending influences of folk, americana, rock and soul, his deeply heartfelt voice is akin to that of the Boss or rockabilly Texan Roy Orbison. Reel’s stirring vocals are perfect for the delivery of optimistic, upbeat lyrics (”We’ve been turned upside down and inside out / Come on, let’s bring it back to life,” he sings). Bright keyboard melodies fused with retro, blues-y guitar lines are driven through by light, fresh percussion for a tone that is warm, hopeful and simply puts a smile on your face.

The single comes ahead of his upcoming record Spirit’s Not Broken, set for release on January 23, 2026. Reel described the album as his reaction to the chaos of the world, a way to add meaning and beauty to such confusion; An idea perfectly embodied by this latest single.

“In the chaos, love is our anchor,” said Reel of the album.

“It starts within—facing our fears, learning to love ourselves—so we can care for others. Because at the end of the day, love and connection are all we truly have”.

Cypress, Mine!, ‘Spellbinding’

1980s Cork outfit Cypress, Mine! have returned with their latest single, ‘Spellbinding’.

Cypress, Mine!, made a splash in Cork in the late '80s, with their jangly guitar pop, introspective lyrics and unforgettable live performances. Back in the day, they were managed by the then-Hot Press man in Cork, Tony O'Donoghue. The band's one and only album, Exit Trashtown, has been in such high demand among aficionados that originals of it have been generating massive bidding wars on Ebay. Now, they truly are back.

‘Spellbinding’ is a perfect title to describe the experience of listening to this beloved band once more. It stays true to the band’s signature mix of shimmering guitar melodies, heartfelt vocals and a recording sound true to the era of their previous releases. Rightfully so, as much of the lineup is the same: Ian Olney lends a clean, resonant guitar intro leading into Ciarán Ó Tuama’s soulful voice. They’re joined by Mark Healy’s groovy basslines and Morty McCarthy (previously of The Sultans of Ping) on upbeat, cheerful drums. The verses are danceable between a memorable, sing-along-able chorus. Their sound is so fresh, warm and cheerful that it’s easy to forget about the November rain when the track is on. ‘Spellbinding’ is reportedly the first single off a soon-to-be-released album of all-new material— we can’t wait.

Eamon Brady, 'Break of Day'

A long-beloved contributor in the Irish music scene, Eamon Brady has released his long-awaited album Half Light, featuring track ‘Break of Day’.

There is no doubt that Half Light is an album worth the wait. After an unforgettable solo debut with ‘Our Hands’, a poetic second single in ‘Arms Are Weak’ and a cinematic titular track ‘Half Light’, the whole tapestry of an album is now out in the world. The record is layered with alternate tunings, uneven time signatures and varied instrumentals that could only be the work of someone with monumentous musical talent and expertise.

In ‘Break of Day’, Brady managed to capture a sunset in a song. It pulls listeners in with soft guitar melodies and layered vocals. Brady’s voice is simply mesmerising. With resonant, nostalgic (almost Beatles-esque) harmonies floating over a fuzzy synth drone, it’s a comforting embrace of a sound. The synth diffuses into oscillating waves, lending well to the ebbs and flows of energy over the course of the song. Woodwind melodies are introduced for an uplifting bridge, allowing organic and digital tones to fuse effortlessly.

After decades of contributions to works by Junior Brother, David Kitt, The Whileaways and more, Brady is stepping into the light and showing the world who he is: a poet, an artist and a virtuoso of indisputable talent.

SexyTadhg, ‘Never Been Loved in the Daylight’

SexyTadhg gently creeps onto stage with new theatrical ballad ‘Never Been Loved in the Daylight’. Their powerhouse vocals put shame on all those who have banished SexyTadhg to the shadows. Their emotional vibrato and virtuosic piano playing paint an image of the singer on an empty stage, face turned towards the spotlight.

Rather than playing into their usual sequins and frills, the Carlow-native plays into a more tragic identity. The sadness and vulnerability of ‘Never Been Loved in the Daylight’, opens up a broadened lens for fans to interpret the jazz singer’s discography, as they consistently reveal new facets for which to understand them.

SexyTadhg will perform shows at Wavelength in Cork on November 15, the Academy in Dublin on November 21 and at Other Voices Dingle from December 28 to December 30.

Their debut EP Sexy, is out now.

The Prongs, 'Hey! Dandy'

Post-punk Dublin duo The Prongs, made up of musicians Niall Toner Jr and John Fleming, return with ‘Hey! Dandy’. Driven by coarse proto-punk spoken word vocals, and instrumentals that echo influences of the Velvet Underground, ‘Hey! Dandy’ poetically references the Beatnik movement, all while gracing listeners with remarks on Dublin nostalgia. The influences are clear, but at the same time, The Prongs have created something entirely their own.

To celebrate the release, The Prongs will play a show at Dublin’s Grand Social on November 15, with special guests Cork band Big Boy Foolish.
The Prongs.

The Savage Hearts, ‘This Time Tomorrow’

‘This Time Tomorrow’ is nothing short of a mood booster, with a bustling and energetic band made up of uplifting horns, rapid drums and flirty electric guitar, it feels like an entire parade dancing along your eardrums. The song comes off of The Savage Hearts upcoming EP, with the track following the release of ‘Tomorrow Be Kind’ last month. ‘This Time Tomorrow’ showcases classic, no-nonsense rock-and-roll vocals from lead singer Darragh Muldoon, as he stands to face the track in a commanding and direct stance.

"Lyrically, it plays on contrasts — the wordplay between opposite emotions, and that constant tug-of-war between certainty and uncertainty, confidence and doubt,” says the band. “It’s about that feeling of inner conflict that we all go through, even when we’re putting on a brave face."

Charlie Hanlon, ‘Losing Touch’

‘Losing Touch’, serves as a therapy session, a cathartic listen for fans of Charlie Hanlon. With deeply personal and vulnerable lyrics, Hanlon makes it incredibly clear exactly how he feels. His feelings of pain are communicated through every aching lyric, emphasising the loss of control one faces in a transition between young-adulthood and ‘the real world’. But with tracks like this, Hanlon isn’t running out of time - on the contrary, his artistry is merely blossoming.

"’Losing Touch’ is a song I wrote at the end of 2023 about a moment I had waiting for a friend at a train station,” said the Co. Down singer. “I was having this realisation of how fast everything moves in the world and how we really don't have long together & that sort of scared me. It's a song about making the most of the time you have and not holding back on things you need to do or say.”

Robert Grace, ‘Home’

Kilkenny-native Robert Grace continues to touch fan’s hearts with new single ‘Home’. He sings of his family and friends, familiarity and what creates home. Taking the concept to the next level, his father Bob Grace and son Lincoln join him on vocals, further encapsulating the pillar of importance family plays in his life.

Unmistakably Irish, the song is gentle and emotional, while remaining strong and uplifting. It plays as a generational anthem, entirely capable of bringing communities together. He effectively communicates the message that family is forever.

“‘Home’ is about navigating parenthood with the lingering question of whether you’re doing enough. Despite the uncertainties, the core message shines through: an unbreakable promise to love and support your family endlessly.”

James Lonergan, ‘Vivienne’

With the release of his new EP More About The Rain, James Lonergan blesses listeners with the dark and seductive new track ‘Vivenne’. The moody layered vocals and electrifying riffs allow us to forgive him for hiding this track away. Listeners seem to stumble upon an intimate moment, as the song captures stolen fragments of flirtatious eye contact, sneaking down corridors and meeting lovers for a smoke in a dark alleyway, rain pouring down. Steadily creeping percussion ties ‘Vivienne’ together, married with the electric guitar like an exciting moment presenting itself in slow motion, the drums shuffle along like a stifled heart beat.
More About The Rain, was entirely mixed and produced by the Balbriggan musician, with contributions from Phil Noone on drums. The two recorded the EP in Youghal Co. Cork in spring of this year. Make sure to join Lonergan at his listening party at Arthur's Blues & Jazz club on Thomas Street in Dublin.

AIDXN G, ‘FREAKQUENCY’

‘FREAKQUENCY’ marks AIDXN G’s official solo debut. The high-energy dance-pop track brings you to your feet, encouraging you to leave all worries at the door. Something about it feels dangerous, like a game of truth or dare, but AIDXN G reassures listeners they’ve made it the right place, a welcoming world safe for all “freaks”.

“Yeah, so what — I’m a freak,” says the singer. “That’s what makes me me and I love me. Anyone living freely and unapologetically? I love them too.”

‘FREAKQUENCY’ radiates pure joy, elevating any club environment, allowing you to shed your inhibitions and accept that “belonging” is no longer an issue.

HAVVK, ‘Happening Again’

Alt-rock outfit HAVVK return with their explosive new single ‘Happening Again’ via VETA Records, marking the band’s first release following their acclaimed 2024 album, To Fall Asleep.

The song explores destructive patterns of behaviour, built on a cyclical structure that mirrors the emotional spiral of dread and overwhelm.

"I really enjoyed leaning into the cyclical pattern of the song and giving it a sense of no way out. Because that’s how it can feel sometimes, when you notice yourself, acting or thinking in a way that you swore you’d never do again,” said vocalist Julie Hawk of the track.

"The verses were especially vicious and were really cathartic to write – because in these moments it’s so easy to say cruel things to yourself that you’d never say to anyone else, and to see every little thing as a reminder of how you’ve landed right back where you started."

Lord Jane, 'These Last Few Weeks'

Written about the guilt that is felt when you live in a period of darkness and the fog finally lifts, Lord Jane's newest track is an ode to an apology to the band, the people who care about them and wasted time.

‘These last few weeks’ starts off with a catchy guitar line and haunting, vulnerable vocals before crashing into a captivating anthem, similar to the sounds of Paramore, that explodes with dreamy textures.

Frontwoman Clodagh May’s voice cuts through the noise with startling vulnerability, leading a song that grapples with innocence and forgiveness. The track is bound to leave a lasting impression on listeners with its deeply resonating lyrics and alluring instrumentation.

"It’s about the guilt that follows when the Fog finally lifts. The apologies and excuses that need to be made for missing deadlines, ignoring calls, and neglecting responsibilities. The fear of guilt often plays a role in how long the Fog sticks around for. Sometimes we get comfortable in the darkness, and it's hard to know where to start when we step outside for the first time in a while."

'These Last Few Weeks' takes a deeper dive into how the band feel when they come out of a period of darkness and the emotional turmoil that comes with the guilt of neglecting responsibilities and asking for forgiveness

KhakiKid, ‘Moved On’

KhakiKid releases his new single ‘Moved On’, a funk-infused tune merging playful lyricism with genre- blurring production. Soulful and deliciously fun, the track glides between rap, R&B, and indie influences, shifting from uptempo bars to an irresistibly catchy chorus, extending the summer just for the run of this hard-hitting tune.

Flynn Johnson, ‘THE GREEN BOX’ feat. dib

Hailing from Flynn Johnson’s debut album THE GREEN BOX THEORY, out today, ‘THE GREEN BOX’ is a hard-hitting and gorgeously bouncy hip-hop track, showcasing the rapper’s deft and moving bars, set against the backdrop of pretty and melodic production infused with soulful flavours.

Speaking of the record, Johnson says: "Everything in this record starts and ends at the green box. I wrote it from the head of the cheeky young fella who talked big, dressed louder, and learned the hard way that your bark can be bigger than your bite. These songs hold the laughter, the grief, the heartbreak, and the daft courage you get off your mates. It's me saying ‘meet me at the green box’ one more time and putting our small stories on record, so they don’t get twisted or forgotten."

Carrie Baxter, ‘Loved You Before’

Carrie Baxter releases the sulphurous new single ‘Loved You Before’, a gentle love song about the feeling of rediscovering someone your heart already knows. Dreamy, intimate and bursting with incredibly rich production blending neo-soul, R&B and jazz.

On the new track, Baxter comments…“My therapist told me it was a red flag that I felt like I already knew him...so I wrote a song about how that felt.

“I’m a hopeless romantic at heart, especially when it comes to connections that feel instant or familiar. So I guess this is a love song, those early, honeymoon-phase kind of feelings. Although with hindsight and years of therapy, I’ve had to learn to slow down when I meet someone new, take the rose tinted glasses off and be mindful of the filters that show up in the connection.”

The Altered Hours, ‘Special Things’

Hailing from Cork five-piece The Altered Hours new self-titled album, out today, ‘Special Things’ is a pulsating and gorgeously atmospheric tune, both bone-rattlingly dark and lined with an undeniable ethereal energy, where military-march style percussions blend with gritty guitar chords and shoegazey vocals for an incredibly impactful look into the new record.

Gareth Quinn Redmond, ‘Brionglóidí / Críoch na Maidne’

The closer to Gareth Quinn Redmond’s new album Múscailte, ‘Brionglóidí / Críoch na Maidne’ is a otherworldly and dazzlingly pretty ambient piece, both synthy and magically naturalistic. With its 10-minute run and its gentle, slow-building atmosphere, the track evokes morning dew and soft forest landscapes, making it the perfect release for the approaching winter.

Aoife Ní Bhriain & Cormac McCarthy, 'Salamanca'

Aoife Ní Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy join forces on their new collaborative album Cosán Casta, including the gorgeously transporting piece ‘Salamanca’, a piano and violin track which slowly unravels and builds in intensity through its 5-minutes run but stays lined with an unshakable floating and atmospheric feel, sometimes light and sometimes quietly intense.

Some Images of Paradise, ‘wool gathering’

Some Images of Paradise continue the lead up to their debut album i expect the same of u with the new single ‘wool gathering’, an aching, cinematic and introspective tune which builds and evolves over the course of seven minutes. Starting with a Slacker Rock adjacent instrumental, the tune evolves into a chorus balancing R&B and Slowcore, before jumping into an intensely powerful finale of strings and guitars.

MDR, ‘Statue of Adam’

Indie-rock group MDR have released their latest single, ‘Statue of Adam’, a stirring exploration of vulnerability, self-image, and the struggle to find light amid personal darkness.

MDR returns with a track that is deeper than anything they have done before, both sonically and emotionally. ‘Statue of Adam’ blends soaring guitar textures with haunting vocal melodies, capturing the quiet chaos of not feeling okay and the human need for help and connection.

“This song came from a place of uncertainty, that feeling when you’re not sure who you are or if you’re enough,” says Singer Kaitlyn O’Regan. “It’s about the cracks beneath the surface, and learning to reach out before you turn to stone.”

Rooted in the band’s signature indie rock sound, ‘Statue of Adam’ showcases a more introspective and cinematic side of MDR. Drawing influence from artists like Sam Fender and Noah Kahan, the song builds from fragile introspection to a powerful emotional release,  a reflection of the band’s evolving artistry and authenticity.

Dora Gola, 'Warm Wind'

Dance with Danger is the debut full-length album from Dora Gola — a bold blend of alt-pop, dark pop, and electronic soundscapes infused with cinematic textures and global influences.

The album is both deeply personal and sonically adventurous, taking listeners on a journey through femininity, sensuality, and the ever-shifting power of nature, which is evident in the track 'Warm Wind'.

Thematically, the record embraces the duality of nature — lush, sensual, and comforting, yet also dangerous and unpredictable. Like nature itself, Dora captures both beauty and darkness, weaving together a track that feels at once intimate and expansive, like prayers or chants.

Tia Bow, ‘La Fosse’

Emerging Irish artist Tia Bow releases her third single ‘La Fosse’ ahead of her upcoming debut album Blackberry Path, set to release in 2026.

Under her new alias, Tia Bow, the project of songwriter Fionnuala Fagan-Thiébot, blends acoustic and electronic elements, pairing layered vocals, strings, and synths to create a sound that bridges folk, rock, and modern electronica.

‘La Fosse’ is a reflective tribute to a place that shaped Fagan-Thiébot’s youth, a Breton manor where she worked during summers as a teenager. “It was like nothing I had ever experienced before — accepting, inclusive, uninhibited. In every sense, it changed the direction of my life for the better,” she explains.

Pebbledash, ‘Isn’t It Always’

Cork-based band Pebbledash return with their new single ‘Isn’t It Always’, the lead track from their EP To Cast the Sea in Concrete. The song sets the tone for the EP, blending post-punk energy with atmospheric shoegaze textures, subtle folk influences, and a grunge-tinged edge.

The track captures Pebbledash’s evolving sound, balancing emotive songwriting with expansive instrumental moments. As Cormac Donovan O’Neill explains, “The environment in which we recorded these songs ended up both informing and reflecting the conceptual through-line of the EP, emphasising the contrast and interaction between natural and urban, hard and soft, land and water.”

Iann Brennan & The Echoes, ‘Don’t Let Love Get In The Way’

Dublin indie rockers Iann Brennan & The Echoes return with ‘Don’t Let Love Get In The Way’, a riff-driven single that previews Brennan’s upcoming second album, Scars. The track blends soaring, anthemic vocals with driving guitars.

Following his 2023 debut Start As You Mean To Go On, Brennan and the band have opened for Damien Dempsey, The Boomtown Rats, and Evan Dando, while appearing at Electric Picnic, Vicar Street, and London’s Dublin Castle.

Hard To Explain, ‘All Our Days’

Northern Ireland metal band Hard To Explain release ‘All Our Days’, the opening track from their debut album Hell To Pay. The song stands out amid the album’s aggressive riffs and razor-sharp vocals, offering a moment of calm and reflection. Rooted in themes of serendipity and vulnerability, it explores finding love in the quiet, unexpected moments of life, setting a surprisingly tender tone before the album’s other tracks.

Hell To Pay as a whole delivers crushing riffs, gut-punching rhythms, and unapologetic metal energy, establishing Hard To Explain as a fiery new presence in Northern Ireland’s underground scene.

The Animal Gang, ‘Neon Lights’

Dublin-based alternative rock band The Animal Gang return with their fifth single ‘Neon Lights’, a raw and infectious track driven by powerful vocals, pulsing drums, and a nostalgic sense of momentum.

Blending gritty rock energy with an emotional edge, the song captures the rush and recklessness of late-night connection, the kind that burns bright under city lights but flickers with doubt beneath the surface.

The band will mark the release with a single launch show at The Thomas House, Dublin, on November 8, joined by Megan Burke Band.

The Scratch, ‘Pull Like A Dog’

Dublin folk-metal band The Scratch return with ‘Pull Like A Dog,’ the electrifying title track from their newly announced album, out March 13, 2026. The track captures the band’s trademark blend of thunderous rhythm, fiery guitar work, and full-throated defiance.

‘Pull Like A Dog’ is a rallying cry against self-doubt, lead vocalist Daniel Lang describes it as “mocking myself a bit but also getting the blood going so I’ll grab life by the scruff and be loud about it.” True to that spirit, the song channels The Scratch’s unfiltered energy and sense of camaraderie.

Dark Tropics, 'You're Mine’

Pop-noir duo Dark Tropics have released their new single ‘You’re Mine’.

“‘You’re Mine' is about the struggle to distinguish between love and lust,” said the band.

“It explores how the rush of passion can become an intoxicating escape from reality.”

‘You’re Mine’ is a bold, groovy pop song featuring a choppy, jazzy guitar riff.

The singer’s confident up-tempo vocals pair seamlessly with the track’s overall riveting mood; you can’t help but clap along.

anamoe drive, ‘diamond effigy’

Indie-folk artist anamoe drive has released his sophomore album thank god it’s friday, featuring ‘diamond effigy’.

In contrast to his previous record Breakfast in Bed, anamoe drive focused his attention on concise, personal track rather than drawn-out tunes, recording 11 songs in just two days.

“Through the recording process that theme of directness seemed to emerge from the songs themselves,” said the artist.

“Each song contains a very small moment, preserved just long enough before moving on to the next. It felt liberating to give voice to these moments.”

‘diamond effigy’ is a simple, intimate feeling tune. The track, just under two minutes, is concise and straight to the point, however, the singer’s light vocals, paired with only simple guitar strums, let that song be an emotional gut punch despite its length.

Keeve, ‘Conspiracy’

Singer-songwriter Keeve has released his new single ‘Conspiracy’.

The track, written while the artist was working as a call operator, comments on our ignorance and compliance with the power of companies and organisations.

Keeve released his self-titled EP in June, 2021.

The lyrically dense song features powerful, passionate vocals over a complex blend of instrumentals.

The anthemic tune’s chaotic, dancing piano notes are grounded by Keeve’s steady voice.

First Class Rebel, ‘Shadows Fade’

Shoegaze artist First Class Rebel has released his debut single ‘Shadows Fade’.

The track explores psych gaze, a fusion of psych rock and shoegaze.

‘Shadows Fade’ features layers of distorted guitars and reverb paired with deep, steady vocals.

It’s airy guitar sound creates an overall dreamy feel as First Class Rebel’s catchy vocals glide over the melody.

ALDOC, ‘KOBOKO’

ALDOC have released their new single ‘KOBOKO’.

The band was formed by Alan Doherty, former frontman of Gráda and contributor to the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. Additional members include Alan Doherty, Fiach Moriarty and Alex Borwick.

Their song Takaka Rain, featured on their debut album From Tallaght to Halle, has been the Croke Park teams’ entrance music since 2017.

ALDOC mixes traditional flutes and whistles, electronic beats and electric guitars to create their own unique sound.

‘KOBOKO’ blends classic traditional music with a funky, complex electronic beat.

The tune keeps you guessing, with sporadic adlibs and a lively flute melody.

Megan Burke, ‘Medium Ugly’

Dublin-based artist Megan Burke has released her new single ‘Medium Ugly’.

The tune humorously describes her experience with the dating scene.

“'Medium Ugly' is about how I always attract the same type of mediocre average-looking men,” said the artist.

“I don’t want a loser that I went out with sitting in his mam’s box room listening to my songs and thinking they hurt me, instead I want them to be offended and embarrassed.”

‘Medium Ugly’ has a staccato, jumpy beat. The singer’s voice glides over the rhythm as she confidently delivers passionate, graceful vocals and witty lyrics.

Craig McMorrow, ‘Hallway’

Singer-songwriter Craig McMorrow has released his new album Hallway, featuring his title track of the same name.

The pop–country song grapples with feelings of grief after losing a loved one.

"It’s about that haunting feeling that maybe you’re forgetting someone who meant the world to you," said the artist.

"But then you realise — they’re everywhere. In the music, in the laughter, in the quiet. You carry them with you even when you don’t realise it."

His style draws from his experiences in rural Ireland, surrounded by traditional folk music, which he blends with more modern influences.

‘Hallway’ opens with somber, reflective vocals, mimicked by soft, slow piano notes. The tune picks up with a hopeful tinge as the track adopts a grounding beat and more powerful vocals.

Mucksavage, ‘Let Down’

Belfast band Mucksavage have released their new single ‘Let Down’.

The pop-punk style tune was initially written to help fill a set so the band could play live.

It deals with topics of grief, hopelessness and regret.

“Regret of past actions, past relationships, your past-self and the time you've lost, and also regret for a future you could have had,” said frontman James Foy.

Known for their melancholy sound, the band formed in 2022 after starting as a lockdown project for Foy.

‘Let Down’ has a Weezer, Green Day style with snappy vocals and pounding drumbeats.

The tune juxtaposes deeply personal lyrics over a bouncy up-tempo melody.

Seán Mac Erlaine & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, 'Shallow Dive'

Seán Mac Erlaine & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh have released their new album Old Segotia, featuring ‘Shallow Dive’.

The two have worked together for 20 years, with Mac Erlaine’s musical style rooted in jazz and sonic experimentation, and Ó Raghallaigh emerging from an Irish traditional music.

‘Shallow Dive’ is a complex instrumental track, opening with fast-paced sting plucks, creating a foreboding atmosphere.

The song then builds into a dramatic tune with bold, emotional strings, before taking on a jazzy, brass focused turn.

The song keeps you on your toes with sudden rising and falling melodies and sharp tone shifts.

Muireann Bradley, ‘No Name Blues’

Teenage folk artist Muireann Bradley has released her new EP Rose Dogs, featuring her first original song ‘No Name Blues’.

Inspired by traditional 'murder ballads' and songs of scorned women from artists like Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith, ‘No Name Blues’ puts a modern, hopeful spin on the classic tracks.

‘No Name Blues’ takes on an Americana folk style with playful bass and guitar notes and souring harmonica.

Bradley’s lyrically heavy tune features graceful and delicate vocals with a confident and unforgiving sound.

Listen to our playlist: