New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Ria Rua, 'Ass Movin'

Alt-rock artist and producer Ria Rua has today released her latest single, 'Ass Movin’', a ferociously energetic track that marks the final release before her debut album, SCAPEG.O.A.T., out February 27.

The track is bursting with thunderous drums and electrifying melodies, designed to make listeners move while showcasing her fearless artistic identity. The song showcases her ability to fuse high-energy alt-rock with eclectic pop sensibilities, creating an anthem that’s both provocative and addictive.

"Ass Movin' is a song about being around toxic people, realising it and getting out of there so they can't hurt you anymore," said Rua.

Rua aims to create a sense of belonging for young neurodivergent and queer women, inspiring self-expression without shame. She channels empowerment, sexual expression, and defiance into her music, taking inspiration from Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman.

Curtisy & owin, ‘My Friends’ feat. Emily Beattie

Coming ahead of Tallaght rapper’s Curtisy upcoming album GET A LIFE!, ‘My Friends’, released in collaboration with Emily Beattie, leans into pop ambition with striking ease, echoing Jim Legxacy’s emotive guitar work, dream-pop haze, and autotuned vulnerability, making for a stirring yet magnificently catchy track.

“I took my time with this music,” Curtisy says on the upcoming record. “I care about this shit.”

Cable Boy, ‘Something In My Head’

The first single off of Dublin-based five-piece Cable Boy’s upcoming album, ‘Something In My Head’ is a cool-headed yet volatile track that balances melodic restraint with flashes of punching intensity, showcasing a more fuzzy, shoegaze oriented side of the band's sound. The tune is built on propulsive guitars, hypnotic rhythms and a detached vocal delivery, offering a striking contrast to their more ethereal, dreampop leaning tracks, oscillating between calm and chaos.

Talking about the single, the band explain: “‘Something in my Head’ is about watching and absorbing life changing news and several atrocities everyday on every single social media app and feed while feeling powerless to do anything but watch donate and boycott."

Chalk, ‘I.D.C.’

Coinciding with the announcement of their upcoming debut album Crystalpunk, Belfast post-punk/electronic duo Chalk release the brand new single ‘I.D.C.’, a gritty yet profoundly catchy electronic number, both fun and lined with undeniable, bone-shaking intensity, where dissonant synths meet infectious rhythms and dance inducing melodies.

Detailing ‘I.D.C.’, Ross Cullen revealed: “I.D.C. captures a fictional night out — self-destruction disguised as celebration, knives twisting beneath the strobe. It’s the danciest track on the album.”

Rita Perry, ‘Seasons’

Irish-Catalan artist Rita Perry announces her debut EP Kill Your Darlings with its first single ‘Seasons’, a gorgeously soulful number where honey-rich vocals meet delicate acoustic guitars and transporting trumpet and string accompaniments, wrapped up in deliciously moving melodies.

Speaking on the single, Perry explains “‘Seasons’ holds the space between the voice that wants to swing from the rafters in battle-cry and the voice that stands in quiet frustration but resilience.

“This song speaks to that part of me that wants to continue to question the world around me while fighting apathy and acceptance. It’s a reminder to myself that this happens from throw-away romantic novels to the political and cultural laws that shape our world.”

YINYANG, ‘Dumped Me In The Smoking Area’

Accompanying the release of her new EP The Lotus Throne, out today, Belfast alternative artist YINYANG puts out the focus track ‘Dumped Me In The Smoking Area’. A hard-hitting anthem pulsing with raw fury and that immediate, visceral rush of wanting to bite back, the track is both bold and vulnerable, making for a real gut-punch of a track.

On the track, YINYANG says: “Breakups can be harsh; the instant jolt of redirection has you spinning. I had all this rage that needed somewhere to go that day, then ‘Dumped Me in the Smoking Area’ was born a couple of hours after. For a while it was hard to listen to but in hindsight I celebrate it, thankful for the redirection. I hope ‘Dumped Me In The Smoking Area’ can be your bounce back anthem, a reminder that negativity can be transmuted into something more powerful.”

Stone Blind State, 'Electric Lady'.

Stone Blind State return with their foundation-shaking new single ‘Electric Lady’.  The track sees the band amp up the distortion and intensity, following on from their 2024 single 'There She Goes'. Echoes of Stone Temple Pilots and Alice In Chains can be heard on ‘Electric Lady’, clocking in at under 3 minutes, there is absolutely no time wasted in getting their point across.

Stone Blind State began in 2019 with Mick as the founding member, releasing the successful EP ‘Alive’ the same year, but lineup changes and the pandemic forced the band into hiatus. It wasn’t until Mick approached Martin with a handful of songs that the band sparked back to life again.

Already showing a range to their sound, the band will release their self-titled debut album on February 26. The band have captured the energy of the track in the accompanying music video, shot in a basement and punctuated by strobes (flash warning). It’s a head-down assault as the band tears through the new track.

Greywind, 'Cope In The Coma'.

Fresh from their new album, Severed Heart City, Irish emo duo Greywind have released their new track, 'Cope In The Coma'.

Reminiscent of early Paramore, the single is the last on the album but truly ends the record on a high note. The marriage between Steph's Hayley Williams-esque vocals and the heavy-hitting instrumentals is a match made in heaven.

“Severed Heart City is an extended allegory for the stages of trauma and one’s inner struggle to find resolution,” say Steph and Paul.

“There are many roads that lead to the heart of this broken city, but there is only one bridge out – one of acceptance and hope.

"Severed Heart City is a place where it’s ok to be sad and depressed and feel like the whole world is against you but it’s also a place where you make sure none of those things ever make you give up on yourself or your dreams. Only you can save yourself.”

Bold Boy, 'Reactions'.

Indie-rock duo Bold Boy have dropped their latest track, 'Reactions'.

"Reactions is a song about frustration, but more importantly about breaking free from that frustration," says the duo.

"Really asking ourselves what we're looking for, what we are looking at, and how we want to be perceived.  "Does true freedom lie in not caring how we are perceived?"

Formed in late 2023, Bold Boy is the brainchild of Mike Paterson and Nathan Merrimen.  Paterson was looking for an outlet to return to writing heavier music and was excited by the creative constraints that come with a two-piece.

Bold Boy are known for experimenting with their sound, with previous releases dipping into influences from post-punk to garage to alt-rock. With a focus on eye-catching, engaging content creation.

'Reactions' is the first release of what promises to be an exciting year for the double act.

NIMF, ‘Solar Excess Sacrificial Ecstasies’

Composer, sound designer and performance artist, NIMF has welcomed her first release in several years with 'Solar Excess Sacrificial Ecstasies', ahead of her debut album Sirenoscape. 

Based in New Jersey, the Irish musician has described her upcoming project as an album of "transmutation and transcendental terror", set for a March release. On 'Solar Excess Sacrificial Ecstasies', NIMF tackles the ambient, as a choir of environmental sound surrounds you, evoking memories of days passed and feelings previously forgotten.

The track inspires an internal reflection, taking you from the nostalgic glimpses of crashing waves at your hometown beach, to the welcoming sounds of jubilant pipes and bells, a fire crackling in the distance. It encapsulates the perfect summer storm.

Sirenoscape will be officially released for your listening pleasure on March 6.

Basciville, ‘Nothing Surprises Me Anymore’

Following their November single ‘Your Own Head’ with Ailbhe Reddy, Basciville return with their latest track ‘Nothing Surprises (Me Anymore)’.

The Byrne brothers don’t hold anything back on this one, sheltering a melancholy evocative of Paolo Nutini’s ‘Candy’, showcasing the comedown of defeat. ‘Nothing Surprises (Me anymore)’ echoes the importance of getting back up again.

“There’s no surprise in how much harder it gets to merely survive, in how alone we are left by the state, but there’s beauty in the everyday,” say the duo. “It speaks to our sheer will to find joy in what little we are given.”

The track will feature on their upcoming album Love In The Time Of The State, set for a March release.

John Blek, ‘Mother’s Eyes’

John Blek’s newest album, Midnight Ache, has finally hit streaming platforms today, giving fans his first LP in 2 years.

‘Mother’s Eyes’ stands out as the 10th track on the record, slow and reflective, and more optimistic than the rest of Midnight Ache. Through his honesty and self acceptance, Blek shines, presenting folk storytelling that sparks glimpses of songwriters such as Christian Lee Hutson and Conor Oberst.

‘Mother’s Eyes’ offers a fulfilled pre-conclusion to the record. It’s almost upbeat, almost country, and earnestly Blek, not reaching for anything he can’t grab ahold of.

Check out Hot Press's review of Midnight Ache here.

Aaron Rowe, ‘Please Don’t Hate Me’

Aaron Rowe is back on his release streak, following his debut single ‘Hey Ma’ last May. With his latest track ‘Please Don’t Hate Me’, Rowe begs for forgiveness, bearing his flaws just as he wears his heart on his sleeve. 

Still, there’s a moment where one has to accept “maybe sorry isn’t enough” - this song captures that moment with every inch of desperation and anguish.

Like collapsing to your knees or seeing John Cusack with a boombox outside your window, ‘Please Don’t Hate Me’, is beautifully flawed and hopelessly apologetic. 

VENUS GRRRLS, ‘3x3’

If VENUS GRRRLS were our modern take on The Runaways, ‘3x3’ would be their ‘Cherry Bomb’.

A response to a suffocating and toxic relationship, VENUS GRRRLS ignore the fear of the aftermath and hash out all the drama they wanted. It’s completely heartless, with a sexiness that somehow makes the threat of destruction almost appealing.

“It’s fundamentally an impolite song, brash and angry as it channels unfiltered feminine rage very much detailing the angry, regretful processing stage of a relationship ending,” said It was a little scary whilst we wrote the lyrics - as much as we usually sing about macabre subjects, this one is possibly the most confrontational song we’ve ever written lyrically.”

For fans of Mannequin Pussy’s I Got Heaven, VENUS GRRRLS give us a new punk-pop track to obsess over. You can also catch them supporting Nova Twins’ upcoming UK tour!

Martina and The Moons, ‘Ban On Glitter’

Martina and The Moons’ debut EP Starfish Social Club is out today. With this comes five new tracks, said to be inspired by the likes of Paul Simon, Carole King and Joni Mitchell.

The midpoint track, ‘Ban On Glitter’, stands as psychedelic, guitar-driven track. Its sleepy, beach-pop riffs echo similarly hypnotic instrumentals to Her’s’ ‘What Once Was’, giving us yet another jazzy ear-worm scale. But the addictive bass-lines don’t stand alone - soulful vocals and unapologetic lyrics make each harmony blend with just as much fluidity.

“I had always wanted to write a song about how, after having a hard time as a kid in ballet and with other girls in my school, I rejected all aspects of femininity,” said front woman Martina Moon. “But now I feel conflicted because I should have been able to enjoy all those things when everyone else was doing it. And to me, to portray hyper-femininity now feels like doing drag, because I am not used to it. Now I take small steps to heal this part of me, and writing this song was one of them.”

Starfish Social Club is out now!

Niall Tarmey, ‘self-inflicted’

Galway singer-songwriter and producer Niall Tarmey has released his latest single ‘self-inflicted’, following an impressive 2025 release streak.

Tarmey has no problem bearing his soul on his melancholia-infused indie-pop ballads. On 'self-inflicted', he admits all blame, owning up to the human-ness of flaws. His rhythms are effortless, as each lyric seems to appear out of thin air, making each single an instant hit. He exudes pure up-and-coming talent!

Along with his newest track, Tarmey has dropped an accompanying music video, with the beauty of the West playing a starring role in moody theatrical showcase that is the saga of 'self-inflicted'.

 

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Dave Sullivan, ‘Capture’

Today, the Waterford-based pop-rock singer Dave Sullivan released his debut single ‘Capture’. ‘Capture’ is a guitar-driven song with pulsing rhytms in which Sullivan's voice shifts from delicate to soaring.

Said to be perfect for fans of Kings of Leon, The Killers, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, ‘Capture’ is a raw storytellling song about young love, its magnetism and unpredictability.With lyrics like ‘She has captured me, It will happen to you, And we will always bear the scars.’ Sullivan showcases the emotional rollercoaster of having loved and lost.

Cypress Mine!, ‘Safe Highway’

Following the release of their first single in almost 40 years, ‘Spellbinding’, Cypress Mine! have released another single, ‘Safe Highway’. The track was released today ahead of their forthcoming tour and album, which is set to be released in February.

‘Safe Highway’ continues with the trademark jangly guitar pop that made the debut record of the Cork band so unique. Based on ‘Siúlóid in Éirinn’, a poem by Seán Ó Tuama from his book Death in the Land of Youth, the song is a beautiful ode to Irish literature and music.

Sara Gerdine, ‘Waltzing In Love’

Following her previous single, ‘Your Lullaby’, country-folk singer-songwriter Sara Gerdine has released her newest EP, ‘Waltzing In Love’.

‘Waltzing In Love’is a country ballad about the all-too-relatable tale of the search for love. The Galway-based artist explores how, in love, as well as on the dance floor, people often take many steps and missteps before finding their perfect match. Despite navigating the twists and turns of finding love, the heartfelt song is both soothing and hopeful, seeming as if it came straight out of a fairytale.

JUNE, 'Nothing'

Laois-born folk singer JUNE is back with her sixth single, 'Nothing', offering a raw dive into the complex emotions of heartbreak and grief that define the track.

'Nothing' is a delicate yet powerful storm, blending contemporary and traditional folk elements. JUNE‘s ethereal and layered harmonies channel the early musical style of Birdy, while her commanding delivery echoes the powerful vocals of Adèle. Built around a melancholic, piano-led arrangement, the track's stripped-back intimacy puts the focus squarely on JUNE's compelling vocal performance.

BrandonxMidas, 'I’m Still Here Because You’re Not'

Wexford's own BrandonxMidas is back with his latest single, 'I’m Still Here Because You’re Not.' His new release is kicks off with a grounded, guitar-driven rock groove before exploding into a surprising, heavy metal bridge. This lyrics explore addiction and the delicate path to sobriety, confronting the contradictory emotions of recovery and the weight of guilt. 

How I Became A Wave, ‘Sea Swell’

How I Became A Wave's new single, 'Sea Swell', is a controlled and emotionally resonant track. The song begins by establishing an intimate atmosphere with an acoustic guitar foundation. This simple pull draws the listener in, much like the initial movement of the tide. With their self-titled debut album set to drop on March 27, 'Sea Swell' serves as a compelling promise.

The band's leader, Pat Carey, shared his personal connection to the work, stating, “I have sat with these songs, pulled and pushed at them for what seems like a decade now. It's taken that long to come to a place where I can sit comfortably with my own voice, where I can embrace both the vulnerability and strength of authentic self-expression.”

FATE, ‘Sinsofselfawarness’

FATE, the Irish artist, has released a new single, "Sinsofselfawarness," which precedes their full-length debut album, Veritas, out today, January 16.The core message of Veritas is the universal theme of "running from the truth.

FATE explained that difficult realities are inescapable: "no matter how hard you run from the truth, it will find you, and the worst thing about the truth is that it's not always good. It's not always a happy truth." This reflection on facing sometimes unpleasant realities is woven into the album’s lyrics and composition.

Goth Fight Cage, “I’m not in love with you.”

Mark Holloway, previously associated with the Belfast heavy fuzz outfit Fagash McCann, has debuted a solo venture named Goth Fight Cage. His latest single, 'I’m Not In Love With You', delivers a dose of indie rock that evokes the guitar-focused indie sound of the early 2000s, with some elements of The Cure also seeping in.

This new project sees Holloway shift his focus towards a diverse musical palette, alternating between sharp, abrasive guitar-driven indie and more stripped-back, acoustic compositions.

Étáin, 'Release Me'

'Release Me', a track from Étáin's upcoming debut album The Well, is a rhythmically driven exploration of a relationship's end. It captures the catharsis of balancing grief with a sense of freedom and momentum. While expanding the album's sound, the song mirrors the core emotional theme of embracing uncertainty as a pathway to renewal.

Étáin's debut album, The Well, is set for release on 20 March 2026. Written over a decade, the album offers a "disarming flow of vulnerability," uniting songs from her teenage years to the present. The collection reflects her life experiences, moving geographically between rural Ireland, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

Foy Vance, ‘Hi, I'm The Preacher's Son’

Emmy award-winning singer-songwriter Foy Vance has released a new single, ‘Hi, I’m The Preacher’s Son’, from his upcoming album The Wake, which is set to drop March 13.

After the passing of his father, who was a travelling preacher, the Scotland based singer decided to create seven albums all shaped by the impact of this loss.

“After my dad died, everything lined up and I knew I was meant to make seven records akin to those seven years, and that each record would represent a stage of my growth as an artist and a songwriter,” said Vance.

‘Hi, I’m The Preacher’s Son’ is therefore part of an ongoing exploration of humanity, faith and grief, which has been worked on for the past 26 years.

Seán Feeny, ‘Galactic Tides’

Seán Feeny has released the title track, ‘Galactic Tides’, of his upcoming album.

Following his journey of blending history, heritage and heartfelt storytelling, the atmospheric folk-pop track is a cosmic metaphor used to explore the Irish diaspora, ancestry, identity and belonging.

With the reference to stellar winds, distant moons and shifting galaxies, the track reflects the emotional tide of being uprooted, placed somewhere unfamiliar, and slowly navigating to a place or person who feels like home.

“The universe became the language for that journey, those moments where you feel weightless, lost, or out of your element, but eventually find a kindred spirit or a new beginning," said Feeny.

 

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SAZZY G, ‘GROW’

Dublin-born, Vancouver-based singer songwriter SAZZY G has released her third single, ‘GROW’, following ‘FIRST DANCE’ and ‘DARE YOU’.

Contrary to ‘DARE YOU’, ‘GROW’ distances itself from scorching guitars, crashing drums and buzzing electro-rock production. ‘GROW’, whilst still being upbeat and energetic, is a more romantic country pop track with soothing vocals and heartfelt lyrics about finding yourself after taking a few wrong turns.

The single showcases how versatile the singer and her voice are.

 

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