New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Havvk, 'On Time'.

Alt-rock outfit HAVVK today unveil their fierce new single, ‘On Time’.

Coming in at one minute and thirty-three seconds, ‘On Time’ packs a serious punch, driven forward by a pounding snare and a rousing ascending guitar motif against vocalist Julie Hawk’s piercing sprechgesang vocals.

"This song is about the endless lists of goals and resolutions we make for ourselves, many of which have arbitrary deadlines attached to them," says Hawk.  "I think the older I get, the more I realise that you have to pick and choose the things and people that you put your energy into and that there will simply never be enough time to do all of the things without it all coming crashing down on you.

"‘On Time’ is trying to capture that feeling of being right on the crest of a wave of busyness, the ‘last wave’ where you think surely it will be calm seas after this. But there’s always another and another.”

HAVVK

Pilgrims, 'Who's kissing Who'.

Paul Noonan and Brian Crosby have reunited under a new name: Pilgrims.

Following their single ‘Bright & Bold’, the duo now share a new track, ‘Who’s Kissing Who’, ahead of the release of their debut album, Wintering, on January 30.

The album release coincides with a national tour of 15 intimate venues with pianos, where Pilgrims will perform songs from Wintering alongside selected material from the early Bell X1 catalogue.

“This was the first of the instrumentals that Brian played when we were showing-and-telling and follows a harmonic journey that I’d never come up with," said Noonan.

"I came across a moving and tender photograph of a couple in 1970s Dublin, and the song is an imagining of their story – a once fierce and visceral love that has soured in old age.”

Pilgrims

Kathy Long, 'Glow Gold'.

Alt-pop artist Kathy Long has released her new single, 'Glow Gold'. That track focuses on love, grief, nostalgia, hope, and connecting to our inner voice.

The video for ‘Glow Gold’ lends a visual storytelling to this song, offering the dreamlike essence of what it would be to meet your younger self.

Kathy Long is an Irish musician from County Kilkenny. Her music is a genre-bending sphere of lyrical expression. Long is performing at various venues around Europe this year, including Electric Picnic.

Her debut EP titled Element was released in October last year, which reflected on earth's elements – fire, air, earth and water.

Kathy Long photo credit - Julie O’Brien

Bucket, ‘Nonsense’

Following their performance at Eurosonic this past weekend, Bucket have released their latest single ‘Nonsense’.

The Dublin-based band, composed of vocalist Cian Dahdouh, bassist Emmet McNamee and Bricknasty drummer Korey Thomas, released their debut EP Muck this past March.

Lyrically, the track takes the perspective of a fictional stalker, delving into the world of true crime as a source for modern entertainment, as society becomes fixated on “extreme psychology”. Like the musical manifestation of Edgar Allen Poe’s Tell Tale Heart, the bass beats out of you like an anxious heart beat in your chest, aching for release.

“It draws on feelings of paranoia and being watched, alongside society’s fascination with mentally unstable people who commit horrific acts.”

Bucket join Heavy Lungs for a co-headline tour of Ireland this February, before playing ArcTanGent and FOCUS Wales later this year. Find tickets for their February 3 Workman’s show here.

Bucket.

Maria Somervile, 'Violet - YHWH Nailgun Remix'

Yesterday, Maria Somerville unveiled her latest EP, Luster (Remixes). The EP, which features six remixes of tracks off her 2025 album Luster, shifted stronger towards the ambient genre, with more focus on atmospheric instrumentation rather than lyrical storytelling.

‘Violet - YHWH Nailgun Remix’, conjures experimental resemblances to Kim Gordon’s The Collective, though less focused on industrial sound, while Somerville’s layered earthy hums take from RÓIS’s avant-garde folk composition. The likeness of Connemara’s haunting beauty can be felt through every exhale.

Drum heavy, dreamy and deconstructed, the track affirms “I believe in love,” the mantra repeating until the very last moments. YHWH Nailgun, a Philly-based experimental-rock band, contribute a stunning punk edge to transform the track's original workings.

Somerville’s 2026 tour will commence next month, beginning with shows in Limerick, Galway and Dublin, before setting off for performances across the UK, Luxembourg and Belgium. Tickets are available here.

Maria Somerville. Photo Credit: Cáit Fahey.

Balderdasch, 'Homoerotic'

Baldersdasch has returned with her latest single ‘Homoerotic’, a flirty, queer rave anthem. The track will appear on her upcoming EP Stillness Gyrating, set to release February 18.

“I played the song live a few times in Germany before we went to mix it, and through the crowd’s response I realised I wanted to have the track both live and on record slap the back of your head with its intensity,” said Balderdasch.

It’s no shock, the distorted punk-electronic track, reminiscent of Nine Inch Nail’s The Downward Spiral, would fit in at any edgy Berlin venue.

You can catch Balderdasch performing as support to Ways Of Seeing at their show at Dali in Cork on February 13. Tickets are available here.

Baldersnatch.

Shimmer Boy, 'Brixton'

On 'Brixton', Shimmer Boy explores the complexity of emigration, desiring change while also experiencing the growing pains that accompany leaving home.

“Ireland is full of artists, workers, and dreamers who never get the chance to be seen – not because they lack talent, but because they lack numbers, resources or access,” explains Shimmer Boy. “‘Brixton’ is about that rejection, but also about the resilience of getting up, leaving, and chasing the dream anyway – even if it means breaking your own heart.”

Pulling inspiration from indie-rock influences such as Sam Fender, the track perfectly showcases Shimmer Boy's lyrical talents, while also accentuating his knack for capturing gut-wrenching, complex feelings.

'Brixton' will feature on Shimmer Boy's upcoming debut album, In The Aftermath, set to release July 1.

Shimmer Boy.

Cardinals, 'I Like You'

Following the release of singles ‘The Burning of Cork’ and ‘Barbed Wire’, Cork five-piece Cardinals have returned with ‘I Like You’. The track evokes early Arctic Monkeys in a melancholy triple-meter.

Euan Manning’s rasping vocals are backed by his brother Finn’s doleful accordion, which gives the tune a dirge-like feel. “Don’t you know everyone wants to be more like you?” Manning sings, almost apologetically adding, “And I like you.”

Over its four-minute-fourteen-second runtime, that dirge morphs into a headbanger, with Manning’s cries turning increasingly turbulent. ‘I Like You’ builds from a quiet confession into a rollicking refrain packed with mighty guitars and smashing drums. The overall effect is a crunchy one that’s swiftly becoming Cardinals’s signature.

The song will appear on Cardinals's debut album Masquerade, out February 13.

Cardinals. Photo credit: Steve Gullick.

Ellie O'Neill, 'Anna with the Silver Arrow'

Meath songstress Ellie O’Neill returns with queer love song ‘Anna with the Silver Arrow’.

“I wrote ‘Anna’ during a summer that felt like this hazy bridge between a new and an old self, where I was still circling the old but pulled on the tide towards the new,” said O’Neill of the song. “There’s the grief of loss and the pulse of desire all in the same breath in this song.”

Over tender acoustic instrumentation, O’Neill’s voice soars with lucidity. She packs her lyrics with rich imagery: her heart is “granite and molasses,” she “harbours high tides in [her] womb.” This poignant specificity cuts through the song's melancholic timbre. O'Neill settles on a simple yet profound conclusion: “Love comes before any other answer.”

O’Neill will perform at Dublin’s BelloBar on April 10. Tickets are on sale now.

Ellie O'Neill. Photo credit: Sam Khoury.

Virgins, ‘Crucible’

Virgins have announced their breakup—and with it, a new single, ‘Crucible’. The song’s insistent beat coupled with its fuzzy reverb make for a heart-pumping yet hazy listen.

‘Crucible’ follows the band’s 2024 full-length album, nothing was hurt and everything was beautiful.

Frontwoman Rebecca Dow’s enigmatic murmur brings an airiness to the shoegaze song. Mo O’Kane’s distorted bassline and Matt McMullan’s assertive drums are also standouts.

Virgins will release a final EP on February 19, titled Light The Space Left Behind.

“Can’t stay a Virgin forever, not even Mary could,” says guitarist Michael Smyth of the band’s breakup. The five-piece will play their farewell show at the Oh Yeah Centre in their home city of Belfast on February 28.

Virgins. Photo credit: Ebony Alexander

FYA FOX, ‘Sweet Goodbye’

Alt-pop artist FYA FOX has released a new single ‘Sweet Goodbye’. It’s her first release since 2023's 'Duvet Day'.

‘Sweet Goodbye’ is a pleasant journey that merges electronic music with subtle pop-folk influences. The single reflects on grief, remembrance, and the space between holding on and moving forward. This heartfelt piece, produced by Matthew Weir, encapsulates FYA FOX’s minimalistic style, combining dreamy keys, synths, and her soft yet powerful vocals.

“‘Sweet Goodbye’ explores not being able to share big moments in my life with loved ones who have passed,” she said.
“It came together really naturally because it’s so close to my heart”.

FYA FOX. Photo credit: Bryony Coles

Dermot Kennedy, ‘Funeral’

Dermot Kennedy has released his lead single ‘Funeral’, from the upcoming album The Weight of the Woods, out March 27. The track blends traditional folk textures, with hints of country influence, nicely-accompanied by Kennedy’s grainy voice and a rich musical arrangement. Strong drums and emotional piano lead the emotional lyrics in a way that simply makes sense.

Following the release of his album, he will go on tour across Europe in May and June. Dermot will return to Ireland for two headline shows at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Kennedy described ‘Funeral’ as well as Weight of the Woods as “a beautiful homegrown thing with Irish instruments and an Irish story”.

Dermot Kennedy. Photo credit: Silken Weinberg.

Empty Spaces, ‘In Motion’

Belfast 4-piece band Empty Spaces have released their new single ‘In Motion’.

Drawing on influences such as Nirvana and Foo Fighters, they’re reminiscent of late ‘90s and early '00s punk rock tunes.
‘In Motion’ is a guitar-driven, bass-led track, packed with sharp riffs and snarling vocals. The lyrics are simple yet executed in a way that "might resonate with Mammoth and Alter Bridge fans," the band expressed.

The group consists of Stephen (vocals/guitar) and Rahul (bass/vocals) who were later joined by Paul (guitar/vocals) and Alex (drums). 'In Motion' commits fully to musical rebellion and their alternative spirit, propelled by bold, leading drums that drive the track forward.

Empty Spaces.

ActionRec, ‘She On Top’

Following the release of ‘Just Tap’, ActionRec have shared the second single ‘She On Top’ from their upcoming album, being the first of their monthly releases of 2026.

‘She On Top’ is a pop-funk, groovy and upbeat track that seems to have travelled through time, coming straight from the 80’s. The song uses layered vocals, harmonies and synthesizers to create a rich and atmospheric track.

ActionRec is an independent Irish artistic collective that focuses on creating and delivering original music, film as well as art. They are based in Dublin and have been releasing music for almost six years.

BRIARS, ‘Before Long’

Cork-based band BRIARS have released a driving indie-folk single, ‘Before Long’ with Irish traditional elements. The bouzouki driven track was written in jig time with fiddle, flute and low whistle used throughout, that with Mick Grace’s gritty yet melodic vocals create a beautiful atmosphere.

“There’s a fair bit of frustration in the song,” says Grace. “A lot of it is about greed and systemic issues that seem to keep repeating themselves. Not to get too heavy, but I think it’s about the feeling of being let down by people who were meant to take care of us, and the reaction that you’re met with when you complain about it.”

BRIARS Credit: Caroline Shea

Ylroy, ‘like a Boyfriend’

Yesterday, Irish-Filipino singer-songwriter Ylroy released a new single ‘like a Boyfriend’. While retaining their anti-folk inspirations, the Dublin-based artist expanded their sound, adding a more evocative journey in their arrangement and ballad-like vocals.

“I wrote it about five years ago during the pandemic, which is a really tricky time navigating any sort of relationships - lines got blurred and people got together,” said Ylroy. “Not necessarily because they like or were good for each other, but more so it was such a lonely time that you kind of just accepted any company when it’s there.

Ylroy Credit: Alex Coppinger

Madra Salach, ‘The Man Who Seeks Pleasure’

Madra Salach today release their hugely exciting debut EP Ita A Hell Of an Age, including breakout track ‘The Man Who Seeks Pleasure’, already a firm fan favourite at live shows. Slow building and bursting with quiet intensity, the track is both minimalist and explosive, lined with an undeniable stirring quality which offers an enticing look into the new project.

The Scratch, ‘Pullin’ Teeth’

Hailing off The Scratch’s upcoming album Pull Like A Dog, new single ‘Pullin’ Teeth’ is a rousing showcasing the band’s mix of raw energy, relentless riffs, and unapologetic attitude. The tune was written on tour began with a riff inspired by a much older piece of music, and came together within a few hours and made its live debut that same day.

“To be able to write a song that quickly and for it to feel that good kickstarted everything,” says guitarist Conor . “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel on this album—it’s about taking the pressure off, reinterpreting ideas, and not overthinking things. It was very freeing for us.”

The Scratch. Photo Credit: Conor Beegan

Susan O’Neill & Valerie June, ‘For What It’s Worth’

Susan O’Neill collaborates with Valerie June on the gorgeously soulful ‘For What It’s Worth’, a groovy and powerful tune, with all proceeds from the track going to Amnesty International. A gorgeously catchy duet where both singer’s voices melt into each other like butter, the tune is tinted with jazz flavours and gorgeously velvety.

Susan O'Neill and Valerie June

Ben Reel, ‘Better Be Better'

Northern Irish singer-songwriter Ben Reel has dropped his new song, 'Better Be Better,' a single from his album, Spirit's Not Broken, which is set for release on January 23rd. The album's focus track, "Better Be Better," puts a modern spin on a 60s-inspired sound, channeling timeless influences. The song tells the story of a troubled relationship, capturing a plea for forgiveness with the lyric: “It better be better than the year before or I’m walking out that door.” Reel's sound is a distinctive fusion of folk and soul, reminiscent of artists like Springsteen and Van Morrison, marked by his signature raspy voice.

Forg.ie , 'BLEND IN'

Frog.ie's 'BLEND IN' is an energetic and powerful introduction to the artist. This high-energy rap track, though driven by strong beats, carries a somber undertone, with lyrics that poignantly reflect the contemporary Irish youth experience. Both subtle and powerful, Frog.ie demonstrates an ability to discreetly call out the reality of pain, struggle and difficulty.

Track Dogs & Peter M. Smith, 'The Sun Goes Down'

Madrid-based band Track Dogs has released a cover of the classic Thin Lizzy track, "The Sun Goes Down," collaborating with Dublin musician Peter M. Smith. The band, which consists of an Irishman, an American, and an Englishman, delivers a rendition with a gripping, almost haunting storytelling quality. Acoustic guitar forms the backbone of the song, uniquely accented by trumpet appearances. This release coincides with Track Dogs' 20th anniversary in 2026, a milestone for the four ex-pats who have already produced over 11 albums.

The Florentinas, 'Porcelain'

The Florentinas are kicking off 2026 with the release of their crowd-favorite single Porcelain. “‘Porcelain’ has really come into itself and found an identity. We really couldn’t be more excited about it. It went down a treat in our live shows last year and for us there isn’t a more perfect track to launch us into the new year.” said the band. ‘Porcelain’ is an emotional yet uplifting song that promises an almost nostalgic return to mid-2000s Indie rock.

Listen to our playlist: