New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Paddy Hanna, 'What's up Pussycat?'

Dublin singer-songwriter Hanna has released a new track, a fresh take on ‘What’s New Pussycat?’ The song was originally written by American composer and songwriter Burt Bacharach for the 1965 film of the same name.

The song received widespread acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award. Hanna delivers a brilliant performance here, with his vocals doing full justice to the classic track. Having previously supported Burt Bacharach in 2019, he was even invited back on stage for an encore performance in Galway.

Kingfishr,'The Sun Will Never Settle

Kingfishr have released a new single, ‘The Sun Will Never Settle’, via B-Unique/Atlantic Records.

The track is their second release of the year after 'The Blade’ came out in February.

The song was produced by David Curley at Grouse Lodge Studios in County Westmeath. Curley previously collaborated on the tracks 'Gloria', 'Killeagh', and 'Diamonds & Roses' from their debut album, Halcyon.

“The song is about the end of a relationship, and being better off for the experience,” said lead singer Eddie Keogh.

“Sometimes these things don’t work out. That’s not ideal, but it also doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth it either.

“If you’re lucky enough to end a relationship and both be better people as a result, you are part of a very prestigious club. Congratulations.”

Malaki, ‘Wanna Feel Home Again’

Malaki has released his latest track, 'Wanna Feel Home Again' from his upcoming EP DUB CHILD. Opening with an almost folk-inspired guitar melody, the song quickly unfolds into a strong, driving beat. Later, piano lines introduce a melancholic atmosphere, adding even more emotional depth to the track. It’s an ode to everyone who calls Dublin home, delivered with radiating optimism from Diblin Hip-Hop artist Malaki.

ALKY, 'Sorrow'

ALKY has released his second single of 2026. ‘Sorrow’ is a heartfelt ballad with minimalist production. Driven by guitar and violin, it effectively conveys its core message of fear and vulnerability.

“Sorrow was written while holding a vigil around my critically ill mum.”, ALKY says. “The song feels part eulogy, part love song. Somewhere in the middle of all that grief, I found the person I’m now sharing my life with. Bittersweet in many ways.”

Christian Cohle, ‘Living With Lucy’

Christian Cohle has once again released a song that perfectly blends his melancholic voice with 80s-influenced elements that radiate energy. ‘Living with Lucy’ comes alongside the announcement of his fourth studio album, Queen of Ashes. It is a euphoric, groove-led track made for late-summer drives.

Mechanical Wonders, ‘Old Man’

Five-piece band from Blanchardstown Mechanical Wonders have released their newest track, ‘Old Man’,today. It is a song about ageing and isolation, inspired by a direct experience of frontman Richie McGrath. With sharp percussion at times and a guitar-driven sound, the track evokes nostalgia for a time that has yet to come.

“I saw this man struggling along on his own and it just stayed with me.”, McGrath says. “You start wondering about his life—where his people are—and then you turn it on yourself. Will we all end up like that? It made me think about how we move through life and what actually matters.”

Sarah Crean, ‘Baby (I’ll Always Be The Lead)

Sarah Crean, who has previously supported Florence Road and U.S. Girls, returns this week with her new single ‘Baby (I’ll Always Be The Lead)’. A soft lo-fi indie track with rhythmic guitars and moody drums, it explores the aftermath of a toxic relationship. Reminiscent of contemporary singers such as Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers, she is a promising act who should be closely watched.

“'Baby (I’ll Always Be The Lead)' was written honestly as a spoof at first, a very angry early twenties perspective that still feels so raw,” Crean says. “It stemmed from the frustration I felt as a woman in the music industry, constantly belittled by my male counterparts — particularly ones I dated.”

Peer Pleasure. ‘Drunk Driving’

Nine-piece Peer Pleasure. make a strong statement with their latest release for their upcoming album Unvetted Males. In ‘Drunk Drivers’, the post-punk, garage rock band expands their sound and blends influences. The track opens with steady drums and synthesisers that gradually build, drawing the listener in. From there, heavy percussion bursts through into a dark, genre-blurring atmosphere, with lead vocalist Brandon Murphy’s performance adding to the track’s eerie tone

“Drunk Driving was written after a heavy weekend of krautrock, synthetic cathinone and a messing around on a cracked version of FL Studio.”, guitarist Erik Murphy says.’Pieced together at one messy practice that may or may not have involved insufflation, push ups and rugs in the band room."

John of the Apocalypse, ‘Whale’

Mayo natives John of the Apocalypse have released their new track ‘Whales’. It is a dark, moody song that may take a few listens to fully appreciate. Sharp drums and blended vocals come together to create an eerie atmosphere that lingers throughout the track.

“I didn’t plan it, the words just emerged from the perspective of a whale and I followed a bit of a shamanic meditation with it," says Patrick Hallinan. “They are such wondrous, mythical creatures, it feels good to celebrate the whale in a way, the great power and mystery of nature”

Rory & The Island, ‘Demons’

It’s been three weeks since Rory & The Island released his latest album Nine, once again proving his storytelling ability. 'Demons' is the newest single, drawing on vintage country and Americana influences. The title is somewhat misleading, as it is not a dark track, but rather one of hope, exploring how love can serve as a vessel for overcoming depression. With its upbeat rhythm and guitar-driven sound, the song is the definition of a feel-good track.

WIFESWAP, 'Calliope'

WIFESWAP, the Dublin-based project of Offaly native Joe Brody, have released their new EP, Digging.

This is the debut EP for the brooding, alt-rock band, who sound reminiscent of The Velvet Underground and Arab Strap. 

The focus track, ‘Calliope, “is a pulsing love letter to writing”, describes Brody.

“Despite getting distracted by meaningless, empty pursuits of easy dopamine, writing is always on my mind”.

Chris Boldt, 'Eighteen 22'

One of Ireland’s most exciting new country talents, Chris Boldt, has released his latest single, ‘Eighteen 22’.

For the last two years, he lived in Montana, and Chris returned to his hometown in Belfast, bringing his two worlds together. The single is raw and road-worn - music for the soul. 

As with ‘Heaven’s Eyes’ and ‘Made for More’, ‘Eighteen 22’ further showcases Boldt’s powerful lyricism and songwriting craftsmanship.

San Rocco, 'Manners'

New single ‘Manners’ marks the beginning of a heavier, sharper, and more chaotic new chapter for Dublin post-punks San Rocco. 

Blending driving grooves, distorted guitars and manic synth textures, ‘Manners’ takes inspiration from the Viagra Boys and Fontaines D.C., while still maintaining San Rocco’s cinematic edge and dark lyrical style. 

Lyrically, the track satirises ideas of etiquette and “good behaviour”, turning social restraint into good chaos. 

Chris Cresham, 'Before The Brunt'

‘Before The Brunt’ is another top-notch song by singer-songwriter Chris Cresham. It’s a slow-building ballad driven by a stirring guitar melody. The song explores grief, family estrangement and the pain of feeling blamed and abandoned by the people closest to you. Cresham’s voice carries the track with real vulnerability and emotion, bringing an honesty that makes the lyrics hit even harder.

“I’ve spent years building towards what’s coming.”, writes Cresham on his socials. “This new song ‘Bore the Brunt’ is the start of everything and feels like the perfect introduction to that.”

Without Willow, 'Twist of Fate'

The Donegal-based duo return with their evocative new single, ‘Twist of Faith’.

Known for their haunting vocals and intricate acoustic arrangements, the duo continue to carve out a distinctive space in Ireland’s contemporary folk and singer-songwriter scene. 

Without Willow has built a strong reputation for deeply personal songwriting and intimate live performances. ‘Twist of Faith’ explores themes of expectation, acceptance, and the often-unexpected paths that lead to true fulfilment. 

“The new song looks at the gap between what we think we want and what actually fulfils us”, says vocalist Karen Kelly. 

“It’s also about how things not working out can sometimes be a blessing if you’re willing to let go and just trust things will work out the way they’re meant to”.

Boa Morte, 'The Following On'

Boa Morte, Cork songsmiths are preparing to release two albums in quick succession, drawn from elements of folk, alt-Americana and post-rock. Their new single, ‘The Following On’, is the first single from the ambitious project.  

The track is composed of a simple, laid-back, folky melody, supported by ambient, experimental, drone and country aesthetics - a sound that resists categorisation. The band’s melodic and creative instincts are evident in this first single.

Gravité Fresq, ‘Curry Sauce’

‘Curry Sauce’ is a delightfully unhinged electro-punk track from Dublin’s Gravité Fresq.

The song captures modern tech frustration by blending heavy post-punk synth rhythms, jagged guitars, and deadpan vocals. 

Listening to the track places you in a sweaty, late-night indie club, while it tells a story about escalating panic and frustration of trying to get an AI image generator to co-operate. 

AOA, ‘It’s just a Formality’

Belfast natives AOA have released their new track, ‘It’s Just a Formality’. The pop-punk song is reminiscent of genre legends such as Green Day and Blink-182.
With sharp snare hits and heavy guitar riffs, the track wastes no time in showing its full potential. Over the tight instrumentation, singer Caloan Fitzsimons delivers lyrics centred around isolation, loneliness and disconnection.

Paddy Casey, 'This Is To Move'

Paddy Casey is back with a summer pop anthem, a celebration of life and self-expression. This isn’t Casey’s first ramble into the pop and dance world; he’s dipped in before, but this time he’s dived in headfirst. 

‘This Is To Move’ is a ‘70s good-time tune with summer-driven pop built around a strong bass groove; it's upbeat, infectious, and packed with energy that makes standing still feel like a poor choice. 

Written and produced by Casey at home, it has a raw, home-cooked sound that gives it real personality. As Casey says, “This is to move your body”.

Gilla Band, ‘Giraffe’

Gilla Band are back with their first new music in nearly four years, with the new bold single ‘Giraffe’, a gloriously noisy tune lined with undeniable melodic flair, complete with gritty guitars and almost-spoken vocal delivery – reminding fans of their magnificent soundscapes of post-punk and noise-rock, a ground-breaking hybrid that could only come from the quartet.

Front man Dara Kiely explains: “In this track, the first few sections represent what my general headspace is like. It can be a very scattered and sometimes lonely place. Feeling unloved and finding it difficult to articulate what I’m actually thinking. The outro on the other hand indirectly details a kind of confirmation that affection towards me does exist. While I appreciate it, I still find that hard to believe. “She chased me out the door with a hairbrush demanding that I would wear a suitable jacket.” It’s a very Irish Mammy action. That amount of love is difficult for me to accept but it is a beautiful thing to have in life.”

AE Mak, ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright’

Hailing from her new album Folk Songs For Mama & Papa, AE Mak’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright’ is a stunning, stripped-back cover of the classic tune, bringing a deeply personal and vulnerable touch to the track.

“Around the time I was writing and recording this record I was singing “Don’t Think Twice..” at parties and sessions,” says AE Mak. “I love how it hits my body when I sing it - the emotional resonance where the melody and range of it hits. It played a massive influence on how I used my voice to write and express these songs, so I decided to include it on the record.

“The lyrics are also close to my heart, my personal experience and share in some themes of the record - leaving behind someone you loved that caused heartache - choosing yourself, surrendering, forgiving and letting go of that pain. “I’m not saying that you treated me unkind, you could’ve done better but I don’t mind - you just kind of wasted my precious time! But don’t think twice, it’s alright”.

MARKIEVICZ, ‘LONELY IN D MINOR’

Alternative hip-hop trio MARKIEVICZ today release their highly anticipated debut album GUERILLA, including the magnificently hard-hitting ‘LONELY IN D MINOR’, mixing deft bars with alternative-rock grit and the precision of classical music, marking a magnificently dark first look into this exciting new full-length offering.

Willzee, ‘Living In The Times’

Willzee, a Limerick-based artist of Traveller descent, today releases new album Deep Tinker, including the record’s lead single and closer ‘Living In The Time’, a moving yet deeply joyful tune which brings together reflection and celebration, capturing both the past and the present through a distinctly Irish Traveller lens.

Speaking on the album, Willzee says: “This album is my story, but it’s also our story. It’s about where we come from, what we’ve been through, and where we’re going. I wanted to create something real, something my family, my community, and the next generation can feel proud of.”

Chanele McGuinness, ‘Prove Me Wrong’

Donegal singer-songwriter Chanele McGuinness today releases her stirringly intense new single ‘Prove Me Wrong’, a soft indie pop track lined with the grit of distorted guitars and driving bass lines, giving the tune a powerful edge which perfectly lines the singer’s gentle, emotive vocal delivery.

KNEECAP, ‘Smugglers and Scholars’ feat. Killer Mike

Following the release of their Irish No.1 Album FINIAN, KNEECAP are back new version of 'Smugglers & Scholars' featuring Grammy Award-winning rapper Killer Mike, one-half of the hip-hop duo Run The Jewels. In the new rendition, Mike delivers a razor-sharp verse that slinks between the voices of Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap, Over the track’s slow-burning bassline and shadowy pulse, amplifying their tale of revolutionary spirit. The track comes as part of a limited-time digital edition of the album, only available on iTunes and their music store.

NudyBoyNature, ‘Sketch’

The opener to NudyBoyNature’s new a EP Keepin’ Sketch, ‘Sketch’ is a magnificently surreal track where driving bass lines meet slow building acoustic guitars, jazzy arrangements and distorted vocals, all lined with sampled soundbites and complex, chaotic yet carefully built.

SexyTadhg, ‘Therapist’s Knife’

A powerful and stirring tune lined with deeply confessional lyrics and expansive trad arrangements, SexyTadhg’s new track ‘Therapist’s Knife’ appears as the emotional core of their new EP SlutTrad, out now. Incredibly raw and honest, the tune builds into cinematic soundscapes while never losing the sense of hope and joy that accompanies the artist’s discography.

SexyTadhg says of their new EP: “Having embraced my vivacious, sexual, and outspoken side with my debut EP SEXY, I wanted to follow the thread of vulnerability introduced in Never Been Loved in the Daylight, and complete my artistic introduction with this EP.
I wanted to blend images and themes of queer and pop culture with Irish culture in hopes that one day this inclusive image of Irish culture would feel tangible and less surreal.

Dervish, ‘The Broad Majestic Shannon’

Legendary Irish ensemble Dervish today release their new record The Great Irish Songbook Vol. 2: Poets & Storytellers, including a glistening rendition of The Pogues’ ‘The Broad Majestic Shannon’. The album's emotional centerpiece, the performance showcases Jordan's singing at its most affecting and the band's deep roots in the tradition they've spent 35-plus years serving.

MOIO, ‘We Fall’

Dublin producer MOIO releases his stirring and raw new single ‘We Fall’ a warmly powerful and sulphurous track flavoured with soulful guitar riffs and the singer’s honey-smooth vocal delivery , making for a song that is as emotional and honest as it is melodically enticing, cinematic in its grandeur yet confessional in tone.

Antoni O’Breskey, ‘Jig in the Castle’

Coming ahead of Antoni O’Breskey three-volume career retrospective album Antoni O’Breskey: 50 Years of Music, today the iconic musician releases the lead single ‘Jig In The Castle’, a tune grounded in the rhythmic pulse of Irish traditional music and inflected with the harmonic sensibility of jazz.

O’Breskey says of the song: “Between 1970 and 1973, I traveled through Alabama and Louisiana, exploring the roots of jazz and blues, and playing with fantastic old time and bluegrass musicians in the Appalachian Mountains. I discovered the profound Irish influence on jazz and performed with traditional New Orleans musicians.

“The Irish Sean-Nós lament, blues, flamenco Cante Jondo, Indian mantras, and Brazilian Saudade are all deeply interconnected. Musically, they share a raw, untempered modal expression where major and minor sounds merge. Culturally, they are about catharsis: detaching from personal sorrow to enter a meditative, universal state, or transforming suffering into a joyful celebration that defies death. The striking similarity between Irish wakes and New Orleans jazz funerals is no coincidence.”

Seán Feeny, ‘Wildflowers’

Donegal singer-songwriter Seán Feeny drums up anticipation for his new album with ‘Wildflowers’, a personal and intimate new single about trying to hold onto moments and people that never fully stay.

The track features cello from Donegal-based musician Laura McFadden, adding depth beneath the song’s understated arrangement, with backing vocals from Sarah Cullen Ruairí Friel.

“This song came from thinking about people who pass through your life for a short time but stay with you long afterwards,” said Sean.

“There’s a feeling in the song of wanting something to last while already knowing it probably won’t. I think most people have experienced that in some way.”

Wynona Bleach, ‘I Deserve That’

The new track is pulled from Wynona Bleach’s second studio album Animal Style. The full release proceeds three singles from the album released this year, ‘Not Cool With It', ‘Religion’ and ‘Be Positive’.

A thick, heavily distorted guitar riff backed by an aggressive double time drum beat makes way for melodic vocals from lead singer Melyssa Shannon.

That distorted riff returns for the chorus, giving the track some power and presence. The combination of Shannon’s layered vocals and alternative rock and metal style is strikingly reminiscent of Willow’s 2022 album <COPING MECHANISM>.

“Animal Style is a return to the band’s basic loves - a more guitar-focused record, with less guitars. It’s about instinct and energy, trusting the songs and playing them like we do live,” said the band.

 

Moncrieff, ‘Stubborn’

Moncrief has followed up a busy year of releasing music with a new EP spearheaded by its titletrack ‘Stubborn’.

The song is centred around the dissolution of a close friendship after a falling out and the role stubbornness plays in this disconnection.

The arrangement is driven by a subdued guitar, gentle synthesisers with a driving and consistent drum beat. Moncrief delivers a stellar vocal performance in a catchy, radio-friendly melody.

Moncrief has a history of addressing themes prevalent in toxic masculinity.

“I see a lot of men suffering with their own rigidity,” he told Hot Press in an interview upon the release of Maybe It’s Fine. “You have to be flexible and malleable to open up.”

Stubborn’ is about a silence that becomes deafening,” says Moncrieff. “You’re not just missing a person - you're mourning all the versions of yourself that only existed around them. I wanted to write something that gives voice to that feeling, but also lights a fire under people to go fix it before it’s too late.”

Animal Animal, ‘Velvet Hammer’

Alternative rock group Animal Animal have announced their debut album with the heavy post-rock track ‘Velvet Hammer’.

A punchy guitar rift and heavy drums permeate the verse pairing excellently with raspy vocals.

The intensity is turned up for the chorus as the shackles are removed from all the instruments as guitars, drums and vocals all increase in volume.

A punchy guitar solo before a repeat of the chorus closes out the tune in what is an exciting taster of Animal Animal’s upcoming album.

ActionRec, ‘Build My Mind’

ActionRec return with their second album, One More Shot, spearheaded by the track ‘One More Shot’.

The track is an upbeat blend of Synthpop, Disco and Funk with a groovy bass line backed by a steady double time bass drum.

The new song is written, arranged and produced by brothers, Sean and Ró Graham, mastered by Fergal Davis with further production from Niall and Mags Graham.

Harry Fennell, 'Funeral Flower'

Harry Fennell has shared a haunting new single, Funeral Flower. Initially the track appears to be an intimate stripped back folk song.

The first two phrases of the chorus, “Gone with the window you came and you went,” and “The way you came in there's more time to be spent,” both finish on unresolved chords which give the track unsettling tension while eerie woodwinds exemplify this.

In the second verse a violin and some gentle synthesisers are introduced that gives the number a warm, yet haunting atmosphere.

The track then rolls into a separate phrase and although it is more assured and uplifting, it doesn’t awfully alleviate the uncertainty that came before it. The track closes with an unsettling feeling.

Muirġen, ‘Loinnir’

Irish artist Muirgén’s new EP is spearheaded by a dreamy title track ‘Loinnir’,

Reverbed, harmonising and layered vocals open create a dreamy and mystical mood. The singer shifts between English and Irish lyrics throughout the verses.

Muirġen met producer Cian Sweeney in a chance encounter in a coffee shop in June 2025, who came on board to produce the track.

“What Cian created from fragmented demos and streams of consciousness completely changed the project,” Muirġen says. “His belief gave me the confidence to release this music.”

"'Loinnir' marks what feels like a cerebral shift, which I think nearly everyone experiences coming into their 30s. For me it was a search for something more - a longing for a self who once knew exactly what she liked and what she didn't. I spent so much of my 20s trying to fit a circle into a square, trying to be what I thought others expected me to be.”

Jayne Pomplas, ‘Hit Single’

The debut single from the Dublin-based fiddle player, vocalist, and composer Jayne Pomplas’ ‘Hit Single’ will be followed by a launch party at Arthur's Jazz & Blues Club on June 1.

The song sits at a crossroads between traditional, folk and country. An alternating upright bass line, a muted guitar and a snare drum played with wire brushes provide percussion while a sporadically trickling banjo harmonies Pomplas throughout the verse.

A sweeping violin is introduced for the chorus as Pomplas lifts the song with a catchy chorus. It will be very interesting to see what else she comes out with in the future.

Diveboy, ‘Chosen Ones’

Cork indie-rockers Diveboy have released their soaring new single, ‘Chosen Ones’.

Diveboy have confidently stepped into its most expansive era yet, with ‘Chosen Ones’ standing as a bold new offering that pulses with kinetic energy.

“There has always been a bit of a 90s influence in our sound, but we really leaned into it on this track,” says Peter Piggot on the single, “A lot of the sounds in the final version were actually taken from the original demo of the track, where I tried to limit myself to using equipment those artists might have used at the time, or shaping modern sounds so they felt true to the period.

The chorus line “Holding up a photograph, ’99 summertime” really leans into that sense of nostalgia. Funnily enough, the lyrics to the song were also inspired by a sketch from The Limmy Show!”

Shooter McAdams, 'Widow'

Shooter McAdams is the new folk project from Johnny McGee, the singer from punk band PxBx.

This single is the latest release from this Shooter McAdams from an artist that evidently draws inspiration from Elliot Smith.

The track features a stripped back, lightly harmonised guitar arrangement with whispery, layered vocals reminiscent of Smith's 1997 album Either/Or. 

"It was inspired by Therapy’s version of 'Husker Du Dianne', a song that I wrote when I was 18, these songs are old lyrics and concepts I've been holding of to for a very long time and are close to my heart," he said.

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