New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Fontaines D.C., ‘Tongue’

Fontaines are back with the brand new single ‘Tongue’ hailing from their upcoming fifth album Dopamine Chamber, due October 16. Hugely visceral, the track features screeching guitars, string instrumentation, both dark and beautifully cinematic, with distinctive piano breaks and a rousing vocal interpretation from Grian Chatten.

“We continued where Romance left off, leaving the live-band elements until they were really needed,” says Conor Curley of the song’s recording process.

The Swedish Railway Orchestra, ‘Pareidolia (I Keep Falling Back To You)'

Rob Smith’s electronica music project The Swedish Railway Orchestra have released ‘Pareidolia (I Keep Falling Back To You)’ – the second track off their new album Repetition Without Permission, which dropped today. Fuzzy textures, mesmerising synths and guiding drums all come together to make a psychedelic soundscape that feels like you’re moving through time in muggy weather.

“The album’s textures and melancholy shimmer surround an upbeat, dancy set of tracks that will have you moving yet also make you stop and think about its pretty twinkles,” Blowtorch Records, their label, said of the new record.

 

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Kodaline, ‘The One For Me’

Dublin rock band Kodaline have released ‘We Were Only Young’ – the title track off their fifth and final record, out today. After over a decade of making music together, Kodaline close a chapter. The song reflects the bittersweetness of the project coming to an end – cathartic, melancholy and beautiful. Striking vocals, compelling lyrics and catchy melodies interplay on the track.

“Like most songs I write, it comes from something real,” said lead singer Steve Garrigan. “That feeling of being part of something special… In some ways, it reflects the journey we’ve been on together.”

The Southern Fold, ‘Love Song for the Damned’

Kilkenny band The Southern Fold have released the third single preceding their album Beneath the Blaze of the Burning Sun, coming out on October 19. ‘Love Song for the Damned’ has a mournful flavour, with a slow, marching beat and male/female harmony remniscent of Fleetwood Mac. Their songwriting has been described as ‘desolate yet hopeful’; their genre as ‘dark folk’ or ‘alternative country’.

The Southern Fold will be performing at Cleere’s in Kilkenny on October 24 and at the Set Theatre on November 21, supporting the Frank & Walters.

Träšhbag, ‘Bullet to My Brain 2’

Träšhbag are Zap Dickson on bass, vocals, and harmonica, and Pijus Furmaniukas on drums and vocals. After years playing in various bands together, the two have formed their own noise-rock, post-punk duo. Single ‘Bullet To My Brain 2’ is a dark, groovy follow-up to their debut single 'My White Van'.

When recording, Träšhbag reportedly used 14 microphones for the drums alone. The result is a layered recording that's driving and forceful without being overwhelming. ‘Bullet To My Brain 2’ follows a bystander who is shot during a robbery–but survives and continues with his life. 

Ciarán, ‘Houston’

Ciarán, formerly Bearface of Brockhampton, is releasing his first solo album Róisín on November 6. ‘Houston’ is the third single from Róisín, a languid, bouncy beat with gospel-style vocals and smitten lyrics.

The new name is his given middle name, the album his story of reclaiming it. “I’d rather wait and take my time than put something out because of any perceived pressures from anyone else”, he said of the experimental phase that led up to the creation of this album.

Versey feat. Dtee, ‘Slipping Away’

‘Slipping Away’ is Versey’s new single, featuring Dtee, whose smooth delivery of the hook rounds off the song. The track will feature on Versey’s upcoming concept album Full Circle.

Hip-hop and R&B singer Versey had his breakthrough with 'Welcome to Ballybrack'. On his newest release, he raps with piano backing about the disconnects that widened and ended a relationship. The contrasts distinguish the track, with Versey’s distinct Dublin voice and Dtee’s more ballad-like style highlighting each other's strengths.

Taylor D, ‘Obsession’

Taylor D says it feels symbolic that her second EP Bad Decisions is coming out today, her 21st birthday. The indie pop-rock artist and current BIMM Music Institute student has performed headline shows in Dublin and London, all the while handling her own releases and press.

‘Obsession’, the focus track, is angsty and loud. Grungy guitar riffs take centre stage, while Taylor’s understated belting recounts a regrettable relationship without closure. Comparison to Avril Lavigne is not misplaced; especially the beat and attitude are similar. She is playing a launch show on October 16 at Sin É.

SOAK, 'decembers'

The name SOAK is a mixture of the words ‘soul’ and ‘folk’, genres which suit their newest release, ‘decembers’. The title track and second single to be released from SOAK’s upcoming album, ‘decembers’ is a lo-fi, genuine creation. The album of the same name releases on December 4, and SOAK will tour Ireland in February.

“No one told me that you were back home / Decembers always come before I’m ready,” SOAK begins in an unadorned, calm voice. The simple, specific lyrics recall the awkward tension between fond memories and the time and space that has passed, separating two people. Gentle guitar and drums round off the wistful, bittersweet song.

Ó Wander, ‘Heart Be Silent’

The artist name Ó Wander is an acronym for the artist’s given name, Andrew. ‘Heart Be Silent’ is the third single to be released leading up to his third album, Orbiting the Everyday, which comes out on November 6.

Slow, bright guitar riffs lead up to soft, somber vocals. The relaxed pace and symbolic lyrics seem like a mildly unsettling lullaby: “Tie onto that mast, watch the clouds pass / Hold on for your life, sail for the sun”, he sings on loop in the second half of the track.

Ó Wander. Press photo

Cell Games, ‘Eldritch Observations’

Dublin nu-metal band Cell Games return with ‘Eldritch Observations’, their most pop song yet according to the band. Still blisteringly heavy, neck-snapping riffs smattered with electronic glitches, but this time Maximillion Foy leans more into the melodic side of his vocal range. The song serves as a testament to the band’s continual search for ways to expand their sound and push into new sonic boundaries.

Borrowing a totem from H.P. Lovecraft, a skin-crawling ancient evil or eldritch is personified here as war and reflects how normalised the machinery of war has become assimilated into our lives.

Caleb Kunle, ‘Something Better’

Nigerian-Irish modern soul artist Caleb Kunle has released ‘Something Better’ – a track that showcases his soul style with influences from gospel and indie. This marks the first single from an upcoming EP called ADSM (Afro Diasporic Soul Music) paying tribute to Black History Month and his Nigerian roots. With smile-inducing melodies, Kunle’s grounding voice and the catchiest of lyrics, this song marks a great addition to his catalogue.

"This song has always felt like sunlight to me," Kunle wrote on social media. "A reminder than even when the road gets heavy, we can still choose joy. We can still choose each other. We can still believe there is something better waiting for us - and sometimes, we build it together."

 

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Julianne Quirke, ‘Nectarine’

Julianne Quirke has released ‘Nectarine’, a warm, hazy alt-folk-pop track about surrendering to a fleeting moment. Built around acoustic textures, understated electronics and Quirke’s distinct vocals, ‘Nectarine’ builds an almost dream-like soundscape. This marks Quirke’s return under her own name, following earlier work as Julia-Maria.

“In creating work that is, at its core, honest and vulnerable, it didn’t make sense to be using an artist name anymore,” she said of the change. “Julia-Maria represented an important time of self-discovery, but I know who I am now.”

Written during a period when Quirke found herself split between London and the growing pull of home, ‘Nectarine’ captures the feeling of being suspended between realities – places, relationships and possible futures.

McGrath, ‘The Parrot’

‘The Parrot’ is the latest release from McGrath’s upcoming debut EP SÁSTA, casually showcasing his unique voice.  The high notes and between-lines humming have the assured beauty of a talented vocalist, while the deceivingly simple lyrics twist into a reckoning with hidden struggles.

“I knew someone who was the life of the party”, McGrath explains. “Always making people laugh and spreading love everywhere they went. This person turned out to be in the depths of depression and had managed to hide this from all of us. It really opened my eyes as to how mental health issues come in many forms. I thought that the colour contrast between a parrot and a pigeon was an interesting metaphor for this. Just because someone looks bright on the outside doesn’t mean that’s the whole story.”

His first headline show of Ireland and the UK is coming up in November, with dates in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, and more, plus two nights at Other Voices in Dingle.

Evie, ‘Wondrous Odds’

Evie returns with ‘Wondrous Odds’ – an intimate, hypnotic and unique track. The song moves in an intimate waltz, carried by acoustic guitar, with distant percussion following its lead. Harmonium and dulcimer add bright, seasoned voices, while double bass and slide guitar fall delicately in behind. Evie’s lyricism is at its strongest on ‘Wondrous Odds’. The story look forward and looks back, leaving the rest up to the listener.

“I think we made some cool choices in production,” Evie said of the track. “Cohen’s record Songs From a Room was referenced a lot. The work he did with Bob Johnston on vox – both stark and entracing – I really took to that.

Rose Wallace Goldaline, ‘a drop in a dream’

Dublin songwriter Conor Fagan returns as Rose Wallace Goldaline (aka Isidore) with ‘a drop in a dream’ in the same week he showcases at Ireland Music Week 2026. With strumming acoustics, guiding drum beats, Fagan’s distinct raw vocals and his masterful storytelling – the track makes an understated, cathartic and altogether powerful addition to his catalogue.

Produced by Fagan himself, the new single looks back in time. “So often in life, different happenings can feel gargantuan and too much to handle, and people react accordingly,” he said. “It’s important to be able to look back and acknowledge that it really was just a small drop in one large and strange dream we’re all living in.

Pillow Queens, ‘Kiss Kiss’

Pillow Queens return with their new single 'Kiss Kiss’, touching on the intoxicating early stages of love and lust with a chaotic and intense guitar tune, wrapped up in infectious riffs, tongue-in-cheek attitude and brilliantly built vocals.

Pillow Queens say of the track: "'Kiss Kiss' is about desire in its most volatile form: intense, physical, cyclical, where attraction and connection get knotted up with chaos. It's a dreamlike, unstable feeling of going with it anyway, a 'fuck it, it'll be grand' surrender. You recognise the cost, but throw yourself into the madness of love regardless, risking it all for that euphoria, which is really what we're all here for. Desire and love override logic."

Negro Impacto, ‘TMTMF (tell me to my face)’

Negro Impacto return with their new single ‘TMTMF (tell me to my face)’, a slow burning yet infectious track, following their brilliant set at Ireland Music Week yesterday. A firm live favorite, the track leans into indie textures while retaining their distinct R’n’B flair, laid back instrumentals perfectly underlining impossibly rich vocals, all-wrapped up in deliciously warm melodies.

Madra Salach, ‘Ribbon Factory’

Marking Madra Salach’s first release since their 2026 EP It’s A Hell Of An Age, ‘Ribbon Factory’ has been a live favourite for the past few months - and for good reason. With its breathless,rowdy arrangements, and powerfully intense vocals from Paul Banks, the new track is a magnificently dark, relentless tune.

Banks explains; “‘Ribbon Factory’ is a song we’ve been particularly excited to share. It feels like a stepping stone for us into more lively and punky arrangements. We’ve been playing it live for over a year and that’s really influenced the recording. It’s a uniquely Irish song and is wrought with anger and despair.”

Dominic Angelella, ‘Internet Dreams’

Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and now based in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, award-winning songwriter Dominic Anglella today releases the delicate track ‘Internet Dreams’, a glistening indie number lined with existential ennui in the modern age, bursting with melodic flair and desperation in the face of our times. This year, Angelella was recognised at the ASCAP Pop Music Awards for his work on Ravyn Lenae's viral hit 'Love Me Not' – and is back with this wonderful solo number.

Panorama House, ‘Whatever’

Psychedelic rock newcomer Panorama House has released his second single ‘Whatever’, an incredibly catchy tune boasting swirling psychedelic atmospheres and delicate dream pop influences, cinematic and transporting as much as it is powerful, described as an “explosive admission of self-loathing and a battle between introverted instincts and ambition.”

Foy Vance, ‘Know By Now’

Foy Vance today releases the glisteningly pretty ‘Know By Now’, the second single to be taken from his new three-part album IF. Co-written with Grammy-winning songwriter Lori McKenna, the track reflects on the wisdom that comes from looking back at where we’ve been, romantic undertones perfectly highlighted by delicate guitar riffs and Vance’s signature warm vocals

Andy Stott, ‘Songbird’ feat. Elaine Howley

Elaine Howley collaborates with renowned British electronic musician Andy Stott for the gorgeous and larger-than-life track ‘Songbird’, a delicately layered, powerfully sultry tune where dreamy synths meet the Irish singer’s psychedelic and feather-light vocals - an absolute treat of a track custom made for long evening drives.

Bleech 9:3, ‘Tourniquet’

Bleech 9:3 have released their brand new single ‘Tourniquet’, a sweeping rock tune, and first single off their upcoming album Bleed, announced today. A crowd favourite after having been performed across 2026 summer festivals, the track is as unflinching as it uncompromisingly emotional, with breathless guitar riffs and heart-wrenching vocal melodies, making for an incredible first taste of the record.

Gabriel Paschal Blake, ‘Everythin’ About You’

The first solo endeavor from The Murder Capital's Gabriel Paschal Blake, ‘Everythin’ About You’ is a perfectly melodic indie rock track, lined with sweeping guitar riffs and delicately constructed vocal harmonies – it’s the perfect nostalgic, melancholy-filled tune to accompany these misty autumn mornings, flavoured with a touch of romanticism and a healthy dose of gentle soundscapes - it's also accompanied by a briliant music video starring Bronagh Gallagher

Lil Skag, ‘Conas Atá Tú?’

Coinciding with his set at Ireland Music Week later today, Lil Skag today releases the new single ‘Conas Atá Tú?’, a bilingual pop-rap track, as hard-hitting as it is perfectly melodic. Taking a step out of his usual trap and drill influences, lil Skag dabbles in breathy instrumentals and impossibly catchy vocals.

CamrinWatsin, ‘So Damn Good’

Kildare DJ CamrinWatsin is back with his brand new track ‘So Damn Good’, a dancefloor ready tune mixing heavy dance flavours with undeniable melodic flair. Beautifully distinctive and perfectly infectious, the tune that confirms CamrinWatsin as one of the most interesting voices in Irish electronic music.

Antoni O’Breskey and Consuelo Nerea Breschi, ‘Napoleon Crossing The Alps’

Father-daughet duo Antoni O’Breskey and Consuelo Nerea Breschi have shared ‘Napoleon Crossing the Alps’ – the second release taken from their upcoming album A Wild Inhabitation. Swelling piano, hammer dulcimer, concertina and fiddle feature against cinematic synths, cello, double bass and percussion.

“When we first tried ‘Napoleon Crossing the Alps’, it felt like a lovely, archaic melody with a nostalgic flavour,” O’Breskey recalled. “But as we played it over and over, it began to take on the shape of something far more tragic. Towards the end I can almost feel the presence of a soldier dying on the battlefield. This is where traditional music becomes contemporary: the tragedy within this piece mirrors the devastating stories unfolding across multiple wars in our world today.”

Grey City Riot, ‘No Big Deal’

Dublin-based rock band Grey City Riot have released their debut single ‘No Big Deal’. An upbeat pop-punk song with a memorable hook and chorus, the song represents a moment with the kind of person you get stuck chatting to at the bar or in the smoking area.

With bright electric guitar, vibrant drums and a distinct grunge energy, ‘No Big Deal’ marks a fierce beginning to Grey City Riot’s catalogue. Their live shows are described as a high-energy eruption of sound and sweat that captures the chaos of modern life – which they also capture on this track.

Bren Berry, ‘Only One You And Me’

‘Only One You And Me’ was Bren Berry’s Mother’s Day gift to his wife Karen. “It is very intentionally a tribute to The Byrds, a band we both love, and to all the great bands who have followed in their footsteps”, Berry said. The folksy guitar and light drums combine with Berry’s simple, reassuring lyrics to form a relaxing ballad comparable to Bob Dylan, another inspiration of Berry’s.

Berry provides the lead vocals for the track as well as playing the guitar and keyboard. It also features Mark Healy on guitar, Gavin Fox on bass, Gary Sullivan on drums, Cormac Curran on piano, and Brendan Tallon and Danny Anderson with backing vocals.

Hubert Murray, ‘To Kill A Robin Bird’

The title ‘To Kill A Robin Bird’ is an allusion to both Jesus’ crucifixion, when it’s said a robin sang and comforted him in his last hours; and the Harper Lee novel To Kill A Mockingbird about the racially motivated execution of an innocent man. Singer-songwriter Hubert Murray describes his single as “a dark, electric folk track with a Beck-inspired sound”. The gentle pace and vocals speak to the folk influences on the track, while the lyrics examine the myth about the robin from Jesus’ perspective as his death is imminent.

It is the second single to be released from Murray’s upcoming album Riots of Insanity. Prior to his solo career, Murray was the frontman of folk and bluegrass bands. His latest releases have been called a departure from that genre, falling instead into ‘distorted folk’. Murray is playing at Poppy Lane Sessions tonight, supporting Niamh Regan.

WASPS vs HUMANS, ‘God Is Not On Trump’s Side’

Cork electro-punk band WASPS vs HUMANS have released ‘God Is Not On Trump’s Side’ – the third track off their new album The Day Homo Saphiens Destroyed the Earth. The husband-wife duo’s unique approach to music shines through with bright drums, catchy melodies and their distinctive punk poetry taking aim at Donald Trump. An anarchic, energetic fusion of sounds – ‘God Is Not On Trump’s Side’ marks another great addition to their catalogue.

The new album sees WASPS vs HUMANS’ uncompromising and darkly comedic twists which tackle modern societal issues such as consumerism, political absurdity and crime. This track is no different – with a poignant message about the American president without ever taking itself too seriously.

Johnluke, 'Let Me Love You'

Johnluke has released his new single 'Let Me Love You.' The song is the third track from his upcoming EP, Comical Romance Vol. 2, which drops on November 6. The country-folk single blends elaborate guitar with the singer's heartfelt vocals. 'Let Me Love You' tells the story of someone falling in love with somebody, and how those feelings grow more powerful over time.

"This song makes you want to hold your special person and just let them know, how much they mean to you," he said.

Johnluke has a number of upcoming Irish shows to promote the new EP, including a gig in The Workman's Club on November 15.

Handz On, 'Champions League'

Handz On has released his new single 'Champions League'. The Dublin-based rapper is influenced by both his Irish upbringing and his Nigerian heritage. His debut track 'Dey Play' dropped in July 2026. 'Champions League' combines UK and Irish rap influences, along with Nigerian musical tradition. The rapper's fast, confident vocal delivery shows how he is growing in confidence as an artist. The song's blend of cultures shows Handz On's strong sense of personal identity.

He explains the meaning behind the track:

"For me, the song is about stepping into that next and being inspired by where I'm at now, rather than always feeling like I need to get somewhere else. It's about knowing you're in a different league and being excited to see what you can do from there."

Vaticanjail, 'LOCK THE DOOR'

Vaticanjail has released her new album This could have been a text., which includes the song 'LOCK THE DOOR'. The Chilean-born, Dublin-based artist has created a pulsing track, combining electronic beats, her husky vocals and interesting instrumental and vocal samples. The song delves into a breakup the singer experienced. She has turned the painful experience into a fantastic dance track, that anyone would want to get lost in.

Fiona Harte, 'Waking Up'

Fiona Harte has released her new single 'Waking Up'. The folk artist is originally from Tyrone and is now based in London. Her song tells a poignant tale of entering adulthood, in all its bittersweet complexities. Harte's emotive vocals, combined with soft, melancholic instrumentals add to the overall atmosphere of the song.

He music has featured on the Netflix series How To Get To Heaven From Belfast, and The Traitors. She has also sung as a session vocalist for several high-profile artists including Dua Lipa and Elton John.

Fake Saint, 'Talking to the Stars'

Fake Saint has released his debut EP, Heaven, Hell & Everything In Between, the release includes his new song 'Talk to the Stars.' The alternative pop artist has created an angsty, emotional track about a relationship slowly fizzling out.

He misses his significant other to the point that he is looking to the heavens for a sign of her. The guitar combined with his vocals adds an additional element of passion to the track. It's a perfect song for those pining for someone, maybe against their better judgement.

Michelle Burke, 'The Calling'

Michelle Burke has released her new single 'The Calling', the second single from her upcoming album Mind How You Go, which drops in November. The inspiration for the track comes from the East Cork singer's fascination with religious vocation. Co-written with singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams, 'The Calling' tells the story of a sixteen-year-old girl who leaves home to join a religious order and is subsequently sent across the ocean.

The song begins with soft piano, accompanied by Burke's rich, pensive voice. The story gradually unfolds, with soft drums and understated harmonies. Her talent for storytelling is evident in the track, the tale unravels at an even pace, it isn't rushed, with Burke giving listeners time to digest all the nuances of the track.

KhakiKid, 'Out My House'

KhakiKid has released his new single 'Out My House.' The Dublin rapper is currently on a UK and Ireland tour, with upcoming dates in Cork, Galway, and Belfast. He tells the tale of the push and pull of a relationship, the drama, toxicity, and the desire that ends up pulling him back in. The song features the musician's signature witty, tongue-in-cheek lyrics along with production that feels reminiscent of early 2000s R&B.

Diveboy, 'Desire Path'

Diveboy have released their new album In Orbit, which features the song 'Desire Path.' The Cork indie band have created a catchy tune about trying to make sense of growing up, trying to chase your dreams, and the reality of adulthood. Vocals by Tom O'Donovan set the tone of the song, as he slips through each anecdote in the tune. The guitar and drums by Peter Piggott and Cian Doherty accompany the lyrics beautifully, bringing the perfect amount of angst to the song.

Diveboy are playing a show upstairs in Whelan's today to celebrate the release of the album.

BUCKET, 'Strung Out'

BUCKET have released their newest single 'Strung Out'. The Dublin-based noise rock trio have created another high-energy, volatile track. 'Strung Out' features intense, crackly vocals along with sharp drums, and electronic instrumentals.Cian Dahdouh, Emmet McNamee, and Korey O'Bryne combine their individual talents to create a track that makes you want to scream to it in a mosh pit.

The band are embarking on a UK tour in October, with dates in London, Bristol, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

Gareth, 'Changing My Mind'

Gareth has released his debut album Halfway Home, which includes the song 'Changing My Mind.' The song tells the story of a new relationship, with the singer feeling comfortable to do all the cheesy couple clichés he previously scoffed at. His passionate vocals combined energetic drums and guitar make the song an upbeat earworm.

The Northern Irish country artist went viral with his cover of Noah Kahan's 'Stick Season' back in 2024. Gareth will be embarking on a Europe and UK tour in October, which includes a gig upstairs at Whelan's on December 3.

Tinie Tempah X Badger X Travy, 'Rude'

Tinie Tempah, Badger, and Travy have joined forces for the song 'Rude.' The Dublin rapper joins Tempah on his new EP 3AM. The track combines Tempah's and Travy's electrifying vocals with Badger's immersive electronic production. It is a fantastic dance track, with Travy bringing a slightly different flow to his verse that compliments the overall song well.

 

 

 

 

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