New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Fontaines D.C., ‘Where Is Gone?’ feat. Rosalía

Where Is Gone?’, from Fontaines D.C.'s newly released Dopamine Chamber, features Rosalía and song is incredibly cinematic – with gentle rhythms, rousing string instrumentation and the Spanish singer’s airy voice beautifully intertwined with Grian Chatten’s darker tones.

“It blew my mind that she was up for jumping on that track,” guitarist Conor Curley said in a recent interview with Hot Press, praising Rosalía for her “incredible” voice. “I always think the whole duet thing gives such a beautiful narrative to songs anyway. I’m really happy with how that turned out.”

Jack O’Rourke, ‘Samhain’

Cork singer-songwriter Jack O’Rourke has shared a new single ‘Samhain’ - his first release in three years. With an Americana thread running through, eerie, ethereal and cinematic qualities and inspiration from the likes of Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Emmylou Harris - the track ushers in a new era for O’Rourke.

“I wanted this release to feel a little different sonically - richer and fuller than Wild Place, but still with the voice and piano at the nucleus … In a way, this is my ‘Babooshka’ song – there’s something a little more dramatic and mysterious about it.”

The Kates, 'Only Us'

The Kates have announced their disbanding, but first, their debut album Between Takes, out now. The title references the difficulty of balancing other work and a family with the musical project, the reason for the five piece’s separation. 

Focus track ‘Only Us’ is a thoughtful, clear-eyed song imagining a less noisy, selfish world with vocal solos by different members before their voices wrap together in harmony to conclude the track. All five members join in on vocals.

"Our goal was to be more representative of women in music, more visible", said Paula O'Brien, bassist and vocalist. "And then to record an album as well, those things were our goals. I think it’s important to know when you’ve had everything you can possibly have. To stop wanting more and more and more because it wouldn’t make sense for any of us. We’re all working, some of us have families. [...] We're full of joy and gratefulness".

Niamh Bury, 'Some Stroke of Luck'

Niamh Bury’s new single ‘Some Stroke of Luck’ is a soft, sweet ode that has been compared to Norah Jones at the start of her career. Piano and guitar round off the alternative folk and jazz track that would not be out of place in a cozy café on a rainy day. It precedes Bury’s second album, due in February.

“Some Stroke of Luck is a song about serendipity”, Niamh Bury said. “It’s about chance encounters where stars align, the axis shifts, and suddenly you’re put on the path that was meant for you. I’m very grateful for the people in my life, and I often think about how different my life would be if we had never met”. 

LOBEPINE, 'Along My Ride'

LOBEPINE is an indie pop singer and guitarist from Dublin, joined on this track by Carol Lobo with supporting vocals. ‘Along My Ride’ is a catchy, bittersweet song about lifestyle choices, such as the freedom to move on versus remembering what is left behind. The track uses electric and acoustic guitars plus bass and synth to create a relaxing, melancholy groove.

Mechanical Wonders, 'Mr Keeper'

Mechanical Wonders are Richie McGrath on vocals and guitar, Keith McLoughlin and Brian Wolohan both on guitar, Stephen Caulfield on bass, and Carl O’Connor on drums. The indie band from Blanchardstown have released new single ‘Mr Keeper’ about the last conversation between a son and his dying father. Frontman McGrath’s own father died when he was a young man.

Considering the subject matter, the song’s melody is surprisingly upbeat. Jingling guitars join McGrath’s somber voice as he asks ‘Mr Keeper’ to share his memories and wisdom before his frail body can no longer sustain him.

Laura Sheeran, 'D'Arcy's March'

‘D’Arcy’s March’ is a protest song with the emphasis on ‘protest’. Named after the activist Margaretta D’Arcy, the song features soundbites of Katie Taylor boxing, whistles, car horns, and screaming recorded at protests. Laura Sheeran shouts ‘We need a revolution’ and ‘Free, free Palestine’ on the disco-techno-infused track. It is a bouncy, unorthodox performance.

"When I sing ‘We Need a Revolution’, I'm thinking about the homelessness crisis", Sheeran says, "the growing divide between rich and poor, the cost of living, our dependence on international supply chains for essentials like food and medicines, the failure of governments to provide adequate public infrastructure, the ongoing devastation of colonialism and genocide, and the unchecked development of AI technologies and their impact on the human imagination. I believe we're approaching a critical turning point in human history, where fundamental systemic change is necessary. We need a revolution."

telekura, 'hi-chew'

telekura named their new single after the candy. Fittingly, it is a bright, snappy track about nostalgia, discontent and not fitting in with “grown-ups doing grown-up things”.

"Superficially, hi-chew is a wistful reflection of an unpursued relationship and what might/mightn’t have happened", said frontwoman Rachel Tan. "There’s a bit of nostalgia and regret mixed in there. It overtly points at a romantic relationship, but really it extends to any other opportunity that you might have given up in pursuit of the ‘right thing to do’".

Danxgerous, 'Leo Rising'

‘Leo Rising’ is Daniela Mariti a.k.a. Danxgerous' take on indie folk, with deep gentle guitar backing her vocals. The Italian-Czech artist’s new album Old Soul is now out, with a performance at Sin É tonight. The world she creates in the concept album has been described as a blend of indie-rock, dreamy pop, and contemporary indie-folk.

"Before writing this record, I never expected it to hold this much meaning," Mariti said. "The songs gradually revealed a story I didn't realise I was telling. I’m so proud of the magic it holds and conveys. In my mind, the album exists like a huge painting where countless things are happening at once. Every time you look at it, another detail appears. I wanted to bring that painting to life and ask how something so imaginative could survive in the real world. Because that's really the question I was asking myself: how can I survive in the real world? These songs helped me find the answer."

Evan Miles, ‘BLUR’ feat. Pat Lagoon & RikShaw

Waterford electronic artist Evan Miles has released  a bouncy, groove-led track – ‘BLUR’, featuring Pat Lagoon and RikShaw. With an infectious beat, popping synths and dance-worthy energy, ‘BLUR’ makes a great new addition to Miles’ brilliant catalogue.

“For me the song feels like a flashback,” said Miles. “Living the night in reverse in your head. Glimpses of people coming and going, lights flickering, heart pumping while you’re dancing to the music. Looking for a sign of love or lust in the crowd somewhere we all know that feeling.”

Roseanna, ‘Yes’

LA-based British-Irish singer Roseanna has released ‘Yes’, a beautiful track inspired by her recent marriage to her husband Sam. ‘Yes’ weaves a vibrant love story through its delicate acoustic guitar tones and soaring vocals, which build into a majestic chorus with sweeping cinematic strings.

“This song is me trying my best to capture how my husband Sam makes me feel, and how saying yes to him was the easiest and best decision I’ve ever made,” Roseanna recalled. “We aren't perfect, but he loves me and sees me for the real me, and beyond all the things I think are flaws in myself, somehow they don't matter at all. It's the safest I've ever felt. I really wanted to capture that.

Venus Grrrls, ‘Carmilla’

Alt-rock goth band Venus Grrrls have released a new single ‘Carmilla’, blending their distinct 1990s punk energy with dark synths and witchy aesthetics. The song comes as part of their debut EP To Die as Lovers May. Deeply cinematic, it features Grace Kelly’s (GK) rousing vocals, heavy instrumentation and thematic lyrics. The captivating music video for the track was filmed at Whitby Abbey.

“This special place is enriched with literary vampire history, partly inspiring Bram Stoker to write his iconic novel, Dracula,” they wrote of the location. “It was so utterly rewarding to bring our vampire love song to life here, given the novel that gave our song its namesake was also an inspiration for Bram.”

Antoni O’Breskey, ‘Beare Island’

Antoni O’Breskey has released a resonant new track, ‘Beare Island’, as part of his new collaborative album with his daughter Consuelo Nerea Breschi. With enthralling piano rhythms, rousing fiddle and an incredibly unique composition, ‘Beare Island’ shows just how innovative and visionary this duo are. The album itself weaves a tapestry of cross-generational conversation, honouring tradition while pushing it forward.

“Each track on this album represents a step I took down into the underworld of this uninhabitable land, followed by steps back up toward the light,” O’Breskey said. “I see this album as a journey of rebirth and catharsis.”

Pink Rabbits, ‘To Get To You’

Dublin-based musician Pink Rabbits, aka Paul Walsh, has released ‘To Get To You’ – a newly reworked version of a track that featured on his debut album, which was released last October. With bumping synths, cathartic vocals and heartfelt lyrics, the song’s bittersweet themes shine through.

“’To Get To You’ is about trying to reconnect with someone,” Walsh said. “There is distance between you and the person to whom you were once so close and you’re fighting for that connection again basically, trying to get back to them … to the way things used to be.”

Radie Peat, ‘Hares On The Mountain’

Lankum / ØXN’s Radie Peat releases the new single ‘Hares on the Mountain’, taken from the forthcoming debut solo album No Human Tongue Can Tell. The opening track of the record, it was taught to Peat through Shirley Collins and sees her ponderings on the unjust gender dynamics in courtship, through her instantly recognisable contralto voice, carefully constructed string instrumentals and delicately moving harmonies.

The collection of folk songs on the album came together easily,” comments Peat on No Human Tongue Can Tell, “and it’s only now I see a thematic link between them. They are largely songs of female struggle, suffering, strength and endurance. But there are many about love as well, with all the complications that brings.”

Paro Pablo, ‘Drunk On A Tuesday’ feat. Tamara Salmon

Paro Pablo releases the new single ‘Drunk On A Tuesday’, a club inspired track featuring the rapper’s signature sharp lyricism, heavy and intoxicating, perfectly highlighted by deft bars and incredibly catchy instrumentals. Underlined by a beautifully melodic chorus from Tamara Salmon, who offers her warm tones to the track ‘Drunk On A Tuesday’ is an undeniable highlight from this week of releases.

banríon, ‘You & i’

banríon, the musical project of Irish songwriter Róisín Ní Haicéid, shares ‘You & i’, hailing from her debut album Untarnishing, out now. A soft and deeply affecting number, the track features carefully layered guitar instrumentals and string elements, making for beautifully transporting soundscapes which perfectly accompany the singer’s silky smooth vocals.

Speaking about the album, banríon says “It’s a time capsule of feelings & experiences from 2022-2024, it feels like reading your old diary, laughing and tearing up over a previous version of you.

“Me and Diarmuid recorded the album last year over a cathartic two weeks in Kildare with Henry & Lile and in the Shandon shed with Cosmo. Doc makes music sound exactly like how it does in my head & I can’t thank him enough for all the work he did on the album.”

KETTAMA x Prospa, ‘Think Of You’

KETTAMA collaborates with Prospa on the 80s-tinged club banger ‘Think Of You’, featuring hard hitting build-ups, dreamy synths, otherworldly vocals and a deliciously rousing drop – a song designed for nostalgia and dancing the night away, both dancefloor ready and tinged with a retro-futuristic feel that makes the offering so special.

Francis Harris & Gareth Quinn Redmond, ‘Flutter’ feat. Rachael Lavelle

Francis Harris & Gareth Quinn Redmond share their new album Eyes Bright and Low, including the single ‘Flutter’, released in collaboration with Rachael Lavelle. An ambient-flavoured track blending acoustic and electronic instrumentation, layered with nature sounds, delicate percussion and gentle synths, ‘Flutter’ is the perfect background to Lavelle's otherworldly vocal performance.

Bell X1, ‘Atlas’

Hailing from Bell X1 ninth studio album, Good Bones, arriving on November 13, ‘Atlas’ blends Americana flavours with the bright, indie-pop soundscapes that make Bell X1 so recognisable. Reflecting on the quiet acts of care that sustain relationships, it is a delicately uplifting as it is perfectly melodic.

Speaking about the song, the band say: “The recording had us leaning into the freewheeling Americana of the Hudson Valley where we recorded, the endless skies and wraparound porches of the place.”

Cathal Caulfield, ‘Finvola, the Gem of the Roe’

FOR THOSE I LOVE collaborator Cathal Caulfield releases the impossibly dark new track ‘Finvola, the Gem of the Roe’, a minimalist trad-tinged tune set against a backdrop of driving, almost dissonant strings which set the tone of the whole tune, giving it an otherworldly quality and makes it into a really special, and widely unique offering.

 

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NOTIFY, ‘For Now’

The title track to six-piece ensemble NOTIFY’s new album, out today, ‘For Now’ is a silky-smooth traditional song with layered instrumentation and widely catchy melodies, described as “embracing composition, improvisation and collaboration.” It invokes an image of a ship sailing slowly into the night, moving towards the horizon without knowing exactly what lies ahead - the perfect closer to this record.

“For Now is not intended as a final statement,” says the group. “It is a reflection of who we are at this particular moment: the people and places that have shaped us, the losses and friendships we carry, and the music we wanted to make together.”

Robbie Doherty x Tom Did It, ‘Because Of You’

A collaboration between Robbie Doherty and Tom Did It, ‘Because Of You’ is a perfectly heavy and deliciously intense club tune, where dance-floor ready vocals blend with perfectly measured percussions and rousing synth instrumentals, making for a widely exciting offering which is certain to keep dancers going until the early hours of the morning.

Arborist, ‘I’ve Been A Flâneur’

Arborist is back with the brand new album Looking For Love, including the impossibly warm folk track ‘I’ve Been A Flâneur’, a perfectly delicate tune built on gentle acoustic guitars and carefully layered piano and wind melodies, making for the softest backdrop to the lush lyricism and poignant vocal interpretation.

Pamela Tully, 'Don't Think You Own Me'

Pamela Tully has released her new single 'Don't Think You Own Me.' The Dublin singer returns with a pop-rock anthem about refusing to be silenced or underestimated. Tully reclaims her voice in the song; it is partly inspired by her own experiences as a woman in a professional setting, where she felt she was constantly being talked over and ignored.

Her brash, powerful vocals blend with booming drums, you can feel her anger and defiance in the song. Tully has created an empowering track that anyone can relate too, and shout along with!

Christian Cohle, 'Play Your Hand in Mine'

Christian Cohle has released his new album, Queen of Ashes, which features the song 'Play Your Hand in Mine'. This will the alt-rock artists' third album, it explores themes of addiction, healing, and transformation.

'Play Your Hand in Mine' explores the push and pull of desire in a budding relationship. Cohle's playful, energetic vocals mesh well with the vibrant production of the song. The vocals, combined with drums and soaring strings create an unorthodox love story that perfectly encapsulates modern life.

Kate Prendergast, 'Growing Pains'

Kate Prendergast has released her new single 'Growing Pains'. The indie-folk artists' newest song is a bittersweet exploration of growing older, and how your outlook on life changes as a result. The song delves into nostalgia, with Prendergast's emotive songwriting adding to the vulnerable subject matter.

Her vocals have a conversational nature, which adds to the storytelling aspect of the song. The organ and guitar add a layer of depth to the song; Prendergast proves her capabilities as an emerging artist with the track.

The Coronas, 'End The Day With You'

The Coronas have released their new single 'End The Day With You'. It was dropped as a double A-side single along with 'My Biggest Nightmare'. The band will be playing a show in Dublin's Fairview Park in June 2027.

'End The Day With You' is an acoustic-led track reminiscent of The Beatles and Billy Joel. It explores love, and highlights the quiet moments spent together in a relationship. Danny O'Reilly's heartfelt vocals blend well with the guitar and piano in the song, creating a track that feels timeless.

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, 'Páirceanna Glasa'| 'Greenfields'

Doireann Ní Ghlacáin has released her new single 'Páirceanna Glasa' (Greenfields). The track is the second single ahead of her debut album An Tairseach (The Clearing), which drops on January 15, 2027.

The track is built around the reel 'The Greenfields of Glentown', composed by Donegal fiddle player Tommy Peoples. The single explores themes of family, musical inheritance, and place.

"I learnt this tune from my father on Christmas day in 2008. It's the best Christmas present I ever got," she said.

"This track, like the rest of the record, is rooted in an analogue nostalgic sound that defines the notion of liminality, the idea that the energy generated by certain music can transport us to another place."

RuthAnne, 'Older'

RuthAnne has released her new single 'Older'. The song is a moving tribute to her father. The track reflects on the reversal of roles as both parent and child grow older. The song explores the bittersweet emotions that go along with loving someone, while also acknowledging that they are growing more vulnerable.

"'Older' came from watching my dad get older and realising that, somewhere along the way, our roles had started to change," RuthAnne said.

"He has COPD, and I’ve watched someone who always looked after me begin to need looking after himself."

"I think “Older” is me trying to process that shift, but more than anything, it’s about not really feeling ready for it."

Fya Fox, 'October 15'

Fya Fox has released her new single 'October 15', ahead of her debut EP Bittersweet on October 23. The Armagh singer explores personal insecurities following an argument, disagreement or relationship breakup. The song combines her clear, bright vocals with subtle guitar. The alt-pop artists' emotive singing makes her honesty and vulnerability shine through the track.

"It’s all the little things that build inside, feeling like you've no return," Fya Fox said.

"The chorus hits with a sense of relief and hope, that nothing is permanent and we can turn things around no matter how bad you think it is."

Fya Fox has an upcoming show in Whelan's on October 24 to celebrate the launch of her debut EP.

U2, 'The Greatest Show on Earth'

U2 have released their new single 'The Greatest Show on Earth', ahead of their album Carnaval de Luz, which drops on November 13. The song was released along with their tour announcement. It follows the story of two lovers fighting to keep faith in each other and maintain their own faith. The track follows the wider themes of the album, which explores spirituality, friendship, freedom, and endurance.

The track features powerful, reflective vocals by Bono, along with layered, vibrant production. The song is a sweeping epic of hope, pulled off by a band completely confident in their abilities, while still capable of creating something entirely new and exciting.

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