New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Bleech 9:3, ‘Lullaby’

Bleech 9:3 today share a cover of The Cure's iconic track ‘Lullaby’, in this version imbued with the dark and heavy energy that makes the band so distinctive. With distorted guitar riffs and pulsing bass lines, perfectly complimenting shaky, almost fragile vocals, the cover is an absolute ear-worm, right on time for Halloween.

On the new song, the band say - “'Lullaby' brings fear to life through song in a way that has been hugely influential for us. As we headed into the writing process for Bleed, recreating it in our own style helped us explore new sonic directions. We wanted to pay homage to both the song and the band at this point in our journey.”

CLO-DRIVER, ‘House in the Country’

CLO-DRIVER, the solo outing of violinist, composer, and producer Chlöe Fitzgerald, today releases her debut single ‘House in the Country’, a modern-classical tune filled with delicate piano arrangements, layered saxophones and electronic details, with snatched, fragmented lyrical phrases buried beneath evocative and atmospheric layers. ‘House in the Country’ features piano contributed by her sister Mia, saxophone from bandmate Shae Walsh, with mixing and mastering by owin.

Forg.ie, ‘Cool It’

Hip-hop artist Forg.ie returns with the new single, ‘Cool It’, following his most recent EP White Water. Perfectly exemplifying the rapper’s deft sense of lyricism and hard-hitting bars, the tune is incredibly catchy thanks to its precise production and its perfect rhythmic quality.

AMOWA, ‘AMBLING’

Dublin artist AMOWA releases his debut single ‘AMBLING’ a fragmented track exploring disassociation. Rooted by a bouncy jerk groove, ‘AMBLING’ weaves punchy 808s with lush textures, bolstered by an ensemble of sax, drums, guitar and vocals. The dreamy soundscapes culminates in a heavy instrumental breakdown that feels like a cathartic push through the haze.

Malaki, ‘When The Fun Stops’

Dublin artist Malaki releases new single ‘When the Fun Stops’, a track that is bright, buoyant and built for the dancefloor, thanks to bouncy synths and deliciously catchy bars. Wearing a deep and heavy message, the tune also boasts one of the most upbeat productions of Malaki’s career.

“I wanted to write a song about all the things I regretted not stopping once I felt a lack of ‘fun’: relationships, nights out, gambling,” says Malaki. “The irony is it’s one of the most fun-sounding tracks I’ve made in a long time! I want people to dance and enjoy it, and if they listen to the lyrics, they’ll get a deeper meaning.”

Offica, ‘Leave Them Girls Alone’ feat. B3NEDICTA

Offica today releases the atmospheric track ‘Leave Them Girls Alone’, a gorgeously cinematic r’n’b tune lined with pretty synth instrumentals and afro-beats inspired production, making for a deeply distinctive offering, also thanks to B3NEDICTA’S silky smooth vocals on the track’s second verse. An absolute treat.

Good Swim, ‘Black Birds’

Belfast folk artist Good Swim today releases is debut album The Mountains Sure Don’t Give A Damn About The Sea including the brilliantly emptional closing track ‘Black Bird’. The album navigates the musician’s experience with receiving a kidney transplant in 2018, culminating in this delicate folk track, filled with stirring lyricism and simple yet profoundly moving acoustic guitars.

“The songs visit small towns,” says Good Swim, “friends that you don't talk to any more, terrible things done in the name of tradition and god, broken relationships, gaslighting, a witch and two 18th century giants as part of my journey through the seven stages of grief over the last five years.”

Lucy Blue, ‘Ladybirds’

Lucy Blue today releases the delicately romantic indie / folk tune ‘Ladybirds’, a gentle yet deeply emotionally changed tune built on delicately constructed harmonies and simple, yet deeply stirring guitar instrumentation, portraying soft love and deep heartbreak wight the same carefulness.

Glen Hansard, ‘Bottle Of Smoke’ [The Pogues cover]

Hailing from the upcoming Shane McGowan tribute album 21st Century Paddy, ‘Bottle of Smoke’ performed by the late Glen Hansard, reads as a poignant homage to both artists as well as a burst of deep joy and connection. Glen's version features The Pogues' James Fearnley on accordion – as well as contributions from DUG's Jonny Pickett, Séamus Ong, Mary-Aoife Ong, Rob Bochnik , Joseph Doyle, Ruth O'Mahony Brady, Gareth Quinn Redmond and Tim Neuhaus.

“I’m eternally grateful to Glen for being such an incredible friend to both myself and Shane and for being such an integral part of making this album possible," Shane MacGowan's wife, Victoria Mary Clarke, comments. "He did a magnificent version of ‘Bottle of Smoke’ and he infused it with all of the soul and spirit and passion that he was famous for.

Klover, 'Pour Me A Drink'

'Pour Me A Drink' is a raucous, attitude-filled punk-rock anthem from Klover. The four young women specialise in punk folk, making this track raw, infectious, full of character and made to be played loud.

Sisters Anna and Norah Stevens grew up performing together, along with Brinda Irani and Saibh Kelly, they're. a band built on musicianship, chemistry and personality.

Aaron Rowe, 'Painter (Double-Edged Sword)'

Dublin singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe's new track explores familiar themes of sacrifice. He reflects on the life choices that shape who we become and the different paths he could've taken.

Balancing the opportunities gained against those left behind, the track offers a personal insight into the realities of pursuing a dream and the sacrifices that come with it. It's a raw, soulful blend of folk, indie-pop, and traditional Irish storytelling.

Lara Jane, 'Salt in the Wound'

Lara Jane’s debut single ‘Salt in the Wound’ is a peaceful expression of unhappiness. "You're gonna kill me if you keep on acting this way", she hums more than sings to mellow guitar strumming.

“‘Salt In The Wound’ focuses on themes of heartache, frustration and self-sabotage", said the indie-pop artist from Dublin. The song ultimately describes the feeling of wishing you could change someone… obviously, I realised that is not possible, and that is where the song came from”.

PostLast, 'Circling'

PostLast are an alternative pop duo, comprising vocalist and visual artist Julie Hough of HAVVK and guitarist and producer Stephen McHale, formerly of Barq. Hough’s style in this band has been described as gentler compared to the ‘powerful, anthemic’ vocals she brings to HAVVK.

“It's wild to think that someone who you were once completely entangled with can now be living a whole different life, but both of you will still be forever changed by your time together. Certain places, songs, turns of phrases can send you right back there and pop that person’s face in your mind in an instant”, the duo said of the foot-tapping track.

find-joy, 'Maple'

find-joy are an alt indie band from northern Dublin, set to release their second EP next week. 'Maple', the final single, is all catchy hook backed by energetic drums.

"The overarching theme of the EP is change, more specifically the transition from adolescence into adulthood", said vocalist Tadhg Kelly. "Be that through the different romantic relationships that develop, or the sense of belonging or lack thereof."

The Kyd G, 'Twist N Turn'

The Kyd G, a.k.a. Gil Kingolo, is a musician and producer from Blanchardstown. He describes his new single, a collaboration with $ONA BLU€, as a new spin on alternative R&B.

“Fatiguing the same excuses from someone can make loving them extremely difficult", The Kyd G said, "especially if the story and foundation between you is already loose. As a big fan of juxtaposition I wanted to take those feelings and invite people to dance it out as a form of energy release.” He is playing at Whelan's Upstairs on November 30.

SLYRYDES, 'Gatekeepers'

Galway post-punk band SLYRYDES initially made this track years ago, but its members drifted apart and delayed its release. The band is Dan Doherty on drums, bassist Eoin ‘Fuz’ Reilly, Mark ‘Rafto’ Raftery on vocals, and Mark Comer on guitar. 'Gatekeepers' is a fast-paced, catchy track filled with palpable anger.

“It’s the truth, it’s honest,” said Eoin Reilly a.k.a. Fuz. “That’s what it is. That’s the art. We’re not trying to get famous. This is important. Rafto sings about important shit, and we fucking agonize over the three chords or 10 chords. We really fucking care so we made a record that we all care about.”

The Cope, 'Low'

This release from audio-visual electronic music duo The Cope is dedicated to Conor Biddle. It's one of the last works the lighting designer touched before his passing in April 2025.

Art unexpectedly collides with grief on this track, David Anthony Curley wrote the lyrics to 'Low' in 2022, describing it as, "a rationalisation and response to my mood, my affect, my approach to my general mental health." Joe Furlong sees the track as leaning into the paralysis of the crossroads - the feeling of being stuck between a difficult truth and the fear.

between Joe's experience as a session bassist, and David's success with former band Otherkin, the duo have made the track to be about much more than just the music.

KK Lewis, ‘Absence’

Dublin-based singer-songwriter KK Lewis returns with ‘Absence’, the first single from her upcoming EP. Inspired by a night in a Dublin pub, ‘Absence’ captures the feeling of grieving someone who is still alive. It is drenched in cinematic design, with lush orchestral strings, jazz-inflected production and a late-night warmth.

“This song was born from one of the most specific feelings I’ve ever tried to put into words,” Lewis explained. “It’s about someone who was such a big part of my life, someone who knew what I was thinking before I said it, who could read the room the second I walked in. And then they were just gone.”

Ó hEaráin, ‘Good Old Days’

Donegal-born songwriter Ó hEaráin, the solo project of Kevin Herron, has released a poignant new single ‘Good Old Days’. The deeply personal track is a reflection on friendship, memory and the unexpected conditions that leave a lasting impression on our lives. Emotive slide guitar, haunting harmony and angelic strings take listeners on a journey exploring the happiness and hopelessness friendship can bring.

“’Good Old Days’ is a piece of autofiction, telling the story of friendship that, on paper, did not make sense but in reality, had beautiful intensity that cut to the core,” Herron described.

8-bit Funk, ‘Bob-omb Battlefield’

Dublin jazz funk quartet 8-bit Funk have released ‘Bob-omb Battlefield’ off their debut album Level Design. Hoping to show that game music has a real place in jazz, the group take video game themes and play them as proper jazz. ‘Bob-omb Battlefield’ is taken from Mario 64, and sets the tone for the record.

“Bob-omb Battlefield is the anthem of a generation of gamers, so we wanted to give it the treatment we would give to a jazz standard,” said Leon Laisne. “We turned that instantly recognisable melody into a funky organ-driven groove, keeping the spirit of the original while letting it live in our world.”

Angie, ‘Plot Twist’

Meath rapper Angie has released a new hip-hop track ‘Plot Twist’, a reflective piece based on how her life has changed and she’s grown as a person. The intimate song sees introspective lyricism, groovy synths and an energy uniquely Angie – a great new addition to her catalogue.

“Throughout the song, you can really see the change in my thoughts and how I speak to myself,” she said. “This is probably my favourite song I’ve written since taking a break from music as I was able to capture all the work I have done on myself in this song.”

Jimbo Jones, 'I Pray For Boredom'

On track, 'I Pray For Boredom' Jimbo Jones speaks on the fear of the political, societal, and environmental realities we find ourselves in today. The album, We Only Want The Earth flips between the organic and industrial, with this taking on the latter.

Throughout the track, deadening static and masterful synths blend into this voice and eerie choral backups. Another positive, the Irish Arts Council funded album is giving all profits from the album to The Sameer Project, a Palestinian-led aid network, helping families across Gaza.

SWELTR, 'Hideaway'

DIY grunge band SWELTR have released their hardest hitting track yet, 'HIDEAWAY'. Combining bass heavy guitar riffs and thumping drums, the North Dubliners lyrically explore self-doubt, life's frustrations and the struggle of finding you way back to yourself.

A calm opening quickly explodes into a wall of sound. Recorded at Oblivion Studios with Yanko Genov, the track is helf together by its skilful production and cinematic qualities.

BRIARS, 'What Harm'

BRIARS have released their new single 'What Harm'. The Cork indie six-piece return ahead of the release of their debut EP, For All That You Know, on February 5, 2027. The song delves into the freedom of starting something over, it explores the joyous feeling of following your heart and embracing something new, even if it is intimidating at first.

The single is tied together by the band's signature blend of indie-folk, Irish trad, and alternative style. BRIARS were recently chosen as Clare FM's New Local Heroes for Irish Music Month. They have played Electric Picnic, Galway Folk Festival, and most recently, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival.

Cormac O Caoimh, 'Risk It All'

Cormac O Caoimh has released his new single 'Risk It All', ahead of his new album Heartbreakers, which drops on November 13. The musician combines intimate vocals with skilled guitar, which creates a dreamy, atmospheric sound.

The song is evocative and calming, with gentle percussion, strings, and guitar meshing well with O Caoimh's clear, crisp vocals.

Unquiet Nights, 'Last Days of Rome'

Unquiet Nights have released their new single 'Last Days of Rome'. The track is shaped by the six years the Belfast rock band spent in the Italian capital. 'Last Days of Rome' explores ideas of loss and transience.

Unquiet Nights comprises Luke Mathers (vocals), Rodger Firmin (drums), and Francesco Piciucchi (bass and keys).

Mathers gives an insight into the single.

"The first six years of the band's existence were spent based in Rome, which had a profound effect on us.

"What sparked the song being finished was seeing the Angel of Grief statue by William Wetmore Story at a cemetery there in the eternal city, on the grave of his late wife. It's my favourite statue in the world, and made me think about the idea of what is eternal versus what is temporary."

Smythy, 'The Sequel'

Smythy has released his new single 'The Sequel'. The alt-pop artist returns following his single 'Feeling It All', the song is written from the perspective of a failing film director. It explores the fear of not being good enough, and the feelings of rejection and disappointment that follow.

Smythy gives an insight into the production behind the track.

"'The Sequel' is easily my favourite song I’ve created so far. It never really had to try too hard to be a finished product which is unique for me.

"I’m not usually one for big metaphors in my music but I really like this idea of the jaded director working on some unnecessary part two of a movie series and questioning his life decisions and how he got to this point.

"I feel we all at some point in our lives wonder how we got to where we are and question if we are in fact in the right place."

KNEECAP, 'Palestine (3D Remix)' feat. Fawzi

KNEECAP have released a remix of their song 'Palestine', featuring Ramallah-based rapper Fawzi. The rap trio and Fawzi have teamed up for the release of the remix for Life Support, a documentary about Gaza medics directed by Daniele Rugo. The soundtrack was curated by Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja.

The song is a pulsing, energetic blend of cultures. KNEECAP's rapping as gaeilge combined with Fawzi's melodic flow and backing vocals in Arabic create a vibrant track rooted in solidarity and shared struggle.

Silk, 'Pure Morning'

Silk have released their cover of Placebo's 'Pure Morning '. The Belfast shoegaze band have given the track a heavygaze spin, with guitars meshing with a fuzz that builds up to the chorus. Michael Smyth's vocals are distorted and reverbed to create a hazy effect under the whirring sonics of the song. A wonderful interpretation of a shoegaze classic.

Daire Heffernan, 'Cogs'

Daire Heffernan has released her new single 'Cogs'. The track is produced by Darragh McDonnell and Tailtiu (Tove Lo) and is mixed by Chris Ryan (NewDad). 'Cogs' blurs the line between folk and electronic music, with guitar meshing with Heffernan's moody, layered vocals. The song also features an interesting blend of strings and synths.

Heffernan shares the inspiration for the song.

"I wrote this song at a time where I had a long commute to a job I hated and my bus would go by the Belfast dock.

"I would sit and watch out the window, looking at the cranes, metal tanks and old boats. There were smaller abandoned work stations - rusted, with moss and regrowth claiming them back. I just wanted to jump off the bus and stay there, and let the moss take me back too.

"The visual of nature creeping back onto modern, harsh machinery pretty much represents what we were trying to achieve sonically - a melding of a natural folky world, wrapped in a digital blanket."

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