New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Radie Peat, 'Same Old Man'

'Same Old Man' is a traditional Appalachian folk song that has previously been interpreted by the likes of Karen Dalton and Joanna Newsom. On this version, Radie Peat delivers a sharp arrangement with a lulling backrgound drone that captures a deep sense of despair and emptiness. The Lankum/ØXN member breathes her energy into unchanging figures - an old woman hanging her washing in the rain, and a man working in vain at a mill that turns on its own free will. For a track that highlights how life grinds on a monotonous loop - you won't want it to end.

Hozier & Jessie Buckley, ‘Fairytale of New York’

As the highly anticipated Shane MacGowan tribute album 20th Century Paddy comes out today, Hozier and Jessie Buckley unveil their gorgeously moving cover of ‘Fairytale of New York’, a delicately joyful and magnificently powerful version of The Pogues’ classic tune.

“We approached the song with a hope of honoring everything about it that we had loved for as long as we had known it and, as members of a generation born after its release, as long as we could remember,” Hozier commented on the release. “A song that broadened for us once, and now again, our understanding of just how unpredictably dynamic and imaginatively expansive a love song can be; the ground it can cover, the story it can tell. A story told in longing, in humour, in failure, in love, in pain, in acceptance, in loyalty. A song as beloved and familiar to us as home itself.”

Buckley added: “To step into the very studio that Shane, Kirsty and The Pogues recorded ‘Fairytale of New York’ and to sing this eternal song of all our hearts, full of hope and humanity was pure joy. When Hozier, one of Ireland’s greatest artists and souls asked me to be part of it, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world. What a pleasure! What a song! What a gift to get to sing this story!”

Bell X1, ‘Born’

Bell X1 today release their highly anticipated new record Good Bones, including the glistening ballad ‘Born’. Lined with delicate piano melodies and elegant, summery guitars, the track slowly builds in intensity with carefully constructed harmonies and deeply moving lyricism from the warm tones of Paul Noonan’s voice.

KNEECAP, ‘FENIAN (Kelly Lee Owens Remix)’

Welsh DJ Kelly Owens offers her remix of KNEECAP’s ‘FENIAN’, giving the track a dark and atmospheric feel, both ethereal and perfectly dancefloor ready. Driving the tune with a four four kick drum and cinematic, otherworldly vocals accompany the original’s lyrics for the perfect late-night number.

U2, ‘Torn’ feat. Dolly Parton

U2 are finally back with their long-awaited new record Carnaval De Luz, including the gorgeous closer ‘Torn’, with a very special featuring from the late Dolly Parton. Cinematic and powerful, the track kicks off with Dolly’s gorgeous tones and minimal instrumentation, joined in a delicate duet by Bono. A hugely hopeful and moving tune, thanks to its stirring melody and measured guitar riffs, it’s a fitting tribute to Dolly’s larger-than-life legacy.

deathtoricky, ‘roll wit u’

Kildare rapper deathtoricky returns with ‘roll wit u’, a lively, bouncing track fit for lover girls and boys everywhere. It comes as part of his lifetoricky project, in addition to previously-released song ‘all year’. With heart-filled lyrics, intriguing synth melodies and a distinctly deathtoricky vibe, ‘roll wit u’ marks a great addition to his catalogue.

It comes paired with an exciting music video which tells the story of the song, along with fitting animation and editing, featuring the artist himself.

Evie, 'Treasure'

Dubliner Evie, full name Evie Kelly, composed and wrote the lyrics to her second single ‘Treasure’, while Brían Mac Gloinn of Ye Vagabonds joins her on vocals. Ber Quinn and others play the fiddle, harmonium and piano heard on this meditative, lulling release.

“I wanted this track to breathe like melancholy feels”, Evie said. “We paid a lot of attention to the pacing. It was such a treat to work with Ber and Brían - they outdid themselves with the string arrangement.”

Declan O’Rourke, ‘What Does The Eye Of A Great Whale See’

Dublin singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke has shared ‘What Does The Eye Of A Great Whale See’, the fourth single from his latest studio album Oceanic. Turning to the natural world for perspective, the song reflects on the destruction of species and habitats, and the inextricable link between humanity’s survival and the health of the planet.

“Oceanic somehow wrote, and then made itself too,” said O’Rourke of the album. “I’ve always felt that being an artist is a process of stripping away layers of yourself to get to the core. If that’s true, then Oceanic is a collection of dreams that have surfaced on their own, from among the deepest of my own layers.”

Aimee Carty, ‘Anybody On The Moon’

Irish folk-pop singer Aimee Carty has released ‘Anybody On The Moon’, part of her collection entitled Painted In Wordswhich features sharp, carefully-crafted songwriting. ‘Anybody On The Moon’ sees Carty’s distinctive lyrical storytelling, gentle instrumentals and a beautifully earnest emotional atmosphere.

The track features her characteristic youthful tones and brilliant piano melodies, a great window into the collection of songs she describes as “the first chapter of her musical journey.”

Glass Pawns, 'Shame'

Nu-grunge duo Glass Pawns consist of Jamie Dean, former member of post-rock band God Is An Astronaut, and drummer Gary McGuinness, frontman of The Survival Code. ‘Shame’ is their debut single, a head-banging, riff-driven preview to their debut EP expected next year.

“A huge part of recovery is learning to own your past, including the parts you're ashamed of”, said Dean. “Writing this song, I started wondering why that's so hard for people, especially the ones with the most to answer for. 'Shame' came out of that question.”

St. Bishop, 'Love'

Alt-pop singer-songwriter St. Bishop is returning with single ‘Love’ after taking a three-year break from music. The snappy, introspective track recalls the tribulations of drama and dating in younger years.

“‘Love’ is about not being able to find the words, or get them out, or even work out what they are in the first place. It's the gap between knowing something and being able to say it out loud”, St. Bishop said.

“We met in February and it was over by June. Four months together that took years to figure out. Love took eighteen months to write, considerably longer than the relationship it describes, and for a long time I took that as evidence I'd failed at it. Now I think that's the point, a song about not being able to say something so important, or understand what it meant, was never going to arrive quickly.”

San Rocco, 'Ocean Song'

‘Ocean Song’ opens like a radio pop song, with playful guitar, drums, and deep, powerful vocals. But instead of offering four chords and a simple hook, Dublin-based quintet San Rocco deal in melancholy and symbolism. Described as ‘post-punk inflected new wave’, their usual sound becomes more mellow on this latest release.

San Rocco will be introducing their new single at Bello Bar on December 13.

David Kitt, 'Another Love Song'

David Kitt has released the final singles from his re-recording of The Big Romance (Kittser’s Version). ‘Another Love Song’ now features his nieces Elsie and Julia on vocals, and Soda Blonde’s Dylan Lynch on drums. The recording originally featured Kitt’s brother. This version is a classic ode, gently serenading “I can’t pass the day without thinking about you”, with Kitt joined by the girls on vocals halfway through.

Kitt will be playing Vicar Street on December 4, performing the album in full with his nieces and a full band. They will also be performing in Dundalk on December 3, Belfast on December 16, Limerick on December 17, Cork on December 19. Tickets are available here.

Castello, 'Brazil'

Castello are a Dublin-based group comprising Sam Costello, Jon Caffrey, Claire Hughes and Joe Clarke. Inspired by 60s and 70s music, they crossed paths at the end of the pandemic and have now released debut single ‘Brazil’.

Described as a love letter to the place even though they’ve never traveled there, ‘Brazil’ is dominated by twanging electric guitar and driving drums, layered under specific, piercing lyrics.

The WU, ‘Nothing To Celebrate’

The WU have released single ‘Nothing To Celebrate’ – a song shining light on the optimistic youth of Dublin and nightlife subculture. It urges listeners to live in the moment and “stay out late”, for no real reason but to be alive.

Leaning into the jangle pop side of The WU and elements of punk in its lyricism, the track features bright melodies, hopping guitar and drums and a cheerful energy without feeling superficial. A track worth dancing to and a brilliant addition to The WU’s catalogue.

Lucy Robinson, ‘DOBERMANNS’

Northern Irish-born alt-pop artist Lucy Robinson returns with ‘DOBERMANNS’, an intimate song about recognizing that a relationship has ended while still wanting to find a way back. Opening slowly and gently before delivering a sudden emotional punch, ‘DOBERMANNS’ revisits the small details of a shared life and the frustration of it ending.

“It’s a guit-wrenching and intimate song about coming to the realisation that a relationship is over but not quite being ready to accept it,” Robinson explained. “It’s a song about how life feels drained of colour when you lose your best friend.”

Anam Ritual, ‘Captivity’

Northern Irish metal band Anam Ritual have released ‘Captivity’, a single that encapsulates who the four-piece are – with haunting melodies, unfiltered heaviness and a type of sound that pulls you into the atmosphere of electric intensity and uncompromising metal. ‘Captivity’ explores the current state of our world and what it means to be in control of our lives.

“A dystopian reflection on a world built around the rat race, where freedom feels like an illusion and humanity is nothing more than a pawn in a much larger game,” described the band.

KYLA BELLE, ‘Christmas in Ireland’

Pop singer-songwriter KYLA BELLE has released ‘Christmas in Ireland’, a high-energy folk-pop anthem built for an arms-around-your-mates singalong. The song was written in collaboration with songwriter Anna Krantz. With joyful melodies, holiday-infused tones and KYLA BELLE’s distinctive voice, it marks yet another great Christmas track to add to her list.

“3 years of Christmas songs and I’m so excited to be keeping this little tradition going,” she wrote on social media.

Grey City Riot, ‘Losing Me, Losing You’

Dublin-based rock band Grey City Riot have released ‘Losing Me, Losing You’ off their new album Don’t Expect Too Much. The track describes the sacrifices made to be in a relationship that isn’t meant to be.

It holds punk undertones, emotional lyricism and heavy guitar and drum beats, forming a song that is distinctly Grey City Riot. The band typically finish their gigs with ‘Losing Me, Losing You’ as it serves as one last outpour of emotion to belt out before the night ends.

Cliffords, ‘Rod For My Back’

Cliffords return with their first new music of the year, the explosive new single ‘Rod For My Back’, a deliciously bouncy and melody-heavy number pulled-forward by a driving bass lines and Iona Lynch’s powerful vocal performance.

“'Rod For My Back' is a story about being misunderstood and commodified for a culture in which we always felt like outsiders,” the singer says. “As a queer woman who didn’t fit the conventional norms of GAA clubs and the Catholic Church, I never quite felt “Irish” enough.

“When we started touring around the UK for the first time, we were quickly put into a cultural box, as were the rest of our Irish peers. It felt as if our unique identities as Irish people were distilled down to an idea of culture which we never felt a part of, as if we had been washed away in a new wave of G-splitting Plastic Paddy enthusiasts.”

Kojaque, ‘That’s Gonna Be Me’

Dublin-born musician Kojaque returns this week with the politically charged new single ‘That’s Gonna Be Me’, offering a sharp look at the rising tide of anti-migrant sentiment and political division back home in Ireland and across the world and around the world. With powerfully heavy, almost industrial instrumentation, the track delivers a sharp look at misplaced anger and apathy.

“There’s been a strategic amplification of ignorant and divisive voices,” says Kojaque, “and I want to drown them out. I want to be just as loud as they are. Apathy feels like the path of least resistance, until one day you find yourself somewhere very bleak. That’s not how I wanna go out. I might not have all the answers, but I’ve got the right attitude.”

Dea Matrona, ‘Song From 2009’

Belfast duo Dea Matrona offer with punchy new single ‘Song From 2009’, a dark, guitar-driven indie-rock track exploring the push and pull of a complicated relationship, set on the backdrop of their distinctive alternative rock sound, pairing moody guitars and infectious hooks with their melodic sensibilities.

Speaking about the song, the band shares: “It all started with a vintage drum machine and an idea from a voice note on tour. Creating this song really felt like an exploration of so many different feelings. We’re taught as women to suppress our desires and sensual selves, and we wanted to write a song that reclaimed that. Something you might once have felt a little guilty for loving. Like that song on the radio that you loathe but secretly love.”

Mark Hegan, ‘Trouble’

The second release from Mark Hegan’s upcoming EP, ‘Trouble’ is a gorgeously heartbreaking acoustic track, where simple yet perfectly lush guitar chords create the ideal backdrop for the singer’s silky smooth vocals and stirring lyricism. With ambient sounds of gentle waves and light xylophone melodies, the new single is as emotional as it is carefully constructed.

Lex Bucha, ‘Faithless (Sacrifice) SEAMUS Remix’

Dublin-based singer Lex Bucha has joined forces with Scottish DJ and producer SEAMUS for a remix of his song ‘Faithless (Sacrifice)’. The new reworking features a darker, drum and bass-focused version of the track from his Dark Mode EP. One of his most defiant singles to date, this remix pushes that edge onto the dancefloor, showcasing a different side of the emotive indie pop artist.

“I love working with SEAMUS,” said Bucha. “He helps to bring this dance side out of me, and as a fan of his music, it’s a pleasure to collaborate with him.”

Peer Pleasure, 'DiMM'

Irish garage-rock and post-punk band, Peer Pleasure, formed in 2021 by members from Wexford, Wicklow, and Dublin. On this track, 'DiMM' pushes forward on an intense drums, with sporadic saxophone cutting through the arrangement to create a sound that is as emotionally charged as it is playfully connected.

"DiMM' was written as a joke and recorded as an afterthought between two other songs in the studio," said the band. "We spent about an hour on it all. "The tracks lyrics aim to subvert and poke fun at a particular genre and sound that we felt has been very pervasive in the Irish and UK music scene for the last 10 years, bands that really want to sound like other bands, bands from BiMM and post post post post post punk bands."

The Vibes, 'Coffee and Maple'

With their west of Ireland heritage at the heart of their identity, The Vibes bring a fresh perspective to the evolving Irish folk landscape. They combine the timeless appeal of folk storytelling with the energy, accessibility and melodic strength of modern pop, creating music that resonates beyond geographical and genre boundaries.

This track sees the band collaborate with three-time Grammy Award-winning producer and mix engineer Andrew Scheps, whose credits include Adele, Hozier, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Green Day, U2 and Black Sabbath.

Wild Tibetan Monks, 'The Screw'

After a brief hiatus, Wild Tibetan Monks are back with a new energy and new music. 'The Screw' is one of their earliest tracks, and after spending the past few years touring, writing, and recording in Western Australia - they've had time to put everything they've learned on the road to good use. The track begins with a stripped-back arrangement built around bass and vocals before gradually moving towards a powerful closing section.

"The Screw' is one of the Monk's earliest tracks," said the band. "A minimalist beginning with simple bass and vocals invites the listener on a journey both mournful, but captivating, eventually developing into a powerful climatic ending. The track showcases the full breath of the band's live sound."

 

Brother Vice, 'Jack'

Brother Vice have released their new single 'Jack'. The Armagh rockers follow up their previous track 'For A Lifetime' with a new song about friendship, and watching someone you love fall into destructive habits.

Brother Vice comprises James Feely, Neil Mone, Dean Cummins and Aidan Watters. 'Jack' was written by Feely, using his own personal experience with someone grappling with addiction. The tune explores the frustration of watching someone you love continue to make harmful choices.

Combining passionate vocals and emotive lyrics, along with a classic rock sound, Brother Vice continue to develop as a group.

BABYRAT, 'SAY! (WHAT YOU WANNA SAY)'

BABYRAT have released their new single 'SAY! (WHAT YOU WANNA SAY)' following the announcement of their debut EP, Pretty Ugly, which drops on February 5, 2027.

The Cork four-piece return with a bold, gritty new track about breaking free from a toxic relationship. Zoe Jordan's powerful vocals, combined with pulsing guitar and percussion, along with blazing synths, create a powerful indie-rock anthem.

BABYRAT give an insight into the single.

"'Say!' is about escaping a manipulative grasp and realising you don't actually need to feel the way that person makes you feel.

"It's about regaining strength and power, and the triumph of getting to a place where you're no longer affected by their cruel nature. This song isn't about suffering, it's about overcoming."

Nan Fee, 'Howlin'

Nan Fee has released her debut single 'Howlin'. Originally from County Tyrone, the folk singer-songwriter is now based in Westport, Co. Mayo. Although she has been deeply involved in the music industry for 20 years, she is now forging her own path as a solo artist.

'Howlin' is about the Isle of Eigg off the coast of Scotland, where Fee lived for five years. It explores her love for the island, both its nature and the community she built there, as well as the liberating sense of freedom she felt while living on the island.

Darren Flynn, 'Sweetest Eibhlín'

Darren Flynn has released his new single 'Sweetest Eibhlín', ahead of his upcoming debut album. Flynn blends a classic Americana style with a more modern folk sound for this track. The upbeat tunes features organ and harmonica, with Flynn singing about a missed opportunity with a romantic partner, as he pleads with her for a second chance.

Flynn explains the inspiration behind the song.

"The song is about making a bad first impression - you know - meeting someone that makes you think 'Oh Wow! I think I really like them' and then screwing it up right from the get-go.

"I think it's probably one of the most common experiences we all have at some point - standing there wishing the ground would open up and swallow you!"

Earfzilla, ‘Mammy Said’

Earfzilla has released his debut album, the after glow, which features the track 'Mammy Said.' Produced by fellow Irish artist MOIO, the song is a more subdued offering from the Dublin musician, delving into the pressure he feels as he grows older.

The production blends heartfelt strings, along with more energetic percussion as the song lyrics speed up and become more energetic. Earfzilla’s vocals showcase his range as an artist, beginning with soft singing before transitioning into rapping.

A layered offering from an artist with a promising career ahead of him.

 

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Sano Hill, 'Just Low'

Sano Hill has released a new single,'Just Low', ahead of his upcoming second album. The Cavin-born and now Galway based musician explores depression and the struggle to articulate heavy emotions in his new song. Combining emotive acoustic guitar with Hill’s vocals, the track is a stripped-back, personal exploration of the impact depression has on daily life.

Hill shares an insight into the song.

"'Just Low' is for anyone who has felt down without ever been able to express why. Sometimes there are no words. Always reach out for help. You may be surprised what you find."

Cormac O Caoimh, 'Heartbreakers'

Cormac O Caoimh has released his new album, Heartbreakers, which features the title track of the same name. The record is the singer's seventh studio album.

The song is a catchy tune that explores O Caoimh’s journey with love and relationships. Featuring his distinct vocals, along with a synth production, the track is undercut by interesting guitar and percussion. Heartbreakers will also see O Caoimh embark on a run of Irish shows in the coming months, to celebrate the record’s release. 

GARAGE, 'Resistance'

Charlie Travis aka GARAGE has released the follow up to 'Inner Revolution'. This new track continues the powerful psychological soundscape he's created. His use of experimental synth instrumentation is carefully constructed and pairs with his layered vocals.

Kingfishr, 'Weight of the Feather'

This is the title track from folk giants Kingfishr from their highly anticipated upcoming album. They capture a seismic period of transition amid the hiatus of Eoin "Fitz" Fitzgibbon, the demise of a romantic relationship for Eddie Keogh, and the adjustment of being quickly thrown in front of arena-sized crowds.

"Weight of the Feather' is about dealing with the success of Kingfishr so far," says Eddie Keogh. "The band was a bit of a spoof, and we were fairly sure that the whole thing would collapse six months after we started.

"That never happened, it just kept going. It's incredible and we wouldn't change any of it, but our lives have changed considerably in ways that we never imagined."

Kibo x Lil Skag, 'Justified'

This collaboration blends Kibo's melodic grime and Lil Skag's underground garage and dubstep creating a contemporary, underground club track with an unmistakable wit.

 

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Cell Games, 'Guilt'

Cell Games is a Dublin-based nu-metal band formed in 2021 by Maximillion Foy, Tristan Carroll, Deb O'Brien, and Niall O'Connell. Their latest track has a heavy, modern blend of crunching metal, electronic texture, and pop-culture-infused songwriting.

Black Nylon, 'BDSMX'

Black Nylon's sound is anchored by shimmering, reverb-drenched guitars that create a moody wall of sound and an echoing mysterious atmosphere. Their delivery is emotive, dramatic, and melodic, sitting right on top of their dense instrumentation.

 

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