Following the release of Madra last Friday, current Hot Press cover stars NewDad have soared straight to No.6 on the Official Irish Albums Chart.

Following two EPs – 2021’s Waves and 2022’s Banshee, which have both clocked up millions of streams – Madra is NewDad’s first release since signing to Atlantic Records, a move that confirms long-held suspicions (including a spot on Hot Press’s ‘Hot For 2021’ list) about the band's potential for a proper international breakthrough.

The four-piece, who are now based in London, worked on Madra at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales, where Queen famously recorded 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

“That was the best two weeks of my life,” NewDad's singer/guitarist Julie Dawson said of Rockfield, as part of the band's cover story in the current issue of Hot Press. “There were these two ladies, Jan and Sue, who made homemade dinners every night, and dropped them up to us. They were so sweet. So we’d have wine and shepherd’s pie, and then go back into the studio.”

Earlier this afternoon, NewDad shared footage of their performance of The Cure's 'Just Like Heaven' for BBC Radio 1.

Our cover of one of our favourite songs for @BBCR1 🖤 pic.twitter.com/8jUYaMgkGk

— NewDad (@NewDad) February 2, 2024

Another new entry in this week's Top 10 is The Smile's new album Wall Of Eyes at No.2.

Elsewhere on the chart, Noah Kahan continues his reign at No.1 with Stick Season and Fleetwood Mac raise to No.3 with 50 Years: Don't Stop.

Over on the Official Irish Singles Chart, meanwhile, Sophie Ellis-Bextor's 'Murder On The Dancefloor' – originally released in 2001, but enjoying a resurgence in popularity after its appearance in the film Saltburn – is once again at No.2 this week.