Track of the Day: Junior Brother releases powerful new single ‘Take Guilt’

Following the release of 'The Men Who Eat Ringforts' late last year, Junior Brother returns with his first new single of 2024, ‘Take Guilt’ – accompanied by a lyric video by Dylan Gomery.

A music video will follow on October 7, starring Éanna Hardwicke and directed by Ellius Grace.

The singer-songwriter from Co. Kerry, born Ronan Kealy, reaches exciting new heights in ‘Take Guilt’, showcasing his ability to push at the boundaries of what Irish folk music can sound like.

Credit: Niamh Barry

“Things in the world are hard to ignore," Junior Brother says of the track. "Some things are almost impossible to forget. Privilege is reaching the end of the article and closing the paper - guts wrenched, heart broken and everything forgotten by dinner time. Modernity unburdens itself, desperately trying to progress past history’s horrors - but horrors that used faces as currency will forever look back at us in the mirror’s reflection.

"Small disgraces face minorities closer to home every day," he continues. "I’m white and male and I have done nothing, but the crimes and horrors done in my face’s name requires me to take guilt. I’ll bring this guilt with me to escape hate, as the news of morning clears into the long dead day.”

Junior Brother’s debut album, 2019's Pull the Right Rope, earned a Choice Music Prize nomination for Irish Album of the Year, while the 2022 follow-up The Great Irish Famine claimed an Album of the Year nomination at the RTÉ Folk Music Awards.

He's currently at work on his third album, working with renowned Irish producer John 'Spud' Murphy (Lankum, black midi).

To celebrate the new single, Junior Brother will perform a special intimate launch show at the Bello Bar in Dublin on October 19 – with Peter McGann on support, and DJs playing til late. The first 25 people signed up to his newsletter will get free entry, with a plus one. Limited tickets will then be on sale from Friday at 10am.

The singer-songwriter is also set to embark on a UK tour in October, and finish off the year with a performance at The Pogues’ star-studded 40th Anniversary Performance of Red Roses For Me, at the 3Arena on December 17.

Watch the lyric video for 'Take Guilt' below:

Tickets for Junior Brother’s upcoming tour dates can be purchased here.

2024

• 19.10 - DUBLIN, Bello Bar
• 22.10 - LIVERPOOL Kazimier Stockroom
• 23.10 - LONDON Omeara
• 24.10 - BRIGHTON Prince Albert
• 26.10 - EDINBURGH Voodoo Rooms (Speakeasy)
• 27.10- YORK The Fulford Arms
• 17.12 – DUBLIN,  3Arena (The Pogues ‘Red Roses for Me’ 40^th Anniversary Celebration)

2025

• 20.03 – CORK, Live at St. Luke’s
• 22.03 – BELFAST, Black Box