New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Gemma Hayes, 'High & Low'

The rightly revered Irish singer-songwriter has returned with her first release in nine years, and it's bound to be gut-wrenching. ‘High & Low’ features Gemma’s dulcet voice over finger-plucked strings sounds, and follows the Mercury Prize nominee’s 2014 album Bones & Longing. Co-produced with her longtime friend David Odlum (Kíla, The Frames), the deeply moving is all about the quest for connection. The accompanying contemplative video perfectly captures the nuances of this hauntingly gorgeous track.

“The bigger story in ‘High & Low’ is about feeling disconnected - but desperately wanting to connect," Gemma says. "In the song, this idea is placed in the context of grief and longing for a person who is gone, leaving a ghostly feeling of not fully being alive because of their departure. A nice, happy dance floor anthem this is not!”

Róisín Murphy and DJ Koze, 'FADER'

The Wicklow singer-songwriter has shared a third song from her DJ Koze–produced new album, Hit Parade. 'FADER' follows pre-album single 'CooCool' and its successor, 'The Universe.' The track is described as “a song about life & death and everything in between. I’m building a world here….” The Róisín Machine follow-up is out September 8 via Ninja Tune. The video was directed by Róisín Murphy herself, and filmed in Arklow last month. It stars The Arklow Silver Band, as well as an array of young singers, dancers and performers from the singer’s hometown. As usual, the star delivers bright colours and boundless energy. Catch Róisín Murphy performing at Dublin's Trinity College on Sunday July 2.

Hozier, 'Unknown / Nth'

The Bray musician's latest Unreal Unearth single is yet another devastating lyrical blow, served with his usual poignant poetry. In the song, Hozier explores themes of distance, betrayal and the feeling of being misunderstood in a relationship. The track takes inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s, Divine Comedy, mainly from the 9th Circle of Hell which is known as the “Treachery circle, where those who have committed acts of betrayal are punished. The circle is divided into four regions, each punishing a different form of treachery, and sinners are trapped in ice, frozen and isolated. The track initially made its debut on a TikTok Live Session with Hozier in September 2022. Featuring fellow singles 'Eat Your Young', 'Francesca' and 'All Things End', the album lands on August 18th.

"Funny how true colours shine in darkness and in secrecy / If there were scarlet flags, they washed out in the mind of mе / Where a blindin' light shone on you еvery night / And either side of my sleep / Where you were held frozen like an angel to me," he croons over sparse electric guitar chords. His vocals are piercing on the beautiful offering.

Hozier.

Mik Pyro, 'Nothing More To Do With The Man' (feat. MayKay)

Following 2022 single 'Chill or Die', the former Republic of Loose frontman is back with a new single alongside the announcement of his debut solo album. Exit Pyro arrives on July 14. 'Nothing More To Do With The Man' has definite blues-rock edges, with country/trad twangs in the strings sections. Pyro's rugged, husky tone delivers a narrative on top of a brooding guitar melody. "Last year I was on the pig's back now I'm on the meat rack," he declares, before describing a lover who got tired of cleaning the wounds of the protagonist. "I want nothin' more to do with your fumbling attempts at menace, nothin' more to do with pettiness," MayKay sings back on the duet. Pyro – who's also known for his work with the Dublin Blues Cartel – is now working on a series of acoustic-based songs for Exit Pyro.

"I'm writing these acoustic songs, which I've been writing my whole life but I never got to use them in a public release because everything was more pop and R&B," he said. "I've always had these songs lying around but I saw this as an opportunity to release them, along with some new material."

Brigid Mae Power, 'Counting Down'

Taken from the folk singer-songwriter's upcoming album Dream From The Deep Well (due out on June 30th), the down-tempo single has an air of melancholy. "A sadness comes into my eyes as I watch families walk by," she croons on the guitar track. "You give my life for rooted feelings, every step I take has meaning...how long will it be 'til I'm home?" she asks before she describes the waiting game to seeing a loved one again, while questioning her career. The Irish singer-songwriter touches on pressing issues elsewhere on her new album - "but never in a sloganeering, self-righteous, or even a particularly solemn way. An inherent compassion guides her every step," as Hot Press' Lucy O'Toole said in her review. With echoes of Sharon Van Etten, Vashti Bunyan, Sibylle Baier and Shirley Collins, 'Counting Down' is a mark of her international potential.

Sister Fenix, 'In Water'

Appearing alongside 'Clay' and 'Benefactor of Love', 'In Water' is the latest single from Sister Fenix - the vibrant and eclectic musical collective fronted by Jess Kav (BARQ, Hozier, Waterboys) and Senita Appiakorang (Shookrah, Bantum, Narolane). "Blood is thicker than water," Senita sings as synths swirl around the soulful musicians' duetting vocals. "I know I can heal, this beauty is real...I was dying of thirst now I keep myself first." Their three-track project embodying the journey of discovery and cleansing they found in the collaborative process over lockdown. An empowering anthem targeting the fulfilling experience of self-love, it's a rich single that oozes glamour.

The pair's new EP Gentle Life arrived on June 21st, offering captivating experience, blending influences of Kimbra, Soul To Soul, Andrea Triana and Solange, showcasing the collective's artistry and musical prowess. Catch Jess and Senita performing an unforgettable live set at Pride Merrion Square tomorrow, Saturday June 24th.

Ezra Williams, 'Babyteeth'

Taken from their AWAL-released debut album Supernumeraries, which landed last Friday, ‘Babyteeth’ is as about as angsty as the record gets. “I don’t feel as sad as I used to," Ezra Williams sings, delicately, while the visuals follow the same slightly gruesome trend of their recent videos ('Skin'), exploring the human body and intimate connection. "I always want you to be happy / Now I've learned that I'm important too / And you can gеt what you need without me / And I'll try to stop myself from crawling back to you," the Cork-based 21-year-old offers, painfully noting the difficulty of always thinking of the other person in the relationship before yourself. If this deeply confessional self-produced album doesn't make them a more international indie sensation, what will?

Proper Micro NV, 'Never Go On'

Limerick singer-songwriter and electronic producer Rory Hall has kept extremely quiet for the last two or three years, but he returns today as Proper Micro NV. 'Never Go On' is a slow burning electro track that twists and turns as hypnotic beats and synths dance together. The soul-driven pulsating beats echo the likes of James Blake, Caribou and Maribou State, if not Overmono, and get more addictive with each passing listen. The dance single was released via Galway label Strange Brew, while the video was shot in North London's Hampstead area with dogs everywhere, according to Nialler9. We're excited to see what other glimmering anthems Hall pulls out of the bag this year; they're sure to be euphoric.

Matthew Xavier Corrigan, 'Convenience'

Previously working under his Ghostking is Dead alias, the Hausu collective member has today released a magical new EP, from ten, with love. Matthew Xavier Corrigan is armed with a unique sonic palette inspired by a broad career - spanning folk, rock, jazz and hip-hop production. 'Convenience' appears in a simple form, but is clever and dexterous in guitar chords and lyrical prowess. "Tell me brother, was your journey here long from the South?.. I want love / Love wants me too / I wanna hear all of this music and it wants me to listen / Convenience, make no home inside my chest / You're freaking me out." On the EP, Matthew is accompanied by Peter O'Sullivan and Hugh O'Connor, his long-standing bandmates in Waterford star Alex Gough's quartet performing jazzy hip-hop cuts throughout Europe. Corrigan describes 'Convenience' as "a complex exploration of sexuality, contrasting desire with disgust and shame". Soaked in complex layers of processed vocals, it evolves into something incredibly hard to pin down, in a wonderful way.

Far Caspian, 'Pet Architect'

The title track from his forthcoming album The Last Remaining Light - out July 14th - the Irish musician follows up the coming-of-age number 'Own' with the enthralling alternative gem 'Pet Architect'.  The Leeds-based artist pairs lo-fi, textured vocals with a compelling guitar line, as he lets the emotional story do all the talking. "Paired with all internal weight / He reads all the terms of a diagnosis / Lent it all to red blood tests / Exhale as you want / Seems it won't let up for a while," he opens the jangly indie track. Joel Johnston has recorded, performed and mixed everything himself across a catalogue of EPs (Between Days in 2018 and The Heights in 2019) and his debut album (Ways To Get Out in 2021). In true DIY fashion, Far Caspian has directed his own videos, shoots his press shots, creates his own artwork and has started a record label.

Molumby and Liliana, 'Addicted To You'

Ronan Molumby (aka Molumby) is a recent graduate from BIMM Dublin with a Diploma in Music & Audio Production. Teaming up with singer-songwriter Liliana on the dance banger, the track melds dynamic beats with the singer's pitch perfect, honey-toned vocals. Inspired by the likes of Dua Lipa, Adele and Olivia Rodrigo, Liliana released her debut single 'What Are We Now?' in 2021. Molumby has popped up on 'Dusk' and 'What You Say' only this year, but he's clearly raring to go with further collaborations and solo singles in the mix. Liliana may only be in her teens, but her smooth voice is bound to get her noticed. Expect to hear Molumby's two-stepping dance numbers on the radio soon - and hopefully on dancefloors at home and abroad. Why not aim high when your production is this fresh?

Lushed, 'Gush'

A self-dubbed "lad from Galway making some tunes”, electronic artist Song Du takes strong inspiration from the echoing coastline of the West. Now Dublin-based, 26-year-old Lushed mixes, masters and produces all of his own tracks. 'Gush' is a wavey, hypnotic effort that uses various push and pull soundscapes to create an otherworldly, escapist ambience. Adding the distant air of crashing waves embodied by the swelling pads as a nod to the coastline that raised him, his sonically-rich dance piece is only his third single. The future is definitely bright for Song as he embarks on a three-track EP, due for release at the end of July.

"My latest release ‘Gush’ is a dance piece that was created to make dancefloors move while simultaneously help people in reaching their various states of euphoria," the Irish-Chinese artist tells Hot Press. "On a more personal level, ‘Gush’ represents the dreamy state and a slight sadness that lingers in the west as a result of the emigration of its young people over generations."

Lushed.

Ultan Conlon, 'Paradise Lane'

2023 single 'The Old Songs' was his first release since 2020 album There's A Waltz. Musician Ultan Conlon's new track is a reflective, slow-moving bluesy folk track that's driven by piano chords, soft guitar notes and his sincere vocal run. The Irish singer-songwriter found a haven for his unique sound and sensibility in Los Angeles, California, with Grammy Award- winning David Garza (Fiona Apple) producing Ultan’s fifth record, The Starlight Ballroom, which drops on September 13th. As a child Ultan’s mother often heard people in their home village of Meelick mention a street in the neighbouring town of Eyrecourt called Paradise Lane. "Her youthful intrigue and fertile imagination got the better of her as she drew conclusions from the name and went in search of what she thought would be an exotic place filled with wonder," he describes. "Daddy's gonna kill me if I don't make it home on time," he croons.

Becky McNeice, ‘One Million Other Problems’

The alt-pop singer-songwriter has already released 'Yellow Glow', 'Wasting Time' and 'Phases' this year along, but ‘One Million Other Problems’ feels different. "What else can I say? I already tried / You're in outer space almost every night / If you wanna say how you feel inside / I won't look away / Wouldn't run and hide," she states in the opening lines, urging someone close to her to be vulnerable instead of disappointing her with dishonesty. The Northern Irish rising star has a distinct, heartfelt sound with an ear for diaristic lyricism. Breaking onto the scene with debut single 'Long Days' – which garnered support from Spotify's New Music Friday UK and New Pop UK playlists; Becky's solo EP Phases (which arrived on March 3rd this year) was funded by PRS Women in Music. ‘One Million Other Problems’ sees her shrug off the emotional baggage of someone she's dating for the better. "I won't miss us, I'd rather have a million other problems."

One Horse Pony, ‘Cut To Black’

Cork outfit One Horse Pony have joined forces with some of Ireland’s brightest musicians to create a foot stomping roots classic in the making. As the Covid lockdowns lifted, seven songwriters came together to craft a unique song. The Wexford workshop was funded by the Music Industry Stimulus Package with support from the Arts Council and First Contact Music. 'Cut To Black' is the thrilling result, featuring the talents of Gavin Glass, Maeve Hunter and Chris O’Sullivan in Orphan Studios. Embracing elements of the Deep South, early Cajun tones and the swamplands of Louisiana, the sleekly-produced bluesy anthem features rock-heavy vocals and riotous instrumentation that's bound to get you moving. Written by Rob Foley, Kevin Morrison, Tim O’Leary and Alan Roy Scott with the aforementioned musicians, the video was captured by Barra Vernon.

Problem Patterns, 'Letter of Resignation'

After their sting supporting electro-punk legends Le Tigre on their Manchester and Glasgow tour dates, Irish quartet Problem Patterns have released a ferocious new single and accompanying video. The Belfast-based Riot Grrrls have also announced their upcoming debut album, Blouse Club - released later this year via Alcopop! Records. A live standout, ‘Letter of Resignation’ sees guitarist Beverley Boal take control of vocals. Problem Patterns are known for regularly switching mic responsibilities and instrument roles, refusing to be pinned down. “I’m standing up for who I believe in / you can’t fire me, I’m leaving!” Bev belts on the track, which takes aim at those who tear down the LGBTQ+ community - especially in the workplace. The wall of punk noise supporting her feels like an arm around your shoulder.

“‘Letter of Resignation’ is for anyone who has left a job, space or situation because people there were judgmental of, or discriminated against them or others for being different, and they stood up for who they believe in," Bev explains. "For me, I grew up hearing the phrase ‘hate the sin, love the sinner’ in churches (always in the same context, as if being gay was the ultimate sin) and it still feels like an attack when I hear the preachers in the street." The Holywood-filmed video was directed by Brendan Seamus.

The Rosecaps, 'Reminder'

Rising Connaught band The Rosecaps are back with a catchy new number - a bold indie-rock tune that spins the tale of a self-centred character. Living in their own bubble, the subject completely shuts off from the real world and refuses to hear reason. “We exaggerated this concept greatly to the point where this person goes through life convinced that they are the lead protagonist of a movie/TV show," the band offer. "The entirety of the song is essentially a wakeup call for this person. A not so subtle reminder that they need to come back and face reality.” Bleeding their favourite rock bands from Blossoms to Arctic Monkeys into the sound, the song was recorded and produced over the course of two days by Martin Quinn in JAM Studios, Meath. It's all loud choruses, fierce melodies and strong vocals that belt with intent.

The three-piece Galway indie rockers take inspiration from the likes of The Killers, The Cure, The Coronas and The Academic. Since the band released their debut EP in 2021, they've gained over 90,000 streams on Spotify and performed at the Roisin Dubh. Support slots for Chasing Abbey, Wild Youth and Hudson Taylor have also earned them attention.

Search Results, 'Flower Rock Rain'

The Dublin trio and Blowtorch Records signees have released the first single from their upcoming album Information Blip - which will see a vinyl release in the Autumn. Sharing vocal duties, Fionn Brennan (guitar), Jack Condon (drums) and Adam Hoban (bass) formed Search Results after moving to Dublin in 2019. They bonded over a love for punk and garage rock, emulating the energy of bands like Parquet Courts and The Velvet Underground. 'Flower Rock Rain' features a collaboration with Rhys Mayes and Callum Browne of Belfast-based psych-pop band The Daisy Chain, blending autoharp and distorted lap-steel guitar with the band’s usual guitar, bass and drums set-up. Expect to see the three-piece on their Irish co-headline tour this July with Thee U.F.O. Search Results dropped their’s Mirrors EP back in 2021, followed by 2022’s No Punchline Arousal EP.

Róisín McKeown, 'Not Your Mama'

Making her mark earlier this year with 'What You Do', the soulful Róisín McKeown returns with a sultry track that deserves every inch of airtime. With strong hints of Jorja Smith, Shiv and her fellow R&B contemporaries, the musician laments someone trying to kill her energy and zest for life. "I think you talk too much, I think you haven't filled your cup / Watch and stay," she sings. "You've gone chasing these highs that don't give you meaning, that don't give you life - so what's the point anyway? They're gonna say what they wanna say." Chasing the highs when you've got the lows, the single is about realising someone you care about romantically is running from the blues, often with disastrous effects. McKweon doesn't want to bear the weight of emotional naiveté, nor should she have to. Groovy guitar notes and woozy production fuse the pieces of the track together with finesse.

mild, 'how i feel' (feat. Blimp)

Taken from the producer's Tapewinter EP, out today, Derry man James Donnelly taps fellow electronic artist Blimp to collaborate on the seductive track. The pair are masters at creating an all-encompassing vibe of dance magic, ambient heaven and dreamy, mystical moods. Drawn towards a maximalist style since his teens, when he explored lofi house, synthwave and future bass, mild's inspirations stem from a vast range of places but always circle back to one artist in particular. Ethereal house energy adds another layer to the tune, which really needs to be blared at the aftersesh when the Deep Meaningful Conversations (DMCs) are starting.

"It varies depending on what I’m trying to go for when I’m creating, but I would say my most prominent influence is Kaytranada," he told Hot Press. "He’s got such a unique sound with beautiful chord progressions and distinct rhythms, and I try to capture some of his style in my tunes. My dream collaboration is probably Sam Gellaitry – his first Viewfinder album is one of the main reasons I started producing music, and his newer stuff is even better."

Saint Sister, 'Any Dreams?' (ELLLL remix)

Sharing their Where I Should End remixes EP today, featuring Arveene, Shura, ELLLL and Rian Trench; 'Any Dreams' is given an electronic spin for the ages by an Irish-born, Berlin-based producer and DJ. ELLL has a unique approach to bass, techno and off-kilter club music, lacing sets and productions with breaks, abstract experimentation, disjointed techno and bass-heavy club. The original 'Any Dreams?' from the Northern Irish pair's sophomore album featured synth flourishes, and Morgan McIntyre's vulnerable, addictive vocals. "Go to weddings / Go to funerals / Any dreams? / Keep them fixed," she sings, harmonising with harpist/composer Gemma Doherty. "And I thought a lot of you today / But not in any special way / Just because / Today you're 31." Removing the strings sections and most of the vocals, ELLLL works her magic on the captivating single to transform it into a soaring, flickering electronic diamond. The producer has released several EPs showcasing the breadth of her talents. Listen to Saint Sister's new remixes EP below.

david ofmg, 'somewhere'

Influenced by emo, dream pop, shoegaze and more, David's ambient, yet catchy, sound comes with a strong emotional undercurrent. His new focus track is a cut from today's EP, for what it's worth, and traces the experience of feeling desperate to escape your environment. No hate intended towards Cavan, they have 365 lakes and mean well. 'somewhere' is a remix of an older song with the same name that David released as part of an EP in 2021, which was originally indie-rock.

“'somewhere' deals with the classic emo sentiment of hating where you’re currently living and wanting to escape to somewhere better," David explains. "But I approach the topic from a more mature point of view and more realistic expectations. More specifically it’s about my time living in Cavan which I think explains everything (no offence to native Cavan residents). It’s about recognising where you are both physically and psychologically and realising that you are not where you should be or need to be. It’s ok to change both geographically and/or mentally in order to progress. The use of ambience, space and the orchestration at the end I feel suit the song a lot more than driving drum parts and ridiculous guitar solos. This version feels more honest."

Isaac Jones, 'UDEK'

The Dublin musician hasn't released tunes since 2021 single 'YOU'RE SO COOL', 2020 single 'Bad Blood' and EP Year of the Rat. Fusing R&B, alternative hip-hop and indie-pop with soulful synths and clever production, the use of warped vocals add warm textures and a streak of creativity welcomed in the Irish music business right now. The multi-instrumentalist is a self-taught piano and guitar player, with Isaac recording rudimentary demos with a Blue Snowball mic in his room back when he was a teenager. It seems to have paid off, despite taking a long hiatus from recording to finish college. His debut single 'Listen' arrived in July 2019, before he established his live sound with some impeccable session musicians by his side. Isaac’s influences range from Burt Bacharach and Colin Blunstone to JPEGMAFIA and Young Thug - and he sounds a lot like fellow Dublin production and guitar wizard Chameleon (to us, at least - dont @ me). After playing Ireland Music Week, we're hoping he's got more material up his sleeve for 2023.

The Love Buzz, 'Sing! Sing!'

Having only released two singles since their 2021 EP Here Comes The Scum ('Wild One' in 2022 and 'Kaleidoscope' earlier this year), 'Sing! Sing!' is irrepressible in indie-rock, alternative psych energy. The Cork outfit bring endless fun to their live shows, and their singles reflect the tongue-in-cheek nature. "Wrap your knickers around my heart," the playful lyrics on the new offering. "Gin & Tonic / Influencer queen...captions and coffee / I'm passing pieces of me...things don't stay in his head too long / his voice might break by the end of the song / When it's not working out, just sing, sing!" Lust-driven, infectious melodies are their bread and butter, with thrashing guitars and pummelling percussion supporting the raw, edgy vocal runs. It sounds like a coming-of-age movie moment reminiscent of All-American Rejects' hit 'Dirty Little Secret' appearing John Tucker Must Die. "She thinks she doesn't belong in his dream."

The Love Buzz.

Garrett Laurie, 'All About Me'

The Northern Irish singer-songwriter is using his film influences again on a new single, inspired by Bette Davis flick All About Eve and the trope of the fading star. 'All About Me was written in collaboration with co-founder of Soft Gut Song Camp, Ciaran Lavery, when Laurie attended last year. The fear of replacement as a result of ego and pride is at the heart of the mystical single. Lavery and Laurie use the chorus tagline of "Baby, I don't care" to pretend to shrug off their innate vulnerability. The track ultimately showcases Garrett's new sonic direction, and it's a dynamic path.

"After hearing the track I had worked on with Declan Legge and Joel Harkin from day one of the camp, Ciaran asked to work with me on an intimate, vocal-focused song," Garrett recalls. "Within an hour of working together, I felt like our writing styles complimented each other very well. When I threw out the idea of writing a song about ego in the arts scene, we quickly fell into a conversation about the process of releasing music and the vulnerable space it puts you in as an artist. From this, I started putting our thoughts into rhyme. We recorded the song after a night of bonding with the other artists over wine and I think you can hear that in the original vocals that made it to the final mix."

Ejeca, 'In & Out'

The electronic artist's first single of 2023 is a major stomper. "You keep comin' in and out of my life / I just can't understand why," the vocals repeat, over an intense bassline beat that invites - or forces - the listener to head towards the dancefloor, queue for the bar be damned. Garry McCartney (aka Ejeca) released his 14-track FRENCH TOUCH MIXTAPE last summer - giving a nod to the sub-genre of house popularised by artists like Daft Punk and Stardust in the 1990s. The release followed the Belfast-based producer's 2022 EP, Keep Climbing, on Needwant Records and 2021's HARDCORE / RAVE MIXTAPE. 'In & Out' steadily builds to booming crescendos and beat drops that would make even the sternest critic nod their head. It needs to be heard in a warehouse at 3am with strobe lights flickering around the darkness, surrounded by ecstatic strangers.

Lewwab, 'I (Don't) Need You

We're always excited to hear new releases from this Cork electronic duo. Using piano, percussion and synth amongst other electronic ambient sounds, the pair know how to shut down a dancefloor - or even just take you to another universe within your headphones. Ethereal, angelic, supernatural-sounding vocals on 'I (Don't) Need You' could give anyone chills, while the pounding beat and electronic synth flourishes show the variety and versatility of their influences and sub-genres. Lewwab played this year's St. Patrick’s Festival alongside the likes of Pillow Queens and Arlo Parks, standing out with their compelling sets and dance magic.

LEWWAB, also known as Lara and Anna, formed at the end of 2018 when they moved to Belgium together to explore the music scene with heavy influences from Brussel's live electronic scene. Returning home in 2019, the outfit began working on their debut EP Flowers, which was released in 2020. Their second EP, LASER POP, landed in August 2021.

Lewwab (press).

Daire Patel and POSER, 'Aftersun'

Irish musician Daire Patel released his Pretty Sweet mixtape only last year, but he's back with a collaboration today. POSER, meanwhile, has already dropped a slew of tracks in the last 12 months, including 'Let It All Work Out', '444', 'We can make it' and 'Letter to Dublin'. The latter single was inspired by the likes of Fred Again.. and DJ Seinfeld - with a sample of a poem he found on TikTok by Alice Kiernan. They've joined forces on 'Aftersun', blending electronic indie-pop with alternative hip-hop for a soulful R&B number echoing Tom Misch, dexter, Jordan Rakei and Maribou State. "Big dreams, the vision is hazy / I'm makin' money there's nothing to do / I know that I don't mean nothing to you / Feel like they know me/ Feel like they chose me / but I don't have nothin' to prove." Hazy piano chords, a rich saxophone section and flickering beat jumps between spoken word rap and a smoky jazz club feel.

MothMom, 'Pisces'

The band's first single since 2021 single 'Mushy Dead Fox' and album How To Cut Your Losses is an indie-rock confession of everyday moments and diary-like coming-of-age snapshots. The Dublin-based alternative band emerged in 2020 with their single 'Emo Boy', and have been growing their fanbase ever since. 'Pisces' is achingly vulnerable and brimming with youthful nostalgia. "I get fucked up and think your about eyes / Sleeping pretty pisces dream / I didn't think you would mean much to me / I don't mind being alone / But I don't think I could ever let you go." Gazing at someone and seeing your safe space while drunk and eating chips sounds pretty damn romantic to us, right? The single is a way of opening up to someone who finally feels like home, even if you didn't expect to find it.

Clodagh Byrne, 'Victim Complex'

The Irish singer-songwriter only dropped her debut single 'Home' earlier in the year, but 'Victim Complex' doesn't pull any punches. The Dublin musician has been penning songs since her teen years, but is finally ready to share what she's been working on. There's a distinctive grunge-rock edge to depict the anger at the core of the song, which lambasts a manipulative person at the core of the memory.  "I'm not sorry for being honest with you / And your actions so uncouth / No strive to be better / You'd stay in that town that you said made you down / Save your breath, save your time / I'm not listening now to your victim complex..." Byrne opens the single. "They were all sorry for you / And you dramatised what was never true / You get someone in your grasp then you throw them away..." she sings, her vocals crystal clear on top of fierce guitar riffs.

Reevah, 'Time to Breathe'

Derry-based artist Aoife Boyle (aka Reevah) has announced her anticipated debut album, Daylight Savings, with 'Time To Breathe'. Due to be released in early October, the album will illustrate her singer-songwriter roots and acclaimed alt-pop sound. 'Time To Breathe' is a soul-stirring track that serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and spend quality time with the people we love. Repeated like a mantra throughout, the song encourages listeners to step away from the pressures of expectation, social media, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. With the support of Bloom Records, a new imprint from Dublin's Faction Records, led by the visionary A&R, artist manager, and BBC Introducing presenter Aine Cronin-McCartney, Reevah is poised to reach a significantly broader audience. Collaborating with producers Brian Doherty and Matt Weir has allowed Reevah to embrace a new indie-pop, alternative '80s space.

Reevah.

SNKT, 'Too Close'

Cork native Jack O’Connor only started writing and producing music in university, pulling from his country’s gift for storytelling with a coming-of-age soundtracked by Robyn, Kate Bush, and The Knife. From his time discovering his queer identity and the rush of an Irish college experiences, SNKT inherently began as a project born out of club pop adoration met with searingly candid confessionals. O’Connor "unpacks sins" across today's debut album release No Saints, featuring new single 'Too Close'. With glittering electronic facets and yearning vocals that speak to doe-eyed lovers in nightclubs, it's a strong dance-pop introduction.

Of the track, O’Connor notes: “This song was a revelation in many ways, because I went into wanting to write a moody song about a relationship that was affecting me in the worst way possible. But being able to listen to myself in that moment made me confident to just go full-throttle with my gut feeling, which was to write with the realisation that 'this situation isn't working, but we're still gonna have a lot of fun getting it wrong.”

smythy, 'Good Time'

The emerging Irish surfer indie-pop artist has shared the lead single from his debut EP, Where You’re From, ahead of his Whelan’s headline show. It follows on from his triple threat singles of 2022: 'stay the night', 'gets me down' and 'turn back the time' - plus his 2020 debut 'When It Happens'. "Hey baby, let it go / And say something to make me feel at home / Won't you come and lay here on the floor / And stay with me so I don't feel alone," he yearns on jangly, up-tempo gem 'Good Time'. Essentially an anti-loneliness song, it's immensely addictive, wannabe feelgood for those of us who constantly feel restless and seek companionship. It has the catchiness of Big Sleep and the vocal sounds of Cork's Softboy Records rep Yenkee.

Dublin-based Tipperary native Andrew Smyth wrote the song after a night of heavy drinking. It captures that feeling of depression and anxiety felt when we rely on sources of instant gratification to provide happiness. The summery vibes of the music contrast with the heavy subject matter. Production, mixing and sound engineering were all provided by James Smith (Gypsies on the Autobahn, J Smith) with Shane O’Connell on drums, Liam Watt’s on bass, Tadhg Gleeson on keys, Eoin Hynes on lead guitar and Rory Ryan on synth.

Klubber Lang, '100 Years'

Quick off the back of last month’s ‘Warhound’, Irish rockers Klubber Lang are back with another frenetic offering - new single ‘100 Years’. The perfect follow up to the aforementioned ‘Warhound’, the Dublin outfit continue to turn heads with their own particular brand of unrelenting noise rock. Like previous singles ‘The Sad Professor’, ’Make Amends’, ‘Sleep Well’, ‘I Will Not Wait’ and ‘This Place’; the latest offering has the band's usual pounding rhythm section, inventive guitar riffs and unique vocal delivery of frontman Ciaran McGoldrick. The combination has delivered another original and compelling strain of noise rock, thanks to Ciaran Tallon, Fin O’Leary and Ronan McHugh.

Klubber Lang have garnered many admirers both at home and further afield and have created a real level of expectation with nine singles shared in three years under the FIFA Records banner. Add to this their explosive live shows, which have included much-coveted tour support slots with Girls Against Boys and fellow Irish heavy hitters Kerbdog, it's no wonder why the quartet have garnered so many plaudits.

Listen to the playlist in full below.