New Irish Music To Hear This Week

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3 hours ago

The latest track from SPRINTS starts off with a bang, its first line taking after Rachel Cusk as frontwoman Karla Chubb recites: Vanity is the curse of culture.
And so the rollout begins for the bands highly-anticipated album All That Is Over. With its pummelling spoken-word vocals and electrifying riffage that pack a brutal punch, Descartes is a rallying cry of abstract profundities. Philosophy has rarely sounded as cool as it does on SPRINTS latest tune.
Charisma and spunk? Check. Anarchy, existentialism and catharsis? Check, check and check. SPRINTS from left to right: Jack Callan / Sam McCann / Karla Chubb / Zac Stephenson Photo credit David Willis Throwing Shapes, Chosen Talk
Irish sonic polymaths Mabh McKenna, Ross Chaney and Gareth Quinn Redmond have joined forces on their latest project Throwing Shapes.
Pedalled by striking Irish wire-strung harp flourishes and an ethereal rhythm section, their debut single Chosen Talk synthesises a gossamer instrumental with vibrant electronics. With this seamless blend, the trio produce a distinctive soundscape that is both nostalgic in spirit, yet contemporary by design. Throwing Shapes Madra, Bought and Sold
Belfast queer post-punk rockers Madra have unleashed their ferocious debut EP Metamorphosis.
EP closer Bought and Sold is the ultimate focal point for the project, with its ambitious bent towards spectacle that elevates Metamorphosis into the realm of the unearthly and indelible.
Within the tracks intriguing skeletal undercarriage, synths flicker quietly, guitars dig deep and bassist/vocalist Eabha Campbells baritone vocal refrains intertwine in a fever pitch of resistance. Madra. M'ADAM, Its you
Cork singer-songwriter MADAM kicks into high gear on his vibrant new single, Its you.
Showcasing MADAMs – aka Adam ODonovan – penchant for tackling heavy subject matter head on, the track is a stark exploration of end times, depicting a catastrophic apocalypse through the intimate lens of two people saying a final goodbye as an overwhelming storm approaches.
ODonovans fearless exploration of finality merges wonderfully with the natural and raw textures of Kealan Kennys production. The result is a wondrous tune that serves up a two-course meal of sonic catharsis and woeful rumination. M'ADAM JUNE, Up
JUNE introduces herself to the world with her scintillating debut single Up.
This sanguine track mixes hues from a vibrant palette of contemporary pop and emotive nostalgia, following the ups and downs of a relationship with stark intimacy.
The emerging Laois artist flourishes at the centre of it all, enveloped by swelling synths and a propulsive rhythm section. Up is a wonderful and promising debut. JUNE Dan Ryan, Lagan Love
Tallaght polymath Dan Ryan offers an exceptionally innovative mix of EDM and folk on his rendition of the Irish trad air Lagan Love.
Gifting the song a new lease on life, Ryans Lagan Love kicks off with a riveting solo vocal passage, narrating the first two verses before the song takes full flight its percussion swelling with energy, teasing highs and lows and shifting between folk, classical, EDM and pop stylings.
I'm a big fan of all types of music. I love Irish traditional music and classical music and Ive always felt that strings can really give a track great emotion, Ryan says of the track. Being able to blend both of those elements with a thick breakbeat created something that I think feels unique and uplifting. Dan Ryan. EDEN, gggiiiiirrrrlllll
Dublin artist EDEN has unveiled his latest EP gggiiiiirrrrlllll.
The title track is a tender miniature that blends classic torch song longing with an endless electronic ascension.
With this, the tune sees EDEN return to the palette thats worked for him so far: synths that flicker with technicolour richness and dizzy drum programming which frame the artists mellow flow exquisitely. EDEN. California Irish, Julie Ann
With shimmering acoustic guitar, a propulsive rhythm section and emphatic vocals, the latest single from California Irish is a wonder of indie-rock resplendence.
Julie Ann is exactly the kind of tune that seems best-fitted to soundtrack the end credits of a cathartic independent film. Taking cues from the jingle-jangle Rickenbacker rock bands of the 60s, this track is sure to make a welcome addition to your summer playlist.
Speaking about the track, the band say: We wanted 'Julie Ann' to sound like The Byrds hence the jangly 12 string guitar and the thick four-part harmonies. Listen out for the psychedelic cow bell solo in the middle, and if youve been looking for your new soundtrack of the summer then congratulations to you! Peace agus love x.
Jesse June, Countdown
A cinematic, deliciously melodic hip-hop number, Jesse Junes new single Countdown is a transporting and incredibly catchy tune lined with elegant strings and bouncy rhythmic sections. Inspired by Gattaca and driven by the alienation of dream chasing, the song is said to be for anyone who's ever been underestimated. Jesse June Problem Patterns, Im Fine And Im Doing Great
Belfast-based punk quartet Problem Patterns have shared the lead single for their upcoming EP Boring Songs For Boring People . Gritty and powerful, Im Fine And Im Doing Great addresses the question of burnout with a tongue-in-cheek yet heavy tone perfectly highlighted by cathartically noisy drums and shouted vocal lines.
Commenting on the track, bassist Ciara King said: This song is an ode to every single burnout episode that any creative has ever had. The lyrics formed when we were touring flat out and playing UK festivals every weekend. As an Irish band, this requires a lot of travel back and forth. We were becoming extremely burnt out and losing joy for the thing we love.
This song is addressing that feeling of the love/hate relationship involved in doing music full time and still working full time, she continued. This one goes out to all our burnt out pals. Keep going. Problem Patterns. Photo credit: Ellen Blair Arbutus, Let Me Know
Rising Irish electronic-pop act Arbutus, the musical project of Meath-based producer and vocalist Dylan Kelly, releases the emotive new single Let Me Know in collaboration with Sean OMeara. Blending uplifting pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics, Let Me Know is a personal and powerful track inspired by loss and remembrance,
Let Me Know is an uplifting track that was written about being there for people in tough times and is dedicated to two close friends who passed away too soon, says Kelly. Arbutus Nathan ORegan, Poetry In Motion
Lifted from Nathan ORegans upcoming album Olive Branch , Poetry In Motion a summery, thoughtful and boisterous folk track written in the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with celebrated US songwriters Brian Maher and Muscle Shoals staff writer James LeBlanc. The song was composed in the historic former office of the studio's late founder, Rick Hall, where the trio spent a day writing together.
'I went downstairs to put on a pot of coffee and when I returned James was playing around these chords, and he and Brian were already halfway through piecing together what became the chorus, explains Nathan. 'I remember as soon as I heard the guitar riff that James was playing, I thought it sounded like an old classic so we thought the best foot forward was to try and capture something that felt like a classic. It's one of those tunes that I can't believe I had a hand in writing. James and Brian are so good at what they do – it was a pleasure to be a part of it.' Nathan O'Regan. Photo credit – Jamie Neish Von Venn, You Can Talk To Me
The first single from the upcoming latest Von Venn album Forgetting The Fall , 'You Can Talk to Me' revolves around a grinding guitar riff, backed by driving drums and bass, and tells the story of two lost souls engaging in a dance of misdirection and subtle seduction.
Speaking of the track, Von Venns Gary Cox said: 'I have always been fascinated by what drives us as human beings, the complexity of our emotions, the multiple layers that we are capable of operating at, our ability to hide and even deceive ourselves as to our true intentions. I think these elements become even more interesting when taken in the context of sexual tension between a couple. They engage in a game of desire and denial. This becomes even more apparent when the relationship is considered conventionally frowned upon, e.g. an affair, or inappropriate work relationship.' Gary Cox / Von Venn Unique Freaks, Ur Friends No Friend
Hailing from Unique Freaks (aka THEE U.F.O) upcoming album Enjoyment Planted , Ur Friends No Friend is a deliciously bouncy electro-pop track, lined with groovy riffs and infectious rhythmic sections and a masterfully layered production.
Ur Friends No Friend – Its easy to pretend to not want to talk to a friend, Its hard to reach out and reconcile, Its even harder when your friend doesnt want to reconcile, Unique Freaks Darragh Hansard says. Safe to say were still not friends, I love em though! Unique Freaks. F3miii, TRUTH
A summery and romantic RnB flavoured tune, F3miiis new track TRUTH is a hard hitting and catchy number, thanks to groove-lined productions and infectious rhythms, making for the perfect background to the musicians vibrant vocal performance. Once again proving his incredible melodic flair, F3miii offers a joyful track flavoured with slight melancholy. F3miii at Forbidden Fruit Festival. Copyright by Curtis DeSmith. Robbie Doherty, Back At Ya
A bouncy and nostalgic electronic tune, Robbie Dohertys Back At Ya blends minimalistic production with evident melodic sensibilities, thanks to infectious and straight-to-the-point synth lines and catchy, somewhat somber rhythmic sections which offer the summer-club track a depth that will satisfy all of your year-around party needs.
Silk, 'But Then, Yes'
Rising shoegaze band Silk have released their brand new single 'But Then, Yes', with thick, fuzzy guitars, shimmering passages of dreamy vocals, and lyrics that dive deep into personal connections that turn from friendship into something more.
The track is the latest solo project of Virgin's guitarist and songwriter, Michael Smyth, featuring vocals from AJ Das of Dublin dreamo band Picture Postcard. With its saturated sound, the buzzy tune seems like a warm embrace for a restless heart, as if someone were looking straight into your soul.
Discussing the motivation behind 'But Then, Yes', Smyth said: 'I constantly feel like I am rushing towards the inevitable infinite oblivion. Further exacerbated by the marking of years spent circling the sun. To that end, its important that I fill the time remaining with joyous, creative acts. The sharing of ideas is an essential part of that, which brings us to Silk.' Chubby Cat, 'My Boy'
Emerging alt-pop artist Chubby Cat has released her second country-pop single, 'My Boy', a goofy commentary on modern dating and the drama that comes along with it. The singer's bright and clear soprano fuses with upbeat guitars and catchy harmonies that act as backup vocals, reminiscent of Sabrina Carpenter or Chapel Roan.
Chubby Cat shared the inspiration behind her playful new track: Im in a new relationship! I wanted to write about it. Life is unsteady and awkward, and so am I! Im just trying to figure it out; Im sure you are all just trying to figure it all out too, so I wrote a song about it. I wanted to have a fun song to capture that sentiment while not taking things too seriously. I love my new boy, and I love my new song. 'My Boy' single cover art by Chubby Cat. The Halez, 'Let Live'
Athlone indie-rockers The Halez have just released their latest single, 'Let Live', a tune of unity and love in a divided world. Jangly guitars, soft, raw vocals and inspiring lyrics make for the perfect feel-good tune.
The group consists of four friends: vocalist Kieran Murphy, guitarist Jerome Sheerin, bassist Cormac Sheerin, and Eamonn O'Toole on drums. Their latest single is part of the band's wider objective to 'bring back proper honest music':
The main aim is to bring guitar music back. The world is crying out for it now, and who knows, maybe we will be the ones to bring it back or, at the very least, inspire the next generation to pick up instruments and to form bands and create some good old Rock 'n' Roll. The Halez. ARLENE, 'Racing Minds'
Hailing from Roscommon, genre-blending artist ARLENE has shared her latest tune, 'Racing Minds'. Blending indie-pop and alt-rock, her new song explores the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of overthinking and questioning one's own existence.
Rich synths, ARLENE's edgy vocals and a groovy bassline create an atmospheric bop, perfect for late-night reflection.
With her vulnerable new track, the singer wants to invite listeners in: 'I wrote Racing Minds some time ago now, and somehow I still find myself relating to it every day. I kept it under wraps for as long as possible because I was anxious to let everyone into my little world of thoughts and feelings by releasing it. I just hope people can connect emotionally with it the way I do.' ARLENE. 3rd Degree, 'Feel It Coming'
Irish alt-rock project 3rd Degree, featuring vocals by Waterford's Jason Burns, is poised to create waves with the release of their debut single, 'Feel It Coming'.
Gritty guitar riffs mesh with punchy synths, snappy drums, and entrancing vocals, creating a flawless union of emotional indie rock and thumping dance electronica.
''Feel It Coming' is a confident, genre-blending statement of intent merging live instrumentation with electronic edge and setting the tone for whats to come on Connected,' said Burns. 3rd Degree. For Nina, 'Swallow'
With their new single 'Swallow', Dublin's three-piece For Nina step into a new era, leaning into their unique sound. The slow-building, moody track combines sombre guitar licks, dreamy vocals and heavy-gaze-inspired twists, culminating in a lofty performance by singer Holly Owens.
Speaking on the track, the band said, 'Holly wrote the guts of the song years ago, back when she was in secondary school, and it got completely lost in the drafts. We stumbled across it sitting at home one night and heard this crazy potential from the chorus, gave it a new format and first verse, and we were flying from there. We only started playing it a couple of months ago, but from the first time we played it in a live set, we knew it was sparkling in a different way from some of our other songs.' For Nina. Kneecap, The Recap feat. Mozey
Originally released as a bootleg version via the Belfast trio's WhatsApp channel a few weeks ago, the track quickly became a fan favourite at recent Kneecap live shows, with crowds rapping every word. Now officially available on all major platforms, the track is on course to become a chart topper.
An energetic anthem driven by industrial, punchy beats, the release showcases Mgla Bap and Mo Charas trademark slick, unapologetic bars. The song also takes a swipe at UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch with lines like, Give me Kemis money and give her my thanks , a nod to the court case the group won against the UK government last year.
With Kneecap perennially in the headlines and their fanbase growing by the day, this track feels like an instant classic. Kneecap. Vaticanjail, MIEL
Vaticanjails new single MIEL is a tight, vibey track that melds flamenco flair, reggaeton rhythm, and electronic nuance into an ambitious production.
With funky maraca patterns, Middle Eastern-influenced harmonics, and melancholic Billie Eilish-esque vocals, the Chilean-born, Dublin-based artist crafts a dreamy bilingual narrative of identity, migration and memory.
Drawing from Sean-ns storytelling and Latin traditions, 'MIEL' is both a love letter to Chile and a lyrical homage to Ireland. Talking about her latest release, Vaticanjail explained its 'a story of everything that happened in the course of finding my identity.' Vaticanjail. Matteo & Lillie-Apple, Take My Time
Matteos latest single Take My Time, featuring Lillie-Apple, sees the emerging Dublin artist stepping further into his R&B-pop sound with relaxed confidence.
The two artists complement each other well, their chemistry adding emotional weight to this gently unfolding track about the complexities of trust in relationships. It's a laid-back, soulful offering, never overdone, just effortlessly smooth and sure of itself.
With every release, Matteo sounds more assured, more refined. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Matteo (@matteodal_) i n n e r l i z z a r d s, things
On his second release as i n n e r l i z z a r d s, Limerick artist Rory Hall dives deep into ambient, lo-fi territory with things, a track that pairs melancholic lyrics with a pulsing electronic beat.
The snare-led rhythm drives the piece forward while Halls vocals drift between vulnerability and detachment, especially on the repeated refrain of slipping away.
Its a track that thrives on contrast, introspective sadness layered over hypnotic, trancey production. Halls voice feels newly explored here, adding intimacy to a sound thats both floating and anchored. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Proper Micro NV (@iamroryhall) Warren, Deja Vu
Out today viaRobbins Entertainment, Dublin-born and London-based producer and songwriterKeith Warren(mononymously known as Warren ) returns withDeja Vu,a euphoric dance-pop anthem.
Blendinghard-hitting house keys, a driving beat, and uplifting vocals, the track channels classic dancefloor energy with modern polish.
Warrens velvetysoothing timbreandfeel-good lyricselevate it beyond typical club fare, landing somewhere betweenDisclosures grooveandThe Corrs melodic warmth.
With past hits likeDream About Uand over6 million total Spotify streams, Warren proves he has a knack for hits, andDeja Vumight just be his sunniest yet. Warren. James Keegan, Wide Eyes
'Wide Eyes' is a hauntingly confident preview of the forthcoming EP by the Indie-folk artistfrom Cork James Keegan.
A mesmerising blend of pulsing bass drums, airy synths, and looped vocal fragments that create an unsettling yet beautiful soundscape, Keegan's ghostly vocals pierce through the mix, pulling listeners into a hypnotic, kaleidoscopic journey.
The track's minimalist production builds tension, balancing fragility with eerie power.
Speaking on the EP, Keegan said: It was definitely different from my previous time in the studio, I felt more comfortable and willing to actually make things sound different to what Im used to. James Keegan. Photo by: Damien Quirke @Damosday CamrinWatsin, Cry Baby feat. Evalina
Dance-producer phenom CamrinWatsin teams up with breakout vocalist Evalina on 'Cry Baby', a pulsing, club-ready anthem crafted as the official soundtrack for Bershkas 2025 global campaign.
At just 21, the Irish DJ-producer, who can already boast 500 million streams and 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, delivers another hit, blending cool, silky beats with a relentless driving energy that demands movement.
Fresh off sold-out EU tours and Ibiza residencies, the track has already ignited crowds, priming it for dominance atLongitude Festivalthis weekend and beyond. CamrinWatsin. Badscandal, at my knees yeah
DublinsBadscandal, who is also the EDM artist Luke Power, unveils a vulnerable new direction with his latest track 'at my knees yeah', the centrepiece of his deeply personal 'friendly' EP.
Stripping back his club roots, the track floats onchill, suave instrumentation, smooth guitars, muted beats, showcasing the artists impressive vocal rangeand raw lyricism.
Speaking on the EP, Badscandal said 'This is the first time Ive made music thats truly personal to me. Lyrics that are extremely personal and honest, about my life, my head, my heart, and how Ive felt moving through the world up to now and what it was like for me growing up.' View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Badscandal (@badscandal) Listen to our playlist on Spotify: