Limerick natives Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets' broad range of sonic influences are showcased in the new wave, yet nostalgic single 'i wasn't ready'.

The track, taken from their equally layered sophomore EP Crazy How We Live Like This, combines energetic alt-rock guitar with modern pop sensibilities, leaving listeners with something new to grasp unto while falling into a comfortable, classic chorus.

It feels like Radiohead meets Bleachers with rolling vocal lines and refraining '80s-style saxophone.

The video, directed by long-time collaborator Wojtek Kwiathowski, depicts a young girl (played by actress Hannah Scully) stuck – literally and figuratively – at a standstill, repressed inside her own thoughts. Her brother, played by frontman Flynn, mirrors her actions desperately trying to find a way in.

"This song is about someone very close to me who was going through a hard time a few years ago," Flynn told Hot Press. "I found it hard to process the emotions of the situation, but writing usually helps with that."

"The lyrics of this song are very personal to me, so I really wanted the emotion to comes across in the video. This is my favourite one we have done so far, because I think we really captured the ideas we had in our heads."

Shot partly in black and white, the video is a fading memory with slow motion frames and dreamy lighting.

Watch the Hot Press premiere for 'i wasn't ready' below.

Before being backed by the Dead Poets, Flynn made a name for himself with the four-piece indie outfit Monday Villains. The band – composed of Flynn, guitarist Keagan Forde, Chris Britton on keys and sax, bassist Emmett Ryan and drummer Evan Forde – have now been building momentum in Ireland since 2019.

Like many Limerick-based artists, the group has gone down the DIY route, choosing to self-record and produce their own music.

“We recorded and produced this song ourselves from our studio space in Limerick City, and the video was done with our close friend, Wojtek. We have built up a lovely community here in Limerick where we all collaborate with each other. It’s a really nice thing to be able to create with people who you are so close to," Flynn said.

Their latest project, Crazy How We Live Like This is a collection of their 2021 singles.

Flynn describes the work as a "time capsule of memories and mistakes." The six singles, and two stripped down versions, helped the band break through the noise and cement their reputation as top tier producers.