The Scratch, ‘Sally MacLennane’

Dublin trad-rock heroes The Scratch have shared a special tribute to the late Shane MacGowan with a recording of The Pogues classic ‘Sally MacLennane’.

Taking inspiration from the legendary songwriter, The Scratch’s version of ‘Sally MacLennane’ gives fans another glimpse into their uncanny ability to fuse traditional sounds with metal riffage.

“We had a version of Sally MacLennane in the back pocket since being asked to play it on Irish television last year,” said the band.  “Waking up in Warsaw, Poland, while on tour, to the news of Shane MacGowan’s passing was rough. Many Pogues songs were played in soundcheck and that night we put Sally Mac in the set. It has remained there for every show since.”

Twin Headed Wolf, ‘The Black Keys’

Lahinch sibling duo Twin Headed Wolf have dropped ‘The Black Keys’ - an alt-folk number rife with beautifully haunting harmonies and spooky instrumentation.

“Branwen liked to take apart pianos,” said the band of the track. “The twins wrote this song in the rain after the NCAD Valentines Ball while wearing their mothers’ dresses from the 80’s. The song fell out of their mouths.”

The song is also the lead single from twins’ upcoming debut album Altarwise – set to be the first and only official LP from the band, out February 29. The duo have gathering material for the album for over a decade, with some of the material on the record dating back to 2013.

 

Lavengro, ‘Lie’

Derry four-piece Lavengro mark their first release of the year with the catchy, driving and unmistakably radio ready ‘Lie – the first single from their upcoming EP, due to land at the tail end of 2024.

“The song is about being caught in a labyrinth of denial and guilt because someone you love wants to end the relationship because you betrayed their trust,” said the band’s Gareth Borrow.

“You know it’s your own fault, but you don’t want to acknowledge. ‘Lie ‘is about your mind using hopeful illusions to protect the heart from being shattered.”

Matt Rowley, ‘Worlds Apart’

Westport songwriter Matt Rowley’s debut single ‘Worlds Apart’ is a pristine alt-rock track, providing a promising glimpse into his capabilities for conjuring energetic glam-laced tunes.

“The whole idea of the song is the grip that social media and phone technology has on all of us, not only on teenagers, but like adults alike; and even toddlers,” Rowley told Mayo News. “I’m a full time SNA, I  work with teenagers fulltime in the secondary school, so I see the effect it has on them.”

The music video shot and directed by cinematographer Ian CJ Ryan will be released in the coming weeks, with a debut album planned for the summer.

 

Bren Berry, ‘Hairpin Bends’

Former Revelino man Bren Berry reflects on fate and mortality with ‘Hairpin Bends’. The romantic number is tastefully orchestrated with tender harmonies and lavish strings by the Orphan Quartet, with production coming from Gavin Glass.

“I wrote Hairpin Bends when I was recovering from coronary heart surgery, but I would like to think that it builds and shines with a sense of conviction and the joy that I feel about rediscovering music,” said Berry.

“It is a celebration of resilience and recovery and reflects on sadness, self-doubt, dead-ends and turning points with a bitter-sweet sense of optimism and hope.”

 

 

Orchids feat. Rebecca Dow, ‘Run’

Alternative rock collective Orchids have brought together some of Northern Ireland’s finest musicians and producers for their debut self-titled album.

‘Run’, featuring Rebecca Dow, is sparkly and gloriously drenched in reverb, with a mammoth chorus that hits the listeners like a freight train.

Songwriter and guitarist Michael Smyth, bassist Emma Rose on bass and drummer Matthew Milner were left with a repertoire of songs but in need of vocals. Unwilling to let their work wither away, they made the decision to reach out to a number of female/non-binary vocalists from Northern Ireland, inviting them to lend their considerable talents to and feature on the LPs various tracks.

Plantain Papi, '1942'

Plantain Papi, a Nigerian-born, Ireland-raised producer and songwriter has been dubbed the future of afroswing. In his new single ‘1942’ he mixes hip-hop, grime, and R&B with a heavy influence of afrobeats.

‘1942’ describes how it feels to be healing. Dealing with heartbreak and learning to move on. The track has a strong hip-hop beat that gets you to start bobbing your head to the beat, but as you take in the lyrics you will start nodding your head in agreement.

Plantain Papi’s debut project Still Healing will be released on February 16. On this project he will be joined by Jafaris and Bhumble where they all focus on the process of healing post-pandemic, heartbreak, loss and grief.

Danny Carroll, 'Golden Hour'

Danny Carroll, long time member of the Dublin music scene has released the first single entitled ‘Golden Hour” from his upcoming album I Am The Cheese, which will be released on March 1.

This indie-folk track feels like it should be the background music for when you watch the guy fall for the girl in a romcom. The melody of his guitar opens your eyes to feelings of infatuations and wonder in just four minutes.

‘Golden Hour’ will be the second track on his upcoming album I Am The Cheese which will be released on March 1. ‘Golden Hour’ is now streamable across all platforms here and the album is available for pre-save on Spotify here.

Bicep, 'CHROMA 001 HELIUM'

Bicep is giving their all to their fans this year, with a new single, new label and a new event series.

Bicep, also known as Andy Ferguson and Matt McBrair have released their new single as part of their new project. This project combines their record label, curated events and collaboration with David Rudnick and his studio, Terrain.

The track has a more dark and club-like beat to it compared to the other music the group has released in recent years and it meant to stand out during their sets. With this change in mind, no one knows what the rest of the singles will be liked as they are dropped throughout the rest of the year. You can stream ‘CHROMA 001 HELIUM’ on all platforms here.

HousePlants, 'No Pushover'

Irish EDM duo HousePlant has returned with their atmospheric techno track ‘No Pushover.’ Bell X1 frontman Paul Noonan and producer Daithí use euphoric house beats and droning synths to explore the inner thoughts of a social wallflower.

“‘No Pushover’, lyrically, is the tale of an outsider, a wannabe insider,” said Noonan. “I was taken with a story about how Elon Musk and his brother like to talk about The Simulation Argument (that we’re all in a simulation) in the hot tub, and thought - is this the ultimate inner sanctum?”

Daithí added, “Houseplants has always been about reaching out and connecting, there’s an honesty and rawness to the lyrics, production, and visuals. I think that's what both the band and the audience really connect to, and you see it in full force when we get to play to an audience, There's nothing like it.”

‘No Pushover’ comes as the first release from the duo’s upcoming sophomore album. HousePlants will also embark on an Irish tour this Spring, with a stop at Dublin’s Button Factory on 26th April.

Red Eye Pariah, 'The Rounds'

Red Eye Pariah’s latest release ‘The Rounds’ is an electrifying indie rock track that combines raw energy with poignant lyrics and masterful instrumentation. Reminiscent of bands like Biffy Clyro and Arctic Monkeys, ‘The Rounds’ features a unique blend of folk, country, rock and indie.

“The lyrics emphasise the same emotional investment being as strong after being through a lot together,” explained frontman and songwriter Deano Kelly. “We think it plays to making memories and getting older while still sharing a connection with someone special but everything is open to interpretation"

Alongside the groundbreaking release, Red Eye Pariah has also announced their highly anticipated UK tour commencing in May 2024.

David Glendinning, 'Changin'

David Glendinning’s debut single ‘Changin’ is the perfect indie track to announce his arrival on the scene. As Stunt Double Records newest artist, Glendinning’s expert songwriting, reminiscent of Lizzy McAlpine or Jordan Rakei, blends elegantly with sweeping vocals and lush guitar melodies to explore the complicated reality of fading love.

“There is no protagonist or hero in ‘Changin,’ you are never quite sure whose side you are on,” Glendinning reflected on the new single.

Seán Parnell, 'Right Before I Leave'

Seán Parnell’s eagerly awaited third single ‘Right Before I Leave’ is everything his audiences hoped for and more, offering fresh perspectives on the age-old themes of love and life.

Recorded and co-written with Brién, the R&B-inspired indie-pop track delivers poignant lyricism against a backdrop of infectious melodies. Further solidifying his unique sound and musical prowess, Parnell’s heartfelt storytelling enchants and touches listeners on a personal level.

Elle Coves, 'Born To Lose'

19-year-old Elle Coves is starting to make her name for herself as an up-and-coming Irish artist. Born in Germany to Spanish parents, Coves moved to Ireland when she was 13 and started writing songs.

Reminiscent of female icons like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo. Coves’ new single ‘Born To Lose’ is a catchy love song, or more accurately a lack of love song. With its relatable lyrics it will no doubt have audiences on their feet dancing and singing.

Coves has toured with artists like Lewis Capaldi, Moncrieff and Wild Youth. Her first headline show was at Notting Hill Arts Club. Coves is also on a tour of her own with shows in Manchester, London and Glasgow February 6 through February 9.

 

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Jazzy, 'Shooting Star'

Jazzy has released her newest single ‘Shooting Star’. This comes after her debut single in 2023 ‘Giving Me’ which reached number one in the Irish charts, making her the first woman to top the charts in 14 years. The single has also been nominated for the Best International Song at the BRIT Awards. She has made herself known in the music world for her new and exciting dance music. With its pop-like beat and cohesive lyrics, Jazzy’s new single will surely be played at festivals and clubs around the world to get the crowd excited and ready to dance.

The Dubliner has also announced a series of tour dates throughout the UK and Ireland starting in Glasgow on February 16. She will be in Dublin on March 23 and then the final date of the tour will be April 5 in Belfast.

George Ivanovich, 'Embassy Of Spring'

Now based in Dublin, George Ivanovich, a new Serbian pop artist has released his newest single ‘Embassy Of Spring’. His music is not just about the sound, but the style audibly and visually.

Ivanovich has taken his futuristic pop music across Poland, Germany, Croatia and China. His new track ‘Embassy Of Spring’ carries strong vocals with light bass and beat in the background. The music video that accompanies the track is a cinematic experience of shadows and red light.

EFÉ, ‘Truth☆Truth’

R & B style vocals fused with fuzzy guitars is the order of the day, and EFÉ’s bring the two elements together masterfully in her new track ‘Truth☆Truth’. Starting off gently and melodically, Truth☆Truth’ lures you in and then blows your mind with its powerful and headbanging chorus. Oscillating masterfully between the gentle and the strong, ‘Truth☆Truth’ is EFÉ’s first song since 2022 and proves that good things come to those who wait.

Moon Looks On, ‘Goodbye Polar Bear’

A masterfully plucked strings track, ‘Goodbye Polar Bear’ is Moon Looks On’s latest offering and lives up to their folk-pop catalogue. Between the elements of fiddle, guitar and Stephen Gormley’s rich vocals, there’s something innately comforting about the existential track. ‘Goodbye Polar Bear’ makes for the perfect pub acoustic track- you could easily imagine yourself sipping an ice cold Guinness as Gormley sings the chorus of ‘Life has no meaning’. The perfect mix of uplifting tunage and anxiety inducing lyrics for you this Friday.

 

Sam Segurado, ‘Looking For The Fox’

‘Looking For The Fox’ is Segurado’s final taster from his upcoming debut LP, The Remainder, which is due out in three weeks’ time. ‘Looking for the Fox’ will leave you itching for February 24. An indie pop song with a healthy dose of violin playing, ‘Looking For The Fox’’s turtle has has been explained by the Portuguese- Irish artist: “The title took on a deeper meaning when I was writing it, but its title still came from the usual Dubliner thing of driving down backroads for the chance to glimpse a city fox. We’re always searching for something out of reach, aren’t we?” Segurado’s upcoming LP intends to evoke a superhero moniker, a story of the aftermath of difficult times echoing the heroism of survival. Drawing on both meanings of the word remainder — that which is left, that which is still to come.

Lemoncello, ‘Harsh Truths’

Known for charming their listeners into an enigmatic world of intimate observations and uncomfortable questions, Lemoncello pair this with their irresistible folksy charisma, and musical chemistry between guitar and cello. This winning combination can be heard on their new track ‘Harsh Truths’. The musical duo said of the track: “We wrote ‘Harsh Truths’ as a sort of conversation with someone who is not really there, or not emotionally present”. ‘Harsh Truths” is a slightly dark comp-letely hypnotising folk track to enchant you this Friday.

Darren Kiely, Slow Decay

Cork singer songwriter Darren Kiely has wowed listeners stateside in this music scene in Nashville and New York with his authentic and raw artistry, and it is about time we listened in on this side of the pond. Where better to start than with his new track ‘Slow Decay’? The song is an example of Kiely’s signature pop infused folk styling with an arena worthy chorus. Kiely wrote the song about ‘hopelessly hoping’ and that space you’re in when you just don’t know how to let go. Fans of the Lumineers or Mumford and Sons are sure to get the folk banger fix from ‘Slow Decay’.

David Holmes, Orbital, Mike Garry, ‘Tonight In Belfast’

As soon as you hear ‘Tonight in Belfast’ your heart is imbued with the feeling of hope and possibility of the start of a good night out. ‘Tonight In Belfast’ is an inspiring song, making use of the Shepherd tone and creating the perfect euphoric electro track. Although a love track, it’s more about the feeling of falling in love with a city than an individual. Orbital are giants of the electro music scene and ‘Tonight in Belfast’ speaks to their mastery of the craft. But ithere’s also a strong sense of David’s Holmes’ involvement in the 12 minute long track, which never drags. It’s a song written by a composer, and feels like it could slot into a larger body of music.

CHERYM, ‘Alpha Beta Sigma’

A staunchly pro-choice song, ‘Alpha Beta Sigma’ is a raw dose of girl pop punk power that we need in the world right now. Speaking on CHERYM’s new single, band member Hannah Deannie said that the new track is “about how gender inequality permeates every single aspect of our society. It is about the threat that men and patriarchy pose to women in this country and the reclamation of our rights”. Not only is it a powerful message, but it’s a powerful track musically with heavy drums and melodic and righteous harmonies. ‘Alpha Beta sigma’ is the friday release we all need to scream along to this Friday.

Peter Vogelaar, ‘Let Love Happen’ feat. Cat Dowling

Electronica producer from Waterford Peter Vogelaar has delivered a fresh crisp new track in the form of ‘Let Love Happen’. Featuring Cat Dowling on vocals, it's the third song made by the duo as collaborators - speaking to both of their artistic styles, with Vogelaar’s spotless hooks and Dowling’s rich vocals.

"As it happens Cat & I grew up 1/2 mile apart and knew each other as kids but didn’t cross paths for 20 years!" said Vogelaar on Instagram. "This is my 3rd track with her and it was lovely for me to be working with her again. I also feel very lucky to have these tripped out visuals supplied by my buddy and all round talent Catching Shapes.

 

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Check out our New Irish Songs To Hear This Week playlist below!