Púca, ‘And I Gleam Along A Knife Edge’

A self-described ‘funeral pop’ artist, Kildare singer Púca’s ‘And I Gleam Along A Knife Edge,’ is synth laden, intense and polished with a folky finish. A keyboardist and backing vocalist with chart-topper CMAT, his massive-sounding tune deals with overcoming feelings of “trauma induced indifference”.

"This song, and the music I intend to release going forward is heavy on the liturgical references, so I have christened it ‘Funeral Pop’ – music to wake the dead,” said Púca’, aka Colm Conlon.

The music accompanying music video stars enigmatic drag performer Lavender, as well as Conlan himself in a “Kate Bush meets American Gothic-esque fever dream.”

Landless, ‘The Grey Selkie of Sule Skerry’

While it may sound like a tongue twister with all its sibilance, ‘The Grey Selkie of Sule Skerry’ is also a stunning new sonic offering from Landless. Taken off of the Dublin folk quartet’s sophomore album Lúireach. A totally new take on an ancient song, ‘The Grey Selkie of Sule Skerry’ is an eerie feminist folk song. Detailing the story of a woman who has her child taken away by a mythical shape shifting Selkie, Landless’ performance lends the heroism the folk tale merits, all with a matriarchal undertone.

Anthony Layde, ‘God Bless The Dancers’

Describing himself as “hailing from beyond the veil”, Anthony Layde has burst onto the scene with his stunning debut single, the electronic number ‘God Bless the Dancers’. The Belfast born synth folk musician meshes almost primal beats with ethereal, otherworldly vocals. Layde cut his musical teeth as a producer in Liverpool, and it shows- the production on his first single is exquisite. Speaking of the single, the artist said: “At last, ‘God Bless the Dancers’ has made her debut ! Ethereal and relentless, she has descended the stairway of your heart, hoping for a dance”.

 

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Big Love, ‘Is It Over Yet’

An ethereal and dreamy track, ‘Is It Over Yet’, features soft vocals and strong drums as part of Big Love’s latest release. The second single from a promising emerging act, ‘Is It Over Yet’ proves to be a delectable listen for fans of the Cocteau Twins and LCD Soundsystem. With expertly interwoven male and female vocals, the single weaves in and out of existential angst and velvet soundscapes. Perfect escapist Friday listening.

PORTS, ‘Wait Forever’

Northern Ireland’s folk tinged indie group PORTS are back with ‘Wait Forever’. The new track is essential listening for any fans of early Coldplay as it contains the same blend of indie rock, with soaring, earnest vocals. With a bass line that lingers, ‘Wait Forever’ makes for bittersweet listening. Formed in 2012, PORTS’ latest single is imbued with the sense of a band at the height of their technical ability, but not letting their skills get in the way of their heart.

Amano x Kalabanks ‘SOUTHWIND’

The debut single from the upcoming EP THREAD by Kerry songwriter Amano and Cork producer Kalabanx, ‘SOUTHWIND’ is the latest release of the Irish language contemporary renaissance. Listeners might be familiar with Kalabanx recent work on viral Cork schoolkids Tiktok sensation ‘The Spark’, which has been hailed by many as ‘the song of the summer’.

‘SOUTHWIND is an equally exciting, although completely sonically different piece of music, with Irish language artist Amano channelling the spirit of Éirú, challenging listeners to remember their soul’s purpose. Kalabanx sampled Iarla Ó’Lionáird’s song ‘Stay’ from the 2011 album ‘Foxlight’ in creating the dark and dynamic beat, lending a atavistic mysticism to a piece of electronic music.

Gurriers, 'Approachable'

Alt-punk Irish outfit Gurriers are fuelled by angst and political satire in 'Approachable', a tune which  perfectly demonstrates the band's post-punk style. It immediately opens with a jagged guitar riff,  followed by the rough voice of frontman Dan Hoff. An explosion of anger-infused lyrics and guitar driven noise follows, an eardrum buster of a song but in the best way possible. The track humorously responds to the political state of the world and is cut from their anticipated upcoming debut LP, Come And See which is set for release on September 13.

Otherish, ‘Summer in Belfast July 2098

Grizzled Belfast-via-Bristol outfit Otherish have collaborated with their old pal Ian Wilson on this inventive ode to Linenopolis. Sonically, it’s funky as hell, with glitchy guitars and groovy Jamiroquai-evoking bass creating a cosmic atmosphere. The lyrics on the other hand, are closer to home, taking the listener through a detailed walk through a quasi-dystopian Belfast in the summertime.

Silver Branch, ‘Evening Star’

Kerry-raised singer-songwriter Silver Branch, real name Kieran Mulvihill,  arrives with his debut album The Long Goodnight, which earned high praise in our latest issue being described as “nothing short of other-worldly”. ‘Evening Star’ is one of the project’s stand-out tracks. Soft, intimate and acoustic, it’s a stellar example of Mulvihill’s ability to craft glimmering and at-times dark alt-folk anthems.

“I like a vast array of different types of music”, he told Hot Press of his new record. “I just tend to go with whatever feels right. I definitely went for something more grungy on this album."

Soft Launch, ‘Piano Hands’

Following  their debut single ‘Cartwheels’, five-piece pop band Soft Launch are back with ‘Piano Hands’, a playful, sweet number which isn’t afraid to play around with tempo and structure. Described by the band as “ an arm around the shoulder for people deep in thought and deep in debt,” it drips with modern psychedelic influence, with the fuzzy guitar licks and disco beat combining to create a concoction that’s equal parts early MGMT and Tame Impala on The Slow Rush.

BEX, 'Freedom'

Rising funk and soul band BEX have released their new single ‘Freedom’. This genre fusing track pulls in elements from funk, soul and pop with its solemn lyrics and adagio melody-

BEX consists of four band members, Rebecca Houlihan and Bryan Curtis from Cork as well as Hernan Fridman from Argentia and Lorenzo Spinozzi from Italy. The group has played events like Guinness Cork Jazz Festival and many private events. Currently they are getting ready to release their debut EP as well as write their first album.

"Our songs are not like what's out there right now," he band told Hot Press.  "That's what's missing from music at the moment: songs with stories, or songs that connect with people."

Jessica Brett, 'Grow Old With You'

Jessica Brett's ‘Grow Old With You’ is a heartfelt ballad encapsulating the feelings of love associated with finding the person that you want to spend the rest of your life with. Hailing from Tipperary, Brett is expanding her musical repertoire by dabbling in country for this track.

When talking about the track, Brett says, “‘Grow Old With You’ is a very special song to me because it required me to embrace a certain vulnerability in my songwriting. Writing from this deeply personal perspective was challenging, but it's also what makes me most proud of this piece. I wanted to create something that truly resonates with the emotions and experiences of being in love.”

Sean Anthony, 'Double Dutch'

Up and coming West Cork singer-songwriter, Sean Anthony's debut single is a folksy track oozing with expression. ‘Double Dutch’ contains poetic lyrics that are bolstered by tranquil acoustic guitar playing,  helping to build a feeling of childhood nostalgia. The track also layers angelic harmonies that help create a beautiful, peaceful track. When talking about ‘Double Dutch’, Anthony says that it “explores the intricate bond between the artist and muse, reflecting the timeless interplay of life and creativity.”

One Flew Over, 'Last man Standing'

Pop-rock duo One Flew Over have unveiled their latest single ‘Last Man Standing’, which comes as the pair’s first release of 2024. A powerful anthem of tenacity, the powerhouse anthem encapsulates the spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity. The new song is a testament to enduring life’s rollercoaster of trials and triumphs while remaining steadfast in the resolve to end victorious.

Callum Orr, 'As Long As I Have Time'

Dublin folk artist Callum Orr has unveiled his latest single ‘As Long As I Have Time’, a glistening new track about budding romance that was inspired by the start of Callum’s long-distance relationship with his wife. Bolstered by the harmonic backing vocals of Ailbhe Reddy, the song tells a story of hope and optimism as two people finally find their match. 

“I wrote this in 2020 when I met my now-wife online, and we conducted this nuts long-distance relationship without ever having met, because she lived in Canada,” Orr said of the track. “I was stuck living on my own during lockdown, but feeling this immense sense of excitement and meaning with a new relationship.”

PostLast, ‘Scavenge’

The latest from PostLast - Julie Hough and Stephen McHale - is a glittering offering of alt-pop resplendence.

‘Scavenge’ traverses a sprawling sonic dreamscape, replete with loose-jointed guitar, crystalline vocals and long-sustained, bright drums where Pixies meet Beach House. It is the psychedelic younger sibling to their pummeling and bubbly debut single ‘Connect Four.’

“‘Scavenge’ is about a person in your life who can ground you just by being in the same room,” the duo say. “It’s about an unspoken connection that can quieten all of the noise, anxiety and pressure you might be feeling internally; someone who can remind you to simply breathe.”

Saibh Skelly, 'The Mirrors Favourite’

‘The Mirrors Favourite’ is an orchestral, hard-hitting banger from meteoric pop sensation Saibh Skelly.

Catchy and infectious, the track boasts a powerful and sunlit groove perfect for never-ending, never-setting summer days by the seaside. But beneath the buoyant sound, Saibh’s lyrics speak to one of those all-too-well known experiences.

"This is a song for everyone who’s had to deal with a pretty boy who thinks he’s better than everyone else,” the Dublin singer-songwriter says of 'The Mirrors Favourite.’ “It’s very much what’s on the inside that matters, no one likes self centred people!”

Marie-Thérèse, ‘Strange Relationship'

Dublin artist Marie-Thérèse has released a rousing version of Prince’s iconic ‘Strange Relationship’, taking the already genre-defying track and molding it into her own pop-punk tune. The cover consists of edgy vocals, reminiscent of a harsh voicemail between lovers, over a playful pop melody. It follows her previous acclaimed releases ‘Luna’ and ‘Saint Mary’ which received support from The Stooges’ Iggy Pop, who described the singer’s music as “noisy and fun.”

“To quote Joni [Mitchell]- 'I could drink a case of Prince everyday and still be on my feet’ … every hour of every day,” said Marie-Thérèse. "'Strange Relationship' is my way of giving a little thanks back to Prince on his birthday. I hope he’s listening.”

TV People, ‘Disconnect’

London-based Irish band TV People have just dropped their latest alt-rock banger entitled ‘Disconnect’, a melancholic rock track that lovers of Fontaines D.C. and The Murder Capital are sure to relish, while also keeping their own sound filled with yearning and self-reflection.

Recorded by Dan Doherty at Dublin’s renowned Darklands Audio and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Caesar Edmunds, "Disconnect" is crafted to resonate deeply. The band consists of multi-instrumentalist duo Paul Donohoe and Brendan Clarke, who describe the track as “an exploration of losing oneself and the yearning to find meaning again.”

The new single follows on from the band’s momentum in 2024, with the success of the band’s recent single 'Rain', featured on Spotify's 'All New Punk' playlist, and 'Die Down', which graced the season finale of Made in Chelsea.

‘Time Of Need’ delves deep into themes of salvation, faith and the human struggle with sin. The vast thematic landscape is pedalled by shimmering silver national guitar, wailing harmonica and bottleneck slide, resonating glass on steel through a busted up speaker cabinet.

The distinctive bassline, conjured from the foot pedals of a resurrected church organ, rounds out the track, making for a complete and broadly developed soundscape.

Shaun Warner feat. David Owens, ‘Chills’

Irish DJ and producer Shaun Warner has collaborated with Dublin-based busker David Owens dropping his latest future bass track ‘Chills’ just in time for the perfect summer house party tune. The new single is reminiscent of The Chainsmokers and Kygo circa 2016, with modern, mature undertones.

With a career spanning over two decades, Shaun Warner's journey to success took him from Ireland to the UAE, where his albums have garnered over 5 million streams, making him one of the most streamed electronic artists from the Middle East. The DJ’s last album, Resuscitation released in 2022, broke into the top 20 in the Irish Album Charts. ‘Chills’ is the second single from Warner's upcoming album Morning Light, due to be released on June 21.

Áine O’Gorman, ‘Till Palestine Is Free’

Cork singer-songwriter Áine O’Gorman has dropped her latest single ‘Till Palestine is Free’, a heart wrenching plea for peace filled with raw, moving vocals over gentle piano melody. The artist broke into the industry with her debut single ‘Lydia’ in 2019, and then went on to release two more singles 'Weaken’ and ‘Desolation’, and a collaboration with Victoria Keating on 'The Poor Ground' written about the Tuam mother and baby home. The four singles led to her debut EP Áine O’Gorman being released in 2021.

When speaking on ‘Till Palestine is Free’, O’Gorman said: “I was moved to write a song about the ongoing genocide taking place before all our eyes in Palestine.

“It is never too late to add your voice to the millions calling for an end to this massacre. It is never too late to go to your first March or vigil or use your platform to highlight what is happening.”

Cold Soviets, 'Apocalypse Hour With June And Andy'

Indie-rocker , Cold Soviets, has resurfaced with his new single ‘Apocalypse Hour With June And Andy’. Hailing from Belfast, the artist also known as John Bakewell’s new track opens with an ear-catching electric guitar riff. The hard hitting rock melody is paired with captivating, guttural vocals. Proving to be adept in the realm of  doom-pop music, the song comes from Cold Soviets’ forthcoming debut album Memories of Year Zero.

Lord Jane, ‘It’s Been Too Long’

Belfast band Lord Jane are back with their latest offering ‘It’s Been Too Long’, a vibrant and hard-hitting post-punk tune.

Juxtaposing dark and moody lyrics with an upbeat instrumentation of carefully crafted guitar lines and lively rhythmic section, ‘It’s Been Too Long’ tackles the economics of grappling with addiction and substance abuse, climaxing on a guttural bridge supported by Clodagh May’s emotional vocals.

Speaking of the track, guitarist Sam Foote stated "’It’s Been Too Long’ really epitomises this band’s meaning and overall sound, delving into dynamically rich play of soft guitar tones into an explosive finale of aggression built up throughout.

“The song, both lyrically and socially, represents a war against a person’s crux and its effects. Whereas the song is about the fight against addiction dependence, the singular chorus represents one succumbing to their crux, the outro groove is the sweet embrace to that enslavement."

Rachel Goode, 'Blue Kentucky Blues'

Emerging folk artist Rachel Goode has released her latest single ‘Blue Kentucky Blues’, a timeless country inspired tune written by Johnny B Broderick and Ger O’Donnell.

Recorded completely live in studio with her band, the track heavily showcases Goode’s technical skills and the immense range of her buttery smooth vocals, mixing themselves beautifully with her band of stellar musicians. With Bill Shanley and Enda Dempsy on folk guitars, James Blennerhassett on bass and Robbie Casserly on percussion, the upbeat single is rounded up by a endearing ensemble of accordion and harmonica, making for the perfect background music for a summer road-trip through never ending American landscapes.

Pinhole, 'Sweet Spot'

Avant-garde Dingle/Cork-based band Pinhole return with their latest atmospheric single ‘Sweet Spot’.

Opening on a slow-paced, nonchalant collection of electronic sounds and cymbal heavy drums, the track evolves in a line of haunting and sultry vocals reminiscent of artists such as Bat For Lashes or Portishead.

Pinhole say of the track: “‘Sweet Spot’ is essentially about the complexities of being human and the different forms of connection we make with each other. How good connections take thought, effort, and insight and are ultimately based on a motivation of care and responsibility, be they international diplomatic relations or simple parent-child relations. Sometimes we get it right, sometimes we get it wrong, the most important thing is we keep trying.”

Cardinals, ‘Twist & Turn’

The opener of Cardinals’ newly released self-titled EP, ‘Twist & Turn’ has already proved itself as the crowd favourite during the band’s most recent string of live dates.

Opening on warm bass lines and major guitar chords, quickly accompanied by a looping melody on vocals, the track comes to a peak on its head-bopping bridge, announcing an EP that will perfectly accompany your sunny summer mornings this June.

“To me ‘Twist and Turn’ is a song about how writing has become a highly therapeutic practice for us all,” said lead singer Euan Manning. “It’s got some poppy melodies and a danceable backbeat, the lyrics though, they’re all about grief. I wanted to have a song where the tambourine is the main instrument.”

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