KNEECAP, ‘Harrow Road’

Belfast rap trio KNEECAP’s debut LP Fine Art has dropped. At last. Featuring twelve tracks which merge their trademark mix of Irish and English satire with socially conscious observations, the June Hot Press album of the month was described by Will Russell as a “bitingly funny, thrillingly audacious record, full of imagination and style” in our latest issue. Listening to 'Harrow Road', it's easy to understand the hype. Painting a picture of distaste for the British capital, the track contains their trademark combination of trippy beats, narcotic references and Goidelic bars. Throw in a slick feature from Londoner Jealni Blackman, and you've got a tasty number, which fits snugly in the concept album’s final stretch.

 

Kabin Crew feat. Lisdoonvarna Crew, 'The Spark'

Kabin Crew have finally released an official version of their highly anticipated track, 'The Spark' Feat. Lisdoonvarna Crew. The song, performed by a group of schoolchildren, went viral in refent weeks, amassing over 350 million views across the web. The tune was created at Kabin Studio, a repurposed metal container turned into a non-profit youth music space in Cork City.

“The response has been amazing,”Garry McCarthy (GMCBeats), the creative director of the Kabin Studio and co-producer of 'The Spark', said earlier this week.

“The kids’ energy and positivity have inspired people worldwide. It’s been all over TikTok especially. It’s bonkers, we’ve never seen something like this!”

Ciaran Lavery feat. Morgana, ‘Oh My God (No, Your God)’

Northern Irish singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery joins forces with Morgana to deliver ‘Oh My God (No, Your God)’, a  track which delves into “how the beliefs you inherit from your elders often leads to blinkered judgement” in Northern Ireland.

Adorned with muttering bass and eerie harmonies, Lavery explained that  “the song deals with the very unique and divided history in Northern Ireland, and how it is to be raised in a society where such things as inherited beliefs and family names have a lasting effect on which paths are open to you in your life.”

 

Tadhg Williams, ‘Endgame’

Fresh from a very special, sold-out headliner at the storied Cobblestone in Dublin, Waterford songwriter extraordinaire Tadhg Williams’ latest single sees him engage in some post-breakup catharsis.

“Endgame’ is a bit of a funny song in that it was actually a challenge,” he said. “I was seeing a therapist at the time and I had experienced a break up. I found it hard to express myself. I couldn’t cry. I felt like stone.

“The therapist challenged me to write a song suggesting that it could act as the emotional release I needed. She was right - it kind of poured out of me and looking back on the lyrics now, three years later, it’s more of a song about loneliness and isolation. I think it’s probably the most honest song I’ve ever written.”

The X Collective (Celaviedmai x Jamel Franklin x Shanny), ‘BIG’

A bold and fun offering froma trio within the sprawling DIY The X Collective, ‘BIG’ is sliding in as a song of the summer contender. With a groovy piano line as well as high octane performances from the trio, the song can be described as its title would suggest, bigger and better. Jamel Franklin’s bars have a distinct old school rap undertone that will leave listeners feeling invincible, which is paired with honeyed vocals from Celaviedmai and Shanny . It’s a song of self love, empowerment and reckless optimism, which we could all do with a shot of.

Noelle Carroll, ‘i kind of like (how you kind of hate me)’

“Noelle! You need to stop dating losers” or so the voice note opening Noelle Carroll’s latest track goes. ‘i kind of like (how you hate me)’ is a pensive indie rock offering. With fuzzy guitars and frank lyrics, such as ““you’re getting existential about the fact you were born/I’m thinking I’ve been watching too much internet porn”, Carroll’s latest single is an homage to the complications of dating in your 20s. ‘I kind of like (how you kind of hate me) is almost Phoebe Bridgers-esque ode to all the girlies in their twenties who know they need to cop one when it comes to dating but can’t quite seem to get the knack of it.

Nell Mescal, ‘Drive’

The latest single from the dulcet toned Nell Mescal is a cover of ‘Drive’ from the Broadway play Stereophonic, is out this Friday. Speaking of the single, Mescal said: “While I was in New York everyone was talking about Stereophonic so I listened to the soundtrack and became obsessed with ‘Drive’”. Continuing she said: “When I got home I went to the studio straight away to record my version of it and had the most fun putting it all together with my friends. It’s been the craziest turnaround”. Mescal’s version lends a visceral intensity and quiet confidence the artist is known for and makes for belt worthy listening this Friday.

Ryan Mack, ‘Pretty When You Lie’

Evocative of the best of pop punk such as 3OH!3 and Fall Out Boy, Ryan Mack’s new single arrives in the form of the lovelorn 'Pretty When You Lie'. Featuring an infectiously catchy bassline, ‘Pretty When You Lie’ is a fun and upbeat single, that will speak to your inner adolescent. The Newbridge popster racked up almost 6 million Spotify followers and hundreds of millions of listens to boot, and it’s easy to see why. ‘Pretty When You Lie’ is an artist at the height of his hit churning powers, and it’s so contagious you won’t be able to get this track out of your head this weekend.

The Saw Doctors, ‘Man In The Moon’

Tuam rock heroes The Saw Doctors share  ‘Man In The Moon’ just two weeks ahead of a highly-anticipated sold-out gig at Dublin’s Fairview Park on Saturday, June 29.

Penned by Davy Carton and Leo Moran alongside fellow Tuam man Padraig Stevens, the single maintains the group's wistful, soft-rock warmth while exploring themes of equality, faith, growth and unity. Produced by Philip Tennant at the fabled Grouse Lodge Studios in Co. Westmeath, the new song also sees the overdue return of bass guitarist Pearse Doherty after a 22 year hiatus.

Cassö x Jazzy, 'Zeros' feat. Headie One

The latest track from Cassö and Jazzy, feat. Headie One, is a radiant offering contoured for nightclubs and dance floors. Opulent and infectious, 'Zeros' sees the fast-rising electronic musicians transform their unique blend of house and techno into sumptuous soundscapes that feel even more electrifying, lavish and replete.

It’s a natural step, following their own meteoric success, with Jazzy’s ever-growing collection of number ones and her recent crowning as RTÉ Choice Music Prize’s Irish Artist of the Year and Irish Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Cassö’s explosive debut release ‘Prada’ alongside RAYE and D-Block Europe and Headie One’s prolific catalogue of platinum hits.

Piglet and Jemma Coulter, ‘panic’

London-based, Belfast-raised Chalrie Loane sides with Jemma Coulter to reflect upon the ails of Capitalism on this sweet, alt-pop single. The tune evokes a spooky atmosphere akin to the likes of Ezra Williams, Phoebe Bridgers before bursting into an anthemic swell.

“I'm trying to summarise the feeling that this person didn’t do any of this harmful stuff with the objective of hurting me or my friends who were supporting them,” said Piglet on social media. “and that their behaviour doesn’t occur in a vacuum, it is an echo of how they have been treated in the past , a reflection of how we are taught to relate to each other , where we are not taught the value of caring for each other and instead are pushed to feel like we are in constant competition with each other."

 

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Frowning Hours, 'God Damn'

Frowning Hours, a.k.a. Ger Kelly, has unveiled the latest song from his collection, ‘God Damn’, the second single to be lifted off his long-awaited debut EP A Single Window. Recorded and produced by Christian Best at Monique Recording Studios, the track serves as a commentary on how our perception of the world can change based on the state of our emotions. 

“The defiant refrain of ‘God Damn’ is a call to take action,” said Kelly. “It’s from the perspective of a protagonist stuck in their life having the infuriating realisation that only they can get themselves out of the rut. It’s also a comment on how the external can often be a reflection of the state of one's internal world. Every dreamer must one day wake up and activate those dreams or they can turn into a never-ending nightmare.” 

Pastiche ‘Dizzy’ 

Homegrown pop star Pastiche brings listeners back to the dance floor with her euphoric new single ‘Dizzy’. The perfect song for fans of Charli XCX and Chappell Roan, Pastich’s track perfectly encapsulates the thrilling head-rush of a wild night out. 

“Music is my escape from the world and the things I’m dealing with, just like how going out can be a way to let yourself lose control. It’s so freeing to be wild just for one night to feel something, meet new people, dance with strangers. ‘Dizzy’ is all about leaving your day to day behind and allowing yourself to be caught up in a whirlwind.”

Lux Alma x Dashoda, ‘Sunstop’

Composer, musician and sound designer Lux Alma, also known as Alma Kelliher, has joined forces with Irish producer, singer and songwriter Dashoda to create their new single ‘Sunstop’. The track opens with a dramatic and dark electronic sound. As the song continues, it transforms into a light and folksy track that is reminiscent of a relaxed summer night. ‘Sunstop’ is the first release from Lux Alma and Dashoda this year. On Instagram, Dashoda, also known as Gavin MacDermott, writes that ‘Sunstop’ is “inspired by the 90s soft pop tunes you heard in the back of the car when you were a kid.”

 

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James Vincent McMorrow

Today, James Vincent McMorrow has released his new album Wide Open, Horses and on that album is the elegant track entitled ‘Look Up!!’ The song contains folksy elements from the soft vocals that open the track to his acoustic guitar riffs. All of this paired with McMorrow’s unmistakable and powerful vocals creates an instant earworm.

When talking about the album on Instagram McMorrow writes, “This album brought me back to life, I really hope people like it, share it, honestly however and wherever they want to listen is ok with me…It feels odd to say I’m proud of this album because I’m not really one for self congratulations, but I really am proud of it.”

Sunrise Fire, ‘The Silence of Infinity’ 

Back with their brand new single, Sunrise Fire, a.k.a. Paul Blee and Tully Gunawardhana, have delivered ‘The Silence of Infinity’. With freewheeling synths and a propulsive beat, the song showcases the duo’s endless potential and vast creative prowess as they expertly blend nostalgic vocals with modern soundscapes. Born of Blee’s passion for songwriting and Gunawardhana’s talent as a producer and vocalist, Sunrise Fire continue to break down musical barriers as they explore exciting new soundscapes. 

Kevin Twomey, ‘By My Side’ 

Irish singer Kevin Twomey is back with his latest solo offering entitled ‘By My Side’, the second advanced release to be lifted off his upcoming EP Bloom Room. Arriving on the music scene as the founder and frontman of the French alt-rock band Bigger, Twomey is now forging his own path as a solo artist with the help of guitarist Guillaume Amoureux. 

Inspired by the folk offerings of artists like Kevin Morby, Elliott Smith, Mac DeMarco and Beck, Twomey’s music features gentle acoustic guitar riffs, quirky lyrics, and the intimacy of late-night conversation. ‘By My Side’ expertly blends luminous pop-rock with melancholic honesty, tackling themes of trust, anxiety, fear and loss. 

Cormac Looby, ‘Ordinary Woman’

Tipperary native Cormac Looby’s latest single ‘Ordinary Woman’ is proof that his upcoming album A Perpetual State of Irony is bound to be a banquet of introspective folk-pop tracks that will pull on your heartstrings yet warm your insides. Sounding like it’s jumped out of Two Door Cinema Club’s 2012 album Beacon, the track features sincere vocals with uptempo guitar and trumpet melodies.

‘Ordinary Woman' finds its roots in a thought-provoking piece of graffiti Cormac stumbled upon during his time living in Galway: "Don’t be a fearful old crone, be a young Irish rebel." This powerful statement sparked a creative journey, culminating in a tribute to the quiet courage exhibited every day by women, in the face of the constant threat of gender-based violence.

Cairo Station, ‘Menace’

Alt-rock band Cairo Station have dropped their debut single ‘Menace’, an electrifying heavy guitar track made for those days when you're fed up with the world and want to stamp it out on the footpath on the walk home.A fiery promising new act in alternative rock, Cairo Station is for lovers of Paramore, PJ Harvey and Wolf Alice. The three-piece is made up of lead vocalist Cara Collins, Felix McCauley and Ben Gribben.

"Menace is the first song we worked on together as a band," they explained. "The song has allowed us to build a connection with each other and with our audience through a few minutes of anger and noise. It’s as much a sign of what we will go on to do as it is a tribute to the bands who have inspired us along the way.”

The Psychs, ‘So Real, Surreal’

Rising Irish rock band The Psychs offer up their newest single ‘So Real, Surreal’, a rousing goth-rock track riddled with hair-raising ‘80s synths plugged into powerful guitar leads and yearning vocals that wail with despair. Recorded by Michael Richards at Trackmix Studios in Dublin, the track's final cut was mastered at Abbey Road Studios, and features haunting backing vocals by Saoirse Lawlor, vocalist of post-pop band SRSHA.

“'So Real, Surreal' is ushering in a new phase of our sound, implementing catchy gothic elements that you can dance to,” the group said. “It definitely dives into a more personal side and shines a light on a desire to feel and in this world of facades and superficiality to feel real.”

Elaine Mai, ‘Echo’ feat. MuRli

Known for her dynamic blend of electronic music, Elaine Mai’s newest track ‘Echo’ is an enchanting mesh of uplifting house beats and didgeridoo sounding reverbs. The new tune features acclaimed rapper and producer MuRli, who slides onto the track with soft hopeful vocals that later burst into hard-hitting rap about speaking truth in the face of adversity. Mai also announced earlier this week that she will play her biggest headline show to date at The Button Factory, Dublin on November 22.

“There aren't ready-made solutions for every issue we face, and yet there's little harm in looking for one nevertheless,” MuRli said. “I've come to realise that it's healthier for me to voice my concerns to people I trust and respect. Not for them to agree with me, but it helps to have perspective. So I speak up while also listening out for voices that aren't just echoes of mine.”

Monjola, ‘SPEND SOME TIME’

The lead single to Monjola’s EP iTs NoT tHaT DeEP, ‘SPEND SOME TIME’ is a groovy R&B track that channels Outkast’s outsider sensibilities and sees the artist catching feelings over a stripped back instrumental. A catchy, chilled out tune, ‘SPEND SOME TIME’ is the ultimate demonstration of Monjola’s silver-tongued flow over a jazzy bass line and swirly beats.

Speaking on the EP, Monjola says “The project is called iTs NoT tHaT DeEP…In this world where things can get complicated very quickly I found myself questioning and overthinking things and scenarios I’ve been in. The project is a journey that takes the audience through my thought process in a diary format. And at the end of that journey what I come to realise is iTs NoT THaT DeEP.”

Mr Billy Fitzgerald, 'Gimme Love'

Mr Billy Fitzgerald has released his new 90s style pop single ‘Gimme Love’.

When talking about the track, Fitzgerald says, “Written following a friend going through an intensely break up the lyrics pendulum between defiance and plea to be taken back into the love they had before. This dual perspective perfectly captures the nature of any breakup while trying to make sense of this betrayal.”

'Gimme Love' marks the first single Fitzgerald has released since his band The Dead Flags dissolved. The song is powered by his acoustic guitar melody combined with gospel style vocals and a strong bass. This radio-ready track's catchy lyrics make it the perfect song to start singing this summer.

Fangclub, 'Exit Oblivion'

Dublin based alternative rock band, Fangclub, has released their new single ‘Exit Oblivion’. This brooding track contains a dark melody with hard hitting bass drops and thrilling guitar riffs. In true Fangclub fashion it mixes rock, punk and grunge into a frenzied sonic experience. This track comes off the group's new EP entitled All Good that contains four other tracks: ‘Attention’, ‘Out Of My Head’, ‘Natural’ and ‘You Had Me At Hello’. However, these five are not the only upcoming releases Fangclub has on the docket. On Instagram the band writes that these are, “the first collection of songs we want to show you.”

 

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Fräulein, ‘Feeling Good’

Fresh on the heels of their debut mini-LP, Sink or Swim, Fräulein are an unstoppable force on the Irish rock scene. The seventh track off Sink or Swim confirms this in spades.

‘Feeling Good’ starts off with rolling guitars and Joni Samuels’ magnetic vocals, tumbling ceaselessly towards a rollicking climax of propulsive drums and screaming riffs. A blend of English Teacher meets NewDad, while maintaining the band’s blunt impact of their bone-simple riffage and crystalline vocals.

It’s a dizzying track from the rollicking rock duo, with its power, beauty and yearning angst through the sonic light and shade in their delivery.

Eoin Glackin, ‘Shine Your Light’

A new emotive country offering from Eoin Glackin, ‘Shine Your Light’ is an uplifting anthem for those who find difficulty in asking others for help. The Dublin singer finger picks the guitar, starting softly as if unsure in his decision to look for assistance and as the song builds into an uplifting crescendo, backed by beguiling choir vocals, you experience the wave relief he feels while finally looking for a lending hand. Glackin created ‘Shine Your Light’ with acclaimed Irish producer and bassist Karl Odlum, who he’s previously worked with on 2018's Fires of Innocence.

It's a song about asking for help. The cover photo of my mother helping little me to fly, says it all really,” the Irish singer said. “It's been a little while since I've released new music.. Delighted to get this song out there.”

Leah Rose, 'Forest Wine'

Hailing from County Cork, musician Leah Rose has dropped yet another ethereal single, 'Forest Wine'. The track features a dream-like beat and melancholic lyrics in what is quickly becoming the singer's signature sound. It opens with a soft piano-dependent beat before diving into a deeper electronic swell, adding a modern psychedelic touch to the tune. Taking inspiration from artists such as Alex Turner and Lana Del Rey, Leah Rose's 'Forest Wine' is the perfect track to blast on your summer late-night drives.

 

Áine Duffy, 'Tits Up'

Bandon-born singer-songwriter Áine Duffy has done it again in her catchy new single 'Tits Up' where she shows off her quirky style and belter of a voice. It's a high-end funk-infused track and features a bouncy beat and repeated lyrics that would have even the most sullen listener nodding along.

Duffy's voice shines through in its weird, wonderful way as she smashes some treble tones against the backdrop of voltaic guitar riffs. The lyrics are a humorous call out to people who can't commit. Speaking of the track, Duffy said, "Tits Up was written from the frustration of flakiness in a humorous way. CATCHY, BANGING, FUNNY and UNIQUE."

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