The Mary Wallopers, ‘Home Boys Home’

A hearty and emotional ballad, ‘Home Boys Home’ is the latest release off of the Mary Wallopers EP of the same name. Sharing the EP on social media, the group said “We hope you love it as much as we do” and with deft strings and soulful vocals, what is there not love? ‘Home Boys Home’ is a call to arms for anyone who’s been away for a while, and Brother Charles and Andrew Hendy bring their bold and defiant spirit to ‘Home Boys Home’. Putting their own spin on a tune most associated with The Dubliners, the brazen Mary Wallopers deliver another cajoling trad offering.

MonoSource, ‘In A Dublin Pisser’

Kilkenny electronic duo MonoSource’s latest track is an immersive techno/spoken word piece that makes you feel like you are on a big night out. Vocals on the track come from a poem by poet Kevin P. Gilday which the band heard in the back of the Old Hairdressers in Glasgow in 2019. A dance track 5 years in the making, ‘In A Dublin Pisser’ is both a tune to move your feet to and a damning critique of Dublin City. If the current iteration of the single is too soft for some of the harder techno heads, never fear! A rave mix inspired by the style of 90s style rave music is also available.

Hazey Haze & mankyy - ‘Listen to Those Ones’

Making up part of the long gestating project from hip hop artists Hazey Haze & mankyy, ‘Listen to Those Ones’’ is an immersive track on the mega LP SHY BOII GETS NO SWEETS. The album is an unflinching document of life on the outskirts of society in Limerick's Island Field & a sonic exploration of how far one can push the norms of traditional hip hop production. Setting the scene, ‘Listen to Those Onest’ opens gently, with plenty of distortion and surrounds the listener with a wall of sound. With soft keys and desperate vocals, ‘Listen to Those Ones’ is a compelling melody; a slow hip hop offering yet there’s a real sense of urgency behind it.

 

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Mute The TV, ‘Highfalutin’

A band of brothers, Mute the TV have unleashed their new alt rock offering ‘Highfalutin’, today. Teeming with anger and sick guitar lines, Mute the TV make use of distorted vocals to create a rock single that lands somewhere between 90s grunge and 60s psychedelia. If you’re looking for a cathartic banger to yeet out your frustrations to this Friday, then look no further. ‘Highfalutin’ is a song for when you’re totally fed up.

Fontaines D.C., ‘Favourite’

A softener offering from the Dublin post punkers Fontaines D.C., ‘Favourite’ is the latest release from the group’s upcoming album Romance, out this August. The accompanying self-directed video documents a recent trip to Madrid intertwined with childhood footage of the five band members. The video, bassist Conor Deegan explains “is reminiscence of the past- of each other's childhoods we didn't know. To see people we know on an intimate level as adults in the tender ages of childhood,".

Deegan went on to say that the feel good guitar track serves as a way to romanticise what can sometimes be a trying world. And we could all use a pair of rose tinted lenses as we slide into the weekend.

Orla Gartland, ‘Mine’

‘Mine’ is a gentle yet powerful inspection of Gartland’s evolving relationship with intimacy and finding peace with past personal experiences. Speaking on the lowkey strings single, the Dublin singer songwriter said: “'Mine' is by far the most vulnerable song I've written to date - putting it feels a little scary but also hugely important to me”. Telling the intimate and fragmented story of a failed relationship, ‘Mine’ is a blistering new track from Gartland. Accompanied by a simple yet emotional music video, ‘Mine’ will have you in a heap this weekend.

 

Blue Niall- ‘AISLING’

‘AISLING’ is a pulsating drill track, flitting between language and genre with apparent ease, demonstrating Blue Niall's considerable craft. The song derives its name from an "aisling" in Irish mythology and literature; a poetic genre that emerged in the late 17th century. Continuing Blue Niall’s epic project to retell the story of Tír na nÓg in a newly reimagined Celtic drill format.

To celebrate the release of 'AISLING', Blue Niall's collective Athbheochan will host a Summer Gathering gig on July 6 at the Pearse Centre, in aid of Palestine.

Æ MAK, 'Low Down'

Songwriter, producer and pop savant Æ MAK has returned with the final installation of her EP ABC Side Baby, out now in its completion with the addition of her brand new track ‘Low Down’. Born from the throes of heartache, ‘Low Down’ serves as the final chapter in MAK’s ongoing journey towards healing and independence. 

“‘Low Down’ is about hitting rock bottom after a break-up, almost basking in it, and finding your power again,” MAK said. “I made it in between chain-smoking out the window and lying on my best pal’s green corduroy couch all summer; until I finally felt some strength creep back in."

Luke Clerkin, 'Wow Wow Wow'

Emerging Irish singer-songwriter Luke Clerkin has unveiled his infectious new single ‘Wow Wow Wow’, the first advanced release to be lifted off his upcoming debut album Orpheus. Produced by Clerkin’s long-time collaborator and friend Gavin Doyle, the song is an intimate depiction of love and longing. 

“‘Wow Wow Wow’ at its core is a vulnerable piece of music depicting one of my hopeless pursuits of finding love,” explained Clerkin. “This one in particular involves an embarrassing experience where after thinking that I’d finally made a connection with somebody, I found myself fifth wheeling in the middle of a busy Temple Bar pub. The song describes the even more awkward conversation that followed this experience.”

Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers, ‘Damaged Goods’

Seán Finn and the Late Bloomers' ‘Damaged Goods’ is sentimental, opening with strong piano and powerful lyrics encapsulating the struggles of modern women in today's world. The song reflects the idea of “damaged goods” and how that term has garnered negative connotations for women.

When talking about the track, Finn says, “the arrangement came together beautifully on this one, with smooth basslines, tasteful drum fills and a soaring flute melody that ties it all together. It’s one of those songs that I'm surprised I wrote myself, but absolutely delighted to say it’s one of my own.”

Mark Daly, ‘Better Off Alone’

Mark Daly honestly reflects on his music career with his rocking new single 'Better Off Alone'. This message is combined with powerful bass, booming drums, gripping guitar riffs and and overarching growling tone which culminates in an intriguing rock anthem.

When talking about the track, Daly says, “the song touches on insecurities, imposter syndrome, and feeling like you’re messed up but knowing you can find your way out of the dark. So many of us have been there. I want people to know they’re not alone in those feelings and that they can find their way forward.”

Chris Conroy, ‘Only Love’

Chris Conroy delivers a guitar-heavy folk track which encapsulates the nuances of life’s complexities like happiness, heartache and vulnerability. Conroy’s soft tone throughout mirrors the feeling of dealing with personal difficulties and finding relief in the ones you love.

When talking about the track, Conroy says, “I wrote ‘Only Love’ to reflect the ups and downs of life, love and loss. From times where I felt ‘stuck in my ways’, wanting ‘no part of the game’ to ‘wishing on a star’ and searching for that one and ‘Only Love’.”

 

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Jack Dora, ‘Rat In My Room’

Indie-pop artist Jack Dora has put out the new single ‘Rat in My Room’, his first original track since his debut 2022 EP Take What You’ve Been Given.

A fast-paced, 80’s goth reminiscent electronic track, ‘Rat In My Room’ delves into Dora’s personal struggle after relocating to London post-pandemic. With heavy, grumbly vocals set to a grimy club backdrop, the song is as compelling as it is infectious.

“‘Rat In My Room’ was my way of dealing with and examining a pretty dark time,” the indie artist said. “I personified myself as this rat in a suit, scurrying around London. Dressed up snazzy as if I was hiding what was going on under the suit. It’s all about the area I live in and how the chaos reflected what I was dealing with at the time.”

Papa Boyle ‘Last Chance Saloon’

Retro-Indie singer songwriter Papa Boyle is unleashing his latest mesmerising single ‘Last Chance Saloon’, following the success of his debut release ‘Between Two Fools’.

With a retro sound of alleviating and highly unique vocals, set against lustrous electric guitar lines, the track explores how the smallest decisions or chances can sometimes feel like the biggest ones of all.

Having a slight country feel reminiscent of artists such as Father John Misty or Hermanos Guitierrez, ‘Last Chance Saloon’ explodes on its chorus, reflecting the highly emotional themes of the indie tune.

Speaking of the track, Papa Boyle said: "I think this song will conjure up a lot of different imagery to people, I’m looking forward to hearing what people think when they listen to the track and I hope they will see my progression from my first release."

Arrow In The Sky, ‘The Girl Who Thought She Was A Bird’

Alt-folk duo Arrow In The Sky are back with ‘The Girl Who Thought She Was A Bird’, the first single from their upcoming album, which is set for release by the end of the year.

With gentle acoustic guitar arpeggios, and a masterful use of hopeful violin lines, the track was originally written during Ireland's last recession and mass youth exodus and captures the enduring human desire for freedom and transformation amidst economic hardship.

Despite the darkness of its themes, the folk tune is bursting with a relentless sense of hope, blending into a whimsical and striking song that offers the perfect first look into an upcoming album that promises to be infectious.

Fin Furey, ‘Corners & Coins’

Fin Furey’s first release of 2024, ‘Corners & Coins’ is a poignant folk ballad exploring the themes of unrequited love and addiction, set against a backdrop of bluesy and emotional acoustic guitars that evolve into lively Irish rhythms.

With a crescendo into a powerful chorus, followed by a soft, melancholic bridge, the piece evolves into a haunting and evocative tune that is sure to fill long and lonely summer nights.

Thanks to Fin’s plaintive and warm vocals, the stunning track showcases the raw emotions of its lyrics, depicting the loneliness and desperation as he sings "Hits and lines, help face their demand. Lonely hearts on corners for coins."

Esmeralda Road, 'Until I'm gone'

Esmeralda Road has gone and done it again in their new deliciously funky track 'Until I'm Gone', exuding a sense of nostalgia and fun within the contagious beat. The track opens with a robust beat and is quickly deepened by the rich vocals from lead Frontman and Lyricist Charlie Magill. Despite the groovy undertones that the track is undeniably soaked in, the lyrics take on a less upbeat topic, the contradictions of relationships Magill explained.

"The verses portray a character who is resilient enough to accept the roles and responsibilities of their relationship, while the song's hook culminates in this character essentially begging the other person to do this for them."

Oscar Wilkins, 'Scenic Route'

Ethereal backing tracks and the mellow vocals of Oscar Wilkins gel together to complete what may just be the low-fi track of the summer in the musician's latest single, 'Scenic Route'.

The track shows off the 23-year-old's roots in R' n' B, electronic, Synth Pop, Soul, and Dance whilst demonstrating his abilities of elevation through the added layers of a dream-like melody that translates into the wistfulness of a soft yet upbeat tempo. With a retro-inspired pulse, Wilkins explained that 'Scenic Route' is a "wavy summer feel-good song about taking life as it comes and moving on from experiences we had but understanding we've got new ones to gain with new people."

'Scenic Route', the artist's 6th single release further defines his sound as a breath of fresh air in its off-the-beaten-track style.

Pa Sheehy, 'Towards The Water'

With the release of his latest single, ‘Towards The Water’, former Walking On Cars frontman Pa Sheehy has once again proved that his departure from the outfit is not to be mourned. The track is chockablock with nostalgic energy that takes the shape of an evocative embodiment as Sheehy reflects on "being so lost in my early 20's, and wanting to run away".

The tune captures the possibilities that come with youth through an up-tempo guitar beat which glides effortlessly throughout the track whilst Sheehy's vocals complete the experience with their lightness and earnest tolls.

Bradley Marshall, 'Terrified'

Emotions run high in rising Irish talent Bradley Marshall's latest single, 'Terrified,' as the musician offers an honest insight into his mind. Sincere lyrics explore the paradoxes that come alongside confidence and self-assurance, challenging listeners to draw on self-worth and their perceptions of themselves.

Soft piano chords open the track, inviting you into a gentle and soft to the ear beginning; as the subject matter of the lyrics builds, the tempo rises unapologetically to match the emotional change in the gritty tone of Marshall's voice leading to a wonderfully raw peak before fading away signalling the end to what was a wonderfully raw expression of self.

Holly Munro, ‘First Prize’

The second track on Holly Munro’s brand new EP A Crescendo Ending, ‘First Prize’ is a dreamy, head bopping indie ballad that will make you hungry for more with every note of acoustic guitar.

Dealing with the theme of longing for something bigger than yourself, Munro’s breezy and comforting vocals accompany the gentleness and the track’s string-heavy instrumentation take the listener through the perfect nostalgic pop soundscape, making ‘First Prize’ feel intimate, contemplative, and surprisingly upbeat.

The Kates, ‘All That Talk’

West Cork five piece The Kates has just dropped their debut single ‘All That Talk’, an infatuating ode to self-resentment in the face of adversity and hesitance on how to move past it. ‘All That Talk’ comes ahead of their upcoming debut EP Pictures Here Of Dreams later this year, which will have a single launch in DeBarra's Folk Club, Clonakilty on June 21. Members of The Kates include Eve Clague, Liz Clark, Mary Beth O’Mahony, Míde Houlihan and Paula K O’Brien, who have all played, sang and written their own music for years, each releasing albums of original work.

“The song is about standing in your own way and feeling bad about it but also not being sure how to improve or address it. It's about feeling a little frustrated with yourself in not being able to keep up with the world and how it moves,” the band explained.

Blue Fish Diamond, ‘1980s’

Indie folk rock outfit Blue Fish Diamond’s newest tune ‘1980s’ is an inspiring offering about the loss of a loved one and the longing to see them again. A nostalgic ballad, the track looks back on past days spent together. The artwork for the song was designed to convey a sense of absence and the emptiness of grief, designed by Cathal MacHale. ‘1980s’ was produced by Gavin Glass at Orphan Recording Studios and it was written by Jim Murphy, who in 2014 left a 25 year career in the insurance industry to pursue music full-time.

A strong guitar string led song, backed by the gentle shake of maracas, showcases a beautiful harmony between Jim and Matilda singing “I miss you” - a simple phrase carrying so much weight. The track gains momentum, bursting into an upbeat, full sound, violin interwoven to the song. In 2018, the band released their invigorating debut album From Dark to Light and followed this up in 2021 with their second album Frozen Stars on the Night.

Beauty Sleep, ‘Big Sky’

“Big and bad” indie rock duo Beauty Sleep have just released their newest summer banger ‘Big Sky’. A dreamy pop-rock offering, ‘Big Sky’ was written following an inspiring and cathartic weekend that band members Cheylene Murphy and Ryan McGroarty experienced at Primavera Festival. The energetic tune that will leave the listener starry-eyed and overwhelmed with optimistic, fizzy energy

“We wrote Big Sky after attending Primavera Festival in 2022 where we genuinely felt the stress of the pandemic leave our bodies as we danced to music we love with a crowd of gorgeous humans, friends old and new,” the duo explained. “So it’s a cathartic song. About the magic of connection, how beautiful things can be. To take you on a journey from stressed and uninspired to euphoric and free. We hope it becomes the summer moment for all who listen to it, that feels like where it's supposed to live.”

GUSH, ‘Worthless’

Alternative rock band GUSH have dropped their electrifying debut EP that features the bone-rattling, grunge-rock track ‘Worthless’. Mixed and produced by Ross Alexander, the track is an anthem for the dirty delinquents who aren’t afraid to be a little weirder than the rest. The stunning album artwork presents a Tarot Card-like graphic of a nude woman in nature, created by Ebony Alexander.

“Worthless has been waiting to be let out of its cage for a good few years now, as it was written as teenagers, back when a few of us used to just jam together for the craic,” the band said. “We dug it up again because we thought it fits that 'in your face' energy we want to bring. It's us paying homage to the grungy punk rock we grew up on as angry, angsty teens.”

Longstryde, ‘Superhuman’

Dynamic duo Longstryde have just burst onto the Irish music scene with their debut single ‘Superhuman’. The brothers, Ricky and Tommy Redmond, created an uplifting anthem for embracing the indomitable human spirit and pushing through hard times to emerge a better person out the other side. Longstryde was formed by the brothers after they left behind the expectation of carrying on the family fruit & veg business - from its conception the band was born as a rebellion against conformity and a celebration of individuality.

“‘Superhuman’ is a song that encourages listeners to tap into their inner strength and resilience, to push past their limits and strive for greatness,” the duo said. “It's a reminder that we all have the ability to be superhuman in our own way, and that anything is possible when we believe in ourselves and take that first step into the unknown.”

Local Boy, ‘Pump It Up’

Local Boy, a.k.a. musician, producer, singer and Burner Records co-founder Jake Hurley, is back with his latest single ‘Pump It Up’. A high energy headbanger, the new track is an uptempo, hip hop inspired pop song that arrives just in time for summer.

“This is my most outrageous and confidential song which I’m hoping will solidify my persona non grata / enfant terrible in the Irish music scene,” Hurley said of the new track in a recent instagram post.

 

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Reuben James, ‘Girl You Know Me’

Philippines-borned Dublin-based rapper Reuben James has returned with his first release since 2022, which arrives in the form of the vibey new single ‘Girl You Know Me’. A laid back R&B track complete with a chill beat, shimmering keys and a driving bassline, the new song highlights James’ impressive lyrical dexterity and subdued vocals.

 

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Nadia Desree, ‘Falling’

Dublin-based singer-songwriter Nadia Desree is back with her latest pop offering ‘Falling’, a vibrant new single that comes just in time for the Dublin Pride March and Parade. Complete with rich piano trills and infused with clever production, the track features Nadia’s stellar vocals as she builds towards a cathartic release. 

"Falling was crafted from a sense of being lost, while trying to navigate the emotions that arise when facing that feeling; the battle between seeking solace within myself & looking for distraction from others"

Listen to our New Irish Songs To Hear This Week playlist on Spotify below!