Bicep, 'CHROMA 004 ROLA'

Belfast electro duo Bicep have’s shimmering new single from their upcoming CHROMA project is another raw, stripped back statement track from the duo.

“We wanted something dark and heavy to play as our first tune, as a stark departure from the Live show,” they explained. “It's exactly what we're wanting to achieve with 'CHROMA', a track written for the dancefloor with a specific idea in mind.

“It's a chance for us to stretch our legs outside a traditional album cycle and focus purely on music for us djing. It feels really refreshing for us to write music and play it out that same week. It's been really fun for us to let people hear a bit of a tougher sound from us.”

The Kyd G, GNS, $ONA BLU€ & DuckyProd, ‘Pisces’

Bassy, mesmeric and loose-jointed encapsulate the newest banger from the indie alliance of The Kyd G, GNS, $ONA BLU€ & DuckyProd.

Much like the water sign of its namesake, ‘Pisces’ is a fluid stream of cascading bass, mellow vocals and synth-orchestral scapes. From the first millisecond, the track is an immediate earworm that would take a strong arm and will to not repeatedly press play the moment it ends. In fact, you never want it to end.

While it recalls Frank Ocean or PARTYNEXTDOOR, ‘Pisces’ is a gleaming showcase of the quartet’s unique sonic sensibilities, blending dramatic strings, swampy basslines and a tremendous flow. If you’re reading this, alt-funk rap is alive and well.

Qbanaa, ‘Best Time’

Described by the artist “a song for the girlies who thought they could fix their broken heart by rushing into someone else and realised it just makes the break up process worse”, ‘Best Time’ is for all the lovelorn. Here, the Cuban-Irish artist makes use of softer than candy floss vocals and catchy beats.The dexterous guitar plucking and sick production, keeps ‘Best Time’ from straying into overly sad territories while Qbanaa candidly talks heartbreak. Qbanaa’s latest sun drenched single is the perfect happy sad banger to side step to this summer.

Charles James & The Rise, ‘Carry On’

Fronted by husband and wife duo Charles James and Catherine O'Donnell , Charles James and The Rise are back and at their most authentic with ‘Carry On’. With a twang of Americana and bluegrass, ‘Carry On’ delves into the aftermath of loss, reflecting on acceptance as a pivotal stage of grief. Speaking on the single, Charles James said: "I started writing this song a few years back after the sudden loss of my father. I’d followed in his footsteps with a career at sea and he’s also the reason I became a pilot so I was quite lost in the months after. I’d have dreams where he was still alive and ‘Carry On’ was born out of that first few seconds after waking up, the sinking realisation that he was gone and I’d just have to get used to it."

Moses McGuninnes - Lost at Sea

Folk pop singer Moses McGuinness is back with his EP Lost at Sea, which features an emotional song of the same name. With bellowing, almost musical theatre-esque vocals, McGuinness delivers a tender break up ballad. McGuinness’ booming, baritone vocals take centre stage on the track, with a strong backing on keys, before building into a high drama crescendo with a searing guitar line. What originally began as a lock down project, burgeoned into a full blown high drama sonic landscape, of which ‘Lost at Sea’ is the crown jewel.

Jamie Duffy, ‘Torus’

A delicate meditative piano piece, 22 year old Monaghan Jamie Duffy stuns in ‘Torus’. Entirely instrumental yet massively evocative, ‘Torus’ feels like the artist has unlocked something ancient in his original track. Fans of Ludovico Einaudi are in for a scintillating treat this Friday. Gradually building into a circular melody, the piano line in Torus is then layered beautifully with strings, rounding out the single into an uplifting instrumental. Speaking on the track Duffy says that ‘Torus was “inspired by the circularity of life and how the natural world can often imitate the human experience”.

 

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Yenkee, ‘Los Angelus’

Hooking you in with its undeniable groove, Yenkee’s new single ‘Los Angelus’ makes for infectious listening. There’s a distinct sense of irony embedded in the track, with Corkman Yenkee saying: “I always find myself writing about California, even though I’ve never been, and that’s what the song is about. A semi-well-known American artist contacted me on Instagram looking to collaborate. He sent me his number and said to hit him up if I was in LA in the coming weeks…I was working on the vegetable aisle in a supermarket in Cork”. With almost apathetic vocals, ‘Los Angelus’ evokes the best of bedroom pop with suggestions of 70s AOR. An exciting crumb ahead of the artist’s debut album, which is slated for release this September.

Charlie McGettigan and Ronan Gallagher: ‘Twenty Orbits Round The Sun’

Cowritten by Charlie McGettigana and Ronan Gallagher, ‘Twenty Orbits Round The Sun’ is a twangy country offering from the pair. Fans of Americana are in for a treat in the form of this sincere love song. Gallagher, who didn’t learn how to make guitar until his mid fifties, shines on this track, with dexterous plucking. The strings in ‘Twenty Orbits Round The Sun’ are supported by gravelly vocals from the pair which lend an authenticity so essential to country.

Chubby Cat, ‘OH HONEY!’

A perfect addition to your summer playlist, 'OH HONEY! from Chubby Cat is an irresistible earworm, and one of her strongest pop songs to date.

Coupled with Cat’s supernova vocals - her register wavering between alpine peaks and rolling valleys - and a pummelling, sunlit backing, the track is an electro-pop suite of technicolour guitars, hopscotch drums and belt-worthy finales.

The lyrics channel fears of commitment anxiety in relationships. Chubby Cat says, “I was playing with how to show my frame of mind in the way I’ve written this track, the lyrics are a real representation of how chaotic my head can get when I overthink relationships too much”.

Susan O’Neill, Sign of the Times

The latest offering from Clare singer-songwriter Susan O’Neill is anthemic and a glittering treat for the ears and soul. Taking a lush indie pulse of the nineties hum, ‘Sign of the Times’ channels powerful poetic lyrics soaring along the top, taking us out of time and into the everyday confrontation of how the world spins around us. Driving the lyrics homeward is O’Neill’s sirenic, opalescent vocals floating over the propulsive, rousing soundscape.

This feeling of a passing world is dually exemplified in the accompanying music video shot by Susan while visiting New York City’s Manhattan. The video, edited by Christopher Luke, glimpses the bright lights and at times over-stimulating messages peppered throughout the city that never sleeps.

King Kong Company, ‘Wrecked With God’

Waterford dance veterans King Kong Company’s latest zany number drops ahead of their headline slot at the Kaleidoscope festival in Wicklow next weekend. ‘Wrecked With God’, features bouncing synths and screechy guitar plucks which create an atmosphere which is at once spooky and funky. Lyrically, the track is somewhat of an anti-drug anthem, with chants of “I don’t wanna do Coke, I don’t wanna do yokes”  repeating throughout.

Forg.ie, ‘Fishing Off The Moon’

Dublin rapper Forg.ie announces himself as a new face in Irish rap with his debut single ‘Fishing Off The Moon’. While the bar spitter might have been hitherto unknown, he raps like a veteran, with an addictive catchy flow enunciated with a distinct Dublin delivery over a glittery, cinematic beat.

Nigel Connell, ‘Life To Begin’

Songwriter and actor Nigel Connell returns with a Springsteen-tinged ballad about returning to freedom post lockdown from a musician’s perspective, after lingering in the uncertainty of venues and bars reopening.

Hailing from Meath, music is very much in this artist’s DNA, his parents had a band and he started performing when he was 15. He has enjoyed a fruitful musical career up until this point, previously holding down the ryhtym as Daniel O’Donnell’s drummer, and reaching the final of The Voice of Ireland in 2016.

 

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Dreamer, ‘Get The Feeling’

‘Get The Feeling’ is the opening track to exciting alt-rock four piece Dreamer’s debut EP of the same name. It’s more stripped back and acoustic adjacent when compared to their previous, often rollicking singles, but the song nonetheless retains the emotional heft and atmosphere which Eimear O’Sullivan and co. are making a very good knack for co

The foursome decided to join forces in spring 2023, after having studied at different music college’s in the Capital. Get The Feeling is the band’s first EP of the year, with another planned for December, with a much-anticipated album lined up for next year.

Gareth, 'What You Don't Know'

It's country, classic, and an immediate score from northern Irish country singer Gareth as he releases his first single, 'What You Don't Know'. The track is undeniably soaked in rich, humble emotions born from the singer-songwriter's experiences, giving it a fresh and raw appeal.

Opening with a comforting string of acoustic guitar before diving into a harmonious swell complemented by Gareth's ability to fuse his Irish roots with traditional American country music storytelling.

The ballad takes the shape of a story while keeping the same upbeat tempo, chord progression, and instrumental theme underneath the Western swing.

Speaking about the song, Gareth said, "I use my own personal experiences when I'm in writing sessions, so I reckon many people will relate to the lyrics of this song."

 

Penny's Band, 'That's Not The Girl I Met'

Hauntingly honest and raw in its reverberations, Penny's Band's first opus, 'That's Not The Girl I Met,' is the most recent addition to the Irish pop-rock scene and offers a personal profile that speaks of regret.

Punctured by addictive melodies that are served up alongside some pretty snappy riffs, the track is indisputably packed with youthful energy and immediately sets the kind of blares we can expect from the Northern Irish band.

Speaking of the track, lead singer and rhythm guitarist Alex Talbot said, "It's such a fun tune to play and listen to, and with summer coming up, we hope everyone can enjoy it musically while finding their connection with the lyrics."

Taylor D 'Let Me Be'

Irish queen of alt-pop Taylor D is back with 'Let Me Be'. The unfairly catchy song sees Talyor spice things up a little with the infusion of pop rock entangled in the heavy synths and booming electric guitar that dominates their place in the track from the second you hit play.

The track takes no time before building up to a powerful chorus swarmed with voltaic pulses. It also shows off Taylor's storytelling skills. Adorned in lyricism that hints towards hidden desires, Taylor has conjured up a passionate atmosphere that showcases her musical inspirations, such as Taylor Swift or Avril Lavinge.

 

Black Dog Moon, ‘The Moment’

The 5 piece blues-infused rock and roll band are the latest additions to the Irish rock scene, delivering ‘The Moment’ off their first debut self-titled album. Characterised by riffing duelling guitars, rumbling bass, and thunderous drums, ‘The Moment’ comes galloping out of the stables underpinned by bassist Nicky Browns as he dominates the track's tempo.
The track's subject matter speaks of that first light before dawn, an image that the song infuses through jagged riffs and vocalist Conal Montgomery's soaring lyrics, which swell alongside the thundering instrumentals, creating a harmonious sound and a fresh new take on the electric ensemble style of music.

 

DeCarteret x 1000 Beasts, ‘pray for you'

The essence of DeCarteret and 1000 Beasts' collaborative new opus, ‘Pray for You,’ is captivating from the very first second. The song opens with a childlike voice crying, ‘She can’t go to heaven.’ It’s a bold way to open a song. There is no indication of what sounds the two musicians may produce for the next three minutes, but it was a dare that paid off.

Swirls of ethereal vocals surround the track, marking the musical opening, suspended by hymn-like vocals that blend effortlessly in harmonies created by deep synths and sax. Like something out of Billie Elishes's first album, the track is sewn together with a jazz low-fi pulse, creating a dark but undeniably catchy tune.

Kez, ‘Better Off’

London born, Dublin raised artist Kez returns to Ireland from New York with her new single ‘Better Off’. The ultimate summer breakup song, ‘Better Off’ is infused with gritty basslines and deeply powerful vocal performance reminiscent of iconic musicians such as Florence + The Machine.

Speaking about the track, Kez says "'Better Off' is a summer banger for all the heartbreak kids. I want people to put this song on in their car, roll down the windows, and sing it out loud. Breakups are all about ambiguity - would I be better off with or without them? Do I want them? Am I the asshole? There’s an affirmation in this song.”

ZEZTRA, ‘Fool’

Hailing from their forthcoming album, Dublin alt-pop duo ZEZTRA have unveiled the single ‘Fool’, a highly unique and vibrant club tune. With clear inspiration from Latin music, mixed together with buttery smooth vocals and a masterfully-crafted upbeat backdrop on drum machines and strings, this banger of a track will accompany any of your dance-heavy summer nights.

When asked about working, performing and writing together as sisters, Lornan explained “being together throughout the lockdown period allowed us to come together and write lyrics that are inspired from both our lives”. Avril added “drawing inspiration from different genres of pop, alt-rock, R&B, and Latin music has honed our craft, creating songs with blood harmonies and hopeful instrumentation”.

Problem Patterns, ‘I Think You Should Leave’

Belfast band Problem Patterns are back with their first release since their 2023 album Blouse Club, ‘I Think You Should Leave’. Following their tradition of head-banging punk tunes, the track is a gripping four-minutes display of their signature visceral energy.

Dealing with the themes of queerness and political rejection in their home town of Belfast, ‘I Think You Should Leave’ explores the struggles of attempting to make the city into a more accepting place, singing “We’ve got to release the dead hand of the past, Throw it away, we’ll tell the higher powers, Alternative Ulster, Grab it, change it, it’s our.”

rex mundi, ‘speedin’’

Greek-Irish rapper rex mundi is back with his latest offering ‘speedin’’. Described by the artist on Instagram as his “third and potentially final single before the full LP drops”, the track is a summery, grooving tune that sees rex mundi laying deft bars over a jazzy bass line, funky guitar chords and a slick trumpet melody.

 

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Picture This, ‘Satellites’

Irish pop-rockers Picture This have released their brand new single ‘Satellites’. Only announced earlier this week, the track is a summery dream of romantic acoustic guitars and the band’s signature heart-warming, deep vocals that resonate through the listener’s chest. Supported by lively beats and a head-bopping melody, ‘Satellites’ is an easy-to-dance-to tune that feels like being hit by a warm ray of sunlight – or a sweet summer love.

Speaking of the single, the band wrote on X: "We wrote this song recently and loved it so much that we felt like we can't hold on to it and not release for a year. It feels like summer so we thought let's just f**king release it, what's the point in waiting!?”

Callum Orr, ‘Floorboards’

Irish folk singer Callum Orr has done it again with his latest release ‘Floorboards’. The third single off his upcoming debut album The Trials of Knowing, the new track explores a more experimental side of Callum’s music with heavier guitar and cymbals, beautifully complementing his evocative, mellow voice. Co-produced by Ailbhe Reddy and mixed by Darragh Nolan, the single deals with hidden feelings that are difficult to bring to the surface and face up to.

The album is set to release on 12 July and be celebrated with a launch show at The Workman’s Cellar on 20 July. The folk singer said the album was written as a reaction to this sudden death anxiety that came onto him when his mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2020. “It tracks my internal journey over the following years, going from this really oppressive, selfish darkness of nihilism into the light of love and life’s innumerable joys—however fleeting that life may be,” Callum said.

Malaki, ‘Pasta’

Dublin artist Malaki has dropped his latest banger for all the lovers of their partners' little oddities and the infectious ‘getting to know each other’ stage at the beginning of every relationship. An easy, lofi-beat offering, ‘Pasta’ embraces the artist's softer side following his hard-hitting previous release in March this year, ‘Long Face’. Recently, he's positioned himself as one of Ireland’s leading rap artists, with 135,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

“Pasta is about the early beginnings of falling in love with someone new. In particular, their characteristics and quirky mannerisms," said the rapper. "The way they sing in the shower, their smile, the way they light their cigarette off a toaster. Sometimes, it’s the little things about a person that make you think. 'I might love her.'"

Tommy Holohan & Megra, ‘Show Me The Sky’

Bass-heavy, uptempo, pitched vocals; what a tune. Dublin's finest, Tommy Holohan, makes his long awaited return to S.C.D.D. locking palms with Stockholm-based producer Megra on 'Show Me The Sky', the lead single from Tommy's sophomore EP dropping in full 29 Aug. ‘Show Me The Sky’ is an invigorating techno track that only a fool wouldn’t get up and move to.

While being labelled one of the spearheads of rave revival over the past few years, the Dublin native’s name is on the tip of every techno fan's tongue. With his productions doing the rounds online and in record shops, he himself leaves nothing on the table when it comes to his selection, having gotten the nod from Boiler Room last year where he delivered one of the most memorable festival sets the online platform has seen.

Emma Noodles, ‘Breath Away’

Emma Noodles’ ‘Breath Away’ sees the Kildare-based indie singer tap into a nostalgic ‘70s and ‘80s pop soundscape, reminiscent of ABBA or Fleetwood Mac’s Tango in the Night. In this catchy and thrilling song, we begin with a retro-fitted Bee Gees intro that immediately hooks listeners, leading into a sweeping resplendent chorus with layers of harmonies.

With glittering Rhodes keys and impressive vocal chops, the song then soars into a dramatic key changing bridge and finale that transports and transcends. It’s dreamy and magical with layers upon layers of harmonies, synths and sparkles. With ‘Breath Away,’ Emma Noodles is an undeniable pillar in the bracket of Irish contemporary pop brilliance.

Letterbox Kid, ‘Stormy Daniels’ feat. Darian June

Irish singer-songwriter, producer and rapper Letterbox Kid [aka Isaac O’Sullivan] has shared the third and final single, ‘Stormy Daniels,’ from his project Let’s Talk About The Weather, out today.

An ambitious, pop-rap track with a stomping kick & bass and lush instrumental, ‘Stormy Daniels’ sizzles with red-hot synths and magnetic vocals. The offering is, at once, nostalgic and ear-catching, with effervescent melodies pendulum-swinging recklessly then delicately from all angles.

“This song would happily sit upon a car radio on a warm Summer's day when there was simply nothing better to do than go for a Sunday drive and play bops one after two until the sun escaped the sky,” O’Sullivan says. “And you found yourself back in the drive of your family home, too embarrassed to tell your Dad the name of said song.”

 

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