a lazarus soul, ‘Factory Fada’

Like Lazarus himself, a lazarus soul have have returned with their sophomore album, out today. Taken from the Irish-French quartet's long-awaited No Flowers Grow In Cement Gardens, ‘Factory Fada’ is a vulnerable and raw offering that highlights the harsh reality of physical abuse in the singer-songwriter Brian Brannigan’s primary school.

The track draws from a distinct palette, ranging from Fairport Convention to Sonic Youth. A symphony of steel-strung folk melodia and raw vocal stylings, ‘Factory Fada’ resists major-chord resolutions and centres on the biographical footnotes of its making. The offering tells the true story about two boys in Brannigan’s class who were physically abused by a teacher.

“I saw some horrific stuff growing up. Violence towards very young kids,” Brannigan told Hot Press’ Lucy O’Toole for our upcoming issue. ”I was trying to write that song for a long, long time. It’s something that stayed with me, and this was the first time I could articulate how I felt about it.”

VERA, ‘Reasons’

Northern Irish rock cohort VERA are back with a high-octane new single about the pitfalls of modern love. ‘Reasons’ is a gleaming supernova of punk and indie rock, comprising the maudlin vocals of Sarah Toner floating atop a propulsive soundscape of bombastic drums and St.Vincent-style guitar. The punch-drunk romanticism of Toner’s lyrics are suffused with drama and healthy doses of sarcasm.

“‘Reasons’ is a big, noisy, explosive representation of the barrage of excuses we’re up against trying to date in the modern world,” the band members remark. “It’s a confessional of the four members’ scarcely credible romantic histories. Trivial, legitimate and sometimes far-fetched, ‘Reasons’ is a ridiculous catalogue of failed relationships.”

NIYL, ‘Won’t Let My Lover Down’

The latest offering from Limerick-born artist NIYL comprises a soul-filled, powerhouse anthem, taken from his upcoming album Parish Is Burning, which lands in November. ‘Won’t Let My Lover Down’ is a torch song of red-flag avoidance and the blissful ignorance of being in love.

The alt-soul number leads with NIYL’s sky-reaching vocals in full view as electronic beats and pulsing R&B soundscapes bring the track into a modern groove.

“I wanted to write a song that nods to my soul influences while also carving my own signature sound in the Irish music space,” NIYL says of the track.

Evan Miles and Pat Lagoon, ‘Bottom Line’

Waterford’s Evan Miles and Pat Lagoon joins forces with their second collaborative single. ‘Bottom Line’, is a chill, driving hip hop banger, ornated with gentle reverbed keys an up-tempo disco beat and finished off with a hypnotically repetitive vocal hook.

“We had people saying to us for ages that we need to make smn together again but we never wanted to force it,” said Myles.  “Myself and Pat have always been close and helping each other with our music even if it wasn't visible to see, so the connection between us allows us to make stuff freely without pressure - we're making it because its fun and light-hearted, rather than thinking we NEED to make it, uno.”

EDEN, 'Zzz'

One of the country's most thrilling alt-pop exports continues to expand his sound on 'Zzz' – arriving just a few months after the release of his two-song project (2019)(2022). Featuring captivating production, the new track further establishes EDEN as a fearlessly genre-bending artist, following in the footsteps of the likes of Post Malone and blackbear.

The electronic track has hugely exciting pop elements and synth-laden warmth progressing it along towards the anthemic chorus, with the Irish artist's loose-jointed vocals and confessional lyricism adding to the crystalline soundscape.

F3miii, ‘BAD 4 MY HEALTH’

Alt-producer F3miii continues keeps his rich vein of songwriting form going with the haunting ‘BAD 4 MY HEALTH'. A glitchy synthscape and an understated trap beat lay the foundation for the Dublin-based singer’s melodic autotuned musings about love’s addicting and often destructive tendencies.

Elsewhere, the musician has announced tour across Ireland and the UK this Autumn, including a headliner at the Workman’s Cellar on September 20.

Echo Harte, 'Illumination'

Echo Harte’s new single sees the Galwegian sonic experimenter depart from his dark techno sensibilities and delve into the realm of alternative-gospel rock.

‘Illumination’ is a testament to the power of belief, the joy of discovery and the triumph of following one’s passion. The artist drew inspiration for the track after a trip to Paris, where he visited the resting places of such legends as Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, while also witnessing the electrifying performances of U2 on consecutive nights.

With inspiring lyricism and an instrumental that soothes like a balm, ‘Illumination’ is an infectious number that’s equal parts love song and thank you letter.

BRIARS, ‘Qualms’

An energised bouzouki-driven indie-folk song is the most fitting way to describe BRIARS’ latest offering, ‘Qualms.’ It features a unique blend of the band’s traditional folk and alternative contemporary influences, creating a sound that is authentically Irish. Jam-packed with emotion and a thrilling build-buildup of dark folksy instrumentals, ‘Qualms’ captures the energy of their seven-piece live show.

Evolving in depth and passion as it goes, the track opens with a subtle bouzouki riff, which is set in motion by a trio of forceful drums, bass, and keys before being completed by the addition of traditional Irish instruments, which give it that extra edge. This allows the song to grow to what feels like an indie anthem but with fresh, unfamiliar textures and dynamics.

Left on Read ‘Making the Moment Count’

The perfect example of ‘don’t judge the tune by its opening’ as Left on Read delivers a funk-inspired indie-rock number. Opening with an ethereal lull, listeners must be advised to let the track settle into itself before the groove-infused explosion kicks off just a few moments later. And trust, kick-off it does as the limerick outfit creates a fun, upbeat summer belter perfect for busting a move to.

However, it wouldn’t be a Left on Read piece if the lyrics didn’t counteract the beat somehow.

“It’s a break-up song,” says Steven, lead singer of the band. “More so about break-up sex, to be honest. I guess it was a last hurrah for the time spent together. You’ll spot those subtle hints in the lyrics now that I’ve said that!”

Partland, ‘Hope To Love Again’

It’s classic, heartfelt, and the kind of track that plays in that 90’s rom-com as rain pours down the taxi window. If that metaphor is too specific for you, let’s say this instead: Partland’s latest track, ‘Hope to Love Again’, is the perfect little blend of sweet melodies and folky undertones. Pinned together with wisps of melancholy that catch in the impressive vocal tunefulness.

The lyrical matter reflects on the helpless inevitability of getting older and recounts failed past relationships while remaining hopeful for the future, a fitting story for this promising acoustic number.

THREE U.F.O, ‘Flutter (I Found Love)’

Three U.F.O. have successfully landed onto streaming services with their latest single, ‘Flutter (I Found Love)’. Shaping itself as a modern incarnation of psychedelic hypnotic-groove melodic rock banger, the track still holds on to those classic hallucinogenic echoes of the past, taking inspiration from what sounds like Pink Floyd or a less polished version of a Tame Impala track.

Intended to allow movement in yourself or the objects around you as you observe them, listeners will find that lyrics aren’t the focus point of this quirky tune. Instead, they will be drawn to the layers of instrumentation that build in their numbers as the song progresses. A swirling piece that inspires a funky kind of self-meditation.

Meryl Streek, ‘Paddy’

Punk artist Meryl Streek's latest single is a hard-hitting, emotional ode to his late uncle in the form of ‘Paddy.’ Opening with soft instrumentals and hard hitting spoken word, ‘Paddy’ develops into a throbbing punk track. An unflinching tale of the life and views of his uncle Paddy, Streek isn’t afraid to speak about his uncle’s choice not to work, to learn instead, and how he “knew full well how backwards this place was ran.” ‘Paddy’ was produced by Darklands Audio with producer Dan Doherty who has worked with Fontaines D.C. and there’s plenty of that post punk production to go around.

NEEV, ‘Light’

A debut single from an emerging singer songwriter, ‘Light’ is a jazz fusion track which will melt in your ears. Featuring NEEV’s honeyed vocals, there’s something irresistibly suave about the single. ‘Light’ was written during the lockdown of 2020, and tells the story of NEEV's journey through self-doubt and personal challenges, resulting in a relatable tale of overcoming adversity. Not only that, it’s a damn smooth tune that’s perfect for some weekend unwinding.

Reii (with BABY BLEU, GNS & V-SENSE), ‘endofthesummer’

Speaking on his new single Reii said: “This song was made with my friends BABY BLEU, GNS and V-SENSEI. We all went to the studio one day to make some songs and ended up with something pretty amazing”. And listening to to ‘endofthesummer’ it’s hard to disagree. With mellow beats, tight bars, and feel good harmonies, ‘endofthesummer’ is like sunshine in an audio file. Excellently produced yet highly intimate, ‘endofthesummer’ straddles a fine line. The single perfectly encapsulates each artist’s sensibility without one overpowering the other.

Sarah Keane, ‘Letters’

A heartbreaking song about friendship and a reminder to tell your friends you care about them, ‘Letters’ is Sarah Keane’s follow up to her single ‘June’. The scene is set in ‘Letters’ with gentle piano playing which provide a the perfect accompaniment to Keane’s rich timbre. The folk pop track is taken from the artists upcoming debut EP of the same name.’Letters’ tells the story of Sarah composing and sending a letter to a close friend after a period of silence. Explaining the story behind the track, Sarah says “We would often go for long periods without chatting, except this time when I went to contact him his social media presence had disappeared and his phone wasn’t working. I feared for the worst, and just wished I’d got in touch much sooner.”

Annie-Dog, ‘The Car’

Stemming from Dublin newcomer Annie-Dog’s brand new self-titled EP, ‘The Car’ is a hypnotic pop tune of melancholic lyrics and head bopping melodies wrapped up in the singer’s soft vocals, making for the ideal summertime rooftop anthem.

Incorporating the influences of Grimes and Pinkpantheress within her own sublime self-production, Annie-Dog is an incredibly unique and exciting new act, putting out banger after banger in the past few months.

Speaking of her new EP, the singer said: “I wrote this EP over the course of like, two years. I only really started recording and producing the songs last year. I feel each song is its own thing. Any cohesiveness probably comes from the fact that I produced it myself. I don’t know. It’s hard to say exactly what it’s about, or pinpoint any themes because the songs are quite different from each other."

Sister Ghost, ‘Dark Matter’

Northern Irish artist Sister Ghost has unveiled her latest offering ‘Dark Matter’, the lead single from her next album Beyond The Water, out October 31.

Set against an upbeat backdrop of progressive guitar chords and a rousing rhythmic section, the nostalgic and reflective lyrics make for a beautifully bittersweet yet breezy track, offering a first glance into an exciting upcoming record.

Speaking of her new single, Sister Ghost said: “I wrote the lyrics for this song after being moved to tears watching the French film Portrait of a Lady on Fire by Céline Sciamma, as I really felt it echoed some of my own queer experiences. That’s also why there’s some French in the bridge section of the song, which translates to ‘my love, she glows in the fire’.”

Wasps vs Humans, '20 Million Andrew Tates’

Folk punk band Wasps vs Humans are back with their latest offering ‘20 Million Andrew Tates’. Addressing issues of macho wealth, sex peddling, greed, online trolling and cyberbullying, the track calls out the widespread hate, misogyny, homophobia and objectification and is a disturbing reminder of social isolation, identity loss and viral obsession. Sonically, ‘20 Million Andrew Tates’ mixes the distinctive punk folk production of the band with electronic overdubs to produce an up-tempo, yet dark indie track.

Bren Berry, ‘Beautiful Losers [David Kitt Remix]’

Dublin musician Bren Berry has teamed up with David Kitt to release a remix of ‘Beautiful Losers’, a refreshing new installation of the original track's exploration of love and tender intimacy. The uplifting synths and beats compliment Berry’s pitched vocals as he sings “You’re the light on the other side / The kiss of life on a secret line.” A nod to the iconic novel by Leonard Cohen, the single was initially written as a gift to his wife Karen to mark their 25th wedding anniversary. Both Bren Berry and David Kitt hail from South Dublin suburb of Ballinteer, where once upon a time Berry formed The Coltranes, later becoming influential guitar-band Revelino.

“When I got the song I thought it was a beautiful sentiment and I wanted to do justice to that” reveals David. “I’m really happy with how it turned out. Production-wise, I stripped everything back to the vocal and started again. I sped it up a teeny bit and nabbed a few elements from my New Jackson track 'Having a Coke With You', mainly the strings which Bren really loves. That track has a strong romantic sentiment and the strings with a bit of trickery slotted in beautifully.”

Coolboy, ‘High Tide’

Co. Laois four piece Coolboy have released their debut single ‘High Tide’, the perfect summer anthem for beach days with friends. Playing their first gig in Kavanaghs Bar, Co. Laois, the lads made a big enough splash to land them with their very own episode of an upcoming RTÉ programme, An Ghig Mhór, which will be airing this Autumn. ‘High Tide’ is an electric guitar heavy, uptempo pop-rock offering that will undoubtedly put Coolboy on the young Irish artists map.

“I think we’ve dubbed this tune our ‘song of the summer’,” the group said. “It was actually a great buzz recording it in the studio and putting the whole song together. Having it coming out officially now is a big moment for us as it’s first ever release as a band! Even playing this song live makes us feel good. That’s the aim of the song, it’s a feel-good, summery song.”

Marcus Magee and the Hollaw Men, ‘We Are Young’

Cavan band Marcus Magee and the Hollaw Men mark the launch of their impressive new album, Rising from the Hallow, with the release of their latest single, ‘We Are Young’. An uplifting, feel-good alternative folk anthem, frontman Marcus Magee describes the single as “a message to self, a reminder to enjoy life, love, play, and stay young at heart no matter what age you are.” The launch follows a series of sold-out performances, including electrifying gigs at Dublin’s Sugar Club and the Big Top tent at Cavan Arts Festival, with the band scheduled to play Whelan’s on July 18 and Róisín Dubh in Galway on September 19.

The upcoming album was written following Magee’s navigation of two difficult years of cancer where he is now living life to the fullest with his family life and music taking centre stage. “It’s a huge privilege to be healthy and performing music with my wife Julie and good friends,” He said. “I feel like we’re celebrating life and just having fun, and even though there are plenty of deep songs, we’re not taking it all too seriously. It’s a great buzz to get noticed and pack out the venues and all that, but really, the joy is in the playing and being able to share these songs with people.”

Madrai, ‘Leaving On My Own’

Belfast group Madrai have just dropped their debut single ‘Leaving On My Own’, a vulnerable offering that displays heartbreak and emotional turmoil with musical ease. Formed in November 2023, the band have since played many venues across Belfast including Pavilion, Voodoo, and The Union Bar. The group consists of frontman Callum Kernohan, Rory McCormack on bass, drummer Barry Forsythe, and Odhrán Bryson on guitar.

“It came about when me and Odhran were trying to get some material together and he said here I’ve been playing about with this thing on looper. It has some really nice chords and straight away I felt like there was something there,” Callum explained. “I felt like there was a lot of emotion conveyed in the chords, it inspired me to write from a certain point of view …
It came about through months of putting this jigsaw puzzle together. Then we got Baz and Rory in with us and the song just fell together.”

HANNAHBELLA, ‘Keep Up’

Cork up-and-comer HANNAHBELLA has released her new single ‘Keep Up’, a dark, electronic pop banger about “the word vomit you can get when trying to express your feelings that are bubbling up and the sickly feeling you’re oversharing,” she said on Instagram.

Opening with heavy, distorted beats, ‘Keep Up’ quickly builds into a club heart-thumper thanks to HANNAHBELLA’s intoxicating vocal melodies, their softness clashing against the track's sleek, fast-paced rhythmic section.

Aimée, ‘Daisy Chains’

Dublin’s newest indie sweetheart, Aimée, has gone and done it again right in time for the sunshine season with ‘Daisy Chains', hot off her Summer EP. Opening with sounds from the sea and sweet acoustic melodies pinned by soft riffs, a tender chime is immediately announced. Aimée’s gentle vocals meet the delicate composition halfway through, giving an overall sway to the introduction of the track.

But don’t be deceived, it is, after all, Aimée, that we’re talking about here, and it’s not long before ‘Daisy Chains’ launches into an energetic swirl of synth and bass, establishing the tune as an upbeat summer anthem. The singer once again reaches up to meet this faster and more dominating tempo, giving listeners a chance to tune into her versatile vocal abilities.

The Coronas, ‘That’s Exactly What Love Is' feat. Gabrielle Aplin

With warm-toned piano and equally mesmeric vocals, the latest offering from Dublin rock band The Coronas is exactly what the doctor ordered on this rainy Friday morning.

‘That’s Exactly What Love Is' is a lyrically honest and poignant song, featuring vocals from English singer-songwriter – and friend and collaborator of the band – Gabrielle Aplin. Her opalescent croon is a sparkling harmonic complement to lead vocalist Danny O’Reilly’s emphatic lilt.

With echoes of Kate Bush or a Peter Gabriel torch song, the single maintains a dreamy, gossamer sonic palette to underscore the strength and power of the duet’s vocals.

Awesimon, 'Finer Things'

Rising urban giant Awesimon has saluted summer 2024 as the season of afrobeat with his latest love anthem, 'Finer Things'. The upbeat tune is carried by captivating pulses of rhythms and beats accompanied by evocative lyrics that speak of the complexities of love and trust, telling the story of a man deeply in love but facing emotional barriers with his partner.

"I believe music is more enjoyable when it's relatable," said Awesimon of the track, "I wanted to paint a picture of the possible issues people might face in relationships. I drew inspiration from stories I've heard and my own experiences to bring this song to life."

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