Fontaines D.C., 'Here’s The Thing'

‘Here’s The Thing,’ the latest offering from Fontaines D.C.’s upcoming Romance, following ‘Starburster’ and ‘Favourite,’ continues the band's ‘90s-Y2K pivot. Mixing bits of Weezer and Oasis (‘Supersonic’ to be specific…), the track is infectious and punchy, with an off-kilter falsetto hook that is sure to linger in your short-term memory for the next while. The frenetic soundscape speaks to the lyrical tension, with frontman Grian Chatten commenting: “It’s an anxious tune that twists and turns in what it wants, back and forth between pain and numbness."

The indelible banger is accompanied by a video, directed filmmaker Luna Carmoon, which encapsulates the song’s feelings of anxiety and paranoia. Channeling the essence of teen-horror flicks like The Lost Boys and Phenomena, the 'Here’s The Thing' video immerses us in a traditional Irish Dancing competition, where chaos prevails, unraveling through Carmoon’s menacing lens.

Curtisy,  ‘Losing It’

Evidently not satisfied with dropping a red-hot debut album just a couple of months ago, Tallaght rapper Curtisy keeps his momentum rolling via typically stoney, washed out hip-hop song - which exhibits his trademark mix of of humour and acute introspection.

“‘Losing It’ is a song that focuses mainly on comfort and the pro’s and con’s that come with it,” he says. “I’m known to myself as someone who hasn’t always taken the risks, who’s often taken the safe route. As I’m starting to unlearn his way of life I’m unravelling realisations about past and present relationships and my own wants and needs.”

It’s a big day for him the rapper, with the additional announcement of a deluxe edition the his WHAT WAS THE QUESTION LP, as well as a headline tour, with dates lined up in Galway, London, Belfast and Dublin this November.

 

Tim Chadwick, ‘Don’t Come To My Show’

The much-awaited debut album has finally arrived, with Pulverise giving ten solid reasons for Chadwick to rightfully claim his self-professed Prince of Queer Alt-Pop status.

"It just looked and sounded so incredibly dramatic, over-the-top and so final", he states, discussing the LP’s title. “It’s kind of funny that we throw all these individually beautiful things inside this machine and then completely annihilate them in order to make something new. It’s an interesting concept, 'destruction as a means to create and renew.’ Love can be very much like that at times”.

‘Don’t Come To My Show’ is a fine taste of his 1975-hued songwriting, with a smooth vocal performance and uplifting instrumentation juxtaposing with his heartbroken and defiant lyricism.

 

Pauric O’Meara, 'Still Feel Young'

A wistful embrace of youth is the order of the day with Pauric O’Meara’s latest single, which highlights the importance of not growing up too fast to a soundtrack of upbeat indie rock riffage.

''Still feel young’ is about just that, still feeling young and pushing away the outdated thought that 30 is old, and you need to have your whole life sorted out before your 30,” he says.

“My friends are all having babies, getting married, building houses. Personally, I couldn't think of anything worse right now. If I do all that now, what do I have to look forward to in the next 30 years? I look at some of my friends and feel as though they are absolutely doing the right thing for them, others i feel have fallen to old societal notions.”

 

Flexx Carter, ‘Datenight’

Waterford rap artist Flexx Carter follows up the success of ‘Take Care’, with a dynamic new offering that blends R&B with elements of synth wave and East Coast hip hop.

‘Datenight’ makes for a compelling addition to the rapper’s discography, showcasing his clever flow and lyrical prowess. The track features the soulful vocals of Chris Kabs, who also produced the song, elevating ‘Datenight’ with his rich and textural croon.

At once, ‘Datenight’ enacts a musical journey that fuses Flexx Carter’s personal ramblings with Chris Kabs’ deftly melodic hooks, creating a track that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.

Silverbacks, ‘Something I know’

With six of them in it, any music released by Silverbacks is going to display a wide range of sounds- a fact ‘Something I Know’ takes to new heights. Percussion is split between sharp drums by Gary Whickham and even sharper acapella percussion by

Emma Hanlon- the latter of which works as a nice compliment to her airy, crystal vocals.
All of this is fleshed out by a rumbling bassline, as well as some clarinet droning by John O’Kelly, father of band members Kilian and Daniel, who also provides a sermon that leads the song out.

Partland, ‘Conduit’

Partland uses his new single ‘Conduit’ to convey the challenges of a difficult relationship, in an alt-folk track that’s as genuine as it is energetic. Opening with some muted guitar strumming, the song wastes no time in picking up the pace as Partland’s soaring vocals are reinforced by drums and an electric guitar.
A statement released by Partland explained that the lyrics explore “a complicated relationship and the control someone can have over you”. ‘Conduit’ is the first single off Partland’s sophomore album, The Empty Atlantic, which was also released today.

IMLÉ, ‘Sláinte’

Dublin based collective IMLÉ have released an acoustic version of their song 'Sláinte', but not at the cost of the original song’s upbeat feeling. Róisín Seoighe provides soulful lyrics sung As Gaeilge, over punchy acoustic guitar that helps foster the tune's carefree sound. Rapper James Shannon also features, supported by the track's stripped-back percussion.
The track was produced by the group’s longtime collaborator Karl Odlum and comes ahead of their planned EP release in October. They have also announced a performance at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford on August 10.

TAYNE, ‘Coherent’ ft Rachel Aspe

TAYNE describe their sound as industrial noise pop, and the loudness of ‘Coherent’ is a perfect explanation as to why. With heavy guitar and guttural screams from Rachel Aspe mixed with electronic pop sounds inspired by the likes of Lady Gaga, the song is a Frankenstein’s monster, but a definite floor filler.
Frontman and Dublin native Matthew Sutton explains coherent was inspired by an older song of theirs, explaining he has a habit of reusing older samples, as he thinks it "helps maintain a consistent sound and style to the band.”

B.D.B (Bicep x Benjamin Damage), ‘CHROMA 005 A.L.O.E’

The latest instalment in Bicep’s ongoing chroma project, ‘CHROMA 005 A.L.O.E’ sees the duo once again taking up their D.B.D alias with UK techno giant Benjamin Damage. Delivering an electronic carnival of sounds over a rapid, sharp drum beat, the spirit Bicep have imbued the track with is infectious.
“Whenever Ben’s in town we always experiment with something new,” said the duo. “We really love this one, and included it in our final run of live shows in 2022, so we’re really happy to get it finally out there.”

Susie Blue, ‘Stop at Any Time’

Derry native Susie Blue explores themes of addiction with the release of her new single, ‘Stop at Any Time’. With soaring vocals supported by booming drums and distorted guitar, the song is unashamedly loud in its exploration of intense emotions.
Blue explained her tendency to pick up addictions is what inspired the song, “whether it's to alcohol, women, or just love in general."

"I immerse myself completely in most things I do, and this song offers a glimpse into that part of me. It’s a reminder to myself that I am in control and can stop anytime I want."

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Susie Blue (@susiesusieblue)

Jesse June, ‘Sunshine and Rain’

It’s important to take the good with the bad, something Jesse June explains to us in his new single, ‘Sunshine and Rain’. The honest lyrics are delivered over a loud shuffling drum beat, accompanied by faint backing vocals and smooth piano that gives the song a lounge feel despite its fast tempo.

Featuring pensive, honest lyrics that come as standard with June’s catalogue, the song has a confidently honest feel as he urges us not to worry through the tough times- because we “need sunshine and rain to grow”.

David C Clements, ‘Already Here’

After recently returning with his euphoric double A-side offering “Contrast” / “The Garden”, Northern Irish indie-rock innovator David C Clements returns once again to deliver his sweeping new single “Already Here”.

Adopting an incredibly rich and tender piano-led aesthetic for his newest outing, the track continues the broad and emotive power Clements has already brought to his recent releases. Delivering a scintillating and mesmeric atmosphere, deftly elevating his soaring vocals throughout, David C Clements is returning to us with one of his most compelling offerings to date.

"’Already Here’ is in essence a break up song,” the artist said of the new offering. “A parting of ways, not with a person, but with a system of belief and finding great peace in that."

The Butterfly Graveyard, ‘Barcelona’

Delicate and delectable, Irish alt-rock purveyor The Butterfly Graveyard returns with a dazzling new single that sits somewhere between The Blue Nile and Jeff Buckley.

‘Barcelona’ is an homage to the city of its namesake and to one of its most famous sons, the architect Antonino Gaudi. Inspired by a visit to Barcelona, a stroll down Las Ramblas and its morning markets and the “abiding memory of seeing quite a few songbirds singing from their cages.”

“I remember that night back in the hotel I had a dream which, Gaudi in the dead of night went to Las Ramblas and freed all those songbirds from their cages,” the artist says of the track. “In exchange for which, the birds agreed to fly Gaudi up to the top of his cathedral in order for him to better survey his work.”

Allison McGrath, ‘Just a Minute’

Acclaimed vocalist Allison McGrath transports the listener to the Caribbean with this deliciously groovy, mellow and ornately-produced number. Dubby bass, air-tight percussion, melancholy horns and classic reggae guitar strokes provide the background to a typically strong vocal performance, as the lyrics aim to find calm amidst a turbulent situation.

The songwriter, who originally hails from from Co. Down, began writing songs at age sixteen after getting her first guitar, learnt a few basic chords, before taking to Belfast where she won’Busker of The year’ in 1989.

Jamie Duffy, ‘Resonance’

Fresh from releasing his debut EP, On A Wing, Jamie Duffy is set to break through the scene at breakneck speed.

Track two, ‘Resonance’, opens with an eerie piano fill before a wash of heart-rending strings suffuse the foreground. By turns majestic and wondrous, the track begets a sonic intensity largely unmatched by Duffy’s peers.

“To me, the piece represents the intensity of being thrown into the music industry unexpectedly, and the drama and peril within that experience,” Duffy says. “In many ways this song is a musical output for me to vent frustration and at times anger at seeing my own music being misused, misunderstood and misrepresented, especially in the online world, and these strong emotions all come together to create a cinematic, flowing and dramatic piece of music.”

Mikey Cullen, ‘Rare Old Signs’

Dublin Poet, teacher, actor, lyricist, hip hop and spoken word artist Mikey Cullen, leans on an old sample from the Legendary Luke Kelly to deliver a mellow and introspective account of a DART journey, one which evokes bittersweet feelings of nostalgia over a ‘90s flavoured hip-hop beat.

"This is a love letter to the place you grew up and the days of adventure and discovery of rose tinted youth," he says of the track, which was produced by CHAMELEON and mixed by Femi. “It’s looking back at that feeling when on the cusp of adulthood, the freedom and excitement, juxtaposed with the loss of innocence and excitement that wanes as one grows older and questions heir place and role in the world.”

Dora Gola, ‘Cloud Dance’

Dora Gola is back with a perfect addition to your summer playlist. Echoing the alpine vocals of Aurora, ‘Cloud Dance’ sees the artist hit a high note, both lyrically and sonically.

Opening with Dora’s infectious vocal presence before leading into a bubbly rhythmic tempo, ‘Cloud Dance’ radiates with the kind of compelling energy and lyrical hooks she has made her calling cards.

‘Cloud Dance’ bursts with a plethora of crystalline synthesis, driven ambitiously through evocative, free-wheeling lyricism - fresh, contemporary pop energised with uplifting sweet vocals. Enjoy a hypnotic, transcendental experience. Close your eyes and feel the summer sink in.

Birthday Problem ft. HAVVK, 'Same Face'

Matt Harris and Rocky O’Reilly team up on collaborative electronica project, Birthday Problem. Their latest single, ‘Same Face’ boasts sonic darkness and minor chord resolutions.

There’s hypnotic late-night deep synths, plus a woozy, bespangled vocal performance, featuring Julie Hawk (HAVVK). In all, ‘Same Face’ is raw and delicately idiosyncratic in its production. Prepare for more music from Birthday Problem that packs a punch and soothes like a balm.

RUÁ, ‘Freedom (Strength In Numbers)’

‘Freedom (strength in numbers)’ marks the third release from Derry singer-songwriter RUÁ’s debut EP, The Healing, due for release on 29th August.

The track begets a propulsive protest song, written at the time The Women, Life, Freedom movement began in Iran in 2022. In the track, RUÁ discusses the endurance of strength in solidarity and how love will overcome hate. Although true many times throughout history, the lyrics seem a bit hopeful in today’s climate.

During the recording of the song in November 2023, the ongoing genocide in Palestine was unfolding in front of the world’s eyes, and so the song took another meaning, as the sentiment remained – oppressors hiding behind fear and hate.

 

Siobhán Winifred, ‘Don’t Do Well Alone’

The Hot Press Hot for 2024 alum Siobhán Winifred has delivered a single, an EP and a gorgeous music video this week. ‘Don’t Do Well Alone’ (off an EP of the same name) deals conversational yet honeyed vocals. The titular single sees Winifred bring home an intimate and engaging performance on the indie rock track. Fans of Orla Gartland will recognise a kindred musical sensibility on the angsty lovelorn ’Don’t Do Well Alone’.

Lisa Murray, ‘Peter Pan’

A single for anyone who’s ever been in love with a man child- ‘Peter Pan’ is the latest offering from former audio engineer Lisa Murray. Her first single in over a year, ‘Peter Pan’ is a dreamy feel good synth and drum loop track before dealing a hypnotic harmonied chorus. A vibrant self labelled ‘Girly pop’ single, the track is the audio equivalent to the emotional balm of the girl’s bathroom on a night out. A break up song that is not at all morose, ‘Peter Pan’ is about when it’s Wendy’s turn to fly, and Murray absolutely soars in this one.

Seánie Bermingham, ‘Places I Haven't Been Yet

If you’ve been looking for an Irish answer to Sufjan Stevens, then look no further. Seánie Bermingham has cracked the code in the form of the stunning single ‘Places I Haven’t Been Yet’. The story of ‘Places I Haven’t Been Yet’ came about when Bermingham went on a major trip to Colombia and Peru, featuring a pit stop in New York. The musician says of the experience: “On some days, I couldn't help but chastise myself for feeling low in such a beautiful part of the world. But then I'd remind myself: this trip wasn't about escaping anxiety; it was about embracing it, accepting it as a part of the journey and that true healing comes from acceptance rather than evasion”. Today’s release is all about embracing the day to day anxieties, yet still appreciating the beauty of the world.

Otherish, ‘Used Up Useless Useful Idiot’

The Belfast via Bristol quartet Otherish have unleashed a moody and bluesy single in the form of ‘Used Up Useless Useful Idiot’. After playing together for over five decades, Otherish are well able to assert a groove and today’ single is no exception. Featuring whispered David Bowie inspired vocals, and an intriguing and ever so slightly sleazy guitar line, there’s a distinct sinister undertone to this brilliantly realised single.

Lavengro, ‘Lost In Heaven’

As delicious and indulgent as best era Justin Timberlake, ‘Lost in Heaven’ is a perfectly crafted piece of pop by Derry four piece Lavengro. It’s a refreshing take on a saturated genre, with the opening bassline reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s ‘Style’. With clean tenor vocals, catchy beats and infectious guitar lines. In line with the new tune, Laverngro are about to embark on their debut Irish tour, which will kick off in Cork this October.

Driving Blue ‘Melting Pot’

Set to receive its live debut at Howth’s Roots and Blues Festival, Driving Blue’s ‘Melting Pot’ is a warm country track. The second release by Driving Blue this summer, the track takes a slight detour from the band’s usual blues and rock roots. However is a welcome wander down the grassy path as the single deals acts as a soothing balm. With a rich timbre in both the guitar and the vocals, it’s easy to evaporate into the cosy ‘Melting Pot’ folk tune. The perfect Sunday morning playlist addition.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Driving Blue (@drivingbluemusic)

 

Michelle Gahan 'Vulnerability'

 

A transcendent voice from another time, Michelle Gahan stuns on new single 'Vulnerability'. Featuring lowkey keys, and subtle strings, 'Vulnerability' is a song about how blind we can be to the fragility of others. With minimal instrumentation, Gahan creates an evocative track which allows her vocals to shine. The artist performances have graced iconic venues such as Dublin Castle, Brady’s Terenure, The Workman’s, Twenty-Two nightclub, and The Brian Boru.

 

 

 

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