New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Music
08 Nov 24

New Irish Songs

Check out some of our favourite Irish releases from the week below!

Tadhg Williams, ‘Faith of Old’

Coming ahead of Tadhg Williams’ forthcoming EP This Record Is a Nixer, ‘Faith of Old’ is a poignant piece exploring a young man’s relationship with faith through string crescendos and moody acoustic guitars, making for the perfect backdrop to the Waterford musician’s honey-rich vocal performance.

“This is a very personal release for me,” Williams comments. “The cover art features my Grandmother marching with the Order of Malta as a young woman in Waterford (front right of image). She was a huge influence on me growing up. My outlook of the world is very much shaped by her, and the kinds of conversations we had together.”

“Those conversations were about the kind of Ireland we lived in. The influence of the Church and how society expects you to commit to a particular institution. What I learnt from her is that your faith is personal, and that we should all explore that without outside influence.”

Tridence, ‘Poised’

Anthemic and deeply striking, Tridence’s ‘Poised’ marks the final single and title track from the band’s upcoming sophomore album album. With unruly electric guitars and powerful vocals, the track is a fierce and riotous offering from the Dublin alt-rockers.

Tridence

Bl3SS and CamrinWatsin, ‘Craving 4 U’

DJ and producer duo Bl3SS join forces with CamrinWatsin on the new breathless single ‘Craving 4 U’, a fast-paced and incredibly infectious club banger complete with Bl3SS’ signature production style of sped up vocals and irresistible melodies.

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Maverick Sabre and Jorja Smith, ‘Loving You’

Marking the second collaboration between BRIT Award winner Jorja Smith and London-born, New Ross-raised singer-songwriter Maverick Sabre 'Loving You’ is a soulful dream of a track, its minimalist bass and piano instrumentation highlighting the richness of both singers and making for an incredibly moving and sentimental collaborations between the musicians.

Credit: Nahwand Jaff

Somebody's Child - 'Time Of My Life'

Indie rockers Somebody’s Child return with stunning new single ‘Time Of My Life’ ahead of the release of their upcoming album When Youth Fades Away which is dropping next year. Their new single, ‘Time Of My Life’ is a reflective, introspective track, which sets the tone for a new era for the group, blending their signature indie rock sound with a more contemplative and autobiographical approach.

Songwriter and singer, Cian Godfrey, describes the song: ““It’s about the flashing of life before your eyes, ending in a feeling of resolve, leaving legacy through songs and accepting fate. It was one of the most cathartic songs we’ve ever written.”

Credit: Jim Fuller

Tayne, ‘Fear’ feat. Rolo Tomassi

Dublin-born, London-based industrial noise pop trio Tayne release electric new single ‘Fear’ feat. Rolo Tomassi, ahead of the release of their debut album LOVE coming out early next year. The blistering new track is accompanied by a compelling music video saturated in vibrant colours, which centres around queer people deciding that they won’t be held down by fear.

"Sonically speaking, it's a track that purely felt like we were serving the song,” explains Tayne frontman Matt Sutton, “Fear is self-explanatory. It deals with being afraid, letting fear dominate our choices in life, being consumed by it or letting it win."

Rolo Tomassi’s James Spence adds, “After my first time seeing and feeling the energy of Tayne’s live show I was immediately a fan. The band combines what I love about heavy and electronic music with visceral, heavy beat driven songs that are still laden with hooks. I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of this track.”

Credit: Einvind Hansen

Long Island Sound, ‘As One’

Dublin-born duo Long Island Sound release their first major album Hydra.
Utilising their signature broad emotional range and with an elegant nod to Greek mythology with the album’s title, the album explores the group’s sophisticated sound design and esoteric themes.

The bold opening track, ‘As One’ is a hypnotic electric track which takes its listeners on an ethereal journey. Throughout the song, the duo, comprising Rob Roche and Tim Nolan, explore a euphoric yet introspective tone, resulting in a dreamy electronic trip.

Credit: Hannah McGlynn

Kean Kavanagh, ‘The Portlaoise Queen’

All profits from Soft Boy Records co-founder Kean Kavanagh’s sweet rendition of ‘’The Portlaoise Queen’ will go to Doctors Without Borders, who are providing medical help for people in Palestine and Sudan. Originally written by Christy Conroy and most famously performed by Doc Fitz, Kavanagh’s version is ethereal, with the chorus-tinged guitars and the sound of waves doing an excellent job in capturing the essence of this Midlands classic.

Wallfella, ‘Smooth Wirreh’

There’s no false advertising with the title of capital city rapper Wallfella’s ‘Smooth Wirreh’, as distinct Dublin-accented bars trickling effortlessly over a chill, synthy hip-hop beat. His first standalone release of the year, the artist has nonetheless been busy as of late, and can often be seen collaborating alongside fellow Golden Eire Records buddies Odd Numbers and Flynn Johnson.

The second song off his upcoming EP, ‘Smooth Wirreh’, according to Wallfella, “touches on the importance of honesty and consent in relationships. It’s about setting intentions and respecting boundaries amidst the chaos of modern dating.”

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Rose Fatale, ‘So Mature’

Belfast-based Riot Grrl band Rose Fatale have released a riotous new single, ‘So Mature’, inspired by the likes of Bikini Kill, Hole, and Babes in Toyland. The group’s existence is an opposition to behaviours that no one should be forced to endure, which arose in a bathroom stall as Anna furiously wrote lyrics following an unsolicited encounter in a club, which would become the inspiration for their debut single ‘Psycho Bitch’.

Their new track comments on the normalisation of grooming by those in a position of influence within the music industry. While punk rock overdriven guitars fill out the song, vocalist Anna wraps up a serious message in sarcasm with a knowing elbow to the ribs: “He’ll give you the time of your life, he’s had plenty of practice, he’s a man of 29” follows the hook of the song “You’re 17, you’re so mature for your age”, skilfully handling a sensitive subject.

Rose Fatale: @Ebony_Alexander_Media

Cormac Looby, ‘Lucid Dream’’

Paired with the release of his highly anticipated debut album A Perpetual State Of Irony, Tipperary singer-songwriter Cormac Looby, has released new track ‘Lucid Dream’. Inspired by the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and The National, ‘Lucid Dream’ features beautiful fiddle passages and showcases Looby’s trademark Tipp twang.

“‘Lucid Dream’ was inspired by the line, ’it’s like watching a funeral on YouTube,’ which I wrote after witnessing through a laptop screen as my father delivered a eulogy at the beginning of the pandemic. It was a surreal experience. The song tries to capture the confusion and disorientation that defined that period, while also delving into the mental struggles I faced during the same time,” Cormac said of the track.

Cormac Looby

J Ryan, ‘Everything That Shines’

J Ryan’s latest single, ‘Everything That Shines’, is a playful and captivating anthem about that unforgettable moment when you lock eyes with a stranger across a crowded bar and wish you'd taken a chance. With its catchy lyrics and powerful percussion, this lighthearted tune captures the thrill and regret of missed connections.

“The song is about being in town on nights out, seeing someone you like & they catch your eye, out of shyness you don’t go over, you just nod and say hi by raising your glass, then that someone leaves the bar, and you walk home alone giving out to yourself’’, says Ryan speaking of the single.

Skinner, ‘Calling in Sick’

Up and coming no-wave provocateur Skinner’s latest track ‘Calling in Sick’, has us looking forward to the weekend with its relatable lyrics and captivating riffs. Skinner merges his post-punk and no-wave influences in this high energy track, featuring charmingly flat vocals and catchy guitar hooks.

"The song is about calling in sick to the world. Life is tough for most people right now and there is no down time for most of us. Some days just feel like you’re hurtling towards destruction and I just wanted to write a song that captures that feeling of anger and frustration of having to say enough is enough. Fuck everything I’m just going to do me for today. And I think that’s fair,” Skinner said speaking of the single.

Skinner has also announced his debut album New Wave Vaudeville, set to be released on January 10, 2025. Catch Skinner supporting fellow Dubliners, Gurriers, in Whelans on November 26, and on his own Uk and Ireland tour in 2025.

Skinner / Credit: Niamh Barry

DOGS, ‘I Know What It Is To Be Young’

Long-time friends, Nick Kelly and Seán Millar aka DOGS, have released the single ‘I Know What It Is To Be Young’, from their debut album JOY. The track, recorded and mixed by Anthony Gibney in Audioland studios, echoes The Velvet Underground and Bright Eyes, with their emotive lyrics and acoustic guitar.

The duo's years of experience both together and separately is evident through their introspective song writing. DOGs will be launching their album in Whelans November 10 and will be joined onstage by Dave Hingerty (The Frames, Kila) and Robbie Malone (David Gray, Lir).

Nick Kelly and Seán Millar of DOGS.

Some One’s Sons, ‘The Best Man’

Rising Irish folk outfit Some One’s Sons have unveiled their latest single ‘The Best Man’. The track is a heart-rending ballad that recounts the friendship between Rory O’Connor and Kevin O’Higgins, two Irish revolutionaries whose bond was tragically severed by the Irish Civil War. O’Connor stood as O’Higgins’ best man at his wedding, which inspired the title. The conflict of the Civil War culminated in O’Connor’s execution, ordered by his former friend, O’Higgins.

‘The Best Man’ captures this emotional turmoil and sense of betrayal to a pummelling effect, each successive verse feels like a gut punch. The chorus begins with a vow of loyalty, “And by your side, I’d fight till my last”, but quickly shifts to a heartbreaking plea for forgiveness beyond the grave: “This was not my plan, for my Best Man.”

Some One's Sons

Alannah Thornburgh, ‘Chasing The Hare’

Composer and Traditional Irish harpist Alannah Thornburgh is back with a new single that recalls the enthralling mythos surrounding jackrabbits. ‘Chasing The Hare’ is a wondrous offering of ethereal harp that weaves a narrative of its own, mimicking the swift footfall of the song’s patron animal.

The track is based on the Celtic myth of shapeshifting hares, believed to transform into women dressed in white. “The myth teaches us to respect these creatures, as encountering them is seen as a sign of good fortune,” Thornburgh notes.

Alannah Thornburgh, Photo Credit: Karen Cox

Scustin, ‘Charmer’

Scustin have returned with a propulsive, danceable new track. With throbbing basslines and crystalline riffage, ‘Charmer’ is an unforgettable track, adding to a discography that continues to cement Scustin as a band worth keeping an ear on.

The Bray rock outfit have made a name for themselves in recent years with their distinct brand of post-funk sensibilities, helmed through a merging of wry lyricism with a groovy, loose-jointed take on indie rock.

Scustin at the Summer Merch Market in the Harbour Bar in Bray / Copyright Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

Cushla, ‘The Mountain’

Electronic duo Cushla - Marc Fernandez and Leo Pearson - have unleashed their profound new single ‘The Mountain’.

The track unveils an incandescent blend of programmed beats, Irish musical traditions , including sean-nós singing, offering a sonic experience that bridges past and present.

Featuring the haunting vocals of Nell Ní Chróinín, ‘The Mountain’ is a masterful song that weaves layers of ambient, electronic textures and traditional Irish melodies to gorgeous effect. Incredible stuff.

Joe Maxi, ‘The Game’

Dublin-based quartet Joe Maxi, known for their experimental blend of punk, psychedelic, and noise-rock influences, are back with their latest single, ‘The Game,’ today.

Following the release of 'Butterfly' on October 25, the band continues to innovate musically, delivering their signature blend of speed and energy. ‘The Game’ encapsulates Joe Maxi’s unique style, fusing dynamic rhythms with a raw intensity that has earned them a loyal following.

With explosive riffs and a relentless drive, this track highlights the band's ability to meld genres into a thrilling, immersive experience that pulls listeners into their world of unfiltered rock.

Jesse June 'Worse'

Nigerian-born, Dublin-raised artist Jesse June is set to release his latest single today. Known for his style that explores raw authenticity, the track reveals the struggles of leaving situations of conflict in a state worse than when they began. June’s emotionally charged vocals enhance the journey from the beginning of the track, making for an intense vibe.

The track’s release includes three short films and a music video, each reflecting the song’s theme of yearning for love and positivity in a chaotic world. ‘Worse’ is inspired by Coldplay and Tyler, The Creator, Jesse, and a blend of genres and influences to make a contemporary music piece.

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Skinner, ‘Calling In Sick’

Keeper of the Irish no-wave scene, Skinner, has returned with a new banger that cross-pollinates several rock threads.

‘Calling in Sick’ is a supercharged track where jangling riffage and a high-octane rhythm section crash together at breakneck speed.

"The song is about calling in sick to the world,” Skinner says. “Life is tough for most people right now and there is no down time for most of us. Some days just feel like you’re hurtling towards destruction and I just wanted to write a song that captures that feeling of anger and frustration of having to say enough is enough.