Brother Vice ‘Somebody to Love’

Armagh-born, Belfast-based indie-rock group Brother Vice have released their thrilling new single ‘Somebody to Love’, returning straight back to action in 2025.
In their new track, the band showcase their ability to intimately tap into universal experiences, lyrically focused on the complexities of toxic relationships. The track is a classic indie rock number, with elements of punk bleeding in.

Discussing the track, the group commented: "I feel the listener can draw a relation to the song from their own individual experiences. The lyrics touch on looking fondly at past relationships which may have been toxic and bad for you, but at some point we're all guilty of being drawn to what's bad for us, or looking at it through rose tinted glasses".

Isaac Butler, ‘Everything Changed’

Dublin singer-songwriter Isaac Butler has returned with a heartfelt new single ‘Everything Changed’, which he will celebrate the release of with a headline show at The Button Factory in Dublin, on March 27. The new track is a touching tribute to the artist’s mother, recounting her journey from a tough childhood to building the family she once considered beyond reach.

Speaking about the track, Butler said: “This is one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written. It’s about how love can transform your life in unexpected ways.”

Charles James & The Rise, ‘Greatest Prize’

Donegal folk duo Charles James & The Rise have released their haunting new single ‘Greatest Prize’, following the success of their November release ‘The Sailor & The Saint’. The track sees the husband-and-wife delivering their signature evocative storytelling and cinematic folk sound, with the song unpacking “ghosts of the past” and functioning as an introspective exploration of the demons that haunt us.

Charles commented on the track: “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve suffered a lot with nightmares—never the same ones, but always something. ‘Greatest Prize’ came from being strung out because I was waking so often through the night. Through the lyrics, I’ve tried to explore the idea that your demons, ghosts of the past, or whatever it happens to be, always live with you whether you realize it or not—and they’ll find a way to the surface if you don’t deal with them”.

BICEP, ‘CHROMA 008 TANGZ’

Belfast electronic duo BICEP have released their latest single ‘TANGZ ’, from their ongoing CHROMA project. The project comprises a record label, a series of curated events, a brand new and constantly evolving AV/DJ show, and a unique visual identity created in collaboration with David Rudnick. The track sees the duo ramp up the tempo, with vocals from UK singer-songwriter ELIZA. Describing how ‘TANGZ’ fits into their CHROMA live shows, the duo commented: “Tempo-wise it really is at the far reaches of something we’ve made to date. It has a feeling that is common in our music but the tempo is more foreign in the aspect of our usual work. It’s worked really nice towards the end of our sets, showing a different flavour from us and much faster tempo allowing us to move through jungle and bass music sounds.”

Evelyn & Dec, 'No Frontiers'

Vocal and guitar duo Evelyn & Dec have released a rendition of ‘No Frontiers’. Comprising Declan Sinnott and Evelyn Kallansee, the duo are currently working on the follow up to their debut album Make For Joy, set to drop later this year.
The duo were asked to record ‘No Frontiers’ for an event in the Netherlands, and enjoyed it so much they decided to take it further. First recorded by Mary Black, Declan has a long history with the track, as he produced it and has played it live before. Now, he’s recorded his own version alongside Evelyn, saying:
“It’s one of those rare songs I never tire of, it’s meaning seems to deepen through the years. We’ve written or co-written everything we’ve put out until now, but this just had to be”.

Chalk, ‘Afraid'

Belfast post-punk/electronic group Chalk have shared their brooding new release ‘Afraid’, a fantastically dark track with heavy gothic sounding guitars. The track comes accompanied by a music video. The band are set to head off on a tour across the UK, Ireland and Europe this spring, following a recent tour support run with IDLES. The track is taken from Chalk’s upcoming Conditions III album, set to drop in February. Speaking about their latest release, the group said: “‘Afraid' captures the raw fear and exhilaration of stepping into the unknown, a reminder that growth only happens when you leave your comfort zone. It’s a reflection on the strength it takes to move forward”.

Joshua Burnside, ‘Climb The Tower’

Belfast artist Joshua Burnside has shared his stirring new single ‘Climb The Tower’, alongside a self-directed contemplative music video. The release comes ahead of his new album Teeth Of Time, set to drop next month, with the exciting news of a UK and European tour confirmed. The new release sees the artist reimagine the adventures of his childhood, serving as an emotional anchor of his upcoming album. Ambitious, provocative, and foreboding, Joshua’s folk music carefully merged with electronica represents the current folk revival. Highlighting the contemplative nature of the album, Burnside said: “It’s about change and changeless mountains that silently watch as our short lives pass, ice sheets melt, loughs die and stars vanish”.

Dáithí Shanahan, ‘Cucanandy’

West Cork alternative folk musician Dáithí Shanahan has released his latest traditional track ‘Cucanandy’. The song is a classic folk track, with Shanahan singing plaintively accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Singing both in English and Irish, the track builds steadily to a momentous climax, with jingling chimes and the guitar picking up in pace, before Shanahan speaks: “Thanks, God bless, and good night”.

Cian Ducrot, ‘Who’s Making You Feel It’

Cork singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot has released his epic new single ‘Who’s Making You Feel It’, with an exciting music video to accompany the track set to arrive tomorrow. At a New Year’s Eve performance, Ducrot played the track to over 2 million people on TV, alongside a live band and choir. Opening with a melodic piano riff, the new track is a thrilling and catchy tune, with Ducrot’s quintessential emotive vocals and lyrics. The chorus is powerful and compelling, with the song being a clearly catchy earworm. Ducrot’s vocals reach an impressive high at the end of the track, with backing harmonies elevating the song’s captivating nature.

Ducrot says of the song: “The song is basically one big ‘Tell me, is this new guy better than me?” It’s about how we all find ourselves stalking our exes even if we say we don’t".

Alannah Thornburgh, ‘Away With The Faries’

Soul-healing harp permeates through this mystical and ephemeral instrumental song, courtesy of one of the most unique artists in Ireland’s folk scene right now. The single follows up from November’s ‘Chasing The Hare’, and is the second track to be shared from Thornburgh’s debut album Shapeshifter, out February 12.

“‘Away with the Fairies warns of the cursed ‘foidin meara’ or ‘stray sod’ - a patch of enchanted woodland or bog that if stepped upon, sends you into a state of disillusionment and confusion that can only be rectified by turning one’s coat inside out,” she explains. “It is said to be a curse cast by the fairies as a warning to passers-by to not get too close. I first learned about ‘foidin meara’ after a conversation with Swinford woman Bríd O’Connell.”

Hotgirl, ‘On the Brink’

After captivating punters at Whelan’s One To Watch last weekend, Dublin-based alt rockers Hotgirl announce the release of their new Blast Off EP with a suitably fire-igniting single.

Starting out with moody, clean, ‘90s-style guitar, the song bursts into a distorted nu-metal-evoking climax, as singer Ashley Aberdeen’s impressive vocals reflect on past troubles.

“‘On The Brink’ talks about my sadness, my insecurities and my past trauma in a way I’ve never felt able to speak about,” Aberdeen says. “I try to remind myself though that I am not special and everyone goes through this sadness and loneliness and we can find comfort in each other, by sharing that. I’m just trying to forget how shitty I’ve felt about myself for so long and embrace a new, happier me.”

The Coronas,‘That’s Exactly What Love Is (John Gibbons Remix)’

2024 was another memorable year for The Coronas, having enjoyed their fourth number one album in a row with the release of Thoughts & Observations. Their latest euphoric, club-ready single, the band say, arrives as a ‘Thank You’ to their fans for their unending support.

‘I think Gabrielle [Aplin[] was the first person to mention that she thought ‘That’s Exactly What Love Is’ could work really well with the right club remix,” frontman Danny O’Reilly explains. “As soon as she mentioned it, John Gibbons crossed my mind.

“We’ve known John for a few years and had mentioned possibly working together on something but I really just wanted to see first if he thought a remix would work on the track, and then, if so, would he like to try something. John loved the song and what he came up with really blew our minds - exciting and different, while still keeping the emotion of the track.”

 

Biig Piig, ‘Favourite Girl’

With soft vocals, a muted guitar progression and bittersweet lyrics, ‘One Way Ticket’ is perhaps more downbeat and softer in tone than we've come to expect from Cork-born groover Biig Piig. The song is nonetheless another captivating single from Jessica Smyth, and hints at the sonic variety we can expect on her upcoming album 11:11, out February 7.

"This is a track that I made with a long-time collaborator of mine and producer that I love,” Biig Piig said. “It brought me into some memories about a person in my life that had passed. I reflected on what it's like to go through these amazing things that are happening in life and got me thinking about how they would be proud of me. They'd said if I kept dreaming that I'd get there, so really, it’s like a letter to them.”

Ria Rua, 'I Love That For You'

Meath-raised alt rocker Ria Rua’s latest number bursts with moody, introspective melodies, industrial textures and whispery, haunting vocals. Though its origins are deeply personal, 'I Love That For You' touches on a universal struggle.

“As a teenager music consumed me, but everyone around me thought my best option was to settle down, work at a shop, and marry a local farmer,” Rua says. “It took years of constant struggle, with myself and with family and friends, to come to terms with my truth - I can only be happy being myself and living my life in a way that feels true to me. This song is about that journey, from fear to freedom."

St Francis Hotel and WILDES, ‘In The Floodlight’

London-based Irish band St Francis Hotel team up with British singer-songwriter Wildes for a hypnotic and dramatic synthpop cascade.

“‘In The Floodlight’ is a song about youth, and the many versions of us that live and die on the way to unearthing our true selves,” explained Wildes on Instagram.

The track is the third single to be released from their collaborative EP, following on from the singles ‘Kopfkino’ and ‘Are You Gonna Speak’.

 

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The Swedish Railway Orchestra, ‘A Riot Van and A Rumble’

Having released 5 studio albums, 31 singles and a long-running DJ slot at the Workman’s Club in Dublin, prolific electronic act Rob Smith arrives with his latest record as The Swedish Railway Orchestra, Besides: B-Sides and Rarities.

The project is a collection of 15 tracks taken from deep within Smith’s archives. Though many of the bops might not have made the cut for some of his albums down the years, the quality remains high. For an example of the outfit's idiosyncratic, late-night appropriate sound, look no further than the intense and mesmerising electro-crusher ‘Riot Van and A Rumble'.

 

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Runner, 'View'

Dublin quartet Runner have released the vibrant debut single, ‘View’, an intoxicating track blending elements of nostalgic indie-rock with a driving raw edge. With a distinct 70s rock flavor meeting the grittiness of 90s grunge, the single delves into the contradictions of modern life—digital isolation versus human connection—encouraging listeners to reflect on their place in an increasingly complex world.

Speaking about the single, the band shared: “‘View' is about dualities—[...] between the fast-paced and the reflective. Recording this album was a cathartic experience for us, and we hope listeners find a part of themselves in our music.”

Cruel Sister, ‘XOXO’

A gritty and cathartic explosion of a track, Cruel Sister’s ‘XOXO’ marks the Dublin musician’s first release since her 2023 EP Turgid. Characterised by the duality between soft-spoken, ethereal vocal lines and abrasive, raspy guitar chords and percussions, the single announces a rich and exciting start of the year for the singer.

Somebody’s Child, ‘Last Night I Held Your Hand’

Dublin’s Somebody’s Child return with a bold new chapter in their musical journey: the anthemic new single ‘Last Night I Held Your Hand’, hailing from their upcoming record When Youth Fades Away.

With dazzling guitar lines, incredibly catchy percussions and deeply hopeful melodies, the track “was the first song that came out in the writing process for this album,” the band comments. “We wrote it during an autumn-turned-winter trip to Western Wales, and it marked the beginning of a sound that would ultimately define the album. It carries a sense of innocence from earlier releases, yet breathes new life into the direction this album has taken."

Miranda Faul, ‘Rise & Run’

The title track from Dublin musician Miranda Faul’s debut EP, out today, ‘Rise & Run’ is a breezy and hypnotic new offering that is as catchy as it is lyrically rich. Mixing anthemic pop melodies with delicately intricate guitar riffs, as well as the musician’s emotive and silky vocals, the tune offers an enticing look into an exciting first record.

Speaking of her inspiration behind the track, Faul comments: ”‘Rise and Run’ is about generational trauma. It’s about giving yourself permission to detach yourself from a broken parent and find your own happiness, without needing their approval or a closure - providing conversation. I’ve been writing it all my life. The chorus is a poem I wrote when I was eight years old. I wrote the song around the poem when I was 19 and had just started to write songs. I’m 24 now, and I rewrote it this year before recording it, examining the situation from a fresh perspective.”

JustG, ‘Shine’

Irish DJ and producer JustG kicks off the year with the summery banger 'Shine'. A piano-driven house track, 'Shine' is a feel-good anthem perfectly complemented by an uplifting vocal hook that is sure to warm up your winter.

“A summer sounding song in January?" JustG comments. "After all the cold weather we have just had in Ireland? Why not. Something to get us in the mood for the sunny days ahead.”

The Ocelots, 'AUSTRALIA'

Hailing from The Ocelots' upcoming album Everything, When Said Slowly, 'AUSTRALIA', a delicate indie-rock ballad lined with gentle folk flavours of repetitive banjo lines and softly anthemic percussions, dealing with the personal theme of Irish migration.

“We tried to capture that feeling of leaving and dealing with the self-adjustment involved. A certain apathy you grow to those you love around you when you know all you want to do is move. In our pursuit of writing something honest and cathartic, we created something many people can relate to.”

XIII DOORS, 'See How You've Come So Far'

Paving the way for their debut album Into The Unknown, XIII DOORS' 'See How Far You've Come So Far' is an introspective yet impactful dream of a hard rock track, beginning with a gentle, almost acoustic introduction, before building into a powerful riff and vocal melody.

Speaking about the new single, DJ O’Sullivan says; "Personally, I feel this song holds the deepest meaning for me, both lyrically and musically, across the entire album. For the guitar solo, I had the privilege of borrowing a Gibson Les Paul from the brother of my late guitar teacher (who has since also sadly passed away).

"Recording with that guitar felt like a full-circle moment - creating music meant to inspire others with an instrument that belonged to someone who inspired me so much during my teenage years. It really is something that I’m happy we got to do when recording.

Inhaler, ‘A Question Of You’

Inhaler share a new taste of their forthcoming album with the stomping new single ‘A Question Of You’, a thrilling and bright indie-rock tune of sunshine-filled guitar chords and bouncy percussions, culminating in an anthemic chorus with deliciously layered vocals.

Speaking about ‘A Question Of You’, frontman Elijah Hewson says, “This is love song territory for me, about how in order to be honest with someone else you’ve got to be honest with yourself, like, ‘I’ve gotta sort my own shit out so I can be around other people’. It’s also a soulmates thing. The choir really changed everything on this one.”

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