Molly Vulpyne Band, ‘Hook’

The first single off of Molly Vulpyne’s upcoming album Houndstooth and the Hum, ‘Hook’ is a riotous rock number layered with anthemic bass hooks and unruly guitar chords, complete with a heated vocal performance from the absolute powerhouse that is Vulpyne. As riveting as it is emotional, the track announces a new record that is sure to make waves in the Irish alternative scene.

Ryan Mack, ‘Call Me Again’

A gentle number of electric guitar arpeggios and soft vocals, Ryan Mack’s ‘Call Me Again’ is a heartbreak wrapped-up in a catchy, folk-flavoured pop tune. With its emotionally raw lyrics and major chord progressions, ‘Call Me Again’ juxtaposes hopeful instrumentation with melancholic feelings for a wonderfully bittersweet single

Kingfishr, ‘Gloria’

Riding atop the waves of an incredibly successful season, Limerick-based indie-folk trio Kingfishr have released their latest single ‘Gloria’, a ballad with a Mumford and Sons feel where folk and pop are intertwined.

Eddie Keogh’s gritty baritone voice cuts powerfully through Eoin 'Fitz' Fitzgibbon’s bass and Eoghan 'McGoo' McGrath’s banjo, infusing an atmosphere of sorrow and melancholy with a sense of hope.

"'Gloria' is about giving in to the pressures around you, and whether you can live with yourself for doing it," said Keogh. "The song represents a yearning to break free."

Norabelle, ‘Warm Blood’

Indie-folk band Norabelle are commemorating the recent release of their second album The Mountain Blinks by sharing the tender ‘Warm Blood’, a love song that captures the emotional core of the record.

A hopeful piano motif and soft vocal harmonies provide the base for ‘Warm Blood’ before a hushed glockenspiel in the background confers this sparse ballad a lullaby feel.

“I was waiting for you, I didn’t realise / Waiting to hold you, I didn’t realise / Warm blood, cold blood, lukewarm blood, no blood / It doesn’t matter”, sing Ken Clarke and Shane O’Hanrahan in the track’s chorus.

Mob Wife, ‘Make You Rich’

Following the release of the sardonic ‘Thank God For Car Parks’ in January, Belfast noise-rock/punk trio Mob Wife return with ‘Make You Rich’, a new single that “aims its forked tongue at the rise of misguided, hate-filled, vacuous influencer culture.”

Across a five-minute runtime, Mob Wife deliver a pounding track that does not rely on the standard verse-chorus-verse structure, with protesting, at times scream-like vocals giving way to a pounding bass rhythm or a distorted guitar solo.

The Divine Comedy, ‘Achilles’

Six years after their last studio album, The Divine Comedy are set to make their eagerly awaited return – with Rainy Sunday Afternoon, out September 19.

To coincide with the news, a new single, 'Achilles', has been released: an acoustic, string-swathed slice of sweet folk storytelling.

“My musical output is, for better or worse, a representation of my personality,” Neil Hannon says. “A good chunk of that personality revels in the rumbumptious; celebrates the silly. And I made ample use of that for the Wonka songs.”

“I have, though, like everyone, a darker, more melancholy side. And for one reason or another it has been much in evidence of late. I needed to use this album as an outlet for those feelings. To work through some stuff. Mortality; memories; relationships; political and social upheaval. Everyone should get to make an orchestral pop album once in a while. It should be available on the NHS.”

 

Eoin Kenny & Emily Doyle, ‘Tell Me’

Opening with emotive acoustic guitar, this poignant collaboration between relative Leitrim newcomer Eoin Kenny and midlands singer Emily Doyle paints a delicate picture of young love in rural Ireland - one of teenage discos, cheap coffees and bittersweet romance.

After deciding to get back into performing again in February 2024, Kenny has been building a steady audience of admirers, spending last year playing venues like Whelan's, the Four Provinces Folk Club and the Corn Mill Theatre, with an Irish tour lined up for 2025.

 

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Imelda Kehoe, 'Risen People'

Known for her distinctive voice,= and blend of contemporary folk mixed with some blues, jazz, and soul, Imelda Kehoe's latest number is a soul-tingling, stripped back and story-driven arrangement, inspired by Countess Markievicz and the Irish Women of the 1916 Easter Rising, as well as the the writings of Markievicz, James Connolly and Padraig Pearse.

"A year ago, I brought a blueprint of a song to Orphan Recording studios," Kehoe wrote on Instagram.  "Gavin Glass, turned it into an Epic Adventure befitting of its Protagonist, Countess Markievicz, who was 'bad ass' before 'bad ass' was even invented..."

 

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lullahush, ‘Jimmy an Chladaigh’

Taken from his just released new album Ithaca, lullahush’s ‘Jimmy an Chladaigh’ showcases the project’s experimental blend of traditional Irish music and contemporary electronica.

Daniel McIntyre’s production begins with an intermittent Celtic harp turned Owl City-style lead synth. Hushed monologues are introduced, followed by Maija Sofia’s blurred, layered vocals, which become as fragmented as the instrumental solo that came before. A bass drum then enters, and all the song’s elements are brought together for the track’s innovative end.

Morgana, ‘Power Cuts’

Dublin-based singer-songwriter Morgana has released her latest single, ‘Power Cuts’, the follow-up to her debut single ‘I’ll Cry When I’m Dead’.

‘Power Cuts’ is an ‘80s-inspired, enveloping synth-pop track where broken synth chords abound.

Talking about the track, the singer said “it’s about throwing everything at the wall to realise my dreams.”

“If you don't want me now I won't be here tomorrow / You said, "Why'd you always shout?" when you got nothing to say,” sings Morgana on the track’s infectious, radio-ready chorus.

Lú Ke & CAiNOOO, ‘SPARK’

Irish MC Lú Ke collaborates with CAiNOOO on the new track ‘SPARK’, establishing their signature style: a mix of US hip-hop and UK grime stamped with an original Irish sound of their own. With the musician’s characteristic wit set to a punchy piano-packed production, the tune is packed with raw and deeply distinctive soundscapes.

Paddy Hanna, ‘Tuscon Arizona’

As longing as it is languorous, Paddy Hanna’s ‘Tuscon Arizona’ offers an enticing look into his new album Oylegate, where the Irish artist “keeps things strange and delightful”, said Hot Press’ Peter McGoran in his 8/10 review. Layered with dreamy synths and gently revered guitar chords, the track wraps the listener in satin warmth, making for an impossibly ethereal sonic trip.

Elise, ‘Damn Questions’

A moody, indie-folk gem with hypnotic melodies and emotionally raw lyrics, Kilkenny artist Elise’s new single ‘Damn Questions’ marks the title track to her upcoming album I’ve Been Here. Both poignant and fiery, the tune mixes upbeat piano lines with fast-paced percussions and a buttery-smooth vocal performance for a beautifully sentimental number.

 

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Scustin, ‘The Ick (Make Me Sick) - Richie Kennedy Remix’

Adding a layer of rivetingly heavy techno to an already riotous instrumentation, Richie Kennedy’s remix of Scustin’s ‘The Ick (don’t put blackcurrant in that point of Guinness’, titled ‘The Ick (Make Me Sick)’ is tongue-in-cheek in its content, yet absolutely enthralling and head bang worthy, with its heavy bass and fast-paced rhythms.

“Lyrically, the track addresses the sacrilegious attempts to taint Ireland's most sacred beverage—Guinness—and draws a line between those who attempt such absurdities and those who don’t,” the band said. “The global phenomenon of ‘The Ick’ serves as a fitting metaphor, delivering the message with a sharp edge of satire, and highlighting how trivial annoyances can become outlets for frustration in a world full of more significant issues.”

SHEE, ‘Lost Fiction’ feat. ARA

With SHEE’s masterfully catchy production and ARA’s emotionally charged lyrics, their new collaborative single ‘Lost Fiction’ is certain to hit the spot during those newly bright evenings. With layered vocals, bouncing synths and palpitation-inducing rhythms, the track boasts an undeniably soft quality while still managing to be incredibly catchy.

AO, ‘Brick By Brick’ feat. Nikz

Some of the most promising hip-hop talent in the country join forces on ‘Brick By Brick’, a hard-hitting number from AO and Kikz, hailing from AO’s new mixtape Elizabeth. With incredibly deft bars set against a rousing and high-octane production, the tune is a serious heavyweight from the Drogheda-based rapper.

 

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Fintan McKahey, ‘Higher Place’

Cork singer-songwriter Fintan McKahey has unveiled his latest single ‘Higher Place’, which strikes a delicate balance of mesmeric melodies with raw, pensive lyricism.

Featuring fellow Corkonians Eoin Barclay on drums and Kealan Kenny slide guitar, the backing unveils a fitting accompaniment for Fintan’s scintillating vocal performance.

Remaining faithful to the singer’s hazy sound, the track pivots slightly towards Americana and folk rock sensibilities - fusing crystalline soundscapes with an undeniably rhythmic pulse which offer sonic reflections on the tension between escapism and reality.

Tara Nome Doyle, ‘Bad Days’

The latest offering from Irish songsmith Tara Nome Doyle is a torch song for weary hearts.

‘Bad Days’ sheds light on the experience of being in a relationship where each party endures periodical bouts of poor mental health.

Speaking about the track, Tara unveils the glimmer of hope in supporting each other through the ebbs and flows in life: “Although it’s not possible to resolve the other person’s suffering, there is something so healing about simply being accepted and held in this fragile state. The realisation that “bad days never felt this good before” came to me on one of these dark days and I wanted to express my bittersweet appreciation of our shared suffering through this song”

Poor Creature, ‘The Whole Town Knows’

Lifted from Poor Creature’s upcoming debut album, All Smiles Tonight, the brand-new single ‘The Whole Town Knows’ is a shimmering folk effort.

Originally by Ray Lynam and Philomena Begley, the track transforms from a song about woefully cheating hearts to a wider cultural commentary. As such, ‘The Whole Town Knows’ offers a metaphor for the climate crisis and the destruction of the planet, with the simple truth that we can’t keep living this way.

Poor Creature comprises the trio of Ruth Clinton, Cormac MacDiarmada and John Dermody, all three of whom are members of other bands (Landless and Lankum) who have built a large following on re-interpreting songs of the past in a modern context.

Bula Beag, 'The Joker Lands'

Their second single of 2025, Bula Beag's 'The Joker Lands' is an energetic blend of traditional Irish sounds and indie rock. The track features an exciting mix of electric guitar, banjo and a variety of percussion instruments. Alongside the influence of Irish trad and indie rock, Cathal O'Mocháin incorporates the classic drawl of American country into his vocals, providing a depth to the song's already rich instrumentals.

"Inspiration for the song came about after a friend left Ireland to find a better life elsewhere," O'Mocháin says. "The song is about leaving home, friends and everything that you know to find a better life and discover who you are in the process."

modernlove., 'furniture'

As indie-pop four-piece modernlove. gear up for a UK and Europe tour, the Drogheda-formed band dropped their latest single, 'furniture'. The track features a rapid drumbeat, pulsing guitar and a driving bassline making for an upbeat, high-octane love song.

"'Furniture' is about the euphoria and uplifting feeling of finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with," the band say "It’s about wanting to be part of someone’s life and being there for them through it all until, as the saying goes, you become part of their furniture."

Patrick Dowling, 'Midsummer'

The debut single from Slieverue native Patrick Dowling, 'Midsummer' is a ballad of gentle finger-plucked guitar and powerful vocals. With rich lyrics of missing someone close to you, the track showcases not only Dowling's skill with words, but his impressive vocal range as well. Heavily inspired by the work of Ed Sheeran, 'Midsummer' showcases Dowling's promise as an up-and-coming musician.

"'Midsummer' was written when I was suddenly forced to spend time away from someone, who I had developed deep feelings for," Dowling says. "It's really about missing someone so much, it is all you can possibly think about."

Big Sleep, ‘Pick A Cheek’

Dublin alt-rock outfit Big Sleep kick off 2025 with ‘Pick a Cheek’, a rhythm-driven track that sets the tone for what promises to be their international breakout year. Produced and mixed by Chris Ryan, and mastered by Pete Maher, the single is driven by infectious drums and electric guitars that build a restless, jolting energy.

After a standout 2024, with the release of their Stay Put Sunshine EP, sold-out headline shows, and festival appearances at Electric Picnic, Forbidden Fruit, and All Together Now, the band continue their rise with a performance at Trinity Ball tonight (April 11), and a headline show at Dublin’s Academy on October 24.

Martin McGuigan, ‘Confessions Of An Idle Mind’

Hailing from Co. Down, emerging singer-songwriter Martin McGuigan leans into bittersweet nostalgia on ‘Confessions Of An Idle Mind’. Sounding like Elvis meets Noel Gallagher, the track captures the impermanence and fleeting nature of youthful invulnerability.

Driven by jolting drums, a catchy rhythm, and emotive guitar lines, it reflects on that wide-eyed phase when friendships feel eternal as the narrator looks back with a mix of cynicism and longing.

StrawMan, ‘I Am Enough’

Ballybofey alt-rock artist StrawMan (Tom Bonner) returns with ‘I Am Enough’, a gently powerful reflection on self-worth and emotional independence.

Inspired by a conversation about being whole before entering a new relationship, the track pushes back against the Jerry Maguire “you complete me” trope with contemplative lyrics that explore the resilience found in truly loving yourself. Built around a warm bass groove, soft piano, rhythmic guitar, and subtle percussion, the tune was produced by Terry McGinty at Valley Music Studio in Donegal.

VERA, ‘Take It All Off’

Irish alt-rock band VERA turn up the heat with ‘Take It All Off’, a sassy, high-energy single powered by hypnotic drums and playful, gritty guitars. The song is bold, seductive, and packed with attitude.

Speaking on the track, the outfit shared: “Take It All Off is a raw and unapologetic anthem about reclaiming control and indulging in the messy contradictions of life and love. Vera paint a vivid picture of a complicated relationship, one that’s tangled up in desire, self deprecation, and a sense of freedom. It’s about being unapologetically bold in the pursuit of pleasure and connection.

“In the chorus Vera portray a defiant and seductive call to strip away the barriers, both literally and emotionally, finding release in the heat of the moment. With a driving, infectious beat and sharp, cheeky lyrics, the song captures a spirit of rebellion. It's messy, it's fun, and it's all about the push and pull of being drawn to someone you know might not be good for you, but you can’t help yourself.”

Hotgirl, ‘The Stink’

Closing out their brand-new Blast Off EP, Dublin risers Hotgirl let loose on ‘The Stink’, a messy, chaotic punchy track made for loud, sweaty rooms.

Short, sharp, and explosive, the song thrives on chaos. Abbedeen’s vocals dance around the beat with bratty confidence, riding a wave of gritty, distorted guitars, an incredible bass line, and propulsive, heavy-hitting drums. There’s a playful edge to the track’s energetic rhythm, pushing it to the brink of unhinged as the band explore a rowdy blend of post-punk and grunge.

For Nina, ‘Hounds’

Dublin indie trio For Nina blend driving guitars, blistering drums, and a chorus brimming with youthful uncertainty on their latest single, ‘Hounds’. The track captures the messy intensity and emotional chaos of navigating life in your twenties.

Speaking on the track, the band shared: “The track came out of nothing really. We were just jamming out over the main riff and then everything seemed to click and within half-an-hour we had the song. We wrote the chorus in a way that hopefully highlights the uncertain chaos of being ‘twenty-something. We were in a tricky place with our college course at the time and the feelings manifested themselves within the song. At least those feelings led to something good!”

Softdrink Millionaire, 'Lumpy Mash'

From their highly-anticipated debut EP SOUND, Softdrink Millionaire's 'Lumpy Mash' features acoustic guitar that is gentle in parts and almost dissonant in others. Josh Fortune's gentle vocals and enigmatic lyrics compliment the somewhat uneven pattern of the instrumentals, creating a complex sound from deceptively simple components.

Based in Bray, Softdrink Millionaire began as the project of Fortune, branching out into a rotating collective of collaborators before solidifying with Thomas Earl and Jack Lawlor.

"I just wanted to get as many of my friends involved as possible instead of it being a personal vanity project," Fortune says. "More fun, more novel ideas, better ideas come out of it with other people as well."

$ONA BLU€, 'Ice and Blues'

The latest track from Irish - Sri Lankan artist $ONA BLU€, 'Ice and Blues' follows her January release, 'Good 4 You'. With pulsing bass and otherworldly strings, this latest single allows $ONA BLU€'s enthralling voice to shine. A tense and eerie exploration of one-sided relationships, 'Ice and Blues' is another thoughtful and well-executed entry to the singer's body of work.

"'Ice and Blues' is a song about how having your expectations too high could really damage you," $ONA BLU€ explains. "In a way you're setting yourself up to be disappointed and your heart to be broken."

Listen to our playlist on Spotify: