Maria Somerville, ‘Projection’

Connemara musician Maria Somerville’s new LP Luster is swiftly racking up a fair bit of critical acclaim across the board, with Hot Press calling it a “terrific album by an artist of genuine substance”. If you’re sceptical of our well-informed opinion, then give 'Spring' a whirl and hear for yourself.

Spacey synths and vocals create a woozy atmosphere big enough to fill the Grand Canyon. Underneath are a laidback, slacker-rock shuffle, fat bass and searching lyrics, rounding off a track that nestles neatly among the billowing soundscapes present throughout this stellar record.

KhakiKid, Pylonz (feat. SOFY)

Capital rapper KhakiKid has had enough on his plate to keep him buzzing recently. His Moanbag EP slaps, he's landed a gig supporting American hip-hop behemoth Denzel Curry at the National Stadium, and has just announced his own headline shows in Dublin and London.

His latest track meanwhile, is drenched in the indie charm that’s fast becoming his signature. English singer SOFY's vocals are a highlight, evoking a summery, Laura Marling-esque nostalgia. She describes the track as "London indie sleaze meets Dublin rap, the best international collab since Kim Kardashian enjoyed a cold pint of Guinness with a really good head."

Who can argue with that?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KHAKI (@khakikid)

Florence Road, ‘Caterpillar’

Bray four-piece Florence Road have released their second single ‘Caterpillar’, a gorgeous acoustic ballad about the delicate emotions surrounding anxiety that breaks and bends against a lush, subtle string arrangement. Frontwoman Lily’s raw, velvet-edged vocals shine throughout, exuding both vulnerability and strength and anchoring the track with an undeniable magnetism.

Charlie Hanlon, ‘Foreshadowing’

In his new single ‘Foreshadowing’, Charlie Hanlon offers the listener another side of his writing, singing about the idea of knowing a relationship isn't going well, but not knowing how to confess.

“I feel like it's something a lot of people just go through in their early to late teens, feeling the pressure of having to have a partner to fit in or be seen as not a loner amongst your friend groups. I saw some friends get into not so nice relationships because of this and I simply wanted to just write how I saw it, it's not that deep at the end of the day it's just another one of those silly love songs but I do think it's relatable to some people”

‘Foreshadowing’ offers an insight to a new sound for Hanlon – less rocky guitars and big drums being swapped out for acoustic instruments and a more gentle approach to story telling.

Junior Brother, ‘Small Violence’

The Kerry folk bard begins a new chapter with the announcement of his forthcoming album The End, coupled with the release of a potent new track.

‘Small Violence’ suffuses Irish traditional airs with spectral, unearthly cadences, mirroring the blend of uncanny tales with the distortion of modern life that permeates The End. Here, the singer-songwriter addresses the growing influence of misinformation and the escalating wave of conspiracy-fueled hatred. The track's haunted warblings and twosted chord structures speak to this wrested reality with the rise of the far-right so heavily at hand.

“‘Small Violence’ follows a character pulled in by a small few who enjoy using violent words to stoke real violence further down the line,” Junior says. “The intro riff was heavily inspired by the Opening Titles of “The Blood on Satan's Claw”, a Folk Horror from 1971 which I highly recommend to anyone except the sensible.”

Echotal, Beyond The Red Forest

The title track to Echotal’s new EP, out today, ‘Beyond The Red Forest’ is an atmospheric and mysterious instrumental tune, with richly textured strings creating a piece that is almost orchestral. Building on a gentle guitar melody, cellos are slowly layered into the sonic landscape of the track, offering a cinematic and mystical atmosphere that woven all throughout the new record.

Alex Gough, ‘To Survive’

Alex Gough’s melodic new song ‘To Survive’ invites listeners into a sonic landscape, showing off his prowess as a vocalist, drummer, producer and songwriter. A heartthumping bass carries the song, filled with layered and distorted vocals.

His honest lyricism is put on full display, allowing listeners to step inside his inner-monologue. Blending jazz, contemporary R&B, pop and alternative electronic music, Gough creates a sound of his own.

Offica, ‘Go Mo’

Rapper Offica returns with ‘Go Mo’, a thumping anthem leaning deep into the raw energy of underground UK and NYC sounds. On this tune, Offica blends hard-hitting rap flows with an infectious jerk-drill wave, pulling listeners into a rhythm-heavy – it’s a kaleidoscope of experimental trap, sharp lyricism, and club-ready chaos. A jumpy bassline drives the track forward, laced with Offica’s unmistakable cadence and flair.

Stratford Rise, ‘Gunshow’

Belfast based quartet Stratford Rise’s new single ‘Gunshow’ is an established set opener which has become a live staple, with muscular, syncopated riffs, dynamic jumps, and lyrics retelling an off-kilter western standoff. The track serves as a confident return to the studio for Stratford Rise and showcases their signature blend of melodic passages and crushing distortion.

InBetween Honey, 'Hey Ramile'

Meath-based indie rockers InBetween Honey return with their second single of 2025, 'Hey Ramile'. Based on guitarist JohnPaul Melady's experience in hospital after fracturing his back, the track explores his emotions while dealing with the severe injury. With driving guitar, energetic synth sections, crashing cymbals and sampled ambulance sirens, 'Hey Ramile' continues to set InBetween Honey up for success this year.

"'Hey Ramile' tells the story of a conversation I had on the phone with a nurse to the endless nights I spent on a hospital ward during that March where frustration, anxiety and amongst it all laughs are experiences I will keep forever," Melady says.

Altara, ‘willyouwaitforme’

‘willyouwaitforme’ explores meeting the right person at the wrong time, filled with alt-pop EDM.

“It’s always kinda fun when, after a breakup, you become ready to start seeing new people,” said Altara. “I met someone I liked pretty quickly though, too quickly, and suddenly I felt like I was jumping from one thing to another, questioning if I was actually feeling something, or if I was just trying to fill the gaps. Wywfm is about that, because when you’re trying to figure all that out, you can lose someone, and miss out on something that could actually be really good.”

Explosive energy erupts from the track, showing off Altara’s skills as a producer and songwriter. He released his debut EP asp back in March.

Electric Penguins, 'When The World Is On Your Shoulders'

Ahead of their first album in 15 years, Electric Penguins drop its lead single 'When The World Is On Your Shoulders'. Combining choir-like sounds with enigmatic vocals and the complex layering of instrumentals akin to Electric Light Orchestra, the track is an otherworldly experience.

With elements of progressive rock, electronica, some psychedelia and a range of other influences, duo Mark Cummins and Paul Murphy defy classification. 'When The World Is On Your Shoulders' showcases their exceptional skill at creating a sound that is both unique yet familiar.

Laura Duff, ‘Fondness Of You’

Laura Duff dropped the last single off her upcoming debut album Sea Legs, out May 23. Her sultry voice glides across the track, accompanied by a groovy bassline and starry guitar.

“‘Fondness of You’ was inspired by bumping into one of my dad's friends who I hadn't seen in a few years, someone who was away at the time of his funeral,” said Duff. “The song came from that encounter, it's like a recreation of that conversation and of similar interactions that have happened and continue to happen since.”

The release was paired with an accompanying music video, capturing the feeling of confronting one's past. Fans can catch Duff on her brief Irish tour beginning on May 24 in Limerick.

Dave Clancy, 'What Is Love Meant To Be'

From his sophomore album Live Our Own Dream, 'What Is Love Meant To Be' is yet another testament to Dave Clancy's ability to craft honest, heartfelt and resonant folk music. Featuring soft vocals, gentle acoustic guitar and evocative violins, Clancy's exploration of love, heartbreak and reconciliation make for a powerful ballad.

"I had been listening to Bob Dylan's Oh Mercy and Emmylou Harris' Wrecking Ball albums and I loved how the unusual drum patterns give the songs space," Clancy says.

Dora Gola, 'Earth Song'

In celebration of Earth Day, Lahinch-based Polish musician Dora Gola unveiled 'Earth Song', giving voice to the planet in a powerful anthem against the destruction of the natural world. Brooding synths and woody percussion provides an intricate backing to her impressive vocal range and lyricism.

"'Earth Song' is a message from the planet, delivered in sound: a warning, a cry, a call to awaken," Dora Gola says.

"This track came from a place of deep feeling - watching the world change, witnessing the damage, and wondering what it would sound like if the Earth could speak directly to us," she adds.

Matthew Devereux, 'Seven Grams'

The Pale frontman Matthew Devereux's 'Seven Grams' is the first single from his upcoming solo album Keep Sketch, a recounting of his youth on the northside of Dublin. Featuring purely electronic instrumentals, 'Seven Grams' is laden with chilled-out synths, with Devereux's almost spoken-word vocals a tribute to staying home with a friend and getting high.

"Buying hash follows certain rituals and shares common traits," Devereux says. "Inhabited by repeating character types and conversations."

"This song is a tapestry of all the above and an ode to staying in and getting high."

Chris McGrath, ‘Forever In Your Heart’

Chris McGrath’s touching new single ‘Forever In Your Heart’ explores themes of love and loss. Opening with a strong guitar, McGrath builds to include a harmonica and a string section.

“This release deals with loss and the confusion around it all,” he wrote. “I hope that this song can be a comfort to people going through difficult situations.”

Near the end of the song, McGrath includes a snippet from a speech his grandfather made at his parents' wedding about 20 years ago. The touch adds an air of personality that's profoundly moving, and the release marks the singer's third single to date.

Barbagianni, ‘Punch Drunk’ feat. Daire Heffernan

Electronic duo Barbagianni, the synth-pop pairing of Karl McCrone and Matthew Keating, arrive with their debut single ‘Punch Drunk’, featuring indie-pop singer Daire Heffernan. A heady blend of lush melodies and driving drum patterns, the track showcases a rich, hard-hitting sound ahead of their debut album, due later this year.

They said: “Punch Drunk feat. Daire Heffernan is the first song we wrote together as Barbagianni. Back then, we would send snippets and ideas back and forth online, building it up slowly. We knew we had something special when Daire lent her voice to the track.

“Her swirling, layered vocals complement the relentless groove from the drums and bass and the chorus kicks things into overdrive, with a mixture of crystalline synths and guitars.”

DREAM BOY, ‘Ivory’

Shoegaze quartet DREAM BOY return with ‘Ivory’, a hazy, melancholia-drenched single that arrives ahead of the announcement of their debut Drowning In Blue EP. A dreamy meditation on letting go, the track is layered with the band’s signature sound, slow reverb, swirling guitars, and delicate violin ornamentation.

“I have an image in my head of a documentary I saw as a child where animal protection services remove the tusks from animals to protect them from poachers looking for Ivory. This really stuck with me, the idea that these beautiful creatures were being killed for this material when really in order to retrieve it they did not need to be hurt.

“I was struggling with the ending to this song, I had most of the lyrics but was missing the songs’ real purpose. I’d been listening to a song called 'blue' by dream ivory which must have put the word in my head and once it was in it all just clicked and fell into place.”

Ellyd, 'Were You Ever Loved’

Dublin artist Ellyd returns with ‘Were You Ever Loved’, a guitar-driven track that leans into a nostalgic, percussion-heavy sound. Beneath its shimmering surface lies a deeper emotional weight, as the song was inspired by the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

Speaking about the track, Elly said: “I composed ‘Were You Ever Loved’ during a songwriting break in Portnoo. Just a few days into my stay, Russia invaded Ukraine. The cottage I was staying in was quite secluded, but it did have a small TV with a few channels, including Sky News. I found myself watching the news daily, and struggled, like many others, to believe what was actually happening.”

Waterdogs, ‘Stuck’

Based in Limerick, alt-rock four-piece Waterdogs blend grunge with blues and indie-rock. Their latest release, ‘Stuck,’ explores the intricacies of a toxic relationship.

“‘Stuck’ is a song that represents how it feels to be in love with someone who has extremely narcissistic and manipulative traits,” said lead vocalist Kat Casey. “It was written about a person in my life who I just couldn’t seem to shake for many years. The whole situation was painful but every time they came back I just kept on forgetting what they put me through. They knew exactly how to talk to me in a way that nobody else could, which naturally made me feel like the only girl in the world. We’d be together for a few months, then not talk for months, and they’d pop up again a while later.

Waterdogs plan to release a string of new singles throughout the summer of 2025.

JP O’Duill, ‘Empathy Primates’

Marking his debut as a solo artist, JP O’Duill shares the first and only single from his upcoming album Notaí, which is set for release this summer. Steeped in traditional Irish folk while drawing from alt-folk, world, and progressive influences, the track introduces a sound that feels both rooted and expansive.

Carried by fearless vocals, rich guitar work, and layered instrumentation, it explores themes of empathy, love, and the growing tension between digital reliance and real-world experience.

Fiona Tyndall, ‘Airdí Cuan’ feat. Fergal Scahill, Brendan Hayes & Padraig Rynne

Fiona Tyndall offers a moving take on ‘Airdí Cuan’, a traditional folk song sung in Irish, with lyrics attributed to Seán Mac Ambróis. Joined by Fergal Scahill, Brendan Hayes, and Padraig Rynne, she delivers a rich yet restrained arrangement, blending subtle guitar, delicate fiddle, concertina, piano, and soft layers of keys, bass, and strings.

She said, “‘Airdí Cuan’ is a lonely and heartfelt emigration song that describes a young boy forced to leave his home for reasons unknown, possibly famine.  Emigrating to Scotland from Airdí Cuan in County Antrim, he can still see his beloved homeland across the North Channel, and longs for his return.”

Dose, ‘After This’

Dublin-based four-piece Dose have released their third single ‘After This’.

Drawing from the band’s distinctive blend of dream pop, post-punk, shoegaze, grunge, and synth-pop, ‘After This’ is a distortion-filled and haunting track that deals with the aftermath of sexual abuse.

The song centres on a woman who, after surviving abuse by a man known to her community, becomes agoraphobic and isolated.

“I wanted to explore the quiet judgment and whispers that can surround survivors,” said band member Lizzie Fitzpatrick. “She’s seen almost like a clown figure, someone people talk about in hushed tones instead of supporting — ‘ah you know what she’s like, sure she’s stuck to the bed.’

“The story isn’t hers alone; it’s told from the outside, by the people around her,” added Fitzpatrick.

Nell Mescal, ‘thin (demo)’

After months of teasing the track with social media snippets and intimate acoustic sets across the UK, Maynooth singer-songwriter Nell Mescal has released the anticipated ‘thin (demo)’.

An airy acoustic guitar provides all the accompaniment Mescal’s soft vocals need for this melodic, deeply personal indie folk ballad.

“‘Thin’ is about body image and equating what you look like to what your worth is when it comes to love,” said Mescal. “It was a really difficult song to write and to confront, and comes from all my darkest and most untrue thoughts about myself.”

“The ultimate message of the song and what I hope people get from listening to it is that these thoughts aren’t true,” she added, “but that doesn’t make the emotions any less real."

Muireann Bradley, ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’

Opening with a delicate guitar and soft vocals, Muireann Bradley delights with her rendition of the 1949 folk track ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’ by Hank Williams. This follows her cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘Don't Think Twice It’s Alright’ back in March.

“I once saw an old interview with Willie Nelson where he said he felt ‘I’m so Lonesome I could Cry’ was the greatest song ever written," she said. "I have to agree it’s a pretty perfect song.

That didn’t stop me from changing the arrangement quite a bit from the original though, I wanted to slow the waltz down even more and add in more harmony from the guitar so I changed the chords up a bit and took some inspiration from the great Merle Travis’ 1952 recording of the 1924 jazz standard by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn ‘I’ll See You in My Dreams.’ It’s different but I think it really works and I’m looking forward to hearing what people think about it.”

Bradley has a string of Irish festivals lined up, kicking off with her performance at The Sundays In Spring 'Lough Of Songs' Concert Series on May 11.

The Kyd G and GNS, ‘Bad Taste’

Blanchardstown artist The Kyd G has released ‘Bad Taste’ alongside Dublin-based artist and producer GNS. The track will feature on The Kyd G’s upcoming EP Still G, set for release later this year.

Opening with a standing-out-of-the-club ambient sound, this alt-hip-hop/electronic song features a dynamic production that goes from distorted vocals and scarce, EQ’d chords to an incisive hook (“you leave a bad taste when I have too much”) sung over a hi-hat-heavy house beat.

Ciara Lawless, ‘Unbreakable’

Athlone singer-songwriter Ciara Lawless has released ‘Unbreakable’, the latest single from her upcoming album Divine Intervention.

‘Unbreakable’ shares its ‘80s-inspired sound palette with the rest of Lawless’ new album. Nostalgic yet uplifting, the track feels like a breath of fresh air with its catchy chorus melodies and its vibrant synth leads intertwined with electric guitars.

Written after a hard experience in a different country, the song follows Lawless as she realises the grass is not always greener on the other side, ultimately finding strength in the power of love.

The Davies Brothers, ‘Children of the Forest’

Twins Brian and Eoin Davies' new tune draws inspiration from the untamed landscapes of County Clare, capturing both the beauty and raw power of nature via a heartfelt tribute to belonging, heritage, and the deep connection between people and place.

Blending folk and pop-rock, the song explores the contrast between the life-giving and destructive forces of the elements - “earth, wind, fire, and rain” - and how they shape a person’s spirit.

The accompanying music video meanwhile,  takes viewers on a journey through some of County Clare’s most stunning locations, with Clahane, the Cliffs of Moher, Fanore Beach, and Ennistymon all present. Featuring the brothers and their friends, the video is a celebration of community, music, and the wild, free-spirited energy of the West of Ireland.

VJ Jaxson, ‘Mr Fantastic’

Tallaght singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist VJ Jaxson returns with ‘Mr Fantastic’, his first release this year.

‘Mr Fantastic’ features a prominent Afrobeats feel, while incorporating rock guitar strums and old-school R&B string synths. Lyrically, the track centres on a man who is able to win over any woman through his splendid looks, effortless charm and calm composure.

FATE, ‘detritus’

Dublin-based artist and producer FATE has released ‘detritus’, an uptempo track that feels like a high-octane emo-rock ‘00s song turned into a video game’s distorted soundtrack.

FATE’s blurry vocals navigate through pulsing beats and electronic textures before the song’s bridge transitions into broken chords and jarring sounds.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by FATE (@fatemusic_)

Robert Grace, 'Cowboy'

Kilkenny singer-songwriter Robert Grace puts on his Fox Mob hat to release his fourth single in as many months. The track features electronic bass, distorted guitar and the beat of a snare drum keeping time.

Grace continues to impress, trying his hand on new genres and working with other Irish artists to achieve the best sound he can, and 'Cowboy' is no different.

With 3.5 million Tiktok followers, a Double Platinum single and more than 500 million cumulative streams, Grace is sure to maintain his popularity with releases like this.

Cliffords, 'Dungarvan Bay'

A tribute to their late friend, Cork indie-rockers Cliffords strike an emotional chord with 'Dungarvan Bay'. Beginning as a gentle acoustic track with soft vocals, 'Dungarvan Bay' slowly builds energy until the guitar becomes gritty and the drums thrash, while vocalist Iona Lynch hits higher and louder notes. Right at the end, it suddenly drops, returning to the gentleness of the start.

"This is such a special song for us written in memory of our lovely friend Cian who passed away two years ago," the band say.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cliffords (@cliffordsband)

SJ McArdle, 'Hesperus'

Issued by Bring Your Own Hammer, folk singer SJ McArdle released 'Hesperus'. A simple acoustic track featuring guitar, the occasional xylophone and violin, 'Hesperus' is inspired by three poems of Irish writer Ella Young; Fiametta, Sunset and Greeting.

Bring Your Own Hammer gathers musicians and historians to create music from Irish historical records, literature and events.

"I was sent these three examples of her extraordinary poetry and fell in love with the flow and the intoxicating seriousness of her language," McArdle says. "The lyric came easily, inspired by Fiametta and Sunset, but the bridge is lifted almost completely from Greeting, my favourite of the three."

Check out our playlist on Spotify below: