New Irish Songs To Hear This Week

Banríon, 'fooling'

The Dublin indie rockers have revealed their beautiful new single 'fooling', taken from their upcoming EP dare to crush. Punctuated by jangly guitars and a catchy bass solo, 'fooling' shatters the glass surrounding the use of laughs and tongue-in-cheek jokes to distract from sadness. The lyrics are diaristic, raw and honest, detailing Banríon songwriter Róisín's experience with cancer within her family through the lens of her own disability. Dealing with catastrophe through humour - the bandleader had to approach the shift from being cared for to carer and working out a coping mechanism are reflected in the witty lyrics and songwriting style.

"Crack a joke so my songs don't seem so sad," Róisín sings on the worse case scenario track. "So no one walks out of my show or I upset my dad anymore/a little humour's never hurt anyone."

The Mary Wallopers, 'Cod Liver Oil + The Orange Juice'

The Dundalk folk act (Brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy and their friend Sean McKenna) have dropped a fan-favourite new single as the second track taken from the forthcoming self-titled debut album, out October 21st digitally. ‘Cod Liver Oil + The Orange Juice’ is a Scottish song made popular by Hamish Imlach in the ’60s. It was written by Ron Clark and Carl MacDougal as a parody of the song ‘Virgin Mary Had A Little Baby’. It was originally recorded for the riotous band's 2019 EP (A Mouthful of Mary Wallopers) but it never received a proper release. This ode to drunken revelry and its associated romantic pursuits showcases the Wallopers talent for picking a great song and making it their own.

Pauric O'Meara, 'Lately'

The Tipperary singer-songwriter is back with another catchy pop/rock single 'Lately'. The funky, uplifting offering focuses on themes of relationships, friendships and the importance of how we spend our time and protect our energy. Penned by Pauric with production from himself and Alex O'Keeffe, plus mixing from Adam Shanahan; the pop-inflected song sounds as slick as it is radio-ready. Opening with a blast of synths, groovy guitar riffs and a hypnotic beat pushing the song onwards, O'Meara's sharp, alluring voice is at its best. Sharing a similar tone to Troye Sivan and LAUV, the pop instrumentation backing up his words never drowns him out.

Photo by fnati.c.

NewDad, 'ILY2'

Having released their brilliant sophomore EP Banshee earlier this year after their debut Waves made a big impact, Galway quartet NewDad are back with a brand new shoegaze cover of Charli XCX's 'ILY2'. "I don't talk a lot, talk a lot/So you should listen up/Mean it when I say/I'm not afraid, it's okay/No I love you, too, lead vocalist and songwriter Julie Dawson sings on the indie banger. 'ILY2' still contains the band's trademark lo-fi soundscapes and soaring, euphoric brand of noise that's earned them comparisons with My Bloody Valentine - but with contemporary panache that pays tribute to Charli'x original electronic method. Sleek production, edgy but fun guitar riffs and layered harmonies from new member Cara Joshi, Fiachra Parslow and Sean O'Dowd bring it all together beautifully. We're excited for NewDad's next stage.

“We’ve always been huge fans of Charli XCX and thought it could be cool to take one of her songs and make our own version," NewDad said. "ILY2 with its distorted synths seemed like it could translate very well as a loud shoegazey song so we tried it out!"

Loraine Club, 'Fugitive'

The Dublin sextet are back with the follow up to 'Romeo', penned about yearning to escape from the monotonous daily work-life. Written and produced by Zac Curtis (aka Prozak), 'Fugitive' is three-and-a-half minutes of pure electro-pop goodness. Inspired by the Pet Shop Boys' collaboration with Dusty Springfield, 'What Have I Done to Deserve This', Loraine Club's latest single modernises the instrumentals and electronics and infuse their own flair with ease. This also marks the first song in which the groovy band went into a studio to record, adding a slick sense of production to their DIY identity.

"When Zac played me the demo, I loved the song immediately," Loraine Club lead singer Jordan Curtis said of the track. "Although I didn't write it, the lyrics and general feel of the song made me feel like I had - as if Zac had written it for each of us in the band. I think that's the best thing about being in a band with your brother and best friends. Sometimes I'm singing a song Zac wrote and I think I actually sound like him."

Winnie Ama, 'Don't Worry'

The Belfast born and raised Northern-Irish-Ghanaian artist has returned with a soulful new single. Infusing jazz with electronics, the down-tempo funk-driven number is dripping with Nina Simone power. Blending conscious lyrics, soulful alternative R&B vocals with dance, house and pop rhythms, Ama's distinctive sound is all about her honey-toned voice that could stop traffic and calm the senses. It's no surprise the musician and poet is inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder and Amy Winehouse. Ama she studied jazz vocals before making her commercial music debut in 2019, and has been climbing up the ranks steadily ever since. Winnie even opened Macy Gray’s Cork show earlier this year.

Winnie Ama by Chris McKenna.

VLLNS, 'Cameo'

Dublin alt-rock quartet have finally released their new four-track EP Inner Circles, featuring previously unheard tracks 'Cameo' and 'You're Late' as well as previous singles 'Michael' and the title track. 'Cameo' is all growling, hard hitting bass and sharp lead guitar paired with steady, charged drums. Droning swells of reverb and chorus still are no match for Liam Boyd's vocals, which pierce through the lo-fi noise. It's got unmistakable flavours of Queens of the Stone Age, Interpol and Cage the Elephant but maintains a unique style. Adding Rob Halford on guitar, Kyle Quinn on bass and Luke Fields on drums; VLLNS' brooding brand of music comes to life with high energy.

Matt Ó, 'Something New'

The Irish R&B artist has released his hotly anticipated debut EP MESSER, following a slew of hypnotic singles. Focus single ‘Something New’ see’s Matt flex his biting wit over a funky, swaying backdrop. The playful offering kicks off with references to 2Pac and Biggie (favourites of a "white guy") and Air Jordans before having a deserved laugh at Justin Timberlake's expense. Effortlessly commercial, tongue-in-cheek and slickly produced, 'Something New' easily embodies the easygoing charm (and jovial self-awareness) of Matt Ó.

“Recorded in Dublin's iconic Windmill Lane Recording Studios, this song's purpose is to embody the concept of being a ’messer’," one half of Tebi Rex tells Hot Press. "It's fun, silly, energetic, and importantly it's meant to put a smile on the listeners' faces, whilst still demonstrating who I am, and what this EP is about. This track embodies the lighter part of the EP. How'd ya like that JT? HUH? IT’S GONNA BE MAAAAY.”

Ali Comerford, 'Cool Girl'

The Kilkenny classically trained violist, violinist and singer-songwriter has shared 'Cool Girl' as "an acknowledgement that it’s time to stop playing along with what’s not good for you and to commit to what’s best for you." An ethereal, gripping vocalist, 'Cool Girl' features enchanting string segments that dip into folk, trad, Americana and pop. Twinkling embellishments elevate the song to new heights. A unique and original mix of classical performance techniques mixed with pop production and melody, gives Ali Comerford a unique space in the Irish music scene.

"Cool Girl is a song about being tired of trying to please people," Ali expands. "I grew up afraid to upset anyone and just wanting everyone to be happy with me but I think the older I get the more comfortable I am with the idea that you’re not going to please everyone, you just have to do your best. The song also looks at lines that are used to placate people when really they are condescending. If someone really thinks they are not worthy of you then maybe they shouldn’t chase after you to begin with."

Ali Comerford. Credit Kevin W Condon.

Niamh McKinney, ‘The Shout’

The burgeoning singer-songwriter has releases an impressive debut single with her husband and musical partner Stephen McKinney today. 'The Shout' is a song about a long-term struggle with anxiety and depression; how one's identity can become entangled with that struggle, and how that toil can have benefits that may not be evident during the most turbulent stage of the storm. Her melodies and lyrics are inspired by the beauty of the rural landscapes of Wicklow, where she grew up and lives still. Armed with a beautiful distinctive voice reminiscent of a young Joni Mitchell and having kept notebooks of poetry since childhood, Niamh finally started writing songs in 2015.

Chósta feat. Jape, ‘That Object Spoke To Me’

The Dublin electronic producer has announced his debut album Twilight Transmission (out on February 17th, 2023 via Midnight Tapes) by teaming up with fellow Irish artist Jape - AKA Richie Egan - on new track 'That Object Spoke To Me'. According to Chósta himself (Conor Kelly), the track stems from his early insecurities making music, when he feared that his lack of playing ability and technical proficiency would prevent him from creating the songs in his head. The uplifting and dream-like single aims to capture the boundless possibility of life when you put your mind to something and find the beauty in the process. Fusing ambient textures with totally unusual electronic choices, it's sonically warm for the cold winter months.

"Eventually, I found sampling and other methods which worked for me, making music in almost collage form," the Donabate producer recalls. "Reading about collage art led me to the cutup technique popularised by William Burroughs and it clarified in my head that there are many different methods of creating. The vocal sample at the beginning of the track is from an interview with Burroughs talking about this style."

modernlove., 'Take Me Far Away'

The Drogheda indie-pop band have been catapulted to success with numerous EP releases and infectiously addictive singles over the last two years, accumulating in a completely sold out UK tour. The first single from their upcoming third EP sees the prolific act lean into a slightly heavier, blistering take on the anthemic indie bangers of the early '00s. Opening with a blast of guitar noise on the far heavier side than usual, the listener is immediately hooked by the time the wonderfully emo-driven vocals come in. "I can't even look at myself, it won't get better/no, it won't get better". 'Take Me Far Away' is like if My Chemical Romance had a meet cute with the 1975.

"The name of the song is a dead giveaway for its subject matter," modernlove. discuss. "It’s about dealing with mental health struggles while also being stuck in the repetitive monotony of small town life. It’s a feeling I think everyone can relate to especially after covid. Every aspect of the song is just us venting our frustrations from the lyrical content to the aggressive distortion of the guitar and bass. Hopefully people can take some comfort in knowing that they are not alone in feeling trapped in their own heads and there is always ways to feel better and escape."

modernlove. by Will Hearle.

Lucy Robinson, 'Reverie'

24-year-old Robinson (formally known as "Nicha") was born and raised in Holywood, Co. Down. In July 2020, Lucy took the scene by storm with her debut single 'Devices', garnering attention from Hot Press. The compelling force in Irish music is back with a new single, penned during the 2020 lockdowns. 'Reverie' is her response to working with a terrible manager who made her feel like she was out of control of her music and like she was merely a passenger on the bus he was driving. Merging influences from cocktail of pop, folk, electronic, hip hop and indie genres, the track begins with down-tempo percussion and a distant saxophone melody.

Lucy's textured vocals are dripping in lovely harmonies as she describes a journey "with no seat belt and the devil next to me": "Reverie" represents escaping the confides of someone or something that’s tying you down and the feeling of euphoria that comes with making a difficult decision that’s good for you," Robinson posits.

Niamh Dunne, 'Hold Your Head Up High'

After Beoga’s six albums, a shortlist for a Grammy and numerous international tours, Niamh Dunne is no stranger to reaching a wider international audience and writing with contemporary acts like Foy Vance, Johnny McDaid and Ed Sheeran. Her new album Tides marks her first solo project in 10 years and her first ever album made up entirely of self penned songs. 'Hold Your Head Up High' opens with delicate guitar strumming and quiet piano chords. The ballad introduces Niamh's voice, layered atop of vocal stacks that emphasise her talent and ability to gently deliver a message through authentic storytelling. The softly empowering single urges you to stand up tall.

The album is in two halves; one based on story songs inspired by traditional Irish songs and the other half based on singer-songwriter style, introspective songs that look at lived experience, feminism, family, history and connection. Both halves are a reflection on her life as a musician, from her traditional roots with Traveller family The Dunne's.

Clare Sands, 'Focail Feasa'

Featuring Bernadette Devlin-McAliskey, the cut is taken from Clare Sands' self-titled debut album, which was released earlier this week. The bilingual musician's distinctive melodies, pulsating rhythms and powerful voice are interwoven with spoken word guest, legendary Tyrone politician and activist Bernadette Devlin-McAliskey. An otherworldly harp drifts in and around Bernadette's words as she declares: "And the revolution, it will come/But it will not be led by the leaders of small left wing sects who are predominantly white and male/when it's coming, it'll be the same as it happened the last time/all those who thought they were leading it will have to run like hell to catch up with the young women." The sixth generation fiddler, singer and multi-instrumentalist really knows how to curate an atmosphere, that's for sure.

Clare Sands, Steve Cooney and Tommy Sands at the RTE Folk Awards 2021. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

HamsandwicH, 'Julian'

Having hosted a vinyl listening party for their new album Magnify last night at the Big Romance, Meath indie band HamsandwicH have shared the focus single for the new project. 'Julian' has elements of Two Door Cinema Club, Tame Impala and Hot Chip, but Niamh Farrell's input makes it an original sound. Using clever, creative electronic instrumentation and synths, it's an up-tempo banger that meshes multiple production techniques, building up in style for a soaring, swirling conclusion. Producer Michael Heffernan has added expertise and flair to their tunes.

"Can I convince you to let us get carried away/You need a place to hide/I'm too eager to keep my stride/I'm trying to get you to fall from the sky," Farrell croons on the album cut. HamsandwicH's previous album Stories From the Surface debuted at No.1 on Ireland’s official album chart (the first time an unsigned Irish act accomplished this feat) and the band have opened for heavyweight international artists such as Arcade Fire and Pixies. Having sold out Dublin’s prestigious 3Olympia Theatre three times, they've played on the main stages at the Electric Picnic and Longitude Festival - plus a performance at the legendary Slane Castle with Bon Jovi. They also supported Mumford & Sons in Phoenix Park.

Actual Acid, 'Half Time'

We're beyond excited for the hip-hop/electronic artist's latest release, via the Hausu label down in Cork. On 'Half Time', featured act Stuntt Mane boasts the "fourth-best flows in Ireland", shouts out vaporwave classic Far Side Virtual and declares himself a "Guineys fits afficionado" over claustrophobic, frenetic production, sampling everything from sirens to a Quentin Tarantino interview. Blending clever, tongue-in-cheek visuals and graphics with hard-hitting beats that ooze powerful basslines; 'Half Time' is an epic offering for Actual Acid to slam down in front of us. It also marks the final single to be taken from the debut album, Boredoms 400 (out October 28th). Four years in the making, the long-form project fuses his earlier psychedelic and electronic output with new fascinations in deep south and Memphis-inspired hip-hop, explored with a distinct Irish accent.

The single's energy is matched by a video that initially rolls repeated footages of Stuntt Mane's failed skate tricks, but by way of a Twin Peaks reference quickly loses all touch with reality. The clip features surreal AI-generated visuals, the pair inserted into the Met Gala, the Real Housewives of Atlanta, RTÉ's Late Late Show, Anthony Fantano's The Needle Drop and more. The video ends on a card declaring "All stunts are dedicated to Pippin Corrigan" (Jack Corrigan's dog). On Boredoms 400, Actual Acid even samples Dundalk shoegaze heroes Just Mustard.

Belters Only, 'Call Me'

Full of warm electronic embellishments and a soulful vocal sample, Belters Only's new single effortlessly blends honey-toned pop melodies with soaring dance beats. The pair, made up of Irish DJ duo Robbie G and Bissett, have been teasing the beat-heavy single since their packed out performance at Electric Picnic. With an undeniably Craig David R&B flair mixed with booming electronics, the hypnotic track is sure to garner yet more millions of streams for the act. The lads were recently seen putting up posters saying, "If you're hung up waiting for a superstar, Belters Only are just a phone call away" with the number +353 1 436 2479. We didn't dial it ourselves, but it's worth seeing what's on the end of the line. The dance pairing have also just sold out their Academy Dublin show on October 30th, so they're clearly in demand for the live circuit following their chart-topping breakout hit 'Make Me Feel Good'.

Offica x D’Banj, 'O Di Dan Dan'

Celebrating 10 years of D’Banj’s evergreen Afrobeats game changer 'Oliver Twist', Drogheda drill star Offica has delivered in style, reconfiguring the original beat into a jumpy party starter. Snippets of the new track are already racking up hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok. D’Banj - the Godfather of Nigerian Afrobeats - took one listen to the demo and was an instant fan, jumping on the track to make it official. Now called 'O Di Dan Dan' (Yoruba for “It’s a must”), the tune comes with a video showing Offica living the high life around the streets of London town, leading dance offs in the West End, and kicking back with Dami from Love Island - the latest convert to Offica’s addictive sound.

The song itself is all about movement, infused with hometown slang and an addictive bass-heavy soundscape. With over 200 million views and streams across his catalogue, Irish act Offica is one of the most successful Nigerian Drill artists in a generation. 'O Di Dan Dan' is being released to time with Nigerian Independence Day, seeing him join the dots between the Afrobeats he grew up on and the Drill sound he’s made his own.

Offica at Longitude 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

ZASKA feat. Melina Malone, 'Just For One Day (edbl remix)'

edbl brings new beats, synthesizsrs, and a lo-fi groove to ZASKA’s neo-soul tune. With over half a million monthly Spotify listeners, edbl has exploded out of the south London neo-soul/contemporary jazz scene. Having grown up in Westport, Co. Mayo, Max Zaska has made a name for himself as a skilled guitarist, songwriter, musical director, and producer best known for his feel-good blend of modern funk, neo-soul, and indie-jazz. edbl's take on 'Just For One Day' makes fine use of Melina Malone's gorgeous, smooth vocals paired with clever choice of synths and beats. It's a whole different flavour for your Friday. Zaska's album launch party will take place on October 30th at the Button Factory, with early bird tickets on sale until October 8th.

April feat. Jimi Somewhere, 'Impossible'

Taken from the Dublin electro-pop sensation's new forthcoming Starlane mixtape, which lands on October 21st, ‘Impossible’ is an otherworldly gem of a track. The single follows previous songs '54321' and 'That Feeling', which will also appear on the project. "I wasn't thinking clearly, you weren't there to save me/I went to every party/you might have made a mistake," April croons before a PinkPantheress-esque warped beat kicks in. For the track, April tapped Norwegian producer and singer-songwriter Benjamin Schandy (Jimi Somewhere). Blending alternative, indie and electro-pop soundscapes, the fusion of their vocals are explosive and tender at once, somehow. Exciting production techniques and dreamy vocal layering make 'Impossible' a banger.

Photo credit: Nicole Busch

Ailsha, 'R.I.P (Dead 2 Me)'

Only her second single of the year following 'Burn', alt-pop musician Ailsha gets revenge on her metaphor-heavy new goth track. "Was it something I said or are you just a softboy?" she queries before a Tim Burton organ melody kicks in. With heaps of melodrama and a distinctive blending of textures, the song sounds like if Lana Del Rey jumped into the Addams Family multiverse. 'R.I.P (Dead 2 Me)' does what it says on the tin, creating a witchy break-up track for someone who ghosted her in the usual manipulative, F**KBOY manner. The Dublin-based, Wicklow-raised composer and singer-songwriter has absorbed influences from traditional Irish, romantic classical, electronic and heavy metal music to forge her own cinematic sound.

Scullion, ‘Time Has Made a Change in Me’

As Lucy O'Toole wrote in today's album review, "Scullion's sound has continued to expand, courageously and sensitively, with the decades, as Sonny Condell, Philip King and Robbie Overson allow themselves to be humbled by the influence of a whole new set of voices and perspectives." New LP Time Has Made A Change In Me finds the band mining fresh, profound meaning from songs penned by The National (‘I Need My Girl’) and Sufjan Stevens (‘No Shade In The Shadow Of The Cross’). Contributions come from the likes of Saint Sister’s Gemma Doherty, Crash Ensemble, Villagers’ Conor O’Brien and Caimin Gilmore. The album's title track and closing number, there's a gradual acceptance of mortality. It's a moving, communal rendition of the American folk song.

Paddy Hanna, 'Nightmares'

Opening with a jangly beat and piano chords; booming instrumentation and textured backing vocals support Paddy Hanna's crystal clear voice as he pierces the listener with hypnotic words. The Dublin singer-songwriter will release his fourth studio album, Imagine I’m Hoping, via Strange Brew on October 21st, 2022. A sunburst of piano and sweet harmonies soar throughout 'Nightmares', ironically. "There's nothing in this world to make you better when you wake I'll tell you so," Hanna croons on the romantic track

“My partner and I often have very troublesome dreams, the kind where you find yourself waking with a scream and a gasp for air. On many of these occasions my partner would be there to offer comfort and assurance that everything was alright, upon reflection I realised this was an achingly romantic notion, that of a frightened soul being comforted by the person they love the most, of love waiting for you at the opposite end of darkness. The song pretty much wrote itself from there,” he explains.

By Alan Healy.

Tommy Keyes, 'Storytime'

The former keyboard player for Sidewinder, a mainstay of the Dublin rock scene in the late 1970s, Keyes wrote many of their most popular songs. Nearly 40 years later, after a career outside music that left no time for gigging, he returns with a stockpile of great songs that defy categorisation. Recorded with some of Ireland’s greatest session musicians, Tommy's music is effortlessly 1970s singer-songwriter, with a lived-in quality to his husky voice. 'Storyline' includes poignant strings and backing vocals, with a twinkling piano chord melody that evokes the feeling of walking home from the pub at Christmas time. The new 16-track album is full of homely gems that comfort the soul. "Let the slumbers come," he croons, with the song ending in a child's laugh. The seventh album from Tommy Keyes is another brilliant collection of melodic, blues-influenced tracks.

Bricknasty, 'Ina Crueler'

With a slate of high-profile support slots under their belt this year (Hiatus Kaiyote, Cordae) scheduled for the coming months, a slot at Ireland Music Week and a schedule performance at the Cork Jazz Festival, Dublin-based hip-hop troupe Bricknasty are rising at a record rate. Their new track 'Ina Crueler' is their first major release of the year, and opens with off-kilter jazz guitars mingled with soft, captivating beats. Brass instrumentation in the background transport the listener to a smoky club before audio samples and clips intersperse throughout the track. "Well you know I'll always be here with you, don't you?" one voice message from a mother figure declares.

Rapidly becoming one of the most talked about live acts in Ireland, Bricknasty emerged from Ballymun at the beginning of 2020 as a lockdown studio project that has developed into a band taking in members from across the country - singer and guitarist Fatboy, drummer Korey Thomas and bassist Dara Abdurahman. The band combine R&B, hip-hop and an anarchic musical approach that stems from singer Fatboy’s roots in the Balbutcher Lane flats and exposure to a range of cultures, from traditional ballads to hip-hop, rave and 90s garage.

F3miii x KhakiKid, 'in my head'

Alternative R&B artist F3miii has grown as a Dublin-based producer and vocalist - known for his melodic voice and vibrant chords. The talented artist debuted his solo career with the release of 'Beautiful' a few years ago on SoundCloud. The tune elevated him to where he is today, inspired by the likes of Pharrell, Kaytranada, King Krule, Bakar and Brent Faiyaz. Teaming up with hip-hop hero KhakiKid, who recently dropped his debut EP Elevator Music, the collaboration is smooth as butter. Both acts are known for joining forces with Bricknasty in their down time. KhakiKid's speed rap and charismatic wordplay is juxtaposed with F3miii's slick, soulful vocals that are wonderfully played with and warped in the production studio. A certified bop.

F3miii.

Pádraig Cooney, 'Tallyrand'

The former member of Land Lovers, Skelocrats, and Autre Monde has shared his off-the-wall alt-pop album Centuries of Learning this week via Strange Brew. He's a complete one-person pop suite, with sunny tune 'Tallyrand' reimagining historical figures as ferrets. He may have been restricted to synths, guitar, and drum machine, but it hasn't limited his ability to create fine tracks. The record was self-produced, recorded at home but mixed by the pros: Fiachra McCarthy and Daniel Fox (Gilla Band) working on roughly half the tracks each. With an unorthodox sense of percussion and a jovial kaleidoscope of different noises clashing together in joyful fashion, the song has an '80s synth-pop air with totally modern production.

“I wrote and recorded the whole thing between October 2020 and early February 2021 in a very intense burst of work," Pádraig Cooney says of the album. "I know that I make good music when I pressure myself to bring something from the flimsiest idea to completion in a day or two, and there's a real thrill in that. There's also a purity in going it completely alone, making no compromises on the songs, doing everything yourself."

DAY_S, 'Therapy'

The Dublin-based solo artist straddles the lines between rock, punk and hip-hop with expertly crafted piano lines and soulful vocals. 'Therapy' starts off in a down-tempo, raw ballad style as the musician confesses his love for a former partner. "I still know you feel the same, but you don't wanna know me," he croons, before an absolutely epic beat drops in. "I'm trying to say the feeling never faded, and I just wish that you would run away with me." The impact builds as the song progresses, adding in grungy guitar lines to build up the electro/pop beat. His method of blending rock noise with heavy hip-hop/dance beats really packs a punch. It's a hard hitting love song that deserves plenty of radio play. DAY_S has already enjoyed a wildly big start to his career with just under 1.5 million streams on debut release 'Last Night' a few years ago.

Laurie Shaw, 'Captain's Log'

The Wirral-born, Cork-based singer-songwriter is all jaunty, nostalgic blues-rock: and we're living for it. 'Captain's Log' is a playful, charming number that's chock full of uplifting guitar riffs and smoky percussion. His unique voice pierces through the brassy instrumentation with colourful lyrics that belt, "Well I spend every morning with the hair of the dog, writing up my captain's log." Having recorded a plethora of albums and EP's, Shaw's output utilises a number of different genres including rock'n'roll, garage rock and folk music. His songs often alluding to teenage misadventures and small town gossip. Shaw's influences include Jake Thackray, Nick Cave, Pulp, Bill Ryder Jones, Graham Coxon, Jonathan Richman, Ty Segall and Scott Walker. Check out his latest album, 2022's If You're So Good Then Why Haven't I Heard of You?.

Laurie Shaw.

bedrooms, 'huffing'

Dublin's finest new DIY dream pop are back with a heady guitar-led new single that bridges Alex G with Codeine. It's their first release since 2021's 'Afterglow', 'in yer pocket' and 'For Today'. A nostalgia-drenched, slowcore song; 'huffing' belongs straight in a teen indie-movie. "Huffing on air, waiting for a breath/nothing to share/just a little test/most of my cells get caught up in the mess." Light string sections and gazed-out guitars bring it to life, with layered vocals delivering the story with an easygoing nature. It's atmospheric and all-encompassing for such a subtle offering. We can't wait to see what 2023 brings for Irish indie-pop kids bedroom.

Weston Loney, 'Emerald Isle'

From Armagh, Loney has already delivered a rake of singles this year: 'Red Diesel', 'Breaking Out', 'Pretty Cold' and 'Do You Know The Way?'. Belting out strong vocals that echo Gary Lightbody, a driving beat and consistent guitar riff offer a Bruce Springsteen edge to the sound. The chorus turns slightly country and Americana, adding more textured vocals and backing percussion. Weston's come a long way since fronting the Northern four-piece Hunkpapa. His solo material is impressing the nation, with 'Emerald Isle' proving a contagious country-rock offering that deserves your attention. You can tell he had U2 on his iPod growing up, we'll say that much.

Ebben Phlö, 'All Nighter'

After releasing two tracks in 2021 to start off their career, 'Reviler' and 'Loose Ends', Cork-based psych pop/rock duo Ebben Phlö (yes, "ebb and flow") are back with 'All Nighter'. The pair began their forway into music by busking on the street, playing bass and drums to make rent. Eventually taking to the studio with their shared love for writing, they started recording and developing their sound. Slamming drums, climbing pads, catchy guitar melodies, and fuzzy bass lines are all a big part of their arsenal. The rock-twinged guitar line is the thread or glue that holds the song together, but the groovy basslines and indie percussion make them almost impossible to classify as an outfit. 'All Nighter' is a huge step up for Ebben Phlö, sonically and production-wise. The near-five minute track winds and twists - we refuse to say ebbs and flows - around multiple genres throughout in fascinating fashion.

Listen to the playlist in full below.