Editorial TeamThis month’s selection moves between introspection and celebration, between familiar favourites and exciting new discoveries. Long-awaited returns from Syd Matters, Arab Strap and Ezra Collective sit alongside emerging voices such as Shark School, Sylvie’s Head and YINYANG, while Irish artists continue to prove that the local scene remains one of the most vibrant around.
From folk ballads and jazz grooves to post-punk urgency, garage rock energy and experimental collaborations, these are the songs that kept finding their way back onto our speakers over the past few weeks. As always, the aim is simple: shine a light on music that deserves to be heard.
“5AM”, by Shark School
Shark School is a trio from Galway that recently popped up on my feed as they prepare to release their debut album Selachimorpha on 26 June. As they put it themselves: “If Wet Leg and Nirvana had a child and raised it with Catholic guilt, that would be these gals.” It is everything I like: loud, punky, gritty, and packed with the electrifying energy of a great all-female punk band. Their latest single, “5AM”, trades some of the band’s usual ferocity for a darker, slow-burning atmosphere, with noir undertones that have me curious to hear the full album.
“Pure Control”, by Sylvie’s Head
When I first saw their album cover, I thought I had stumbled across a forgotten gem from the early ’90s. The music only reinforced that feeling. But Sylvie’s Head are very much a contemporary band, having formed in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2024. Their sound blends baggy grooves, psychedelic guitars and dancefloor energy in a way that recalls the glory days of Madchester, somewhere between The Stone Roses, Primal Scream and the more adventurous side of Britpop.
“Many Years In The Making”, by Syd Matters
“Many Years In The Making” wears its title well. Sixteen years after his last album, Syd Matters finally returns with the first single from his long-awaited new record. The song is a warm and beautiful ballad that reconnects listeners with Jonathan Morali’s mesmerising voice and shimmering lo-fi textures. Over dreamy melodies and soothing vocal harmonies, the lyrics reflect on the passing of time and all that comes with it: hurt, loss, perseverance and heartbreak. Yet through it all, he still sings. And after all these years, we are more than ready to listen.
“Living The Dreams”, by Howlin’ Jaws
French trio Howlin’ Jaws return with “Living The Dreams”, the latest preview of their upcoming album due later this year. The band have built a reputation for sun-soaked garage and psychedelic rock that feels like it could have been pulled straight from the Nuggets era, full of raw energy and immediate hooks. This new single leans slightly more modern than their earlier work, without losing that retro charm. Built around an irresistible guitar riff and bright vocal harmonies, it carries a sense of classic indie rock uplift. There’s a clear nod to bands like Supergrass and the more melodic side of Foo Fighters, while still keeping that garage-psych looseness intact. It’s simple, joyful, and easy to get swept up in.
“Awaken The Insects”, by Hannah Peel & Beibei Wang
Northern Irish composer Hannah Peel and Chinese percussionist Beibei Wang join forces on The Endless Dance, a collaborative album inspired by the rhythms of nature and the changing seasons. “Awaken The Insects” is one of its most intriguing moments, blending traditional percussion with electronic textures and immersive soundscapes. The chemistry between the two artists is nothing short of magical, making for a captivating piece that lingers long after it ends.
“Only Love”, by Ezra Collective ft. Pa Salieu
Ezra Collective return with “Only Love”, the first single from their upcoming album Here Because of Hope. Joined by Pa Salieu, the London collective once again blur the boundaries between jazz, hip-hop and global rhythms, creating something that feels both adventurous and instantly accessible. Built on infectious grooves, warm horns and fluid instrumentation, the track radiates positivity. Pa Salieu’s effortless flow slips naturally into the band’s organic sound, while the rich musical backdrop gives the song a bright, sun-soaked energy. It is a joyful and uplifting collaboration that captures everything that makes Ezra Collective such a unique force in contemporary music.
“P Stands For Paddy”, by Absolute Lilt
Absolute Lilt is a new project from Lisa Canny and Niamh Hinchy, both also part of BIIRD. They first made waves online a few years ago and recently appeared on the Kneecap movie soundtrack with “Ash Plant”. Now signed to Heavenly Recordings, they return with their debut single “P Stands For Paddy”. The track is taken from their upcoming 7-track Criostal EP, due 31 July. It draws on Irish lilting traditions, reframed through a modern and playful lens. “P Stands For Paddy” is swirling and hypnotic, built around the chemistry of two tightly woven voices. It feels both rooted in tradition and completely contemporary at the same time.
“Peepshow”, by Conor Miley
Wexford-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Conor Miley first came to wider attention with his 2023 debut album Thousand Yard Stare. It was a thoughtful blend of folk, indie and atmospheric songwriting that earned praise from both Irish and international media. With “Peepshow”, Miley embraces a more direct, performance-led approach. The track is built around a simple, stomping bass line. It unfolds gradually through vivid storytelling, muted guitar strums and intermittent wailing notes. These elements steadily raise the tension. Rather than rushing to a climax, Miley lets the arrangement breathe. Each part builds naturally until the song finally soars. It is a compelling slow burn that rewards patience and leaves a lasting impression.
“THE FIRE”, by De Staat
Dutch art-rock band De Staat return with “THE FIRE”, the second single from their upcoming self-titled album DE STAAT, due 18 September. It follows “THE KING” and marks their first new material since a two-year hiatus. Built on a propulsive, confrontational energy, “THE FIRE” captures the band at their most urgent. Musically, it drives forward with tension and intensity, reinforcing De Staat’s reputation for sharp, conceptual art rock with a dystopian edge.
“Think About It”, by YINYANG
Belfast-based artist YINYANG has been gathering serious momentum over the past year, emerging from Northern Ireland’s underground scene. A couple of months ago, we already featured “Dumped Me In The Smoking Area” from her previous EP, and she returns here with “Think About It”. Blending hip-hop, punk attitude and dark electronic textures, “Think About It” is bold, confrontational and empowering, driven by pulsating beats. There’s a raw energy running through the track that makes it impossible to ignore, while YINYANG’s distinctive voice ensures it leaves a lasting impression.
“Nobody’s Coming To Save You”, by Gurriers
Dublin post-punk outfit Gurriers return with the title track from their upcoming second album, Nobody’s Coming To Save You, due in September. Opening with a pulsating bassline and a sense of looming tension, the song builds steadily in intensity before erupting into a wall of gritty guitars and urgency. It captures everything that makes Gurriers such a compelling band. There is frustration and disillusionment at its core, but also a sense of purpose. As the band put it: “It’s a song that feels hopeless on its first listen, but if you look at it more deeply it’s a call to action.”
“You You You”, by Arab Strap
Nearly thirty years after their debut single, Arab Strap return with “You You You”, the first taste of their upcoming album Half-Told Tales. While the duo remain unmistakably themselves, the new track pushes their sound into fresh territory. Built around electronic textures, a stomping bassline and gritty guitar lines, “You You You” has the hypnotic pulse of a post-punk track while remaining surprisingly melodic. As infectious as it is thought-provoking, it is an intriguing preview of what is to come from Half-Told Tales.
“Sorrow”, by ALKY
ALKY’s “Sorrow” is a tender, slow-burning ballad from the Dublin indie artist. It blends folk guitar, subtle synths and strings into a soft, cinematic backdrop that lets the emotion sit right at the surface. It’s a deeply personal track about vulnerability and loss, but it never tips into excess. Instead, it stays restrained and quietly hopeful, carried by a simple but affecting arrangement.
“Hit Single”, by Jayne Pomplas
Dublin-based fiddle player, vocalist and composer Jayne Pomplas returns with “Hit Single”. The track is a playful and sharply observed folk song about the music industry’s constant search for the next big thing. It is built around guitar, banjo, fiddle and light percussion. The arrangement has a warm, sunlit feel rooted in traditional folk. Lyrically, it mixes humour with reflection, exploring ideas of success and visibility in modern music culture.
“Living With Lucy”, by Christian Cohle
Christian Cohle returns with “Living With Lucy”, the first single from his upcoming fourth album Queen of Ashes, due in October. Built on shimmering synths, driving rhythms and an infectious melodic hook, the track channels the spirit of classic new wave while sounding thoroughly modern. There is a warm, summery glow running through the song, but also a lingering sense of longing beneath the surface. The contrast works beautifully. Euphoric and wistful in equal measure, “Living With Lucy” feels tailor-made for late-evening drives with the windows down.
“Funeral Flower”, by Harry Fennell
Dublin-born, Galway-based songwriter Harry Fennell returns with “Funeral Flower”, a beautiful and poignant folk ballad that highlights his gift for heartfelt storytelling. Built around acoustic guitar and Fennell’s rich, expressive voice, the song gradually unfolds with subtle strings and delicate instrumental flourishes that deepen its emotional pull. There is a quiet sadness at the heart of “Funeral Flower”, but also warmth and tenderness. Reflecting on loneliness and the lingering hope that follows a separation, it is a deeply affecting track that lingers long after the final note has faded.
“Roimh”, by BRIARS
Cork indie-folk outfit BRIARS return with “Roimh”, a stirring new single that showcases the band’s ability to blend contemporary folk with Irish traditional influences. Built around a rich arrangement of fiddle, accordion, bouzouki and driving rhythms, the track gradually expands into something uplifting and euphoric. Named after the Irish word for “before”, “Roimh” reflects on perseverance and the value of the journey itself. There is an infectious sense of momentum running through the song, carried by the band’s six-piece chemistry and a warm, communal energy. It is a track that feels equally at home on a festival stage or around a late-night session.
“Wildflowers”, by Seán Feeny
Donegal singer-songwriter Seán Feeny returns with “Wildflowers”, a reflective new single from his debut album Galactic Tides. It follows a recent video premiere we featured on The Hidden Track, continuing his run of intimate, atmospheric releases. “Wildflowers” is a soft, acoustic-led track built around understated production and a gentle, contemplative mood. It focuses on fleeting connections and the people who pass through our lives but linger long after they’re gone.
“Wings of a Butterfly”, by Sesame Girl
Australian indie outfit Sesame Girl releases “Wings of a Butterfly”, a gentle and dreamy ballad built around a memorable guitar riff and a warm, melodic atmosphere. The track unfolds at an unhurried pace, with sliding guitars and subtle bluesy touches giving it a quietly timeless feel. Lyrically, it explores the desire for reassurance in a relationship, questioning whether words alone are enough. There is a tenderness running through the song, but also a quiet strength. Delicate and understated, “Wings of a Butterfly” leaves its mark through mood rather than grand gestures.
