We made it. Another year, another chapter in the ever-expanding story of extraordinary Irish music. At the close of last year’s list, we dared 2024 to rise to the challenge. Twelve months later, this island’s unstoppable scene hasn’t just answered the call – it’s once again shattered expectations. Emerging voices and seasoned icons, bedroom producers and global trailblazers alike have flipped the script, raised the bar and delivered a tapestry of sound as diverse as it is thrilling. In our 2022 round-up, we noted how Irish music seemed to channel the chaos of the world, and that urgency hasn’t let…

In their final Irish show with founding member Geoff Barrow, Beak> delivered career-spanning set at Dublin’s Button Factory that was, in a surprise to absolute nobody, borderline alchemical. Litronix provided equally special support. Photos by Ian Davies.

Since co-founding The Thin Air back in the sands of time (2013) I’ve encountered my fair share of “guitar bands.” You know the type: bands wielding, invariably, at least one guitar and two members. Usually, there are four people, though sometimes there’s three. Historically, it’s just easier to think of these bands as guitar bands because sequestering them into little “indie rock” or “post-punk” boxes benefits no one. Of course, the latter tag continues to prove fortuitous – fiscally, at least – for certain PR companies on the mainland (read: England). Not to mention the ongoing quasi-fetishisation of white Irish…

Gang of Four have announced their first Dublin show in 18 years. The Leeds post-punk greats last played the capital back in 2006, packing out Tripod to underscore their status as one of the UK’s all-time seminal bands. Now, the current iteration of the band – Jon King on vocals, original drummer Hugo Burnham, bassist Gail Greenwood, and current guitarist, David Pajo of Slint, and many other formations – will play the Button Factory on June 26th 2025, courtesy of Foggy Notions and U:MACK. Coming five years after the sad passing of founding guitarist Andy Gill, the show is a…

Ireland’s creative community has long demonstrated extraordinary solidarity with the Palestinian cause, wielding art and music as powerful tools for activism. From protests to fundraisers, artists from all corners of the island have come together to support the struggle. Today, Hunger Is Violence stands as yet another significant contribution to this ongoing solidarity. We’re proud to present a first listen to this striking new compilation from Diet of Worms. Hunger Is Violence features fourteen diverse reinterpretations of Richard Berry’s iconic 1955 R&B track’, Louie Louie,’ with all proceeds going to the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC). This release is a…

Pillow Queens’ return to Dolan’s in Limerick, supported by Laura Duff. Photos by Aoife Moloney

Spiritualized have added a Belfast date to their upcoming tour, performing their seminal 1995 album Pure Phase live in its entirety. The show will take place at The Telegraph Building on 19th March 2024, marking the band’s first Belfast appearance since 2019. It follows their previously announced date at the National Stadium in Dublin on 20th March 2024. Originally credited to “Spiritualized Electric Mainline,” Pure Phase remains a singular work within the band’s catalogue. Expanded personnel on the album included bassist Sean Cook and string arrangements by the Balanescu Quartet. At its beating heart is an unconventional mixing approach, described…

Here’s this week’s very best in new Irish music. Dive into an election special by the inimitable Acid Granny (NB: fuck Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil too), the long-awaited new LP from Hatchet Field, plus fresh tracks from Annie-Dog, Adrian Crowley, Boyfrens and more Acid Granny – Radio Paddy’s 2024 General Election Special Radio Paddy’s 2024 General Election Special by Acid Granny Hatchet Field – Gather Them Home Gather Them Home by Hatchet Field Klark Bent – Extended Play Ninety Eight Extended Play Ninety Eight by Klark Bent Annie-Dog – The Feeling in My Fignertips Adrian Crowley – Measure of…

A rammed hometown headliner from the fast-rising Gurriers, with support from Skinner and Affection to Rent, at Whelan’s. Photos by Seán Kelly