Dublin band Madra Salach, whose name translates to 'dirty dog' in Irish, are bringing a snarling, feral energy to the country's folk revival. Their sound blends the eerie drones of Lankum with the raw force of frontman Paul Banks's Liam Gallagher-esque growl, creating a beguiling evolution of the genre.
Their debut EP, It's a Hell of an Age, released in January, showcases their mastery of building tension, with tracks that rise from quiet ascents to explosive crescendos. Original songs like 'Blue & Gold' sit seamlessly alongside covers of traditional Irish ballads such as 'Spancil Hill', highlighting the band's ability to fuse old and new.
Unreleased live tracks hint at a more punkish direction, adding antagonism and pace to the mournful balladry of the EP. Madra Salach are set to play festivals this summer and tour the UK in autumn.
Other notable new releases include Yu Su's ambient-tinged 'Cul de Sac', Loathe's metalcore return with 'Revenant', and Hekt's sentimental trance track 'Forever' featuring Smerz. Jura's 'You Make a Fire, You Make a Camp' splices voices from the Danish scene, while Citizen offer brawny emo on 'Highs and Lows'. UK MC Ceebo confronts industry indifference on 'Parable of a Skinnyman', and trombonist Kalia Vandever releases the contemplative 'Hubbard Road'.
