Best of 2025 | Albums | Guestlists | Irish Albums | Irish songs |
The Dublin alternative folk six-piece band Madra Salach have had a big breakthrough year, that really kicked in when they released their debut single in September. From there, a buzzy show at Ireland Music Week, and a growing reputation will see them release their debut EP It’s a Hell of an Age EP in January.
January also sees the band hit Eurosonic festival, with in-stores that month, and an Irish tour throughout February, and before that a New Year’s Eve show in Whelan’s.
Here are 10 tunes the band loved by four members of the band this year.
Madra Salach are Paul Banks (vocals), Adam Cullen (guitar), Jack Martin (mandolin/tin whistle/synth), Maxime Arnold (harmonium), Dara Duffy (drums) and Jack Lawlor (bass).
Jack Lawlor picks 1 to 3
1.
caroline – two riders down
Sounds like nothing else being released at the moment. The album takes a while to click but once it does it sort of unlocks something different and very stirring.
2.
Cameron Winter – If You Turn Back Now
Hasn’t officially been released yet but from the YouTube recordings alone it’s one of the best written songs I’ve heard in years, maybe full stop. Myself and Paul can’t quite believe it’s real.
3.
Rosalia – Divinize
The album is immaculate, as everybody already knows, but this is the song that grabbed me most on first listen.
Adam Cullen picks 4 and 5
4.
Viagra Boys – Man Made of Meat
Pure attitude. Pure rock’n’roll. Fella’s playing arenas with his beer belly out tattooed head to toe. Well produced and captured the energy perfectly – meat and potatoes punk rock.
5.
The Murder Capital – Words Lost Meaning
A simple and honest love song. So good it hurts just like its subject matter. Songwriting 101, pulls no punches but knocks you out. My 2025 anthem.
Jack Martin picks 6 and 7
6.
Maria Somerville – Stonefly
Even though you can hear the references within the music I think it’s a really unique take on dream pop/shoegaze. Amazing textured hypnotic songwriting.
7.
Caroline – Coldplay cover
I love the use of space in the recording of this. You can hear the rooms. It creates a new layer of intimacy to the song that’s really unique.
Paul Banks picks 8 to 10
8.
Geese – Half Real
This song put me into a rut, writing wise. The lyrics speak in a way that feels effortless but so weighty. I hope I can write like this some day,
9.
Wednesday – Townies
I love their sound, the lyrics in this are so modern, yet nostalgic. There’s a resigned, almost pitiful, attitude towards the subjects of this song that creates such a unique emotional experience while listening.
10.
Lisa O’Neill – The Wind Doesn’t Blow This Far Right
I believe Lisa O’Neill to be one of the finest social commentators of our time. This song is haunting and angry and heart breaking.
Best of 2025 | Albums | Guestlists | Irish Albums | Irish songs |
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
