The London-based Galway band have put out their first release since their debut album Madra and the departure of bassist Cara Joshi.
It’s also the first from the band since singer Julie Dawson released the album Bottom Of The Pool, which was produced by Space Dimension Controller.
The four-track EP demonstrates a more urgent take on the band’s dreamy shoegaze alt-rock music, with production handled by the 26-year-old Sam Breathwick, aka Shrink, who is also joining the band live playing lead guitar and synths.
Guitarist Sean O’Dowd says that the songs are “big and bold, but with a light sense and kind of airier.”
The EP was recorded in January at the renowned Decoy Studios, this new record captures the same intensity and focus within a similarly condensed time frame.
First track ‘Entertainer’ is the lead single.
“The song is about entertaining other people’s idea of who you should be,” explains Julie. “I’m only learning now that I just need to shut out the noise and do what makes me feel comfortable.”
It’s a trait present as the title track erupts into a fierce denouement. It’s there as Fiachra’s personal favourite, ‘Puzzle’, lurches into a seasick grunge waltz with lyrics inspired by Norman Mailer’s ‘The Executioner’s Song’. And it’s especially there with the affecting string arrangement on ‘Be Kind’ – something that Sean affirms that they would’ve have previously recreated using synths.
NewDad are already working on album two. “The album will be another step up,” says Julie. “It’s a lot more unapologetic and a lot more self assured”
‘Safe’ EP Track listing:
- Entertainer
- Safe
- Puzzle
- Be Kind
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.
