LIMERICK’S music scene is a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions, and 2024 has delivered some of the most exciting music yet. From searing protest anthems to introspective indie gems, here’s a look at some of our favourite artists and releases that have kept the city buzzing.
You can hear the songs on my Spotify playlist, MusicLimerick – New Music Favourites.
Emma Langford – ‘Boys Will Be Boys (F*ck That)’
Emma Langford continues to push boundaries with this fiery anthem. Inspired by the injustice faced by Limerick woman Natasha O’Brien, the song channels raw anger into a rousing call for accountability. The music video features a collective shout from over 45 locals, adding to the song’s powerful message.
Where to Listen: Bandcamp and streaming.
SWEETS – Self-Titled Debut
Limerick’s indie rockers SWEETS have delivered a stellar debut album blending metal, indie, and grunge. Tracks like ‘All Is Moderate’ bring melodic nostalgia, while songs like ‘Watertown’ grapple with staying true to your beliefs and standing your ground. Their live performances amplify the energy of this extraordinary record.
Where to Listen: Available on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp.
T.A. Narrative – ‘Caught Out’
This disco-infused electro-rock banger merges 2000s nostalgia with T.A. Narrative’s punk roots. The song came about quite fast one evening when Tara and Anna were having a, “handstand competition in Tara’s kitchen”. The song tackles themes of infatuation and societal parallels, creating a perfect summer anthem.
Where to Listen: Streaming now on Bandcamp.
The PVP – ‘Callan’
Debut single from The Personal Vanity Project is a piece of shoegaze heaven with nods to MBV and J Mascis, in other words, all the good stuff.
With its ethereal textures and emotional depth, ‘Callan’ is just one track on an outstanding album.
Where to Listen: Bandcamp
Eamonn Hehir feat. Brendan Markham
Eamonn Hehir’s latest single, ‘A Half-Formed Thing’, delivers a riff-driven punch with Brendan Markham’s vocals and John Steele’s synths/guitar. Eamonn invited Brendan to sing on the recording after the Driven singer heard Eamonns’s band Flag Listeners jam the track at a sound check in Dolans.
Stream, support, and play it LOUD at Bandcamp.
Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets – ‘The Story After They’re Gone’
This moving single blends indie-rock and alt-country, crafting a sound the band dubs “Indie-Twang.” It’s a heartfelt reflection on life’s transient nature, showcasing the band’s ever evolving sound.
Where to Listen: Bandcamp.
Hermitage Green – Connection
Their latest album, ‘Connection’, explores themes of identity and discovery. Standout tracks like ‘Flutes’ bring personal stories to life, set against a backdrop of synth-rock and electronica.
Where to Listen: Available on all platforms.
His Father’s Voice – ‘Black Poison Morning’
This debut album cements His Father’s Voice as one of Limerick’s top post-rock acts. Their shoegaze aesthetic is both transcendent and danceable, creating an unforgettable auditory experience.
Where to Listen: Streaming platforms and local record stores.
Tríona Horan – ‘Love is Love’
A folk-pop gem, this debut single celebrates self-discovery and the freedom of embracing one’s identity. Tríona’s heartfelt storytelling resonates deeply in this uplifting track.
Where to Listen: Streaming platforms.
Post Punk Podge – ‘Keep On Raving In The First World’
This chaotic anthem combines heavy electro beats and sharp social commentary. The title track of Podge’s new album is a call to arms for dancefloors and mosh pits alike.
Where to Listen: Bandcamp.
Live at Record Room – Volume 1 Compilation
Featuring a who’s who of Limerick talent, this vinyl compilation captures the electric atmosphere of Record Room’s free summer gigs. Highlights include tracks from T.A. Narrative, SWEETS, Dylan Flynn, Anna’s Anchor, Post Punk Podge & The Technofippies, and more.
Where to Buy: Available at Record Room and select vinyl stores such as Steamboat Music.
XIII Doors – ‘Face The Truth’
Limerick/Clare rockers XIII Doors hit the top spot on the iTunes Rock/Metal charts with their powerful single ‘Face The Truth’. Known for energetic live performances, including a memorable debut at the Siege of Limerick in Dolans, XIII Doors delivers a hard-hitting tirade against political tyranny.
Expect to hear more of their raw, unapologetic sound in 2025. Listen on streaming sites and Bandcamp.
Tony Monahan: Ambient Reflections in ‘Awaken’
Tony Monahan’s solo debut Awaken offers a tranquil, introspective journey. Known for his work with Protobaby and Pity Of The Sea, Monahan’s ambient compositions are inspired by the subtle sounds of everyday life and nature. A graduate of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, Tony’s album is perfectly suited to use as a form of meditation, to get lost in, to ground and re-connect. He commented, “I hope ‘Awaken’ gives the listener a sense of calm but also a sense of mystery and wonder.”
Download at Bandcamp.
Van Panther:
‘Fire Out At Sea’
Van Panther’s single, Fire Out At Sea, is a slacker grunge-infused gem with a shoegaze edge. The track, part of their forthcoming album, conveys the existential vastness of human consciousness. Frontman Kieran Ralph calls it a “rip-roaring ballad,” and it lives up to the description, offering a layered, evocative soundscape.
Listen: Bandcamp.
Benjamin Boone Confluence Band
Jazz composer Benjamin Boone’s Confluence album is a remarkable fusion of Irish and jazz influences. With tracks like ‘The Clash of the Ash’ and ‘On the Banks of the Shannon’, the album reflects Boone’s connection to Limerick’s cultural landscape. Featuring standout contributions from local luminaries Joe O’Callaghan, John Daly, Dan Bodwell, and JaYne, the project is a testament to Boone’s ability to blend intellect and emotion seamlessly.
Listen: Bandcamp.
Shirley Callaghan – ‘Our Leaders are Sleeping’
Singer/songwriter Shirley Callaghan’s powerful single, Our Leaders are Sleeping, highlights the importance of speaking out against injustice, genocide, and cruelty. Inspired by the Ukraine conflict, Shirley questions why solutions for one country aren’t applied elsewhere. Produced by Betta Music, Yvonne J Ridgeway, Miles Richards Young, and Shirley
Streaming at Bandcamp.
The Low Field
The Low Field, featuring members of Bleeding Heart Pigeons, Casavettes, and Deadbog, blend slowcore with experimental rock. Their single Gather, from their debut album reflects raw live-recorded instrumentation and emotive lyricism. Written during the pandemic in Mayo, Diarmuid O’Shea recalls holding onto life’s moments—both good and bad. Produced by Mícheál Keating.
Listen: Bandcamp
