Notes from the North: Cliffords, Pebbledash, God Alone., Cardinals

The algorithm – and listening to 2XM – has sent a few hometown bands my way recently, so I think I’d highlight a a handful that struck a chord with me. There’s a lot going on there right now!

Will I get told off for calling it Cork Wave? Probably. None of these acts sound alike, but they do have that very Cork thing of making music for themselves, and if others don’t get it, then…

Cliffords – R&H Hall (Acoustic)

Cliffords are a fast-rising quartet, and this take on R&H Hall from their Salt Of The Lee EP shows why. Even in its acoustic form, thanks to four electrifying performances, filigrees of folk pierce its indie veil gently. Iona Lynch is a star in the making, and her bandmates are so achingly talented you’ll desperately want this quartet to succeed. They’ve been compared to Wolf Alice and The Cranberries, but Cliffords are something different, something new.

Pebbledash – Tiles & Moss

It’s noticeable how Cork wave bands sound so different from the post-punk behemoths Dublin produces on a seemingly monthly basis. Tiles & Moss is from To Cast The Sea In Concrete, the sophomore EP from Pebbledash, and is a woozy, reverb-heavy hum of shoegaze and lo-fi rock. MBV and Ride may be a launching point for the band’s sound, but it goes off in a darker, warmer direction, one fans of 90s rock will love.

God Alone. – The Beep Test

The title and opening track of the new God Alone. album is one of those ‘WTF?’ moments that you just love to hear. I don’t think this band is concerned about whether other people like their music, but it really deserves to be heard. Is it mathcore, screamo, improv, noise rock, or a mix of all those genres? Who knows, and once you listen to the album, you won’t care. 

Cardinals – Masquerade

2026 will see the release of Cardinals’ debut album, and the title track is indie rock with a vulnerable and folkish side. It put me in mind of Neil Young, but more in tune with his Trans and Reactor era than his better-received albums, (this is a very Cork thing, trust me) in terms of song structure. It’s rock music, though: heartfelt, and a bit broken, and quietly epic.