NewDad are an alternative indie rock band from the West Coast of Ireland. After forming in secondary school for a music project, they spent years playing in bassist Áindles front room trying to hone their sound before it was ready for release. They soon picked up recognition from BBC6 Music, where they are now regulars, and Spotify playlists, gaining them lots of traction since their first self release ‘How’. On 26th March 2021, NewDad released their debut EP ‘Waves’. 

Opening with the grand and mighty ‘Drown’, the song is oddly feel-good despite obvious desolate undertones and minor sounds. With an introduction to die for, the explosion of noise is an exciting start to this EP. The lyrics are enticing and cleverly written, not to mention the beautifully dreamy vocals that deliver them. The verses are driven by the grumbling bass line while choruses offer a sense of relief due to the accumulation of magical sounds. 

‘I Don’t Recognise You’ has a hearty sound that grasps my attention. Like before, the subtle verses are fuelled by the distinctive guitar and bass lines as the vocals shine through. Everything is laid on the table during the eruptive chorus. Simplistic instrumentation takes centre stage amongst the airy and fresh vocals, providing the ultimate variation of chime. 

Finally, we are slapped by ‘Slowly’ and its fusion of noughties pop and more current, post punk influences. I love the harshness of the drumming that draws us away from the softer sides of this song. The distant dissonant guitar is a small but rousing addition to the usual indie tones. 

‘Blue’ is another favourite of mine, drawing parallels with the sadness of ‘Drown’ while still being such a groovy song. Each instrument goes on its own musical journey, yet, they work perfectly as one. The lyrics are truly heartbreaking allowing them to stand out on the EP. The repeating riffs are extremely catchy, particularly during the almost unpredictable chorus. 

Once we reach ‘Hide’, it’s clear that this EP is one huge hazy compilation of indie-rock realness. The continual theme of lighter verses and livelier choruses occurs once again as they jump between one another. The mellowness of this song is completely contradicted by moments of alleviating power and expression that sound similar to the likes of Wolf Alice. I certainly enjoyed this beaming blare given the previous doom and gloom of other songs on the EP. 

‘Waves’ is the final and title track, perfectly displaying the feeling I get when I listen to these songs - calm but anticipating something great. Something about this song is exceptionally emotive. It feels nostalgic, like you are longing for the past. Despite being one of the longest songs on the EP, the many highs and lows promise you won’t lose interest. The final minute or so is simply breath-taking as everything comes together on top of wavelike synths. I could listen to it for days! 

Review by Martha Greer

Catch NewDad on tour later in 2021.