NewDad | I'm back at the 'Altar'
- Chuck
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
NewDad from Galway featured in one of the early GroovyChuck.com posts back in 2021 (read it here). I had discovered their Waves EP and I was blown away by the enchanting, soothing quality of it. I knew straight away that this was a band that had an international appeal. They were clearly going places. I referred to the voice of Julie Dawson as hypnotic and that hearing her sing was like a lullaby for your soul. My thoughts have not changed on this great band. It's been fascinating to watch their journey to their brilliant debut album Madra and EP releases in between. I also had the pleasure of seeing them live before Madra broke and can testify that their live sound retains the mystical magical spell that their studio sound captures. They are a fantastic live band and carry a great vibrant energy with them.
NewDad have just dropped their new album, Altar. I'm loving it so far and I think it's a really good evolution of their sound. The music, once gentle and soothing in the Waves days, is now bolder, darker, more confident and progressive. What once was the soundtrack to a picnic on a sunny day has developed a menacing groove. The new track Roobosh is a prime example. It's my favourite NewDad song to date and has an awesome rhythm throughout. It's like what you'd imagine would be playing at a ghoulish Halloween party. I absolutely love this song. The lyrics are fitting to the musical landscape with words like:
"I know I am not an angel. Twisted but can't admit it, 'cause it's too shameful. I know I might be the devil. Take hurting you to another level."
showcase the more menacing direction I've mentioned and if you're in doubt, how about this deep one...
"It's like we've both died. Like we buried ourselves in the ground to pass the time."
One thing that hasn’t changed with NewDad is that their lyrics often lean toward the darker side of life. They remind us life isn’t always rosy or perfect — and music needs that. We need that. I definitely do! What I love about this band is that they resonate with my own personal demons on the lyrical front but their music is always uplifting. It's a really cool combination. I'm sure everyone has their own personal experience but that's mine. I think we all know life can be a struggle but sometimes it's harder when you're surrounded by social media perfect lives. I love that NewDad are real.
While Roobosh is the standout track for me, my other favourites on Altar are 'Puzzle', 'Entertainer', 'Vertigo' and the beautifully Cure-esque 'Pretty' which has the most uplifting chorus. It's like the sun is breaking out on a rainy miserable day and it warms me.
I love how NewDad make me feel. Go check out their new album, Altar.
I honesty think that NewDad could be as big as any band to come out of Ireland.
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