Monday Mixtape is another path towards music discovery, featuring people whose taste I admire answering a series of questions and prompts with songs (which might change from time to time).
Man I am SO into Madra Salach. This video of them performing their song “The Man Who Seeks Pleasure” in London earlier this year makes me cry every time I watch it. It’s eight minutes of holy shit. Eight minutes of fuck me up. Eight minutes of un-compartmentalization, for some of us (me).
What started as a trad trio playing pubs on Dublin’s Northside has grown into a killer six-piece and are now definitely one of the most talked-about new bands in Ireland this year. Their debut EP, It’s a Hell of an Age, came out in January and it’s so good.
The band, fronted by Paul Banks (no, not that one), plays a unique, contemporary take on Irish folk music, played with mandolin, whistle, and harmonium, but delivered with a slightly serrated edge. Their new single, “Ribbon Factory” is a fucking chune man. Give it a listen:
Madra Salach’s debut album Gorta, Irish for “hunger,” is out January 15 on Island. I’ve heard it and it’s excellent - I think a lot of people will be talking about this band in 2027. (Also this post is a little teaser for this week’s Bandsplain episode which is about the best music coming out of Ireland right now, with a very special Irish guest).
Paul Banks
Taurus
DublinHow do you find/discover music?
Through friends mostly
What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?
“Stars” by Hum (ed note: hell yeah brother)
What song have you listened to more than once this past week?
“It All Fell in the River” by Cameron Winter
What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?
“Information Content” by Horsegirl
What is a song that reminds you of home?
“Old Note” by Lisa O’Neill
A song off your workout playlist:
“Birds” by Turnstile
What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
Song you associate with being 13 years old:
“Cancer” by My Chemical Romance
What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?
“Letters” by @
What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?
“I Want to Feel Pretty” by Greg Mendez (ed note: are we the same person or)
What song do you use to renew your spirit?
“Lust for Life by Iggy Pop
Recently booked a ticket to see them early next year. Can’t wait.
Madra Salach foreverrr yessss!