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).

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Paul Banks
Taurus
Dublin

How 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

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Monday Mixtape: Paul Banks of Madra Salach