Galway’s NewDad launched themselves onto the scene at the start of 2024 with ‘Madra’, a debut that displayed an infectious blend of shoegaze, indie-pop and indie rock. They now return barely 18 months later with their sophomore record, ‘Altar’, which underlines their status as one of Ireland’s fastest-rising bands and shows real progression from their debut.
The album was preceded by the EP ‘Safe II’, containing the song Puzzle, which also appears here. It offered the first taste of what ‘Altar’ might offer — it’s more expansive than the material on ‘Madra’, while Julie Dawson’s vocals continue to impress.
The band have been on the road for much of the time since the arrival of their first record, winning a legion of fans, including The Cure’s Robert Smith, one of their main influences.
Pretty takes that and runs with it and, while the grooves may be upbeat, there is a lingering darkness within the lyrics. This is a glimpse at a more pop side to their sound and it's something that they adapt well to.
Roboosh has plenty of oomph to it from the fuzzy guitar and bass opening. It showcases a more punk attitude and swagger and Dawson answers the challenge with a fine vocal. Full of angst and energy, it’s a real highlight. Misery continues in a similar vein, taking its title’s lead lyrically while playing with more of an up-tempo sonic palette.
‘Altar’ is another winner for NewDad, showing how far they’ve come in a short space of time. They’ve added significantly to their sound, exploring some unexpected areas, mixing up the sounds behind their early work with elements of pop and post-punk. It’s a highly accomplished follow-up that cements them as an act to keep an eye on.
Newdad Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Thu September 25 2025 - KINGSTON UPON THAMES St John's Church
Sat September 27 2025 - BRIGHTON AND HOVE Resident - Brighton
Sat October 18 2025 - MANCHESTER Academy 2
Sun October 19 2025 - SHEFFIELD Foundry
Mon October 20 2025 - GLASGOW SWG3 TV Studio
Wed October 22 2025 - BRISTOL Electric Bristol
Thu October 23 2025 - CARDIFF Tramshed
Fri October 24 2025 - BIRMINGHAM XOYO
Sun October 26 2025 - BRIGHTON Chalk
Tue October 28 2025 - LONDON O2 Forum
Fri October 31 2025 - DUBLIN 3Olympia Theatre
Sat November 01 2025 - CORK Cyprus Avenue
Sun November 02 2025 - GALWAY Leisureland
Tue November 04 2025 - BELFAST Mandela Hall
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