The Goo's IMW Top 10

Annie-Dog

The DnB influenced indie pop artist Annie-Dog skillfully maneuvers through influences like Alex G and PinkPantheress with a playful self assuredness that echoes through her tracks. The self-titled debut EP (July 2024) packs a quiet honesty that evokes quaking revelations and personifies tears on the dance floor. 

Shark School

Shark School exploded onto the scene with their debut single ‘411’ in February that summons a gorgeous nod to indie sleaze and the dry wit of britpop. Since then the Galway three piece have stomped their way to the forefront of the gig scene with a casual wink and a tongue in cheek. Following their Femme Fest takeover of the Róisín Dubh, and a successful festival run this summer Shark School have set themselves up for incredible things. Essential for a girls to the front mentality.

I Dreamed I Dream

I Dreamed I Dream have a sound that is impossible to place, the self-proclaimed “no-punk bitch-wave” genre-defying five-piece swagger through a hotchpotch of influence, blending noise, traditional Irish sean nós, and riot grrl sentiments seamlessly through their tracks, and captivate all who listen. Upon releasing their debut EP ‘Why Say a Lot?’ In October 2023, IDID returned to the studio as of July 2024 and I cannot wait to hear what is next.

The Fae

Making their triumphant return to gigging following the successful liver transplant of bassist Emma Hempton, The Fae are back to lure you into pulsating sonic dreamscapes. Following from their dream-pop debut ‘Bloodrush’ (2023) the latest single ‘So You Said’, released through the Scruff of the Neck singles club this August, is a faerie power-pop ballad with goth rock modalities that marks a quasi rebirth of the band.

Holly Munro

In her second year playing IMW Holly Munro is a wealth of potential, curating beautiful introspective folk-inspired pop. Succeeding her 2023 EP ‘Up Against Your Nature’ with 2024’s ‘A Crescendo Ending’ Holly showcases her ever evolving quest for authenticity that feels like a breath of fresh air. Mandatory listening for the girl who is going to be okay.

Ahmed, with love. 

Ahmed, with love. is barrelling through the gig circuit with a shining originality that manifests as “sillywave advocacy” and artistic legitimacy. The Dublin based rapper is gearing up to release his first mixtape ‘Comma, Fullstop.’ on October 11th following his IMW set and is currently planning a sequel to the award-winning “Clash at the Quays” music and wrestling event.

Bucket

The three piece noise outfit Bucket emerged in 2021 with debut album ‘The Big Sin’, only to follow with two single releases, 2023 release ‘Who Knows?’ and the latest release ‘Budgie’ in March. Bucket embodies bubbling rage and teeth gritting catarsis that beckons you to a mosh pit like a siren at sea. Drown in Bucket at IMW. 

Daire Heffernan

Beautiful and haunting, Daire Heffernan brews the fragility of Sufjan Stevens invoking soundscapes with gorgeous harmonies to conjure tracks that will catch you at the back of your throat. The Dublin born Belfast based artist has captivated us with sophomore EP ‘The Wolf Called Desire’ and we eagerly await her IMW set.  

Dose

New dream pop band featuring the considerable talents of ex Bitch Falcon front woman Lizzie Fitzpatrick. The four piece all female band are already appearing on Festival line ups so this dose is here to stay. 

Affection To Rent

Fronted by the towering Abbey Addenbroke-Sheriff Affection to Rent deliver a wonderful cacophony of Goth inspired Grunge that is impossible to ignore. The band understands song dynamics implicitly and Abbey is a star in waiting.