CLIFFORDS

Seeing Cliffords play live in Dublin Castle was one of our highlights of last year. Their chemistry on stage is undeniable, and their talent deserves every bit of the praise they’re already receiving. Today, we’re here to add a little more to that chorus.

What began as a group of friends swapping instruments in garages has quickly grown into one of Ireland’s most compelling new acts and one that’s already making noise well beyond their hometown, Cork.

Fronted by the unmistakable presence of Iona Lynch, Cliffords make indie rock that feels both intimate and explosive. There’s a tension running through their music: soft moments that suddenly fracture, vulnerability that turns sharp when it needs to. It’s the sound of a band unafraid to sit with feeling, even when it gets uncomfortable.

It feels almost impossible to comprehend that the band only released their debut song, followed by their debut EP Strawberry Scented, in 2024. There’s a confidence running through the EP that most bands spend years chasing – it’s tight, considered, and emotionally self-assured in a way that feels rare for such an early release. Nothing feels rushed, nothing feels like filler.

While Strawberry Scented as a whole is deeply impressive, the real standout for me was Bittersweet. Released in 2025 the track feels like a turning point for a band that already knew who they were. But now the sound is less “promising new band” but rather established and knocking the door down. Bittersweet captures what Cliffords do best: balancing tenderness with tension, restraint with release. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t beg for attention, but earns it naturally.

From their early releases, Cliffords showed a knack for writing songs that linger. There’s a rawness to their lyricism, paired with melodies that feel instinctive rather than overworked. Guitars swell and pull back, rhythms lock in tight, and Iona’s vocals remain front and centre, impossible to ignore. Their music channels a lineage of influential indie sounds – from the confessional resonance of The Cranberries to the textured urgency of Wolf Alice – but always with a distinctly personal twist. As their sound has developed, so has their confidence. Recent tracks lean further into grit, letting the band’s rock instincts breathe while still holding onto emotional depth. Cliffords are figuring out exactly how big they want their songs to feel, and they’re not afraid to take up space.

As mentioned before, live, that confidence translates effortlessly. Cliffords don’t perform at an audience; they really pull you in. There’s a sense of connection that runs through their shows, the kind that makes a room feel smaller, louder, and more alive all at once. Whether on a packed Dublin stage or further afield, they carry themselves like a band who believe in what they’re doing.

If you’re drawn to indie rock with heart, tension, and a bit of bite – Cliffords deserve your attention.
They’re one of our Cherry Picks, and we’re excited to see where they go next.