Bannered Mare formed in 2018 from the ashes of a previous outfit, Race the Flux, and borne out of a time mired by personal struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. The band became a vehicle for founding member Joe Padfield (lead vocals/guitar) to explore the complex emotions around these issues and in doing so transmute negatives into a positive. Following a number of early EPs the band have returned, releasing singles ‘Synapses’, ‘Liminal Space’ and ‘Pet Particular’ in 2024, the former premiering on Amplify with Ailsha on RTE2XM. Following an Irish tour in February 2025 the band are now releasing new single ‘Hip Shot’. On ‘Hip Shot’ the band explore a darker, more tense sound than on previous efforts, living in the uneasy space before things release. The three guitarists weave a sonic tapestry amongst each other, providing multiple melodic hooks that give way to euphoric vocal harmonies all propelled forward by insistent drums and pulsing bass.
At the heart of Bannered Mare's sound is their undeniable chemistry and camaraderie as a band. Completed by Alan Kilcullen (drums/vocals), Paul Higgins (guitar/vocals), Derek Ellard (guitar/vocals) and Kyle Dee (bass/vocals). The band describe their music as ‘A reflection of the human experience, full of passion, emotion, and energy’. This is none more evident than on new single ‘Hip Shot’.
The writing process for the track started from what Joe describes as a ‘late night confession’. Lying in bed unable to sleep with a jangly guitar line playing endlessly in his head, he eventually relented and got up at 3am to record the music. One riff led to another and by sunrise Joe had penned the core of the song.
There is an inherent tension to ‘Hip Shot’ from the outset. As twin guitars play intricate complementary patterns that feel like a conversation, with each filling the space in the others melody. Euphoric vocal harmonies offer respite from the building tension, as the bass seems to offer a way through the darkness and Joe intones ‘the cats are screaming like an abattoir’. The band eschew a verse, chorus, verse structure in favour of taking the listener on a journey through various musical movements and motifs, offering numerous horizons as we build towards the neck snapping riff at the end. Lyrically, the track details the frustration of hitting walls in your personal life, in relationships, and within yourself. A reflection on the internal tug-of-war between wanting to connect and feeling completely isolated. There is a yearning imbued in the song, along with a quiet desperation to belong somewhere, to someone, to something.
‘Hip Shot’ and all previous singles were recorded and mixed by the band. Fully adopting a DIY approach to the process. The band set about sound proofing a steel garage where they would record drums during a three-day heatwave. Filling a daughter’s bedroom with various cabs, heads and combos and invading parent’s large sitting rooms to record vocals. Recorded and mixed by Joe the project becomes all the more personal.
Bannered Mare continue to carve out their own niche. Their ability to harness three guitars to blend complex melodic ideas and euphoric harmonies is the bands special alchemy. Somehow making it feel entirely accessible with hook after hook. Sonic bliss on record and a force of nature live, the band are becoming one of Ireland’s most vital and singular voices.
The Damned - Stranger on the Town
This band is the main reason I became a musician. My father introduced me to them when I was a small child, and I was instantly enamored with their punk sound. They became a constant presence throughout my upbringing ,the soundtrack to my life. I've seen them live probably 14 times, and the influence Captain Sensible had on my songwriting and guitar playing is immeasurable. This song in particular has always struck an emotional chord with me, as do all the tracks on this list. I'm a sensitive soul at heart, and my favorite songs are always the ones that ring that emotional bell. The outro on this track is especially uplifting, it's been there for me during some of my hardest moments, more times than I can count.
The jam - english rose
This song really tugs at my heart. The sense of longing it carries is absolutely sublime, from the mood to the delivery, everything about it is masterfully done. There have been so many times I’ve put this on and slipped into a kind of fugue state, completely lost in the sauce.
ASIWYFA - BEAUTIFULUNIVERSEMASTERCHAMPION
These guys really showed me what a modern post-rock band could do. They’ve had a massive influence on my songwriting and arrangements. More than anything, it's the uplifting and emotive nature of their music that left a lasting mark on me. That feeling has become ingrained in my own style, I’m constantly chasing it in my writing. It’s expansive, it’s hopeful, and it hits something deep.
Billy Bragg - New england
I absolutely love this song, the songwriting is incredible. I've taken a lot of inspiration from Billy’s storytelling style. He has a way of singing about things we’ve all experienced, yet somehow he casts the mundane through a poetic lens. It’s honest, relatable, and beautifully crafted.
Elliott Smith - Single File
This one’s another emotional standout. The verses have all the hallmarks of an Elliott Smith song, Beatles-esque in moments, yet still entirely his own. But for me, the outro is where it truly hits. The desperation in his voice is deeply moving. That entire album is perfect from start to finish.
Deafheaven - Come back
When I first heard this song, I was floored by the vibe, it’s so tense and painful, I was immediately hooked. I must have played it on repeat 50 times when it came out. In terms of influence, I took a lot from its relentless nature, that driving, unyielding energy left a real mark on me.
Ponderosa twins plus 1 - bound
This song is a real soul-warmer for me. There’s something about the songwriting, melody, and production that immediately wraps me in a blanket and lifts my mood. It’s comforting, familiar, and just makes me feel good, how could I not love that?
Hall & Oates - Shes gone
I think this might be one of the best pre-chorus/chorus sections ever written, it’s top shelf. The way longing and sadness are wrapped in a pop-soul blanket, yet still hit with full emotional weight, is a testament to truly incredible songwriting. I remember the first time I heard it at a house party, I literally yelled, “What the hell is this?” After that, I listened to it nearly every day for a month.
Rival Schools - used for glue
This song always transports me back to my youth, around 13 years old, when I wasn’t doing well in school, either academically or socially. I felt lost, alone, and overwhelmed by my emotions. This song gave me a release. It drives you forward as you listen, building you up and then letting you pour out your feelings on the chorus. Truly fantastic songwriting.
Pinegrove - Portal
What can I say about this band? In my opinion, Evan Hall is one of the best modern songwriters. There’s something about his songs that always hit me right in the feelings — like a gut punch. Every mood the song aims for lands perfectly. This was the first Pinegrove song I ever heard, and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was during the height of COVID, and it arrived at exactly the right time. I was in need of comfort, and this song delivered it in full. The meter changes are gorgeous, and the ritardando on the chorus hits so hard. Truly beautiful music.