Artist

NewDad

1 entry1 review

NewDad are an Irish indie rock band from Galway, formed in 2018. Fronted by Julie Dawson, the band blend dreamy shoegaze textures with indie rock and grunge influences, creating a sound that feels both hazy and emotionally direct. They gained early attention with tracks like Blue and built momentum through a series of EPs before releasing their debut album Madra in 2024. Their music is characterised by reverb-heavy guitars, soft yet melancholic vocals, and introspective lyrics that explore themes of youth, relationships, and identity. Often compared to bands like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine, NewDad are part of a new wave of Irish alternative acts bringing shoegaze back into the spotlight.

Reviews

Review9/10

NewDad Lean Into the Haze — “Altar” Is Dreamy, Heavy and Strangely Intimate

March 17, 2026 · 9/10

“Altar” drifts in on waves of reverb and never quite lets you go. It’s a slow, immersive track that builds atmosphere over urgency, with Julie Dawson’s soft, detached vocals floating just above the noise. There’s a quiet intensity to it — understated, but deeply felt — as NewDad continue to carve out their own space between shoegaze and modern indie.