Madra Salach

The past couple of years have seen Madra Salach become one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary folk, creating music that is both deeply rooted in Irish tradition and strikingly modern. Emerging from Dublin's vibrant independent music scene, the six-piece first came together through informal pub sessions in 2023, united by a shared love of traditional Irish song. What began as musicians from different bands getting together to perform traditional standards has evolved into original compositions that seamlessly blends folk, experimental textures and raw, poetic storytelling.

 

Their songs draw equally from the centuries-old Irish traditional canon and the restless energy of today's alternative music, combining harmonium, mandolin, tin whistle, percussion, guitar and electronics with powerful vocals and striking arrangements. The result is a sound that has earned widespread acclaim, with The Guardian describing the band as "an unexpected and beguiling alloy of purity, poison and potency."

 

Much of Madra Salach's reputation has been built on their rousing live performances. The summer of 2025 saw the band debut on the Irish festival circuit, finding fans through word-of-mouth. With every performance drew a bigger audience, captivated by their ability to move effortlessly between intimate, spellbinding moments and exhilarating crescendos. This year has seen them continue their rapid ascent with sold-out headline tours, major festival appearances across the UK & Europe and a growing international following.

 

Their debut EP, It's a Hell of an Age, released in early 2026, takes its title from the opening line of “Murphy Can Never Go Home,” a traditional Irish standard that tells the story of an Irish labourer who spends his life working in Britain, gradually losing touch with his roots. Blending original compositions with imaginative reworkings of traditional material, the release reached No. 3 on the Irish Albums Chart and the UK Independent Albums Top 10 while earning BBC 6 Music playlist support and a celebrated Maida Vale session.

 

Newly signed to Island Records, Madra Salach continue to push the boundaries of contemporary folk while remaining unmistakably connected to the traditional songs, stories and storytellers that inspired them. They will also feature on the upcoming album The Songs of Shane MacGowan out this November which includes Bruce Springsteen, Primal Scream, Lisa O’Neill among others.

 

Madra Salach are Paul Banks (vocals), Adam Cullen (guitar), Jack Martin (mandolin/tin whistle/synth), Maxime Arnold (harmonium), Dara Duffy (drums) and Jack Lawlor (bass/backing vocals).