Madra Salach received an unexpected invitation to open for Kim Deal (of PIXIES and The Breeders) at Vicar Street in Dublin before they had released any music. This opportunity came just a day after their initial festival performance at Beyond the Pale in County Wicklow this June. It clearly demonstrates that the six-piece band had been attracting attention in Ireland well ahead of their debut single ‘Blue & Gold,’ which was released in September. Their rising popularity was evident as they performed to a full house for their London debut at The George Tavern in anticipation of their second single ‘I Was Just A Boy’ in October. Their appearances at Ireland Music Week and Rotterdam’s Left of the Dial later that month further fueled the excitement surrounding the band. Their performance at Paradijskerk, a stunning Catholic Church, was particularly captivating, with an audience so enthralled that not a sound was heard during their set. Lead singer Paul Banks moved gracefully around the altar while his bandmates remained seated, and as the final note played, the entire crowd erupted into applause.
Madra Salach is deeply rooted in the Irish folk tradition but approaches it with a youthful flair, captivating audiences wherever they perform. The name Madra Salach translates to ‘Dirty Dog’ in Irish and is pronounced 'Mod-ra So-lak,' hinting at their experimental tendencies. The band draws clear inspiration from artists like Lankum and Lisa O’Neill, but also incorporates sounds reminiscent of Portishead, Boards of Canada, Just Mustard, and the throat singing of Tuva (Siberia) – creating a fascinating mix.
The band originated with Paul Banks (vocals), Adam Cullen (guitar), and Dara Duffy (drums) singing covers in pubs. “There was no real expectation for it to become anything more than a way to enjoy an evening with drinks and music,” Paul shares with CLASH. Simultaneously, Paul, Jack Martin (mandolin, tin whistle, synth), and Maxime Arnold (harmonium) discussed launching a more production-focused side project, exploring folk songs blended with ambient drones. Paul notes, “Eventually, the two ideas merged, and we formed a band.” Alongside bassist Jack Lawlor, the six members also participate in other bands, including Fizzy Orange, Sultan Leroy, Ten Hail Mary’s, and Lowkick, but together they have created something entirely unique.
The band’s debut EP, ‘It’s a Hell of an Age,’ is set for release later this month. It features both singles and was recorded at Dublin’s Sonic Studios. The EP's title is drawn from the first line of a folk song, ‘Murphy Can Never Go Home,’ written by Mick Curry. The song tells the story of an Irish migrant worker in England who dedicates his life to building Britain, only to feel alienated from his roots and disconnected from home, leading to isolation despite his apparent success. When performing live, Madra Salach introduces one of their tracks stating, “this is dedicated to all the Irish men who died building London,” underscoring their core sentiments. With six members, their creative process is collaborative and diverse, beginning with anything from a chord progression or riff to a complete song idea. Paul emphasizes, “I think there’s a mutual respect for what everyone contributes.”
To clarify, Madra Salach is not just a fleeting phenomenon. They have committed themselves to live performances, spending considerable time gigging in Dublin since their inception. Paul remarks, “Yeah, it’s kind of the center of our experience and comfort. It’s how we began and where we’ve invested the most time, care, and effort. I used to joke that we were the most under-rehearsed band in the scene, as we did all our rehearsing at gigs. We performed two-hour sets and delivered some truly rough versions of Irish ballads, but we just kept improving.”
It’s impossible to discuss Madra Salach without mentioning the lead vocals, which are remarkable. Guttural, fierce, and emotive, Paul’s voice resonates profoundly with listeners. It possesses a timeless quality, perfectly suited to honoring the Irish storytelling tradition, and when combined with his bandmates’ instrumentation, it creates an extraordinary experience.
Madra Salach will be opening for Gurriers at Dublin's Button Factory at the end of December, and in 2026 they will embark on their debut headline tour in both Ireland and the UK, with most dates already sold out. It’s no surprise that their initial London venue had to be upgraded to Tufnell Park Dome, which has also sold out. Additionally, their performances at the Eurosonic showcase and Primavera festivals, the release of their EP, and a significant addition to the Kneecaps gig at Crystal Palace in June alongside The Mary Wallopers, Gurriers, Fat Dog, and Biig Piig, are set to make the first half of 2026 an incredibly busy time for a
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Madra was invited to open for Kim Deal (of PIXIES and The Breeders) at Vicar Street in Dublin before releasing any music, and that's precisely what took place.