New Music: NewDad: Irish Shoegazers Unleash "Roobosh" – A Raw Look at Toxic Relationships

NewDad is an acclaimed Irish indie rock/shoegaze band formed in Galway in 2018. The core members include Julie Dawson (lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, main songwriter), Seán O'Dowd (lead guitarist), and Fiachra Parslow (drums). Former bassist Áindle O'Beirn was later replaced by Cara Joshi. The band initially formed in secondary school to avoid solo performances, and their name comes from a random name generator.

Their signature sound is a captivating blend of haunting shoegaze, dreamy indie pop, and gritty alt-rock, characterized by "crackling guitar notes, whimsical crescendos," and Julie Dawson's "innocent, ghostly," yet often deadpan, vocals. They draw inspiration from bands like The Cure, Slowdive, and Pixies. NewDad gained early popularity with singles like "Blue" and EPs like Waves (2021) and Banshee (2022). Their debut album, MADRA (Irish for "dog"), released in January 2024, earned critical praise and a 74/100 from Metacritic. They've performed at major festivals and relocated to London, continuing to expand their reach in the indie scene.

"Roobosh" is the latest single from NewDad, officially released on July 7, 2025. It was premiered on BBC Radio 6 Music and accompanied by an official music video. The band has indicated this song has been "four years in the making."

Lyrically, "Roobosh" delves into the painful and frustrating dynamics of a toxic relationship where one person feels manipulated and trapped. The lyrics speak directly to a power imbalance and a desire for liberation:nically immersive and lyrically raw, reflecting the intensity of its subject matter.

Band Page: https://www.instagram.com/newdad/?hl=en