IT’S only a couple of weeks until TENEMENT TRAIL returns to the East End of Glasgow with a fresh batch of up and coming artists and exciting new names.

Each year, the festival encourages fans to discover the next big thing in some of the city’s most iconic venues – whether it’s a fast-rising band from the local scene or a hotly tipped act from further afield.

And this year, we’re proud to host another hugely eclectic line-up – spanning many genres, styles and influences. Notably, this year’s bill has a very strong Irish cohort – with six bands representing our neighbours over the Irish Sea.

Of course, the last couple of years has seen a huge surge in exciting acts emerging from Ireland’s thriving music scene and breaking through to the mainstream. We’ve seen Fontaines D.C move from sweaty rooms to selling out Finsbury Park, CMAT release yet another Mercury-nominated album and sell out shows all over the UK and Europe, Kneecap take on arena shows for the first time, and bands like The Murder Capital, Inhaler and NewDad make their presence known.

And while some of them may be worlds apart in sound, all eyes have diverted to their homeland for signs of what’s coming next. Inevitably, the emergence of the artists named above has paved the way for a new generation of talent – and a few of these artists will be appearing at our very own all-dayer on 11th October.

So, as the Irish music scene continues to produce some of the most exciting musicians and songwriters around, get to know the bands who will be making the pilgrimage to TRAIL.

Croíthe 

Inspired by post-punk greats like Joy Division and The Murder Capital as well as shoegaze icons like My Bloody Valentine, Croíthe are known for their dark, introspective soundscapes and poetic storytelling. Offering their own raw, atmospheric take on the genre, they’ve already showcased their huge potential with a string of single releases throughout 2024 and 2025 – exploring themes of identity, alienation and resilience against brooding guitars and a formidable rhythm section. Set to make their mark on TRAIL this year, their expected to have a very bright future.

Dirty Faces

Hailing from Derry, Dirty Faces are a duo comprised of Josh O’Kane and Lorcan Hamilton – taking influence from post-punk, gothic, new wave, hip hop, boom bap and plenty in between. Sonically, they can perhaps be likened to Kneecap with a rawer, more aggressive edge – driven by commanding vocals, brutish beats and raw lyrics. They’ve already made themselves known to the Glasgow live scene with a series of formidable gigs at King Tuts, Mcchuills and the O2 Academy in support of Kneecap themselves – so expect another memorable set.

Bold Love

After a busy summer that has seen them play The Great Escape, Latitude, Electric Picnic and more, Bold Love are quickly gathering momentum. Crafting brooding, expansive, richly textured indie pop tunes, their music is as cinematic as it is emotionally charged -fusing lush, pop-tinged melodies and big hooks with elements of indie and shoegaze. Tipped for great things, they’ve had a big 2025 so far – and their debut EP ‘Dancing & Loving’ arrives next month.

The Deadlians

Another band from Dublin, The Deadlians have garnered a steady cult following thanks to their punky folk songs and infectious songwriting.. Initially starting with singer,  songwriter, poet and storyteller Sean Fitzgerald in 2017, they’re now a five-piece – bringing an alternative, darker edge to traditional Irish music. Very much rooted in the country’s folk tradition, they bring thumping drums, a humming synth, big guitars and inventive vocal arrangements to the mix – carving out their own unique identity in what is becoming an increasingly influential scene.

Basht.

Dublin five-piece Basht have earned heaps of praise since they first emerged in 2021 – even being described as one of the most exciting rock bands to emerge from Ireland in recent times. Their profile has been bolstered significantly in the last couple of years thanks to a tour with Wunderhorse and numerous mainstream festival appearances – and now they’re ready to make their eagerly anticipated debut at TRAIL. With two EPs to their name, ‘Dirty White Lies’ from 2024 and ‘Bitter and Twisted’ released earlier this year, they’re known for their dark, edgy guitar riffs, urgent vocals and emotionally nuanced lyrics – a grungy, post-punk concoction that translates into a compelling, high-energy live show. Don’t miss them.

Madra Salach

This six-piece from Dublin developed their craft with a series of impomptu pub sessions in and around the Northside of the city. Founded on a shared love of all things traditional Irish folk, the band blend the experimental sounds of Lankum with the raw energy of bands like The Pogues – resulting in a magnetic live show that has garnered them much plaudits. Their debut single came out a couple of weeks ago and it encapsulates everything that makes them such an exciting prospect – original, atmospheric and filled with heart and storytelling flair. TRAIL will mark their first appearance in Glasgow so don’t miss it.