Altar

NewDad, fronted by enigmatic songwriter and vocalist Julie Dawson, are an alternative three piece from Galway, Ireland. Their influences vary from legendary bands like The Cure, Pixies, R.E.M., and My Bloody Valentine, to more contemporary acts, such as Big Thief and Beabadoobee.

NewDad make music that confronts the horrors of the modern world. Julie’s lyrics find beauty in her pain, with a unique perspective on her generational despair that resonates broadly. With writing that regularly evokes imagery of water and religion, she reflects on the band’s upbringing on the West Coast of Ireland through her songwriting.

Altar is the second album from “Ireland’s next great guitar band”, and the third album from their prolific frontwoman Julie Dawson in less than 2 years. It’s a grungey alt-rock future classic that jolts between anger-fueled anthemics on the one hand, and darkly intimate and melancholic introspection on the other. They’ve built a dedicated cult following with their acclaimed debut Madra and if they’re good enough for the godfather of goth they’re good enough for you… “I liked the NewDad album, that’s been on in my car for a long time” (Robert Smith)

Released: September 2025
Cat: 5021732774170
Label: Atlantic