Cork risers Ways Of Seeing continue to carve out their space in the alternative music scene with the release of their evocative new single, ‘Idolise’. Taken from their upcoming sophomore album, The Inheritance of Fear, the track showcases the band’s signature blend of shoegaze textures and alt-rock intensity, delivering an immersive listening experience that lingers long after the final note.
Produced by Christian Best (Susan O’Neill, Mick Flannery, O Emperor) with additional production and mixing by Daniel Fox of Gilla Band (Sprints, Lambrini Girls, Silverbacks), ‘Idolise’ is an intricate and layered piece, balancing a dark, brooding atmosphere with an undeniable energy. Pulsing basslines and up-tempo drums drive the track forward, while fuzzy lead guitars and twinkling, modulation-tinged verses create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. At the forefront, the commanding and theatrical vocals add a haunting edge, making for a compelling and deeply expressive listen.
Speaking about the song’s theme, the band explains: “This song explores the dangers of idolisation in a relationship or any other realm of society for that matter. It has the potential to lead to a loss of identity, a power imbalance, and the hindrance of growth. Putting anyone on a pedestal means there is a good chance that you might miss the red flags attached, which can lead to an unravelling into chaos and destruction. Sometimes only seeing the good in something or someone can tear you apart more than acknowledging and tackling the messy parts of life.”
‘Idolise’ marks a bold departure from Ways Of Seeing’s debut album, End Comes To Light, embracing a rawer, darker, and more foreboding sound. While their previous work was praised for its lush soundscapes, the new material leans into a grittier, more visceral sonic palette, offering a deeper emotional resonance. This shift reflects the broader themes of The Inheritance of Fear, an album that delves into personal, political, and universal anxieties through a mix of allegorical lyrics and expansive soundscapes. The band’s ethos, rooted in the idea that songs can reveal hidden aspects of the self, is more evident than ever in this latest work.
Ways Of Seeing have been steadily building a reputation as one of Ireland’s most compelling emerging acts with support across Irish media. Live, the band has shared stages with Cork legends Frank and Walters, while also headlining venues like Mike the Pies (Listowel, Kerry) and Whelan’s (Dublin). The members of Ways Of Seeing previously performed in Hush War Cry, alongside Eoin French, who later found success as TALOS. Now, as they gear up for the release of The Inheritance of Fear, they are poised to make an even bigger impact in 2025.
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