anemoia – cowboy (2025)
Oddly enough, I’ve recently been introduced to several Irish artists, and anemoia is another Irish band crossing my virtual desk. Known for their energetic performances, intriguing melodies, and that good ol’ Irish charm that wins your heart while cheekily winking, anemoia is a breath of fresh air. Originally shaping their sound with analog tape machines, anemoia’s earlier recordings had them find a following in the underground SoundCloud scene. Now, with several well-received singles reaching international audiences, the band’s sound has evolved into something heavier and more full-bodied but retaining the old-school vulnerability. The latest addition to their discography is the single, ‘cowboy’.
Following the well-received single ‘threads’, ‘cowboy’ is a mishmash of alternative rock, grunge, and post-punk, all bound with in a noise-rock wrapper. For me, listening to ‘cowboy’ is an immersive experience, with each note pushing you along a glistening sonic river; however, as much as there is a smoothness fluttering about, the track is tumultuous and unchained. Combining the power of soaring guitars, powerful drums, a bold bass, and rugged vocals, ‘cowboy’ hits you in the chest with a massive thwack. Distorted and obscure, each instrument simultaneously blends in harmonic unity and collides with a barebones brashness.
One aspect I enjoy about ‘cowboy’, and anemoia altogether, is their unrelenting eagerness to defy genres with eccentric experimentalism – anything but pedestrian. For me, the flow of various styles keeps one intrigued; however, it is not for the faint-hearted. I must admit, the sonic journey is a bit heady but it all comes to a lovely close as the lads softly peeter out with heart-warming indie-rock.
As much as I love my job of discovering new musicians regularly, there is a major disadvantage that I hate to admit. Based on pure numbers, some artists might be exciting but get lost in the ether; however, there are those that stick in my brain and just never leave, like Luna Keller, Jules & The Howl, and Awaiting Abigail. After only one listen, anemoia is one of the memorable, crawling into my brain, hitting my personal playlist, and having me tell everyone about them.
Find out more about anemoia, check out their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
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