Bannered Mare – Hip Shot (2025)
Quickly becoming one of Ireland’s most exciting indie bands, Bannered Mare daub their sonic palette with drops of indie-rock, indie-pop and alternative rock, all bound in a kaleidoscopic wash of music. Borne from the ashes of the previous project, Race The Flux, and instigated as a catharsis to navigating personal struggles and mental health issues, the Irish quintet describe their music as “a reflection of the human experience, full of passion, emotion, and energy.” Join us as we delve into the most recent addition to their discography, ‘Hip Shot’.
Following the well-received 2024 tracks, ‘Liminal Space’, ‘Pet Particular’, and ‘Synapses’, ‘Hip Shot’ is Bannered Mare’s first release in 2025, keeping the momentum going after their latest Irish tour. Joining the musical stylings of Joe Padfield (lead vocals and guitar), Paul Higgins (guitar and vocals), Derek Ellard (guitar and vocals), Kyle Dee (bass and vocals), and Alan Kilcullen (drums and vocals), ‘Hip Shot’ is a melodic exploration of old-school indie-rock with classic rock tinges, and a drop of power-pop peeping from the background.
Self-recorded and produced, ‘Hip Shot’ brims with intense intimacy and personal connection; it’s clear these musicians are comfortable with each other as their energy sparks in every note and harmonic rhythm. Interestingly, while there is a sheen of elegant maturity in the production, the track remains raw, brash, vulnerable and gritty – like you’re staring into their souls.
Thematically, Bannered Mare delicately explores and unpicks the grittier side of identity and, well, just existing within yourself. It “details the frustration of hitting walls in your personal life, in relationships, and within yourself…” – and this is perfectly captured in both words and sound. Reflecting on the “… desperation to belong somewhere, to someone, to something”, the concoction of guitars, bass and drums acts like a soundtrack to those late-night thoughts when you aren’t sure of your place, need to find something, and might find yourself overwhelmed with emotion.
In addition to the single, Bannered Mare released an official music video for ‘Hip Shot’. You can view the video below and/or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Bannered Mare on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bandcamp and Spotify.
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