Woodsmen – Brighter Love (2025)
Quickly establishing themselves as one of the brighter gems in the Irish rock music scene, Woodsmen draw together the heaviness of the 60s/70s folk-rock scene with the charm of traditional Irish folk. Combining the talents of Arron Woods (vocals and rhythm guitar), Josh Hackett (lead guitar), and Cam Teehan (drums), their sound is both nostalgic and contemporary, appealing to the memories of yesteryear and the forward-thinking of today’s scene. The latest addition to their discography is the single, ‘Brighter Love’.
Following the well-received debut and sophomore singles, ‘Listen To Me Now’ in 2023 and ‘Philadelphia Here I Come’ in 2025, ‘Brighter Love’ continues Woodsmen’s saunter into this year. Produced with Daniel De Burca, ‘Brighter Love’, at least to me, nods its head at bands like Mumford & Sons with the tinge of Americana lingering through Woodsmen’s melody. Soft, soothing and charming, the harmonic blend of guitars, drums and Woods’ vocals seems to carry you across a tranquil sonic ocean, enjoying every calming moment. It’s sophisticated, bound with elegant production; however, there is something more raw, passionate, and rugged in the folk-rock song.
Despite its completely chilled-out, laidback sentimentality, ‘Brighter Love’ holds a deeper, more profound message, making it weighty and poignant. Using their new single, “…Woodsmen comment on the current, daunting social climate both within Ireland as well as the wider world. The song is a rock anthem against the growing acceptance of hate, homelessness and violence that makes everyday life all the more uncertain…”
Tapping into the timeless theme of trials, struggles and everyday challenges, Woodsmen grab the power of The Cranberries’ iconic single ‘Zombie’ – a song about The Troubles. Now, ‘Brighter Love’ may not be as skin-chilling or angsty as Dolores O’Riordan, but the forceful message oozes from each sing-along folk-rock note in ‘Brighter Love’. The anthemic sound of a generation facing tragedy, ‘Brighter Love’ is a theme song for today’s world – and one we should keep in mind.
Find out more about Woodsmen on their Instagram and Spotify.
Enjoy more folk-rock music on The Other Side Reviews Folk Rock playlist:
