If you’re diving into the hazy, heart-wrenching world of NewDad, the Irish indie rock trio from Galway, you’re in for a treat. Formed in 2018 by Julie Dawson, Fiachra Parslow, and later joined by Sean O’Dowd, NewDad blends dream pop, shoegaze, and raw emotional alt-rock that echoes influences like The Cure and My Bloody Valentine. Their music captures the ache of youth, homesickness, and self-discovery, all wrapped in swirling guitars and Dawson’s ethereal vocals. With their latest release, Altar dropping just yesterday (September 19, 2025), it’s the perfect time to explore their catalog in chronological order. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their sound, this guide breaks down each album and EP, complete with tracklists and Spotify embeds to stream instantly. Let’s ride the waves of NewDad’s evolution—from raw EPs to polished full-lengths that cement their status as one of Ireland’s brightest exports.
List Of NewDad Albums In Order by Year
The list of NewDad albums in order by year presents the band’s musical evolution from their earliest releases to the latest. Each album reflects their unique blend of indie rock and alternative sounds, showcasing lyrical depth, creative instrumentation, and the growth of their artistic style over time.
| Release Date | Album/EP Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| March 26, 2021 | Waves | EP |
| February 9, 2022 | Banshee | EP |
| January 26, 2024 | MADRA | Album |
| May 2, 2025 | Safe | EP |
| September 19, 2025 | Altar | Album |
NewDad Albums In Order: A Complete Discography Guide for Fans (2025 Update)
Waves – EP (March 26, 2021)
NewDad’s debut EP, Wave, burst onto the scene in 2021, capturing the raw energy of a band finding its voice amid the chaos of early adulthood. Recorded in a DIY haze, it showcases swirling guitars and introspective lyrics that plunge into themes of emotional drowning and fleeting connections. Tracks like “Blue” became BBC Radio 6 Music staples, earning the EP praise for its lo-fi charm and shoegaze revival vibes. At just six songs, Waves feels like a late-night confession—intimate yet expansive. It’s the perfect entry point for newcomers, blending vulnerability with catchy hooks that linger like sea mist. Critics hailed it as a promising start, setting the stage for NewDad’s meteoric rise.
Tracklist:
- Drown
- I Don’t Recognise You
- Slowly
- Blue
- Hide
- Waves
Banshee – EP (February 9, 2022)
Building on Waves‘ momentum, Banshee marked NewDad’s sophomore EP as a bolder, more textured affair in 2022. Infused with post-punk edges and Dawson’s soaring wails, it explores wailing inner demons and bittersweet romance. “Say It” kicks off with urgent riffs, while “Ladybird” closes on a tender note, earning nods from NME for its “eclectic auras.” The EP’s production shines brighter, hinting at the band’s London relocation and growing confidence. Fans adore its emotional depth—perfect for rainy drives or introspective playlists. If Waves was a whisper, Banshee is a howl, solidifying NewDad as a festival must-see like Glastonbury. Stream it to feel the pull of their evolving sound.
Tracklist:
- Say It
- Banshee
- Spring
- Thinking Too Much
- Ladybird
MADRA (January 26, 2024)
NewDad’s debut full-length MADRA arrived in 2024 as a triumphant 11-track odyssey, blending shoegaze haze with indie rock punch. Named after the Irish word for “dog” (symbolizing loyalty and ferocity), it delves into mental health struggles, love’s sharp edges, and quiet resilience. Standouts like “Angel” and “Sickly Sweet” showcase Dawson’s vulnerable lyricism over lush, layered production. Praised by Robert Smith and Johnny Marr, the album received critical acclaim for its cohesion and emotional rawness. Recorded post-relocation to London, MADRA captures homesickness with a defiant glow—essential listening for anyone navigating inner turmoil. It’s NewDad at their most mature, proving they’re here to stay.
Tracklist:
- Angel
- Sickly Sweet
- Where I Go
- Change My Mind
- In My Head
- Nosebleed
- Let Go
- Dream Of Me
- Nightmares
- White Ribbons
- Madra
Safe – EP (May 2, 2025)
Dropping in spring 2025, Safe EP serves as a thrilling bridge to NewDad’s sophomore era, with four tracks that amp up the pop-infused dreaminess. Themes of self-preservation and fleeting safety weave through “Entertainer’s infectious hooks and “Pintrospectivehaze. As the band slimmed to a trio, this release radiates renewed swagger—sharper drums, brighter guitars, and Dawson’s voice cutting like glass. Critics called it “calculated risk-taking,” blending melancholy with danceable energy. Limited to 1,000 vinyls, it’s a collector’s gem and a sonic palate cleanser post-MADRA. Ideal for summer nights, Safe whispers hope amid uncertainty, teasing the boldness of what’s next.
Tracklist:
- Entertainer
- Safe
- Puzzle
- Be Kind
Altar (September 19, 2025)
Fresh off the press, Altar—NewDad’s second album—dropped yesterday, delivering 12 tracks of soul-searching alt-rock mastery. A poignant meditation on homesickness, sacrifice, and growth after their London move, it features bolder pop edges and aggressive swells. Singles like “Roobosh” and “Pretty” set the tone, while “Everything I Wanted” aches with ironic longing. Collaborations with producer Shrink polish the dream-pop core, earning early buzz for its “cohesive optimism.” Tracks such as “Vertigo” and “Something’s Broken” close with ethereal calm, leaving listeners uplifted yet reflective. Altar cements NewDad’s evolution—raw, resilient, and riveting. Dive in now; it’s their most ambitious yet.
Tracklist:
- Other Side
- Heavyweight
- Pretty
- Roobosh
- Misery
- Sinking Kind Of Feeling
- Puzzle
- Entertainer
- Everything I Wanted
- Mr Cold Embrace
- Vertigo
- Something’s Broken
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is NewDad from, and how did the band form?
NewDad is an Irish indie rock band hailing from Galway, formed in 2018 by Julie Dawson (vocals and rhythm guitar), Fiachra Parslow (drums), and Sean O’Dowd (lead guitar). Originally a quartet with bassist Áindle O’Beirn, the band slimmed to a trio after relocating to London in 2022, with Cara Joshi briefly on bass before the current lineup stabilized. They bonded over shared influences like The Cure and My Bloody Valentine, starting with DIY sessions to escape solo school performances—perfect for fans curious about their hazy, heartfelt origins.
2. What genre is NewDad’s music?
NewDad blends indie rock, dream pop, and shoegaze with post-punk edges and alt-rock punch, often drawing comparisons to Beabadoobee, Just Mustard, and The Cure. Their sound evolved from lo-fi introspection on early EPs to bolder, pop-infused layers on Altar, but it always captures raw emotional turmoil with swirling guitars and Dawson’s ethereal vocals—think “shoegaze lite” for late-night vibes.
3. What are NewDad’s albums and EPs in release order?
NewDad’s discography kicks off with the Waves EP (March 2021), followed by Banshee EP (February 2022), debut album MADRA (January 2024), Safe EP (May 2025), and their latest, Altar (September 2025). Each release builds on themes of youth, mental health, and homesickness, with MADRA earning NME acclaim as a top debut. Stream them on Spotify for the full chronological ride.
4. Why did NewDad change members, and how did it affect their sound?
The band’s 2022 move to London led to bassist Áindle O’Beirn’s amicable departure due to unhappiness, sparking a Reddit frenzy about losing their “fantastic bass sound.” They briefly used session players before stabilizing as a trio, hinting at a less bass-heavy, more pop-leaning evolution on Safe and Altar. Fans worried, but it fueled growth—proving resilience amid the “curses” of band life, as Dawson shared in interviews.
5. What are the main themes in NewDad’s lyrics?
Julie Dawson’s lyrics dive into vulnerability: self-medication, toxic relationships, bullying, homesickness, and emotional “drowning” amid growth. Tracks like “Nosebleed” explore destructive cycles, while Altar reflects on sacrifice and Irish roots post-relocation. Blending fact and fiction, they’re “cynical but honest,” per Atwood Magazine—resonating deeply for anyone navigating inner chaos.
Conclusion
NewDad’s journey from Galway buskers to London shoegazers is a testament to indie rock’s raw power, with Altar marking their boldest chapter yet amid lineup shifts and global buzz. Whether you’re lost in Waves‘ haze or uplifted by MADRA‘s defiance, their catalog—now five releases strong—offers cathartic soundscapes for the soul. As Ireland’s scene explodes (hello, Fontaines D.C. ripple effect), NewDad stands out for honest lyrics and evolving edges. Dive in, hit play, and let their waves carry you—tour dates await, and this trio’s just getting started. What’s your favorite track?
