Emerging from the vibrant grassroots scene of Cork, Ireland, Cliffords are swiftly establishing themselves as one of the most compelling new voices in alternative music.
With just two EPs under their belt - Strawberry Scented (2024) and Salt of the Lee (2025) - the four-piece have already proven they’re a band capable of balancing impassioned emotion with razor-sharp songwriting, channelling the likes of The Cranberries, Radiohead and Joni Mitchell.
At the heart of Cliffords is lead vocalist and guitarist Iona Lynch, whose emotive vocals and honest lyricism anchor the group’s sound through both personal and political storytelling. Formed in their teenage years in the suburb of Ballincollig, Cliffords began as a project between Lynch and Gavin Dawkins (bassist and trumpeter). Following a victorious battle of the bands win at University College Cork, they welcomed guitarist Harry Menton and keyboardist Locon O’Toole - solidifying a core lineup that has since packed venues across Ireland and the UK, including a breakout set at Electric Picnic and a sold-out show at London’s George Tavern.
Their debut EP captures a vivid coming-of-age narrative rooted in Irish life and identity, with tracks like ‘Sleeping with Ghosts’ and ‘Feels Like a Man’ showcasing a certain cinematic sensibility through wistful melodies and raw vocals. In conversation with Rolling Stone UK, Ilona references Cork as a central character in their music, admitting “almost every song has a street or even like some kind of imagery or iconography”. Ushering in a more sophisticated sound, Salt of the Lee builds upon this sense of place, nodding to the River Lee that flows through Cork and beyond. Taken from the sophomore EP, ‘Bittersweet’ offers a soaring alt-rock soundscape replete with a triumphant crescendo reminiscent of a Wolf Alice track.
Now signed to Soil to the Sun (Relentless Records), Cliffords are set to take their stories far beyond Cork, with a deservedly exciting year ahead.
