With “Owe You A Lot,” The Riptide Movement return with their first new release of 2026, opening a bold new chapter as they mark 20 years together as one of Ireland’s most enduring rock bands. Rather than leaning on nostalgia, the single subtly reframes their sound, familiar in spirit, but refreshed in execution.
Built on driving rhythms and wide-screen melodies, “Owe You A Lot” unfolds patiently before swelling into a euphoric final act. There’s a sense of forward momentum throughout, with the band favouring emotional weight over excess polish. The track’s most notable shift comes from lead guitarist JPR Dalton stepping into the role of lead vocalist for the first time. His delivery is restrained and reflective, bringing a slightly rougher edge that suits the song’s themes of time, memory, and impermanence.
The band taps into quiet moments of introspection rather than grand declarations. Lines like “I wiped away those memories and stared into those eyes, it was cold inside, it was warm outside and I had no place to hide” capture a fragile emotional space, one shaped by distance, regret, and unresolved connection. These moments ground the song, preventing it from drifting into sentimentality.
That said, the track’s structure occasionally plays it safe. While the crescendo is effective, it follows a familiar arc that long time fans will recognise. A sharper dynamic shift or lyrical surprise might have elevated the song further.
Still, “Owe You A Lot” succeeds as both a statement of intent and a moment of reflection. It’s a confident return that honours The Riptide Movement’s past while suggesting they’re not done evolving just yet.
“Owe You A Lot” is awarded an 8 out of 10
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Reviewer – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic