Bannered Mare – release tense new single ‘Hip Shot’

Bannered Mare formed in 2018 from the ashes of a previous outfit, Race the Flux, and borne out of a time mired by personal struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. The band became a vehicle for founding member Joe Padfield (lead vocals/guitar) to explore the complex emotions around these issues and in doing so transmute negatives into a positive. Following a number of early EPs the band have returned, releasing singles ‘Synapses’, ‘Liminal Space’ and ‘Pet Particular’ in 2024, the former premiering on Amplify with Ailsha on RTE2XM. Following an Irish tour in February 2025 the band are now releasing new single ‘Hip Shot’. On ‘Hip Shot’ the band explore a darker, tense sound than on previous efforts, living in the uneasy space before things release. The three guitarists weave a sonic tapestry amongst each other, providing multiple melodic hooks that give way to euphoric vocal harmonies all propelled forward by insistent drums and pulsing bass.

At the heart of Bannered Mare’s sound is their undeniable chemistry and camaraderie as a band. Completed by Alan Kilcullen (drums/vocals), Paul Higgins (guitar/vocals), Derek Ellard (guitar/vocals) and Kyle Dee (bass/vocals). The band describe their music as ‘A reflection of the human experience, full of passion, emotion, and energy’. This is none more evident than on new single ‘Hip Shot’.

The writing process for the track started from what Joe describes as a ‘late night confession’. Lying in bed unable to sleep with a jangly guitar line playing endlessly in his head, he eventually relented and got up at 3am to record the music. One riff led to another and by sunrise Joe had penned the core of the song.

There is an inherent tension to ‘Hip Shot’ from the outset. As twin guitars play intricate complementary patterns that feel like a conversation, with each filling the space in the others melody. Euphoric vocal harmonies offer respite from the building tension, as the bass seems to offer a way through the darkness and Joe intones ‘the cats are screaming like an abattoir’. The band eschew a verse, chorus, verse structure in favour of taking the listener on a journey through various musical movements and motifs, offering numerous horizons as we build towards the neck snapping riff at the end. Lyrically, the track details the frustration of hitting walls in your personal life, in relationships, and within yourself. A reflection on the internal tug-of-war between wanting to connect and feeling completely isolated. There is a yearning imbued in the song, along with a quiet desperation to belong somewhere, to someone, to something.

‘Hip Shot’ and all previous singles were recorded and mixed by the band. Fully adopting a DIY approach to the process. The band set about sound proofing a steel garage where they would record drums during a three-day heatwave. Filling a daughter’s bedroom with various cabs, heads and combos and invading parent’s large sitting rooms to record vocals. Recorded and mixed by Joe the project becomes all the more personal.

Bannered Mare continue to carve out their own niche. Their ability to harness three guitars to blend complex melodic ideas and euphoric harmonies is the bands special alchemy. Somehow making it feel entirely accessible with hook after hook. Sonic bliss on record and a force of nature live, the band are becoming one of Ireland’s most vital and singular voices.