Following an early January preview of new track Dawn Chorus, Driven Snow return with their stunning new single Knots from forthcoming album due Autumn 2026. Composed of husband-wife duo Kieran McGuinness and Emily Aylmer, whose musical careers grew from their respective roles in Delorentos and Republic of Loose, their beautiful, dreamy pop tunes and vocal harmonies grew out of songs penned late at night. While their three children were fast asleep, the couple took these moments of stillness and formed the foundation of their intimate, immersive sound.
Knots began as a delicate melody from Emily ten years ago. Over time, it evolved into the emotional and thematic starting point for the album. The track explores the private realities of a relationship – a reminder that however people view a relationship from the outskirts, only those within truly understand it’s complexities.
Built around a simple, memorable refrain and lifted by a country-style bridge, the song balances gentle melancholy with quiet joy, setting the tone for the album that follows. At its heart, Knots was inspired by the challenge of navigating outside opinions from those who believe they know better than the people living the story themselves.
Speaking on the release, Emily reflects on the song’s organic evolution, noting that it “came together almost by itself” and “lead us down a different path than usual.” Kieran adds “I love Emily’s harmonies on this one… it’s such a brush-off to anyone who thinks they know the inside of a relationship by looking from the outside.“
Influenced by artists such as Neil Young, Beach House and Cat Power, as well as Scandinavian TV shows and fireside beers, Driven Snow craft classic harmonies housed in uncluttered acoustic and electronic sounds. The realities of life as a musician in modern Ireland have rarely been more beautifully articulated.
Their 2024 debut album, A Kind of Dreaming, was met with widespread acclaim and described as “Sublime” (Irish Times), “Bewitching” (Irish Independent), and “An album to luxuriate in” (Hot Press). Coverage and features in Sunday Times Magazine, Irish Independent and Hot Press Magazine, alongside national playlists on RTÉ and BBC NI, saw the duo’s audience grow steadily across Ireland, the UK, Europe and as far afield as the USA, Canada, South Africa and Mexico.
Following the widespread acclaim of their debut and a steadily growing international audience, Driven Snow step confidently into this next chapter, now putting the final touches on a new studio album. Accessible, honest and deeply felt, the forthcoming release is set to unfold like an open diary you’re trusted to hold.
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