BRIARS are an alternative/indie-folk band from Cork City, Ireland. Their sound ranges from fragile subtlety to raucous energy, visiting every stop along the way, always underlined with a signature twist.
2024 saw the band making a name for themselves in the live music scene at home and abroad, with performances at Electric Picnic, When Next We Meet, Galway Folk Festival, Whelans Trad and Folk Fest, Guinness Cork Jazz Fest, Liverpool Irish Festival and more, constantly picking up new fans along the way with their high energy 7 piece live show.
2025 is already shaping up to be a big one, with BRIARS returning to the Irish festival circuit, playing at Coughlans Roots Festival, When Next We Meet, Galway Folk Festival (where they will open for The Scratch on the Main Stage) and many more TBA. Their new single ‘Words’ is set for release on April 17th, with another single coming in June.
"We’re loving There There”
“Jam-packed with emotion and a thrilling build-buildup of dark folksy instrumentals, ‘Qualms’ captures the energy of their seven-piece live show.” - Hot Press
“A great song and a great message….absolutely loved it…..full of emotion…it sparks something in me…” - You Haven’t Heard This Music Podcast (UK)
"The alt-folk outfit bring elements of post-punk and baroque pop into the mix on Qualms. Not the kind of genres I’ve ever come across before in such a smooth fusion of sounds and styles....the brooding bassline and energetic strings heighten the raw power of the vocals and lyrics. Think Gurriers meets The Waterboys and you’ll get a feel for just some of what is going on in the lively alt-folk gem." - Analogue Trash
“BRIARS are a brand new Irish alternative folk act with a sound which transcends traditional notions while still sounding authentically Irish.” - Cork Independent