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A folk band from Warrenpoint has released the official music video for their new single, Homesick Hymnal. The song, inspired by the landscapes of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains, is available now on YouTube and streaming platforms via Corn Crake Records.
The New Leaves were formed in 2022 by childhood friends Declan McKay and Cian O'Hare, along with Paddy Goodfellow and Orla Rice. The band blend lush harmonies, acoustic instrumentation and thoughtful songwriting drawn from the landscapes surrounding Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains, and have quickly established themselves as one of Ireland's most exciting contemporary folk acts.
Homesick Hymnal is described as a heartfelt reflection on home, belonging and the places that shape us. The accompanying music video was filmed on location in the landscapes that inspired the song, bringing its themes of home, memory and place vividly to life.
The band's debut album, A Sketch of Home, received widespread critical acclaim, and their music continues to find audiences in Ireland and the UK through live performances, festival appearances and national radio airplay. Since forming, they have earned praise from critics and broadcasters in Ireland and the UK, including BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio London and Today FM.
Lynette Fay of BBC Radio Ulster said: "Gorgeous harmonies… beautiful songwriting." Claire Beck of Today FM described the band's music as "Absolutely beautiful," while Gary Crowley of BBC Radio London called it "Something very, very special." Musician Justin Currie of Del Amitri said: "Really great; a bucolic delight with a lovely coda."
Following a successful headline appearance at Celtic Connections in Glasgow earlier this year, The New Leaves are currently working on their second studio album, due for release in 2026.
You can catch the band in the Canal Court in Newry on 29 August where they are special guests of the Hothouse Flowers as part of Iur Cinn Fleadh.
