Mudd•shovel – Little White Hair
Muddshovel – Little White Hair
by Jack Rush
Cavan’s own alt-rock trio Muddshovel have just released their debut full-length Little White Hair, and it’s a powerful opening statement from a band that clearly knows who they are. The lineup—Shawn Hicks on guitar and vocals, Garreth Tackney on bass and production, and David Mulligan on drums—brings a chemistry that feels both volatile and precise, resulting in nine tracks that hit hard and refuse to soften the edges.
The album opens with “Over the Line,” a riff-driven burst of triumph that immediately commands attention and stands out as an early highlight. “Third Time Today” shifts sharply into unexpected territory, blending Irish folklore with a cautionary undertone that lingers long after its final notes. “Deep Fried Soul” digs into the raw reality of addiction, while “Pity Party” cuts straight to the bone of emotional exhaustion with zero tolerance for energy vampires.
“Heading Home” captures the bittersweet pull of returning to your roots, and “Don’t Drink the Water” examines how temptation can seep in slowly and silently. The title track “Little White Hair” sits with solitude and the strange calm of isolation, while “Cupid Sparrow” injects a welcome jolt of dance-rock adrenaline. The closer, “No Further,” wraps the record with reflection—on distance, on boundaries, and on leaving behind those who choose not to grow.
What makes Little White Hair stand out is its commitment to honesty. Muddshovel aren’t polishing their edges to fit a mold; they’re leaning into the roughness, letting the darker spine of Irish rock lead the way. Their sound pulls from grunge, post-punk, and modern alt-rock, but never feels derivative—the result is something distinctly theirs.
Released just two days ago, the band will celebrate Little White Hair with a live launch show on December 27th at Benny’s Live Venue, Daly’s Bar in Bailieborough. Tickets are €10, and given the force of this debut, it’s a night worth marking down.
If you’re new to Muddshovel, dive into their earlier releases as well—and follow them on social media to keep up with what’s next. With Little White Hair, this trio has arrived with purpose, volume, and a voice all their own.
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