Album Review: Altar by NewDad

Since the release of MADRA in 2024, things have shifted for NewDad. A couple of changes on bass have left the shoegazey Galway outfit operating as a trio. The slimmed-down lineup pushes the band towards a more guitar-driven sound on their second album, Altar. What remains from their early work is their command of atmosphere.

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The beauty pitched against distortion, a particular intimacy found within the grandeur. With Altar, their second album following quickly on from 2024's acclaimed Madra, the Galway-born trio lean into that tension more than ever. This time they're steeped in longing for home, indeed for belonging any place, but it refuses to wallow. Instead, it pushes NewDad's dream-pop foundations into bolder, pop-leaning territory without losing the emotional sting that makes their music so magnetic.

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After last year's 'Madra' left much to be desired, with this swift follow-up, NewDad pull through with a stronger, more memorable record, but one which still suffers from a lack of consistency. 'Altar' finds the Galway trio throwing ideas at the wall - and when they stick, it's with super glue: 'Roobosh' is one particular standout, the track pouring with more aggression than the band have shown thus far, backed by a snappy chorus. The decidedly indie 'Pretty', too, breezes through with lush chorus harmonies working in unison with tangy guitar work to leave a pleasantly whimsical impression.

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