One of modern folk music’s hidden gems, Amble, has returned with another harmonic single. Titled ‘Last Rites’, the single has a prominent focus on self-discovery and authenticity amongst modern society’s pressure and chaos.
The band itself formed in 2022 when three friends left their jobs as teachers and scientists to pursue their passion for music. The trio began gaining popularity after performing as openers for Hozier, Ed Sheeran and Dermot Kennedy and after the release of their debut album ‘Reverie’. When band member Robbie Cunningham told his father his plans, he stated, “throw the trout out to catch the salmon”, which has since become a prominent phrase for the band and made its way onto their merchandise.
Amble opens the song with “my words are tired / my feet are sore / yet I keep on talking / I’m walking more and more”, perfectly encapsulating the burnout that can be caused by the music industry and adjusting to a busy touring schedule. The single is an honest depiction of the two sides of the industry, with their passion for producing music not outweighing the tiredness it can cause.
The line from the chorus, “but if speak you must / let it be free”, emphasises the need for freedom and sincerity. The single, similar to their previous discography, is rooted in their Irish musical heritage. Although they fit perfectly amongst the modern indie-folk genre, traditional instruments such as the banjo and mandolin are a prominent feature in their sound. The band's polished folk energy mixed with the traditional Irish instrumentation gives the track a warm and expansive feel. ‘Last Rites’ will undoubtedly be a new fan favourite, with the same capering yet ethereal essence of their previous acoustic-style work combined with a bigger sound production.
Alongside their single release, they announced their upcoming second album titled ‘Love And All Its Wares’, which is set to be released on January 29th 2027. Compared to their previous album 'Reverie', which had a heavy focus on the nostalgia of their lives in rural Ireland, ‘Love And All Its Wares’ will pair those themes with the burnout and overwhelming experience of touring globally. With a tracklist of 12 confirmed songs, two of which have already been released as singles so far, fans have plenty to look forward to. They also followed up their album release with six new Ireland and UK tour dates for 2027, including London’s Alexandra Palace Park, in addition to their tour around the UK and USA later this year.
Ella Clarke
Image: ‘Last Rites’ Official Single Cover