norabelle

Norabelle are an indie folk band from Dundalk consisting of Ken Clarke (Guitar & Vocals) Shane O’Hanrahan (Guitar, Vocals and Piano), Stefano Rossi (Bass) and Stephen Ludlow (Drums). They play beautifully hushed melodic folk music with delicate pick guitar, intricate piano lines and harmonized vocals. Their influences include Sun Kil Moon, Bonnie Prince Billy, Red House Painters, Lambchop, Elliot Smith, Smog, Bill Callahan and Sufjan Stevens. They have recently finished recording their new album in Black Mountain Recording Studios situated in the beautiful Cooley Mountains which is set to be released later in 2024.

The band debuted with an EP called "Come the Bluest Dawn" which was self-released in Ireland and released in the UK by Static Caravan Records. The EP represented a more stripped back sound with only acoustic guitars and vocals.

The debut album, "Wren", saw the addition of Stephen Ludlow on drums as well as session musicians on Cello and Bass. The Sunday Business Post described Wren as featuring “achingly sweet harmonies, overlaying acoustic guitars, cello and the lightest percussion, but it's their poetic storytelling that sets their songs apart from the throng”. The Irish Times review noted that “if you think more along the lines of the similarly musically hued Adrian Crowley or Bill Callahan, you’ll have some idea of the elegance on display here." Hotpress concluded that “there's a beauty to Gregarious Bird and Wren that is truly breathtaking”.

In preparation for recording their new album, "The Mountain Blinks", the band recruited Stefano Rossi on bass to complete the line up. "The Mountain Blinks" represents a real progression for the band both in terms of song writing and instrumentation.
Norabelle have played across Ireland in some of the best music venues including Whelan's, The Spirit Store, Doyle's (Ruby Sessions) and the Roisin Dubh.