Prepare to be captivated: Ye Vagabonds, the celebrated Irish band known for their haunting harmonies and evocative storytelling, are poised to release a brand new album that promises to tie us all together in a tapestry of memory, tribute, and gratitude. But here’s where it gets controversial… can they possibly surpass their previous acclaimed work?
Their fourth album, aptly titled ‘All Tied Together,’ is slated for release on January 30th, 2026, via Rough Trade Records’ esteemed sister label, River Lea. You can pre-order the album now to ensure you’re among the first to experience this sonic journey.
And to whet your appetite, they’ve already unveiled the first single, ‘On Sitric Road.’ The single is available to listen to now. Accompanying the single is a captivating live video, recorded in the intimate setting of the Lilliput Press bookshop in Stoneybatter, Dublin.
Recorded live in a house in Galway, ‘All Tied Together’ was crafted under the expert guidance of producer Philip Weinrobe, known for his work with indie darlings like Big Thief and Adrienne Lenker. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a cinematic experience, rich with powerful and deeply moving original compositions. Diarmuid Mac Gloinn, one half of the brotherly duo, emphasizes the importance of place and person in their music, stating, “All these songs have addresses. They’re about specific locations and specific people.” The album is deeply rooted in a sense of home, not just the physical spaces they inhabit, but also that inner sanctuary we all seek, a place of connection that transcends time and distance. The brothers have cited fiction writers George Saunders and Claire Keegan as particular inspirations on this record, showcasing their commitment to storytelling through music.
And this is the part most people miss… the album isn’t just the brothers. The sonic landscape of ‘All Tied Together’ is further enriched by a stellar lineup of musicians. Multi-instrumentalists Shahzad Ismaily (Laura Viers, Cass McCombs), Alain Mc Fadden, Caimin Gilmore, Kate Ellis, Sam Amidon, Romain Bly and Louise Gaffney all lend their talents to the project. Ismaily even journeyed from Brooklyn to contribute his unique sound.
While Ye Vagabonds initially garnered recognition for their interpretations of traditional Irish folk songs, they’ve increasingly focused on crafting their own original material, carefully selecting collaborators to help them bring their unique vision to life. Their journey has taken them from intimate trad sessions to sharing stages with global stars like Hozier and boygenius, showcasing their ability to bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary music.
Here’s the tracklist that awaits you on ‘All Tied Together’:
- On Sitric Road
- The Flood
- Danny
- Cuckoo Storm
- I’ll Keep Singing
- Gravity
- Where The Heart Lies
- Mayfly
- Young Again
- Four Walls
- Long Grass
- We Always Forget About The Rain
‘All Tied Together’ follows their critically acclaimed 2022 album ‘Nine Waves’ and their award-winning standalone single ‘I’m A Rover,’ which earned them an RTE Radio One Folk Award for Best Traditional Folk Track. Ye Vagabonds have also been recognized as Best Folk Group twice at the RTE Radio One Folk Awards, holding the record for the most awarded artists.
‘All Tied Together’ marks the tenth release from River Lea, curated by Geoff Travis, Jeannette Lee, and Tim Chipping. The label has previously released albums by acclaimed artists such as Lisa O’Neill, Brìghde Chaimbeul, John Francis Flynn, and Sam Amidon, as well as Ye Vagabonds’ previous albums ‘The Hare’s Lament’ and ‘Nine Waves’. The label also released a compilation of Irish music from the archives compiled by Lankum’s Ian Lynch and an album from Poor Creature.
Looking ahead, Ye Vagabonds will be touring extensively throughout 2025, including US dates supporting I’m With Her, as well as shows across Europe and Ireland. In 2026, they’ll be headlining the prestigious Roundhouse in London, with further international dates to be announced soon.
So, what do you think? Can Ye Vagabonds continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots? Will ‘All Tied Together’ solidify their place as leading figures in contemporary folk music, or will it spark debate among traditionalists? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Tour Dates & Tickets:
Tickets are available at their website.