After spotlighting new music from Lisa O’Neill last week, it feels fitting to return to Ireland once more — this time with Ellie O’Neill. Also an Irish folk singer, she’s at the very beginning of what feels like a promising career, judging by this striking first single from what will be her debut album. O’Neill has already built a reputation through extensive touring and appearances at Other Voices, Green Man and Pitchfork London, as well as supporting like-minded artists such as Adrianne Lenker.

“Bohemia” immediately positions her as a compelling new voice in the ever-evolving Irish folk scene. Working with, among others, mixer Philip Weinrobe (Big Thief, Billie Marten), O’Neill comes across as intimate and cool, tender yet assured, esoteric but clear-eyed. With only Leonard Cohen-like acoustic guitar and a few ominous, well-placed drum hits, her vocals and lyrical imagery are given ample space to resonate.

Carving dancers high and mighty
Look how the old is new
Shifting forms, the greenest deity
Cailleach and Clothrú

It’s a beautiful merging of the ancient and the modern – and a strong first step on a journey I’m eager to follow.