Cliffords are throwing down the gauntlet with their highly anticipated debut album, a masterclass in sonic refinement that promises to be an emotional rollercoaster ride through life's biggest highs and lows. The Irish quartet – comprising Iona Lynch (vocals), Locon O’Toole (keys), Gavin Dawkins (bass), and a mystery fourth member – have been locked away, pouring their hearts and souls into this "refined" masterpiece.
Speaking to NME backstage at the epic Mad Cool 2026 festival in Madrid, Iona Lynch revealed that the album will tackle the full gamut of human experiences – think "good, bad, sad, and all of the above" – with unflinching honesty. The lead vocalist highlighted the album's focus on mental health themes, which fans have come to expect from Cliffords after being blown away by their poignant single 'Marsh' in late 2025. Lynch explained that songwriting is a vital tool for self-discovery, and witnessing audiences connect with these deeply personal lyrics only reinforces the notion that we're all in this together.
Keyboardist Locon O’Toole spilled the beans on the band's gruelling writing process, which involved locking themselves away in a small Blackpool room for four long months. This intense period of creativity followed a stellar 2025, where they dropped their critically acclaimed EP 'Salt of the Lee' and earned widespread critical acclaim. Bassist Gavin Dawkins chimed in, stating that this concentrated effort has resulted in a noticeable evolution of their sound – one that fans are eagerly anticipating.
Cliffords have been tearing up the live circuit this summer, supporting music heavyweights Mumford & Sons at BST Hyde Park and opening for Florence + The Machine (a dream come true for Iona Lynch, who's long been an admirer). They've also joined forces with Wolf Alice for a show-stopping gig in Newcastle – a band they hold in high esteem. With their appearance at the 10th anniversary of Mad Cool Festival being just one of several European festival dates, Cliffords are solidifying their place on the international music scene.
From their early days as an up-and-coming act to now, with their debut album on the horizon, Cliffords have been making waves in the industry. With critical acclaim and a growing fanbase under their belt, this next chapter is set to be a game-changer – one that promises to cement their status as one of the most exciting new acts around.