Animal Animal Velvet Hammer
Review: A Crushing Preview of What's to Come
Irish New Heavy Rockers Animal Animal Continue Their Rise with Velvet Hammer
With punching riffs, irresistible grooves, and a live show reputation that's quickly gaining attention across Ireland, Animal Animal are emerging as one of the most exciting bands helping define the country's growing New Heavy
movement. Formed from the remnants of previous projects, the four-piece have built a reputation as a fiercely independent and proudly Irish rock outfit.
Since the release of their debut single Darius
back in April 2026, followed closely by Easy Company,
the band have wasted no time establishing themselves as a serious force within Ireland's alternative rock scene. Their blend of post-rock atmospherics, crushing guitar work, and infectious melodies has already earned them plenty of praise from critics and fans alike.
And it seems they're only getting started.
With their debut album Wrong Party
scheduled for release this summer, Animal Animal have plenty of momentum behind them. If the reception to their early singles is anything to go by, the band are poised for a breakout year.
Before the album arrives, they've given fans another taste of what's ahead with their latest single, Velvet Hammer.
From the opening moments, Velvet Hammer
announces itself as a high-energy alternative rock anthem. The band expertly play with dynamics throughout, shifting between quieter passages and explosive bursts of sound. Crunching guitars drive the track forward, while thunderous drums and layered riffs create a huge wall of sound once the verses kick in.
The vocal performance perfectly complements the music, balancing gritty intensity with strong melodic hooks. It's a combination that feels both raw and refined, showcasing a band growing increasingly confident in their songwriting.
Speaking about the track, vocalist Ryan explained:
This song was definitely a turning point for us in how we approach writing, especially when it came to what is now our album.- Ryan
We wrote 'Velvet Hammer' in May 2024 and I think at the time we were deliberately trying to step away from the darker, more brooding feel of our EP and find new brighter and more purposeful sounds.
I remember when Rob first showed us the riff and thinking it was so colourful and driven. It was one of those moments as a group that we all mutually felt that we needed to explore deeper.
That sense of discovery is evident throughout the track. Velvet Hammer
feels like a band pushing beyond their comfort zone while retaining everything that made their earlier releases so compelling.
If this single is any indication of what's waiting on Wrong Party
, Animal Animal's debut album could be one of the standout Irish rock releases of 2026. For now, Velvet Hammer
serves as an exciting reminder that this is a band very much on the rise - and one that deserves your attention.
The single, Velvet Hammer, is available through all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: Animal Animal
