O, Kenayda's Sun City Poms
Delivers Fuzz-Soaked Alt-Rock with a Fierce DIY Spirit
Irish four-piece O, Kenayda have quietly carved out one of the most distinctive sounds on Irelands alternative music scene. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of '90s alt-rock, the band combines downtuned guitars, infectious hooks and explosive choruses to create a sound that's both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
Since forming, the band have steadily built momentum with a string of well-received singles before culminating in the release of their debut album, Orphans
. While most modern artists chase streaming numbers, O, Kenayda have taken a very different route. The band has adopted a firm anti-streaming stance, refusing to release their music on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music in protest against what they describe as the great race to the bottom.
Instead, fans can support the band directly through physical releases and digital downloads via O, Kenayda - Bandcamp.
Sun City Poms
Is Loud, Fuzzy and Instantly Addictive
The band's latest single, Sun City Poms, wastes no time making an impression. Built around a gloriously funky guitar riff, the track launches straight into a wall of fuzz-drenched alt-rock that feels like a loving nod to the golden age of American grunge.
Crunching guitars, driving rhythms and punchy melodies combine to create a song that balances grit with genuine catchiness. The vocals move effortlessly between melodic restraint and snarling intensity, perfectly matching the weight of the instrumentation without ever losing the song's memorable hooks.
Despite its title, Sun City Poms
isn't a straightforward tribute to Arizona's famous over-55s cheerleading troupe. Instead, the group serves as the creative spark behind the song.
TheSun City Pomsare an over 55s cheerleading troupe from Arizona. For the last 45 years, they have inspired the world with magnetic routines, sisterly solidarity and a positive message that - age is just a number - this song is not their story but is heavily inspired by them.
That sense of inspiration rather than imitation gives the track an intriguing layer, allowing listeners to interpret its themes while appreciating the band's unique storytelling.
A Recording Process That Captures Pure Energy
The raw immediacy of Sun City Poms
isn't accidental. O, Kenayda embraced an unconventional recording process designed to preserve spontaneity and avoid overthinking the music.
The band followed three strict rules throughout the sessions: nobody heard a song until the day it was recorded, every track had to be completed within a single day, and each recording featured a different combination of musicians. It's an unusual approach, but one that pays off. The performances feel alive, honest and completely unfiltered, capturing the chemistry of musicians reacting in real time.
It's a refreshing reminder that sometimes the first instinct delivers the biggest impact.
Final Verdict
With Sun City Poms
, O, Kenayda continue to prove that doing things differently can produce exciting results. Between the infectious guitar work, fuzz-heavy production and uncompromising DIY philosophy, the band have delivered another standout slice of Irish alternative rock that deserves to be heard.
The single, Sun City Poms, is available through all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: O, Kenayda
