NewDad is an acclaimed alternative-rock band from Galway, Ireland, now based in London. The trio consists of Julie Dawson (vocals/guitar), Sean O’Dowd (guitar), and Fiachra Parslow (drums). They have been at the forefront of the shoegaze revival, with a sound that puts a weary, intimate spin on ’80s and ’90s alt-rock inspirations.
Known for their muscular guitars and atmospheric textures, NewDad’s music is often compared to classic bands like The Cure and Slowdive. Their lyrical themes, penned by frontwoman Julie Dawson, are deeply personal and introspective, weaving together narratives about relationships, anxiety, and the experience of living in the modern world. Their discography includes the EPs Waves (2021) and Banshee (2022), and their full-length debut album, MADRA, in 2024.
“Pretty” is the latest single by NewDad, officially released on August 4, 2025. The track is the latest glimpse into their forthcoming second album, “Altar,” which is scheduled for release on September 19, 2025. The song was conceived during the band’s early writing sessions in Galway.
Lyrically, “Pretty” is a tender and introspective “love song” for their hometown of Galway. Frontwoman Julie Dawson describes the song as a way to express her adoration for Galway, reminiscing about how even on the “darkest, wettest days it’s the most beautiful place in the world to me.” The song explores themes of homesickness, longing for the comfort of home, and the appreciation of peaceful landscapes after relocating to a chaotic city like London.