Little Known Live at The Button Factory

Ireland Music Week 2025

Being part of the press team at Ireland Music Week this year was an incredible experience, witnessing Irish talent up close was a real privilege. Among the many standout acts performing in The Button Factory on Thursday night were Madra Salach, Thanks Mom, and Florence Road, but for me, it was the Cork natives Little Known who stole the show.

Having seen them twice back home in Cork, I had no doubt their set would deliver. Since I last covered the band, they’ve built serious momentum, opening for The Psychedelic Furs at The Academy and announcing their debut EP Billy, which features incredible tracks like Headwreck and Let Me Be Myself.

Their Button Factory set was nothing short of phenomenal. From the moment they stepped on stage, it was clear Little Known had something to prove. Their growth as a band is undeniable, constantly refining their sound and stage presence. Bassist Finn Walsh told me after the show that it was his first time switching to guitar during a set, which made his performance all the more impressive.

Opening with “Harmonix” an unreleased track from their upcoming EP they instantly captured the crowd’s attention. My personal favourite, “Listen,” from their debut album As It Is, had me dancing and singing along from the start. An Seomra Ceol’s co-founder Emma leaned over mid-song and shouted, “That lad on drums is insane!” and she couldn’t have been more right. Liam Berry’s drumming was tight, dynamic, and full of energy.

One thing that consistently stands out about Little Known is how seamlessly their guitar riffs lock in with Liam Berry’s drumbeats. There’s something deeply satisfying about that synchronicity, it’s the kind of chemistry you only find in a band that truly understands each other’s rhythm. At the centre of it all is frontman Liam Daly. His voice is both unique and magnetic, carrying a raw emotion that makes every lyric feel deeply personal.

The band showcased their versatility with “Slow Daze,” a slower, more reflective track that tugged at the audience’s emotions (and mine). It proved that while they can play fast and heavy, they’re equally capable of slowing things down to create something beautifully introspective.

If you’re new to Little Known, start with “Headwreck”. It’s an explosive track that captures the best of their sound, infectious energy, musical precision, and an undeniable edge.

Little Known are a credit to the Cork music scene. Mark my words, they’re going places. Huge thanks to Ireland Music Week for having An Seomra Ceol as press this year, and if you want to catch Little Known live, don’t miss their Billy EP release gig in Dali, Cork on October 9th.