Cork’s genre-blurring risers Pebbledash have unveiled their long-awaited debut EP, Four Portraits of the Same Ugly House, out today.
Fusing elements of shoegaze, noise rock, dream pop, and traditional Irish music, the band has carved out a distinctive sound that continues to garner widespread attention. With a reputation for their dynamic live performances and evocative songwriting, Pebbledash’s latest release solidifies their place as one of the most exciting new acts emerging from Ireland’s alternative scene.
Produced by Aidan O’Mahoney at Kitten Lane Studios and mastered by Pete Maher—renowned for his work with U2, Nick Cave, and The Pixies—Four Portraits of the Same Ugly House is an immersive sonic experience. The EP brims with rich musical textures, interwoven melodies, and an emotional depth that oscillates between delicate intimacy and visceral explosions of noise.
The title reflects the band’s time in Cork city, affectionately referred to as the “Ugly House”. Speaking about the EP, the band shared: “The EP is an exploration of my time in Cork city or the ‘Ugly House’ as it is referred to in the title. The Ugly House Is a term of endearment from us to refer to the charm of Cork taking in its beauty but also the imperfections. A house is where we all feel most safe and able to express ourselves and I think this ‘ugly’ imperfection is what gives Cork the allure and allows the freedom of expression we get when writing and recording.
Written at a time where music had become my main focus in Life and all experiences both negative and positive were growing from this, Encased in this small city I found myself becoming familiar with its places and people and these four songs are the portraits of the most impactful moments and feelings. Although many of the songs were started in Cork they were finished when I had to move away for a significant period of time and this feeling of missing friends and spaces I had come to love informed the melancholy of the EP, the songs are quite dynamic and reflected the changing emotions I was feeling at the time.
Somehow they appear as love songs but once heard they reveal a depth of my emotions captured over an entire year of change and growth condensed into songs that we have made lyrically and musically rich and now release with a cleanse to anyone who wants to listen.”
The four-track collection encapsulates a year of transformation, growth, and nostalgia, representing key moments in the band’s lives. The writing process took shape during an intense period when music became the focal point of their existence. Despite their reflective themes, the songs exude a dynamic range, mirroring the emotional shifts experienced throughout the year.
Pebbledash has rapidly gained traction, earning support from BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio X, RTE, as well as becoming a favourite of So Young. With Four Portraits of the Same Ugly House, Pebbledash delivers an arresting debut that captures both the raw intensity and intricate beauty of their musical journey.
Listen below:
