Kingfishr – For The Boys
: A Heartfelt New Chapter for the Irish Folk Trio
One of the most exciting acts to emerge from Ireland's modern Celtic folk revival, Kingfishr continue to go from strength to strength. After a packed North American tour, the Irish trio are heading back to Europe for festival appearances at Rock en Seine, Reading & Leeds and a headline performance at Moseley Folk & Arts Festival in Birmingham.
But before they hit those stages, Kingfishr have another treat for their ever-growing fanbase: their latest single, For The Boys.
Kingfishr Build the Hype for For The Boys
The release follows Kingfishr's well-received cover of Shane MacGowan's Sunnyside Of The Street, released in July as part of an upcoming tribute album celebrating the late songwriter.
Following the positive reaction to that release, fans were already hungry for new Kingfishr material. The band then spent weeks teasing For The Boys
across social media under the hashtag #ftb, steadily building anticipation before finally dropping the track.
Those who caught Kingfishr live during their summer shows will already be familiar with the song, having had the chance to hear it performed on stage before its official release.
A Classic Kingfishr Sound
For The Boys
doesn't need to shout to make an impression. The track opens with atmospheric textures sitting underneath stripped-back vocal harmonies before a gently strummed acoustic guitar brings some movement into the arrangement.
From there, a bright banjo melody slips into the mix, adding another layer to the song without ever taking attention away from the vocals.
It's a beautifully restrained arrangement, with the combination of acoustic guitar, banjo and layered harmonies creating a warm, nostalgic feel. There's a sense of looking back while still appreciating the present - a theme that sits right at the heart of the song.
And, ultimately, it sounds unmistakably like Kingfishr.
Vocalist Eddie Keogh explains the thinking behind the track:
For The Boys is about wanting to look back at things when you're older and be proud that you tried to make the best of the time you had.
That sentiment comes through clearly. Rather than overcomplicating the message, Kingfishr keep things simple and relatable, allowing the emotion of the song to do the heavy lifting.
Produced with David Curley at Grouse Lodge Studios in County Westmeath, For The Boys
feels like another natural step for a band that has quickly become one of the biggest names in Ireland's current folk scene.
Kingfishr Show No Signs of Slowing Down
It's been another seriously busy year for Kingfishr, and their momentum shows no sign of slowing.
The trio already have a packed 2027 summer taking shape, with major outdoor shows lined up in Belfast, Dublin's Marlay Park and two nights at Limerick's Thomond Park Stadium. The Limerick shows are particularly significant, with Kingfishr set to play to more than 30,000 fans per night in their hometown.
Final Verdict
For The Boys
is another strong release from Kingfishr. It's warm, reflective and instantly familiar, combining acoustic guitar, banjo and beautifully layered vocals to create a track that feels both intimate and built for a big crowd.
It may not reinvent the wheel, but that's hardly the point. Kingfishr have found a sound that connects with people, and For The Boys
is another reminder of why their rise has been so rapid.
The single, For The Boys, is available through all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: Casey King
