Sadhbh Keane’s Signals Is A Haunting Look At Addiction And Toxic Relationships

By Chris Kennedy | Published 14th Sept, 2026

Sadhbh Keane

Back in July 2026, Dublin singer-songwriter Sadhbh Keane released the single Hate Me Now, giving fans a taste of what was to come from her new EP. Now she returns with her latest single, and it is a much darker and more haunting affair.

Over previous releases, Sadhbh has earned plenty of attention from music fans, festival goers and both national and international industry figures. Her songwriting combines detailed storytelling with an indie-rock edge, creating songs that draw the listener into an often visceral world.

One of Sadhbh's strengths is the way she moves between cryptic metaphors and brutally honest vulnerability. There is nothing overly complicated about her approach, but there is plenty of depth beneath the surface.

Her latest single, Signals is a perfect example.

Signals Slowly Builds Into Something Much Bigger

The track opens with a sparse, gently plucked acoustic guitar. Rather than rushing into things, Sadhbh allows the song to slowly build tension before the full band eventually joins in.

It makes Signals a real slow-burner.

There is a melancholy running throughout the track, with Sadhbh's distinctive Irish inflection adding a natural, conversational quality to the vocal. At times it feels almost folk-like, but the growing intensity of the instrumentation gives the song a much darker edge.

The result is a track that feels emotionally exhausted and conflicted, perfectly matching the subject matter at its heart.

Keane Tackles Addiction Through The Lens Of A Toxic Relationship

Lyrically, Signals explores addiction by presenting it as a relationship.

Written in the first person and addressed directly to the drug, the song examines the destructive and compulsive nature of addiction while capturing the feeling of being trapped inside an endless cycle.

But the beauty of the metaphor is that it doesn't only apply to addiction.

Anyone who has struggled with a destructive habit, found themselves caught up in a toxic relationship or repeatedly returned to something they know isn't good for them can relate to the feeling at the centre of Signals.

Speaking about the song, Sadhbh explains:

I wrote Signals after seeing the impact of addiction. Seeing similarities to toxic relationships allowed me to write Signals in the first person to the drug. I tried to put myself in a person's shoes who is struggling with that endless loop.

It's a powerful idea, and one that gives the song plenty of emotional weight without ever feeling forced.

Ber Quinn And Na Reálta Bring The Song To Life

Produced by Ber Quinn, whose previous production credits include Pillow Queens, The Divine Comedy and Lisa Hannigan, Signals benefits from a production that knows when to hold back and when to let the song expand.

Sadhbh is joined by her band Na Reálta, with Oisin Conroy on lead guitar, Jay-Lee Trieu on bass and Claudia Preston on drums.

Together, they gradually build the track from its delicate acoustic opening into something far more brooding and intense.

The instrumentation never overwhelms Sadhbh's vocals or the story she is telling. Instead, it complements the lyrics, adding another layer to the sense of tension and emotional unease running through the song.

Sadhbh Keane’s Anam EP Is On The Way

Signals arrives ahead of Sadhbh Keane's second EP, Anam, which is set for release on 23rd October 2026.

If Hate Me Now offered a glimpse of what was coming, Signals suggests that Anam could be one of Sadhbh's most emotionally revealing releases yet.

There is a real sense of confidence in the songwriting here. Sadhbh isn't afraid to tackle difficult subjects, but she also understands the importance of giving the listener something they can connect with.

Final Verdict

Signals is a haunting and emotionally charged single from Sadhbh Keane. The slow-building arrangement, distinctive vocals and cleverly constructed addiction-as-relationship metaphor come together to create a track that stays with you after it finishes.

It's dark, honest and beautifully understated, and another strong step forward for an artist who is clearly finding her own voice.